cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Characterization of the Yeast Centrosome

Centrosomes are vital mechanical hubs in cells. They nucleate microtubules and sustain load-bearing attachments to these microtubules during assembly of the mitotic spindle, segregation of chromosomes, and positioning of the nucleus. During these processes microtubule-centrosome attachments sustain considerable forces, and the number of attachments is regulated in correlation with the forces they sustain. However, their mechanical strength has never been directly measured, and the possibility that mechanical force may regulate their function has not been explored. To uncover how centrosomes sustain and regulate microtubule attachments, we purified centrosomes from budding yeast and used single-molecule laser trapping to manipulate single microtubules attached to centrosomes in vitro. Yeast centrosomes are ideal for biophysical studies, since their composition and structure are known more completely than in any other organism. Single-molecule laser trapping experiments, in which the force on individual microtubule-centrosome attachments was increased at a rate of 5 pN/s, revealed that individual centrosome-microtubule attachments sustain tensile loads of approximately 40 pN. This force is four times greater than the forces thought to be generated at a single kinetochore-microtubule attachment during mitosis. This result implies that a single microtubule-centrosome attachment is sufficient to support the segregation of an individual chromosome in yeast. We also found that mutations in the Spc110 protein, which is involved in binding microtubules to centrosomes, significantly (p = 0.004) weakened the strength of microtubule attachments compared to wild-type centrosomes. This reduced strength might explain why cells with this mutation are arrested by the Mad1 spindle-assembly checkpoint of mitosis, which implies that the mitotic spindle in these cells is unable to support enough tension to silence kinetochore-generated "wait signals." Further studies aim to reveal how specific protein components, molecular interfaces, and phosphorylation sites are involved in sustaining, sensing, and regulating the forces transmitted by microtubules.
Autonomic Dysfunction in Epilepsy: Characterization of Autonomic Cardiac Neural Discharge Associated with Pentylenetetrazol‐Induced Epileptogenic Activity

The purpose of this study was to determine if epileptogenic activity is associated with changes in autonomic cardiac neural discharge and the development of arrhythmias. Nine cats, anesthetized with alpha-chloralose, received pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 2,000 mg/kg, intravenously at 10 min intervals. The following were monitored: neural discharge from 1 to 3 postganglionic cardiac sympathetic branches (8 cats, 17 nerves) and the vagus (7 cats, 8 nerves); the electrocorticogram; blood pressure; heart rate; and lead II electrocardiogram. Autonomic dysfunction was manifested by: the observation that autonomic cardiac nerves did not always respond in a predictable manner to changes in blood pressure; the development of a marked increase in variability in mean autonomic cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic neural discharge; and the fact that the very large increase in the variability of the discharge rate of parasympathetic nerves was seen after PTZ, 50 mg/kg, but did not develop until 100 mg/kg in sympathetic neural discharge. This autonomic imbalance was associated with both interictal and ictal epileptogenic activity. Almost invariably, interictal discharge occurred after PTZ, 10 mg/kg; with higher doses, the duration of ictal activity increased although interictal discharges were present. The altered cardiac autonomic neural discharge was associated with minimal epileptogenic activity in the form of interictal discharges and cardiac arrhythmias which may contribute to sudden unexplained death of the epileptic.
Structural and functional characterization of the Pseudomonas hydroperoxide resistance protein Ohr

Bacteria have developed complex strategies to detoxify and repair damage caused by reactive oxygen species. These compounds, produced during bacterial aerobic respiration as well as by the host immune system cells as a defense mechanism against the pathogenic microorganisms, have the ability to damage nucleic acids, proteins and phospholipid membranes. Here we describe the crystal structure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Ohr, a member of a recently discovered family of organic hydroperoxide resistance proteins. Ohr is a tightly folded homodimer, with a novel α/β fold, and contains two active sites located at the monomer interface on opposite sides of the molecule. Using in vitro assays, we demonstrate that Ohr functions directly as a hydroperoxide reductase, converting both inorganic and organic hydroperoxides to less toxic metabolites. Site-directed mutagenesis confirms that the two conserved cysteines in each active site are essential for catalytic activity. We propose that the Ohr catalytic mechanism is similar to that of the structurally unrelated peroxiredoxins, directly utilizing highly reactive cysteine thiol groups to elicit hydroperoxide reduction.
Chemical Genetic Approaches for Dissecting Signaling Cascades

Our laboratory focuses on the development of chemically based tools to dissect signaling pathways in cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Recently we developed a chemical genetic approach for specific activation or inhibition of G Proteins. G proteins are a large family of proteins comprising approximately 0.5% of mammalian genomes. To date, there exists a lack of small-molecule modulators that could contribute to their functional study. We used H-Ras to develop a system that answers this need. Small molecules that allow for the highly specific inhibition or activation of the engineered G protein were developed. The rational design preserved binding of the natural substrates to the G protein, and the mutations were functionally innocuous in a cellular context. This tool can be used for isolating specific G protein effectors. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach by identifying Nol1 as a putative novel effector of H-Ras. Nol1 is overexpressed in a variety of tumors, including lung adenocarcinoma, prostate adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, oral carcinoma, follicular lymphoma, and human gliomas, and this overexpression is correlated with poor prognosis and shorter patient survival. Identification of Nol1 as a downstream effector of Ras might thus suggest a novel mechanism by which Ras may influence malignancy. Finally, to ensure the transferability of this approach to other G proteins of interest, we demonstrated a straightforward transfer to Rap1B. As understanding the precise functions of closely related family members is a current frontier in Ras research, this specific control over the activity of a given member is of particular interest. More importantly, successful sensitization of a different G protein to the compounds controlling the activity of the previously engineered H-Ras demonstrates the potential breadth of application of this approach.
The impact of brief teacher training on classroom management and child behavior in at-risk preschool settings: Mediators and treatment utility

Abstract Teachers from fourteen classrooms were randomly assigned to an adaptation of Incredible Years (IY) teacher training or to teacher training-as-usual. Observations were made of the behavior of 136 target preschool boys and girls nominated by teachers as having many or few conduct problems. Peer and teacher behavior were observed at baseline and post training. IY training resulted in increases in teachers' positive and reductions in teachers' negative behavior relative to training as usual, in decreased peer negative behavior toward target children, and in decreased negative behavior of target children high on conduct problems. The impact of IY training on the behavior of target children was mediated by changes in peers' behavior with no direct effects of teacher behavior and differential effects for high and low conduct problem children. Teacher training focused on altering the whole classroom environment may be an effective strategy, even for children with significant conduct problems.
Evidence for the Cd 2+ Activation of the Aryl Sulfatase from Helix pomatia

Often used to remove sulfate groups from carbohydrates, the regulatory properties of the aryl sulfatase from Helix pomatia remain little characterized. As many hydrolytic enzymes utilize exogenous metal ions in catalysis, the effect of various divalent metal ions on the sulfatase was investigated. Evidence for metal ion activation was collected, with Cd(2+) being notable for effective activation. The enzyme was inhibited by Cu(2+). The response of other common hydrolases to divalent metal ions was characterized. Activation by Cd(2+) was not observed for chymotrypsin, rabbit liver esterase, or beta-galactosidase. Instead, Cd was found to inhibit both the esterase and the galactosidase. Inhibition by Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) was also observed for some of these hydrolases.
The GPSS Simulation of Scheduling Policies for Surgical Patients

The purpose of this study is to determine and evaluate utilization levels of the operating-room and recovery-room facilities of a hospital under different policy considerations governing patient flows. The utilization rates are examined under constraints that apply to the particular hospital from which the empirical data was obtained; however, the model and approach were designed with general applications in mind. The range of values for critical timing measurements is obtained from a model employing the Monte Carlo simulation technique. The model is programmed in GPSS and was run on an IBM 360/165. An optimal policy that satisfies the “real world” constraints of an active hospital is sought. The output from the model is interpreted. It is revealed that increases in facility utilization can be made while meeting the constraints dictated by normal hospital routine, thus offering the possibility of reducing costs.
Modified radical mastectomy.

Considering the uncertainty as to the biological propensity of a given tumor and until further evidence provides precise indications for lesser operations modified radical mastectomy seems best for most breast cancer patients. The modified operation provides an opportunity to examine the axillary node thus preventing the need for a secondary operation for axillary dissection. Also there is less shock less blood loss and the muscle forms a suitable bed for skin graft should it be needed. The radical operation should be reserved for patients in whom the local lesion is large and appears to be encroaching upon the pectoral fascia and muscle. For the modified operation the same incision is used as for the radical operation. The pectoralis major muscle may be partially divided but not removed. It is important to preserve the nerve supply to this muscle. Wound healing is better with the pectoral muscles in place and the cosmetic result is improved. Clinical reports by others have failed to show an advantage of radical mastectomy over the lesser operation. Thus modified mastectomy is considered appropriate for most early cases.
TU‐FF‐A4‐02: Evaluation of the Performance of the Fast Scanning Platform of An OCT System

Purpose: To ensure that the performance of a fast optical computed tomography(OCT) scanning system is comparable with previous models. Method and Materials: MGS Research Inc. developed an OCT system based on the translate‐rotate method used by early generation x‐ray CTscanners. The performance of the system has been investigated and the system has been used in several published studies. Recently, a new OCT system was developed by MGS Research Inc. that reduces scan times by a factor of 10 or more. Several 3D dosimeters were irradiated using 6 MV photons and imaged on both version of the scanner. The imagenoise, reproducibility, and spatial accuracy were determined and used to evaluate the performance of the system. Results: The new version of the scanner reduced the scan time per plane from 7 minutes to 30 seconds. Preliminary results showed that noise levels in the images from both models were comparable. The uncertainty in the determination of the optical density values from images acquired with both models was ∼2%. The new model uses Fresnel lenses that may need adjustment prior to an imaging session which can affect the reproducibility of the system. Conclusion: The new version of the OCTscanner shows promise as a replacement for the previous version. Continued improvement in the software and hardware are needed to make the system as robust as the previous version. The investigation was supported by PHS grant CA 10953 awarded by the NCI, DHHS.
PSCML: Pseudo-Static Current Mode Logic

We introduce a new logic style called Pseudo-Static Current Mode Logic (PSCML), which aims to alleviate the power consumption and delay overhead concerns that have thwarted the wide-spread acceptance of a previously proposed Dynamic Current Mode Logic (DyCML) style. Different from DyCML, the proposed new logic style may be viewed by its environment as static, hence any PSCML-based gate/module can be readily embedded into static CMOS designs to construct CMOS/PSCML hybrid circuits. Simulation results show that, at the cost of some area increase, PSCML is faster and consumes less power than DyCML for most applications.
Isolation of a low molecular weight form of plasminogen.

Summary Treatment of sheep plasminogen with sheep plasmin results in the cleavage of at least two peptides from sheep plasminogen. One peptide of molecular weight 6,000–8,000 is rapidly liberated and second peptide, of molecular weight 29,000–33,000, is more slowly cleaved. The remainder of the molecule possesses a molecular weight of 50,000–55,000 and represents a fully activatible plasminogen. Upon treatment of this low molecular weight plasminogen with urokinase, esterolytic and fibrinolytic activity result. The plasmin obtained consists of two disulfide linked polypeptide chains of molecular weights approximately 30,000 and 24,000. Electrophoretically similar plasmin chains are produced upon activation of native sheep plasminogen with urokinase.
Mitochondrial DNA ligase III function is independent of Xrcc1

Hamster EM9 cells, which lack Xrcc1 protein, have reduced levels of DNA ligase III and are defective in nuclear base excision repair. The Xrcc1 protein stabilizes DNA ligase III and may even play a direct role in catalyzing base excision repair. Since DNA ligase III is also thought to function in mitochondrial base excision repair, it seemed likely that mitochondrial DNA ligase III function would also be dependent upon Xrcc1. However, several lines of evidence indicate that this is not the case. First, western blot analysis failed to detect Xrcc1 protein in mitochondrial extracts. Second, DNA ligase III levels present in mitochondrial protein extracts from EM9 cells were indistinguishable from those seen in similar extracts from wild-type (AA8) cells. Third, the mitochondrial DNA content of both cell lines was identical. Fourth, EM9 cells displayed no defect in their ability to repair spontaneous mitochondrial DNA damage. Fifth, while EM9 cells were far more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of ionizing radiation due to a defect in nuclear DNA repair, there was no apparent difference in the ability of EM9 and AA8 cells to restore their mitochondrial DNA to pre-irradiation levels. Thus, mitochondrial DNA ligase III function is independent of the Xrcc1 protein.
The Effects of Psycholinguistic Training on Improving Psycholinguistic Skills

The practice of measuring and instructing learning disabled youngsters in psycholinguistic skills has for several years been under question. In numerous reviews of the effectiveness of such procedures, Hammill and Larsen (1974) noted that the efficacy of these approaches remained nonvalidated. Minskoff (1975) proposed several guidelines to be followed when conducting methodologically sound research on the efficacy of psycholinguistic training. The purpose of this study was to utilize Minskoff's criteria to determine if, in fact, psycholinguistic training would lead to improved psycholinguistic abilities in children. Although Minskoff's stringent criteria were followed, attempts to train psycholinguistic abilities proved unsuccessful.
ESTIMATING THE DIMENSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL PATTERNS

Dynamical properties of two-dimensional patterns generated by spatially extended systems can be described via the characteristics of attractors in the matrix phase space of the associated translation (or translational-evolution) dynamical systems. Questions regarding the possibility of estimating the fractal dimensions of two-dimensional patterns from the fractal dimensions of one-dimensional observables scanning the patterns along a chosen path are investigated. The presented proofs state that the generalized dimensions of the scanning observables are lower bounds for estimating the corresponding generalized dimensions of two-dimensional patterns. Spatial field distributions defined as superposition of planar waves and different spatiotemporal patterns produced by cellular neural networks made of Chua’s circuits are studied numerically. The results of computer experiments confirm the theoretical predictions presented in this paper.
Clinical Evaluation of a New Chest Tube Used in Neonates

We report preliminary experience with a newly designed chest tube (JCT), for evacuation of neonatal pneumothorax. The catheter has a unique pigtail configuration at the distal end, intended to simplify placement and minimize chest wall and lung trauma by reduced tube size and depth and insertion.Thirty-eight JCTs were placed in neonates with pneumothoraces. Neonates' birth weights ranged from 400 to 3,595 grams. All 38 tubes immediately relieved clinical signs of pneumothoraces. Thirty-five (92%) tubes immediately fully evacuated the pneumothoraces as evidences on chest radiograph. Twelve pneumothoraces partially reoccurred at a mean of 24 hours following JCT placement. These tubes were either irrigated or replaced. This newly configured chest tube functions effectively in the treatment of neonatal pneumothorax.
Large scale physiological readjustment during growth enables rapid, comprehensive and inexpensive systems analysis.

Background: Rapidly characterizing the operational interrelationships among all genes in a given organism is a critical bottleneck to significantly advancing our understanding of thousands of newly sequenced microbial and eukaryotic species. While evolving technologies for global profiling of transcripts, proteins, and metabolites are making it possible to comprehensively survey cellular physiology in newly sequenced organisms, these experimental techniques have not kept pace with sequencing efforts. Compounding these technological challenges is the fact that individual experiments typically only stimulate relatively small-scale cellular responses, thus requiring numerous expensive experiments to survey the operational relationships among nearly all genetic elements. Therefore, a relatively quick and inexpensive strategy for observing changes in large fractions of the genetic elements is highly desirable. Results: We have discovered in the model organism Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1 that batch culturing in complex medium stimulates meaningful changes in the expression of approximately two thirds of all genes. While the majority of these changes occur during transition from rapid exponential growth to the stationary phase, several transient physiological states were detected beyond what has been previously observed. In sum, integrated analysis of transcript and metabolite changes has helped uncover growth phase-associated physiologies, operational interrelationships among two thirds of all genes, specialized functions for gene family members, waves of transcription factor activities, and growth phase associated cell morphology control. Conclusions: Simple laboratory culturing in complex medium can be enormously informative regarding the activities of and interrelationships among a large fraction of all genes in an organism. This also yields important baseline physiological context for designing specific perturbation experiments at different phases of growth. The integration of such growth and perturbation studies with measurements of associated environmental factor changes is a practical and economical route for the elucidation of comprehensive systems-level models of biological systems.
Simulations of Capillary Network Oxygen Transport During Transient Ischemia in the Presence and Absence of Tissue Myoglobin

Capillaries are one of the principal sites of oxygen transport to tissue and are particularly important when the supply of oxygen is relatively low. The steady-state transport of oxygen in the microcirculation has been studied computationally by a number of researchers. Some studies have been performed of the time-dependent case, however realistic biophysics and spatial heterogeneity in microvascular geometry and blood flow have not been included.
Two-dimensional fast-response flood modeling: Desktop parallel computing and domain tracking

Emergency flood management is enhanced by using models that can estimate the timing and location of flooding. Typically, flood routing and inundation prediction is accomplished by using one-dimensional (1D) models. These have been the models of choice because they are computationally simple and quick. However, these models do not adequately represent the complex physical processes present for shallow flows located in the floodplain or in urban areas. Two-dimensional (2D) models developed on the basis of the full hydrodynamic equations can be used to represent the complex flow phenomena that exist in the floodplain and are, therefore, recommended by the National Research Council for increased use in flood analysis studies. The major limitation of these models is the increased computational cost. Two-dimensional flood models are prime candidates for parallel computing, but traditional methods/equipment (e.g., message passing paradigm) are more complex in terms of code refactoring and hardware setup. In addition, these hardware systems may not be available or accessible to modelers conducting flood analyses. This paper presents a 2D flood model that implements multithreading for use on now-prevalent multicore computers. This desktop parallel computing architecture has been shown to decrease computation time by 14 times on a 16-processor computer and, when coupled with a wet cell tracking algorithm, has been shown to decrease computation by as much as 310 times. These accomplishments make high-fidelity flood modeling more feasible for flood inundation studies using readily available desktop computers.
Simple approximations for condensational growth

A simple geometric argument relating to the liquid water content of clouds is given. The phase relaxation time and the nature of the quasi-steady approximation for the diffusional growth of cloud drops are elucidated directly in terms of water vapor concentration. Spatial gradients of vapor concentration, inherent in the notion of quasi-steady growth, are discussed and we argue for an occasional reversal of the traditional point of view: rather than a drop growing in response to a given supersaturation, the observed values of the supersaturation in clouds are the result of a vapor field adjusting to droplet growth. Our perspective is illustrated by comparing the exponential decay of condensation trails with a quasi-steady regime of cirrus clouds. The role of aerosol loading in decreasing relaxation times and increasing the rate of growth of the liquid water content is also discussed.
Violence Against Women Through the Lens of Objectification Theory

The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of violence on body image variables for college women. Undergraduate women participated in an online study assessing sexual violence (SV), intimate partner violence (IPV), self-objectification, body surveillance, and body shame experiences. Findings suggest that both SV and IPV contribute to women’s body shame. In addition, the associations between IPV and body shame appear to be explained through self-objectification processes, but not the associations between SV and body shame. Thus, important differences between IPV and SV regarding self-objectification processes emerged. Theoretical and practical implications, as well as directions for future research, are discussed.
Physician self-reported treatment of brain metastases according to patients’ clinical and demographic factors and physician practice setting

Limited data guide radiotherapy choices for patients with brain metastases. This survey aimed to identify patient, physician, and practice setting variables associated with reported preferences for different treatment techniques. 277 members of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (6% of surveyed physicians) completed a survey regarding treatment preferences for 21 hypothetical patients with brain metastases. Treatment choices included combinations of whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and surgery. Vignettes varied histology, extracranial disease status, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), presence of neurologic deficits, lesion size and number. Multivariate generalized estimating equation regression models were used to estimate odds ratios. For a hypothetical patient with 3 lesions or 8 lesions, 21% and 91% of physicians, respectively, chose WBRT alone, compared with 1% selecting WBRT alone for a patient with 1 lesion. 51% chose WBRT alone for a patient with active extracranial disease or KPS=50%. 40% chose SRS alone for an 80 year-old patient with 1 lesion, compared to 29% for a 55 year-old patient. Multivariate modeling detailed factors associated with SRS use, including availability of SRS within one’s practice (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.46-3.37). Poor prognostic factors, such as advanced age, poor performance status, or active extracranial disease, correspond with an increase in physicians’ reported preference for using WBRT. When controlling for clinical factors, equipment access was independently associated with choice of SRS. The large variability in preferences suggests that more information about the relative harms and benefits of these options is needed to guide decision-making.
FERTILITY OUTCOME AFTER REPEAT VASOEPIDIDYMOSTOMY

Purpose: Historically, epididymal obstruction has been treated with surgical reconstruction. We determine whether it is worthwhile for patients to undergo repeat surgical reconstruction after failed vasoepididymostomy or whether they should be advised only to undergo sperm acquisition for assisted reproductive technique. Materials and Methods: A total of 18 patients underwent repeat vasoepididymostomy performed by a single urologist (A. J. T.). Cases were divided based on the etiology of obstruction into groups 1—prior vasectomy (4), 2—congenital (7) and 3—inflammatory (7). Data were available regarding time of obstruction between initial and repeat vasoepididymostomy, quality of epididymal fluid, levels of anastomoses, semen analyses at least 12 months after surgery for all 18 men and pregnancy rates based on more than 18 months of followup in 12. Results: Mean patient age at repeat vasoepididymostomy was 40.6 years (50.5, 36 and 39.4 years for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Mean interval between vasectomy and initial vasoepididymostomy was 12.3 years (range 10 to 18). Mean interval between initial and repeat vasoepididymostomy was 19 months (range 12 to 41). Of the patients 10 underwent unilateral and 8 bilateral anastomoses, for a total of 26 repeat anastomoses. Overall patency rate was 66.7% (12 of 18) with sperm in the ejaculate in 75, 85 and 43% of patients in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The patency rates according to the levels of the anastomosis were 66.7, 62.5 and 100% in the caput, corpus and cauda, respectively. Natural conception occurred in 3 of 12 couples (25%, 2 caput and 1 caudal anastomosis) during a mean followup of 23 months (range 13 to 34). All 3 cases had congenital obstruction. Pregnancy was achieved in 2 group 1 cases with cryopreserved sperm extracted at repeat vasoepididymostomy, and in 1 case each in groups 1 and 2 with microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Conclusions: After repeat vasoepididymostomy two-thirds of men have sperm in the semen. Natural conception occurred in 25% of patients (3 of 12) followed for more than 18 months. Inability to establish pregnancy in the remaining 7 of 9 patients with sperm in the semen with a followup longer than 18 months may be due to epididymal dysfunction or partial obstruction and subsequent poor sperm quality. Aspiration of motile sperm and cryopreservation were possible in 11 of 18 cases at repeat vasoepididymostomy and should be recommended in case azoospermia remains or occurs after surgery. It appears worthwhile to offer patients repeat vasoepididymostomy after a failed initial procedure.
The Stand: Revisiting a Central Concept in Forestry

The stand concept is in question because of a trend toward more complex structures and broad-scalemanagement of many forests. The stand was traditionally a uniform operational unit designed to makemanagement efficient. Stand-level objectives on some ownerships have recently shifted toward increasingwithin-stand variability through the use of various treatments including multiaged systems, variable retentionregeneration methods, or variable-density thinning. The result may be greater heterogeneity within rather thanbetween stands, thus leading to this discussion of the relevance of the stand concept in contemporary forestry.We recognize stands as being the logical operational unit for forestry, but with the flexibility to change in boundary over time due to stand dynamics, through management intent, or to include a variety of different stand structures. As a result, stands may be managed to enhance within-stand variability. A new terminologyis not needed nor do stands need to be endlessly split into smaller and smaller units as management creates more and more stand variability. The stand remains the logical operational unit of ecosystem-based forestry on a variety of land ownerships, within the context of multiple scale management.
Evaluation of an Improved Pneumatic-Tube System Suitable for Transportation of Blood Specimens

An improved version of a pneumatic-tube system built by Amsco, Inc. (Erie, Pa.) and its subsidiary ATC (San Rafael, Calif.) for blood-sample transportation incorporated two innovations: The sample carrier travels at a lower speed than in the previous conventional systems, and it is decelerated gradually on arrival. This tube system was pilot tested for efficiency by running blood-filled Vacutainer tubes through the 63.6-rn (210-feet) tube 10 times, a total running distance of 636 m. Serum lactate dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase activities, and potassium, all sensitive chemical indicators of erythrocyte membrane damage, were measured in blood specimens in partially or totally filled Vacutainer tubes and the results compared with those obtained from controls. No alterations were found in serum test results after 10 or 20 repetitive cycles in the totally filled tubes, but significant changes did occur in partially filled tubes after 20 cycles. If the limitations are observed, this system appears to be suitable for blood-specimen transportation.
Postulating a role for connective tissue elements in inferior oblique muscle overaction (an American Ophthalmological Society thesis).

Purpose To compare the localization and density of collagens I, IV, VI, and elastin, the major protein components of connective tissue, in the inferior oblique muscle of patients with overelevation in adduction and in controls and to characterize changes that develop following surgery. Biomechanical studies suggest that the connective tissue matrix plays a critical role in extraocular muscle function, determining tensile strength and force transmission during contraction. Methods Prospective laboratory-based case-control study of inferior oblique muscle specimens from 31 subjects: 16 with primary inferior oblique overaction, 6 with craniofacial dysostosis, and 9 normal controls. Collagen I, IV, VI, and elastin were localized and quantified using immunohistochemical staining. Densities were compared using analysis of variance and post hoc comparisons. Results In primary inferior oblique overaction, all connective tissue components in unoperated specimens were elevated compared to controls (P .27) but increased collagen I. In unoperated craniofacial dysostosis specimens, only elastin was elevated (P=.03), whereas density of collagens IV and VI was lower in previously operated vs unoperated specimens (P=.015). Conclusions Elevated collagen and elastin levels in the cohort with primary inferior oblique overaction are consistent with the clinical finding of muscle stiffness. Contrarily, normal connective tissue densities in craniofacial dysostosis support the hypothesis that overelevation in this group reflects anomalous muscle vectors rather than tissue changes. Surgical intervention was associated with changes in the connective tissue matrix in both cohorts. These results have ramifications for treating patients with overelevation in adduction.
Chronicle: capture, exploration, and playback of document workflow histories

We describe Chronicle, a new system that allows users to explore document workflow histories. Chronicle captures the entire video history of a graphical document, and provides links between the content and the relevant areas of the history. Users can indicate specific content of interest, and see the workflows, tools, and settings needed to reproduce the associated results, or to better understand how it was constructed to allow for informed modification. Thus, by storing the rich information regarding the document's history workflow, Chronicle makes any working document a potentially powerful learning tool. We outline some of the challenges surrounding the development of such a system, and then describe our implementation within an image editing application. A qualitative user study produced extremely encouraging results, as users unanimously found the system both useful and easy to use.
Sequential Conditional Generalized Iterative Scaling

We describe a speedup for training conditional maximum entropy models. The algorithm is a simple variation on Generalized Iterative Scaling, but converges roughly an order of magnitude faster, depending on the number of constraints, and the way speed is measured. Rather than attempting to train all model parameters simultaneously, the algorithm trains them sequentially. The algorithm is easy to implement, typically uses only slightly more memory, and will lead to improvements for most maximum entropy problems.
3D Pendulum Experimental Setup for Earth-based Testing of the Attitude Dynamics of an Orbiting Spacecraft

A 3D pendulum implemented using a triaxial air bearing system is proposed for Earth-based testing of orbiting spacecraft attitude dynamics and closed loop systems. This proposal is based on prior research on attitude dynamics and control of orbiting spacecraft, attitude dynamics and control of the 3D pendulum, and an experimental implementation of the 3D pendulum in our laboratory, referred to as the triaxial attitude control testbed (TACT). These research themes are integrated to assess the strengths and weaknesses of such an Earth-based testbed for spacecraft attitude dynamics and control hardware and software components. Several different cases, based on the importance of orbital effects and gravitational effects, are analyzed.
Optimum Functional Decomposition Using Encoding

In this paper, we revisit the classical problem of functional decomposition [1, 2] that arises so often in logic synthesis. One basic problem that has remained largely unaddressed to the best of our knowledge is that of decomposing a function such that the resulting sub-functions are simple, i.e., have small number of cubes or literals. In this paper, we show how to solve this problem optimally. We show that the problem is intimately related to the encoding problem, which is also of fundamental importance in sequential synthesis, especially state-machine synthesis. We formulate the optimum decomposition problem using encoding. In general, an input-output encoding formulation has to be employed. However, for field-programmable gate array architectures that use look-up tables, the input encoding formulation suffices, provided we use minimum-length codes. The last condition is really not a constraint, since each extra code bit means that an extra table has to be used (and that could be expensive). The unused codes are used as don't cares for simplifying the sub-functions. We compare the original implementation of functional decomposition, which ignores the encoding problem, with the new version that uses encoding while doing decomposition. We obtain an average improvement of over 20% on a set of standard benchmarks for look-up table architectures.
A partitioning method for achieving maximal test concurrency in pseudo-exhaustive testing

Pseudo-exhaustive testing of combinational circuits usually requires multiple test sessions and/or more than a minimum number of test signals, i.e. unique input sequences. This paper presents a methodology for partitioning combinational circuits such that they can be pseudo-exhaustively tested with a minimal number of test signals in a single test session. Circuits are logically partitioned during test mode and unrelated inputs are combined to achieve maximal test concurrency. >
The Multi-level Angular Deformity Determination in 3D Space with Total Curvature Analysis for Long Bones

Determination of angular deformity apex and plane for long bone is one of the tasks in our preoperative surgery planning system. Long bone angular deformity of the upper and lower extremities, in general, is three-dimensional. In our computerized planning system, the simplified long bone is represented by two components. One is the three-dimensional curve of its central axis, which as indicated in our previous study, is obtained from both frontal and lateral X-ray image outlines. Another component is represented by a series of ellipses in the horizontal planes centralized with this central axis. The central axis can be described by total curvature, which contains both the curvature and the torsion of this 3D curve of the central axis. The curvature measures how sharply a curve is turning and the torsion measures its twist in 3D space. In our previous study, the assumption was made that the angular deformity planes determined by the central axis always bisected the coronal and sagittal plane, i.e. these planes are perpendicular to the horizontal plane. However, this is not true for multi-level angular deformity and the deformity planes should be arbitrary in 3D space. The improved method we are using is to apply the total curvature to the central axis of the long bone. The curvature and torsion could completely define the shape of this 3D curve of central axis. By analyzing the central axis of the long bone with the total curvature, the severity and the level as well as the plane of the deformity of the long bone in 3D can be determined automatically
Autocorrelation of Ventricular Response in Atrial Fibrillation

The autocorrelation function of the ventricular electrocardiogram was calculated on an IBM-650 computer. The resulting function can lie fitted by an exponential-cosine function. This result is typical for a mixture of periodic and unperiodic events. For different patients, various degrees of periodicity were put in evidence by this method on a quantitative basis; the ventricular response was never completely irregular. In all cases investigated so far, the period that corresponds to the periodic component of the autocorrelation function was more rapid than the average rate of ventricular conduction.
Stability and recovery behavior of tape/film-type superconductors

Thermal stability of tape/film type superconductors is studied by considering the influence of the thermal disturbance from a centrally located line heat source. A model was developed that includes an analytical solution for the temperature distribution prior to the failure of intrinsic stability, and a numerical solution thereafter. It is found that for a typical NbTi superconductor, recovery can occur with a small aspect ratio (thick and narrow). For an NbTi superconductor of a large aspect ratio and a high-T[sub c] YBCO superconductor with either large or small aspect ratio, superconductivity cannot be restored after intrinsic stability fails. 7 refs., 3 figs.
An Autoregressive Market Model of Trader Herding and Communication

Chaudhary studies noise traders that communicate and trade with each other in a market. He begins by examining a classical t -statistic to identify a boom and uses it on the NASDAQ 100 dot-com “bubble.” He next generalizes the classical geometric Brownian motion stock model to incorporate communication among traders. He represents individual traders that observe each others’ past n daily returns using a nonlinear vector autoregressive NLVAR( n ) process. He models traders endogenously creating a market price. With this model, Chaudhary measures autocorrelation and herding as functions of traders’ communication level ( a ) and number of past daily returns ( n ) that the traders rely on. He finds that autocorrelation and herding increase with communication level, a , and decrease with the length of returns being examined, n . Under this model, he observes traders forming spontaneous herds without specific leaders, which leads to price booms.
Deriving Protein Backbone Using Traces Extracted from Density Maps at Medium Resolutions

Electron cryomicroscopy is an experimental technique that is capable to produce three dimensional gray-scale images for protein molecules, called density maps. At medium resolution, the atomic details of the molecule cannot be visualized from density maps. However, some features of the molecule can be seen such as the locations of major secondary structures and the skeleton of the molecule. In addition, the order and direction of the detected secondary structure traces can be inferred. We introduce a method to construct the entire model of a protein directly for traces extracted from the density map. The initial results show that this method has good potential. A single model was built for each of the 12 proteins used in the test. The RMSD100 of the models is slightly improved from our previous method.
Pediatric Laparoscopic (Infant, Pre-pubertal, and Teenager) Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

Laparoscopy has been utilized in pediatric urology for over 30 years, dating back to Cortesi, who first described using the modality for the evaluation of non-palpable testes [1]. Nevertheless, acceptance of pediatric urologic laparoscopy has generally lagged behind when compared to its adult counterpart, in large part due to the nature of the practice of pediatric urology [2]. Fortunately, there has been a shift in the paradigm. Pediatric laparoscopy has recently benefited from improvement in equipment and technology, as well as an increase in experienced laparoscopic surgeons entering the field. The techniques that were developed in adults have been refined for the pediatric population, allowing for the expansion of the technique from diagnostic procedures to complex reconstructive surgeries.
Adult locus of control and self-righteous attitudes.

In a recent study (3) internal control as measured by the Adult Locus of Control Scale was negatively correlated with scores on the Pharisaic Virtue (1) scale. The latter, an MMPI research scale, was designed to measure self-righteous or hypocritical attitudes toward ochers and to correlate with scores on the Minnesota Teacher Attitude Inventory, a measure of democratic versus authoritarian approaches to others. The correlation between adult control and Pharisaic Virtue scores corroborates other evidence that control is related to teaching potentiality (3) and suggests that control may be important in interpersonal relations. The present study was designed to test the reliability of the correlation between control and Pharisaic Virtue using a college sample (Powell and Vega tested teachers and teacher-aides) and to examine the relationships between individual items on Pharisaic Virtue and control scales. Ss were 55 students enrolled in introductory psychology, statistics, and survey history classes. The two scales were administered anonymously during a single class period; some Ss answered the one scale first while others answered the other first. On both scales higher scores indicated greater internal control and more self-righteous attitudes. The scores were comparable to those obtained in the previous study (3); mean control score was 19.60 (SD = 2.20) and mean self-righteous score 17.93 (SD = 5.5). The Pearsonian r between these was -.356 (df = 53, P .lo). Comparisons of scores on individual Pharisaic Virtue items and control total showed 15 of the point-biserial rs L -.20, but only 7 were significant (P = .05, r --L - .27, df = 53). The point-biserial rs between MMPI Items 94, 336, 356, 357, 375, 404, and 439 and control scores were, respectively, -.29, -.28, -.35, -.33, -31, -.32, and -.28. The specific content of these items seemed to be related to control over one's own feelings (e.g., Item 356) and impatience with others (Item 439). The results substantiate the findings (3) that feelings of internal control are associated with less self-righteous or hypocritical attitudes toward others. It may be that such attitudes represent a defensive reaction against the feelings of exrernal control and their consequences. The association between control and interpersonal relations should be studied to determine the possible origins of control and its specific influence on interpersonal behavior; this has already been suggested by Joe (2). Although ir is difficult to make inferences from the specific content of MMPI items, since face validiry is considered to be of little or no importance, it is possible that the relationship between scores on the present scales resulrs largely from the "control content" of particular Pharisaic Virtue items.
Name Recognition: An Informal Look

Treacy (3), a professor of economics at Wright State University, reports on an inquiry which he conducted in two sections of his class. One hundred and nine students were asked to identify Adam Smith, Nfred Marshall, and Spuds MacKenzie (the Anheuser Busch Budweiser light-beer dog). Twenty-nine percent correctly identified Adam Smith, 44% Alfred Marshall, and 95% Spuds MacKenzie. To gather more data on this topic, a study was conducted in the Spring of 1988 at a business school in the Northeast. Eighty-three graduate students majoring in management were asked to identib, using a written survey, Peter Drucker, Henri Fayol, Spuds MacKenzie, and Frederick Taylor. Reference was made in class to Drucker, Fayol, and Taylor; Spuds MacKenzie was not mentioned. Taylor was discussed in a reading assignment; the other three were not. The number of correct identifications are displayed below by sex, citizenship, and age.
Kinetic Understanding Using NMR Reaction Profiling

The combination of kinetic understanding and reaction modeling has been successfully applied to the development of processes from laboratory to manufacturing plant. Although extensively used in bul...
Application of Norwalk Virus Antigen Detection in Etiological Diagnosis of Acute Gastroenteritis

[Objective]To provide the scientific evidence for acute gastroenteritis etiological diagnosis and its control and prevention. [Methods] ELISA was applied to determine Norwalk virus (NV) antigen in the stool samples of acute gastroenteritis patients for etiological diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis. [Results]Six groups of acute gastroenteritis cases were reported from June 2005 to June 2007 in Meizhou city, three of them were caused by Norwalk virus. [Conclusion] ELISA was applied to determine NV antigen in the stool samples of acute gastroenteritis patients, for its high sensitivity, rapid diagnosis and more economical characteristics. It has important practical value in the etiological diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis.