cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SERUM INHIBIN B LEVELS AND THE RESPONSE TO GONADOTROPIN STIMULATION TEST IN PUBERTAL BOYS WITH VARICOCELE

AbstractPurpose: The impact of varicoceles on gonadal function in adolescents has been evaluated using several parameters, including size of testes, hormonal levels and provocative endocrine testing. Inhibin B has been demonstrated to be decreased in men with testicular damage from conditions other than varicocele. We determine whether inhibin B levels are low in adolescent boys with varicocele, and if there is a relationship between inhibin B and an exaggerated response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) stimulation testing, testicular hypertrophy and/or varicocele bilaterality.Materials and Methods: We studied 9 boys at Tanner stages III to V of pubertal development who had either left or bilateral varicoceles. Basal inhibin B, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone were measured. Each patient underwent Gn-RH stimulation testing.Results: All patients had essentially normal inhibin B levels for Tanner stage. Of the 9 boys 4 had an exaggerated response to Gn-RH stimulati...
Fusion of neutron rich oxygen isotopes in the crust of accreting neutron stars

Fusion reactions in the crust of an accreting neutron star are an important source of heat, and the depth at which these reactions occur is important for determining the temperature profile of the star. Fusion reactions depend strongly on the nuclear charge $Z$. Nuclei with $Z\ensuremath{\leqslant}6$ can fuse at low densities in a liquid ocean. However, nuclei with $Z=8$ or 10 may not burn until higher densities where the crust is solid and electron capture has made the nuclei neutron rich. We calculate the $S$ factor for fusion reactions of neutron rich nuclei including $^{24}\mathrm{O}+^{24}\mathrm{O}$ and $^{28}\mathrm{Ne}+^{28}\mathrm{Ne}$. We use a simple barrier penetration model. The $S$ factor could be further enhanced by dynamical effects involving the neutron rich skin. This possible enhancement in $S$ should be studied in the laboratory with neutron rich radioactive beams. We model the structure of the crust with molecular dynamics simulations. We find that the crust of accreting neutron stars may contain micro-crystals or regions of phase separation. Nevertheless, the screening factors that we determine for the enhancement of the rate of thermonuclear reactions are insensitive to these features. Finally, we calculate the rate of thermonuclear $^{24}\mathrm{O}+^{24}\mathrm{O}$ fusion and find that $^{24}\mathrm{O}$ should burn at densities near ${10}^{11}$ g/cm${}^{3}$. The energy released from this and similar reactions may be important for the temperature profile of the star.
Nonlocal resistance and magnetoresistance in bulk metals

Sensitive voltage measurements are made on bulk metal wires with cross-sectional dimensions and probe separations L comparable to the electronic mean free path l. The voltage probes span a segment of the sample distinct from that carrying the current. For short l and L\ensuremath{\gg}l the observed resistance and weakly parabolic magnetoresistance are consistent with a local conductivity analysis, j=\ensuremath{\sigma}E. However, when l is comparable to L, reproducible structure appears in the magnetoresistance. Neither the magnitude of the magnetic field characterizing the structure nor the decay length of the structure can be explained by the local-conductivity model. The results are inconsistent as well with the phenomenon of universal conductance fluctuations. Characteristics of this signal, their implications, and possible explanations are discussed.
An attack‐defense game with matrix strategies

Abstract : The paper presents the results and the method of analysis for an attack-defense game involving allocation of resources. Each player is assumed to have several different types of resources to be divided in an optimal fashion among a fixed set of targets. The payoff function of the game is convex. The 'No Soft-Spot' principle of M. Dresher, (Games of Strategy: Theory and Applications', Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1961). The results quoted are slightly less general than those given in the original version. This deficiency is overcome to a certain extent by the inclusion of a second payoff function and a more realistic example.
Importance of the accretion process in asteroid thermal evolution: 6 Hebe as an example

Widespread evidence exists for heating that caused melting, thermal metamorphism, and aqueous alteration in meteorite parent bodies. Previous simulations of asteroid heat transfer have assumed that accretion was instantaneous. For the first time, we present a thermal model that assumes a realistic (incremental) accretion scenario and takes into account the heat budget produced by decay of 26Al during the accretion process. By modeling 6 Hebe (assumed to be the H chondrite parent body), we show that, in contrast to results from instantaneous accretion models, an asteroid may reach its peak temperature during accretion, the time at which different depth zones within the asteroid attain peak metamorphic temperatures may increase from the center to the surface, and the volume of high-grade material in the interior may be significantly less than that of unmetamorphosed material surrounding the metamorphic core. We show that different times of initiation and duration of accretion produce a spectrum of evolutionary possibilities, and thereby, highlight the importance of the accretion process in shaping an asteroid's thermal history. Incremental accretion models provide a means of linking theoretical models of accretion to measurable quantities (peak temperatures, cooling rates, radioisotope closure times) in meteorites that were determined by their thermal histories.
Development of interests and competency beliefs: A 1-year longitudinal study of fifth- to eighth-grade students using the ICA-R and structural equation modeling

The relative influence of interest and self-efficacy beliefs on each other over 1 year was examined in 2 longitudinal samples of students, I of elementary school students (Grade 5, N = 126) and 1 of middle school students (Grade 7, N = 221). Interest and competence ratings on the Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional scales (J. L. Holland, 1997) were assessed using the Inventory of Children's Activities-Revised (T. J. G. Tracey & C. C. Ward, 1998). Responses were examined using structural equation modeling, and the results demonstrated that there were changes both in the structure and level of interest and competence ratings over time. The circumplex structure was found to become more prominent over time, especially by 8th grade, and overall mean levels of interest and competence ratings decreased over time. Interest and competence ratings were found to predict each other equally over time. Finally, there were significant grade, gender, time, Time × Grade, and Time × Gender effects on the scale score means. Results are discussed with respect to implications for interest development and assessment.
Content and bibliometric analyses of the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy.

AbstractBackground:Article characteristics and trends have been elucidated for other physical therapy-focused journals using content and bibliometric analysis. These findings are important for assessing the current state of a journal and for guiding future publication of research. To date, these analyses have not been performed for the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy (JMMT).Objective:To describe content and trends for articles published in JMMT over a 20-year period (1993–2012).Methods:Journal articles were coded using previously-established domains (article type, participant type, research design, study purpose, and clinical condition). Total publications and proportion of publications based on domain were described. Articles specific to manual therapy intervention were examined and compared to data from other physical therapy-focused journals. Impact by citation and author was examined using bibliometric software.Results:Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy was found to have a recent accele...
Restoration of myocardial β-adrenergic receptor signaling after left ventricular assist device support

Objective Left ventricular assist device support for patients with chronic heart failure can significantly improve β-adrenergic receptor signaling, which is likely critical to myocardial recovery. The mechanism underlying the restoration of β-adrenergic receptor signaling is unclear. This study investigates our hypothesis that restoration of cardiac β-adrenergic receptor signaling by left ventricular assist devices results from inhibition of the G protein–coupled receptor kinase-2, a G protein–coupled receptor kinase that specifically phosphorylates and desensitizes agonist-occupied β-adrenergic receptors. Methods Left ventricular β-adrenergic receptor signaling was assessed in biopsy specimens taken from patients with chronic heart failure (n = 12) at the time of left ventricular assist device implantation (heart failure group) and again at the time of heart transplantation (left ventricular assist device group). Signaling was also studied in left ventricular biopsy specimens from nonfailing control (n = 8) hearts (nonfailing control group). Signaling was assessed by measuring sarcolemmal membrane β-adrenergic receptor density, adenylyl cyclase activity, G protein expression, and G protein–coupled receptor kinase-2 expression and activity. Results Left ventricular β-adrenergic receptor signaling was severely decreased in the heart failure group versus that seen in the nonfailing control group, as demonstrated by adenylyl cyclase activity. G protein–coupled receptor kinase-2 expression and activity was increased 3-fold in the heart failure group versus that seen in the nonfailing control group. After left ventricular assist device support, β-adrenergic receptor signaling was restored to levels similar to those seen in the nonfailing control group. G protein–coupled receptor kinase-2 expression and activity were markedly diminished after left ventricular assist device support compared with that seen in the heart failure group and were not different from that seen in the nonfailing control group. Conclusion In chronic heart failure left ventricular assist device support leads to restoration of cardiac β-adrenergic receptor signaling. The primary mechanism appears to be diminished myocardial G protein–coupled receptor kinase-2 activity. This demonstrates the potentially beneficial effects of G protein–coupled receptor kinase-2 inhibition on β-adrenergic receptor signaling in heart failure and might represent a novel therapeutic strategy for this disease process.
The Profile of Mood States: Normative Data on a Delinquent Population

Normative data for 246 young adult delinquents representing black, white, and Puerto Rican ethnic groups are presented and compared with normative data previously reported for college males. Delinquents scored significantly lower on three of the six factors, Confusion, Tension, and Fatigue. Results are discussed in terms of differences in the diagnostic and demographic characteristics of the populations compared.
Elastodynamic Solution for the Thermal Shock Stresses in an Orthotropic Thick Cylindrical Shell

An elastodynamic solution for the thermal shock stresses in an orthotropic thick cylindrical shell is presented. The solution is achieved by the proper usage of integral transforms such as the finite Hankel transform and the Laplace transform. No restrictive assumptions on the shell thickness are placed. Results are presented for the well,formed wave propagation phenomenon of elastic stresses through the thickness of an orthotropic thick cylindrical shell. Thermal shock stresses become of significant magnitude due to stress wave propagation which is initiated at the boundaries by sudden thermal loading.
Suggestions for a Successful German Program: The Case of Muskingum College

In 1991, 1 had the opportunity to take over an ailing German program at Muskingum College in Ohio. At the time the program had an enrollment of just six students, but it offered a great opportunity for program building. When I arrived at Muskin gum College, the major in German had just been revived, and the position description was seeking a person with experience in teaching German on all levels, as well as study-abroad experience, and a background in business German. More impor tantly, the program required someone with a clear vision for success in recruiting students, someone who could develop a good working relationship with the office of admissions, as well as someone to teach a first-year seminar and align German with the majors in International Business and Inter national Affairs. Two years after arriving in 1991, I became the chair of the Department of Modern Languages and remained in that position until 1999. During that time I not only rebuilt the Ger man program but had significant influence on the other language programs in our department as well. This case study will describe several strategies that I employed to grow the German Program at Muskingum College. It is my hope that others will find these ideas transferable to their own institution with the same positive effects that they had at my institution.
An engrailed class homeo box gene in sea urchins

The homeo box, a conserved DNA element first recognized in Drosophila development-controlling genes, is present in the genomes of many higher metazoan species and provides a valuable probe for the isolation of regulatory genes from diverse phylogenetic groups. We have employed these probes to isolate and study the homeo-box genes in sea urchins. As in other species, the sea urchin homeo boxes fall into at least two classes defined by nucleotide sequence similarity to the homeo boxes of the Drosophila Antennapedia (Antp) and engrailed (en) genes. In this study, we characterize the only detectable sea urchin en class homeo box. Its nucleotide sequence similarity and lack of an intron indicate that it is more closely related to the two mouse en class homeo boxes than to the two Drosophila en class homeo boxes. These relationships are most parsimoniously explained if the single sea urchin en class homeo-box gene represents the primitive condition and the two mouse and the two Drosophila en class homeo-box genes represent independent duplications which occurred in the evolutionary lines leading to the vertebrates and arthropods, respectively. The most abundant en class gene transcripts detected by gel transfer analysis of RNA extracted from sea urchin tissues were found in Aristotle's lantern. Rare transcripts were present in ovary, testis and coelomocytes.
A direct boundary integral formulation for acoustic radiation in a subsonic uniform flow

Abstract In this paper, a new boundary integral formulation is proposed for acoustic radiation in a subsonic flow. This new boundary integral formulation uses the Green's function derived from the adjoint operator of the original governing differential equation. Unlike the conventional formulation that uses the Helmholtz integral equation in a transformed domain, the new boundary integral formulation requires no co-ordinate transformation. The variables in the integral equation can be expressed explicitly in terms of the velocity potential as well as its normal and tangential derivatives. This will facilitate a direct coupling of the boundary element method with other numerical techniques, such as the finite element method for radiation and scattering in a non-uniform flow region.
VIOLENCE AND COMMITMENT IN CUSTODIAL SETTINGS

Questionnaires were distributed to the inmates and staff of four custodial settings: (1) a men's prison; (2)a women's prison; (3) a boarding school for troubled and troublesome juveniles; and (4) a drug rehabilitation halfway house (staff not questioned). The hypothesis of the study was that violence would be inversely related to commitment (defined as involvement with the organization and organizational cohesion). Using attitudinal measures of commitment and a self-report. Guttman scale of violence, the results of the study indicated the following: (1) violence was significantly inversely related to both organizational involvement and cohesion among some custodial inmates and (2) violence was slightly positively correlated with involvement and cohesion among some custodial staff. The relationship persisted among inmates even with the introduction of age and education as control variables. The use of these controls only slightly modified the relationship among custodial staff:
Eigenvalue comparisons for second order difference equations with periodic and antiperiodic boundary conditions

We consider a class of boundary value problems of the second order difference equation $$\Delta(r_{i-1}\Delta y_{i-1})-b_{i}y_{i}+\lambda a_{i}y_{i}=0,\quad 1\le i\le n,\ y_{0}=\alpha y_{n},\ y_{n+1}=\alpha y_{1}.$$ The class of problems considered includes those with antiperiodic, Dirichlet, and periodic boundary conditions. We focus on the structure of eigenvalues of this class of problems and comparisons of all eigenvalues as the coefficients {ai}i=1n,{bi}i=1n, and {ri}i=0n change.
Thermomechanical simulation of a radial forging process

Abstract The thermomechanical behaviour of a radial forging process has been investigated. The slab method was applied to study the mechanics of the process. A one-dimensional heat-transfer equation was used to predict the axial temperature distribution of the workpiece. The analysis has been computerized by taking into account the effects of strain, strain rate and temperature on the flow stress of the material being forged. A contact factor is formulated to consider the actual area of contact between the hammer dies and workpiece. An electrical analogy scheme has been developed to determine the thermal contact resistance which is needed in thermal study. The radial pressure, forging force, forging power and axial workpiece temperature were predicted for selected operating conditions. The model predictions were compared to the on-line measurement data. The comparison indicates that the computer model used in this study is sufficiently accurate for practical purposes.
Rethinking academia's conventional wisdom (software quality)

An approach using maintenance-based projects to instill a quality ethic in software engineering students is discussed. The model is based on assigning specific roles with explicit responsibilities that initiate best current practice. Each student has to interact with other roles so that the entire team worked in concert to complete the maintenance tasks while ensuring quality. >
Economics, environment and equity

Although allocation of scarce resources among alternative uses to satisfy unlimited human wants in the positivist framework (a la Lionel Robbins)has been a focus of economists for a long time, awareness of resource scarcity in the ecological sense and discussion of the relevant issues in the context of distributive justice, as well as intergenerational equity, are of more recent vintage. A perspective encompassing judicious use of natural resources inevitably leads to a discussion which includes ecological, economic and ethical dimensions. This essay examines the contributions included in a recent book.
Tunneling Spectroscopy of Amorphous Semiconductors

The tunneling transmission coefficient as calculated by the WKB and the multi-potential approximation (MPA) is compared for tunneling through an a-Si:H/a-SiNx:H double barrier structures. The MPA method leads to shifts in the location of the quantum well states, which complicates the interpretation of quantum size effects in amorphous silicon multilayers. Experimental studies of tunneling currents through a-Si:H/a-SiNx:H single barrier structures are presented. At low temperatures the conductance data resembles tunneling data for metal/insulator/metal structures with an asymmetric barrier, while at room temperature a pronounced peak is observed in the conductance-volatge characteristics.
Local flaps for hindfoot reconstruction

We reviewed the options for soft tissue coverage of hindfoot wounds including the glabrous heel pad and the Achilles tendon/malleolar areas. Free tissue transfer is often required in this area, but some satisfactory local options exist. Heel pad rotation, sural flap, flexor digitorum brevis, and medial plantar flaps are reviewed. The need for substantial calcanectomy is stressed. A thorough description of the heel pad rotation and sural flap harvest are included.
Mystery spot in supernova 1987A: reflection or fluorescence by an interstellar cloud?

This paper explores fluorescence and reflection models of the companion to SN 1987A obseved by speckle interferometry, recalling a 1901 precedent. The apparent small angular size of the companion is a severe constraint. A fluorescence model cannot reach the observed brightness unless the ultraviolet burst from the supernova contained as many as 2 x 10 to the 58th ionizing photons. This is about 25 times stronger than generous current models. Even then, the expected line ratios and widths do not fit the observations. The absence of narrow H-alpha and H-beta lines in the supernova spectrum, the ratio of fluxes of the companion in H-alpha and forbidden N II line filters, the invisibility of the companion at 4861 (H-beta), and its detection at 5330 fail to agree with theory. A dust-reflection model is more promising, and the color can be reddened by the evaporation of small grains, but the model still falls more than about 1 mag short in brightness. Furthermore, a dust reflection should have increased in relative brightness in May-June 1987, rather than disappearing as the mystery spot did. If all the observations are correct, neither model is likely to work.
Effect of Weed Abundance on European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Infestation of Sweet Corn

Two of four sweet corn plantings, each with a broad spectrum of weed abundance in plots 3 rows by 6 m, showed a positive relationship of ear infestation by European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), with total weed biomass sampled 5 wk after corn seedling emergence. The relationship was more apparent with wider row spacing (91 versus 76 cm) and without cultivation. With the dominant weeds Digitaria sanguinalis, Panicum dichotomiflorum, Amaranthus retroflexus , and Chenopodium album , linear regression showed an increase from about 20% ear infestation in weedless plots to about 40% infestation in plots with 2,000 kg/ha above-ground dry weight of weeds at week 5 postemergence. The effect may vary with weed species, and the data show a stronger correlation with forb abundance than with grasses. Sweet corn growers would profit economically by avoiding weedy areas of fields when partial harvests are undertaken in infested plantings.
Infection densities of three Spiroplasma strains in the host Drosophila melanogaster

Maternally transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria of the genus Spiroplasma associate with numerous insect species, including the genus Drosophila. Among the Spiroplasma strains associated with Drosophila, several manipulate their host’s reproduction by killing the male offspring of the infected females. Although the male-killing mechanism is not well understood, previous studies of non-native strains transferred to D. melanogaster (strain Oregon-R) indicate that the male-killing strain achieves higher densities than two non-male-killing strains. Whether this pattern of higher male-killing strain densities occurs in other host-symbiont strain combinations is not known. Herein, we used quantitative PCR to examine infection densities of one non-male-killing strain native to D. hydei (Hyd1), and two male-killing strains; one native to D. nebulosa (NSRO), and one native to D. melanogaster (MSRO; recently discovered), upon artificial transfer to D. melanogaster (strain Canton-S). Infection densities were examined at four weekly intervals in adult flies, across three consecutive generations following artificial transfer. Infection densities of the non-male-killing strain were significantly lower than those of the two male killers immediately after adult emergence. At later time points, however, the non-male-killing strain (Hyd1) is capable of proliferating to densities similar to those of the two male-killing strains (NSRO and MSRO) in D. melanogaster (Canton-S). We also examined the effect of co-infection by the heritable bacterium Wolbachia, on Spiroplasma densities and male-killing ability. Wolbachia had little to no effect of Spiroplasma densities, but the male-killing ability of MSRO was lower in the presence of Wolbachia. Generation post-infection had little effect on Spiroplasma densities, but affected the male-killing ability.
SU-E-T-15: GEANT4 Microdosimetry for Simulation of Dose Enhancement in Vivo at Orthovoltage Energy

Purpose: This study simulates at the cellular scale the microscopic dose enhancement from high Z materials (such as goldnanoparticles) in tissue as a function of concentration and intracellular localization. Methods: Monte Carlo(MC) simulations were performed using Geant4 9.3p02 for a simple 3D geometry of 125 cubic cells with centered nuclei. Contrast materials of gold, iodine, and tungsten were simulated in a 150 kVp beam. The extra‐ and intra‐cellular contrast concentration was varied, and internal cellular contrast was placed either throughout the cytoplasm or in localized vesicles. Results: The enhancement factor for the nucleus is well described by a linear function of tissue contrast, regardless of whether the enhancement agent was contained in vesicles or throughout the cytoplasm. The predicted enhancement is smaller than previous simulations using macroscopic methods and is smaller than measured values. Conclusions: Cellular scale simulations show that macroscopic simulations overestimate the enhancement seen in the nucleus, but that intermediate energy secondaries interacting in the nucleus would not provide the enhancement measured experimentally. N. Ackerman is supported by a Weiland Family Fellowship
Pathophysiology, monitoring, and treatment of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

In its broadest sense, cerebral vasospasm can be defined as the insidious onset of delayed focal or diffuse narrowing of large-capacity arteries at the base of the brain after hemorrhage into the subarachnoid space. Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is the most common cause for vasospasm, although it is seen after hemorrhage from arteriovenous malformations, tumors, or head trauma. The angiographic narrowing, which follows a relatively consistent temporal course, may be entirely asymptomatic or disguised by other complications related to the subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In approximately one half of cases, however, vasospasm is manifest by the occurrence of a delayed neurological ischemic deficit, which may resolve or progress to permanent cerebral infarction. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, cerebral vasospasm remains the greatest treatable cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who survive the ictus of subarachnoid hemorrhage. In most contemporary series, up to 15% of such patients suffer stroke or death from vasospasm despite maximal therapy.
LFG: An anti-apoptotic gene that provides protection from Fas-mediated cell death

Programmed cell death regulates a number of biological phenomena, and the apoptotic signal must itself be tightly controlled to avoid inappropriate cell death. We established a genetic screen to search for molecules that inhibit the apoptotic signal from the Fas receptor. Here we report the isolation of a gene, LFG, that protects cells uniquely from Fas but not from the mechanistically related tumor necrosis factor α death signal. LFG is widely distributed, but remarkably is highly expressed in the hippocampus. LFG can bind to the Fas receptor, but does not regulate Fas expression or interfere with binding of an agonist antibody. Furthermore LFG does not inhibit binding of FADD to Fas.
Unchanged incidence of bronchopulmonarydysplasia in survivors of hyaline membrane disease

To test the hypothesis that decreased mortality from severe HMD will result in increased morbidity fromBPD, chest films of 30-day survivors of severe HMD were reviewed for evidence of Northway's Stage IV BPD. During July, 1970 to June, 1971, 20 survivors of severe HMD were identified; one case of Stage IV BPD was found in this group. During July 1974–June 1975, 80 survivors of severe HMD were identified; five infants had BPD. In spite of more survivors of severe HMD, no increase in the incidence of BPD could be demonstrated.
The impact of artificial‐reef fish assemblages on their potential forage area

Abstract Artificial reef fish assemblages have the potential to alter the trophic structure of the nearby fauna by changing the available forage food. As the number and biomass of fish attracted to artificial reefs increases, they can reduce the potential energy available to sustain the assemblage. During 1994 we investigated the impact that artificial reef assemblages had on the proximate infauna in the forage area immediately surrounding several artificial reefs in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The forage community parameters (number of individuals, taxonomic richness, biomass, and diversity) were compared from areas which had no reefs to areas around reefs. Our analysis indicates there was considerable variation in the infauna in all areas. The number of individuals was lower near the reefs but was at the background level about 80 m from the reefs. Number of taxa was lower next to the reef and increased slightly away from the reefs but was much lower than background species richness. Species diversity w...
The Arecibo* Dual-Beam Survey: The H I Mass Function of Galaxies

We use the H I-selected galaxy sample from the Arecibo Dual-Beam Survey of Rosenberg and Schneider to determine the shape of the H I mass function of galaxies in the local universe using both the stepwise maximum likelihood and the 1/tot methods. Our survey region spanned all 24 hours of right ascension at selected declinations between 8° and 29° covering ~430 deg2 of sky in the main beam. The survey is not as deep as some previous Arecibo surveys, but it has a larger total search volume and samples a much larger area of the sky. We conducted extensive tests on all aspects of the galaxy detection process, allowing us to empirically correct for our sensitivity limits, unlike the previous surveys. The mass function for the entire sample is quite steep, with a power-law slope of α ≈ -1.5. We find indications that the slope of the H I mass function is flatter near the Virgo Cluster, suggesting that evolutionary effects in high-density environments may alter the shape of the H I mass function. These evolutionary effects may help to explain differences in the H I mass function derived by different groups. We are sensitive to the most massive sources (log M > 5 × 1010 M☉) over most of the declination range, ~1 sr, and do not detect any massive low surface brightness galaxies. These statistics restrict the population of Malin 1-like galaxies to less than 5.5 × 10-6 Mpc-3.
Broadband high-efficiency frequency triplers

Balanced circuits utilising two diodes can be effectively used in the construction of broadband high-efficiency odd-order frequency multipliers. Using this approach, it has been possible to design and construct a frequency tripler at 100 MHz input frequency with a midband efficiency of 70% and a 3 dB fractional bandwidth of 45%.
Crosstalk and Competition in Signaling Networks

Signaling networks have evolved to transduce external and internal information into critical cellular decisions such as growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. These networks form highly interconnected systems within cells due to network crosstalk, where an enzyme from one canonical pathway acts on targets from other pathways. It is currently unclear what types of effects these interconnections can have on the response of networks to incoming signals. In this work, we employ mathematical models to characterize the influence that multiple substrates have on one another. These models build off of the atomistic motif of a kinase/phosphatase pair acting on a single substrate. We find that the ultrasensitive, switch-like response these motifs can exhibit becomes transitive: if one substrate saturates the enzymes and responds ultrasensitively, then all substrates will do so regardless of their degree of saturation. We also demonstrate that the phosphatases themselves can induce crosstalk even when the kinases are independent. These findings have strong implications for how we understand and classify crosstalk, as well as for the rational development of kinase inhibitors aimed at pharmaceutically modulating network behavior.
Simulation-optimization approach to clinical trial supply chain management with demand scenario forecast

Abstract In the pharmaceutical industry, the development activities that are required to bring a new drug to market involve considerable expense (upwards of $1 Billion) and can take in excess of 10 years. Clinical trials constitute a critically important and very expensive part of this development process as the associated supply chain encompasses producing, distributing and administering the candidate therapy to volunteer patients located in different geographic regions. A number of different approaches are being pursued to reduce clinical trial costs, including innovations in trial organization and patient pool selection. In this work, we focus our attention on improved management of the clinical supply chain. A simulation-optimization approach is presented, including patient demand simulation and demand scenario forecast, mathematical programming based planning, and discrete event simulation of the entire supply chain. Three case studies with different demand types are reported and compared to demonstrate the utility of the proposed approach.
The Incidence of High Grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Needle Biopsies

AbstractPurpose: High grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia is the most likely precursor of invasive prostate cancer. The identification of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia in needle biopsy specimens warrants repeat biopsy because of its high predictive value for cancer. The incidence of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia in contemporary needle biopsies is unknown.Materials and Methods: To determine the incidence of patients requiring repeat needle biopsy because of abnormal findings in needle aspirations (high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and microscopic foci suspicious for but not diagnostic of malignancy), we compared the pathological findings in 400 prostatic needle biopsies, including 200 consecutive cases from an academic medical center (Mayo Clinic) and an equal number from a private practice laboratory (Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center).Results: The biopsies revealed similar findings from the 2 medical centers: benign prostatic tissue in 41.5 to 50 percent of the c...
Embryonic Priming of a miRNA Locus Predetermines Postmitotic Neuronal Left/Right Asymmetry in C. elegans

The mechanisms by which functional left/right asymmetry arises in morphologically symmetric nervous systems are poorly understood. Here, we provide a mechanistic framework for how functional asymmetry in a postmitotic neuron pair is specified in C. elegans. A key feature of this mechanism is a temporally separated, two-step activation of the lsy-6 miRNA locus. The lsy-6 locus is first "primed" by chromatin decompaction in the precursor for the left neuron, but not the right neuron, several divisions before the neurons are born. lsy-6 expression is then "boosted" to functionally relevant levels several divisions later in the mother of the left neuron, through the activity of a bilaterally expressed transcription factor that can only activate lsy-6 in the primed neuron. This study shows how cells can become committed during early developmental stages to execute a specific fate much later in development and provides a conceptual framework for understanding the generation of neuronal diversity.
Design and implementation of a feature-based automated process planning (FBAPP) system

Abstract Feature-based process planning has been regarded as a key for the integration of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). Features are the information carriers between design and manufacturing. In this study, manufacturing features are extracted by a graphical comparison of a finished part with a blank. The feature recognition is performed using programs written in C and CLIPS expert system. Process plans are generated based on the recognized feature information and production knowledge. The developed system is integrated with the I-DEAS software (a MCAE product of SDRC).
Structural analysis of human dihydrofolate reductase as a binary complex with the potent and selective inhibitor 2,4-diamino-6-{2'-O-(3-carboxypropyl)oxydibenz[b,f]-azepin-5-yl}methylpteridine reveals an unusual binding mode.

In order to understand the structure–activity profile observed for a series of substituted dibenz[b,f]azepine antifolates, the crystal structure of the binary complex of human dihydro­folate reductase (hDHFR) with the potent and selective inhibitor 2,4-diamino-6-­{2′-O-(3-carboxypropyl)oxydibenz[b,f]-azepin-5-yl}methylpteridine (PT684) was determined to 1.8 A resolution. These data revealed that the carboxylate side chain of PT684 occupies two alternate positions, neither of which interacts with the conserved Arg70 in the active-site pocket, which in turn hydrogen bonds to water. These observations are in contrast to those reported for the ternary complex of mouse DHFR (mDHFR) with NADPH [Cody et al. (2008 ▶), Acta Cryst. D64, 977–984], in which the 3-carboxypropyl side chain of PT684 was hydrolyzed to its hydroxyl derivative, PT684a. The crystallization conditions differed for the human and mouse DHFR crystals (100 mM K2HPO4 pH 6.9, 30% ammonium sulfate for hDHFR; 15 mM Tris pH 8.3, 75 mM sodium cacodylate, PEG 4K for mDHFR). Additionally, the side chains of Phe31 and Gln35 in the hDHFR complex have a single conformation, whereas in the mDHFR complex they occupied two alternative conformations. These data show that the hDHFR complex has a decreased active-site volume compared with the mDHFR complex, as reflected in a relative shift of helix C (residues 59–64) of 1.2 A, and a shift of 1.5 A compared with the ternary complex of Pneumocystis carinii DHFR (pcDHFR) with the parent dibenz[b,f]azepine PT653. These data suggest that the greater inhibitory potency of PT684 against pcDHFR is consistent with the larger active-site volume of pcDHFR and the predicted interactions of the carboxylate side chain with Arg75.
Substrate specificity of the erythrocyte Ca2+-ATPase

In the absence of Mg2+, the observed activity of the erythrocyte plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase is due to the hydrolysis of CaATP at a low rate. In the presence of Mg2+, the activity of the enzyme is much higher, but it is inhibited by high levels of free Mg2+. This inhibition appears to be due to competition of Mg2+ and Ca2+ for a site on the enzyme, rather than for ATP.
Interactive tools for computation theory

The web-based simulations encompass the six core abstract models of computation: finite-state, pushdown and Turing machines as well as regular expressions, context-free grammars, and recursive functions. All six simulations come packaged with predefined machines/expressions/grammars/functions. Users can also create machines, expressions, grammars, and functions from scratch. Each machine simulation traces arbitrary input as processed by the machine. The regular expression simulator tests if an entered list of words is part of the language of a regular expression, and generates random words represented by an expression. The context-free grammar simulator also generates words in the corresponding language. Finally, one can trace the evaluation of functions to a user-specified depth of recursion.
The solubility of calcite in aqueous solutions—I The solubility of calcite in water between 75° and 200° at CO2 pressures up to 60 atm

Abstract The solubility of calcite in distilled water has been measured at 75°, 100°, 125°, 150° and 200°C at CO 2 pressures between 2 and 60 atm. Samples of solution in equilibrium with calcite and a vapor phase were taken at the operating temperature and pressure; their calcium content was determined by means of an EDTA titration. Our results agree quite well with those of Ellis and are consistently higher above 10 atm than those of Miller. The experimentally determined solubility isotherms can be fitted adequately with curves calculated on the basis of Debye-Huckel theory, and the observed decrease of calcite solubility with increasing temperature agrees quantitatively with that expected on the basis of available thermodynamic data. Our results indicate that hydrothermal solutions should tend to become undersaturated with respect to calcite on cooling. Calcite precipitation is therefore probably due to causes other than simple cooling. Loss of a vapour phase is one possible mechanism of calcite precipitation which may be of importance in certain epi- and meso-thermal deposits, but it does not seem to account for calcite precipitation in the majority of ore deposits.
Hardware Limitations of Receiver Channel-Pair Cancellation Ratio

Interference cancellation techniques in multi-channel radar and communication systems, such as adaptive beamforming, are only effective if the response of each channel used is well matched. Though hardware variations between channels limit the intrinsic channel response match, digital equalization techniques improve channel-to-channel matching, as measured by the channel-pair cancellation ratio (CPCR). Digital receiver channel nonlinearities such as analog-to-digital converter (ADC) saturation and third-order nonlinearities, however, limit the level of channel matching achievable. We compare the effect of the use of linear frequency modulation (LFM) and band-limited Gaussian noise measurement (BLGN) signals on CPCR. We determine the impact of ADC saturation and analog-component third-order nonlinearities on each measurement signal through analysis, simulation, and experiments using a pair of S-band digital receivers. We show that the maximum achievable CPCR is lower for BLGN than LFM measurement signals due to ADC saturation and third-order nonlinearities.
Performance of two‐pole bandpass filters photodefined on double‐sided Y‐Ba‐Cu‐O AND Tl‐Ba‐Ca‐Cu‐O thin films

The performance of 7.3-GHz two-pole bandpass filters (5% bandwidth) fabricated on double-sided Y-Ba-Cu-O and Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O thin films deposited on LaAlO3 is discussed. At 77 K, the Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O and Y-Ba-Cu-O superconducting filters exhibited minimum passband insertion losses of 0.3 and 1.2 dB, respectively. An insertion loss of 3.4 dB was measured for an all-gold filter at 77 K.
Categorized and uncategorized attributes as recall cues: The phenomenon of limited access

Abstract Our most general proposition is that access to a memory unit is limited to those cues which specify the identifying property of the unit. In our first experiment we had subjects categorize a colored shape by either its shape or color property. Recall for the other member of a unit was faster and better when the cue was the categorized rather than the uncategorized property. In a subsequent experiment evidence was presented which suggested that the asymmetry of the two types of cues was an access rather than an associative asymmetry. Finally, we found that retrieval latency to the uncategorized cue decreased sharply as list length was decreased, while very little effect was evident for the categorized cue, suggesting different retrieval processes for the two types of cues. We are led to infer that when a unit is stored it is also classified and that direct access to that unit is only possible via cues which are specified in the classification system.
Kinetic processes involving Ar+ and CH3HgX (X=Cl, Br, I) relevant to blue green mercury halide lasers

Abstract Emission spectra of HgX (B-X) have been observed besides atomic mercury lines and CH bands during collisions involving Ar + and CH 3 HgX (X=Cl, Br, I) molecules in the laboratory kinetic energy range of 300–1000 eV.
MR grid-tagging using hyperpolarized helium-3 for regional quantitative assessment of pulmonary biomechanics and ventilation.

A new technique is demonstrated in six healthy human subjects that combines grid-tagging and hyperpolarized helium-3 MRI to assess regional lung biomechanical function and quantitative ventilation. 2D grid-tagging, achieved by applying sinc-modulated RF-pulse trains along the frequency- and phase-encoding directions, was followed by a multislice fast low-angle shot (FLASH)-based acquisition at inspiration and expiration. The displacement vectors, first and second principal strains, and quantitative ventilation were computed, and mean values were calculated for the upper, middle, and lower lung regions. Displacements in the lower region were significantly greater than those in either the middle or upper region (P < 0.005), while there were no significant differences between the three regions for the two principal strains and quantitative ventilation (P = 0.11–0.92). Variations in principal strains and ventilation were greater between subjects than between lung zones within individual subjects. This technique has the potential to provide insight into regional biomechanical alterations of lung function in a variety of lung diseases. Magn Reson Med 58:373–380, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Modelling streambank erosion potential using maximum entropy in a central Appalachian watershed

Abstract. We used maximum entropy to model streambank erosion potential (SEP) in a central Appalachian watershed to help prioritize sites for management. Model development included measuring erosion rates, application of a quantitative approach to locate Target Eroding Areas (TEAs), and creation of maps of boundary conditions. We successfully constructed a probability distribution of TEAs using the program Maxent. All model evaluation procedures indicated that the model was an excellent predictor, and that the major environmental variables controlling these processes were streambank slope, soil characteristics, bank position, and underlying geology. A classification scheme with low, moderate, and high levels of SEP derived from logistic model output was able to differentiate sites with low erosion potential from sites with moderate and high erosion potential. A major application of this type of modelling framework is to address uncertainty in stream restoration planning, ultimately helping to bridge the gap between restoration science and practice.