cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution of cholinergic neurons in rat brain: Demonstrated by the immunocytochemical localization of choline acetyltransferase

The neuroanatomical location and cytological features of cholinergic neurons in the rat brain were determined by the immunocytochemical localization of the biosynthetic enzyme, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Perikarya labeled with ChAT were detected in four major cell groups: (1) the striatum, (2) the magnocellular basal nucleus, (3) the pontine tegmentum, and (4) the cranial nerve motor nuclei. Labeled neurons in the striatum were observed scattered throughout the neostriatum (caudate, putamen) and associated areas (nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle). Larger ChAT-labeled neurons were seen in an extensive cell system which comprises the magnocellular basal nucleus. This more or less continuous set of neuronal clusters consists of labeled neurons in the nucleus of the diagonal band (horizontal and vertical limbs), the magnocellular preoptic nucleus, the substantia innominata, and the globus pallidus. Labeled neurons in the pontine tegmentum were seen as a group of large neurons in the caudal midbrain, dorsolateral to the most caudal part of the substantia nigra, and extended in a caudodorsal direction through the midbrain reticular formation into the area surrounding the superior cerebellar peduncle. The neurons in this latter group constitute the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPT). An additional cluster of cells was observed medially adjacent to the PPT, in the lateral part of the central gray matter at the rostral end of the fourth ventricle. This group corresponds to the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus. Large ChAT-labeled neurons were also observed in all somatic and visceral motor nerve nuclei. The correspondence of the distribution of ChAT-labeled neurons identified by our methods to earlier immunocytochemical and acetylcholinesterase histochemical studies and to connectional studies of these groups argues for the specificity of the ChAT antibody used.
Engineers for VLSI-A Scarce Commodity

A shortage of engineers threatens to reduce the growth rate of very large-scale integrated (VLSI) circuits in the semiconductor industry as a whole. The nature of the situation is examined and some solutions suggested.
Fiber optic components for single-mode fiber optic sensors

As the market for fiber optic sensors increases, the demand for specialty optical fibers and components also increases. Today there are numerous fibers and components available to the fiber optic sensor developer, many of which have been developed by, and spun-off from, the larger telecommunications industry. This paper is a review of different optical fibers and components that are available to the fiber sensor community, and why some components are better than others for certain applications. Specific items reviewed here are: single-mode fibers, new cost effective polarization maintaining fibers, specialty fiber coatings, erbium doped fibers, bend insensitive single-mode fibers, fiber Bragg gratings and high reliability fiber couplers and taps.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Temporal variability in currents and the benthic boundary layer at an abyssal station off central California

Abstract Current meter records from seven sequential moorings were collected during 1993–1996 at an abyssal station off central California (Sta. M; 4100 m depth). The entire 2 1 4 -yr time series of the flow at 600, 50, and 2.5 m above bottom (above, near the top of, and within the benthic boundary layer) were analyzed for mean flow statistics and subtidal and tidal variability. The mean current vectors at each altitude were southward at Profiles of light transmission and potential temperature, collected intermittently during the 2 1 4 -yr period, showed that the benthic mixed layer at Sta. M extended on average 40 m above bottom (range 15–80 mab). Evidence for local resuspension of recently deposited detritus came from time-lapse photographs of the sea floor that showed a period of near-bottom turbidity that corresponded to a period of high near-bottom flow. However, rough estimates of friction velocity indicated that the bed stress usually was too low at Sta. M to cause local resuspension of sediments. We hypothesize that the observed benthic mixed layers contained suspended particles advected from more energetic areas to the north of Sta. M.
Kindergartners' Preacademic Skills and Mainstreamed Teachers' Knowledge: Implications for Special Educators.

This article addresses the need to identify the academic skills displayed by normally developing children in order to successfully prepare and place handicapped preschoolers into mainstreamed kindergartens. In order to determine kindergartners' entry level skills, a sample of 25 children designated by their teacher as "average" was tested early in the school year using items from the Brigance Diagnostic Inventory of Basic Skills (1977) and the Brigance Inventory of Early Development (1978). The children's teachers (n = 18) were asked to indicate on a checklist those items (matched to the Brigance) that they believed the children could correctly perform. More than 80 % of children's answers were correct on 21 of the 34 items, despite the fact that the stated mastery levels on most of the 21 items indicated that they would not be mastered until the first or second grade. Only 7 items were missed by more than half of the children. There was a high positive correlation between children's skills and teachers' ...
Fast continuous collision detection and handling for desktop virtual prototyping

This paper presents an overview of our recent work on continuous collision detection methods and constraints handling for rigid polyhedral objects. We demonstrate that continuous collision detection algorithms are practical in interactive dynamics simulation of complex polyhedral rigid bodies and show how continuous collision detection and efficient constraint-based dynamics algorithms allow us to perform various virtual prototyping tasks intuitively, precisely and robustly on commodity desktop computers. Especially, we present two applications of our system to actual industrial cases. We note that both tasks are performed with a simple 2D mouse on a high-end computer.
Low-temperature deposition of optically transparent diamond using a low-pressure flat flame

Abstract The radial uniformity and scaleable nature of flat flames make them an attractive technique for diamond deposition. Due to the high temperatures involved in combustion synthesis, typically molybdenum and silicon have been used as substrates. Here we report low-temperature diamond deposition on glass substrates. Diamond deposition was achieved on ordinary sodium silicate glass at substrate temperatures of ∼500°C; however, film delamination occurred during cooling after deposition. Vycor™ and Pyrex™ are two glasses that have thermal expansion coefficients that are similar to diamond. Continuous, optically transparent films were successfully deposited on both glasses. The diamond films have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS). The dependence of hydrogen and sp 2 -bonded carbon incorporation in the films on reactant composition was quantified. These films were optically transparent and showed good adhesion as measured by a simple tape test.
Rats as models for the study of obesity

Gerontologists are concerned about obesity for two reasons. First, adiposity increases in humans with increasing age. Secondly, there is a strong possibility that the interaction between obesity and aging is deleterious. Since rats are a widely used animal model for the study of aging, it is likely that rats will be utilized in experiments designed to study in interactions between adiposity and aging. The object of this review is to provide the basic information needed for utilizing rat in such studies. To this end, changes in adipose tissue mass that occur during the life span of normal rats are described as are the types of rat models that have been used in the study of obesity. In addition, the characteristics of each of these obesity models are detailed.
Characterization of human cells transformed by chemical and physical carcinogens in vitro.

Several different classes of chemical carcinogens induced the transformation of human fibroblasts grown in vitro. Characteristics of the events that occur from time of treatment through the expression of neoplastic transformation are presented. The S-phase appeared to be the portion of the cell cycle most vulnerable to insult. Staging of the cells by blocking them in G1 before releasing them to proceed through scheduled DNA synthesis (S) was required to induce reproducible transformation. Compounds such as insulin were added to the cells upon release from the block to sensitize the cells to the carcinogen that was added during S. Growth of the transformed cells as distinct from nontransformed cells was promoted by growth in medium supplemented with 8X nonessential amino acids. Carcinogen-treated cells in the early stage of transformation exhibited abnormal colony morphology and were able to grow at 41 degrees C, in air atmosphere, and in medium supplemented with only 1% serum. In addition, the transformed cells were insensitive to KB cell lysate and exhibited density independent, as well as anchorage independent, growth (i.e., growth in 0.33% agar). Cells that grew in soft agar also produced undifferentiated mesenchymal tumors in preirradiated nude mice.
Growth of Thin Film Water on α-Al2O3 (0001) : An FTIR Study

This study set out to elucidate the growth of thin film water on a hydroxylated α-Al2O3 (0001) surface using FTIR spectroscopy. The absorption of water on metal oxide surfaces, particularly aluminum oxides, alters the surface chemical reactivity and structure. We are able to detect an infrared signature due to surface bound water that is different than multilayer water. We use this infrared signature to separate and quantify the amount of water at the surface or interfacial water from the total amount of water adsorbed. Also, we use this information to model the growth of the interfacial water layer as compared to total water absorption and show that initially water does not wet the α-Al2O3 (0001) surface completely. We are able to extract a small contact angle (1.9 × 10−4) and spreading parameter (−4 × 10−10) for thin-film water growth up to ∼7 monolayer equivalents and show that thin-film water grows as droplets that conserve contact angle.
TH‐A‐224‐01: Automated Segmentation through Deformable Registration

Segmentation remains the most time‐consuming task in radiotherapy planning. In a fundamental paradigm shift, atlas segmentation recently emerged as a fully automated technology that relies on matching an image, through deformable registration, to a template with carefully segmented structures. The method works well for structures that do not have a clear border in low‐contrast regions. Due to its practicability, the approach was recently incorporated by various vendors in their software solutions. With significant cost and time saving achievable through implementation of atlas segmentation in your clinic, the aim of this course is to familiarize you with the approach and terminology in a simple and intuitive presentation. Examples of integrating atlas segmentation in the daily clinical workflow will be presented to illustrate advantages and lessons learned when adapting this new technology in the clinic. Latest research findings in auto‐ segmenting difficult structures in thoracic and abdominal anatomy will also be presented. Learning objectives: 1. Understand how atlas‐based segmentation simplifies segmentation for treatment planning 2. Show how atlas‐based image segmentation can be integrated in the daily clinical workflow 3. Present current research findings and problems
Methodologic considerations for spiral k-space functional MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging has recently been developed as a tool to image brain function based on regional changes in blood oxygenation. In this article, we examine the methodologic considerations for functional brain mapping using the spiral k-space acquisition technique. Gradient design and image reconstruction methods as well as considerations for the selection of imaging parameters are presented. Several sources of image artifacts, along with artifact compensation strategies, are examined. Functional maps of activation in primary motor cortex are usd to demonstrate the effect of image parameter selection and of artifact compensation procedures. These results demonstrate that the spiral k-space acquisition technique is a rapid, flexible, and robust method for imaging brain activity.
A three-dimensional, block-structured finite element grid generationscheme

A finite element grid generation scheme is presented. This scheme was developed particularly for generating computational grids for complex three-dimensional configurations . It provides simple numerical tools for automatically generating grids for a three-dimensional geometry. It also allows the user to control the description of appropriate grids for particular flow regions. It is based on a block structure for both the definition of the geometry and the generation of the grid. The user constructs the grid gradually with increasing details and can interactively make modifications on an existing grid with minimum restrictions. In this paper, the applications of the developed grid generation scheme are provided for a wing-body combination and for a more complex aircraft configuration.
Mercuric chloride-induced nephrotoxicity in the rat following unilateral nephrectomy and compensatory renal growth.

The nephropathy induced by mercuric chloride was assessed in unilaterally nephrectomized (NPX) and sham-operated (SO) rats using histological and urinalysis techniques. This assessment was carried out in order to test whether or not rats are more susceptible to the nephrotoxic effects of mercuric chloride after unilateral nephrectomy and a period allowing for compensatory renal growth. Twelve days after surgery both NPX and SO rats were given a single 1.5, 2.0 or 2.5 umol/kg dose of mercuric chloride (i.V.). Twenty-four hours after the 1.5 or 2.0 μmol/kg dose of mercuric chloride was administered, cellular and tubular necrosis in the pars recta segments of proximal tubules in the outer medulla was more severe in NPX rats than in SO rats. Moreover, the urinary excretion of a number of cellular enzymes (e.g. lactate dehydrogenase) and plasma solutes (e.g. albumin) was greater in NPX rats than in SO rats. At the 2.5 μmol/kg dose of mercuric chloride, renal tubular damage was quite extensive in both groups of rats; to such an extent that possible differences in renal tubular damage between the NPX and SO rats could not be determined histologically. However, the urinary excretion of alanine aminopeptidase was greater in the NPX rats than in the SO rats. Therefore, based on the aforementioned findings, rats that have undergone and adapted to a reduction in renal mass (i.e. unilateral nephrectomy) appear to be more vulnerable to the nephrotoxic effects of mercuric chloride than rats with two normal kidneys.
An algorithm for the derivation of codefinitions in computer programs

Abstract A codefinition is a set of definitions in the program that simultaneously reach an instruction in it. Codefinitions are used in data-based program testing. An intraprocedural iterative algorithm for the derivation of codefinitions is presented. It has been applied in a data-based testing tool recently implemented.
Adipose tissue energy metabolism: altered gene expression profile of mice subjected to long-term caloric restriction

We investigated the influences of short-term and lifespan-prolonging long-term caloric restriction (LCR) on gene expression in white adipose tissue (WAT). Over 11,000 genes were examined using high-density oligonucleotide microarrays in four groups of 10- to 11-month-old male C57Bl6 mice that were either fasted for 18 h before death (F), subjected to short-term caloric restriction for 23 days (SCR), or LCR for 9 months and compared with nonfasted control (CO) mice. Only a few transcripts of F and SCR were differentially expressed compared with CO mice. In contrast, 345 transcripts of 6,266 genes found to be expressed in WAT were altered significantly by LCR. The expression of several genes encoding proteins involved in energy metabolism was increased by LCR. Further, many of the shifts in gene expression after LCR are known to occur during adipocyte differentiation. Selected LCR-associated alterations of gene expression were supported by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, histology, and histochemical examinations. Our data provide new insights on the metabolic state associated with aging retardation by LCR.
Comprehension Monitoring Skills of Adults with Mental Retardation.

Abstract The ability of 30 adults with mild and moderate levels of mental retardation to monitor their comprehension while performing a direction-following task was examined. Subjects were “employed” to aid the investigator in compiling objects for gift bags. The task consisted of 60 directions (e.g., “Give me a blue pencil”), of which 6 contained trouble sources (ambiguous directions, unintelligible words, and compliance problems). Each subject's response to the directions involving trouble sources was scored to determine if the subject (a) demonstrated effective comprehension monitoring (as indicated by an immediate awareness of the problem and effective attempt to rectify the problem), (b) requested clarification after attempting to comply with the direction and being unable to do so, (c) demonstrated ineffective comprehension monitoring (as indicated by an awareness of the problem but an ineffective means of dealing with it), or (d) showed no awareness of the trouble source. The ability of subjects to monitor comprehension varied with type of trouble source. Ambiguous trouble sources were the most difficult for the subjects to detect, and compliance-problem trouble sources were the most frequently identified.
Effect of early postnatal DEX on IL-8 in human tracheal aspirate and deep pulmonary lavage |[dagger]| 1463

Background. Dexamethasone (DEX) is used to prevent and treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) in lung lavage may be associated with development of BPD. Hypothesis. Early DEX will decrease the level of IL-8 in lung lavage. Methods. Tracheal aspirates (TA) via the endotracheal tube and deep pulmonary lavages (DPL) from a catheter in a distal airway were collected on days 1, 3, 7 and 28 in 40 preterm infants ≤33 wk at birth during a randomized, controlled trial of DEX (0.5 mg/kg, iv) at 12 & 24h for BPD prevention following surfactant administration. IL-8 levels were measured by ELISA with dilution correction by the urea method. Results. There were 19 DEX and 21 control subjects with similar gestational age (27±2 vs 28±3 wk) and birthweight (1029 ± 398 vs 1043 ± 500 g). Seven mothers in each group received antenatal steroids. Both DPL and TA levels of IL-8 were similar on days 1,7, and 28 but lower on day 3. Conclusions. Early postnatal DEX decreased the levels of IL-8 on day 3. This needs to be correlated with other proinflammatory markers and clinical outcomes.Figure
Therapy of murine tumors with tumor peptide-pulsed dendritic cells: dependence on T cells, B7 costimulation, and T helper cell 1-associated cytokines.

Antigen presentation by host dendritic cells (DC) is critical for the initiation of adaptive immune responses. We have previously demonstrated in immunogenic murine tumor models that bone marrow (BM)-derived DC pulsed ex vivo with synthetic tumor-associated peptides, naturally expressed by tumor cells, serve as effective antitumor vaccines, protecting animals against an otherwise lethal tumor challenge (Mayordomo, J.I., T. Zorina, W.J. Storkus, C. Celluzzi, L.D. Falo, C.J. Melief, T. Ildstad, W.M. Kast, A.B. DeLeo, and M.T. Lotze. 1995. Nature Med. 1:1297-1302). However, T cell-defined epitopes have not been identified for most human cancers. To explore the utility of this approach in the treatment of tumors expressing as yet uncharacterized epitopes, syngeneic granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor-stimulated and BM-derived DC, pulsed with unfractionated acid-eluted tumor peptides (Storkus, W.J., H.J. Zeh III, R.D. Salter, and M.T. Lotze. 1993. J. Immunother. 14:94-103) were used to treat mice bearing spontaneous, established tumors. The adoptive transfer of 5 x 10(5) tumor peptide-pulsed DC dramatically suppressed the growth of weakly immunogenic tumors in day 4 to day 8 established MCA205 (H-2b) and TS/A (H-2d) tumor models, when applied in three biweekly intravenous injections. Using the immunogenic C3 (H-2b) tumor model in B6 mice, tumor peptide-pulsed DC therapy resulted in the erradication of established d14 tumors and long-term survival in 100% of treated animals. The DC-driven antitumor immune response was primarily cell mediated since the transfer of spleen cells, but not sera, from immunized mice efficiently protected sublethally irradiated naive mice against a subsequent tumor challenge. Furthermore, depletion of either CD4+ or CD8+ T cells from tumor-bearing mice before therapy totally suppressed the therapeutic efficacy of DC pulsed with tumor-derived peptides. Costimulation of the host cell-mediated antitumor immunity was critical since inoculation of the chimeric fusion protein CTLA4-Ig virtually abrogated the therapeutic effects of peptide-pulsed DC in vivo. The analysis of the cytokine pattern in the draining lymph nodes and spleens of tumor-bearing mice immunized with DC pulsed with tumor-eluted peptides revealed a marked upregulation of interleukin (IL) 4 and interferon (IFN) gamma production, as compared with mice immunized with DC alone or DC pulsed with irrelevant peptides. DC-induced antitumor effects were completely blocked by coadministration of neutralizing monoclonal antibody directed against T helper cell 1-associated cytokines (such as IL-12, tumor necrosis factor alpha, IFN-gamma), and eventually, but not initially, blocked by anti-mIL-4 mAb. Based on these results, we believe that DC pulsed with acid-eluted peptides derived from autologous tumors represents a novel approach to the treatment of established, weakly immunogenic tumors, and serves as a basis for designing clinical trials in cancer patients.
Effects of impurity on field emission of carbon nano-tubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been considered as prima candidates as cold-cathode electron emitters for years due to the excellent field emission characteristics they exhibit in vacuum. This high field emission of electrons is mostly contributed due to the large aspect ratio and small radius of tip curvature of each CNT coupled with the highly conductive graphitic walls. On the other hand, the quality of carbon nanotubes is greatly dependent on the deposition conditions. Impurities may exist and affect the performance of CNTs. As a result, there is a need to study the impurity effects of CNTs on the field emission. In this work, we present the effects of impurities on the field emission characteristics of the random multi-walled-CNTs (RMW-CNT) grown in-house. The CNT samples were grown under different growth conditions with thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Impurity ratios were determined from the SEM images and ranged from 0 to 100 percent. Field emission measurements of CNTs were carried out at room temperature in vacuum (pressure of 10–6 Torr). The turn-on field, the saturation current density, and the Fowler-Nordheim plots of each sample were analyzed based on field emission results. Influences of impurity ratios on these properties were investigated.
The Political Economy of Japanese Pollution Regulation

Japan has long been commended for its quick and decisive action to clean up pollution and to impose strict anti -pollution regulations in the late 1960s and early 1970s. But recent reports indicate that Japan’s pollution problem is worse than previously thought, and even worse than in most advanced industrial countries. Highly visible and relatively easily regulated air pollution has been curtailed (albeit not as well as reported), but less visible and trickier pollutants in the water and soil (e.g., dioxin) remain unchecked. In this paper, we argue that Japanese political institutions, especially before the 1994 Lower House electoral reform, were biased in favor of business interests, and against any serious, sustained effort to regulate environmental pollution. Gains in this area should have occurred via local politics, but even these have been modest. We close, howe ver, with an optimistic note concerning the electoral reform. The higher probability of coalition governments and the higher electoral thresholds in the new single -member districts should combine to cause a moderation of traditional “business -first” policies, in favor of stronger anti -pollution laws.
Incidence, Topography, Predictors and Long-Term Survival After Stroke in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background Previous studies on stroke after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) provide limited data about the timing (early vs delayed) of this event and findings of brain imaging analysis. This information is of significant importance because it provides insight into the etiology of stroke, potentially allowing the development of preventive measures. This study analyzed the incidence and timing of stroke, the topography and mechanisms of cerebral lesions, independent predictors, and late outcome after the occurrence of this complication in patients undergoing CABG. Methods We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from 2985 patients (2064 men [67%]), with a mean age of 66 ± 11 years, who underwent CABG between January 1998 and December 2006. Stroke was defined as any new permanent focal neurologic deficit (early stroke, ≤ 24 hours; delayed, > 24 hours postoperatively). Results The incidence of stroke was 1.6% (n = 48) and similar between conventional CABG (1.6%) and off-pump CABG (1.4%). Early stroke occurred in 25 patients (52%). Brain imaging was obtained in 44 patients (92%): 44 had computed tomography, 3 had magnetic resonance imaging. Results were positive in 33 of 44 patients (75%), showing large embolic stroke in 25 (76%), watershed in 5 (15%), and mixed pattern in 3 (9%). Chronic ischemic changes were found in 17 patients. Multivariate analysis revealed extensive aortic calcification (odds ratio [OR], 4.2), previous stroke (OR, 2.2), female sex (OR, 1.9), and congestive heart failure (OR, 2.6) as predictors of stroke. The hospital mortality rate after stroke was 16.7% (n = 8) compared with 1.5% (n = 44) in those without ( p p Conclusions Most strokes after CABG occurred early after surgery. This complication is associated with an increased hospital mortality and morbidity and reduced long-term survival. The infarction type had no impact on early and late outcome. Preoperative computed tomography scan seems warranted in patients at risk and without any previous history of stroke.
Diplomacy And The Polio Immunization Boycott In Northern Nigeria

The boycott of polio vaccination in three Northern Nigerian states in 2003 created a global health crisis that was political in origin. This paper traces the diplomatic actions that were taken by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the United Nations, and the U.S. government, to restart polio vaccination and resolve the crisis. The polio vaccination boycott in Northern Nigeria provides a useful case study of the practice of global health diplomacy.
Noise reduction in fiber ring lasers by use of a semiconductor optical amplifier

We analyze the high-pass filtering characteristics of the SOAs and show that the SOA carrier lifetime and saturation power will have important influence on its applications of beating noise suppression in fiber ring lasers.
CT colonography: influence of 3D viewing and polyp candidate features on interpretation with computer-aided detection.

Purpose: To retrospectively determine if three-dimensional (3D) viewing improves radiologists' accuracy in classifying true-positive (TP) and false-positive (FP) polyp candidates identified with computer-aided detection (CAD) and to determine candidate polyp features that are associated with classification accuracy, with known polyps serving as the reference standard. Materials and Methods: Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained; this study was HIPAA compliant. Forty-seven computed tomographic (CT) colonography data sets were obtained in 26 men and 10 women (age range, 42–76 years). Four radiologists classified 705 polyp candidates (53 TP candidates, 652 FP candidates) identified with CAD; initially, only two-dimensional images were used, but these were later supplemented with 3D rendering. Another radiologist unblinded to colonoscopy findings characterized the features of each candidate, assessed colon distention and preparation, and defined the true nature of FP candidate...
Representations of linear time-invariant composite systems

This paper studies representations in the frequency domain as well as in the time domain of linear time-invariant composite systems. Given two systems which are completely characterized by their transfer-function matrices, or equivalently, whose state equation representations are controllable and observable, the question is: Under what conditions will the transfer-function matrix of a composite connection of these two systems characterize the composite system completely, or equivalently, when will the state equation of the composite system be controllable and observable? The following results are presented. 1) The characteristic polynomial of a rational function matrix is introduced. If a state equation representation of a system is controllable and observable, then the characteristic polynomial of the A matrix is equal to the characteristic polynomial of the transfer-function matrix of the system. 2) The controllability of any composite system is a property of the transfer-function matrices of its subsystems. 3) The necessary and sufficient conditions are stated explicitly in terms of transfer-function matrices and controllability λ subspaces which are uniquely determined by transfer-function matrices. These conditions are obtained based on the results of Chen and Desoer.
THE BELIEF STRUCTURE OF MANAGERS RELATIVE TO WORK CONCEPTS MEASURED BY A FACTOR ANALYTIC MODEL

Studies in the early seventies suggested that the traditional work ethic position was changing and that the American worker was expressing new needs for interesting and challenging work. Current management practices in many companies are attempting to meet these new needs of workers for interesting jobs through a movement called human resource development. This suggests the need for research into the beliefs that inform this movement. The following study based on a sample of 366 managers shows that they have an orientation to work based on humanistic beliefs rather than the traditional work ethic position. Thus the new management style exemplified in the HRD movement may not simply be a push for increased performance, but may also be supported by a set of beliefs regarding the nature of work that is consistent with this style. This new orientation, however, does not include any positive beliefs relative to worker participation in decision-making. The latter is rejected very strongly by all the managers surveyed.
A finite element model of localized deformation in frictional materials taking a strong discontinuity approach

Abstract A finite element model of localized deformation in frictional materials taking a strong discontinuity approach is presented. A rate-independent, non-associated, strain-softening Drucker–Prager plasticity model is formulated in the context of strong discontinuities and implemented along with an enhanced quadrilateral element within the framework of an assumed enhanced strain finite element method. For simple model problems such as uniform compression, the strong discontinuity approach has been shown to lead to mesh-independent finite element solutions when localized deformation is present. In this paper, a finite element analysis of localized deformation occurring in a more complex model problem of slope stability is conducted in a nearly mesh-independent manner. The effect of dilatancy on the orientation of slip lines is demonstrated for the slope stability problem.
Expression and activity of P-glycoprotein, a multidrug efflux pump, in human hematopoietic stem cells

Abstract Hem atopoietic stem cells show reduced staining with a mitochondrial fluorescent dye, rhodamine 123 (Rh123), which was supposed to indicate decreased mitochondrial activity in these cells. Rh123 and several other fluorescent dyes are substrates for transport medlated by P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an efflux pump responsible for multidrug resistance in tumor cells. We have found that staining of human bone marrow cells with fluorescent dyes is potentiated by P-gp inhibitors and inversely correlated with P-gp expression. P-gp is expressed in practically all hematopoietic progenitor cells, including long-term culture-initiating cells. The highest levels of P-gp among the progenitors are associated with cells displaying characteristics of pluripotent stem cells. These results have implications for stem cell purification and bone marrow resistance to cancer chemotherapy.
Use of a self-expanding occluding stent for nonsurgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus in dogs.

Objective—To evaluate the clinical application of a catheter-delivered, self-expanding occluding stent for closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in dogs. Design—Prospective study. Animals—23 client-owned dogs weighing at least 3 kg (6.6 lb). Procedure—Dogs were evaluated by physical examination, electrocardiography, thoracic radiography, and 2-dimensional, M-mode, spectral and color-flow Doppler echocardiography to confirm the diagnosis and obtain baseline measures. Shunt severity and ductal size and anatomy were established by means of angiography. With fluoroscopic guidance, the occluding stent, attached to a delivery cable, was maneuvered though the right side of the heart into the ductus via a prepositioned introducer sheath. After angiographic verification of appropriate stent placement, the delivery cable was detached, and the introducer sheath was withdrawn. Closure of the PDA was evaluated by means of angiography 15 minutes after stent deployment and by echocardiography 1 and 3 months after th...
Rapid muscle-specific gene expression changes after a single bout of eccentric contractions in the mouse.

Eccentric contractions (ECs), in which a muscle is forced to lengthen while activated, result in muscle injury and, eventually, muscle strengthening and prevention of further injury. Although the m...
BIFOCAL MINIATURE TOROIDAL SHAPED X-RAY MIRRORS

We have fabricated a bifocal miniature torodial mirror that horizontally and vertically focuses to two different locations to provide a smaller footprint of beam for grazing-incidence wide-angle scattering (GIWAXS), while at the same time focusing the beam in the horizontal direction on the detector to further enhance the angular resolution. At CHESS we traditionally use glass single-bounce monocapillary optics for a wide range of x-ray experiments to get a fine x-ray beam of 5t o 20 ture toroidal mirror was prepared by designing and fabricating an x-ray focusing capillary, in which the sagittal and meridional focusing is decoupled, and only a quadrant of the accepted annulus is used for focusing the beam. The mirror produced a 120 horizontal by 25 at 50 mm from the tip of the optic, and a 44 70at 150 mm from the tip of the optic.
Europe 1992: issues and prospects for the financial markets

Financial markets Vittorio Grilli One potential effect of the integration of European financial markets concerns the geographical location of financial ‘hot spots’. It is likely that liberalization will tend to promote countries with already large and well developed international financial markets. Attracting the residents of smaller countries, these markets will become larger and more liquid, and thus even more appealing. It is very unlikely that other European countries could design policies apt to threaten London's supremacy as the main European financial centre. While the article focuses on the market for bank deposits, similar considerations apply to other financial markets. It appears that a large part of cross-country bank deposits are explained by country-specific factors, such as particular institutional arrangements in the areas of capital controls, tax regulations and secrecy laws. However, the relative importance of these factors varies between inter-bank deposits and non-bank deposits: taxation and banking secrecy matter for non-bank deposits while the very size of the economy influences inter-bank deposits. Finally, imperfect competition and switching costs imply that more intense competition wilt be felt primarily in the market for large deposits. Small deposit contracts will probably be unaffected by liberalization, at least in the short run.
Systematic Characterization of Sperm-Specific Membrane Proteins in Swine

To establish a systematic strategy for characterizing fertilization proteins of sperm cells, we prepared alloantisera by immunizing gilts with salt-washed membranes from boar spermatozoa. The antisera recognized a unique subset of sperm membrane proteins that migrated with M(r) 7500-66,000 in SDS-PAGE under nonreducing conditions. The antisera did not recognize proteins of erythrocyte membranes, and tissue absorption experiments further confirmed that the alloantigens were sperm-specific proteins. Each of these sperm-specific membrane proteins (SSMPs) possessed one or more disulfide bonds that were essential for its interaction with alloantibody. Enzymatic deglycosylation revealed that most of the SSMPs were glycoproteins, and their alloantigenicity was not dependent on the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides. The presence of disulfide bonds and glycosylation indicated that the SSMPs identified each comprise at least one extracellular domain. Two-dimensional electrophoresis resolved at least 14 distinct SSMPs, 13 of which possessed acidic pIs (range 4.2-4.8). By indirect immunofluorescence, the SSMPs localized to the cell surface overlying all major regions of the sperm cell. We conclude that the repertoire of immunodominant SSMPs in the pig is relatively small, which makes feasible the systematic elucidation of their functions in fertilization.
Matching from the first iteration: an iterative switching algorithm for an input queued switch

An iterative switching algorithm for an input queued switch consists of a number of iterations in every time step, where each iteration computes a disjoint matching. If input i is matched to output j in a given iteration, a packet (if any) is forwarded from i to j in the corresponding time step. Most of the iterative switching algorithms use a Request Grant Accept (RGA) arbitration type (e.g. iSLIP). Unfortunately, due to this particular type of arbitration, the matching computed in one iteration is not necessarily maximal (more input and output ports can still be matched). This is exactly why multiple iterations are needed. However, multiple iterations make the time step larger and reduce the speed of the switch. We present a new iterative switching algorithm (based on the RGA arbitration) called π-RGA with the underlying assumption that the number of iterations is possibly limited to one, hence reducing the time step and allowing the switch to run at a higher speed. We prove that π-RGA achieves throughput and delay guarantees with a speedup of 2 and one iteration under a constant burst traffic model, which makes π-RGA as good as any maximal matching algorithm in the theoretical sense. We also show by simulation that π-RGA achieves relatively high throughput in practice under uniform and non-uniform traffic patterns with one iteration and no speedup.
A Probit Model of Choice Dynamics

There are many products which are repeatedly purchased by consumers. In such cases it is likely that choice history, that is the sequence of choices made in the past, as well as marketing variables affect subsequent choice decisions. Attempts to model the effects of choice history have been generally based on the inclusion of variables that represent brand loyalty and/or variety seeking behavior. In this paper we present a model of dynamic choice behavior which is more general and incorporates four characteristics. The first characteristic labeled preference reinforcement and preference reduction represents loyalty and variety seeking. The second is the short-term reluctance of a consumer to move from the current brand inertia or the willingness to move to another brand mobility. The third characteristic captures the effect of repetitive consumption the long term effect on inertia and mobility. The fourth characteristic incorporates the similarity or dissimilarity of choice alternatives. This is important in a dynamic model because choice on the current purchase occasion can be affected by whether a similar or dissimilar alternative was chosen on the previous occasion. Similarities of alternatives are represented in terms of distances. The effect of price on choice behavior is also modeled. Individual-level purchase data from a consumer panel are used to estimate a covariance probit and an independent probit specification of the model. From a substantive perspective the model gives interesting insights into the dynamics of choice behavior. The model predicts switches better than a benchmark model which incorporates only loyalty. In addition, it is superior to three benchmark models in overall predictive ability.
Estimation of the Thermodynamic Properties of Branched Hydrocarbons

A simple model has been developed to estimate the sensible thermodynamic properties such as Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, heat capacity, and entropy of hydrocarbons over a wide range of temperatures with special attention to the branched molecules. The model is based on statistical thermodynamic expressions incorporating translational, rotational and vibrational motions of the atoms. A method to determine the number of degrees of freedom for different motion modes (bending and torsion) has been established. Branched rotational groups, such as CH 3 and OH, have been considered. A modification of the characteristic temperatures for different motion mode has been made which improves the agreement with the exact values for simple cases. The properties of branched alkanes up to 2,3,4,-trimthylpentane have been calculated and the results are in good agreement with the experimental data. A relatively small number of parameters are needed in this model to estimate the sensible thermodynamic properties of a wide range of species. The model may also be used to estimate the properties of molecules and their isomers, which have not been measured, and is simple enough to be easily programmed as a subroutine for on-line kinetic calculations.
Mahler in a New Key: Genre and the ““Resurrection”” Finale

ABSTRACT Like other symphonic works that combine instrumental and vocal resources, Mahler9s ““Resurrection”” symphony seems to pose a genre puzzle, especially to those who have tried to subject its choral finale to formal exegesis. Carl Dahlhaus dodged the difficulty of categorization in his analysis by declaring it and all other examples of the ““symphonycantata”” as members of an intractable ““genre of exceptions.”” Approaching the work along an alternative, metaformal exegetical pathway foregrounds instead the reciprocal relationship of artistic creation and life-experience, and leads ultimately to the conclusion that in this work Mahler reconciled instrumental and vocal discursive modes through the finale9s reenactment of its own genesis.
Commentary: Diversity 3.0: A Necessary Systems Upgrade

This is a defining moment for health and health care in the United States, and medical schools and teaching hospitals have a critical role to play. The combined forces of health care reform, demographic shifts, continued economic woes, and the projected worsening of physician shortages portend major challenges for the health care enterprise in the near future. In this commentary, the author employs a diversity framework implemented by IBM and argues that this framework should be adapted to an academic medicine setting to meet the challenges to the health care enterprise. Using IBM’s diversity framework, the author explores three distinct phases in the evolution of diversity thinking within the academic medicine community. The first phase included isolated efforts aimed at removing social and legal barriers to access and equality, with institutional excellence and diversity as competing ends. The second phase kept diversity on the periphery but raised awareness about how increasing diversity benefits everyone, allowing excellence and diversity to exist as parallel ends. In the third phase, which is emerging today and reflects a growing understanding of diversity’s broader relevance to institutions and systems, diversity and inclusion are integrated into the core workings of the institution and framed as integral for achieving excellence. The Association of American Medical Colleges, a leading voice and advocate for increased student and faculty diversity, is set to play a more active role in building the capacity of the nation’s medical schools and teaching hospitals to move diversity from a periphery to a core strategy. This is a defining moment for health and health care in the United States, and our medical schools and teaching hospitals have a critical role to play. The combined forces of health care reform, demographic shifts, continued economic woes, and the projected worsening of physician shortages portend major challenges for the health care enterprise in the near future.
Prostaglandin Endoperoxide Metabolism by the Human Carotid Artery

Prostacyclin (PGI2) synthesis is associated with maintenance of normal vascular function, and a fall in human vascular PGI2 synthesis has been associated with atherosclerosis (1,2). It has been proposed that a decrease in PGI2 production results in the loss or impairment of the vascular defense mechanism against platelet deposition which might favor thrombosis and the progression of atherosclerosis (1). A decrease in bioassayable PGI2 production by vascular sections from fatty streak (pre-atherosclerotic) and advanced atherosclerotic lesions has been reported (3). Little if any information is available concerning the activity of prostacyclin synthetase in vascular tissue immediately adjacent to advanced atherosclerotic plaques. An increase or decrease in the PGI2 generating capacity of these adjacent areas could represent a protective mechanism against or a predisposing factor for, respectively, the progression of atherosclerotic disease into these areas.