cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The S5-S6 linker of repeat I is a critical determinant of L-type Ca2+ channel conductance

The alpha1-subunits of the skeletal and cardiac L-type calcium channels (L-channels) contain nearly identical pore regions (P-regions) in each of the four internal homology repeats. In spite of this high conservation of the P-regions, native skeletal L-channels exhibit a unitary conductance that is only about half that of native cardiac L-channels. To identify structural determinants of this difference in L-channel conductance, we have characterized unitary activity in cell-attached patches of dysgenic myotubes expressing skeletal, cardiac, and chimeric L-channel alpha1-subunits. Our results demonstrate that the S5-S6 linker of repeat I (IS5-IS6 linker) is a critical determinant of the difference in skeletal and cardiac unitary conductance. The unitary conductances attributable to the wild-type skeletal (CAC6; approximately 14 pS) and cardiac (CARD1; approximately 25 pS) alpha1-subunits expressed in dysgenic myotubes are identical to those observed in native tissues. Chimeric alpha1-subunits containing skeletal sequence for the first internal repeat and all of the putative intracellular loops (SkC15), the IS5-IS6 linker and the intracellular loops (SkC51), or only the IS5-IS6 linker (SkC49) each exhibit a low, skeletal-like unitary conductance (
Use of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (peritrate) in treatment of angina pectoris.

Abstract 1. 1. Fourteen patients having symptoms of angina pectoris were studied to determine the possible effect of Peritrate in decreasing the number of attacks of angina. 2. 2. The diagnosis in each case was established by the typical history and substantiated by abnormal ballistocardiograms in thirteen patients and abnormal electrocardiograms in twelve patients, and positive Master two-step test in the remaining two patients. A table of the ballistocardiographic abnormalities found is included. (Table I). 3. 3. The patients were observed on two dosage schedules of Peritrate (30 mg. daily and 60 mg. daily), and on a placebo. The difference in response to these agents is discussed, and the results are analyzed statistically. 4. 4. Similarly the number of nitroglycerin tablets taken per week was studied and analyzed.
HETEROGENOUS COUPLES IN HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGES: GAY MEN AND STRAIGHT WOMEN*

This article, which is based on in-depth interviews of gay men who had been married, focuses on the nature of the spousal relationship and the almost inevitable marital disruption. It describes the conditions which bring about the man's disclosure of his homosexuality, the means of disclosure he uses, the wife's response, and the interactional effects the disclosure and response have on the marriage relationship. Most of the marriages ended in divorce. Regardless of whether the wife was accepting or rejecting of her husband as a homosexual, she appeared to be an enabler of his transition to a homosexual lifestyle. Implications for counseling are discussed.
The Effects of Phenolic Compounds on Peroxidase and Polyphenol Oxidase in Dwarf Pea (Pisum sativum var. «Little Marvel») Tissue

Summary Ethrel (3 ppm) and ultraviolet irradiation (UV), separate and in combination with visible or dark, were applied to seeds of dwarf pea ( Pisum sativum , var. «Little Marvel») to determine their effect in the presence of sixteen different substrates, on polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity in 20 day-old distal root, root tip, leaf, and proximal stem tissues respectively. In terms of polyphenol oxidase activity, the enzyme is light dependent and activity is highest in visible light-exposed tissue, followed by UV plus Ethrel-treated tissues in comparison to untreated controls. Distal root and root tip tissues generally contained higher PPO activity than did the leaf or proximal stem tissues. Hydroxyanthranilic acid, catechol, and pyrogallol appear to be the most reactive substrates for PPO activity. Ethrel caused an increase in peroxidase activity in root tip and proximal stem tissues and depressed enzymic activity in distal root tissue. Leaf tissue had the highest level of peroxidase activity and etiolated tissue demonstrated higher levels of peroxidase activity than did visible lighttreated tissue. In addition to showing high specificity with the three aforementioned substrates that were cited as being specific for PPO, peroxidase activity was also specific with guaiacol and p-phenylene diamine.
Effect of biotransformation on multispecies plume evolution and natural attenuation

Biological transformation of volatile organic compounds is one of the key factors that influence contaminant-plume evolution and thus natural attenuation. In this study we investigate the effect of biological transformation on the transport of contaminants in the aqueous and gaseous phases. The analysis includes the study of the effect of density-driven advection of contaminants in the gaseous phase on multiphase and multispecies flow, fate and transport modeling in the subsurface. Trichloroethylene (TCE) and its two byproducts, dichloroethylene and vinyl chloride, are analyzed as the target contaminants. Our results indicate that density-driven advection of the gaseous phase, which is initiated by evaporation of TCE as a nonaqueous phase liquid, increases the downward and also the lateral migration of TCE within the unsaturated zone. This process also influences the location of high-concentration zones of the byproducts of TCE in the unsaturated and the saturated zones. Biotransformation of TCE contributes to the reduction of dissolved TCE plume development as expected. The daughter byproducts, which are introduced into the subsurface system, show distinct transport patterns as they are affected by their independent degradation kinetics and density-driven advection. These observations, which are based on our simulation results for biotransformation and transport of TCE and its byproducts, are useful in evaluating the natural attenuation processes, its potential health hazards and also the evaluation of potential plume development at contaminated sites.
Preempting Threats with a Sound School Policy.

With more school violence in the forecast, administrators are quickly developing plans to respond. But what are some of the critical elements to be considered? This article looks at four such elements.
AL+++ binding studies and metallic cation effects on bioprosthetic heart valve calcification in the rat subdermal model

Al+++ preincubation has been shown to inhibit calcification of glutaraldehyde pretreated bovine pericardium calcification in the rat subdermal model. This study was designed to assess in vitro the Al+++ (10(-1) M, 10(-2) M, 10(-3) M preincubations) binding characteristics of glutaraldehyde pretreated bovine pericardium. In vivo studies assessed the ability of AlCl3 (10(-1) M, 10(-2) M, 10(-3) M) preincubations to inhibit calcification after 21 and 60 days in the rat subdermal model. Other in vivo studies investigated the ability of other metallic cations (Fe+++, La+++, and Ga+++) used as a pretreatment to inhibit glutaraldehyde pretreated bovine pericardium calcification after a 21 day rat subdermal implant. Lyophylized glutaraldehyde pretreated bovine pericardium samples were analyzed for Al+++ by neutron activation. In vitro results showed the greatest glutaraldehyde pretreated bovine pericardium Al+++ uptake in specimens incubated in 0.1M AlCl3. Maximal Al+++ uptake occurred by 1 hour. Glutaraldehyde pretreated bovine pericardium Al+++ levels after incubation in 10(-1) M, 10(-2) M, and 10(-3) M AlCl3 for 1 hour were 351.4 +/- 15.8 nM/mg, 96.4 +/- 17.4 nM/mg, and 24.6 +/- 4.9 nM/mg, respectively versus 394.5 +/- 48.0 nM/mg, 105.3 +/- 2.3 nM/mg, 40.0 +/- 8.8 nM/mg, respectively for 3 days. In vivo 21 day rat (50-60 g, male, Sprague-Dawley) subdermal implants of 0.1 M AlCl3, FeCl3, FeCl3 plus citrate, LaCl3, and GaNO3 pretreated glutaraldehyde pretreated bovine pericardium showed calcification inhibition by Al+++, Fe+++, and Fe+++ plus citrate (Ca++ = 5.5 +/- 0.2 micrograms/mg, 13.6 +/- 4.6 micrograms/mg, 5.9 +/- 1.7 micrograms/mg, respectively) compared to control (Ca++ = 63.6 +/- 5.7 micrograms/mg).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Two-dimensional conductometric detection in ion chromatography. Postsuppressor conversion of eluite acids to a base

A simultaneous cation/anion-exchange scheme is proposed where the effluent eluite acids from a suppressed anion chromatography system proceed through the annular channel of a dual membrane converter device composed of an anion and a cation-exchange membrane tube. The optimum regenerants consist of LiF doped with LiOH for the cation side and LiF doped with HF (or NH[sub 4]HF[sub 2]) for the anion side. Sensitivity to very weak acids is far better than detection in the suppressed mode and is also improved markedly over a previously described system involving sequential ion exchange to NaOH. A model is presented for the process, and qualitative agreement to the experimental data is established. The two-dimensional information permits the estimation of the pK[sub a] of unknown eluites. 15 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab.
Calcitonin secretion by continuous cultures of small cell carcinoma of the lung: Incidence and immunoheterogeneity studies

A study was made of immunoreactive calcitonin (iCT) secretion by continuous cultures of small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL). Using an antiserum region specific for the midportion of the molecule, 912 cultures were found to secrete iCT. Gel filtration studies were performed on both supernatant fluid (SF) and cell pellet (CP) extract from a culture secreting high levels of iCT. Multiple iCT fractions were found in the SF with the major fraction being of high molecular weight (MW). In contrast, the CP had apparently monomeric CT as its principal iCT fraction. These studies demonstrate frequent iCT secretion by SCCL cultures and significant disparities between the iCT moieties found extra- and intracellularly.
A thermodynamic framework for the modeling of crystallizable shape memory polymers

Abstract Shape memory polymers are a relatively new class of materials that have the ability to retain a temporary shape, which can be reset to the original shape with the use of a suitable trigger, typically an increase in temperature. The temporary shapes can be very complex and the deformations involved large. These materials are finding use in a large variety of important applications; hence the need to model their behavior. In this paper, we develop constitutive equations to model the thermo-mechanical behavior of crystallizable shape memory polymers. Crystallizable shape memory polymers are called crystallizable because the temporary shape is fixed by a crystalline phase, while return to the original shape is due to the transition of this crystalline phase. The modeling is carried out using a framework that was developed recently for studying crystallization in polymers and is based on the theory of multiple natural configurations. In this paper we formulate constitutive equations for the original amorphous phase and the semi-crystalline phase that is formed after the onset of crystallization. In addition we model the transition of the crystalline phase to capture the return of the polymer to its original shape. These models for shape memory effects in polymers have been developed within a full thermodynamic framework, extending our previous work in which the models were developed within a mechanical setting [G. Barot, I.J. Rao, Constitutive modeling of the mechanics associated with crystallizable shape memory polymers, ZAMP 57 (4) (2006) 652–681]. The model is applied to the problem of inflation and extension of a hollow cylinder. The results are consistent with what has been observed in experiments.
Insular Alzheimer’s disease pathology as a cause of “age-related” autonomic dysfunction and mortality in the non-demented elderly

Only a few brain structures have been implicated in the autonomic control of blood pressure and heart rate. Among them are heteromodal association areas in the cortex, especially the insular cortex. Ischemic insular lesions have been associated with both cardiac arrhythmias and mortality. However, stroke may not be the only insular pathology with the potential to disrupt autonomic function. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with both insular pathology and autonomic dysfunction. Alzheimer's dementia is merely the final stage of a pathological process that spans decades. Recent studies have demonstrated a hierarchichal sequence of AD pathology that includes the insular cortex. This may explain why AD has effects on BP and central autonomic cardio-regulatory functions. However, AD reaches the insular cortex at a "preclinical" stage in its development (i.e., before "dementia" can be diagnosed). Thus, AD pathology should also be considered as a possible explanation for autonomic morbidity and mortality in non-demented elderly persons. We hypothesize that autonomic dyscontrol, commonly seen in non-demented well elderly persons without significant cardiovascular disease (CVD), reflects subclinical stages of AD pathology affecting the insular cortex. If true, then preclinical AD pathology should be considered as a possible explanation for arrhythmia/fall related morbidity and mortality in non-demented elderly persons.
ASGE leadership: promoting or validating endoscopic technology?

Extracted from text ... The 1 To the Editor: The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) recently advertised and promoted a series of endoscopic minicourses to be held at its national facility, offering hands-on experience with 4 of the latest endoluminal procedures designed to treat GERD. These courses offer members brief exposure to "cutting edge" endoscopic technology to prevent GERD. They have received strong support from the ASGE leadership. One of the reasons for developing these courses was to counter the negativism voiced by "some of the experts in the field of GERD (who) have looked at endotherapy very critically and perhaps ..
First year radiology residents not taking call: will there be a difference?

Currently, there is a debate in the academic radiology community about whether or not first year residents should take overnight call. The purpose of this study was to track discrepancies on overnight resident preliminary reads on radiographs from the emergency department to see if the experience level of the resident makes a difference. From October 1, 2005 to September 22, 2006, 13,213 radiographs were prospectively interpreted by residents at night at a Level I Trauma Center. Discrepancies were documented after review of the films with the staff radiologist in the morning. The patient’s medical record was then examined to determine if there was any adverse clinical outcome as a result of the reading. Of the 13,184 radiographs interpreted, 120 total discrepancies were identified (overall discrepancy rate 0.9%). First year residents showed a discrepancy rate of 1.59%, higher than other residents, which were ranged from 0.39 to 0.56%. Of the 54 patients with follow-up imaging, the abnormality that was felt to be present by staff persisted on follow-up imaging in 22 cases; however, the abnormality was not present on follow up of the other 32 patients (59.2% of discrepancies with follow-up imaging). Although there is higher rate of discrepancy among reports generated by first year residents, the difference compared to the other levels of experience is small, and its overall significance can be debated. Follow-up imaging often showed that staff interpretations were false positives when there was a discrepancy reported.
A problem in the parameterization of large‐scale eddies

The large-scale eddies in the extratropics are assumed to be in exact geostrophic and hydrostatic balance. An attempt is made to parameterize these eddies through arithmetic mean and root mean square values of the horizontal and vertical slopes of the zonal harmonic components. The implications of the two types of parameterization for the meridional transfers of momentum and sensible heat and the partitioning of the zonal variances of momentum and temperature in terms of their availability for poleward transport (which involves the proper depiction of the eddies) are discussed. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1976.tb00668.x
Enhanced Automatic Generation Control (E-AGC) for future electric energy systems

This paper concerns the problem of regulating frequency in the changing electric energy systems with large presence of renewable energy resources. We start by observing that currently implemented frequency regulation approach, well-known as the Automatic Generation Control (AGC), is based on equilibria (steady-state) assumptions. However, frequency regulation in systems with fast and persistent fluctuations caused by wind and solar power, in particular, can no longer be viewed as equilibria problems. In order to better understand and overcome these limitations, we formulate the frequency regulation problem by viewing the future electric energy systems as a general dynamical system driven by disturbances. We derive a dynamical model of the system and further utilize its structure to systematically design an Enhanced-AGC (E-AGC). System performance is defined to consider tradeoff between quality of frequency regulation and its cost. Our proposed E-AGC generally supports coordination of several interconnected control areas for achieving the best performance at the system level. The proposed E-AGC is illustrated by simulating a small two-control area system and a 2000 bus, 15 generator real-world power system of Sao Miguel Island in the Azores Archipelago of Portugal. A comparison with system response of today's AGC is discussed.
High risk coronary artery bypass patient: incidence, surgical strategies, and results.

Abstract Background To describe our experience in the treatment of high risk coronary artery bypass patients and compare patients assigned to on-pump or off-pump surgery. Methods During a 42-month period 306 high risk (Euroscore > 5) coronary artery bypass patients were consecutively treated at our institution. On the basis of the coronary anatomy and possibility of achieving a complete revascularization, 197 patients were assigned to off-pump and 109 to on-pump operation. Overall mortality was 6.2% (19 of 306 patients). Results Although patients treated off-pump had a better cardiac status, no clinical advantages related to the avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass were found in the overall population. Off-pump patients had more early and late cardiac complications, whereas patients operated on-pump exhibited an higher incidence of postoperative systemic organ dysfunction. Off-pump surgery improved in-hospital outcome only in the subset of patients at highest risk. Conclusions Avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass does not confer significant clinical advantages in all high risk coronary patients; instead, there are particular subsets of patients in whom beating heart surgery can be particularly indicated and others for whom on-pump revascularization appears a better solution. Adaptation of the operation to the single patient is probably the way to improve outcome.
Simulation of EUV multilayer mirror buried defects

A new interface has been created to link existing deposition/etching and electromagnetic simulation software, allowing the user to program deposition and etching conditions and then find the reflective properties of the resultant structure. The application studied in this paper is the problem of three-dimensional defects which become buried during fabrication of multilayer mirrors for extreme ultraviolet lithography. The software link reads in surface information in the form of linked triangles, determines all nodes within the triangles, and then creates nodes lying between triangles of different layers to create a 3- dimensional inhomogeneous matrix containing the materials' indices of refraction. This allows etching and depositions to be input into SAMPLE-3D, a multi-surface topology to be generated, and then the electromagnetic properties of the structure to be assessed with TEMPEST. This capability was used to study substrate defects in multilayer mirrors by programming a defect and then sputter-depositing some forty layers on top of the defect. Specifically examined was how the topography depended on sputter conditions and determined the defects' impact on the mirrors' imaging properties. While this research was focused on application to EUV lithography, the general technique may be extended to other optical processes such as alignment and mask defects.
Effects of a biologically active LHRH fragment on CA1 hippocampal neurons

Abstract The actions of a behaviorally active luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone fragment, Ac-LHRH(5–10), on CA1 pyramidal cells were studied utilizing conventional intracellular recordings from the in vitro rat hippocampal slice preparation. The behaviorally active fragment (10 −7 M ) and the natural decapeptide [LHRH(1–10), 10 −8 M ] had similar actions on CA1 neurons: a long-duration depolarization associated with increased input resistance, a reduction in the slow afterhyperpolarization (AHP), and a decrease in accommodation. In contrast, a biologically inactive LHRH fragment [LHRH(1–6) at 10 −7 M ] had no effect on electrical properties of CA1 neurons. These data suggest that Ac-LHRH(5–10), like LHRH(1–10), may have a modulatory action on hippocampal neurons.
Late adjunctive therapy with single doses of rapamycin in skin-allografted mice treated with antilymphocyte serum and donor bone marrow cells.

Abstract Temporary donor-specific unresponsiveness induced by treatment of skin allografted mice with antilymphocyte serum (ALS) and donor bone marrow cells (BMC) can be converted to long-term graft survival and tolerance by adding adjunctive immunosuppressive agents, including rapamycin (Rapa). Rapa was given in a suboptimal dosing schedule to probe several aspects of its use in the promotion of tolerization. Single doses were given at 2 weeks post-transplantation to recipients prepared with ALS and donor BMC. Graft survival was markedly prolonged in a dose-dependent fashion by day +14, Rapa, doses ranging from 0.75 to 6.0 mg/kg. Indefinite (> 300 day) graft survival was observed in 26% of recipeints given the highest Rapa done. Short-term treatment with cyclosporin A (CsA) or deoxyspergualin (DSG) was ineffective when injected at this time. Rapa augmented the tolerizing effect of grafting with skin from newborn mice but had no significant additive or synergistic effects with the short course of CsA or with DSG given on days +1 to +3, even though the latter prolonged graft survival when added to the ALS/BMC protocol. Single doses of Rapa on day +1 also prolonged graft survival, but without any of the grafts surviving indefinitely. Later dosing on day +28 resulted in > 70% of grafts surviving > 300 days. Challenge grafting of these mice after day +300 resulted in delayed rejection of donor strain, but not third-party skin grafts. Rapa was very effective when given as widely spaced doses on days +14 and +49. Also, grafts showing the earliest signs of rejection could be rescued with a single Rapa dose in recipients treated with ALS and BMC but not ALS alone. Transfer of prolonged graft survival with spleen cells from ALS plus BMC treated recipients was not adversely affected by Rapa given to the suppressor-like spleen cell donors approximately 1 week before cell harvest. We conclude that the use of Rapa as an adjunctive agent in allograft recipients treated with ALS plus donor BMC is very flexible in terms of timing of administration, and that the drug can be effectively given as widely spaced doses or as a rescue agent after ALS/BMC treatment. Additionally, an active immunoregulatory mechanism induced by ALS/BMC treatment appears to be spared by Rapa.
Abundance and Distribution of the Invasive Ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in Cypress Savannas of North Carolina

ABSTRACT The ecological effects of invasive ants on ecosystems will depend largely on ant abundance. Cypress savannas of the southeastern United States have high conservation worth, supporting diverse and rare assemblages of species. Distance sampling was used to determine the abundance and distribution of colonies of the invasive ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, in cypress savannas of two Carolina bays. Colonies were distributed throughout the savannas, save for areas of dense tree or shrub cover. Colony densities were much less than those reported for disturbed habitats and were similar between bays. Free-standing mounds were more common in the historically less flooded bay, and they had significantly greater volume and colony biomass as compared with these mounds in the other bay. Unlike previous studies, reporting only monogyne colonies for intact habitats of the southeast, both monogyne and polygyne colonies were present in the cypress savannas; <60% of the colonies were monogyne. Cypress savannas join...
Surfactant protein A enhances apoptotic cell uptake and TGF-β1 release by inflammatory alveolar macrophages

The phagocytosis of apoptotic inflammatory cells by alveolar macrophages (AMs) is a key component of inflammation resolution within the air space. Surfactant protein A (SP-A) has been shown to stimulate the phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils (PMNs) by normal AMs. We hypothesized that SP-A promotes the resolution of alveolar inflammation by enhancing apoptotic PMN phagocytosis and anti-inflammatory cytokine release by inflammatory AMs. Using an LPS lung inflammation model, we determined that SP-A stimulates the phagocytosis of apoptotic PMNs threefold by normal AMs and AMs isolated after LPS injury. Furthermore, SP-A enhances transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) release from both AM populations. Inflammatory AMs release twofold more TGF-β1 in culture than do normal AMs. SP-A and apoptotic PMNs together stimulate TGF-β1 release equivalently from normal and inflammatory cultured AMs (330% of unstimulated release by normal AMs). In summary, SP-A enhances apoptotic PMN uptake, stimulates AM TGF-β1 release, and modulates the amount of TGF-β1 released when AMs phagocytose apoptotic PMNs. These findings support the hypothesis that SP-A promotes the resolution of alveolar inflammation.
Update on chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

Chronic ITP is an autoimmune disorder manifested by immune-mediated platelet destruction and suppressed platelet production. The following article will discuss: normal platelet production and circulation; ITP pathophysiology; and diagnosis and treatment options for ITP.
‘‘Designer diagnostics’’ for developing direct-injection gasoline engines

The primary motivation for stratified-charge spark-ignited direct injection (SC-SIDI) engines is to maximize fuel economy by operating the engine with minimal (preferably no) throttling at part load. This requires control of the fuel-air mixing process to create a fuel cloud around the spark plug that is favorable for ignition and complete combustion in every engine cycle. This paper illustrates experimental techniques that have been developed to measure key aspects of the incylinder fuel-injection, ignition, combustion and emissions-formation processes. Most of these techniques rely on high-speed digital imaging and in-situ calibration in order to characterize dynamic in-cylinder phenomena that vary substantially from cycle to cycle.
Determining contact energy function for continuous state models of globular protein conformations

One of the approaches to protein structure prediction is to obtain energy functions which can recognize the native conformation of a given sequence among a zoo of conformations. The discriminations can be done by assigning the lowest energy to the native conformation, with the guarantee that the native is in the zoo. Well-adjusted functions, then, can be used in the search for other (near-) natives. Here the aim is the discrimination at relatively high resolution (RMSD difference between the native and the closest nonnative is around 1 A) by pairwise energy potentials. The results show that the potential can be trained to discriminate between the native conformation of one protein as the (near-) global minimum, and other nonnatives, including energy-minimized ones (or local minima). This potential function is able to identify the native conformation of another protein, too.
Interfaces between the Foundation Coalition integrated curriculum and programs for honors, minority, women, and transfer students

The Foundation Coalition includes seven institutions, all of which are in the process of developing an engineering curriculum that incorporates the integration of courses, the utilization of active and cooperative learning in the classroom, and the use of technology in the classroom to enhance the level and sophistication of content and problems approached. During the 1994-1995 academic year, all of these institutions piloted a freshman curriculum that involved various levels of integration of the courses that students take. Typically, this involved the integration of physics, calculus, English, engineering design graphics, chemistry and engineering problem solving over both semesters of the freshman year. In addition, the students took humanities or social science electives. One of the goals of this Coalition is to increase the enrolment and support of women and underrepresented minorities. This paper describes several conflicts which the integrated approach created for students in special programs in the College of Engineering. Most of these programs have existed for many years in the College, and have activities with proven records for enhancing the educational experience and retention in engineering. These conflicts are described, and some of the initial strategies for resolving the conflicts are presented, as well as plans for assuring that these programs work together effectively as the integrated program expands and becomes institutionalized. Resolving these conflicts is a challenge the integrated curriculum must meet in order to be effective for a large number of students.
Non-invasive evaluation of left ventricular power output by simultaneous recordings of applanation tonometry and echocardiographic Doppler signals

Ventricular hydraulic power is defined as the instantaneous product of flow and pressure at the aortic root. This paper describes a system for non-invasive determination of LV power output based on simultaneous acquisition of applanation tonometry for aortic blood pressure (BP) evaluation and echo-Doppler signals for flow measurement. Acquisition is performed with a dedicated A/D system allowing on-line visualisation of Doppler power spectra and calibrated tonometric signals (using mean and diastolic cuff BP at the brachial level). Aortic BP is estimated either using an aorto-radial transfer function, either untransformed carotid BP. This method has been investigated in 10 normal volunteers. Visualisation of calibrated data during acquisition allowed recordings with a low variability (mean standard deviation of reconstructed systolic BP<5 mmHg). The expected increase in systolic BP was observed from carotid to radial sites. The mean peak power was 6/spl plusmn/2 W.
SCCS: A Scalable Clustered Camera System for Multiple Object Tracking Communicating Via Message Passing Interface

We introduce the Scalable Clustered Camera System, a peer-to-peer multi-camera system for multi-object tracking, where different CPUs are used to process inputs from distinct cameras. Instead of transferring control of tracking jobs from one camera to another, each camera in our system performs its own tracking and keeps its own tracks for each target object, thus providing fault tolerance. A fast and robust tracking method is proposed to perform tracking on each camera view, while maintaining consistent labeling. In addition, we introduce a new communication protocol, where the decisions about when and with whom to communicate are made such that frequency and size of transmitted messages are minimized. This protocol incorporates variable synchronization capabilities, so as to allow flexibility with accuracy tradeoffs. We discuss our implementation, consisting of a parallel computing cluster, with communication between the cameras performed by MPI. We present experimental results which demonstrate the success of the proposed peer-to-peer multi-camera tracking system, with accuracy of 95% for a high frequency of synchronization, as well as a worst-case of 15 frames of latency in recovering correct labels at low synchronization frequencies.
Fast multipole method solution of three dimensional integral equation

The fast multipole method (FMM) speeds up the matrix-vector multiplication in the conjugate gradient (CG) method when it is used to solve the matrix equation iteratively. The FMM is applied to solve the problem of electromagnetic scattering from three dimensional arbitrary shape conducting bodies. The electric field integral equation (EFIE), magnetic field integral equation (MFIE), and the combined field integral equation (CFIE) are considered. The FMM formula for the CFIE has been derived, which reduces the complexity of the matrix-vector multiplication from O(N/sup 2/) to O(N/sup 1/.5), where N is the number of unknowns. With a nonnested method, using the ray-propagation fast multipole algorithm (RPFMA), the cost of the FMM matrix-vector multiplication is reduced to O(N/sup 4/3/). We have implemented a multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA), whose complexity is further reduced to O(NlogN). The FMM also requires less memory, and hence, can solve a larger problem on a small computer.
Cleft palate in a newborn with duplication 2(q13q23).

Abstract Objectives: A preterm boy was born with multiple anomalies including cleft palate and ventricular septal defect. Chromosome analysis on a blood sample identified additional material within the long arm of chromosome 2. Setting: The newborn was in the neonatal intensive care unit requiring tertiary care during his 22 days of life. Results: A supplementary fluorescent in situ hybridization test was performed to confirm the extra chromosomal material was chromosome 2. Parents' chromosomes were normal, indicating a de novo duplication of 2q13q23. Conclusion: Comparison of this case with those in the literature suggests involvement of cleft palate of cases with duplication of 2q13.
Diversity and evolution of sound production in the social behavior of Chaetodon butterflyfishes

ABSTRACT Fish produce context-specific sounds during social communication, but it is not known how acoustic behaviors have evolved in relation to specializations of the auditory system. Butterflyfishes (family Chaetodontidae) have a well-defined phylogeny and produce pulsed communication sounds during social interactions on coral reefs. Recent work indicates that two sound production mechanisms exist in the bannerfish clade and that other mechanisms are used in the Chaetodon clade, which is distinguished by an auditory specialization, the laterophysic connection (LC). Here, we determine the kinematic action patterns associated with sound production during social interactions in four Chaetodon subgenera and the non-laterophysic fish Forcipiger flavissimus. Some Chaetodon species share the head bob acoustic behavior with F. flavissimus , which along with other sounds in the 100–1000 Hz spectrum, are probably adequate to stimulate the ear, swim bladder or LC of a receiver fish. In contrast, only Chaetodon species produced the tail slap sound, which involves a 1–30 Hz hydrodynamic pulse that is likely to stimulate the receiver9s ear and lateral line at close distances, but not the swim bladder or LC. Reconstructions of ancestral character states appear equivocal for the head bob and divergent for the tail slap acoustic behaviors. Independent contrast analysis shows a correlation between sound duration and stimulus intensity characters. The intensities of the tail slap and body pulse sounds in Chaeotodon species are correlated with body size and can provide honest communication signals. Future studies on fish acoustic communication should investigate low-frequency and infrasound acoustic fields to understand the integrated function of the ear and lateral line, and their evolutionary patterns.
The transconjunctival approach in the trauma setting : avoidance of complications

There has been a renewed interest in the application of the transconjunctival approach in cosmetic and noncosmetic settings.1-4 In comparison to the transcutaneous technique, the transconjunctival technique may offer several advantages, including an anatomicallybased preservation of the lower eyelid support mechanisms and the avoidance of a skin incision. Hypothetically, there should be less of a tendency toward scleral show and rounding. Recently, several authors have been reporting on their use of the transconjunctival technique. Their reported complication rate has been relatively low. The execution of this technique as well as the avoidance of complications depends on the operator and the technique used. In the setting of trauma, with the less than ideal setting, there has been some concern that the rate of complications may be higher than that observed in elective cosmetic cases.5 The purpose of this report is to describe an experience in the use of this technique in the trauma setting and to make observations regarding complications and their avoidance.
Telomeres Cluster De Novo before the Initiation of Synapsis: A Three-dimensional Spatial Analysis of Telomere Positions before and during Meiotic Prophase

We have analyzed the progressive changes in the spatial distribution of telomeres during meiosis using three-dimensional, high resolution fluorescence microscopy. Fixed meiotic cells of maize (Zea mays L.) were subjected to in situ hybridization under conditions that preserved chromosome structure, allowing identification of stage-dependent changes in telomere arrangements. We found that nuclei at the last somatic prophase before meiosis exhibit a nonrandom, polarized chromosome organization resulting in a loose grouping of telomeres. Quantitative measurements on the spatial arrangements of telomeres revealed that, as cells passed through premeiotic interphase and into leptotene, there was an increase in the frequency of large telomere-to-telomere distances and a decrease in the bias toward peripheral localization of telomeres. By leptotene, there was no obvious evidence of telomere grouping, and the large, singular nucleolus was internally located, nearly concentric with the nucleus. At the end of leptotene, telomeres clustered de novo at the nuclear periphery, coincident with a displacement of the nucleolus to one side. The telomere cluster persisted throughout zygotene and into early pachytene. The nucleolus was adjacent to the cluster at zygotene. At the pachytene stage, telomeres rearranged again by dispersing throughout the nuclear periphery. The stage-dependent changes in telomere arrangements are suggestive of specific, active telomere-associated motility processes with meiotic functions. Thus, the formation of the cluster itself is an early event in the nuclear reorganizations associated with meiosis and may reflect a control point in the initiation of synapsis or crossing over.
Competitive learning with generalized winner-take-all activation

Competitive learning paradigms are usually defined with winner-take-all (WTA) activation rules. The paper develops a mathematical model for competitive learning paradigms using a generalization of the WTA activation rule (g-WTA). The model is a partial differential equation (PDE) relating the time rate of change in the 'density' of weight vectors to the divergence of a vector field called the neural flux. Characteristic trajectories are used to study solutions of the PDE model over scalar weight spaces. These solutions show how the model can be used to design competitive learning algorithms which estimate the modes of unknown probability density functions. >
Gravitational and zero-drag motion of a spheroid adjacent to an inclined plane at low Reynolds number

The first highly accurate solutions for the resistance tensor of an oblate or prolate spheroid moving near a planar wall obtained by Hsu & Ganatos (1989) are used to compute the translational and angular velocities and trajectories of a neutrally buoyant spheroid in shear flow and the gravitational settling motion of a non-neutrally buoyant spheroid adjacent to an inclined plane. The neutrally buoyant spheroid in shear flow undergoes a periodical motion toward and away from the wall as it continually tumbles forward. For some orientation angles it is found that the wall actually enhances the angular velocity of the particle. For certain inclinations a spheroid settling under gravity near an inclined plane reaches an equilibrium position, after which it translates parallel to the wall without rotation.
Automatic track formation in clutter with a recursive algorithm

A recursive algorithm for forming tracks in a cluttered environment is presented. The approach combines the interacting multiple model algorithm with the probabilistic data association filter. The track formation is accomplished by considering two models: one is the true target, with a certain probability of detection P/sub D/; the other is an unobservable target (or no target) with the same model as the former except that P/sub D/=0. The latter represents either a true target outside the sensor coverage or an erroneously hypothesized target. Assuming that the clutter measurements are uniformly distributed, the algorithm yields the true target probability of a track; i.e. it can be called intelligent, since it has a quantitative assessment of whether it has a target in track. The algorithm is useful for low signal-to-noise-ratio situations where the detection threshold has to be set low in order to detect the target, leading to a high rate of false alarms. >
Practical Acetate Membrane Overlay Method for Multiple Sample LDH Isoenzyme Separation and Quantitation

A rapid microtechnic utilizing cellulose acetate membranes for the electrophoretic separation of LDH isoenzymes is described. The use of cellulose acetate for both migration and reagent application represents a relatively inexpensive and reproducible method which avoids many of the inherent problems associated with agar gels. The technic can be used for the analysis of a relatively large number of samples. Normal distribution values of the LDH isoenzymes were established.
An efficient wrapper scan chain configuration method for network-on-chip testing

Network-on-chip (NoC) is the new paradigm for core-based system design. Reuse of the on-chip communication network for testing cores in a NoC-based system is critical to reduce test cost for this new architecture. However, many new challenging issues come up correspondingly. In this paper, we propose a test data transportation method with multiple data flit formats and a novel scan chain configuration method to maximize the utilization of the on-chip network channel without adding too much hardware overhead. Experimental results on ITC'02 benchmarks show that the new wrapper scan chain configuration method (with the aid of multiple data flit formats) leads to substantial reduction in network channel waste, and thus results in a significant overall reduction of time and energy for testing the entire system. The test wrapper architecture that supports the new method of test data transportation is very simple, and has been verified by VHDL simulation.
The Black Death in Egypt and England: A Comparative Study – By Stuart J. Borsch

For years students of history have complained about the increasing narrowness of research. Historical writing often seems to be fragmenting into ever more discrete and smaller studies. An antidote ...
A discrete event framework for intelligent inspection

The problem of intelligent inspection is addressed. Discrete event dynamic systems (DEDSs) are used to guide the sensing of mechanical parts for industrial inspection. An agent is used to sense the environment and to feed the relevant data to a control module that makes design and sensing strategy choices which affect inspection activities. The autonomous sensing system can be modeled efficiently within the DEDS framework. >
Model study of nutrient and phytoplankton dynamics in the Gulf of Maine: patterns and drivers for seasonal and interannual variability

Rucheng Tian1*‡, Changsheng Chen1, Jianhua Qi1, Rubao Ji2, Robert C. Beardsley3, and Cabell Davis2 School for Marine Science and Technology, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, 706 South Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744, USA Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA Department of Physical Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA *Corresponding author: tel: +1 410 295 1328; fax: +1 410 267 5777; e-mail: rtian@chesapeakebay.net. Present address: UMCES/CBPO, 410 Severn Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403, USA.
Parent Involvement in Head Start and Children's Development: Indirect Effects Through Parenting

The authors examined the extent to which parent involvement in Head Start programs predicted changes in both parent and child outcomes over time, using a nationally representative sample of 1,020 three-year-old children over 3 waves of the Family and Child Experiences Survey. Center policies that promote involvement predicted greater parent involvement, and parents who were more involved in Head Start centers demonstrated increased cognitive stimulation and decreased spanking and controlling behaviors. In turn, these changes in parenting behaviors were associated with gains in children's academic and behavioral skills. These findings suggest that Head Start programs should do even more to facilitate parent involvement because it can serve as an important means for promoting both parent and child outcomes.
Dietary Cholesterol and Colon Tumorigenesis Induced by 1,2, Dimethylhydrazine or N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea in Rats

The relationship of dietary cholesterol to bowel tumorigenesis is controversial. Lui and associates (1) used food disappearance data and age specific mortality rates for colon cancer in a descriptive epidemiologic study. By cross classification of data they observed that dietary cholesterol independently exhibited a significant direct effect with colon cancer mortality but fat and fiber did not. In a case control study of colo-rectal cancer by Jain, et al (2) multivariate analysis, with major nutrients controlled, revealed a dose responsive direct relationship for each sex between dietary cholesterol intake and colorectal cancer.
Modeling Defaultable Securities With Recovery Risk

Although the Basel Committee has identified recovery risk as an important source of risk in relation to default, the impact of recovery rates on defaultable securities is not yet well understood. This paper proposes a discrete-time reduced form approach for pricing defaultable securities that incorporates stochastic recovery rates. We provide pricing formulas for risky bonds and credit default swap contracts in the case of an economy with an affine state vector. Faced with rich and realistic econometric representations of the state variables, the model stays tractable and can be estimated using standard techniques. We estimate a five-factor Gaussian model on BBB and B Standard & Poor's yield indices. Our analysis indicates that for both indices, the stochastic recovery model significantly outperforms a nested model where the unconditional recovery rate is estimated as a constant. The model is able to capture two important stylized facts of defaultable securities: The positive correlation between the loss given default, and the intensity of default and the negative correlation between the intensity of default and the risk-free interest rate.