cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shoulder abduction-induced reductions in reaching work area following hemiparetic stroke: neuroscientific implications.

A stroke-related loss of corticospinal and corticobulbar pathways is postulated to result in an increased use of remaining neural substrates such as bulbospinal pathways as individuals with stroke are required to generate greater volitional shoulder abduction torques. The effect of shoulder abduction on upper extremity reaching range of motion (work area) was measured in 18 individuals with stroke using the Arm Coordination Training 3-D (ACT3D) device. This robotic system is capable of quantifying movement kinematics when a subject attempts to reach while simultaneously generating various levels of active shoulder abduction torque. We have provided data demonstrating an incremental increase of abnormal coupling of elbow flexion for greater levels of shoulder abduction in the paretic limb that results in a reduction in available work area as a function of active limb support. The progressive increase in the expression of abnormal shoulder/elbow coupling can be explained by a progressive reliance on the indirect cortico-bulbospinal connections that remain in individuals following a stroke-induced brain injury.
Reconstruction of non-Lambertian surfaces by fusion of Shape from Shading and active range scanning

In this paper, we present an algorithm for the fusion of surface normals estimated based on Shape from Shading with absolute depth data under exploitation of the mutual advantages, regarding non-Lambertian surfaces with non-uniform albedos. While photometric 3D reconstruction methods yield dense surface detail information which is reliable on small scales, active range scanning provides absolute depth data which are typically noisy on small scales but reliable on large scales. The proposed algorithm applies an iterative refinement to the reconstructed surface in order to suppress errors that result from measurement uncertainties in the surface normals and the absolute depth data by simultaneous minimization of a global error functional. The obtained surface is the best fit to the observed image intensities and depth data. We apply our framework to small-scale real-world objects and to regions of the lunar surface.
Research scientists surveyed on ethical issues in genetic medicine: a comparison of attitudes of US and European researchers

Abstract This paper compares the attitudes of European and US scientists engaged in human genetics research about some of the ethical issues raised by recent advances in genetic testing, by the increasing likelihood of subsequent genetic therapies, and by hovering threats to the privacy of those tested in the face of concerns raised by individual and institutional third parties. Surveys of both groups indicate strong and fairly uniform support for attempts to discern and cure serious diseases or disorders and decisions to terminate pregnancies in which fetuses have serious genetic defects. But the data also indicate a number of issues where European and US respondents disagree and where that disagreement is characterised by a more cautious approach on the part of the European scientists. These data should provide a foundation for subsequent reflection and discussion within the scientific communities as well as within the society at large.
Optical Spatial Channel And Image Encoding Principle

AbstractFrom Gabor's concept of information and Shannon's discrete channel, the capacity of an optical spatialchannel is calculated. We have illustrated two basic spatially image encoding processes; namely, the en-coding over a set of uniform resolution cells, and over a set of nonuniform resolution cells. One of theimportant results is that the most efficient image encoding is the one that provides the most probable en-coded irradiance distribution over the spatial channel.IntroductionLet H be the average information provided per unit resolution cell of an optical source, and the sourceis emitting at a rate of m unit cells per second. Then the rate of information emitted by the optical sourse is(1) I = mH bits per second. (1) However, in most of the optical information sources there is some degree of temporal and spatial redun- dancy. To reduce this redundancy it is convenient to replace the source with a different set of image codes.The technique of performing the image coding transformation is through an encoding process. If the decodingprocess, at the receiving end, is assumed to be a unique process, then the encoding and decoding processwill result in no loss of information.Optical Spatial ChannelIn general an optical system can be treated as a spatial and time variable channel, that is, it can bedescribed by a function of a spatial domain and varies with respect to time; f(x,y;t), where x and y are theorthogonal spatial coordinates.It is assumed that the encoded image to be transmitted through an optical spatial channel or to be re-corded on a photo -sensitive plate (e.g., photographic plate). We would search for the smallest spatialbandwidth Ap of the optical channel so that the image to be transmitted through the channel with a minimumresolution element Ax is,
Variations in the amounts of RNA polymerase forms I, II and III during preimplantation development in the mouse.

Abstract DNA-dependent RNA polymerase has been measured at various stages of preimplantation development in mouse embryos. The total RNA polymerase activity per embryo increases rapidly from the 8-cell stage to the blastocyst stage. Studies with low α-amanitin concentrations, which inhibit form II RNA polymerase, and high α-amanitin concentrations, which inhibit both form II and III RNA polymerases indicate that the relative proportions of the three forms change significantly during preimplantation development. The changes which occur in the types and levels of RNA polymerase appear to parallel corresponding changes in the synthesis of the major classes of RNA.
Estimation of torsional rigidity in primate long bones

Comparative studies of long bone biomechanics in primates frequently use the polar moment of inertia (J ) as a variable reflecting overall mechanical rigidity, average bending rigidity, or resistance to torsional shear stresses. While the use of this variable for characterizing the first two properties is appropriate, it is potentially a highly misleading measure of torsional resistance. Errors result from violations of assumptions required for the use of the polar moment of inertia; in particular, the predictive utility of J diminishes with departures from axial symmetry (i.e., a cylindrical cross-sectional shape). The magnitude of these errors is estimated both theoretically and experimentally. It is argued that the use of the polar moment of inertia for estimating long bone torsional rigidity should be restricted to samples of relatively invariant and/or cylindrical geometry. Alternative measures for torsional resistance are evaluated and reviewed.
Cessation of Folliculogenesis during the Primate Luteal Phase

After ovulation, a natural hiatus in follicular maturation occurs throughout the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. It is not known whether this transient interruption in folliculogenesis involves ovarian and/or hypothalamic-pituitary factors. In this study ovarian responsivity to exogenous gonadotropins was evaluated during the midluteal phase of cynomolgus monkeys. Four intact cycling monkeys received 37IU human menopausal gonadotropin daily in split dose (0700 and 1600 h) injections (im) for 10 days beginning on cycle day 18 (onset of menses was designated cycle day 1). After 10 days of human menopausal gonadotropin therapy, each monkey received 1000 IU hCG. The following day (cycle day 29), repeat laparotomy was performed to assess ovarian status. Daily blood samples were collected from the femoral vein beginning on cycle day 1 and analyzed for LH, FSH, estradiol. and progesterone. Ovulation induction during the midluteal phase was demonstrated by the presence of elevated progesterone levels (>15 ng...
Singular thermochromic effects in dyeings with indigo, 6-bromoindigo, and 6,6′-dibromoindigo

Abstract Fundamental dyeing properties of three dyes of historical importance – indigo, 6-bromoindigo, and 6,6′-dibromoindigo – on 13 fabrics are examined. The hues of the dyed fabrics vary from blue-green to blue for indigo, blue to violet for 6-bromoindigo, and violet–blue to purple for 6,6′-dibromoindigo, as determined by reflectance measurements. Many of the dyed fabrics change color markedly with application of gentle heat. For indigo and 6-bromoindigo, the color changes are predominantly towards absorption of longer wavelengths (giving a bluer fabric color), while for 6,6′-dibromoindigo, the color changes are towards absorption of shorter wavelengths (giving a redder fabric color). The greatest thermochromic effects are seen for dyed wool: with 6-bromoindigo, the color changes from violet to blue, while with 6,6′-dibromoindigo, the color changes from violet to red–purple upon brief boiling in water. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of 6-bromoindigo-dyed carbon nanotubes, used as surrogates for dyed fabric fibers, suggests that the basis of the thermochromic effect is a change in the size distribution of dye aggregates.
The existence, endogeneity, and synchronization of long waves: Structural time series model estimates

Abstract In the spirit of David Gordon's application of advanced econometric techniques to problems in political economy and his Interest in long waves, this paper develops a structural time series model for testing the existence, endogeneity, and synchronization of long waves in the output series for 11 countries. The results show a strong long wave pattern with a high degree of endogenous behavior in 8 of 11 GDP series. Strong evidence for the synchronization of long waves based on international transmission mechanisms is found, while weaker evidence exists for synchronization based on similar institutional structures. Other long wave hypotheses are also addressed
Optimization of a Military Vehicle Space Frame Subject to High Impact Loading

Space frames are usually used to enhance structural strength of the vehicle while reducing its overall weight. These frames are comprised of beams connected together at joints. Recently, space frames are incorporated in military vehicles. However, space frames in this case are subjected to different types of loading than what is encountered in civilian vehicles such as, projectile and land mine attacks. In this paper, a finite element model for the upper half of the space frame of an armored vehicle is developed. The space frame is composed of hollow square cross-section bars and angle sections and is enclosed by uniform-thickness armor, except at the turret. The vehicle is subjected to high impact load that simulates an impact of a projectile. The model is parameterized to minimize the mass of the space frame and vehicle armor by varying the cross-sectional parameters of the beam members and joints, and the thickness of the armor plate, while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the space frame. This problem is solved using the Successive Heuristic Quadratic Approximation (SHQA). This algorithm combines successive quadratic approximation with an adaptive random search within varying search space. The entire optimization process is carried out within MATLAB environment. Results show significant reduction of the mass of the vehicle.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Sharp discontinuity in sarcomere lengths across intercalated disks of fibrillating cat hearts.

Cat hearts were rapidly fixed with isosmotic glutaraldehyde perfused directly into the coronary arteries during ventricular fibrillation. Sections were cut from different regions of the hearts and stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate. Most often, the contiguous cells lying side by side or end to end across an intercalated disk were equally contracted or equally relaxed. However, in many of the sections, the images showed a sharp discontinuity in sarcomere lengths across some of the intercalated disks. In addition, contiguous cells lying side by side often were fixed while in different states of contraction. Similar observations were also made in nonfibrillating isolated ventricular trabeculae made hypoxic by preincubation in Tyrode solution for 30 min before fixation. Although sarcomere lengths occasionally varied in different regions of one cell, the sharp discontinuities observed across some of the cell borders could not be due to random chance. These results confirm and extend the observations made by Imchanitzky (17) in 1906. Hence functional discontinuity occurs at least at some of the myocardial cell borders and cell junctions. Since contraction is normally controlled by membrane potential, these data may be interpreted as indicating that there is no direct current electrical coupling between contiguous myocardial cells lying end to end or side by side. If so, the regions of semitight junctions do not endow contiguous mammalian myocardial cells with low-resistance connections.
A DOMAIN DECOMPOSITION APPROACH FOR UNCERTAINTY ANALYSIS

This paper proposes a decomposition approach for uncertainty analysis of systems governed by partial differential equations (PDEs). The system is split into local components using domain decomposition. Our domain-decomposed uncertainty quantification (DDUQ) approach performs uncertainty analysis independently on each local component in an “offline" phase, and then assembles global uncertainty analysis results using precomputed local information in an “online" phase. At the heart of the DDUQ approach is importance sampling, which weights the precomputed local PDE solutions appropriately so as to satisfy the domain decomposition coupling conditions. To avoid global PDE solves in the online phase, a proper orthogonal decomposition reduced model provides an efficient approximate representation of the coupling functions.
SEASONAL PATTERNS IN RECOVERABLE UNDERGROUND RESERVES IN SPARTINA ALTERNIFLORA LOISEL.

Seasonal differences in recoverable underground reserves in stands of Spartina alterniflora Loisel. were measured in Georgia and Delaware. They indicate that by winter substantial reserves are stored in both northern and southern marshes. Cycles of the quantity of stored reserves have greater amplitudes than cycles of the concentration of storage compounds reported in the literature. Maximum concentrations apparently occur at the same time as maximum storage tissue volumes. Seasonal measurements and defoliation studies in Delaware indicate that reserves are nearly exhausted by spring growth and that at least 1/3 are not replenished until after seed filling in the fall. This pattern of nearly complete utilization of reserves in spring with late fall replenishment may have an advantage for herbaceous perennial plants which are part of detritus based food webs. A cycle where substantial reserves are retained for canopy regeneration after early summer defoliation would be advantageous where a grazing web was dominant. SMOOTH CORDGRASS, Spartina alterniflora Loisel., dominates the high-salinity marshlands of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Along this latitudinal gradient this perennial species is ex
Nanoscale Inking, Melting, and Soldering With a Heated Atomic Force Microscope Cantilever Tip

Thermal dip pen nanolithography (tDPN) is a nanolithography technique that leverages previous advances in dip pen nanolithography and the design and fabrication of heated atomic force microscope cantilevers. In tDPN a heated atomic force microscope cantilever tip deposits high-melting temperature materials from the tip onto a surface. This technique is distinct from conventional DPN in that the ink molecules are not mobile at room temperature, allowing local control of deposition allowing the tip to be used for metrology of written features without contamination. tDPN represents an advancement in nanometer-scale lithography and manufacturing, which could enable the rapid prototyping and economical manufacture of nanodevices.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Thermal stability of basement membrane collagen.

Circular dichroism spectroscopy has been used to determine the melting temperature (Tm) for basement membrane collagen. Tm 40.0 10. C for basement membrane collagen from lamb anterior lens capsule. which is significantly higher than the values for interstitial collagens, and can be correlated with the higher hydroxyproline content of basement membrane collagen.
Study of High Temperature Nanofluids Using Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) for Solar Thermal Storage Applications

The aim of this study is to investigate enhancement of thermal properties of various high temperature nanofluids using Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) for solar thermal energy storage applications. The specific heat of liquid carbonate salt eutectics that are doped with CNT was measured using Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). A eutectic mixture of lithium carbonate (Li2 CO3 ) and potassium carbonate (K2 CO3 ) at a molar ratio of 62:38 is used as the base fluid (solvent). A surfactant (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate or “SDS”) was used to obtain well-dispersed suspension of CNT in distilled water. This CNT suspension was added to an aqueous solution of two alkali carbonate salts in the form of a eutectic mixture. The resulting solution was evaporated on a hot-plate to obtain a dry mixture of CNT (at 1% concentration by weight) in the carbonate eutectic. The samples were synthesized for by evaporating at four different hotplate temperatures of 100 °C, 120 °C, 140 °C, and 160 °C. The results showed that specific heat capacities of carbonate eutectic-CNT nanofluids were linearly increased as the hotplate temperature was increased. At higher temperatures the water was evaporated faster — leading to less agglomeration of the nanoparticles in the nanofluids and thus resulting in higher values of the measured specific heat of the nanofluids.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
New measurement of the η → π 0 γγ branching ratio and the slope parameter for η → 3π 0 decay with the crystal ball

We have measured the quadratic slope parameter α for η → 3π 0 decay. Our final result is α=−0.031(4). We have also obtained the branching ratio (BR) for the double radiative decay η → π 0 γγ. Our preliminary result is BR(η → π 0 γγ=3.2(9)×10−4. These new measurements were performed using the recent (1998) high-statistics sample of 1.9 × 107 η produced at the AGS at BNL in π − p → nη close to threshold. The η decay into neutrals was detected with the Crystal Ball multiphoton spectrometer. Both measurements provide important tests of chiral perturbation theory (χPTh). Our result for α is four times more precise than the present world data and disagrees with current χPTh calculations by about four standard deviations. Our branching ratio for η → π 0 γγ is about half the current value and is in agreement with the χPTh predictions.
Leading-Edge Flame Fluctuations in Lifted Turbulent Flames

Studies are presented that examine the fluctuations in liftoff height of lifted methane flames in the presence of air coflow. At a certain jet exit velocity, a flame will lift from the burner exit and stabilize at some downstream position. The partially-premixed flame front of the lifted flame oscillates in the axial direction, with the fluctuations becoming greater in flames stabilized further downstream. These fluctuations are also observed in flames where blowout is imminent. This work investigates the role of fuel velocity and air co-flow on flame fluctuations in both stable and unstable regimes. The results of video imaging of a lifted methane-air diffusion flame are presented and discussed. Images are used to ascertain the changes in the reaction zone that influence these fluctuations and relate the movement to blowout.
Quality Estimation of Averaged Auditory Brainstem Responses

In its clinical use, the auditory brainstem responses, ABR, are recovered from the background noise by averaging a number of post-stimulus time epochs, sweeps. Normally, the test protocol prescribes a fixed number of sweeps to be employed and recording of replications is frequently recommended, too. Since both the ABR and the background noise differ in magnitude among patients and test sessions, such a test protocol can never ensure a given minimum "quality" or signal-to-noise ratio, SNR, of the averaged ABR. In an attempt to solve this problem, a method is proposed to evaluate, in statistical terms, the "quality" or SNR of the averaged recording. This is done by calculating the ratio between the estimated magnitude of the ABR and that of the averaged background noise. The method can be employed "on-line" in an adaptive strategy to estimate the number of sweeps necessary to obtain a given minimum "quality" of the averaged ABR. It can be used in suprathreshold recordings as well as in automatic "threshold" detection and it is a practical tool to analyze and improve the cost-benefit of the ABR test.
Physical Properties of Rocks: Fundamentals and Principles of Petrophysics

When you get right down to it, most of what geoscientists believe they know about the structure and workings of the solid earth is based very little on direct observation and to a great extent on interpreting geophysical measurements. The mortar that has been used to build that understanding—the ties between what we can get our hands on and what we can only measure—is petrophysics. Laboratory measurements of shear and compressional wave velocity, density, porosity, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, and a host of other properties have been carried out many thousands of times under differing conditions in laboratories throughout the world. While physical models and empirical relationships interrelating these properties have been built over time, curiously few attempts have been made to summarize this wide array of work in a single volume. Books focusing on laboratory techniques, particular properties (most notably acoustics), or physical theories have been written; however, when a student enters my office looking for help in translating seismic velocities in a particular setting into density, porosity, or lithology, I still find myself handing him or her a list of papers and book chapters rather than a single source. No more.
Scaling, stability and synchronization in mouse-sized (and larger) cortical simulations

Together, the two hemispheres of the mouse cortex contain, 16 × 106 neurons and 8,000 synapses per neuron. We have recently developed a massively parallel cortical simulator [1] that incorporates relatively simpler single compartment spiking neurons [2], spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) [3], and axonal delays. We created a mouse-scale network by using 32,768 "groups" (80% excitatory) each with 500 neurons such that each group connects to 100 randomly selected groups and each neuron from the projecting group makes a total of c = 80 synapses with the neurons of the receptive group. Excitatory groups had axonal delays uniformly ranging from 1–20 ms, and inhibitory groups had a fixed delay of 1 ms. All simulations used a 1 ms time step. Using a BlueGene/L with 8,192 processors, with 4 TB of memory, using a super-threshold stimulus delivered to every neuron at 4 Hz, we were able to simulate 5 s of model time in 168 s of real-time at a mean firing rate of 4.95 Hz (in stable mode). To further push the boundaries of scaling, by using c = 160 above, we created a network with 16,384,000 neurons and 16,000 synapses per neuron. Using 16,384 processors and 8 TB of memory, using a 5 Hz stimulation, we were able to achieve 5 s of model time in 265 s of real-time at a mean firing rate of 5 Hz (in stable mode). While it is very easy to drive a network into a damped state or into an avalanche mode, stabilizing cortical simulations is enormously difficult (p. 167, [4]), [5]. We found that the allowed maximum synaptic efficacy (which upper bounds the growth of excitatory synaptic efficacies under STDP) and the probability of the super-threshold stimulus together greatly affected the behavior of networks. We explored several models with varying numbers of synapses from 1 to 16,000 synapses per neuron. We observed that finding a range of maximum synaptic efficacies corresponding to stable models is harder to achieve for higher number of synapses per neuron if the stimulus probability is kept low. Further, there appears to be a threshold stimulus probability below which – when maximum synaptic efficacy is varied – models make a sharp transition from damped to avalanche mode. For both the networks with 16,000 and 8,000 synapses per neuron, we observed three distinct modes, namely, damped, stable, and avalanche (shown in figure ​figure11 for the larger network). Figure 1 Damped, stable and avalanche modes in network simulations.
A new theory of the molecular bond

In its simulation of the ground state hydrogen molecule, quantum mechanics, for example, assumes that the electrons repel. Though free electrons repel, the electrons in ground state H"2 are not free. We show then through careful computations that these electrons could attract.
Assembly of the prothrombinase complex on the surface of human foreskin fibroblasts: Implications for connective tissue growth factor.

Abstract Activated factor X (FXa) and thrombin can up-regulate gene expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) on fibroblasts. Since tissue factor (TF) is expressed on these cells, we hypothesized that they may assemble the prothrombinase complex leading to CTGF/CCN2 upregulation. In addition, the effect of thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) on this reaction was evaluated. Human foreskin fibroblasts were incubated with purified factor VII (FVII), factor X (FX), factor V (FV), prothrombin and calcium in the presence and absence of TSP1. Generation of FXa and of thrombin were assessed using chromogenic substrates. SMAD pathway phosphorylation was detected via Western-blot analysis. Pre-incubation of fibroblasts with FVII led to its auto-activation by cell-surface expressed TF, which in turn in the presence of FX, FVa, prothrombin and calcium led to FXa (9.7 ± 0.8 nM) and thrombin (7.9 ± 0.04 U/mL × 10–3) generation. Addition of TSP1 significantly enhanced thrombin (23.3 ± 0.7 U/mL × 10–3) but not FXa (8.5 ± 0.6 nM) generation. FXa and thrombin generation leads to upregulation of CTGF/CCN2. TSP1 alone upregulated CTGF/CCN2, an effect mediated via activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) as shown by phosphorylation of the SMAD pathway, an event blunted by using a TGFβ receptor I inhibitor (TGFβRI). FXa- and thrombin-induced upregulation of CTGF/CCN2 was not blocked by TGFβRI. In summary, assembly of the prothrombinase complex occurs on fibroblast's surface leading to serine proteases generation, an event enhanced by TSP1 and associated with CTGF/CCN2 upregulation. These mechanisms may play an important role in human diseases associated with fibrosis.
Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography Enhances Prognostic Assessments of Patients With Suspected Cardiac Sarcoidosis

Objectives This study sought to relate imaging findings on positron emission tomography (PET) to adverse cardiac events in patients referred for evaluation of known or suspected cardiac sarcoidosis. Background Although cardiac PET is commonly used to evaluate patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis, the relationship between PET findings and clinical outcomes has not been reported. Methods We studied 118 consecutive patients with no history of coronary artery disease, who were referred for PET, using [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to assess for inflammation and rubidium-82 to evaluate for perfusion defects (PD), following a high-fat/low-carbohydrate diet to suppress normal myocardial glucose uptake. Blind readings of PET data categorized cardiac findings as normal, positive PD or FDG, positive PD and FDG. Images were also used to identify whether findings of extra-cardiac sarcoidosis were present. Adverse events (AE)—death or sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT)—were ascertained by electronic medical records, defibrillator interrogation, patient questionnaires, and telephone interviews. Results Among the 118 patients (age 52 ± 11 years; 57% males; mean ejection fraction: 47 ± 16%), 47 (40%) had normal and 71 (60%) had abnormal cardiac PET findings. Over a median follow-up of 1.5 years, there were 31 (26%) adverse events (27 VT and 8 deaths). Cardiac PET findings were predictive of AE, and the presence of both a PD and abnormal FDG (29% of patients) was associated with hazard ratio of 3.9 (p Conclusions The presence of focal PD and FDG uptake on cardiac PET identifies patients at higher risk of death or VT. These findings offer prognostic value beyond Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare clinical criteria, the presence of extra-cardiac sarcoidosis and LVEF.
The Reception and Translation of Wordsworth in Japan

In her paper, "The Reception and Translation of Wordsworth in Japan," Waka Ishikura explores the cultural dynamics involved in the understanding of Wordsworth in Japan since the late nineteenth century by examining the ways in which the Japanese encountered him in a broader historical context and the ways in which the development of language modernization in Japan affected the processes of reception and translation. Ishikura's investigation of the topic leads not only to an elucidation of the fate of the English poet in Japan but also to new insights into the ways in which literary or semiotic relations have influenced the intelligibility of the "other." Ishikura's paper includes a discussion of the extent to which the political climate affected the reception of Wordsworth, the relation between the translation of Wordsworth and the problems of Japanese poetic language in the age of Japanese language development, and the ways in which the development of modern education and English language studies in Japan influenced the study of English literature. Waka Ishikura, "The Reception and Translation of Wordsworth in Japan" page 2 of 10 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 8.2 (2006):
Present and past old-growth forests of the Lake Tahoe Basin, Sierra Nevada, US

Abstract We described 38 relictual old-growth stands – with data on the mortality, regeneration, floristic richness, fuel load and disease incidence in our study area in the Tahoe Basin of California and Nevada. The stands are within the lower and upper montane zones (1900–2400 m a.s.l.) and they are rare, occupying 180 yr old) in the...
Computer Based Visualization for Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of the Distribution of Matrix-Bound Proteins

We have developed a computer based imaging approach for determining the distribution of immobilized protein within a porous support. The computor-based visualization allows quantitative and qualitative analysis of the protein distribution profile. Microscopic fluorometry of fluorescein isothicyanate-labeled bovine serum albumin immobilized onto Eupergit C beads was used to examine the capability of the visualization method. As the total amount of immobilized protein increased with time. the gradient of the immobilized protein profile versus the radial position decreased, becoming virtually independent of the position at about 3 hours. This technique may be implemented with any protein detection methods using staining fluorescent or radioactive labels.
Shortness of Breath

Difficulty in breathing (also known as shortness of breath, breathlessness, or dyspnea) is caused by various mechanisms related to different problems in the body. In one’s lifetime, one may experience rare episodes of shortness of breath as part of high levels of activity like exhaustive exertion, or during environmental conditions such as high altitude or very warm or cold temperatures. Other than these extreme conditions, shortness of breath is commonly a sign of a medical problem. If the shortness of breath is prolonged and persistent, it is likely to be related to a medical condition. If it is sudden and severe in intensity, even if it is of short duration, however, it may warrant medical evaluation. The following are other clues of existence of a medical problem. Symptom of shortness of breath can be caused …
Effect of bladder distension on the venous system of man.

SummaryVenomotor responses of an intact isolated superficial venous segment of the forearm of man to bladder distension showed that instillation of 50 cc of fluid into the empty bladder resulted in an increase in venous pressure and venomotor tone. The increase in segmental venous pressure could be inhibited by regional procaine block. The response was absent in a patient with complete transection of the spinal cord. Thus, distension of the urinary bladder initiates a spinal venomotor reflex which produces an increase in peripheral venous tone in the superfacial veins of the forearm of man.
An XYY chromosome pattern in a boy with Marfan's syndrome

In three siblings (two girls and a boy) we diagnosed the Marfan syndrome. With the girls we could not find any chromosome anomalies. The boy appeared to have 47 chromosomes; his chromosome pattern was interpreted as XYY. There are no indications for a specific clinical picture going with the XYY chromosome pattern.
Production and Characterization of Encapsulated Potassium Permanganate for Sustained Release as an in Situ Oxidant

Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) has been widely applied as an oxidant for in situ remediation of contaminated groundwater and soil. This study describes the creation and characterization of encapsulated KMnO4 particles, the purpose of which is to serve as a material that can be specifically targeted and delivered to a contaminant source zone for optimal oxidative destruction of the contaminant. Multinuclear particulate KMnO4 with a mean equivalent spherical diameter of 15 (± 8.6) μm was incorporated into a paraffin wax matrix and then pulverized, resulting in completely or partially encapsulated particles with a mean equivalent spherical diameter of 874 (± 377) μm. Paraffin wax is biodegradable and insoluble in water, and yet is very soluble in most hydrophobic contaminants, including chlorinated solvents such as perchloroethylene (PCE). Thus, KMnO4 is released very slowly into water from the encapsulating matrix, but the oxidant is rapidly released into PCE. The release kinetics of KMnO4 from the encapsul...
Heart Failure and Palliative Care: Implications in Practice

The number of people with heart failure is continually rising. Despite continued medical advances that may prolong life, there is no cure. While typical heart failure trajectories include the risk of sudden death, heart failure is typically characterized by periods of stability interrupted by acute exacerbations. The unpredictable nature of this disease and the inability to predict its terminal phase has resulted in few services beyond medical management being offered. Yet, this population has documented unmet needs that extend beyond routine medical care. Palliative care has been proposed as a strategy to meet these needs, however, these services are rarely offered. Although palliative care should be implemented early in the disease process, in practice it is tied to end-of-life care. The purpose of this study was to uncover whether the conceptualization of palliative care for heart failure as end-of-life care may inhibit the provision of these services. The meaning of palliative care in heart failure was explored from three perspectives: scientific literature, health care providers, and spousal caregivers of patients with heart failure. There is confusion in the literature and by the health care community about the meaning of the term palliative care and what the provision of these services entails. Palliative care was equated to end-of-life care, and as a result, health care providers may be reluctant to discuss palliative care with heart failure patients early in the disease trajectory. Most family caregivers have not heard of the term and all would be receptive to an offer of palliative care at some point during the disease trajectory.
Reduced-Form Trinomial Probit: A Quantal Response Model Without A Priori Restrictions

This article develops the direct trivariate extension of the binary probit model. Similar to the binary probit specification, the trivariate model involves an admissible reduction of the nonidentified structural parameters. The reduced-form model is distinguished from other trinomial specifications in that it allows for nonzero covariances among the utility variates that characterize individuals' valuations of the choice alternatives. The independence of irrelevant alternatives is thus avoided. The flexible covariance structure of the reduced-form model, along with its freedom from a priori restrictions, makes it widely applicable. The method is applied to the analysis of individual schooling choice.
Gender and Perceived Illness Severity: Differential Indicators of Employment Concerns for Adults with Multiple Sclerosis?.

Although research has indicated a link between gender and perceived illness severity and the employment status of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), it has not addressed questions regarding the r...
Nematic-smectic biphase of a main-chain liquid crystalline polyether

Shear alignment studies of a semirigid, main-chain liquid crystalline polymer found very different behaviour within a low temperature, birefringent phase than within the higher temperature, nematic phase. Using X-ray scattering techniques and thermal analysis, the low temperature “intermediate” phase was identified as a nematic phase with approximately 5–10 vol% smectic cophase. Unique thermal characteristics of the intermediate phase are described.
Distributed database design—optimization vs feasibility

Abstract This paper is concerned with the problem of optimal assignment of data to sites in a distributed relational database. It is shown that in general the optimal allocation will require exponential time in terms of the input. Several heuristic algorithms that can be applied to various constraints and which provide feasible, near optimal results, as well as a model that determines the “best” assignment for a given input out of several optimal and near optimal assignments have been developed. The model is shown to be efficient, to require polynomial time, to be practical in terms of feasible inputs and to achieve assignments with near minimal global and local costs.
Plastic Bulk-Heterojunction Solar Cells and Near-Infrared Photodetectors

Polymer based solar cells and photodetectors have tremendous application in harnessing solar energy and photodetection in a cost-effective way. Here we studied self-organization effect in polymer solar cells and demonstrated plastic near-infrared photodetectors.
“Untouched by morning – / And untouched by noon –”: Succession Without Sequel

Based on readings from Solitude and the Sublime and Open Secrets, this essay reflects on some common themes in the two books: the mistrust of theatrical self-presentation and directed communication; the positing of “nature” or the “artwork” as objects whose obliviousness to the observer's gaze permits interpretive license and opens up imaginative play; the interest in the related but distinct acts of counting, adding, totaling, sequencing. An occasion to explore Open Secrets' vexed relation to Schiller's project of aesthetic bildung, the essay also takes stock of the recent critical trend toward “surface reading” in which Open Secrets has been enlisted and counted. We sometimes converse with a person who is present as though with a portrait. He does not need to speak, or look at us, or concern himself with us; we see him, we feel our relationship with him, indeed our relations with him may even develop, without his doing anything about it, without his feeling anything of it, but relating to us merely as a...
Correlated behavioral and cardiac activity: Amygdala mediated amnesia or fear gradients

Abstract Little information concerning specific brain structures that are involved in the formation of autonomic and skeletal indexes of memory can be gleaned from past electroconvulsive shock studies. The present study examined the effects of a single pulse, intracranial stimulation (ICS) delivered unilaterally to the amygdala at subseizure levels on skeletal and cardiac indexes of memory. Male rats were prepared with chronically implanted EKG and bipolar ICS electrodes. Food deprived subjects were trained to descend from a platform and cross a grid floor to approach food. After meeting a performance criterion, a treatment trial consisting of footshock followed by ICS was administered. Tests 24 and 48 hrs later revealed significant memory modification for skeletal and autonomic responses, but at a lower threshold for the former. There was a significant correlation between skeletal and cardiac indexes. The degree of memory modification observed was dependent upon ICS intensity. The role of the amygdala in the processing of aversive events was discussed, and an alternative interpretation of ICS intensity dependent amnesia gradients was proposed.
A series of mononuclear quasi-two-coordinate copper(I) complexes employing a sterically demanding thiolate ligand.

A series of two-coordinate thiolate complexes [Cu(SAr*)L] was synthesized as possible reactants in forming analogues of the active site of Mo/Cu-containing carbon monoxide dehydrogenase. Complexes ...
Institutionalizing the Network Form: How Life Scientists Legitimate Work in the Biotechnology Industry

This study combines insights from economic sociology on recent structural changes in the knowledge economy with neoinstitutionalist analyses of cultural change in organizations. Because a network form of organization relies on interorganizational ties, new models of legitimacy emerge alongside of old ones, rather than replacing them, so that seemingly contradictory institutions coexist in the network form. This article explores how life scientists legitimate working in the biotechnology industry—a new option that nevertheless fails to delegitimate the old academic path. The data are based on qualitative observations of a young biotechnology firm. These are supplemented by observations at a university laboratory and interviews with 41 life scientists.
Fermi Surface of Cadmium: Radio-Frequency Size Effect

The Fermi of cadmium is determined from calipers obtained through rf size-effect measurements. The 6- to 8-MHz rf measurements were performed at 1.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K on high-purity monocrystals of cadmium approximately 0.5 mm in thickness. The Fermi surface was calipered using samples whose normals to the surfaces were parallel to one of the three principal symmetry directions [0001], [$10\overline{1}0$], and [$11\overline{2}0$], with magnetic field rotations in the plane of the sample. Calipers are assigned to definite orbits on the first- and secondband hole surfaces and the third-band electron surface. The third-band electron "lens" is found to be smooth and round with a major diameter of 1.560 ${\mathrm{\AA{}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and varying less than 1% in the basal plane. The minor diameter has a caliper of 0.556 ${\mathrm{\AA{}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Calipers are given for the first-band hole surface except near its pointed ends. The second-band hole surface is discussed in detail with the assignment of 17 series of calipers to definite orbits on this sheet of the Fermi surface. Both the first and second bands of holes are found to have considerably smaller cross sections than predicted by the single-orthogonalized-plane-wave construction. Detailed comparisons to a recent pseudopotential calculation of the energy bands and the Fermi surface are made. No calipers were observed that could be assigned to the third-band "stars" or the fourth-band electron "cigars."
On a generalization of Ramsey theory

In [2, 3], Chung and Liu introduce the following generalization of Ramsey Theory for graphs. Choose c colors, and integers d"1, d"2,..., d"n satisfying 1=
Isolation and regional mapping of random X sequences from distal human X chromosome.

Chromosome-mediated gene transfer (CMGT) lines were shown to be convenient donors of genomic sequences from specific regions of the genome adjacent to selectable markers. Two libraries were prepared from CMGT lines carrying sequences spanning the long arm of the human X chromosome from HPRT(Xq26) to G6PD(Xq28). A series of 22 CMGT lines sharing the same selectable marker (HPRT)were used in conjunction with five standard translocation hybrids to provide fine-resolution regional mapping of the nonrepetitive X specific probes isolated from the libraries. The order of three human recombinant sequences with respect to known X-linked markers is: PGK(Xq13), 05-02 (DXS78); HPRT(Xq26), 07-03 (DXS79);surface antigen S11(Xq27), 07–14 (DXS80); and G6PD (Xq28).
Molecular aspects of the inherited porphyrias

The porphyrias are diseases due to marked deficiencies of enzymes of the haem biosynthetic pathway (Fig. 1). Except for the first enzyme of the pathway, delta-aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS), deficiencies in seven other enzymes are associated with the various forms of porphyria (Fig. 2). Porphyrias can be classified as either hepatic or erythroid, depending on the major site of production of porphyrins or their precursors. The pathogenesis of all inherited porphyrias has now been defined at the molecular level, and it is clear that there is a great deal of genetic heterogeneity in each porphyria [1].
Clinical applications of demineralized bone matrix: a retrospective and case-matched study of seventy-five dogs.

Objectives— To evaluate the outcome in dogs treated with demineralized bone matrix (DBM) as an adjunct to orthopedic procedures. Study Design— Retrospective and case-match study. Animals— Dogs (n=75). Methods— Medical records (1999–2006) and radiographs of dogs that had orthopedic procedures (comminuted fractures, tibial plateau leveling osteotomy [TPLO] where correction for tibial rotation created an osteotomy gap, arthrodeses, open corrective osteotomies) where DBM was used were reviewed for signalment, quantity of DBM implanted, duration of exercise restriction, radiographic healing, and complications. Dogs that had TPLO and correction of tibial torsion (n=15), or arthrodesis (n=16) were compared with case-matched controls. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis test, ANOVA, Tukey's HSD test, and logistic regression analysis. Results— Mean (±SD) healing time for orthopedic surgeries with DBM augmentation were 15±6.97 (weeks) and complication rate was 19% (14 dogs). Dogs with a TPLO gap filled with DBM were allowed to return to normal exercise 2 weeks earlier than dogs with a well-apposed TPLO site. Radiographic healing, duration of exercise restriction, and timing of destabilization were similar in dogs undergoing carpal and tarsal arthrodesis whether they received DBM, autogenous graft, or both. Conclusions— DBM can be used to treat uncomplicated bone defects associated with comminuted fracture repairs, open osteotomies, and arthrodeses in dogs. Under these circumstances, clinicians might expect similar clinical outcomes without the possibility of side effects associated with the harvest of autogenous cancellous bone. Clinical Relevance— DBM is safe for use in dogs.