cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of a catalytic stripper on the response of real time aerosol instruments to diesel exhaust aerosol

The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of a suite of portable, real-time aerosol instruments to Diesel exhaust aerosol with and without a catalytic stripper (CS) to determine the change in response as a function of particle size and volatility. The response of the photoemission aerosol sensor (PAS) was strongly influenced by the physical and chemical nature of Diesel aerosol. The presence of a large, predominantly volatile nuclei mode, and/or the presence of volatile material on the surface of the solid carbonaceous agglomerates in the accumulation mode suppressed the PAS response. Removal of the volatile material by passage of the aerosol through the CS enhanced the response, and improved correlations between the PAS, the diffusion charger (DC) and the scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS). Data on aerosol size distributions, number, volume, and surface area concentrations with and without the CS in the sample stream are reported.
Application of ultrasound and neural networks in the determination of filler dispersion during polymer extrusion processes

Mineral filler dispersion is important information for the production of mineral-charged polymers. In order to achieve timely control of product quality, a technique capable of providing real-time information on filler dispersion is highly desirable. In this work, ultrasound, temperature, and pressure sensors as well as an amperemeter of the extruder motor drive were used to monitor the extrusion of mineral-filled polymers under various experimental conditions in terms of filler type, filler concentration, feeding rate, screw rotation speed, and barrel temperature. Then, neural network relationships were established among the filler dispersion index and three categories of variables, namely, control variables of the extruder, extruder-dependent measured variables, and extruder-independent measured variables (based on ultrasonic measurement). Of the three categories of variables, the process control variables and extruder-independent ultrasonically measured variables performed best in inferring the dispersion index through a neural network model. While the neural network model based on control variables could help determine the optimal experimental conditions to achieve a dispersion index, the extruder-independent network model based on ultrasonic measurement is suitable for in-line measurement of the quality of dispersion. This study has demonstrated the feasibility of using ultrasound and neural networks for in-line monitoring of dispersion during extrusion processes of mineral-charged polymers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 45:764–772, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
Interdiffusional effects between tungsten fibers and an iron-nickel-base alloy

Tungsten fibers in the INCOLOY 903 alloy were annealed for over 100 hours at 1038 C and 1200 C. It was found that interdiffusion results in the formation of a reaction zone. SEM-EDS probe analysis showed that the chemistries across this zone were constant, suggesting the zone was a compound phase. The composition of the compound was estimated to be that of a mu-type phase. The local chemistry (in atomic percent) at the reaction zone/alloy matrix interface was found to be approximately 8 pct W, 1.2 pct Nb, 40 pct Fe, 14 pct Co, and 36 pct Ni. In addition, recrystallization was observed in both the remaining tungsten fiber and the nearby INCOLOY 903 matrix after annealing at 1200 C, but not at 1038 C. The results of this study suggest that reaction zone growth kinetics can be minimized by the reduction of Co and Fe and the increase of W in the matrix alloy.
Quorum placement in networks to minimize access delays

A quorum system is a family of sets (themselves called quorums), each pair of which intersect. In many distributed algorithms, the basic unit accessed by a client is a quorum of nodes. Such algorithms are used for applications such as mutual exclusion, data replication, and dissemination of information. However, accessing spread-out quorums causes access delays that we would like to minimize. Furthermore, every member of the quorum incurs processing load to handle quorum accesses by clients.In this paper we study the problem of placing quorums in a physical network so as to minimize the delay that clients incur by accessing quorums, and while respecting each physical node's capacity (in terms of the load of client requests it can handle). We provide approximation algorithms for this problem for two natural measures of delay (the max-delay and total-delay). All our algorithms ensure that each node's load is within a constant factor of its capacity, and minimize delay to within a constant factor of the optimal delay for all capacity-respecting solutions. We also provide better approximations for several well-known quorum systems.
Solution structures of the reduced and Cu(I) bound forms of the first metal binding sequence of ATP7A associated with menkes disease

The coding sequence for the first N-terminal copper binding motif of the human Menkes disease protein (MNK1; residues 2–79) was synthesized, cloned, and expressed in bacteria for biochemical and structural studies. MNK1 adopts the βαββαβ fold common to all the metal binding sequences (MBS) found in other metal transport systems (e.g., the yeast copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase CCS, the yeast copper chaperone ATX1 bound to Hg(II), and most recently Cu(I), the bacterial copper binding protein, CopZ, and the bacterial Hg(II) binding protein MerP), although substantial differences were found in the metal binding loop. Similar to ATX1, MNK1 binds Cu(I) in a distorted linear bicoordinate geometry. As with MerP, MNK1 has a high affinity for both Hg(II) and Cu(I), although it displays a marked preference for Cu(I). In addition, we found that F71 is a key residue in the compact folding of MNK1, and its mutation to alanine results in an unfolded structure. The homologous residue in MerP has also been mutated with similar results. Finally, to understand the relationship between protein folding and metal affinity and specificity, we expressed a chimeric MBS with the MNK1 protein carrying the binding motif of MerP (CAAC-MNK1); this chimeric protein showed differences in structure and the dynamics of the binding site that may account for metal specificity. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Receptor-Mediated Increases in Phosphatidylinositol Turnover in Neuron-Like Cell Lines

: Muscarinic receptors found in the N IE-115 mouse neuroblastoma cell line were tested for their ability to mediate stimulation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover. This study was facilitated by the development of a new solvent system (acetone: butanol: acetic acid: water, 5: 5: 1: 1) for the rapid and consistent separation of PI by one-dimensional thin-layer chromatography. Cholinergic stimulation caused as much as a 680% increase in the incorporation of 32P into PI. Enhanced incorporation of 32P into PI could be measured as early as 4 min after stimulation began. By 20 min, the rate of incorporation by stimulated cells had decreased to that of unstimulated cells, indicating desensitization. The magnitude of the response was dependent on the extent of receptor occupancy and the response elicited by a saturating dose of carbamylcholine was blocked completely by 10−7 M at-ropine, a specific muscarinic antagonist. Chronic stimulation, known to cause a loss of receptor binding sites, led to a 90% decrease in the maximum response even after a 40-min withdrawal period. Replacement of Na+ ions in the medium with choline or K+ severely impaired the ability of the cells to incorporate added 32P into PI (90 and 50%, respectively). Removal of the putative second messenger Ca2+ for short periods of time by the addition of excess EGTA did not alter either basal or muscarinic-stimulated PI turnover.
Tackling the challenges of server consolidation on multi-core systems

With increasing demand to reduce system operation cost amidst growing adoption of virtualization technologies, multiple servers on a single physical chip is fast seeing typical usage in modern data centers. This trend has become more obvious with advances in system design that puts more and more multi-core CPUs into one system. As a result, it is interesting to investigate the challenges of virtualization on top of a multi-core system and the scalability of the consolidation workload on top of it.
Coparenting Through Divorce or Separation: A Review of an Online Program

In this study, we evaluated the content and instructional processes of an online coparenting education program for parents who are separating or divorcing. In addition, we provide results of posttests from parents (N = 1,543) who participated in the program between August 2011 and March 2012. The findings revealed that parents’ perceptions of their confidence to successfully coparent and communicate about divorce issues vary by the sex of the parent, length of the program, and whether or not the program was mandated. Implications for developing, improving, and evaluating online education classes for parents who are going through divorce or separation are discussed.
Abstract SY13-03: Molecular imaging for advanced practice in oncology

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with 2-flouro-2-D-oxyglucose (FDG) has been the poster child for MI and several million studies are performed for oncology indications in the US alone. FDG takes advantage of the Warburg effect, which is the aerobic glycolysis that is a common feature of many malignant tumors. The incorporation of high resolution CT into the same gantry with a high resolution PET scanner, has given a further boost to PET imaging of tumors and in fact, PET CT is the most rapidly growing clinical imaging modality in the US today. Tumors for which staging, monitoring treatment response are common place include, Lung, Lymphoma, Thyroid, head and neck, melanoma, colorectal cancers. But MI with PET/CT is potentially much more than FDG PET imaging, and several 100 tracers for specific molecular imaging have been developed in the last decade. Examples include amino acid tracers, like F-18 FACBC, nucleoside analogs, like F-18 FLT, and Na 124I to imaging iodide metabolism, Androgen receptor imaging (AR) with F-18 FDHT, and Estrogen receptor imaging with F-18 FES. In addition to small molecules, positron emitting tracers like 124I-, 68 Ga and 89 Zr are widely used for radiolabeling of antibodies and peptides, opening the entire universe of ligand receptor binding for human tumors. Radiolabeled drugs are being developed and examples include F-18 desatinib, a src family tyrosine kinase inhibitor and 124I-PUH71, a heat-shock protein 90 inhibitor. These radiolabeled drugs should facilitate the study of intratumoral pharmacology of human cancers. In addition radiolabeled nanoparticles are being developed and promise specialized targeting properties, and to serve as carriers for drugs to improve therapeutic index. In summary, MI with PET is rapidly evolving as a major frontier for development of the knowledge of tumor biology and pharmacology needed to optimize treatment of the individual oncology patient. References Schoder H, Grimm J and Larson SM: Molecular Imaging Section 6 in DeVita VT Lawrence TS and Rosenberg SA: Cancer Principles and Practice of Oncology 8th Edition Volume 1 p 746 Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY13-03. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-SY13-03
Silver as a Bactericidal Coating for Biomedical Implants

Abstract Infection is a potentially serious complication of orthopedic implant surgery. While true for elective surgery, the risk of infection is significantly higher in trauma cases. Silver has been known as a broad-spectrum bactericide for centuries. In this work, we evaluate the use of silver films as bactericidal coatings on titanium-based orthopedic implants. Silver film structure and adhesion properties are presented. The silver films demonstrate bactericidal properties for bacteria that land on the surface of the film, but do little to kill bacteria in a nearby zone. This inability to create a zone of inhibition suggests that pure silver is an inadequate bactericide for orthopedic implants inserted in the medullary canal but may be useful as a coating to prevent bacterial adhesion or colonization.
Design for Lifecycle Cost Using Time-Dependent Reliability

Reliability is an important engineering requirement for consistently delivering acceptable product performance through time. As time progresses, the product may fail due to time phenomena such as time-dependent operating conditions, component degradation, etc. The degradation of reliability with time may increase the lifecycle cost due to potential warranty costs, repairs and loss of market share. In design for lifecycle cost, we must account for product quality, and time-dependent reliability. Quality is a measure of our confidence that the product conforms to specifications as it leaves the factory. Reliability depends on 1) the probability that the system will perform its intended function successfully for a specified interval of time (no hard failure), and 2) on the probability that the system response will not exceed an objectionable by the customer or operator, threshold for a certain time period (no soft failure). Quality is time-independent, and reliability is time-dependent. This article presents a design methodology to determine the optimal design of time-dependent, multi-response systems, by minimizing the cost during the life of the product. The conformance of multiple responses is treated in a series-system fashion. The lifecycle cost includes a production, an inspection, and an expected variable cost. All costs depend on quality and/or reliability. The key to our approach is the calculation of the so-called system cumulative distribution function (time-dependent probability of failure). For that we use an equivalent time-invariant “composite” limit state which is accurate for monotonic or non-monotonic in time, systems. Examples highlight the calculation of the cumulative distribution function and the design methodology for lifecycle cost.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Nerve conduction velocity--an index of neurological maturity of the newborn infant.

SUMMARY Ulnar and posterior tibial conduction velocities have been measured in short gestation, light-for-dates and full-term normal infants. There is a significant correlation between conduction velocity and gestational age. In twin studies there was no correlation between conduction velocity and weight at constant gestation. Conduction velocity should provide a useful parameter for distinguishing short gestation from light-for-dates infants. Further data on normal short gestation babies, together with refinements in technique, may allow estimation of gestation to within one week. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Die Nervenleitgeschwindigkeit der Nn. ulnaris et tibialis wurde bei Neugeborenen, bei hypotrophen und bei normalgewichtigen reifen Neugeborenen gemessen. Es besteht eine signifikante Korrelation zwischen der Nervenleitgeschwindigkeit und der Schwangerschaftsdauer. Bei Untersuchungen von Zwillingen findet man keine Korrelation zwischen Nervenleitgeschwindigkeit und Geburtsgewicht bei konstanter Gestationsdauer. Die Nervenleitgeschwindigkeit sollte bei der Unterscheidung zwischen Fruhgeborenen und hypotrophen reifen Neugeborenen ein nutzlicher Parameter sein. Weitere Messungen an Fruhgeborenen und eine Verbesserung der Methode sollten Altersschatzungen bis auf eine Woche genau ermoglichen. RESUMEN Se han calculado las velocidades de la conduccion cubital y posterior-tibial en recien nacidos de gestacion corta, de peso ligero para la duracion de la gestacion, ye normales, nacidos a termino. Hay una correlacion significante entre la velocidad de la conduccion y la edad gestacional. En estudios con gemelos no habia ninguna correlacion entre la velocidad de la conduccion y el peso, con una gestacion constante. La velocidad de la conduccion deberia dar un parametro util para distinguir entre recien nacidos de corta gestacion y los que son ligeros para la duracion de la gestacion. Datos adicionales sobre recien nacidos normales de corta gestacion, con refinaciones de la tecnica, podrian permitir una estimation de la gestacion con menos de una semana de error.
Analysis of the small dispersion limit of a non-integrable generalized Korteweg–de Vries equation

A generalized non-integrable Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation is investigated for the qualitative behavior of its solutions with a small dispersion limit. We obtained two reduced ordinary differential equations using a similarity analysis and discussed the solutions of generalized KdV (gKdV) by employing singular perturbation and asymptotic methods. We found a new closed form solution and provided various approximate solutions. We have shown that for sech-type initial value data the cumulative primitive function of the gKdV solution converges point-wise as the coefficient of the dispersive term goes to zero. Our numerical experiments provide strong evidence that for each fixed time, the solutions of gKdV are bounded by well-defined envelopes as the coefficient of the dispersion term goes to zero. We have shown that for a higher order of nonlinearity, the soliton becomes shaper, with a larger amplitude, but remains bounded. Comparatively, for a smaller coefficient of the dispersion term, its base gets smaller and the soliton becomes narrower, but the amplitude of the soliton remains the same.
Vibrational and conformational studies of cyclopropylcarbonyl chloride

Abstract The infrared (3500 to 20 cm −1 ) and Raman (3200 to 10 cm −1 ) spectra have been recorded for gaseous and solid cyclopropylcarbonyl chloride, c-C 3 H 5 CClO. Additionally, the Raman spectrum of the liquid has been recorded and qualitative depolarization values have been obtained. It has been determined that the conformer with the oxygen atom cis to the three-membered ring is the predominant form at ambient temperature in both the gaseous and liquid states but only the trans conformer is present in the spectra of the solid. From a temperature study of the Raman spectrum of the liquid an energy difference of 93 ± 20 cm −1 (267 cal mol −1 ) has been determined whereas the energy difference for the gaseous state was determined to be 297 ± 10 cm −1 (849 cal mol −1 ) from the infrared spectrum. The observed changes in Δ H in going from the gas to the liquid state indicates strong intermolecular association in the condensed phases which can account for the existence of the trans conformer in the solid state. The torsional mode has been tentatively assigned at 72 cm −1 in the far infrared spectrum of the vapor for the cis conformer, and for the trans conformer at ∼50 cm −1 . From these frequencies and the Δ H for the gas, estimates are given for the values of the coefficients of the Fourier expansion of the potential function for internal rotation. The number of lattice modes observed in the infrared and Raman spectra of the solid indicates at least two molecules per primitive cell. A complete vibrational assignment is proposed for both conformers based on infrared band contours, depolarization values, and group frequencies. These results are compared to similar quantities in some related molecules.
Evaluation and comparison of dominant backscattering sources at 10 GHz in two treatments of tall-grass prairie

A very-fine-range resolution Frequency Modulated-Continuous Wave radar, operating at X-band, was used to evaluate the primary backscattering contributors to the radar signal from a tall-grass prairie. Defoliation was used to help measure relative backscatter from various components of the canopy with both linear polarizations and at 30 deg and 50 deg incidence angles. Variation of the average returned power with incidence angle was greatest for the natural prairie at horizontal polarization and was the least for vertical polarization. Vertical polarization seemed to be more sensitive to the upper portions of the plants, whereas horizontal polarization was to the lower portions. Attenuation for horizontal polarization was only half that for vertical polarization. Dielectric measurements of the grass and some of the canopy components were conducted as well.
An Important New Document on the Romanian Policy of Ethnic Cleansing during World War II

A newly discovered plan approved by Romanian dictator Ion Antonescu in December 1942 anticipated massive population transfers on Romanian territory. The following reconstructs its context to show how it and other recently discovered plans related to the Antonescu regime's calculations on the outcome of World War II and priorities for postwar arrangements. The article argues that the existence of such population transfer proposals necessitates a substantive reinterpretation of the sources and dynamics of the Holocaust in Romania.
Measurement and significance of ATP and adenine nucleotide pool turnover in microbial cells and environmental samples

Abstract A method was devised to measure the turnover rates of adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) and total adenine nucleotide (AN) pools in cultures and natural populations of microorganisms. The method relies on 32 PO 4 as a tracer for P-flux through the α-, β- and γ-positions of cellular ATP. Following a timed incubation, cellular ATP is extracted and purified. The isolated AT 32 P is subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis designed to selectively hydrolyze ATP to either ADP + Pi (ATPase reaction) or to AMP + 2 Pi (apyrase reaction). The released 32 Pi is separated from the parent nucleotides (ADP and AMP) and measured by liquid scintillation counting procedures. From time course information on the change in specific activity (i.e., nCi pmol −1 ) of the γ-P and α-P positions of ATP, the turnover time of the total ATP and AN pools, respectively, can be determined. This kinetic information can be used to estimate total cellular energy flux (derived from the ATP turnover rate) and specific growth rate (derived from the AN turnover rate). The method is relatively simple, reproducible and accurate, and has the sensitivity required for successful application in even the most oligotrophic oceanic habitats.
Wiggler magnets at SSRL-present experience and future plans☆

Abstract A wiggler magnet has been installed in SPEAR and has been routinely used asa radiation source for Beam Line IV at SSRL since March, 1979. The magnet is 1.22 m long. It has five full central poles and two end half-poles producing a total of three complete small amplitude (⩽1 mm) oscillations of the electron beam in traversing the magnet. The magnet has been operated with the peak field in the central full poles at 17.2 kG and produces an intense beam of synchrotron radiation extending to 12 keV and beyond even at the lowest operating energies of SPEAR (1.5 GeV). It is compatible with all phases of colliding-beam operation of SPEAR and has improved the colliding-beam luminosity. The results of measurements on the spectrum and intensity of the radiation produced by the Wiggler will be presented. The measured effects of the wiggler on the stored beam tunes, energy spread and emittance will also be presented. Plans will also be described for installing additional high field wiggler magnets in SPEAR and also weak-field, many-period undulator magnets in both SPEAR and PEP.
Sharp and Unsharp Quantum Effects

A survey of the algebraic and the statistical properties of sharp and unsharp quantum effects is presented. We begin with a discussion and a comparison of four types of probability theories, the sharp and unsharp classical and quantum theories. A structure called an effect algebra that generalizes and unifies all four of these probability theories, is then considered. Finally, we present some recent investigations on tensor products and quotients of effect algebras. Examples and representative results for the various theories are discussed.
Integrated-optic Nd:glass laser fabricated by flame hydrolysis deposition using chelates

We have demonstrated an Nd:glass waveguide laser deposited on a silica substrate by flame hydrolysis deposition using chelates. Continuous-wave lasing at λ = 1062 nm was verified with a threshold of 143 mW and a slope efficiency of 2.1% when the laser was pumped at 807 nm. The flame hydrolysis deposition process using rare-earth chelates produces low-loss films with high Nd concentration and is suitable for multiple rare-earth doping.
Further evidence of Fermi resonance in the C-O stretching band of cyclopentanone

Abstract Additional evidence of Fermi resonance in the CO stretching region of the cyclo -pentanone spectrum is provided by isotopic substitution with 18 O which causes appreciable decoupling in both the infrared and Raman spectra.
Posttreatment visual acuity in patients treated with episcleral plaque therapy for choroidal melanomas: dose and dose rate effects.

Abstract Purpose: To determine the relationship between the long-term visual function and the dose and dose rates delivered to critical ocular structures in patients with choroidal melanoma treated with 125 I episcleral plaque radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: From 1987 to 1994, 63 patients underwent 125 I episcleral plaque (Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study [COMS] design) application for the treatment of choroidal melanoma. The mean tumor height was 4.5 mm (range 1.7–8.3). Doses and dose rates at the tumor apex, macula, and optic disc were calculated. Forty-three records were scored to assess whether a decrease in visual acuity of >2 lines on a standard Snellen eye chart had occurred. Patient age and the presence of hypertension or diabetes were noted. Statistical analysis was performed to assess both the rate at which visual decline had occurred and the presence of significant factors that had contributed to this decline. Results: With a median follow-up of 36 months, the 3-year actuarial survival rate was 93.6%. The 3-year actuarial local control rate was 86.9%. The median time to visual loss after therapy was 18.7 months. The 3-year actuarial rate of visual preservation was 40.5%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated higher macula dose rates ( p = 0.003) to forecast visual decline. Macula dose rates of 111 ± 11.1 cGy/h were associated with a 50% risk of significant visual loss. Conclusion: Patients in our series treated with 125 I plaque brachytherapy for choroidal melanoma experienced favorable tumor control, but with a measurable incidence of visual decline. Higher dose rates to the macula correlated strongly with poorer posttreatment visual outcome. This information may be valuable in selecting the optimal dose rates to treat choroidal melanomas and to predict the risk of visual decline.
Racial Disparities in Tissue Plasminogen Activator Treatment Rate for Stroke A Population-Based Study

Background and Purpose—Some prior studies have shown that racial disparities exist in intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) use for acute ischemic stroke. We sought to determine whether race was associated with tPA treatment for stroke in a predominantly black urban population. Methods—Systematic chart abstraction was performed on consecutive hospitalized patients with ischemic stroke from all 7 acute care hospitals in the District of Columbia from February 1, 2008, to January 31, 2009. Results—Of 1044 patients with ischemic stroke, 74% were black, 19% non-Hispanic white, and 5% received intravenous tPA. Blacks were one third less likely than whites to receive intravenous tPA (3% versus 10%, P<0.001). However, blacks were also less likely than whites to present within 3 hours of symptom onset (13% versus 21%, P=0.004) and also less likely to be tPA-eligible (5% versus 13%, P<0.001). Of those who presented within 3 hours, blacks were almost half as likely to be treated with intravenous tPA than wh...
The facilitative actions of Bay K 8644 on norepinephrine and KCl-induced contractures of rabbit aortic rings.

Abstract The effect of the calcium channel agonist BAY K 8644 on the ability of KCl and norepinephrine to induce contractions of rabbit aortic rings has been examined in Krebs-Henseleit buffer containing either 4.0 or 6.8 mM potassium. BAY K 8644 (10−8 to 10−6 M) alone induced slowly developing aortic contractures which were 10 (at 4.0 mM potassium) or 20 (at 6.8 mM potassium) percent of the maximum obtainable with norepinephrine. These contractions were not observed in every experiment, but were more likely to occur at 6.8 mM (71% at 10−6 M BAY K 8644) when compared to 4.0 mM (31% at 10−6 M BAY K 8644) potassium buffer. BAY K 8644, in either potassium buffer, induced a statistically significant shift to the left in the norepinephrine dose-response curve. The norepinephrine dose-response curve was significantly curvilinear in the presence of 3 × 10−8 M BAY K 8644 (6.8 mM potassium) and 10−6 M BAY K 8644 (4.0 mM potassium). Similarly, BAY K 8644 induced sinistral shifts in the KCl dose-response curve with a curvilinear function observed at 3 × 10−7 M BAY K 8644. These data show that BAY K 8644 is capable of inducing aortic contractures at potassium concentrations significantly lower than previously reported. Furthermore, BAY K 8644 facilitates opening of calcium channels by either potassium or norepinephrine. In contrast to others, our data indicates that BAY K 8644 can effect calcium channels activated by norepinephrine. Finally, our data suggest that the alpha and dihydropyridine receptors are capable of interacting and that occupation of one receptor can affect the action of a compound binding to the other receptor.
Extending component connection modeling for analyzing complex physical systems

The derivation of useful behaviors from component connection models of the physical structure of complex engineering systems is discussed. A component connection (CC) modeling scheme that compiles defined models to Qsim constraint representations for behavior generation is used. A number of issues arise in generating globally precise behaviors from a CC model when the behavioral models of the individual components are known. It is shown that the limitations of the current CC scheme can be addressed by incorporating global information in addition to the local connection specifications. This global information can be attributed to knowledge of teleology or intended functionality of the system being modeled. >
Complexity analysis of angiogenesis vasculature

Tumor vasculature has a high degree of irregularity as compared to normal vasculature. The quantification of the morphometric complexity in tumor images can be useful in diagnosis. Also, it is desirable in several other medical applications to have an automated complexity analysis to aid in diagnosis and prognosis under treatment. e.g. in diabetic retinopathy and in arteriosclerosis. In addition, prior efforts at segmentation of the tumor vasculature using matched filtering, template matching and splines have been hampered by the irregularity of these vessels. We try to solve both problems by introducing a novel technique for vessel detection, followed by a tracing-independent complexity analysis based on a combination of ideas. First, the vessel cross-sectional profile is modeled using a continuous and everywhere differentiable family of super-Gaussian curves. This family generates rectangular profiles that can accurately localize the vessel boundaries in microvasculature images. Second, a robust non-linear regression algorithm based on M-estimators is used to estimate the parameters that optimally characterize the vessel’s shape. A framework for the quantitative analysis of the complexity of the vasculature based on the vessel detection is presented. A set of measures that quantify the complexity are proposed viz. Squared Error, Entropy-based and Minimum Description Length-based Shape Complexities. They are completely automatic and can deal with complexities of the entire vessel unlike existing tortuousity measures which deal only with vessel centerlines. The results are validated using carefully constructed phantom and real image data with ground truth information from an expert observer.
A Method for Analyzing Sentence-Level Differences in Disciplinary Knowledge Making:

This article proposes a method for examining how disciplinary differences in knowledge making are created or reflected at the sentence level. The method focuses on the grammatical subjects of sente...
Regulation of phospholipase D in human placental trophoblasts by the P2 purinergic receptor

Phospholipase D (PLD) is present in human placental tissue. Since purinergic receptor agonists activate PLD in many different cell types, we evaluated the purinergic activation of the enzyme in cultured trophoblasts from the placenta. We found that P(2) receptor agonists stimulate PLD. The preferred ligand for P(2X7) (P(2Z)) receptor subtype, BzBz-ATP (10(-3)M ), induced the enzyme more than ten times over basal (unstimulated) activity, while ATP caused a much smaller increase. ATPgammaS, ADP and UTP were even less effective, compared to BzBz-ATP or ATP. AMP and alpha,beta-methyl-ATP, a P(2X) agonist that is uniquely inactive on the P(2X7) subtype, had no effect. This represents the first suggestion of the presence of the P(2X7) type of receptor in human trophoblasts that was directly confirmed by immunoblot detection. The action of BzBz-ATP was dependent upon the presence of calcium in the culture medium and was inhibited by high (5m M ) Mg(++) concentration. P(2X7) receptor subtype specific antagonists, ATP-2',3'-dialdehyde (o-ATP), CBB and the broad specificity P(2) inhibitor PPADS inhibited the effect of BzBz-ATP. Pertussis toxin treatment did not inhibit the effect. Down-regulation of cPKC/nPKC isoforms by prolonged PMA treatment (36 h, 10(-7)M ) prevented the stimulation of PLD by P(2) agonists or the calcium ionophore A-23187. PLA(2) inhibitors did not block the effect of BzBz-ATP. The possibility for a calcium influx related interdependence of PLC and PLD was evaluated. For PLC activation, UTP and ATP surpassed BzBz-ATP, while ionophore did not elevate PLC (assessed by IP(3) measurements). This suggested the predominance of a P(2Y2) receptor in the whole cell in gross activation of PLC. PLD was affected with a reversed order of potency. These results and the dependence of PLD on PKC activity implies that a restricted, membrane localized calcium flux activates PKC and in turn, mediates the P(2X7) dependent stimulation of PLD. This may have implications for physiologic regulation of trophoblast function.
Sorption mechanisms of cephapirin, a veterinary antibiotic, onto quartz and feldspar minerals as detected by Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate the sorption mechanisms of cephapirin (CHP), a veterinary antibiotic, onto quartz (SiO2) and feldspar (KAlSi3O8) at different pH values. Depending on the charge and surface properties of the mineral, different reaction mechanisms including electrostatic attraction, monodentate and bidentate complexation were found to be responsible for CHP sorption. The zwitterion (CHPo) adsorbs to a quartz(+) surface by electrostatic attraction of the carboxylate anion group ( COO-) at a low pH, but adsorbs to a quartz(-) surface through electrostatic attraction of the pyridinium cation and possibly COO- bridge complexes at relatively higher pH conditions. CHP- bonds to a quartz(-) surface by bidentate complexation between one oxygen of COO- and oxygen from the carbonyl (C=O) of the acetoxymethyl group. On a feldspar surface of mixed charge, CHPo forms monodentate complexes between C=O as well as COO- bridging complexes or electrostatically attached to localized edge (hydr)oxy-Al surfaces. CHP- adsorbs to feldspar(-) through monodentate C=O complexation, and similar mechanisms may operate for the sorption of other cephalosporins. This research demonstrates, for the first time, that Raman spectroscopic techniques can be effective for evaluating the sorption processes and mechanisms of cephalosporin antibiotics even at relatively low sorbed concentrations (97-120 μmol/kg).
Fatty acids may regulate aldosterone secretion and mediate some of insulin's effects on blood pressure

Abstract Experiments in vitro and observation made in humans suggest that some unesterified fatty acids (FA) participate, as inhibitors, in the regulation of aldosterone secretion. Removal of FA from adrenal glomerulosa cells with albumin increases the responses to angiotensin II (AII) and dibutyry1 cyclic AMP. Micromolar concentrations of some FA including arachidonic, oleic, linoleic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic inhibit aldosterone secretion by adrenal glomerulosa cells. Inhibition is specific — some acids like stearic are inactive, and the adrenal fasciculata is relatively resistant to inhibition. Oleic acid rapidly and reversibly inhibits aldosterone secretion by perfused dog adrenals. Observations in vivo suggest a reciprocal relationship between plasma levels of FA and aldosterone: insulin infusion into dogs lowers plasma FA and increases adrenal responsiveness to All; salt infusions into humans increase plasma FA as aldosterone falls; plasma FA are low in low-renin essential hypertension where adrenal responsiveness to All is high; plasma FA are inversely correlated with ratios of aldosterone to renin in black hypertensives; and plasma FA are high in some seriously ill patients whose aldosterone levels are inexplicably low. All receptors and the final step of aldosterone biosynthesis, oxidation at the 18 position, are the adrenal sites most sensitive to FA. Insulin's antinatriuresis may be mediated in part by its ability to lower plasma FA and thereby enhance adrenal response to secretagogues.
Adsorption of Kinetic Inhibitors on Clathrate Hydrates

Adsorption studies of kinetic inhibitors on clathrate hydrates are essential for understanding the inhibition mechanism at the hydrate−water interface. This work presents the adsorption behaviors of two kinetic inhibitors, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinylcaprolactam (PVCap), on cyclopentane (CP) hydrates. The particle charge of CP hydrates is negative in the absence of any inhibitors, and it becomes neutral as the inhibitor concentration increases. The isotherm of PVP is well fitted to the Langmuir-type whereas the adsorption isotherm of PVCap is of the BET-type. Although PVCap monomers preferably adsorb on hydrates compared with PVP monomers, the isotherms of PVP and PVCap overlap with each other at concentrations up to 50 μM that corresponds to a water-based weight fraction of 0.6% for PVP or 0.5% for PVCap. Above this concentration, a multilayer adsorption occurs for PVCap. This multilayer adsorption gives rise to a thicker adsorption layer than that for the PVP case, which makes PVCap more ef...
Role of acceleration forces in numerical simulation of mold filling processes in fibrous porous media

Abstract The paper examines addition of body forces, such as gravity forces, into the numerical simulation of mold filling in liquid composite molding (LCM). The modeling procedure is described. The additional term introduced into the governing equations due to the presence of the body force is analyzed. A weak formulation and finite element—based approximation is presented. Practical implementation issues are addressed. After the implementation is verified, examples are presented to highlight the role of gravity force on the flow front movement.
Detection of CH3 during CVD Growth of Diamond by Optical Absorption

Abstract : The absolute concentration of CH3 is measured during diamond growth for a range of input CH4 concentrations using multi-element optical absorption spectroscopy at wavelengths 4 near 216 nm. A detection limit of 2xl0 to the 11th power CH3, radicals/cu cm has been achieved. We also detect C2H2 during diamond growth using the same technique.
Energy Correlations in O(N) Models¶and the Wolff Representation

We prove that energy functions are positively correlated in isotropic, ferromagnetic O(N) models on an arbitrary graph. In our inductive proof, this is used to prove the strong FKG property of the Wolff representation for isotropic, ferromagnetic O(N+ 1) models. This strong FKG property is then used to prove energy correlations for the O(N+ 1) model. Furthermore, percolation in the Wolff representation is proved to be a necessary and sufficient condition for positivity of the spontaneous magnetization (previously known only for N= 3).
Observation of “intramolecular” ion-molecule reactions within ionized clusters: the methyl fluoride system

Abstract Methyl fluoride cluster beams, (CH 3 F) n ionized by electron impact (EI) yield fragmentation patterns consisting solely of protonated parent ions plus ionic fragments produced by ejection of closed-shell molecules (e.g., HF, H 2 , F 2 , CH 4 , in various combinations) therefrom. These ionic fragments result from extensive intramolecular rearrangement within the excited, solvated CH 3 F + ion. The major reactive processes are rationalized in terms of known gas phase bimolecular ion-molecule reactions, including those of the dimethylfluoronium ion.
HOLE MAGNETO-RESONANT TUNNELING IN Si/SiGe DOUBLE BARRIER STRUCTURES

Abstract The effect of magnetic fields on the resonant tunneling of holes in Si/SiGe double barrier structures has been studied. For a series of samples, the positions of resonant tunneling peaks have been measured as a function of magnetic field. The observed shifts are compared to results expected from calculations of lateral subband dispersion.
Fish Canyon Tuff, Colorado: the problem of two magnetic polarities in a single tuff

Abstract The Fish Canyon Tuff, located in the central San Juan Mountains, southern Colorado, is currently recognized as one of the largest ash-flow tuffs in the world. Paleomagnetic samples from 21 sites have been obtained from a composite vertical section of the tuff. The two uppermost sites, from the otherwise normally magnetized tuff, exhibit stable but anitpodal (reversed) remanent magnetic (RM) directions. Field relationships and geochemical consistencies indicate that the entire section was emplaced relatively rapidly, probably in
Risk factors in interstitial pneumonitis following allogenic bone marrow transplantation

Total body irradiation is part of the preparatory regimen for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation because of its cytotoxic and immunosuppressive properties. A major toxicity of bone marrow transplantation has been interstitial pneumonitis, which may be, in part, related to the lung irradiation. One hundred and sixty-one consecutive patients receiving allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for leukemia and aplastic anemia at Johns Hopkins Hospital (1968-1979) were retrospectively studied. The present study demonstrated that lung shielding to 600 rad maximum in single dose total body irradiation, fractionation of total body irradiation in comparison to single dose total body irradiation, and absence of graft versus host disease in the leukemia patients, each reduced the risk of interstitial pneumonitis. Total body irradiation significantly reduced the leukemia recurrence rate and/or the failure of remission induction.
On the two-sided time-dependent barrier problem

Abstract Upper and lower bounds are obtained for the probability that a separable random process X ( t ) will not be confined within the time-dependent barriers - λ 1 ( t ) and λ 2 ( t ) in the time interval [o, T ] where λ 1 ( t ) and λ 2 ( t ) are positive and deterministic functions of time. The method requires the random process to be neither stationary, Gaussian nor purely random. The result of the present study can be applied to one of the most important problems in reliability analysis where the probability of failure of a mechanical system in the time interval [o, T ] is to be evaluated under the condition that the failure of the system occurs when the random response X ( t ) representing stress, strain, or displacement of the structure to external excitation, such as wind loading or earthquake disturbance, reaches either one of the critical values - λ 1 ( t ) and λ 2 ( t ) in that time interval. The functions λ 1 ( t ) and λ 2 ( t ) are usually decreasing functions of time since in most cases the resisting strength of the structures decreases with time. The results of a numerical example show that the present method estimates the probability between the upper and lower bounds closely enough to be of some practical use.
Detection of Flaws in Railroad Wheels Using Acoustic Signatures

A system for automatic inspection of railroad wheels using acoustic signatures is proposed. There is a discussion of the types of defects which need to be found. The main components of a system are then outlined. It is concluded that impact is the best way to excite the wheel into vibration because of the rich spectrum of resonances generated. Detection of sound radiated into the air by a microphone is the best way to obtain the acoustic signature for finding cracks in the rim or plate, but flat spots or shattered rims are best detected with an accelerometer mounted on the rail. Methods of processing the signals from the detection transducers are then examined. Finally some preliminary laboratory and field tests of such systems are described.
Culture-Centered Case Conceptualization Using NTU Psychotherapy With an African-American Gay Male Client

ABSTRACT Case conceptualization of culturally diverse clients requires an understanding of the worldviews and values of non-Western perspectives on reality and epistemology. The intersection of ethnocultural and sexual identities mandates cultural competence when assessing and intervening culturally diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender clients. The purpose of his paper is to present the unique clinical concerns when conceptualizing this population. Using a case presentation, the authors demonstrate the use of a culture-centered framework to conceptualize a gay African-American male client. Recommendations for enhancing clinical effectiveness and future research are provided.
Nonmetallic acid generators for i-line and g-line chemically amplified resists

Here we report two novel nonmetallic acid generators, derived from N- hydroxy-2,3-diphenylmaleimide, which absorb in the Deep UV and Near UV regions and do not require sensitization by additives. We have formulated a base developable positive tone resist containing these acid generators and have demonstrated 0.6 micrometers resolution on g-line and i- line steppers with sensitivity less than 50 mJ/cm2. We will show data characterizing the new materials and describe lithographic results relating to the performance of the resist.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Betaine, ethanol, and the liver: a review

Two of the most important biochemical hepatic pathways in the liver are those that synthesize methionine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) through the methylation of homocysteine. This article reviews some recent findings in this laboratory, which demonstrate that ethanol feeding to rats impairs one of these pathways involving the enzyme methionine synthetase (MS), but by way of compensation increases the activity of the enzyme betaine:homocysteine methyl transferase (BHMT), which catalyzes the second pathway in methionine and SAM biosynthesis. It has been shown that despite the inhibition of MS, the enhanced BHMT pathway utilizes hepatic betaine pools to maintain levels of SAM. Subsequent to the above findings, it has been shown that minimal supplemental dietary betaine at the 0.5% level generates SAM twofold in control animals and fivefold in ethanol-fed rats. Concomitant with the betaine-generated SAM, ethanol-induced hepatic fatty infiltration was ameliorated. In view of the fact that SAM has already been used successfully in the treatment of human maladies, including liver dysfunction, betaine, shown to protect against the early stages of alcoholic liver injury as well as being a SAM generator, may become a promising therapeutic agent and a possible alternative to expensive SAM in the treatment of liver disease and other human maladies.