cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FERTILIZATION DYNAMICS AND PARENTAL EFFECTS UPON FRUIT DEVELOPMENT IN RAPHANUS RAPHANISTRUM: CONSEQUENCES FOR SEED SIZE VARIATION

Seed weight varies significantly within and among fruits of wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum). To determine sources of this variation, we studied fertilization and seed development following controlled pollinations. Within fruits, central ovules were fertilized prior to distal ovules and attained greater seed size. Ninety-seven percent of the variation in mean seed wt per fruit was explained by an analysis of variance incorporating parental effects, pollination date, and the number of seeds per fruit. We document strong maternal effects on the number of ovules per ovary, the number of fertilized ovules per ovary, the number of seeds per fruit, and mean individual seed wt per fruit. Across females, pollen donor had a slight but significant effect on seed wt; no paternal effects on fertilization rate, zygote number, or seed number per fruit were detected. Within females, with one exception, pollen donor had no significant effect on these components of seed development. Stronger maternal main effects may be due to donor x recipient interactions, cytoplasmic factors, the genetic inequity within triploid endosperm, and/ or strict maternal control over resource allocation. The large maternal effects relative to paternal effects may limit the rate at which natural selection acts on paternal traits expressed prior to seed maturation.
A comparative SEM study on the micromorphology of glacial and nonglacial clasts with varying age and lithology

Preliminary research on striated clasts from a variety of depositional environments suggests that scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of striated clasts of varying lithology in diamictons may prove useful in interpreting a glacial origin. Evaluating whether SEM analysis of clasts from diamictons is an applicable technique to define a glacial origin requires a better understanding of the microfeatures occurring on glacial and nonglacial clasts. We describe microtextures and surface characteristics for samples of quartzite, granite, limestone, basalt, chert, pillow basalt, and quartz pebbles collected from a variety of depositional environments. Our study suggests that it is possible to differentiate between glacial and nonglacial deposits based on frequency and morphology of diagnostic surface microfeatures observed on entrained clasts. These microfeatures are best preserved and identified on competent and monomineralic samples (e.g., quartzite, chert, limestone) and poorly preserved on less resistant and p...
Long-term demographic consequences of habitat fragmentation to a tropical understory bird community

Tropical deforestation continues to cause population declines and local extinctions in centers of avian diversity and endemism. Although local species extinctions stem from reductions in demographic rates, little is known about how habitat fragmentation influences survival of tropical bird populations or the relative importance of survival and fecundity in ultimately shaping communities. We analyzed 22 years of mark–recapture data to assess how fragmentation influenced apparent survival, recruitment, and realized population growth rate within 22 forest understory bird species in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania. This represents the first such effort, in either tropical or temperate systems, to characterize the effect of deforestation on avian survival across such a broad suite of species. Long-term demographic analysis of this suite of species experiencing the same fragmented environment revealed considerable variability in species' responses to fragmentation, in addition to general patterns that emerged ...
SU‐FF‐T‐362: PLanUNC as An Open‐Source Radiotherapy Planning System for Research and Education

Purpose: PLanUNC is a radiotherapy planning software package that has been under development and clinical use at the University of North Carolina for approximately 20 years. Under a joint grant from the NCRR and NCI (R01 RR 018615), PLanUNC has been documented, commented, and prepared for distribution as a freely available open‐source treatment planning tool for use as an adaptable and common platform for radiotherapy research. Method and Materials: The software and source code have been made available to qualifying users through a web portal located at http://planunc.radonc.unc.edu. Licenses for PLanUNC are available without fee to institutions, departments, and other facilities engaged in research and education involving radiation therapy.Results: Recent research milestones demonstrating the extensibility and increasing utility of PLanUNC include tools for 4D planning, interfaces with ITK segmentation and registration tools, daily correction of patient positioning, and interfaces with a variety of Monte Carlo dose engines. PLanUNC is currently supported for Linux and Windows operating systems, but has been successfully compiled on Alpha, Macintosh, Solaris, and other platforms. Conclusion: Licensed users will have access to PLanUNC source code, user and development documentation, annual training workshops, and limited support from UNC and the PLanUNC research community. PLanUNC is distributed as source code, making it customizable and extensible to meet the needs of a diverse range of research applications.
Effect of Bone Tumor and Osteoporosis on Mechanical Properties of Bone and Bone Tissue Properties: A Finite Element Study

This research is aimed to study the variations in the biomechanical behavior of bone and bone tissues with osteoporosis and bone tumors. Osteoporosis and bone tumors reduce the mechanical strength of bone, which creates a greater risk of fracture. In the United States alone, ten million individuals, eight million of whom are women, are estimated to already have osteoporosis, and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass (osteopenia) placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. World Health Organization defines osteopenia, as a bone density between one and two and a half standard deviations (SD) below the bone density of a normal young adult. (Osteoporosis is defined as 2.5 SD or more below that reference point.). Together, osteoporosis and osteopenia are expected to affect an estimated 52 million women and men age 50 and older by 2010, and 61 million by 2020. The current medical cost of osteoporosis total is nearly about $18 billion in the U.S. each year. There is a dearth of literature that addresses the effects of osteoporosis on bone tissue properties. Furthermore, there are few studies published related to the effect of bone tumors such as Adamantinoma of long bones, Aneurysmal bone cyst, Hemangioma and others on overall behavior of bone. To understand the variations in bio-mechanical properties of internal tissues of bone with osteoporosis and bone tumor, a 2D finite element (FE) model of bone is developed using ANSYS 9.0 ® (ANSYS Inc., Canonsburg, PA). Trabecular bone is modeled using hexagonal and voronoi cellular structure. This finite element model is subjected to change in BVF (bone volume fraction) and bone architecture caused by osteoporosis. The bone tumor is modeled as finer multi-cellular structure and the effects of its size, location, and property variation of tumor on overall bone behavior are studied. Results from this analysis and comparative data are used to determine behavior of bone and its tissue over different stage of osteoporosis and bone tumor. Results indicate that both bone tumor and osteoporosis significantly change the mechanical properties of the bone. The results show that osteoporosis increases the bone tissue stiffness significantly as BVF reduces. Bone tissue stiffness is found to increase by 80 percent with nearly 55 percent reduction of BVF. The results and methods developed in this research can be implemented to monitor variation in bio-mechanical properties of bone up to tissue level during medication or to determine type and time for need of external support such as bracing.© 2007 ASME
Spectrophotometric determination of ruthenium with n:n'-bis-(3-dimethyl-aminopropyl)dithio-oxamide

Abstract n : n' -Bis-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)dithio-oxamide, a derivative of rubeanic acid, reacts with ruthenium in a strong hydrochloric acid solution to give a soluble blue complex which has been made the basis for the determination of trace quantities of the element. Optimum conditions for the use of the reagent have been studied. Well-known distillation techniques have been successfully applied to quantities of ruthenium ranging from 14.8 μg to 177.9 μg. The sensitivity is 0.020 μg cm 2 .
Ficin- and papain-catalyzed reactions. Effect of temperature on reactivity of the essential sulfhydryl group of ficin in the presence and absence of competitive inhibitors.

Abstract Effect of temperature on the following reactions for ficin have been determined: (1) Km(app) for benzoyl- l -arginine ethyl ester, (2) Ki for benzoyl- d -arginine ethyl ester, (3) rate of acylation by benzoyl- l -arginine ethyl ester, and (4) rates of alkylation of the essential sulfhydryl group with chloroacetamide in the absence and presence of benzoyl- d -arginine ethyl ester. In addition, the effect of temperature on the rate of alkylation of the sulfhydryl group of mercaptoethanol was determined. There is little or no effect of temperature on Km(app) and Ki (ΔH∘, ΔF∘, and ΔS∘ = −0.36 kcal/mole, −1.80 kcal/mole, and −7.27 eu, respectively for both). The acylation and alkylation activation parameters for the sulfhydryl group of ficin are similar (ΔH∗, ΔF∗, and ΔS∗ for acylation (alkylation) were 6.61 (3.72) kcal/mole, 16.6 (15.8) kcal/ mole, and −33.4 (−40.6) eu, respectively). There were marked differences in ΔH∗ and ΔS∗ in the absence and presence of benzoyl- d -arginine ethyl ester (ΔH∗, ΔF∗, and ΔS∗ in absence (presence) were 3.72 (8.62) kcal/mole, 15.8 (14.9) kcal/mole and −40.6 (−21.0) eu, respectively). ΔS∗ in the presence of benzoyl- d -arginine ethyl ester was similar to that for alkylation of the sulfhydryl group of mercaptoethanol (ΔH∗, ΔF∗, and ΔS∗ for alkylation of mercaptoethanol (ficin in presence of benzoyl- d -arginine ethyl ester) were 13.8 (8.62) kcal/mole, 18.7 (14.9) kcal/mole and −16.5 (−21.0) eu, respectively). These results are discussed in relation to a possible conformational change in the active site of ficin on binding substrate or competitive inhibitor.
Investigation of unrecognized former secondary lead smelting sites: confirmation by historical sources and elemental ratios in soil

Twelve suspected former secondary lead smelting sites were investigated. Ten of the sites were confirmed to be former secondary lead smelters or lead works by historical fire insurance maps and contemporaneous metal industry trade directories. At eight sites sampled, the ratio Sb:Pb was closer to ratios from 10 known lead smelting sites than were the As:Pb and Cd:Pb ratios. Data from the 10 known lead smelting sites showed that the Sb:Pb ratio is most characteristic of secondary lead smelting sites. This is because the primary alloy smelted at such sites is antimonial lead. Lead contamination at the eight sites investigated here can be attributed at least in part to the former smelters because of the association between Sb and Pb.
Distribution and Severity of Hypoxic-Ischemic Lesions on Brain MRI Following Therapeutic Cooling: Selective Head Versus Whole Body Cooling

Because whole body cooling (WBC) cools different regions of the brain uniformly, whereas selective head cooling (SHC) cools the superficial brain (cortex) more than the deeper brain (basal ganglia & thalamus, or BGT), we hypothesized that severity of hypoxic-ischemic (HI) lesions following cooling would differ between cooling modalities.
Example of the generalised-function validity of the Rayleigh hypothesis

The electromagnetic field scattered by a conducting circular cylinder is expressed as an outward-going wave expansion in an eccentrically placed polar-co-ordinate system. It is shown that the expansion is always valid on the cylinder surface in the generalised-function sense but not in the conventional-function sense.
Algorithm taxonomy for hyperspectral unmixing

In this paper, we introduce a set of taxonomies that hierarchically organize and specify algorithms associated with hyperspectral unmixing. Our motivation is to collectively organize and relate algorithms in order to assess the current state-of-the-art in the field and to facilitate objective comparisons between methods. The hyperspectral sensing community is populated by investigators with disparate scientific backgrounds and, speaking in their respective languages, efforts in spectral unmixing developed within disparate communities have inevitably led to duplication. We hope our analysis removes this ambiguity and redundancy by using a standard vocabulary, and that the presentation we provide clearly summarizes what has and has not been done. As we shall see, the framework for the taxonomies derives its organization from the fundamental, philosophical assumptions imposed on the problem, rather than the common calculations they perform, or the similar outputs they might yield.
Continuity of care and delivery of ambulatory services to children in Community Health Clinics

This study assesses how continuity of care influences receipt of preventive care and overall levels of ambulatory care among children and adolescents in community health clinics (CHCs). It is a secondary data analysis of the 1988 Child Health Supplement to the National Health Interview Survey. Of 17, 110 children in the sample population, the 1465 who identified CHCs as their routine source of care formed the study population. Continuity of site was defined as identification of a CHC as a source of both routine and sick care, and continuity with a clinician was defined as identification of a specific clinician for sick visits. In bivariate analyses both continuity with the CHC and with a specific clinician were associated with increased levels of preventive care and overall ambulatory care. In logistic regression models, continuity of care was associated with nearly a two-fold increase in the odds of receiving age-appropriate preventive care. Alternatively, insurance status was a better predictor of receipt of overall levels of ambulatory care. We conclude that expanding financial access alone is unlikely to sufficiendy improve low-income children's access to Community Health Clinics. Additional emphasis on localizing the delivery of both routine and sick care services in a single site or with a specific clinician may be needed to achieve higher levels of both preventive care and overall ambulatory care.
The effect of Pt content on γ–γ′ NiPtAl coatings

Abstract This study investigated the impact of Pt content on the coating composition and subsequent oxidation behavior of γ–γ′ NiPtAl diffusion coatings. Coatings were fabricated by vacuum annealing electroplated Pt on single-crystal and directionally-solidified superalloy substrates. Specimens with 7 and 12 µm thick layers of electroplated Pt were annealed at 1100 or 1175 °C. Coating compositions were characterized to evaluate the distribution of Pt and Al as a function of annealing temperature and Pt thickness. Selected coatings were evaluated in cyclic oxidation at 1100 and 1150 °C. Coatings with higher Pt contents showed improvements in spallation resistance, particularly at 1100 °C for a directionally-solidified superalloy substrate with higher Hf and S contents.
Model-independent semi-leptonic form factors using dispersion relations (*)

We present a method for parametrizing heavy-meson semi-leptonic form factors using dispersion relations, and from it produce a two-parameter description of the B→B elastic form factor. We use heavy-quark symmetry to relate this function to $$\bar B \to D*\ell \bar v$$ form factors, and extract |V cb|=0.0355 −0.0025 +0.0029 from experimental data with a least-squares fit. Our method eliminates model-dependent uncertainties inherent in choosing a parametrization for the extrapolation of the differential decay rate to threshold.
A new intragastric delivery system for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori associated gastric ulcer: in vitro evaluation

A new strategy is proposed for the triple drug treatment (tetracycline, metronidazole and bismuth salt) of Helicobacter pylori associated peptic ulcers. The design of the delivery system was based on the swellable asymmetric triple layer tablet approach, with floating feature in order to prolong the gastric retention time of the delivery system. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and poly(ethylene oxide) were the major rate-controlling polymeric excipients. Tetracycline and metronidazole were incorporated into the core layer of the triple-layer matrix for controlled delivery, while bismuth salt could be included in one of the outer layers for instant release. The concentration of tetracycline and metronidazole released over time was determined simultaneously on a gradient high-performance liquid chromatography system. Results demonstrated that sustained delivery of tetracycline and metronidazole over 6-8 h can be easily achieved while the tablet remained afloat. The floating aspect was envisaged to extend the gastric retention time of the designed system to maintain effective localized concentration of tetracycline and metronidazole. Additionally, the developed HPLC method for the concurrent determination of tetracycline and metronidazole was proved to be rapid and accurate. The developed delivery system has potential to increase the efficacy of the therapy and improve patient compliance.
Metabolism of progesterone in subcellular fractions of rat uterus.

Abstract The metabolism of progesterone and 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione was studied in subcellular fractions of uterus from untreated and estradiol-17β treated immature rats. The reduction of progesterone to 5α-pregnane-3, 20-dione took place in all the particulate fractions of the uterus. The nuclear 5α-reductase accounted for the greatest fraction of enzymatic activity and was stimulated by estradiol treatment in vivo. The 5α-reductase activity in the mitochondrial and microsomal fractions was not increased after estradiol treatment. The reduction of 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione to 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one occurred mainly in the soluble fraction and was only slightly stimulated by estradiol. It proceeded much more rapidly than the reduction of progesterone to pregnanedione. Progesterone was also reduced to 20α-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one by a soluble enzyme whose activity was increased after estradiol-17β treatment.
Accounting for great expectations: Lessons from the new media surge for critical management theory

Abstract The short organizational history of Silicon Alley (1995–2001) is used to examine some key lessons on management learning and innovation in new, interactive media start-ups from a critical perspective. The macro-social context of this history is seen as shaped by the contemporary round of political and economic globalization and its consequences such as the consolidation of the Internet, the succession of software generations, the increase of economic concentration and corporate size, the uneven availability of venture and investment capital, and other changes in the organizational and legal structures of the “new economy”. It is argued that the dynamics of global–local interaction affects the relative autonomy of firms and their subunits (managed vs. self-organized project teams), sharpens the managerial contradictions between routinization/reproduction and innovation/transformation, and widens the differences between organizations and networks in facilitating learning, teaching, and innovation. The analysis emphasizes the endemic tension between institutional dominance and efforts at self-organization from below, the importance of informal, flexible, and relatively autonomous project networks for innovation and transformation as compared to the institutional power relations of older and larger firms, and the significance of networks in furthering the exploration and social construction of new cognitive and social boundaries.
Discharge outcomes in patients with paracorporeal biventricular assist devices.

Background As waiting time for heart transplantation has increased, ventricular assist devices have become critical for "bridging" patients with end-stage heart failure. Because most reported post-discharge experience is with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), we sought to evaluate the safety and feasibility of home discharge on paracorporeal biventricular assist devices (BIVAD). Methods We retrospectively reviewed the hospital course and post-discharge outcomes of 46 consecutive patients who received paracorporeal VADs as bridge to transplant. The success of home discharge was assessed by frequency and reasons for hospital readmission and survival to transplant. Results Thirty patients (65%) were successfully transferred from the intensive care unit and considered candidates for discharge. Of the 26 patients discharged home, 11 were supported with an LVAD and 15 with BIVADs. Median duration of support until transplant, explant, or death did not differ significantly between LVAD or BIVAD patients (91 days vs 158 days; p = 0.09). There were 26 readmissions for medical or device-related complications; 10 in 7 LVAD patients and 16 in 10 BIVAD patients, with no difference in median length of stay (17 days vs 25 days; p = 0.67). Out of hospital duration of support was similar between LVAD and BIVAD patients (61 days vs 66 days; p = 0.87) as were 6-month and 1-year event-free survival rates ( p = 0.49). Conclusions Outcomes were similar in patients bridged to transplant on home paracorporeal BIVAD versus LVAD support. We recommend discharge for stable patients demonstrating device competency and adequate home care regardless of the need for univentricular or biventricular paracorporeal support.
Size matters: Origin of binomial scaling in nuclear fragmentation experiments

The relationship between measured transverse energy, total charge recovered in the detector, and size of the emitting system is investigated. Using only very simple assumptions, we are able to reproduce the observed binomial emission probabilities and their dependences on the transverse energy. Our results show that the observed scaling can arise due to a combination of finite-size effects and detector acceptance effects.
Non‐invasive observation of repeated adenoviral GFP gene delivery to the anterior segment of the monkey eye in vivo

Background Glaucoma is a group of chronic eye diseases often associated with an elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). If not controlled, the condition leads to blindness. The eye tissue responsible for maintaining aqueous humor resistance and thus normal IOP is the trabecular meshwork (TM). Adenoviral vectors are capable of transducing the TM in several rodent species. Because of the relevance of the non-human primate model in the study of glaucoma, gene transfer to the eyes of cynomolgus monkeys was investigated. Methods Four cynomolgus monkeys were injected with AdenoGFP into the anterior chamber: two monkeys received 109 pfu and the other two 107 pfu. One monkey received four consecutive injections into the same eye (107 pfu in each injection) over a 7-month period. In vivo gene transfer (fluorescence) and IOP were evaluated by standard clinical ophthalmic instruments (slit lamp biomicroscopy, gonioscopy and tonometry). Histopathology and cellular distribution were assessed postmortem. Results The first injection of the lower viral dose resulted in marked TM-preferred gene transfer visible non-invasively by in vivo gonioscopy. The expression of the transgene lasted for 3–4 weeks with little or no signs of clinical inflammation. Gene transfer was achieved on three sequential occasions (3–4 weeks each) but failed and induced substantial, albeit reversible, corneal abnormalities on the fourth occasion. Conclusions Gene transfer to the TM and cornea can be monitored non-invasively in non-human primates, allowing correlation of gene transfer with physiological parameters. Because of ocular immune privilege, repeated anterior chamber administrations of adenoviral vectors expressing appropriate genes may have therapeutic potential for glaucoma. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer experiments on the dilute three-dimensional Heisenberg magnet. II. Static behavior at finite temperature

We have used a Monte Carlo technique to obtain the temperature dependence of the static properties of a Heisenberg magnet on a simple cubic lattice with nonmagnetic impurities. Magnetization, energy susceptibility, and specific heat have been obtained as a function of temperature both above and below the percolation threshold.
On the role of internal radiation absorption in single droplet vaporization

The role of internal radiation absorption in single-droplet vaporization is examined for a simplified configuration where the incident radiation is assumed to be spherically symmetric and with blackbody spectral intensity distribution. The gas-phase model based on the extended film theory (Abramzon and Sirignano, 1989) and three liquid phase heating models are used in the calculations. Radiation absorption distributions are presented for 5-50 microns radius water droplets irradiated by a blackbody at 850, 1050, 1250, 1450, 1700, and 2000 K, and for 5-100 micron radius decane droplets irradiated by a blackbody at 1000 and 1500 K. It is verified that the total hemispherical absorption radial profile varies little with the blackbody temperature. The use of trapezoidal quadrature for the spectral integration introduces very small error in the total absorptance calculations (1-3 percent). If Wiscombe's criteria for spherical Bessel function calculation are used, the total radiation absorption distributions for large droplets cannot be calculated by electromagnetic theory due to accumulation of round-off error. 27 refs.
A survey of the heteroepitaxial growth of semiconductor films on insulating substrates

It has been only since the early 1960's that a major interest has been generated on the subject of heteroepitaxy of semiconductors on insulators. The few earlier studies dealt mostly with growth by physical vapor deposition but the '60s saw the emergence of chemical vapor deposition as an alternate and important method for film growth. Because of new analytical techniques, studies are progressing in attempting to understand the phenomenon of heteroepitaxy, which still continues to be an art rather thana science. This survey represents papers reviewed by the author prior to about July 1972 and includes films of the IV-VI's, II-VI's, Ge, Si, and the III-V's grown by various techniques on insulating substrates.
Rhenium tricarbonyl complexes of tris(pyrazolyl)methane ligands: first structural characterization of an isomer pair of tris(pyrazolyl)methane derivatives and the supramolecular structure of the homobimetallic complex {1,4-C6H4[CH2OCH2C(pz)3]2[Re(CO)3]2}(Br)2

Abstract The reaction of either HC(pz)3, HC(3,5-Me2pz)3, HC(3-Phpz)3, or a 4:1 HC(3-i-Prpz)3–HC(3-i-Prpz)2(5-i-Prpz) mixture (pz=pyrazolyl ring) and Re(CO)5Br results in the formation of {[HC(pz)3]Re(CO)3}Br (1), {[HC(3,5-Me2pz)3]Re(CO)3}Br (3), {[HC(3-Phpz)3]Re(CO)3}Br (4), {[HC(3-i-Prpz)3]Re(CO)3}Br (5), and {[HC(3-i-Prpz)2(5-i-Prpz)]Re(CO)3}Br (6). The reaction of PhC(pz)2(py) (py=pyridyl ring) and Re(CO)5Br yields {[PhC(pz)2(py)]Re(CO)3}Br (9) while a reaction of Re(CO)5Br and 1,4-C6H4[CH2OCH2C(pz)3]2 in a 2:1 mol ratio gives {1,4-C6H4[CH2OCH2C(pz)3]2 [Re(CO)3]2}(Br)2 (10). The reaction of Re(CO)5Br and AgBF4 followed by addition of either HC(pz)3 or the 4:1 HC(3-i-Prpz)3–HC(3-i-Prpz)2(5-i-Prpz) mixture results in the preparation of {[HC(pz)3]Re(CO)3}BF4 (2), {[HC(3-i-Prpz)3]Re(CO)3}BF4 (7), and {[HC(3-i-Prpz)2(5-i-Prpz)]Re(CO)3}BF4 (8), respectively. The carbonyl stretching frequencies in all of these complexes are similar, with the exception of 9, which has much lower values. The methine hydrogen atoms of compounds 1, 5, and 6 show deshielded chemical shift values as a result of hydrogen-bonding interactions with the bromide counterion. The solid state structures of the isomeric pair 5 and 6 have very similar bond angles and distances about the metal and show weak hydrogen-bonding interactions between the Br− anion and the methine hydrogen. The structure of the bimetallic complex, 10, in which two [Re(CO)3]+ units are linked by the bitopic ligand, is organized by π–π and (C)H⋯π interactions into a two-dimensional supramolecular network of two interpenetrating ‘zigzag’ chains.
Posterior Simulation in Countable Mixture Models for Large Datasets

Mixture models, or convex combinations of a countable number of probability distributions, offer an elegant framework for inference when the population of interest can be subdivided into latent clusters having random characteristics that are heterogeneous between, but homogeneous within, the clusters. Traditionally, the different kinds of mixture models have been motivated and analyzed from very different perspectives, and their common characteristics have not been fully appreciated. The inferential techniques developed for these models usually necessitate heavy computational burdens that make them difficult, if not impossible, to apply to the massive data sets increasingly encountered in real world studies. This paper introduces a flexible class of models called generalized Polya urn (GPU) processes. Many common mixture models, including finite mixtures, hidden Markov models, and Dirichlet processes, are obtained as special cases of GPU processes. Other important special cases include finite-dimensional ...
Aldosterone secretion and the mechanism of potassium adaptation in rats

In order to better understand the cellular mechanism of potassium (K+) adaptation, the sensitivity of aldosterone secretion to acute changes in extracellular K+ concentration was studied in freshly dissected adrenal capsules of rats adapted to diets of high or low K+ content, of rats adapted to low or high sodium (Na+) diets, and also of control rats. In control tissues, the aldosterone secretion from the capsules of an individual animal averages 0.44 +/- 0.05 nmol/h, increasing 4.4-fold between 2 and 8 mM K+ but decreasing between 8 and 10 mM K+. Although a high K+ diet increases aldosterone secretion by only 34% at 4 mM K+, the rate of secretion increases 3.7-fold more steeply than control as the K+ concentration increases. This change is equivalent to a parallel 3.1-fold increase in the effective number of T- and L-type calcium (Ca2+) channels, accompanied by a 1.3-fold increase in the K(+)-insensitive rate of aldosterone secretion. In contrast, after Na+ restriction, aldosterone secretion is about 3 times the control rate for all K+ concentrations tested, equivalent to an increase in the basal rate and the effective number of L-channels. Thus, the alteration in the number of effective T-channels is specific to diets of increased K+ content, not simply an effect of increased secretory capacity. After a low K+ diet, aldosterone secretion is 18% of control at 4 mM K+ and changes little with the K+ concentration, consistent with a 94% to 96% decrease in the effective number of T- and L-channels plus a 77% decrease in the K(+)-insensitive rate of aldosterone secretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Factors predictive of operative mortality among coronary artery bypass subsets

As risk-adjusted outcome is increasingly being used to make clinical decisions and to assess and improve quality of care, it is important to develop simple, stable models for predicting outcome. Here we address the hypothesis that a risk factor for increased operative mortality at coronary artery bypass grafting may have differential effects in subgroups of patients defined by the presence or absence of other risk variables. We used a series of univariate and multivariate analyses to identify a group of ten patient-related preoperative characteristics independently predictive of operative death in the total population of 12,712 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting at 43 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers participating in the Department of Veterans Affairs Continuous Improvement in Cardiac Surgery Study. Separate logistic regression models were then developed for each of 14 clinically important subgroups defined by the presence or absence of seven risk variables. Odds ratios for operative death and estimated operative mortality were calculated from these subgroup regression models. Of 65 comparisons of pairs odds ratios of preoperative risk variables between the subgroups with and without a second risk variable, only five were found to be significant (p < 0.05 without adjustment for multiple comparisons); this is only slightly more than would be expected by chance alone. Risk factors for increased operative death appear to have similar odds ratios for subgroups of patients defined by a second risk variable. This finding greatly simplifies the use of predicted operative mortality in clinical decision making and quality assessment and improvement in coronary artery bypass grafting.
Radiation Transport in Z-Pinches

Z-pinches, formed by passing large currents through wires or gas puffs, are the most powerful and energetic laboratory sources of X-rays. As higher current generators become available, Z-pinches incorporate increasingly larger masses of plasma and are nearly always optically thick to some or most of the photons that they produce. Understanding and modeling the transport of this radiation is an important element in attaining an overall picture of the physics of Z-pinches and in optimizing their properties for applications. This paper focuses on the aspects of radiation transport that are most relevant to the Z-pinch environment. The topics covered include: theory of radiation transport and its strengths and limitations, sources of opacity in Z-pinches, requirements for local thermodynamic equilibrium in the presence of opacity, transition to the blackbody limit, and Z-pinch experiments that demonstrate the effects of radiation transport.
Race/Ethnicity and Marital Status in IADL Caregiver Networks

Racial/ethnic variations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) caregiver network composition were examined in a nationally representative sample of elders, using task specificity and hierarchical compensatory theoretical perspectives. Logistic regressions tested network differences among White, Black, and Mexican American elders (n = 531 married, n = 800 unmarried). Findings concerning racial/ethnic differences were partially dependent on marital status, differentiation of spouses from other informal helpers among married elders, and which racial/ethnic groups were compared. Networks including formal caregivers did not differentiate married or unmarried Black from White elders but were more common among unmarried Mexican American elders than for comparable White and Black elders. Married Black elders with solely informal networks were more likely than comparable White elders to have informal helpers other than the spouse. Racial/ethnic similarities and differences in caregiver networks are dis...
Asphalt Emulsion Sprayability and Drain-Out Characteristics in Chip Seals: Evaluation with Viscosity at Variable Shear Rates

Streaking and drain-out are two common early chip seal failures related to the viscosity of the asphalt emulsion used. An emulsion with a high viscosity at spraying could result in streaking, while another with a low viscosity after spraying could drain off the road surface under gravity. Some emulsions also tend to show reduction in viscosity during handling; this reduction aggravates the potential for drain-out. The Saybolt Furol viscometer [SFV (ASTM D7496-09)] is currently used to characterize the viscosity of asphalt emulsions. However, the SFV cannot be operated under varying shear rate conditions as experienced by emulsions at different stages. A new test procedure is presented for evaluating sprayability, drain-out, and recovery kinetics of emulsions with a rotational viscometer. The test procedure allows for emulsions to be tested at a higher shear rate to evaluate sprayability and at a low shear rate to evaluate drain-out. Twelve emulsions of different grades and chemistries were tested. Results...
Antenna Coupling Unit to Measure Satellite Space-Link Electrical Performance within Simulated Space Environment

This paper will describe the design features of an antenna coupling unit developed by General Electric. The electrical performances of satellites have been measured utilizing the subject Antenna Coupling Unit. The RF path established between the satellite and the antenna coupling unit effectively simulates the space-link of an orbiting satellite communicating with an Earth Station. The Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) III Qualification and Flight Models have been successfully demonstrated, with this special test equipment, to exceed electrical performance requirements within a simulated space environment. The Antenna Coupling Unit features computer aided testing, high test equipment reliability, accurate positioning, high repeatability from test-to-test, satellite safety, and extremely high quality of test path signals to enhance satellite performance analysis. Significant savings in manpower and reductions in test schedules have been realized using the Antenna Coupling Unit; more savings will accrue for subsequent satellite testing, for DS CS and other satellite or spacecraft test programs.
Diphenylindane-based proteomimetics reproduce the projection of the i, i+3, i+4, and i+7 residues on an α-helix

The design of a nonpeptidic scaffold based on 4,7-diphenyl-1,6-disubstituted indanes mimicking i, i+3, i+4, and i+7 residues of an α-helix has been described, and its synthesis has been accomplished. This strategy makes general approaches possible to helix mimetic scaffolds that could be targeted to different proteins by changing the nature of the substituents.
An improved technique for the separation of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase isoenzymes by disc electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel

A new method has been developed for the separation of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) isoenzymes by means of disc electrophoresis. The effects of gel concentration, method of preparation, and application of samples on the separation of types A and B enzymes and hemoglobin were examined. The method not only separated the isoenzymes but also subresolved each isoenzyme into subbands. The formation of subbands may be related to the existence of enzyme subunits.
The role of dimensionality in a threshold-controlled neural network

When a network is not fully interconnected, the topology of the interconnection scheme becomes potentially important. I have investigated the effect of the dimensionality of the interconnection in a Hopfield-type network on the storage capacity of the network. The capacity was found to be independent of the dimensionality of the interconnections for 1,2,3 and 4-dimensional geometries and to depend only on the total number of interconnections available in a given network. In addition, no evidence of any instabilities was observed, in contrast to physical systems of reduced dimensionality.
Targeted Drug Donations: A Necessary Evil in Need of a Global Harness and a Possible Cure for TRIPS Shortcomings

This Note explores the economic and social factors that drive multinational pharmaceutical companies to donate drugs to developing countries and evaluates the effectiveness of such donations in combating medicine shortages. The Note poses that such donations provide necessary economic incentives to drug companies and help curb high medical prices in developed nations while being an essential tool for ameliorating intellectual property requirements imposed by TRIPS. The Note proposes two solutions to further incorporate donations in access to medicine relief efforts and advocates increased international cooperation in the practice.
THE ACHILLES PARADOX AND TRANSFINITE NUMBERS

THE paradoxes ofZeno must surely be regarded as one of the most persistent intellectual puzzles man has invented, if we can ignore those ofsociety itself. Sometimes they are solved, sometimes they are ignored, and sometimes they are solved anew. They do not present the same problems to everyone. My purpose in discussing a pair of them again is not to propose a wholly unique solution, for I think the general outlines of a solution are available. And because the problem involves the subtle and often evasive character of the application of abstract and mathematical concepts, I shall try particularly to disentangle these issues.
Application of newer methods to study the importance of root canal and oral microbiota in endodontics.

Abstract 1. 1. Root canal specimens from fifty-seven teeth and mouth rinse specimens from forty-five patients were examined directly by phase-contrast, dark-field, and bright-field microscopy and by aerobic and anaerobic culture on agar media. Deep semifluid broth was also inoculated with root canal specimens. It was reaffirmed that microorganisms could be detected microscopically which could not be detected by cultures alone. 2. 2. The flora of open and closed teeth were compared. That of the latter was found to be a similar though restricted representation of the former. Non-beta hemolytic streptococci were found to predominate in both. Noncultivable spirochetes were found only with other mixed cultivable flora. Forms observed in root canal specimens which yielded no growth resembled more commonly observed forms, such as gram-positive cocci and rods. 3. 3. Root canal flora tabulated in relation to endodontic treatments diminished from one treatment to the next, as well as from the beginning to the end of individual treatments. 4. 4. When root canal flora were compared with clinical diagnoses, organisms were detected by all methods and to about the same extent as in all canals, regardless of diagnosis, with the possible exception of teeth with granulomatous involvement. These organisms were detected only by microscopic examination and semifluid broth cultures. 5. 5. Root canal flora and total oral flora of the patients were compared. They differed in a marked restriction of some oral forms and species from the root canals. Beta hemolytic streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus found in mouth rinses were not found in root canals. 6. 6. Indices representing predominance of forms as seen by direct microscopic examination of the oral and root canal flora and the growth of microorganisms on agar plates were recorded for comparison. Coccal forms and non-beta hemolytic streptococci were the most numerous as well as the most commonly detected microorganisms in all flora.
In utero hypoxic ischemia decreases the cholinergic agonist-stimulated poly-phosphoinositide turnover in the developing rat brain

Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) insult is known to cause cellular and molecular disturbances leading to functional and behavioral abnormalities during brain development. In this study, we examined the effects of an in utero HI insult on poly-phosphoinositide turnover in vivo in the cerebrum and cerebellum as well as cholinergic-stimulated turnover in cortical slices from developing rat brain. In utero HI treatment was carried out by clamping the uterine blood vessels of near-term fetuses for 5, 10 and 15 min followed by resuscitation of the newborn pups. The in vivo protocol for examining poly-PI signaling activity in 2 week-old pup brain involved intracerebral injection of [3H]inositol for 16 hr and subsequent intraperitoneal injection with lithium (8 meq/kg) for 4 hr prior to decapitation. In the control pups, lithium elicited a 2.6 fold increase in labeled inositol phosphate (IP) in the cerebrum as compared to a 1.3 fold increase in the cerebellum. In utero HI insult (5 to 15 min) resulted in a small increase in labeled IP in the cerebrum but not in the cerebellum. Carbachol stimulation of poly-PI turnover was examined in brain slices prelabeled with [3H]inositol in vivo. Incubation of the prelabeled slices with carbachol in the presence of LiCl (10 mM) resulted in a time-, dose- and age-dependent increase in labeled IP. Brain slices from 2 week-old pups that experienced in utero HI-treatment for 10 and 15 min (but not 5 min) showed a significant decrease in carbachol-stimulation of labeled IP as compared with control pups. These results indicate the effects of in utero HI on the choninergic-stimulated poly-PI signaling pathway and its implication on related functional deficits in the developing brain.
Effects of soil water distribution on the lateral root development of three species of California Oaks

The responses of seedlingroot systems ofthree species of oaks in California to two experimental soil moisture regimes were studied by comparing lateral root development, root and shoot weights, and root: shoot ratios. In the first soil moisture treatment the taproot was allowed to extend into moist soil throughout the duration of the experiment (control), while in the second treatment (shallow) the taproot grew into a dry substrate below 30 cm of moist soil. The treatments were intended to approximate soil moisture conditions experienced by oak seedlings in the field when deep soil water sources vary in their accessibility (control: accessible, shallow: inaccessible). Lateral root growth of Quercus agrifolia did not increase significantly when the primary root tip died in the shallow treatment, resulting in an overall decrease in the percent of the root system composed of lateral roots. Q. douglasii and Q. lobata increased lateral root weights by 80% and 70%, respectively, on the upper 30 cm of the primary root when the primary root tip died. Q. lobata was the only species that decreased in shoot and root weight (25% and 21%, respectively) with the loss of the root tip, indicating that, unlike the other species, it was dependent on the primary root for maximum growth. The morphological responses of these species correspond with their distributions and also may be a factor that influences their interactions with other species.
An Internally Tuned TM010 Microwave Resonant Cavity for Moderate Power Microwave-induced Plasmas

During the last 20 years, the microwave-induced plasma (MIP) has become increasingly popular as a method of producing elemental emission. Using helium or argon primarily as support gases, these discharges are characterized by high spectral temperatures, resulting in the sensitive spectroscopic determination of a large number of elements including nonmetals, such as halogens. The primary focus of work in this area has dealt with the utilization of the MIP as an element-selective detector in gas chromatography. Various applications of the MIP appear in several current review articles.
Microwave spectrum of arsenic triphosphide

Abstract The microwave spectrum of AsP 3 has been measured and assignments for three different vibrational states have been made. The symmetric top Δ J = +1 transitions have been fit to obtain rotational constants, centrifugal distortion constants and quadrupole coupling strengths for the three vibrational states (I–III), B I = 2201.394(1) MHz, eQq aa I = 48.728(5) MHz, D J I = 0.2(3) kHz, D JK I = 0.5(1) kHz and σ I = 4 kHz, B II = 2192.26(1) MHz, eQq aa II = 48.62(4) MHz, B III = 2183.93(2) MHz, eQq aa III = 48.53(4) MHz. The experimental vibration–rotation coupling constant, α ( ν 4 ) = 9.20(3) MHz is compared with results from MP2/6-311G ** calculations. The excited states (II and III) are tentatively assigned to the ν 4 and 2 ν 4 excited vibrational states.
On stochastic approximation and the hierarchy of adaptive array algorithms

Stochastic approximation is used to illustrate the connection between several recently proposed recursive algorithms for adaptation of array processing structures. The development illustrates the manner in which incorporation of a priori statistical information leads from one algorithm to another. This link establishes a hierarchy among the algorithms. Sufficient conditions are established to ensure convergence of the algorithms and the conditions are shown to be universal in the sense that they are independent of the particular algorithm implemented. The signal processing problem considered throughout the paper is one of estimating (in real time) the time history of a stochastic, propagating signal that is immersed in additive, propagating and nonpropagating noise. The propagating noise is sometimes called interference.