cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonpositional indexing for a relational data base

Extensions of the set of character scalars and of the domain of the INDEX function lead to use of lexical keys for nonpositional indexing of APL arrays. Using keys derived from the items of an array provides an approach to content addressing. When such keys are used to address rows of a matrix representing a relation in a relational data base, they serve as primary keys. To represent a secondary key, the matrix must be partitioned into a vector of appropriate submatrices.
α -Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation Produces Late Preconditioning Through Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Mouse Heart

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mediates late preconditioning (PC) induced by ischemia and pharmacological agents. Since alpha -adrenoceptor (alpha -AR) stimulation is one of the key triggers of PC, we hypothesized that activation of this receptor may induce delayed cardioprotective effect via iNOS-sensitive mechanisms. Adult male ICR mice were treated i.p. with either vehicle/inhibitors or phenylephrine (10 mg/kg) and subjected to 30 min of global ischemia and 30 min reperfusion in Langendorff mode 24 h later. 5-Methyl-urapidil (3 mg/kg) and chloroethylclonidine (3 mg/kg) were injected 15 min prior to phenylephrine to block alpha -AR(1A) and alpha -AR(1B) receptors respectively. S-Methylisothiourea (3 mg/kg), an iNOS inhibitor, was given 60 min prior to ischemia in phenylephrine-pretreated mice. Preischemic NO(x) was measured using a chemoluminescence reaction. Phenylephrine treatment reduced infarct size from 31.10 +/- 0.79% (vehicle) to 14.24 +/- 0.84% (P<0.001). Chloroethylclonidine blocked the effect of phenylephrine (infarct size 31.31 +/- 1.69%) but 5-methyl-urapidil (17.72 +/- 1.25%) did not. Phenylephrine-induced delayed cardioprotection was abolished by S-methylisothiourea and absent in iNOS knockout mice. Baseline NO(x) content was significantly increased in phenylephrine and 5-methyl-urapidil+phenylephrine treated hearts, but remained at baseline levels in hearts treated with chloroethylclonidine, 5-methyl-urapidil or S-methylisothiourea. Western blot analysis revealed a 1.8-fold increase in iNOS with phenylephrine, which was inhibited by chloroethylclonidine but not by 5-methyl-urapidil. We conclude that phenylephrine-induced delayed PC is mediated by selective activation of alpha-AR(1B). Enhanced iNOS expression concomitant with increased NO synthesis, as well as pharmacological blockade and absence of cardioprotection in iNOS knockout mice suggests an essential role of NO in phenylephrine triggered late PC.
Role of the adenovirus 72-kDa DNA binding protein in the rapid decay of early viral mRNA

Previous experiments have shown that the early adenovirus E1A and E1B mRNAs decay with a half-life of 20 min in a lytic infection dependent on the action of the viral 72-kDa DNA binding protein. In contrast, the same E1A and E1B mRNAs are stable when synthesized in 293 cells, an adenovirus-transformed cell line that is devoid of the 72-kDa protein. If 293 cells are infected with the E1A deletion mutant dl312, the endogenous E1A RNA disappears after 4 hr of infection, a time coincident with the appearance of the 72-kDa protein. The induction of decay is specific since there is no decrease in the level of actin or certain other cellular mRNAs. Thus, the stability of the early RNAs is variable and correlates with the presence of the 72-kDa protein. An interaction of the 72-kDa DNA binding protein with RNA inside the cell has been demonstrated by in vivo crosslinking of protein to RNA. However, the protein is found in association with actin mRNA as well as E1A mRNA. Thus, although the 72-kDa protein appears to be required for the rapid decay of viral mRNA it apparently does not impart specificity to the process.
Participation, Political Structure, and Concurrence

The authors of The Civic Culture have stated, "Unless there is control of governmental elites by non-elites, it is hard to consider a political system democratic."' In theory, citizen participation should play an important role in democratic control over political leaders. Yet while many studies have considered factors that affect participation rates (individual attitudes, social class, political setting)2 few have examined the impact of participation on the political system: certainly serious theoretical and methodological problems would have to be solved before linkage could be established. It is the premise of this paper that the setting within which citizen participation takes place must be examined before we can establish connections between citizens' preferences and leaders' actions. I will compare citizen-leader agreement on the salience of local problems in a sample of American communities with various political structures and levels of participation, in order to suggest conditions under which participation is most likely to influence leaders' attitudes and behavior. Citizen participation can influence the behavior of political leaders in two ways. First, the threat of being evicted from office (or the lure of attaining office) may induce political leaders to anticipate and to respond to popular demands. Voting is the form of participation most likely to exert such influence, but other activities by citizens may also provide evidence of support or opposition to leaders' policies.3
Partial Phase Diagram of Aqueous Bovine Carbonic Anhydrase: Analyses of the Pressure-Dependent Temperatures of the Low- to Physiological-Temperature Nondenaturational Conformational Change and of Unfolding to the Molten Globule State

Abstract At 1.0 atm pressure and in 150 mM sodium phosphate (pH = 7.0), bovine carbonic anhydrase undergoes a nondenaturational conformational change at 30.3 °C and an unfolding transition from the physiological conformer to the molten globule state at 67.4 °C. The pressure dependences of the temperatures of these transitions have been studied under reversible conditions for the purpose of understanding ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔV for each conformational change. Temperatures for the low-temperature to physiological-temperature conformational change TL→P are obtained from physiologically relevant conditions using slow-scan-rate differential scanning calorimetry. Temperatures for the physiological-temperature conformation to molten globule state conversion TP→MG are obtained from differential scanning calorimetry measurements of the apparent transition temperature in the presence of guanidine hydrochloride extrapolated to zero molar denaturant. The use of slow-scan-rate differential scanning calorimetry permits the ca...
Rolandic epilepsy and cortical dysplasia: MRI correlation of epileptiform discharges

An 8 year-old girl presented with simple facial motor seizures. Although the electroencephalogram (EEG) demonstrated left hemisphere centrotemporal spikes with features consistent with benign rolandic epilepsy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated a left hemisphere focal cortical dysplasia. MRI-assisted EEG dipole analysis of the spikes suggested that the rolandic fissure rather than the focal cortical dysplasia was the origin of the epileptic spike discharge. This noninvasive method may be a useful adjunct in evaluation of some patients with epilepsy and focal superficial cerebral lesions.
Effects of the hydrogen-induced (1 × 2) surface reconstruction on the kinetics of ethylene hydrogenation on Ni(110)

Abstract We show that deuterium in the (1 × 2)-reconstructed phase on Ni(110) is highly active for ethylene hydrogenation, whereas the (1 × 1) surface is active only for decomposition of adsorbed ethylene in UHV. When ethylene-d4is adsorbed on the deuteriumsaturated, (1 × 2)-reconstructed Ni(110) surface, decomposition and hydrogenation proceed concurrently as ethane-d6 is evolved near 180 K in TPD. A detailed analysis of the competing rates of these processes at constant temperature gives an effective activation energy of 16 ± 2 kcal/mol and a preexponential factor of 5 × 1018 ± 2 ML−1 s− for hydrogenation, as compar 12 ± 1 kcal/mol and 3 × 1013 ± 1 ML−1 s−1 for decomposition. The relative magnitudes of the preexponential factors su significant entropy increase accompanies the conversion of surface sites from (1 × 2) to (1 × 1) symmetry, and this entropic contribution provides a driving force for hydrogenation that outweighs the unfavorable activation energy and ultimately determines the selectivity between the competing reaction pathways.
Protocol-dependence of equivalent circuit parameters of toad urinary bladder.

Determinations of current-voltage relationships are widely employed in the characterization of epithelial sodium transport. In order to determine the protocol dependence of transport parameters in the toad urinary bladder, studies were carried out in the presence and absence of amiloride, an inhibitor of active sodium transport. With symmetric positive and negative perturbations of the transepithelial electrical potential difference Δψ (0→±100 mV) for 30 sec, the amiloride-sensitive current-voltage (i a -Δψ) relationship was near linear over the range −75→+100 mV, indicating constancy of the conductance κa and the apparent electromotive force “E Na”, lumped parameters of the standard electrical equivalent circuit model of the active transport system. With a reverse protocol (±100→0 mV) or 15 min perturbations thei a -Δψ relationships were highly nonlinear. Nonlinearity reflected voltage dependence of parameters: perturbations that increased active transport decreased “E Na” and increased κa, as evaluated from 10 sec perturbations of Δψ; slowing of active transport produced the converse changes. These effects are usefully analyzed in both quasi-steady states and true steady states by means of a detailed equivalent circuit incorporating the significant ionic currents across each plasma membrane. Precise understanding of the significance of κa and “E Na” will require characterization of the partial ionic conductances on perturbation of Δψ.
Bayes factors for a test about the drift of the Brownian motion under noninformative priors

Abstract Brownian motions are useful in modeling many stochastic phenomena. We address the problem of default testing for the sign of the drift, if any, in the mean of the process using the Bayesian approach. Conventional Bayes factors for hypotheses testing, however, cannot typically accommodate the use of standard noninformative priors, as such priors are defined only up to arbitrary constants which affect the values of the Bayes factors. To address this problem for some common noninformative priors, we shall use Intrinsic Bayes factors due to Berger and Pericchi (1996, J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 91, 109–122) and fractional Bayes factors due to O'Hagan (1995, J. Roy. Statist. Soc. Ser. B 57(1), 99–138), assuming discrete observations are available from the process on a coarse time scale.
Biopsy needle tip artifact in MR-guided neurosurgery.

A thorough understanding of both the appearance and origin of metallic biopsy needle tip artifact in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as its interaction with various magnetic resonance (MR) sequence parameters is beneficial for its application in today's MR-guided therapeutic procedures. In a more practical setting, this investigation has focused on the characteristics of MR image artifacts associated with a finite-length metallic needle, specifically at the tip of a biopsy needle when it is approximately parallel to the main magnetic field. The image artifact at needle tip, which exhibits as a blooming ball-shaped signal void, was demonstrated and studied using MR imaging and numerical simulation employing the finite difference method (FDM). In order to understand the origin of this image artifact, a numerical model or simulation software based on the FDM has been developed specifically to solve for the field disturbance to a uniform magnetic field due to a finite-length metallic needle. The solution for magnetic field shows that the field disturbance is spatially localized at the needle tip. From the numerical results, simulated images were generated which were in a very satisfactory agreement MR imaging experiment. Results showed that the MR image artifacts associated with MR-compatible metallic biopsy needles are not only present due to the magnetic susceptibility difference between the needle and its surrounding tissue, but also predictable in routine MR-guided procedures, and the size of the image artifacts could be reduced if optimal imaging parameters were used. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:16-22.
Local Electrode Atom Probes

The historical developments leading to the advent of Local Electrode Atom Probes (LEAP) are reviewed. An assessment of the state of the art is made, and the major advantages of LEAPs over conventional atom probes are described. The best implementations of these concepts and the remaining challenges for realization of LEAP's potential are also described. It is concluded that LEAPs should be an important tool for materials characterization at the atomic scale. Modern materials-dependent industries as diverse as steel and microelectronics should benefit from this technology.
Electronic structure of self-assembled (fluoro)methylthiol monolayers on the Au(1 1 1) surface: Impact of fluorination and coverage density ☆

Abstract We report the results of a density-functional theory study on a series of metal/organic interfaces consisting of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of methylthiol and mono-, di-, and tri-fluoromethylthiols, chemisorbed on the Au(1 1 1) surface. The effects of coverage density and extent of fluorination are examined. Both are found to strongly impact: (i) the component of the SAM dipole moment perpendicular to the surface; (ii) the SAM-induced work-function modification of the gold surface; and (iii) the energy-level alignments of both the highest occupied molecular levels and the molecular-signature states of the SAM with respect to the Fermi level of gold and, as a result, the ionization potential of the SAM when deposited on gold. Saturations of the effects are observed at the higher levels of fluorination and coverage.
Evolution and Dynamics of Excimer Laser Vaporized YBa2Cu3O7−δ

Pulsed laser deposition of thin films is a technology whose fundamental processes are often poorly understood. Because of the difficulty of monitoring in real time either the ablation process itself (the laser-solid interaction), or thin film growth (plume-substrate interaction), studies have largely relied on diagnostic studies of the ablated plume and the resulting film to infer details about other steps in the process. Information gained from this approach has helped improve the production of high-temperature superconducting thin films. We have studied plume dynamics during the in-situ pulsed laser deposition of YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin films. The 248 and 308 nm lines of an excimer laser were used to generate a plume from a bulk YBa2Cu3O7-δ target. Both fast intensified CCD imaging and spectral diagnostics were used to monitor plume dynamics. Variations in the plume distribution as a function of processing gas, pressure, fluence, energy, and spot size were monitored by film composition and spectral- and time-resolved imaging.
Direct and indirect co-culture of chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells for the generation of polymer/extracellular matrix hybrid constructs

In this work, the influence of direct cell-cell contact in co-cultures of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and chondrocytes for the improved deposition of cartilage-like extracellular matrix (ECM) within nonwoven fibrous poly(∊-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds was examined. To this end, chondrocytes and MSCs were either co-cultured in direct contact by mixing on a single PCL scaffold or produced via indirect co-culture, whereby the two cell types were seeded on separate scaffolds which were then cultured together in the same system either statically or under media perfusion in a bioreactor. In static cultures, the chondrocyte scaffold of an indirectly co-cultured group generated significantly greater amounts of glycosaminoglycan and collagen than the direct co-culture group initially seeded with the same number of chondrocytes. Furthermore, improved ECM production was linked to greater cellular proliferation and distribution throughout the scaffold in static culture. In perfusion cultures, flow had a significant effect on the proliferation of the chondrocytes. The ECM contents within the chondrocyte-containing scaffolds of the indirect co-culture groups either approximated or surpassed the amounts generated within the direct co-culture group. Additionally, within bioreactor culture there were indications that chondrocytes had an influence on the chondrogenesis of MSCs as evidenced by increases in cartilaginous ECM synthetic capacity. This work demonstrates that it is possible to generate PCL/ECM hybrid scaffolds for cartilage regeneration by utilizing the factors secreted by two different cell types, chondrocytes and MSCs, even in the absence of juxtacrine signaling.
2-D Hydrodynamical Simulations of Wind Compressed Disks

We present results of 2-D hydrodynamical simulations of a radiatively driven stellar wind from a rapidly rotating Be-star. These generally confirm predictions of the semi-analytic “Wind-Compressed-Disk” model recently proposed by Bjorkman and Cassinelli to explain the circumstellar disks inferred observationally to exist around such rapidly rotating stars. However, our numerical simulations are able to incorporate several important effects not accounted for in the simple model, including a dynamical treatment of the outward radiative driving and gas pressure, as well as a rotationally distorted, oblate stellar surface. This enables us to model quantitatively the compressed wind and shock that forms the equatorial disk. The simulation results thus do differ in several important details from the simple model, showing, for example, an inner disk inflow not possible in the heuristic approach of assuming a fixed outward velocity law. There is also no evidence for the predicted detachment of the disk that arises in the fixed outflow picture. The peak equatorward velocity in the dynamical models is furthermore about a factor of two smaller than the analytically predicted value of ~ 50% the stellar equatorial rotation speed. As a result, the dynamical disks are somewhat weaker than predicted, with a wider opening angle, lower disk/pole density ratio, and smaller shock velocity jump (each by roughly the same factor of two).
Adsorption‐isotherm and Effect of Gum Blends on Viscosity and Microstructure of Oat Gum (β‐D‐Glucan)

Interactions of oat β-glucan/oat gum (OG) in binary mixtures with other gums [xanthan (XG), locust bean (LBG), and guar (GG)] were studied by viscometry at ratios (50/50, 60/40, and 80/20) and concentrations (0.5 and 0.75%). Physical structure changes due to interactions were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Equilibrium moisture contents (EMC) were observed at relative humidities (RH), 10.5%, 22%, 33%, 44%, 76% and 93%. Water and oil uptake were determined. Viscosity enhancement occurred in OG/LBG (50/50 and 60/40; 0.5%) and OG/XG (60/40; 0.5%) blends, suggesting synergism. Micrographs depicted microstructural homogeneity (single bulk phase) in OG/LBG and OG/XG blends. EMC of OG and GG were 26.1 and 31.6%, respectively, at 93% RH for 2 wk. LBG showed high mold growth at 93% RH. Uptake of water and oil by OG were 2.6 and 2.0 mL/g, respectively.
Ionic Conductive Polymers Based on Crosslinked Elastic Siloxane-Ethylene Oxide Copolymers

Abstract Solvent-free polymer electrolytes have generated much interest because of their potential applications in such areas as high energy density batteries1, solid state electrochromic display2, photoelectrochemical cells3. Early investigations were focused on alkali metal ion conduction in poly(ethy1ene oxide) (PEO) and polyfpropylene oxide) (PPO)4. Recent work has utilized various polymers such as poly(ethylenimine)5 and poly(ethy1ene succinate)6 as well as macromolecules with pendant methoxy-oligo(oxyethy1ene) chains anchored to polymethacrylate7, polyphosphazene8, and methylsiloxane9 backbones.
Evidence for additional mediator in prostaglandin-induced choleresis.

Abstract PGA1 and PGF2α were administered to isolated perfused porcine and canine livers to determine whether these hormones could induce hepatic choleresis. PGA1 (25 μg/kg/10 min) decreased portal venous resistance, but had no effect on bile flow, oxygen, pyruvate, or lactate consumption in canine livers. PGF2α increased portal venous resistance and weight gain while decreasing bile flow and oxygen consumption in canine livers. At high doses (50 μg/kg/10 min) these effects resulted in irreversible outflow block. At low doses (5 μg/kg/10 min) these trends were reversible. Porcine livers did not exhibit the outflow block syndrome after PGF2α administration (100 μg/kg/10 min); however, choleresis was not observed. Thus, the in-vivo choleretic effects of prostaglandins previously reported are probably mediated partially or wholly by extrahepatic release of other hormones, neurological stimulation or alterations in mesenteric blood flow.
The excess enthalpies of four (carbon dioxide + an alkanol) mixtures from 308.15 to 573.15 K at 7.50 to 12.50 MPa

Abstract The excess molar enthalpies H m E of (carbon dioxide + methanol or n -propanol or n -butanol or + n -octanol) were measured in the vicinity of the critical locus and in the supercritical region. Large positive H m E s were observed depending on the compositions, pressures, and temperature of the mixtures. A modified Soave equation of state was used to correlate H m E over the temperature range of 308.15 to 573.15 K and a pressure range of 7.50 to 12.50 MPa. The average standard deviation ranged from 69 J·mol −1 for methanol at 573.15 K and 12.5 MPa to 1622 J·mol −1 for methanol at 473.15 and 7.5 MPa. Overall, only fair correlations were obtained using the Soave equation.
StereoMorph: an R package for the collection of 3D landmarks and curves using a stereo camera set-up

Summary Quantitative, three-dimensional measurements of anatomy in biology and paleontology are key to understanding the evolutionary processes underlying morphological, functional and ecological diversification. However, the collection of 3D morphometric data from a large number of samples or in the field is currently limited by methods that are either too costly, too time-consuming or lack portability. We present a new R package, StereoMorph, for the rapid and accurate collection of 3D landmarks and curves using two standard digital cameras. StereoMorph provides a complete set of tools for every step in the collection of 3D landmarks and curves using a stereo camera set-up. This includes image processing and optimization functions for automated camera calibration using a checkerboard pattern, an easy-to-use application for digitizing landmarks and curves from photographs, and tools for reconstructing points and curves in 3D. The image processing tools and digitizing application are readily applicable to 2D morphometrics as well, enabling 2D landmarks and curves to be digitized and scaled automatically using a checkerboard pattern. We include five examples that demonstrate key functionalities of StereoMorph: automated detection of checkerboard corners, camera calibration, testing calibration accuracy, digitizing photographs and 3D curve reconstruction. With a set-up costing less than $1500, we show that it is possible to achieve a mean reconstruction error of less than 30 microns. Once the cameras are assembled, specimens can be photographed as quickly as with 2D morphometrics while digitizing takes two to three times as long as digitizing a single photograph. We conclude by presenting an accompanying tutorial which details all of the steps required to collect 3D landmarks and curves using StereoMorph. Additionally, we present a web blog that will provide a platform for updates and user questions and suggestions.
Use of the Breakthrough Series Collaborative to Support Broad and Sustained Use of Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment for Children in Community Practice Settings

Empirically supported treatments for posttraumatic stress reactions in children are not widely available. This observational study evaluates the feasibility and utility of adapting the Institute for Healthcare’s Breakthrough Series Collaborative (BSC) to support the broad implementation and sustained use of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) in community practice settings. Study findings indicated that agency staff in diverse roles viewed the BSC methodology as a valuable and practicable approach for facilitating skillful delivery of TF-CBT with fidelity. Use of TF-CBT increased over the course of the collaborative and findings from a survey conducted one year later indicated that participating agencies were able to sustain and spread the practice.
High-performance mass spectrometry as a drug discovery tool: a high-throughput screening assay to identify RNA-binding ligands

Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) is increasingly being used as a drug discovery tool. We describe the development of a parallel high-throughput screening (HTS) strategy to identify small molecules that bind RNA targets using FTMS as an alternative to classical high-throughput biological screening methods for combinatorial libraries. The Multitarget Affinity/Specificity Screening (MASS) assay takes advantage of the "intrinsic mass" label of each compound and target RNA by employing high resolution, high precision mass measurements. The ability to analyze complex mixtures allows large compound libraries to be screened in the presence of multiple RNA targets simultaneously. The identity of the small molecule(s) which bind, the RNA target to which it binds, the compound-specific binding affinity and the location of the binding site on the RNA can be determined in one set of rapid experiments. The MASS technology detects complexes with dissociation constants of < 5 mM, with high sensitivity.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Two Systems for Direct Radiographic Miniaturization

The direct miniaturization of radiographic images is discussed, and two systems are analyzed in detail. The performance and relative advantages of a large, high-performance X-ray image intensifier (?18-in or 46-cm diameter) and an optically coupled radiographic intensifier are presented. These systems are estimated to have comparable performance and costs. The X-ray image intensifier system is superior in quantum efficiency and gain, while the radiographic intensifier is superior in contrast. While, as expected, the resolution, contrast, and sensitivity of these systems are not as good as a conventional screen-film cassette system under all circumstances, their performance may be adequate for all but the most demanding radiologic applications.
Motivational Interviewing to Promote Adherence Behaviors in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes

Suboptimal regimen adherence among youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a common challenge for patients, families, and providers. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a brief communication style designed to elicit intrinsic motivation and strengthen commitment to behavior change goals. As pediatric MI research expands, a critical review of its evidence base and applicability to promote adherence behaviors for youth with T1D is needed. This review introduces the core tenets of MI and clinical applications in T1D, synthesizes the existing MI research in T1D, and discusses the next steps in MI research. Overall, mixed results for MI interventions in T1D reflect variations in research study design and clinical implementation. Targeting adherence rather than glycemic outcomes typically demonstrates greater results, highlighting the promise of MI to facilitate meaningful and enduring improvements in youths’ T1D adherence behaviors.
Protease nexin II interactions with coagulation factor XIa are contained within the Kunitz protease inhibitor domain of protease nexin II and the factor XIa catalytic domain

Protease nexin II, a platelet-secreted protein containing a Kunitz-type domain, is a potent inhibitor of factor XIa with an inhibition constant of 250-400 pM. The present study examined the protein interactions responsible for this inhibition. The isolated catalytic domain of factor XIa is inhibited by protease nexin II with an inhibition constant of 437 +/- 62 pM, compared to 229 +/- 40 pM for the intact protein. Factor XIa is inhibited by a recombinant Kunitz domain with an inhibition constant of 344 +/- 37 pM versus 422 +/- 33 pM for the catalytic domain. Kinetic rate constants were determined by progress curve analysis. The association rate constants for inhibition of factor XIa by protease nexin II [(3.35 +/- 0.35) x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1)] and catalytic domain [(2.27 +/- 0. 25) x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1)] are nearly identical. The dissociation rate constants are very similar, (9.17 +/- 0.71) x 10(-4) and (7.97 +/- 1.1) x 10(-4) s(-1), respectively. The rate constants for factor XIa and catalytic domain inhibition by recombinant Kunitz domain are also very similar: association constants of (3.19 +/- 0.29) x 10(6) and (3.25 +/- 0.44) x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1), respectively; dissociation constants of (10.73 +/- 0.84) x 10(-4) and (10.36 +/- 1.3) x 10(-4) s(-1). The inhibition constant (K(i)) values calculated from these kinetic parameters are in close agreement with those measured from equilibrium binding experiments. These results suggest that the major interactions required for factor XIa inhibition by protease nexin II are localized to the catalytic domain of factor XIa and the Kunitz domain of protease nexin II.
On the use of solid-state hydrophones in the gathering of hydrodynamic pressure response data

Summary Tests aimed at evaluating the use of solid-state hydrophones to measure water pressure responses during the forced vibration of a large arch dam have been described. Experimental results obtained indicate that the hydrophones can be used to study dam/water interaction effects. Preliminary comparisons between the use of conventional and solid-state hydrophones to measure water pressure responses appear to favor the solid-state hydrophone, however, the noted difference in normalized response amplitude must be addressed.
NMR Studies of the Q5A, G6S Unmyristylated Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Matrix Protein

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) has been identified as an animal model for studying Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The Gag polyprotein is targeted to the plasma membrane for viral budding via the matrix protein. A myristate group is covalently bound to the N-terminus of the matrix protein by the enzyme N-Myristyltransferase (NMT). Inhibitors targeted to the matrix protein have been proposed as possible drug treatments. The structure of myristylated FIV matrix protein is being solved using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR).In order to myristylate FIV matrix with yeast NMT, mutations (Q5A, G6S) were introduced into the matrix gene. There is an interest, however, in comparing the unmyristylated mutant form of matrix with the unmyristylated wildtype form in order to evaluate the physiological relevance of the mutations. It is hypothesized that because only two residues of the protein were mutated, the overall three-dimensional fold of the mutant would be similar to the wildtype.To test this, FIV unmyristylated Q5A, G6S matrix protein was expressed, labeled with a 15N source, and purified. A Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence (HSQC) NMR experiment was performed and compared to HSQC spectra from the wildtype matrix protein. The comparison showed strong similarities between wildtype and mutant unmyristyalated FIV MA. The structures of FIV matrix and HIV matrix can be compared to determine the effectiveness of FIV as an animal model for drug trials.
Effect of amygdalectomy on habituation and CER in rats

Amygdalectomized, Sham operates and unoperated rats received 20 habituation trials followed by CER training during which the habituation stimulus was made a CS for 10 CS-UCS pairings. Although no reliable differences in rate of magnitude of habituation as measured by suppression ratio magnitudes and ITI durations were apparent between any groups, these same measures indicated that substantial deficits in conditioned suppression were produced by bilateral amygdalectomy. In addition the lesion produced a reliable deficit in unconditioned suppression and a slight but reliable reduction in the number of ccs of water consumed in a 24 hour period. These results are more consistent with the hypothesis that amygdalectomy interferes with the arousal of fear than with the proposals that this lesion produces deficits in habituation or in response inhibition.
n-Widths, sup–infs, and optimality ratios for the k-version of the isogeometric finite element method

We begin the mathematical study of the k-method utilizing the theory of Kolmogorov n-widths. The k-method is a finite element technique where spline basis functions of higher-order continuity are employed. It is a fundamental feature of the new field of isogeometric analysis. In previous works, it has been shown that using the k-method has many advantages over the classical finite element method in application areas such as structural dynamics, wave propagation, and turbulence. The Kolmogorov n-width and sup–inf were introduced as tools to assess the effectiveness of approximating functions. In this paper, we investigate the approximation properties of the k-method with these tools. Following a review of theoretical results, we conduct a numerical study in which we compute the n-width and sup–inf for a number of one-dimensional cases. This study sheds further light on the approximation properties of the k-method. We finish this paper with a comparison study of the k-method and the classical finite element method and an analysis of the robustness of polynomial approximation.
Spruce budworm mortality as a function of aerial spray droplet size.

The size and number of aerial spray drops impinging on spruce budworm in its conifer forest habitat were determined by means of a new tracer method that uses fluorescent particles in a liquid spray. Examination of 1113 larvae affected by an experimėntal insecticide that had been applied to a 5000-acre (2024-ha) test area in Montana showed that 93 percent had not been contacted by any droplets larger than 50 µ in diameter. Small numbers of droplets 50 to 100 µ in diameter were found on 7 percent of the larvae, along with lethal numbers of smaller drops. No evidence was found that significant numbers of drops larger than 100 µ reached the target insects. Because about 95 percent of the spray applied to forests by current methods consist of droplets larger than 50 µ, the biologically effective portion of the drop spectrum is only a few percent. The data foreshadow a major potential reduction in insecticide requirements for the successful control of spruce budworm.
A comparison of the effects of a fungal elicitor and ultraviolet radiation on ion transport and hydrogen peroxide synthesis by rose cells

Abstract An elicitor preparation from a Phytophthora sp. induced an efflux of K+ and a production of H2O2 by cell suspensions of Rosa damascena. The kinetics and amounts of K+ efflux and of H2O2 production and degradation were similar to those observed when the cells were treated with u.v. radiation (254 nm). The K+ efflux from both elicitor-treated and u.v.-treated rose cells was inhibited at 0 °K+ efflux from elicitor-treated cells was stimulated by a pretreatment of the cells at 40°C; efflux from u.v.-treated cells was inhibited by the same pretreatment. Washed cells lost sensitivity to elicitor (but not u.v.) over a period of several hours. Like u.v.-treated cells, elicitor-treated cells lost sensitivity to a second treatment with u.v. given 15–18 hr later. The results are interpreted in terms of a common ion transport process stimulated by elicitor and u.v. through different receptors.
Immunocytochemical Localization of (Na+,K+)‐ATPase in the Goldfish Optic Nerve

: Antiserum to the catalytic subunit of goldfish brain (Na+,K+)-ATPase has been employed at the electron microscopic level by means of the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical method. In optic nerve, an-tigenic sites are restricted to the nodes of Ranvier. No reaction product is detected in underlying internodal neurolemma. Outgrowing neurites for cultured retinal explants devoid of glial ensheathment exhibit a continuous distribution of the enzyme subunit. Antibodies against eel electroplax (Na+, K+)-ATPase cross-react with the goldfish brain enzyme and show a similar immunocytochemical distribution pattern.
The Roots of Hegel's "Master-Slave Relationship"

Hegel continues to be credited with the discovery of a "master-slave dialectic". Critics, however, have established that there was no "master-slave dialectic" but rather a Knecht, that is, servant or footman, with the latter a member of an abstract relationship of Herrschaft-Knechtschaft, which is central to Hegel's idea of the journey from dependence to independence. This "primitive scene" sets up a cycle for the whole paradigm, which is a reformulation of the victory over animal life and its appetites, and a reformulation of the birth of nations. Hegel followed Aristotle here; those who risked their own life are given recognition as masters and those who chose to preserve it at the cost of their freedom, are servants.
Evaluation of checkpoint mechanisms for massively parallel machines

Massively parallel machines typically contain thousands of processor units and therefore are more likely to suffer system breakdown because of component failures. This paper studies efficient diskless checkpointing mechanisms for SIMD massively parallel machines. Three checkpointing schemes: mirror checkpointing, parity checkpointing, and partial parity checkpointing are compared in terms of their checkpoint performance and storage overheads, based on empirical measurements. Mirror checkpointing and parity checkpointing schemes have been successfully implemented and tested on a DECmpp 12000 machine, without hardware or OS modifications. It has been shown that mirror checkpointing is an order of magnitude faster than parity checkpointing, but takes twice as much storage overhead. Partial parity checkpointing, although significantly reduces the storage overhead, could lead to unpredictable execution performance. This paper also examines the detailed storage/performance tradeoffs for partial parity checkpointing through manual instrumentation, and describes the implementation experience from these experiments.
A novel type-II infrared single photon detector

A novel infrared single photon detector for wavelengths above 1 /spl mu/m is presented. It incorporates novel carrier focalization and nanoinjection. A finite element method based simulation is implemented to model and verify predicted superior performance.
An exploratory study of cognitive load in instructional chat rooms

The purpose of this study is to explore the cognitive load that students experience in text-based instructional chat rooms. Thirty-four undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory educational psychology course were the participants in this study. An instrument that was developed by one of the authors of the study was used to measure cognitive load in a text-based chat room. Students were asked to read a scenario that was taken from a textbook used in another class taught by an author of this study. After reading the stimulus material, students discussed the topic. A few questions, also taken from the textbook, were typed in the chat room by an author of the study, to initiate and facilitate discussion of the topic. Findings of the study suggest that students did experience measurable cognitive load during the discussion session. The findings of the study are reported and suggestions for further research are offered.
Novel anti-factor D monoclonal antibody inhibits complement and leukocyte activation in a baboon model of cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract Background . Adverse outcomes after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are often related to systemic inflammation triggered by complement and leukocyte activation. To determine how inhibition of the alternative complement pathway affects systemic inflammation and tissue injury, we studied a novel monoclonal antibody (Mab), anti-human factor D murine Mab 166-32, in baboons. Methods . Fourteen baboons (mean weight, 15 kg) underwent hypothermic CPB. The treatment group (n = 7) received a single injection of anti-factor D Mab 166–32 (5 mg/kg), and the control group (n = 7) was given saline solution. After initiation of CPB, all animals were subjected to 20 minutes of core cooling (rectal temperature, 27°C), followed by 60 minutes of aortic cross-clamping, 25 minutes of rewarming, and 30 minutes of normothermic CPB. Blood samples were collected before CPB, during CPB, and 1, 2, 3, 6, and 18 hours after CPB. To measure neutrophil and monocyte activation, we performed flow cytometry for CD11b expression, ELISA for complement activation (Bb, C3a, C4d, and sC5b-9) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production, and tissue injury studies for creatine kinase MB isoenzymes (CK-MB), creatine kinase (CK), and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Results . Anti-factor D Mab almost completely inhibited plasma Bb, C3a, and sC5b-9 production during CPB ( P P = .0006) and on monocytes (139 ± 14% vs. 245 ± 43%; P = .0002) was also lower in the treatment group during CPB. The treated animals had a significantly smaller increase in plasma IL-6 concentrations than did the control animals (71 ± 27 pg/mL vs. 104 ± 54 pg/mL; P = .0002). CK-MB levels were also lower in the treatment group 6 hours after the end of CPB (204 ± 30 vs. 335 ± 59 IU/L; P = .003) and 18 hours after the end of CPB ( P P Conclusions . The alternative complement pathway plays a major role in systemic inflammation during CPB. Inhibition of complement activation via the alternative pathway by anti-factor D Mab 166–32 significantly reduces leukocyte activation and tissue injury in our baboon model.
Unbound Aggregate Rutting Models for Stress Rotations and Effects of Moving Wheel Loads

The latest research findings on stress rotations caused by moving wheel loads and their effects on permanent deformation or rut accumulation in pavement granular layers are presented. Realistic pavement stresses induced by moving wheel loads were examined in the unbound aggregate base and subbase layers, and the significant effects of rotation of principal stress axes were indicated for a proper characterization of the permanent deformation behavior. To account for the rutting performances of especially thick granular layers, a comprehensive set of repeated load triaxial tests was conducted in the laboratory. Triaxial test data were obtained and analyzed from testing aggregates under various realistic in situ stress paths caused by moving wheel loading. Permanent deformation characterization models were then developed on the basis of the experimental test data to include the static and dynamic stress states and the slope of stress path loading. The models that also considered the stress path slope variati...
Characterization of highly hydrophobic coatings deposited onto pre-oxidized silicon from water dispersible organosilanes

The formation and quality of highly hydrophobic coatings deposited from water dispersible organosilanes onto pre-oxidized single crystal silicon were studied using atomic force microscopy, ellipsometry, dynamic contact angle measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Highly hydrophobic films of a commercially available water dispersible silane and two different cationic alkoxysilanes were prepared by dip coating. It was found using atomic force microscopy that, in general, the structure of these highly hydrophobic films is a continuous film with some particulates attributed to bulk polymerization of the precursor molecule in water. Film defects were quantified using EIS by the value of charge transfer resistance at the hydrofluoric acid/silicon interface. Potential applications of this type of coatings include reduction/elimination of stiction in micro-electromechanical systems, contact printing in materials microfabrication, inhibition of corrosion and oxidation, prevention of water wetting, lubrication and protein adsorption.
Impedance-based Biosensors

Impedance measurements on arrays of microelectrodes can provide information about the growth, motility, and physiology of cells growing on the electrodes. In this talk, we report recent results obtained for the growth of 3T3 mouse fibroblasts and HCT116 human cancer cells on gold electrodes approximately 0.4 mm2 in area. Cells produce a characteristic peak in the impedance change plotted as a function of frequency. With the aid of electrical modeling of the cell-electrode system, the details of the changes in the measured impedance can be correlated to the cell size, fractional electrode coverage, and cell-electrode gap. In particular, comparison of impedance measurements of these two cell types show clear differences in the growth rate and the ratio of the cell-electrode gap to the cell size. In addition to presenting these experimental results illustrating the utility of electrode impedance measurements, we will outline the issues encountered when electrodes are scaled to cell size and incorporated into a matrix-addressed array.
Vitamin B6-responsive and -unresponsive cystathioninuria : two variant molecular forms

Cystathionase activity in a lymphoid cell line extracts from a vitamin B6-responsive patient with cystathioninuria was increased strikingly by pyridoxal phosphate. Immunodiffusion with antiserum to human hepatic cystathionase showed identity between this cystathionase protein and cystathionase from an extract of normal lymphoid cells. Neither an increase in cystathionase activity nor immunochemical identity was found using extract of cells from a B6-unresponsive patient.
Population status of black and white colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza) in Kakamega Forest, Kenya: are they really on the decline?

Eastern black and white colobus monkeys, or guerezas (Colobus guereza), are among the few primate species that have traditionally been regarded as not being adversely affected by habitat degradation. This view was recently challenged by von Hippel et al. (2000) who, using data from short-term censuses in 1992 and 1998, reported a striking decline in guereza density over a six-year period of light to moderate habitat degradation at Isecheno study site in the Kakamega Forest, Kenya. In this paper, I present evidence from my own more intensive study during the same period that suggests that the guereza population at Isecheno is actually quite robust and may in fact be increasing. I provide evidence to suggest that the census methods adopted by von Hippel and his colleagues are prone to overestimating density and that the decline in guereza density that they reported probably did not occur. My study suggests that brief censuses based on group counts over a given area, even when conducted by multiple observers, are not sufficient for accurately determining primate distributions and densities in rainforest environments. Data on animal distribution and density play a critical role in the development of conservation strategies and it is therefore important that these data be relatively accurate if biologists are to make informed conservation decisions.
Retrograde (Transseptal) Activation of Right Bundle Branch During Sinus Rhythm

A 40-year-old man undergoing electrophysiologic study for recurrent palpitations was found to have a right bundle branch block during sinus rhythm and right bundle potentials occurring after ventricular activation. The sequence of activation of the proximal and distal right bundle potentials was suggestive of a retrograde invasion of the right bundle during sinus rhythm. This transseptal activation of the right bundle via the left bundle exhibited decremental conduction characteristics during atrial as well as ventricular stimulation. Observations made in this case may provide some important information concerning the electrophysiologic behavior of transseptal impulses.