cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bretylium pharmacokinetics and bioavailabilities in man with various doses and modes of administration.

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailabilities of bretylium tosylate were studied in 9 male normal volunteers by 60 min constant rate intravenous infusions of 200, 300, and 400 mg, by intramuscular injection of 300 and 400 mg, by oral administration of 100, 200, and 400 mg in solution, and by oral administration of 200 mg tablets. The latter studies were repeated in the same 5 volunteers which were also studied by all modes of administration and at several doses. Intravenous studies showed a sum of 3 exponentials to characterize plasma level-time studies with a terminal half-life of 535 +/- 32 (S.E.M.) min (n = 12). The urinary recovery of unchanged drug was 77 +/- 4(S.E.M.)(n = 14). Half-lives within a subject were correlated and independent of dose. Intramuscular administration showed an apparent half-life of first-order invasion of 79 +/- 13 (S.E.M.) min (n = 6) with no apparent dose dependency and a urinary recovery of unchanged drug of 95.4 +/- 3.2 (S.E.M.) per cent with a terminal half-life similar to the intravenous studies. Oral solutions had smaller lag times of absorption [17 +/- 4(S.E.M.) min] than tablets [56 +/- 9 (S.E.M.) min] and longer apparent half-lives of first-order absorption [231 +/- 23 (S.E.M.) min] than tablets [87 +/- 15 (S.E.M.) min]. The tablets had slightly greater bioavailabilities [27 +/- 2.3 (S.E.M.) per cent] than the oral solutions [22.1 +/- 2.2 (S.E.M.) per cent] but with no apparent dose dependencies. Renal clearances were the same for all modes of administration. Means +/- S.E.M. were 735 +/- 32, i.v., 686 +/- 38, i.m., and 623 +/- 57 ml min-1, p.o. Apparent overall volumes of distribution were 589 +/- 401, i.v. and 450 +/- 671 (S.E.M.), i.m. The i.v. studies in three dogs confirmed the three-compartment body model and the high overall volumes of distribution, had terminal half-lives similar to humans and had renal clearances of 84, 164, and 207 ml min-1 that were in excess of glomerular filtration. There were no significant changes of cardiovascular parameters with the time course of the drug in the body and no significant drug-affected clinical parameters. The only consistent side effect was a generally transient nasal congestion at plasma peak time on intravenous administration.
Nucleotide sequence of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis 9.4 kbp EcoRI-I and -R (polyhedrin gene) region.

Abstract The nucleotide sequence of a 9.4-kbp region including the polyhedrin gene of the C6 strain of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) genome was determined. These data provide a complete description of the Eco RI-I fragment, which is used to produce transfer vectors for inserting foreign genes into the AcMNPV. Ten potential open reading frames (ORFs) were identified in the complete sequence, on either strand of DNA. The largest of these was 1629 nucleotides in length and was located downstream from the polyhedrin coding sequences, but on the opposite strand of DNA. Northern blot hybridization analysis of ORF 8 (1629) identified an RNA of 2000 nucleotides which was produced in infected cells from 12 hr p.i. and remained until at least 48 hr p.i. S1 nuclease mapping and analysis of cDNA clones located the 3′ end of the mRNA at a site 16 nucleotides downstream of the polyhedrin coding sequences. The 5′ end of the mRNA was mapped using primer extension analysis of polyadenylated RNA. ThemRNA start site was positioned within a late/very late consensus transcription initiation motif (ATAAG), 428 nucleotides upstream from the potential ATG translation initiation codon. The biological significance of the putative gene product was assessed by inserting a synthetic oligonucleotide in the carboxyl terminal coding sequences of ORF 8 (1629) to prematurely terminate translation. Recombinant viruses containing this mutation were not isolated, suggesting that the ORF 1629 gene product is essential for virus replication.
Scanning photoelectron microscope with a zone plate generated microprobe

Abstract We describe instrumentation of a scanning photoelectron microscope (SPEM), which we are presently developing and commissioning at the X1A beamline of the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS). This instrument is designed to use the soft-X-ray undulator (SXU) at the NSLS as a high-brightness source to illuminate a Fresnel zone plate, thus forming a finely focused probe, ≤ 0.2 μm in size, upon the specimen surface. A grating monochromator selects the photon energy in the 400–800 eV range with an energy resolution better than 1 eV. The expected flux in the focus is in the range 5 × 107–109 photons s−1. A single pass cylindrical mirror analyzer (CMA) is used to record photoemission spectra, or to form an image within a fixed electron energy bandwidth as the specimen is mechanically scanned. As a first test, a 1000-mesh Au grid was successfully imaged with Au 4f primary photoelectrons, achieving a resolution of about 1 μm.
Experimental demonstration of pH control for a sequential two-step enzymatic reaction

Abstract pH control for multistep enzymatic synthesis reactions is important due to its potential industrial applications; however, it becomes difficult when the optimal pH for the individual steps of the reaction pathway differs by several units. The usual approach of using a compromised pH is neither satisfactory nor always feasible. An optimal pH control technique has been developed which allows a two-step reaction to occur simultaneously in proximity to each other and at their respective optimal pH in a single reactor. This technique separates the microenvironments of the two steps of a reaction pathway by coating an immobilized enzyme pellet with a thin layer of urease. Ammonia generated by the hydrolysis of urea consumes the hydrogen ions diffusing from the acidic bulk solution into the immobilized enzyme pellet. In this paper, the pH control technique is demonstrated for a two-step reaction where salicin is first converted by β-glucosidase to saligenin and glucose, followed by the isomerization of glucose catalyzed by glucose isomerase. The technique allows this two-step reaction to take place simultaneously at their respective optimal pH values of 5.0 for β-glucosidase and 8.0 for glucose isomerase.
Non-breeder asymmetry in Florida Scrub Jays

The data of Woolfenden and Fitzpatrick (1984) show a statistically significant asymmetry in the sex ratio of non-breeders when one of the breeders is not the non-breeder's parent. I propose that the asymmetry is attributable to a combination of two factors acting on non-breeders: the value of inheriting a territory, and incest avoidance. Although natal territories are only occasionally inherited by non-breeders, and then apparently only by males, therate of inheritance is significantly higher for parent/step-parent breeders (n=6) than when both breeders are the non-breeder's parents (n=1). An alternative hypothesis, that stepparents determine the non-breeder asymmetry by ousting potential rivals, might also explain the data, but evidence is currently lacking.
Asynchronous subgradient methods with unbounded delays for communication networks

Dual decomposition coupled with the subgradient method has found application to optimal resource management in communication networks, as it can lead to distributed and scalable algorithms. Network entities—nodes or functional layers—exchange Lagrange multipliers and primal minimizers of the Lagrangian function towards optimizing a network-wide performance metric. It is of interest to study the performance of the resultant algorithms when such exchanges are delayed or lost. This paper deals with such asynchronous dual subgradient methods in separable convex programming. In this scenario, the subgradient vector is a sum of components, each possibly corresponding to an outdated Lagrange multiplier, and not the current one. A number of network entities is allowed to prematurely stop updating their corresponding variables, thereby effecting infinite delay between the current iterate and the multipliers used for a number of subgradient components. Conditions for convergence of the algorithm are developed. Specific applications include multipath routing in wireline networks and cross-layer optimization in wireless networks. Numerical tests for multipath routing in the Abilene network topology are presented.
A model of oxidative phosphorylation that accommodates the chemical intermediate, chemiosmotic, localized proton and conformational hypotheses

Abstract A model of oxidative phosphorylation is formulated which accounts for a wide variety of experimental observations of mitochondria in molecular terms. The central feature of the model is the postulated existence of a hypothetical enzymic system called the “proton transfer complex” in the inner membrane that catalyzes group-specific proton transfer reactions between membrane components. Thus, the “proton transfer complex” is assumed to catalyze either the intramembrane proton transfer reactions (e.g., between the electron transfer complex and oligomycin-sensitive ATPase) or the transmembrane proton transfer reactions between the matrix and intracristal spaces. The former appears to be involved in the phosphorylation of matrix ADP and the latter in the active transport of adenine nucleotides and substrates across the inner membrane.
Design of an artificial light harvesting system that may spontaneously evolve toward greater efficiency

Abstract The design principles for a light harvesting system that may spontaneously evolve toward greater efficiency for energy transfer are discussed and a new system based on these principles is introduced. The system consists of a tetraphenylchlorin as the antenna and a phthalocyanine as the energy acceptor in a poly(vinylpyridine) matrix. Excitation of the antenna leads to strong emission from the acceptor. Long term illumination of the film leads to increasing quantum efficiency for the energy transfer process. Some possible mechanisms for this evolution are discussed as are some possible improvements of the system.
mFISH analysis of chromosomal damage in bone marrow cells collected from CBA/CaJ mice following whole body exposure to heavy ions (56Fe ions).

To date, there is scant information on in vivo induction of chromosomal damage by heavy ions found in space (i.e. 56Fe ions). For radiation-induced response to be useful for risk assessment, it must be established in in vivo systems especially in cells that are known to be at risk for health problems associated with radiation exposure (such as hematopoietic cells, the known target tissue for radiation-induced leukemia). In this study, the whole genome multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mFISH) technique was used to examine the in vivo induction of chromosomal damage in hematopoietic tissues, i.e. bone marrow cells. These cells were collected from CBA/CaJ mice at day 7 following whole-body exposure to different doses of 1 GeV/amu 56Fe ions (0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 Gy) or 137Cs γ rays as the reference radiation (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 3.0 Gy, at the dose rate of 0.72 Gy/min using a GammaCell40). These radiation doses were the average total-body doses. For each radiation type, there were four mice per dose. Several types of aberrations in bone marrow cells collected from mice exposed to either type of radiation were found. These were exchanges and breaks (both chromatid- and chromosome-types). Chromosomal exchanges included translocations (Robertsonian or centric fusion, reciprocal and incomplete types), and dicentrics. No evidence of a non-random involvement of specific chromosomes in any type of aberrations observed in mice exposed to 56Fe ions or 137Cs γ rays was found. At the radiation dose range used in our in vivo study, the majority of exchanges were simple. Complex exchanges were detected in bone marrow cells collected from mice exposed to 1 Gy of 56Fe ions or 3 Gy of 137Cs γ rays only, but their frequencies were low. Overall, our in vivo data indicate that the frequency of complex chromosome exchanges was not significantly different between bone marrow cells collected from mice exposed to 56Fe ions or 137Cs γ rays. Each type of radiation induced significant dose-dependent increases (ANOVA, P < 0.01) in the frequencies of chromosomal damage, including the numbers of abnormal cells. Based upon the linear-terms of dose-response curves, 56Fe ions were 1.6 (all types of exchanges), 4.3 (abnormal cells) and 4.2 (breaks, both chromatid- and chromosome-types) times more effective than 137Cs γ rays in inducing chromosomal damage.
A modified in-vitro method to assess bioavailable arsenic in pesticide-applied soils.

An incubation study was designed to modify the existing in vitro methods to increase the accuracy in estimation of bioavailable arsenic in pesticide-applied soils. In addition to simulating arsenic dissolution in gastric and intestinal solutions, absorbtion by the intestinal membrane was also mimicked using iron-oxide coated filter paper strips inserted in nylon bags. The in vitro experiments were sequentially performed in two phases, namely, the stomach phase and the absorbed-intestinal phase. Arsenic extraction in the in vitro absorbed intestinal phase increased, therby making it more comparable to the potential in vivo arsenic pool. While animal studies are needed to verify the in vitro results, preliminary data indicate that this modified method may be able to improve site-specific bioavailability predictions in arsenic-contaminated soils.
Optimal interleaving scheme for convolutional coding

An optimal scheme is given for interleaving using an n×m array when the maximum length burst of errors is greater than m. It involves transmitting the rows of the array in a specified (nonsequential) order, but introduces no additional overheads. This scheme is particularly beneficial for convolutional coding.
Earnings impact of applying international accounting standard 32 to convertible debt: Some evidence for U.S. firms

Abstract The International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) recently issued a new accounting standard, International Accounting Standard (IAS) 32, Financial Instruments: Disclosures and Presentations. The new standard calls for issuers of convertible debt to record separate debt and equity components at the date of issuance. In contrast, current U.S. accounting rules for issuers of convertible debt. Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 14 (APBO 14), Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Stock Purchase Warrants, require the “entirely debt until conversion” approach. U.S. issuers of convertible debt are not governed by IAS 32. However, the issuance of IAS 32 shows obvious international consensus for the separate components approach. In addition, there is substantial support among U.S. academic accountants for the components approach used in IAS 32. This article explains and analyzes the potential financial reporting impact of IAS 32 if it were applied to a sample of U.S. issuers of convertible debt. The results of this study show that reclassification of a portion of convertible debt proceeds to equity has the potential to materially increase interest expense and decrease earnings. This study provides important insights which should be of interest to the financial reporting community in the U.S. and internationally.
What's in a rating?

Abstract We examine the relationship between the formal ratings that principals give teachers and a variety of observable teacher characteristics, including proxies for productivity. Prior work has shown that principals can differentiate between more and less effective teachers, especially at the tails of the quality distribution, and that subjective evaluations of teachers are strongly correlated with subsequent student achievement. However, whereas prior work has relied on survey data, we consider formal ratings from a setting in which the stakes are reasonably high. We find that the ratings are correlated with an array of teacher qualities including experience for young teachers, education credentials, and teacher absenteeism. Our finding that principals reward qualities of teachers known to be related to student productivity provides reason to be optimistic about policies that would assign more weight to principal evaluations of teachers in career decisions and compensation.
Monitoring the dehydration of collagen by time-domain terahertz transmission measurements

We measured the change of the terahertz-frequency dielectric properties in collagen hydrated in saline spanning hypo-normal, normal and hyper-normal physiological conditions, during a 24-hour dehydration period in-vitro.
Abstract 4989: The role of Runx2 in epigenetic silencing of a tumor suppressor BMP-3B/GDF10 in lung cancer cells

Lung cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths. Several genetic and epigenetic alterations are now established for lung cancer progression. However, the regulatory mechanisms of these alterations are still unclear. Here, we show that the transcription factor Runx2 is highly expressed in lung cancer cells and downregulates a tumor suppressor bone morphogenetic protein-3B (BMP-3B/GDF10). The Runx2 transcription factor, an essential bone cell differentiation factor, is previously implicated in breast and prostate cancer progression by activating cancer related genes and promoting invasive properties. Our studies in Runx2 deficient animals demonstrated a significant increase in BMP-3B expression levels compared to wild type littermates as examined by cDNA arrays and real time PCR analysis. BMP-3B was previously identified as a silenced gene by DNA methylation in restriction landmark genomic scanning in lung cancer cells, thus suggesting an important function linked to maintaining the normal cell phenotype. Characterization of two normal lung fibroblasts (WI-38, IMR-90) and three lung cancer cells lines (A549, H720, H1299) showed an inverse relationship between Runx2 and BMP-3B expression as examined by real time PCR and western blot analysis. The ectopic expression of Runx2 in normal lung fibroblasts showed a significant downregulation of BMP-3B levels. Expression studies with point and deletion mutants of Runx2 in normal lung fibroblasts and lung cancer cells showed that the C-terminal domain of Runx2 is essential for BMP-3B downregulation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in H1299 cells confirmed the mechanism of Runx2 mediated suppression of BMP-3B. Our results demonstrated Runx2 and H3-K9 specific histone methyltransferase SUV39H1 recruitment on the BMP-3B proximal promoter and concomitant increase in histone methylation (H3-K9) status by Runx2 to mediate repression of the BMP-3B gene locus. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation studies showed a direct interaction of Runx2 and SUV39H1 in lung cancer cells. Depletion of Runx2 in H1299 cells by stable expression of shRunx2 resulted in reduced H3-K9 methylation of the BMP-3B promoter and increased expression levels. Modulation of Runx2 levels in H1299 cells modestly altered cell growth properties as examined by MTT cell proliferation assay. Taken together, our studies identified BMP-3B as a novel Runx2 target gene and showed that Runx2 interaction with SUV39H1 down-regulates BMP-3B by affecting local chromatin histone methylation at BMP-3B regulatory regions. Our studies suggest that Runx2 not only activates cancer related genes but also plays a critical role in epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressors during cancer progression. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4989. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4989
A neuropsychological key approach to diagnosis and remediation of learning disabilities

Described a new approach in reaching clinical decisions with regard to learning disabled children. The method emphasizes a systematic deductive procedure and is presented in the form of a Key. The rationale for the diagnostic and remedial decisions reached at every node of the Key is explained and is supported by data derived from clinical and experimental studies in psychology and neurology.
Decreased Dietary Calcium Intake with Onset of Adolescence in Girls

Abstract Calcium intake in girls is generally low, causing insufficient bone mineralization during adolescent growth, and predisposing them to adult onset osteoporosis. Calcium intake was assessed in girls of different ages In a small Midwestern city. Girls in 2 nd (n=59), 5 th (n=76) and 8 th grades (n=33) volunteered to undergo three 24-h dietary analyses. Mean (± sd) calcium intakes (mg • day −1 ) for 2 nd , 5 th , and 8 th graders, respectively, were: 1094±351, 1060±342, and 1036±335. Only 14 of 59 (24%) 2 nd graders, but 56 of 76 (74%) 5 th graders, and 25 of 33 (76%) 8 th graders were below the age-specific Recommended Daily Intakes (RDI) of 800 (ages 4–8) and 1300 (ages 9–18), as described by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences. When data were corrected for energy intake, daily calcium intakes were 637±156, 567±156, and 533±163mg•kcal −1 • day −1 for 2 nd , 5 th , and 8 th graders, indicating greater calcium density in the diets of the youngest girls. The results show a clear decline in calcium intake and associated increase in the number of girls who fail to meet the RDI. This study indicates that school-based interventions to raise calcium intake should begin in the 3 rd or 4 th grade.
Diffusion tensor imaging of forearm nerves in humans.

Purpose: To implement a diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) protocol for visualization of peripheral nerves in human forearm. Materials and Methods: This Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant study was approved by our Institutional Review Board and written informed consent was obtained from 10 healthy participants. T1- and T2-weighted turbo spin echo with fat saturation, short tau inversion recovery (STIR), and DTI sequences with 21 diffusion-encoding directions were implemented to acquire images of the forearm nerves with an 8 channel knee coil on a 3T MRI scanner. Identification of the nerves was based on T1-weighted, T2-weighted, STIR, and DTI-derived fractional anisotropy (FA) images. Maps of the DTI-derived indices, FA, mean diffusivity (MD), longitudinal diffusivity (λ//), and radial diffusivity (λ⟂) along the length of the nerves were generated. Results: DTI-derived maps delineated the forearm nerves more clearly than images acquired with other sequences. Only ulnar and median nerves were clearly visualized on the DTI-derived FA maps. No significant differences were observed between the left and right forearms in any of the DTI-derived measures. Significant variation in the DTI measures was observed along the length of the nerve. Significant differences in the DTI measures were also observed between the median and ulnar nerves. Conclusion: DTI is superior in visualizing the median and ulnar nerves in the human forearm. The normative data could potentially help distinguish normal from diseased nerves. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:920–927. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chicks prefer fat-supplemented diets.

Abstract The supplementation of broiler diets with fat has been shown to improve feed efficiency by the following: Siedler and Scheweigert (1953), Yacowitz (1953), Carver el al. (1954), Donaldson el al. (1954), and Runnels (1955). Sunde (1954) attributed the effectiveness of fats in improving feed efficiency to the utilization of the glycerol portion of the fat molecule. It has been suggested that varying rates of nutrient absorption may contribute to improved feed utilization. In view of the lack of information on palatability, the experiment reported herein was designed to determine whether any preference could be shown for either fat-supplemented or nonsupplemented diets as manifested by the amount of feed consumed by chicks from 1 to 8 weeks of age. One hundred twenty-three straight run White Wyandotte x White Rock day-old chicks were fed the Kansas State College all-vegetable protein high efficiency basal diet plus Aurofac * (chlortetracycline) in a wire floored battery …
The informational basis of entrepreneurial discovery

Scholars have identified four different roles played by entrepreneurs in the discovery of new venture opportunities. What each of these roles has in common is that the discovery process consists of the acquisition of specific, risk-reducing information. Uncertain returns from such investments deter some would-be entrepreneurs from making discoveries. This approach suggests that the vision to make entrepreneurial discoveries depends on making cost-effective informational investments, not on special talents possessed by only a few aspirants.
Plasma calcitonin levels in Japanese quail.

Plasma calcitonin levels have been determined by bioassay in Japanese quail and studied with respect to age and sex, and to calcium and magnesium challenge. The plasma calcitonin was assayed by the sensitive rat method of Sturtridge and Kumar, either directly or following Sephadex treatment by the method of Kenny. The plasma calcitonin levels were high, relative to mammalian levels, in both sexes and at all ages studied (1–8 months). The study revealed an interesting relationship between plasma calcitonin levels and se:xual status. Immature males and both immature and mature females had similar levels (mean levels of 328, 396, and 264 MRC μU/ml, respectively). Mature males (2–6 months) on the other hand had much higher levels (mean level of 992 MRC μU/ml). This phenomenon could not be attributed to differences in plasma ionic calcium levels as the latter were higher in females than in males of the same age. Calcium challenge (100 mg Ca/kg, ip) increased the plasma calcitonin levels several—fold 30 min aft...
Creole indigeneity: between myth and nation in the Caribbean

In Creole Indigeneity: Between Myth and Nation in the Caribbean (2012), Shona N. Jackson goes against the popular tendency to prioritise island geographies and diasporic models of regional identity...
Gender and change drivers: an exploratory study

Purpose – Change drivers are events, activities, or behaviors that facilitate the individual adoption of change initiatives and the implementation of organizational change. The purpose of this paper is an exploratory study of whether gender differences exist for change drivers.Design/methodology/approach – This paper involves a three‐year study of an organizational change in the banking industry, and uses survey and interview data.Findings – Data show that the mean perceived significance of change drivers to the understanding and adoption of change initiatives by male and female employees is similar and does not vary at a statistically significant level. Statistically significant gender differences do exist in terms of the relationship between change drivers and employees' reported individual adoption of change initiatives. Qualitative data from the interviews support those quantitative findings, showing gender differences in how change drivers are perceived; differences in change‐related vision, leadersh...
Solid solutions of In2Te3 in Sb2Te3 and Bi2Te3

Solid solutions of the compositions (Sb2Te3)1−x(In2Te3)x, where x ⩽ 0.45, and (Bi2Te3)1−x(In2Te3)x, where x ⩽ 0.25, have been prepared in mono- or oligo-crystalline form by directional freezing. The crystals retain the hexagonal structure characteristic of Sb2Te3 and Bi2Te3, but in both cases the volume of the unit cell diminishes with increasing In concentration (measured spectrochemically). Density measurements and phase analysis prove that the mechanism of solid solution is either the direct replacement of Sb (or Bi) by In or the simultaneous replacement of Te by In and Sb (or Bi) by Te. The resistivity, Hall coefficient, and Seebeck coefficient have been measured. The In-substituted Sb2Te3 solutions are always p-type, but an inversion to n-type conductivity occurs in the Bi2Te3 alloys, particularly at high In concentrations. The magnitude of the Hall coefficient is virtually unchanged by the introduction of In. In the Bi2Te3 alloys, the carrier mobility is not strongly dependent on In content, but in the Sb2Te3 alloys it decreases sharply with increasing In concentration. The magnetic susceptibility is unchanged by the introduction of In. On the basis of these results, a model is proposed in which the nonbonding s-orbital of an In atom is transformed in the crystal into new states in the conduction band. Information is appended on the phase diagram of the In-Sb-Te ternary system.
Homogeneity Testing for Unlabeled Data: A Performance Evaluation

Abstract In this paper, we address the problem of testing homogeneity for unlabeled pixels observed in a subimage. Homogeneity testing is an essential component in split-and-merge segmentation algorithm. Two types of homogeneity tests are involved: tests for labeled data when deciding on merges between regions and tests for unlabeled data when deciding whether to split a region. In our study, we focus on images that are modeled as a mosaic of uniform regions corrupted by additive Gaussian noise. Using this model, we present a statistical analysis on the performance of two commonly used approaches for testing homogeneity of unlabeled data based on the region/subregion similarity and the data dispersion, respectively. We also propose and evaluate a new hierarchical homogeneity testing scheme for unlabeled data. The most important finding of this study is that the tests based on region/subregion similarity have a low power on average of detecting inhomogeneity in unlabeled data.
Inversion of band-limited reflection seismograms using stacking velocities as constraints

The authors consider the problem of determining the acoustical impedance of a layered medium from reflection seismograms which have small or missing low-frequency components. To regularise this ill-posed inverse problem, the authors incorporated stacking (RMS) velocities, which are available at data pre-possessing stage, as a penalty in an optimisation problem. They show that when this information is included, the problem becomes regularised. In particular, they show that for the linearised problem, the operator mapping the impedances to the data is bounded below, and for the nonlinear problem, they show the optimisation cost functional has a non-degenerate minimum. Various features of the theory are demonstrated in numerical simulations.
Decreased incidence of arterial thrombosis using heparin-bonded intraaortic balloons

Abstract Background . This experimental study sought to determine whether heparin-bonding of intraaortic balloons (IAB) would decrease the incidence of arterial thrombosis in the absence of systemic heparinization. Methods . In 25 adult pigs, a 9F, 40-mL IAB was inserted into the femoral artery and positioned just below the takeoff of the left subclavian artery for 9 hours. Five animals received systemic heparin, 10 animals had no heparin, and another 10 animals received no heparin but the IAB was heparin-bonded (Duraflo II). Thrombus formation was assessed using a numerical scoring system (0 = no thrombosis to 3=thrombus >5 cm or evidence of luminal compromise). Results . Animals receiving heparin and heparin-bonded IAB had no thrombus formation around the IAB (mean ± SE; 0 ± 0.00 heparin versus 1.55 ± 0.29 no heparin versus 0 ± 0.00 heparin-bonded; p p p Conclusions . Heparin-bonding of the IAB significantly decreases thrombus formation in the absence of systemic heparinization.
Trees and amenable equivalence relations

Let R be a Borel equivalence relation with countable equivalence classes on a measure space M. Intuitively, a ‘treeing’ of R is a measurably-varying way of makin each equivalence class into the vertices of a tree. We make this definition rigorous. We prove that if each equivalence class becomes a tree with polynomial growth, then the equivalence relation is amenable. We prove that if the equivalence relation is finite measure-preserving and amenable, then almost every tree (i.e., equivalence class) must have one or two ends.
Genetic control of ocular morphogenesis: defective lens development associated with ocular anomalies in C57BL/6 mice.

Abstract Congenital ocular defects, including microphthalmia, anophthalmia and cataracts appear in a small proportion (5-15%) of the C57BL/6 inbred strain of laboratory mice. Previous work from this laboratory utilizing C57BL/6↔DBA/2 allophenic (mosaic) mice suggested that the underlying cause of these defects may be a deficiency in C57BL/6 lens development. In these C57BL/6↔DBA/2 allophenic animals, the major proportion of the lens cells were of the DBA/2 strain, in contrast to the other ocular and non-ocular tissues examined where no strain-specific competition was evident. Results presented here reinforce the notion that C57BL/6 lens cells are developmentally retarded. In allophenic combination with another strain, A/J, cells of the C57BL/6 strain were, again, markedly under-represented in the mosaic lens, whereas no such genotypic specificity was evident in any of the other ocular and non-ocular tissues. Thus, the previous observation of a C57BL/6 deficiency in mosaic lens is more likely a consequence of low C57BL/6 competitiveness rather than some peculiar hyperactivity of the cells of the partner strains. Histological examination of C57BL/6, DBA/2 and A/J pure strain embryos indicated marked differences in the lens development of C57BL/6 embryos compared to the other two strains. For the first 3 days after lens invagination, the cross-sectional areas of DBA/2 lenses were two- to three-fold larger than those of C57BL/6 lenses at comparable stages of development, whereas no comparable difference was noted in the optic cup development in these two strains. This leads to a much higher lens/optic cup size ratio in DBA/2 embryos than C57BL/6 embryos. Scanning electron microscopy also revealed that lens invagination is much less extensive in the C57BL/6 embryos than the A/J embryos. The smaller C57BL/6 lens vesicle also remains deeper in the optic cup than those of the DBA/2 or A/J embryos of comparable developmental age. This is likely to result in the occasional complete envelopment of the entire lens vesicle by the optic cup and lead to arrested ocular development.
Preparation, Characterization, and Properties of 7-Nitrotetrazolo[1,5-f ]furazano[4,5-b]pyridine 1-Oxide

ABSTRACT The synthesis, characterization, and properties of 7-nitro-tetrazolo[1,5-f]furazano[4,5-b]pyridine 1-oxide (NFP) are reported. NFP is prepared by the diazotization of 3,6-di(hydrazino)-3,5-di(nitro)pyridine followed by the extrusion of molecular dinitrogen and ring closure.
A comparison of the pathogenicity of three members of the Microsporum gypseum complex

A comparison of the pathogenicity for guinea pigs and rabbits of the 3 members of the M. gypseum complex (N. incurvata, N. gypsea and N. fulva), was accomplished by intradermal multiple puncture inoculation. No notable difference in pathogenicity was observed between N. gypsea and N. incurvata. The local reactions of the animals ranged from negative to inflammatory and many lesions exhibited crust formation. In contrast, N. fulva appeared to be much less virulent.Nineteen of 21 isolates of M. gypseum recovered from spontaneous human and animal lesions were identified as N. gypsea, the remaining 2 as N. incurvata.The results of the animal inoculations and the identification of the perfect form of clinical isolates point to N. fulva as the least virulent member of the M. gypseum complex.
IMAGEnet: A Wide Area Teleradiology Network

The University of Texas Medical School at Houston developed a teleradiology system to provide consultative and support radiologic services to a newly acquired public hospital located 12 miles from the main campus and its primary teaching hospital. The project used off-the-shelf equipment (computers, scanners, and monitors) and nonproprietary file transfer software. Transmission of images was achieved via expansion of existing computer networks. Installation was completed in only a few weeks. After 30 months of operation, there have been no errors of interpretation caused by limitations of the teleradiology system.
Inotropic Response to Digoxin and Dopamine in Patients with Severe Sepsis, Cardiac Failure, and Systemic Hypoperfusion

We studied the inotropic response to dopamine and digoxin in 20 patients with severe sepsis and left ventricular failure. Left ventricular failure was defined as a left ventricular stroke work index ≤40 g-m/m 2 at a pulmonary artery wedge pressure ≥15 mm Hg. Hemodynamic assessment was obtained before and following administration of digoxin 10 µg/kg IV or dopamine, 5 to 12 µg/kg/min IV. Patients treated with digoxin demonstrated a significant increase in LVSWI. The LVSWI increased 13 ± 10 percent in the dopamine-treated patients compared with 74 ± 16 percent in the digoxin patients (p
Residual strains and stresses in tungsten/Kanthal composites

Abstract Neutron diffraction was used to measure thermal residual strains in tungsten/Kanthal metal matrix composites containing 10, 20, 30 and 70 vol.% fibers at room temperature. In addition, thermal residual strains were measured in the 20 and 70 vol.% composites as a function of temperature. The study was conducted over the temperature range 20–800°C. The results were compared with those estimated using finite element modeling. As the matrix has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the fiber, the measured bulk axial strain at room temperature in fibers is compressive and varies from about −0.0020 to −0.0004, whereas for the matrix, the strain is tensile and increase from 0.0003 to 0.0027 as the amount of tungsten fibers in the composite increases from 10 to 70 vol.%. For a given volume percent of fibers, the sum, of the absolute values of axial strains measured in the fibers and the matrix in the composite, averaged over 2.5×25×25 mm samples sectioned from 2.5×25×200 mm as-fabricated composites bars, is about 0.0030 or less. Based on the temperature drop from the hot, press temperature to room temperature, the total axial strain should be about 0.0050. This indicates that the thermal residual stresses relax at high temperatures and that the stress-free temperature is lower than the hot, press temperture (1065°C). This agrees with the measured stress-free temperature of 600–650°C. Based on the finite element model, it is estimated that the residual axial strains in tungsten fibers are compressive and are about −0.0020 and −0.0005 in 20 and 70 vol.% composite samples, respectively. The corresponding strains in the Kanthal matrix are about 0.0010 and 0.0022 (tensile). The calculated residual axial stresses in tungsten fibers are about −1015 and −258 MPa and in the Kanthal matrix are about 251 and 602 MPa in 20 and 70 vol.% composite samples, respectively. For the 70 vol.% composite, the equivalent stress in the matrix is about 400 MPa, which is less than the 530 MPa yield stress of Kanthal.
GINZBURG-LANDAU FROM FIELD THEORY

A complex scalar mean-field theory has semi-classical solutions that display macroscopic superfluidity. The U(1) global symmetry is spontaneously broken by a ground-state with uniform particle density. The Nambu-Goldstone boson of that breaking is sound, but unlike the case for vacuum configurations the speed at which the Nambu-Goldstone boson travels is variable; it is determined by an index of refraction due to fluctuations in the magnitude of the order parameter. This field-theoretic description is shown to be a fully dynamical generalization of the Ginzburg-Landau theory. It is confirmed that Abrikosov vortices of the Ginzburg-Landau theory are spinning vortices of the field theory. While vacuum configurations are time-independent points in the manifold of degenerate minima to the effective potential, the ground states for superfluid systems are characterized by geodesic trajectories, and the symmetry is always restored in the limit of zero density.
Low-k ILD reliability through chip-package assembly: Engineering appropriate stress tests and process certification criteria

Inter-layer dielectric (ILD) materials used in silicon chip backend layers tend to be mechanically fragile, and the industry trend is towards ILD materials with even lower dielectric constants and fracture toughness. Flip-chip packaging with lead-free solder materials imposes significant thermo-mechanical stresses on these fragile ILD films due to the thermal expansion miss-match between the silicon chip and organic package. To guarantee low-K ILD integrity through chip-package assembly and reliability in use with adequate margin it is crucial to understand and quantify the sources of stress, their variability and use this information to define the right stress tests and success criterion. This paper will present a systematic study of the modulators of low-K ILD stress using empirical data from 45, 32 and 22nm Intel processes as well as finite element modeling. Key sources of variation in the silicon chip process as well as the chip-package assembly process will be examined and their effects on ILD stress will be quantified. This information will be used to assess the amount of over-stress needed to account for worst case manufacturing variation in silicon chip and chip - package assembly processes. Two approaches to characterization tests that provide the required over-stress will be discussed. The first approach is based on chip processing and package design skews to increase the ILD stress while the second approach relies on cooling the chip-package to below room temperature post-assembly in order to exaggerate the thermal expansion miss-match and over-stress the ILD layers. Process certification criteria to guarantee ILD reliability will be presented and optimized sampling plans to demonstrate that these goals are met will also be discussed.
On the existence of antisymmetric or symmetric Lamb waves at nonlinear higher harmonics

Abstract This article theoretically studies the symmetry characteristics of Rayleigh–Lamb guided waves in nonlinear, isotropic plates. It has been known that the nonlinearity driven double harmonic in Lamb waves does not support antisymmetric motion. However, the proof of this has not been obvious. Moreover, little is known on nonlinearity driven Lamb harmonics higher than double. These gaps were here studied by the method of perturbation coupled with wavemode orthogonality and forced response. This reduced the nonlinear problem to a forced linear problem which was subsequently investigated to formulate an energy level constraint as the defining factor for the absence of antisymmetry at any order of higher harmonic. This constraint was then used to explain the reason behind the absence of antisymmetric Lamb waves at the double harmonic. Further, it was shown that antisymmetric motion is prohibited at all the higher order even harmonics, whereas all the higher order odd harmonics allow both symmetric and antisymmetric motions. Finally, experimental results corroborating theoretical conclusions are presented.
Study of regeneration of activated carbons used as H2S adsorbents in water treatment plants

Abstract Regeneration of unmodified activated carbons used in New York City sewage treatment plants was carried out using cold water washing and thermal treatment at 300°C. The efficiency of the regeneration process was evaluated using adsorption of nitrogen, thermal analysis and dynamic measurement of hydrogen sulfide breakthrough capacity. Although differences in the behavior of samples from different locations exist, the results showed that thermal treatment is more efficient than cold water washing. The latter process was able to remove only a small percentage of sulfur species in the form of sulfuric acid, leaving the deposit of elemental sulfur intact. However, treatment at 300°C resulted in the removal of a significant amount of deposited sulfur species. The hydrogen sulfide adsorption capacity of regenerated samples was low due to the alterations in surface chemistry, which occurred during the treatment. The efficient regeneration of the carbon surface was not achieved due to the presence of significant amounts of volatile organic compounds adsorbed from effluent air.
A mass spectroscopic method for analysis of AHH-inducing and other polychlorinated biphenyl congeners and selected pesticides in fish

The 209 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners exhibit a wide range in toxicity to fish, birds, and mammals. This paper discusses the use of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry negative chemical ionization (GC/MS-NCI) to quantify congeners of highly suspected toxicity such as IUPAC #77 (3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl) and #126 (3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl). GC/MS analysis time needed to produce the necessary resolution was reduced to 1 h per sample or standard, allowing an autosampler to inject 12 samples in 24 hours, plus 12 standards/QC samples. Identification and quantification of some 60+ congeners and several selected pesticides and estimation of total PCBs are also possible within the 1 h analysis. For congeners of high chlorination (penta through octa), the method exhibited excellent sensitivity, such that we could not locate a fish which exhibited PCB levels below our calibrated quantitation range. NCI was not as sensitive for mono through tri and for some tetrachlorinated PCB congeners, an exception being PCB #77, for which sensitivity was of the same order as for the more highly chlorinated biphenyls. Long term stability was excellent. Over a 6-mo period, results of replicate analyses for PCB congeners and pesticides in a composited sample of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) from Lake Michigan had a relative standard deviation of 12% of the mean. Over the same time period, mean recoveries for samples spiked at concentrations similar to those in Lake Michigan lake trout were 90–102%. Response was linear over a wide range of concentrations for each of the analyzed compounds. This method is now being used for routine analysis of PCB congeners and selected pesticides in our laboratory.
“Single collision” chemiluminescent studies of the LaOCS reaction—vibrational analysis of the LaS C2Π-X2Σ+ system and determination of D00(LaS)

Abstract The chemiluminescent emission of lanthanum monosulfide resulting from the reaction of lanthanum with carbonyl sulfide was studied. A band system extending from 4300 to 4800 A was observed. It was already analyzed and identified as the C 2 Π-X 2 Σ + transition. A lower bound of 136.15 ± 0.42 kcal/mole was calculated for D 0 0 (LaS). The spectra and structure of LaS are compared to LaO.
Anti-angiogenic therapy: from laboratory to the patient

Angiogenesis, or new vessel formation, plays a key role in the process of tumor growth and metastasis in breast cancer. Recent large phase-III trials (E2100 and AVADO) demonstrate the clinical utility of bevacizumab in combination with front-line taxane-based chemotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer, leading to its recent approval in the United States and Europe. Several other anti-angiogenic strategies against vascular endothelial growth factor are in various phases of clinical development. This paper reviews the data on bevacizumab in metastatic breast cancer and other anti-angiogenic strategies on development in breast cancer.