cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Na/K-ATPase affects cardiac remodeling and increases c-kit cell abundance in partial nephrectomized mice

The current study examined the role of Na/K-ATPase α1-subunit in animals subjected to 5/6th partial nephrectomy (PNx) using Na/K-ATPase α1-heterozygous (α1+/−) mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates. After PNx, both WT and α1+/− animals displayed diastolic dimension increases, increased blood pressure, and increased cardiac hypertrophy. However, in the α1+/− animals we detected significant increases in cardiac cell death in PNx animals. Given that reduction of α1 elicited increased cardiac cell death with PNx, while at the same time these animals developed cardiac hypertrophy, an examination of cardiac cell number, and proliferative capabilities of those cells was carried out. Cardiac tissues were probed for the progenitor cell marker c-kit and the proliferation marker ki-67. The results revealed that α1+/− mice had significantly higher numbers of c-kit-positive and ki-67-positive cells, especially in the PNx group. We also found that α1+/− mice express higher levels of stem cell factor, a c-kit ligand, in their heart tissue and had higher circulating levels of stem cell factor than WT animals. In addition, PNx induced significant enlargement of cardiac myocytes in WT mice but has much less effect in α1+/− mice. However, the total cell number determined by nuclear counting is higher in α1+/− mice with PNx compared with WT mice. We conclude that PNx induces hypertrophic growth and high blood pressure regardless of Na/K-ATPase content change. However, total cardiac cell number as well as c-kit-positive cell number is increased in α1+/− mice with PNx.
Study of precipitation and fracture in air-cast Mn-Al-C magnets

Resultats d'une etude en diffraction X avec dispersion d'energie et par microscopie electronique a balayage de la precipitation et de la rupture dans des alliages Mn-Al-C extrudes
Acousto-electromagnetic sensor for locating land mines

A hybrid technique is presented that simultaneously uses both electromagnetic and acoustic waves in a synergistic manner to detect buried land mines. The system consists of an electromagnetic radar and an acoustic source. The acoustic source causes both the mine and the surface of the earth to be displaced. The electromagnetic radar is used to detect these displacements and, thus, the mine. To demonstrate the viability of this technique, an experimental system has been constructed. The system uses an electrodynamic transducer to induce an acoustic surface wave, a tank filled with damp sand to simulate the earth, a simulated mine, and a radar to measure the vibrations. The technique looks promising; we have been able to detect both simulated antipersonnel mines and antitank mines buried in damp sand from the experimental results obtained with the system.
Risk, Individual Differences, and Environment: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach to Sexual Risk-Taking

Risky sexual behaviors, including the decision to have unprotected sex, result from interactions between individuals and their environment. The current study explored the use of Agent-Based Modeling (ABM)—a methodological approach in which computer-generated artificial societies simulate human sexual networks—to assess the influence of heterogeneity of sexual motivation on the risk of contracting HIV. The models successfully simulated some characteristics of human sexual systems, such as the relationship between individual differences in sexual motivation (sexual excitation and inhibition) and sexual risk, but failed to reproduce the scale-free distribution of number of partners observed in the real world. ABM has the potential to inform intervention strategies that target the interaction between an individual and his or her social environment.
Gauging of d = 11 supergravity

The role of antisymmetric tensor fields in the gauging of groups is related to theorems on cohomology theory, and Cartan integrable systems are discussed. Examples are given. Various possibilities to gauge d = 11 supergravity by decontracting its underlying group are considered. In particular the simple supergroups Osp (1Vertical Bar64) and SU(32Vertical Bar1) yield a negative result, but a certain non-semisimple supergroup containing Osp(1Vertical Bar32) is proposed as a viable candidate. The corresponding action would no longer contain the 3-index photon A/sub munurho/, but instead a second spin (3)/(2) field eta/sub ..mu../ and boson fields B..mu../sup a//sub 1/a/sub 2/ and B..mu../sup a//sub 1/xxxa/sub 5/. A first order formalism for d = 11 is presented. It is to be used for an improved form of dimensional reduction.
Discrepancies between vertebral bone density values: The least dense vertebra

Abstract Vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) measurements by DXA are considered reliable indicators of local fracture risk in the absence of radiographic deformities. The clinical evaluation of one individual vertebra presenting a BMD value significantly less than the others is attempted in this study. For a period of 30 months, BMD measurements of L1–L4 vertebrae and femoral neck (FN) were performed by DXA in 817 postmenopausal women, aged under 65 years, with a BMI less than 33 kg/m 2 . In 204 (25%) of these women (group A), the least dense vertebra (LDV) presented a BMD value lower than 92.4% from the immediate denser vertebra. The remaining 613 women comprised group B. Women with X-ray proven vertebral degenerative lesions or deformities were excluded from the study. Among the four measured vertebrae, L1 was the most frequent LDV (47%), whilst L3 was the most rare (2%). Absolute and age-adjusted BMD values of L1–L4 and FN, as well as the proportions of osteopenic or osteoporotic women, did not differ significantly between the two groups. A significant positive correlation was observed between either L1–L4 or LDV and FN BMD values in both groups, but stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that in group A the LDV did not participate in the model explaining the variability of the FN BMD values. In group B, the least dense vertebra was the only variable participating in the respective model (adjusted- R 2 = 37.7%). It is concluded that in a significant proportion of relatively young postmenopausal women, a wide variance of BMD values exists between individual vertebral BMD values without radiographic background. L1 was the most frequent LDV and L3 the most rare. In such cases, the evaluation of the least dense vertebra seems to offer an alternative estimation of vertebral bone mass, instead of mean L1–L4.
Defence mechanisms in schizophrenia

Aim In this study, the aim was to conduct an empirical study of the nature of defence mechanisms in a group of subjects with schizophrenia. Methods Forty-four clinically stable, medicated subjects with schizophrenia completed the Response Evaluation Measure (REM-71), a self-report measure used to assess defence mechanisms, and were rated with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) to assess severity of psychopathology. Responses on the REM-71 were compared with 136 age and gender-matched control subjects. Results Subjects with schizophrenia were significantly more likely to endorse the use of immature but not mature defence mechanisms when compared with control subjects (p < 0.001). There was no relationship between responses on the REM-71 and the BPRS. Test–retest reliability of the REM-71 was supported by findings that responses by subjects with schizophrenia were unchanged when reassessed after a two-week time interval. Conclusions Clinically stable subjects with schizophrenia are found to endorse the use of immature defence mechanisms that have been found to have associations with negative outcomes, including in the area of mood, self-efficacy and quality of life. Defence style may be an important mediator of psychosocial outcomes, and knowledge of specific defence patterns may have important clinical implications for both prognosis and treatment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pre-operative ventral hernia is predictive of fascial dehiscence in high-risk cystectomy patients

CONCLUSIONS: Anastomosing the cavernosal arteries may augment corporal inflow, which is necessary for erection. While the dorsal arteries are critical for distal penile skin perfusion, the external pudendal artery should be used in proximal transplantation to ensure adequate shaft skin perfusion. Each of these arteries has a distinct and seemingly important perfusion territory that should be considered in the setting of penile transplantation.
Transition States for the Carboalumination of Alkenes and Alkynes

Ab initio molecular orbital theory was used to characterize stationary points on the potential energy surface for the carboalumination of alkenes and alkynes. Activation energies and entropies of activation were calculated and found to be in good agreement with experimental values. A π-complex between the alkyl aluminum and the substrate is a stable precursor to the transition structure. The transition structures are four-centered. Substituent effects on the transition structure geometries are small and predictable, suggesting that standard values for geometrical parameters for this and related reactions are reasonable. The anomalous relative reactivities of substrates can be explained by considering the reaction to essentially be a nucleophilic attack, rather than an electrophilic one.
The Nineteenth-Century Artist-Teacher: A Case Study of George Wallis and the Creation of a New Identity.

‘Artist-teacher’ is a conceptually rich term in the field of art and design education used to describe the professionally distinct roles of artist and teacher. George Wallis (1811–91), a nineteenth-century artist and teacher, the subject of this article, first used the term ‘artist-teacher’ to describe himself and his theories of art education. To better understand this new term, the researcher organised the diverse aspects of Wallis's life from 1811 to 1845 as a network of enterprises to track the streams of thinking that contributed to this professional statement. Through comparison, ordering and sequencing the various enterprises, a deeper and reflective understanding of Wallis's teaching developed. In fact, the network of enterprises displays the growth of Wallis's thought as a slow and evolving process, eventually highlighting the turbulent situation that provoked Wallis to defend his theories and practices when he conjured the new term.
Analytic performance bounds on SAR-image target recognition using physics-based signatures

In recent years, synthetic aperture radars (SARs) have been used to detect man-made targets and to distinguish them from naturally occurring background. This paper continues development of a fundamental, physics-based approach to assessing the performance of SAR-based automatic target recognition (ATR) systems. A major thrust of this effort is to quantify the performance advantages that accrue when the recognition processor exploits the detailed signatures of the target's component reflectors, e.g., their specularity, their polarization properties, etc. Its purpose is to assess models developed from the electromagnetic scattering theory. New lower and upper bounds on the probability of correct classification (PCC) are developed for targets composed of a constellation of geometrically-simple reflectors. The performance discrepancy of a conventiional full-resolution processor with respect to an optimal whitening-filter processor is discussed.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evolution of a digital paper exam grading system

We describe the evolution of a system designed to allow digital grading, by a human, of traditional paper-based exams or homework assignments. We present a number of new features that build upon the system described in a paper previously published in ITiCSE 2008 [1]. In particular, our system now has the ability to monitor an enormous range of data, from individual question scores, to variances for the same questions across different graders, to question and exam statistics from one semester to the next. The system boasts a number of benefits over paper based grading. Overall grading time is reduced — small courses will see a modest improvement, while large courses can see their grading time cut in half due to the automation of many of the tasks: flipping to the correct page, summing up the pages, recording the grades, returning the exams, etc. Rapid grading of exams can also aid students in a better understanding of the material, as the exam questions are still fresh in their minds when the tests are returned. Simultaneous grading across multiple locations is possible, as there is no single paper copy to hand off to the next grader. Permanent digital records are kept of the exams, allowing for viewing of exams at a later date.
Evaluation of rotary dehumidifier performance with and without heated purge

Abstract In this paper we evaluate the potential benefits from separating process air stream at the exit of rotary dehumidifier into two streams. One air stream, hot and humid, is called purge air stream and other is remaining process air stream. The remaining process air stream has a lower temperature and humidity ratio as result of separation of initial hot process air stream. It is found that as the purge angle increases the exit humidity ratio of remaining process air stream decreases up to a point where it reaches a minimum. The purge angle for which this occurs is named “effective purge angle”. The effective purge angles for different splits between adsorption and desorption side of the rotary dehumidifier, various regeneration temperatures, non-dimensional lengths and their corresponding optimum non-dimensional times are determined. An existing finite-difference model, developed by the authors of this paper, for simulation of desiccant wheel performance is extended to account for the separation of the process air stream at the exit of rotary dehumidifier and later mixing of purge air stream and outside air to form the regeneration air stream. The performance of desiccant wheel with heated “effective purge angle” is evaluated and compared with performance of the same wheel without purge angle at all. It is found, for all cases considered in this study, that having heated “effective purge angle” has overall positive effect on the performance of the rotary dehumidifier.
Free Radicals Produced during the Oxidation of Hydrazines by Hypochlorous Acid

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) derived from activated neutrophils and monocytes has been implicated in the activation of hydrazine-containing drugs to toxic intermediates. However, reactive intermediates formed during the reaction between HOCl and these drugs have not been identified. We investigated the oxidation of the hydrazine derivatives isoniazid, iproniazid, and hydralazine by HOCl. The reaction between HOCl and all three hydrazines resulted in O2 consumption, indicating that free radicals were produced, but the rate and extent of O2 consumption were different for each hydrazine. Moreover, reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) was observed only during the reaction between HOCl and isoniazid, suggesting that different radical species may be produced from HOCl reaction with each hydrazine. The oxidation of iproniazid by HOCl in the presence of the radical trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) resulted in the formation of a carbon-centered radical adduct. In contrast, the reaction between HOCl and...
Correction for distortion in polarization of reflected shear-waves in isotropic and anisotropic media

Summary The goal of this study is to experimentally confirm and document the distortion of polarization in seismic shearwave reflections in isotropic and anisotropic material and to evolve strategies to correct for this distortion. This will require a full understanding of the factors that influence direct shear wave data and the role they play in characterization and evaluation of subsurface reservoirs using S wave data, particularly polarization information. This investigation explores issues of variations and characterization of this distortion in polarization, what are some of its characteristics in both isotropic and anisotropic media and how effectively we can correct for this polarization
SPREADSHEET MODELS FOR FINANCIAL MANAGERS

When Ernie DePropso and I were research assistants at the Institute of Public Administration at Penn State in the early 1960s, we experienced two technological miracles (or so it seemed). The first was the Thermofax copier, and the second was a Monroe calculator with a memory key that could hold one constant. The Monroe cost $1,500 at the time—today a calculator superior to the Monroe can be had for less than $5.
Three-dimensional hypersonic transitional/turbulent mean flow profiles.

Detailed three-dimensional compressible transitional/turbulent boundary-layer profiles are presented for use as test cases in numerical and integral calculation procedures. The profiles were obtained from tests conducted in the Mach 20 leg of the Langley High Reynolds Number Helium Facility. The presented data represent an arduous test case for analytical prediction methods, since 'low Reynolds number' and precursor transition effects should probably be accounted for to accurately predict the boundary-layer growth and development.
Does quality of alternatives matter for internet banking

This study aims to examine how the quality of service alternatives influences Internet Banking (IB)customers' behaviours. Although the newly developed IB is a fast-growing channel, the traditional brick-and mortar face-to-face banking services are still pervasive. Therefore, it is important to understand how the quality of alternatives (traditional banking services) influences customers' behaviours. In the present study, we proposed that quality of alternatives dampens the perception of service quality, value, satisfaction and ultimately customer's intention of using IB. The model was tested using survey data from 156 individuals who were using IB. The results indicated that the quality of alternatives has both direct and indirect influences on IB customers' behaviours.
STAGED COMBUSTOR CONTROL USING ARTIFICIALNEURAL NETWORK-BASED PROCESS MODELS

ABSTRACT Process controllers using trained, feed-forward, multi-layer-perceptron (FMLP) neural networks as complex process models have been successfully demonstrated for the active, on-line control of selected species emitted from a two-stage combustion reactor. In the first case, as compared to a proportional-integral-derivative controller, faster control of exhaust oxygen content with nearly no offset was achieved using a proportional controller with a variable bias value as determined by an FMLP. In the second case, effective and rapid control of exhaust nitrogen oxide, after a separate feed stream disturbance and a set point change, was achieved using a controller comprised of two clusters of FMLP neural networks. The first cluster identified the process disturbance and adjusted the manipulated variable. The second cluster served as a Smith time-delay compensator. All the FMLP networks used were trained off-line using steady-state data obtained from both experiments and from direct combustor simulatio...
The 15-Meter National New Technology Telescope (NNTT): The Two Design Concepts

A brief background and description is given of the plan to build a 15-meter telescope. The two design concepts currently under consideration are presented and contrasted. A choice will be made in the near future.
An open measurement problem of interest

Abstract This open problem urges a seach for a nice “union” of algbraic measurement models having two or more operations and probabilistic choice models. The difficulty lies in arriving at probabilistic formulations of linking properties, such as distribution properties, between the two operations. The goal is a formulation that leads to a representation theorem in terms of a random variable representation and that reduces to a known algebraic representation when there is no noise.
Systemic leukocyte-directed siRNA delivery revealing cyclin D1 as an anti-inflammatory target.

Cyclin D1 (CyD1) is a pivotal cell cycle–regulatory molecule and a well-studied therapeutic target for cancer. Although CyD1 is also strongly up-regulated at sites of inflammation, its exact roles in this context remain uncharacterized. To address this question, we developed a strategy for selectively silencing CyD1 in leukocytes in vivo. Targeted stabilized nanoparticles (tsNPs) were loaded with CyD1–small interfering RNA (siRNA). Antibodies to β7 integrin (β7 I) were then used to target specific leukocyte subsets involved in gut inflammation. Systemic application of β7 I-tsNPs silenced CyD1 in leukocytes and reversed experimentally induced colitis in mice by suppressing leukocyte proliferation and T helper cell 1 cytokine expression. This study reveals CyD1 to be a potential anti-inflammatory target, and suggests that the application of similar modes of targeting by siRNA may be feasible in other therapeutic settings.
Inactivators of herpes simplex virus ribonucleotide reductase: hematological profiles and in vivo potentiation of the antiviral activity of acyclovir.

A1110U (BW 1110U81) is an inactivator of herpesvirus ribonucleotide reductases and a potentiator of the antiviral activity of acyclovir (ACV) (T. Spector, J. A. Harrington, R. W. Morrison, Jr., C. U. Lambe, D. J. Nelson, D. R. Averett, K. Biron, and P. A. Furman, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:1051-1055, 1989) that was subsequently found to cause hematological toxicity at high oral doses in rats. Eleven structurally related inactivators of herpes simplex virus (HSV) ribonucleotide reductase were therefore tested in vivo for hematological toxicity and for potentiation of ACV. None of the novel ribonucleotide reductase inactivators was hematologically toxic to rats following oral dosing at 60 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Four of these inactivators statistically improved the antiviral topical potency of ACV on HSV type 1-infected nude mice. A promising compound, 2-acetylpyridine 5-[(2-chloroanilino)thiocarbonyl]thiocarbonohydrazone (BW 348U87), was studied more extensively in two in vivo models: dorsum-infected athymic nude mice and snout-infected hairless mice. BW 348U87 significantly potentiated the antiviral activity of ACV against all virus strains tested, i.e., wild-type (ACV-sensitive) HSV type 1 and HSV type 2 strains and three mutant (ACV-resistant) HSV type 1 strains. The latter included a virus expressing a DNA polymerase resistant to inhibition by ACV triphosphate, a virus deficient in thymidine kinase (the enzyme responsible for phosphorylating ACV), and a virus expressing an altered thymidine kinase, which catalyzes the normal phosphorylation of thymidine but not of ACV. BW 348U87 and ACV are currently being developed as a combination topical therapy for cutaneous herpes infections.
Selection, characterization and application of nucleic acid aptamers for the capture and detection of human norovirus strains.

Human noroviruses (HuNoV) are the leading cause of acute viral gastroenteritis and an important cause of foodborne disease. Despite their public health significance, routine detection of HuNoV in community settings, or food and environmental samples, is limited, and there is a need to develop alternative HuNoV diagnostic reagents to complement existing ones. The purpose of this study was to select and characterize single-stranded (ss)DNA aptamers with binding affinity to HuNoV. The utility of these aptamers was demonstrated in their use for capture and detection of HuNoV in outbreak-derived fecal samples and a representative food matrix. SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) was used to isolate ssDNA aptamer sequences with broad reactivity to the prototype GII.2 HuNoV strain, Snow Mountain Virus (SMV). Four aptamer candidates (designated 19, 21, 25 and 26) were identified and screened for binding affinity to 14 different virus-like particles (VLPs) corresponding to various GI and GII HuNoV strains using an Enzyme-Linked Aptamer Sorbant Assay (ELASA). Collectively, aptamers 21 and 25 showed affinity to 13 of the 14 VLPs tested, with strongest binding to GII.2 (SMV) and GII.4 VLPs. Aptamer 25 was chosen for further study. Its binding affinity to SMV-VLPs was equivalent to that of a commercial antibody within a range of 1 to 5 µg/ml. Aptamer 25 also showed binding to representative HuNoV strains present in stool specimens obtained from naturally infected individuals. Lastly, an aptamer magnetic capture (AMC) method using aptamer 25 coupled with RT-qPCR was developed for recovery and detection of HuNoV in artificially contaminated lettuce. The capture efficiency of the AMC was 2.5–36% with an assay detection limit of 10 RNA copies per lettuce sample. These ssDNA aptamer candidates show promise as broadly reactive reagents for use in HuNoV capture and detection assays in various sample types.
Sublimation Properties of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate Single Crystals Doped with Its Homologs

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) is a secondary explosive used extensively in military and commercial appli- cations. Coarsening of PETN during long-term storage changes the physical properties such as surface area and particle morphology which are important factors in initia- tion and performance. Doping of impurities was proposed to slow the coarsening process since impurities were shown to modify both the kinetic and thermodynamic properties. In this paper, we discuss how doping of PETN with its homologs of dipentaerythritol hexanitrate (diPEHN) and tripentaerytritol octanitrate (triPEON) affect kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. Pure and homolog doped PETN single crystals were prepared by solvent evaporation in acetone at room temperature. Doping concentrations for this study were 1000 ppm, 5000 ppm, and 10000 ppm. Acti- vation energy and vapor pressure of pure and doped PETN single crystals were obtained from thermogravimetric anal- ysis data.
Emerging silicon carbide power electronics components

Power electronics engineers seek to optimize the performance of their circuits and systems to maximize efficiency, reduce size and cost, and perfect power quality. To support this, the developers of power electronics components have driven the performance of the underlying silicon-based switches and diodes to reduce on-state and switching losses, increase frequency of operation, and expand the integration of control electronics. However, some silicon power electronics components are facing fundamental limits in performance that may not support future system requirements. This paper describes the emergence of a new class of power electronics components based on the wide bandgap semiconductor silicon carbide (SiC) that will extend the design space for future power electronic engineers
Interregional correlation of benthic foraminiferal faunas along the northeast pacific margin—climatic controls

Abstract Similarity of benthic foraminiferal faunas from the Gulf of Alaska Tertiary Province and central California fluctuates during the middle Cenozoic, being highest (most similar) in the late Eocene and again in the early Miocene. A major lineage of benthic foraminifera, the uvigerinid—siphogenerinid, extends its range northward into the Gulf of Alaska at these times. These relationships can be correlated to climatic fluctuations as defined by oxygen isotopic analysis. Increased faunal cosmopolitanism during warm climatic periods increases the geographic extent to which benthic foraminiferal correlations can be made. During cold climatic periods faunal endemism increases and correlations become more difficult or impossible. Consideration of the effects of climate on faunal distributions, combined with detailed analysis of local paleoenvironmental influences, provides a basis for better evaluating both interbasinal and interregional foraminiferal correlations.
Biophysical, Biochemical and Functional Studies of a Novel Fungal Tec1 Paralog

Tec1 is a member of TEA/ATTS transcription factors family and a key regulator of cell development and adhesion in fungi. In Candida albicans, Tec1 is required for yeast to filamentation switch and virulence. It also plays a role in biofilm formation. Here, we report the identification of a novel Tec1 paralog, Tec2, which has been implicated in white/opaque switching. First, using the NMR and X-ray crystallographic structures of the DNA-binding TEA domain, solved in the Veeraraghavan laboratory, we constructed three-dimensional structural models of the Tec1 and Tec2 proteins to gain insights into their activities. We then investigated the DNA binding activity of Tec2 and compare it with that of Tec1. Finally, we report on the potential biological role for Tec2, determined using knockout and overexpression studies in C. albicans. We are currently investigating the three-dimensional structure of Tec2.
Optimal control of satellite attitude acquisition by a random search algorithm on a hybrid computer

Computer implemented parameter search techniques for optimization problems have become useful engineering design tools over the past few years. Many, if not most of the techniques, are based on deterministic schemes which have inherent limitations when the system is nonlinear. Random search techniques have been suggested which propose to overcome some of the difficulties. References 1--3 give good general discussions of the merits of random techniques. Reference 4 develops an algorithm, based on random methods, to solve the difficult mixed two-point boundary value problem that results from an application of the Maximum Principle. The method was shown to be remarkably effective in solving a fairly complex fifth-order, nonlinear orbital-transfer problem. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the application of the random search algorithm to a still more complex problem to demonstrate its feasibility. The example chosen was the three-dimensional, large-angle, single-axis attitude acquisition control problem in which it is desired to minimize fuel expenditure to accomplish the acquisition. The equations are highly nonlinear since small angle assumptions cannot be made; the control torques are assumed to be limited. This problem is more complex than the orbit-transfer problem in that the dimension of the state vector is greater by 1 and the number of degrees of freedom allowed the control action is greater. The same acquisition problem was discussed in Reference 5 but a proportional control law was assumed. A random parameter search was used in that paper to find the optimal set of feedback constants for the given control system structure so as to minimize system performance (fuel). Systems performances will be compared to indicate the striking improvement in performance with optimal nonlinear control.
Immunization of mice against a synthetic N-terminal extracellular domain gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor peptide : evidence for a direct uterine effect

PROBLEM: Immature male and female mice were immunized with a synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acids 5–17 (ASLEQDPNHCSAI) of the mouse hypophyseal gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor. METHOD: Effect of immunization (postpuberal) was restricted to the uterus. Pituitary-go-nadal functions were not altered. RESULTS: The endometrial lining of immunized females was thin and lacked glandular development. These observations were corroborated in actively immunized and passively immunized adult females. CONCLUSIONS: Apparently endometrial cells express a unique surface antigen, though reactive with antipeptide antibodies, that differs from the prototype pituitary GnRH receptor. Antibodies that selectively inhibit endometrial maturation might be used to treat proliferative diseases of the uterus.
Effects of pulsatile perfusion on human saphenous vein vasoreactivity: a preliminary report.

This study examined the effects of exposure to arterial blood pressure and flow on human saphenous vein catecholamine sensitivity. Unused portions of saphenous vein from eight patients undergoing peripheral bypass procedures were mounted parallel in a specially designed organ culture apparatus and perfused with tissue culture medium with 95% CO2 at 37 °C. One segment was fixed between two cannulas while the medium was gently agitated (control) and the other was actively perfused via a pulsatile pump system at a rate of 60 beats/min, peak pressure of 100 mmHg and peak flow of 200 ml/min (pulsed; mean pressure 60 mmHg; mean flow 115 ml/min). After 48h, vein segments were removed and tested for in vitro isometric contraction in response to KCl, norepinephrine and histamine, and relaxation in response to acetylcholine, calcium ionophore A23187, and sodium nitroprusside. There were no differences in mean(s.e.m.) maximal contraction in response to KCl (control 0.61(0.16)g versus pulsed 0.72(0.27)g; P = n.s.), norepinephrine (control 1.00(0.56) g versus pulsed 1.51(0.54) g; P = n.s.), or histamine (control 1.47(0.85)g versus pulsed 1.95(0.64)g; P = n.s.). However, pulsed veins exhibited increased sensitivity to both norepinephrine (control −logED50 6.20(0.23) versus pulsed mean(s.e.m.) 6.60(0.17); P < 0.05) and histamine (control −logED50 5.60(0.27) versus pulsed 6.24(0.20); P = 0.05). Pulsed veins exhibited slightly less acetylcholine-induced relaxation although the difference did not reach statistical significance (control mean(s.e.m.) relaxation at 1 × 10−6M 9.2(14.0)% versus pulsed −13.3(6.4)%; P = n.s.). There were no differences in relaxation in response to either A23187 (control 1 × 10−4M 178(19)% versus pulsed 191(68)% or sodium nitroprusside (control 225(15)% versus pulsed 254(17)%; P = n.s.). The data presented herein indicate that exposure of human saphenous vein to the hemodynamics of the arterial environment for 48 h results in catecholamine supersensitivity while contractile and relaxant function are not affected.
CLIMATOLOGY OF TORNADOES ASSOCIATED WITH GULF COAST‐LANDFALLING HURRICANES

This study provides climatological descriptions of tornadoes associated with Gulf Coast‐landfalling hurricanes during the 1950–2005 period using gis and statistical methods. Specific climatological...
The efficacy of rectus muscle transposition surgery in esotropic Duane syndrome and VI nerve palsy

Background: Partial tendon transposition was first described by Hummelshein in 1907. Full tendon transposition was reported by Schillinger in 1959. Recently, full tendon transposition with posterior augmentation was reported by Foster in 1997. I will review current thinking concerning the anatomy and physiology of rectus muscle transposition and present our current clinical experience with this procedure in Duane syndrome. Methods: A retrospective review of vertical rectus muscle transposition procedures in patients with VI Nerve palsy was performed comparing the postoperative field of single binocular vision, amount of improved abduction, and change in the primary esotropic angle. In addition, a consecutive series of vertical rectus muscle transposition cases for the treatment of esotropic Duane syndrome is presented, evaluating the improvement and head position, abduction, and reduction of the primary position esotropia. Results: In VI Nerve palsy patients, vertical rectus transposition surgery produces 41° to 71° of binocular visual field with 10° to 21° of binocular field in abduction. In esotropic Duane syndrome the surgical procedure produces 42° to 66° of binocular field and a correction of approximately 15° of face turn. Variability in the efficacy of the procedure is related to the degree of ipsilateral medial rectus contracture. Conclusion: Vertical rectus transposition with posterior fixation can create a binocular diplopia-free field of 40 to 70 degrees in patients with VI Nerve palsy and about 40 to 65 degrees in patients with Duane syndrome. Partial rectus muscle transposition is an effective procedure in cases where surgery on multiple rectus muscles has been or will be required. Orbital wall fixation of the lateral rectus muscle is an effective and reversible method to inactivate a lateral rectus muscle and may be useful in cases of Duane syndrome with marked anomalous innervation and severe cocontraction.
Finding near-duplicate web pages: a large-scale evaluation of algorithms

Broder et al.'s [3] shingling algorithm and Charikar's [4] random projection based approach are considered "state-of-the-art" algorithms for finding near-duplicate web pages. Both algorithms were either developed at or used by popular web search engines. We compare the two algorithms on a very large scale, namely on a set of 1.6B distinct web pages. The results show that neither of the algorithms works well for finding near-duplicate pairs on the same site, while both achieve high precision for near-duplicate pairs on different sites. Since Charikar's algorithm finds more near-duplicate pairs on different sites, it achieves a better precision overall, namely 0.50 versus 0.38 for Broder et al.'s algorithm. We present a combined algorithm which achieves precision 0.79 with 79% of the recall of the other algorithms.
A new proof of the propagation theorem for $N$-body quantum systems

A new proof of I. Sigal's and A. Soffer's propagation theorem is given. This theorem describes a large class of operators which are Kato-smooth with respect to anN-body Schrodinger operator.
Locoregional Recurrence After Preoperative Radiation Therapy for Retroperitoneal Sarcoma: Adverse Impact of Multifocal Disease and Potential Implications of Dose Escalation

Background Locoregional recurrence (LRR) rates following preoperative radiation therapy (RT) and radical resection for retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) are high. Targeted radiation dose escalation has been proposed as a means to decrease LRR, but is applicable only if LRRs are confined to within the RT field. We analyzed predictors for LRR and examined LRR locations to determine the potential benefit of dose escalation.
An Evaluation of the Effects of Methylphenidate on Outcomes in Adult Epilepsy Patients.

Purpose. To determine if methylphenidate (MPH) therapy can improve cognition in adult epilepsy patients on multiple antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), we assessed the impact of MPH on seizure activity, quality of life, cognition, and fatigue in patients with a primary diagnosis of localization-related epilepsy.Methods. This was an open-label, nonrandomized 3-month study. MPH (Ritalin) was added to patients' current antiepileptic drug regimens. Outcome measures included seizure activity, select AED serum concentrations, quality of life (via Quality of Life in Epilepsy-89 questions (QOLIE-89)), cognition (via Microcog), and fatigue (via a visual analog scale) at baseline and at monthly intervals for the treatment phase.Results. Eleven patients were enrolled and eight completed this pilot study. Of the eight completing the study, five were seizure-free at baseline and throughout the study. One patient had an increase, one a decrease, and one no change in seizure activity. No serious adverse events were observed. On average, serum AED concentrations changed <10% from baseline to the end of the study. Mean overall QOLIE-89 scores and select domains improved significantly from baseline. All Microcog domains improved from baseline. Fatigue also improved significantly.Conclusions. Adult epilepsy patients received relief from sedation with MPH and showed an improved quality of life, without significant alteration of seizure control.
Predictors of persistence and remission of ADHD into adolescence : results from a four-year prospective follow-up study

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the predictors of persistence and the timing of remission of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method Subjects were 6− to 17-year old Caucasian, non-Hispanic boys with and without ADHD. DSM-III-R structured diagnostic interviews and blind raters were used to examine psychiatric diagnoses, cognitive achievement, social, school, and family functioning at a 4-year follow-up assessment. Results At the 4-year follow-up assessment, 85% of children with ADHD continued to have the disorder and 15% remitted. Of those who remitted, half did so In childhood and the other half in adolescence. Predictors of persistence were familiality of ADH D, psychosocial adversity, and comorbidity with conduct, mood, and anxiety disorders. Conclusions The findings prospectively confirm that the majority of children with ADHD will continue to express the disorder 4 years later. For a minority of children, ADHD was a transient disorder that remits early in development. In addition, we have shown that persistence of ADHD is predictable. Familiality, adversity, and psychiatric comorbidity may be clinically useful predictors of which children with ADHD are at risk for a persistent disorder. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 1996, 35(3):343–351.
Protection from tumor necrosis factor cytotoxicity by protease inhibitors

Abstract Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is cytocidal for human and murine cells when protein synthesis is inhibited by cycloheximide, but some protease inhibitors completely protect these cells from TNF cytotoxicity. Inhibitors of chymotrypsin-like proteases are active at lower concentrations than inhibitors of trypsin-like proteases. Both irreversible inhibitors, such as alkylating compounds, and reversible inhibitors, such as substrates of proteases, protect cells from the cytocidal activity of TNF. This protection is most effective when the cells are pretreated with these inhibitors before addition of TNF. When the protease inhibitors are removed, the cells gradually lose resistance to TNF cytotoxicity. The inhibitors do not interfere with the functioning of TNF-receptor complexes, since SK-MEL-109 melanoma cells treated with a protease inhibitor synthesize a TNF-induced protein. These findings suggest that a protease is involved in the cytocidal action of TNF.
Catalytic propane reforming mechanism over Zr-doped CeO2 (111)

Elucidation of the elementary reaction processes involved in hydrocarbon oxidation on oxide catalysts can help guide active site optimization. We use density functional theory (DFT) methods to examine the reforming of propane over the Zr-doped CeO2 (111) surface. Numerous modeling and mechanistic questions arise in modeling this multistep reaction on oxides. The surface redox and coverage state in the reaction environment impacts energetics and must be considered. Phase diagrams of Zr-doped and pure CeO2 (111) are created based upon the partial pressure of oxygen and hydrogen, demonstrating that the surface will be reduced under operating conditions. All elementary energetics along the preferential path for propane reforming were identified, and differences in path with oxygen pressure variance were identified. The reaction path varies depending on the oxygen chemical potential as this alters at which step in the mechanism the surface will re-oxidize.
Performance limits of two-phase locking

A novel mean-value analysis method for two-phase locking (2PL) is presented which extends previous work to the important case of variable size transactions. The system performance expressed as the fraction of blocked transactions ( beta ) is determined by solving a cubic equation in beta whose coefficients are functions of a single parameter ( alpha ), which determines the degree of lock contention in the system. In fact, alpha is proportional to the mean number of lock requests per transaction ( eta /sub c/) and additionally the mean waiting time (W/sub 1/) for a lock held by an active transaction. For alpha >
IGY to IPY, the U.S. Antarctic oversnow and airborne geophysical-glaciological research program from 1957 to 1964 from the view of a young graduate student

When 12 countries established scientific stations in Antarctica for the 1957-58 (IGY), the Cold War was at its height, seven countries had made claims in Antarctica, and the Antarctic Treaty was in the future. The only major field project of the U.S. IGY Antarctic program was series of oversnow traverses, starting in 1957, making seismic reflection ice soundings (and other geophysical measurements) and glaciological studies. The U.S.S.R. and France made similar traverses coordinated through the IGY. Although geology and topographic mapping were not part of the IGY program because of the claims issue and the possibility of mineral resources, the oversnow traverse parties did geologic work, during which unknown mountains were discovered. The oversnow traverses continued through 1966 and resulted in an excellent first approximation of the snow surface elevation, ice thickness and bed topography of Antarctica, as well as the mean annual temperature of that era and snow accumulation. Citation: Behrendt, J. C. (2007), IGY to IPY: The U.S. Antarctic oversnow and airborne geophysical-glaciological research program from 1957 to 1964 from the view of a young graduate student, in Antarctica: A Keystone in a Changing World - Online Proceedings of the 10 th ISAES, edited by
Molecular reorientation of CD4 in gas‐phase mixtures

Spin-lattice relaxation times were measured for the deuterons in CD(4) in pure gas and in mixtures with the following buffer gases: Ar, Kr, Xe, HCl, N(2), CO, CO(2), CF(4), and SF(6). Effective collision cross sections sigma(theta, 2) for the molecular reorientation of CD(4) in collisions with these ten molecules are obtained as a function of temperature. These cross sections are compared with the corresponding cross sections sigma(J) obtained from (1)H spin-rotation relaxation in mixtures of CH(4) with the same set of buffer gases. Various classical reorientation models typically applied in liquids predict different ratios of the reduced correlation times for the reorientation of spherical tops. The Langevin model comes closest to predicting the magnitude of the sigma(theta, 2)/sigma(J) ratio that we obtain for CD(4).
As working memory grows: A developmental account of neural bases of working memory capacity in 5-to 8-year old children and adults

Working memory develops slowly: Even by age 8, children are able to maintain only half the number of items that adults can remember. Neural substrates that support performance on working memory tasks also have a slow developmental trajectory and typically activate to a lesser extent in children, relative to adults. Little is known about why younger participants elicit less neural activation. This may be due to maturational differences, differences in behavioral performance, or both. Here we investigate the neural correlates of working memory capacity in children ages 5-8 and adults using a visual working memory task with parametrically increasing loads from one to four items using fMRI. This task allowed us to estimate working memory capacity limit for each group. We found that both age groups increased the activation of frontoparietal networks with increasing working memory loads, until working memory capacity was reached. Because children's working memory capacity limit was half of that for adults, the plateau occurred at lower loads for children. Had a parametric increase in load not been used, this would have given an impression of less activation overall and less load-dependent activation for children relative to adults. Our findings suggest that young children and adults recruit similar frontoparietal networks at working memory loads that do not exceed capacity and highlight the need to consider behavioral performance differences when interpreting developmental differences in neural activation.
On selecting a measure of retrieval effectiveness

It is argued that a user's subjective evaluation of the personal utility of a retrieval system's output to him, if it could be properly quantified, would be a near-ideal measure of retrieval effectiveness. A hypothetical methodology is presented for measuring this utility by means of an elicitation procedure. Because the hypothetical methodology is impractical, compromise methods are outlined and their underlying simplifying assumptions are discussed. The more plausible the simplifying assumptions on which a performance measure is based, the better the measure. This, along with evidence gleaned from ‘validation experiments’ of a certain kind, is suggsted as a criterion for selecting or deriving the best measure of effectiveness to use under given test conditions.