cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The SuperChip for microbial community structure, and function from all environments.

Summary We have the technology and capability to develop an all-in-one microarray that can provide complete information on a microbial community, including algae, protozoa, bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses, antimicrobial resistance, biotoxins and functional activity. With lab-on-a-chip, nanotechnology integrating a variety of the latest methods for a large number of sample types (water, sediment, waste water, food, blood, etc.) it is possible to make a desktop instrument that would have universal applications. There are two major thrusts to this grand challenge that will allow us to take advantage of the latest biotechnological breakthroughs in real time. The first is a bioengineering thrust that will take advantage of the large multidisciplinary laboratories in developing key technologies. Miniaturization will reduce reagent costs and increase sensitivity and reaction kinetics for rapid turnaround time. New and evolving technologies will allow us to port the designs for state-of-the-art microarrays today to completely new nanotechnology inspired platforms as they mature. The second thrust is in bioinformatics to use our existing expertise to take advantage of the rapidly evolving landscape of bioinformatics data. This increasing capacity of the data set will allow us to resolve microbial species to greatly improved levels and identify functional genes beyond the hypothetical protein level. A cheap and portable assay would impact countless areas, including clean water technologies, emerging diseases, bioenergy, infectious disease diagnosis, climate change, food safety, environmental clean-up and bioterrorism. In my opinion it is possible but it will require a very large group of multidiscplenary scientists from multiple institutions crossing many international boundaries and funding over a 5-year period of more than $100 million. Given the impact that this SuperChip could have it is well worth the price!!!
A Limit Theorem for Renewal Sequences with an Application to Local Time

Let 0<h(ɛ)↑ and {S n} a renewal process. We find conditions under which ast→∞ $$\sum\limits_{n \geqq \pi (t)} {h(S_n } ) \sim m^{ - 1} \int\limits_t^\infty {h(s)ds} $$ wherem=ES 1, π(t) = min (n∶S n>t}. We apply these results to obtain sample path representation of local time at a point for a Markov process.
Predicting food challenge outcomes for baked milk: role of specific IgE and skin prick testing

Abstract Background Cow's milk allergy is the most common food allergy in childhood. Many children with IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy may tolerate baked milk products, but few data exist on predictors of outcomes of baked milk challenges. Objective To determine the relation of milk protein allergen specific IgE (sIgE) levels and skin prick test (SPT) wheal size with baked milk challenge outcomes. Methods A retrospective medical record review was conducted of 35 baked milk challenges. SPT results, sIgE levels, demographic characteristics, and food challenge results were analyzed. Results Thirty-five children underwent open challenges to baked milk and 29 (83%) passed. Of those who failed, 3 (50%) passed the initial clinic challenge but developed symptoms to ongoing exposure at home, days to months later. One child who ultimately failed at home required epinephrine. Compared with those who passed, children who failed were younger (median age, 8.9 and 3.7 years, respectively; P = .02). Children with a milk SPT wheal less than 12 mm were more than 90% likely to pass a baked milk challenge, and no child with a milk SPT wheal less than 7 mm failed a baked milk challenge. We were also able to establish more than 90% predictive values for passing baked milk challenges with a casein SPT wheal of 9 mm, a milk sIgE level of 1.0 kU/L, and a casein sIgE level of 0.9 kU/L. Conclusion Most children allergic to cow's milk tolerated baked milk. Milk protein SPT wheal may be more reliable than sIgE level in predicting outcomes of baked milk challenges. It is important to be aware of the possibility of late reactions to ongoing baked milk exposure.
Nonlinear refraction and absorption: mechanisms and magnitudes

We provide an in-depth treatment of the various mechanisms by which an incident light beam can produce an intensity- or flux-dependent change in the refractive index and absorption coefficient of different materials. Whenever possible, the mechanisms are initially traced to single-atom and -molecule effects in order to provide physical understanding. Representative values are given for the various mechanisms. Nine different mechanisms are discussed, starting with the Kerr effect due to atoms and/or molecules with discrete states, including organic materials such as molecules and conjugated polymers. Simplified two and/or three-level models provide useful information, and these are summarized. The nonlinear optics of semiconductors is reviewed for both bulk and quantum-confined semiconductors, focusing on the most common types II–VI and III–V. Also discussed in some detail are the different nonlinear mechanisms that occur in liquid crystals and photorefractive media. Additional nonlinear material systems and mechanisms such as glasses, molecular reorientation of single molecules, the electrostrictive effect, the nuclear effect (vibrational contributions), cascading, and the ever-present thermal effects are quantified, and representative tables of values are given.
Study of the phase transition dynamics of the L to H transition

A highly radiating zone (MARFE) just above the divertor X-point has been used to access the marginal transition regime to study the existence of a critical point for the L to H transition. Phase transition models predict that at the critical point the transition duration increases and the plasma parameters vary continuously between the L- and H-mode. In these experiments, the L to H transition duration increased 50-100 times over fast transitions. However, the evolution of shear, the edge density gradient, the H-mode pedestal, and fluctuations is essentially unchanged from that in fast transitions. The only difference is in the speed with which and the degree to which the fluctuation amplitudes are transiently reduced. This difference is understandable in terms of the time scales for fluctuation amplitude reduction and edge pressure gradient increase (several ms), provided the edge fluctuations are pressure-gradient driven.
Hypervelocity impact tests on coated thermoplastic films at cryogenic and elevated temperatures

Abstract The hypervelocity impact facility at Space Research Institute (SRI), Auburn University has recently completed a series of tests on coated thermoplastic films at cryogenic (40 K) and elevated temperatures (420 K). With a 1-in gap, two films were mounted in a frame that applied biaxial tension to each film. The materials were impacted with 40–100 μm soda lime spheres utilizing a plasma drag gun to accelerate the particles to velocities between 5 and 12 km/s. The facility diagnostics allow for the determination each particle's, size, velocity and impact location along with micrographs of the nature of the impact damage. This summary of the test includes a general overview of the nature of damage on the films along with representative impact micrographs of the impact sites.
The Research and Analysis of Lexical Analyzer in Prolog Compiler

This paper analyzes structural features of the prolog compiler on the basis of its executive mechanism. The main focus of the research targets the functional characteristics and the working mechanism of the compiler through the analysis of prolog language organizing and translating procedure in conjunction with the logic-reasoning attribute of the language. The paper illustrates structure of three important modules and demonstrates their corresponding realization method. The research of lexical compiler will lay a foundation for future works of upgrading and developing Prolog compiler.
Coefficients of half-integral weight modular forms modulo ℓ j

Suppose that l≥5 is prime, that j≥0 is an integer, and that F(z) is a half-integral weight modular form with integral Fourier coefficients. We give some general conditions under which the coefficients of F are “well-distributed” modulo lj. As a consequence, we settle many cases of a classical conjecture of Newman by proving, for each prime power lj with l≥5, that the ordinary partition function p(n) takes each value modulo lj infinitely often.
A Hierarchy of Families of Recursively Enumerable Degrees

Certain investigations have been made concerning the nature of classes of recursively enumerable sets, and the relation of such classes to the recursively enumerable indices of their sets. For instance, a theorem of Rice [3, Theorem XIV(a), p. 324] states that if A is the complete set of indices for a class of recursively enumerable sets (that is, if there is a class of recursively enumerable sets such that and if A is recursive, then either A = ⌀ or A = ω . A relate theorem by Rice and Shapiro [3, Theorem XIV(b), p. 324] can be stated as follows: Let be a class of recursively enumerable sets, and let A be the complete set of indices for . Then A is r.e. if and only if there is an r.e. set D of canonical indices of finite sets D u , u ∈ D , such that A somewhat similar theorem of Yates is the following: Let be a class of recursively enumerable sets which contains all finite sets. Let A be the complete set of indices for . Then there is a uniform recursive enumeration of the sets in if and only if A is recursively enumerable in 0 (2) —that is, if and only if A is Σ 3 . A corollary of this is that if C is any r.e. set such that C (2) ≡ T ⌀ (2) , there is a uniform recursive enumeration of all sets W e such that W e ≤ T C [9, Theorem 9, p. 265].
Information sharing strategies in a standards contest: The case of 2G wireless communication

Abstract Advocates of new technologies must persuade potential adopters to select their product in the absence of full information about its benefits. For technologies whose value is driven by network externalities, this process often begins before development is complete and the risk to adopters of making the wrong choice can be especially high. We examine whether technology advocates use discernable strategies to overcome these challenges and influence adopters during a standards war. Based on a case study of the 2nd generation (2G) standards contest in the United States wireless telephone industry, we find evidence of two distinct information sharing strategies, which we label as cascade and broadcast. Advocates' use of these strategies varies over the course of a standards battle, shifting from cascade to broadcast.
RNA and protein synthesis in the nucleated erythrocytes of Glycera dibranchiata.

Abstract 1. 1. The nucleated erythrocytes of Glycera dibranchiata incorporated uridine-5-[ 3 H] into a ribonucleic acid fraction and l -phenylalanine-1-[ 14 C] into a protein fraction. 2. 2. Labelled uridine was incorporated predominantly into a low molecular weight RNA species. 3. 3. The incorporation of labelled phenylalanine into the monomeric and polymeric hemoglobin fractions of Glycera was approximately equal.
Variability of Analgesic Practices for Hospitalized Children on Different Pediatric Specialty Units

This study examined the differences in the prescription and administration of analgesics in eight pediatric specialty units. Medical records of patients (n = 153) who were reported by nurses to be having pain were reviewed. Results showed that there were variations in the type of analgesics prescribed and administered in the different units. Mean doses of opioids were slightly subtherapeutic. The mean doses of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and adjuvants were all within the therapeutic range. There were large intervals between doses of medications. Because few patients had pain scores recorded before and after analgesic administration, evidence of relief was inconclusive, and the actual effectiveness of analgesics could not be consistently evaluated. Undertreatment of pain may result from administration of subtherapeutic analgesic doses, long intervals between administrations of doses, lack of proper documentation to guide practice, or a combination of these reasons.
Preoperative risk stratification by adenosine thallium 201 single-photon emission computed tomography in patients undergoing vascular surgery

Background Adenosine perfusion scintigraphy is a powerful technique for diagnosing coronary artery disease and risk stratifying patients with recent myocardial infarction. Methods and Results We investigated the use of adenosine 201 TI tomography to risk stratify 106 patients undergoing vascular arterial reconstruction consisting of lower limb arterial grafting in 44, aortic aneurysmectomy in 36, and carotid endarterectomy in 26 patients. Abnormal tomograms occurred in 57 patients (54%), 47 (82%) of whom had reversible perfusion defects. There were three postoperative deaths, all in the group that underwent aortic aneurysmectomy. Another patient with an aortic aneurysm had unstable angina and one patient who underwent lower limb arterial surgery had pulmonary edema after surgery. No patient without transient defects had an event (negative predictive value 100%). Cardiac events occurred only in patients with transient perfusion defects. However, only 5 of 47 such patients had events (positive predictive value 11%). The perfusion defect size (23%±14% vs 8.9%±135; p =0.034) and the ischemic fraction (20%±16% vs 5.6%±8.9%; p =0.009) were 2.5- and 3.5-fold larger, respectively, in patients with than in those without events. A history of diabetes mellitus or previous infarction did not enhance the predictive value of the test. Conclusion Thus absence of reversible hypoperfusion during adenosine scintigraphyensures virtual absence of postoperative cardiac events. Patients undergoing aortic aneurysmectomy may be targeted preferentially for risk-stratification strategies in the future.
Transition state distortion energies correlate with activation energies of 1,4-dihydrogenations and Diels-Alder cycloadditions of aromatic molecules.

The reaction energetics of 43 1,4-dihydrogenation reactions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrogen-containing heterocycles as well as the 43 analogous Diels−Alder reactions with ethylene (C2H4) have been computed using B3LYP/6-31G(d) density functional theory (DFT). The transition state distortion energies are found to correlate with the activation energies of these reactions, even for cases when energies of reaction do not correlate with reactivities.
Mammalian development in a changing environment: exposure to endocrine disruptors reveals the developmental plasticity of steroid-hormone target organs.

SUMMARY Recent findings in the field of environmental endocrine disruption have revealed that developmental exposure to estrogenic chemicals induces morphological, functional, and behavioral anomalies associated with reproduction. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of in utero exposure to low doses of the estrogenic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) on the development of the female reproductive tissues and mammary glands in CD-1 mice. Humans are exposed to BPA, which leaches from dental materials and plastic food and beverage containers. Here we report that prenatal exposure to BPA induces alterations in tissue organization within the ovaries and mammary glands and disrupts estrous cyclicity in adulthood. Because estrogen receptors are expressed developmentally in these estrogen-target organs, we propose that BPA may directly affect the expression of genes involved in their morphogenesis. In addition, alterations in the sexual differentiation of the brain, and thus the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, may further contribute to the observed phenotype. The emerging field of endocrine disruptors promises to provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the development of hormone-target organs and demonstrates that the environment plays important roles in the making of phenotypes.
Characterization of the Carbohydrates of Nonreduced Glutenin Fractionated by Multistacking SDS‐PAGE from Two Hard Red Spring Wheat Flours

ABSTRACT Native (nonreduced) glutenin aggregates of two hard red spring wheat flours (Len of good quality and line 205 of poor quality) containing the same high molecular weight glutenin subunits (2*, 7+9, and 5+10) were investigated for the possibility of glycosylation. Glutenins isolated by pH-precipitation were separated and purified under nonreducing conditions into five different molecular weight species by multistacking SDS-PAGE and by transfer to polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes by electroblotting. Carbohydrate compositions of the total glutenin fraction and of the different molecular weight glutenin species separated on the stacking gels (4–12% acrylamide) were determined. More total carbohydrates were found in the total glutenin of the line 205 flour (2.33%) than in that of the Len flour (1.87%), with glucose and xylose contributing to the greater total amount in line 205. However, the total glutenin of Len had approximately twice as much of the total of arabinose, mannose, and galactos...
Resectability and operative morbidity after chemotherapy in neuroblastoma patients with encasement of major visceral arteries.

Background/purpose Image-defined vessel encasement is a significant risk factor for surgical complications and incomplete resection for intermediate-risk tumors. We sought to examine the impact of vessel encasement on complications or resectability in intermediate-risk or high-risk patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 207 consecutive patients with circumferential encasement of the renal vessels, celiac axis, and/or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) who underwent resection between 1991 and 2009. Specifically, we evaluated resection rates, complications, and outcome. Results Median age at diagnosis was 3.0 years, and 79% of patients had stage 4 disease. Of known MYCN status, 23.4% had MYCN amplification. Vessel encasement included renal vessels, celiac axis, or SMA alone in 107, 7, and 4 patients, respectively. Both the renal vessels and celiac axis were encased in 5 patients, renal vessels and SMA in 7 patients, and celiac axis and SMA in 14 patients. Sixty-three patients had all 3 vessels encased. The gross total resection (GTR) rate was 94%. No operative or postoperative deaths occurred. The overall complication rate was 34.8% (n = 72). Overall 5-year survival (± SEM) was 67.4% (± 7.4%). Conclusion Encasement of major visceral arteries in patients with neuroblastoma who have received chemotherapy does not preclude gross total resection.
A High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Procedure for the Separation of Cocaine and Some of Its Metabolites from Acepromazine, Ketamine, and Atropine from Serum

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure for the separation of cocaine and its metabolites from such non-test drugs as acepromazine, ketamine and atropine in serum is described. The method involves the use of a SemiPermeable Surface (SPS) C8 column with a mobile phase constituted of 3.25% tetrahydrofuran and 96.75% 0.0025 M potassium phosphate buffer, v/v, containing 0.0025% triethylamine, the final pH of the mobile phase being 2.75. The flow rate was 0.5 ml/min. A photodiode array detector equipped with a computer software was used to monitor the analyte peaks Retention times for cocaine (COC), benzoylecgonine (BE), benzoylnorecgonine (BN), norcocaine (NOR) and bupivacaine (BV) were 15.5, 7.4, 12.25, 21.0 and 24 minutes, respectively. The non-test drugs ketamine and atropine co-eluted at 10.0 minutes while acepromazine eluted with the solvent front (3.8 min.). The sensitivity of this assay for each of COC, BE, BN and NOR, at a signal to noise (S/N) ratio of greater than 6.0, was 1.0 n...
Inhibition of Human Cytochrome P450 Isoforms by Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors

The capacity of three clinically available nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) to inhibit the activity of human cytochromes P450 (CYPs) was studied in vitro using human liver microsomes. Delavirdine, nevirapine, and efavirenz produced negligible inhibition of phenacetin O-deethylation (CYP1A2) or dextromethorphan O-demethylation (CYP2D6). Nevirapine did not inhibit hydroxylation of tolbutamide (CYP2C9) or S-mephenytoin (CYP2C19), but these CYP isoforms were importantly inhibited by delavirdine and efavirenz. This indicates the likelihood of significantly impaired clearance of CYP2C substrate drugs (such as phenytoin, tolbutamide, and warfarin) upon initial exposure to these two NNRTIs. Delavirdine and efavirenz (but not nevirapine) also were strong inhibitors of CYP3A, consistent with clinical hazards of initial cotreatment with either of these drugs and substrates of CYP3A. The in vitro microsomal model provides relevant predictive data on probable drug interactions with NNRTIs when the mechanism is inhibition of CYP-mediated drug biotransformation. However, the model does not incorporate interactions attributable to enzyme induction.
Chapter 13 Principles underlying the role of adsorbed plasma proteins in blood interactions with foreign materials

Abstract The influence of adsorbed proteins on platelet interactions with biomaterials and the principles underlying protein adsorption to biomaterials from blood are reviewed. These principles are: 1) the monolayer model; 2) differences in the intrinsic affinity and bulk concentration of the proteins that are the driving forces determining the composition of the adsorbed layer from plasma; 3) the contribution of surface properties to selective adsorption; and 4) variations in the biological reactivity of the adsorbed proteins. Schematic representations of data from single, binary, and multiple protein mixtures are used to illustrate the principles involved. Physicochemical aspects of protein adsorption are briefly summarized. The author concludes that fundamental progress in designing new and better biomaterials will ensue from a deeper understanding of the role of adsorbed proteins in determining platelet interactions with biomaterials.
HgCdTe MBE Technology : A Focus On Chemical Doping

HgCdTe MBE technology is becoming a mature growth technology for infrared focal plane array applications. The ability to dope HgCdTe with In(n-type) and As(p-type) dopants in-situ provides greater flexibilities for fabricating heterojunction devices. In this paper, we will first discuss the current status of HgCdTe MBE growth and then focus on the key results in the control of In(n-type) doping, various approaches and breakthroughs in the growth of As(p-type) doped HgCdTe and issues related to doping such as memory effects and dopants activation. In addition, device results from double layer heterojunction structure(DLHJ) will be briefly discussed.
Hospice care in America.

Hospice care, an appropriate way of caring for many terminally ill patients, now is reimbursed by Medicare and other insurance systems. However, access to hospice care is limited by unavailability, ignorance, Medicare regulations, and internally imposed restrictions. Reasons for the barriers to hospice care and other appropriate terminal care are discussed, together with potential actions that might improve care for dying patients. ( JAMA . 1990;264:369-372)
Chemical labeling and freeze-fracture studies on the localization of rhodopsin in the rod outer segment disk membrane.

Abstract The molecular organization of the bovine rod outer segment (ROS) disk was investigated with respect to localization of the visual pigment rhodopsin in the membrane. The study made use of preparations of intact disks and ROS fragments. We used the membrane impermeable reagent sodium isethionyl acetimidate hydrochloride and membrane permeable reagent ethyl acetimidate hydrochloride to label membrane amino groups. We found that half the rhodopsin amino groups were accessible to the membrane impermeable reagent; therefore, rhodopsin must protrude into the extradiskal space. A complementary experiment using fluorescein isothiocyanate confirmed these results. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy showed that the disk membrane is asymmetric and that the sidedness of our disk preparation is uniform.
Quantitation of major tobacco alkaloids by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic technique was developed to quantitate the major alkaloids from both fresh green tissue and air dried tobacco leaf tissue. The procedure involves an aqueous extraction of the milled tissue followed by separation of the alkaloids on a reversed-phase C18 column with a mobile phase of 40% methanol containing 0.2% phosphoric acid buffered to pH 7.25 with triethylamine. This procedure provides quantitative analysis of the four major alkaloids in tobacco and can be partially automated to handle large numbers of samples.
Use of Belief Function in Brownfield Infrastructure Redevelopment Decision-Making

The decision making in brownfield infrastructure necessitates the consideration of a multiplicity of complex, interrelated issues. However, technical issues, liability issues, financial issues, community concerns, and future land-use concerns are used to construct a hierarchical network for redevelopment decision-making. Finally, the Dempster-Shafer theory of combination is used to combine independent evidence from various issues to determine the overall uncertainty in redevelopment decision making.
Gender Differences in Emotional Reactivity of Depressed and At-Risk Preschoolers: Implications for Gender Specific Manifestations of Preschool Depression

We investigated whether differences in positive and negative emotional reactivity could be found in depressed preschoolers and preschoolers at risk for later internalizing symptoms relative to nondepressed/low risk comparison groups. Observational measures of emotional reactivity, used to derive a score of the balance between anger and sadness, were obtained and analyzed in independent samples. One study utilized cross-sectional data from preschoolers (M age = 4.6 years) with a current depressive syndrome and two nondepressed comparison groups. The other study utilized longitudinal data that assessed emotional reactivity at preschool age (M age = 4.5 years) and later mental health symptoms during the transition to primary school, allowing a retrospective determination of risk. Depressed and at-risk boys displayed more anger than sadness in contrast to girls in the same groups and in contrast to no disorder/low-risk controls. This finding was detected in depressed and "at risk for internalizing" boys who were not comorbid for externalizing problems.
Etiological classification and the acquisition and structure of knowledge

Millikan's account of how we acquire our most basic concepts might be clarified by a better ontological taxonomy, especially one that distinguishes between natural kinds on the one hand and wholes composed of parts on the other. The two have a different causal basis, which is important because once classification goes beyond the stage of naive induction, it becomes fundamentally etiological.
Acute hepatitis in rats expressing human hepatitis B virus transgenes.

Abstract The molecular mechanisms responsible for hepatocyte death and the events leading to viral clearance in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are not well understood. Elucidation of the mechanisms involved have been complicated by the difficulty of infecting human hepatocytes with HBV in vitro and the lack of an appropriate animal model. We report an animal model of human HBV infection by in vivo transfection. We have directly introduced a replication-competent, cloned HBV construct into rat liver by using a membrane fusion-promoting cationic lipid. HBV mRNA and 3.2-kb HBV DNA were expressed in the liver by this in vivo transfection method. In the majority of rats, HBV virions and hepatitis B e antigen were found in the blood 3-7 days after transfection, after which antibody to the e antigen appeared. Two to three weeks after the transfection, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase levels were elevated in serum, hepatocyte death and lymphocyte infiltration were observed in the vicinity of the portal vein of liver, and HBV virions were no longer detected in the serum. Thus, transfection of HBV into rats resulted in histological and serological changes comparable to HBV-induced acute hepatitis in humans. In contrast, no hepatocellular injury was observed in T-lymphocyte-deficient nude rats transfected with the same HBV construct, and viremia was substantially prolonged, providing direct evidence that T lymphocytes play an essential role in liver cell injury and in the clearance of HBV. This rat hepatitis model will be useful for studying pathogenesis of HBV infection.
Sensitivity and specificity of programmed atrial stimulation for induction of supraventricular tachycardias

The sensitivity and specificity of two programmed atrial stimulation protocols were studied in 92 consecutive patients undergoing electrophysiologic studies both with (35 patients) and without (57 patients) clinical supraventricular arrhythmias. Protocol I (P I) consisted of incremental atrial pacing to 2:1 atrioventricular (AV) block and a single atrial extrastimulus scanned by 10 ms decrements through diastole to the atrial effective refractory period at a single drive-cycle length. Protocol II (P II) included a second atrial extrastimulus scanned by 10 ms decrements through diastole at a single drive-cycle length with the first extrastimulus set 20 ms from the atrial effective refractory period. Rapid atrial pacing at cycle lengths of 350, 300, and 250 ms was then performed with PII. P I was employed in all patients while P II was studied in the final 48 patients only. Of the 35 patients with clinical atrial arrhythmias, 26 (74%) of their arrhythmias were induced with either P I (18/35; sensitivity = 51%) and/or P II (12/17; sensitivity = 71%). Of the 57 patients without clinical atrial arrhythmias (control group), atrial arrhythmias were induced in 11 (19%), 3 with PI (specificity 95%, 54/57) and 8 with P II (specificity 74%, 23/31). The sensitivity of P II was higher (71%), but its specificity was lower (74%) than P I (51% and 95%, respectively; p>0.05). The positive predictive value of P II was lower (60%) than that of P I (86%) (p>0.05), but the negative predictive value (82%) and predictive accuracy (73%) were comparable to those of P I (76% and 78%, respectively). In conclusion, protocol II (P II) including double extrastimuli and rapid atrial pacing can enhance sensitivity of programmed atrial stimulation in inducing atrial tachyarrhythmias, but results in lower specificity when compared to protocol I (P I).
De novo design of ligands /spl lsqb/automated drug design/spl rsqb/

We have developed an integrated, rational drug-design system consisting of four programs: CAVITY, FOUNDATION, DBMAKER, and SPLICE. The first two programs are utilized to characterize the active site and retrieve complementary molecular fragments. Databases containing 3D structures for searching can be generated using the program DBMAKER along with CONCORD. Finally, the program SPLICE is used to edit and assemble recovered components into complete ligands. To illustrate the approach, novel ligands designed to complement the NADPH-binding site of DHFR were produced. >
Celecoxib and GABA cooperatively prevent the progression of pancreatic cancer in vitro and in xenograft models of stress-free and stress-exposed mice.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis and is associated with high levels of psychological distress. We have shown that beta-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs), which are activated by stress neurotransmitters, regulate PDAC cells via cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent signaling in vitro, that social stress promotes PDAC progression in mouse xenografts and that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibits these responses in vitro and in vivo. The targeted inhibition of stress-induced regulatory pathways may abolish the potentially negative impact of psychological stress on clinical outcomes. Our current data show that chronic exposure of PDAC cell lines Panc-1 (activating point mutations in K-ras) and BXPC-3 (no mutations in K-ras) in vitro to the stress neurotransmitter epinephrine at the concentration (15 nM) previously measured in the serum of mice exposed to social stress significantly increased proliferation and migration. These responses were inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by celecoxib. The effects of celecoxib alone and in combination with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the progression of subcutaneous mouse xenografts from the cell line (BXPC-3) most responsive to epinephrine were then investigated in the presence and absence of social stress. Cancer-stimulating factors (VEGF & prostaglandin E2 [PGE2]) and levels of cAMP were measured by immunoassays in blood and xenograft tissue. Phosphorylation of the signaling proteins ERK, CREB, Src, and AKT was assessed by ELISA assays and Western blotting. Expression of COX-2, 5-lipoxygenase, and p-5-LOX were determined by semi-quantitative Western blotting. Celecoxib alone significantly inhibited xenograft progression and decreased systemic and tumor VEGF, PGE2, and cAMP as well as phosphorylated signaling proteins in stress-exposed and stress-free mice. These responses were significantly enhanced by co-treatment with GABA. The celecoxib-induced downregulation of COX-2 protein and p-5-LOX was also significantly enhanced by GABA under both experimental conditions. Our findings identify the targeted inhibition of stress-induced pathways as a promising area for more effective cancer intervention in pancreatic cancer.
Algebraic technique for the transport and optical properties of electrons in a random array of strong scattering centers

Abstract We develop an algebraic technique for the evaluation of the coefficients of a general transport equation for dynamically independent electrons in the presence of random impurities. This method readily yields, for arbitrarily strong single center potentials, these coefficients in powers of the density of the impurities. There is no restriction, in these calculations, on the wave vector or frequency of the external electric field. We explicitly give the coefficients of the transport equation up to first order in the impurity density and study in detail the case of free electrons. For short-range scatterers we obtain, in this case, a closed expression for the transverse conductivity.
A clock pulse generator (CPG) for behavioral time research

A device is described which (1) generates very accurate time calibration tones suitable for tape recording along with experimental behaviors, and (2) creates from such a recorded tone an easy-to-read structured pulse train for oscillographic tracings. Calibration tones at 1-, 5-, and 10-kHz pulse rates are derived from a crystal oscillator module and are made available for tape recording at one output of the device. The second output produces a four-level structured pulse train in which there is one pulse for each cycle of the calibration tone (every 10th is a little larger, every 100th a little larger yet, and every 1,000th larger still). An example of the use of this device in speech, timing research is given.
Linked active content: a service for digital libraries for education

A service is described to help enable digital libraries for education, such as the NSDL, to serve as collaboration spaces for the creation, modification and use of active learning experiences. The goal is to redefine the line between those activities that fall within the domain of computer programming and those that fall within the domain of content authoring. The current location of this line, as defined by web technologies, is such that far too much of the design and development process is in the domain of software creation. This paper explores the definition and use of “linked active content”, which builds on the hypertext paradigm by extending it to support active content. This concept has community development advantages, since it provides an authoring paradigm that supports contributions from a more diverse audience, including especially those who have substantial classroom and pedagogical expertise but lack programming expertise. It also promotes the extraction of content from software so that collections may be better organized and more easily repurposed to meet the needs of a diverse audience of educators and students.
New Method to Study the Effects of Peptide Sequence on the Dissociation Energetics of Peptide Ions

A new method has been developed to study the dissociation patterns of singly protonated peptides by using a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. The new approach involves using boundary-activated dissociation to characterize the ease of dissociation of peptide ions. Insight can be gained into the effect of specific peptide sequences on the dissociation energetics of protonated peptides. Increased knowledge of the effects of specific sequences on the dissociation patterns of peptide ions should improve the ability to interpret complex spectra from tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments. This method has confirmed the previously observed increase in the energy needed for the dissociation of peptide ions containing basic residues. In addition, this technique has revealed the effect of the location of proline residues on the dissociation energetics of peptides with this amino acid.
Blood oxygenation dependence of t1 and t2 in the isolated, perfused rabbit heart at 4.7t

An MR line scan protocol has been used to measure relaxation parameters (T1 and T2) in isolated, blood perfused rabbit hearts at various blood oxygenations. Hearts were retrogradely perfused at 37 degrees C with a cardioplegic solution (modified St. Thomas' solution) containing sheep red blood cells and adenosine (1 mM) to maximally vasodilate the coronary vascular bed. Arresting the hearts eliminated motion complications and minimized arteriovenous oxygenation differences. The authors have found that under conditions of stable flow, there is a strong correlation between T2 in myocardial septa and hemoglobin (Hb) saturation, while tissue T1 is virtually independent of blood oxygenation. These effects are believed to be due to the paramagnetic agent deoxyhemoglobin.
Circuit resistance training attenuates acute exertion-induced reductions in arterial function but not inflammation in obese women.

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of preventable death among young women in the United States. Habitual resistance exercise training is known to have beneficial effects on endothelial function and CVD risk factors, including obesity; however, previous studies show that acute resistance exercise impairs endothelial function in obese adults who are sedentary, a response that may be linked to inflammation. We sought to determine if circuit-based resistance training (CRT) attenuates acute resistance exercise-induced reductions in endothelial function in a population of young, obese, sedentary women and whether or not inflammation plays a role in this response. Methods: Eighteen obese [body mass index (BMI) 30.0–40.0 kg·m−2] young premenopausal women were randomly assigned to either a CRT group or a no-exercise control group (CON). Conduit artery endothelial function was assessed using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) determined by ultrasound before and after a si...
Color coding of spatial frequencies using incoherent optical processing

An incoherent optical processing technique for color coding the spatial frequency content of an input is described. Experimental results and comparison with the output of a coherent filtering system are discussed. Possible applications such as texture recognition in aerial imagery or radiography analysis are suggested.
Measurement of English farming technological change, 1523–1900

Abstract I have argued that for the period from 1661 to 1850, patent data in England were consistent in that no official changes in methods and standards of issuance occurred. Book data on titles published on farming production methods were similarly consistent from 1523 to the mid-19th century because the market for books developed gradually and the technology of printing was not substantially changed until the mid-19th century. My main point is that data on output of titles of books on farming productive techniques in England are useful measures of technological change. Books did have information on good production methods and could express productive ideas where a patent may not be issued. Further, the literacy rate of farmers was high so that books were likely an important source of ideas on farming production methods. Finally, the fluctuations in the book data were highly related to the fluctuations in the patent data, suggesting that a common set of factors caused those fluctuations. The high correlations between the detrended book and patent data indicate that if we accept patenting as a useful measure of technology we may also accept book title output of a technical nature as a good measure of technical change. I used the data for a simple analysis of the trend growth rate of agricultural technology in England from 1551 to 1850. While there is limited evidence to show that the subperiod 1651–1750 saw a slowing in the trend of development of farming technology, I argue that a division of the entire period into subperiods is too simplistic. A more fruitful approach would be an analysis of the underlying forces that determined the trend of development of the technology of English agriculture. The next step is an analysis of the forces that influenced technological development of English farming. From an economic point of view, market forces play an important role in influencing technology. Because such an analysis deserves careful consideration, I leave that to another paper (see Sullivan and Simon, 1983 ).
Joint linkage and imprinting analyses of GAW15 rheumatoid arthritis and gene expression data.

Background Genomic imprinting is a mechanism in which the expression of a gene copy depends upon the sex of the parent from which it was inherited. This mechanism is now well recognized in humans, and the deregulation of imprinted genes has been implicated in a number of diseases. In this study, we performed a genome-wide joint linkage and imprinting scan using two data sets provided by Genetic Analysis Workshop 15 (GAW15).
Dressing the Older Woman in Post-Mao China: Perspectives from Official Feminist Mass Media and Ordinary Chinese Women

This article examines Chinese discourses on dressing the aging female body as a window into the tensions involved in the historical transformation of habitus in early post-Mao China. Drawing on Chinese media articles and ethnographic interviews conducted with Chinese women in their 40s-60s, the analysis compares depictions of new official ideals for older women’s dress that appeared in Chinese government-sponsored feminist media with ordinary older Chinese women’s personal sensibilities about dress. Assessing the applicability of dominant western feminist theories of gender, dress, and age, this article provides a historicized culture-specific application of practice theory, examining older women’s struggles with competing moral logics associated with past and present, and with official media versus personal experience. Overall, it documents experiences of ambivalence and compromise accompanying lifecycle adjustment in embodiment in the context of rapid social change.
Knowledge acquisition in the small: building knowledge-acquisition tools from pieces

Abstract The knowledge-systems community is interested in easing the knowledge-system development process. One approach, the mechanisms approach, views knowledge systems as a set of tasks, each of which can be realized by a computation mechanism. To be effective, knowledge-acquisition (KA) tools must be automatically configured once a set of mechanisms has been selected. We present a method for automatically generating a model-based KA tool for a given set of mechanisms. The method advocates combining KA mechanisms, which acquire knowledge in the small, and a set of strategies that provide a global view of the KA activity. We show that these global strategies are necessary for the KA tool to efficiently interact with a domain expert.
The use of naphthalene fluorescence probes to study the binding sites on cyclodextrin polymers formed from reaction of cyclodextrin monomers with epichlorohydrin

Three naphthalene-based fluorescence probes were used as guest molecules to study host/guest binding with cyclodextrin (CD) polymer hosts prepared by treating α-,β-, or γ-cyclodextrin monomers with epichlorohydrin. The fluorescence data indicate that the binding interaction is much stronger for the probes with the CD polymers than with the CD monomers. Moreover, the fluorophore binding site on the CD polymers is also more hydrophobic than that on the CD monomers. Fluorescence lifetime data from one of the bound probes (2-(N-methylanilino) naphthalene-6-sulfonic acid) suggest that more than one type of binding site may exist on the CD polymers with this probe. A comparison of fluorescence data using different molecular weight ranges of the CD polymers appear to rule out the possibility of a 1∶2 host/guest complex, where the two CD units come from the same polymer chain.
Phase conjugated wavefronts by stimulated brillouin and Raman scattering

Abstract Experimental investigations were made of wavefront reproduction (WFR) by backward stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and backward stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in CS2 with a linearly polarized ruby pump beam. The experimental studies were carried out as a function of the optical waveguide diameter and photographic records comparing the pump beam with the backscattered SBS and SRS beams are presented. In all of the cases studied there was a high degree of replication between the SBS and pump beams; however, a deterioration in the quality of the replicated SRS beam was observed, and it increased as the cross-sectional area of the waveguide increased.
Student misinterpretations and misconceptions based on their explanations of two computer animations of varying complexity depicting the same oxidation–reduction reaction

A group of 55 students were shown unnarrated versions of two different particulate-level computer animations of varying complexity depicting the oxidation–reduction reaction of aqueous silver nitrate and solid copper metal. These students were asked to explain their understanding of the chemical reaction based on their interpretations of these animations. This study describes the common errors made by these students in their explanations, and includes both student misinterpretations and misconceptions from the animations. These errors included confusing the depicted water molecules as nitrate ions, seeing neutral ion-pair “molecules” in the solution, predicting incorrect ion charges, viewing incorrect silver : nitrate ion ratios and silver : copper reacting ratios, not recognizing that a transfer of electrons changes the charges and sizes of the metal atoms or ions, misidentifying the source of the blue colour in solution, and conflating macroscopic and particulate properties in the reaction. This study also discusses possible sources of these errors, the limitations of this study, suggestions for animators, and future directions for research based on the results reported.
Fundamental considerations in adhesion, friction and wear for ceramic — metal contacts

Fundamental studies of friction, wear and adhesion of ceramics in contact with metals are evaluated. It is shown that friction and adhesion are strongly dependent on the ductility of the metals. The surface energy, friction, adhesion and hardness of a metal are related to its Young's modulus and shear modulus, which have a marked dependence on the electron configuration of the metal. Generally, the greater the sheer modulus, the less metal transfer there is to the ceramic.