cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevention of the development of heart failure and the regression of cardiac hypertrophy by captopril in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) exhibits both a compensated phase of cardiac hypertrophy in which forward output is maintained despite persistently elevated systemic arterial pressures and a decompensated phase in which cardiac performance has deteriorated in spite of further hypertrophic growth. To determine whether chronic antihypertensive therapy prevents the development of heart failure and the progression of cardiac hypertrophy in SHR with advanced hypertension, captopril (2 g/l of drinking water), a converting enzyme inhibitor, was administered to 14 month old female SHR and normotensive American Wistar rats (NWR)for 10 months. The severe left ventricular hypertrophy of the 24 month old untreated SHR (4·37±0·2 mg/g v. 2·50 ± 0·06 mg/g, untreated NWR) was markedly reduced ( P <0·02) by captopril (3·01 ± 0· mg/g). Chronic therapy prevented the reduction of both baseline and maximal cardiac indices in SHR, but did not alter blood flow in NWR. Left ventricular dilatation was present in 24 month old SHR and, as peak stroke volume index was diminished, the ejection fraction index of the SHR was reduced. Captopril restored this index in SHR to normal. The relation of ejection fraction index and afterload (peak systolic wall stress) was depressed in untreated SHR, but was normal in treated SHR. Thus, chronic therapy with captopril prevented the development of severe cardiac dysfunction and produced a marked regression of cardiac hypertrophy in SHR with advanced hypertensive heart disease.
Evidence for charge-transfer complexes in high-volatile bituminous coal

Abstract Solvent-induced association of high-volatile bituminous coal and its extracts is observed on soaking in organic solvents and results in a decrease in pyridine extractability. Medium- and low-volatile bituminous coals dissociate with the same treatment. In the work reported here, the intermolecular interaction responsible for the solvent-induced association was investigated using solvent treatment and elemental and spectroscopic analyses. The results implied that interactions other than van der Waals' forces and hydrogen bonds cause this association. A charge-transfer interaction is consistent with all results obtained and is proposed to be a relatively strong secondary force in high-volatile bituminous coal and to bring about the observed solvent-induced association.
507 COMPARATIVE NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF HUMAN MILK

Reports suggest that women who deliver prematurely produce milk containing a greater concentration(conc)of protein(pro)than those who deliver at term. These studies compare the nutrient content of pooled milk collections from several days or isolated spot collections rather than directly comparing nutrient parameters measured in individual 24hr collections. In this study, to control for variables related to collection method,the 24hr milk production on postpartum days 3,7and 14 was analyzed for pro,carbohydrate(CHO), fat and energy(Kcal). Milk was collected from 14 preterm(PT)and 8 term(T)mothers; mean±SD, gestation, 31±1.8 and 39±1 weeks respectively. A similar range of nutrient conc in the 24hr collections was measured in both groups. Direct comparison of the T and PT data at postpartum days 3,7and 14 show no significant differences in milk nutrient and/or energy content. The linear regression lines for T and PT data comparing pro vs days postpartum had b=2.32 and 2.28 and m=.09 and .07 respectively. Thus, while the nutrient composition of breast milk may be specifically tailored to the needs of the human infant, these data do not confirm the previous suggestions that its nutrient and energy composition varies significantly with length of pregnancy.
A subset of small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle antigens is a component of the nuclear matrix

Abstract We have assessed whether antigenic proteins associated with small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNP) are associated with the nuclear matrix. Immunofluorescence studies showed that a subset of these particles (those reactive with anti-Sm antisera) were associated with the nuclear matrix, while a different set of particles (those reactive with anti-La antisera) were not associated with the nuclear matrix. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed that three specific polypeptide components of the snRNP reactive with the anti-Sm antisera were significantly enriched in nuclear matrix proteins.
NF‐κB regulates Fas / APO‐1 / CD95‐ and TCR‐mediated apoptosis of T lymphocytes

The maintenance of lymphocyte homeostasis by apoptosis is a critical regulatory mechanism in the normal immune system. The transcription factor NF-kappaB has been shown to play a role in protecting cells against death mediated by TNF We show here that NF-kappaB also has a role in regulating Fas/APO-1/CD95-mediated death, a major pathway of peripheral T cell death. Transfection of Jurkat cells with the NF-kappaB subunits p50 and p65 confers resistance against Fas-mediated apoptosis. Reciprocally, inhibition of NF-kappaB activation by a soluble peptide inhibitor or a dominant form of the NF-kappaB inhibitor, IkappaB, makes the cells more susceptible to Fas-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of NF-kappaB activation by a soluble peptide inhibitor rendered a T cell hybridoma more susceptible to TCR-mediated apoptosis. Correspondingly, transfection of p50 and p65 provided considerable protection from TCR-mediated apoptosis. These observations were corroborated by studies on Fas-mediated death in primary T cells. Concanavalin A-activated cycling T cell blasts from mice that are transgenic for the dominant IkappaB molecule have increased sensitivity to Fas-mediated apoptosis, associated with a down-regulation of NF-kappaB complexes in the nucleus. In addition, blocking TNF, itself a positive regulator of NF-kappaB, with neutralizing antibodies renders the cells more susceptible to anti-Fas-mediated apoptosis. In summary, our results provide compelling evidence that NF-kappaB protects against Fas-mediated death and is likely to be an important regulator of T cell homeostasis and tolerance.
RapidEye product quality assessment

Geometric and radiometric product quality are critical to enable the use of remotely sensed imagery [1,2]. Over a period of nine months following the launch, the constellation of five RapidEye satellites underwent an iterative process of commissioning, calibration and product quality assessment. This paper describes the post-launch calibration techniques used to characterize the payloads, summarizes the calibration results, and documents the product quality achieved. It illustrates how ground-based post-launch calibration techniques were successfully used to mount a geometric and radiometric calibration campaign consistent with a small-sat satellite mission, to produce high quality imagery products.
Conservative special relativistic radiative transfer for multidimensional astrophysical simulations: motivation and elaboration

Many astrophysical phenomena exhibit relativistic radiative flows. While velocities in excess of v{approx}0.1c can occur in these systems, it has been common practice to approximate radiative transfer to O(v/c). In the case of neutrino transport in core-collapse supernovas, this approximation gives rise to an inconsistency between lepton number transfer and lab-frame energy transfer, which have different O(v/c) limits. A solution used in spherically symmetric O(v/c) simulations has been to retain, for energy accounting purposes, the O(v{sup 2}/c{sup 2}) terms in the lab-frame energy transfer equation that arise from the O(v/c) neutrino number transport equation. Avoiding the proliferation of such extra O(v{sup 2}/c{sup 2}) terms in the absence of spherical symmetry motivates a special relativistic formalism, which we exhibit in coordinates sufficiently general to encompass Cartesian, spherical, and cylindrical coordinate systems.
Positive and negative psychosocial sequelae of bone marrow transplantation: implications for quality of life assessment.

Life-threatening disease can trigger positive effects such as greater appreciation for life and enhanced interpersonal relationships. Little research has examined these salutary effects or their association with quality of life (QOL). Adult bone marrow transplantation (BMT) survivors (n=90) were interviewed regarding psychosocial sequelae of BMT and completed indices of QOL and psychological adjustment. Thematic analysis was used to code interview responses into discrete categories of negative and positive sequelae. Multiple regression analyses indicated POSTOTAL scores were inversely associated with time post-BMT and positively associated with negative prognostic factors at BMT. Scores on indices of QOL and psychological adjustment were significantly correlated with reports of negative post-BMT sequelae but unrelated to positive sequelae. It was concluded that life-threatening disease can trigger positive sequelae that can contribute to QOL. However, standard QOL indices may not measure this positive QOL dimension, thus yielding a potentially incomplete picture of current QOL.
Positive and negative reinforcement effects on behavior in a three-person microsociety

Abstract Three-person groups, either of males or of females, resided for 6 to 12 days in a continuously programmed environment. Subjects followed a behavioral program that determined the sequential and contingent relations within an inventory of activities. The program consisted of positive reinforcement days and avoidance days. During a positive reinforcement day, each work unit completed by a subject incremented a group account. The account was divided evenly among the three participants at the conclusion of the study. During a negative reinforcement day, no money was earned, and the group was assigned work unit criterion that, if completed, prevented a reduction in accumulated earnings. During negative reinforcement days, subjects made aggressive verbal responses, which differed in magnitude among the four groups. These differences were evident in several distinct behavioral measures. Performances on components of the work unit were not demonstrably affected by the reinforcement schedules in effect, although during the avoidance condition one subject stopped working and another subject's productivity declined.
Cloud water composition over the southeastern Pacific Ocean during the VOCALS regional experiment

Abstract Relatively few measurements exist of cloud water composition over the open ocean, despite the importance of clouds as processors of atmospheric aerosols and trace gases in such regions. In order to improve understanding of cloud water composition in the southeast Pacific, and to determine the capacity of regional clouds for aqueous sulfate production, cloud water was collected aboard the NCAR C-130 during VOCALS-REx (VAMOS Ocean-Cloud-Atmosphere-Land Study Regional Experiment) in October and November, 2008. A total of 72 cloud water samples were collected on 14 flights using the NCAR/CSU airborne cloud water collector. Cloud water samples were collected over a region extending from approximately 71–85° west and from approximately 18–30° south. Cloud water pH ranged from 2.9 to 7.2 with an average of 4.3. Samples were also analyzed for major inorganic ions, hydrogen peroxide, sulfur(IV), carboxylic and dicarboxylic acids, formaldehyde, total Fe and Mn, and total organic carbon. Sodium and chloride were the most abundant solutes, while organic matter was found to contribute only 12%, on average, of the total measured solute load. Cloud water and trace gas measurements aboard the aircraft were used to examine the importance of various oxidation pathways for in-cloud sulfate production. S(IV) oxidation by H 2 O 2 was found to be the most important pathway and excess cloud water H 2 O 2 concentrations revealed considerable potential for additional, rapid in-cloud sulfate production by this mechanism. S(IV) oxidation by ozone was important when cloud water pH climbed above 5.5 and was the fastest oxidation pathway 24% of the time.
Regeneration of a sensory system: the formation of central connections by normal and transplanted cerci of the house cricket Acheta domesticus.

The abdominal cerci of the house cricket, Acheta domesticus, regenerate after amputation. Regenerating sensory fibers establish normal functional connection with the giant fiber system in the terminal ganglion. When cercal regenerates were transplanted to the stumps of the mesothoracic legs, a cercus developed instead of the usual leg regenerate. The regenerate cercus sent fibers to the mesothoracic ganglion. Histological and electrophysiological evidence is presented which demonstrates the formation of synaptic contact with elements of the giant fiber system in the ganglion of the segment receiving the graft. It is inferred that regenerating sensory fibers can recognize the central fibers on which they normally terminate, in this case the giant fibers, at some distance from the normal region of synaptic contact. They recognise the cell as a whole rather than a specific synaptic area.
Epistemology and Psychotherapy Data: The Unspeakable, Unbearable, Horrible Truth

Recent discussions of the scientist/practitioner schism in clinical psychology have begun to take note of the epistemology of practice. This article focuses on the far-reaching implications of a very specific aspect of psychotherapy practice—the uncovering of concealed clinical phenomena. These phenomena are both ubiquitous and inaccessible to conventional research methods, leaving the profession in an epistemological dilemma. Using the extensive philosophical analysis of the nature of testimony by the Australian philosopher C. A. J. Coady, It is shown that such anecdotal data are not necessarily invalid (as is often asserted) and may be legitimately used in constructing the knowledge base for the profession of clinical psychology. At the same time, this analysis points the way to new forms of research collaboration between researchers and clinicians in psychology.
Interlaminar Shear Moduli of Cross-Ply Laminates: An Experimental Analysis

A whole-field micromechanical deformation analysis was performed on a thick [902/0]n graphite/epoxy laminate. Rail-shear loading conditions were used and deformations were measured by high-sensitivity moire interferometry. Shear strains were determined in in dividual plies and in the resin-rich zones between plies. Nominally equivalent plies exhibited dramatic differences in shear strains. Large shear strains occurred in the resin- rich zones. Relationships were developed to extract average or representative strain values and shear moduli were calculated from these. Effective interlaminar moduli, for design purposes, are given for 0 deg and 90 deg plies as G 13 = 3.2 GPa (470,000 psi) and G23 = 2.4 GPa (350,000 psi), respectively, and for the laminate as G = 2.7 GPa (390,000 psi).
Divergent Roles of p75NTR and Trk Receptors in BDNF's Effects on Dendritic Spine Density and Morphology

Activation of TrkB receptors by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) followed by MAPK/ERK signaling increases dendritic spine density and the proportion of mature spines in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Considering the opposing actions of p75(NTR) and Trk receptors in several BDNF actions on CNS neurons, we tested whether these receptors also have divergent actions on dendritic spine density and morphology. A function-blocking anti-p75(NTR) antibody (REX) did not affect spine density by itself but it prevented BDNF's effect on spine density. Intriguingly, REX by itself increased the proportion of immature spines and prevented BDNF's effect on spine morphology. In contrast, the Trk receptor inhibitor k-252a increased spine density by itself, and prevented BDNF from further increasing spine density. However, most of the spines in k-252a-treated slices were of the immature type. These effects of k-252a on spine density and morphology required neuronal activity because they were prevented by TTX. These divergent BDNF actions on spine density and morphology are reminiscent of opposing functional signaling by p75(NTR) and Trk receptors and reveal an unexpected level of complexity in the consequences of BDNF signaling on dendritic morphology.
Renegotiating Existing Agreements: How to Deal with “Life Struggling Against Form”

Renegotiation of existing agreements is constant in all areas of life. In this article, the author examines the nature and causes of renegotiation and offers guidance to persons involved in the renegotiation process. He identifies three distinct types of renegotiations post-deal, intra-deal, and extra-deal renegotiation. Each of the three types poses particular problems and opportunities and each requires different techniques to deal with those problems and opportunities.
The Empirical Power and Type I Error Rates of the GBT and ω Indices in Detecting Answer Copying on Multiple-Choice Tests

The generalized binomial test (GBT) and ω indices are the most recent methods suggested in the literature to detect answer copying behavior on multiple-choice tests. The ω index is one of the most studied indices, but there has not yet been a systematic simulation study for the GBT index. In addition, the effect of the ability levels of the examinees in answer copying pairs on the statistical properties of the GBT and ω indices have not been systematically addressed as yet. The current study simulated 500 answer copying pairs for each of 1,440 conditions (12 source ability level × 12 cheater ability level × 10 amount of copying) to study the empirical power and 10,000 pairs of independent response vectors for each of 144 conditions (12 source ability level × 12 cheater ability level) to study the empirical Type I error rates of the GBT and ω indices. Results indicate that neither GBT nor ω inflated the Type I error rates, and they are reliable to use in practice. The difference in statistical power of the...
Influence of pH and aluminum on developing brook trout in a low calcium water

Abstract Eyed embryos of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were exposed to nominal pHs of 4·5, 5·5 and 7·5 with and without aluminum (300 μg liter−1) in extremely soft water (hardness
Selfishness versus public ‘regardingness’ in voting behavior

Abstract The selfishness hypothesis in voting behavior is formalized and tested. For the first time individual net benefits from a bond proposal, computed using the median voter model, are used to explain voting behavior. It was found that taxpayers in general voted according to their self- interest as defined by net benefits. However, high income groups voted in favor of proposals that would have redistributed income to the poor. Their behavior is consistent with either the public ‘regardingness’ hypothesis or with an extension of the selfishness hypothesis which includes real estate speculation.
Snapshot Processing in Streaming Environments

Computational issues related to streaming data, and in particular the monitoring and rapid correlation of multiple sources of streaming data, are becoming increasingly important in contexts ranging from business processes to crisis detection. For example, a government system to detect bioterror attacks must correlate multiple streams of possibly low-confidence data from sensors and local and national public health information networks with cues from indicators such as news and government sources indicating geographical locations, tactics and timing of possible attacks. The results of this correlation trigger appropriate responses, such as flagging information for more in-depth analysis or sending alerts to public health officials. Monitoring and correlation applications of this type are ideal for deployment on distributed computing grids, because they have high transaction throughput, require low latency, and can be partitioned into sets of small communicating computations with regular communication patterns. An important consideration in these applications is the need to ensure that, at any given time, computations are carried out on an accurate - or at least close to accurate - picture of the environment being monitored. One way of doing this, which we call snapshot processing, is to treat collections of events that occur at approximately the same time as representing a global snapshot - a valid state - of the environment. Computation on the resulting series of snapshots is much like computation on a real-time video of the entire environment. We briefly describe our model for these stream processing computations and introduce the concept of snapshot processing
Cultural Meanings and Cultural Structures in Historical Explanation

One way to recast the problem of cultural explanation in historical inquiry is to distinguish two conceptualizations involving culture: (1) cultural meanings as contents of signification (however theorized) that inform meaningful courses of action in historically unfolding circumstances; and (2) cultural structures as institutionalized patterns of social life that may be elaborated in more than one concrete construction of meaning. This distinction helps to suggest how explanation can operate in accounting for cultural processes of meaning-formation, as well as in other ways that transcend specific meanings, yet are nonetheless cultural. Examples of historical explanation involving each construct are offered, and their potential examined.
Trial-run of a junction-box attachment test for use in photovoltaic module qualification

Engineering robust adhesion of the junction box (j-box) is a hurdle typically encountered by photovoltaic module manufacturers during product development and manufacturing process control. There are historical incidences of adverse effects (e.g., fires) caused when the j-box/adhesive/module system has failed in the field. The addition of a weight to the j-box during the “damp-heat,” “thermal-cycle,” or “creep” tests within the IEC qualification protocol is proposed to verify the basic robustness of the adhesion system. The details of the proposed test are described, in addition to a trial-run of the test procedure. The described experiments examine four moisture-cured silicones, four foam tapes, and a hot-melt adhesive used in conjunction with glass, KPE, THV, and TPE substrates. For the purpose of validating the experiment, j-boxes were adhered to a substrate, loaded with a prescribed weight, and then subjected to aging. The replicate mock-modules were aged in an environmental chamber (at 85°C/85% relative humidity for 1000 hours; then 100°C/<10% relative humidity for 200 hours) or fielded in Golden (CO), Miami (FL), and Phoenix (AZ) for one year. Attachment strength tests, including pluck and shear test geometries, were also performed on smaller component specimens.
Uncertainty Consideration in Sampling for High Resolution Fourier Transform Spectroscopy

The use of dispersive Fourier transform techniques in interferometry allows the measurement of absorption coefficient and refractive index spectra with great precision. Normally, the sharp rotational lines of gaseous molecules can be resolved once higher resolution spectroscopy is employed. The high resolution requires recording of interferogram data points over an extended mirror movement. The issue of sampling size was never considered in the past. This paper presents the importance of using precise step motors for data sampling in these highly sensitive measurements. In order to assess rotational lines of pollutant gases, precise step motors are required to obtain the absorption and refractive index spectra at different pressures, giving insight into the behavior of the spectral lines with varying parameters. Our measurements demonstrate for the first time that changing the sampling size greatly affects the highly sensitive output of the finely tuned high resolution Fourier transform spectrometer. This paper examines the data sampling results obtained by using two different step motors; one very fine step motor and another slightly coarser step motor. This is critical in high resolution spectroscopy studies as coarser sampling size can greatly deteriorate the phase as well as amplitude information which leads to significant changes in final absorption and refractive index data.
On the Merits of Vertical Divestiture

This paper demonstrates that vertical divestiture may increase consumer welfare even when the divestiture eliminates substantial scope economies and precludes only limited sabotage. More generally, the merits of vertical divestiture are shown to vary with: (1) the type and the intensity of competition in the retail market; (2) the locus of scope economies under vertical integration; and (3) the relative social values of consumers’ surplus and profit.
Primary Cell Cultures From Murine Kidney and Heart Differ in Endosomal pH

Endosomal and lysosomal pH values have been determined for many established cultured cell lines of different origins. These cell lines may be grouped into two classes based on observed differences in pH of early (recycling) endosomes. Members of the first class typically have an early endosomal pH of 6.2, whereas members of the second class typically have an early endosomal pH of 5.4. Because established cell lines may have developed artificial differences in endosomal pH due to extended culture, it remains to be determined if endosomal pH differences exist in vivo and whether they are functionally significant. To address this question, we generated adherent primary explants from mouse kidney (primarily epithelial cells) and heart (primarily fibroblasts and cardiac muscle cells). Interestingly, enhanced acidification was observed in heart cell endosomes (pH = 5.5) compared with kidney cell endosomes (pH = 6.0). These results indicate that differences in endosomal pH do not solely arise from extended cell culture and imply that such differences may be important for the proper functioning of different cell types.
Collecting knowledge products: Why position statements matter in professionalizing and understanding Professional and Technical Writing

This paper focuses on the need for composing and articulating knowledge products - i.e., position statements, such as standards and goals for assessment, and the role of technology, in the field of professional and technical writing. The main argument of this paper is that such knowledge products help further professionalize and shape a discipline by providing the necessary statements from professional organizations to support which serve to support its members and articulate further a professional identity. The three main points covered include 1) what are knowledge products and why are they useful to a discipline; 2) how have such knowledge products been used in other disciplines and with what effect(s); and 3) where to begin in articulating and collecting knowledge products with regard to the field of professional and technical writing.
Hypoxia preconditioning protection of corneal stromal cells requires HIF1alpha but not VEGF.

Purpose: Hypoxia preconditioning protects corneal stromal cells from stress-induced death. This study determined whether the transcription factor HIF-1α (Hypoxia Inducible Factor) is responsible and whether this is promulgated by VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor). Methods: Cultured bovine stromal cells were preconditioned with hypoxia in the presence of cadmium chloride, a chemical inhibitor of HIF-1α, and HIF-1α siRNA to test if HIF-1α activity is needed for hypoxia preconditioning protection from UV-irradiation induced cell death. TUNEL assay was used to detect cell apoptosis after UV-irradiation. RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the presence of HIF-1α and VEGF in transcriptional and translational levels. Results: During hypoxia (0.5% O2), 5 μM cadmium chloride completely inhibited HIF-1α expression and reversed the protection by hypoxia preconditioning. HIF-1α siRNA (15 nM) reduced HIF-1α expression by 90% and produced a complete loss of protection provided by hypoxia preconditioning. Since VEGF is induced by hypoxia, can be HIF-1α dependent, and is often protective, we examined the changes in transcription of VEGF and its receptors after 4 h of hypoxia preconditioning. VEGF and its receptors Flt-1 and Flk-1 are up-regulated after hypoxia preconditioning. However, the transcription and translation of VEGF were paradoxically increased by siHIF-1α, suggesting that VEGF expression in stromal cells is not down-stream of HIF-1α. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that hypoxia preconditioning protection in corneal stromal cells requires HIF-1α, but that VEGF is not a component of the protection. Keratocyte apoptosis is the earliest stromal event noted after corneal epithelial injury and has an important role in the overall wound healing response [1]. Keratocyte loss promotes the activation and proliferation of surrounding keratocytes which leads to a change in gene expression and matrix production that can affect cornea clarity [2-5]. Preventing keratocyte loss has been suggested as a possible approach to reduce keratocyte activation and possible subsequent myofibroblast formation [6]. Hypoxia preconditioning has been shown to be protective in brain [7], bladder [8], and retina [9]. We have shown that hypoxia preconditioning provides generalized protection to corneal stromal cells against induced apoptosis in vitro and in an ex vivo cornea model. Cobalt chloride, which is a chemical inducer of HIF-1α, provided protection to corneal stromal cells in the absence of hypoxia [10]. The nuclear transcription factor HIF-1α (hypoxia inducible factor) is induced by hypoxia in these cells and protection is also provided by an HIF-1α inducer, Cobalt chloride (CoCl2), suggesting that HIF-1α is a necessary component of hypoxia preconditioning protection [10].
Spectroscopy and gain measurements of Nd 3+ in SrF 2 and other fluorite-structure hosts

We investigate the optical properties of Nd3+ in CaF2, SrF2, and BaF2 with the intent of determining whether any of these materials might usefully serve as a laser-pumped-amplifier medium. The Nd3+ impurities tend to cluster at low levels of doping in CaF2, leading to the formation of nonluminescent centers. The addition of La or Y buffer ions to CaF2:Nd serves to increase the luminescent yield, but it also renders the system spectrally inhomogeneous. Although single-ion centers predominate in BaF2, the interstitial fluoride compensator occurs at the next-nearest-neighbor position relative to Nd3+, leading to unsuitably low transition strengths. The interstitial fluoride occurs at the nearest-neighbor site of Nd3+ in SrF2 and thereby induces significant oscillator strength into the 4f–4f transitions by breaking the inversion symmetry. The radiative lifetime of SrF2:Nd is found to be 1470 μsec by measuring the emission lifetime and quantum efficiency; this value was confirmed by Judd–Ofelt analysis of the absorption features. The peak-emission cross section at room temperature was determined to be 1.7 × 10−20 cm at 1036.5 nm. A maximum of 0.20 at. % Nd3+ may be doped into SrF2 without the occurrence of significant Nd clustering. Direct measurements of the gain spectrum in SrF2:Nd reveal the presence of the 4F3/2 → 2G9/2 excited-state absorption, although its effect on the emission cross section is only minor.
Improving Effectiveness of Automated Software Testing in the Absence of Specifications

Program specifications can be valuable in improving the effectiveness of automated software testing in generating test inputs and checking test executions for correctness. Unfortunately, specifications are often absent from programs in practice. We present a framework for improving effectiveness of automated testing in the absence of specifications. The framework supports a set of related techniques, including redundant-test detection, non-redundant-test generation, test selection, test abstraction, and program-spectra comparison. The framework has been implemented and empirical results have shown that the developed techniques within the framework improve the effectiveness of automated testing by detecting high percentage of redundant tests among test inputs generated by existing tools, generating non-redundant test inputs to achieve high structural coverage, reducing inspection efforts for detecting problems in the program, and exposing behavioral differences during regression testing.
Air leaks from the respiratory tract in mechanically ventilated children with severe respiratory disease.

Our objectives were to evaluate the frequency of air leaks (AL) from the respiratory tract (pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, subcutaneous emphysema) in critically ill children on mechanical ventilation (MV) for severe respiratory diseases, and to examine whether AL could be correlated with specific clinical events or ventilator settings. The study constitutes a retrospective cohort of 80 consecutive critically ill children receiving MV for severe respiratory diseases between 1986 and 1993. Patients (mean age 2.9 +/- 0.6 years, 49 males and 31 females), were admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS) (27%), asthma (15%), bronchiolitis (10%), pneumonia (21%), pulmonary congenital diseases (9%), or foreign body aspiration (18%). Patients were divided into two groups; those with AL (n=22) and those without air-leaks (non-AL) (n = 58). Air leaks developed in 22 of 80 patients or in 27.5%. Survival was significantly lower in the AL group, compared to the non-AL group (41% vs. 76%, P < 0.01). The odds ratio that a patient with multiple organ system failure (MOSF) or infection would develop AL was 2.96 and 2.19, respectively. Candida and Pseudomonas species were recovered with significantly higher frequency in the AL group compared with the non-AL group (P < 0.025). There was a strong positive correlation between the incidence of AL and high ventilatory pressures (PIP 36 vs. 29.7 cm H(2)O, P < 0.001), or large tidal volumes (V(T) 12 vs. 9 mL/kg, P < 0.05), suggesting that large volumes might elicit injury to the pulmonary epithelium. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only V(T) was independently associated with the development of AL in children with primary severe respiratory disease (r(2) = -0.38, P = 0.01). In conclusion, MV will produce AL, particularly when high peak airway pressures (barotrauma) or large tidal volumes (volotrauma) are delivered by the ventilator. Sepsis, MOSF, and lung superinfection with Pseudomonas or Candida species may be also important factors in the development of AL in critically ill children.
Evaluating Carbon Nanotube Global Interconnects for Chip Multiprocessor Applications

In ultra-deep submicrometer (UDSM) technologies, the current paradigm of using copper (Cu) interconnects for on-chip global communication is rapidly becoming a serious performance bottleneck. In this paper, we perform a system level evaluation of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) interconnect alternatives that may replace conventional Cu interconnects. Our analysis explores the impact of using CNT global interconnects on the performance and energy consumption of several multi-core chip multiprocessor (CMP) applications. Results from our analysis indicate that with improvements in fabrication technology, CNT-based global interconnects can significantly outperform Cu-based global interconnects.
Comparison of Four Different Types of Ferromagnetic Materials for Fault Current Limiter Applications

A comparison of neodymium, samarium-cobalt, aluminum-nickel-cobalt, and laminated steel is presented for use in fault current limiter applications. The ferromagnetic material properties are modeled using the Preisach method of hysteresis. The nonlinear inductance of each magnetic core is calculated and displayed. Only the material properties are changed during each consecutive simulation and are subjected to distribution system parameters to assess their fault current limitation applicability. Finite-element analysis is performed on the casing and coils of the mechanical design structure of the new hybrid fault current limiter. A new fault current limiter topology is presented and simulated in Piecewise Linear Electrical Circuit Simulation. The simulated results show the effect of different materials on the current limiter's performance. Conclusions are made that neodymium is the most suitable ferromagnetic material (of the materials tested) for fault current limiter applications.
A Frequency Transformation for Commensurate Transmission-Line Networks

Frequency transformations are commonly used in lumped-element network theory to convert a given filter network into a related filter network. For example, an often used frequency transformation is s'/spl rarr/ As , where the symbol /spl rarr/ stands for "is replaced by," A is a constant, the primed variable is that of the original network, and the unprimed variable is that of the transformed network. Transformation is used to scale the bandwidth of the existing network to another preferred value. Other commonly used frequency transformations in lumped filter theory are s'/spl rarr/ As , (Iowpass to highpass transformation) s' /spl rarr//spl omega/ (s//spl omega//sub o/ )+( /spl omega//sub o/ /s )(Iowpass to bandpass transformatian) s'/spl rarr/ /spl lineover/ /spl omega/ (s//spl omega//sub o/ )+( /spl omega//sub o/ /s) (Iowpass to bandstop transformation) It is emphasized that in all cases the usefulness af these transformations lies in the fact that their effects on the responses of the network are easily related to changes in the element values of the network. Because such frequency transformations are available, a given Iowpass filter may function as a prototype for a number of different types of filters, obviating the compilation of a multitude of designs for Iowpass, highpass, bandpass, and bandstop filters.
Pliocene climatic change in insular Southeast Asia as an engine of diversification in Ficedula flycatchers

Aims Insular Southeast Asia and adjacent regions are geographically complex, and were dramatically affected by both Pliocene and Pleistocene changes in climate, sea level and geology. These circumstances allow the testing of several biogeographical hypotheses regarding species distribution patterns and phylogeny. Avian species in this area present a challenge to biogeographers, as many are less hindered by barriers that may block the movements of other species. Widely distributed Southeast Asian avian lineages, of which there are many, have been generally neglected. Ficedula flycatchers are distributed across Eurasia, but are most diverse within southern Asia and Southeast Asian and Indo-Australian islands. We tested the roles of vicariance, dispersal and the evolution of migratory behaviours as mechanisms of speciation within the Ficedula flycatchers, with a focus on species distributed in insular Southeast Asia. Methods Using a published molecular phylogeny of Ficedula flycatchers, we reconstructed ancestral geographical areas using dispersal vicariance analysis, weighted ancestral area analysis, and a maximum likelihood method. We evaluated the evolution of migratory behaviours using maximum likelihood ancestral character state reconstruction. Speciation timing estimates were calculated via local molecular clock methods. Results Ficedula originated in southern mainland Asia, c. 6.5 Ma. Our analyses indicate that two lineages within Ficedula independently and contemporaneously colonized insular Southeast Asia and Indo-Australia, c. 5 Ma. The potential impact of vicariance due to rising sea levels is difficult to assess in these early colonization events because the ancestral areas to these clades are reconstructed as oceanic islands. Within each of these clades, inter-island dispersal was critical to species' diversification across oceanic and continental islands. Furthermore, Pliocene and Pleistocene climatic change may have caused the disjunct island distributions between several pairs of sister taxa. Both vicariance and dispersal shaped the distributions of continental species. Main conclusions This study presents the first evaluation, for Ficedula, of the importance of vicariance and dispersal in shaping distributions, particularly across insular Southeast Asia and Indo-Australia. Although vicariant speciation may have initially separated the island clades from mainland ancestors, speciation within these clades was driven primarily by dispersal. Our results contribute to the emerging body of literature concluding that dynamic geological processes and climatic change throughout the Pliocene and Pleistocene have been important factors in faunal diversification across continental and oceanic islands.
Pharmacokinetics of FK506 in liver transplant recipients after continuous intravenous infusion.

The first-dose pharmacokinetics of FK506 was studied in nine orthotopic liver transplant patients receiving continuous intravenous infusion of 0.15 mg/kg/day. Multiple blood samples were obtained during the infusion and plasma FK506 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The plasma clearance ranged from 0.47 to 5.8 L/minute, and the half-life ranged from 4.5 hours to 33.1 hours. These results indicate the pharmacokinetics of FK506 to be highly variable between patients. FK506 is extensively distributed outside the plasma compartment. FK506 is extensively metabolized in the body, with less than 1% of the administered dose being excreted in the urine as unchanged FK506. The large variability in FK506 kinetics during the immediate post-operative period is attributed to the variability in the functional status of the liver in the transplant patients. Because of the long half-life of FK506, it takes more than 45 hours to reach steady-state concentrations after continuous infusion. Based on the estimated kinetic parameters, it appears that a combination of a bolus or a rapid infusion of .02 mg/kg with a continuous infusion of 0.05 mg/kg/day will provide and maintain a concentration of more than 2 ng/mL from the beginning of the drug treatment.
Isolation from yeast of a metabolically active water-soluble form of ergosterol

A water-soluble complex containing ergosterol together with a component of yeast has been isolated. The complex can be isolated from commercial yeast extract to which ergosterol has been added or directly from whole yeast cells. The complexing component has the properties of a large polysaccharide and the binding between the sterol and the polysaccharide appears to be noncovalent. The complex is easily prepared and is stable in aqueous solution; ergosterol in this solution is metabolically available to yeast cells to which it is added.
Conditional Cooperation in Students’ Stated Contributions to a Public Good

We analyze a survey of 559 students to investigate how information about peers affects individuals’ stated contributions to a specific pro-environment program — a student “green fee.” Compared to students that receive no information about peer contributions, the students that receive information about the dollar value range of contributions at peer institutions contribute less on average while the students that learn about the high percentage of students voting “yes” on green fee programs at peer institutions contribute more on average. These results support a hypothesis of conditional cooperation and are consistent with motivations for voluntary contributions of reciprocity and conformity. We also find that there are positive associations between 1) individuals’ extent of pro-environment behaviors and their stated contributions and 2) individuals’ certainty that their vote will matter and their stated contributions.
The Negative Impact of Anemia in Outcome from Traumatic Brain Injury

Background Whether anemia complicating traumatic brain injury (TBI) has an impact on patient outcomes is controversial; therefore, recommendations for blood transfusions for such patients are inconsistent. We hypothesized that patient outcome after TBI would be worse in patients with lower hemoglobin levels. Methods We retrospectively reviewed records of patients with TBI and head Abbreviated Injury Scale >3 with abnormal head computed tomography findings and neurologic injury. The relationships between initial hemoglobin and lowest hemoglobin during hospitalization at threshold values of ≤7, ≤8, ≤9, and ≤10 g/dL were investigated relative to Glasgow Outcome Score at last follow-up not exceeding 1 year. Results Of 939 patients meeting inclusion criteria, initial and lowest hemoglobin concentrations were significant predictors of poor outcome ( P P P P Conclusions Patient outcome after TBI is worse in patients with lower hemoglobin. Initial hemoglobin and lowest hemoglobin after admission are independently associated with poor outcome. Our data support consideration of blood transfusion when hemoglobin is ≤8 g/dl.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Pituitary Hormone Concentrations in Patients with Pituitary Tumors

Adenohypophyseal hormones are frequently detectable in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with pituitary adenomas,1,3,26,33,35,37,40,59,65 especially those showing suprasellar extension (SSE).33,37,40 However, the issue of their presence in the CSF of normal subjects is controversial. Some workers readily find anterior pituitary hormones in CSF,2,62 while others do not.1,33,37,40,65 It has been proposed that in the normal individual, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is relatively impermeable to the anterior pituitary hormones and that measurable levels of these substances in the CSF of patients with pituitary tumors indicate a breakdown in the blood-CSF barrier.33,35,59 However, the possibility that adenohypophyseal hormones are normal constituents of CSF, though present at the limits of sensitivity of available assays, is not excluded. Evidence in favor of this view is provided by studies from Linfoot et al.,40 who reported that growth hormone (GH) levels in the CSF of acromegalic patients without SSE correlated with the weight of the plasma concentration of GH. Similar findings have also been reported for prolactin (PRL).5
Energy Metabolism of Macronutrients During Exercise

Energy is essential for life and all functions of the body. This energy must be in the chemical form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This chapter presents an overview of the biochemical pathways used in energy metabolism for the conversion of the chemical energy in food to ATP. It explains how the macronutrients carbohydrate, fat, and protein are used in the processes of substrate and oxidative phosphorylation to yield ATP for use in exercise.
Molecular Rectification in Conjugated Block Copolymer Photovoltaics

We investigate the influence that covalent linkage of electron donating and accepting blocks in high performance fully conjugated block copolymer photovoltaics has on charge generation and recombination using ultrafast mid-infrared transient absorption spectroscopy. We show that block copolymer architectures containing a conjugated bridge between the donor and acceptor groups can be used to form ordered mesoscale morphologies that lead to improved photovoltaic performance without enhancing charge recombination. Judicious placement of an electron-rich moiety in the electron accepting block of the block copolymer creates a donor–bridge–acceptor architecture that slows intramolecular charge transfer across the covalent linkage. Charge recombination in such donor–bridge–acceptor block copolymer films proceeds at the same rate as it does in their corresponding homopolymer blends for which the donor and acceptor blocks are not covalently linked, indicating that recombination is dominated by intermolecular charg...
Review on laser powder injection additive manufacturing of novel alloys and composites

In this paper, recent research and progress associated with development of alloys and composites using LENS are reviewed. The microstructure of novel materials can be tailored by controlling both composition and process parameters. For process control, closed-loop diagnostics and controls such as in-situ molten pool sensor and Z-height control subsystems are utilized, while the thermal behavior measurement with thermal imaging methods and numerical simulation are also investigated. The existing problems with residual stress and porosity in deposited materials are discussed.