cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensor Selection in Distributed Multiple-Radar Architectures for Localization: A Knapsack Problem Formulation

Widely distributed multiple radar architectures offer parameter estimation improvement for target localization. For a large number of radars, with full resource allocation, the achievable localization minimum estimation mean-square error (MSE) may extend beyond the system predetermined performance goals. In this paper, performance driven resource allocation schemes for multiple radar systems are proposed. Two operational policies are considered. In the first, the number of transmit and receive antennas employed in the estimation process is minimized by effectively selecting a subset of active antennas such that the required MSE performance threshold is attained. In the second, an optimal subset of active antennas of predetermined size is selected such that the localization MSE is minimized. These problems are formulated in a combinatorial optimization framework as a knapsack problem (KP), where the goal is to obtain a performance level with the lowest cost, in terms of active system elements. The Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) is used as a performance metric. Cost parameters, representing operational cost or any other utilization constraints on the antennas, are associated with each of the radars. These are incorporated in the KP formulation, integrating decision making factors in the selection process. Antenna subset selection is implemented through a heuristic algorithm, by successively selecting antennas so as to minimize the performance gap between the temporal CRB and a given MSE goal or a given subset size. The proposed approximate algorithms offer considerable reduction in computational complexity when compared with an exhaustive search. By minimizing the number of operational antennas needed to complete the task, this concept introduces savings in both communication link needs and central processing load, in addition to the operational ones.
Assessment of risks of EMI for personal medical electronic devices (PMEDs) from emissions of millimeter-wave security screening systems

This paper describes research and testing of a representative group of high priority body worn and implantable personal medical electronic devices (PMEDs) for exposure to millimeter wave (MMW) advanced imaging technology (AIT) security systems used at airports. The sample PMEDs included in this study were implantable cardiac pacemakers, ICDs, neurostimulators and insulin pumps. These PMEDs are designed and tested for susceptibility to electromagnetic interference (EMI) under the present standards for medical device electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). However, the present standards for medical equipment do not address exposure to the much higher frequency fields that are emitted by MMW security systems. Initial AIT emissions measurements were performed to assess the PMED and passenger exposures. Testing protocols were developed and testing methods were tailored to the type of PMED. In addition, a novel exposure simulation system was developed to allow controlled EMC testing without the need of the MMW AIT system. Methodology, test results, and analysis are presented, along with an assessment of the human exposure and risks for PMED users. The results on this study reveal no effects on the medical devices from the exposure to the MMW security system. Furthermore, the human exposure measurements and analysis showed levels well below applicable standard, and the risks for PMED users and others we assessed to be very low. These findings apply to the types of PMEDs used in the study though these findings might suggest that the risks for other, similar PMEDs would likely be similar.
Microwave ablation of focal hepatic malignancies regardless of size: A 9-year retrospective study of 64 patients.

Abstract Purpose To retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) as treatment for single, focal hepatic malignancies. Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval was obtained for this HIPAA-compliant study. From December 2003 to May 2012, 64 patients were treated with MWA for a single hepatic lesion, in 64 sessions. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was treated in 25 patients (geometric mean tumor size, 3.33-cm; 95% CI, 2.65–4.18-cm; range, 1.0–12.0-cm), metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) was treated in 27 patients (geometric mean tumor size, 2.7-cm; 95% CI, 2.20–3.40-cm; range, 0.8–6.0-cm), and other histological-types were treated in 12 patients (geometric mean tumor size, 3.79-cm; 95% CI, 2.72–5.26-cm; range, 1.7–8.0-cm). Kaplan–Meier (K–M) method was used to analyze time event data. Chi-square and correlation evaluated the relationship between tumor size and treatment parameters. Results Technical success rate was 95.3% (61/64). Treatment parameters were tailored to tumor size; as size increased more antennae were used ( p p p At one-year, K–M analysis predicted a likelihood of local recurrence of 39.8% in HCC patients, 45.7% in CRC metastases patients, and 70.8% in patients with other metastases. Median cancer specific survivals for patients were 38.3 months for HCC patients, 36.3 months for CRC metastases, and 13.9 months for other histological-types. Complications occurred in 23.4% (15/64) of sessions. Conclusion In our sample, tumor size did not appear to impact complete ablation rates or local recurrence rates for focal hepatic malignancies treated with MWA.
Turbulent kinetic energy and temperature variance dissipation in laboratory generated Rayleigh-Bénard turbulence designed to study the distortion of light by underwater microstructure fluctuations

Small-scale variation in temperature and salinity can lead to localized changes in the index of refraction and can distort electro-optical (EO) signal transmission in ocean and atmosphere. This phenomenon is well-studied in the atmosphere and in this context is generally called “optical turbulence”. Less is known about how turbulent fluctuations in the ocean distort EO signal transmissions, an effect that can impact various underwater applications, from diver visibility to active and passive remote sensing. To provide a test bed for the study of the impacts from turbulent flows on EO signal transmission, as well as to examine and mitigate turbulence effects, we set up a laboratory turbulence environment allowing the variation of turbulence intensity. Convective turbulence is generated in a large Rayleigh-Benard type tank (5m by 0.5m by 0.5m) and the turbulent flow is quantified using a suite of sensors that includes high-resolution Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter profilers (Vectrino Profiler) and fast thermistor probes (PME Conductivity- Temperature probe). These measurements allow the characterization of turbulent kinetic energy and temperature variance dissipation rates in the tank, for different convective strengths. Optical image degradation in the tank is then assessed in relation to turbulence intensity. The turbulence measurements are further complemented by very high-resolution computational fluid dynamics simulations of convective turbulence emulating the tank environment. These numerical simulations supplement the sparse laboratory measurements, providing full fields of temperature and velocity in the tank. The numerical data compared well to the laboratory data and both conformed to the Kolmogorov spectrum of turbulence and the Batchelor spectrum of temperature fluctuations. The numerical model was able to qualitatively reproduce the turbulence fields observed in the laboratory tank. Quantitatively, the numerical simulations are consistent with the observed e in the tank, but do not fully resolve the temperature gradients and thus underestimate Ξ. The unique approach of integrating optical techniques, turbulence measurements and numerical simulations can help advance our understanding of how to mitigate the effects of turbulence impacts on underwater optical signal transmission, as well as on the use of optical techniques to probe oceanic processes.
Vietnam: Political Economy, Marketing System

Vietnam is an evolving political economy and marketing system. Since the implementation of Doi Moi, the 1986 policy to invoke a shift from central economic planning to a more market-oriented system...
90Yttrium antiferritin--a new therapeutic radiolabeled antibody.

Abstract A new radiolabel 90 Yttrium has been chelated to antiferritin antibodies for the treatment of hepatocellular cancer. The isotope 90 Yttrium has the advantage of no significant external radiation to other individuals, that is, outpatient therapy and potentially more therapeutic power with an increase from 0.3 Mev 131 I beta radiation to 0.9 Mev 90 Yttrium pure beta radiation. Six patients treated in the Phase 1 study have had modest hematologic toxicity and two have had partial remissions of their primary tumors. One of these patients has had complete remission of a pulmonary metastasis. The use of external radiation (900 rad) to the primary tumor in advance of radiolabeled antibody administration has increased antibody uptake and increased tumor dose rate and total dose. An extensive study of 90 Yttrium antiferritin is planned.
The surface conductance of argon-ion-bombarded p-type InAs

Abstract We have demonstrated that argon ion bombardment of the surface of p-type InAs is an effective method of controlling the surface conductance. The concentration of electrons in the native surface channel on p-type InAs can be greatly altered from a low concentration for a freshly etched surface to around 3 × 10 12 cm -2 after argon bombardment. Associated with this higher electron concentration are high electron mobilities, which are not less than 3 × 10 4 cm 2 V -1 s -1 for surface concentrations greater than 2 × 10 12 cm -2 .
Expanding horizons: Maps in the gentleman's magazine, 1731–1754

(1985). Expanding horizons: Maps in the gentleman's magazine, 1731–1754. Imago Mundi: Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 54-62.
Competitive inhibition of brain hexokinase by metrizamide

We compared the effect of metrizamide and its parent compound glucosamine on the kinetics of dog brain hexokinase. The Michaelis constant (Km) for glucose rose from 0.065 to 0.15 to 0.28 mM in the presence of 0, 16, and 32 mM metrizamide, respectively. For 0, 1.5, and 3.7 mM glucosamine, the Km values were 0.065, 0.4, and 1.3 mM. No change was found in the maximal velocity with either inhibitor. Metrizamide is therefore a rather weak competitive inhibitor of brain hexokinase. However, since the brain or spinal cord may be exposed to metrizamide concentrations near 780 mM during myelography, it is predictable that glucose metabolism may be significantly impaired under these conditions. This may be the mechanism for some cases of metrizamide encephalopathy.
Pathology in the Darajani baboon

The loss of teeth from attrition may limit the life span of free-ranging Darajani baboons. A high frequency of fractures is presumably the result of falls that oocur in chases or flights. The pattern of broken bones emphasizes the digits, the trunk, the face, and the lower limb. Such injuries affect virtually all individuals who survive to a relatively old age. Arthritic-like changes in the skeleton frequently occur in the vertebral column and may reduce the baboon's speed and agility in flight. They have remarkable abilities to survive severe wounds, even amputations, as long as such wounds are clean. Numerous diseases and parasites infect the animals and those who survive must cope with repeated infection. Many of these pathogens affect the individual at the same time and each reduces the likelihood of survival. The brief life expectancy of the individual magnifies the genetic contribution of older animals to the group if the individual is of suitable position in dominance and central hierarchy.
Monteggia fracture-dislocation associated with proximal and distal radioulnar joint instability. A case report.

Figs. 1-A and 1-B Initial biplanar radiographs of the forearm, revealing an anteriordislocation of the radial head and a fracture of the ulnar shaft.Disclosure: The authors did not receive any outside funding or grants in support of their research for or preparation of this work. Neither they nor amember of their immediate families received payments or other beneﬁts or a commitment or agreement to provide such beneﬁts from a commercialentity. No commercial entity paid or directed, or agreed to pay or direct, any beneﬁts to any research fund, foundation, division, center, clinical practice,or other charitable or nonproﬁt organization with which the authors, or a member of their immediate families, are afﬁliated or associated.
The microstructure of rapidly solidifiedβ-phase Cu-Zn-Al alloys

The structure of theβ phase in rapidly solidified Cu-Zn-Al alloys was studied by transmission electron microscopy. The structure is observed to contain many unusual features not found in normal solid-solutioned material. The microstructure is very fine-grained, homogeneous in composition, only partially ordered, and contains an abnormally high density of dislocations. No metastable phases are seen. The grain structure is refined about two orders of magnitude in grain size and is quite variable in size and shape in a given sample. The grain boundaries are highly structured, with drastic curvatures and large steps. Dislocations are seen to be emitted by grain boundaries, contributing to the higher than usual dislocation density. Subgrain structures and low-angle boundaries are present in some regions and isolated martensite plates are observed well above the measuredM stemperature.
Topical corticosteroid treatment of dysphagia due to eosinophilic esophagitis in adults.

Objective To describe the clinical features of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis and the use of topical corticosteroids for treatment. Patients and Methods We evaluated the charts of 21 patients with a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis seen at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, between September 1, 1999, and December 31, 2001. The diagnosis was based on the presence of a "ringed esophagus" or a tapered distal esophagus on upper endoscopy as well as the presence of a dense eosinophilic infiltrate on esophageal biopsy. All patients were treated with topical corticosteroids, and follow-up was performed by telephone interviews. Results The 17 men and 4 women ranged in age from 28 years to 55 years at diagnosis (mean, 40 years). All had solid-food dysphagia for at least 6 years, and 15 patients had prior food impaction. Eighteen patients had either a ringed-appearing esophagus or smooth tapering in the distal esophagus. All patients had a dense eosinophilic infiltration (>20 eosinophils per high-power field) in the mid or distal esophagus. Topical corticosteroid therapy for 6 weeks resulted in complete dysphagia relief in all patients and lasted a minimum of 4 months. Conclusion Eosinophilic esophagitis is an entity associated with food dysphagia (predominantly in young adults) and a ringed or smooth tapered distal-appearing esophagus. Our study found no association with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Topical corticosteroid therapy was effective.
Temporal Release of Flavor Compounds from Low-fat and High-fat Ice Cream During Eating

: Fat controls the intensity and the release rate of volatile compounds because of its solvent property. Our objective was to understand the effect of fat on the flavor release behavior exhibited while ice cream is eaten. The temporal flavor profiles of ice creams, which contained various fat levels and were spiked with known amounts of selected volatiles, were determined by a temporal modified purge and trap and time-intensity analyses. Stale and cherry flavors were released faster and at higher intensities as fat content decreased. Fat had the opposite effect on vanilla flavor release. Temporal modified purge and trap analysis was an effective method to observe the release of some flavor compounds.
Coupling of V(D)J Recombination to the Cell Cycle Suppresses Genomic Instability and Lymphoid Tumorigenesis

V(D)J gene segment recombination is linked to the cell cycle by the periodic phosphorylation and destruction of the RAG-2 protein at the G1-to-S cell cycle transition. To examine the function of this coupling, we constructed mice in which the phosphorylation site at threonine 490 of RAG-2 was mutated to alanine. The RAG-2(T490A) mutation uncoupled DNA cleavage from cell cycle and promoted aberrant recombination. Similar aberrant recombination products were observed in mice deficient in the Skp2 ubiquitin ligase subunit, which is required for periodic destruction of RAG-2. On a p53-deficient background, the RAG-2(T490A) mutation induced lymphoid malignancies characterized by clonal chromosomal translocations involving antigen receptor genes. Taken together, these observations provide a direct link between the periodic destruction of RAG-2 and lymphoid tumorigenesis. We infer that cell cycle control of the V(D)J recombinase limits the potential genomic damage that could otherwise result from RAG-mediated DNA cleavage.
A test of perturbation theory for determining anharmonic vibrational corrections to properties of diatomic molecules

The convergence behaviour of the Rayleigh-Schrodinger perturbation series for obtaining anharmonic vibrational corrections to properties of diatomic molecules is studied. Various procedures for ordering these corrections are examined. It is verified numerically that an asymptotically divergent energy series results when the complete anharmonic potential is taken as the first-order hamiltonian. By contrast, when each term in a Taylor series expansion of the energy about the equilibrium distance is identified with successively higher orders of perturbation, convergence problems are essentially obviated. Properties other than the energy are also investigated with regard to convergence.
Expression of functional hexahistidine-tagged ricin B in tobacco

Ricin B (RTB), the lectin subunit of ricin, shows promise as an effective mucosal adjuvant and carrier for use in humans. In order to obtain a recombinant plant source of RTB that is devoid of the toxic ricin A subunit, we expressed RTB in Nicotiana tabacum. RTB was engineered with an N-terminal hexahistidine tag (His-RTB), which may affect protein stability. Lactose-affinity purification of His-RTB from leaves yielded three major glycosylated products of 32, 33.5 and 35 kDa. Their identity as RTB was verified by mass spectrometry and immunoblotting with anti-ricin antibodies. Functionality of His-RTB was confirmed by binding to asialofetuin, lactose and galactose.
Kinetics of fission-gas-bubble-nucleated void swelling of the alpha-uranium phase of irradiated U-Zr and U-Pu-Zr fuel

Abstract Bias-driven growth of voids is identified as a major swelling mechanism in the α-uranium phase of irradiated U-Pu-Zr metal fuels being developed at Argonne National Laboratory for the Integral Fast Reactor (IFR). The trends in U-Pu-Zr swelling data prior to fuel/cladding contact can be interpreted in terms of unrestrained void swelling. It is theorized that the swelling mechanisms at work in the α-uranium phase can be modeled by single-vacancy and single-interstitial kinetics, thus avoiding the use of complicated defect-interaction terms required for the calculation of void nucleation. A mechanistic model is presented wherein gas bubbles that are formed on α/δ phase boundaries during the incubation period act as potential nuclei for cavities. The model has the capability to predict both gas-bubble-driven swelling (overpressurized cavities) and bias-driven void swelling (underpressurized cavities), as well as the transition from one swelling mechanism to the other. The results of this study demonstrate that the relatively long incubation times characteristic of IFR swelling and gas release can be understood in terms of a reduced gas-bubble nucleation rate on the α/δ phase boundaries, i.e., the α/δ phase boundary lamellae are less efficient gas-bubble incubators than normal high angle grain boundaries. Results obtained with the model are compared with U-10Zr and U-19Pu-10Zr deformation data, and with high purity uranium swelling data.
Infrared optical properties of calcium lanthanum sulfide

Abstract The fundamental infrared optical properties of CaLa2S4 were determined by specular reflectance measurements from theoretically dense, optically transparent, polycrystalline ceramics. Kramers–Kronig transformation of the reflectance spectra permitted the extraction of refractive index, and transverse and longitudinal optic modes. Five transverse modes predicted by factor group analysis were observed with the intense high wavenumber mode occurring at 142 and 205 cm− 1. The other three modes are weak and occur at 37, 59, and 86 cm− 1. The two high wavenumber intense modes have identifiable longitudinal modes at l51 and 318 cm− 1.
Shared resource capacity analysis in biotech manufacturing

Simulation is a relatively new tool for business process analysis in the Biotech industry. We discussed an application of discrete event simulation in analyzing the capacity needs of a shared resource in the manufacturing facility at Bayer Corporation's Berkeley site. The SIGMA/spl reg/ simulation model was used to analyze the workload patterns, run different workload scenarios, taking into consideration uncertainty and variability, and provide recommendation on a capacity increase plan. This analysis also demonstrated benefits of certain operational scheduling policies. The analysis outcome was used to determine capital investments for 2002. This illustrates the power of simulation tools in providing quick and robust analysis with solutions to planning problems.
Structure of inhibited fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase from Escherichia coli: distinct allosteric inhibition sites for AMP and glucose 6-phosphate and the characterization of a gluconeogenic switch.

Allosteric activation of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) from Escherichia coli by phosphoenolpyruvate implies rapid feed-forward activation of gluconeogenesis in heterotrophic bacteria. But how do such bacteria rapidly down-regulate an activated FBPase in order to avoid futile cycling? Demonstrated here is the allosteric inhibition of E. coli FBPase by glucose 6-phosphate (Glc-6-P), the first metabolite produced upon glucose transport into the cell. FBPase undergoes a quaternary transition from the canonical R-state to a T-like state in response to Glc-6-P and AMP ligation. By displacing Phe15, AMP binds to an allosteric site comparable with that of mammalian FBPase. Relative movements in helices H1 and H2 perturb allosteric activator sites for phosphoenolpyruvate. Glc-6-P binds to allosteric sites heretofore not observed in previous structures, perturbing subunits that in pairs form complete active sites of FBPase. Glc-6-P and AMP are synergistic inhibitors of E. coli FBPase, placing AMP/Glc-6-P inhibition in bacteria as a possible evolutionary predecessor to AMP/fructose 2,6-bisphosphate inhibition in mammalian FBPases. With no exceptions, signature residues of allosteric activation appear in bacterial sequences along with key residues of the Glc-6-P site. FBPases in such organisms may be components of metabolic switches that allow rapid changeover between gluconeogenesis and glycolysis in response to nutrient availability.
On the effect of centralisation on expected profits in a multi-location Newsboy problem

This paper is a multi-location, single-period, single-product inventory problem with an opportunity for centralisation. The decentralised model in which a separate inventory is kept at every location is compared to the centralised system in which the demands are satisfied from one central warehouse. The two systems are then compared when excess demands are penalised and lost, and in the more general case where a portion or all of the excess demand at a location may be reallocated among other locations with the remaining inventory. The revenue, salvage, cost, and penalty functions at each location are assumed to be identical. Expected profits are evaluated and conditions under which the centralised model outperforms the decentralised one are derived.
Cardiac alternans: Diverse mechanisms and clinical manifestations

Abstract Objectives . The purpose of this review is to assemble the widely dispersed information about cardiac alternans and to categorize the types and mechanisms of alteraans, their clinical manifestations and possible therapeutic implications. Background . The phenomena of mechanical and electrical alternans have been of continuing interest to both physiologists and clinicians. Recent studies have enhanced this interest because of the reported association of alteraans with experimental myocardial ischemia and cardiac arrhythmias. Methods . The review formulates concepts based on extensive review of published studies and personal observations. Results . Cardiac alternans has been subdivided info the following four categories: 1) mechanical, 2) electrical, 3) in association with myocardial ischemia, and 4) in association with cardiac motion. Mechanical alternans can be explained by hemodynamic or inotropic alterations, or both. Mechanical alternans in the ventricular muscle is accompanied by alternans of action potential shape. In the Purkinje fibers, action potential duration alternates without change in shape and is determined by the duration of the preceding dlastoiic interval. However, in ventricular muscle fiber, alternans can occur in the presence of constant diastolic intervals. T wave alternans reflects changes in action potential duration and is frequently associated with a long QT interval. Electrocardiographic manifestations of conduction alternans occur at many different sites within the conducting system and myocardium. During myocardial ischemia, additional mechanisms of repolariztion alternans have been proposed. Alternans occurring in the presence of a large pericardial efusion is attributed to swinging motion of the heart maintaining two-beat periodicity. Conclusions . Since its origin as “pulsus alternans” described by Traube in 1872, the definition of alternans has evolved into a term encompassing multiple physiologic and pathologic phenomena that, although united by the term cardiac alternans, diverge widely with respect to etiology, mechanism aid clinical significance.
Common-path optical coherence tomography guided fibre probe for spatially precise optical nerve stimulation

A simple and effective common-path optical coherence tomography guided fibre probe for optical nerve stimulation has been developed and tested. The probe is capable of real-time monitoring of the fibre-to-nerve distance up to more than 1 mm at an axial resolution of approximately 3 m, thus improving the precision and safety of stimulation laser power delivery.
Modeling building thermal response to HVAC zoning

HVAC systems account for 38% of building energy usage. Studies have indicated at least 5-15% waste due to unoccupied spaces being conditioned. Our goal is to minimize this waste by retrofitting HVAC systems to enable room-level zoning where each room is conditioned individually based on its occupancy. This will allow only occupied rooms to be conditioned while saving the energy used to condition unoccupied rooms. In order to achieve this goal, the effect of opening or closing air vent registers on room temperatures has to be predicted. Making such a prediction is complicated by the fact that weather has a larger effect on room temperatures than the settings of air vent registers, making it hard to isolate the influence of the HVAC system. We present a technique for dynamically estimating the heat load due to weather on room temperatures and subtracting it out in order to predict the effect of the HVAC system more directly.
Reactive Astroglia Support Primary Dendritic but Not Axonal Outgrowth from Mouse Cortical Neuronsin Vitro

Reactive astrocytes are thought to be impediments to axon regrowth following injury to the mammalian central nervous system. Axon and dendrite growth, however, appear to be differently controlled by normal astrocytes in vitro. To determine whether reactive astrocytes differ in their ability to support axons or dendrites, embryonic (E18) mouse cortical neurons were cocultured with P4 and P12 rat astroglial cells derived from normal or lesioned cortex. After 5 days in vitro, axon and dendrite outgrowth from isolated neurons was quantified with double-labeling immunohistochemical techniques. Reactive astrocytes were able to maintain primary dendrite growth, principally primary dendrite number. Axon elongation, however, was significantly reduced on both neonatal and more mature reactive astrocytes. These results indicate that reactive astrocytes may exhibit separate mechanisms to control dendrite and axon growth.
Definitive Test to Diagnose Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: Injection of Vasodilator During Angiography

The diagnosis of median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome and its correlation with symptoms has been controversial since the disease entity was described. The authors describe a technique that will identify patients who will benefit from intervention. Eight patients with isolated celiac artery compression from MAL were identified by the authors. Their technique involved selective cannulation of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and injection of a vasodilator during angiography. Symptom reproduction and loss of collateral filling of the celiac territory represented a positive test: 4 of the 8 patients had a positive test and underwent successful surgical treatment of the condition; 3 of them remained asymptomatic at follow-up; 1 patient continues to have mild abdominal discomfort. Of the 4 patients with a negative test, 2 were found to have other conditions causing their symptoms. Vasodilator injection into the SMA is a useful diagnostic test to identify patients with symptomatic MAL syndrome.
A review of the mx computer program for structural equation modeling

Mx. Michael C. Neale, Virginia Institute for Psych and Behavioral Genetics, Box 980126, Richmond, VA 23298. Freeware, ftp: neale@gems.vcu.edu; http: \\www.griffin.vcu.edu\mx. Mx is available for IBM, Mac, UNIX, and VMS platforms.
A novel technique for the MBE growth of twin-free HgCdTe

Abstract A novel photon-assisted MBE technique, compositionally modulated structures (CMSs), has been developed to suppress twinning in MBE HgCdTe growth. Strain effects, introduced by thin CdTe layers, suppress planar twinning as well as lowering dislocation densities. A CMS epilayer consists of multiple repeats of a basic unit comprised of a thick (500–1500 A) layer of HgCdTe and a thin (20–50 A) layer of CdTe. The CMS epilayer is then interdiffused in a sealed quartz ampoule at temperatures consistent with n-type (or p-type) annealing producing isotropic HgCdTe suitable for infrared detector array fabrication. CMS has also been successfully applied to the low defect density growth of HgCdTe on the slightly lattice-mismatched CdTe substrates. This is an important result because CdTe substrates are less expensive, more chemically pure, and more readily available than the lattice-matched substrate CdZnTe.
The Eclipsing Binary System AR Monocerotis

New differential UBV photoelectric photometry and echelle spectroscopy for the eclipsing binary AR Mon are presented. A total of 46 radial velocities for each component are obtained using the TODCOR procedure. We solve the new and previously published multicolor light curves simultaneously with the new radial velocities using the latest version of the Wilson-Devinney program. We confirm that AR Mon is a semidetached binary consisting of two evolved giant stars and is a member of the rare class of "cool Algols." The size of the primary, more massive component is about that of its limiting lobe, and the secondary star is a lobe filler. We present two solutions, one without third light, the other including amounts of third light of 8% in V, 6% in B, and 5% in U. We determine magnitudes and colors for AR Mon's two components, as well as for the third star. If real, the latter is estimated to be a dwarf foreground star. The mass and radius of the primary (2.480 ± 0.014 M⊙, 8.002 ± 0.089 R⊙) place the star very close to the evolutionary track of a 2.5 M⊙ single star of solar chemical composition, indicating that the star may have adjusted its structure to mass gained from its companion. Synchronous rotation rates for both stars are in excellent agreement with v sin i values determined from line profiles.
Animals as “Mature Technology”

In this approach to animals "as works of engineering," Denny and McFadzean explore several topics not usually covered in introductions to biomechanics.
Association of carboxyl esterase with facilitative glucose transporter isoform 4 (GLUT4) intracellular compartments in rat adipocytes and its possible role in insulin-induced GLUT4 recruitment.

Facilitative glucose transporter isoform 4 (GLUT4) in rat adipocytes is largely sequestered in intracellular sites, and insulin recruits GLUT4 from these sites to the cell surface. The process is known to involve multiple intracellular compartments and associated proteins, many of which are yet to be identified. Recently, we purified three distinct insulin-sensitive intracellular GLUT4 compartments (G4TL, G4H, and G4L) in rat adipocytes and unraveled several new resident proteins in these compartments. Here, we describe one of them, a 62-kDa protein, purified and identified as rat adipose tissue carboxyl esterase (p62/CE) by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectroscopy, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, gene cloning, and immunological and enzymatic activity measurements. p62/CE in rat adipocytes was 80% cytosolic and 20% microsome-associated. It was found in all of the three insulin-sensitive intracellular GLUT4 compartments, and particularly enriched in G4TL, a compartment thought to represent GLUT4 endocytic vesicles. Significantly, an antibody against p62/CE introduced into rat adipocytes completely abolished the insulin-induced GLUT4 recruitment to the plasma membrane in host cells without affecting the basal GLUT4 distribution. Together, these findings suggest that p62/CE plays a key role in insulin-induced GLUT4 recruitment in rat adipocytes, probably by hydrolyzing acylglycerols or acyl-CoA esters to the respective free acids that are required for GLUT4 transport vesicle budding and/or fusion.
Estimated thermodynamic functions for some chlorinated benzenes, phenols and dioxins

Abstract Procedures for estimating the values of gas phase thermodynamic functions for a large number of chlorinated benzenes, phenols and dioxins (dibenzo- p -dioxins) have been developed from estimated values of molecular parameters. Structurally similar model compounds were used to make frequency assignments and, when available, interatomic distances were taken from the literature. Symmetry numbers were assigned based upon known structures.
The safe, cheap and known: A content analysis of the first (1974) PBS program cooperative

With continued austerity in programming (and all other) budget categories, something has to give in the world of national public television programs—and here the authors support their contention that innovative, controversial, minority interest, and just plain esoteric programs are not chosen when placed up against what Natan Katzman terms “the safe, cheap and the known” programs. Expense is the excuse—but not always the reason for such choices. Mr. Reeves is a masters candidate in meteorology and mass communication (and a weatherman for WTVT television, St. Petersburg) while Dr. Hoffer is chairman of the department of mass communication, both of Florida State University.
Renal Injury in Sick Newborn Infants: A Prospective Evaluation Using Urinary β2-Microglobulin Concentrations

Urinary concentrations of beta 2-microglobulin and creatinine were measured serially in 140 sick infants, of whom 109 were asphyxiated, and in 35 healthy preterm and term infants. First voided urines and samples from days 3 and 7 postpartum were studied. Urinary beta 2-microglobulin concentrations in healthy infants averaged 1.34 +/- 1.34 mg/L (mean +/- SD) in first voided specimens and 1.32 +/- 0.98 mg/L in day 3 samples; the calculated upper limit of normal (95% confidence limit) was 4.00 mg/L. Elevated values (those exceeding the 95% confidence limit) occurred most often in the sick asphyxiated patients (56%); the first voided sample value in these patients was 10.0 +/- 10.4 mg/L. The equivalent value in the sick nonasphyxiated infants was 8.32 +/- 7.27 mg/L. Values were significantly and persistently elevated in the sick infants on days 3 and 7. Factoring beta 2-microglobulin levels by urinary creatinine concentration did not affect the significance of the findings. The increased urinary beta 2-microglobulin levels were not (1) related to gestational age; low beta 2-microglobulin values occurred at all gestational ages for both healthy and sick infants; (2) a consequence of urine flow rate; urinary beta 2-microglobulin did not correlate with urinary creatinine concentration or with urine to plasma creatinine ratio; and (3) a consequence of increased production of beta 2-microglobulin; urinary and serum beta 2-microglobulin values did not correlate (r = .03). Thus, we propose that the elevated levels of urinary beta 2-microglobulin in the sick infants were the consequence of tubular injury. This was associated with hematuria but not with a high incidence of azotemia or oliguria.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Aging-associated exacerbation in fatty degeneration and infiltration after rotator cuff tear.

Background Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints and a substantial source of morbidity in elderly patients. Chronic cuff tears are associated with muscle atrophy and an infiltration of fat to the area, a condition known as "fatty degeneration." To improve the treatment of cuff tears in elderly patients, a greater understanding of the changes in the contractile properties of muscle fibers and the molecular regulation of fatty degeneration is essential. Methods Using a full-thickness, massive supraspinatus and infraspinatus tear model in elderly rats, we measured fiber contractility and determined changes in fiber type distribution that develop 30 days after tear. We also measured the expression of messenger RNA and micro-RNA transcripts involved in muscle atrophy, lipid accumulation, and matrix synthesis. We hypothesized that a decrease in specific force of muscle fibers, an accumulation of type IIb fibers, and an upregulation in atrophic, fibrogenic, and inflammatory gene expression would occur in torn cuff muscles. Results Thirty days after the tear, we observed a reduction in muscle fiber force and an induction of RNA molecules that regulate atrophy, fibrosis, lipid accumulation, inflammation, and macrophage recruitment. A marked accumulation of advanced glycation end products and a significant accretion of macrophages in areas of fat accumulation were observed. Conclusions The extent of degenerative changes in old rats was greater than that observed in adults. In addition, we identified that the ectopic fat accumulation that occurs in chronic cuff tears does not occur by activation of canonical intramyocellular lipid storage and synthesis pathways.
Genetic and Biochemical Evidence That Haploinsufficiency of the Nf1 Tumor Suppressor Gene Modulates Melanocyte and Mast Cell Fates in Vivo

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by cutaneous neurofibromas infiltrated with large numbers of mast cells, melanocyte hyperplasia, and a predisposition to develop malignant neoplasms. NF1 encodes a GTPase activating protein (GAP) for Ras. Consistent with Knudson's “two hit” model of tumor suppressor genes, leukemias and malignant solid tumors in NF1 patients frequently demonstrate somatic loss of the normal NF1 allele. However, the phenotypic and biochemical consequences of heterozygous inactivation of Nf1 are largely unknown. Recently neurofibromin, the protein encoded by NF1, was shown to negatively regulate Ras activity in Nf1−/− murine myeloid hematopoietic cells in vitro through the c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase (dominant white spotting, W). Since the W and Nf1 locus appear to function along a common developmental pathway, we generated mice with mutations at both loci to examine potential interactions in vivo. Here, we show that haploinsufficiency at Nf1 perturbs cell fates in mast cells in vivo, and partially rescues coat color and mast cell defects in W41 mice. Haploinsufficiency at Nf1 also increased mast cell proliferation, survival, and colony formation in response to Steel factor, the ligand for c-kit. Furthermore, haploinsufficiency was associated with enhanced Ras–mitogen-activated protein kinase activity, a major downstream effector of Ras, via wild-type and mutant (W41) c-kit receptors. These observations identify a novel interaction between c-kit and neurofibromin in vivo, and offer experimental evidence that haploinsufficiency of Nf1 alters both cellular and biochemical phenotypes in two cell lineages that are affected in individuals with NF1. Collectively, these data support the emerging concept that heterozygous inactivation of tumor suppressor genes may have profound biological effects in multiple cell types.
Does receipt of hospice care in nursing homes improve the management of pain at the end of life

OBJECTIVES: To compare analgesic management of daily pain for dying nursing home residents enrolled and not enrolled in Medicare hospice. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative cohort study. SETTING: Over 800 nursing homes in Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, New York, and South Dakota. PARTICIPANTS: A subset of residents with daily pain near the end of life taken from a matched cohort of hospice (2,644) and nonhospice (7,929) nursing home residents who had at least two resident assessments (Minimum Data Sets (MDSs)) completed, their last between 1992 and 1996, and who died before April 1997. The daily pain subset consisted of 709 hospice and 1,326 nonhospice residents. MEASUREMENTS: Detailed drug use data contained on the last MDS before death were used to examine analgesic management of daily pain. Guidelines from the American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) were used to identify analgesics not recommended for use in managing chronic pain in long-term care settings. The study outcome, regular treatment of daily pain, examined whether patients received any analgesic, other than those not recommended by AMDA, at least twice a day for each day of documented daily pain (i.e., 7 days before date of last MDS). RESULTS: Fifteen percent of hospice residents and 23% of nonhospice residents in daily pain received no analgesics (odds ratio (OR) = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.45–0.74). A lower proportion of hospice residents (21%) than of nonhospice residents (29%) received analgesics not recommended by AMDA (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.52–0.80). Overall, acetaminophen (not in combination with other drugs) was used most frequently for nonhospice residents (25% of 1,673 prescriptions), whereas morphine derivatives were used most frequently for hospice residents (30% of 1,058 prescriptions). Fifty-one percent of hospice residents and 33% of nonhospice residents received regular treatment for daily pain. Controlling for clinical confounders, hospice residents were twice as likely as nonhospice residents to receive regular treatment for daily pain (adjusted odds ratio = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.68–2.56). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that analgesic management of daily pain is better for nursing home residents enrolled in hospice than for those not enrolled in hospice. The prescribing practices portrayed by this study reveal that many dying nursing home residents in daily pain are receiving no analgesic treatment or are receiving analgesic treatment inconsistent with AMDA and other pain management guidelines. Improving the analgesic management of pain in nursing homes is essential if high-quality end-of-life care in nursing homes is to be achieved. J Am Geriatr Soc 50:507–515, 2002.
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS AND MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES

ABSTRACT The dielectric properties of materials are defined, and the nature of their dependence on moisture content, frequency of the applied electric field, temperature of the material, and density of particulate materials is discussed. Dielectric properties of liquid water are summarized. The influence of moisture content, frequency, temperature, and density on the values of the dielectric constant and loss factor, real and imaginary parts of the relative complex permittivity, respectively, are illustrated for several different kinds of materials. Examples include dielectric properties for the cereal grains corn and wheat, pecans, and pulverized coal. Techniques for the measurement of dielectric properties of materials at high frequencies and microwave frequencies useful for dielectric heating and drying applications are discussed briefly, and numerous publications describing these methods in greater detail are cited for reference.
Robust Identification of Three-Dimensional Thumb and Index Finger Kinematics With a Minimal Set of Markers

This study presents a methodology to determine thumb and index finger kinematics while utilizing a minimal set of markers. The motion capture of skin-surface markers presents inherent challenges for the accurate and comprehensive measurement of digit kinematics. As such, it is desirable to utilize robust methods for assessing digit kinematics with fewer markers. The approach presented in this study involved coordinate system alignment, locating joint centers of rotation, and a solution model to estimate three-dimensional (3-D) digit kinematics. The solution model for each digit was based on assumptions of rigid-body interactions, specific degrees of freedom (DOFs) at each located joint, and the aligned coordinate system definitions. Techniques of inverse kinematics and optimization were applied to calculate the 3-D position and orientation of digit segments during pinching between the thumb and index finger. The 3-D joint center locations were reliably fitted with mean coefficients of variation below 5%. A parameterized form of the solution model yielded feasible solutions that met specified tolerance and convergence criteria for over 85% of the test points. The solution results were intuitive to the pinching function. The thumb was measured to be rotated about the CMC joint to bring it into opposition to the index finger and larger rotational excursions (>10 deg) were observed in flexion/extension compared to abduction/adduction and axial rotation for all joints. While the solution model produced results similar to those computed from a full marker set, the model facilitated the usage of fewer markers, which inherently lessened the effects of passive motion error and reduced the post-experimental effort required for marker processing.
Molecular mechanisms in Barrett's metaplasia and its progression.

The dramatic increase in the incidence and poor overall survival rates of esophageal/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma underscore the necessity to discover molecular markers that can be used for risk assessment, early diagnosis, and targeted therapeutic intervention. Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is proposed to represent a precursor of esophageal/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. BE progression to invasive cancer is defined by a metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma progression characterized by an increasing accumulation of genetic changes associated with alterations in molecular gatekeepers of cell circuitries and tissue homeostasis. Using a combination of in situ tissue-based and high-throughput analyses, we investigated alterations of cell-cycle regulators and inflammation-associated molecular effectors. Our data suggest a potential synergistic effect of these alterations for the BE progression to cancer, and underscore the potential use of these markers: (1) in molecular panels assessing cancer risk in BE patients; and (2) as potential therapeutic targets for chemopreventive interventions and to enhance response to anti-neoplastic therapies.