cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Techniques for Avoidance of Sternotomy and Cardiopulmonary Bypass During Resection of Extensive Renal Cell Carcinoma with Vena Caval Tumor Thrombus Extension Above the Diaphragm

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a commonly encountered malignancy in urology. Extensive RCC may frequently invade the renal vein and the inferior vena cava (IVC). In advanced cases, this tumor thrombus may grow cephalad up to the level of the right atrium. The mainstay of surgical treatment for such lesions remains resection of all possible tumor burden. Current techniques for resection of supradiaphragmatic RCC tumor thrombus in the IVC incorporate cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest, especially in cases where the thrombus reaches the right atrium. We report a safe technique using a transabdominal approach to such lesions that allows exposure to the level of the intrapericardial IVC and right atrium permitting safe resection of the tumor thrombus without median sternotomy, CBP, or deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.
Colonization of buried cotton stems by microarthropods

Abstract Initial colonization of cotton stems by microarthropods proceeded more rapidly while buried in soil under laboratory conditions (20–23°C) than while buried in the field during the winter months when soil temperatures ranged from 5–10°C in the study area in the San Joaquin Valley of California. While 15 species were found frequently in cotton stems held in the laboratory for 20 weeks, only seven species were found in field buried stems. Arthropods found under both conditions were a species of pyemotid mite; an astigmatid mite, Tyrophagus dimidiatus ; two collembolans, Proisotoma minuta and Tullbergia sp.; and a sciarid fly larval stage, Bradysia impatiens . Even though the soils at teh field sites possessed a number of microarthropods in common, the stem colonization at each site was restricted to a single group which differed from each of the other sites. Microenvironments affect stem colonization patterns by microarthropods but microarthropods did not appear to have a significant influence on early cotton stem decomposition rates nor was there evidence that their activities reduced Verticillium microsclerotia populations.
A characterization study of platinum-tin oxide films supported on Al2O3

Abstract Films which are about 20 A thick containing platinum and tin oxide were produced by impregnating γ-Al 2 O 3 in an acetone solution containing stannic chloride and chloroplatinic acid. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, Auger electron spectroscopy, temperature-programmed decomposition and depth profiling were used to characterize these films after oxidation in air at 725 K and after reduction in hydrogen at 1 atm and 775 K. Both CO and H 2 O are incorporated in these films but in different relative amounts in the oxidized and reduced samples. The desorption characteristics also differ between the oxidized and reduced samples, but H 2 O and CO desorb simultaneously from each type of sample. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis shows that the interaction between the platinum and tin is through a Pt-O-Sn bond which is present in both oxidized and reduced samples. Reduction converts PtO and PtO 2 to metallic platinum and causes sintering of platinum crystallites to bulk-like platinum.
The growth of algae in deuterium oxide.

Abstract Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Scenedesmus obliquus can be grown in 99.6% deuterium oxide media. The rate of growth of the deuterated organisms is great enough to make it possible to use them as a practical source of biosynthesized fully-deuterated compounds.
Quantitative studies of F responses in Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

We examined F wave mean and minimum latency, mean and maximum amplitude, duration, persistence and chronodispersion in 241 nerves from 78 patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and 162 nerves from 43 patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Results were compared with normal criteria derived from 72 median, 73 ulnar and 73 tibial control nerves, to determine the relative diagnostic sensitivity of the various F wave parameters. F wave abnormalities were found in 92% and 95% of nerves of patients with GBS and CIDP respectively. Absence of F responses or prolongation of minimum and mean latency were the most frequent abnormalities in both groups. Forty-five (11.2%) nerves overall had absent F responses with normal compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes and no significant fall between stimulus sites, consistent with isolated proximal conduction block. Forty-four nerves (23.7% of nerves in which F waves were present) fulfilled minimum F latency criteria for acquired demyelination . Eighty-one (20.1%) nerves had normal conventional motor nerve conduction studies and abnormal F responses, not all of which were identified by assessing only F absence or minimum latency. Severity of F wave abnormalities did not correlate with clinical outcome. Our findings confirm the high frequency of proximal nerve lesions in early GBS and CIDP, not all of which are associated with distal motor conduction abnormalities, and suggest that assessment of multiple F wave parameters, in particular chronodispersion, mean latency and mean amplitude (in addition to absence and minimum latency), increases the yield of F wave studies.
Influence of World and Gravity Model Selection on Surface Interacting Vehicle Simulations

A vehicle simulation is surface-interacting if the state of the vehicle (position, velocity, and acceleration) relative to the surface is important. Surface-interacting simulations perform ascent, entry, descent, landing, surface travel, or atmospheric flight. Modeling of gravity is an influential environmental factor for surface-interacting simulations. Gravity is the free-fall acceleration observed from a world-fixed frame that rotates with the world. Thus, gravity is the sum of gravitation and the centrifugal acceleration due to the world s rotation. In surface-interacting simulations, the fidelity of gravity at heights above the surface is more significant than gravity fidelity at locations in inertial space. A surface-interacting simulation cannot treat the gravity model separately from the world model, which simulates the motion and shape of the world. The world model's simulation of the world's rotation, or lack thereof, produces the centrifugal acceleration component of gravity. The world model s reproduction of the world's shape will produce different positions relative to the world center for a given height above the surface. These differences produce variations in the gravitation component of gravity. This paper examines the actual performance of world and gravity/gravitation pairs in a simulation using the Earth.
Diagnostic usefulness of post void filmin intravenous urogram

A survey was sent to urologists to assess their subjective evaluation of the post-void film in the intravenous urogram (IVU). Most of the urologists believed that the post-void film should be a routine part of all IVUs, particularly in men over forty years of age, and estimated that the film contributed useful information in 30 percent of cases. One hundred fifty IVUs were reviewed to assess the actual value of the post-void film in 119 different patients. In these patients, the postvoid film was seen to give unique information not available by history or films of the filled bladder in only 3 percent of the cases. Therefore, we conclude the post-void film should not be a routine part of every IVU, and should be obtained on an as-needed basis only.
Manufacturability of a 0.18-μm OPC technology

A commercial OPC software is employed to add assisting features and hammerheads on the critical layers of VLSI chips; the resulting features on the masks and resist patterns on wafers have been studied. The 0.18 micrometer mask patterns with this OPC has shown approximately 0.3 micrometer wider focus latitude than that without OPC assistant features. The energy latitude is 6% larger for the one with OPC features. A microprocessor has been used as a vehicle to show the influence of adding OPC features in terms of product yield. Chips with OPC has about 6% to 8% higher yield than those without OPC under nominal exposure conditions. OPC turns out to be much more effective at extreme exposure conditions, e.g., at smaller CD regime very much less than 0.18 micrometer. The various defect types and sizes created in these OPC masks are also studied including defect printability on wafers.
Role of Microstructure in Promoting Fracture and Fatigue Resistance in Mo-Si-B Alloys

An investigation of how microstructural features affect the fracture and fatigue properties of a promising class of high temperature Mo-Si-B based alloys is presented. Fracture toughness and fatigue-crack growth properties are measured at 25° and 1300°C for five Mo-Mo3Si-Mo5SiB2 containing alloys produced by powder metallurgy with α-Mo matrices. Results are compared with previous studies on intermetallic-matrix microstructures in alloys with similar compositions. It is found that increasing the α-Mo phase volume fraction (17–49%) or ductility (by increasing the temperature) benefits the fracture resistance; in addition, α-Mo matrix materials show significant improvements over intermetallic-matrix alloys. Fatigue thresholds were also increased with increasing α-Mo phase content, until a transition to more ductile fatigue behavior occurred with large amounts of α-Mo phase (49%) and ductility (i.e., at 1300°C). The beneficial role of such microstructural variables are attributed to the promotion of the observed toughening mechanisms of crack trapping and bridging by the relatively ductile α-Mo phase.
Osteoclast recruitment and modulation by calcium deficiency, fasting, and calcium supplementation in the rat

In the rat, 1 week of a calcium-deficient diet will recruit large numbers of osteoclasts to long bone endosteal surfaces. Subsequent calcium supplementation causes the osteoclasts to disappear in 1-3 days but as little as 3 hours of calcium supplementation reduces the extent of their ruffled borders. To test the hypothesis that at some point there is an irreversible inhibition of osteoclasts, male, weanling, calcium-deficient, SD rats were given various amounts of calcium-containing diet followed by a 12-hour fast. No changes in seven morphological indices of osteoclast activity were found. The hypothesis that the fast had reversed the effects of the calcium diet was supported by a second experiment indicating that no inhibition threshold had been reached. Another experiment showed differences in the degree of osteoclast inhibition with different amounts of calcium supplementation, again without evidence of a threshold. These experiments raised two questions: (1) Will fasting recruit osteoclasts in calcium-replete rats? and (2) Is osteoclast recruitment facilitated by the presence of postosteoclasts? The results of experiments testing these hypotheses support the conclusion that fasting and calcium deficiency maintain plasma calcium levels by different mechanisms, and post-osteoclasts are not available for reactivation. It is concluded that inhibition of osteoclasts by dietary calcium is a graded phenomenon, and when osteoclasts have lost contact with the bone surface they are unavailable for reactivation; a threshold has been reached.
Probabilistic verification of Boolean functions

We present a novel method for verifying the equivalence of two Boolean functions. Each function is hashed to an integer code by assigning random integer values to the input variables and evaluating an integer-valued transformation of the original function. The hash codes for two equivalent functions are always equal. Thus the equivalence of two functions can be verified with a very low probability of error, which arises from unlikely “collisions” between inequivalent functions. An upper bound, ∈, on the probability of error is known a priori. The bound can be decreased exponentially by making multiple runs. Results indicate significant time and space advantages for this method over techniques that represent each function as a single OBDD. Some functions known to require space (and time) exponential in the number of input variables for these techniques require only polynomial resources using our method. Experimental results indicate that probabilistic verification can provide an attractive alternative for verifying functions too large to be handled using these OBDD-based techniques.
The fate of 10‐year clinically recurrence‐free survivors after definitive radiotherapy for T1–3N0M0 Prostate Cancer

We recently reported the outcome of 168 patients treated with pelvic lymphadenectomy and definitive radiation therapy. This report is a subanalysis of those patients (pts) who were clinically without evidence of disease (NED) 10 years after a negative staging pelvic lymphadenectomy and definitive radiation therapy for prostate cancer. One hundred of our original cohort of 168 patients had at least ten year follow-up. 76 patients had pathologically negative lymph nodes and had not received hormonal therapy. Forty-two N0 patients with sufficient follow-up were alive and clinically NED 10 years post-operatively. Distribution by disease stage at diagnosis was: Stage A2: 12 pts; Stage B: 19 pts; Stage B2/C: 6 pts; Stage C: 5 pts. Median follow-up was 13.3 years, with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Of the 42 patients clinically NED at 10 years, 5 pts died subsequently without PSA data, remaining clinically NED a median of 13 y 3 m postoperatively; 37 patients were alive and without evidence of disease off all therapy at 10 years post-operatively. Bone scans were performed on 8 of the 9 patients with PSA over 4.0 ng/ml or on hormonal therapy. These revealed a single patient with diffuse but asymptomatic bone metastases. Ultrasound-guided sextant biopsies were performed on one 78-year-old patient with elevated PSA 19 years post-operatively, revealing an asymptomatic local recurrence. Patients who survive clinically NED for 10 years have a low likelihood of clinical failure, even in the presence of PSA values between 4.0 and 10 ng/ml. In these patients, PSA trends are of greater utility than absolute values.
Corrosion of thorium and thorium alloys and reactions with the environment

Abstract The published literature on reactions between metallic thorium and oxygen, nitrogen, air, hydrogen, and water vapor is briefly reviewed. For reactions with oxygen and nitrogen the reaction rate follows a parabolic-rate law at low temperatures, but is linear at higher temperatures. The change in reaction kinetics is apparently due to the process being diffusion controlled in the temperature range where the reaction layer is continuous but controlled by the reaction at the surface-layer base-metal interface at higher temperatures. The reaction rate between thorium and air was found to be linear from 100 to 900°C, while the reaction rate between thorium and hydrogen was parabolic up to 700°C. Observed reactions between thorium and its alloys and water vapor, acids, molten metals, organic coolants, and fluorine compounds are briefly reviewed. In addition several topics of interest to fuel-element designers such as the corrosion of defected fuel elements, and the compatibility of thorium alloys with cladding materials are summarized.
Contingent value measurement: On the nature and meaning of willingness to pay

Treating willingness to pay (WTP) for public goods as a behavioral intention, the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1985, 1987) was used to explore the meaning of contingent valuation measures. College students (N = 150) completed a questionnaire that assessed a variety of attitudinal variables with respect to (a) participating in five leisure activities and (b) paying a user fee for engaging in those activities. In addition, WTP for each activity was also assessed. Within-subjects correlations showed that WTP could be predicted from attitudes toward paying, but of the attitudinal measures toward engaging in the activity, only perceived affect associated with the activity was predictive of WTP. In multiple regressions, the decision in principle to pay or not to pay a user fee was influenced only by the affect perceived to be associated with engaging in a leisure activity and by ethical or moral considerations related to paying a user fee. Other factors related to paying a user fee, especially perceived normative expectations (subjective norms) and available resources (perceived behavioral control), added to moral considerations in determining how much money one would be willing to pay. These findings show that in the absence of relevant knowledge or information about the economic value of public goods, judgments in principle about WTP tend to rely on cognitive heuristics, or intuitive rules of thumb, and that more substantive considerations come into play when evaluating the amount of money to be paid.
Role of tobacco smoking in pharmacokinetics

The pervasiveness of tobacco use in our society and the frequency of altered disposition and pharmacological effects of many common therapeutic and recreational drugs in smokers make it apparent that the smoking habit should be considered as one of the primary sources of drug interactions in man. Most of the experimental work in man, animals, and tissue on enzyme systems indicates that the dominant effect of smoking is enhanced disposition caused by induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes. The primary causal agents are probably the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, which are potent and persistent in tissues. While several of the hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes are stimulated in smokers, the selectivity of this enhancement in activity is unpredictable and the effects of tobacco smoke on other potential rate-limiting disposition processes are largely unexplored.
Methanol poisoning I. The role of formic acid in the development of metabolic acidosis in the monkey and the reversal by 4-methylpyrazole

Abstract The administration of methanol (3 g/kg) to rhesus and pigtail monkeys produced signs and symptoms similar to those described for methanol poisoning in man. These were a mild central nervous system depression, a latent period of 8–12 hr when no signs were observed, followed by a severe metabolic acidosis leading to coma and death 12–33 hr after the initial administration. The gradual development of metabolic acidosis coincided with the accumulation of formic acid in the blood, and the decrease of bicarbonate in the plasma. There was an increase in the anion gap during the period of metabolic acidosis, and formic acid concentration accounted for about one-half of the increase observed. Therefore, formic acid was a major, but not the only, determinant of the metabolic acidosis. Administration of 4-methylpyrazole (50 mg/kg), a potent inhibitor of monkey hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase, produced a 75% inhibition of the rate of [ 14 C]methanol metabolism to 14 CO 2 in the monkey. During the first 36 hr following the administration of 4-methylpyrazole and methanol, no metabolic acidosis developed, no formate accumulated in the blood, and no signs of toxicity were observed. After a single dose of 4-methylpyrazole and methanol, the toxic syndrome was delayed by about 36 hr in the monkey, after which time the onset of metabolic acidosis and the accumulation of formic in blood was noted. The use of the monkey as a model for the study of methanol poisoning is presented, and the possible use of 4-methylpyrazole in the treatment of methanol poisoning is implicit.
Dexmedetomidine and neuroprotection

Dexmedetomidine is an α-2 adrenoreceptor agonist which has displayed neuroprotective properties in a variety of in vitro and in vivo laboratory studies; however, the mechanism of neuroprotection remains unclear. Modulation of pathways leading to excitatory cell death and apoptosis are likely to be involved, although there is evidence for and against these theories. Randomized controlled clinical trials in humans are needed to ascertain the efficacy of dexmedetomidine as a neuroprotectant in humans before its clinical use as a neuroprotectant can be recommended.
Low distress tolerance as an indirect risk factor for suicidal behavior: Considering the explanatory role of non-suicidal self-injury

Although some theorists conceptualize the relationship between emotion dysregulation and suicidal behavior as direct, recent research suggests that this relationship may be indirect and mediated by repeated experiences with certain behaviors (e.g., non-suicidal self-injury; NSSI) common among individuals with heightened emotion dysregulation. To date, however, this research has been limited in both scope (e.g., examining few components of emotion dysregulation) and generalizability (e.g., over-emphasis on undergraduate samples). This study sought to extend the research in this area by examining the mediating role of NSSI in the association between one relevant aspect of emotion dysregulation (i.e., low distress tolerance [DT]) and suicidal behavior with a clear intent to die among an at-risk sample of substance use disorder (SUD) patients in residential treatment. SUD patients (N = 93) completed a structured interview assessing past suicidal behavior and questionnaires assessing DT and NSSI. Consistent with hypotheses, results revealed a significant indirect association between low DT and lifetime suicide attempts through NSSI frequency. These results suggest that exposure to painful and provocative events through experience with NSSI may be one pathway through which certain facets of emotion dysregulation increase the risk for suicidal behaviors (consistent with theories that individuals low in DT may be unable and/or unwilling to engage in suicidal behavior unless they have experienced sufficient levels of painful and/or provocative events capable of changing their relationship with and experience of pain and fear of death).
Free fibular transfer in a growing individual (long-term results).

We present a case report of a 4-year-old in whom the distal fibula and epiphyseal plate had been traumatically destroyed. A free vascularized epiphyseal transfer using the ipsilateral proximal fibula was performed which provided good bony stability at the ankle, as well as excellent long-term growth characteristics. We demonstrate immediate postoperative results, as well as long-term (5 years) follow-up. © 1993 Wiley-Liss Inc.
Impaired tracheal mucus transport in allergic bronchoconstriction: Effect of terbutaline pretreatment

Abstract The transport velocity of mucus within the trachea, pulmonary resistance, and arterial blood gas composition were measured in intubated conscious sheep with Ascaris suum sensitivity before and during allergic bronchoconstriction. Inhalation of A. suum extract for 15 min increased mean pulmonary resistance significantly from 1.9 cm H 2 O · L −1 sec −1 to 5.1 cm H 2 O · L −1 sec −1 after 60 min and to 4.5 cm H 2 O · L −1 sec −1 after 120 min, while it decreased mean arterial P O 2 from 85 to 59 and 53 mm Hg, respectively, without altering arterial P CO 2 or pH. This was associated with a decrease in mean mucus velocity from 11.2 to 6.0 and 5.7 mm min −1 , respectively. The decrease in mucus velocity was accompanied by endoscopically visible increases in the quantity of tracheal mucus. No alterations in mucus velocity or pulmonary resistance were observed in animals who inhaled a control antigen (ragweed) or breathed a mixture of 10% oxygen 90% nitrogen, which produced a mean arterial P O 2 of 51 mm Hg. The administration of 0.25 mg terbutaline sulfate by subcutaneous injection prior to A. suum challenge prevented the changes in mucus velocity, pulmonary resistance, and arterial P O 2 . We conclude that the decreased mucus velocity in the trachea during antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in conscious sheep is related to the allergic response, and can be prevented by the subcutaneous administration of terbutaline sulfate, a beta adrenergic agonist. This suggests that the protective effect of terbutaline sulfate in antigen-induced bronchoconstriction includes the effect on the associated impairment of mucociliary function.
Dyslipidemia in chronic kidney disease: Causes and consequences

Cardiovascular risk increases with each decrement in renal function. Abnormalities in plasma lipoprotein composition among patients with end-stage renal disease represent a change both in lipoprotein level and structure. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is not increased and LDL level is not strongly correlated with outcome. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are decreased and are inversely associated with cardiovascular risk. HDL is decreased because of an increased rate of catabolism associated with a predominance of small dense HDL. HDL fails to mature normally as a result of decreased lecithin cholesterol ester (CE) transfer protein (lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase), leaving CE poor, triglyceride (TG) rich HDL3, and pre β HDL. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) also causes insulin resistance, and this may also contribute to low HDL levels. Plasma TG levels are increased and TGs are found in an expanded intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) pool. These are composed of chylomicron and very low-density lipoprotein remnants resulting from delayed lipolysis on the endothelium and impaired hepatic uptake. IDL in contrast to LDL is associated with vascular disease in dialysis patients. Lipoprotein (a) (Lp (a)) levels are also increased. In patients without renal disease. The concentration of Lp (a) is inversely associated with the size of the apolipoprotein (a) isoform inherited; Lp (a) levels are increased in patients with kidney disease as a consequence of increased concentrations, primarily of the high molecular weight isoform. Lp (a) levels are also associated with cardiovascular outcome among dialysis patients.
Tamoxifen for the Reduction in the Incidence of Breast Cancer in Women at High Risk for Breast Cancera

Abstract: Recent legislation, including the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (1992) and the FDA Modernization Act (FDAMA) (1997), has provided an environment in which new drug applications (NDA) can be efficiently reviewed, resulting in rapid access to new drugs or to new uses for approved drugs by the public. The recent submission of a supplemental NDA for tamoxifen for the reduction in the incidence of breast cancer in women at high risk for breast cancer is an excellent example of the application of this legislation. First, the application received expedited but thorough multidisciplinary and interdivisional review by the FDA. Second, it required collaboration between the manufacturer (AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals), the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the FDA. This process worked well and demonstrated that cooperative group data can be used effectively to support an application. Third, a single large adequate and well-controlled trial was sufficient to support the effectiveness of tamoxifen for this indication. The quantity of evidence required to support approval has been discussed in FDA guidances (“Providing Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness for Human Drug and Biological Products”) and is part of FDAMA.
Docile Behavior of Feedback Amplifiers

A docile amplifier is one that remains stable when connected to any passive network of a specified class. A simplified geometrical approach is used to derive the docility criteria for passive-end-loading, ideal-transformer feedback, bilateral passive feedback, and arbitrary passive feedback.
Advancing the adoption, integration and testing of technological advancements within existing care systems

Abstract Objective This manuscript reviews the work on uptake and dissemination of health information technologies in mental health populations and settings, with the goal of informing the future research agenda. Methods We reviewed both the formal and "grey" literature describing the rates and correlates of uptake for electronic health records (EHRs) and personal health records (PHRs) for general and specialty mental health settings. Results Rates of uptake and use of EHRs and PHRs are low in general medical settings, and the limited evidence suggests even lower rates for specialty mental health settings. Many of the patient, provider and system-level characteristics associated with lower rates of use in general populations would be expected to be exacerbated in mental health settings. Conclusions The findings suggest a need to better understand both the causes and strategies for overcoming barriers to uptake of health information technology (HIT) in mental health settings. Observational studies could help to better elucidate the barriers to adoption of HIT that are unique or disproportionate in mental health populations. Implementation science studies are needed to better identify strategies for addressing these barriers and optimizing uptake of mental health HIT interventions.
Effects of light regime on the growth and physiology of Pentaclethra macroloba (Mimosaceae) in Costa Rica

Seedlings of Pentaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze, a dominant, shade-tolerant species of tropical moist forest in Costa Rica, were raised under three light conditions to assess their acclimatization and growth responses to irradiance. The light environments used were full sun, partial shade (25% of full sun), and full shade (1% of full sun). To test the effect of a sudden change in light level such as would occur in the event of a treefall gap, the seedlings in the above conditions were switched between environments after two months and grown for an additional 1.5 months. Plants in full sun and partial shade had similar total weight; switching between the two environments had no effect on biomass. Plants switched from full sun and partial shade to full shade had negative growth as a result of negative CO 2 , flux and leaf abscission. Plants transferred from full shade to full sun had lower growth rates than those switched from full shade to partial shade because of severe leaf damage in full sun. The previous environment significantly affected the response of most growth and size characteristics to the present environment. Maximum photosynthesis changed only 30% in response to light level during growth. However, large changes in other photosynthetic and structural characteristics were found. Leaves developed in full shade had lower respiration, leaf thickness, and stomatal density and higher apparent quantum yield, specific leaf area, and chlorophyll content than leaves from full sun. Osmotic potentials were similar between treatments. Despite only small changes in maximum photosynthesis, acclimatization to extreme shade or sun rendered leaves unsuitable for large changes in environment. Consequently, in the event of a large treefall gap, plants already present in the understory will require a substantial period of adjustment before they respond to the increase in light.
Laboratory-Directed Protein Evolution

Systematic approaches to directed evolution of proteins have been documented since the 1970s. The ability to recruit new protein functions arises from the considerable substrate ambiguity of many proteins. The substrate ambiguity of a protein can be interpreted as the evolutionary potential that allows a protein to acquire new specificities through mutation or to regain function via mutations that differ from the original protein sequence. All organisms have evolutionarily exploited this substrate ambiguity. When exploited in a laboratory under controlled mutagenesis and selection, it enables a protein to "evolve" in desired directions. One of the most effective strategies in directed protein evolution is to gradually accumulate mutations, either sequentially or by recombination, while applying selective pressure. This is typically achieved by the generation of libraries of mutants followed by efficient screening of these libraries for targeted functions and subsequent repetition of the process using improved mutants from the previous screening. Here we review some of the successful strategies in creating protein diversity and the more recent progress in directed protein evolution in a wide range of scientific disciplines and its impacts in chemical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sciences.
Glutamate Inhibits Thalamic Reticular Neurons

Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) can result in long-lasting modulation of neuronal excitability. Multiple mGluR subtypes are localized within the rat thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), and we have examined the effects of activating these different receptor subtypes on the excitability of these neurons using an in vitro slice preparation. Typical of most mGluR-sensitive preparations, the general mGluR agonist, (±)-1-aminocyclopentane- trans -1,3-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD) produced a robust, long-lasting excitatory response. Surprisingly, ACPD produced a membrane hyperpolarization in some neurons. Using selective mGluR agonists, we found that activation of group II mGluRs produces the hyperpolarization, whereas the depolarization is mediated by group I mGluRs. While the polarity of the postsynaptic response (hyperpolarization vs depolarization) was dependent on the mGluR subtype activated, both actions appear to result from modification of a linear K+ conductance. The inhibitory action of Glutamate, via group II mGluRs, provides an avenue for a disinhibitory effect that could have interesting consequences upon a well-investigated, model neuronal circuit, turning its assumed functional role upside down.
Some properties of a macromolecular extract producing developmental arrest of injected embryos (Rana pipiens).

Several molecular species, suspected of being responsible for the blastular arrest that follows injection of adult liver extracts into Rana pipiens zygotes, were investigated by biochemical assays of the extracts, by injection of the extracts after removal of these molecular species, and/or by injection of these species themselves into zygotes. Negative results have ruled out, with varying degrees of certainty, DNA, RNA, basic protein, polysaccharide, neutral protase, ribonuclease, phosphodiesterase I, and two varieties of deoxyribonuclease (DNase). The arrest-producing component is tentatively identified as a non-basic protein, although the evidence is not yet conclusive. Injected neutral DNase (± trypsin) failed to produce either consistent arrest or embryonic chromosomal abnormalities. A review of the literature on DNase effects in vivo also revealed no clear precedent indicating that arrest can be attributed to derangement of the embryonic chromosomes by a DNase in the extracts.
The AEOLIS program: prospects for future low-cost, space-borne vector wind sensors

The ocean surface wind speed and direction play important roles in meteorology, oceanography, climatology, and operational weather forecasting. Currently, global ocean vector wind measurements are derived from costly active microwave radars, such as the ERS-1 scatterometer and the soon to be launched NASA scatterometer (NSCAT). Recent work in the former Soviet Union and analysis of Special Sensor Microwave/Imager data both reveal wind direction signals in passive microwave data. To determine the limits of passive microwave vector wind remote sensing, the All-weather, Earth-observing, Ocean, Land, Ice Sensor (AEOLIS) program was established. This program consists of laboratory and theoretical studies augmented by analysis of existing space-based data sets and an aggressive aircraft instrument development program. Preliminary results show detectable wind direction signals over the observed wind speed range of 2 to 9 m/s. The state-of-the-art knowledge about this relatively new, passive microwave, vector-wind remote sensing technology is presented.
A Wireless Data and Power Telemetry System Using Novel BPSK Demodulator for Non-Destructive Evaluation of Structures

A new modality in reliable autonomous nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of structures consists of sensors embedded within the structures for long term structural health monitoring (SHM). This paper contributes to the design of low power wireless data and power telemetry in such systems. Electrical power and data are transferred from the transmitter simultaneously through inductive coupling. A binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation scheme is used for data-cum-power delivery. The external transmitter is implemented using a simple class-E power amplifier using discrete components. A novel low power BPSK demodulator is designed and fabricated in a 0.5mum CMOS process. The new design allows for wider tracking and locking range compared to prior art of squaring loop or Costas loop. The experimental chip results show low power consumption and robust performance.
Multiple cerebral metastases: detectability with Gd-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging.

Sixteen patients with suspected cerebral metastases were studied with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging before and after the intravenous administration of 0.1 mmol/kg of gadolinium diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid. The images were interpreted blindly by two neuroradiologists; all clinical, radiologic (computed tomographic and MR imaging), and pathologic data were reviewed to arrive at a final "best diagnosis," which was then compared with the prior blinded interpretations. Of seven patients found to have multiple metastases, six (86%) had at least one tumor nodule depicted by postinfusion MR imaging that was missed by one or both observers on review of preinfusion images alone. Lesions missed on preinfusion studies were usually small nodules hidden by or not detected next to regions of high-signal edema thought to be related to the adjacent tumor nodule. The authors believe that contrast enhancement improves detection of metastatic foci with MR imaging and that the findings indicate broader implications ...
Functional Properties and Effect on Growth Suppression of Human Neuroblastoma Tumors by Isotype Switch Variants of Monoclonal Antiganglioside GD2 Antibody 14.18

A complete family of IgG isotype switch variant hybridomas was generated from the anti-GD2 monoclonal IgG3-producing hybridoma, 14.18, with the aid of the fluorescence-activated cell sorter. The IgG1, IgG2b, and IgG2a monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) produced by respective isotype switch variant hybridomas 14G1, 14G2b, or 14G2a, have binding activities for the biochemically defined GD2 antigen and GD2-expressing neuroblastoma target cell lines identical to that of IgG3 Mabs produced by the 14.18 parent cell line. This permitted us to examine the relative in vitro and in vivo cytotoxic capacities of each of the anti-GD2 antibodies for GD2-expressing neuroblastoma cells independent of antibody binding affinity or specificity. Mabs produced by 14.18, 14G2a, or 14G2b, but not 14G1, can direct efficient complement-dependent cytotoxicity against neuroblastoma tumor cells in the presence of human complement. Mabs produced by the parent 14.18 or by 14G2a are more efficient in directing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity than Mabs produced by 14G2b, and Mabs of 14G1 are inactive. However, despite these noted in vitro differences, antibodies produced by each member of this switch variant family suppress the growth of human neuroblastoma tumor cells in BALB/c athymic nu/nu mice. These studies suggest that a mechanism(s) other than Fc-directed complement-dependent cytotoxicity or antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity may account for the in vivo antitumor effects of these particular antibodies.
The Global Control of Tuberculosis: What are the Prospects?

Tuberculosis (TB) still imposes a huge burden of ill health, premature death and emotional suffering on the developing world. Over the past 30 y it has been greatly neglected by those concerned about international public health and there are now nearly 8 million new cases annually and 1.86 million deaths. An epidemic of HIV-associated TB is now affecting Africa and threatening parts of Asia. Multidrug-resistant TB has emerged as a huge threat in Russia and its former satellites. However, with the advent of the directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) strategy in 1995, high-burden countries have started to seriously address the problem. Recent political commitment on the part of the rich nations, together with significant increases in funding from private foundations and great scientific advances in our understanding of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, give rise to cautious optimism that TB will be controlled during this century.
Development of the Diabetes Health Belief Scale

A Diabetes Health Belief Scale (DHBS) was developed to measure attitudes about diabetes care that could help to explain compliance with prescribed medical regimens. A preliminary version of the scale contained 71 items covering areas identified previously as important in determining health behavior. From pretesting of the scale, 40 items were selected for further study. Items were submitted to factor analysis to determine the dimensions measured. Seven factors using 38 items emerged that were relatively independent and reliable. Validity of the scale was tested by its ability to predict compliance with medical regimens six weeks later in 120 men. Compliance was measured by self-report and nurse's evaluation as well as by metabolic control of diabetes. Different factors were associated significantly with compliance and control. Although tested only on men, the DHBS should be useful in describing the health beliefs of diabetic patients and could suggest areas where intervention was needed to improve compliance.
The Changing Value of Seniority in the U.S. House: Conditional Party Government Revised

In this article, we argue that institutional changes to the seniority system have electoral consequences to incumbents. Building on the theory of Conditional Party Government, we argue that the consolidation of power in the hands of party leadership reduces the electoral value of seniority. This reduction occurs because power that was previously in the hands of committee chairs, whose roles are obtained through seniority, is ceded to party leaders. By increasing the party’s brand, this centralization also delivers a dividend received by all members regardless of seniority. We present empirical evidence supporting this argument. Our findings suggest that the “condition” of Conditional Party Government, i.e., preference homogeneity among the majority party, is only a necessary condition; in order for centralization to occur, party reformers must also overcome the opposition of entrenched senior members.
Acoustic Velocimetry for Riverine Environments

Acoustic instruments are rapidly replacing conventional current meters for measurement of velocities in natural and man-made open channels. Greater efficiency, improved performance, and numerous safety considerations at comparable costs have provided the motivation for their broad adoption in hydrologic datacollection operations. They have no moving parts, offer relatively high spatial and temporal sampling resolution, and require fewer calibrations. Moreover, they allow measurements in field settings where conventional measurements were very difficult or costly to obtain and facilitate documentation of flow features that previously could only be documented in the laboratory Dinehart and Burau 2005 . Rapid development of acoustic velocimeters has continued since the early work on acoustic Doppler current profilers ADCPs by Christensen and Herrick 1982 , Simpson 1986 , and Gordon 1989 . Likewise, the development of acoustic Doppler velocimeters ADVs in the early 1990s Kraus et al. 1994 has revolutionized the measurement of twoand threedimensional mean velocities and turbulence characteristics in both laboratory and field studies. These technologies have profoundly changed the way that hydraulic data are collected by researchers, engineers, and technicians alike, being applied to measure velocity and thereby estimate important velocity-derived hydrodynamic quantities in support of riverine research and to complement numerical simulations and laboratory studies. Acoustic instruments are currently used for routine operations on water delivery projects, water treatment plants, stream gauging stations, and many other water resources-related projects. Given the growing interest in acoustic measurements and associated instrumentation, the Hydraulic Measurements and Experimentation Committee HME of the Environmental and Water Resources Institute EWRI decided in 2005 to produce a special issue of the Journal of Hydraulic Engineering focused on Acoustic Velocimetry for Riverine Environments. The HME is a technical committee founded in 1989 within the American Society of Civil Engineers and more recently its Environmental and Water Resources Institute. The committee consists of volunteer scientists and practitioners from academia, federal and state water
Extracting Sentiment Networks from Shakespeare's Plays

Automatic methods for analyzing sentiment and its movement through a play's social network are investigated. From structured dialogue we can algorithmically determine who is speaking and guess at who is listening or being directly addressed. Knowing who is speaking to whom allows the flow of sentiment to be tracked between characters and, within plays with clear time-lines, permits tracking the development of emotional relationships. We hypothesize that changing polarities between characters can be modeled as edge weights in a dynamic social network- a "sentiment network"-which can be used to distinguish a document's genre (tragedies versus comedies), detect a given character's enemies and allies, and model the overall emotional development of a play. Experiments on Shakespeare's plays are presented along with discussion of improvements and further applications.
The N54 mutant of Gαs has a conditional dominant negative phenotype which suppresses hormone-stimulated but not basal cAMP levels

The phenotype of a Ser to Asn mutation at position 54 of the alpha subunit of G(s)(N54-alpha(s)) was characterized in transient transfection experiments in COS and HEK293 cells. Expression of either wild type or N54-alpha(s) increased basal cAMP levels. In contrast, expression of wild type alpha(s), potentiated agonist-stimulated cAMP levels, while expression of N54-alpha(s)caused a decrease. Thus, the N54-alpha(s) mutant possesses a conditional dominant negative phenotype, suppressing preferentially hormone-stimulated effects.
Predictive control of switched nonlinear systems with scheduled mode transitions

In this work, a predictive control framework is proposed for the constrained stabilization of switched nonlinear systems that transit between their constituent modes at prescribed switching times. The main idea is to design a Lyapunov-based predictive controller for each constituent mode in which the switched system operates and incorporate constraints in the predictive controller design which upon satisfaction ensure that the prescribed transitions between the modes occur in a way that guarantees stability of the switched closed-loop system. This is achieved as follows: For each constituent mode, a Lyapunov-based model predictive controller (MPC) is designed, and an analytic bounded controller, using the same Lyapunov function, is used to explicitly characterize a set of initial conditions for which the MPC, irrespective of the controller parameters, is guaranteed to be feasible, and hence stabilizing. Then, constraints are incorporated in the MPC design which, upon satisfaction, ensure that: 1) the state of the closed-loop system, at the time of the transition, resides in the stability region of the mode that the system is switched into, and 2) the Lyapunov function for each mode is nonincreasing wherever the mode is reactivated, thereby guaranteeing stability. The proposed control method is demonstrated through application to a chemical process example.