cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic control of chlorophyll biosynthesis: Regulation of delta-aminolevulinate synthesis in Chlamydomonas

A chlorophyll-deficient mutant, br s -1, of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been shown to accumulate low levels of an intermediate, protoporphyrin (PROTO), and to form light-brown colonies. A double mutant, br s -1 r-1, accumulates 15-fold more PROTO than br s -1 and forms dark-brown colonies. Enzymes synthesizing the first intermediate of chlorophyll, delta-aminolevulinate (ALA), from these two mutants and the wild-type are equally sensitive to inhibition by heme. The activity of ALA-synthesizing enzymes from br s -1 r-1 is similar to that of the wild-type and is more than threefold that of br s -1. It is proposed that the ALA-synthesizing enzymes in br s -1 are under repression while r-1 is a mutation of the regulatory gene and consequently derepresses the synthesis of its own ALA-synthesizing enzymes. In addition, by mutagenizing br s -1, we isolated six more double mutants having the same phenotype as br s -1 r-1. Five of them are identical to br s -1 r-1, the remaining one (db-10) carries a second mutation nonallelic to r-1. The ALA-synthesizing enzymes from db-10 are much less sensitive to heme inhibition than those from the wild type. It is proposed that ALA synthesis in Clamydomonas is regulated both allosterically and genetically.
An enzymatic method for radiolabeling vertebrate vitellogenin.

Abstract Phosphoprotein kinases from Xenopus and chicken liver have been purified and these enzymes have been used to label Xenopus vitellogenin, a phosphoprotein, to high specific activity with [γ- 32 P]ATP. The enzymes were isolated by (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 fractionation followed by chromatography on DE-52 cellulose and phosphocellulose. This procedure resulted in greater than 20,000-fold enrichment for the enzymes. Both enzyme preparations were used to selectively label vitellogenin in the serum of estrogen-treated animals. Thus, isolation of the vitellogenin prior to radiolabeling was not necessary. The [ 32 P]vitellogenin labeled in situ was incorporated by oocytes at a rate similar to [ 32 P]vitellogenin labeled in vivo , was translocated to the yolk platelets, and was correctly processed into the yolk proteins.
Paired-associate learning: Similarity among stimulus terms

A paired-associate verbal learning experiment was conducted and replicated. Intralist similarity of stimulus elements was varied and the position of these similar elements was varied. The stimulus terms (CVC trigrams) had either one or two elements in common and occurred in either the initial or final position of the trigram. The experimental design involved three variables: number of elements in common among the stimulus terms (1 vs. 2); position of common elements (Final vs. Initial); and, replication (I vs. II). An analysis of the results revealed no significant interaction of any of the variables and no significant main effects of replication or position of common elements (.05 level). A significant main effect of number of shared elements was found. When the stimulus terms of a paired-associates task have two letters in common, then the task is more difficult than when there in only one element in common. This finding was pronounced in both replications involving different letters.
Optimization of conditions for flow-through partial-filling affinity capillary electrophoresis to estimate binding constants of ligands to receptors

Abstract This work details the determination of the minimal injection time of ligand required in flow-through partial-filling affinity capillary electrophoresis (FTPFACE) to estimate binding constants of ligands to receptors. Two model systems are examined in this study: carbonic anhydrase B (CAB, EC 4.2.1.1) and arylsulfonamides, and vancomycin from Streptomyces orientalis and d -Ala- d -Ala peptides. Using CAB, a minimal injection time of 0.07 min at high pressure was determined that provided for the accurate and reproducible measurement of binding constants. In the FTPFACE technique, the capillary is first partially filled with a zone of ligand followed by a sample plug containing receptor and non-interacting standards. Upon application of a voltage the receptor and standards flow into the zone of ligand where a dynamic equilibrium is achieved between receptor and ligand. Continued electrophoresis results in the receptor and standards flowing through the domain of the ligand plug prior to detection. Analysis of the change in the relative migration time ratio (RMTR) of the receptor, relative to the non-interacting standards, as a function of the concentration of ligand, yields a value for the binding constant. In the present study, variable injection times of 4-carboxybenzenesulfonamide (CBSA) were examined to determine the minimal injection time needed to establish an equilibrium between CAB and ligand. A mathematical relationship was derived that correlated injection time and ligand concentration to the change in RMTR and comparisons made between the experimental and calculated values. Binding constants were obtained for a series of arylsulfonamide ligands and d -Ala- d -Ala terminus peptides to CAB and Van, respectively. The results support the use of FTPFACE to estimate affinity constants under variable experimental conditions.
Does Monetary Integration Reduce Exchange Rate Pass‐Through?

There are several theoretical arguments for why the adoption of a common currency (either a currency union or a currency board) may reduce the exchange rate pass-through (ERPT) to domestic consumer prices. This paper examines a broad panel of 101 countries over the period 1976–2006, using two-stage instrumental-variable estimation techniques in order to resolve the potential endogeneity problem. The main result is that ERPT indeed tends to decline in countries participating in a common currency arrangement. In particular, there has been a strong reduction in pass-through in the member countries of the European Monetary Union (EMU) since the launch of the euro. Currency boards do not appear to be different from currency unions – both reduce the pass-through from depreciation to inflation. Furthermore, the negative impact of common currencies on ERPT is at work in both high-income and low-income countries. Finally, most of the reduction in pass-through to consumer prices under common currency arrangements happens somewhere along the pricing chain between the border and the supermarket shelf.
Temperature-Dependent Mechanical Response of an UFG Aluminum Alloy at High Rates

High temperature (298 K–573 K) and high strain rate (4000 s−1) compression experiments were performed on a cryomilled ultra-fine grained (UFG) Al-5083 using a modified Kolsky bar with a heating system designed to reduce “cold contact” time. The resulting stress strain curves show a reduction in strength of approximately 300 MPa at the highest temperature tested. This softening has been related to a thermally activated deformation mechanism. In addition, an experimental procedure was developed to investigate the microstructure evolution during the preheating, prior to mechanical loading, so as to identify the intrinsic mechanical response of the material at high temperatures. The results of this procedure are in good agreement with a TEM study on material that has been heated but not loaded.
Quinolinic acid is extruded from the brain by a probenecid-sensitive carrier system: a quantitative analysis.

Abstract: Although the neurotoxic tryptophan-kynurenine pathway metabolite quinolinic acid originates in brain by both local de novo synthesis and entry from blood, its concentrations in brain parenchyma, extracellular fluid, and CSF are normally below blood values. In the present study, an intraperitoneal injection of probenecid (400 mg/kg), an established inhibitor of acid metabolite transport in brain, into gerbils, increased quinolinic acid concentrations in striatal homogenates, CSF, serum, and homogenates of kidney and liver. Direct administration of probenecid (10 mM) into the brain compartment via an in vivo microdialysis probe implanted into the striatum also caused a progressive elevation in both quinolinic acid and homovanillic acid concentrations in the extracellular fluid compartment but was without effect on serum quinolinic acid levels. A model of microdialysis transport showed that the elevations in extracellular fluid quinolinic acid and homovanillic acid levels following intrastriatal application are consistent with probenecid block of a microvascular acid transport mechanism. We conclude that quinolinic acid in brain is maintained at concentrations below blood levels largely by active extrusion via a probenecid-sensitive carrier system.
Medical complications drive length of stay after brain hemorrhage: a cohort study.

Longer length of stay (LOS) is associated with higher complications and costs in ICU patients, while hospital protocols may decrease complications and LOS. We hypothesized that medical complications would increase LOS after spontaneous subarachnoid (SAH) and intracerebral (ICH) hemorrhage after accounting for severity of neurologic injury in a cohort of consecutively admitted patients. We prospectively recorded admission characteristics, hospital complications, and LOS for 122 patients with SAH and 56 patients with ICH from February 2006 through March 2008. A multidisciplinary Neuro-ICU team included a dedicated pharmacist and intensivist on daily rounds. Hospital protocols set glucose control with intravenous insulin, ventilator bundles, pharmacist involvement, and hand hygiene. Associations were explored with univariate statistics (t-tests, ANOVA, or non-parametric statistics as appropriate) and linear regression (repeated after log transformation of ICU and hospital LOS). Factors associated with longer LOS after SAH and ICH were similar. In both SAH and ICH the strongest drivers of LOS were infection, fever, and acute lung injury. For SAH, vasospasm and Glasgow Coma Scale were also significant in some models, while in patients with ICH the volume of the initial bleed was significant in some models. LOS after spontaneous brain hemorrhage is driven by medical complications even after the adoption of dedicated intensive care medical staff, pharmacist involvement, and evidence-based protocols for ICU care. Further alterations in care will be necessary to eliminate “preventable” complications and minimize LOS after brain hemorrhage.
Interobserver Variability in the Measurement of Diastolic Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the magnitude of interobserver variability present when measuring Korotkoff phase 4 versus phase 5 in pregnant women.Methods: Three observers with different backgrounds simultaneously measured both phase 4 and phase 5 on 98 gravidas. Data were used to estimate detectability rates, perform an analysis of variance to assess interobserver variability, examine the distribution of interobserver differences, and evaluate the magnitude of the difference between the two diastolic end points.Main Outcome Measures: Detectability rates of phase 4 and phase 5 diastolic pressure and measures of interobserver variability in diastolic readings.Results: Detectability rates were observer dependent, ranging from 81% to 96% for phase 4 and from 79% to 85% for phase 5. Analysis of variance demonstrated similar degrees of interobserver variability for both end points. Likewise, for any two observers measuring either end point, there was a similar number of mea...
Defective Neuromuscular Synaptogenesis in Agrin-Deficient Mutant Mice

During neuromuscular synapse formation, motor axons induce clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in the muscle fiber membrane. The protein agrin, originally isolated from the basal lamina of the synaptic cleft, is synthesized and secreted by motoneurons and triggers formation of AChR clusters on cultured myotubes. We show here postsynaptic AChR aggregates are markedly reduced in number, size, and density in muscles of agrin-deficient mutant mice. These results support the hypothesis that agrin is a critical organizer of postsynaptic differentiation does occur in the mutant, suggesting the existence of a second-nerve-derived synaptic organizing signal. In addition, we show that intramuscular nerve branching and presynaptic differentiation are abnormal in the mutant, phenotypes which may reflect either a distinct effect of agrin or impaired retrograde signaling from a defective postsynaptic apparatus.
Methadone plus contingency management or performance feedback reduces cocaine and opiate use in people with drug addiction.

Schottenfeld RS, Chawarski MC, Pakes JR, et al . Methadone versus buprenorphine with contingency management or performance feedback for cocaine and opioid dependence. Am J Pyschiatry 2005;162:340–8. Q Does adding methadone to contingency management or performance feedback reduce illegal drug use in people with a history of drug addiction? ### ![Graphic][1] Design: Randomised controlled trial. ### ![Graphic][2] Allocation: Concealed. ### ![Graphic][3] Blinding: Double blind. ### ![Graphic][4] Follow up period: Six months. ### ![Graphic][5] Setting: One hospital in Connecticut, USA; recruitment February 1995 to July 1998. ### ![Graphic][6] Patients: 162 people (mean age 36.2 years) with cocaine and opioid dependence. Eligible participants had at least a one year history of opioid dependence and cocaine abuse or dependence (DSM-IV diagnosis). Main exclusions: current dependence on alcohol or sedatives; significant medical comorbidity; current psychotic or bipolar disorder, major depression, or suicide risk; pregnancy; inability to read or understand English. ### ![Graphic][7] Intervention: Methadone (65 mg/day maintenance dose) or buprenorphine (12 mg/day maintenance dose) plus contingency management or performance feedback (that is, four treatment groups). All participants … [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif [3]: /embed/inline-graphic-3.gif [4]: /embed/inline-graphic-4.gif [5]: /embed/inline-graphic-5.gif [6]: /embed/inline-graphic-6.gif [7]: /embed/inline-graphic-7.gif
Corrosion of candidate iron-base waste package structural barrier materials in moist salt environments

Mild steels are considered to be strong candidates for waste package structural barrier (e.g., overpack) applications in salt repositories. Corrosion rates of these materials determined in autoclave tests utilizing a simulated intrusion brine based on Permian Basin core samples are low, generally <25 ..mu..m (1 mil) per year. When the steels are exposed to moist salts containing simulated inclusion brines, the corrosion rates are found to increase significantly. The magnesium in the inclusion brine component of the environment is believed to be responsible for the increased corrosion rates. 1 reference, 4 figures, 2 tables.
The Influence of Forward and Backward Associative Strength on False Recognition.

In an experiment, I examined the influence of 2 associative factors on false memory in the Deese-Roediger-McDermott paradigm (Deese, 1959; Roediger & McDermott, 1995): the strength of the association from studied items to unstudied lure items (backward associative strength, or BAS) and the strength of the association from unstudied lure items to studied items (forward associative strength, or FAS). BAS and FAS were manipulated, and participants were asked to respond rapidly at retrieval or were allowed to respond in a self-paced manner in order to examine the contributions of automatic and controlled memory processes to lure errors. The results of this study demonstrated that both BAS and FAS influenced lure errors under speeded retrieval conditions and under self-paced retrieval conditions, as well as that lure errors generally increased when retrieval time increased. These results favor the explanation of false memory offered by global-matching models over those of activation-monitoring theory and fuzzy-trace theory.
Operative management of tumors involving the cavernous sinus

In the past, neurosurgeons have been reluctant to operate on tumors involving the cavernous sinus because of the possibility of bleeding from the venous plexus or injury to the internal carotid artery (ICA) or the third, fourth, or sixth cranial nerves. The authors describe techniques for a more aggressive surgical approach to neoplasms in this area that are either benign or locally confined malignant lesions. During the last 2 years, seven tumors involving the cavernous sinus have been resected: six totally and one subtotally. The preoperative evaluation included axial and coronal computerized tomography, cerebral angiography, and a balloon-occlusion test of the ICA. Intraoperative monitoring of the third, fourth, sixth, and seventh cranial nerves was used to assist in locating the nerves and in avoiding injury to them. The first major step in the operative procedure was to obtain proximal control of the ICA at the petrous apex and distal control in the supraclinoid segment. The cavernous sinus was then opened by a lateral, superior, or inferior approach for tumor resection. Temporary clipping and suture of the ICA was necessary in one patient. None of the patients died or suffered a stroke postoperatively. Permanent trigeminal nerve injury occurred in three patients; in two, this was the result of tumor invasion. One patient suffered temporary paralysis of the third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerves, and in another the sixth cranial nerve was temporarily paralyzed. Preoperative cranial nerve deficits were improved postoperatively in three patients. Radiation therapy was administered postoperatively to four patients. These seven patients have been followed for 6 to 18 months to date and none has shown evidence of recurrence of the intracavernous tumor.
Investigation of protection schemes for flexible distribution of Energy and Storage resources in an industrial microgrid

It is well known that the control strategies of distributed energy resources (DERs) have a major influence on the protection schemes of both DERs and distribution systems. In view of that, the coordination between DER controls, DER relays, and distribution system relays is necessary to have a secure and reliable power delivery. The Flexible Distribution of EneRgy and Storage resources (FDERS) was a recently proposed framework that is extremely valuable for industrial power systems containing large and fluctuating loads as it offers several benefits, including enhanced controllability, improved system robustness, optimal energy resource deployment, and increased lifetime. It has been earlier demonstrated that FDERS can significantly extend the mean battery replacement time in industrial power systems. As FDERS makes use of adaptive DER controls, its application is found to also impact the distribution system protection schemes. In this paper, the protection of an industrial microgrid with FDERS is investigated. Several innovative relaying schemes are proposed to mitigate any adverse impact caused during the implementation of FDERS in a microgrid.
Comparing endmember selection techniques for accurate mapping of plant species and land cover using imaging spectrometer data

Abstract Building representative spectral libraries and quantitatively selecting a subset of spectra for mapping plant species and land cover/land use within remotely sensed imagery remain challenging for accurate classification. Multiple Endmember Spectral Mixture Analysis (MESMA) can be used for both classification and modeling fractional composition, and has been applied to map multiple biogeophysical variables. Our major objectives in this research were to 1) test a sampling design for building independent and representative training and validation spectral libraries; 2) compare endmember selection by a combination of two established techniques (count-based selection (CoB) and endmember average root mean square error (EAR)) with a recently introduced one (iterative endmember selection (IES)); and 3) develop and test a hybrid method, which combines the strengths of the previous two methods. We applied CoB/EAR, IES, and the new hybrid technique to mapping plant species and cover types in the Santa Ynez Mountains and Santa Barbara urban area, California, USA, using Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data. For all endmember selection techniques, the number of selected endmembers varied across 25 random training samples. IES was consistently more accurate than CoB/EAR, but resulted in spectral libraries more than twice as large and failed to model rare species. The hybrid endmember selection technique resulted in the highest overall accuracy and kappa values and proved to be least sensitive to the random sampling protocols, but also produced the largest spectral libraries. A modified hybrid method, in which the number of endmembers selected was limited, produced the second highest accuracies, combining the strengths of the more parsimonious endmember selection by CoB/EAR with improved endmember selection by IES. Both IES and the hybrid methods selected endmembers that successfully classified a wide range of plant species and cover types, indicating their usefulness for these applications.
Flexure-beam micromirror spatial light modulator devices for acquisition, tracking, and pointing

The new flexure-beam micromirror (FBM) spatial light modulator devices developed by Texas Instruments Inc. have characteristics that enable superior acquisition, tracking, and pointing in communications and other applications. FBM devices can have tens of thousands of square micromirror elements, each as small as 20 microns on a side, each spaced relative to neighbors so that optical efficiency exceeds 90 percent, and each individually controlled with response times as small as 10 microseconds for piston-like motions that cover more than one-half optical wavelength. These devices may enable order-of-magnitude improvements in space-bandwidth product, efficiency, and speed relative to other spatial light modulator devices that could be used to generate arbitrary coherent light patterns in real time. However, the amplitude and phase of each mirror element cannot be specified separately because there is only one control voltage for each element. This issue can be addressed by adjusting the control voltages so that constructive and destructive interference in the coherent light reflected from many elements produces the desired far field coherent light pattern. Appropriate control voltages are best determined using a robust software optimization procedure such as simulated annealing. Simulated annealing yields excellent results, but it is not real time (it may require hours of execution time on workstation-class computers). An approach that permits real-time applications stores control voltages determined off-line by simulated annealing that produce key desired far field coherent light beam shapes. These stored results are then used as training data for radial basis function neural networks that interpolate in real time between the training cases.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Impacts of the Changing Economic and Social Environment on Managers of Agricultural Firms

IN inviting me to prepare this seminar paper, Neill Schaller specified that the program organizers were thinking in particular of changes in the organization and control of the food and fiber system, changes in the sources of public pressure and policies, and the impact of management information systems. The organizers hoped that the seminar could zero in on the meaning of these forces for managers-their adjustment problems, requirements, and future prospects. In preparing this paper I have chosen a wide definition of manager to include government and college staffs as well as corporate managers,1 farmers, and other sole proprietors. Specific changes affecting these managers include:
Nematic liquid crystals for spatial light modulators: recent studies

Recent studies on the behavior of nematic liquid crystals (LC’s) in two basic configurations are described. The phase rate of change Δϕ/Δt is studied for the case of parallel aligned nematic cells. It is shown that Δϕ/Δt of approximately 3 rad/msec can be obtained with a 4-μm E-7 LC at λ = 0.63 μm. The optical transmission of a 900 twisted-nematic cell is studied with regard to its dependence on the polarization angle of incidence.
Effect of Peptide Primary Sequence on Biuret Complex Formation and Properties

Visible spectroscopy and the rotating ring-disk electrode were used to study Cu(II)-peptide complexation of 21 peptides including N-acylated and N-pyroglutamyl peptides. All of the investigated peptides formed a complex with copper ion, and those complexes were electroactive. Peptides containing proline near the amine terminus, and N-acylated peptides, had lower rate constants for the formation of the electroactive complexes. Reaction rates were not significantly decreased in peptides with a pyroglutamyl amine terminus. These complexes demonstrated very low oxidation potentials and some unusual spectroscopic properties.
Nonepiphyseal giant cell tumor of the long bones. Clinical, radiologic, and pathologic study

Background. Giant cell tumors (GCT) usually involve the epiphyses of long bones and only rarely involve the metaphysis or diaphysis without epiphyseal extension. Methods. This report presents the clinical and pathologic features of 14 patients with metaphyseal and diaphyseal GCT. Of these tumors, 10 were metaphyseal; 2, metadiaphyseal; and 2, diaphyseal. Results. The sites of involvement included the proximal tibia in six patients, distal radius in three, proximal fibula in one, distal fibula in one, distal ulna in one, proximal humerus in one, and distal femur in one. Radiographically, the tumors were lucent, and the majority were sharply marginated without sclerosis. By contrast with conventional epiphyseal GCT, which generally appear in the mature skeleton, a large proportion (50%) of the GCT in this series were in patients who had open epiphyseal growth plates. Despite the unusual clinical presentation, the behavior of metaphyseal and diaphyseal GCT was similar to that of the typical epiphyseal GCT. There was a 43% recurrence rate after curettage in this series. Conclusions. It is important to distinguish this subset of GCT from other giant cell-rich lesions more common in these sites, including aneurysmal bone cyst, osteosarcoma, and nonossifying fibroma.
Metabolic effects of altering redundant targeting signals for yeast mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase

Abstract Eukaryotic cells contain highly homologous isozymes of malate dehydrogenase which catalyze the same reaction in different cellular compartments. To examine whether the metabolic functions of these isozymes are interchangeable, we have altered the cellular localization of mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (MDH1) in yeast. Since a previous study showed that removal of the targeting presequence from MDH1 does not prevent mitochondrial importin vivo,we tested the role of a putative cryptic targeting sequence near the amino terminus of the mature polypeptide. Three residues in this region were changed to residues present in analogous positions in the other two yeast MDH isozymes. Alone, these replacements did not affect activity or localization of MDH1 but, in combination with deletion of the presequence, prevented mitochondrial importin vivo.Measurable levels of the resulting cytosolic form of MDH1 were low with expression from a centromere-based plasmid but were comparable to normal cellular levels with expression from a multicopy plasmid. The cytosolic form of MDH1 restored the ability of aΔMDH1disruption strain to grow on ethanol or acetate, suggesting that mitochondrial localization of MDH1 is not essential for its function in the TCA cycle. This TCA cycle function observed for the cytosolic form of MDH1 is unique to that isozyme since overexpression of MDH2 and of a cytosolic form of MDH3 in aΔMDH1strain failed to restore growth. Finally, only partial restoration of growth of aΔMDH2disruption mutant was attained with the cytosolic form of MDH1, suggesting that MDH2 may also have unique metabolic functions.
Mechanical Strength of Durable Press Finished Cotton Fabric: Part III: Change in Cellulose Molecular Weight

Durable press finishing processes are commonly used in the textile industry to produce wrinkle-free cotton fabrics by crosslinking cotton cellulose. The most common crosslink ing agents are formaldehyde-based N-methylol reagents, such as dimethyloldihydroxyl ethyleneurea (DMDHEU). In recent years, multifunctional carboxylic acids have been employed as nonformaldehyde durable press finishing agents. In this research, we use a multiple angle laser light scattering photometer to measure the change in cellulose molecular weight as a result of cotton cellulose depolymerization caused by a polycar boxylic acid, a Lewis acid used as a catalyst for DMDHEU, or their combination. Cellulose depolymerization takes place on the fabric treated with a polycarboxylic acid or a Lewis acid. The combination of Lewis and polycarboxylic acids as an "activated" catalyst for DMDHEU causes more severe cellulose depolymerization. Our results indicate a direct correlation between tensile strength loss of the treated cotton and the...
BiGG: a Biochemical Genetic and Genomic knowledgebase of large scale metabolic reconstructions.

Background Genome-scale metabolic reconstructions under the Constraint Based Reconstruction and Analysis (COBRA) framework are valuable tools for analyzing the metabolic capabilities of organisms and interpreting experimental data. As the number of such reconstructions and analysis methods increases, there is a greater need for data uniformity and ease of distribution and use.
Determining parameters of dynamic systems from noisy measurements

This paper uses the method of least-squares k-spline approximation to generate time derivatives of sampled- data measurements required to determine values for parameters in models of linear and nonlinear dynamic systems. When identifying the parameter values in a nonlinear system in which signals are corrupted with measurement noise, the method developed in this paper provides more accurate values than does an approximate time-delay filter. In generating the required deriva tives in the presence of noise, the least-squares k- spline approximation yielded higher-order derivatives which were substantially more accurate than the same derivatives obtained from a low-pass filter. In a nonlinear case used as an illustrative example, the technique described in this paper resulted in as much as a 32% improvement in the accuracy of one of the identified model parameter values, and its largest error in any of the six parameters identified was 3.5 percent. The method was particularly effective in counteracting impul...
Applications of an efficient algorithm for locating 3D models in 2D images

This paper describes two applications of a model based target recognition approach that employs an efficient interpretation tree search algorithm for matching 3D model features to sensed features extracted from 2D imagery. The algorithm is tolerant to missing and incomplete features and makes optimal use of geometric constraints to greatly reduce search time while guaranteeing an optimal match. When a target is recognized, a minimum error estimate of its location is made. The algorithm requires that a rough estimate of the sensor view point be available prior to matching. Two applications of this algorithm are described, one for FLIR and one for SAR processing. For the FLIR application 3D models are constructed using linear space curves, quadratic space curves, and quadric surfaces. The features extracted from the imagery are straight line segments, representing the projection of linear space curves, and conic sections, representing the projection of quadratic space curves, and quadric surface limbs. For the SAR application the target models specify the 3D location of model scatterers, and the sensed features are the 2D locations of the returns detected in the SAR image. In the SAR application, the target was assumed to be mobile so special processing was necessary to handle the initial view point uncertainty. Experimental test results of these applications are described.
Please, No More Naked Predicates: A Reply

The nodes of controversy detected by the commentators on “Once More into the Breach” center on the meanings of words and the strategies for classifying observations rather than on empirical facts. This rejoinder explains why I continue to believe that: (1) consequences are not a useful criterion for classifying emotions, (2) the utility of the concept of basic emotions remains ambiguous, and (3) psychologists should spend more time probing the conditions that contribute to robust phenomena rather than trying to affirm the validity of popular emotional words that fail to specify the agent, the incentive, or the local setting.
Assessment of the usefulness of helium-oxygen maximal expiratory flow curves in epidemiologic studies of lung disease in children.

Density dependence of maximal expiratory air flow (DD) has been used in adults as a test of early obstructive airway disease (OAD). Whether DD is useful as an epidemiologic tool to identify childhood risk factors for OAD is not known. In a population-based sample of 133 children 8 to 23 yr of age, we calculated density dependence at 50 and 25% of vital capacity (DD50 and DD25) (the ratios between maximal expiratory flow rates breathing helium-oxygen and air gas mixtures at each of these lung volumes), and the volume of isoflow (Vlao) (the lung volume, expressed as a percentage of vital capacity, at which maximal flow rates when breathing each gas mixture are equal), measured airway responsiveness using eucapnic hyperventilation with cold air, and obtained health and household information with questionnaires. Mean levels (± SD) of DD50, DD25, and Viso were: 1.49 ± 0.14, 1.37 ± 0.18, and 10.7 ± 10%. The DD50 significantly increased with age in these growing children (p < 0.05), but DD50 was found to be sign...
New Satellites Help Quantify Carbon Sources and Sinks

Deforestation and forest degradation account for between 7% and 30% of total anthropogenic carbon emissions [Canadell et al., 2007; Denman et al., 2007]. This wide range of values results from three major uncertainties: rates of deforestation, carbon stocks (biomass and soils) in forests prior to deforestation, and changes in carbon stocks within forests (i.e., both increases from growth and decreases from degradation). Historically, rates of deforestation and reforestation, together with estimates of forest biomass, have been used to calculate the net flux of carbon between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere [Woodwell et al., 1983; Detwiler and Hall, 1988; Hall and Uhlig, 1991; Fearnside, 2000; DeFries et al., 2002; Achard et al., 2004; Houghton, 20037]. This net flux is the difference between the sinks of carbon in growing and recovering forests and the sources from burning and decay associated with deforestation. Satellite imagery, particularly from Landsat, has long been used to sample deforestation rates [DeFries et al., 2002; Achard et al., 2004; Skole and Tucker, 1993; Hansen et al., 2008]. Obtaining estimates of biomass, reforestation, and forest growth and degradation, however, has proven more difficult.
A CMOS Array Sensor for Sub-800-ps Time-Resolved Fluorescence Detection

This paper describes the design of an active CMOS sensor array for fluorescence applications which enables time-gated, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The 64 times 64 array is sensitive to photon densities as low as 8 times 106 photons/cm with 64-point averaging and, through a differential pixel design, has a measured impulse response of better than 800 ps. Applications include both active microarrays and high-frame-rate imagers for fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy.
An automated miniaturized Haploscope for testing binocular visual function

A computer-controlled binocular vision testing device has been developed as one part of a system designed for NASA to test the vision of astronauts during spaceflight. The device, called the Mark III Haploscope, utilizes semi-automated psychophysical test procedures to measure visual acuity, stereopsis, phorias, fixation disparity and accommodation/convergence relationships. All tests are self-administered, yield quantitative data and may be used repeatedly without subject memorization. Future applications of this programmable, compact device include its use as a clinical instrument to perform routine eye examinations or vision screening, and as a research tool to examine the effects of environment or work-cycle upon visual function.
Scaling IPv6 address bindings in support of a moving target defense

Moving target defense is an area of network security research in which machines are moved logically around a network in order to avoid detection. This is done by leveraging the immense size of the IPv6 address space and the statistical improbability of two machines selecting the same IPv6 address. This defensive technique forces a malicious actor to focus on the reconnaissance phase of their attack rather than focusing only on finding holes in a machine's static defenses. We have a current implementation of an IPv6 moving target defense entitled MT6D, which works well although is limited to functioning in a peer to peer scenario. As we push our research forward into client server networks, we must discover what the limits are in reference to the client server ratio. In our current implementation of a simple UDP echo server that binds large numbers of IPv6 addresses to the ethernet interface, we discover limits in both the number of addresses that we can successfully bind to an interface and the speed at which UDP requests can be successfully handled across a large number of bound interfaces.
Effect of Strawberry Plant Physiological Status on the Translaminar Activity of Avermectin B1 and Its Efficacy Against the Twospotted Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Plant physiological status determines translaminar movement of avermectin B 1 in strawberry leaves, and the resulting noncontact residual kill of twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch. Significant T urticae mortality was obtained upon contact with avermectin B 1 with and without the addition of dormant oil, and with propargite. Noncontact residual kill of T. urticae by avermectin B 1 was greater on fruiting summer-type plants than on plants in winter semidormancy. When avermectin B 1 was applied only to the top surface of leaves, addition of dormant oil enhanced T urticae mortality on lower leaf surfaces of plants in winter semidormancy. T. urticae mortality was not affected by the addition of oil when plants were in either a spring-type vegetative growth state or a summer-type sexual state. The results of this study suggest an explanation for inconsistencies observed in field applications of avermectin B 1 for control of T. urticae.
Heating Cruciferous Vegetables Increases in Vitro Dialyzability of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Iron

Iron dialyzability (ID) from three Cruciferae (broccoli, kale and cabbage) was determined by an in vitro digestion method. The effect of added Crucifers on the ID of extrinsic nonheme iron as well as effects of heating were studied. Uncooked Crucifers contained iron of moderate ID (7–9%); cooking resulted in substantial ID increase (200%). Cooked Crucifers increased extrinsic ID three- to fourfold. Time and temperature relationships for the increase suggested that organic acids released after partial cell wall degradation combined with protein denaturation and iron solubilization from fiber were major reasons for differences between raw and cooked vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables can contribute to improved iron nutrition.
Pediatric non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas

Keywords Pediatric .Softtissuesarcoma .Non-rhabdomyosarcoma .RadiotherapyBackgroundSofttissuesarcomasencompassadiversegroupofmesenchy-mal tumors, some of which have unique biology and epide-miologywithinthepediatricagegroup.Rhabdomyosarcomasare the best characterized and studied with relatively goodsensitivity to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. To distin-guish the other broad category of pediatric tumors derivedfrom connective tissue, the cumbersome term, non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas (NRSTS), has beencoined. Many, but not all NRSTS, share characteristics withadult-type soft tissue sarcomas (STS) leading to a wealth oftreatment principles that cross the age spectrum. But becauseof developmental toxicities especially from radiotherapy,there are considerable modifications in treatment philosophywiththemanagementofNRSTS.Unlikerhabdomyosarcoma,where well conducted randomized trials have progressivelyrefined the dose, fractionation, and volume of radiotherapy ina risk adapted manner, the evidence for optimal managementof NRSTS is still evolving. Relative to the adult managementof STS, the oncologist needs to be more mindful of the lateeffects of treatment, which include concerns for normalgrowth, fertility, and risk for secondary malignancy. But atwhat age should STS be treated more aggressively with ra-diotherapyisdifficulttoknowasNRSTSclinicaltrialsextendeligibility to young adults. This review will provide an over-view of evolving knowledge regarding NRSTS while focus-ing on the radiotherapeutic aspects.EpidemiologySoft tissue sarcomas represent 6–7 % of all pediatric cancers(defined as those occurring before age 20 years). Of these,40 % are rhabdomyosarcoma and 60 % are NRSTS [1–3].The USA’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results(SEER) program provides some of the most comprehensivecancer epidemiologic data available [4]. Of the EuropeanTumor Registries, only data published from Germany havesufficient detail to distinguish rhabdomyosarcoma fromNRSTS [5]. Overall, NRSTS comprise approximately 3–3.5 % of all pediatric cancers with 550 to 600 new casesdiagnosed each year in the USA. The incidence rate overtime has remained steady in the range of six to eight casesper million population. In Germany, the incidence rate isslightly less at five cases per million persons. Data fromSEER based on the time period 1975–1995 suggest thatNRSTS has had a propensity to dominate in older pediatricage groups (10–14 years and 15–19 years, specifically) aspart of the incidence curves for STS leading into adulthood.In fact, clinical features for soft tissue sarcomas are similarbetween children and adults, except that survival rates di-minish for patients over age 50 years [6]. See Fig. 1, depict-ing the distributionof STS subtypes, location of disease, andstaging by 10-year age intervals.The survival of patients with NRSTS is dependent on thehistologic subtype to a certain degree. Figure 2 depicts the
Interaction between workload and training - Converging evidence from psychophysiology and performance measurement

Traditionally, the domains of mental workload and training have been studied in isolation even though they share many common characteristics. The present paper integrates findings from psychophysiological and performance-based studies which address both of these issues. By augmenting traditional indices of skill acquisition such as RMS error scores, reaction times, and accuracy measures with psychophysiological measures such as the event-related brain potential, it is shown that workload effects can be assessed throughout the training process. More specifically, it is argued that the development of skill and the effects of workload on the human operator can be modeled within the framework of resource theories of attentional allocation. Also described is how converging evidence from psychophysiological and behavioral studies can be used to examine subtle changes in operator strategies during training.
Long Term Survivors with Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Treated with Gemcitabine: A Retrospective Analysis

Metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma has a short median overall survival (OS) of 5–6 months. However, a subgroup of patients survives more than 1 year. We analyzed the survival outcomes of this subgroup and evaluated clinical and pathological factors that might affect survival durations. We identified 20 patients with metastatic or recurrent pancreatic adenocarcinoma who received single-agent gemcitabine and had an OS longer than 1 year. Baseline data available after the diagnosis of metastatic or recurrent disease was categorized as: 1) clinical/demographic data (age, gender, ECOG PS, number and location of metastatic sites); 2) Laboratory data (Hematocrit, hemoglobin, glucose, LDH, renal and liver function and CA19-9); 3) Pathologic data (margins, nodal status and grade); 4) Outcomes data (OS, Time to Treatment Failure (TTF), and 2 year-OS). The lowest CA19-9 levels during treatment with gemcitabine were also recorded. We performed a univariate analysis with OS as the outcome variable. Baseline logarithm of CA19-9 and total bilirubin had a significant impact on OS (HR = 1.32 and 1.31, respectively). Median OS and TTF on gemcitabine were 26.9 (95% CI = 18 to 32) and 11.5 (95% CI = 9.0 to 14.3) months, respectively. Two-year OS was 56.4%, with 7 patients alive at the time of analysis. A subgroup of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer has prolonged survival after treatment with gemcitabine. Only bilirubin and CA 19-9 levels were predictive of longer survival in this population. Further analysis of potential prognostic and predictive markers of response to treatment and survival are needed.
The increasing role of monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors in Parkinson's disease therapy.

Background: The role of monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors in the treatment of Parkinson's disease has expanded with the new monoamine oxidase B inhibitor rasagiline and a new formulation, selegiline oral disintegrating tablets. As primary therapy in early disease monoamine oxidase B inhibitors reduce motor disability and delay the need for levodopa. In more advanced disease requiring levodopa, adjunctive monoamine oxidase B inhibitors reduce ‘off’ time and may improve gait and freezing. Objective: Rasagiline and selegiline oral disintegrating tablets may reduce the safety risks associated with the amfetamine and methamfetamine metabolites of conventional oral selegiline while retaining or improving therapeutic efficacy. Methods: Articles were identified by searches of PubMed and searches on the Internet and reviewed. All articles and other referenced materials were retrieved using the keywords ‘Parkinson's disease’, ‘treatment’ and ‘monoamine oxidase B inhibitor’ and were published between 1960 and 2007...