cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MODELING THE EFFECTS OF PREDATOR EXCLOSURES ON A WESTERN SNOWY PLOVER POPULATION

In Humboldt County, California, nest exclosures were used between 2001 and 2006 to reduce the predation of eggs aiding in the recovery of a threatened population segment of western snowy plovers (Charadrius nivosus). Due to a sudden increase in adult mortality in 2006, field biologists abandoned the use of nest exclosures. This paper describes a discrete-time stochastic model designed to compare two different management strategies (with and without exclosures) to predict the change in the plover population. The model uses beta distributions to model demographic parameters, and whenever possible, these distributions were fit to survey data of these populations. The model shows nest exclosures to be effective in increasing chick fledging rates. However, the model also shows that an increase in adult mortality potentially caused by the nest exclosures would counteract this increase in fledging rates. The model predicts that there will be a net negative effect on the population if these exclosures reduce adult survival to 90% of its unexclosed rate. The model also demonstrates that the population is dependent on immigration.
Occupant-oriented mixed-mode EnergyPlus predictive control simulation

Abstract Model predictive control (MPC) has been studied in the building science realm for about three decades. However, the following two aspects of the building control have not been studied thoroughly in MPC research. One is the impact of the mixed-mode cooling system on the active heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) energy consumption, and the other is the differences of individual thermal comfort preference and its impact on energy. This paper proposes an occupant-oriented mixed-mode EnergyPlus predictive control system to optimize HVAC energy consumption while meeting the individual thermal comfort preference. A web-based dashboard is implemented in the test-bed building for three months to collect individual thermal comfort preference data. The data analysis results suggest that occupants have various tolerances and preferences about thermal comfort. The simulation results show that, during one week of a typical swing season, the mixed-mode system further reduces the active HVAC energy consumption, and the diversified occupant thermal comfort preference has significant impact on HVAC energy consumption.
Residual stress in plasma sprayed ceramic turbine tip and gas path seal specimens

The residual stresses in a ceramic sheet material used for turbine blade tip gas path seals, were estimated. These stresses result from the plasma spraying process which leaves the surface of the sheet in tension. To determine the properties of plasma sprayed ZrO2-Y2O3 sheet material, its load deflection characteristics were measured. Estimates of the mechanical properties for sheet materials were found to differ from those reported for plasma sprayed bulk materials.
Myristate-protein interactions in poliovirus: interactions of VP4 threonine 28 contribute to the structural conformation of assembly intermediates and the stability of assembled virions.

Abstract The VP4 capsid protein of poliovirus is N-terminally modified with myristic acid. Within the poliovirus structure, a hydrogen bond is observed between the myristate carbonyl and the hydroxyl side chain of threonine 28 of VP4. This interaction is between two fivefold symmetry-related copies of VP4 and is one of several myristoyl-mediated interactions that appears to structurally link the promoters within the pentamer subunit of the virus particle. Site-specific substitutions of the threonine residue were constructed to investigate the biological relevance of these myristate-protein interactions. Replacement of the threonine with glycine or lysine is lethal, generating nonviable viruses. Substitution with serine or valine led to viable viruses, but these mutants displayed anomalies during virus assembly. In addition, both assembled serine- and valine-substituted virion particles showed reduced infectivity and were more sensitive to thermal inactivation and antibody neutralization. Thus the threonine residue provides interactions necessary for efficient assembly of the virus and for virion stability.
MISALIGNMENT AND MISPERCEPTION IN PREFERENCES TO UTILIZE FAMILY-FRIENDLY BENEFITS: IMPLICATIONS FOR BENEFIT UTILIZATION AND WORK–FAMILY CONFLICT

Despite their increasing popularity, family-friendly benefits are frequently underutilized. Drawing on literatures concerning social norms and pluralistic ignorance, this study examines the role of personal preference, group norm misalignment, and misperception of group norms on employees' utilization of family-friendly benefits. In 2 samples (154 firefighters and 440 nurses) across 3 data collection periods, we found that when employees' preferences for benefit utilization were misaligned with the perceived group norm, they adjusted their family-friendly benefit utilization in a manner congruent with the norm, even when that norm was misperceived. Further, we found that family-friendly benefit utilization was negatively associated with work-family conflict. Together, our findings suggest that misperceived social norms regarding family-friendly benefit utilization can lead to situations whereby employees do not utilize family-friendly benefits because they mistakenly perceive utilization is not socially accepted and, as a result, experience higher work-family conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Design and simulation of a distributed dynamic clustering algorithm for multimode routing in wireless ad hoc networks

This article presents analysis of the design and simulation of a new class of environmentally aware clustering algorithms for wireless ad hoc networks. The clustering algorithm establishes an adaptive self-organizing arrangement that enables multimode routing strategies. Multimode operation is needed to enhance scalability and robustness. In the present case, clustering is based on a criterion that enforces an upper bound on the probability of path failure within a cluster over time. The result is an adaptive hybrid routing strategy that dynamically balances routing overhead against routing optimality. The clustering algorithm unifies the routing strategies according to localized and time-varying mobility characteristics. A simulation model was developed to validate the effectiveness of the clustering algorithm and demonstrate the multimode routing behavior. Results show that the algorithm adapts effectively to node mobility and achieves relatively consistent overhead regardless of network size and mobility.
Reactive Oxygen and Targeted Antioxidant Administration in Endothelial Cell Mitochondria

We used fluorescent probes and EPR to study the mechanism(s) underlying reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by endothelial cell mitochondria and the action of mitoquinol, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant. ROS measured by fluorescence resulted from complex I superoxide released to the matrix and converted to H(2)O(2). In contrast, EPR largely detected superoxide generated at complex III and effluxed outward. ROS fluorescence by mitochondria fueled by the complex II substrate, succinate, was substantial but markedly inhibited by rotenone. Superoxide, detected by EPR, in succinate-fueled mitochondria was not inhibited by rotenone and likely derived from semiquinone formation at complex III. Mitoquinol decreased H(2)O(2) fluorescence by succinate-fueled mitochondria but had little effect on the EPR signal for superoxide. This was not associated with a detectable decrease in membrane potential. Mitoquinol markedly enhanced ROS fluorescence in mitochondria fueled by the complex I substrates, glutamate and malate. Inhibitor studies suggested that this occurred in complex I, at one or more Q binding pockets. The above effects of mitoquinol were determined in mitochondria isolated and subsequently exposed to the targeted antioxidant. However, similar effects were observed in mitochondria after antecedent exposure to mitoquinol/mitoquinone in culture, suggesting that the agent is retained after isolation of the organelles. In conclusion, ROS production in bovine aortic endothelial cell mitochondria results largely from reverse transport to complex I and through the Q cycle in complex III. Mitoquinol blocks ROS from reverse electron transport but increases superoxide production derived from forward transport. These effects likely occur at one or more Q binding sites in complex I.
Prolonged myasthenic syndrome after one week of muscle relaxants

A child developed severe, generalized muscle weakness which persisted for 6 weeks, after receiving muscle relaxants for 1 week while requiring ventilator support. Electrodiagnostic studies indicated a presynaptic disorder of the neuromuscular junction which improved with high-frequency stimulation, similar to findings in Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Muscle specimens exhibited neurogenic targetoid fiber atrophy. Ultrastructure of the neuromuscular junction indicated terminal axon degeneration and atrophy with depletion of the secretory vesicles. Most reported patients with post-ventilator paresis have received steroids and muscle relaxants; muscle weakness commonly has been brief and attributed to steroids. We believe that this reversible myasthenic syndrome probably represents neurotoxicity due to high doses of steroidal nondepolarizing blocking agents; however, available data are insufficient to resolve this controversy.
Novel therapeutic directions for Parkinson's disease

Problems associated with the long-term use of l-dopa to treat Parkinson's disease have prompted considerable interest in developing alternative therapeutic strategies for this disorder. Newer approaches have included dopamine-cell transplantation, genetic manipulation of striatal cells in situ and the localized administration of trophic factors to injured neurons in the substantia nigra. These studies not only offer promise for treating Parkinson's disease, but also provide insights into properties of the nigrostriatal system that may eventually help to prevent neuronal degeneration.
Physiology: do neural signals remodel bone?

The hormone leptin is best known for its influence on body weight. But it also controls bone mass, and recent work in mice is beginning to uncover the neuroendocrine systems involved.
Obtaining accurate and precise environmental reconstructions from the modern analog technique and North American surface pollen dataset

Abstract Using a recently compiled surface-sample pollen dataset for North America, we test methods to improve the skillfulness (i.e. accuracy and precision) of the modern analog technique (MAT) for continental- to sub-continental-scale paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Interregional floristic differences challenge such reconstructions, because with widening spatial extent each pollen type represents an increasing number of species, each with its unique niche, thus blurring pollen–climate relationships. We conduct a series of cross-validation experiments in which we first explore (1) whether increasing the spatial extent of the pool of potential analogs improves or worsens MAT skill, (2) whether MAT skill is improved by increasing the number of pollen taxa and splitting pollen taxa into regional groups, and (3) the differences in MAT skill among environmental variables. Regional splits are guided by the range boundaries of parent species. Results are analyzed for multiple environmental variables. We then systematically explore options for (a) the value of the no-analog/analog threshold (T), (b) the maximum number of modern analogs (N) allowed for a target fossil sample, and (c) whether the environmental average constructed from the modern analogs should be weighted by their compositional dissimilarity (D) to the target sample. We demonstrate that substantial interregional differences in pollen–climate relationships, particularly between eastern and western North America, degrade MAT precision and accuracy, but these adverse effects can be overcome by expanding the list of taxa used and/or splitting pollen types into regional groups. MAT precision was best when pollen types were regionally split and better when more taxa were used, although increasing the taxon list from 64 to 135 types did not substantially increase performance. Temperature-related variables were reconstructed more precisely than hydrological variables, and there was little difference in MAT skill between climatic and bioclimatic variables (e.g. mean July temperatures versus growing degree days). T scales with the number of taxa analyzed, and there is a tradeoff between skill (best when T is low) and utility (if T is low, few samples can receive environmental inferences). For N, there is a tradeoff between precision and accuracy, such that retaining just the single best analog had the worst precision and best accuracy. Strongly weighting by taxonomic dissimilarity (1/D2) consistently reduced precision, but MAT precision was similar for unweighted and inverse-distance weighted averages. Given the above tradeoffs, we recommend using the 64-taxon list with taxa split by region, 0.20⩽T⩽0.30, 3⩽N⩽7, and either no weighting or an inverse-distance weighting, for North American applications of the MAT.
Relations of Preschoolers' Social Acceptance to Peer Ratings and Self-Perceptions

To examine the relations of preschoolers' social acceptance to peer ratings and self-perceptions, 53 preschoolers were asked to rate how much they liked or disliked their peers and to justify these ratings. Preschoolers also rated their peers' aggressive, prosocial, and sociable behavior. Finally, they completed a pictorial self-perception scale that assessed their views of their physical competence and their relationships with mother and with peers. Children who were better liked by peers were rated as more prosocial, more sociable, and less aggressive than less liked children. Preschoolers often reported liking certain peers because they perceived that those peers liked them; they often reported disliking certain peers because they perceived those peers as aggressive. In contrast to findings with older children, preschoolers' social acceptance was not significantly related to any aspect of their self-perceptions. The results provide evidence for the validity of peer ratings by preschool-age children and...
Art and Visual Perception, a Psychology of the Creative Eye

Since its publication fifty years ago, this work has established itself as a classic. It casts the visual process in psychological terms and describes the creative way one's eye organizes visual material according to specific psychological premises. In 1974 this book was revised and expanded, and since then it has continued to burnish Rudolf Arnheim's reputation as a groundbreaking theoretician in the fields of art and psychology.
Kinetic mechanism of human myosin IIIA.

Abstract Myosin IIIA is specifically expressed in photoreceptors and cochlea and is important for the phototransduction and hearing processes. In addition, myosin IIIA contains a unique N-terminal kinase domain and C-terminal tail actin-binding motif. We examined the kinetic properties of baculovirus expressed human myosin IIIA containing the kinase, motor, and two IQ domains. The maximum actin-activated ATPase rate is relatively slow (kcat = 0.77 ± 0.08 s–1), and high actin concentrations are required to fully activate the ATPase rate (KATPase = 34 ± 11 μm). However, actin co-sedimentation assays suggest that myosin III has a relatively high steady-state affinity for actin in the presence of ATP (Kactin ∼ 7 μm). The rate of ATP binding to the motor domain is quite slow both in the presence and absence of actin (K1k+2 = 0.020 and 0.001 μm–1·s–1, respectively). The rate of actin-activated phosphate release is more than 100-fold faster (85 s–1) than the kcat, whereas ADP release in the presence of actin follows a two-step mechanism (7.0 and 0.6 s–1). Thus, our data suggest a transition between two actomyosin-ADP states is the rate-limiting step in the actomyosin III ATPase cycle. Our data also suggest the myosin III motor spends a large fraction of its cycle in an actomyosin ADP state that has an intermediate affinity for actin (Kd ∼ 5 μm). The long lived actomyosin-ADP state may be important for the ability of myosin III to function as a cellular transporter and actin cross-linker in the actin bundles of sensory cells.
Metropolitan Proximity and U.S. Agricultural Productivity, 1978–1997*

Metropolitan encroachment into surrounding countrysides has had noticeable consequences on American agriculture. This research examines gross farm sales in five categories of crops and five categories of livestock and poultry by county proximity to metropolitan areas. A seven-category classification of counties was derived from the 1983 and 1993 Economic Research Service/Beale rural-urban codes and used in the analysis. Our findings showed a significant metropolitan influence on agricultural sales of crop and livestock commodities, particularly those commodities that can be intensively produced on few numbers of acres. Some of this influence is attributed to the rapid growth of the urban areas during the past quarter century. Our results challenge widely-held traditional perceptions about the spatial organization of agricultural production in the United States.
Orphanin FQ/nociceptin is a physiological regulator of prolactin secretion in female rats.

Orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N), the most recently identified endogenous opioid peptide, stimulates prolactin secretion in both male and female rats. OFQ/N, however, did not elicit this stimulatory effect through the μ-, δ-, or κ-opiate receptor subtype. The role OFQ/N plays in prolactin regulation under physiological conditions and its mechanism of action are not known. The purpose of these studies was to determine the physiological significance and pharmacological specificity of the prolactin secretory response to OFQ/N. In addition, the role of the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons in mediating this response was examined. Opioid receptor-like-1 (ORL-1) receptors were blocked by pretreatment with compound B (Comp B), a purported OFQ/N antagonist, or receptor synthesis was disrupted by pretreatment with ORL-1 receptor antisense oligonucleotides. The prolactin secretory response to OFQ/N administration in diestrous females was measured. Furthermore, the suckling-induced prolactin response was ...
Minimizing sensitivity to delay variations in high-performance synchronous circuits

This paper investigates retiming and clock skew scheduling for improving the tolerance of synchronous circuits to delay variations. It is shown that when both long and short paths are considered, circuits optimized by the combined application of the two techniques are more tolerant to delay variations than when optimized by either of the two techniques separately. A novel mixed-integer linear programming formulation is given for simultaneous retiming and clock scheduling with a target clock period and tolerance under setup and hold constraints. Experiments with LGSynth93 and ISCAS89 benchmark circuits demonstrate the effectiveness of the combined optimization. For half of the test circuits, tolerance to delay variations increased by at least 23% over the separate application of retiming and clock scheduling. Moreover, for two thirds of the test circuits, maximum tolerance improved by at least 11%.
Parameter Varying Control of an Electrostatic MEMS Actuator

The present paper employs a linear parameter-varying (LPV) control design approach with H∞ performance specification for set-point tracking of deflection in an electrostatic MEMS actuator. First, we model the system dynamics in an LPV framework, considering the actuation charge as the scheduling parameter. Then, we design an H∞ parameter-dependant state feedback controller, where its static gain is scheduled based on the LPV parameter. The states of the modeled LPV system are estimated using an LPV observer whose design is addressed in the paper. The simulation results presented in the paper provide asymptotic stability and desired performance against pull-in effect and vibration disturbance. Also the performance of the LPV controller is compared with a fixed H∞ controller to demonstrate that the LPV controller provides smaller settling time, lower overshoot and hence improved transient and steady-state performance over full range of device operation.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Characteristics of two measures of profile similarity

Analogs of Pearson's coefficient of racial likeness and of Mahalanobis' distance measure have been proposed as descriptive statistics for comparing two individuals. This paper shows that two different definitions of “uncorrelated” variables—one associated with an inverse transformation and the other with a principal-axis transformation—give rise to these two descriptive statistics. The effects of putting the data into certain forms, such as equalizing the variances of the variables or equalizing the means of the persons, prior to using either of the two transformations, are discussed.
Molecular Orbital Analysis of the Trend in 11B NMR Chemical Shifts for (Cp*M)2B5H9 (M = Cr, Mo, W; Cp* = η5-C5Me5)

The 11B NMR shifts of the two types of boron atoms directly bonded to the metal atoms in (Cp*M)2B5H9 (M = Cr, Mo, W) experience a large systematic shift to higher field in going from Cr to Mo to W, whereas the shifts for the boron atoms connected to the metal atoms via M−H−B bridge bonds are invariant. The origin of this behavior is traced to two high-lying filled MO's and two low-lying unfilled MO's, both of which have metal and boron character. The energy differences of these sets of MO's correlate well with the observed chemical shifts, and the properties of these MO's provide an explanation of the observations and a comment on the nature of the boron−metal cluster bonding.
Analytically Reduced Form for the Class of Integrals Containing Multicenter Products of 1s Hydrogenic Orbitals, Coulomb or Yukawa Potentials, and Plane Waves

The class of integrals containing the product of N 1s hydrogenic orbitals and M Coulomb or Yukawa potentials with m plane waves is investigated analytically. The results obtained by Straton (1989) are extended and generalized. It is shown that the dimensionality of the entire class can be reduced from 3m to M+N-1.
Characterizing on-road variables that affect passenger vehicle modal operation

Abstract The current research direction in transportation-related air-quality modeling is towards development and implementation of modal emissions models that correlate emission rates to specific ranges of activity. This paper describes a methodology to identify roadway characteristics at signalized intersections which affect the fraction of vehicle activity spend in specific operating modes where modal emission rate models indicate elevated emissions occur to improve vehicle activity inputs to modal emissions models. Field studies using laser guns were conducted on-road collecting second-by-second activity for individual vehicles at signal-controlled intersections and roadway segments. Hierarchical tree-based regression analysis was used to identify on-road geometric and operational characteristics that influenced the fractions of vehicle activity spent in specific modes. Results indicated that queue position, grade, downstream and upstream per-lane hourly volume, distance to the nearest downstream signalized intersection, percent heavy vehicles, and posted link speed limit were the most statistically significant variables.
Throughput analysis of digital partitioning with error-correcting codes for optical matrix–vector processors

Digital partitioning and error-correcting codes provide a technique for achieving high-accuracy computations with analog optical matrix–vector processors. We present the results of a detailed throughput analysis of this technique. The results indicate that using one processor per submatrix provides the best compromise between system throughput and hardware requirements over a range of matrix sizes. Error-correcting codes are shown to not significantly degrade system throughput for large matrix sizes. Finally, a comparison to digital electronic computers is made.
Depression in a Family Practice Elderly Population

This study addresses several major methodologic issues in the assessment of depressive illness among the elderly family practice patients living in the community. These include the selection of screening locale, the definition of depression in the elderly, and the evaluation of age trends within this group. The family physician's office is viewed as the optimal screening locale; this facility serves as the chief link between the elderly patient and the community health care system, for psychologic as well as physical complaints. In the definition of depression, a type of depressive illness particularly affecting the elderly may be distinguished from a syndrome more characteristic of depression in the population at large. Emphasis is laid on viewing aging as an evolving process rather than as a steady state. A pilot study of 166 chronically ill family practice patients living in the community was conducted. A large proportion of them, all without previously diagnosed psychiatric impairment, had elevated depression scores according to the Zung Depression Status Inventory. Distinct symptom clusters characteristic of depression in the aged were identified. The data also suggested a systematic age trend, with different peaks of depression for men and women within the elderly age range.
Pulmonary fibrin deposition and increased microvascular permeability to protein following fibrin microembolism in dogs: a structure-function relationship.

The effects of fibrin microembolism were examined using an infusion of a prothrombin activator (Echis carinatus venom, ECV; 30 min, 0.5 NIH thrombin equivalent units/kg) in acute mongrel dogs prepared with a pulmonary lymph cannula (n = 6, 12.3-21.5 kg). Lymph flow increased approximately 2.5-fold after 1-1.5 hr of elevated left atrial pressure (Pla = 20 cm H2O; 26 +/- 7 to 63 +/- 16 microliter/min, P less than 0.01) and the plasma to lymph protein concentration ratio (CP/CL) declined from 0.66 +/- .04 to 0.54 +/- .16 (P less than 0.01, x +/- SE). After Pla was reduced to control levels, the initiation of fibrin microembolism was associated with an approximate 2.7-fold elevation of lymph flow (62 +/- 8 microliters/min, P less than 0.01) and the CP/CL was not changed (0.56 +/- 0.04, P = ns). When Pla was increased following microembolism, lymph flow more than doubled to 117 +/- 24 microliter/min (P less than 0.01) and the CP/CL remained unaltered (0.56 +/- 0.03, P = ns). These changes were associated with afibrinogenemia and the appearance of fibrin degradation products (FDP) in plasma (150 +/- 50 micrograms/ml) and lymph (80 micrograms/ml) in three of the animals tested. No consistent pattern was seen in the CL/CP of separate endogenous plasma proteins after each intervention. These data support the view that pulmonary fibrin microembolism without inhibition of the fibrinolytic system was associated with an early increased pulmonary microvascular permeability to protein. In a separate group of similarly prepared animals (n = 8, 13-21.5 kg) without a lymph catheter, scanning electron microscopic observations showed branching fibrin microemboli to partially occlude some pulmonary arterioles. Mixed thrombus formations in larger precapillary blood vessels were also seen. Ultrastructural observations revealed the deposition of fibrin strands (periodicity = 220-230 A) within the pulmonary capillaries. Some of these deposits were overlaid by lamellar pseudopodia from endothelial cells and the fibrin appeared to be within these cells. Although plasmalemmal vesicles seemed to be more numerous in the endothelial cells with adjacent fibrin deposits, no gaps or breaks were seen in the densely stained interendothelial cell junctions and/or the endothelial cell membrane of the affected lung capillaries. Activated neutrophils and platelets were more numerous in the pulmonary capillaries following EVC. These data suggest that the presence of FDP and/or fibrin deposits within the pulmonary microvasculature may influence the early functional integrity of pulmonary endothelial cells at sites of fibrin accumulation.
Ceramics as Engineering Materials: Structure-Property-Processing

Ceramic materials are currently being used in many applications and account for about $26 B of the U.S. economy in low value-added products (glass, refactories, cement, whitewares, etc.) and nearly $4 B of high value-added components (chip carriers, waveguides, capacitors, cutting tools, etc.). There are many new applications of ceramics in high technology engineering systems which will result in significant growth of the ceramics business if the materials research triad Structure-Property-PROCESSING moves from the laboratory to the manufacturing plant. Each component can be classified by function (e.g., thermal, mechanical, electromagnetic, optical, biological, and nuclear); configuration (e.g., film, monolith, composite, porous, and single crystal); or processing route (e.g., powder processing, glass forming, and crystal growth). The opportunities are greatest for those components which have a well established processing science base or an unique fabrication method. Thirty years of research have shown that the critical physical/chemical properties are strongly related to the structure on one or more levels: few angstroms — crystal structure and phases; 10–100 A — boundary or grain boundary layers or phases; 1 µm — microstructure (grain size, porosity, interpenetrating phases, etc.); and macro-structure including joining, shape and dimensional tolerances. The major focus of this overview relates to issues of reliability and reproducibility in processing polycrystalline ceramics and the relationship between processing and the control of the structure and properties. Examples considered are those of high value-added components where design and functionality justify improved material characteristics.
Software Development Concerns in the Building of Service-Oriented Based Enterprise Systems

Traditional information technology architectures are static and centralized. As such, they are not flexible enough for companies to quickly change their business functions in order to meet evolving business needs. Service oriented architecture (SOA) has been a technology that enables companies to manage their business functions flexibly and efficiently. In our opinion, SOA should be not only enhancing the IT architectures for business but also be part of the development process. With agility, collaboration, and efficiency in mind, this paper identifies the concerns related to the development of applications in SOA. Our vision of design methodologies of SOA based applications considers the adoption of the disciplines from software engineering point of view. Keywords—aspect oriented software development, cloud computing, enterprise application integration, legacy integration, model driven development, service oriented architecture
Interseed effects on dose for 125I brachytherapy implants

Dose calculations in multiseed brachytherapy implants are done by adding the contribution of each individual seed and by assuming that radiation from each seed is unaffected by the presence of the other seeds. To test the validity of this assumption, dose measurements with various configurations of multiseed implants of 125I model 6702 and 125I model 6711 sources were performed. For a linear configuration of three 125I model 6702 seeds at 1-cm separation, with their transverse axes coincident, doses at distances of 3.05 and 5.09 cm from the center along the transverse axis were found to be about 8% lower than the sum of doses from the three individual seeds. However, for three seeds at 1-cm intervals with their longitudinal axes coincident, doses at 3.05 and 5.09 cm distances from the center along the longitudinal axis were found to be about equal to the dose sums from individual seeds. These initial experiments indicated that the magnitude of the interseed effect depends upon the orientation of the seed relative to each other in an implant. To evaluate the importance of this interseed effect for multiseed configurations of 125I model 6702 and 125I model 6711 seeds, dose rates at various distances from a two-plane implant (each plane containing a 3 x 3 array of sources in a 1-cm spacing square grid) were measured in a Solid Water phantom with LiF TLDs. These measurements were carried out in two different planes at different orientations relative to the implant. The average values of the interseed effect at distances ranging from 1 to 7 cm outside the implant were observed to be about the same for 125I model 6702 and model 6711 sources. The mean value of the interseed effect was 6% and the maximum was 12%. On the whole, the interseed effect reduces the dose at the periphery of the iodine implant by 6%.
Single-interface and quantum-well heterostructure MISFETs

The physical operation of heterostructure metal-insulator-semiconductor field-effect transistors (H-MISFETs) is described and compared with that of more familiar heterostructure FETs. Undoped, doped-channel, and quantum-well MISFETs based on AlGaAs-GaAs heterostructures are examined. The focus is on quantum-well MISFETs, which differ most from more conventional devices. Results are presented of experiments and simulations carried out to study the physical mechanisms related to charge control, gate leakage, device geometry, short-channel effects, buffer leakage, and electron trapping in the devices, and the advantages of other III-V materials systems are described. The potential advantages of H-MISFETs are discussed in terms of particular circuit applications. >
Risk of Restenosis and Health Status Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Background— Previous comparisons of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have demonstrated similar survival but have also generally found better health status outcomes (symptoms, function, and quality of life) with CABG. The principal limitation of PCI has been the occurrence of restenosis. No previous studies comparing the health status outcomes of PCI and CABG have examined differences in these outcomes as a function of patients’ preprocedural risk for restenosis. Methods and Results— We examined the health status outcomes, using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ), among 1459 consecutive patients (1027 treated with PCI and 432, with CABG), stratified by their risk for restenosis. In multivariable-adjusted, linear regression analyses, no differences in 1-year angina or quality of life were observed among the 37.4% of patients at low risk for restenosis. However, among the 46.7% at intermediate risk for restenosis, 1-year health status scores were ...
Cardiac-Targeted TRPM7 Deletion Induces Heart Block and Cardiomyopathy via Disrupted Embryonic Ventricular Development

Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin-7 (Trpm7) is a divalent permeant channel-kinase of unknown function that is ubiquitously expressed, concentrated in myocardium during embryonic development, and forms a functional current in adult murine cardiac myocytes. Using multiple cardiac-targeted knock-out lines we show that the timing of Trpm7 deletion during embryonic development variably disrupts adult atrio-ventricular conduction, ventricular morphology and function without altering total myocardial magnesium, calcium or zinc content. Late embryonic cardiac Trpm7 deletion in αMHC-Cre-TRPM7fl/fl mice resulted in normal ventricular size and function, while slightly earlier deletion in αMHC-Cre-TRPM7fl/- mice yielded a bimodal phenotype in which ∼50% develop a dilated, fibrotic cardiomyopathy with impaired function and high grade atrioventricular block. Microarray analysis performed on αMHC-Cre-TRPM7fl/- ventricular tissue revealed 184 differentially expressed genes including significant elevations in Nppa (33-fold), Nppb (15-fold), TIMP1 (13-fold), Itgb1b3 (13-fold), Postn (12-fold) and reductions in Lgi-1 (20-fold), Pfkb1 (7-fold), Kcnv2 (Kv8.2) (5-fold), Mme (5-fold), Kcnj3 (GIRK1) (4-fold) and Kcnd2 (Kv4.2) (4-fold). To probe the importance of Trpm7 in early embryonic cardiac development, we crossed Trpm7flfl mice with Isl1-Cre and TnT-Cre lines. These early cardiac knock-outs developed congestive heart failure and died by E11 due to impaired formation of the compact myocardium secondary to arrested myocardial proliferation. Taken together, these results define an essential role for Trpm7 in normal embryonic myocardial development and suggest that adult cardiac phenotypes associated with disruptions in Trpm7 arise from defects in myocardial differentiation.
Investigation of ternary cyclodextrin complexes by fluorescence spectrometry

Abstract Ternary complexes of cyclodextrin are apparently formed in the presence of saturated alcohols, glycols and acids. The role of third components in these complexes is investigated. Pyrene is used as a probe to determine the degree of compartmentalization, the change in the hydrophobicity of the microenvironment, and the formation constant.
Aggregation of Borate Salts in Hydrocarbon Solvents

The aggregation of ammonium borate salts in hydrocarbon was investigated by 1H, 19F, and 11B pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR. The molecular self-diffusion coefficients of the borate salts, [C(C6H5)3][B(C6F5)4], [N(CH3)2(n-C18H37)2][B(C6F5)4], [N(n-C18H37)4][B(C6F5)4], a neutral borane compound, and a siloxane model compound were measured in toluene, cyclohexane, hexane, and a solvent of mixed alkanes. Diffusion coefficients were determined from the echo attenuation of the stimulated echo pulsed field gradient NMR signal as described by Stejskal and Tanner. In all of the samples studied, the echo decay was observed to be a pure exponential decay, corresponding to a single diffusion coefficient within the resolution of the NMR experiment. The hydrodynamic radius of an equivalent diffusing sphere was calculated from the experimental diffusion coefficients using the Stokes−Einstein relation. We found that the neutral borane and siloxane model compounds are monomeric (nonaggregated) in both the aliphatic and a...
Effect of Covert Alterations of Clock Rate upon Time Estimations and Personal Tempo

A theoretical approach to the behavioral process of time judgment is presented which stresses the learning of the conventional clock rate. The process of time judgment is seen as having three components: (1) the criterion, the temporal units and rhythm of the ordinary clock, (2) the rate of sensory input, which has many determinants, both intra- and extra-organismic, and which is subject to constant fluctuation, and (3) the rate of the input modulator, which accommodates with the fluctuation of sensory input rates to provide a categorization of input in rhythmical equivalence to the criterion rate of the ordinary clock. General veridicality of time judgment has two prerequisites: (1) practice of clock estimation under a wide range of input conditions to provide a large inventory of sensory input-input modulator (SI-IM) relationships and (2) an accurate assessment of current input conditions. Manipulation of the functioning of the three components of time judgment suggests methods of disrupting the smoothl...
Cartilage proteoglycan core protein gene expression during limb cartilage differentiation

Changes in the steady-state cytoplasmic levels of mRNA for the core protein of the major sulfated proteoglycan of cartilage were examined during the course of limb chondrogenesis in vitro using cloned cDNA probes. Cytoplasmic core protein mRNA begins to accumulate at the onset of overt chondrogenesis in micromass culture coincident with the crucial condensation phase of the process, in which prechondrogenic mesenchymal cells become closely juxtaposed prior to depositing a cartilage matrix. The initiation of core protein mRNA accumulation coincides with a dramatic increase in the accumulation of mRNA for type II collagen, the other major constituent of hyaline cartilage matrix. Following condensation, there is a concomitant progressive increase in cytoplasmic core protein and type II collagen mRNA accumulation which parallels the progressive accumulation of cartilage matrix by the cells. The relative rate of accumulation of cytoplasmic type II collagen mRNA is greater than twice that of core protein mRNA during chondrogenesis in micromass culture. Cyclic AMP, an agent implicated in the regulation of chondrogenesis elicits a concomitant two-to fourfold increase in both cartilage core protein and type II collagen mRNA levels by limb mesenchymal cells. Core protein gene expression is more sensitive to cAMP than type II collagen gene expression. These results suggest that the cartilage proteoglycan core protein and type II collagen genes are coordinately regulated during the course of limb cartilage differentiation, although there are quantitative differences in the extent of expression of the two genes.
DYNAMIC INSTABILITY OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL NONDIVERGENT FLOW IN A BAROTROPIC ATMOSPHERE

Abstract In discussing wave motions along a strong jet of westerlies, we can no longer neglect the variation of west wind with latitude, and therefore must consider the possibility of having a phase velocity whose value is between the maximum and minimum west-wind velocities. The study of wave motions is thus extended from the very long and slowly moving or retrograding waves into the realm of ordinary waves and cyclone waves and it is found that, for nondivergent barotropic motion, the condition for the presence of neutral and amplified waves with a phase velocity whose value is between the maximum and minimum wind velocity in the belt is the existence of critical points where the absolute vorticity has an extreme value. If no such point exists, then all perturbations must be damped. When this condition is satisfied, both amplified (unstable) and neutral waves can be expected. The wave moving with a velocity equal to the current velocity at the critical point is neutral while those with a velocity less t...
Synthesis and Characterization of Styrene/Butyl Acrylate Linear and Star Block Copolymers via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Well-defined styrene (S) and butyl acrylate (BA) linear and star-like block copolymers are synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using di- and trifunctional alkyl halide initiators employing the Cu/ PMDETA (N,N,N',N",N"-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine) catalyst system. Initial addition of Cu II deactivator and utilization of halogen exchange techniques suppresses the coupling of radicals and improves cross-propagation to a large extent, which results in better control over the polymerization. Two types of star-like PBA/PS block copolymers are prepared by using core-first techniques: a trifunctional PBA or PS macroinitiator extended with the other monomer. Block copolymers with a well-defined structure and low polydispersity (PDI=M w /M n ) are obtained in both cases. A trifunctional PBA 3 macroinitiator with M n = 136000 g · mol -1 and PDI=1.15 is extended to (PBA-PS) 3 star-like block copolymer with M n =171 100 g·mol -1 and PDI= 1.15. A trifunctional PS 3 macroinitiator with M n = 27 000 g · mol -1 and PDI=1.16 g·mol -1 is extended to (PS-PBA) 3 with M n = 91 500 g mol -1 and PDI = 1.40. The individual star-like macromolecules as well as their aggregates are visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) where the PS and PBA adopt the globular and extended conformation, respectively. For the PBA core star block copolymers, PS segments tend to aggregate either intramolecularly or intermolecularly. PS core star block copolymers form aggregates with a PS core and emanating PBA chains. Most aggregates have 'n x 3' arms but minor amounts of 'defective' stars with 4,5,8, or 11 arms are also observed. The AFM analysis shows that PS core star block copolymers contain about 92% three-arm block copolymers, and the efficiency of cross-propagation is 97.3%.
Information for the city: a role for free text systems

The City, that topographic uncertainty which more or less coincides with the City of London, but laps into adjacent boroughs and now has ‘telecommunicating’ outposts in some of the outlying suburbs, is a complex and dynamic place. It has markets, retail and wholesale; specialist manufacturers; brewers and food processors; a major oil company; publishers and printers; museums; libraries and tourist attractions; and shops and houses. All of this diversity, for the purposes of this paper, is set aside, to consider the City in its role as the main centre in the United Kingdom for the provision of commercial services.
Body motility during sleep and its relation to the K-complex.

Abstract All-night polygraphic recordings were made on five normal human male subjects for two nights to study body motility quantitatively in relation to the sleep electroencephalogram. Body movements were significantly related temporally to preceding K-complexes during stage 2 sleep with a mean latency of 2.52 sec for 396 movements scored. This relationship was consistent for both nights one and two. The rate of body movements per minute was significantly lower in slow-wave sleep than in any other stage and was not different in stages 2 and REM. Movements in slow-wave sleep were more extensive and usually occurred at the end of periods, often heralding a change of stage. Brief isolated twitches of extremities were predominantly observed in stage REM. In all stages, movements of the face and mouth alone were frequent. An attempt was made to unify the known relations of K-complexes, body movements and autonomic activity and to organize them with respect to subcortical origins and electrophysiologic mechanisms.
Different intensities of unsignalled inescapable shock treatments as determinants of non-shock-motivated open field behavior: a resolution of disparate results.

Abstract Five days of a 3 min unsignalled, inescapable shock treatment with intensities of either 1.25 mA (low shock) or 4 mA (high shock) was given to 2 groups of rats. A third group was not shocked. Starting 1 week after shock treatment, all rats were given 3 blocks of consecutive daily test sessions in an open field, each block being separated by several days of rest. Test results indicated that animals in the high-shock group moved and reared less, and defecated more than any of thy others during each of the three test blocks (the differences being most pronounced in Test Block 1). The non-shocked animals were the most active and the least likely to defecate of any on Test Block 1, and were the only animals to show habituation of these measures over test blocks. A transfer-of-acquired-fear hypothesis rather than any of three other current theories of shock treatment effects was supported by these data.
The effects of anion transport inhibitors on structural transitions in erythrocyte membranes

Abstract Red blood cell membranes have been labeled with several covalent and non-covalent inhibitors of anion transport and their heat capacity profiles determined as a function of temperature. Covalent inhibitors include the amino reactive agents 4,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid, 4-acetamido-4′-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid, pyridoxal phosphate and 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitro benzene. The non-covalent inhibitors include several well known local anesthetics. The study was undertaken in order to identify regions of the membrane involved in anion transport. Covalent modification in all cases resulted in a large upward shift of the C transition, which is believed to involved a localized phospholipid region. Evidence is presented which indicates that Band III protein and this phospholipid region are in close physical proximity on the membrane. Addition of non-covalent inhibitors affects the membrane in either or both of two ways. In some cases, a lowering and broadening of the C transition occurs; in other the B 1 and B 2 transitions are altered. These latter transitions are believed to involve both phospholipid and protein, including Band III. These results may indicate that the non-covalent inhibitors produce their inhibitory effect on anion transport at least in part by interacting with membrane phospholipid.