cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of the Proto-oncogene Fos after Exposure to Radiofrequency Radiation Relevant to Wireless Communications

Abstract Whitehead, T. D., Brownstein, B. H., Parry, J. J., Thompson, D., Cha, B. A., Moros, E. G., Rogers, B. E. and Roti Roti, J. L. Expression of the Proto-oncogene Fos after Exposure to Radiofrequency Radiation Relevant to Wireless Communications. Radiat. Res. 164, 420–430 (2005). In this study the expression levels of the proto-oncogene Fos were measured after exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation at two relatively high specific absorption rates (SARs) of 5 and 10 W/kg for three types of modulated signals: 847.74 MHz code division multiple access (CDMA), 835.62 MHz frequency division multiple access (FDMA), and 836.55 MHz time division multiple access (TDMA). This work was undertaken to confirm a previous report by Goswami et al. (Radiat. Res. 151, 300–309, 1999) that CDMA and FDMA radiation caused small but statistically significant increases in Fos levels as cells entered plateau phase during exposure. No effects on Myc or Jun levels were observed in that study. Therefore, in the present study,...
A parametric programming methodology to solve the Lagrangian dual for network problems with multiple side-constraints

Abstract Many practical problems can be formulated as a network problem with linear side-constraints. Problems of this class would be easy to solve if the side-constraints were not present, and so the technique of Lagrangian relaxation is often applied as part of the solution strategy. A Lagrangian relaxation of a problem provides a lower bound (for a minimization problem) on the optimal value of the objective function of the original problem. The objective of this paper is the exploration of the relationship between Lagrangian relaxation and parametric programming, and the presentation of a procedure that is based on parametric programming for solving the Lagrangian relaxation problem. This procedure may also be integrated with the popular subgradient method in order to provide an efficient and effective solution strategy for the Lagrangian relaxation problem.
Assessment of Left Atrial Mechanics in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Comparison between Two-Dimensional Speckle-Based Strain and Velocity Vector Imaging

Background Two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking–derived left atrial (LA) strain (e) facilitates comprehensive evaluation of LA contractile, reservoir, and conduit function; however, its dependence on the individual software used for assessment has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to compare LA e derived from two different speckle-tracking software technologies, Velocity Vector Imaging (VVI) and 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). Methods VVI-derived and 2D STE–derived global longitudinal LA e and e rate (SR) were directly compared in 127 patients (mean age, 62 ± 10 years) with atrial fibrillation. Peak negative, peak positive, and total e (corresponding to LA contractile, conduit, and reservoir function) were measured during sinus rhythm. Late negative (LA contraction), peak positive (left ventricular systole), and early negative (left ventricular early diastole) SR were also measured. Results The measurement of LA e and SR by both software was feasible in high proportions of patients (93% with VVI and 93% with 2D STE). The average analysis of e negative was −7.24 ± 3.87% by VVI and −7.30 ± 3.37% by 2D STE ( P = .84). The average analysis of e positive was 14.52 ± 5.82% by VVI and 10.74 ± 4.51% by 2D STE ( P total was 21.76 ± 7.39% by VVI and 18.04 ± 5.98% by 2D STE ( P positive , e negative , and e total had good correlations with one another ( R = 0.79, R = 0.75, and R = 0.80), with low mean differences. Late negative, peak positive, and early negative SR were correlated less well ( R = 0.78, R = 0.71, and R = 0.67). Conclusions LA e measurement using both VVI and 2D STE is feasible in a large proportion of patients in clinical practice. VVI and 2D STE provide comparable LA e and SR measurements for LA contractile function.
Administrative Assault A Contemporary Psychoanalytic View of Violence and Aggression in the Workplace

In this article, the author offers a psychoanalytic perspective of violence and aggression in the workplace. With particular focus on public sector organizations, such as the postal service, the author submits that shame and injustice are at the emotional core of the problem. Following a statistical summary of violence in the workplace and an overview of the social and behavioral science research, the author provides a psychodynamic schema for analyzing the potential for violence at work. The model presented combines what the author refers to as a toxic mix of oppressive cultures and persecutory identities at work In conclusion, the author provides a brief description of his organizational change methodology.
Hypoxia in the world ocean as recorded in the historical data set

Abstract As of December 1986, the National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), Washington, DC, listed over 2 million observations of dissolved oxygen concentratiions in the world ocean (including adjacent seas) collected between 1905 and 1982. Hypoxia, defined as concentrations below 0.2 ml l−1, accounts for 27,413 of the recorded oxygen observations. The spatial distribution of this NODC-based hypoxia is more extensive than previous compilations suggest. Although the more isolated data points may represent spurious data, the great majority of the observations fall within the ocean regions bounded by contours of oxygen concentrations ml l −1 or of oxygen saturation in published contour maps of the oxygen minimum surface. In the eastern Pacific, the contour boundary reduces to 0.5 ml l−1 or 7.5% saturation. Some seasonality is detected, especially at high latitudes. The depth distribution of hypoxia exhibits a typical marine ( ≥28 ppt ) range from near-surface to about 1500 m depth but with occasional occurrences at greater depths; the estuarine ( ppt ) range extends from near-surface to the bottom of the basin in question. The apparent oxygen utilization leading to hypoxia varies widely (4.0–9.5 ml l−1) in the world ocean. The highest values occur at higher latitudes in coastal environments. Nitrate deficits ( >10 μ m ) calculated for restricted marine areas (28–38 ppt) generally occupy subzones nested within the major historically identified hypoxic regions in the world ocean, but the data are inadequate for a definitive comparison in all areas. These marine nitrate deficits occur in water with a somewhat more restricted range of apparent oxygen utilization than marine hypoxia.
Paleomagnetic evidence for a stationary Marion hotspot: Additional paleomagnetic data from Madagascar

Abstract The island of Madagascar experienced widespread magmatism at ca. 90 Ma due to its interaction with the Marion hotspot. Previous paleomagnetic data from igneous rocks in the southwestern and northwestern regions of the island indicated that the Marion hotspot has remained fixed for the past 90 Ma. We report paleomagnetic data from northeastern Madagascar (d'Analava Complex). Samples were collected from basalts, rhyolites, gabbros and a dolerite dyke. Sixty samples from 5 sites yield a paleomagnetic pole at 66.7°S, 43.5°E (A95 = 10.7°) and a grand mean pole (GMP) calculated from 10 different studies covering the entire island of Madagascar falls at 68.9°S, 49.0°E (A95 = 4.4°). This pole translates to a paleolatitude for the Volcan de l'Androy (focal point of the hotspot) at 45.2° + 6°/− 5°S compared to the current location of the Marion hotspot at ∼ 46°S. Our results confirm, and expand upon, previous studies that argue for the fixity of the Marion hotspot for the past 90 Ma.
A Diagnostic Consideration for All Ages: Pseudoachalasia in a 22-Year-Old Male

Pseudoachalasia is a rare clinical diagnosis with diverse manifestations. We present the case of a 22-year-old male with esophageal adenocarcinoma who was initially diagnosed with achalasia. This unfortunate presentation reinforces the importance of a careful preoperative workup for dysphagia irrespective of age.
On Buekenhout-Metz unitals of even order

Abstract The even order Buekenhout-Metz unitals are enumerated (up to projective equivalence) and their inherited collineation groups are computed. They are shown to be self-dual as designs, and certain related designs are also constructed.
Long-term macroinvertebrate responses to climate change: implications for biological assessment in mediterranean-climate streams

AbstractClimate change is expected to have strong effects on mediterranean-climate regions worldwide. In some areas, these effects will include increases in temperature and decreases in rainfall, which could have important implications for biological assessment programs of aquatic ecosystems. We used a consistently collected, 20-y benthic macroinvertebrate data set from 4 sites along 2 small northern California streams to examine potential climate-change effects on aquatic communities. The sites represented unique combinations of stream order and flow intermittency. The North Coast benthic macroinvertebrate index of biotic integrity (B-IBI) developed for northern California streams was not influenced by temperature extremes (cool and warm) or precipitation extremes (wet and dry). Other common indices and metrics used in biological monitoring studies, such as the ratio of observed to expected taxa (O/E), % Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) individuals, and total richness were unaffected by t...
An unusual case of left internal mammary artery ostial disease: clarifying role of intravascular ultrasound.

Stenosis at the origin of the left internal mammary artery graft is rare. We present a case with a suspected stenosis involving the origin of the left internal mammary artery that conventional angiography failed to demonstrate convincingly. Intravascular ultrasound illustrated a severe stenosis and the patient underwent successful stenting of the left internal mammary artery origin. The intravascular ultrasound finding of a dissection flap, just distal to the left internal mammary artery origin, suggests that local trauma to the vessel from prior catheterization procedures may have been responsible for the progressive narrowing at the left internal mammary artery ostium.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology ambient level methane in air Standard Reference Material historical record

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been certifying lots, or series, of Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) containing ambient level methane in air for over 40 years. The historical record contains six traditional series of SRM 1658 (1 μmol mol−1), five of SRM 1660 (4 μmol mol−1), and seven of SRM 1659 (10 μmol mol−1) methane in air. All series of any one particular SRM can be linked to each other through the historical suites of gravimetric primary standard mixtures (PSMs) developed at NIST. One gas mixture cylinder from a series is chosen as the lot standard (LS), retained and held at NIST, and periodically compared to the PSMs to assure its stability. Recently, 6 of the original 18 LS still in service in the Gas Metrology Group inventory, and cylinder samples held at NIST from 6 other SRM lots, were analyzed against a newly prepared suite of PSMs using cavity ring-down spectroscopy. Data were analyzed using a generalized least squares linear regression. The results indicate that, within the original 95 % confidence intervals, the methane concentration has remained the same for all the SRM LS and lot samples. The current predicted concentrations of the LS and samples for SRMs 1659 and 1660 are within 0.002 to 0.051 μmol mol−1, or ≤0.5 %, relative of the original certificate value. SRM 1658 LS and samples are within 0.0001 to 0.0023 μmol mol−1, or ≤0.2 % relative. These results illustrate the consistency, repeatability, and stability of these methane in air SRMs over the historical 35+-year record. It also demonstrates that the historical gravimetric primary methane in air suites have remained accurate and consistent over time.
Minerals formed by organisms

Organisms are capable of forming a diverse array of minerals, some of which cannot be formed inorganically in the biosphere. The initial precipitates may differ from the form in which they are finally stabilized, or during development of the organism one mineral may substitute for another. Biogenic minerals commonly have attributes which distinguish them from their inorganic counterparts. They fulfill important biological functions. They have been formed in ever-increasing amounts during the last 600 million years and have radically altered the character of the biosphere.
Kinematics and dynamics of small-scale vorticity and strain-rate structures in the transition from isotropic to shear turbulence

Abstract We applied a technique that defines and extracts “structures” from a DNS dataset of a turbulence variable in a way that allows concurrent quantitative and visual analysis. Local topological and statistical measures of enstrophy and strain-rate structures were compared with global statistics to determine the role of mean shear in the dynamical interactions between fluctuating vorticity and strain-rate during transition from isotropic to shear-dominated turbulence. We find that mean shear adjusts the alignment of fluctuating vorticity, fluctuating strain-rate in principal axes, and mean strain-rate in a way that (1) enhances both global and local alignments between vorticity and the second eigenvector of fluctuating strain-rate, (2) two-dimensionalizes fluctuating strain-rate, and (3) aligns the compressional components of fluctuating and mean strain-rate. Shear causes amalgamation of enstrophy and strain-rate structures, and suppresses the existence of strain-rate structures in low-vorticity regions between enstrophy structures. A primary effect of shear is to enhance “passive” strain-rate fluctuations, strain-rate kinematically induced by local vorticity concentrations with negligible enstrophy production, relative to “active,” or vorticity-generating strain-rate fluctuations. Enstrophy structures separate into “active” and “passive” based on the level of the second eigenvalue of fluctuating strain-rate. We embedded the structure-extraction algorithm into an interactive visualization-based analysis system from which the time evolution of a shear-induced hairpin enstrophy structure was visually and quantitatively analyzed. The structure originated in the initial isotropic state as a vortex sheet, evolved into a vortex tube during a transitional period, and developed into a well-defined horseshoe vortex in the shear-dominated asymptotic state.
Impedancemetric Technique for NOx Sensing Using a YSZ-Based Electrochemical Cell

An impedancemetric technique for NO{sub x} sensing using a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrochemical cell is reported. The cell consists of a dense YSZ substrate disk with two YSZ/metal-oxide electrodes deposited on the same side. The cell is completely exposed to the test gas (no air reference). The NO{sub x} and O{sub 2} response of the cell were evaluated during constant-frequency operation at frequencies in the range from 1 to 1000 Hz. At 10 Hz, the NO{sub x} response (as measured by phase angle shift) is shown to be linear with concentration over the range from 8-50 ppm, with comparable response to both NO and NO{sub 2}. A method of operation is described which enables compensation for the O{sub 2} response at oxygen concentrations greater than approximately 4%. This mode of operation allows the sensor to provide sub-10 ppm detection of NO{sub x} irrespective of the O{sub 2} concentration. The sensor exhibits good stability during continuous operation for more than 150 hr. It was observed that the O{sub 2} response of the cell is too slow to be of practical use, taking several minutes to equilibrate after changing the concentration by a few percent. However, data will be presented which demonstratemore » that this response is related to the metal oxide used for the electrode; and more rapid response times can be achieved by modification of the electrode material.« less
Quantitative autoradiography of dopamine D2 sites in rat caudate-putamen: Localization to intrinsic neurons and not to neocortical afferents

Abstract Dopamine D2 receptors, labeled with [3H]spiroperidol or [3H]sulpiride, show a lateral-to-medial gradient in the caudate-putamen, with a more than two-fold greater density laterally than medially. It has been thought that D2 receptors are located on at least two neuronal elements of the caudate-putamen, neurons intrinsic to this structure and axons whose cell bodies reside in the cortex. As a first step in establishing what neuronal elements underlie this heterogeneous organization of D2 receptors, we took advantage of quantitative autoradiography to examine the association of these receptors with those elements. The present findings show that the D2 sites are almost exclusively located on neurons whose somata reside in the caudate-putamen and are not located on terminals of corticostriatal axons. A detailed comparison of the distribution of histochemically identified acetylcholinesterase neurons with that of D2 receptors in serially adjoining sections suggests a common organizational pattern. The density of [3H]spiroperidol sites in rat caudate-putamen was determined after unilateral injection of the neurotoxin quinolinic acid into this structure or after ablation of neocortical regions. Quantification of the tissue damage was achieved by acetylcholinesterase histochemistry (following diisopropylfluoro-phosphate treatment), as well as by thionin and luxol fast staining of sections adjacent to those used for [3H]spiroperidol autoradiography. In identically treated animals, biochemical determination of the extent of tissue damage was made utilizing assays for high-affinity [3H]choline and [3H]glutamate uptake in the caudate-putamen. In quinolinic acid-injected rats, the density of D2 sites was decreased by 90–95% at the site of complete loss of large acetylcholinesterase-positive neurons. Other animals, given ablations of specific neocortical fields (medial prefrontal, motor, somatosensory) or of the entire parietal-frontal cortex of one hemisphere, showed no loss of caudate-putamen D2 sites unless the cortical ablation caused accompanying damage of the caudate-putamen. In the caudate-putamen of all animals there was a close correspondence between the D2 sites and the striatal neurons (and processes) that show strong acetylcholinesterase reactivity. We suggest that the caudate-putamen topography of D2 sites is based largely on the internal organization of this structure and may preferentially involve acetylcholine-containing intrinsic neurons.
Optical fringe formation in Michelson stellar interferometry

We examine the pairwise fringe formation process for Michelson stellar interferometry, focusing specifically on how the complex fringe visibility degrades with spatial sub-aperture decorrelations. The fringe intensity is formulated for spatially incoherent sources, radiating or re-radiating, thermal light over a spectral interval where the quasi-monochromatic and crossspectral purity approximations can be invoked. The imaging geometry is such that the source in distant enough to use the far-field approximation, and that a unique optical transfer function exists consistent with isoplanatic, or equivalently, linearly shift invariant imaging systems. It is shown that the complex fringe visibility is functionally dependent on the optical transfer function although the stellar interferometer does not form an image directly as would conventional imaging. The complex visibility is derived from the fringe intensity. Three forms of the complex visibility are developed and each formulation is interpreted.
Structure of a molluscan cardioexcitatory neuropeptide

A cardioexcitatory substance from ganglia of the clam Macrocallista nimbosa, formerly designated peak C, is the tetrapeptide amide Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2. Its structure was determined by the combined use of Edman dansyl degradation and tryptic digestion. The structure was confirmed by synthesis. This neuropeptide is active at about 10(-8)M when assayed on molluscan muscle.
Neural counting mechanisms and energy detection in audition

Abstract A remarkable correspondence between data on detectability of auditory signals in noise and theoretical analysis, based on energy fluctuations of the stimulus, is considered in detail. In the present treatment the fluctuation statistics of acoustic noise are superimposed on a (Poisson) mean counting rate in the auditory system and the resulting counting distributions are analyzed. Detection laws derived from the latter are then compared with auditory data on masking and intensity discrimination, as well as with analogous predictions obtained from direct analysis of stimulus energy. The outcome can be characterized as establishing that internal counting states mimic the noise energy fluctuations. Hence, detection laws derived from either domain are found to be essentially equivalent. This result justifies the stimulus—based analysis of detectability now current in auditory psychophysics, but it also suggests that sensory detection models involving decision strategies with substantial information processing may prove to be unnecessarily complicated.
Exsanguinating hemorrhage following third molar extraction: report of a case and discussion of materials and methods in selective embolization.

It is rare in routine oral and maxillofacial surgery that bleeding is encountered in such quantity that it cannot be controlled by local measures. In the instance when these measures do not suffice, the surgeon must be aware of the options available in his or her office and community and the steps required to achieve temporary and permanent hemostasis. As discussed in previous reports, orthognathic, pathologic/ oncologic, and temporomandibular joint procedures are the most likely oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures to produce hemorrhage in sufficient quantity to endanger life. 1-3 Traditionally, ligation of the ipsilateral external carotid artery superior to the bifurcation of the common carotid artery has been the treatment of choice. With improvements in local and regional emergency transport, increasing numbers of hospitals with interventional radiology (IR) capability, and the improvement of techniques and materials within IR, selective embolization is becoming the modality of choice to manage exsanguinating hemorrhage. The present case illustrates a rare occurrence in a common procedure that resulted in selective embolization after surgical extraction of a mandibular third molar.
Subaperture stitching interferometer for versatile and accurate surface metrology

We have incorporated system calibration within the familiar stitching process. Stitching inherently extends the testable aspheric departure and aperture sizes (both NA and CA), and we now show that it can also boost accuracy.
Amino acids in interstitial waters of marine sediments: a comparison of results from varied sedimentary environments

Abstract High concentrations of dissolved free amino acids, ranging from 2 to 95 μM, have been measured in interstitial waters of marine sediments from Buzzards Bay (Massachusetts), the northwestern Atlantic, and the Peru upwelling region. Amino acid concentrations were highest in the interstitial water at or near the sediment-water interface, and decreased with depth in the sediment. The amino acid composition varied systematically with depth in the sediment and with depositional environment. Glutamic and β-aminoglutaric acids were important constituents of most samples, especially those from anoxic sediments.
Synthesis and dopamine receptor modulating activity of unsubstituted and substituted triproline analogues of L-prolyl-L-leucyl-glycinamide (PLG).

Abstract Triprolines Pro-Pro-Pro-NH2 (4), Pro-Pro- d -Pro-NH2 (5), Pro-Pro (trans-3- Me)- d -Pro-NH 2 (6), and Pro-Pro (cis-3- Me)- d -Pro-NH 2 (7) were made as conformationally constrained analogues of Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2. Triprolines 4–6 produced significant increases in the high- and low-affinity state ratio ( R H R L ) of the dopamine receptor, but only 4 was found to increase apomorphine induced rotations in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats.
Nonlinear Transport in Tetrathiafulvalene-Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF-TCNQ) at Low Temperatures

An experimental study of electrical transport phenomena in TTF-TCNQ in the low-temperature ($Tl4.2$ K) dielectric regime is reported. The current-voltage curves are nonlinear with conductance increasing with increasing voltage. The observed nonlinearity is insensitive to radiation-induced defects at the fraction of a percent level. The data are discussed in terms of electric field depinning of the incommensurate charge-density wave with a critical electric field of approximately 1.5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{2}$ V/cm.
Magnetic Field Therapy for Epilepsy

Abstract Attempts to control seizures in animal models and in humans with magnetic fields are in early stages of development. Devices that produce fields ranging from static to high frequency and with flux densities from well below geomagnetic intensities (nano-Tesla) to several Tesla have been tested with variable results. Fundamental cellular mechanisms of interaction and transduction of magnetic fields have not been adequately elucidated for systematic hypothesis-driven experimentation. However, indications of efficacy are sufficient to warrant further investigation at the basic and clinical levels.
Piezoelectric properties and equivalent circuits of ferroelectric relaxor single crystals

Abstract Temperature dependent piezoelectric properties of ferroelectric relaxor single crystals, particularly the Ce-doped strontium barium niobate Sr0.6Ba0.4Nb2O6:Ce (SBN60:Ce) crystals, were investigated by resonance and anti-resonance technique. Characteristic resonant frequencies (f r -f o , f s -f p , and f m -f n ) were studied using equivalent circuit simulation. The piezoelectric resonance in a ferroelectric relaxor SBN60:Ce resonator was found to persist into temperatures much higher than Tm . (temperature at which dielectric constant κ has a maximum at 1kHz), in contrast to a normal ferroelectric resonator such as TGS. The parameters in an equivalent circuit, however, are phenomenally different from that of a normal resonator like TGS, at near and above the transition temperature region. Experimental results pertaining to understanding the piezoelectric resonance characteristics in ferroelectric relaxors are reported
The role of carcinogen-metabolizing enzyme polymorphisms in cancer susceptibility.

Abstract AHR, aryl hydrocarbon receptor; ARNT, Ah receptor nuclear translocator; HSP-90, heat-shock protein 90; GST, glutathione S-transferase; NAT, N-acetyltrans-ferase; NNK, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone; OR, odds ratio; TCDD, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodi-benzo-p-dioxin. FMO, flavin-containing monoxygenase; UDPGT, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase; RFLP, restriction fragment length polymorphism
On the hardness of learning intersections of two halfspaces

We show that unless NP=RP, it is hard to (even) weakly PAC-learn intersection of two halfspaces in R^n using a hypothesis which is a function of up to @? halfspaces (linear threshold functions) for any integer @?. Specifically, we show that for every integer @? and an arbitrarily small constant @e>0, unless NP=RP, no polynomial time algorithm can distinguish whether there is an intersection of two halfspaces that correctly classifies a given set of labeled points in R^n, or whether any function of @? halfspaces can correctly classify at most 12+@e fraction of the points.
How can organizational leaders really lead and serve at the same time

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize a new paradigm that challenges managers of hospitality services to include the component of corporate social responsibility (CSR) into the business plan. The objective is to answer the question: how can organizational leaders really lead and serve at the same time?Design/methodology/approach – The design follows a research of the literature from a global perspective to show that CSR preserves losses related to the breach of cultural, environmental, economic, physical, and linguistic boundaries associated with globalization.Findings – Evidence shows CSR safeguards are, otherwise, extraordinary assets to create a sophisticated business portfolio with increase in earnings at least in keeping with or surpassing more traditional portfolios. Discussion points include variations in the interpretation of CSR between countries, and the need for legal policy to enforce implementation of CSR practices for companies both at home and abroad in order to protect hu...
Constrained formation protocols for networked multiagent systems

This paper introduces a new formation framework for networked multiagent systems that can be used for obstacle avoidance. It is shown that the proposed framework minimizes a cost function while satisfying state and control constraints. Furthermore, agents converge to a formation such that the difference in the Laplacian potential of the constrained and desired formation is locally minimized. The proposed framework relies on an easily implementable local optimization process, whose computation load is independent on the network size. Therefore, the framework is scalable and decentralized. The proposed framework can be easily integrated into existing multiagent system guidance protocols in order to avoid obstacles. Several numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method.
Variable response to oral angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme blockade in hypertensive scleroderma patients

Twelve scleroderma patients with hypertension, seven of whom had malignant hypertension and renal failure of scleroderma renal crisis, were treated with captopril. The first dose lowered mean pressure in all patients by 21.3 mmHg; in 6 patients it relieved encephalopathy. Blood pressure was controlled in all patients. Two of 7 patients with scleroderma renal crisis had improvement in renal function; the 5 patients who did not have malignant hypertension improved or stabilized. Despite good pressure control, however, renal failure developed in 5 patients with scleroderma renal crisis. The data indicated that captopril is effective antihypertensive therapy in scleroderma and, when given early, may prevent renal failure and death.
A study of a predictor-type air-frame controller designed by phase-space analysis

IN THE past, various forms of optimum relay servomechanisms have been proposed.1?6 The connotation of the word optimum is given by the definition: The optimum performance of a servo-mechanism will be that behavior in which the system returns to rest with zero or minimum error in the shortest time following a step input.1
Isomerization of CH3O+=CHCH3 to CH2=O+CH2CH3

Ab initio calculations establish that CH3O+=CHCH3 (1) rearranges in gas phase isolation to CH2=O+C2H5 (2) directly rather than through CH3OCH2CH 2 + (3). The reaction is predicted to be antarafacial, in accord with the Woodward-Hoffmann (W-H) predictions. We predict an activation energy of 212.0 kJ/mol for this process at the QCISD(T)/6-311G**//MP2/6-311G** level. We also reinvestigated the degenerate rearrangement of CH3O=CH 2 + by a 1,3-sigmatropic shift. The W-H model is not a good one for the transition state (TS) for the latter reaction because the π bonding has been completely broken off. That TS is stabilized by three-center bonding between the carbons and the hydrogen being transferred. We also examined the questions of the importance of polarization functions on hydrogen and a set of outer valence functions on all the atoms in describing these hydrogen transfer TSs, and whether it is necessary to include these functions in the TS optimization runs. For the rearrangements we studied, polarization functions on hydrogen are crucial only for 1,2 hydrogen shifts. The 6-31G* basis set is adequate and good for the optimization of TSs of other ring sizes. For the 1,3 and 1,4 shifts we examined, a combination of both outer valence functions and polarization functions on hydrogen causes reductions in the computed activation energies ranging from 5.9 kJ/mol for the 1,4 shift at the RHF level to 15.6 kJ/mol for the 1,3 shift at the MP2 level.
STUDIES ON THE PROPERTIES OF RETINAL ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE FROM THE RAT

— An NAD-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase (alcohol:NAD oxidoreductase; EC 1.1.1.1) has been isolated and partially purified from the retinal cytosol of the rat. Its substrate specificity and sensitivity to inhibitors of hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase have been investigated. Ethanol, 1-propanol and 1-butanol served as substrates for this enzyme but the Km values were more than 100-fold higher than those reported for hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase. Methanol and retinol were unreactive with this alcohol dehydrogenase. Inhibition by pyrazole was observed but the Kt was about 100-fold higher than the value observed for hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase. n-Butyraldoxime inhibited retinal alcohol dehydrogenase with a Kt of 2 μM, a value which approximates its Kt for hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase. 1, 10-Phenanthroline was ineffective as an inhibitor. Oxidation of retinol was observed in retinal homogenates in the presence of NADP but no inhibition was observed with ethanol, methanol or pyrazole. We conclude that oxidation of retinol is not catalysed by soluble retinal alcohol dehydrogenase.
Hypothermia: Teratogenic and protective effects on the development of mouse embryos in vitro

Hypothermia often occurs in association with clinical conditions involving severe hypoglycemia, but its effect on embryonic development has not been well evaluated. Thus, the whole embryo culture method was used to expose day 9 (neurulating) and day 10 (early limb bud stage) mouse embryos to physiologic levels of hypothermia (35 degrees C and 32 degrees C) for 4 and 24 hr. Embryos were evaluated after 24 hours for growth and malformations and compared with controls grown at 37 degrees C. Lactate production was measured in embryos cultured for 4 hr at 32 degrees C and compared with those cultured at 37 degrees C. A 4-hr exposure to hypothermia produced little effect morphologically but reduced the rate of lactate production at both embryonic stages. A 24-hr exposure to hypothermia at 35 degrees C or 32 degrees C produced growth retardation and dysmorphogenesis in embryos undergoing neurulation. Early limb bud stage embryos were less sensitive to this treatment, with growth retardation produced only at the lower temperature. Since hypothermia is commonly associated with severe hypoglycemia in cases of diabetic insulin overdose, day 9 (neurulating) mouse embryos were exposed concurrently to short periods of hypothermia and hypoglycemia and compared with embryos cultured in hypoglycemic medium at normal temperature. The results demonstrate that hypothermia partially protects embryos against the dysmorphogenic effects of hypoglycemia. A balance of metabolic rate and available substrate is discussed as a possible mechanism for this protective effect.
Spot and forward markets for natural gas: The effects of state regulation

Since the emergence of a spot market in natural gas in 1984, state regulators have been concerned that regulated utilities would fail to choose between contracts and spot purchases in a way that minimizes costs. Grounds for this concern are shown, under two alternative rate structures, in a model where regulation produces ex post profit and loss restrictions. Two policy resolutions to the problem are suggested, one that uses an alternative mechanism for triggering rate reviews, allowing the substitution of ex ante for ex post profit and loss restrictions, and one that exploits the special structure of gas markets within the context of traditional regulatory practice.
Cooperative collection management in music: past and present

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a general review and historical context for cooperative and collaborative management of musical materials.Design/methodology/approach – The paper explores historical instances and modern contextual parallels. It applies management of music – within collaborative knowledge creation hierarchies – to conceptual continua in collections. It applies theoretical business concepts to music libraries and vendors. It explores changing roles of subject specialists and the roles of business partnerships.Findings – Selection of musical materials has become less the realm of subject specialists, and more that of corporations, as publisher's power spreads across supply chains. This power has influenced musical content and access, both in historical and modern contexts. Corporations should yield to the wisdom of subject specialists and librarians, to the benefit of the art of music.Practical implications – For cost‐saving purposes alone, cooperative collection management ...
Practical applications of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging in acute cerebral infarction

This article attempts to answer the most common questions on the use of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging to distinguish between acute cerebral infarction and transient ischemic attack in patients who present with the symptoms of stroke.
Identification and characterization of components of a putative petunia S-locus F-box-containing E3 ligase complex involved in S-RNase-based self-incompatibility

Petunia inflata S-locus F-box (Pi SLF) is thought to function as a typical F-box protein in ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation and, along with Skp1, Cullin-1, and Rbx1, could compose an SCF complex mediating the degradation of nonself S-RNase but not self S-RNase. We isolated three P. inflata Skp1s (Pi SK1, -2, and -3), two Cullin-1s (Pi CUL1-C and -G), and an Rbx1 (Pi RBX1) cDNAs and found that Pi CUL1-G did not interact with Pi RBX1 and that none of the three Pi SKs interacted with Pi SLF2. We also isolated a RING-HC protein, S-RNase Binding Protein1 (Pi SBP1), almost identical to Petunia hybrida SBP1, which interacts with Pi SLFs, S-RNases, Pi CUL1-G, and an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, suggesting that Pi CUL1-G, SBP1, and SLF may be components of a novel E3 ligase complex, with Pi SBP1 playing the roles of Skp1 and Rbx1. S-RNases interact more with nonself Pi SLFs than with self Pi SLFs, and Pi SLFs also interact more with nonself S-RNases than with self S-RNases. Bacterially expressed S1-, S2-, and S3-RNases are degraded by the 26S proteasomal pathway in a cell-free system, albeit not in an S-allele–specific manner. Native glycosylated S3-RNase is not degraded to any significant extent; however, deglycosylated S3-RNase is degraded as efficiently as the bacterially expressed S-RNases. Finally, S-RNases are ubiquitinated in pollen tube extracts, but whether this is mediated by the Pi SLF–containing E3 complex is unknown.
Judicious choices: designing courts in post-communist politics☆

Abstract One area which has been generally overlooked in the literature on institutional choice in post communist politics has been the design of judicial institutions. This paper seeks to evaluate a number of different explanations for judicial systems choice in post communist politics, especially those which emphasize the influence of socio-cultural factors, economic factors, the judicial legacies of the past, and political bargaining. As an empirical test of these explanations, we examine variations in the amount of judicial power that constitution makers granted to the constitutional courts in the countries of the former Soviet Union, Mongolia, and Eastern Europe.
Phytoremediation of toxic trace elements in soil and water

Toxic heavy metals and metalloids, such as cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic, and selenium, are constantly released into the environment. There is an urgent need to develop low-cost, effective, and sustainable methods for their removal or detoxification. Plant-based approaches, such as phytoremediation, are relatively inexpensive since they are performed in situ and are solar-driven. In this review, we discuss specific advances in plant-based approaches for the remediation of contaminated water and soil. Dilute concentrations of trace element contaminants can be removed from large volumes of wastewater by constructed wetlands. We discuss the potential of constructed wetlands for use in remediating agricultural drainage water and industrial effluent, as well as concerns over their potential ecotoxicity. In upland ecosystems, plants may be used to accumulate metals/metalloids in their harvestable biomass (phytoextraction). Plants can also convert and release certain metals/metalloids in a volatile form (phytovolatilization). We discuss how genetic engineering has been used to develop plants with enhanced efficiencies for phytoextraction and phytovolatilization. For example, metal-hyperaccumulating plants and microbes with unique abilities to tolerate, accumulate, and detoxify metals and metalloids represent an important reservoir of unique genes that could be transferred to fast-growing plant species for enhanced phytoremediation. There is also a need to develop new strategies to improve the acceptability of using genetically engineered plants for phytoremediation.
The Rho-Rock-Myosin signaling axis determines cell-cell integrity of self-renewing pluripotent stem cells.

Background Embryonic stem (ES) cells self-renew as coherent colonies in which cells maintain tight cell-cell contact. Although intercellular communications are essential to establish the basis of cell-specific identity, molecular mechanisms underlying intrinsic cell-cell interactions in ES cells at the signaling level remain underexplored. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we show that endogenous Rho signaling is required for the maintenance of cell-cell contacts in ES cells. siRNA-mediated loss of function experiments demonstrated that Rock, a major effector kinase downstream of Rho, played a key role in the formation of cell-cell junctional assemblies through regulation of myosin II by controlling a myosin light chain phosphatase. Chemical engineering of this signaling axis by a Rock-specific inhibitor revealed that cell-cell adhesion was reversibly controllable and dispensable for self-renewal of mouse ES cells as confirmed by chimera assay. Furthermore, a novel culture system combining a single synthetic matrix, defined medium, and the Rock inhibitor fully warranted human ES cell self-renewal independent of animal-derived matrices, tight cell contacts, or fibroblastic niche-forming cells as determined by teratoma formation assay. Conclusions/Significance These findings demonstrate an essential role of the Rho-Rock-Myosin signaling axis for the regulation of basic cell-cell communications in both mouse and human ES cells, and would contribute to advance in medically compatible xeno-free environments for human pluripotent stem cells.
Convective Heat Transfer in Rooms with Ceiling Slot Diffusers (RP-1416)

Convection at interior surfaces significantly affects the overall heat transfer in office buildings with large glazing areas. While a large number of these office buildings utilize ceiling slot diffusers at the glazed building perimeter, convection correlations specific to these diffusers have not yet been investigated. This paper describes convection correlations developed for ceiling slot diffusers and examines the effect of temperature, window geometry, and diffuser jet momentum on these correlations. The paper also examines the effect of venetian blinds on the overall correlations. The convective heat transfer coefficients are measured in both heating and cooling conditions. Overall, this paper represents the outcome of over 100 individual full-scale experiments. The results show that forced convection is dominant for a wide range of airflow rates. Correlations are developed as a function of the specific volumetric flow rate of supply air. The temperature of the supply air is also utilized as the refe...
Preoperative Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The incidence of lung cancer continues to increase and now represents the most common fatal malignancy in adults. At the present time, surgery is the most optimal form of therapy for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. Unfortunately, many of these patients have significant underlying respiratory diseases including emphysema and airway hyper-reactivity that clearly increase the incidence of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Although many approaches have been de signed to select those candidates best suited for sur gery, there exists a significant number of patients who, in spite of advanced comorbid pulmonary disease, could benefit from surgical resection. The question that now exists is how best to manage their pulmonary disease in the preoperative period to minimize postop erative morbidity and mortality. Cessation of smoking, bronchodilator, and steroid therapy are helpful, but limited in their ability to improve overall pulmonary function. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs have tradi tionall...
Integrating Asynchronous Digital Design Into the Computer Engineering Curriculum

As demand increases for circuits with higher performance, higher complexity, and decreased feature size, asynchronous (clockless) paradigms will become more widely used in the semiconductor industry, as evidenced by the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors' (ITRS) prediction of a likely shift from synchronous to asynchronous design styles in order to increase circuit robustness, decrease power, and alleviate many clock-related issues , . ITRS shows that asynchronous circuits accounted for 11% of chip area in 2008, compared to 7% in 2007, and estimates they will account for 23% of chip area by 2014 and 35% of chip area by 2019 . To meet this growing industry need, computer engineering students should be introduced to asynchronous circuit design to make them more marketable and more prepared for the challenges faced by the digital design community for years to come. This paper introduces asynchronous logic design in the context of the familiar synchronous logic, then provides a description of course modules developed for NULL Convention Logic (NCL), an asynchronous logic paradigm that is very similar to the synchronous paradigm. This approach ensures that students can easily relate asynchronous design and optimization techniques to the corresponding synchronous techniques. The materials presented in this paper have been used in a number of undergraduate and graduate courses and have been well received by the students.
Passive Failure in Reading

This paper examines the notion that many of the problems evidenced by poor readers are related to their passive response to the interactive task of reading. An integrative review of research in met...
Application of analogical planning to engineering design

The analogical graph matching (ANAGRAM) system, which performs analogical planning using a graph-match technique, is described. Given a target problem specification, ANAGRAM finds a similar problem from the database from which a solution can be derived. The difficulties that arise when an analogy fails because the base case is only partially applicable to the current problem are addressed. ANAGRAM offers a solution to this problem by merging the graphs representing several similar base cases, resulting in a virtual base graph that generalizes the individual cases enough to cover a target problem. Three examples that illustrate the use of analogy planning and graph merging in the domain of automatic programming are presented. The techniques described can similarly be applied to tasks in a variety of complex domains. >