cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two multi-scale contextual approaches for mapping spatial pattern

The majority of landscape pattern studies are based on the patch-mosaic paradigm, in which habitat patches are the basic unit of the analysis. While many patch-based landscape indices successfully relate spatial patterns to ecological processes, it is also desirable to use finer grained analyses for understanding species presence, abundance, and movement patterns across the landscape and to describe spatial context by measuring habitat change across scales. Here, we introduce two multi-scale pixel-based approaches for spatial pattern analysis, which quantify the spatial context of each pixel in the landscape. Both approaches summarize the proportion of habitat at increasing window sizes around each pixel in a scalogram. In the first regression-based approach, a third-order polynomial is fitted to the scalogram of each pixel, and the four polynomial coefficients are used as descriptors of spatial context of each pixel within the landscape mosaic. In the second shape-based approach, the scalogram mean and standard deviation, and the mean slope between forest cover at the smallest window size and each of the larger window sizes are calculated. The values emerging from these two approaches are assigned to each focal pixel and can be used as predictive variables, for example, in species presence and abundance studies. We tested the performance of these approaches on 18 random landscapes and nine actual landscapes with varying forest habitat cover. Results show that both methods were able to differentiate between several spatial contexts. We thus suggest that these approaches could serve as a complement or an alternative to existing methods for landscape pattern analysis and possibly add further insight into pattern–species relations.
Evaluating tumors and tumorlike lesions of the nasal cavity, the paranasal sinuses, and the adjacent skull base with diffusion-weighted MRI.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) to the malignant degree and the histopathological features of the lesions in the nasal cavity, the paranasal sinuses, and the adjacent skull base. Method: We evaluated the differences of the ADCs between the malignancies (n = 18) and the benign lesions (n = 6). The correlations between lesion ADCs and lesion cellularity, stroma, and necrosis were calculated. Results: The ADCs of the malignancies were significantly lower than the benign lesions (P < 0.0125). The ADCs were inversely correlated with tumor cellularity (P < 0.01, r = -0.556). Conclusions: ADCs provide quantitative information that has limited utility in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign lesions. The correlation of the histopathology of a lesion with ADCs is quite complex and affected by numerous tumor components besides cellularity including keratin, collagen, myxoid stroma, and necrosis.
Photoreflectance study of the electronic structure of Si-doped InyGa1-yAs1-xNx films with x < 0.012

The electronic structure of Si-doped InyGa1−yAs1−xNx films on GaAs substrates, grown by nitrogen-plasma-assisted MBE, was examined by photoreflectance (PR) spectroscopy at temperatures between 20 K and 300 K. The measured critical-point energies were described by a band anti-crossing (BAC) model with the addition of a Burstein-Moss band-filling term. The energy difference between the nitrogen impurity level and conduction band edge was (0.3004 ± 0.0101) eV at 20 K, and (0.3286 ± 0.0089) eV at 295 K; the BAC interaction parameter was (2.588 ± 0.071) eV. It was inferred from the magnitude of the Burstein-Moss shift that the near-surface carrier concentration, probed by PR, is reduced from the bulk (Hall effect) carrier concentration by a reduction factor of 0.266 ± 0.145. The effect of strain on the PR energies was too small to observe. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nonparametric Methods for Checking the Validity of Prior Order Information

A large number of statistical procedures have been proposed in the literature to explicitly utilize available information about the ordering of treatment effects at increasing treatment levels. These procedures are generally more efficient than those ignoring the order information. However, when the assumed order information is incorrect, order restricted procedures are inferior and, strictly speaking, invalid. Just as any statistical model needs to be validated by data, order information to be used in a statistical analysis should also be justified by data first. A common statistical format for checking the validity of order information is to test the null hypothesis of the ordering representing the order information. Parametric tests for ordered null hypotheses have been extensively studied in the literature. These tests are not suitable for data with nonnormal or unknown underlying distributions. The objective of this study is to develop a general distribution-free testing theory for ordered null hypotheses based on rank order statistics and score generating functions. Sufficient and necessary conditions for the consistency of the proposed general tests are rigorously established.
Behavior of molecules on interstellar grains: Application of the Langevin equation and iterative extended Hueckel

The Langevin equation was used to explore an adsorbate desorption mechanism. Calculations were performed using iterative extended Hueckel on a silica model site with various small adsorbates, e.g., H, CH, OH, NO, CO. It was found that barriers to free traversal from one site to another are substantial (about 3-10 eV). A bootstrap desorption mechanism for some molecules in the process of forming at a site also became apparent from the calculations. The desorption mechanisms appear to be somewhat balanced by a counterforce - the attraction of sites for the newly desorbed molecule. The order of attraction to a silica grain site for the diatomic molecules considered was OH greater than CH greater than CO greater than NO, when these entities were sufficiently distant. The nature of the silica grain and that of the 'cold' desorption mechanism, when considered together, suggest that the abundance of very small grains might be less common than anticipated.
Hierarchical Poisson models for spatial count data

This work proposes a class of hierarchical models for geostatistical count data that includes the model proposed by Diggle et al. (1998) [13] as a particular case. For this class of models the main second-order properties of the count variables are derived, and three models within this class are studied in some detail. It is shown that for this class of models there is a close connection between the correlation structure of the counts and their overdispersions, and this property can be used to explore the flexibility of the correlation structures of these models. It is suggested that the models in this class may not be adequate to represent data consisting mostly of small counts with substantial spatial correlation. Three geostatistical count datasets are used to illustrate these issues and suggest how the results might be used to guide the selection of a model within this class.
Self-Determination and the Use of Self-Presentation Strategies

The authors evaluated the relationships among individual differences in self-determination and self-presentation. The authors expected less self-determined individuals to report engaging in self-presentation strategies more frequently. To be more specific, the authors expected higher autonomy scores to be associated with the use of fewer self-presentation strategies, whereas they expected higher controlled and higher impersonal orientation scores to be associated with the use of more self-presentation strategies, but for different reasons. Participants (141 women, 111 men, 1 person of unreported gender) completed self-report measures of self-determination and self-presentation. The results indicated that higher autonomy scores were related to the use of fewer self-presentation tactics. Being more controlled was associated with engaging in more self-presentation across the board. Higher impersonal scores were primarily associated with engaging in strategies to gain assistance or prevent high expectations.
Creation of the Heavy Elements by Neutron Capture on a Fast Time Scale

The mathematical problem concerning the creation of the heavy elements by neutron capture on a fast time scale involves the solution of more than a thousand simultaneous differential equations. This set of equations is solved by replacing them with a mathematical equivalent---a single partial differential equation which truns out to assume the form of the equation of continuity. The stream lines of the analogous hydrodynamical problem are determined, from which the problem of nucleogenesis may be solved once the initial condition is given. By assuming a neutron capture mean lifetime of about 0.1 sec for all nonmagic-number nuclides and by making use of the fact that the neutron magic-number nuclides have smaller neutron-capture cross sections, the position, width, and height of the abundance peaks at Br, Xe, and Pt may be determined; these agree reasonably well with the experimental results.
The prospects for OPEC five years after 1973/74

Abstract This paper surveys more than a dozen models of OPEC and world energy markets that have appeared since 1976. Included are simulation models, optimization models, and analyses of energy balances. Attention is focused on the outlook for OPEC prices and the demand for OPEC oil exports over the next fifteen years. Virtually all analyses agree that substantial changes from current market conditions are unlikely over the next few years. Beyond 1985, however, some project a severe tightening in world oil markets, while others project no such change from current conditions.
Reliability theory and foraging by ants

Abstract Reliability theory is used to explore the consequences of ant colony's foraging techniques for the evolution of individual competence. Five fundamental strategies are outlined according to Oster & Wilson (1978) and corresponding probabilities of food being returned to the nest are derived. The strategies differ in redundancy schemes and levels of worker reliability. Colony-level selection produces workers of imperfect competence. System reliability can be very high even when the workers are inept, if the foraging strategy is complex and redundant. Individual competence of foragers in a colony depends on diet breadth, caste polymorphism, and tempo. The implications of each variable for colony survival are discussed.
Effects of media on early‐season sweet potato transplant production in heated beds

Abstract ‘Georgia Jet’ sweet potato transplants were produced in heated beds to determine the effects of aged pine sawdust and builders’ sand (traditional media) and fresh and aged pine bark, and fresh pine sawdust (alternative media), on early‐season transplant production and media characteristics. At the first harvest, higher transplant numbers were obtained with the fresh pine sawdust or pine bark (mean 1,053 transplants/m2) than with the other media (mean 619 transplants/m2). Transplant fresh weights at the first harvest responded in a similar manner. The total early‐season number of transplants obtained with fresh pine bark (1,455 transplants/m2) was also greater than the total number of transplants obtained with the traditional media and aged pine bark (mean 951 transplants/m2), but not greater than the total number of transplants obtained with fresh pine sawdust. Mean lengths and weights of transplants obtained with the alternative media were at least as great as the values obtained with transplant...
CHARACTERIZATION OF VACUUM RESIDUES BY ADSORPTION CHROMATOGRAPHY AND 1H-NMR SPECTROSCOPY

ABSTRACT The chemical compositions of, and structural types in, vacuum residues from Daqing, Shengli, Renqiu and Linpan crude oil vacuum residues were investigated. The residues were separated into six fractions by use of normal pentane precipitation and liquid adsorption chromatography using alumina containing 5% water as adsorbent. The nitrogen and nickel distributions in every fraction were then observed. The removal of nickel, nitrogen and residual carbon with the liquid chromatography separation techniques are comparable with the solvent deasphalting pilot plant data. The structural parameters were calculated with modified Brown-Ladner's method on the basis of elementary analysis, molecular weight determination and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, the results obtained show that the six fractions are obviously different in their chemical compositions and structures.
Fabrication of Ir nanoparticle-based biosensors by plasma electrochemical reduction for enzyme-free detection of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract We present a plasma-based technique to synthesize iridium nanoparticles (Ir NPs) for enzyme-free detection of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). Solutions of Ir salt precursor are electrochemically reduced by a gaseous, atmospheric-pressure microplasma electrode. As compared to Ir NPs synthesized by chemical reduction, Ir NPs synthesized by plasma electrochemical reduction (PER) are free of metallic impurities such as Na. The resulting electrocatalytic properties of the Ir NPs synthesized by PER are found to be superior, including higher sensitivity and selectivity. Finally, we show that this approach can be extended to the fabrication of flexible Ir NP-based biosensors in a single step.
Galactose toxicity in the chick: oxidation of radioactive galactose.

Abstract Radioactive galactose has been shown to be converted to 14 CO 2 by both the intact chick and by various tissues in vitro . The pattern of 14 CO 2 liberation by the intact chick was not related to the sex of the chick nor to whether the 14 C was in C-1 or C-2 position. [1- 14 C]Glucose was metabolized to 14 CO 2 at a faster rate than [1- 14 C]- galactose which differs from observations in the rat where the 14 CO 2 curves are essentially the same. The intact chick was not able to convert [1- 14 C]galactonate or [1- 14 C]galactitol to 14 CO 2 . Of the various tissues which metabolize [1- 14 C]galactose to 14 CO 2 kidney converted the greatest amount.
A CYTOPLASMIC STRUCTURE INVOLVED IN THE SYNTHESIS AND ASSEMBLY OF POLIOVIRUS COMPONENTS.

A cytoplasmic structure involved in the synthesis and maturation of poliovirus has been demonstrated in infected HeLa cells. This structure, which is dissolved in deoxycholate, has been shown to have associated with it most of the polio -specific polyribosomes, up to one-quarter of the cell's single ribosomes and a large fraction of the newly synthesized polio-specific RNA, protein and newly-formed virus. In contrast, the uninfected cell polysomes in the HeLa cell are not attached to large membranes. The synthesis time of polypeptides controlled by viral RNA has been determined to be about 1 minute while the synthesis time of the viral RNA is a maximum of a few minutes. The assembly of precursors into virus has been followed and a lag time of at least 20 minutes for amino acids and 10 minutes for uridine precedes their appearance in mature virus.
Expression of Ia molecules by astrocytes during acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in the Lewis rat

One question in the pathogenesis of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is whether antigen-presenting cells exist in the central nervous system which help induce the development of the disease. Since EAE is a delayed-type hypersensitivity condition, and since T cells require major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted antigen presentation, it is presumed that if antigen presentation occurs in CNS tissue, the presenting cell should express surface Ia molecules. Using immunofluorescent double labeling, the possibility that astrocytes express surface Ia during EAE evolution in the Lewis rat was examined. Very rare Ia-positive astrocytes were found (less than 0.1% of the astrocytes), but only in the spinal cords of clinically ill animals. In addition, endothelial cell Ia positivity was noted prior to the onset of clinical disease. The immunological significance of such low numbers of astrocytes expressing Ia during EAE is uncertain.
Inhomogeneity of the circulating BFU-E regulation in sickle cell anaemia: accessory cells properties and BFU-E growth factor response pattern.

Summary. Sickle cell anaemia (SS) patients with low ( 9%) HbF levels (HFSS) are normal in number, largely in resting phase, and their LD cells do not release BPA-like activity. We report now that in LFSS patients, adherent cell depletion decreases BFU-E growth in culture and apparent BFU-E cycling. Furthermore, addition of conditioned media (CM) from LD cells of LFSS patients restored cycling BFU-E expression in culture. Neutralization analysis with anti-GM-CSF antibody demonstrated that GM-CSF is, at least, one factor responsible for BPA activity present in this CM. Thus, GM-CSF is constitutively produced by unstimulated monocytes in LFSS patients. In contrast, HFSS patients' adherent cell depletion increases cycling of BFU-E in culture. CM from HFSS patients inhibits BFU-E expression in culture. Hence, LD adherent cells from HFSS patients may release a yet unknown inhibitor factor(s). In addition, we report a distinct response pattern in SS patients' BFU-E to growth factor (GM-CSF, IL-3): (a) LFSS patients have a BFU-E population, equally responsive to GM-CSF and IL-3; (b) HFSS patients, have a subset of BFU-E exclusively dependent on IL-3 (20–40% of the circulating BFU-E). This pattern is very similar to that of normal BFU-E. In conclusion, BFU-E from LFSS patients represent an actively proliferating population, equally responsive to GM-CSF and IL-3, controlled by constitutively produced GM-CSF, suggesting a unique BFU-E behaviour in SS patients with low HbF levels and high haemopoietic stress. The heterogeneous regulation of BFU-E in SS disease seems to be the epiphenomenon of HbF levels, and not vice versa.
The History and Physical Generator.

Excerpt THE HISTORY AND PHYSICAL GENERATOR program generates reports based on medical histories and physical examinations. The program produces four types of reports: comprehensive, routine, brief,...
A SENIOR MANAGER'S GUIDE TO INTEGRATED RISK MANAGEMENT

This paper provides an overview of corporate risk management for senior managers. The author discusses the integrated risk management framework, emphasizing that a company can implement its risk management objectives in three fundamental ways: modifying its operations, using targeted financial instruments, or adjusting its capital structure. “Integration” refers both to the aggregation of all risks faced by the firm into a net exposure and to the coordinated use of these three risk management techniques. The author provides a functional analysis of integrated risk management using a wide-ranging set of case illustrations to show how the risk management process influences, and is influenced by, a company's overall strategy and business activities. Based on such analysis, the article concludes by sketching a framework intended to help managers design a value-maximizing, enterprise-wide corporate risk management system.
Akt, hexokinase, mTOR: Targeting cellular energy metabolism for cancer therapy

The serine/threonine protein kinase Akt, also known as protein kinase B (PKB), plays a highly conserved role in the regulation of cellular energy metabolism. Akt is also one of the most frequently activated protein kinases in human cancers, and therefore, represents an attractive potential target for therapeutic intervention. This review will address the possibility that the cancer-promoting activity of Akt is mediated through effects on energy homeostasis that can be specifically targeted to treat cancer.
A study of the 9Be(3He,t)9B and 9Be(3He, 3He)9Be reactions

Abstract Excitation functions, angular distributions and absolute cross sections have been measured. An excitation function for the ground state tritons from the 9 Be( 3 He, t) 9 B reaction has been measured at a lab angle of 20° over the energy range from 3.5 to 9.0 MeV and angular distributions have been measured at 1 MeV intervals between 5.0 and 9.0 MeV. The elastic scattering excitation function has been measured at a lab angle of 45° over the energy range from 4.0 to 9.0 MeV and angular distributions have been taken at 6.0 and 8.0 MeV. The ground states of 9 Be and 9 B are isobaric analogues and as such have the same quantum numbers, differing only in the orientation of isospin in isospin space. The ( 3 He,t) angular distributions have therefore been compared with the predictions of an optical model which includes an isospin dependent potential proportional to ( t · T ), where t and T are the isospins of the projectile and target, respectively. Appropriate distorted potentials for the incomingand outgoing channels have been determined from fits to the elastics scattering distributions.
Interfacial circular crack in cylindrically anisotropic composites under antiplane shear

The paper investigates the antiplane shear problem of a dissimilar interfacial circular crack in cylindrically anisotropic composites. Using the theory of analytical functions, a general solution based on a complex variable displacement function is obtained, which is similar to Lekhnitskii's stress potentials for rectilinearly anisotropic material. For some cases, the circular crack problems are reduced to Hilbert problems which are solved in a closed form. The first three-term asymptotic expansions of the near crack-tip stress field are given to identify the role of the curvature effect. The asymptotic solutions are further compared with exact solutions. These solutions show that the leading term exhibits an inverse square root stress singularity regardless of the material properties. In order to compare the stress field near the crack tip for a curved crack with that of a planar crack, a solution for a rectilinearly anisotropic body with a centered straight interfacial crack is also presented.
Methanandamide attenuates cocaine-induced hyperthermia in rats by a cannabinoid CB1-dopamine D2 receptor mechanism

Abstract Evidence implicates anandamide in dopamine-related cocaine function. In the present study, we investigated the effect of methanandamide (5 mg/kg, i.p.), a stable anandamide analog, on the hyperthermia and hyperactivity induced by a fixed dose of cocaine (15 mg/kg, i.p.). Cocaine administered to rats produced hyperthermia and hyperactivity whereas methanandamide was ineffective. For combined administration, methanandamide attenuated the hyperthermia, but not hyperactivity, induced by cocaine. The effect of methanandamide was abolished by pretreatment with a cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, SR141716A (5 mg/kg, i.p.), or dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, S(−)-raclopride (5 mg/kg, i.p.) but not by capsazepine (40 mg/kg, i.p.), a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 cation channel antagonist. Methanandamide also attenuated the hyperthermia caused by a dopamine D1 receptor agonist, SKF 38393 (10 mg/kg, s.c.), indicating that it reduces hyperthermia produced by dopamine D1 receptor activation. URB597 (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.), an inhibitor of anandamide metabolism, did not alter cocaine-induced hyperthermia. Our results demonstrate that methanandamide activates cannabinoid CB1 receptors to attenuate cocaine-induced hyperthermia, and that dopamine D2 receptor activation plays a permissive role in the thermoregulatory effects of methanandamide.
A Double Antibody Assay for the Direct Determination of [N-(4-Amino)Phenyl] Aminophenyl Iminodiacetic Acid and its Derivatives in Serum

AbstractA double antibody assay for the determination [N-(4-amino)phenyl] aminophenyl iminodiacetic acid (I) and a number of its derivatives in serum has been developed. The same antiserum and tracer were used for the determination of the serum levels of derivatives of (I). The minimum detectable concentration of I that was detectable was 6 ng/ml. The precision error was less than 1% and the accuracy as indicated by the recovery ratios was satisfactory for all derivatives of I.
20.6 A blocker-resilient wideband receiver with low-noise active two-point cancellation of >0dBm TX leakage and TX noise in RX band for FDD/Co-existence

The demand for lower cost and form factor and increased re-configurability in wireless systems has driven the investigation of blocker-tolerant software-defined radios [1-4]. While promising, a reduction in system form-factor will result in lower isolation among antennas due to the co-existence of multiple ratios or lower isolation within duplexers for FDD systems due to their reduced size and/or increased re-configurability. Out-of-band (OOB) powerful modulated TX-leakage due to limited antenna/duplexer isolation imposes challenges that are more severe than those posed by continuous-wave (CW) blockers by several orders of magnitude, including cross-modulation, second-order intermodulation and TX noise in the RX band (Fig. 20.6.1). Analysis shows that in the face of 0dBm peak TX leakage and a -30dBm CW in-band jammer, to achieve -90dBm sensitivity with 7dB SNR over 2MHz signal BW, a transceiver must exhibit +30dBm receiver OOB IIP3 and -160dBc/Hz TX noise in RX band.
Beyond the Search for a Paradigm? Post-Development and beyond

Arturo Escobar reviews the critiques around postmodernist critiques of development. He looks at the reading strategies employed and argues for a cultural politics of difference.
Liberation of hydroxyproline from gelatin by acid hydrolysis.

Abstract A simple technique is described for the hydrolysis of gelatin resulting in good recovery of hydroxyproline. Hydrolysis of not more than 240 mg of gelatin in 4 ml of approximately 6 N HCl gives maximum yield of hydroxyproline after 12 hr at 100°C, with the required time decreasing to 1 hr at 130–150°.
Visualization of tuberculosis patient and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex genotype data via host-pathogen maps

DNA fingerprints of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex bacteria (MTBC) are routinely gathered from tuberculosis (TB) patient isolates for all TB patients in the United States to support TB tracking and control efforts, but few tools are available for visualizing and discovering host-pathogen relationships. We present a new visualization approach, host-pathogen maps, for simultaneously examining MTBC strains genotyped by multiple DNA fingerprinting methods such as spoligotyping and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) typing along with associated patient surveillance data. The host-pathogen maps are dynamically coupled with spoligoforests or other phylogenetic tree approaches to allow easy navigation within the pathogen genotyping space. Visualization of New York State and New York City (NYC) TB patient data from 2001–2007 is used to illustrate how host-pathogen maps can be used to rapidly identify potential instances of uncontrolled spread of tuberculosis versus disease resulting from latent reactivation of prior infection, a critical distinction in tuberculosis control. Host-pathogen maps also reveal trends and anomalies in the relationships between patient groups and MTBC genetic lineages which can provide critical clues in epidemiology and contact investigations of TB.
Isaac Hays, MD: Nineteenth-Century Pioneer in Ophthalmology

Isaac Hays (Figure) was a distinguished pioneer in the early days of American ophthalmology. 1-6 His contributions may have been mightier by the pen than by the scalpel, but his niche in the history of ophthalmology is secure. In addition to actively practicing ophthalmology and fostering its growth into a recognized medical specialty, Hays also had the time and talent to edit one of the premier medical journals of his day, to become one of the founders of the American Medical Association (AMA), to author the first code of ethics of the AMA, and to edit or write works as diverse as Treatise on Diseases of the Eye, American Ornithology, and Descriptions of the Inferior Maxillary Bones of Mastodons.
Antifungal Distribution Into Cerebrospinal Fluid, Vitreous Humor, Bone, and Other Difficult Sites

The incidence of invasive fungal infections continues to increase, especially in patients with immune dysfunction. Fungal infections are often difficult to treat, requiring therapy for weeks or months to eradicate infection. Although fungal infections of the central nervous system, eye, and bones occur less frequently than infections at other sites, it is necessary to assess the utility of the currently available antifungal agents in treating these infections. Unfortunately, information regarding drug distribution to these sites is often scarce and limited to a few animal studies or case reports. This review summarizes information about commonly used antifungal agents and their penetration into the central nervous system, eye, and bone.
Digital imaging: the application of shape-from-shading to lace, seals and metal objects

AbstractThis article explores one application of a digital imaging technique to historic objects and online delivery of the virtual object. Shape-from-shading is a computer algorithm used to reconstruct three-dimensional shapes from two-dimensional images. The Digital Epigraphy and Archaeology (DEA) project used shape-from-shading to develop a digital website and toolbox to enhance computer-assisted examination of inscriptions preserved as ektypa. This article reports the results of a project to see if the DEA website and toolbox could be used with other materials and objects with information-rich textured surfaces. Seventeen samples were tested, including lace-like textiles placed on different backing materials; wax seal impressions made from a range of materials; and excavated metals. It was found that image capture with a flatbed scanner achieved better results than a multi-functional printer, and that the unprocessed flatbed scan images were sometimes more informative than digital photographs. It was ...
The Effects of 17β-Estradiol and Progesterone on the Metabolism of Free Fatty Acid by Perfused Livers from Normal Female and Ovariectomized Rats*

To determine whether any interaction occurs between progesterone and 17 beta-estradiol in the regulation of FFA metabolism by the liver, normal female rats were injected sc daily for 14 days with 7.5, 15, 50, or 100 microgram 17 beta-estradiol/kg, 25 mg progesterone/kg, 15 microgram 17 beta-estradiol plus 25 mg progesterone/kg, or vehicle (sesame oil) alone. To determine the effects of these hormones in the absence of endogenous estradiol and progesterone, ovariectomized rats were treated with the steroids. Livers were removed from the variously treated rats and perfused in vitro in a recycling system. An albumin-oleate complex was infused into the perfusate, providing a steady state concentration of 0.3--0.5 nM oleate. The uptake of FFA and output of ketone bodies and glucose by the livers were generally not altered by any of the steroid treatments. Neither these parameters nor triglyceride secretion was altered by ovariectomy. The administration of 15, 50, and 100 microgram estradiol/kg to normal, but not ovariectomized rats, increased triglyceride secretion. Progesterone alone had no effect on the secretion of triglyceride, but did antagonize the estradiol-mediated stimulation of triglyceride secretion in normal rats. The molar ratios of phospholipid to triglyceride and cholesterol to triglyceride of the very low density lipoprotein secreted by livers from normal females treated with estradiol were not altered, suggesting that the livers secreted more very low density lipoprotein particles of the same size. Based on the same criteria, livers from ovariectomized rats secreted smaller very low density lipoprotein particles compared to livers from control animals, an effect which was reversed by the administration of estradiol. We conclude that progesterone antagonizes the stimulation of hepatic triglyceride secretion by estradiol in normal female rats and that ovariectomy prevents this effect of progesterone.
The incidence of vertebral artery injury after midcervical spine fracture or subluxation

Twenty-six patients with blunt trauma of the cervical spine, producing a subluxation from a "locked" or "perched" facet, facet destruction with evidence of instability, or a fracture involving the foramen transversarium, underwent preoperative vertebral angiography to determine the incidence of vertebral artery injury. The cervical spine injury in all the patients was deemed unstable and in need of surgical stabilization. Spinal cord injury was present in one-half of the patients studied. Vertebral artery injury was identified angiographically in 12 patients (46%). Occlusion of the vertebral artery near its origin or at the level of the spinal injury was identified in nine patients. An intimal flap, arterial dissection, and a pseudoaneurysm were identified in the remaining three patients. The injury involved the left vertebral artery in all but three patients. In none of the patients did the vertebral artery injury clearly result in neurological dysfunction or other sequelae. After cervical spine fracture or dislocation, vertebral artery injury is more prevalent than commonly believed. The possibility of vertebral artery injury should be considered during the establishment of clinical management schemes for blunt trauma of the cervical spine.
Complications of implant surgery in children.

Summary Rapid recognition and appropriate therapy will prevent or remediate most of the complications occurring in children after cataract aspiration and IOL implantation. Some of the complications of pediatric IOL implantations are related to the increased scleral pliability and decreased rigidity which predispose scleral collapse, vitreous loss, flat anterior chamber and corneal endothelial damage. A second group of complications is associated with the enhanced inflammatory and fibrotic responses peculiar to a child's eye. This group includes operative striate keratitis and iridocyclitis, late IOL precipitates, secondary and postpseudophakos membranes, iris erosion and synechiae formation, and IOL tilt and displacement. Although the intraocular lens is a possible means of visual rehabilitation for children with traumatic cataracts or unilateral infantile cataracts, its long-term risk/benefit ratio must still stand the test of time.
Biologic characterization of artificial luteinizing hormones, prepared by hybridization of sub-units of hCG with bovine LH or TSH subunits.

ABSTRACT Hybrid LH molecules, prepared by recombining a biologically inactive bovine LH (bLH) or bovine TSH (bTSH) sub-unit with a biologically inactive hCG sub-unit, were highly active, and virtually indistinguishable in their potency in the OAAD assay. However, they varied greatly in their potency in the prostate assay. The index of discrimination (prostate/OAAD potency ratio) for the hybrid LH molecules was substantially different from that for either intact bLH or intact hCG, and was interpreted to signify differences in the structures of the bLHα, bTSHα and hCGα sub-units.
Plasma catecholamines and renin during operant blood pressure conditioning in baboons.

Abstract Plasma catecholamines and renin activity were measured in baboons undergoing operant diastolic blood pressure conditioning. Pre-training baseline norepinephrine averged 364 pg/ml, epinephrine 253 pg/ml, dopamine 270 pg/ml, and renin activity 2.62 ng/ml/hr. During the training sessions, systolic blood pressure increased significantly 19 mmHg (15%), diastolic pressure 20 mmHg (30%), and heart rate 33 bpm (33%) compared with pre-session values. Also during the sessions, norepinephrine increased significantly by 253 pg/ml (48%) and epinephrine increased by 130 pg/ml (0.05 p
Metabolic and Respiratory Changes during Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation

Weaning from mechanical ventilation is a procedure performed daily in intensive care units. This study sought to determine whether among postoperative patients there were any differences in the changes in oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) between those patients in whom mechanical ventilation was successfully discontinued and those in whom it was continued or reinstituted. A stepwise reduction in mandatory breaths (from 10 to 12 to 4 to 6), followed by a period of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), was the weaning method. In the group of patients (N = 18) who were successfully weaned, VO2 and VCO2 increased 10 +/- 8 (SD) percent and 10 +/- 9 percent, respectively, while VE decreased 9 +/- 8 percent and PaCO2 was unchanged when values at an IMV of 10 to 12 were compared with those on CPAP. In the group (N = 17) who were not successfully weaned, VO2 and VCO2 increased 8 +/- 10 percent and 6 +/- 9 percent, respectively, while PaCO2 rose (37.9 +/- 4 to 42.5 +/- 2.9) significantly (p less than 0.02). There was a significantly greater decrease (15 +/- 3 percent) in VE than in the other group. Changes in VO2 or VCO2 did not aid in predicting which patients would be successfully weaned.
k.p Hamiltonian without spurious-state solutions

We developed a method to eliminate the spurious solutions of the $\mathbf{k}\ensuremath{\cdot}\mathbf{p}$ Hamiltonian by introducing an off-diagonal ${k}^{2}$ term. This results in a modification in the fourth- and higher-order terms in k of the band dispersion and does not affect the effective masses near the $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ point. We show that such a modification leads to a monotonic behavior of the conduction band as a function of k and thus eliminate the spurious solutions in the calculations of confined states for all popular III-V compounds.
On the convergence of the cyclic Jacobi method

Abstract In this paper we develop a class of cyclic orderings and prove that the cyclic Jacobi method using any cyclic ordering from this class converges to the eigensystem of a symmetric matrix.
A preliminary crystallographic study of β-glucuronidase from rat preputial gland☆

Abstract Large single crystals of rat preputial gland β-glucuronidase have been grown by dialysis against 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol. The crystals are tetragonal, space group P 4 1 2 1 2 or P 4 3 2 1 2 with cell dimensions a = 103.5 A and c = 279.8 A . Each asymmetric unit contains one half of a tetramer composed of subunits of 69,000 molecular weight.
Transverse relaxation time constraints on resolution in one-dimensional, phase- and frequency-encoded nuclear magnetic resonance imaging☆

Abstract The theoretical dependence of the resolution on the relationship of sampling time to transverse relaxation time ( T 2 ) for frequency-encoded, one-dimensional NMR imaging using constant field gradients has been investigated. A resolution function that is explicitly dependent on the sampling time is derived, and it is shown that the observed image of an object can be written as a convolution of the sample magnetization with this resolution function. This function is explicitly calculated for two cases of interest: (1) for sampling times much shorter than T 2 , and (2) for sampling times much longer than T 2 . These cases are illustrated for two examples: (1) a uniform magnetic bar, and (2) uniform periodic magnetic bars. When oscillating gradients are utilized, these results still hold in the limit of slow oscillation. The resolution in phase-encoded NMR imaging is not explicitly dependent on the sampling time.
First observation by mass spectrometry of a 3+ oxidation state for a [4Fe-4S] metalloprotein: an ESI-FTICR mass spectrometry study of the high potential iron-sulfur protein from Chromatium vinosum☆

Electrospray ionization (ESI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR) is used to measure the molecular weight of the high potential iron-sulfur protein (HiPIP) from Chromatium vinosum (C. vinosum) and its corresponding apoprotein. By accurate mass measurement of the metalloprotein, the oxidation state of the [4Fe-4S] metal center is assigned as 3 +. This is the highest oxidation state yet observed by mass spectrometry for a [4Fe-4S] cluster, which usually appears in the 2+ oxidation state. In order to make this assignment correctly, the mass spectrum of the apoprotein was acquired, and a 1 Da difference was found between the molecular mass of the apoprotein and its published amino acid sequence. The mass spectra of the trypsin and cyanogen bromide digests of the alkylated apoprotein were obtained, and the data suggests that the C-terminal glycine residue is amidated.
White matter inhibitors in CNS axon regeneration failure

Multiple lines of evidence have indicated that the inability of adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) axons to regenerate after injury is partly due to the growth inhibitory property of central myelin. Three prototypical myelin-associated inhibitors of neurite outgrowth have been identified, including Nogo, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and oligodendrocyte-myelin glycoprotein (OMgp). These inhibitory ligands, their receptors and signaling pathways are being intensively investigated for their roles in CNS axon regeneration failure. In addition, several members of the axon guidance molecules have been implicated in restricting CNS axon regeneration, some of which are expressed by mature oligodendrocytes. Here we review in vitro and in vivo studies of these molecules in neurite growth and in axon regeneration failure and discuss the implications of these studies. While the increasing number of potential axon regeneration inhibitors highlights the complexity of the restrictive CNS environment, it provides new windows of opportunity as well as new challenges for therapeutic development for spinal cord injury and related neurological conditions.
Transcytosis and catabolism of antibody.

This review describes the evolution of our knowledge of the transmission of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from mother to infant and the factors which regulate the persistence of IgG in the circulation. These apparently unrelated processes involve the same Fc receptor, FcRn (n=neonatal). FcRn appears to carry out these diverse roles by binding to IgG and then either transporting the bound IgG across cells (transcytosis) or recycling its cargo back to the cell surface (control of catabolism). IgG that is taken up by cells in the absence of binding to FcRn undergoes degradation. Thus, FcRn is the “protective” receptor that servesto maintain IgG homeostasis and deliver IgGs across cellular barriers.
A research discipline with no boundaries: Reflections on 20 years of defining AIS research

Some twenty years ago, Sutton (1992) posed the question, “Can we research a field we cannot define?” This article provides an assessment of the AIS research discipline's current state and future prospects. In reflecting upon the state of the discipline twenty years earlier, I find that the concerns voiced in the earlier paper have been largely addressed and the discipline's research quality has greatly improved. The AIS research discipline has all the appearances of a vibrant discipline generating relevant, high quality research. However, underneath that exterior, a closer examination reveals a discipline that may not be sustainable in the long term and still faces many challenges. I discuss these concerns and briefly touch on the key areas the discipline needs to focus in order to better insure its long-term sustainability.
An Evaluation of Progress Toward European Monetary Union Using Fuzzy Analysis

Abstract European Monetary Union (EMU) is scheduled to commence by the end of the century. Currently, Europeans are engaged in a grand debate over EMU. The controversy is not only over the timetable and stringency of criteria for macroeconomic convergence between member countries, but also over the desirability of the whole EMU enterprise. The European Union (EU) has three choices, to abandon the idea of EMU and opt for independent national monetary policy for each member, to venture the unknown by adopting the EMU regardless of the conditions of its members, or to measure and monitor the fulfillment of EMU preconditions carefully and take the final step when there is a consensus that convergence is reasonably attained. Our paper is a contribution to a systematic quantification and measurement of the fulfillment of the EMU preconditions. We provide a general framework for policy evaluation based on fuzzy logic. We use fuzzy analysis to assess the degree to which each goal is attained, to evaluate the performance of different countries, and to determine the overall progress of the EU in meeting the Maastricht criteria.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Calcium Pump Structural Disorder

To characterize the conformational dynamics of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium pump (SERCA) we performed molecular dynamics simulations beginning with several different high-resolution structures. We quantified differences in structural disorder and dynamics for an open E1 conformation of SERCA (pdb: 1SU4) versus closed E2 structures (pdb: 2ZBD, 1WPG), and observed that dynamic motions of SERCA cytoplasmic domains increased with domain-domain separation distance. The results are useful for interpretation of recent intramolecular Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) distance constraints obtained for SERCA fused to fluorescent protein tags. Those previous physical measurements quantified the population of discrete structural substates and revealed that open conformations of SERCA are more dynamically disordered than compact conformations. The present simulations support this hypothesis and provide additional details of SERCA structural dynamics. Specifically, all-atoms simulations revealed large scale translational and rotational motions of the SERCA N-, A- and P-domains. We also observed a transition from an open to a closed headpiece conformation over the course of a 400 ns trajectory. Intermediate structures sampled during the open-to-closed transition were long lived, with >50 ns dwell times observed for each conformation. We observed well-resolved peaks in a histogram of calculated domain separation distances, consistent with saltatory transitions between discrete conformational substates. The open-to-closed conformational transition was mediated in part by an initial interaction of an N-domain loop (Nbeta5-beta6, residues 426-436) that formed dynamic H-bonds with residues 133-139 of the A-domain. The propensity for domain closure was increased by pre-alignment of H-bonding residues and decreased by mutation of these residues to Ala. Overall the data suggest that N-domain loop residues are particularly important for mediating the transition through several novel structural substates during the closure of the SERCA cytoplasmic headpiece.
Detection of tool flank wear using acoustic signature analysis

Abstract An experimental program is designed to monitor tool flank wear using low frequency noise spectra resulting from the rubbing action of the tool and workpiece. In general, the emitted noise level in the frequency range 2.75–3.75 kHz increased with an increase in tool flank wear and the results were interpreted in terms of an increase in friction at the tool-workpiece interface as the tool flank wear increased. The effect of cutting speed and tool overhang on the level of noise emitted during the turning operation was also investigated. It was found that the tool overhang was the most significant parameter in the level of noise emitted.