cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurements of Noise in Camera Tubes

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses measurements of noise in camera tubes. The characterization of the noise in camera tubes has traditionally been limited to the measurement of its RMS value. A number of techniques for performing this measurement exist, but all suffer from one or more of the following problems: (i) the noise is not well characterized in as much as only the RMS value is measured; (ii) the accuracy of an experimental measurement is variable or difficult to assess; (iii) the technique is limited in application. This chapter describes some computer-aided techniques for measuring the power density spectra and amplitude density functions of noise in the camera tubes in addition to their RMS value. The principle advantages of these methods are that the noise parameters can be measured with high and predictable accuracy, short experiment times are required, and measurements can be made in the presence of signals. Techniques are discussed for measuring power density spectra and amplitude distribution functions of noise in the television camera tubes.
A General and Unifying Framework for Feature Construction, in Image-Based Pattern Classification

This paper presents a general and unifying optimization framework for the problem of feature extraction and reduction for high-dimensional pattern classification of medical images. Feature extraction is often an ad hoc and case-specific task. Herein, we formulate it as a problem of sparse decomposition of images into a basis that is desired to possess several properties: 1) Sparsity and local spatial support, which usually provides good generalization ability on new samples, and lends itself to anatomically intuitive interpretations; 2) good discrimination ability, so that projection of images onto the optimal basis yields discriminant features to be used in a machine learning paradigm; 3) spatial smoothness and contiguity of the estimated basis functions. Our method yields a parts-based representation, which warranties that the image is decomposed into a number of positive regional projections. A non-negative matrix factorization scheme is used, and a numerical solution with proven convergence is used for solution. Results in classification of Alzheimers patients from the ADNI study are presented.
VERTEBRATE RECORDS | Late Pleistocene of North America

The Rancholabrean Land Mammal Age (RLB) occurred in the late Pleistocene, incorporating at least the Wisconsin Glaciation and possibly the preceding interglacial (‘Sangamon’). The RLB is defined based on the occurrence of Bison . The first occurrence (arrival time) of Bison is not well established and is still debated. A conservative approach toward the RLB includes: (1) restricting the RLB to faunas south of 55° N latitude in North America, (2) defining the RLB by the earliest arrival of Bison south of this latitude, (3) placing the best-corroborated arrival time of Bison (therefore the beginning of the RLB) between approximately 210 and 160 ka, and (4) the end of the RLB is marked by the extinction of mainly large mammals as an event or process culminating at approximately 11 radiocarbon ka BP. RLB faunas contain a wealth of information including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, but clearly the most is known about the latter. Glacial climate regimes forced species into communities that do not occur today (nonanalog or disharmonious scenarios). The debate about the terminal RLB extinctions continues with the cause either being (1) overkill due to the arrival of the First Americans, or (2) the climatic and environmental defragmentation of biotic communities.
fMRI Scanning Methodologies

A pervasive and constant challenge in the field of neuroscience is to advance in the understanding of working mechanisms of the human brain and what enacts such complex functions as perception, emotions, and behavior. In areas of clinical psychology, neurophysiology, and neurosciences, it is an ultimate interest to describe neuronal functions quantitatively, as well as qualitatively, under what is considered normal conditions and various disorders, and later use that knowledge for diagnostic purposes.
Serum Antibodies From Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis and Reiter's Syndrome Are Reactive With HLA-B27 Cells Transfected With the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis hsp60 Gene

HLA-B27-related arthritis is probably mediated by an immune response against HLA-B27 complexed with peptides derived from proteins of arthritis-causing bacteria. Immunogenic proteins with a high degree of homology among bacteria, such as in the hsp60 family, are likely candidates. To create such complexes experimentally, we transfected an HLA-B27 cell line with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis hsp60 gene. Because of previous observations that HLA-B27-peptide complexes can be distinguished by antibodies, we tested the transfected cell line with a panel of sera from 24 HLA-B27+ arthritis patients. Significant antibodies were detected in at least eight of the sera. Several cell lines and peptides were used as negative controls to ensure that the antibody reactivity was specific to HLA-B27-peptide complexes. A panel of nine peptides derived from the sequence of the Mycobacterium hsp60 were synthesized and tested. At least three were identified as being responsible for the serological activities.
Cloning and expression analysis of the chick DAN gene, an antagonist of the BMP family of growth factors.

Differential screening-selected gene aberrative in neuroblastoma (DAN) is a member of a cystine knot protein family that includes Cerberus and Gremlin. First isolated in a screen to identify genes down-regulated in transformed rat fibroblasts, DAN has subsequently been cloned in Xenopus, mouse, and human. Overexpression of DAN suppresses the transformed phenotype and retards the cell's entry into S phase. Biochemical analyses have demonstrated DAN's ability to bind bone morphogenetic proteins and antagonize their signaling activity. In this study, chick DAN was cloned and sequenced, revealing a conserved cystine knot region as well as an N-glycosylation site. A riboprobe was designed from the 3' chick DAN coding sequence and used for analysis of DAN in the developing chick embryo by in situ hybridization. Chick DAN was expressed beginning at stage 10 in the developing somites and the medial otic epithelium. Expression in the neural layer of the eye became apparent at stage 14. By stage 17, expression had expanded to the base of the hindbrain. Limb bud labeling began at stage 20, whereas expression in the branchial arches appeared at stage 25. Chick DAN expression generally corresponded to that of mouse DAN expression as shown by comparative in situ hybridization. However, chick DAN was found in the otic epithelium and notochord, whereas mouse DAN was restricted to the overlying otic ectomesenchyme and was absent from the notochord. This observation suggests that DAN may play different roles in chick and mouse otic and notochord development.
Why are women more religious than men

MARTA, TRZEBIATOWSKA, STEVE, BRUCE, , 2012, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 224 pp, ISBN 978-0-19 960810, £23.75 (hardback) In the preface to this book, the authors note that their publisher urged...
Effect of high sensitivity in a computerized scheme for detecting extremely subtle solitary pulmonary nodules in chest radiographs: observer performance study.

Abstract Rationales and Objectives. This study investigated the effect of a high sensitivity in computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) for detecting lung nodules in chest radiographs when extremely subtle cases were presented to radiologists. Material and Methods. The chest radiographs used in this study consisted of 36 normal images and 54 abnormals containing solitary lung nodules, of which 25 were extremely subtle and 29 were very subtle. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for detecting lung nodules was performed without and with CAD. The levels of CAD output were simulated with a hypothetical ideal performance of 100% sensitivity, but with three or four false positives per image. Six radiologists participated in an observer study in which cases were interpreted first without and then with the use of CAD. Results. The average A Z values for radiologists without and with CAD were 0.682 and 0.808, respectively. The performance of radiologists was improved significantly when high sensitivity was used ( P = .0003). However, the radiologists were not able to recognize some extremely subtle nodules (5 of 54 nodules by all radiologists), even with the correct CAD output; these nodules were then considered as non-actionable. None of 306 computer-false positives was incorrectly regarded as a nodule by all radiologists, but 63 false positives were incorrectly identified by one or more radiologists. Conclusion. The accuracy of radiologists in the detection of some extremely subtle solitary pulmonary nodules can be improved significantly when the sensitivity of a CAD scheme can be made to be at an extremely high level. However, all of the six radiologists failed to identify some nodules (about 10%), even with the correct output of the CAD.
Optical spectroscopy for clinical detection of pancreatic cancer

A prototype clinical fluorescence and reflectance spectrometer was developed and employed to detect human pancreatic adenocarcinoma. For the first time, quantitative pancreatic tissue models and chemometric algorithms were applied to successfully distinguish among tissue types.
An 81-year-old man with imbalance and memory impairment.

An 81-year-old man presented for evaluation of balance difficulties and nocturia. From January 1994 through February 1995, he developed progressive dizziness, which he described as a feeling of imbalance or unsteadiness when walking. This sensation occurred independently of changes in position and was not associated with true vertigo. His symptoms were identified shortly after he underwent knee surgery that was complicated by a gastrointestinal bleed requiring a blood transfusion. Over the year, his symptoms progressively worsened; he required a cane due to frequent falls and he lost interest in hunting, fishing, and reading. He developed increased rumination and anxiety with obsessive/compulsive behaviors that included the need to draw blinds, lock doors, or take out the trash immediately upon thinking of these actions. On a daily basis, he would sit at the window waiting for the mail to arrive and had to be the first one to retrieve and open it once it arrived. From March 1995 through February 1996, the patient’s wife noted he was becoming more forgetful and impatient. She took over the household finances by this time. Local evaluation included a head CT scan that by report demonstrated diffuse atrophy and he was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease (AD). A 4-week trial of tacrine hydrochloride was not beneficial. He continued to drive a motor vehicle and reported no traffic violations or motor vehicle accidents. His medical history was remarkable for atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. His medications included fluoxetine, probenecid, and terazosin, the last of which was discontinued in March 1996. His social history was remarkable for moderate alcohol intake. He did not use tobacco. His family history was negative for gait, cognitive, or other neurologic disorders. Review of symptoms was remarkable for recent complaints of lightheadedness, which was non-positional, and nocturia (three times nightly). He denied …
Multi-institutional analysis of renal function outcomes following radical nephroureterectomy and partial ureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Abstract Purpose To compare renal function outcomes in patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) or partial (distal) ureterectomy (PU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Methods Clinicopathologic data of patients undergoing RNU or PU for UTUC from 1998 to 2012 were compiled. Glomerular filtration rate was calculated preoperatively and postoperatively using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. We defined “event” as new-onset stage III chronic kidney disease (CKD) or worsening of CKD stage with preexisting CKD. Event-free survival was assessed with Kaplan-Meier methods. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of events. Results In total, 193 patients underwent RNU ( n = 143) or PU ( n = 50) over a median follow-up of 25.9 months. Overall, 15% of patients died of UTUC. High tumor grade (85.9% vs. 66.0%, P = 0.003) and locally advanced stage (>pT2, 37.8% vs. 18.0%, P = 0.014) were significantly more frequent in the RNU cohort. Stage III or higher CKD was present in 61% of RNU patients vs. 48% of PU patients ( P = 0.135) at baseline. Although total event rate was higher in the PU cohort (66% vs. 43.4%, P = 0.008), event rates within the first 3 months of surgery were similar between the groups ( P = 0.572). Adjuvant chemotherapy was the only predictor of events on Cox regression. Conclusions Rates of new-onset CKD or worsening of CKD stage were similar in patients treated with RNU and PU. Adjuvant chemotherapy may have a more significant effect on renal outcomes than surgical approach, warranting further investigation. Consideration should be given to preoperative chemotherapy, as adjuvant chemotherapy is limited by decreased renal function following surgery.
SAMPLING A RARE POPULATION: A CASE STUDY.

Abstract In sampling a rare population, gains can be made through the use of optimal allocation if a large proportion of the population lives in concentrated areas which can be identified. The use of such a strategy is illustrated with an actual sampling procedure developed to select a sample of females aged 15 through 19 where black respondents were to be selected at four times the rate of whites.
Promising Molecular Targets and Biomarkers for Male BPH and LUTS

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major health concern for aging men. BPH is associated with urinary voiding dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which negatively affects quality of life. Surgical resection and medical approaches have proven effective for improving urinary flow and relieving LUTS but are not effective for all men and can produce adverse effects that require termination of the therapeutic regimen. Thus, there is a need to explore other therapeutic targets to treat BPH/LUTS. Complicating the treatment of BPH/LUTS is the lack of biomarkers to effectively identify pathobiologies contributing to BPH/LUTS or to gauge successful response to therapy. This review will briefly discuss current knowledge and will highlight new studies that illuminate the pathobiologies contributing to BPH/LUTS, potential new therapeutic strategies for successfully treating BPH/LUTS, and new approaches for better defining these pathobiologies and response to therapeutics through the development of biomarkers and phenotyping strategies.
Contrasts in large file memories for large-scale computers

Requirements for the use of very large files in digital computer systems for both scientific and business applications arise in a variety of circumstances. Certain characteristics of these applications tend to determine the type of file most suitable, where the file may contain well in excess of fifty million alphanumeric characters of information. These characteristics, some or all of which will be important in a particular application, include: 1. the upper and lower size limits of the file and the rate of change in total file size, 2. the volume of data which must be entered into and read from the file, either by other components of the mechanized system or by elements external to the mechanized system, 3. the speed with which each such reference must take place, 4. the average amount of data in one record and the variations in this amount, 5. the form of the original data and the desired form of information extracted from the file, 6. the control requirements dictated by particular kinds of files, especially the means of identification of records contained therein, and 7. the likelihood and implications of any unavailability, temporary or permanent, which may occur of information stored in the file.
Concurrence of inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis.

Objectives To quantify the coexistence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) and to characterize the diseases when they coexist. Patients and Methods In this retrospective study of medical records spanning 1950 through 1995, the diagnoses of Crohn disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and MS were based on review of inpatient and outpatient records by a gastroenterologist and a neurologist. Results We identified 4 residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, with IBD (3 UC, 1 CD) who had concurrent, clinically definite MS; all had mild neurologic disease with little disability. These comprised 1% of the IBD and 1.8% of the MS cohort. The CD patient had undergone terminal ileal resection; of the UC patients, 2 had pancolitis, and 1 had proctosigmoiditis. The observed prevalence of MS at onset of IBD was 3.7 times the expected (95% confidence interval, 0.8-10.8). We also reviewed the records of 32 referral patients with both diagnoses. Disability from MS was moderate at median follow-up of 8.5 years. By 15 years, ambulation was impaired in most patients. Neurologic disability was similar between patients with CD and UC. Conclusions Concurrence of the 2 diseases was greater than expected. Although MS and IBD may share common predisposing factors, not enough information is available to speculate about possible mechanisms.
Containerless Consolidation of Mg Powders Using ECAE

In this article, we present results of consolidation of Mg powders using equal channel angular extrusion. A novel feature of the processing is that we were able to compact the powders without either prior cold compaction or canning of the powders. Increased hydrostatic pressure was used to aid the consolidation using the simple expedient of a metal plug in front of the powder. The porosity, density, and tensile properties of the resulting compacts are described.
Photochemical methods to assay DNA photocleavage using supercoiled pUC18 DNA and LED or xenon arc lamp excitation.

Abstract Methods for the study of DNA photocleavage are illustrated using a mixed-metal supramolecular complex [{(bpy) 2 Ru(dpp)} 2 RhCl 2 ]Cl 5 . The methods use supercoiled pUC18 plasmid as a DNA probe and either filtered light from a xenon arc lamp source or monochromatic light from a newly designed, high-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) array. Detailed methods for performing the photochemical experiments and analysis of the DNA photoproduct are delineated. Detailed methods are also given for building an LED array to be used for DNA photolysis experiments. The Xe arc source has a broad spectral range and high light flux. The LEDs have a high-intensity, nearly monochromatic output. Arrays of LEDs have the advantage of allowing tunable, accurate output to multiple samples for high-throughput photochemistry experiments at relatively low cost.
Biomolecules Bearing the SAsMe2 Group: Nucleoside Derivatives

A number of compounds of the type GS- and GSeAsR2, where G is a monosaccharide, a thio amino acid, a thiol-containing di- or tripeptide or cholesterol display carcinostatic activity in in vivo mouse test systems. The synthesis and characterization of derivatives in which G is a nucleoside and the synthesis of an arsenic-containing precursor of 5-thioglucose are described. Of the nucleoside derivatives thus far screened, none displays carcinostatic activity.
Mass transfer at low pressures

Data are reported for the evaporation of spheres of naphthalene into air, helium, carbon dioxide, and Freon-12, and of liquid diethyl adipate into air at pressures from 0.1 to 3,000μ Hg and at Reynolds numbers from 0 to 1.37. By use of suitable values of the surface-evaporation coefficient and the assumption of additivity of surface evaporation and diffusional resistances, the data are well correlated. The results lend semiquantitative support to the theory of sublimation of crystals developed by Stranski.
Intestinal macrophages and response to microbial encroachment

Macrophages in the gastrointestinal mucosa represent the largest pool of tissue macrophages in the body. In order to maintain mucosal homeostasis, resident intestinal macrophages uniquely do not express the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) co-receptor CD14 or the IgA (CD89) and IgG (CD16, 32, and 64) receptors, yet prominently display Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 3-9. Remarkably, intestinal macrophages also do not produce proinflammatory cytokines in response to TLR ligands, likely because of extracellular matrix (stromal) transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) dysregulation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB signal proteins and, via Smad signaling, expression of IκBα, thereby inhibiting NF-κB-mediated activities. Thus, in noninflamed mucosa, resident macrophages are inflammation anergic but retain avid scavenger and host defense function, an ideal profile for macrophages in close proximity to gut microbiota. In the event of impaired epithelial integrity during intestinal infection or inflammation, however, blood monocytes also accumulate in the lamina propria and actively pursue invading microorganisms through uptake and degradation of the organism and release of inflammatory mediators. Consequently, resident intestinal macrophages are inflammation adverse, but when the need arises, they receive assistance from newly recruited circulating monocytes.
An analysis of intuitive and model-directed media-selection decisions

Media-selection decisions of 30 instructional development graduate students were studied under intuitive and model-directed decision-making conditions. Students were given three media-selection problems and were directed to select an appropriate medium for each problem and to write a rationale for the medium selected. The students used thier intuitions to select media for the first problem. They used a formal media selection process to select media for the other two problems. Results indicated that the proportion of students who made correct media selections when they used their intuition was not significantly different from the proportion who made correct selections the first time they used the formal selection process. The proportion of students who made correct selections the second time they used the formal process was significantly greater than the proportion who made correct selection decisions when using their intuition and when using the formal selection process the first time. Subsequent analysis, however, indicated that there was no correlation between the correct use of the formal selection process and making correct media-selection decisions. Implications for the design and use of formal media selection processes in instructional development are described.
Theories of Piaget, Bruner, and Ausubel: Explications and Implications

Abstract A comparison of the major tenets shared by the three cognitive theories of Piaget, Bruner, and Ausubel, as well as variations in the description of cognitive development unique to each, provides a basis for a global phenomenological dialectical scheme of psychological development in the spirit of Werner. These theories represent points on a dimension from Piaget's particular organismic world-view to Ausubel's tendency towards a mechanistic orientation. Each theory, however, adopts a structuralist approach towards theory and explanation assuming qualitative change in structure over time. Cognitive growth is seen as qualitative changes in thought systems though the source of change is seen variously to be either the properties of the internal structural system itself or the organized system provided by the external environment. Each theory proposes a form of conflict resolution as a critical mechanism of change in thinking, though the form of such change-mechanisms varies from Piaget's stages of in...
A postcryogenic comparison of membrane fatty acids of elephant spermatozoa

Cryogenic protocols have been successful in storing spermatozoa collected from African elephants (Loxodonta africana). However, these same protocols and modifications of these protocols have failed to preserve spermatozoa collected from Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) [Buice et al., 1995, Proceedings of the Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians, Baltimore, MD; O’Brien et al., 1997, Second International Elephant Research Symposium, Springfield, MO]. Because the success or failure of cryogenic freezing may rely on differences in membrane composition, a postcryogenic comparison of the membrane fatty acid composition of spermatozoa isolated from African and Asian elephants was studied. The spermatozoa of African elephants possessed significantly higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid (22:6, n-3) and docosapentaenoic acid (22:5, n-6) as compared to the spermatozoa of Asian elephants. Meanwhile, the spermatozoa of Asian elephants had higher levels of myristic acid (14:0), arachidonic acid (20:4, n-6), and docosatetraenoic acid (22:4, n-6) as compared to the spermatozoa of African elephants. The most abundant membrane fatty acid was docosahexaenoic acid (22:6, n-3). The percentage of membrane docosahexaenoic acid (22:6, n-3) in the spermatozoa of African elephants was 68.13 ± 0.52 as compared to 42.88 ± 0.87 in the spermatozoa of Asian elephants (t = 31.48, P ≤ 0.0001). Zoo Biol 19:461–473, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Minimum Cost 100% Inspection Systems with Inspection Error

A field failure in certain products has the potential to cause human suffering and/or loss of life. To the manufacturer, these failures will result in a significant external failure cost. In this paper, cost minimization models are developed to determine an optimal inspection system for multiple 100% attribute inspections with inspection error. An example involving the visual inspection of a braze joint in a cardiac biopsy device is presented to illustrate the use of the models. A key result is that a system requiring an item to pass every inspection in order to be shipped to a customer is not always the best alternative. Examples illustrating the sensitivity of the model results to key cost and operational parameters are shown.
Indecomposable factorizations of multigraphs

Abstract A one-factorization of a complete multigraph is called decomposable if some proper subset of the factors also forms a one-factorization of a complete multigraph; otherwise it is indecomposable. Some results on the existence of indecomposable one-factorizations will be proven.
Parallel computing comes of age: Supercomputer level parallel computations at Caltech

Parallel supercomputers are now in regular use at Caltech for several major scientific calculations. We use this experience to abstract a set of lessons for applications, decomposition, performance, hardware and software. We consider hypercubes, transputer arrays and the SIMD Connection Machine CM-2 and AMT DAP. These are contrasted, where possible, with CRAY and other high performance conventional computers. Applications covered are lattice gauge theory, plasma physics, statistical and condensed matter physics, astronomical data analysis, quantum chemistry, graphics ray tracing, string dynamics, grain dynamics, astrophysical particle dynamics, computer chess and Kalman filters.
Evaluation of a radioautographic neuroanatomical tracing method.

Summary Local injections of [ 3 H]- L -leucine solution were made unilaterally into the ninth spinal ganglion of toads ( Bufo marinus ) and into the L 7 dorsal root ganglion of cats. Injected animals were sacrificed at various postinjection intervals and their CNSs were subjected to radioautographic analysis. The dorsal root distributions delineated by the radioautographic tracing method were found to correspond closely with dorsal root projections defined by the Nauta method. However, the radioautographic technic appeared to define more reliably the distribution of small diameter fibers. In addition, the radioautographic method may be employed to quantitatively evaluate the validity of pathways which have been subjectively noted. Evidence was obtained which suggested that there was no significant spread of label from the site of injection to the CNS by way of extracellular spaces. The limitations and potential applications of the radioautographic tracing method are discussed.
Endless Enigma: A Musical Biography of Emerson, Lake and Palmer

Edward Macan, Chicago, IL: Open Court, 2006, ISBN 0-8126-9596-8, 863 pp, $49.95 (paperback) The progressive rock movement of the 1970s is one of the most reviled musical genres of all time, blamed ...
Loss of efficient import and thylakoid insertion due to N- and C-terminal deletions in the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein.

C-terminally truncated precursors of wheat light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein (LHCP) were synthesized to investigate the origin of the two forms (about 25 kD and 26 kD) of the mature protein observed upon in vitro import into the chloroplast. Precursors p delta 13 and p delta 27, lacking 13 and 27 amino acids, respectively, were successfully imported, and both gave rise to two smaller forms proportional to the size of their deletions. These results demonstrate that there are two N-terminal sites that are cleaved during import of the LHCP precursor, undoubtedly contributing to the heterogeneity of LHCP found in vivo. Significantly, p delta 27 yielded only 50% of mature LHCP when compared with wild type. Although the products of p delta 27 import were localized to the thylakoids, in contrast to p delta 13 they were not correctly inserted into the membranes, indicating that residues essential for this step are missing. p delta 27 is distinguished from p delta 13 by lacking the carboxy end of a domain highly conserved between LHCP of photosystems II and I. Other specific precursor mutants with larger C-terminal deletions were not efficiently transported into the organelle in time course experiments, nor did they insert directly into the thylakoids using chloroplast lysates, in an assay independent of translocation across the envelope. In addition, the mutant p delta 18n, lacking the first 18 amino acids of mature LHCP, was only found bound to the chloroplast envelope. However, both p delta 18n and the mature protein, i.e., LHCP, synthesized in vitro without its 34-amino acid transit peptide inserted into the thylakoids in chloroplast lysates. The overall conformation of the mutant precursor polypeptides was probed using the chloroplast soluble processing enzyme in an organelle-free reaction optimized for the LHCP precursor and the more general protease trypsin. A tightly folded, protease-resistant conformation was not apparent to explain the loss of efficient import.
Chromosome and Low Copy Plasmid Segregation in E. coli: Visual Evidence for Distinct Mechanisms

Abstract We have investigated DNA segregation in E. coli by inserting multiple lac operator sequences into the chromosome near the origin of replication ( oriC ), in the hisC gene, a terminus marker, and into plasmids P1 and F. Expression of a GFP–LacI fusion protein allowed visualization of lac operator localization. oriC was shown to be specifically localized at or near the cell poles, and when duplicated, one copy moved to the site of new pole formation near the site of cell division. In contrast, P1 and F localized to the cell center and on duplication appeared to move rapidly to the quarter positions in the cell. Our analysis suggests that different active processes are involved in movement and localization of the chromosome and of the two plasmids during segregation.
Solubilization and stabilization of bacteriophage MS2 in organic solvents

Several techniques were examined for the solubilization of bacteriophage MS2 in organic solvents. Direct extraction of the MS2 from an aqueous phase into isooctane containing 2 mM AOT, a proven approach for the organic solubilization of many proteins, was not successful. However, predried samples of MS2 were solubilized through the direct addition of organic solvents containing 500 mM AOT. As an alternative procedure, reverse micelles containing aqueous solutions of MS2 were prepared in isooctane using AOT, dehydrated through solvent evaporation and azeotropic drying, and resolubilized in a solvent of choice. The structure and microenvironment of organic-solubilized MS2 were investigated by UV absorbance, the fluorescence emission of an attached solvatochromatic dye, tryptophan fluorescence, and atomic force microscopy, all of which contributed evidence for a fully assembled capsid in the organic solvent. The solubilized MS2 was derivatized with stearic acid in chloroform, illustrating that bioconjugation reactions can be performed on organic-solubilized capsids using reagents that are completely insoluble in water. Furthermore, the organic-solubilized phage remained infectious after heating at 90°C for 20 min, whereas phage in aqueous buffer or dried with nitrogen were nonviable following the heat treatment protocol. The extended range of available chemical modifications and the enhanced thermal stability of the organic-solubilized capsids bodes well for the formulation of storage-stable vaccines predicated on reactions in or exposure to organic media. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97: 224–234. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrical resistivity of Ni0.8Mo0.2: Explanation of anomalous behavior in short-range ordered alloys.

We explain the counterintuitive result that increased short-range order reduces the conductivity in ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{0.8}$${\mathrm{Mo}}_{0.2}$ and suggest an explanation for the ``K-state'' effect, in which severe deformation can significantly increase conductivity.
Readjustment of leveling networks to account for vertical coseismic motions

Abstract In tectonically active regions, the geodesist is confronted with the problem of updating heights where the Earth's surface has been vertically deformed by an earthquake. Dislocation theory can be used as a basis for modeling coseismic elevation changes and be incorporated within a general least squares adjustment scheme to correct a network of old leveling measurements and heights that are within the deformed area. Releveling and information obtained from seismologists about the general nature of the earthquake serve as input to the modeling process. Fundamental equations and considerations are presented in this paper to develop dislocation models of vertical coseismic motions. Leveling data sets corresponding to the Fairview Peak, Nevada, Coalinga, California, and Borah Peak, Idaho earthquakes are analyzed. These examples show potential for the method when applied in other areas, even when the physical setting is made complex by ongoing subsidence. The primary benefit of modeling coseismic motion is to avoid the cost of releveling for some lines in a deformed region. Rough modeling prior to any resurveying helps to select the lines to relevel that are most critical to a successful final model. A good model for coseismic motion cannot restore geodetic levelings to their original reliability, but corrected heights can be used in applications not requiring accuracy better than a few centimeters.
Protein kinase A and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II regulate glycine and GABA release in auditory brain stem nuclei.

We reported previously that unilateral cochlear ablation (UCA) in young adult guinea pigs induced protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent plastic changes in the electrically evoked release of exogenous [ 1 4 C]glycine ([ 1 4 C]Gly) or [ 1 4 C]-γ-aminobutyric acid ([ 1 4 C]GABA) in several brain stem auditory nuclei. The present study assessed whether such changes depended on protein kinase A (PKA) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). In the major subdivisions of the cochlear nucleus (CN) and the main nuclei of the superior olivary complex (SOC) dissected from intact animals, dibutyryl-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (DBcAMP) (0.2 mM), a PKA activator, elevated release by 1.6-2.3-fold. The PKA inhibitor, H-89 (2 μM), did not alter the release but blocked the stimulatory effects of DBcAMP. These findings suggested that PKA could positively regulate glycinergic and GABAergic release. After UCA, PKA regulation declined and failed in the ventral CN but persisted in the SOC nuclei. After 145 postablation days, H-89 reversed elevations of [ 1 4 C]GABA release in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). A CaMKII inhibitor, KN-93, reversed depressions of [ 1 4 C]Gly release in the DCN. Thus, the postablation plasticities in these nuclei probably depended on PKA or CaMKII. Both H-89 and KN-93 depressed [ 1 4 C]Gly release in the lateral superior olive (LSO) and ipsilateral medial superior olive (MSO), suggesting that either kinase was used by endogenous mechanisms in these nuclei to upregulate glycinergic release. In contrast, KN-93 elevated [ 1 4 C]GABA release in the contralateral MNTB, suggesting a downregulatory action of CaMKII, an action opposite to that of PKA.
Data interpretation and experiment planning in performance tools

The parallel scientific computing community is placing increasing emphasis on portability and scalability of programs, languages, and architectures. This creates new challenges for developers of parallel performance analysis tools, who will have to deal with increasing volumes of performance data drawn from diverse platforms. One way to meet this challenge is to incorporate sophisticated facilities for data interpretation and experiment planning within the tools themselves, giving them increased flexibility and autonomy in gathering and selecting performance data. This panel discussion brings together four research groups that have made advances in this direction.
Utilization of custom electron bolus in head and neck radiotherapy.

Conventional methods of treating superficial head and neck tumors, such as the wedge pair technique or the use of multiple electron fields of varying energies, can result in excellent tumor control. However, in some cases, these techniques irradiate healthy tissue unnecessarily and/or create hot and cold spots in junction regions, particularly in patients with complex surface contour modification or varying planning target volume (PTV) thickness. The objective of this work is to demonstrate how bolus electron conformal therapy can be used for these patients. Two patients treated using this technique are presented. The first patient was diagnosed with malignant fibrous histiocytoma involving the right ear concha and was treated with 12-MeV electrons. The second patient was diagnosed with acinic cell carcinoma of the left parotid gland and was treated with 20-MeV electrons after having undergone a complete parotidectomy. Each patients bolus was designed using bolus design tools implemented in an in-house treatment-planning system (TPS). The bolus was fabricated using a computer-controlled milling machine. As part of the quality assurance process to ensure proper fabrication and placement of the bolus, the patients underwent a second computed tomography (CT) scan with the bolus in place. Using that data, the final dose distribution was computed using the Philips Pinnacle3 TPS (Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA). Results showed that the 90 isodose surface conformed well to the PTV and that the dose to critical structures such as cord, brain, and lung was well below tolerance limits. Both patients showed no evidence of disease six months post-radiotherapy. In conclusion, electron bolus conformal therapy is a viable option for treating head and neck tumors, particularly patients having a variable thickness PTV or surface anatomy with surgical defects. 2003 American College of Medical Physics.
Multiple Access Frequency Hopping Patterns with Low Ambiguity

A technique is discussed for the design of multiple access frequency hopping patterns which will allow a number of users to communicate reliably over a limited bandwidth in the presence of Doppler and timing asynchronies. The patterns are based on a subset of the Reed-Solomon codewords. They possess nearly flat ambiguity and cross-ambiguity functions and thus could be useful as discrete radar signals. In addition the structure of the patterns permits a straightforward Implementation.
Effect of bedside ultrasonography on the certainty of physician clinical decisionmaking for septic patients in the emergency department.

Study objective Sepsis protocols promote aggressive patient management, including invasive procedures. After the provision of point-of-care ultrasonographic markers of volume status and cardiac function, we seek to evaluate changes in emergency physician clinical decisionmaking and physician assessments about the clinical utility of the point-of-care ultrasonographic data when caring for adult sepsis patients. Methods For this prospective before-and-after study, patients with suspected sepsis received point-of-care ultrasonography to determine cardiac contractility, inferior vena cava diameter, and inferior vena cava collapsibility. Physician reports of treatment plans, presumed causes of observed vital sign abnormalities, and degree of certainty were compared before and after knowledge of point-of-care ultrasonographic findings. The clinical utility of point-of-care ultrasonographic data was also evaluated. Results Seventy-four adult sepsis patients were enrolled: 27 (37%) sepsis, 30 (40%) severe sepsis, 16 (22%) septic shock, and 1 (1%) systemic inflammatory response syndrome. After receipt of point-of-care ultrasonographic data, physicians altered the presumed primary cause of vital sign abnormalities in 12 cases (17% [95% confidence interval {CI} 8% to 25%]) and procedural intervention plans in 20 cases (27% [95% CI 17% to 37%]). Overall treatment plans were changed in 39 cases (53% [95% CI 41% to 64%]). Certainty increased in 47 (71%) cases and decreased in 19 (29%). Measured on a 100-mm visual analog scale, the mean clinical utility score was 65 mm (SD 29; 95% CI 58 to 72), with usefulness reported in all cases. Conclusion Emergency physicians found point-of-care ultrasonographic data about cardiac contractility, inferior vena cava diameter, and inferior vena cava collapsibility to be clinically useful in treating adult patients with sepsis. Increased certainty followed acquisition of point-of-care ultrasonographic data in most instances. Point-of-care ultrasonography appears to be a useful modality in evaluating and treating adult sepsis patients.
High contrast switching of distributed-feedback lasing in dye-doped H-PDLC transmission grating structures

Electrically switched distributed-feedback (DFB) lasing action is presented in a Pyrromethene 580 lasing dye-doped holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (H-PDLC) transmission grating structure. This design, when compared with the previously utilized H-PDLC reflection grating structure, has the advantage of a greatly enlarged gain length (10 mm) and a low concentration of liquid crystal (20%) while maintaining sufficient refractive index modulation. The experimental results demonstrate that the emitted laser bandwidth (~5 nm) can be obtained with a pump energy threshold of ~0.3 mJ at three different wavelengths, 561 nm, 569 nm and 592 nm, corresponding to three different grating spacings. The near- and far-field measurements have shown a high directionality of the lasing output. The lasing can be electrically switched off by an applied field of 30V/mum. The temporal, spectral, and output/input properties of the laser output are also presented.
Correlation of convective vaporization on banks of plain tubes using refrigerants

This article provides a correlation for convective vaporization on banks of plain tubes. New data are provided for R-113 and R‐123 vaporization on 16.8‐mm‐O.D. tubes over a wide range of vapor qualities (0.1 to 0.9) with low mass velocities (8 kg / m2 s to 40 kg / m2 s) for a wide range of heat flux. The correlation is based on three data sets: the present data, the R-113 data of Comwell and Scoones, and that of Jensen and Hsu. The asymptotic model (exponent of 3) provided the best correlation, having a mean square error of 14.6%. The asymptotictype correlation provided better results than the superposition model. A disturbing anomaly was noted in the lack of agreement between pool boiling on a single tube and pool boiling on one heated tube in a bundle for the Comwell and Scoones data. More work is required to understand this situation. The data were analyzed to interpret whether convection causes boiling suppression. Assuming that the pool boiling data are correct, it appears that the higher-mass-veloci...
Pathology of the Cardiac Conduction System in a Case of Diphtheria Associated with Atrial Arrhythmias and Heart Block

The histopathology of the sinus node, the atrioventricular node, and the atrioventricular bundle of the heart from a child dying of diphtheria is presented. The terminal illness included atrial arrhythmias and heart block. [see figure in the PDF file] [see figure in the PDF file] The possible importance of the neuropathology of the diphtheritic heart is indicated.
Nonlinear modeling of auditory-nerve rate responses to wideband stimuli.

The spectral selectivity of auditory nerve fibers was characterized by a method based on responses to random-spectrum-shape stimuli. The method models the average discharge rate of fibers for stead...
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril suppresses a genetic polydipsic behavior.

Abstract The STR/N inbred mouse is a behavioral mutant that drinks up to four times its body weight in water or normal saline per day when given free access, despite the lack of physiological need. Since angiotensin II (AII) is a powerful elicitor of drinking behavior, we investigated the influence of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril, on the amount of water consumed by the STR/N mouse. Oral administration of captopril, which inhibits formation of AII (active octapeptide) from AI (precursor decapeptide), resulted in a reduction of 46 to 79% in water consumption of 53 polydipsic STR/N mice, and a 20–42% increase in water consumption of 12 of 13 Swiss/Webster (S/W) normodipsic control mice. These results suggest that the polydipsic behavior of the STR/N mutant may involve mediation by AII and/or another molecule which is also suppressed by captopril, such as another peptide, which, for activation, requires cleavage by a peptidase which is inhibited by captopril.
Is contrast as bad as we think? Renal function after angiographic embolization of injured patients.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Angiographic embolization (AE) is increasingly used to control bleeding after severe trauma. Serious concerns have been raised about the safety of high-volume IV contrast in hypotensive, hypovolemic patients. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective cohort study, 100 consecutive trauma patients underwent AE for bleeding in the abdomen and pelvis. Serum creatinine (Cr) levels were measured before the procedure and up to 5 days after the procedure. Contrast nephropathy was defined as an increase in Cr levels after AE of more than 25% over the baseline measurement. An average of 248 ± 59 mL of nonionic, low-osmolality contrast was used in all cases. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, no increase in Cr levels after AE was observed among all patients (1.02 ± 0.24 versus 0.94 ± 0.26 mg/dL; p = 0.01) or among subgroups of patients who had any of the following risk factors for renal failure: older than 60 years, Injury Severity Score ≥ 15, shock on arrival, renal injury, elevated Cr levels (≥ 1.5 mg/dL) before AE, or administration of a high volume of contrast (>250 mL). Contrast nephropathy developed in five patients by means of mild Cr elevations. In all of these patients, Cr returned to baseline within 5 days of AE. Renal failure requiring hemodialysis developed at 41 and 55 days after AE in two patients with multiple organ failure who eventually died. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of nonionic contrast during AE causes mild and transient contrast nephropathy in 5% of severely injured patients. Our study adds additional support for the safety of AE for trauma.