cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating test effectiveness with dynamic complexity measurement

This paper presents an investigation into four distinct aspects of software complexity. An initial partition of the software complexity domain would be the attributes of static software complexity and those of dynamic software comlexity. Static complexity measurement views all program modules monolithically. That is, all of the code for all of the modules is measured as extracted from source code files. When computer software is actually executed, not all modules are executed to the same extent. Some receive a large proportion of execution activity. Further, when these modules execute, not all code in the modules executes. If just the code that is executed is measured for complexity a completely different view of the program module emerges. In this investigation we will examine the static complexity of a program together with the three dynamic measures of functional, fractional, and operational complexity. The eminent value of the dynamic metrics is shown in their role as measures of test outcomes.
Effects of ischemia-hypoxia induced by interruption of uterine blood flow on fetal rat liver and brain enzyme activities and offspring behavior

The effects of acute perinatal ischemia-hypoxia on fetal liver and brain energy metabolism, fetal brain total free fatty acid concentration and subsequent offspring behavior were investigated in rats. Ischemia-hypoxia was induced at term either by ligation of the uterine blood vessels or submersion of the entire uterine horn in warmed saline. Fetuses of the adjacent horn served as within-dam controls for all assessments and fetuses of dams which had not undergone the surgical stress served as independent controls for enzyme assays. Ischemia-hypoxia was associated with reduced activity of fatty acid synthase in the liver and brain. Total free fatty acid concentration significantly increased in the fetal hypoxic brain. Pups not used for enzyme analyses were cross-fostered for behavioral assessments. Relative to the enzymatic alterations, there were few behavioral alterations associated with ischemia-hypoxia. At postnatal day 30, rats made hypoxic by ligation of the uterine blood vessels had decreased caudate nucleus and brain stem weights relative to within-dam controls. At postnatal day 85, rats made hypoxic by submersion of the uterine horn had decreased olfactory bulb weight. The results of this study indicate an initial acute response to a brief period of ischemia-hypoxia at term pregnancy in the fetal rat brain and liver.
Influence of Electrical Bias Level on 85/85 Test Results of Plastic Encapsulated 4K RAMs

Samples of plastic encapsulated NMOS/LSI dynamic 4K RAMs were placed on 85°C/85% R.H. tests at four (4) different bias levels. No level exceeded specification maximums. Tests were continued as long as practical to allow observation of the entire failure distribution of most of the test groups. Over 394,000 actual device hours were accumulated. Detailed failure analysis was performed on all failures to allow for proper censoring of life test data. Censored failure mechanisms included mobile ionic contamination, package lead corrosion and plating, electrical overstress (mishandling), tester error, and in several cases, electroplating of gold from the ball bonds. Failure data representing only failures due to moisture related electrochemical corrosion of the IC aluminum metallization were analyzed. This failure mechanism accounted for 78% of the failures. Failure distributions of each test group were of lognormal nature. Three test groups were studied (Chip A/ Package 1, Chip B/Package 1 and Chip B/Package 2). Test results indicated an exponential acceleration of the failure rate with increase in electrical bias level. Bias -vs. median life curves for the three test groups examined as a composite allow for statements as to the moisture resistance characteristics of the packages and of the IC chips.
Very low luminosity stars with very large amplitude flares

CCD frames of CZ Cnc, KY Cep, the gamma-ray burster optical transient, and NSV 12006 are analyzed. Also studied are 549 archival photographic plates of the CZ Cnc field. These observations are compared with the data of Lovas (1976). Flare events on CZ Cnc are examined. Based on the data it is noted that CZ Cnc is a main-sequence star, has a magnitude of 16.1, a distance of 100 pc, occasional large-amplitude flares, and frequent flares with amplitudes greater than 4 mag.
Laser surface modification of Ti--6Al--4V: wear and corrosion characterization in simulated biofluid.

Laser surface melting (LSM) of Ti—6Al—4V is performed in argon to improve its properties, such as microstructure, corrosion, and wear for biomedical applications. Corrosion behavior is investigated...
A spatial length scale analysis of turbulent temperature and velocity fluctuations within and above an orchard canopy

Turbulent flow within and above an almond orchard was measured with three-dimensional wind sensors and fine-wire thermocouple sensors arranged in a horizontal array. The data showed organized turbulent structures as indicated by coherent asymmetric ramp patterns in the time series traces across the sensor array. Space-time correlation analysis indicated that velocity and temperature fluctuations were significantly correlated over a transverse distance more than 4m. Integral length scales of velocity and temperature fluctuations were substantially greater in unstable conditions than those in stable conditions. The coherence spectral analysis indicated that Davenport's geometric similarity hypothesis was satisfied in the lower frequency region. From the geometric similarity hypothesis, the spatial extents of large ramp structures were also estimated with the coherence functions.
Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow device impingement in the subclavian position: a case report

Purpose The purpose of this study is to report a case of Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) device malfunction in the subclavian position secondary to costoclavicular impingement. Methods and results The electronic medical record was reviewed for the patient in question and pertinent imaging was collected and photographs were taken with the patient's consent. The patient presented with signs of outflow obstruction after a period of HeRO venous outflow component function. The outflow component was found to be crushed between the first rib and the clavicle at the costoclavicular junction. Conclusions This case suggests that costoclavicular impingement should be considered as a mode of outflow failure with the HeRO outflow component in the subclavian position. Other central venous access points should be considered first, and the central veins accessed through the lower extremities are possible alternatives if this failure mode was to arise. First rib resection would also be a viable strategy to relieve impingement at this site.
The chemoreceptor genes of the waterflea Daphnia pulex: many Grs but no Ors.

Chemoreception is vitally important for all animals, yet little is known about the genetics of chemoreception in aquatic organisms. The keystone species Daphnia pulex, a well known crustacean, is the first aquatic invertebrate to have its genome sequenced. This has allowed us the initial investigation of chemoreceptor genes in an aquatic invertebrate, and to begin the study of chemoreceptor evolution across the arthropod phylum. We describe 58 Grs (gustatory receptors), belonging to the insect chemoreceptor superfamily, which were identified bioinformatically in the draft genome of the crustacean waterflea Daphnia pulex. No genes encoding proteins similar to the insect odorant receptors (Ors) were identified. These 58 Grs form 3 distinctive subfamilies of 37, 12, and 5 genes, as well as a highly divergent singleton (Gr58). In addition, Grs55–57 share distinctive amino acid motifs and cluster with the sugar receptors of insects, and may illuminate the origin of this distinctive subfamily. ESTs, tiling array, and PCR amplification results support 34 predicted gene models, and preliminary expression data comparing the sexes indicates potential female-biased expression for some genes. This repertoire of 58 chemoreceptors presumably mediates the many chemoperception abilities of waterfleas. While it is always possible that the entire Or gene lineage was lost at some point in the history of Daphnia pulex, we think it more likely that the insect Or lineage is indeed a relatively recently expanded gene lineage concomitant with the evolution of terrestriality in the insects or their hexapod ancestors.
Video Condensation by Ribbon Carving

Efficient browsing of long video sequences is a key tool in visual surveillance, e.g., for postevent video forensics, but can also be used for fast review of motion pictures and home videos. While frame skipping (fixed or adaptive) is straightforward to implement, its performance is quite limited. Although more efficient techniques have been developed, such as video summarization and video montage, they lose either the temporal or semantic context of events. A recently proposed method called video synopsis deals with some of these issues but involves multiple processing stages and is fairly complex. Video condensation, that we propose here, is novel in the way information is removed from the space-time video volume, is conceptually simple and relatively easy to implement. We introduce the concept of a video ribbon inspired by that of a seam recently proposed for image resizing. We recursively carve ribbons out by minimizing an activity-aware cost function using dynamic programming. The ribbon model we develop is flexible and permits an easy adjustment of the compromise between temporal condensation ratio and anachronism of events. We also propose sliding-window ribbon carving to handle streaming video and demonstrate the method's efficiency on motor and pedestrian traffic data.
Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Review

The history of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy is summarized. The adult and pediatric experiences are described, but emphasis is placed on the development of neonatal ECMO, now an accepted therapy for newborns with severe respiratory failure. The technical aspects of neonatal ECMO are outlined, as are the clinical criteria for its use. Experience at Children's Hospital National Medical Center, Washington, DC, is reported. Promising new technological developments, and their implications for future applications of neonatal ECMO, are presented.
Industrial clays in the 21st century: A perspective of exploration, technology and utilization

Abstract Traditionally the exploration techniques required to locate and prove industrial clay resources have been relatively unsophisticated with readily accessible surface resources providing the bulk of the world's requirements. As the century draws to a close, the major exploited resources of the developed world are becoming increasingly challenged by many high quality resources located in developing nations. Environmental regulations may also inhibit mining and mineral processing in Europe and in North America. We project that in the 21st century the emphasis in exploration will be in the developing nations, and the level of sophistication in exploration methods will increase. During the 20th century the processing of industrial clay resources in the developed world has evolved from low technology operations to highly sophisticated chemical and engineering processes. The trends are towards finer particle size, higher purity and surface modification to both permit their more specialized application in industry and to resist the challenges from other natural and synthetic minerals. These trends will continue into the 21st century.
Steady-State Simulation and Optimization of an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Power Plant with CO2 Capture

Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plants are a promising technology option for power generation with carbon dioxide (CO2) capture in view of their efficiency and environmental advantages over conventional coal utilization technologies. This paper presents a three-phase, top-down, optimization-based approach for designing an IGCC plant with precombustion CO2 capture in a process simulator environment. In the first design phase, important global design decisions are made on the basis of plant-wide optimization studies with the aim of increasing IGCC thermal efficiency and thereby making better use of coal resources and reducing CO2 emissions. For the design of an IGCC plant with 90% CO2 capture, the optimal combination of the extent of carbon monoxide (CO) conversion in the water−gas shift (WGS) reactors and the extent of CO2 capture in the SELEXOL process, using dimethylether of polyethylene glycol as the solvent, is determined in the first phase. In the second design phase, the impact of local...
The crystal and molecular structure of an asymmetric diacetylene monomer, 6-(2-methyl-4-nitroanilino)-2,4-hexadiyn-1-ol

The crystal and molecular structure of an asymmetric diacetylene monomer has been determined from x-ray diffraction data. The crystals, obtained from an acetone/pentane solution, are orthorhombic, Fdd2 with Z = 16 in a unit cell having dimensions of a = 42.815(6) A, b = 22.224(5) A, c = 4.996(l) A. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined by least- squares techniques to an R(sub F) of 6.4% for 988 reflections and 171 variables. The diacetylene chains are disposed in the unit cell in a complex manner in order to satisfy the hydrogen- bonding, crystal packing, and symmetry requirements of the system. The solid state polymerization mechanism is discussed with respect to the geometric disposition of the diacetylene chains. These chains are far apart and incorrectly oriented with respect to each other to permit polymerization in the crystal by means of 1,4-addition, consistent with the Baughman mechanistic model.
Recombinant interferon enhances monoclonal antibody-targeting of carcinoma lesions in vivo

Heterogeneity in the expression of tumor-associated antigens, as defined by the binding of monoclonal antibodies, is a characteristic common to most, if not all, human carcinoma cell populations. Antigen-negative cells within the population can escape detection and therapy by their failure to bind the appropriate antibody. Therefore, the extent of antigenic heterogeneity is an important consideration when designing protocols for the management of cancer by administration of monoclonal antibodies. One approach to counteracting the effect of antigenic heterogeneity is the use of clone A of recombinant human leukocyte interferon (Hu-IFN-alpha A). Administration of Hu-IFN-alpha A in vivo effectively increased the amount of tumor antigen expressed by a human colon xenograft in situ and augmented the localization of a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody to the tumor site. Concomitant administration of Hu-IFN-alpha A and monoclonal antibody may thus be effective in overcoming the antigenic heterogeneity of carcinoma cell populations and in enhancing the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies in the detection and treatment of carcinoma lesions.
Effects of submicromolar concentrations of dopamine on photoreceptor to horizontal cell communication.

Abstract Dopamine has been postulated to act as an intraretinal messenger for light adaptation by biasing retinal circuits to favor cone over rod inputs to second- and third-order neurons. As an experimental test, we studied the effects of dopamine and related ligands on rod to horizontal cell synaptic transfer. Rods and horizontal cells (HC) were recorded from simulataneosly. Red and green light-emitting diodes were modulated sinusoidally in counterphase at 1 Hz and their relative intensities adjusted to elicit a rod null. Dark-adapted HC's also showed a null, but exposure to 0.5–1.0 μM dopamine, which corresponds to the endogenous levels, elicited a large imbalance in the HC response while the rod null was maintained. Similar effects were achieved with either a D1 dopamine agonist, SKF 38393 (20 μM) or a D2 dopamine agonist, quinpirole HCl (1 μM). Correspondingly, the frequency range over which the HC responded to red flickering lights increased very substantially. Exposure to a D2, but not a D1 dopamine agonist increased rod flicker, but not as dramatically as in the HC. These data indicate that the synaptic gains of rod and cone transmission to a second order retinal neuron are modifiable by endogenous levels of dopamine. Secondly, the bandpass of rod flicker is altered by dopamine, acting through a D2 dopamine receptor.
Measurements of current noise in DC SQUIDS

The current noise circulating around the loop of a tunnel junction dc SQUID has been measured as a function of applied flux. The flux noise generated by this current was coupled via a superconducting transformer to a second dc SQUID that was used to measure the noise in a null-balancing configuration. The voltage noise across the SQUID was also measured, using a cooled LC-resonant circuit, and the correlation between the voltage and current noises was determined. The measured values of the noises are in good agreement with values obtained from an analog simulator.
Synthesis and 5α-reductase inhibitory activity of 8-substituted benzo[ƒ]quinolinones derived from palladium mediated coupling reactions

Abstract Benzoquinolinones have been shown to be potent, selective inhibitors of the Type I 5α-reductase enzyme, which is responsible for the production of dihydrotestosterone from testosterone localized in the scalp. In an effort to identify compounds that demonstrate inhibition of both 5α-reductase isozymes, we have employed 8-bromobenzoquinolinone as an advanced intermediate for participation in a variety of palladium mediated carbon-carbon bond forming reactions. By varying the 8-substituent it is possible to alter the selectivity profile of the series.
Nature-Inspired Optimization of High-Impedance Metasurfaces With Ultrasmall Interwoven Unit Cells

This letter introduces a set of novel designs for high-impedance metasurfaces with ultrasmall interwoven unit cells that achieve increased miniaturization compared to existing literature, yet still provide identical bandwidth performance and excellent field of view. This development makes possible more compact designs for artificial magnetic conducting (AMC) ground planes and electromagnetic band-gap (EBG) surfaces as well as providing the ability to scale these structures to much lower frequencies. In addition, we show that the unit cell geometry can be manipulated via wind-driven optimization (WDO) to precisely control the center frequency of the proposed high-impedance metasurface designs.
The Pharmacokinetics of Bleomycin in Man

A series of studies were carried out to investigate the pharmacokinetics of the antineoplastic antibiotic bleomycin in patients with neoplastic disorders. Drug was administered by long (four to five days) and short (10 minutes) zero-order infusions, and serial plasma and urine samples were collected. Serum and urine bleomycin concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. The disposition of bleomycin after the 10-minute infusion was described by a two-compartment open model. However, following multiple-day infusion estimates were obtained that were inconsistent with those from the short infusion. Parameters from the long infusions agreed with those from the short infusion when terminal plasma bleomycin levels less than 10 microunits/ml were excluded. The time to reach steady state following the long infusion (ca. 12 hours) was consistent with the half-life (3 hours) predicted by the short infusion and the long infusion excluding levels less than 10 microunits/ml. Possible explanations include assay interference by an unknown metabolite or strong binding of drug to tissues with release at a rate much less than the apparent rate of elimination of drug from the body.
The shape of low-speed capillary jets of Newtonian liquids

The shape of a jet of Newtonian liquid issuing from a capillary needle into air is considered. The results of two theoretical approaches are presented. One approach is a perturbation analysis about the final state of the jet and the other is a boundary-layer analysis near the point of jet formation. Comparison of the predictions with experimental jet shapes shows them to be in semi-quantitative agreement. Especially interesting is the presence of a ‘discontinuity’ in the empirical exponential decay rate of the jet radius occurring at a Reynolds number somewhere between 14 and 20 and the correspondence of this discontinuity with the peculiar behaviour in this range of the Reynolds number of the theoretical eigenvalue.
The Backscattering Geometry for Raman Spectroscopy of Colored Materials

Quantitative laser Raman spectroscopy on colored substances is considered, and it is shown that sample positioning and concentration are less critical when 180° illumination is used in place of the more common 90° illumination. In addition, the correction of Raman intensities for sample absorption is easily accomplished for data collected via backscattering (180° geometry), and the appropriate equations are presented. A spinning sample cell and holder are described for 180° illumination. The design utilizes simple and inexpensive sample tubes which are conveniently employed with standard liquids and solids as well as volatile, air-sensitive, and corrosive compounds. Provision for sample heating and cooling is described.
Long-Term Outcome of Endorectal Advancement Flap for Complex Anorectal Fistulae

The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term outcome of endorectal advancement flap (ERF) for complex anorectal fistulae. A total of 38 ERF were performed in 36 patients (2003-2007). Mean age was 45 years. The most common fistula type was transsphincteric. Eighty-one per cent of patients had prior surgical interventions. Primary closure rate was 83 per cent. Of the six initial failures, four were noted in patients operated for recurrent rectovaginal fistula. Postoperative complications occurred in seven patients (19%). During a mean follow-up of 27 months, recurrent disease was noted in five patients (14%). All recurrences were noted in patients with left sided fistulae. At last follow-up, all patients had healed their fistula except for two. We conclude that ERF closed most complex anorectal fistulae with an acceptable complication rate and low recurrence rate. Recurrent rectovaginal fistula was associated with a lower closure rate.
Naming Test of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery: Convergent and Discriminant Validity

This study investigated the convergent and discriminant validity of the naming subtest of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB), a measure of word-finding. Seventy community-dwelling adults age 60 and above completed the NAB naming test (Forms 1 and 2), the Boston Naming Test (BNT), and other measures of verbal and visual memory, visuoperceptual skills, processing speed, and abstraction. The NAB naming test correlated highly with the BNT and with established measures of memory. The BNT correlated more strongly with education and with sex. The BNT correlated more strongly with a measure of visuoperceptual skills than the NAB naming test did, suggesting that visuoperception is more involved in the BNT. Divergent validity of the NAB naming was demonstrated by a lack of correlations with less-related measures. Findings suggest that the NAB naming test possesses convergent and divergent validity as a measure of word-finding.
Treatment of atypical endometrial hyperplasia with an insulin-sensitizing agent

Endometrial cancer and hyperplasia have long been associated with diabetes. Hyperinsulinemia may have a direct mitogenic effect on the endometrium and may inhibit the effect of progestogen therapy. This case report describes the treatment of a patient with atypical endometrial hyperplasia with an insulin-sensitizing agent. A 37-year-old patient presented after failed treatment of endometrial hyperplasia with progestogen therapy. One month after initiating metformin therapy the patient's endometrial biopsy demonstrated proliferative endometrium. This patient's atypical endometrial hyperplasia regressed after the initiation of treatment with an insulin-sensitizing agent. This relatively new class of drugs may provide an adjunct to the therapy of endometrial hyperplasia.
Comparison of five methods for finding conserved sequences in multiple alignments of gene regulatory regions

Conserved segments in DNA or protein sequences are strong candidates for functional elements and thus appropriate methods for computing them need to be developed and compared. We describe five methods and computer programs for finding highly conserved blocks within previously computed multiple alignments, primarily for DNA sequences. Two of the methods are already in common use; these are based on good column agreement and high information content. Three additional methods find blocks with minimal evolutionary change, blocks that differ in at most k positions per row from a known center sequence and blocks that differ in at most k positions per row from a center sequence that is unknown a priori. The center sequence in the latter two methods is a way to model potential binding sites for known or unknown proteins in DNA sequences. The efficacy of each method was evaluated by analysis of three extensively analyzed regulatory regions in mammalian β-globin gene clusters and the control region of bacterial arabinose operons. Although all five methods have quite different theoretical underpinnings, they produce rather similar results on these data sets when their parameters are adjusted to best approximate the experimental data. The optimal parameters for the method based on information content varied little for different regulatory regions of the β-globin gene cluster and hence may be extrapolated to many other regulatory regions. The programs based on maximum allowed mismatches per row have simple parameters whose values can be chosen a priori and thus they may be more useful than the other methods when calibration against known functional sites is not available.
Exploring antecedents of individual grieving stages during an anticipated worksite closure.

A grieving stages framework based on Kubler-Ross (1969) was successfully operationalized and applied to an anticipated worksite closure for 53 complete data employees across four times in a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. As predicted, the means for denial, bargaining, and depression significantly decreased, while exploration increased. However, anger and acceptance remained stable over time. Grieving stages were used as individual outcomes at Times 2 (N = 89), 3 (N = 77), and 4 (N = 53) in regression analyses to test additional study hypotheses. Perceived contract violation had the strongest influence on grieving stages. Perceived job alternatives became more important for exploration and acceptance of leaving at Time 4. Being the primary income source, having lower core self-evaluation, and stronger community ties were generally linked to greater employee depression about leaving the company across times. Additional applications for the suggested grieving stages measure are needed in future job loss research.
The Bonny Method: Training Innovations at Anna Maria College

In the 1970s, Helen Bonny developed the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music for use as a primary process of receptive music psychotherapy in long-term therapy. Training programs in the method traditionally taught it for use in this manner. Over the last two decades, however, modifications of the Bonny Method for use in short term therapy have inspired innovations in training. As a part of this movement, the Anna Maria College training program is innovative in three main areas: a) the music and imagery methods used to train students, b) the processes of personal development in which students are engaged, and c) the processes used for distance supervision and peer interaction.
Successful student case analysis strategies

Empirical research was conducted on how students analyze cases and what case analysis techniques students employed to produce superior results. This article investigated (a) the analytical and writing approaches employed by students as they began to present their case analysis in written form, (b) whether an empirically derived underlying structure or process existed within their activities, and (c) student attributions for case writing improvement and case grade changes over time.
Evaluating Optical Contact Bonds Using Thin-Film ZnO Transducers

The bond integrity between optically bonded fused quartz blocks has been evaluated using ultrasonic waves in the frequency range from 200 MHz to 800 MHz. The ultrasonic waves were produced by thin-film zinc oxide (ZnO) transducers. By excitation of the thin film ZnO transducers on glass blocks of two different thicknesses and optically bonding their free surfaces opposite the transducers, the properties of the bonded area can be evaluated using transmission and reflection loss measurements. The measurements were made using pulse excitation and detection, and spectrum analyzer measurements.
Gould Pond, Maine: late‐glacial transitions from marine to upland environments

Gould Pond sediments are unusual in North America in that they include a continuous record of change from marine to freshwater conditions during the late-glacial period, with a wide array of micro- and macrofossils deposited during a period of high sedimentation rate. Marine waters, much colder than those in the present Gulf of Maine, covered the site at the time of deglaciation (c. 13,200 BP). Plants characteristic of modem tundra grew on nearby uplands. Marine recession, due to isostatic rebound of the land, occurred from c. 12,800–12,200 BP. The lake water was completely freshened by 12,000 BP. A sparse shrub-herb tundra became established around Gould Pond as marine waters receded. Subsequent to 11,300 BP, sedges and other herbs became more abundant, and willow and Dryas less abundant, signifying increased warmth and decreased frost action. At least six tree species, all now common in the area, arrived around Gould Pond between c. 10,800 and 10,500 BP. This rapid transition was coincident with the most rapid major non-anthropogenic change of vegetation at sites across eastern North America during the postglacial period.
A VALIDATION OF THE LOST-LETTER TECHNIQUE

The techniques consists of dispersing in city streets (and other locations) a large number of unmailed letters. The letters are enclosed in envelopes that have addresses and stamps on them but that have not yet been posted. When a person comes across one of these letters on the street, it appears to have been lost. Thus he has a choice of mailing, disregarding, or actively destroying the letter. By varying the name of the organization to which the letter is addressed and distributing such "lost letters" in sufficient quantity, it is possible to obtain a return rate specific to the organization. The focus of the technique is not on the individual reaction to the lost letters but, rather, on the rate of response for a particular organization relative to other organizations that serve as controls.
Cytoskeletal elements are required for the formation and maturation of autophagic vacuoles.

We evaluated the role of cytoskeletal elements in the degradation of endogenous proteins via autophgy using biochemical and morphological techniques. In the absence of exogenous amino acids, degradation of endogenous proteins was enhanced in cultured normal rat kidney cells. This enhanced degradative state was accompanied by a 4-fold increase in the occurrence of autophagic vacuoles. In the presence of drugs that induce the depolymerization of microfilaments (cytochalasins B and D) or microtubules (nocodazole), protein degradation was not enhanced in nutrient-deprived cells. Although these drugs had similar inhibitory effects on the protein degradation, their effect on autophagy differed. Cytochalasins B and D interfered with the formation of the autophagosome. In cells treated with these drugs, the fractional volume represented by autophagic vaculoes was not substantially increased despite nutrient depletion. On the contrary, nocodazole appeared to have no effect on the formation of autophagosomes. Instead, this drug suppressed the delivery of hydrolytic enzymes, thereby resulting in an accumulation of acidic autophagic vacuoles containing undegraded cellular components. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Computer algebra for exact complex stability margin computation

The multivariable stability margin (k/sub M/) problem can be formulated as solving polynomial systems by using symbolic computation and stratified Morse theory. Once the solutions are found, the stability margin problem can be easily solved. For the complex k/sub M/ problem, no matter how many uncertainties, there is only one one-dimensional polynomial system which needs to be solved in order to find all singularities to determine whether the boundary of the Horowitz template intercepts the origin or not. The objective of the paper is to describe how to use the Groebner basis method to solve this polynomial system. Due to the continuity property of complex /spl mu/, numerical solutions are good enough for complex /spl mu/ computation. In addition, we can sample this one-dimensional polynomial system into several zero-dimensional polynomial systems. There are many efficient algorithm to solve these zero-dimensional polynomial systems. Therefore, we have an efficient way of singularity related method to compute exact complex k/sub M/.
Role of CD40 ligand signaling in defective type 1 cytokine response in human immunodeficiency virus infection.

The pathogenesis of defective interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ production in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients remains to be elucidated. This study investigated the possibility that perturbations in CD40 ligand signaling are involved in this defect. CD40 ligand trimer (CD40LT) stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) production of IL-12 in response to Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Regardless of the CD4 cell count, CD40LT restored IL-12 secretion in response to T gondii in HIV-infected patients. In the presence of CD40LT, PBMC from both HIV-infected patients and control subjects produced high levels of IL-12 in response to CMV. CD40LT restored T. gondii-and CMV-triggered IFN-γ secretion by T cells and PBMC from HIV-infected patients with a CD4 cell count >200 cells/μL. CD4 cells from HIV-infected patients, even those with a CD4 cell count >500 cells/μL, had defective CD40L induction after T cell stimulation mediated by antigen-presenting cells. Together, impaired CD40L induction is likely to contribute to defective IL-12 and IFN-γ production in HIV infection.
Influence of the deuteron energy on the testing volume of IFMIF and its impact on other parameters

The influence of the energy of the deuteron beam on irradiation parameters of IFMIF is analyzed. The main purpose of this paper is to identify possible positive and negative impacts on irradiation parameters that an increase in the deuteron energy of the IFMIF beam can cause. Several parameters of the facility, such as neutron generation rate, number of neutrons with energy above 20 MeV at the source and in the test assembly, volume with dpa rate above a threshold value, gas production, and gradient of the atomic displacement rate, are analyzed and conclusions are drawn based on the calculated values. It is shown that an increase in the deuteron energy to 40 MeV does not produce a significant negative impact for the elements analyzed, but instead is beneficial in producing nuclear responses more similar to a fusion environment than the lower deuteron energies.
Active Site Mutations Define the Pathway for the Cooperative Activation of cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase†

cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAPK) is a heterotetramer containing two regulatory (R) and two catalytic (C) subunits. Each R-subunit contains two tandem cAMP-binding domains, and activation of cAPK is mediated by the cooperative, high affinity binding of cAMP to these two domains. Mutant R-subunits containing one intact high affinity cAMP-binding site and one defective site were used to define the pathway for activation and to delineate the unique roles that each cAMP-binding domain plays. Two mutations were introduced by replacing the essential Arg in each cAMP-binding site with Lys (R209K in Site A and R333K in Site B). Also, the double mutant (R209/333K) was constructed. Analysis of cAMP binding and dissociation and the apparent constants for holoenzyme activation and R- and C-subunit interaction, measured by analytical gel filtration and surface plasmon resonance, established the following: (1) For rR(R209K), occupancy of Site B is not sufficient to activate the holoenzyme; the low affinity Site A m...
Model Calibration and Validation for Material Damping Using Finite Element Analyses

Finite element analyses are a powerful engineering tool that can yield insight into the behavior of engineering systems that experimentation may not accurately yield. Including damping in these analyses can yield more accurate models, but damping is often neglected due to difficulties in determining which damping model to use, and the appropriate parameters for the models. This research explored the relationship between physical damping and its implementation in Abaqus, with a focus on investigating the different effects of different damping models. The three damping models investigated were mass-proportional, stiffness-proportional, and viscoelastic. The parameters of the models were calibrated for a particular material with experimental data from a simple “calibration structure.” Preliminary testing on the validity of the models was completed by comparing experimental results of a more complex “validation structure,” made of the same material, with simulation results generated using the calibrated damping parameters.
Nanoengineered fluorescent sensors containing enzyme assays

Describes progress towards the fabrication, calibration and testing of polyelectrolyte microshells being used as sensors for biochemicals, which are either produced or consumed in enzyme-catalyzed reactions. They are nanoengineered using layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly. These shells are loaded with the analyte sensitive fluorophore, the reference fluorophore for ratiometric monitoring and the enzyme, which catalyzes the reaction. A potential use of these sensors is to study the transient local changes in both glucose and lactate caused by neuronal activity. A specific application of this project is the study of the brain's response to low glucose. This paper primarily focuses on the work done on enzyme encapsulation. A study of the effect of encapsulation on enzymes as well as the influence of sensor fabrication variables (size, layer thickness, composition) on the response characteristics of the sensors is being investigated. Preliminary work has shown that the enzymes can be encapsulated by a method of aided diffusion and that the enzyme retains its activity after encapsulation. Co-loading of the labeled enzyme and the oxygen sensitive dye has also been demonstrated.
The TauP Toolkit: Flexible Seismic Travel-Time and Raypath Utilities

INTRODUCTION The calculation of travel times and ray paths of seismic phases for a specified velocity model of the Earth has always been a fundamental need of seismologists. In recent years, the number of different phases used in analysis has been growing, as has the availability of new Earth models, especially models developed from detailed regional studies. These factors highlight the need for versatile utilities that allow the calculation of travel times and ray paths of (ideally) any conceivable seismic phase passing through (ideally) arbitrary velocity models. The method of Buland and Chapman (1983) provides significant progress toward this need by allowing for the computation of times and paths of any rays passing through arbitrary spherically symmetric velocity models. The implementation of this method through the ttimes software program (Kennett and Engdahl, 1991) for a limited number of velocity models and a standard set of seismic phases has been widely...
Aerophagia and anesthesia : an unusual cause of ventilatory insufficiency in a neonate

We describe a healthy neonate with abdominal distention, inadequate ventilation, and delayed extubation during anesthesia for minor surgery. Following rectal decompression and successful extubation, extreme abdominal distention recurred postoperatively after ingestion of clear fluids. We elicited a history of frequent and excessive flatus from the parents, and abdominal radiography revealed distended loops of small bowel with small lung volumes suggestive of aerophagia. The differential diagnosis of aerophagia is reviewed, the anesthetic implications discussed, and relevant literature pertaining to this condition summarized.
Growth and nitrogen relations in reciprocal grafts of wild-type and nitrate reductase-deficient mutants of pea (Pisum sativum L. var. Juneau)

Plants growing on NO 3 - differ in the proportion of NO 3 - reduced in their roots and leaves. Using a version of a two-compartment, two-resource plant growth simulation model, the possible effects of changing the N assimilation site on plant growth were explored. Subsequently, using an experimental system designed to vary the site of NO 3 - reduction; chimeras (reciprocal grafts) of Pisum sativum var. Juneau and its mutant, A317, deficient in nitrate reductase. Plant growth and N metabolism at varying NO 3 - levels were examined in a hydroponic system. In what is thought to be the first direct plant manipulation of this kind, total dry weight, root:shoot ratio, total N and NO 3 - concentrations, in vitro nitrate reductase activity, NO 3 - in xylem exudates, and leaf chlorophyll content were compared. It was found that changing the location of nitrate reduction did not change growth significantly and caused only subtle changes in N concentration. These indifferences occurred in spite of marked changes in growth associated with NO 3 - availability and useability. To achieve this kind of plasticity the plants must have dramatically altered the flow and storage of NO 3 - , and reduced N. The results are compared with existing views of biomass partitioning and regulation of N assimilation.
The Two Psychologies of Conflict Resolution: Differing Antecedents of Pre-Experience Choices and Post-Experience Evaluations

The literature on the `myth of self-interest' model of perceived human motivation suggests that people believe that both they and others are more motivated by self-interest than is actually the case. Four studies are reported which test one implication of the myth of self-interest: the psychology of pre-experience preferences and post-experience evaluations will differ. We hypothesize that people arrive at pre-experience preferences for decision-making procedures based upon the belief that they want to maximize their self-interest. Further, they will define their self-interest in material terms. Consequently, they choose procedures that they believe promise them the best material outcomes. However, post-experience evaluations are based upon a different factor - the quality of the treatment received during the course of the procedure. The results of all four studies support the suggestion that the psychology of preference and of evaluation differ as predicted. The findings suggest that preference and choic...
Influence of Soil Temperature and Moisture on Eruptive Germination and Viability of Sclerotia of Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotiorum

Matheron, M. E., and Porchas, M. 2005. Influence of soil temperature and moisture on eruptive germination and viability of sclerotia of Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotiorum. Plant Dis. 89:5054. The effect of soil temperature and moisture on eruptive germination and viability of sclerotia of Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotiorum in field soil was examined. In two trials at constant temperatures, the proportion of sclerotia of both pathogens that germinated in wet soil (≥–0.02 MPa) tended to decrease as soil temperature increased from 15 to 40°C, with no germination of sclerotia of S. minor and S. sclerotiorum detected after 1 and 2 weeks, respectively, at 40°C. In contrast, after 1 to 4 weeks in dry soil (≤–100 MPa) at 40°C, germination of sclerotia of S. minor and S. sclerotiorum ranged from 28 to 55% and 42 to 77%, respectively. In field trials, the germination rate of sclerotia of S. minor and S. sclerotiorum after 2 to 8 weeks in irrigated soil on the surface or buried at a depth of 5 cm was significantly lower than that for sclerotia maintained in dry soil at the same depths. On the other hand, after burial at a depth of 10 cm, germination of sclerotia in irrigated and dry soil did not differ significantly after 2 to 8 weeks for S. minor and after 2, 4, and 8 weeks for S. sclerotiorum. For both pathogens, germination of sclerotia from 2 to 8 weeks in irrigated soil with a mean temperature of 32°C was significantly lower than that for sclerotia in irrigated soil with a mean temperature of 26°C. In microplot trials conducted in July and August, no sclerotia of S. minor and S. sclerotiorum germinated after 2 and 3 weeks, respectively, after recovery from flooded soil with mean soil temperatures ranging from 30 to 33°C. A flood irrigation is often applied to fields for salt management during July or August in the Yuma lettuce production region. Results from these studies suggest that maintaining this flooding event for 2 to 3 weeks in fields with a history of lettuce drop caused by S. minor and S. sclerotiorum could significantly reduce the population of viable sclerotia.
Sensitivity Analysis: Generalized Coordinate Kinematic Systems

We now apply the afore developed analysis and sensitivity analysis to kinematically driven rigid body mechanisms. Initially we perform a position analysis, i.e. we determine the mechanism configuration for a given time. This analysis parallels the nonlinear static finite element analysis of Section 9.2. Through differentiation we then perform velocity and acceleration analyses. This procedure is akin to our sensitivity analysis if we view time t as the parameter d i of interest. Next we evaluate reaction forces in an inverse dynamic analysis. Such forces are often used in subsequent finite element analyses to determine the stress distribution in the mechanism’s components. And finally we perform a sensitivity analysis in its own right to determine how the generalized position, velocity, acceleration and generalized reaction force vectors change as we perturb a model parameter d i , e.g. a link dimension.
Case Study and Review of Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare autoimmune disorder causing chronic liver inflammation. The disorder, sometimes called lupoid hepatitis, is not well understood because its clinical presentation is highly variable. The liver becomes inflamed due to T-cell-mediated activation of B cells that produce autoantibodies directed against liver antigens. This article details the case of a 28-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with AIH type I almost a decade ago; her therapeutic regimen may serve as a useful model for the disorder. An extensive interview was conducted with the patient. Herein, a timeline of her diagnosis is discussed, and her laboratory results are presented. Currently, she is living a fairly healthy life despite her liver disease. Her most recent liver function test results were completely normal, which is unusual with AIH. The patient was prescribed the immunosuppressive drug azathioprine to treat her AIH shortly after diagnosis. She also began following a vegan diet with unrefined sugar along with regular sleep and exercise. Currently, the patient is taking no azathioprine due to consecutively normal liver function test results over the past few years. Her continued health improvement could be credited to her strict vegan diet. * ANA : antinuclear antibody SMA : smooth muscle antibody LKM1 : liver/kidney microsome 1; kidney microsome 1 LC1 : liver cytosol 1(LC1) SLA : soluble-liver antigen AIH : autoimmune hepatitis