cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tonotopic organization: review and analysis.

Summary A review of the findings supporting tonotopic organization in central auditory pathways is presented, and a quantitative analysis of data from published unit studies on the cat compares this organization at different levels of the system. While evidence can be cited to support the existence of receptotopic projections at all auditory nuclei, the distance devoted to the frequency range and the precision with which it is represented vary. Among the linear, log, and power functions fitted to the individual tracks, the log function is most appropriate, closely followed by linear approximations in some cases. In the cat the frequency range is increasingly compressed from the cochlear nuclei to medial geniculate body. The subcortical compression is followed by a great expansion at auditory cortex. The prediction of unit characteristics frequencies given distance becomes less exact with each level of the system regardless of the function chosen. By comparing tonotopic organization in the rat and cat this decrease in tonotopic organization is shown to be due to a cumulative error introduced into the receptotopic projections that is proportional to the number of synapses crossed. Implications of this analysis are considered. The possibility of an anatomical clustering of cells with similar characteristic frequencies is also examined.
Ontology in the Game of Life

The game of life is an excellent framework for metaphysical modeling. It can be used to study ontological categories like space, time, causality, persistence, substance, emergence, and supervenience. It is often said that there are many levels of existence in the game of life. Objects like the glider are said to exist on higher levels. Our goal here is to work out a precise formalization of the thesis that there are various levels of existence in the game of life. To formalize this thesis, we develop a set-theoretic construction of the glider. The method of this construction generalizes to other patterns in the game of life. And it can be extended to more realistic physical systems. The result is a highly general method for the set-theoretical construction of substances.
Normal hepatic insulin receptor autophosphorylation in nonketotic diabetes mellitus

Insulin receptor autophosphorylation is the earliest recognizable event in insulin action subsequent to insulin binding. To determine if the postbinding hepatic insulin resistance of nonketotic diabetes mellitus could reside in an inability of insulin to stimulate insulin receptor autophosphorylation, we evaluated the ability of insulin to stimulate 32P incorporation into the beta subunit of lectin-purified rat liver plasma membrane insulin receptors. The data indicate that both the absolute plasma membrane insulin receptor autophosphorylation in response to insulin as well as the insulin dose-response relationship for autophosphorylation are normal in diabetic animals when expressed per microgram of protein or per unit of binding activity. The previous data from our laboratory indicates that hepatic insulin resistance in non-ketotic streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus is present despite normal to increased insulin binding, is selective, is reversible with insulin treatment and involves an inability of insulin to stimulate the release of the putative mediator of insulin action. We conclude, therefore, that the hepatic insulin resistance of nonketotic diabetes mellitus resides distal to insulin receptor binding and autophosphorylation and is reflected in metabolic events at or near the plasma membrane which may include the generation or release of the putative mediator of insulin action.
Synthesis of celsian ceramics from zeolite precursors

Abstract A novel low temperature technique has been developed for the synthesis of celsian glass-ceramics. The technique involves ion exchange of zeolites, their subsequent heat treatment to form a glassy phase from which celsian is crystallized. Monoclinic celsian was produced at temperatures as low as 1000°C at heat treatment times of 6 h.
A note on the choice weighting functions in the method of moments

The objective is to show from a mathematical standpoint that there are certain rules that must be followed in the choice of weighting functions used in the method of moments (MM). It is shown that for a particular problem it is the operator that dictates the method (Galerkin's method or another method such as the method of least squares) to be applied, and it is not computational considerations only. For example, it is shown that in solving Hallen's and Pocklington's equation by the method of moments, it is unnatural to choose the weighting functions which are zero at the ends of the domain of the solution. The deficiency of certain weighting functions is presented based on mathematical reasoning, and a numerical example is given to illustrate the effect of the choice of the weighting functions on the rate of the convergence of the solution.
The Split Labor Market and the Origins of Antidrug Legislation in the United States

Edna Bonacich's (1972) theoretical formulation of Split labor market dynamics as underlying the content and process of ethnic antagonism is expanded and applied to an historical analysis of the development of antidrug laws in the United States. The campaigns and resultant legislation against opium, cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana are subjected to a split labor market analysis that incorporates the notion of moral panics and an understanding of the ways in which law may be used as a “weapon” in the furtherance of class interests. The article concludes that each of these campaigns came about as the result of an underlying split labor market dynamic and adds to Bonacich's original formulation the response of criminalization of the threatening labor group by the higher-paid labor group.
The reactivity of ordered metal layers on single crystal surfaces of other metals: Au on Pt(100) and Pt on Au(100)

Abstract Gold was deposited on Pt(100) and platinum was deposited onto a Au(100) single crystal surface. The variation of the reactivity of these surfaces with coverage of the adsorbate metal was studied using the cyclohexene dehydrogenation to benzene as a test reaction. The reactions were carried out with 6 × 10 −8 Torr (8.0 × 10 −6 Pa) cyclohexene in hydrogen with a partial pressure of 1 × 10 −6 Torr (1.3 × 10 −4 Pa) at 373 K. It was found that the reactivity of a Pt(100) surface is enhanced about six-fold by the deposition of just one monolayer of gold that itself is not measurably active under these reaction conditions. When the gold coverage exceeds one monolayer the reactivity decreases. The deposition of platinum onto a Au(100) single crystal surface causes an increase in the reactivity until a broad maximum is reached at about 1.5–2 layers of platinum. At this maximum the reactivity is six times larger than that of a Pt(100) single crystal surface. Beyond three to four layers, the reactivity decreases slowly with increasing platinum coverage and approaches the reactivity of the clean Pt(100) single crystal surface.
Photoelectron emission from a metal electrode in liquid ammonia

Abstract Photoemission of electrons from platinum into liquid ammonia has been demonstrated. In the absence of electron scavengers a small photocurrent, attributed to the presence of impurities, was observed. With n-BuCl as scavenger a large photocurrent was observed with both He/Ne and Ar ion laser illumination which obeyed the “five-halves law”. From the threshold potentials the energy level of the emitted electron was found to be -1.13 eV with respect to vacuum, 0.22 eV more negative than the solvated electron energy level, indicating that the electron is emitted initially as a delocalized or “ry” species.
Attacker traceback with cross-layer monitoring in wireless multi-hop networks

Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed DoS (DDoS) attacks can cause serious problems in wireless networks due to its limited network/host resources. Attacker traceback is a promising solution to take a proper countermeasure near the attack origin, for forensics, and to discourage attacker from launching attacks. However, attacker traceback in wireless multi-hop networks is a challenging problem, and existing attacker traceback schemes developed for the Internet cannot be directly applied to wireless multi-hop networks due to the peculiar characteristics of wireless multi-hop networks (e.g., dynamic/autonomous network topology, limited network/host resources such as memory and bandwidth). We introduce a protocol framework for attacker traceback geared toward wireless multi-hop networks with special attention to cross-layer abnormality monitoring. The basic building blocks of our protocol framework consist of abnormality detection, abnormality characterization, abnormality searching, abnormality matching, and countermeasure. We show that our protocol framework successfully tracks down attacker (Avg. of 100% in DoS attacker traceback, avg. of 96% in DDoS attacker traceback) under diverse network environments (e.g., high background traffic, DDoS attack, and partial node compromise) with low communication, computation, and memory overhead.
Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

Despite intensive laboratory and clinical research over three decades, an effective treatment to delay the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease is not at hand. Recent clinical trial failures suggest that we must treat the disease earlier than in its mild to moderate stages, and major progress in validating presymptomatic biomarkers now makes secondary prevention trials possible. We will learn more about the natural history of the disease and any partial therapeutic responses from detailed analyses of recent trial results. This process will likely position the field for success, but only with much greater investment in all aspects of Alzheimer research and with careful design of future trials.
Secondary analysis: In published research in the behavioral sciences

Reanalysis of existing data is a common practice of methodologists. Here, data on relationships among sex, publications, and salary for male and female faculty members are reanalyzed to demonstrate the problems inherent in attempting to draw causal inferences from correlational data in the social sciences.
Assessment of the Vascularity of a Left Atrial Mass Using Myocardial Perfusion Contrast Echocardiography

Emerging applications of myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) include the evaluation of myocardial perfusion, the improvement of the definition of intracavitary structures, and evaluation of the relative perfusion of a cardiac mass. We present a case of a patient that was found incidentally to have a cardiac mass on transthoracic echocardiography. MCE was used to evaluate the vascularity of the mass. This case is compared with another patient with a left atrial thrombus, which represents an "avascular" cardiac mass by MCE.
Autonomous earth feature classification - Shuttle and aircraft flight test results

The Feature Identification and Location Experiment (FILE) flown on the Shuttle STS-2 mission November 12-14, 1981, tested a technique for autonomous real-time classification of selected earth features, i.e., water; bare land; vegetation; and clouds, snow, and ice. A second instrument, designed for aircraft flights, flew over regions of the west and east coasts of the United States and across the country. In each instrument, two bore-sighted CCD cameras image earth scenes in two spectral bands. Each camera includes a 100-element by 100-element detector array, and classification circuits. A simple algorithm and logic circuit provides classification decisions within a few microseconds. The experiment records the number of picture elements (pixels) representing each feature and the reflected solar radiation for each band. After flight, pixel-by-pixel classification images are constructed and compared with 70-mm color photographs taken simultaneously with the CCD-camera data.
Boltzmann statistics and radiationless decay in large molecules: Optical selection studies

Abstract We elaborate upon the conceptual value of a recent formulation of the theory of radiationless transitions, and determine the dependence of the nonradiative rate constant on excess vibrational energy in the excited electronic state. Measurements of the lifetimes of benzene excited to individual vibronic states are reported. Our rough numerical calculations are found to be consistent with the experimental data.
Do Stomata Respond to CO2 Concentrations Other than Intercellular

Most studies on stomatal responses to CO 2 assume that guard cells respond only to intercellular CO 2 concentration and are insensitive to the CO 2 concentrations in the pore and outside the leaf. If stomata are sensitive to the CO 2 concentration at the surface of the leaf or in the stomatal pore, the stomatal response to intercellular CO 2 concentration will be incorrect for a `normally9 operating leaf (where ambient CO 2 concentration is a constant). In this study asymmetric CO 2 concentrations for the two surfaces of amphistomatous leaves were used to vary intercellular and leaf surface CO 2 concentrations independently in Xanthium strumarium L. and Helianthus annuus L. The response of stomata to intercellular CO 2 concentration when the concentration at the leaf surface was held constant was found to be the same as the response when the surface concentration was varied. In addition, stomata did not respond to changes in leaf surface CO 2 concentration when the intercellular concentration for that surface was held constant. It is concluded that stomata respond to intercellular CO 2 concentration and are insensitive to the CO 2 concentration at the surface of the leaf and in the stomatal pore.
Covariation among floral traits in Spergularia marina (Caryophyllaceae): geographic and temporal variation in phenotypic and among‐family correlations

Strong covariation among traits suggests the presence of constraints on their independent evolution due to pleiotropy, to linkage, or to selective forces that maintain particular trait combinations. We examined floral trait covariation among individuals, among maternal families within and across populations, and over time, in greenhouse-raised plants of the autogamous Spergularia marina. We had three aims. First, since the phenotype of traits expressed by modular organs often changes as individuals age, estimates of the degree of genetic covariation between such traits may also change over time. To seek evidence for this, we measured weekly (for five weeks) an array of floral traits among plants representing ∼ 10 maternal families from each of four populations. The statistical significance of the phenotypic and among-family correlations among traits changed over time. Second, we compared populations with respect to trait covariation to determine whether populations or traits appear to be evolving independently of one another. Differences observed among populations suggest that they have diverged genetically. Third, we sought correlations that might reflect constraints on the independent evolution of floral traits. Investment in another and ovule production per flower vary independently among maternal families; there was no evidence for a “trade-off” between male and female investment. We propose that in autogamous taxa one should not find a negative correlation between pollen and ovule production per flower, as such taxa cannot evolve sexual specialization and should be under strong selection to maintain an efficient pollen:ovule ratio, preventing the evolution of male-biased or female-biased genotypes. We found that other pairs of floral traits, however, expressed highly signficant correlation coefficients, suggesting the presence of some evolutionary constraints, at least within some populations, although their strength depended on exactly when flowers were sampled.
Emergence and growth of two non-nodulated soybean genotypes ( Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in response to soil acidity

Toxic levels of extractable soil Al limit production of important crops in many areas of the world. The nature of the limitation in soybeans is not completely understood. Our objectives were to investigate the cause of acid-soil-induced delays in seedling emergence, the effect of acidity on productivity in non-nodulated soybeans and further test the Al tolerance of PI 416,937 compared to a sensitive control, Essex. Growth characteristics of the two genotypes through the flowering stage were measured on a Corozal clay (Aquic Tropudult) in Puerto Rico which had been differentially limed to provide a wide range of soil Al. Early growth was also studied in the laboratory using soil from the field experiment. Highly acidic soil conditions, coupled with high Al levels, reduced growth in both Essex and PI 416,937. The principal factor responsible for delayed emergence in the high Al soil was not delayed radicle initiation, but delayed initiation of hypocotyl elongation. Hypocotyl initiation was highly associated with rate of tap root growth, with the former possibly determined by the latter, because a minimum tap root length of 60 mm was required in both high and low Al soils before hypocotyl initiation commenced. In seedlings, the high acidity reduced root more than shoot growth. By 44 days after planting (DAP), however, soil acidity had reduced shoot growth greatly. Although the soybean plants were not nodulated, foliar N levels and shoot growth were decreased by high Al levels, indicating that interference with N fixation may not be the sole mechanism by which nitrogen accumulation and plant growth is reduced in the field.
Recombinant BCG as a candidate oral vaccine vector

Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), currently the most widely used vaccine in the world, was originally administered for many years as an oral vaccine. The low frequency of serious complications, inexpensive production, and adjuvanticity make BCG an ideal candidate for a recombinant vaccine vehicle. Although mycobacteria are slow growing and not yet well characterized genetically, we have recently developed technology for the genetic manipulation of BCG and other mycobacteria. Phage and plasmid systems based on a shuttle strategy to manipulate DNA in Escherichia coli and transfer it to mycobacteria have been developed. We have established that the aminoglycoside phosphotransferase gene can be used as an effective selectable marker in the mycobacteria and that a foreign antigen from Mycobacterium leprae can be expressed in BCG. Furthermore, a thorough analysis of mycobacterial expression sequences has been undertaken to optimize the expression of foreign antigens in BCG. We constructed an expression probe shuttle plasmid with beta-galactosidase as reporter gene, and have used it successfully to identify multiple mycobacteriophage DNA sequences with varying levels of constitutive or regulable promoter activity. Further genetic advances required for development of recombinant BCG into an effective recombinant vaccine vehicle, including possibilities for oral administration, are adumbrated.
The residue-measure criterion for model reduction in the analysis of the NASA Space Shuttle's digital flight control system

A residue-measure criterion model reduction technique is applied to the vehicle dynamics model used in the design and analysis of the NASA Space Shuttle's digital flight control system. As implemented in this study the residue-measure technique involved an a priori residue calculation with control system biasing. The predictions of the reduced model are compared to vehicle level dynamic stability test data. These comparisons show an excellent correlation of the dominant spectral and response features between the model and test data. In addition, the application of the reduction technique to various Shuttle mission flight phases is demonstrated.
Two Functionally Distinct Sources of Actin Monomers Supply the Leading Edge of Lamellipodia

Lamellipodia, the sheet-like protrusions of motile cells, consist of networks of actin filaments (F-actin) regulated by the ordered assembly from and disassembly into actin monomers (G-actin). Traditionally, G-actin is thought to exist as a homogeneous pool. Here, we show that there are two functionally and molecularly distinct sources of G-actin that supply lamellipodial actin networks. G-actin originating from the cytosolic pool requires the monomer-binding protein thymosin β4 (Tβ4) for optimal leading-edge localization, is targeted to formins, and is responsible for creating an elevated G/F-actin ratio that promotes membrane protrusion. The second source of G-actin comes from recycled lamellipodia F-actin. Recycling occurs independently of Tβ4 and appears to regulate lamellipodia homeostasis. Tβ4-bound G-actin specifically localizes to the leading edge because it does not interact with Arp2/3-mediated polymerization sites found throughout the lamellipodia. These findings demonstrate that actin networks can be constructed from multiple sources of monomers with discrete spatiotemporal functions.
The effect of immunosuppression on lower extremity arterial bypass outcomes.

Background Myointimal hyperplasia is a pathologic result of the body’s natural inflammatory response to injury of the blood vessels and a leading cause of peripheral arterial bypass failure. Because immunosuppressive agents are known to abate inflammation, we hypothesized the superior outcome of lower extremity bypass in renal transplant recipients compared with the hemodialysis population. Methods The vascular surgery registry at a single tertiary care center was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who underwent lower extremity bypass procedures. All patients with a history of renal transplantation were selected for analysis. A consecutive group of bypass patients with dialysis-dependent renal failure was selected as a control cohort. The primary endpoint was amputation-free survival. Results Vascular reconstruction for chronic peripheral vascular disease yielded an amputation-free survival rate of 82% at 1 year for the those in the control group as compared with only 22% in the those with a history of renal transplantation ( p = 0.02), which corresponded exactly with primary patency at 1 year. Patients were operated on for severe claudication ( n = 1), rest pain ( n = 1), and tissue loss ( n = 17). There was no difference between the groups with regard to indication for operation or comorbid conditions. Conclusions These data suggest a deleterious effect of immunosuppression on outcome of lower extremity bypass procedures at the doses required to prevent allograft rejection. This finding, which has been scarcely reported, underscores the importance of peripheral vascular disease screening in the transplant population and early intervention when clinically indicated.
Clinicopathologic analysis of uterine malignant mixed müllerian tumors

A clinicopathologic evaluation of 60 patients (median age, 66 years) presenting for primary treatment of uterine malignant mixed mullerian tumors between 1959 and 1982 was conducted. Surgical stage was utilized for assessment of survival by stage. With a minimum follow-up of 5 years, overall 2- and 5-year Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were 53 and 39%, respectively; they were 75 and 58% when disease was confined to the uterus and 27 and 15% when disease extended beyond the uterus. By log-rank and logit-rank analysis, surgical stage and depth of invasion stratified by stage were significant prognostic determinants; no significant association was found with carcinoma grade, sarcoma mitotic figure count, sarcoma histologic subtype, sarcoma necrosis, or capillary-like space involvement. No significant survival advantage was found for surgery plus irradiation or surgery plus chemotherapy compared with surgery alone after stratification according to stage. Progression-free survival after complete extirpation of macroscopic disease was not significantly different, stage for stage, between surgery alone and surgery plus radiotherapy.
Evidence for the presence of hydrogen-bonded ion-ion interactions in the molten salt precursor, 1-methyl-3-ethylimidazolium chloride

Abstract The crystal structure analysis and IR study of the molten salt precursor, 1-methyl-3-ethylimidazolium chloride (MEICl) has been undertaken as part of an investigation of the ion-ion interactions in room temperature melts, where the mole fraction of AlCl 3 is less than 0.5. Hygroscopic crystals of MEICl have been grown in acetonitrile and sealed under helium gas in a capillary tube. The orthorhombic space group is P 2 1 2 1 2 1 , with a = 10.087(1), b = 11.179(1), c = 28.733(4) A, V = 3240.0 A 3 , mol. wt. = 146.62 and D calc = 1.204 g cm −3 for Z = 16. The asymmetric unit contains four MEI + ⋯Cl − ion pairs. The MEI + ions cluster in four distinct layers perpendicular to the c axis. Similarly, the arrangement of Cl − ions is a layered one. Each Cl − interacts with three MEI + ions and each MEI + is associated with three nearest Cl − ions. The distance of Cl − from a ring carbon atom averages 3.55 A. Cl − ions are situated in hydrogen-bonded positions rather than at random, characteristic of a CH⋯Cl − hydrogen-bond interaction. Evidence for the presence of hydrogen bonding of Cl − at the three ring CH bonds in basic MEICl/AlCl 3 melts is presented.
Monte Carlo analysis of the human chlorpyrifos-oxonase (PON1) polymorphism using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) model

Abstract Susceptibility to organophosphate (OP) insecticides, like chlorpyrifos (CPF), may result from differences in the extent of metabolic detoxification of the active metabolite, CPF-oxon. A genetic polymorphism in the arylesterase (PON1; CPF-oxonase) detoxification of OPs, results in the expression of a range of enzyme activities within humans. This study utilized Monte Carlo analysis and physiologically based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) modeling to investigate the impact of human CPF-oxonase status on the theoretical concentration of CPF-oxon in the brain. At low doses (∼5 μg/kg) the model is insensitive to changes in CPF-oxonase. However, with increasing dose (>0.5 mg/kg) the model suggests a dose-dependent non-linear increase in the brain CPF-oxon concentration, which is associated with CPF-oxonase activity. Following repeated high dose exposure, the model predicted brain CPF-oxon concentration was ∼8× higher (5 mg/kg) versus a single exposure, whereas, at low doses (5 μg/kg), the brain concentrations were comparable regardless of exposure duration. This suggests that at low environmentally relevant exposures other esterase detoxification pathways may compensate for lower CPF-oxonase activity.
What are “Third-Wave” State Economic Development Efforts? From Incentives to Industrial Policy

“Third-wave” state economic development strategies have been widely acknowledged to reduce high-stakes incentives and promotions and have shifted emphasis from firm-based programs to broader regional programs. Although the change is well documented, less consensus has emerged about what has taken their place. Based on analysis of economic development programs in 16 states competing for high-technology industry, the study documented that the emerging third-wave economic development efforts—especially leadership, information, and brokering—are the essential tools by which states can establish their industrial policies. These policies are based on extensive strategic planning, public-private partnerships, foundations of technology, human resources and capital, and the development of strategic industrial clusters. The report concludes that the third wave is a state policy direction that focuses rather than replaces earlier strategies and that downplays expensive programs by mobilizing many established state p...
Genetics of the cell surface: Assignment of genes coding for external membrane proteins to human chromosomes 10 and 14

Using somatic cell hybridization gene mapping methodology, genes coding for human cell-surface proteins have been assigned to specific chromosomes. Lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination was employed to label external membrane proteins in cell hybrids between mouse and human cultured cells. Mouse and human external membrane proteins were separated by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. After electrophoresis, external membrane proteins were identified by autoradiography. An external membrane protein of 130,000 molecular weight (EMP-130) segregated concordantly with glutamic oxaloacetic transaminases (GOTs, EC 2.6.1.1), an enzyme marker encoded on chromosome 10. External membrane proteins of 195,000 and 175,000 molecular weight (EMP-195 and EMP-175) segregated concordantly with nucleoside phosphorylase (NP, EC 2.4.2.1), an enzyme marker encoded on chromosome 14. Limited proteolysis of the 195,000 and 175,000 molecular weight proteins suggests that these two proteins are modified forms of each other and are encoded by the same locus. These findings demonstrate the mapping of human genes coding for external proteins EMP-130 and EMP-195 to chromosomes 10 and 14, respectively. Chromosome analyses of cell hybrids supported these assignments.
Parameter Selection of SVR Based on Improved K-Fold Cross Validation

This article firstly uses svm to forecast cashmere price time series. The forecasting result mainly depends on parameter selection. The normal parameter selection is based on k-fold cross validation. The k-fold cross validation is suitable for classification. In this essay, k-fold cross validation is improved to ensure that only the older data can be used to forecast latter data to improve prediction accuracy. This essay trains the cashmere price time series data to build mathematical model based on SVM. The selection of the model parameters are based on improved cross validation. The price of Cashmere can be forecasted by the model. The simulation results show that support vector machine has higher fitting precision in the situation of small samples. It is feasible to forecast cashmere price based on SVM.
Immunological comparison of phospholipases A2 present in rattlesnake (genus Crotalus) venoms.

Abstract The immunological properties of phospholipase A2 present in venoms from seven species of rattlesnakes (genus Crotalus) from different geographical distributions have been compared. Rabbit antiserum to purified PLA2 of Crotalus scutulatus salvini venom was used, employing inhibition of enzymic activity and immunodiffusion techniques. The amount of antiserum required for 50% inhibition of the PLA2 activity in the venoms varied from slightly more than that required for inhibition of the activity in the homologous venom to a large amount (effectively zero inhibition). A particularly close relationship in the antigenic makeup was observed between the phospholipases of C. s. salvini and C. atrox venoms as evidenced by inhibition of enzymic activity and immunodiffusion studies. No immunological cross reactivity was observed between the enzymes of the subspecies C. s. salvini and C. s. scutulatus. The results suggest extensive variations in the antigenic structure of the phospholipase molecules. The findings may also have some taxonomic significance.
Almost zeros of a set of polynomials of R[s]

The notion of an exact zero of a sot of polynomials p of R[s] is extended to that of an almost zero. The almost zeros are defined as minima of a norm function of p and their invariance under a. certain equivalence relation &, defined on p, is established, The region of the complex plane which contains the prime almost zero (global minimum) is defined, and necessary and sufficient conditions characterizing the set of almost zeros are given. The role of almost zeros of p in the zero assignment problem of the combinants of p is investigated. Under the assumption of non-assignability for p, it is shown that the almost zeros act as nearly fixed zeros of the combinants. Every almost zero z is the centre of a disc D(z, R) which contains at least one zero of all combinants of p. The size of the radius R of this disc provides a measure of the ability of the almost zero to attract the zeros of the combinants of p A number of results for estimating upper bounds for the radius R, associated with subfamilies of the ge...
The evolution of strained turbulent plane wakes

Direct numerical simulations of ten turbulent time-evolving strained wakes have been generated using a pseudo-spectral numerical method. In all the simulations, the strain was applied to the same (previously generated) initial developed self-similar wake flow field. The cases include flows in which the wake is subjected to various orientations of the applied mean strain, including both plane and axisymmetric strain configurations. In addition, for one particular strain geometry, cases with differing strain rates were considered. Although classical self-similar analysis does yield a self-similar solution for strained wakes, this solution does not describe the observed flow evolution. Instead, the wake mean velocity profiles evolve according to a different ‘equilibrium similarity solution’, with the strained wake width being determined by the straining in the inhomogeneous cross-stream direction. Wakes that are compressed in this direction eventually exhibit constant widths, whereas wakes in cases with expansive cross-stream strain ultimately spread at the same rate as the distortion caused by the applied strain. The shape of the wake mean velocity deficit profile is nearly universal. Although the effect of the strain on the mean flow is pronounced and rapid, the response of the turbulence to the strain occurs more slowly. Changes in the turbulence intensity cannot keep pace with changes in the mean wake velocity deficit, even for relatively low strain rates.
Matrix triangularization by fixed-point redundant CORDIC with constant scale factor

We develop a redundani CORDIC scheme where the scale factor is forced to be constant while computing angles for 2 x 1 plane rotations. Based on the scheme we present a fixed-point implementation of matrix triangularization by Luk''s parallel algorithm with the following additional features: (1) the final scaling operation is done by shifting (2) the number of iterations in CORDIC rotation unit is reduced by about 25 by expressing the direction of the rotation in radix-2 and radix-4 and (3) the conventional number representation of rotated output is obtained on-thefly not from a carry-propagate adder. The number of hardware modules and the speed are evaluated and compared with the previous CORDIC schemes.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Critical evaluation of stents in the peripheral arterial disease of the superficial femoral artery – focus on the paclitaxel eluting stent

The endovascular management of obstructive disease of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) is challenging due to unique anatomical and biomechanical forces. Obstructive lesions of the SFA make up the largest proportion of lesions leading to symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. Accordingly, endovascular treatment of SFA disease is becoming increasingly common and, in many cases, is the preferred initial therapy. The use of self-expanding nitinol stents have proven superior to percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty in the treatment of intermediate length SFA stenosis. However, achieving durable results, as well as attaining adequate therapy for long occlusions typically seen in clinical practice, remains problematic. Newer technologies, such as paclitaxel eluting stents, seem promising in improving outcomes.
Experimental infection of the hemipteron Oncopeltus fasciatus with trypanosomatidae isolated from other hosts.

SYNOPSIS. In an effort to determine the degree of host specificity and morphology of the insect trypanosomatids in a presumably foreign host, individuals of a laboratory colony of the hemipteron Oncopeltus fasciatus were given intra-rectal injections with various species of axenically cultured parasites. Crithidia isolated from the hemipterons Acanthocephala femorata, Euryophthalmus davisi, and Arilus cristatus, as well as those from the dipterons Phaenicia sericata and Culex pipiens, and Crithidia (Strigomonas) oncopelti presumably isolated from O. fasciatus or Asclepias syriaca, demonstrated extensive multiplication whereas a leptomonad from the hemipteron Leptoglossus phyllopus and a blastocrithidian from the hemipteron Euschistus servus underwent little reproduction and disappeared after 8 and 25 days respectively. Another blastocrithidian taken from the hemipteron Melanolestes picipos flourished and has been transferred through 7 generations of O. fasciatus. None of the crithidia were transmitted although numerous flagellates and leishmaniform bodies were observed in the feces of bugs injected with all species. The crithidia in the gut of O. fasciatus were somewhat more elongated than culture forms and this appeared to be particularly marked in the dipteron group. In bugs injected with C. acanthocephali and C. oncopelti a few specimens were seen with the kinetoplast posterior to the nucleus. Leptomonas leptoglossi enlarged markedly when injected into the gut of O. fasciatus and in many organisms the nucleus was displaced to the posterior half of the body. There was no apparent change in the morphology of the two blastocrithidia in this host. Although some minor morphological changes were observed, this work in general supports the view of Wallace that Crithidia is a distinct genus and probably does not represent a stage in the life cycle of other organisms.
Continuous acoustic separation in a thermoplastic microchannel

Acoustic manipulation of particles and cells has been widely used for trapping and separation in microfluidic devices. Previously, the resonant components of these devices have been fabricated from silicon, glass, metals, or other materials having high acoustic impedance. Here, we present experimental results showing continuous acoustic focusing and separation of blood cells in a microchannel fabricated entirely from polystyrene. The efficiency and flow rates approach those reported in silicon and glass systems. We find that the optimum operating frequencies differ from those predicted by conventional approximations which have been developed for more rigid materials. Additionally, we introduce a method for fabrication of the devices, using an adaptation of thermofusion bonding that preserves critical channel dimensions. To control channel cross section during bonding, we introduced a collapsible fiberboard material in the bonding press. This structure provided a self-limiting force and mitigated deformation of the polystyrene. Together, these advances may enable new applications for acoustic focusing and separation in medical devices.
Nutrient modulation of inflammatory and immune function.

Abstract The metabolic response to injury occurs after a diverse group of surgical injuries including major surgical intervention, shock, infection, and sources of inflammation such as pancreatitis. The response is mediated by the macroendocrine system, the autonomic nervous system, and the cell-cell communication system. The clinical manifestations include now well-described clinical, physiologic, and metabolic characteristics. The approach of aggressive source control, invasive circulatory resuscitation, and nutrition/metabolic support has been associated with an overall reduction in morbidity and mortality. In those patients who do not respond to this approach, the disease process progresses to mutiple organ failure syndrome with its associated high mortality. Altering the route of feeding, preventing single nutrient and generalized nutrient deficiency, and reducing nosocomial infections with selective gut decontamination have not significantly altered the course or outcome of the disease process in this latter group of patients with persistent hypermetabolism. The available data support the position that this persistent hypermetabolism represents abnormal metabolic regulation resulting in persistence of the inflammatory response with associated suppression of the immune defenses. A number of research approaches are being taken to understand and modulate this abnormal state of regulation. Because of the role of specific nutrients in these regulatory processes, beyond their role in classic nutrition support, nutrients such as arginine, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and RNA are being evaluated for their ability to modulate inflammation and to improve immune function. Preliminary results are encouraging.
Video conferencing human-machine interface: a field study

Abstract In a field study of an established video conferencing system (VCS), ten months of usage data were collected and analyzed with the hope of determining the interaction between three user interface dimensions: user profile, task domain, and technology. A validated survey instrument was used to collect user demographics and measures of certain user perceptions of the system. The degree of usage and measured perceptions provide a measure of the effectiveness of the VCS interface. Specific attention was placed on the differences in system usage and perceptions between three task groups: operational, tactical, and strategic. This indicates that the effectiveness of a VCS interface may be task dependent. Several significant interactions were found and are reported, including the effect of number of remote groups, group size, optional equipment, and training.
Injuries sustained by bicyclists

Although generally a safe activity with considerable health benefit, the wide social prevalence of cycling, its performance by both young and elderly riders, and the increasing operation of bicycles in complex urban environments results in a significant incidence of trauma. Orthopedic injuries, followed by head and facial trauma, are most frequent but all anatomic regions can be affected and the spectrum of injury ranges from minor to severe and potentially fatal. Clinicians need to be aware of the range of injuries and causative mechanisms as many patients may present with relatively minor signs and symptoms despite significant underlying pathology. Non-commuter, recreational cyclists are also at risk for injury due to: variable terrain and environmental conditions; increased competitive and risk-taking behavior; technical equipment failure; and poor compliance with protective equipment. Numerous injury preventative strategies have been advocated including: increased rider training; creation of dedicated...
Cardiovascular roles of nitric oxide: a review of insights from nitric oxide synthase gene disrupted mice.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous molecule that plays many key roles in the cardiovascular system. Each of the enzymes that generate NO—neuronal, inducible and endothelial NO synthase—has been genetically disrupted in mice. This review discusses the cardiovascular phenotypes of each of the NO synthase (NOS) gene knockout mice, and the insights gained into the roles of NO in the cardiovascular system. Mice lacking the endothelial isoform are hypertensive, have endothelial dysfunction and show a more severe outcome in response to vascular injury, to stroke and cerebral ischaemia, and to diet-induced atherosclerosis. Mice lacking the neuronal isoform show a less severe outcome in response to stroke and cerebral ischaemia but have increased diet-induced atherosclerosis. Mice lacking the inducible isoform show reduced hypotension to septic shock. Together, NOS gene knockout mice have been useful tools that complement our other approaches to studying the multiple roles of NO in the cardiovascular system.
Lysine acetylation can generate highly charged enzymes with increased resistance toward irreversible inactivation

This paper reports that the acetylation of lysine e-NH3 + groups of α-amylase—one of the most important hydrolytic enzymes used in industry—produces highly negatively charged variants that are enzymatically active, thermostable, and more resistant than the wild-type enzyme to irreversible inactivation on exposure to denaturing conditions (e.g., 1 h at 90°C in solutions containing 100-mM sodium dodecyl sulfate). Acetylation also protected the enzyme against irreversible inactivation by the neutral surfactant TRITON X-100 (polyethylene glycol p-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl ether), but not by the cationic surfactant, dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB). The increased resistance of acetylated α-amylase toward inactivation is attributed to the increased net negative charge of α-amylase that resulted from the acetylation of lysine ammonium groups (lysine e-NH3 + → e-NHCOCH3). Increases in the net negative charge of proteins can decrease the rate of unfolding by anionic surfactants, and can also decrease the rate of protein aggregation. The acetylation of lysine represents a simple, inexpensive method for stabilizing bacterial α-amylase against irreversible inactivation in the presence of the anionic and neutral surfactants that are commonly used in industrial applications.
Igneous cumulates of the Wichita province and their tectonic implications

Studies of the anorthositic-gabbroic rocks of the Layered Series of the Wichita province, Oklahoma, establish petrologic constraints that suggest the body is an eroded stratiform gabbro complex, originally several kilometres thick, exposed at its approximate midsection. These rocks appear to be genetically unrelated to most of the other igneous rocks of the province. Uplift and erosional removal of several kilometres of upper Layered Series and overburden occurred prior to extrusion of the 500-m.y.-old Carlton Rhyolite and associated Wichita Granite. Time considerations imply a Precambrian age for the Layered Series, the emplacement of which reflects, according to this working hypothesis, a more ancient zone of rifting or crustal weakness, a rejuvenation of which in the Paleozoic evolved as the Southern Oklahoma aulacogen. This association of tholeiitic magmatism with an intracratonic rift system is analogous to the Midcontinent Rift (Duluth gabbro complex) and represents a petrogenesis different from that of the alkaline magmatism commonly found in this tectonic setting.
Two-valued sequences with perfect periodic autocorrelation

Periodic two-valued signals which exhibit two-level autocorrelation can, in many cases, be made to yield an out-of-phase autocorrelation value identically equal to zero. This can be achieved by replacing the two values of the sequence (normally +1 and -1) with the two values +1 and e/sup i phi /, or with +1 and beta ( beta real). Simple expression for phi and beta are given, based on the parameters of the difference set to which such signals correspond. Another strategy is to transmit a sequence of +1s and -1s, but of +1s and bs (b real and negative). An expression for b is also obtained. >
Interviewing Clinicians and Advocates Who Work With Sexual Assault Survivors A Personal Perspective on Moving From Quantitative to Qualitative Research Methods

This article describes the author's personal experiences of conducting a qualitative semistructured interview study, after having done predominantly quantitative survey research in the social sciences. The author describes the process of learning how to approach conducting semistructured interviews with female advocates and clinicians who provide services to sexual assault survivors in the community. The author describes making the transition from a logical positivist deductive approach to thinking about and conducting research to a more social constructionist stance in which one learns from participants about their experiences and perspectives in narrative form to discover knowledge and develop theory inductively.