cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Delivering Earth's shapes & colors in near-real time: NPOESS products and their characteristics for users

Summary form only given. The NPOESS Interface Data Processing Segment will produce an unprecedented variety and quantity of environmental data products. These must be delivered rapidly, responsively, and flexibly to its operational users. These products must also be delivered to a long term archives to be retained indefinitely, and distributed as needed to researchers and the public. An analogous delivery service will be designed into NPOESS software provided for users' direct broadcast satellite terminals. The data must be provided in a standardized format, and annotated with substantial metadata, to assure that the data can be understood by user applications immediately and in the distant future. To meet these requirements, the NPOESS program has selected the Hierarchical Data Format (ver.5) from the National Center for Supercomputing Applications. HDF5 incorporates features that accommodate large and complex data structures, and features to imbed semantic and syntactic metadata. IDPS will provide content metadata consistent with National Spatial Data Infrastructure standards. The program is working with Raytheon, the IDPS contractor, to develop simple but complete profiles to be used to guide data product and metadata design. The profile will balance ease of use, which influences ingest processing complexity and delay; and data set size, which influences storage and communications cost, and access and transmission delays.
Sensing Biophysical Alterations of Human Lung Epithelial Cells (A549) in the Context of Toxicity Effects of Diesel Exhaust Particles

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) in urban air are associated with numerous respiratory diseases. The role of underlying biomechanics in cytotoxicity of individual lung cells relating to DEP exposure is unclear. In this study, atomic force microscopy (AFM), confocal Raman microspectroscopy (RM), and fluorescence (FL) microscopy were used to monitor alterations of single A549 cells exposed to DEP. Results revealed a significant decrease in membrane surface adhesion force and a significant change in cell elasticity as a function of DEP-cell interaction time, and the dynamic changes in cellular biocomponents which were reflected by changes of characteristic Raman bands: 726 cm(-1) (adenine), 782 cm(-1) (uracil, cytosine, thymine), 788 cm(-1) (O-P-O), 1006 cm(-1) (phenylalanine), and 1320 cm(-1) (guanine) after DEP exposure. These findings suggest that the combination of multi-instruments (e.g., AFM/FL) may offer an exciting platform for investigating the roles of biophysical and biochemical responses to particulate matter-induced cell toxicity.
Stability of a flavored formulation of acetylcysteine for oral administration

Purpose. The chemical and physical stability of a flavored solution of acetylcysteine stored at room temperature or under refrigeration for up to 35 days in amber plastic prescription bottles were studied. Methods. The flavored acetylcysteine solution was prepared by adding a sweetener and a strawberry creamsicle flavoring to acetylcysteine solution 10% to a final nominal acetylcysteine concentration of 86.5 mg/mL. Six identical samples of the formulation were prepared in amber plastic prescription bottles. Three bottles were stored at room temperature (23–25 °C) and the other three were stored in the refrigerator (3–5 °C). Immediately after preparation and at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days, each sample was assayed in duplicate by high- performance liquid chromatography. Stability was defined as the retention of at least 90% of the initial drug concentration. Results. On day 35, the refrigerated acetylcysteine samples retained 96.7% of their initial concentration. The samples stored at room temperature retained 92.5% of their initial concentration. Conclusion. A flavored oral formulation of acetylcysteine 86.5 mg/mL was stable for at least 35 days when stored at room temperature and in the refrigerator in amber plastic bottles.
Extension during active collision in thin-skinned wedges: Insights from laboratory experiments

The occurrence of strike-normal extension in mountain belts undergoing active contraction is not predicted by analytical solutions for the mechanics of purely frictional orogens. To test the idea that ductile rocks at depth might allow extensional deformation to occur in otherwise frictional and contractional orogens, we have conducted a series of analog experiments with purely frictional and layered frictional-ductile rheologies. By precisely measuring the horizontal deformation field, we have quantitatively confirmed the qualitative observation that analog frictional wedges do not extend. This is consistent with published numerical models, and is in contrast to purely viscous models that commonly display coeval extension with contraction. Our modeling also demonstrates that layered frictional-ductile models can, during active convergence, result in discrete extensional normal faulting even when only a relatively thin ductile layer is present. The resulting extension, though relatively small in magnitude compared to the active contraction, can greatly modify the final profile of a convergent orogen and can lead to the formation of a broad plateau between the pro-wedge and the retro-wedge.
Mapping the lipoylation site of Arabidopsis thaliana plastidial dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase using mass spectrometry and site-directed mutagenesis

Abstract Catalytic enhancement achieved by the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) results from a combination of substrate channeling plus active-site coupling. The mechanism for active-site coupling involves lipoic acid prosthetic groups covalently attached to Lys in the primary sequence of the dihydrolipoyl S-acetyltransferase (E2) component. Arabidopsis thaliana plastidial E2 (AtplE2-1A-His 6 ) was expressed in Escherichia coli . Analysis of recombinant protein by SDS-PAGE revealed a Mr 59,000 band. Supplementation of bacterial culture medium with l -lipoic acid (LA) shifted the band to Mr 57,000. Intact mass determinations using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI–TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) revealed the faster migrating E2 species was 189 Da larger than the slower migrating form, exactly the difference that would result from addition of a single lipoamide group. Results from systematic MALDI–TOF analysis of Lys-containing tryptic peptides derived from purified recombinant AtplE2-1A indicate that Lys96 is the site of lipoyl-addition. Analysis of Lys96 site-directed mutant proteins showed that they migrated as single species during SDS-PAGE when expressed in either the absence or presence of supplemental LA. Results from both intact and tryptic peptide mass determinations by MALDI–TOF MS confirmed that the mutant proteins were not lipoylated. The A. thaliana plastidial E2 subunit includes a single lipoyl-prosthetic group covalently attached to Lys96. Despite low primary sequence identity with bacterial E2, the plant E2 protein was recognized and modified by E. coli E2 lipoyl-addition system. Results from meta-genomic analysis suggest a β-turn is more important in defining the site for LA addition than a conserved sequence motif.
Sensorless Control of PMSM Based on Sliding Mode Observer

A novel sliding mode observer(SMO) of PMSM(permanent magnetic synchronous motor) was presented, which estimated the rotor position and angular velocity accurately.The proposed SMO substitutes a sigmoid function for the conventional signum function with a variable boundary layer which is changed according to the rotational velocity.The dependence to motor parameters and chattering effects that is commonly found in signum function using for the switching function were overcome.By combining the model of PMSM under d-q coordinate,the convergence condition of observer was deduced.The convergence was verified by the Lyapunov theory.Simulation results show that the rotor position and velocity can be observed accurately,and also has good dynamic performance and robustness.
Alumina-mediated cleavage of t-butyldimethylsilyl ethers

Abstract A simple method for the cleavage of t -butyldimethylsilyl ethers is described which occurs on alumina surface under solvent free conditions within 10–15 minutes. Mild heating, using microwave irradiation facilitates the procedure.
Bandwidth estimation for video streaming under percentile delay, jitter, and packet loss rate constraints using traces

Abstract We present and use a CPU-efficient activity-based simulation model to calculate the sojourn time of a packet and the packet loss rate in a tandem queueing network that depicts the path of a video flow. The video flow is characterized by a packet trace. Background traffic, also characterized by a trace, is allowed in the tandem queueing network. In our analysis we used real video traces (Telepresence, WebEx, Jabber) and also generalized our results using traces generated by a theoretical model of a video arrival process depicted by a Markovian Arrival Process. Using this simulation model we calculate the bandwidth required for a video flow, so that a given set of constraints for the percentile end-to-end delay, jitter, and packet loss rate are satisfied. We also show that the bandwidth required for n identical video streams that follow the same path through an IP network, so that the end-to-end percentile delay remains the same, is a linear function of n . Further, it is experimentally depicted that for infinite-capacity queues the bandwidth required to satisfy the percentile end-to-end delay constraint also satisfies the jitter constraint. And for finite-capacity queues, the bandwidth required to satisfy both the percentile end-to-end delay and the packet loss rate constraints also satisfies the pair of jitter and packet loss rate constraints.
Fertilizers and soil‐borne diseases

. Nutrient manipulation through fertilization or modification of the soil environment to influence nutrient availability is an important cultural control for plant disease and an integral component of production agriculture. Fertilization decreases soil-borne diseases by maximizing the inherent disease resistance of plants, by facilitating disease escape through increased nutrient availability or stimulated plant growth, and by altering the external environment to influence the survival, germination and penetration of pathogens. The flexibility in most disease-nutrient interactions permits a much broader utilization of this cultural control in decreasing disease severity than is presently practised. It is clear that the severity of most diseases can be decreased and the chemical, biological or genetic control of many plant pathogens enhanced by proper fertilization. Breeding nutrient-efficient or disease-tolerant crops and establishing cultivar requirements should further improve production efficiency.
Highly variable sediment distribution in shallow, wind-stressed lakes: a case for sediment-mapping surveys in paleolimnological studies

We examine sediment distribution patterns in seven Florida lakes and discuss implications for paleolimnological studies of shallow, subtropical lakes. The study lakes are highly productive and should exhibit thick organic sediment deposits, but organic sediments are often grossly lacking because basins are shallow, and frequent mixing, lack of stratification, and warm temperatures lead to breakdown of organic material. Organic sediment distribution patterns are highly variable. We observe three types of distribution patterns. When organic sediments are abundant, there may be (1) uniform sediment distribution. In lakes lacking organic sediments, there are (2) distribution to deeper areas if present, or (3) distribution to peripheral areas and embayments when deep waters are absent. We advocate the use of systematic mapping surveys to locate optimal coring sites for paleolimnological studies of shallow, wind-stressed lakes. Because numerous factors affect diagenesis and sediment redistribution, sediment abundance and location are not predictable. Sediment chronologies may be discontinuous and disturbed even in accumulation zones. The extent to which sedimentary records are discontinuous or disturbed is not quantifiable in any practical manner. 210Pb and 137Cs radioisotopic profiles provide qualitative evidence of the degree of stratigraphic disturbance. Total excess 210Pb inventories show that sediments are focused into depositional zones when sediment distribution is uneven. Excess 210Pb inventories are not informative about the completeness of sedimentary profiles unless small inventories suggest discontinuous sedimentation or erosional events. We present examples of disturbed and undisturbed profiles, and discuss how we use radioisotopic and geochemical evidence, and multiple cores to assess stratigraphic continuity.
Heat transfer and fluid flow in the welding arc

Through the numerical solution of the Navier/Stokes equation, the energy transport equation, and the magnetic diffusion equation, a mathematical model has been developed to predict the velocity, temperature, and current density distributions in inert gas welding arcs. Although the model has one adjustable parameter, the cathode current density, it was found that a single value of this variable was sufficient to provide internally consistent results for a range of arc lengths and arc currents representative of welding. The computed temperature distributions in the arc were found to be in good agreement with spectroscopically measured temperatures taken from the literature, and similar agreement was obtained between the predicted and measured current density distributions at the surface of water cooled copper anodes. The mechanisms of heat and momentum transfer to the anode were investigated in the light of recent findings concerning the anode boundary layer and the presence of negative anode fall voltages. The predicted convective heat fluxes to the anode were found to be generally consistent with experimental data.
Dielectric relaxation in diphenyl ether via pseudorotational diffusion

Abstract Two models, from the literature, which have been invoked to explain the rapid dielectric relaxation of diphenyl ether are analyzed quantitatively. One model, in which phenoxy groups diffuse with respect to each other is discounted on the basis of the shape of the observed dielectric behavior. The other model, in which a fluctuating mesomeric moment follows rotation of the rings about their C-0 axes, can explain the dynamics provided the mesomeric moment maximum amplitude is large. The static di-electric permittivity of neat diphenyl ether is reported as a function of temperature and the molecular dipole moment calculated to compare with the model predictions. No discrimination between models results from this technique.
Photoemission and optical studies of amorphous germanium

Abstract Photoemission and optical data for amorphous germanium are interpreted assuming that k conservation, in the usual one particle sense, is not an important selection rule. An optical density of states derived from these data differs in two important respects from that of crystalline germanium: the sharp structure characteristic of the ordered phase is not present; and the valence band appears to have narrowed, with a greater number of states appearing within an eV of the band extrema. The photoemission results suggest an energy gap not much different from that in crystalline germanium and little tailing of states into the forbidden region. A sharp optical absorption edge is found, in the optical experiments, comparable in sharpness with the direct edge in crystalline germanium with no evidence for tailing of states or an extremely high density of states in the forbidden band.
Psychiatric Comorbidity and Self‐Efficacy to Resist Heavy Drinking in Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Adolescents

The authors examined both the nonspecific effects of psycho-pathology and the interactions of alcohol use disorders with other specific comorbid psychiatric conditions in an adolescent population on perceived self-efficacy to resist heavy drinking. The results suggest that nonspecific psychopathology, manifested in the form of any common psychiatric disorder, is associated with decreased situational confidence to resist heavy drinking across various situations. Main effects of alcohol use disorders, and several other specific psychiatric disorders, and specific comorbid interactions were also associated with decreased situational confidence. These results have implications for the etiology, prevention, and treatment of adolescents who abuse alcohol.
Measurements of Trapped Electron Intensities Made by the Explorer XV Satellite

The spatial distributions of three categories of trapped particles were observed for three months by two detectors on the Explorer XV satellite. The decay time constants for electrons with energies greater than 0.5 MeV were generally greater than 6 months in the region L<1.7 earth radii. The corresponding time constants for electrons with energies greater than 5 MeV were unobservably long (greater than one year). On November 5, 1962, over one percent of the electrons available from the July 9, 1962 event were still present.
Inhibition of prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription by the 2:1 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline-cuprous complex, a ligand specific for open complexes

The redox-stable, tetrahedral cuprous chelate of neocuproine (2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) binds to the single-stranded DNA formed in open complexes and is an effective inhibitor of eukaryotic and prokaryotic transcription. Despite the many kinetic and structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription systems, they are all similarly inhibited by neocuproine copper, suggesting that all open complexes may share a homologous structure.
Application of Training Transfer Principles in Developing the High Transfer Training (HITT) Methodology

SUMMARY This paper describes the approach taken to incorporate training transfer principles into a methodology for developing courses of instruction. An outline of the methodology and evidence of the effectiveness of a resulting training programme are also presented.
Qualitative Diagnosis of Condition Systems

A condition system is a collection of Petri nets that interact with each other and the external environment through condition signals. Some of these condition signals may be unobservable. In this paper, a system fault is defined in terms of observed behavior versus expected behavior, where the expected behavior is defined through condition system models. A diagnosis of this fault localizes the subsystem that is the source of the discrepancy between output and expected observations. We show that the structure of the interacting subsystems define a diagnostic causal model that captures the causal structure of subsystem dependencies. The diagnostic causal model can then be used to determine a set of subsystems that might be the source of a fault.
Much Remains to Be Learned about How UVR Induces Mutations

Data on the wavelength dependence of UV-induced formation of DNA damage and skin cancer have been available for quite some time, but a detailed in vivo action spectrum of mutation formation has not yet been reported so far. This important information gap is filled by Ikehata et al. in this issue. Their findings question several aspects of our current thinking about UV-induced mutagenesis and carcinogenesis.
Circadian variations of lorazepam-induced neurologic deficits

Abstract Circadian variations of lorazepam-induced neurologic deficits were tested in mice. The duration of the impairment after administration of 3 mg/kg lorazepam was considerably shorter at 2100 n compared to other times of the day. No significant variations could be found for brain concentrations of drug at recovery and 15 or 30 min after drug administration. Food intake did not seem to account for the circadian pattern observed. It was therefore concluded that chronergy of lorazepam is a result of altered sensitivity of the animal over time rather than to altered pharmacokinetics.
Estimation and simulation of lognormal random fields

Abstract This paper describes several techniques for estimating and simulating lognormal random fields. The lognormal maximum entropy estimator is presented and compared with simple lognormal kriging. Conditional simulation is performed using the turning bands method combined with simple lognormal kriging. For Gaussian random fields, kriging and the maximum entropy estimator are shown to be equivalent. For lognormal random fields, however, simple lognormal kriging and the lognormal maximum entropy estimator differ. Conditional simulation via simulated annealing is also demonstrated but with generally unsatisfactory results. A hybrid approach involving the turning bands method and simple lognormal kriging yields satisfactory results in the sense that it generates conditional simulations that consistently reproduce conditional marginal distributions.
The metabolism of L-glutamate and L-5-carboxy-pyrrolidone by mouse cells (NCTC clone 929) under conditions of defined nutrition.

The utilization of L-glutamate by clone 929 mouse cells growing in a synthetic medium, MAL 294/2, was studied with the aid of carbon-14 labeled L-glutamate. The rate of consumption of extracellular glutamate was rapid even though the extracellular concentration of this substance has been found to remain constant or to increase. The rate of uptake during an interval of otpimal growth was calculated to be approximately 42 mμmoles/mg of cell protein per hour. Among the metabolic products that are derived from the carbon of glutamate and secreted from the cells are carbon dioxide, lactic acid, proline, alanine, alpha-ketoglutaric acid and 5-carboxypyrrolidone. Aspartic acid, although produced by the cells in amounts sufficient to meet the needs for growth, does not appear as an extracellular product of glutamate metabolism. Extracts of L cells were found to exhibit four times as much glutamic-oxaloacetic as glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activities. Failure to secrete aspartic acid must not be due to a deficiency in the transaminase. The transaminase concentrations are apparently not affected by variations in the concentrations of aspartic acid and alanine in the medium, both of which are absent from MAL 294/2. 5-Carboxypyrrolidone, although produced from L-glutamate by L cells, is metabolically inert in this system. Likewise, mouse fetal lung cells, cultured in a similar way, use glutamic acid as extensively as L cells and fail to metabolize exogenous 5-carboxypyrrolidone.
Electric field‐induced self‐assembly of micro‐ and nanoparticles of various shapes at two‐fluid interfaces

Particle lithography which explores the capability of particles to self-assemble offers an attractive means to manufacture nanostructured materials. Although traditional techniques typically lead to the formation of dense crystals, adjustable non-close-packed crystals are crucial in a number of applications. We have recently proposed a novel method to assemble spherical micro- and nanoparticles into monolayers. The technique consists of trapping particles at a liquid-fluid interface and applying an electric field normal to the interface. Particles rearrange themselves under the influence of interfacial and electrostatic forces to form 2-D hexagonal arrays of long-range order and whose lattice constant depends on the electric field strength and frequency. Furthermore, the existence of an electric field-induced capillary force makes the technique applicable to submicron and nanosized particles. Although spherical particles are often used, non-spherical particles can be beneficial in practice. Here, we review the method, discuss its applicability to particles of various shapes, and present results for particles self-assembly on air-liquid and liquid-liquid interfaces. In the case of non-spherical particles, the self-assembly process, while still taking place, is more complex as particles experience a torque which causes them to rotate relative to one another. This leads to a final arrangement displaying either a dominant orientation or no well-defined orientation. We also discuss the possibility of dislodging the particles from the interface by applying a strong electric field such that the Weber number is of order 1 or larger, a phenomenon which can be utilized to clean particles from liquid-fluid surfaces.
The discriminability of form among young children.

Abstract The ability of young children to discriminate accurately forms which varied in complexity, line type, and structure was investigated. Variations in complexity or number of sides, in form perimeter from linear to curvilinear to combined linear-curvilinear, and in structure from symmetrical to asymmetrical (compact-dispersed) were increasingly difficult to discriminate as measured by both errors and latency of response. Sex and IQ were unrelated to performance. It was found that nursery, kindergarten, and first grade children were all above chance in performance, older children being superior. The relations of these data to developmental perceptual theory are discussed.
Quasi-optical terahertz polarizers enabled by inkjet printing of carbon nanocomposites

We report an approach for cost-effective manufacturing of THz quasi-optical polarizers by inkjet printing of polymer-carbon nanowhisker (CNW) dispersions. The electromagnetic interference properties of coatings with fixed CNW/polymer composition and varying thickness are quantified by a frequency domain THz spectroscopy system in the range 570–630 GHz. A shielding effectiveness of ∼40 dB is attained for 70 μm-thick coatings. A prototype THz polarizer printed on Mylar film displayed transmission and absorbance that varied with polarization orientation. The degree of polarization for film thickness of ∼1 μm was 0.35. This performance can be improved by refining grid dimensions, increasing coating thickness and adopting multi-layer polarizer structures.
Hypoxia Moderates γ134.5-Deleted Herpes Simplex Virus Oncolytic Activity in Human Glioma Xenoline Primary Cultures

Hypoxia plays a critical role in the tumor microenvironment of high-grade gliomas by promoting the glioma stem cell (GSC)-like phenotype, which displays resistance to standard therapies. We tested three glioblastoma multiforme xenograft lines (xenolines) against γ134.5-deleted recombinant oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) C101 under 1% (hypoxia) and 20.8% (normoxia) oxygen tension for effects on oHSV infectivity, replication, and cytotoxicity in all tumor cells and CD133+ GSCs. Expression levels of CD133, a putative GSC marker, and CD111 (nectin-1), an adhesion molecule that is the most efficient method for HSV entry, increased significantly under hypoxia in all three xenolines. Despite increased CD111 expression under hypoxic conditions, oHSV infectivity, cytotoxicity and viral recovery were not improved or were diminished in all three xenolines under hypoxia. In contrast, wild-type HSV-1 equally infected xenoline cells in normoxia and hypoxia, suggesting that the 34.5 mutation plays a role in the decreased C101 infectivity in hypoxia. Importantly, CD133+ cells were not more resistant to oHSV than CD133- tumor cells regardless of oxygen tension. Furthermore, CD133 expression decreased as viral dose increased in two of the xenolines suggesting that up-regulation of CD133 in hypoxia was not the cause of reduced viral efficacy. Our findings that oHSV infectivity and cytotoxicity were diminished under hypoxia in several GBM xenolines likely have important implications for clinical applications of oHSV therapies, especially considering the vital role of hypoxia in the microenvironment of GBM tumors.
On the interaction between specimen and testing machine in mechanical testing procedures.

Abstract It is shown that the elastic properties of the testing machine influence the experimental results obtained in testing dental amalgam under tension, and in determining the forces developed during polymerization of a dental polymeric filling material. Generally, literature data of mechanical properties of materials must be corrected for the elastic properties of the testing machine. Therefore, authors must be asked to mention the type of testing machine, load cells and coupling rods so that the reader can account for the specimen-machine interaction.
Sequence of the 5′ regulatory domain of the gene encoding the rat β2-adrenergic receptor

Abstract Restriction mapping and sequence analysis of the gene encoding the rat β 2 adrenergic receptor (β 2 AR) revealed an error affecting most of the 5′-flanking domain, located between -192 and - 2245 bp in the only published sequence of this gene [Buckland et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 18 (1990) 682]. The correct sequence lacks a TATA box, contains 67% G + C residues in the first 500 nucleotides upstream from the start codon, and contains putative glucocorticoid, thyroid hormone and cAMP-response elements.
Variations on Nickel Complexes of the vic-Dioximes: An Understanding of Factors Affecting Volatility toward Improved Precursors for Metal−Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition of Nickel

The vic-dioxime complexes bis(2,3-butanedionedioximato)nickel(II), Ni(dmg)2; bis(3,4-hexanedionedioximato)nickel(II), Ni(deg)2; bis(4,5-octanedionedioximato)nickel(II), Ni(dpg)2; bis(ethanedialdiox...
Coumadin-induced skin necrosis in a 64 year-old female despite LMWH bridging therapy.

BACKGROUND Coumadin is the standard oral anticoagulant used in a variety of clinical conditions. Coumadin inhibits the vitamin-K dependent gamma-carboxylation of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, X and the anticoagulant proteins C and S. Rarely, skin necrosis occurs when the resultant initial procoagulant state in the first few days of starting coumadin leads to thrombosis and formation of blood clots tin the dermal capillaries. This in turn causes skin necrosis due to interruption in blood supply to the skin. CASE REPORT We are presenting the case of a 64 year-old female admitted for acute respiratory distress secondary to newly-diagnosed pulmonary embolism. The patient was started on therapeutic doses of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and coumadin. After 5 days of treatment, the patient started complaining of pain and numbness in both upper extremities. Overnight, this rapidly progressed to manifest hemorrhagic bullae with necrotic areas. This was immediately recognized as coumadin-induced skin necrosis. Coumadin was stopped immediately. Vitamin K was administered and local wound care was provided. Therapeutic LMWH was continued. The skin lesions began to show improvement after 3 days. CONCLUSIONS In coumadin-induced skin necrosis, the patient initially presents with pain and erythema, followed by petechial lesions which progress to become purpuric. Hemorrhagic bullae with necrosis and eschar formation may soon develop. Once it is suspected, coumadin should be stopped and the patient should be given Vitamin K and FFP to reverse the effects of coumadin.
Aspirin Treatment Failure and the Risk of Recurrent Stroke and Death Among Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Background The prognostic value of occurrence of ischemic stroke in a patient despite aspirin treatment (aspirin treatment failure) is not known. Our objective was to determine if aspirin treatment failure predicts recurrent ischemic stroke and/or death. Methods We performed a post-hoc analysis of data from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) trial and the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST). Multivariate analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of recurrent stroke and recurrent stroke or death for aspirin treatment failure patients for the duration of available follow-up (3 months for TOAST patients; 12 months for NINDS rt-PA trial patients). Results The rate of aspirin treatment failure was 40% and 35% among 1275 patients and 624 patients recruited in the TOAST and NINDS rt-PA trials, respectively. The risk of stroke and death at 3 months and 1 year was not higher among patients classified as aspirin treatment failures among the TOAST (OR 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8-1.6; P = .7) or NINDS rt-PA trial patients (OR 0.8; 95% CI 0.6-1.3; P = .4), respectively. In subgroup analysis, aspirin treatment failure was not found to be associated with recurrent stroke or with the combined endpoint of stroke and death among categories defined by etiologic subtype, including those with large artery atherosclerosis. Conclusions In a post-hoc analysis of 2 randomized ischemic stroke trials, aspirin treatment failure was not found to be associated with an increased risk of recurrent stroke or death.
Utility of Penman–Monteith, Priestley–Taylor, reference evapotranspiration, and pan evaporation methods to estimate pasture evapotranspiration

Actual evapotranspiration (ETa) was measured at 30-min resolution over a 19-month period (September 28, 2000–April 23, 2002) from a nonirrigated pasture site in Florida, USA, using eddy correlation methods. The relative magnitude of measured ETa (about 66% of long-term annual precipitation at the study site) indicates the importance of accurate ETa estimates for water resources planning. The time and cost associated with direct measurements of ETa and the rarity of historical measurements of ETa make the use of methods relying on more easily obtainable data desirable. Several such methods (Penman–Monteith (PM), modified Priestley–Taylor (PT), reference evapotranspiration (ET0), and pan evaporation (Ep)) were related to measured ETa using regression methods to estimate PM bulk surface conductance, PT a ,E T 0 vegetation coefficient, and Ep pan coefficient. The PT method, where the PT a is a function of green-leaf area index (LAI) and solar radiation, provided the best relation with ETa (standard error (SE) for daily ETa of 0.11 mm). The PM method, in which the bulk surface conductance was a function of net radiation and vapor-pressure deficit, was slightly less effective (SEZ0.15 mm) than the PT method. Vegetation coefficients for the ET0 method (SEZ0.29 mm) were found to be a simple function of LAI. Pan coefficients for the Ep method (SEZ 0.40 mm) were found to be a function of LAI and Ep. Historical or future meteorological, LAI, and pan evaporation data from the study site could be used, along with the relations developed within this study, to provide estimates of ETa in the absence of direct measurements of ETa. Additionally, relations among PM, PT, and ET0 methods and ETa can provide estimates of ETa in other, environmentally similar, pasture settings for which meteorological and LAI data can be obtained or estimated. q 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Heat integrated ethanol dehydration flowsheets

Abstract A theoretical evaluation of heat-integrated heterogeneous-azeotropic ethanol-water distillation flowsheets is presented. Simulations of two column flowsheets using several different hydrocarbon entrainers reveal a region of potential heat integration and substantial reduction in operating energy. In this paper, methods for comparing hydrocarbon entrainers are shown. Two aspects of entrainers are related to operating and capital costs. The binary azeotropic composition of the entrainer-ethanol mixture is related to the energy requirements of the flowsheet. A temperature difference in the azeotropic column is related to the size of the column and overall process staging requirements. Although the hydrophobicity of an entrainer is essential for specification of staging in the dehydration column, no substantial increase in operating energy results from an entrainer that has a higher water content. Likewise, liquid-liquid equilibria between several entrainer-ethanol-water mixtures have no substantial ...
Circulatory motion of fine particles in a fluidized bed

The average circulatory motion of solid particles in a fluidized bed affects the mixing and dispensing of fine particles. A solution of the averaged dynamic equations gives the distribution of velocities of primary circulatory motion in a cylindrical bed. General relations are given for fine powders. *Paper presented at the Second International Aerosol Conference, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany, September 22–26, 1986.
The effect of urea exposure on isoaspartyl content and protein l-isoaspartate methyltransferase activity in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract Urea is a protein unfolding agent that can accumulate to locally high concentrations in tissues of many organisms. We used Drosophila melanogaster to test the hypothesis that urea loading would promote formation of isoaspartate (β-carboxyl-linked aspartate), a common form of protein damage that occurs most readily in unstructured polypeptides and flexible regions of folded proteins. Ten populations of flies were tested; five control populations of urea-sensitive flies and five previously selected urea-tolerant populations. We measured the effects of urea consumption on levels of both isoaspartate and protein l -isoaspartate methyltransferase (PIMT), an enzyme believed to function in the repair or removal of isoaspartyl proteins. For both sets of populations, urea feeding for 6 days increased isoaspartyl levels by approximately 60%, supporting the idea that disruption of protein secondary and tertiary structures can accelerate the formation of isoaspartate in vivo. Urea feeding tended to increase PIMT activity in both control and urea-tolerant populations. There were no significant differences in PIMT activities or isoaspartyl levels between the control and urea-tolerant flies raised on normal or urea food. The latter findings indicate that urea tolerance evolved in the selected populations without any significant change in PIMT expression or activity.
An algorithm to compute the degree of match in fuzzy systems

Abstract An algorithm is described for the computation of the degree of match (DM) between the antecedent part of a classification rule and an assertion given by a user when imprecise and precise propositions are mixed freely in a fuzzy expert classification system. In order to estimate to what extent the antecedent proposition X is A is matched against an assertion X is A∗, a value between −1 and +1 is computed from the truth relationship between A and A ∗ . The DM of each classification rule is used to indicate the certainty value of classification. The bigger the DM, the greater is the possibility that an object is classified to the class.
Field-Effect Modulation of Charge-Density-Wave Transport in NbSe 3 and TaS 3

We have constructed MOSFET-like structures using the quasi-one-dimensional conductors NbS${\mathrm{e}}_{3}$ and Ta${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$. At temperatures below the Peierls transition, an applied gate voltage modulates the threshold field for sliding motion of charge-density waves by up to 40%. The resulting modulation of the collective conductance can be more than 2 orders of magnitude larger than that of the single-particle conductance. We consider several possible mechanisms for this conductance modulation, and suggest electric-field-induced variations of the charge-density-wave order parameter as the most plausible mechanism.
Cost-effectiveness of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in patients ≥65 years of age

Background More than 80% of sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs) occur in patients ≥65 years old; the cost-effectiveness of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy in older patients remains unclear. We sought to examine the cost-effectiveness of ICD therapy in at-risk patients ≥65 years old. Methods We developed a Markov model to evaluate lifetime costs and benefits of ICD therapy compared with optimal medical therapy in patients ≥65 years of age with left ventricular dysfunction. Data were derived from the literature and existing clinical trials of primary prevention of SCD. Outcome measures included life years, quality-adjusted life years, costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness. Results Benefits and costs of ICD therapy in older individuals varied widely by clinical-trial population. In the 5 trials considered, for patients ≥65 years of age, ICDs demonstrated a life expectancy benefit compared with control therapy (incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranging from $37,031-$138,458 per quality-adjusted life year). For 75-year-old patients, the findings were qualitatively similar, although cost-effectiveness was reduced in all trial populations. In sensitivity analyses, cost-effectiveness of ICD therapy in older individuals depended upon the trial population, quality of life, device cost, and frequency of generator replacement. Sensitivity analyses on other variables did not change the results substantially. Conclusions The cost-effectiveness of ICD therapy for primary prevention in older patients varies widely among trials. Given an aging US population and the high risk of SCD in these individuals, further studies of ICD therapy and their cost-effectiveness—specifically in older patients—are needed.
Distributed Coverage Control in Sensor Network Environments with Polygonal Obstacles

Abstract We consider the problem of distributed coverage control for mobile sensor networks operating in environments cluttered with polygonal obstacles which interfere with both the navigation and sensing by the nodes. A gradient-based motion control scheme is developed to maximize the joint detection probability of random events in such mission spaces, taking into account the discontinuities that are introduced by obstacles in the sensing probability models. The optimization scheme requires only local information at each node. We also propose a modified objective function which allows a more balanced coverage when necessary. An interactive simulation environment has been developed through which we illustrate the adaptive and distributed properties of the coverage algorithm in a variety of mission spaces with obstacles.
Striatal Neurodevelopment Is Dysregulated in Purine Metabolism Deficiency and Impacts DARPP-32, BDNF/TrkB Expression and Signaling: New Insights on the Molecular and Cellular Basis of Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome

Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome (LNS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding the purine metabolic enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT). This syndrome is characterized by an array of severe neurological impairments that in part originate from striatal dysfunctions. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these dysfunctions remain largely unidentified. In this report, we demonstrate that HPRT-deficiency causes dysregulated expression of key genes essential for striatal patterning, most notably the striatally-enriched transcription factor B-cell leukemia 11b (Bcl11b). The data also reveal that the down-regulated expression of Bcl11b in HPRT-deficient immortalized mouse striatal (STHdh) neural stem cells is accompanied by aberrant expression of some of its transcriptional partners and other striatally-enriched genes, including the gene encoding dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein 32, (DARPP-32). Furthermore, we demonstrate that components of the BDNF/TrkB signaling, a known activator of DARPP-32 striatal expression and effector of Bcl11b transcriptional activation are markedly increased in HPRT-deficient cells and in the striatum of HPRT knockout mouse. Consequently, the HPRT-deficient cells display superior protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cell death upon exposure to hydrogen peroxide. These findings suggest that the purine metabolic defect caused by HPRT-deficiency, while it may provide neuroprotection to striatal neurons, affects key genes and signaling pathways that may underlie the neuropathogenesis of LNS.
Neutron Off-Plane Scattering of Aligned Membranes. I. Method of Measurement

We describe a method of measuring neutron scattering of aligned membranes with the momentum transfer oriented parallel or partly perpendicular to the plane of the membranes. The method obtains the complete information for the structures within fluid membranes obtainable by scattering. Data from alamethicin- and magainin-induced pores are presented. Although the in-plane scattering curves of these two peptides are similar to each other, their off-plane scattering patterns are strikingly distinct. Magainin pores exhibit intermembrane correlations.
Resolution of independently titrating spectral components of the ultraviolet circular dichroism of subtilisin enzymes by matrix rank analysis

Abstract The ultraviolet circular dichroism of di-isopropylphophoryl-subtilisins Carlsberg and Novo (EC 3.4.21.14) has been examined as a function of pH. The CD of these enzymes below 260 nm is invariant over the pH interval 4 to 12, below or above which spectral changes occur suggesting a transition to a random coil form. Above pH 8 contributions due to the ionization of tyrosyl residues appear in the CD above 260 nm as bands shifted to longer wavelengths. Three independently titratable components, obtained by matrix rank analysis, account for the observed CD spectral changes above 260 nm of Dip-subtilisin Carlsberg in the pH interval 8 to 12. By contrast, two components were derived for the Novo enzyme. The identities of the matrix rank component were surmised from their apparent p K 1 values. One component of both subtilisin enzymes corresponds to the CD of the “buried” or irreversibly titratable tyrosyl residues of the enzyme. The other matrix rank components correspond to the CD of the “exposed’ or freely ionizable tyrosyl residues. These residues are optically active only in the ionized state. Two types of “expressed” tyrosyl residues, arising because of differing sensitivity to the ionization of the “partially buried” or abnormally titrating tyrosyl residues, are evident in Dip-subtilisin Carlsberg. A pH-induced local conformational change in this enzyme is proposed to account for this behavior. The “partially buried” tyrosyl residues of both subtilisins appear to be devoid of optical activity in either the tyrosyl or tyrosylate form.
Evaluation of the thermal regime of the Valles Caldera, New Mexico, U.S.A., by downward continuation of temperature data

Abstract Downward continuation of temperature data from 73 wells extending to depths of 250 ft (76 m) provides constraints on the thermal regime of the Valles Caldera. Surface-temperature gradient data and bottom-hole temperatures were used as constraints in the downward continuation. Three factors were found to control the shallow thermal regime: 1. (1) heat associated with the main geothermal source; 2. (2) local topography; and 3. (3) west-southwest groundwater flow. Although the well density is relatively high, comparison with the topography shows that the wells are not randomly distributed and tend to be clustered in valleys. Many details in the thermal regime appear to be related to groundwater drainage in these valleys. Temperature gradients and temperatures generally increase in the same direction as the regional drainage of the caldera suggesting a long-wavelength, shallow component to this regional gradient trend. Inversion of gradient and temperature data show additional deep heat input in the west-southwest sector of the caldera which appears to be spatially associated to the youngest volcanism. A previously reported northeast displacement of the main heat source from the surface anomaly has not been confirmed.