cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of tetrabenazine and phenylpiperidine analgesics during daily clorgyline treatment

Pigeons responded under a multiple fixed-ratio 30-response, fixed-interval 5-min schedule of food presentation. Daily administration of clorgyline (10 mg/kg, IM) tended to decrease rates of responding in both schedule components. Before daily clorgyline, tetrabenazine had no effect or decreased responding in the FI component at doses that markedly increased responding during chronic clorgyline. The clorgyline treatment resulted in a slight increase in sensitivity to the rate-decreasing effects of morphine, but no increased sensitivity to the rate-decreasing effects of meperidine, anileridine, alphaprodine, or fentanyl.
Paper position sensing

We describe position sensing algorithms used in an airjet paper moving system built at Xerox PARC. The algorithms combine inputs from optical sensors and compute the rectangle best fitting the data. We consider two different types of sensors: fax scan bars and disk-shaped area sensors. Our algorithms proved to be quite effective both in simulation and in actual use.
Microprep protocol for extraction of DNA from tomato and other herbaceous plants

T he extraction of DNA from plant tissue is a critical and often very time-consuming step in many plant molecular biology procedures. This is especially true for studies of molecular genetics, QTLs, or molecular-marker-based breeding where hundreds or even thousands of plant samples need to be analyzed in a short period of time. Many protocols are laborious and are limited by the need for large amounts of plant tissue. Based on the methods originally described by Murray et al. (1980), we have developed a procedure in our laboratory that maximizes the number of plant samples one person can extract and that yields sufficient DNA for 50 to 100 PCR reactions or two to four Southern blots. The use of very small, new leaves makes it possible to extract DNA from seedlings only one to three weeks old, reducing the need for large amounts of greenhouse space. The entire procedure can be done in 1.5-mL microcentrifuge tubes, eliminating the need for large centrifuges. Using this procedure, one person can isolate DNA from several hundred plants per day. Materials and Solut ions
Der einfluß von silber-sauerstoffchemisorptionsverbindungen auf den prozeß der elektrochemischen reduktion von S2O82− an silberelektroden in 0,1 n KOH

Zusammenfassung Es konnte gezeigt werden, das Ag-Sauerstoffchemisorptionsverbindungen die Adsorption von S2O82− an der Elektrodenoberflache beschleunigen, den elektrochemischen Durchtrittsprozes dagegen hemmen. An einer mit chemisorbiertem Sauerstoff bedeckten Ag-Oberflache ist Die Reaktionsordnung n des Reduktionsprozesses von S2O82− Null. An roduzierter Ag-Oberflache ist n > 0. Die Adsorption von S2O82− an einer mit chemisorbiertem Sauerstoff bedeckten Ag-Elektrode ist mit der Uberfuhrung des S2O82− in einen reaktionsfahigeren Zustand verbunden. Independamment du processus de transfert de charge, l'oxygene chimisorbe a une electrode d'argent apparait accelerer l'absorption des ions inhibiteurs S2O82−. L'ordre n de la reaction de reduction de S2O82− sur une surface d'argent recouverte d'oxygene chimisorbe est egal a zero. Sur une surface d'argent reduit n > 0. L'adsorption de S2O82− sur une electrode d'argent recouverte d'oxygene chimisorbe est en relation avec une transition de S2O82− vers un etat plus reactif.
A novel 18F-labeled two-helix scaffold protein for PET imaging of HER2-positive tumor

Purpose Two-helix scaffold proteins (~ 5 kDa) against human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) have been discovered in our previous work. In this research we aimed to develop an 18F-labeled two-helix scaffold protein for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of HER2-positive tumors.
Fluorescent petal constituents of Chrysanthemum coronarium L.

Abstract The petals of C. coronarium have been shown to contain the 7-glucosides of quercetin, quercetagetin, and luteolin, as well as a small amount of a kaempferol glycoside. Chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acids have also been detected in moderate concentrations. Biogenetic implications of the co-occurrence of these compounds are discussed.
Ex Post Use Restriction and Benefit-sharing Provisions for Access to Non-plant Genetic Materials for Public Research

This study investigates the tradeoffs that providers of genetic materials make between constructing a benefits arrangement and establishing use restrictions. The analysis makes use of individual- and project-level data collected from university and government researchers in the United States. Results show, for instance, that although most genetic resources are exchanged without up-front payments, when up-front payments are required for transfer, recipients are less likely to be expected to contribute monetary or non-monetary benefits after receipt of material. Recipients are also less likely to be subjected to ex post restrictions on the use of the materials they receive. Conversely, when recipients are expected to provide information from project results, up-front payments for genetic materials are less likely to be assessed. The paper concludes that up-front payments can be applied in ways that avoid complex restrictions and obligations that may hinder the exchange of genetic materials, public research, and further innovation.
Strengths and air-broadened widths of H2O lines in the 2950–3400 cm-1 region

Abstract Measurements of the strengths and air-broadened widths of 223 lines of water vapor have been made with high resolution in the region 2950–3400 cm-1. The strength data of the lines in the 2ν2 and ν1 bands are analyzed to determine the band strengths and the coefficients of the F factors. The band strengths of the 2ν2 and ν1 bands were found to be 1.75±0.08 and 10.3±1.1 cm-2 atm-1 at 296 K, respectively. The selection rules of the lines observed in the ν3 band are forbidden in the symmetric-rotor limit. The majority of the measured strengths of these lines differ from the calculated values because of different asymmetries in the upper and lower vibrational states. Also, Coriolis perturbations in several lines of the ν1 and ν3 bands were observed in the strength measurements. The direct method was applied to determine the air-broadened line widths. The results are compared to the computed values of Benedict and Kaplan. There is good agreement between this work and the computed results for line width values greater than 0.05 cm-1 atm-1. However, for line widths less than 0.05 cm-1 atm-1, the measured values are smaller than the computed widths. A value of 0.018 cm-1 atm-1 is given for the width of the line at 3378.071 cm-1, whereas the calculated value is 0.032 cm-1 atm.
Pitfalls for realistic decision theory: an illustration from sequential choice

Decision theory is a theory of rationality, but the concept of rationality has several different dimensions. Making decision theory more realistic with respect to one dimension may well have the result of making it less realistic in another dimension. This paper illustrates this tension in the context of sequential choice. Trying to make decision theory more realistic by accommodating resoluteness and commitment brings the normative assessment dimension of rationality into conflict with the action-guiding dimension. In the case of resolute choice the conflict comes because of a clash of perspectives. The perspective from which resolute choice seems normatively compelling is not the perspective from which it can serve the purpose of guiding action.
Fundamental properties of cuprate superconductors as probed by infrared spectroscopy

Abstract A brief, selective review shows the unconventional nature of the normal state, the loss of spectral weight and appearance of a 500 cm −1 psuedo-gap in the low temperature infrared conductivity, and the evidence for pair formation above T c in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x .
Psychodiagnostic Testing in Forensic Psychology: A Commentary

This article comments on five articles in a series designed to provide some current guidelines concerning the forensic applicability of five widely used psychological tests: the Bender Gestalt Test (BGT), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III), the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), and the Rorschach Inkblot Method (RIM). The author's observations and recommendations make a valuable contribution to enhancing the quality and utility of forensic psychological testing.
ONTOGENY OF HUMAN CD4 LYMPHOCYTE SUBPOPULATIONS FOLLOWING BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION

Human CD4 inducer T lymphocytes consist of two functionally distinct subpopulations. The monoclonal antibody anti-2H4 identifies CD4 cells that induce T suppressor cell function and proliferate in the AMLR, while the monoclonal antibody anti-4B4 identifies CD4 cells that primarily induce B cell help. To define the ontogeny of these inducer subpopulations we studied their number and functional capabilities in seven patients following allogeneic and autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMTx). During the first 90 days following BMTx, both the helper/inducer CD4+ 4B4+ and suppressor/inducer CD4+ 2H4+ subpopulations were elevated (BMTx CD4+ 4B4+ = 75±3% versus control = 42±3%; BMTx CD4+ 2H4+ = 77±5% versus control = 43±2%). However, there was a paradoxical deficiency in the function of the two subpopulations. BMTx patients had a depressed AMLR stimulation index of 3.2±0.5% of control. The post-BMTx CD4+ 4B4+ cells provided poor help for IgG synthesis in a pokeweed mitogen driven co-culture of autologous T and B cells (116±50% of expected IgG synthesis in the BMTx patients versus 465±185% in the controls). Control T cells provided normal help to BMTx B cells (472±176%) but post-BMTx T cells could not provide help for control B cells (135±43%). These data suggest that there is a progenitor cell subpopulation within the CD4 population in post-BMTx that carries both the 2H4 and 4B4 antigenic markers, but does not have the functional capabilities of the terminally differentiated mature CD4 subpopulations.
Epidermal growth factor/transforming growth factor alpha receptors and psoriasis.

The abnormal growth and differentiation in psoriasis is reflected in the abnormal regulation of Epidermal Growth Factor/Transforming Growth Factor Alpha (EGF/TGFα) receptor metabolism. In psoriasis and other hyperproliferative skin conditions these receptors are persistently expressed throughout the interfollicular epidermis as long as the growth stimulatory signal persists. One of the first biochemical signs of effective therapy of psoriasis is the return of the EGF/TGFα receptor pattern toward the primarily basilar distribution seen in normal human adult skin. Whether the abnormal expression of TGFα in the involved skin induces the persistent expression of EGF receptors is not known nor is the signal that causes the increased production of TGFα. Studies to determine what factors regulate EGF receptor expression and TGFα induction may yield important new insights into the pathogenesis and therapy of psoriasis.
Formation of Two-Phase Multiple Emulsions by Inclusion of Continuous Phase into Dispersed Phase

The formation of multiple emulsions, M/O/M, has been observed for conjugate middle-phase microemulsion (M) and top or oleic (O) phase formed by the system 2-butoxyethanol/n-decane/water at a temper...
Audiogenic seizures in unilaterally sensitized and monaurally stimulated Wistar rats.

Abstract Results of previous studies (Pierson M. and Swann J., Epilepsia , 32 (1991) 1–9) have demonstrated that exposure of Wistar rats to noise on day 14 results in audiogenic seizure susceptibility. Experiments reported here examined whether unilateral susceptibility could be induced in rats by monaural restriction of this noise exposure. Behavioral attributes of seizures on day 28 were compared in groups that were: binaurally noise-exposed/binaurally tested, binaurally noise-exposed/monaurally tested, monaurally noise-exposed/binaurally tested and monaurally noise-exposed/monaurally tested. Effects of left- and right-ear exposures and tests were assessed separately. Unilateral susceptibility was evident since seizures could be elicited later only by stimulation of the originally noise-exposed ear. Seizures were behaviorally different in monaurally noise-exposed and binaurally noise-exposed animals. Convulsions, directional reversals during running episodes, and relatively short latencies occur only in binaurally noise-exposed rats. These behaviors occur with either monaural or binaural stimulation. Initial running direction was random in binaurally stimulated/binaurally noise-exposed rats, but was fixed in all other groups depending on which ear was exposed in either sensitization (day 14) or testing (day 28). Right- and left-ear sensitizations or tests resulted in left-directed and right-directed running onsets respectively. Previous studies of the effect of selective CNS lesions in instances of unilateral or bilateral susceptibility have led to the understanding that seizure initiation in unilaterally susceptible animals is mediated by the crossed ascending auditory pathway. From the present data it appears that initial running direction reflects which side of inferior colliculus (IC) mediates seizure initiation. Other data here suggest that both convulsions and two-directional running during seizures reflect bicollicular seizure activity. Since bidirectional seizures and convulsions occur in bilaterally sensitized rats even under conditions of monaural stimulation and are never observed in unilaterally sensitized rats, it may be that at least one pathway which contributes to seizures in bilaterally susceptible rats is uninvolved in seizures of unilaterally sensitized rats.
Controlled release of D-glucose from starch granules containing 29% free D-glucose and Eudragit L100-55 as a binding and coating agent.

Abstract Waxy maize starch (100% amylopectin) granules were modified by reaction of the granules with glucoamylase in a minimum amount of water to give 29% (w/w) d -glucose inside the granules [Kim, Y.-K.; Robyt, J. F. Carbohydr. Res. 1999 , 318 , 129−134]. These granules were made into beads by dropping an ethanol slurry of starch and different amounts of Eudragit L100-55 in a constant ratio of 100:1 from a pipette onto Whatman 3MM filter paper. The starch beads were air dried and then repeatedly sprayed 0–12 times with 2.0% (w/v) Eudragit L100-55 in ethanol, with drying between each spraying, to coat the surface of the starch beads, giving different amounts of Eudragit L100-55 coating. Seven different kinds of beads, with different amounts of Eudragit L100-55 binding and coating agent, were obtained. The rates of release of d -glucose into water from the seven kinds of beads were inversely proportional to the amount of binding and coating agent. Bead type I, which was without any binding and coating gave a fast 100% release of d -glucose in 30 min. Beads II and III also gave a fast 100% release in 60 min and 90 min, respectively. Bead IV gave a near linear release of 97% d -glucose in 150 min; Bead V gave a 50% release in 120 min followed by the remaining 50% in 60 min; and Beads VI and VII gave a slow release of 10% and 4%, respectively, from 0 to 120 min, followed by a rapid 100% release from 120 to 180 min.
A stereotaxic system for independent coordinated positioning of two or three microelectrodes.

This paper describes a straightforward, easily built and relatively inexpensive stereotaxic system that permits independent coordinated positioning of 2 or 3 microelectrodes. This system is ideally suited for situations where the ability to routinely place one electrode at a precise position relative to another is important. Resolution of relative position and interelectrode distance is ±50 μm. This system should prove useful for the study of local interactions in such neural aggregates as nuclei, motoneuron pools and within and between cortical columns.
Long‐term experimental loss of foundation species: consequences for dynamics at ecotones across heterogeneous landscapes

Biome transition zones where species co-exist near their geographic limits are expected to be among the most responsive to changes in climate that result in mortality of foundation species. Long-term (>13 years) patterns in dominance and cover of functional types were examined following the annual experimental removal of one of three foundation species at an arid-semiarid biome transition zone. Objectives were to identify key processes influencing these patterns, and to predict future landscape-scale dynamics following mortality of different foundation species. Aboveground biomass of dominant species was removed from 3 × 4 m plots. Cover by species on control and removal plots was estimated annually in communities with a single dominant species, and in ecotonal communities with two dominant species across two types of ecotones (semiarid grassland-arid grassland, arid grassland-arid shrubland). For most species and functional types, trends in cover through time were related to the remaining species assemblages rather than to variable climatic conditions. In ecotonal communities, resident co-dominant species increased to dominance following the loss of a foundation species with little change in community composition. In mono-dominated communities, dominant species loss resulted in a shift to species that are currently sub-dominants of the same functional type as the species that was removed. Subdominant perennial grass and shrub species increased rapidly following removals in most grassland locations. Annuals and perennial forbs had variable cover values through time that were not clearly related to pulses in precipitation and were not synchronized across locations. The most common response regardless of the identity of the foundation species removed or the community type was an increase in cover by sub-dominant grasses and by the arid grass species (Bouteloua eriopoda). The rate of increase by B. eriopoda depended on initial cover, and resulted from both vegetative growth and seedling recruitment from other locations. Seed dispersal and seedling recruitment from other locations were not found for the semiarid grass, Bouteloua gracilis or the arid shrub, Larrea tridentata. Because B. eriopoda is more susceptible to shrub invasion, drought, and livestock grazing than the other two foundation species, widespread loss of either of the other species and subsequent increase in B. eriopoda is expected to result in an increase in landscape-scale vulnerability to these environmental drivers. The extent and magnitude of this change in vulnerability will depend on the ability of B. eriopoda to respond based on the micro-environmental conditions of the site regardless of which species (B. gracilis, L. tridentata) is lost.
Hypertension in rats following multiple acupuncture of the adrenal glands.

It has been-known for almost 20 yr that hypertension develops in rats sensitized by mononephrectomy and a high salt intake, if the adrenal glands are subjected to either enucleation or pedicle ligation. Recently we have shown that compression of the adrenals is equally effective. Experiments reported herein demonstrate that the response is also elicited by adrenal acupuncture, and that the incidence and severity of the disorder i s directly related to the degree of injury inflicted. We believe that the etiology of these forms of experimental hypertension is the same and depends upon an alteration of adrenocortical function engendered by these particular procedures. If this is so, then absence of the medulla, a necessary concomitant only of the first two, is not etiologically important. The same would appear to be true of the transient period of antinatriuresis which adrenal enucleate rats may display when given oral, saline during the immediate postoperative period. This does not occur under similar circu...
Optical coherence tomography-based intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis) for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

To evaluate optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the charts of consecutive patients who received intravitreal ranibizumab for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to AMD were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with less than 6 months follow-up were excluded. OCT was performed at baseline and at monthly intervals for induction therapy. Injections were given monthly until no improvement was observed between successive OCTs. In the maintenance period, reinjections were performed for any recurrence of macular fluid on OCT. Main outcome measures were visual acuity and number of injections given. Twenty-five eyes of 22 patients with mean follow-up of 16 months [standard deviation (SD) = 3.7 months] had mean improvement of 1.6 lines of Snellen visual acuity (SD 2.9, 95% confidence interval 0.48–2.9, P = 0.008). Visual acuity was stable (≤3 lines of visual acuity lost) in 22 eyes (88%). Nine eyes (36%) gained ≥3 lines. Three eyes (12%) lost ≥3 lines. A mean of 6.0 (SD 2.7) injections were given over a follow-up period ranging from 8 to 21 months. We conclude that OCT-based intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for neovascular AMD offered excellent visual acuity results and reduced the number of injections compared with monthly dosing.
Texture Effects on the Electromigration Behavior of Layered Ti/AlCu/Ti Films

A strong correlation was found between film texture, quantified as fiber plots of (111) intensity versus tilt angle from the normal direction, and the resulting electromigration behavior of layered Ti/AlCu/Ti films. Superior electromigration behavior was found for those films which had a low volume fraction of randomly oriented grains, strong and sharp texture. Film microstructure and electromigration lifetime data on DC magnetron sputtered and electron gun evaporated AI-Cu and layered fine lines, fabricated and tested in the same laboratory, are included for a direct comparison. Outstanding electromigration lifetimes were measured for sputtered, layered, submicron films with copper concentrations between 0.12 - 2wt.%Cu. In contrast the electromigration lifetimes of evaporated layered films were found to degrade rapidly at < 2wt.%Cu. This anomalous electromigration behavior was attributed to both film texture and subtle structural differences in the Ti-Al intermetallics formed.
Life-history and viability analysis of the endangered Hawaiian stilt

The Hawaiian stilt Himantopus mexicanus knudseni is an endangered, endemic subspecies of black-necked stilt. We present life-history data required to perform population viability analysis (PVA), and the results of a series of PVAs under two scenarios, treating (a) the subspecies as a single population, and (b) six subpopulations as a metapopulation. We performed sensitivity analyses on model parameters and used results to address various management options. Both basic models predicted that stilts would increase to fill available habitat with no chance of a significant decline. Catastrophe, maximum age, and density-dependent reproduction had little effect on population projections. Rapid declines in the probability of stilt populations persisting occurred when clutch failure rate or first-year mortality rate increased above 70%, or when adult mortality rate increased above 30%. Model predictions of mean population size at 200 years tracked changes in carrying capacity. If current conditions change such that rates of clutch failure or stilt mortality increase, population declines and eventual extinction becomes more likely. Managers, therefore, should maintain predator control, limit water level fluctuations, and maintain current habitat area. Downlisting is not warranted because wetland management and predator control are necessary for Hawaiian stilts to persist.
Removal of esophageal foreign bodies in the pediatric ED: Is ketamine an option?

The objective of the study was to evaluate our experience with esophageal foreign body (EFB) removal comparing the use of ketamine-midazolam (K-M) and fentanyl-midazolam (F-M) in the emergency department (ED), to admission and general anesthesia (GA) in the operating room (OR). A retrospective review of all children undergoing EFB removal at our institution during a 2-year period was conducted. A total of 93 patients were identified: K-M 57/93 (61.2%), F-M 28/93 (30.1%), GA 5/93 (5.4%), and 3/93 (3.2%) by other means. Mean procedure durations were 4.8 min for K-M and 7.0 min for F-M. Mean lengths of stay (LOS) for ED procedures were 3.6 hrs for K-M and 5.7 hrs for F-M, versus 17.7 hrs if admitted. Transient hypoxemia occurred in 10.7% of K-M and 15.4% of F-M. Removal of EFBs in the ED may obviate the need for admission. In our experience, the use of K-M is associated with fewer airway complications, shorter removal times, and an overall shorter LOS.
Introgression of an imidazolinone-resistance gene from winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) into jointed goatgrass ( Aegilops cylindrica Host)

Imidazolinone-resistant winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is being commercialized in the USA. This technology allows wheat growers to selectively control jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica Host), a weed that is especially problematic because of its close genetic relationship with wheat. However, the potential movement of the imidazolinone-resistance gene from winter wheat to jointed goatgrass is a concern. Winter wheat and jointed goatgrass have the D genome in common and can hybridize and backcross under natural field conditions. Since the imidazolinone-resistance gene (Imi1) is located on the D genome, it is possible for resistance to be transferred to jointed goatgrass via hybridization and backcrossing. To study the potential for gene movement, BC2S2 plants were produced artificially using imidazolinone-resistant winter wheat (cv. FS-4) as the female parent and a native jointed goatgrass collection as the male recurrent parent. FS-4, the jointed goatgrass collection, and 18 randomly selected BC2S2 populations were treated with imazamox. The percentage of survival was 100% for the FS-4, 0% for the jointed goatgrass collection and 6 BC2S2 populations, 40% or less for 2 BC2S2 populations, and 50% or greater for the remaining 10 BC2S2 populations. Chromosome counts in BC2S3 plants showed a restoration of the chromosome number of jointed goatgrass, with four out of four plants examined having 28 chromosomes. Sequencing of AHASL1D in BC2S3 plants derived from BC2S2-6 revealed the sexual transmission of Imi1 from FS-4 to jointed goatgrass. Imi1 conferred resistance to the imidazolinone herbicide imazamox, as shown by the in vitro assay for acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) activity.
Gene expression profiling differentiates autism case–controls and phenotypic variants of autism spectrum disorders: evidence for circadian rhythm dysfunction in severe autism

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by delayed/abnormal language development, deficits in social interaction, repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. The heterogeneity in clinical presentation of ASD, likely due to different etiologies, complicates genetic/biological analyses of these disorders. DNA microarray analyses were conducted on 116 lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) from individuals with idiopathic autism who are divided into three phenotypic subgroups according to severity scores from the commonly used Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised questionnaire and age-matched, nonautistic controls. Statistical analyses of gene expression data from control LCL against that of LCL from ASD probands identify genes for which expression levels are either quantitatively or qualitatively associated with phenotypic severity. Comparison of the significant differentially expressed genes from each subgroup relative to the control group reveals differentially expressed genes unique to each subgroup as well as genes in common across subgroups. Among the findings unique to the most severely affected ASD group are 15 genes that regulate circadian rhythm, which has been shown to have multiple effects on neurological as well as metabolic functions commonly dysregulated in autism. Among the genes common to all three subgroups of ASD are 20 novel genes mostly in putative noncoding regions, which appear to associate with androgen sensitivity and which may underlie the strong 4:1 bias toward affected males.
Integrated communications, navigation and surveillance study — Overview of NextGen ICNS functional requirements

■ Completed a functional partitioning of requirements, as this brief study did not allow time to develop a mature RTSP concept ■ These functional requirements must be defined to meet the operational needs while ensuring safety ■ Functional requirements specified in this analysis were developed based on judgments by Subject Matter Experts and represent order of magnitude values expected for future ICNS requirements ■ Considerably more work is needed for a validated set of functional requirements, particularly for ICNS as it relates to higher RASP/RTSP NextGen requirements definitions being envisioned - Requires moving one layer higher from CNS to consider various ground and air operational capabilities to enable performance-based 4DT operations of NextGen
Peak systolic blood pressure/end-systolic volume ratio: Assessment at rest and during exercise in normal subjects and patients with coronary heart disease

Abstract To assess the utility of a recently proposed index of left ventricular performance, the ratio of peak left ventricular systolic pressure to end-systolic volume, equilibrium radionuclide angiography was used to determine end-systolic volume and the systolic blood pressure obtained by cuff sphygmomanometer to determine peak systolic pressure. Data were analyzed at rest and during supine bicycle exercise in 15 normal subjects (Group 1), 50 patients with coronary artery disease (Group II) and 9 patients with obstructive lung disease and no evidence of coronary artery disease on clinical examination including exercise thallium imaging (Group III). In 15 subjects the correlation between the resting angiographic and radionuclide pressure/volume ratio was excellent (r = 0.929, p Forty-seven (94 percent) of the 50 patients in Group II had a depressed pressure/volume ratio at rest or an abnormal change in this ratio during exercise, whereas only 43 (86 percent) of this group had an abnormal ejection fraction at rest or during exercise. Additionally, 3 of 15 subjects in Group I had an abnormal ejection fraction response, defined as less than 0.05 ejection fraction unit increase with exercise (specificity 80 percent), whereas all subjects in Group I had a normal increase in pressure/volume ratio (specificity 100 percent). At rest, neither index identified more patients with coronary artery disease than the other. Of the nine patients in Group III, six had an abnormal ejection fraction response to exercise, whereas only one had an abnormal pressure/volume ratio response. It is concluded that the end-systolic pressure/volume ratio is a useful index of left ventricular performance. In some patients during supine exercise stress it may be more sensitive than the ejection fraction response alone in identifying the presence of coronary artery disease.
Peptide libraries: criteria and trends

The development of approaches for preparing peptide libraries, containing millions of different amino acid sequences of a specified length, provides an invaluable resource for characterizing the molecular interactions that underlie many biological processes. Such libraries can also be used for identifying novel sequences that have a desired biological activity.
Magnetic measurements for tuning and operating a hybrid wiggler

A hybrid, vanadium-permendur/rare-earth-cobalt (REC) wiggler has been designed, built, and measured at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL) as a joint project with the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL) and the Exxon Research and Engineering Company. This paper describes two magnetic measurement techniques used to characterize and tune the wiggler. We describe Hall effect gaussmeter measurements that : (1) confirmed and quantified the wiggler sinusoidal field distributions, and (2) calibrated variable-flux-shunt adjustments, which can provide "fine-tuning" for individual poles. We also describe measurements of integrals of magnetic induction with integral coils and electronic integrators. Coils and integrators were used to : (1) calibrate the end-pole currents required to zero the half-magnet integrals, (2) measure the horizontal-component integral, and (3) measure variations in single period integrals as functions of longitudinal position in the wiggler.
Genomic imprinting in Turner syndrome

Abstract The selective silencing of certain alleles depending on the parent of origin is known as genomic imprinting. Specific cognitive skills, statural growth and visceral adiposity have all been linked to the parental origin of the single normal X-chromosome in girls and women with Turner syndrome (TS). The putatively imprinted traits in TS reflect typical differences between eukaryotic males and females. This chapter reviews the evidence for parental X-chromosome imprinting in the TS phenotype.
The petrography and mineralogy of two Indian coals

Abstract Two coals, Kathara bituminous middlings from north-eastern India (Damodar Valley) and Neyveli lignite from south-eastern India (Tamil Nadu), were petrographically characterized. The Kathara sample is a high-ash coal produced in the beneficiation of a bituminous coking coal. It is relatively high in inertinite and mineral matter, with an unusually large amount of iron oxides in the form of hematite, magnetite and hydrated iron oxides. The Neyveli sample is relatively low in ash and sulfur, and consists mostly of the huminite group of macerals, with a considerable amount of liptinite also present. Low-temperature ashes and bottom ash samples of both coals were analysed by X-ray diffraction to help in interpreting the petrographic data. These coals were also tested for combustion characteristics.
Development of mature CD8+ thymocytes : selection rather than instruction ?

The role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in T cell differentiation was investigated by comparison of thymocyte subpopulations in wild-type mice and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M) mutant mice deficient in MHC class I expression and mature CD8+ cells. On the basis of surface markers, glucocorticoid resistance, in vitro differentiation capacity, and absence in beta 2 M-l- mice, CD4intermediateCD8hi cells with high expression of alpha beta T cell receptor (TCR alpha beta) were identified as having been positively selected by MHC class I for development into mature CD8+ T cells. Activated CD4intCD8hi cells bearing intermediate rather than high amounts of TCR were present in both wild-type and beta 2M-l- animals. These data suggest that recognition of MHC class I molecules is required for full maturation to CD8+ T cells, but not for receptor-initiated commitment to the CD8+ lineage, consistent with a stochastic (selection) model of thymocyte development.
Alcohol abuse and dependence among U.S.-Mexico border and non-border Mexican Americans

BACKGROUND: This paper examines the prevalence, the symptom profile, and the drinking and sociodemographic predictors of current (past 12 months) DSM-IV alcohol abuse and dependence among Mexican Americans living along the U.S.-Mexico border and those living in metropolitan areas away from the border. METHODS: Respondents in the non-border areas (primarily Houston and Los Angeles) constitute a multistage probability sample (N = 1,288) of these areas, interviewed as part of the 2006 Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey (HABLAS). Respondents in the border area (N = 1,307) constitute a household probability sample of Mexican Americans living on the border. In both surveys, data were collected during computer-assisted interviews conducted in respondents' homes. The HABLAS and the border sample response rates were 76 and 67%, respectively. RESULTS: Although bivariate analyses revealed no overall differences between border and non-border locations, (negative) age trends were more pronounced on the border for male abuse and for dependence among both genders. Among females aged 18 to 29, border residence was linked to significantly higher rates of dependence. In multivariable analyses, the prevalence of male abuse declined more rapidly with age on the border than off the border. Other unique predictors of male abuse were Jewish/other religion and weekly volume of alcohol consumption. Being married or out of the workforce, attaining a higher education, having no religious preference, and weekly volume uniquely predicted female dependence. Age and weekly volume uniquely predicted male dependence. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of alcohol use disorders among Mexican Americans on and off the U.S.-Mexico border largely mirrors previously documented patterns of alcohol consumption in these areas. For young Mexican American women in particular, border residence is linked to heightened vulnerability to alcohol dependence. Language: en
Truth, gender, and the SAT

T ~ h e public relations campaign against the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) as depicted the test as a "defective product" that limits the educational opportunities of women. Female high school students score lower than their male classmates on both the verbal and math components of the test, and this "gender gap" is said to disadvantage women unfairly in competition for scholarships and admission to selective colleges. According to the Center for Women Policy Studies (CWPS), the publishers of the SAT are guilty of "consumer fraud" because the test "underpredicts" the college grades of women students. This means that women find the test more difficult than men, but when it comes to getting good grades, the really important criterion according to CWPS, the women do better than the men. And since women get higher grades, they should score higher on the SAT, and would, if the test weren't biased. If these statements were true, the lower SAT scores of women could reflect some bias in the test and modification would be in order. However, the allegations are false and their framing shows such a determined avoidance of fundamental facts that what now ought to be debated is not the "gender gap" but rather the "truth gap." The first erroneous allegation concerns grades. In order to make the claim that women get better grades than men, we have to ignore both the evidence that grades vary widely according to subject matter and that course-taking differs by gender. A's and B's are common in art and music, and women take more of these courses. Women also get higher grades in these generally more easily graded courses. The situation is the opposite in mathematics, where A's and B's are much harder to attain and men take more courses than women. Men get slightly higher grades in these tougher-graded courses. A more accurate statement of the facts about grades is this: in high school and college, women generally take easier courses than men and their grade point averages are slightly higher as a result. Each year, students who take the SAT report their high school grades by academic subject. Each year the College Board publishes the results of these self-reported grades and the tabulations are consistent. Girls report higher grades in art, music, English, and languages; and boys report higher grades in math. In spite of these reliable differences, groups assaulting the SAT refuse to acknowledge that grades and grade point averages are influenced markedly by academic subject and choice of courses. If they did, they would lose a major weapon in their propaganda war. The tendentiousness of feminist groups on this question of grades and SAT scores is also shown by the fact that another, equally plausible explanation is
TFIIH XPB mutants suggest a unified bacterial-like mechanism for promoter opening but not escape

DNA helicases open the duplex during DNA replication, repair and transcription. However, RNA polymerase II is the only member of its family with this requirement; RNA polymerases I and III and bacterial RNA polymerases open DNA without a helicase. In this report, characterization of XPB mutants indicates that its helicase activity is not used for RNA polymerase II promoter opening, which is instead driven by its ATPase activity. The mutants have parallels in sigma(54) bacterial transcription and this suggests a similar mode of opening DNA for both RNA polymerases, involving ATP-dependent enzyme conformational changes. Promoter escape is defective in these XPB mutants, suggesting that the XPB helicase acts as an ATP-driven motor to reorganize the tightly wrapped multiprotein eukaryotic preinitiation complex during the remodeling that precedes elongation and the coupling to RNA processing events.
Regression of posterior uveal melanomas following cobalt-60 plaque radiotherapy.

Abstract A method has been devised for evaluating the rate and extent of regression of the first 100 consecutive patients with a posterior uveal melanoma that we had managed by Cobalt-60 plaque radiotherapy at Wills Eye Hospital. It was found that the "average" posterior uveal melanoma in the series did not regress rapidly to a flat, depigmented scar but shrank slowly and persisted as a residual mass approximately 50% of the thickness of the original tumor at 54 months following Cobalt-60 plaque radiotherapy. We also found that the rate and extent of regression of the tumors in patients who subsequently developed metastatic melanoma were not appreciably different than the rate and extent of regression of the tumors in patients who remained well systemically. These observations indicate that the rate and extent of regression of posterior uveal melanomas following Cobalt-60 plaque radiotherapy are poor indicators of the prognosis of the affected patients for subsequent development of clinical metastatic disease.
Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata at a Molecular Scale

: Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) is a scheme for molecular electronics in which information is transmitted and processed through electrostatic interactions between charges in an array of quantum dots. QCA wires, majority gates, clocked cell operation, and (recently) true power gain between QCA cells has been demonstrated in a metal-dot prototype system at cryogenic temperatures. Molecular QCA offers very high device densities, low power dissipation, and ways to directly integrate sensors with QCA logic and memory elements. A group of faculty at Notre Dame has been working to implement QCA at the size scale of molecules, where room-temperature operation is theoretically predicted. This paper reviews QCA theory and the experimental measurements in metal-dot QCA systems, and describes progress toward making QCA molecules and working out surface attachment chemistry compatible with QCA operation.
Optimal controller placements in large-scale linear systems

The problem of controller placements in large-scale linear systems is considered. Specifically, given a large-scale linear system it is desired to find the optimal number of linear controllers, the optimal locations in the system to place these controllers and the optimal feedback gain of each controller so that an objective function is optimised, and also so that other desirable properties of the controlled system, such as eigenstructure assignment, can occur. A formulation of the controller placement problem is presented. A general solution algorithm based on simulated annealing is developed for the controller placement problem. The solution algorithm can arrive at the globally optimal solution. The solution algorithm has been applied to an eleven-bay structure comprising a 132-dimension linear system with very promising results.
Simultaneous computer mapping to facilitate intraoperative localization of accessory pathways in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

Abstract Sixteen patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome underwent simultaneous intraoperative computer mapping from multiple sites before surgical division of the accessory pathways. A 16-bipolar electrode band was positioned around the atrioventricular groove. Ventricular epicardial electrograms from single beats were recorded simultaneously during atrial pacing, resulting in maximal preexcitation, and atrial electrograms were recorded during orthodromic supraventricular tachycardia. Four-level transmural plunge needle electrodes were used concomitantly in 3 patients. Electrograms were processed separately using a guarded signal conditioner that isolates, amplifies, filters and analog-to-digitally converts synchronously at 2 kHz with 12-bit accuracy. Digital data were transmitted by fiber optics to a high-density digital recorder and processed with a computer having rapid interactive graphics. Results in the 16 patients revealed 20 distinct Kent bundles. Two patients had only nosustained supraventricular tachycardia induced intraoperatively and 1 patient manifested intermittent anterograge ventricular preexcitation. Multiple pathways were identified in 4 patients. This simultaneous multiple electrode mapping procedure facilitates intraoperative mapping by requiring only a single beat for analysis of anterograde and retrograde activation times, decreases cardiac manipulation during mapping and obviates the need for cardiopulmonary bypass, and permits analysis of transmural activation patterns. This approach decreases markedly the time required for mapping and permits accurate study of nonsustained arrhythmias as well as rapid identification of multiple accessory pathways.
Electrochemically synthesized polyethylene glycol coated ferromagnetic nanowire arrays

Abstract Polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated Fe, Co, and Ni nanowires (NWs) were fabricated by a template assisted electrochemical deposition method. In this process, polymer and metal ions were deposited simultaneously at room temperature. The effects of different pore diameters of the anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) templates, concentration of electrolytes, and applied current on the growth of the magnetic wires were studied. The polycrystalline polymer-coated ferromagnetic-nanowire arrays were found to have high coercivity with PEG not affecting the magnetic properties. Relative to uncoated metal nanowires, the outer polymer coating strengthens high aspect ratio wires, preventing them from breaking as easily.
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Cue Effects on Perceptions of Store Brand Quality

The authors examine the relative importance of extrinsic versus intrinsic cues in determining perceptions of store brand quality in an experiment using a sample of 1564 shoppers for five products. ...