cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vegetation mapping on hardwood rangelands in California

Spectral Mixture Analysis (SMA) was used to distinguish the fractional abundance of green foliage, dry grass, and soil in Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data. Three maximum...
Remarks on Singularities, Dimension and Energy Dissipation for Ideal Hydrodynamics and MHD

For weak solutions of the incompressible Euler equations, there is energy conservation if the velocity is in the Besov space B3s with s greater than 1/3. B3s consists of functions that are Lip(s) (i.e., Holder continuous with exponent s) measured in the Lp norm. Here this result is applied to a velocity field that is Lip(α0) except on a set of co-dimension \(\) on which it is Lip($agr;1), with uniformity that will be made precise below. We show that the Frisch-Parisi multifractal formalism is valid (at least in one direction) for such a function, and that there is energy conservation if \(\). Analogous conservation results are derived for the equations of incompressible ideal MHD (i.e., zero viscosity and resistivity) for both energy and helicity . In addition, a necessary condition is derived for singularity development in ideal MHD generalizing the Beale-Kato-Majda condition for ideal hydrodynamics.
A survey of rural small business computer use: success factors and decision support

Abstract A survey was conducted on 500 rural small manufacturing businesses to investigate their perception of the impact of computer use on decision performance. Two key findings emerged. First, computer systems failed to provide adequate support to many decision activities. Second, executives in such businesses were satisfied with their computer systems. However, many did not perceive a positive correlation between computer use and cost efficiency. The survey also tested the relationship between organizational characteristics and success of computer use. The survey showed that MIS ranking function, age of business, and EDP experience were significantly associated with success of computer use.
Multivariable Predictors of Postoperative Respiratory Failure after General and Vascular Surgery: Results from the Patient Safety in Surgery Study

Background Postoperative respiratory failure (RF) is associated with an increase in hospital morbidity, mortality, cost, and late mortality. We developed and tested a model to predict the risk of postoperative RF in patients undergoing major vascular and general surgical operations. This model is an extension of an earlier model that was derived and tested exclusively from a population of male patients from the Veterans Affairs National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Methods Patients undergoing vascular and general surgical procedures at 14 academic and 128 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers from October 2001 through September 2004 were used to develop and test a predictive model of postoperative RF using logistic regression analyses. RF was defined as postoperative mechanical ventilation for longer than 48 hours or unanticipated reintubation. Results Of 180,359 patients, 5,389 (3.0%) experienced postoperative RF. Twenty-eight variables were found to be independently associated with RF. Current procedural terminology group, patients with a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, emergency operations, more complex operation (work relative value units), preoperative sepsis, and elevated creatinine were more likely to experience RF. Older patients, male patients, smokers, and those with a history of congestive heart failure or COPD, or both, were also predisposed. The model's discrimination (c-statistic) was excellent, with no decrement from development (0.856) to validation (0.863) samples. Conclusions This model updates a previously validated one and is more broadly applicable. Its use to predict postoperative RF risk enables the study of preventative measures or preoperative risk adjustment and intervention to improve outcomes.
Redirection of extensor pollicis longus in the treatment of spastic thumb-in-palm deformity

Twenty patients with the thumb-in-palm deformity associated with cerebral palsy were treated surgically by redirecting the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon through the first dorsal retinacular compartment in association with releasing the spastic intrinsic thenar muscles at their origin. The redirected EPL tendon augmented extension-abduction of the thumb in all patients; 18 patients were able to grasp with the thumb outside the clenched fist and noted improvement in functional activities. Augmentation tendon transfer that uses the EPL is an ideal surgical treatment for patients with cerebral palsy who have a thumb-in-palm deformity, since the procedure relieves an adduction deforming force and augments the weak extension-abduction by means of a musculotendon transfer that is known to function during digital extension. Consequently, postoperative reeducation of the transfer is minimal.
Performance of phonoelectrocardiographic left ventricular systolic time intervals and B-type natriuretic peptide levels in the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction.

Background: Systolic time intervals measured by echocardiography and carotid artery tracings are validated methods of assessing left ventricular function. However, the clinical utility of phonoelectrocardiographic systolic time intervals for predicting heart failure using newer technology has not been evaluated. Methods: We enrolled 100 adult patients undergoing left heart catheterization. Participants underwent computerized phonoelectrocardiographic analysis, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) measurement, transthoracic echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing. The heart rate-adjusted systolic time intervals included the time from the Q wave onset to peak S1 (electromechanical activation time, EMAT), Q wave onset to peak S2 (electromechanical systole, Q-S2), and peak S1 to peak S2 (left ventricular systolic time, LVST). Left ventricular dysfunction was defined as the presence of both LVEDP >15 mmHg and LVEF <50%. Results: EMAT (r =−0.51; P < 0.0001), EMAT/LVST (r =−0.41; P = 0.0001), and Q-S2 (r =−0.39; P = 0.0003) correlated with LVEF, but not with LVEDP. An abnormal EMAT ≥15 (odds ratio 1.38, P < 0.0001) and EMAT/LVST ≥0.40 (OR 1.13, P = 0.002) were associated with left ventricular dysfunction. EMAT ≥15 had 44% sensitivity, 94% specificity, and a 7.0 likelihood ratio for left ventricular dysfunction, while EMAT/LVST ≥0.40 had 55% sensitivity, 95% specificity, and a 11.7 likelihood ratio. In patients with an intermediate BNP (100–500 pg/mL), the likelihood ratio increased from 1.1 using the BNP result alone to 11.0 when adding a positive EMAT test for predicting left ventricular dysfunction. Conclusions: Phonoelectrocardiographic measures of systolic time intervals are insensitive but highly specific tests for detecting abnormalities in objective markers of left ventricular function. EMAT and EMAT/LVST provide diagnostic information independent of BNP for detecting patients with left ventricular dysfunction.
Measuring the burden of disease: healthy life-years.

OBJECTIVES: This paper presents the background and rationale for a composite indicator, healthy life-year (HeaLY), that incorporates mortality and morbidity into a single number. HeaLY is compared with the disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) indicator, to demonstrate the relative simplicity and ease of use of the former. METHODS: Data collected by the Ghana Health Assessment team from census records, death certificates, medical records, and special studies were used to create a spreadsheet. HeaLYs lost as a result of premature mortality and disability from 56 conditions were estimated. RESULTS: Two thirds of HeaLYs lost in Ghana were from maternal and communicable diseases and were largely preventable. The age weighting in DALYs leads to a higher value placed on deaths at younger ages than in HeaLYs. This spreadsheet can be used as a template for assessing changes in health status attributable to interventions. CONCLUSIONS: HeaLY can aid in setting health priorities and identifying disadvantaged groups. ...
Fiber optic sensor for the simultaneous detection of strain and temperature

For simple interferometric fiberoptic sensors, the effects of strain and temperature are indistinguishable. This paper addresses that problem by demonstrating a single wavelength, two-mode polarimetric fiberoptic sensor capable of simultaneously measuring temperature and strain. The sensor consists of two interferometers, a polarimetric and a two-mode, formed in a single elliptical core fiber. The interferometers respond with different sensitivities to strain and temperature like simultaneous functions of the two variables. A technique is developed by which the outputs of the interferometers are used simultaneously to measure strain and temperature with rms errors less than 30 (mu) (epsilon) and 1 degree(s)C. Finally, measurement results for a real-time system are presented.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Multi-path SAR change detection

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a form of imaging radar. The defining characteristic of SAR is the usage of relative motion between an antenna and its target region to provide long-term coherent-signal variations that can be exploited to obtain fine spatial resolution for radar image. Due to the improvement of SAR data acquisition technique and the flexibility of SAR sensor deployment, multi-pass SAR imageries can be easily obtained. More information and intelligence can be extracted from SAR imageries. This paper will address one challenging issue for SAR data fusion, i.e. multi-pass SAR change detection. Two methods are proposed in this paper to perform multi-pass SAR change detection. One method is based on robust principal component analysis (PCA) and the other method uses template matching plus thresholding. Both methods explore the local statistics to indicate the change of each pixel in the SAR imageries. The visualization performances illustrate the potential of these two methods for the issue of SAR change detection.
Contemporary Awareness and Understanding of Cholesterol as a Risk Factor: Results of an American Heart Association National Survey

Background Public awareness and understanding of risk factors for atherosclerotic vascular disease are essential for successful primary and secondary prevention. The American Heart Association is committed to reducing cardiovascular disease. Methods A professional market survey company conducted a structured national telephone survey of English-speaking adults 40 years and older on behalf of the American Heart Association. Regional and sex quotas were imposed on the sample, and responses were weighted to match the 1999 census projections for region of the country, age, sex, and race. Results Interviews were completed with 1163 adults 40 years and older. A national probability sample of 1114 was created. Of the final sample, 28.5% were 65 years or older, 56.1% were women, and 86.5% were white. Although 91.2% of respondents stated that it was "important to them personally to have a healthy cholesterol level" (77.6% extremely or very important), 51% did not know their own level. Only 40.2% were aware of national guidelines for cholesterol management, and 53.1% either did not know or overestimated the correct desirable total cholesterol level for a healthy adult. When asked what sources of information they rely on the most, 66.8% identified physicians, while only 3.7% rely primarily on the Internet. Conclusions Public understanding of cholesterol management is suboptimal. Physicians have a unique opportunity, on the basis of public attitudes and access, to improve cholesterol education.
Expression of neuropeptide processing enzymes and neurosecretory proteins in ependyma and choroid plexus epithelium.

Abstract Recent studies suggest that brain ependyma and choroid plexus produce neuropeptide processing enzymes. To facilitate the understanding of these cells and their ability to produce biologically active peptides, we developed cultures of defined cell type. Ependymal cells were characterized by morphological criteria, and choroid plexus epithelial cell lines were characterized by the presence of the mRNA for IGF-II and transthyretin, a thyroxine binding protein produced in liver and choroid plexus. The ependymal cells and the choroid plexus epithelial cell lines were then examined for the presence of mRNAs for various neuropeptide processing enzymes. Northern blot analysis revealed high levels of furin, car☐ypeptidase E, and peptidyl glycine α-amidating monooxygenase mRNAs, with levels in ependymal cells comparable to those in brain or pituitary. Car☐ypeptidase E activity was detected in medium from cultured ependymal cells; this activity was identified as car☐ypeptidase E based on the acidic pH optimum and sensitivity to various inhibitors. The mRNAs for other neuropeptide processing enzymes, such as prohormone convertases 1 and 2, were not detected on Northern blots of RNA from ependyma or choroid plexus epithelium. Since ependyma and choroid plexus epithelium express a subset of processing enzymes, we suggest that these cells have the capacity to produce biologically active peptides. Initial screening by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assays has demonstrated the presence of mRNA for the neurosecretory proteins chromogranin B and secretogranin II in both ependyma and choroid plexus epithelium.
Chase, Chance, and Creativity: The Lucky Art of Novelty. James H. Austin. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 2003, 245 pp., $18.95, paperback. ISBN 0-262-51135-5.

Perhaps it was just serendipity that the editor asked me to comment on this book. If it was, then I had little knowledge, before reading it, what impact serendipity could, or does, have on our lives. Dr. Austin has revised his earlier book, published in 1978, without too much discussion of the reasons for revision except to emphasize the ageless questions that contrast luck vs creativity and how these affect success in research and life. The book discusses the three elements of the title in an engaging manner. Autobiographical experiences dominate the first section, in which the author uses his experience as a physician and researcher in the field of neurology to highlight the ways in which the search for progress (the chase) can be influenced by apparently …
EXPLAINING THE EDUCATIONAL DEFICITS OF DELINQUENT YOUTHS

Why do delinquent youths complete less education than do their conventional peers? Theory and research in criminology and in the sociology of education suggest that two aspects of youths' commitment to education, their future goals and their behavioral investments in those goals, may explain the delinquency-education relationship, but only when considered jointly. Using panel data from the National Education Longitudinal Study, we find that educational expectations and school effort together explain delinquents' lower rates of college attendance and graduation, but of these two factors, effort provides the more powerful explanation. We also find that transcript grades explain more of the delinquency-education relationship than do self-reported grades, which indicates that delinquent youths may not know exactly how they are performing in school. Our findings suggest that the aspirational and behavioral components of commitment to education are only loosely coupled, and that delinquent youths may not understand how their behavior can jeopardize their goals.
Complementary competition in cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Grain yield and its endpoint components were studied for three barley varieties, Dayton, Hudson, and Tenn 60-34, as pure stands and two-way and three-way mixtures at three widely separated sites for two years. The populations, including the pure stands, produced similar grain yields. Complementary competition was observed in all mixed populations in which Tenn 60-34 occurred. Its yield was suppressed in mixtures about 20% while Dayton and Hudson increased a like amount so that total mixed population yield was equal to that expected from pure stand performance. Tenn 60-34 occurred at 33, 50, and 80% frequencies in mixed populations with no difference in competition, indicating a lack of frequency dependency for the effect.
The USA-derived transcriptional coactivator PC2 is a submodule of TRAP/SMCC and acts synergistically with other PCs.

Abstract PC2, the high–molecular weight constituent of the potent USA transcriptional coactivator fraction, was identified as a Mediator-like complex. Its composition resembles that of the TRAP/SMCC complex, but PC2 is distinguished by the prominent absence of the SRB10 and SRB11 kinase/cyclin pair, as well as several additional polypeptides. Furthermore, affinity-purified PC2, which lacks independent activity, acts in synergy with USA-derived coactivators PC3/topoisomerase I and PC4 to mediate the effects of a variety of activators (including VP16, the synthetic activator GAL4-AH, and the orphan nuclear receptor HNF4) and thus recapitulates partial USA coactivator function.
Optical nanosensors and nanoprobes: from single-cell exploration to medical diagnostics

This lecture presents an overview of recent advances in the development of optical nanobiosensor and nanoprobe technology at the nexus of engineering, biology, medicine and nanotechnology. The presentation describes two areas of research related to the development of nanoprobes and nanosensors for biomolecule detection and single-cell analysis : (1) plasmonics nanoprobes using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection; and (2) nanobiosensors for in vivo analysis of a single cell for molecular diagnostics and imaging, and ultra-high throughput screening. Novel nanobiosensors and nanoprobes combining bio-recognition and nanotechnology have been developed for in-vitro molecular diagnostics and in-vivo monitoring of biological targets and biochemical processes in a single living cell. These studies demonstrate applications of plasmonics “molecular sentinel” nanoprobes for diagnostics of diseases such as cancer and the use of nano-biosensors for measurements of molecular signaling pathways inside a single cell. Fiberoptics-based nanobiosensors are used to detect apoptotic processes in single cells following photodynamic cancer treatment or to monitor pH in cancer cells. These nanodevices open new possibilities to a wide range of applications in medical diagnostics at the point of care, global health, molecular imaging, biology research, ultra-high throughput screening, and investigations of the therapeutic action of pharmaceutical agents.
Supply, Demand, and the Internet—Economic Lessons for Microeconomic Principles Courses

Abstract Though interest in using the Internet in economics and other business courses has been growing, relatively little formal discussion has focused on how the microeconomic principles curriculum can incorporate the Internet's effect on firms and consumers. In this article, the authors investigate how the rapidly growing Internet is affecting the position of supply and demand curves, the elasticity of supply and demand, and other microeconomic topics. They offer suggestions on how these topics can be used to improve classroom discussion and enhance students' intuition.
Effect of treatment with some atypical antidepressants on 3H-DHA binding in rat brain

The mechanism of therapeutic action of antidepressant drugs has been related to their effects on metabolism and release and reuptake of catecholamines and serotonin. Some atypical antidepressants, however, do not have such pharmacological effects. Recently it has been reported that most of the antidepressant drugs cause down regulation of beta adrenergic receptors in rat brain after chronic treatment. In order to examine if this is a common and specific pharmacologic property of all antidepressant drugs, we have studied the effects of treatment with some atypical antidepressant drugs on beta adrenergic receptor binding in rat cortex using 3H-dihydroalprenolol (DHA) as the radiolabeled ligand. Our results indicate that chronic treatment with almost all antidepressants studied causes down regulation of beta adrenergic receptors. However, such effects are not observed after treatment with neuroleptics such as haloperidol or chlorpromazine or psychomotor stimulants such as cocaine. This approach thus provides a useful method of screening potential antidepressant drugs.
Development of visually controlled maternal preferences in peking ducklings

The interaction between natural visual and auditory stimulation in the control of filial behavior was studied in domestic mallard (Peking) ducklings during the first 3 days of postnatal life. Visual imprinting at 24 hr resulted in a visual preference for the familiar model over an unfamiliar model in each of two choice tests, one at 48 hr and one at 72 hr, but only if both models were silent. If both models emitted a recording of the mallard maternal call, the visual preference was found only in the later (72-hr) test. Visuomotor experience between training and testing was found to be essential for the development of the visual preference at 72 hr, but the required experience was of a very general nature. Either a choice test with silent models or a period of social rearing (between 24 and 72 hr) provided effective experience. Thus, the ability to show a visual preference in the presence of the maternal call at 72 hr depends on experience, but not necessarily on further exposure to the imprinting object or to any specific aspects of the test situation. These results demonstrate the importance of normal visual, motor and/or social experience to the development of the visual control of filial behavior in ducklings.
Using stuck-at tests to form scan-based tests for transition faults in standard-scan circuits

In enhanced-scan circuits, a two-pattern test for a transition fault can be obtained by using a test tj that detects a stuck-at fault, and preceding it by a test ti that activates another stuck-at fault. Thus, test generation for transition faults can be done by combining pairs of stuck-at tests. This provides an alternative to deterministic test generation, as well as reduces the test storage requirements for transition fault tests. We study the possibility of generating scan-based tests for transition faults in standard-scan circuits in a similar way, by combining pairs of stuck-at tests. Since it is not always possible to obtain a standard-scan test that is equivalent to a two-pattern test based on stuck-at tests ti and tj, it is not always possible to guarantee that the combination of ti and tj will detect a transition fault. To compensate for this, it is necessary to try combinations of different stuck-at test pairs, resulting in an increased simulation effort to compute effective standard-scan tests. Our focus in this work is on reducing this simulation effort by reducing the number of stuck-at test pairs that need to be considered.
Redox homeostasis phenotypes in RubisCO‐deficient Rhodobacter sphaeroides via ensemble modeling

Photosynthetic bacteria are capable of carrying out the fundamental biological processes of carbon dioxide assimilation and photosynthesis. In this work, ensemble modeling (EM) was used to examine the behavior of mutant strains of the nonsulfur purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides containing a blockage in the primary CO(2) assimilatory pathway, which is responsible for cellular redox balance. When the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) pathway is nonfunctional, spontaneous adaptive mutations have evolved allowing for the use of at least two separate alternative redox balancing routes enabling photoheterotrophic growth to occur. The first of these routes expresses the nitrogenase complex, even in the presence of normal repressing ammonia levels, dissipating excess reducing power via its inherent hydrogenase activity to produce large quantities of hydrogen gas. The second of these routes may dissipate excess reducing power through reduction of sulfate by the formation of hydrogen sulfide. EM was used here to investigate metabolism of R. sphaeroides and clearly shows that inactivation of the CBB pathway affects the organism's ability to achieve redox balance, which can be restored via the above-mentioned alternative redox routes. This work demonstrates that R. sphaeroides is capable of adapting alternative ways via mutation to dissipate excess reducing power when the CBB pathway is inactive, and that EM is successful in describing this behavior.
Operational efficiency in banking: An international comparison

Abstract In this paper, we estimate a global cost function for international banks to test for both input and output inefficiencies. Our results for 1988–1992 suggest that for banks in 15 countries, the prevalence of input X-inefficiencies far outweighs that of output inefficiencies (as measured by economies of scale and scope). Moreover, our results suggests that the distribution-free model overestimates the magnitude of X-inefficiencies relative to the stochastic cost frontier approach. Large banks in separated banking countries (that prohibit the functional integration of commercial and investment banking) had the largest measure of input inefficiency amounting to 27.5 percent of total costs as well as significant levels of diseconomies of scale. All other banks have X-inefficiency levels ranging in the area of fifteen percent of total costs with slight economies of scale for small banks.
The number of paths and cycles in a digraph.

An algorithm is presented for constructing from the adjacency matrix of a digraph the matrix of its simplen-sequences. In this matrix, thei, j entry,i ≠j, gives the number of paths of lengthn from a pointv i to a pointv j ; the diagonal entryi, i gives the number of cycles of lengthn containingv i . The method is then generalized to networks—that is, digraphs in which some value is assigned to each line. With this generalized algorithm it is possible, for a variety of value systems, to calculate the values of the paths and cycles of lengthn in a network and to construct its value matrix of simplen-sequences. The procedures for obtaining the two algorithms make use of properties of a line digraph—that is, a derived digraph whose points and lines represent the lines and adjacency of lines of the given digraph.
The chemical composition and origin of the primeval continental crust

Existing geological and geochemical evidence permits the judgment to be made that the primeval crust was formed through fractionation of magmatic melts from the mantle during early stages of the earth's evolution. The basalt-andesitic composition of the primeval continental lithosphere explains the formation of andesitic “proto-continents” floating above the hot basaltic bed. The consequent evolution of the proto-continents (mainly during the Precambrian time) involves, according to the scheme discussed earlier, an interaction of rocks composing the primeval continental crust with ascending flows of mantle-borne superheated aqueous solutions carrying potassium and silicon from the mantle. The development of metasomatic granitization and subsequent fusion of granitic magma from the metasomatically altered rocks are considered the main effects of such interactions which resulted, finally, in the formation of the present continental lithosphere. Average compositions of the present continental lithosphere, orthoamphibolite and andesite of the island arcs have been used to reconstitute the composition of the primeval continental crust, using the equations of geochemical balance. Only a basalt-andesitic primeval continental crust fits the requirements of the geochemical balance. The calculated model of this consists of 15,337 × 1024 g andesites and of 5,508 × 1024 g basalts and has the following average composition (in %): O-46.24; Si-26.22; Al-8.86; Fe-6.32; Mg-2.63; Ca-5.40; Na-2.32; K-1.04; Ti-0.63. According to the geochemical balance the rock-forming chemical elements composing the lithosphere can be divided into three groups: (1) elements which, after magmatic fractionation of the primeval crust, were not brought into the lithosphere by the mantle-borne aqueous solutions, or emigrated with the residual solutions onto the surface of the crust (Al, Mg); (2) elements which, after magmatic fractionation of the primeval crust, were additionally introduced into the continental lithosphere by aqueous solutions from the mantle (Si, K, O and, in minor quantities, Na); (3) elements of the primeval crust which were partially freed during the process of granitization and were transported in large amounts by the residual endogenous solutions onto the surface of the crust (Ca, in lesser degree Fe).
The Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Ammonia-Borane Involving an Unexpected Hydrogen Transfer to Ligated Carbene and Subsequent Carbon-Hydrogen Activation

Density functional Tao−Perdew−Staroverov−Scuseria calculations with all-electron correlation-consistent polarized valence double-ζ basis set demonstrate that N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) nickel complexes catalyze the dehydrogenation of ammonia-borane, a candidate for chemical hydrogen storage, through proton transfer from nitrogen to the metal-bound carbene carbon, instead of the B−H or N−H bond activation. This new C−H bond is then activated by the metal, transferring the H to the metal, then forming the H2 by transferring a H from B to the metal, instead the β-H transfer. This reaction pathway explains the importance of the NHC ligands in the dehydrogenation and points the way to finding new catalyst with higher efficiency, as partial unsaturation of the M-L bond may be essential for rapid H transfers.
Characterization of TAT-mediated transport of detachable kinase substrates.

The conjugation of peptides derived from the HIV TAT protein to membrane-impermeant molecules has gained wide acceptance as a means for intracellular delivery. Numerous studies have addressed the mechanism of uptake and kinetics of TAT translocation, but the cytosolic concentrations and bioavailability of the transported cargo have not been well-characterized. The current paper utilizes a microanalytical assay to perform quantitative single-cell measurements of the concentration and accessibility of peptide-based substrates for protein kinase B (PKB) and Ca2+/calmodulin-activated kinase II. The substrate peptide and TAT were conjugated through a releasable linker, either a disulfide or photolabile bond. Free substrate peptide concentrations of ∼10-20−10-18 moles were attainable in a cell when substrates were delivered utilizing these conjugates. The substrate peptides delivered as a disulfide conjugate were often present in the cytosol as several oxidized forms. Brief exposure of cells loaded with the pho...
Spatiotemporal mapping of scalp potentials.

Computerized analysis and display techniques are applied to the problem of identifying the origins of visually evoked scalped potentials (VESP’s). A new stimulus for VESP work, white noise, is being incorporated in the solution of this problem. VESP’s for white-noise stimulation exhibit time domain behavior similar to the classcial response for flash stimuli but with certain significant differences. Contour mapping algorithms are used to display the time behavior of equipotential surfaces on the scalp during the VESP. The electrical and geometrical parameters of the head are modeled. Electrical fields closely matching those obtained experimentally are generated on the surface of the model head by optimally selecting the location and strength parameters of one or two dipole current sources contained within the model. Computer graphics are used to display as a movie the actual and model scalp potential field and the parameters of the dipole generators within the model head during the time course of the VESP. These techniques are currently used to study retinotopic mapping, fusion, and texture perception in the human.
Location of errors with a post-stimulus indicator

To examine why Averbach & Coriell (1961), in their experiment on short-term visual storage, found a "W* shaped error distribution over positions, their experiment was replicated, using as stimuli arrays of one row of eight letters, each followed by an indicator delayed from 0 to 3,200 msec informing S which of the eight letters to report. Further, on half of the 2,560 trials, parentheses were drawn around the array to simulate an equivalent amount of metacontrast for the end letters as for all of the others. The “W” shape was replicated with and without parentheses, although adding parentheses substantially reduced the accuracy of Positions 1 and 8, leaving the others virtually unaffected. No interaction was found between delay and position, nor did any change in the properties of visual or auditory confusion among the errors occur over positions, delays, or parentheses. The results all suggest that the “W” function is due strictly to better acuity for the middle items near fixation and less metacontrast for the end items. No hint was found that the pattern of errors might be due to processes related to encoding or to memory-maintenance variables.
Perturbation analysis of sojourn time in queueing networks

The sample path perturbation analysis technique developed earlier for throughput sensitivity analysis (refs. 1,2) is extended to performance measure involving sojourn time of customers. Numerical experiments and analysis validate this method of computation of the sensitivities.
Wave Propagation Algorithms for Multidimensional Hyperbolic Systems

A class of high resolution multidimensional wave-propagation algorithms is described for general time-dependent hyperbolic systems. The methods are based on solving Riemann problems and applying limiter functions to the resulting waves, which are then propagated in a multidimensional manner. For nonlinear systems of conservation laws the methods are conservative and yield good shock resolution. The methods are generalized to hyperbolic systems that are not in conservation form and to problems that include a “capacity function.” Several examples are included for gas dynamics, acoustics in a heterogeneous medium, and advection in a stratified flow on curvilinear grids. The software packageCLAWPACKimplements these algorithms in Fortran and is freely available on the Web. One and two space dimensions are discussed here, although the algorithms and software have also been extended to three dimensions.
Application of an end-systolic pressure-segment length relationship for measuring regional contractility

A method for estimating regional contractility is described using the end-systolic relationships between left ventricular pressure and myocardial segment-lengths in rapidly volume-loaded beats. The approach was based on the success of previously developed end-systolic relationships between left ventricular used to describe glopal contractility in beating hearts. The regional end-systolic relationship was more complicated than its global counterpart, which was load independent, and appeared curvilinear to rapid volume loading. As an approximation of this relationship, a linear slope was constructed between maximum and minimum (pre-ejection) loaded beats of equal cycle length. Because of its load dependency and in order to compare slope relationships between interventions, slope functions were derived only from similarly loaded beats either within or between interventions. Slopes generated by this technique had a reasonable constancy at control conditions and coronary flows with an average SEM of 9.1% of the slope means. End-systolic slopes also appeared sensitive to changes in contractile state, increasing appropriately following treatments with dobutamine and decreasing after propranolol. Following shifts in the end-systolic slopes were unreliable, however, in describing the regional changes in contractility with ischemia. At milder levels of flow restriction, the slopes declined as expected. At moderate levels of flow restriction, the pressure-segment loops shifted markedly rightward and the slope increased. At advanced levels of ischemia, the loops were so distorted, that end-systole could not be identified accurately and the loops essentially described the diastolic compliance characteristics of the left ventricle. Thus the slope estimates of regional contractility as described in this report provided a reliable assessment of inotropic background during modifications with positive and negative inotropic drugs but became invalid as systolic shortening was replaced by aneurysmal bulging high-grade ischemia.
Stanley's Shuffling Theorem Revisited

We give a new bijective proof of Stanley's Shuffling Theorem using a more elementary approach, mapping a shuffling of two permutations to a pair of stars and bars arrangements. We conclude with a few remarks about consequences of the shuffling theorem.
Using field theory to measure surface resistivity of high-resistance polymeric films

Theoretical expressions based on Ohm's law for field theory were derived to measure surface resistivity of high-resistance polymer films using parallel plate and concentric circular electrodes. Experimental measurements of resistivity were compared to experimental measurements using conventional expressions based on Ohm's law for circuit theory. Expressions based on Ohm's law for circuit theory were found to be inadequate for measuring surface resistivity. The surface resistivity of high-resistance films can be accurately measured if electric field theory is used to include the effects of electrode structure, if relative humidity (RH) and temperature are controlled, if the level of applied voltage is limited, and if the measuring system is shielded from extraneous electric and magnetic fields. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 2856–2862, 2001
Response to ‘Aren't we forgetting ACE inhibitor's dark side’?

We thank Drs Messerli, Phung, and Nussberger for reminding the readers of Kidney International that no medication is completely free of adverse side effects, and that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) are no exception.1 They raise the issue of fatal angioedema from ACEi therapy as an example of its dark side. While this is certainly a potential complication of ACEi, it is a dramatic event that is readily apparent, unlike the insidious development of metabolic and perhaps renal parenchymal complications of long-term thiazide therapy. Angioedema from ACEi is exceedingly rare, seen in about 0.1% of patients2 and tends to occur soon after initiation of therapy, although it can be significantly delayed.2, 3 Messerli and co-workers1, 4 point out that 20% of ACEi angioedemas are life threatening, and 16% of these may be fatal. A large, population-based study of 1.2 million people given enalapril found that 22% of angioedemas were life threatening, but only one death was attributable to ACEi-related angioedema.2 A study of the Tennessee Medicaid database from 1986 to 1992 found no ACEi-related angioedema deaths in 52 734 patient-years of ACEi therapy.5 With regard to the ALLHAT angioedema death cited by Messerli et al., this occurred when a patient was re-challenged with an ACEi (personal communication from Dr Jackson Wright, Case Western Reserve University), and thus was preventable. Furthermore, it is our sense that the medical community is now well aware of this potential problem with ACEi, and that ACEi will be stopped before major difficulties arise. Such expectation was not always the case. In the Tennessee Medicaid study only 37% of patients with ACEi-related angioedema had their condition correctly diagnosed at the time of their initial presentation.
Effects of Flow Properties on Soot Formation and Oxidation Rates in Flame Environments

Soot and flame structure were measured in a variety of round laminar premixed and nonpremixed (diffusion) jet flames fueled with hydrocarbons to study the properties of soot formation (primary soot particle nucleation and surface growth) and surface oxidation. The following properties were measured along the axes of the flames: soot concentrations by laser extinction, soot temperatures by multiline emission, soot structure by thermophoretic sampling and electron microscopy, concentrations of major gas species by sampling and gas chromatography, concentrations of some radical species (H, OH and O) by atomic absorption and flow velocities by laser velocimetry. These measurements were analyzed to yield local primary soot particle surface growth and surface oxidation rates, as well as primary soot particle nucleation rates. It was found that local soot surface growth rates could be correlated effectively using Hydrogen-Abstraction/CarbonAddition (HACA) soot surface growth rate mechanisms in the literature; that local soot surface oxidation rates could be correlated effectively using OH/O2 mechanisms in the literature; and that local soot particle nucleation rates (observable using electron microscopy techniques) could be correlated by assuming that the rate of development of large PAH molecules by the HACA mechanism controlled nucleation rates. These results were found considering a broad range of conditions in laminar flame environments: premixed and diffusion flames, various hydrocarbon fuel types (methane, acetylene, ethylene, propylene, propane and benzene), gas temperatures of 1500-2350 K and pressures of 10-100 kPa. NOMENCLATURE
Micro Ultrasonic Machining of Ceramic MEMS With Micro Metallic Dies

Micro ultrasonic Machining (MUSM) is useful for producing micro parts in brittle materials, especially ceramics. By use of suitable micro metallic dies, the efficiency of fabrication can be significantly enhanced. In this study, the LIGA process was used to generate micro nickel dies, which also served as microelectrodes in Die-sinking Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) to produce micro tungsten dies for MUSM. With these micro metallic dies, micro ceramic components were fabricated.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Bone marrow transplantation in cancer therapy: inactivation by antibody and complement of tumor cells in mouse syngeneic marrow transplants.

SummaryMouse bone marrow, contaminated with lymphoma cells, was treated in vitro with anti-lymphoma antiserum and complement in an effort to selectively inactivate the tumor cells. The effectiveness of this treatment was demonstrated by the successful use of such treated marrow to repopulate lethally irradiated mice without the development of tumor. This approach, if it can be applied to man, may facilitate the use of bone marrow transplantation in human cancer therapy by providing a source of tumor-free autologous marrow.
Suppression of plasma renin activity by cyclosporine

Abstract Cyclosporine treatment is associated with hypertension and suppression of plasma renin activity, the causes of which are unclear. To determine whether suppressed plasma renin activity is due to extracellular fluid volume expansion, 10 cyclosporine-treated renal transplant recipients were compared with 10 azathioprine-treated renal transplant recipients and seven patients with renal insufficiency. Glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow were significantly lower in cyclosporine-treated patients than in azathioprine-treated patients. Upright plasma renin activity was suppressed in cyclosporine-treated patients (cyclosporine 2.9 ± 0.9, azathioprine 4.7 ± 0.9, renal insufficiency 5.2 ± 1.9 ng/ml/hour) but could be stimulated by a four-day period of dietary sodium restriction and diuretic administration (cyclosporine) 15.8 ± 4.4 ng/ml/hour). Extracellular fluid volume tended to be higher in cyclosporine-treated patients (cyclosporine 30.7 ± 2.3, azathioprine 26.7 ± 2.5, renal insufficiency 25.5 ± 1.4 percent lean body mass), although the difference between cyclosporine-treated and azathioprine-treated patients did not attain statistical significance. There were no differences in the urinary excretion of prostaglandin E 2 or 6-keto prostaglandin F 1α between the two groups of renal transplant recipients. It is concluded that suppression of plasma renin activity by cyclosporine is physiologic and may reflect expansion of extracellular fluid volume, which can be reversed by sodium depletion.
Ciliary dysmorphology and dysfunction--primary or acquired?

Cilia at the epithelial surface of conducting airways protect the lungs through their pivotal role in the clearance of mucus and potentially injurious inhaled particles. Clearance requires ciliary ...
Finishing and proof testing of windows for manned space craft

The development of the Space Shuttle Orbiter in the early 1970s marked the first time that a fracture mechanics approach was taken to the design of the window systems of a manned space craft. Earlier vehicles were never subjected to repeated launch and re-entry and therefore fatigue or slow crack growth were not major concerns. The design and proof test methodology evolved at that time continues to be applied in the development of the window systems for the Space Station Freedom. A combination of fixed abrasive grinding, lapping, and chemical machining is employed on the fused silica window panes to insure that sub- surface damage is carefully controlled and minimized. All panes are proof tested under controlled atmospheric conditions which preclude crack growth during the test. This paper also covers some of the history of space craft window design, the rationale for the material choices as well as a review of the finishing and test methods employed.
Oxygen permeation in dense SrCo0.8Fe0.2O3 − δ membranes: Surface exchange kinetics versus bulk diffusion

Abstract Oxygen permeation measurements were made on dense discs of SrCo 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3 − δ as a function of pressure gradient, 0.01 to 1 atm, temperature, 775 to 870 °C and disc thickness, 1 to 2.6 mm. Two different measuring configurations were used: with the pressure gradient applied parallel to the disc axis and with the pressure gradient applied between the edge and the two flat surfaces of the disc. This enabled us to take into account leakage effects due to the edge. A model is proposed for the dependence of the surface exchange current on the chemical potential drop at the gas-solid interface. Analysis of the pressure gradient and membrane thickness dependence of the permeation shows that the permeation is controlled by both bulk diffusion of oxide ions as well as exchange kinetics between gas-phase oxygen molecules and oxide ions. Values for the surface exchange rate coefficient k i 0 and the ambipolar diffusion coefficient D a are reported.
Hyperbranched poly(3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyloxetane) via anionic polymerization

Abstract Anionic polymerization of 3-ethyl-3-hydroxymethyl oxetane was achieved using NaH with coinitiators benzyl alcohol (BA) or trimethylol propane (TMP). Pendent hydroxyls facilitate a multibranching polymerization. NMR confirmed the presence of linear, dendritic, and terminal repeat units. For TMP initiated polymerizations there was an acetone soluble portion which was more branched (DB=0.48) than the acetone insoluble portion (DB=0.20). Polymers were not soluble in water, ether or THF, but were partially soluble in acetone and completely soluble in methanol, benzene, chloroform, and DMSO. MALDI-TOF analysis showed relatively low molecular weights (around 500) and confirmed the presence of both cyclic and TMP endgroups.