cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GPS SBAS L1/L5 bistatic radar altimeter

GNSS bistatic radar offers a low cost alternative for ocean altimetry. It can also be used to measure wind speed, wind direction and modeling of the ocean surface state. A bistatic configuration, using one right-handed circular polarized and one left-handed circular polarized antenna, was built in 2012 and installed in the NOAA hurricane hunter in order to measure direct and reflected L1 and L5 signals. The direct and reflected signals were compared and the path difference between them calculated, leading to altitude measurements of the receiver using both SBAS L1 and L5 signals. Compared to publicly available signals on L1, the higher code rate of L5 provides higher measurement sensitivity. The estimated altitude of the airplane receiver was compared to a radar altimeter and an onboard GPS receiver was used as truth reference.
A Collaboration Model for ERP User-System Interaction

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have received well-deserved attention from both the industry and the research communities, yet the usability of these systems remains a challenge. This paper proposes a model of the usability of ERP systems based on collaboration theory. In this model, Commitment to Joint Activity (CJA), Mutual Responsiveness (MR), and Commitment to Mutual Support (CMS) are properties of Shared Cooperative Activity between the user and the ERP system. The strength of this collaboration (conceptualized as the interaction of the individual properties: CJA, MR, and CMS) impacts the system's usability. The proposed constructs are illustrated with data from a field-based case study. Our findings provide initial support for our model of human-computer collaboration in ERP systems.
Free-flight investigations of subliming ablators and transpiration cooling at hypersonic velocities

Free flight investigations with solid fuel rocket propelled vehicle systems where the thermal protection was provided by either a subliming ablator or by transpiration cooling
D2O Water Interaction with Mixed Alkane Thiol Monolayers of Tuned Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Character

We have used temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) experiments to characterize the interaction between D2O water and a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of mixed hydrophobic and hydrophilic thiols on Au(111). Two-component SAM surfaces with tuned hydrophobic and hydrophilic character have been formed by exposing gold samples to solutions of octanethiol and 6-mercaptohexanoic acid in varying millimolar concentrations. Water desorption spectra from the pure hydrophobic surface exhibit first-order desorption at low coverage with the onset of zero-order character at ∼1 Langmuir with narrow peaks at ∼145 K. In contrast, desorption of D2O water from the pure carboxylic acid-terminated surface exhibits broad peaks shifted to higher temperatures. Interestingly, water TPD spectra from a 50% octanethiol/50% 6-mercaptohexanoic acid surface closely resemble desorption from the purely hydrophobic octanethiol SAM. Increasing the surface acid fraction beyond 50% shifts the TPD profiles to higher temperatures with long, h...
When plans fail: small group behavior and decision-making in the conspiracy of 1808 in Germany

It is striking that modern historians and social scientists alike have so far failed to study the workings of the secret conspiracy in the light of twentieth-century theories of social behavior. One reason for this is that careful researchers, honor bound to evidence, all too rarely find records of what participants meant to keep hidden. Fortunately, the sources for Germany in Napoleonic times afford enough information on one conspiracy to permit piecing together a continuous, albeit imperfect, historical narrative. Since conspiratorial societies, whatever their purpose, would seem to have important features in common, perhaps close examination of this one episode may suggest some general characteristics. Accordingly, my purpose here is to present the history of this anti-French conspiracy of 1808, and to analyze the historical evidence using available analogies and recent behavioral theory. Where gaps in the sources exist, I have reconstructed the record from historical examples of similar behavior and from the research results of other disciplines, especially recent systematic observations and laboratory studies in social psychology. I have tried to put together a study that might serve as a scholarly reference for those interested in unusual small group undertakings in the hope that my work will prompt additional research in which my general conclusions can be further tested and refined. Some of the important methodological issues raised by this type of study, in which the practicing historian deliberately sets out to exploit systematically the work of several disciplines in order to evaluate more adequately traditional historical source materials, are discussed in a brief epilogue. In the same place I have remarked on some important etiological problems which conclusions like mine inevitably raise.
Accuracy of reduced-dose computed tomography for ureteral stones in emergency department patients.

Study objective Reduced-dose computed tomography (CT) scans have been recommended for diagnosis of kidney stone but are rarely used in the emergency department (ED) setting. Test characteristics are incompletely characterized, particularly in obese patients. Our primary outcome is to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a reduced-dose CT protocol for symptomatic ureteral stones, particularly those large enough to require intervention, using a protocol stratified by patient size. Methods This was a prospective, blinded observational study of 201 patients at an academic medical center. Consenting subjects underwent both regular- and reduced-dose CT, stratified into a high and low body mass index (BMI) protocol based on effective abdominal diameter. Reduced-dose CT scans were interpreted by radiologists blinded to regular-dose interpretations. Follow-up for outcome and intervention was performed at 90 days. Results CT scans with both regular and reduced doses were conducted for 201 patients, with 63% receiving the high BMI reduced-dose protocol. Ureteral stone was identified in 102 patients (50.7%) of those receiving regular-dose CT, with a ureteral stone greater than 5 mm identified in 26 subjects (12.9%). Sensitivity of the reduced-dose CT for any ureteral stone was 90.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 82.3% to 95.0%), with a specificity of 99.0% (95% CI 93.7% to 100.0%). For stones greater than 5 mm, sensitivity was 100% (95% CI 85.0% to 100.0%). Reduced-dose CT identified 96% of patients who required intervention for ureteral stone within 90 days. Mean reduction in size-specific dose estimate was 18.6 milligray (mGy), from 21.7 mGy (SD 9.7) to 3.4 mGy (SD 0.9). Conclusion CT with substantial dose reduction was 90.2% (95% CI 82.3% to 95.0%) sensitive and 98.9% (95% CI 85.0% to 100.0%) specific for ureteral stones in ED patients with a wide range of BMIs. Reduced-dose CT was 96.0% (95% CI 80.5% to 99.3%) sensitive for ureteral stones requiring intervention within 90 days.
Combined effects of strain and grain size on carbide precipitation and sensitization in 304 stainless steel

The dramatic effects of uniaxial strain on sensitization in austenitic stainless steels is now well documented. Many parameters influence the occurrence of sensitization and the degree of sensitization (DOS) is thus a function of microstructural characteristics (which of course includes the grain size) and chemical composition, including the carbon content (which is the most critical compositional element controlling sensitization). However, there have been no studies evaluating simultaneous effects of deformation (strain) and grain size on sensitization development. A study of two grain sizes and carbon content variations by Pascali, et al found that desensitization was delayed at the larger grain size (68 [mu]m) in comparison to the smaller grain size (17[mu]m), especially at aging temperatures near 600 C. In this study the authors present some preliminary results of the combined effect of grain size and uniaxial strain on sensitization (DOS) in 304 stainless steel.
Cyclic Triamines as Potential High Energy Materials. Thermochemical Properties of Triaziridine and Triazirine

Abstract As part of our survey of potential high-energy materials, we are considering molecules that have relatively high nitrogen content. Such molecules can decompose or combust to make very stable products. Here, we present calculated thermochemical properties of two molecules containing three nitrogen atoms in a ring: triaziridine and triazirine . Gaussian-2 and -3, CBS-APNO, and CBS-QB3 are the high-precision methods used in this study.
Chronic ethanol-clonidine hemodynamic interaction in telemetered spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Our previous studies have established that ethanol, administered acutely or chronically, attenuates the hypotensive action of the centrally acting drug clonidine. In this study, we employed the radiotelemetry technique to evaluate the long-term hemodynamic interaction between the two drugs administered simultaneously to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Changes in blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and their variability was determined in pair-fed rats receiving ethanol (5%, w/v), clonidine pellets (10 mg/pellet, s.c.), or their combination for 28 days. Ethanol feeding caused significant decreases and increases in BP and HR, respectively. The time-domain variability indices of BP and HR were also reduced by ethanol. Clonidine produced significant reductions in BP and HR that were evident for only 1–2 days and disappeared thereafter. In rats receiving the combined ethanol and clonidine treatment, hemodynamic changes were identical to those produced by ethanol alone. These findings suggest (i) long-term exposure of SHRs to moderate amounts of ethanol reduces HR variability, possibly due to diminished cardiac vagal modulation, and (ii) the lack of a maintained hypotensive response to clonidine, administered via timed-release pellets, made the evaluation of its chronic interaction with ethanol unfeasible.
The need to assess drugs selected from cancer genomic data prior to patient treatment.

Using cancer biology to guide drug selection Research over the past decade has demonstrated that different types of tumors can have common genetic alterations, making them treatable with the same drug. An example is the drug Herceptin, approved by the US FDA in 1998 to target breast cancers that overexpress the HER2 gene as a biomarker. HER2 overexpression has also been found in gastric and ovarian cancer, prompting the FDA to approve the drug for treatment of gastric cancer in 2010. This was the first example of how biomarker-based drug selection simplifies therapeutic intervention by identifying patients that will respond to a drug. Biomarkers can also lead to more effective treatment by identifying circumstances when more than one drug should be used, particularly when the cancer is derived from more than a single clone. Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco (CA, USA) have found that the selection of two drugs targeting two different molecules is more effective in decreasing tumor size and blocking metastasis in mice [1]. The two-target approach was demonstrated with neuro endocrine pan creatic tumors and the authors suggest it may have broad application for treating a wide variety of cancers. An important observation was recently made regarding the structural organization of a tumor with respect to the unique number of cancer cells (originating from different clones) that reside within it. Apparently, taking a biopsy from just one part of a tumor may not give a full picture of its genetic landscape which illuminates why attempts at using single biopsies to identify biomarkers to which personalized cancer treatments can be targeted have met with limited success. Cancer researchers at the UK’s London Research Institute and their collaborators carried out a genome-wide analysis of the genetic variation between different regions of the same kidney cancer tumor. Alarmingly, they found that approximately two-thirds of the uncovered genetic alterations were not shared across other biopsies from the same tumor [2]. Their results demonstrate that cancer cells of a kidney tumor are not homogeneous and can be derived from multiple clones within the same tumor. This suggests the need for better characterization of tumor biopsies prior to selection of the best combination therapy.
Q: How often should patients with hepatitis C be screened for esophageal varices?

If the patient has cirrhosis, screen promptly with upper endoscopy. If no varices are found, repeat endoscopy every 2 years.
The Coefficient of Haze as a Measure of Particulate Elemental Carbon

A preliminary estimate of the trends of the concentration of particulate elemental carbon (EC) in the atmosphere is presented. A relationship was explored between the EC concentrations and the usual coefficient of haze (COH). Tape samplers were employed to quantify the total particulate content (TPC), COH and EC. The EC count, measured by the light absorption. Correlations were developed between TSP, COH, EC, and other particulate matter gathered on the sampler and quantified spectroscopically. The samples were taken in Detroit in the summer. The best correlation, 0.86, was found between COH and EC, and good correlations were also found between COH, CO, Pb, and Br, indicating that automotive emissions were the main source of EC at the sampling site. Conversely, a poor correlation with SO2 suggested that coal combustion is not a significant contributor to EC. Further studies in conditions with higher atmospheric loadings are recommended in order to determine if the relationship between COH and EC remains linear. 35 references.
Viscoelastic properties of elastomeric impression materials: polysulphide, silicone and polyether rubbers

Summary Creep compliance measurements were shown to be effective in characterizing the elastic, retarded elastic, and viscous properties of polysulphide, silicone, and polyether impression materials. The test is particularly valuable in that the creep compliance was independent of load, allowing the mechanical properties to be represented by a single total creep compliance curve which can be used to determine the various creep components. The total recovered compliance was shown to be independent of time provided the polymerization had progressed sufficiently before testing was done. The retarded elastic and viscous compliances contributed proportionally to the total creep compliance and thus did not affect the rankings of materials. The viscous compliance of polysulphide A decreased enough after 1 h so that the creep compliance of A and D were not different. The creep compliance measurements showed that the polysulphide materials were the most viscoelastic followed by silicone and polyether impression materials. The polyether was the most nearly ideal elastic material but it had a flexibility comparable to heavy body polysulphide. Of particular interest was the observation that polyether with thinner in ratios up to 1 : 1 by length had no practical effect on the viscoelastic properties.
An exergy footprint metric normalized to US exergy consumption per capita

An exergy footprint metric is proposed that combines the basic structure of carbon footprints with exergy analysis. A streamlined exergy calculator is developed for individuals and businesses with normalization to the annual US exergy consumption per capita. The total exergy consumption of the American economy is calculated following basic techniques used in the exergy analysis of several other countries. The underlying premise is to provide a metric that easy to use and understand while encompassing broad resource consumption, including energy, materials, water and food. The methodology is demonstrated using a typical individual consumption pattern and compared with the results from a traditional carbon footprint calculator. Consequently, outcomes can be benchmarked, areas for improvements identified, and performance monitored and managed.
Ectopic Expression of Dentin Sialoprotein during Amelogenesis Hardens Bulk Enamel

Dentin sialophosphpoprotein (Dspp) is transiently expressed in the early stage of secretory ameloblasts. The secretion of ameloblast-derived Dspp is short-lived, correlates to the establishment of the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ), and is consistent with Dspp having a role in producing the specialized first-formed harder enamel adjacent to the DEJ. Crack diffusion by branching and dissipation within this specialized first-formed enamel close to the DEJ prevents catastrophic interfacial damage and tooth failure. Once Dspp is secreted, it is subjected to proteolytic cleavage that results in two distinct proteins referred to as dentin sialoprotein (Dsp) and dentin phosphoprotein (Dpp). The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological and mechanical contribution of Dsp and Dpp to enamel formation. Transgenic mice were engineered to overexpress either Dsp or Dpp in their enamel organs. The mechanical properties (hardness and toughness) of the mature enamel of transgenic mice were compared with genetically matched and age-matched nontransgenic animals. Dsp and Dpp contributions to enamel formation greatly differed. The inclusion of Dsp in bulk enamel significantly and uniformly increased enamel hardness (20%), whereas the inclusion of Dpp weakened the bulk enamel. Thus, Dsp appears to make a unique contribution to the physical properties of the DEJ. Dsp transgenic animals have been engineered with superior enamel mechanical properties.
Volatiles in amphiboles from xenoliths, Vulcan's Throne, Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

Abstract Analyses of major element and volatile components of amphiboles from Vulcan's Throne, a Recent volcano on the north rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA, have been performed by using the electron microprobe and high temperature mass spectrometry. The amphiboles occur as megacrysts, as oikocrysts in peridotite and pyroxenite xenoliths, in amphibole-rich selvages on lherzolite xenoliths, and as grains in hornblendite xenoliths. Total volatiles range from 1.27 to 1.75 wt.%. In all samples, H 2 O is the principal volatile species. Lesser amounts of structurally bound fluorine, chlorine, and oxygen were also released. The amphiboles studied are hydroxyl-deficient. The O(3) site is probably partially occupied by O 2− , which was detected as O 2 during degassing of the amphibole. Ti shows a strong positive correlation with the amount of hydroxyl deficiency in the amphiboles except for one oxidized sample. Thus, Ti probably is significant in charge balancing the substitution of O 2− for OH − and the substitution probably occurred during crystallization rather than by dehydrogenation. Small amounts of both oxidized and reduced carbon and sulfur-bearing volatile species ( e.g ., CO 2 , CO, CH 4 , SO 2 , H 2 S) were detected in all samples. The observation of reduced carbon species supports the hypothesis that the oxygen fugacity of at least portions of the upper mantle is probably less than the quartz-fayalite-magnetite buffer.
Spectrophotometric measurement of experimental brain injury

Freshly sampled brain tissue exposed to 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) acquires a red color because mitochondrial enzymes reduce the colorless TTC to a red, water-insoluble formazan deposit. Pan-necrotic areas remain uncolored, which enables quantitation of experimental brain injury by optical scanning and image analysis of serial slices to determine the relative volume of red versus infarcted, non-stained, tissue. The accuracy of this method can be challenged, however, when infarction is accompanied by areas of partial, scattered injury where differences in coloration are difficult to see or quantify. We tested the feasibility of measuring scattered injury using a principle which underlies standard assays for in vitro cell survival, namely extracting deposited formazan with a solvent and measuring its level by spectrophotometry. Anesthetized, adult Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to 12 min of cerebral ischemia to produce selective, delayed neuronal death in hippocampus, striatum and cortex. Some rats also received 6 h of whole-body hypothermia treatment (31.5-32.5 degrees C) immediately after ischemia. Ischemia rats and non-operated controls were sacrificed 1 week later. Hippocampus and portions of cerebrum were incubated 90 min in a 2% TTC solution and then soaked in a measured volume of 50:50 ethanol and dimethylsulfoxide to extract the red formazan product. Spectrophotometric measurements of the extract showed a diminished formazan coloration (absorbance/g brain) in all samples from the untreated ischemia group compared to non-operated controls. This apparent brain injury was attenuated in the group of ischemia rats that received hypothermia treatment. We conclude that solvent extraction and spectrophotometric quantitation of formazan has potential utility as an objective way to index experimental brain injury even if this is diffuse in nature and not amenable to measurement by conventional image analysis techniques.
Localization of lysines acetylated in ubiquitin reacted with p-nitrophenyl acetate.

Abstract The protein ubiquitin undergoes extensive N ϵ-acetylation of some of its seven lysine residues when reacted with p -nitrophenyl acetate. Lysines 27 and 29 show little reactivity whereas residue 6 is the most readily acetylated. Residues 11, 33, 48, and 63 show intermediate reactivities,
Christianity and violence: The case of liberation theology

In the late 1960s a form of Christian radicalism known as liberation theology emerged in Latin America that argued that Latin America's ills were caused by dependent capitalism, and that Latin Amer...
Polysome structure in sea urchin eggs and embryos: An electron microscopic analysis

Abstract Modified chromatin-spreading techniques have been used to prepare reproducible spreads of polysomes for EM visualization. We have analyzed polysomes of sea urchin ( Lytechinus pictus ) eggs and embryos to elucidate some of the events which occur during the burst of protein synthetic activity following fertilization. We have confirmed that the rise in protein synthesis after fertilization is concomitant with the recruitment of messenger RNA molecules into polysomes. The presence of ribosome-free tails is a structural feature of polysomes in which the mRNA is being translated for the first time. This structural marker has allowed us to derive an elongation rate of 1.5–1.8 amino acids/sec and a transit time of 5 min for the average-sized polysome in L. pictus embryos at 16°C. We have also observed a difference between the structure and the average size of polysomes in the egg and embryo. Egg polysomes are longer (average size = 11.96 ribosomes, n = 671) than 1-hr embryo polysomes (average size = 7.14 ribosomes, n = 863) and 10% of the egg polysomes contain visible gaps while less than 1% of the 1-hr embryo polysomes contain internal ribosome-free regions. We speculate that such differences reflect the lower translation efficiency of the relatively dormant egg cell.
Intracellular Distribution of p-Nitrophenyl-Phosphatase in Plants

Less than 10% of the acid p-nitrophenylphosphatase activity of plant extracts was sedimentable under a variety of conditions including zonal centrifugation. The sedimentable fraction did not show the latency properties characteristic of animal lysosomes. We conclude that, at least operationally, plant acid phosphatase is a soluble enzyme and that it is not suitable as a lysosomal marker. The plant tissues employed were pea cotyledons, cauliflower florets, turnip storage organs, onion embryos, and leaves of red oak and soybean.
Managing data quality by identifying the noisiest data samples

Enterprise datasets are often noisy. Several columns can have non-standard, erroneous or missing information. Poor quality data can lead to incorrect reporting and wrong conclusions being drawn. Data cleansing involves standardizing such data to improve its quality. Often data cleansing tasks involve writing rules manually. The step involves understanding the data quality issues and then writing data transformation rules to correct these issues. This is a human intensive task. In this study we propose a method to identify noisy subsets of huge unlabelled textual datasets. This is a two step process where in the first step we develop an estimation tool to predict the data quality on an unlabelled text dataset as produced by a segmentation model. The accuarcy of the proposed method is shown on a real life dataset.
Effective Schoolwide Screening to Identify Students at Risk for Social and Behavioral Problems.

Many schools are developing a continuum of services and supports for students who may be struggling in school, whether through a response to intervention (RTI) model or a schoolwide positive behavior supports (SWPBS) model. In this context, it is important to keep in mind how inextricably linked academic success is with social and behavioral competence. In one study, DiPerna and Elliott (1999) found five predictor variables concerning student skills or behaviors related to overall success in school. These are referred to as academic enablers and include (a) prior achievement, (b) interpersonal skills, (c) study skills, (d) motivation, and (e) engagement. Students who have positively developed skills in all these areas are the best prepared for school success. Inversely, those who have challenges in any of these areas often struggle in school. In further studies on the role of these academic enablers in school performance, Ray and Elliott (2006) confirmed that both self-concept and social skills are directly related to academic achievement. In another recent study, general education students consistently rated higher on these factors than students who were identified as academically and/or behaviorally at risk, or students with learning disabilities (Elliott, DiPerna, Mroch, & Lang, 2004). These results suggest that schools will not be effective if they focus solely on identifying and responding to student concerns in one area only, whether it is academic or social/ behavioral. Instead, schools must recognize that student success in school is based on the interaction of all of these factors. In this context, the use of a proactive, systematic process for identifying student need across both academic and social/ behavioral areas allows schools to provide needed support and skill development across these areas before a student develops a more serious or prolonged problem that requires more intensive and formalized supports (Elliott, Huai, & Roach, 2007; Hawken, Vincent, & Schumann, 2008).
Mouse rump-white mutation associated with an inversion of Chromosome 5

The rump-white (Rw) mutation in the mouse was previously mapped as part of a cluster of spotting genes on Chromosome (Chr) 5 that includes the dominant spotting (W) and patch (Ph) loci. Recent studies have shown that the W locus encodes the KIT tyrosine kinase cell surface receptor and that Ph is a deletional mutation encompassing the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha subunit (Pdgfra) gene. However, the molecular basis of the Rw mutation remains to be established. We have analyzed an interspecific Mus spretus backcross segregating Rw and several loci proximal and distal to the W/Ph/Rw region to study the basis of this mutation. These studies indicated that loci within the En2 to Kit region of the chromosome do not recombine with one another even though they have been separated in other mapping studies presented here and elsewhere. We conducted a series of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) studies with genomic probes to En2, Msx1, D5Buc1, and Kit to compare the physical order of these loci on the Rw and wild-type chromosomes. The Kit locus mapped to approximately the same region on both chromosomes of the Rw heterozygotes, while the positions of En2, Msx1, and D5Buc1 were reversed on the two chromosomes. Taken together, both the genetic and physical mapping data establish that the Rw mutation is associated with an inversion involving loci in the proximal region of Chromosome 5.
Aggressive flight of fixed-wing and quadrotor aircraft in dense indoor environments

In this paper, we describe trajectory planning and state estimation algorithms for aggressive flight of micro aerial vehicles in known, obstacle-dense environments. Finding aggressive but dynamically feasible and collision-free trajectories in cluttered environments requires trajectory optimization and state estimation in the full state space of the vehicle, which is usually computationally infeasible on realistic timescales for real vehicles and sensors. We first build on previous work of van Nieuwstadt and Murray and Mellinger and Kumar, to show how a search process can be coupled with optimization in the output space of a differentially flat vehicle model to find aggressive trajectories that utilize the full maneuvering capabilities of a quadrotor. We further extend this work to vehicles with complex, Dubins-type dynamics and present a novel trajectory representation called a ?Dubins-Polynomial trajectory?, which allows us to optimize trajectories for fixed-wing vehicles. To provide accurate state estimation for aggressive flight, we show how the Gaussian particle filter can be extended to allow laser rangefinder localization to be combined with a Kalman filter. This formulation allows similar estimation accuracy to particle filtering in the full vehicle state but with an order of magnitude more efficiency. We conclude with experiments demonstrating the execution of quadrotor and fixed-wing trajectories in cluttered environments. We show results of aggressive flight at speeds of up to 8 m/s for the quadrotor and 11 m/s for the fixed-wing aircraft.
Variability of the blood composition of dairy cows in relation to time of day

A blood sample was taken at each hourly interval between 07.00 and 16.00 h on five consecutive days from each of two groups of five lactating and two groups of five nonlactating cows. The sampling was organized so that each cow was sampled twice daily and once at each time of day. Samples were analysed for blood glucose and haemoglobin, serum urea, inorganic phosphate, Ca, Mg, Na, K, total protein, albumin, Fe and Cu and plasma β-hydroxybutyrate. The sources of variation in the concentration of each constituent were determined. Definite patterns of changes in concentrations with time of day were observed for β-hydroxybutyrate, urea, Ca, Na, Mg and Cu. In lactating cows there was a 2½-fold increase in the concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate from the lowest at 07.00 to the highest at 11.00 h. Variation in the concentrations of the other constituents with time of day was a relatively small proportion of the total variance. It was concluded that diurnal variation in blood composition was unlikely to be a major source of error in interpretation for the usual constituents of a metabolic profile test. However, if β-hydroxybutyrate were to be included great care would be required in selecting a time for sampling.
The phytoplankton bloom response to wind events and upwelled nutrients during the CoOP WEST study

Abstract In the coastal waters off northern California, seasonal wind-driven upwelling supplies abundant nutrients to be processed by phytoplankton productivity. As part of the Coastal Ocean Processes: Wind Events and Shelf Transport (CoOP WEST) study, nutrients, CO 2 , size-fractionated chlorophyll, and phytoplankton community structure were measured in the upwelling region off Bodega Bay, CA, during May–June 2000, 2001 and 2002. The ability of this ecosystem to assimilate nitrate (NO 3 ) and silicic acid/silicate (Si(OH) 4 ) and accumulate particulate material (i.e. phytoplankton) was realized in all 3 years, following short events of upwelling-favorable winds, followed by periods of relaxed winds. This was observed as phytoplankton blooms, dominated by chlorophyll in cells greater than 5 μm in diameter, that reduced the ambient nutrients to zero. These communities were located over the near-shore shelf (
A 4-Mbit DRAM with trench-transistor cell

An experimental 5-V-only 1M-word/spl times/4-bit dynamic RAM with page and SCD modes has been built in a relatively conservative 1-/spl mu/m CMOS technology with double-level metal and deep trenches. It uses a cross-point one-transistor trench-transistor cell that measures only 9 /spl mu/m/SUP 2/. A double-ended adaptive folded bit-line architecture used on this DRAM provides the breakthrough needed to take full density advantage of this cross-point cell. The 30-fF storage capacitance of this cell is expected to provide high alpha immunity since the charge is stored in polysilicon and is oxide isolated from the substrate. A 150-ns now-address-stable access time and 40-ns column-address-strobe access time have been observed.
The impact of carvedilol on the defibrillation threshold

Background Defibrillation threshold (DFT) is the minimum energy required to successfully terminate ventricular fibrillation. Epinephrine has been shown to increase the DFT in the beta-blocker naive, but using cardioselective beta-blockers leads to a reduction in the DFT on infusion of epinephrine and norepinephrine. We sought to determine the impact of carvedilol therapy on the DFT after infusion of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Methods DFT was determined in patients receiving carvedilol by the step-down method (baseline DFT), and then patients (n = 27, 67.3 years, 70.0% were male, average left ventricular ejection fraction = 19%) were randomized to a 7-minute infusion of norepinephrine, epinephrine, or placebo in a double-blind manner. After the study drug infusion, DFT testing was repeated (experimental DFT) and results were compared between groups. Results No differences in intragroup DFTs were observed among carvedilol-treated patients receiving norepinephrine (9.4 ± 4.6 J vs 11.1 ± 7.8 J; P = .589), epinephrine (10.6 ± 5.3 J vs 9.8 ± 6.3 J; P = .779), or placebo (11.1 ± 7.0 vs 8.5 ± 4.2; P = .349). Conclusions Carvedilol prevents alterations in DFT produced by stress levels of catecholamines.
Degradation of Microtubule-Associated Protein 2 and Brain Spectrin by Calpain: A Comparative Study

The in vitro degradation of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) and spectrin by the calcium-dependent neutral protease calpain was studied. Five major results are reported. First, MAP-2 isolated from twice-cycled microtubules (2 X MT MAP-2) was extremely sensitive to calpain-induced hydrolysis. Even at an enzyme-to-substrate ratio (wt/wt) of 1:200, 2 X MT MAP-2 was significantly degraded by calpain. Second, MAP-2 purified from the total brain heat-stable fraction (total MAP-2) was significantly more resistant to calpain-induced hydrolysis compared with 2 X MT MAP-2. Third, MAP-2a and MAP-2b were proteolyzed similarly by calpain, although some relative resistance of MAP-2b was observed. Fourth, the presence of calmodulin significantly increased the extent of calpain-induced hydrolysis of the alpha-subunit of spectrin. Fifth, the two neuronal isoforms of brain spectrin (240/235 and 240/235E, referred to as alpha/beta N and alpha/beta E, respectively) showed different sensitivities to calpain. alpha N-spectrin was significantly more sensitive to calpain-induced degradation compared to alpha E-spectrin. Among other things, these results suggest a role for the calpain-induced degradation of MAP-2, as well as spectrin, in such physiological processes as alterations in synaptic efficacy, dendritic remodeling, and in pathological processes associated with neurodegeneration.
Temperature dependence of N2-broadened halfwidths of ozone

Abstract The temperature dependence of N 2 -broadened halfwidths of ozone has been studied over a temperature range of 200–500 K. Assuming the form γ (T) = γ (T 0 )( T 0 T ) n , the exponent n has been determined from QFT-ID calculations for 126 ro-vibrational transitions of ozone selected to consider a wide range of the rotational quantum number J ″ (1 to 35), the full manifold of K ″ a for particular J ″, values and transitions important to stratospheric studies. The results give an average temperature exponent of n = 0.77 for nitrogen-broadening. The temperature exponents are transition dependent but the fluctuation about the average value is small (±6%). The value on n as a function of J ″ and K ″ a is investigated. Comparison of the present results with experiment and other theoretical calculations shows good agreement. Based on the results an average temperature exponent for air-broadening of n = 0.76 is suggested.
14 year 113mCd

Abstract The half-lives of 113 m Cd and 115 m Cd have been redetermined to be 14 ± 2 years and 44·2 ± 0·5 days, respectively/ The ratio of 113 m Cd/ 115 m Cd yields from thermal neutron fission of 235 U is 0·27 ± 0·03, and the ratio of n , γ formation cross-sections is 0·31 ± 0·03. Combination of these ratios with literature values for the 115 m Cd fission yield and n , γ formation cross-section gives (1·9 ± 0·2) × 10 −4 per cent and 43 ± 10 mbarns for the 113 m Cd fission yield and n , γ formation cross-section, respectively.
Spinal lumbar synovial cysts. Diagnosis and management challenge

Sophisticated and newer imaging capabilities have resulted in increased reporting and treatment options of spinal lumbar synovial cysts (LSS). Most of the patients with lumbar cysts tend to be in their sixth decade of life with a slight female predominance. The incidence of LSS is thought to be less than 0.5% of the general symptomatic population. They may be asymptomatic and found incidentally or the epidural growth of cysts into the spinal canal can cause compression of neural structures and hence associated clinical symptoms. Most of the symptomatic LSS patients present with radicular pain and neurological deficits. Spinal synovial cysts are commonly found at L4-5 level, the site of maximum mobility. They may be unilateral or bilateral and at one or multilevel. MRI is considered the tool of choice for its diagnosis. The etiology of LSS is still unclear, but underlying spinal instability, facet joint arthropathy and degenerative spondylolisthesis has a strong association for worsening symptoms and formation of spinal cysts. Synovial cysts resistant to conservative therapy should be treated surgically. Resection and decompression with or without fusion and instrumentation remains an appropriate option. Synovial cysts may recur following surgery. The optimal approach for patients with juxtafacet LSS remains unclear. The best surgical treatment option for each particular individual should be tailored depending upon the symptoms, radiological findings and other co morbidities.
Laser Nano-Machining Using Near-Field Optics

Solid immersion lenses (SIL) facilitate high numerical aperture (NA) and consequent sub-wavelength diffraction limited focusing in near-field optics based systems. Such systems are in commercial and research use for various applications including near-field scanning optical microscopy, ultra-high density magnetooptic data storage and near-field nanolithography. Here, we present a novel manufacturing method using SIL-based near-field optics for laser-induced patterning on silicon wafers. Results of experiments that were conducted at various processing conditions to investigate the effects of varying incident laser power, pulse repetition rate, pulse width, number of pulses and size of SIL on processed feature size and resolution are presented.
Evaluation of a New Serum Testing Method for Detection of Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Serum prostate specific antigen is a highly specific test for diseases of the prostate gland but it is not specific for prostate cancer, which can lead to unnecessary biopsies. In an effort to find a more specific test, a new testing method for detecting prostate cancer based on deglycosylation of cell surface proteins and subsequent antibody formation in patients with prostate cancer was evaluated. In addition, antibody generation against the peptide fragments chosen to represent the cell surface proteins was determined to be cancer associated, cancer specific or not related to prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: Antibody titers to 67 unique peptide sequences representing 41 cell surface proteins were determined in 25 men with known prostate cancer (cancer group) and 34 men without prostate cancer (control group). The titers of the control and cancer groups were compared for statistical significance. Additionally, each peptide was identified as being cancer specific, cancer associated or not ...
Market Forecasting for Dual Economies: The Application and Accuracy of Income Elasticities

Forecasts for rapidly growing urban consumer markets of dual economies are badly needed. The marketing forecasting task is complicated by a lack of resources and data. This article explores a possibility to overcome these constraints by using projections based on income elasitcites. Estimation and projection regression models are constructed and applied, using cross-sectional household income and expenditure data for various urban South African population groups. Based on relatively favorable comparisons with some alternative extrapolations and the actual data, replication in other similar markets seems possible. The development of more comprehensive and realistic models should be undertaken as additional data become available.
Relation of the pigeon to cryptococcosis: natural carrier state, heat resistance and survival of Cryptococcus neoformans.

The feral pigeon in New York City was found to serve as a mechanical carrier of pathogenic strains ofCryptococcus neoformans. Of 94 feral pigeons freshly trapped in the city, 7 were found to carryC. neoformans on their beaks and feet, while their rectal swabs were negative. Following crop instillation ofC. neoformans in 3 feral pigeons, the fungus survived passage through the gastrointestinal tract and appeared in the fresh feces within one hour after inoculation and was still present 24 hours later. The internal body (rectal) temperatures of 57 feral pigeons recorded soon after capture in two seasons of the year, ranged from 41.5° C to 43.3° C and averaged 42.5° ± 0.39° C. The birds were able to maintain their high temperatures in the face of sustained cold, indicating the presence of a strong thermoregulating mechanism. A study of the growth and survival of 60 human strains ofC. neoformans on Sabouraud dextrose yeast extract agar slants revealed that 100 % of the cultures were able to grow at 39° C, 92 % at 40° C, 30 % at 41° C, 17 % at 42° C and 8 % at 43° C. Despite exposure to these temperatures for 7 days, 100 % of the human strains survived at 40° C, 97 % at 41° C, 95 % at 42° C, 91 % at 43° C, 88 % at 44° C, 47 % at 45° C and none at 47° C. Seventy strains ofC. neoformans of pigeon excreta origin showed a similar pattern of heat resistance, except that 11 % of these strains survived 47° C. The inability ofC. neoformans to grow at 44° C, a property shared by all 130 strains, provides a new species characteristic.C. neoformans was found to multiply rapidly in moist pigeon excreta extract, reaching counts up to 60 million per ml within 3 weeks, and to be still viable in moist as well as dessicated pigeon excreta extract after more than two years of storage at room temperature.
Chronic treatment with polyethylene-glycolated superoxide dismutase partially restores endothelium-dependent vascular relaxations in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

The endothelium-derived relaxing factor is rapidly inactivated by superoxide radicals, and atherosclerotic vessels generate excess radical species. We tested the hypothesis that an imbalance between intrinsic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the generation of superoxide radicals in atherosclerotic arteries may result in augmented inactivation of endothelium-derived relaxing factor. Vascular SOD was increased in normal and cholesterol-fed (1% cholesterol for 4 months) rabbits approximately twofold by treatment with polyethylene-glycolated SOD (PEG-SOD; 41,000 units/kg/day i.m.) for 1 week. Aortic rings from these animals and nontreated control and atherosclerotic rabbits subsequently were studied in organ chambers. Endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine and the calcium ionophore A23187 were improved by PEG-SOD in atherosclerotic but not in normal rabbits. PEG-SOD pretreatment did not alter endothelium-independent relaxations to nitroprusside. Thus, treatment with PEG-SOD can partially restore impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation of atherosclerotic arteries. We conclude that generation of oxygen-derived radicals likely contributes to endothelial dysfunction of atherosclerotic arteries.
Mixed lineage leukaemia-4 regulates cell-cycle progression and cell viability and its depletion suppresses growth of xenografted tumour in vivo

Mixed lineage leukaemia-4 regulates cell-cycle progression and cell viability and its depletion suppresses growth of xenografted tumour in vivo
Temperature Profiles Within Milk after Heating in a Continuous-flow Tubular Microwave System Operating at 915 MHz

Milk with different different fat contents contents (0, 1, 2, 4%, and chocolate milk) were heated in a specially designed continuous-flow microwave applicator operating at 915 MHz. The nominal power was 5 kW and flow rates were 2.0 and 3.0 L/min to attain laminar flow. Temperature profiles at the exit of the applicator were measured. The results showed that the average increases in temperature were similar to one another, being 42 °C at 2.0 L/ min and 29 °C at 3.0 L/min. Differences between the lowest and highest temperatures were 3.7 and 3.0 °C, respectively. The temperature profiles illustrated that slightly higher temperatures were achieved within segments flowing close to the center of the tube.
Asymmetric Mean Reversion in European Interest Rates: A Two-factor Model

Abstract This paper tests for asymmetric mean reversion in European short-term interest rates using a combination of the interest rate models introduced by Longstaff and Schwartz (Longstaff, F.A., Schwarts, E.S. (1992) Interest rate volatility and the ferm structure: A two factor general equilibrium model, Journal of Finance, 48, pp. 1259–1282.) and Bali (Bali, T. (2000) Testing the empirical performance of stochastic volatility models of the short-term interest rates, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, 35, pp. 191–215.). Using weekly rates for France, Germany and the United Kingdom, it is found that short-term rates follow in all instances asymmetric mean reverting processes. Specifically, interest rates exhibit non-stationary behavior following rate increases, but they are strongly mean reverting following rate decreases. The mean reverting component is statistically and economically stronger thus offsetting non-stationarity. Volatility depends on past innovations past volatility and the le...