cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A RFID based e-STOP sign and its impacts to vehicle emissions

Traditional STOP signs at unsignalized intersections are easily blocked by trees, trucks and other obstacles, which will induce high risk of incidents and even extra vehicle emissions. The so-called Infrastructure-to-Vehicle (I2V) communications can automatically inform drivers of earlier awareness through in-vehicle display and audio device, which alternates vehicle driving behaviors and operation modes, and will possibly reduce vehicle emissions. In this paper, the feasible working range of the RFID based e-STOP sign within the smart guide signing system (SGSS) at unsignalized intersections is firstly tested, and its impacts on vehicle emissions are further identified. Test and emission estimation results indicate that the RFID based e-STOP sign can reduce vehicle emissions at unsignalized intersections, especially when vehicles make turnings.
Beyond the tourist gaze?: Cultural learning on an American 'semester abroad' programme in London

Is the short-term study abroad experience, particularly when undertaken with a self-contained group of international students such as on a `semester abroad programme' accredited by a US university, little more than glorified tourism? This study investigates some of the ways in which a group of American students developed their understanding of British culture, not just by studying it together with their peers, but also by living in the country for a semester. The results suggest that these students learned both within and out of the classroom; they were not simply adding information during the semester, but also reflecting about their own views and attitudes, such that the study abroad experience was not, for most of them, simply about the passive reception of pre-packaged tourist images; it changed their views of Britain, of America and of themselves.
Calculation of meniscus shapes and transport processes in float zone

Abstract The formation of the melt meniscus and convection heat transfer in the melt is a major issue in the float zone technique for growing single crystals. The present study investigates the issues of existence, multiplicity and physical realizability of the solutions, based on the concept of free energy minimization, to the Young-Laplace equation, representing the liquid menisci formed under equilibrium conditions. The physical realizability of the meniscus profile is sharply affected by the material properties and geometry, through the dimensionless parameters including Bond number and aspect ratio. A typical meniscus shape obtained at Bond numbers commonly encountered in practical configurations is selected for buoyancy driven convection and thermocapillary convection heat transfer studies. For the materials and geometries of interest, thermocapillary effects dominate over buoyancy effects. The impact of the convection pattern on the meniscus shape is reflected by the magnitude of the capillary number, which is found to be small in this case. Calculations were conducted over a range of Grashof numbers. Marangoni numbers and Prandtl numbers to gage the sensitivity of the solutions to the physical properties of the molten material. The relative strength of buoyancy-driven convection and thermocapillary convection has the greatest impact on the heat transfer results. The results reported here can help assess the suitability of a given float zone design.
Age-related differences in the human vitreoretinal interface.

• Age-related differences in vitreoretinal adhesion were investigated in 59 human eyes from donors aged from 33 weeks of gestation to 94 years with the use of dark-field and electron microscopy of whole vitreous. In all eyes from individuals aged 21 years or older, dissection of the retina off the vitreous resulted in cleavage between the vitreous cortex and the internal limiting lamina. However, in six (40%) of 15 eyes from individuals aged 20 years or younger, the internal limiting lamina remained adherent to the vitreous cortex in an area that encompassed the macula, temporal arcades, and peripapillary posterior pole. Ultrastructural studies revealed inner portions of Muller's cells that were attached to the posterior aspect of the internal limiting lamina. These results suggested that, in youth, there is adhesion between the vitreous cortex and internal limiting lamina that is stronger than Muller's cell itself and is topographically more extensive than previously thought.
Proton-proton final state interaction in the 3He (p, pd)p reaction

Abstract The final state p-p interaction has been observed by means of a 3 He(p, pd)p angular correlation experiment. It was found that the probability of formation of the singlet state is most pronounced for an internal energy of the two-proton system of ≈ 0.4 MeV.
The Safety of Hot Biopsy Forceps in the Removal of Small Colonic Polyps

Nine hundred and seven polyps (mean size 3.7 mm; range 2–8) from 460 patients (mean age 67 years; range 34–94) were removed with monopolar electrocoagulation forceps (‘hot biopsy forceps’). Sixty-thre
Clinical Results of the Staged Fontan Procedure in High-Risk Patients

Abstract Background . For high-risk Fontan candidates, the introduction of a bidirectional Glenn shunt before total cavopulmonary connection (a two-staged strategy) may extend the indications for the Fontan procedure. The clinical results of the two-staged and one-staged Fontan procedure were thus reviewed and compared. Methods . Between November 1991 and July 1996, the two-staged strategy was performed in 40 high-risk Fontan candidates with a mean interval of 17.2 months after introducing the bidirectional Glenn shunt (staged group). We considered a young age ( 2 /m 2 ), atrioventricular valve incompetence (≥ moderate), distortion of pulmonary artery, anomalous pulmonary venous return, and poor ventricular function as risk factors for the successful completion of Fontan circulation. During the same pe-riod, 68 patients underwent the modified Fontan procedure in a one-step fashion (primary group). Results . In the staged group after the bidirectional Glenn shunt, the mean pulmonary arterial pressure and ventricular end-diastolic pressure were both found to have decreased significantly to the same level as those in the primary group, whereas the pulmonary artery demonstrated a significantly smaller size than that in the primary group. Operative morbidity was similar in both groups. Operative mortality was also similar and low in both groups (1.5% in the primary group and 0% in the staged group). Conclusions . A bidirectional Glenn shunt was found to be a useful interim palliation in high-risk Fontan candidates. This two-staged strategy may extend the operative indications for the Fontan procedure.
Are crystalline C‐(H‐O‐N) carbons the elusive meteoritic carbynes?

I present an internally consistent reinterpretation of carbyne diffraction data making a few plausible assumptions. The results support that carbynes could be crystalline, randomly interstratified (or mixed-layered) carbons with variable C/(C+H+O+N) ratios rather than thermodynamically stable carbon allotropes. The metastable carbynes are likely the result of incomplete, kinetically-inhibited, low-temperature pyrolysis of precursor material. A renewed interest in meteoritic carbynes should seek to combine light-element chemistry and crystallography of these elusive carbons.
LY354740, a potent group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist prevents lactate-induced panic-like response in panic-prone rats.

Abstract LY354740 is a potent and selective agonist at the group II metabotropic glutamate receptors and is shown to be an effective inhibitor of glutamate release with significant anxiolytic and drug withdrawal alleviating properties in certain animal models. Rats with chronic inhibition of GABA synthesis in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) are highly anxious and exhibit panic-like responses to peripheral lactate infusions similar to patients with panic disorder. Using these panic-prone rats, we tested the efficacy of LY354740 in preventing the lactate-induced panic-like response, comparing it to alprazolam, a clinically effective anti-panic drug. Rats were fitted with femoral arterial and venous catheters and implanted with Alzet pumps infusing the GABA synthesis inhibitor l -allylglycine into the DMH. After four days of recovery, they were confirmed to be panic-prone to lactate infusions as indicated by increases in heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and “anxiety” measured in the social interaction test. Next, they were pretreated with either vehicle, LY354740 (0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg) or alprazolam (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) and re-challenged with lactate infusions. LY354740 treatment was equally efficacious as alprazolam in preventing lactate-induced panic attacks in this model. These data suggest that LY354740 could be a novel anti-panic drug, as effective as alprazolam in acute treatment.
Enzymatic Tailoring of Ornithine in the Biosynthesis of the Rhizobium Cyclic Trihydroxamate Siderophore Vicibactin

To acquire iron, the N(2)-fixing, symbiotic bacterium Rhizobium sp. produce the cyclic trihydroxamate siderophore vicibactin, containing a 30-membered trilactone scaffold. Herein we report the overproduction and purification of the six proteins VbsACGOLS in the bacterial host Escherichia coli and the reconstitution of the biosynthesis of vicibactin from primary metabolites. The flavoprotein VbsO acts as a pathway-initiating l-ornithine N(5)-hydroxylase, followed by VbsA, which transfers (R)-3-hydroxybutyryl- from the CoA thioester to N(5)-hydroxyornithine to yield N(5)-((R)-3-hydroxybutyryl)-N(5)-hydroxy-l-ornithine. VbsL is a PLP-dependent epimerase acting at C(2) of the 10 atom monomer unit. VbsS, a nonribosomal peptide synthetase free-standing module, then activates N(5)-((R)-3-hydroxybutyryl)-N(5)-hydroxy-d-ornithine as the AMP anhydride on the way to cyclotrimerization to the vicibactin scaffold. The last step, tris-acetylation of the C(2) amino group of desacetyl-d-vicibactin to the mature siderophore vicibactin, is catalyzed distributively by VbsC, using three molecules of acetyl-CoA.
Release of β-endorphin immunoreactivity into ventriculo-cisternal perfusate by lumbar intrathecal capsaicin in the rat

A model employing perfusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid from the lateral ventricle to the cisterna magna in the halothane anesthetized rat was used to study beta-endorphin release in the brain. Injection of 75 micrograms capsaicin into the lumbar intrathecal space released beta-endorphin immunoreactivity into perfusate. The release was blocked by intrathecal pretreatment with 1.25 mg lidocaine and the capsaicin receptor antagonist capsazepine (92 micrograms), showing that the release is caused by binding of capsaicin to a spinal receptor. The release was also blocked by intrathecal pretreatment with the NMDA antagonist MK-801 (3 micrograms) and the NK-1 receptor antagonist CP96,345 (200 micrograms), whereas the AMPA receptor antagonist NBQX (6 micrograms) yielded no significant inhibition. Surprisingly, morphine (30 micrograms) and sufentanil (1.5 micrograms) did not prevent release of beta-endorphin immunoreactivity, although blocking the cardiovascular responses to a noxious heat stimulus. High performance liquid chromatography characterization of perfusates collected after capsaicin injection showed that all beta-endorphin immunoreactivity coeluted with authentic beta-endorphin1-31. beta-Endorphin immunoreactivity in plasma was increased 10 min, but not 25 min, after capsaicin injection. Capsaicin injection abolished the motor and cardiovascular responses to tail immersion in 52.5 degrees C water. Addition of MK-801 (10(-4) mol/l) to the lateral ventricle-cisterna magna perfusate blocked the capsaicin-induced beta-endorphin release, showing that our previous demonstration of an NMDA receptor regulating arcuate nucleus beta-endorphin neuron activity has functional significance. We conclude that in this in vivo, anesthetized preparation including three hot water tail immersions, beta-endorphin can be released into a ventriculo-cisternal perfusate, by activation of the central axons of small primary afferent neurons by capsaicin. These data support the idea that central beta-endorphin may be released in response to prolonged, intense noxious stimulation.
Conceptual Analysis of Criticality Aspects of Fission Electric Cell Reactors

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy Research Initiative Direct Energy Conversion project has a goal of developing direct energy conversion (DEC) processes suitable for commercial development. DEC is any fission process that returns usable energy with no intermediate thermal process. This project includes the study of the fission electric cell (FEC). In the FEC, fission fragments exit the fuel element cathode and are collected by the cell anode. Previous work [1] has shown the potential of FECs with theoretical efficiencies up to 60%. Inspection of this work indicates the need for additional system criticality studies prior to any conclusions regarding the final FEC reactor configuration. This paper outlines the development of models to facilitate reactor criticality design decisions. The models address criticality, design life, and reactor configuration. In addition, this paper proposes future work to complete the criticality model. The direct energy conversion concept converts nuclear energy to electrical energy without the use of a Carnot cycle based system. Kinetic energy of the highly charged fission fragments is converted directly into electrical potential using strong magnetic fields to separate the positive fission fragments from the electrons that are also produced during the fission process. A parametric analysis is performed using Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) [2] simulations to calculate criticality for exact geometric models. The effect on criticality of changing enrichment, number of cells, size of cells, fuel thickness, and reactor size is determined. Heavy water, helium, and beryllium are each considered for a reflector design.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) fruit : some physical and chemical properties

Abstract The hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) fruits were analysed for some physical (dimensions, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, bulk density, fruit density, volume, terminal velocity, hardness and porosity) and chemical (moisture, crude protein, crude oil, crude energy, crude fiber, ash, pH, acidity, water- and alcohol soluble extract) properties. Mineral content of wild hawthorn growing in Turkey were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES). All materials contained high amounts of Ca, K, Mg, Na and P. These values were found as 3046.37 ppm, 13,531.96 ppm, 1502.55 ppm, 312.18 ppm, 1477.88 ppm and 431,307.29 ppm, respectively. The mean pulp and seeds weight, length, diameter, mass, volume, geometric mean diameter, sphericity and projected area were measured as 2.16 g, 0.87 g, 14.39 mm, 19.34 mm, 3.03 g, 3083.3 mm3, 17.52 mm, 1.22 and 4.19 cm2, respectively. The energy, protein, cellulose, oil, ash, acidity and water-soluble extract values of hawthorn fruits were established as 34.02 kcal/g, 2.48%, 4.67%, 0.87%, 2.28%, 1.98% and 32.31%, respectively. It is very important to evaluate the physical properties for the design of equipment used for harvesting, transportation, storage and processing of fresh fruits. Also, the information supplied on the chemical properties of the hawthorn fruit can be used in human nutrition.
Suitability for conservation as a criterion in regional conservation network selection

The process of selecting candidate areas for inclusion in a regional conservation network should include not only delineating appropriate land units for selection and defining targets for representing features of interest, but also determining the suitability of land units for conservation purposes. We developed an explicit rating of conservation suitability by applying fuzzy-logic functions in a knowledge base to ecological condition and socio-economic attributes of land units in the interior Columbia River basin, USA. Suitability was converted to unsuitability to comprise a cost criterion in selecting regional conservation networks. When unsuitability was the sole cost criterion or was combined with land area as cost, only about one-third of the area selected was rated suitable, due to inclusion of unsuitable land to achieve representation of conservation targets (vegetation cover-type area). Selecting only from land units rated suitable produced networks that were 100% suitable, reasonably efficient, and most likely to be viable and defensible, as represented in our knowledge-based system. However, several conservation targets were not represented in these networks. The tradeoff between suitability and effectiveness in representing targets suggests that a multi-stage process should be implemented to address both attributes of candidate conservation networks. The suitability of existing conservation areas was greater than that of most alternative candidate networks, but 59% of land units containing conservation areas received a rating of unsuitable, due in part to the presence of units only partially occupied by conservation areas, in which unsuitability derived from conditions in non-conserved areas.
Prophylactic mini-dose heparin in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy A prospective trial

We initiated a prospective, partially randomized trial of the effects of perioperative prophylactic mini-dose heparin on the incidence of clinically evident pulmonary emboli, intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusions, duration of postoperative pelvic drainage, and lymphocele formation in 68 consecutive patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy. We treated 32 patients with mini-dose heparin and 36 without it. We detected pulmonary emboli in 4 (11%) patients not treated with mini-dose heparin and in none treated with heparin (p = 0.052). Anesthesiologists estimated a mean intraoperative blood loss of 2,152 cc in the heparinized patients compared with 1,886 cc in controls (p = 0.2). At a time when our policy was to replace all blood loss, we transfused a mean of 3.9 units to heparinized patients and 3.2 units to controls (p = 0.1). Persistent lymphatic drainage requiring more than six days of closed suction drainage occurred in 12 of 32 (38%) heparinized patients as compared with 4 of 36 (11%) controls (p = 0.01). We discontinued the study after 68 patients because of the morbidity associated with mini-dose heparin. Because of the associated morbidity we do not recommend the routine use of mini-dose heparin in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.
THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ROLE IN PREPARING FUTURE TEACHERS: THE IMPACT OF A MENTORING PROGRAM FOR PRESERVICE TEACHERS

The imminent teacher shortage in the United States has caused educators, policy makers, parents and concerned citizens to focus on teacher preparation not only at the university level, but also at ...
Gaze palsy associated with viral syndrome.

Four cases of gaze paresis occurred in association with vital disease. In three cases the viral prodrome preceded the oculomotor disturbance. In one, gaze palsy was followed several days later by a viral syndrome. One had isolated bilateral horizontal ophthalmoplegia; another patient had motility disturbance with blepharoptosis and peripheral areflexia. Two patients had clinical evidence of brain-stem involvement: unilateral gaze paresis and gaze-evoked nystagmus in one and Parinaud's syndrome in the other. No accompanying long-tract signs or changes in mental status were present in any case. Recovery was complete in all four patients.
Use of a continuous wave Raman fiber laser in graded-index multimode fiber for SRS beam combination

We report using a Raman fiber laser (RFL) based on a multimode graded-index fiber as a novel method for beam combination of two continuous wave pump beams. Due to stimulated Raman scattering, the RFL generates a Stokes beam which can be up to 300% brighter than the pump beams. Up to 5.8 W of Stokes power is generated with an optical conversion efficiency of 56%.
Changes in CYP450 enzyme activity over time following liver transplantation

Aim This study was designed to evaluate CYP450 enzyme activity in liver transplant (OLTx) patients. Methods Thirty-nine stable OLTx patients (mean age 51 yrs) studied on 69 occasions were given an oral 5-drug Pittsburgh cocktail to assess CYPs 1A2, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1 and 3A. Concentrations of drugs/metabolites were determined by HPLC for phenotype analysis. Seven elderly and 14 young healthy subjects (mean ages 77 and 21 yrs) were studied as controls. Results Within 30 days postoperatively, 2E1 activity was higher compared to young controls (mean±SD 5.8±4.6 vs 0.8±0.3, p<0.01), but subsequently returned to control values. 2C19 capacity was markedly lower compared to elderly controls (48.2±30.7 vs 104.8±59.9, p<0.01), and 3A activity was also lower. After 30 days postoperatively, the 2D6 capacity was lower compared to elderly controls (0.34±0.24 vs 0.66±0.13, p<0.01). There was no change in CYP1A2. Conclusions Selective regulation of CYPs included an early increase in activity of 2E1, decreased activity of 2C19 and 3A, a late decrease in 2D6, but no change in activity of CYP1A2. Drugs that are substrates of these enzymes may require dosage adjustment accordingly. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P34–P34; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.024
Identification and Quantification of Potent Odorants Formed by Toasting of Wheat Bread

Abstract Slices of wheat bread were toasted until a distinct intensity of brown colour was attained. Potent odorants formed were evaluated by aroma extract dilution analysis and gas chromatography/olfactometry of headspace samples. Compounds showing high dilution factors were quantified, and their aroma activity values (OAV, ratio of concentration to odour threshold) were calculated on the basis of their odour thresholds in starch. The roasty smelling 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (I) showed the highest OAV followed by (E)-2-nonenal (II), 3-methylbutyric acid (III), 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3 (2H)-furanone (IV), methional (V) and 2,3-butanedione. Formation of nine odorants (I to V among others) was measured in relation to the intensity of the brown colour. It was found that, at the beginning of toasting, (I) increased more rapidly in the bread slices than (IV) which was mainly produced at medium browning.
A two-stage approach for multi-objective decision making with applications to system reliability optimization

This paper proposes a two-stage approach for solving multi-objective system reliability optimization problems. In this approach, a Pareto optimal solution set is initially identified at the first stage by applying a multiple objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA). Quite often there are a large number of Pareto optimal solutions, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to effectively choose the representative solutions for the overall problem. To overcome this challenge, an integrated multiple objective selection optimization (MOSO) method is utilized at the second stage. Specifically, a self-organizing map (SOM), with the capability of preserving the topology of the data, is applied first to classify those Pareto optimal solutions into several clusters with similar properties. Then, within each cluster, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) is performed, by comparing the relative efficiency of those solutions, to determine the final representative solutions for the overall problem. Through this sequential solution identification and pruning process, the final recommended solutions to the multi-objective system reliability optimization problem can be easily determined in a more systematic and meaningful way.
Race, ethnicity, insurance coverage, and preoperative status of hip and knee surgical patients

Our objective was to examine the association between race/ethnicity and insurance type and the preoperative status of patients undergoing joint arthroplasty surgery. Quality of life and WOMAC measures were collected preoperatively in a consecutive series of patients undergoing primary hip or knee arthroplasties (n = 573). Non-Hispanic whites had lower preoperative pain and WOMAC scores and higher Quality Well Being Index and SF-36 scores compared with other racial/ethnic subgroups. Patients with Medicare/private insurance had better preoperative scores relative to patients with Medicaid or no insurance. Racial/ethnic status was generally more strongly associated with preoperative status than was insurance type. Hispanics, blacks, and patients without Medicare or private health insurance reach arthroplasty surgery with lower preoperative functional and health status.
THE EFFECT OF AMPHOTERICIN B-DEOXYCHOLATE ON PROLIFERATION AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN HUMAN SKIN FIBROBLAST CULTURES'

Cultures of adult human skin fibroblasts were grown in the presence of the recommended antifungal dose (3 μg per ml) of amphotericin B-deoxycholate. A reduction in cell culture growth, measured as DNA content and protein content per culture, was observed. However, radioisotope incorporation into noncollagen protein and, to a lesser extent, collagen protein was enhanced. These effects were due to amphotericin B, not to deoxycholate. These observations were made under several growth conditions and indicate that cell proliferation or isotope-labeling studies in fibroblasts in the presence of amphotericin B-deoxycholate are susceptible to errors in interpretation.
SU-GG-T-377: Experimental Verification of Clinically-Relevant Monte Carlo X-Ray Simulations

Purpose: Verify that Monte Carlo simulations of clinically‐relevant x‐ray fields based on open‐field simulations agree with measured dose distributions. Incident beam energy and spot‐sized were determined independently, previously; the only simulation parameters varied here were the jaw/MLC positions. Methods & Materials:Monte Carlo simulations using EGSnrc/BEAMnrc of small x‐ray fields and fields modified with wedges were compared to measured dose distributions and output factors at 6 and 18 MV. Simulation parameters were derived from a match of open field simulation to measurement using independently measured energy of the electron beam in the waveguide and spot size, and measured jaw/MLC positions. Asymmetry, for example in the positioning of the flattening filter, was accounted for in the simulations. Output factors were measured with a CC13 ion chamber for large field sizes and an Exradin A14 for small field sizes. Transmission through the jaw was determined. Results: Simulated and measured dose distributions were in close agreement. Profiles and PDD curves agreed as well as the open field measurements, to within 1.5%/1.5 mm. Output factors were in agreement to within 2% down to a square field of size of 1.6 cm. Measured and simulated penumbra agreed, as expected because the spot size was measured. Conclusions: Simulations of clinically‐relevant x‐ray fields based on open field measurements were in close agreement with measurement. This validated both the simulations and the methods used to determine them, namely matching open field measurements with independently measured spot size and incident beam energy. Support from NIH R01 CA104777‐01A2.
Determination of the cross-sectional area of the indenter in nano-indentation tests

To measure the hardness and elastic modulus of a composite system in the nano-scale range, precise determination of the cross-section area of the indenter tip at different heights is a key. A method of using scanning probing microscopy to image the tip and then using its analysis software, Histogram program, and Bearing curve, combined with the information of the area of each pixel, to determine the cross-section area at different heights are introduced in this paper. Compared with other techniques, it is simple, straightforward, and readily provides a precise relationship between the cross-sectional area and the height.
Dynamical fluctuation effects in glassy colloidal suspensions

Abstract Fundamental understanding of heterogeneous dynamics in concentrated glassy hard sphere fluids and colloidal suspensions, even at the single particle level, requires major theoretical advances. Recent simulations and confocal microscopy experiments suggest strong nongaussian dynamical fluctuation effects and activated transport emerge well before an apparent kinetic glass transition is reached. New theoretical approaches that can predict the observable signatures of intermittent large amplitude motions and the associated fluctuation phenomena are discussed. Comparisons are made with experiments, computer simulations, and prior theory for average dynamical properties.
Auger studies comparing the surface concentration of barium on tungsten impregnated and M-cathodes

Abstract A study comparing the surface concentration of barium on both an impregnated tungsten cathode surface and M-type cathode surface was made to determine whether the higher electron emission capability of the latter can be attributed to a higher average surface barium concentration. Relative quantitative data was obtained by the use of a computerized Auger microprobe spectrometer on the surface of the cathode, half of whose area was M-type, the other half being the tungsten impregnated type. The results indicate that both cathode surfaces have equivalent barium concentrations and that they are approximately equal to a barium monolayer after 3000 h of cathode life.
A framework to review the information integration of the enterprise

Organizations face the challenging task of integrating their distributed organizational units, information systems, and business processes for improved operation and attainment of organizational goals. There is the difficulty of dealing with heterogeneous applications that use different formats (syntax) and apply different meanings (semantics) to the data. There is the difficulty of coordinating the workflow so as the disparate organizational units act as a harmonious whole. The broad scope of the enterprise integration problem precludes approaches that tackle the entire problem but rather requires approaches that address a limited but useful integration type. The various information integration types and how they are related to each other is poorly defined. This article presents an enterprise information integration framework that aims to coalesce parallel approaches towards integration so that the information integration problem can be better understood as a whole. The enterprise information integration...
The effect of sweeteners on the acceptability of dairy-based espresso beverages

A study was performed to determine the role of product formulations on the quality of coffee-flavoured dairy beverages. The study evaluated the effect of sweetener type on product quality. Three soft-serve mixes varying in sweetener type were manufactured using 100% sucrose, a 50:50 blend of corn sweetener and sucrose, and 100% corn sweetener. The three mixes were used as ingredients in the manufacture of espresso-based coffee beverages. Samples were analysed for colour, separation, composition, pH and viscosity. Sensory analysis was carried out by trained panels and consumer panels. The beverages made using soft-serve ice cream mix sweetened solely with sucrose were sweeter and preferred by consumers. Soft-serve ice cream mixes sweetened with sucrose were significantly more viscous and resulted in less foaming and less viscous than fresh-blended, iced espresso beverages.
The effects of exercise and smoking on the electrocardiograms and ballistocardiograms of normal subjects and patients with coronary artery disease.

Abstract 1. 1. The response of the electrocardiogram and ballistocardiogram to exercise and smoking in 200 subjects has been reported. 2. 2. The ballistocardiogram in 7.9 per cent of normal control subjects and in 31.4 per cent of patients with coronary artery disease deteriorated after exercise. 3. 3. The electrocardiographic response to exercise was positive by Master's criteria in 22.8 per cent of normal controls, and in 50 per cent of the subjects with angina pectoris or remote myocardial infarction. 4. 4. The diagnostic margin of differentiation between diseased persons and normal controls obtained by the “stress” of exercise was 4:1 by the ballistocardiograph and 2:1 by the electrocardiograph. 5. 5. The ballistocardiogram in 6.8 per cent of normal control subjects and in 58.6 per cent of patients with coronary artery disease deteriorated after smoking a cigarette. 6. 6. The diagnostic margin obtained with the cigarette test was 9:1. 7. 7. Administration of 0.5 mg. of nicotine base sublingually elicited ballistocardiographic alterations which were similar to those observed after smoking in 10 subjects.
Pathological changes in exposed neural tissue of fetal delayed splotch (Spd) mice

If meningomyelocele is indeed a progressive intrauterine process, then early delivery or possibly intrauterine repair of meningomyelocele becomes an issue. Utilizing the delayed splotch (Spd) mouse, a genetically transmitted neural tube defect model, we looked for evidence of abnormalities of neural tissue exposed to amniotic fluid. Affected embryonic and fetal mice were examined with the light microscope, and also with the transmission and scanning electron microscope. Neuronal development and programmed cell death paralleled normal fetal development. No evidence of inflammation on or within the exposed neural tissue was observed. Because the vascular supply to the alar and basilar plate are different, vascular development was also examined and no difference could be found. In conclusion, we found no evidence of deterioration of the exposed neural tube during the gestational period of a mouse, which suggests that exposure of unneurulated spinal cord to amniotic fluid is not a risk factor to the fetus with a neural tube defect.
Patternable Nanowire Sensors for Electrochemical Recording of Dopamine

Spatially resolved electrochemical recording of neurochemicals is difficult due to the challenges associated with producing nanometer-scale patternable and integrated sensors. We describe the lithographic fabrication and characterization of patternable gold (Au) nanowire (NW) based sensors for the electrochemical recording of dopamine (DA). We demonstrate a straightforward NW-size-independent approach to align contact pads to NWs. Sensors, with NW widths as small as 30 nm, exhibited considerable insensitivity to scan rates during cyclic voltammetry, a nonlinear increase in oxidation current with increasing NW width, and the selectivity to measure submaximal synaptic concentrations of DA in the presence of interfering ascorbic acid. The electrochemical sensitivity of Au NW electrode sensors was much larger than that of Au thin-film electrodes. In chronoamperometric measurements, the NW sensors were found to be sensitive for submicromolar concentration of DA. Hence, the patternable NW sensors represent an a...
ARE PRICE REPORTING SYSTEMS OF ANY USE

What is the value of public price information systems for wholesale marketing in EC horticulture? Before the advent of today's advanced marketing theory and channelling of information these systems were considered in some quarters to be advantageous but the ramifications of the modern marketing scene and expenditure on modern technology lead some observers to wonder if they are practical and worthwhile. The conclusion here appears to be that in view of their many deficiencies horticulture will be no worse off without them.
Electrical Breakdown Induced by Fracto-Emission

Fracto-emission is the emission of particles (e.g. electrons, ions, neutral species and photons) during and following fracture. In this study, we investigate the possibility that fracture can induce electrical breakdown in air at atmospheric pressure. Fracture of a number of materials were found to induce electrical breakdown including quartz, sapphire, alumina, boron nitride, PZT, glass-filled polybutadiene, and alumina-filled epoxy. These measurements indicate that fracturing induces electrical breakdown due to the emission of charged particles from the fracture which, once released from the fracture area, become available for normal breakdown phenomena.
Parasitism of the Wheat Stem Sawfly (Hymenoptera: Cephidae) by Bracon cephi and B. lissogaster (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Wheat Fields Bordering Tilled and Untilled Fallow in Montana

We evaluated wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton, parasitism, infestation, and sawfly-cut stems in wheat fields bordering intensely tilled (no visible stubble residue), minimally tilled (>75% stubble residue visible), and untilled (chemical fallow, herbicide fallow management) summer fallow fields in north-central and south-central Montana. No difference in sawfly parasitism or sawfly-cut stems was found between fields bordering minimally tilled and fields bordering untilled summer fallow. Sawfly parasitism in fields bordering untilled summer fallow was greater than in fields bordering intensely tilled summer fallow at six of the eight sites examined. Sawfly-cut stems were greater in the field bordering intensely tilled fallow at four sites, with no difference in sawfly-cut stems between the intensely tilled and untilled field at the other four sites. Although it has never been reported, we have observed that many sawfly stubs are completely buried. Therefore, we measured the depth of sawfly stubs in four untilled fields in Broadwater County, MT. Two-thirds of the stubs were completely buried (206 of 300) with an average depth of 6 mm. Intensive tillage, which results in soil-covered stubble, is not an effective sawfly control practice, because sawflies typically overwinter below ground and upon emergence must dig to reach the soil surface. However, Bracon cephi (Gahan) and Bracon lissogaster Muesebeck overwinter above ground in stems and might be unable to dig to the soil surface if buried. The elimination of intensive tillage in favor of chemical fallow should result in greater sawfly parasitism over time. Producers replacing minimal tillage with chemical fallow should see no effect on sawfly parasitism.
Roughex Mediates G1 Arrest through a Physical Association with Cyclin A

Differentiation in the developing Drosophila eye requires synchronization of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The roughex gene product plays a key role in this synchronization by negatively regulating cyclin A protein levels in G1. We show here that coexpressed Roughex and cyclin A physically interact in vivo. Roughex is a nuclear protein, while cyclin A was previously shown to be exclusively cytoplasmic during interphase in the embryo. In contrast, we demonstrate that in interphase cells in the eye imaginal disk cyclin A is present in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. In the presence of ectopic Roughex, cyclin A becomes strictly nuclear and is later degraded. Nuclear targeting of both Roughex and cyclin A under these conditions is dependent on a C-terminal nuclear localization signal in Roughex. Disruption of this signal results in cytoplasmic localization of both Roughex and cyclin A, confirming a physical interaction between these molecules. Cyclin A interacts with both Cdc2 and Cdc2c, the Drosophila Cdk2 homolog, and Roughex inhibits the histone H1 kinase activities of both cyclin A-Cdc2 and cyclin A-Cdc2c complexes in whole-cell extracts. Two-hybrid experiments suggested that the inhibition of kinase activity by Roughex results from competition with the cyclin-dependent kinase subunit for binding to cyclin A. These findings suggest that Roughex can influence the intracellular distribution of cyclin A and define Roughex as a distinct and specialized cell cycle inhibitor for cyclin A-dependent kinase activity.
Microcystic Calcifications at Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

Calcifications in breast microcysts frequently exhibit characteristic layering in 90-degree horizontal beam mammographic images. This observation is sufficiently predictive of a benign process that biopsy can be avoided. We report our experience with nine patients in whom stereotactic biopsy was attempted for clustered calcifications which failed to convincingly layer in true lateral magnification views. Two cases are described and illustrated. In all nine patients, layering of calcifications was more convincingly suggested on preliminary digital images prior to stereotactic biopsy. The effect of compression and dependent breast position may explain this observation. Calcification was sparse or absent in extracted cores yet diminished or disappeared in postbiopsy mammograms. Radiologists are alerted to these possible results when stereotactic biopsy of microcystic calcification is attempted.
A three stage population model with cannibalism.

A simple population model consisting of one adult and two larval stages with cannibalism or competition among the larval stages is presented. The solutions are found to be either periodic or of a steady state nature depending on the ratios of fertility and cannibalism among the larvae. Two similar cannibalism pressure functions are compared and the conditions that lead to steady or periodic solutions, or to extinction, are examined.
Serial reversal learning by monkeys with inferotemporal or foveal prestriate lesions

Abstract Monkeys with bilateral lesions of either foveal prestriate cortex or inferotemporal cortex committed many times the errors made by intact monkeys in learning a visual pattern discrimination. This impairment gradually disappeared in the course of learning ten successive reversals of this discrimination. Neither of these lesions then can be characterized as one which produces an inability to form general learning rules.
The structure of Descartes's ontological proof

Recent scholarship has made much of Descartes's Fifth Meditation. On the one hand, there is a growing literature on the ontological status of ‘true and immutable natures’, which Descartes introduce...
INFLUENCE OF UNBALANCED GROWTH ON SUBSEQUENT X-RAY-INDUCED INHIBITION OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID SYNTHESIS IN ESCHERICHIA COLI 15T-

The influence of unbalanced growth on subsequent radiation induced inhibition of desoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in Eccherichia coli was investigated. Results are presented which show an inhibition by chloramphenicol of phasing or synchronization of the desoxyribonucleic acid-synthesizing system and that the radiosensitivity or the synthesizing mechanism is altered by previous chloramphenicol exposure. (C.H.)
Sliding mode based zero-sequence current mitigation of parallel-connected power converters

When multiple three-phase voltage source converters sharing the same DC bus are operated in parallel to supply an AC voltage bus or a load, a zero-sequence path exists. With this path, a zero-sequence circulating current is introduced into the three-phase system, which may be caused by the circuit asymmetry. The zero-sequence circulating currents introduce further asymmetry of electrical variables and are suggestive of abnormal conditions of the circuit. This paper presents a method to mitigate zero-sequence circulating currents based on sliding mode control. The design procedure is discussed. Time-domain simulation studies are performed to validate the performance of the sliding mode controller, compared with a PI controller, and the effects of parameter variations in the sliding mode controller on the zero-sequence currents.
Using focus of attention in classification

The goal of a classifier is to accurately predict the value of a class given its context. Often the number of classes "competing" for each prediction is large. Therefore, it is necessary to "focus attention" on a smaller subset of these. We investigate the contribution of a "focus of attention" mechanism using enablers to the performance of a word predictor. We then describe a large scale experimental study in which the approach presented is shown to yield significant improvements in word prediction tasks.
Analysis of short-term estuarine phytoplankton dynamics using neural networks

The artificial neural network (ANN) approach was investigated to model the short-term phytoplankton dynamics in the Skidaway River Estuary. The ability of ANN to model phytoplankton biomass and density of dominant species was evaluated using surface water sampling data collected during bloom and non-bloom periods. During the spring bloom period, the ANN models provided good accuracy for phytoplankton biomass and densities of rapidly growing species using salinity, nitrate, temperature and dissolved oxygen. During the non-bloom period, variation of phytoplankton was small and could not be modeled successfully using the same four environmental factors used to create spring bloom models. Lagged phytoplankton measurements can be added as inputs to increase accuracy of all phytoplankton models.
Systems biology of gene regulation fulfills its promise.

A report on the meeting 'Systems Biology: Global Regulation of Gene Expression' at Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA, 23-26 March 2006.
Hypertension associated with therapies to treat arthritis and pain.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors have become a widely used class of agents for the treatment of arthritis and pain because of their improved gastrointestinal safety and tolerability profile compared with the nonselective NSAIDs.1,2 During the past 4 years, the effects of these agents on destabilization of blood pressure (BP) has become a concern that has led to substantial research and controversy. COX inhibition is associated with antinatriuretic and vasoconstrictor effects mediated through the inhibition of the actions of prostaglandin E2 and prostacylin.3–5 The first 2 studies that evaluated the effects of NSAIDs on BP6,7 demonstrated that mean arterial pressure could rise by as much as 5 to 6 mm Hg in a population of patients with hypertension. The greatest effects of NSAIDs on BP control were observed in patients on monotherapeutic regimens of β-adrenergic blocking drugs, diuretics, or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.6 Recent clinical trials suggest that patients treated with β-blockers and ACE inhibitors are particularly susceptible to destabilization of BP control by some COX-2 inhibitors compared with patients controlled with a calcium antagonist.8 For example, in patients on an ACE inhibitor monotherapy regimen, rofecoxib (25 mg daily) increased the systolic BP by 5 mm Hg, whereas in patients on a calcium antagonist alone, there was …
The use of z scores in probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Traditional sensitivity analyses vary only one to three model parameters at a time making it difficult to evaluate the overall uncertainty in the results of a decision model, especially when the model has a large number of variables. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses using second order Monte Carlo simulations capture the overall uncertainty in a model's parameter values and present results as distributions around a mean value for expected utility rather than a point value.
A Chromatin Landmark and Transcription Initiation at Most Promoters in Human Cells

We describe the results of a genome-wide analysis of human cells that suggests that most protein-coding genes, including most genes thought to be transcriptionally inactive, experience transcription initiation. We found that nucleosomes with H3K4me3 and H3K9,14Ac modifications, together with RNA polymerase II, occupy the promoters of most protein-coding genes in human embryonic stem cells. Only a subset of these genes produce detectable full-length transcripts and are occupied by nucleosomes with H3K36me3 modifications, a hallmark of elongation. The other genes experience transcription initiation but show no evidence of elongation, suggesting that they are predominantly regulated at postinitiation steps. Genes encoding most developmental regulators fall into this group. Our results also identify a class of genes that are excluded from experiencing transcription initiation, at which mechanisms that prevent initiation must predominate. These observations extend to differentiated cells, suggesting that transcription initiation at most genes is a general phenomenon in human cells.