cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of monovalent cations on the ultraviolet-visible spectrum of tryptophan tryptophylquinone-containing methylamine dehydrogenase from bacterium W3A1.

The influence of the monovalent cations on the UV-visible spectra of the methylamine dehydrogenase (MADH) from bacterium W3A1 was investigated. The spectra for the oxidized and 1- and 2-electron-reduced forms, unperturbed by bound cations, were obtained for the enzyme, and the extinction coefficients for these forms were determined. The binding of the following cations was investigated: Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, NH4+, (CH3)3NH+, and (CH3)4N+. It was shown that each cation produced unique spectral changes, some of which were pH-dependent. Except for NH4+, all spectral changes produced by binding of the monovalent cations can be explained by assuming two different binding sites in MADH (type I and type II sites). Na+ and K+ displayed monophasic binding to the type II site, (CH3)3NH+ and (CH3)4N+ displayed monophasic binding to the type I site, and Li+, Rb+, and Cs+ displayed either monophasic or biphasic binding to one or both sites depending on pH. The pH dependence for binding to the two sites is different, i.e. plots of log(Kd) versus pH have negative slopes approximately 1 for the type II site, whereas the negative slope is significantly less than 1 (0.6-0.8) for the type I site. This difference leads to pH-dependent changes in spectral features produced by binding of Li+, Rb+, and Cs+. The spectral changes seen during titrations with NH+4 were unlike those seen for any other cation. The binding of NH+4 was biphasic, and the spectra produced in each phase were unaffected by pH. It is assumed that this cation binds to the tryptophan tryptophylquinone cofactor to produce the iminoquinone in the first phase and then binds to the type I monovalent cation binding site in the second phase. It is suggested that binding of NH+4 (and CH3NH+3) to the type I site is a prelude to binding to the cofactor.
A computationally efficient method for accurate spectral testing without requiring coherent sampling

The fast Fourier transform is the ubiquitous method of choice for spectral testing. However, its correct application to periodic signals requires either strict coherent sampling, or careful windowing, or other techniques that are computationally inefficient. This work introduces a new method for achieving accurate spectral testing for periodic signals without the need for coherent sampling or windowing. Furthermore the method is computationally very efficient with only minimal addition to the computational complexity of FFT. The method is validated with both simulation data and experimental data. Extensive controlled simulation indicates that the method is very robust to errors in signal frequency, phase, amplitude, additive noise, and so on. Statistical analysis and comparative studies demonstrate that the proposed method achieves spectral testing accuracies similar to those obtained with perfect coherent sampling in an ideal noise-free environment.
Effect of summer-to-fall transition on ERS-1 SAR and SSM/I images of sea ice

Microwave images of sea ice are difficult to interpret during the seasonal transitions because of the rapidly changing ice and atmospheric conditions. In this paper the authors examine the summer-to-fall transition of sea ice from satellite active and passive microwave observations and investigate the use of a hybrid fusion algorithm for improving estimates of ice type concentration during this season. Based on previous in situ measurements the authors have observed that the backscattering coefficient of multiyear ice increases sharply at the onset of freeze-up in the Arctic. A 6-dB increase in the mean backscattering coefficient is also observed from ERS-1 synthetic aperture radar data. The change in the observed backscatter is caused by refreezing of moisture on or near the ice surface, which allows for increased penetration into the ice volume. This change in backscatter can be used to determine the onset of freeze-up in the Arctic from SAR. In addition, the authors used DMSP SSM/I data in this study to compute ice type concentration using the NASA Team algorithm. These estimates have been shown to be inaccurate during the freeze-up season. To improve estimates of ice type concentration after the onset of freeze-up we used a hybrid fusion method for incorporating information from the ERS-1 SAR into an existing passive microwave algorithm.
PHARMACY-MANAGED, WEIGHT-BASED HEPARIN PROTOCOL

A revised protocol for heparin therapy, in which dosing was based on the patient's weight and the pharmacy staff assumed responsibility for management of the treatment protocol, was evaluated. A fixed-dose protocol for heparin therapy, in which an initial loading dose and infusion rate were specified by physicians and partial thromboplastin times (PTTs) were determined every 12 hours, was revised to determine dosing based on patient weight and diagnosis and to include more levels of dose adjustment and additional laboratory tests. Data on demographic characteristics of patients, heparin therapy, laboratory monitoring, conversion to warfarin therapy, and protocol management were collected for the patients receiving heparin under the revised protocol. Results were compared with those obtained for the old, fixed-dose protocol, which was managed by nursing staff. The revised protocol showed improvements in heparin therapy according to commonly accepted treatment criteria, including dosages, time to achieve a PTT associated with therapeutic anticoagulation, and the time a patient was in the target PTT range. The new protocol was also significantly more effective in avoiding low as well as high PTT ratios. The laboratory monitoring mandated by the revised protocol enhanced the monitoring of heparin therapy, and pharmacy management improved the accuracy and documentation of heparin therapy. Under the revised protocol, anticoagulation goals were attained more rapidly, and dosing changes were more likely to be correct and appropriately documented.
Genetic diversity, sexual condition, and microhabitat preference determine mating patterns in Sphagnum (Sphagnaceae) peat-mosses

In bryophytes, the possibility of intragametophytic selfing creates complex mating patterns that are not possible in seed plants, although relatively little is known about patterns of inbreeding in natural populations. In the peat-moss genus Sphagnum, taxa are generally bisexual (gametophytes produce both sperm and egg) or unisexual (gametes produced by separate male and female plants). We sampled populations of 14 species, aiming to assess inbreeding variation and inbreeding depression in sporophytes, and to evaluate correlations between sexual expression, mating systems, and microhabitat preferences. We sampled maternal gametophytes and their attached sporophytes at 12–19 microsatellite loci. Bisexual species exhibited higher levels of inbreeding than unisexual species but did generally engage in some outcrossing. Inbreeding depression did not appear to be common in either unisexual or bisexual species. Genetic diversity was higher in populations of unisexual species compared to populations of bisexual species. We found a significant association between species microhabitat preference and population genetic diversity: species preferring hummocks (high above water table) had populations with lower diversity than species inhabiting hollows (at the water table). We also found a significant interaction between sexual condition, microhabitat preference, and inbreeding coefficients, suggesting a vital role for species ecology in determining mating patterns in Sphagnum populations. © 2015 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2015, 115, 96–113.
Technology transfer-a future imperative

The Lehigh graduate program in manufacturing systems engineering, now in its sixth year, is described. An industrial advisory board has been enlisted with the mission of assisting the Center for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, guiding the program, and ensuring that technology transfer is accomplished both from campus into industry and from industry into the classroom. The Center for Manufacturing Systems Engineering relies heavily upon feedback from industry in structuring the research mission and assessing priorities for allocation of resources. The program emphasizes features thought to be essential in preparing manufacturing professionals for the twenty-first century. >
Voice Recognition Dictation: Radiologist as Transcriptionist

Continuous voice recognition dictation systems for radiology reporting provide a viable alternative to conventional transcription services with the promise of shorter report turnaround times and increased cost savings. While these benefits may be realized in academic institutions, it is unclear how voice recognition dictation impacts the private practice radiologist who is now faced with the additional task of transcription. In this article, we compare conventional transcription services with a commercially available voice recognition system with the following results: 1) Reports dictated with voice recognition took 50% longer to dictate despite being 24% shorter than those conventionally transcribed, 2) There were 5.1 errors per case, and 90% of all voice recognition dictations contained errors prior to report signoff while 10% of transcribed reports contained errors. 3). After signoff, 35% of VR reports still had errors. Additionally, cost savings using voice recognition systems in non-academic settings may not be realized. Based on average radiologist and transcription salaries, the additional time spent dictating with voice recognition costs an additional $6.10 per case or $76,250.00 yearly. The opportunity costs may be higher. Informally surveyed, all radiologists expressed dissatisfaction with voice recognition with feelings of frustration, and increased fatigue. In summary, in non-academic settings, utilizing radiologists as transcriptionists results in more error ridden radiology reports and increased costs compared with conventional transcription services.
mTORC1 and JNK coordinate phosphorylation of the p70S6K1 autoinhibitory domain in skeletal muscle following functional overloading.

The present project was designed to investigate phosphorylation of p70S6K1 in an animal model of skeletal muscle overload. Within 24 h of male Sprague-Dawley rats undergoing unilateral tenotomy to ...
Short-term recognition memory for complex free-form figures

Evidence from an STM experiment is presented which suggests that visual information need not be recoded verbally. In a same-different recognition task in which stimuli were free-form nonsense figures, recognition rates were substantially above chance for memory intervals of up to 20 sec. The nature of the items to be remembered renders very unlikely an explanation of the data based on verbal coding of the visual information.
Renal vascular shunts

Most renal arteriovenous fistulae are acquired. In addition to the haemodynamic consequences of any left to right shunt, these lesions can be responsible for systemic hypertension. Traumatic fistulae are being reported more frequently, especially following percutaneous renal biopsy. The existence of the Oxford shunt (Trueta) is still open to question, with no reported confirmation angiographically of such a phenomenon in man. The world literature of renal arteriovenous fistulae is reviewed and several new cases are added.
Cold-blooded snipers: thermal independence of ballistic tongue projection in the salamander Hydromantes platycephalus.

Plethodontid salamanders of the genus Hydromantes capture prey using the most extreme tongue projection among salamanders, and can shoot the tongue a distance of 80% of body length in less than 20 msec. The tongue skeleton is projected from the body via an elastic-recoil mechanism that decouples muscle contraction from tongue projection, amplifying muscle power tenfold. We tested the hypothesis that the elastic-recoil mechanism also endows tongue projection with low thermal dependence by examining the kinematics and dynamics of tongue projection in Hydromantes platycephalus over a range of body temperatures (2-24°C). We found that H. platycephalus maintained tongue-projection performance over the tested temperature range and that tongue projection showed thermal independence (Q(10) values of 0.94-1.04) of all performance parameters including projection distance, average velocity, and peak instantaneous values of velocity, acceleration, and power. Nonelastic, muscle-powered tongue retraction, in contrast, responded to temperature changes significantly differently than elastic tongue projection; performance parameters of retraction displayed thermal dependence typical of muscle-powered movement (Q(10) values of 1.63-4.97). These results reveal that the elastic-recoil mechanism liberates tongue projection from the effects of temperature on muscle contractile rates. We suggest that relative thermal independence is a general characteristic of elastic-recoil mechanisms and may promote the evolution of these mechanisms in ectothermic animals.
Studies in the cellular exudates of the bowel discharges* ii. the differential diagnosis of amebiasis. types of cells found in bowel discharges of patients with bowel complaints

During the past four years, studies in the cellular exudates of bowel discharges have established that the presence of cellular exudates in the bowel discharge indicates pathological change in the bowel wall, while the absence of cellular exudate points to bowel conditions not associated with anatomical changes in the bowel wall.
Selective laser melting (SLM) of gold (Au)

Purpose – Different metals have been processed using laser‐based solid freeform fabrication (SFF) processes but very little work has been published on the selective laser melting (SLM) of gold (Au). The purpose of this paper is to check the properties of gold powder and identify suitable processing parameters for SLM of 24 carat gold powder.Design/methodology/approach – A full factorial approach was used to vary the processing parameters and identify suitable processing region for gold powder. The effects of laser processing parameters on the internal porosity of the multi‐layer parts were examined.Findings – The gold powder was found to be cohesive in nature with apparent and tap densities of 9.3 and 10.36 g/cm3, respectively. The reflectance of gold powder was found to be 85 per cent in the infrared range. A very narrow good melting region was identified for gold powder. The balling phenomenon was observed at both low and high scan speeds. The size of droplets in the balling region tended to increase wi...
Analysis and simulation of employment and income impacts of infrastructure investments in a state-wide gis framework

Urban and regional planning and decision making have been aided over the years by variously effective, spatially-oriented technologies (Parent & Church, 1987). The postmodern version of spatial decision aids are known as geographic information systems (GIS) and typically take the form of a toolkit of data management, editing, analysis and output programs resident on computationally powerful, graphically sophisticated computer workstations. Fullfledged GISs handle both geographic entities (points, lines, areas) and their attributes in an integrated environment. GIS technology is employed in a growing variety of disciplines concerned with analysis or decision-making in the spatial domain (Aronoff, 1989; Burrough, 1986; Maguire, Goodchild, & Rhind, 1991; Ripple, 1989; Starr & Estes, 1990). Among other capabilities, GIS facilitates integration of disparate data sets, creation of new and derivative data sets, and development and analysis of spatially explicit variables. These latter may in turn be employed in models which have previously lacked such specificity (Dajani & Ortolando, 1979; Parent & Church, 1987; Wilson, 1984). The project described here employs GIS to integrate infrastructure data collected for general economic development purposes (Cowen & Shinar, 1989; Cowen & Shirley, 1991) with other general purpose data to analyze the relationship between infrastructure investments and economic expansion, as evidenced by employment growth. To do so, this project employs GIS to develop new and derivative spatial data sets to fit the hypothesized spatial process being studied, and to supply spatially referenced variables to more traditional econometric modeling
Equivalent conditions for hyperbolic coordinates

Abstract The existence of hyperbolic coordinates is equivalent to the pseudo orbits tracing property and expansiveness. Further equivalent conditions are also considered.
Natural gauge hierarchy in SO(10)

It is shown that a natural gauge hierarchy and doublet-triplet splitting can be achieved in SO(10) using the Dimopoulos-Wilczek mechanism. Artificial cancellations (fine-tuning) and arbitrary forms of the superpotential are avoided, the superpotential being the most general compatible with a symmetry. It is shown by example that the Dimopoulos-Wilczek mechanism can be protected against the effects of higher-dimension operators possibly induced by Planck-scale physics. Natural implementation of the mechanisms leads to an automatic Peccei-Quinn symmetry. The same local symmetries that would protect the gauge hierarchy against Planck-scale effects tend to protect the axion also. How realistic quark and lepton masses might arise in this framework is discussed. It is shown how the theory may remain perturbative up to the Planck scale. It is also argued that weak suppression'' of proton decay can be implemented more economically than can strong suppression,'' offering some grounds to hope [in the context of SO(10)] that proton decay could be seen at SuperKamiokande.
Coral-reef area and the contributions of reefs to processes and resources of the world's oceans

Do coral reefs constitute a quantitatively significant ecosystem on a global scale? The area, calcium mass balance, and fisheries yield of reefs provide important geographical, geochemical and biological criteria for answering this question. After considering them, I conclude that coral reefs should not be overlooked in the quantitative assessment of global resources.
Determination of 2-nitrofluoranthene and 2-nitropyrene in ambient particulate organic matter: Evidence for atmospheric reactions

Abstract We have identified and quantified 2-nitrofluoranthene (2-NO2-FL) and 2-nitropyrene (2-NO2-PY), both strong, direct mutagens in paniculate organic matter (POM) samples collected in polluted ambient air in southern California. Samples were collected during four consecutive 6-h periods on 18–19 September 1984, during which the ambient concentrations of gaseous co-pollutants were characterized by long pathlength spectroscopic techniques and conventional analyzers. Concentrations ranged up to 0.3 ng m−3 for 2-NO2-FL and 0.02 ng m−3 for 2-NO2-PY. The 2-nitro isomers of fluoranthene and pyrene have not been observed in direct emissions of POM (e.g. diesel exhaust and wood smoke). However, we recently observed these isomers from laboratory reactions involving N2O5 or OH radicals and the parent compounds. Thus the identification of 2-NO2-FL and 2-NO2-PY in ambient POM suggests that chemical transformations of fluoranthene and pyrene may take place in polluted atmospheres.
A simple statistical method for use in kinetic analysis based on Lineweaver-Burk plots

Abstract Statistical methods for the analysis of initial-velocity and/or inhibition data are described. They involve application of F tests (i) to determine goodness of fit to the first-order Michaelis-Menten equation, (ii) to predict the reaction mechanism by assessing slope and y -intercept effects in Lineweaver-Burk plots according to the inspection rules of Cleland [Cleland, W. W. (1963) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 67 , 188–196], (iii) to test the linearity of the replots of slopes or y -intercepts versus the reciprocal of the substrate concentration or the inhibitor concentration, and (iv) to estimate the true K m or K i values from these replots. The method serves to fill a gap in the kinetic analysis methodology between the antiquated graphical method and the sophisticated direct computer-fitting of data to a variety of possible rate equations. The entire theoretical and computational format is provided to allow the investigator to apply these statistical tests to his data using only a desk-top calculator.
Developing Software Reliability Models in the Architecture Phase of the Software Lifecycle

We present an approach for software reliability modeling at the architecture phase that has been applied to a large complex industrial system. The practicality of the approach is supported by the ease of use and model simplicity, which followed from the failure data analysis and the system architecture workflow modeling of this large and complex industrial system.
Observation of local cloud and moisture feedbacks over high ocean and desert surface temperatures

New data on clouds and moisture, made possible by reanalysis of weather satellite observations, show that the atmosphere reacts to warm clusters of very high sea surface temperatures in the western Pacific Ocean with increased moisture, cloudiness, and convection, suggesting a negative feedback limiting the sea surface temperature rise. The reverse was observed over dry and hot deserts where both moisture and cloudiness decrease, suggesting a positive feedback perpetuating existing desert conditions. In addition, the observations show a common critical surface temperature for both oceans and land; the distribution of atmospheric moisture is observed to reach a maximum value when the daily surface temperatures approach 304 +/- 1 K. These observations reveal complex dynamic-radiative interactions where multiple processes act simultaneously at the surface as well as in the atmosphere to regulate the feedback processes.
Atoms and Electrons

On the basis of any theory of atomic structure which classifies the elements according to rare gas type, cerium and thorium should be comparable with one another, since the atoms of each are possessed of four electrons more than those of the corresponding inert gases, xenon and niton respectively. There are, however, in the thorium atom, thirty-two more extra-nuclear electrons than in the cerium atom. In spite of this fact, it appears that the distances between atomic centres in crystals of these elements are practically the same (Ce = 3.62 A.U. andTh = 3.56 A.U., according to Hull), the distance being, if anything, slightly the smaller for thorium. Both crystallise in the face centred cubic lattice. If the interatomic distances may be taken as representing atomic diameters, this means that in the same (or slightly less) volume there are concentrated in the thorium atom thirty-two more electrons than in the cerium atom, the total numbers in the two cases being, respectively, ninety and fifty-eight.
Health and sexual outcomes of women who have experienced forced or coercive sex

Previous research has linked women's history of experiencing sexual assault with negative health outcomes; however, much of this research is over a decade old. Furthermore, little research has examined the relationship between sexual assault and women's sexuality. In the current study the authors aimed to assess the relation of experiencing sexual assault to women's health and sexuality and the relation of repeat victimization by multiple different perpetrators to such outcomes. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 2,915 women using an online questionnaire. Nearly half (n = 1,394, 47.8%) indicated having experienced forced or coercive sex. Women who had experienced forced or coercive sex were more likely to report negative health outcomes (Adj. OR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.35-1.82, p < .001) and some negative sexual outcomes compared to women without a history of forced or coercive sex. Similarly, women who experienced repeat victimizations by multiple different perpetrators were even more likely to report negative health outcomes (Adj. OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.28-1.59, p < .001) as well as some negative sexual outcomes. Healthcare providers should be aware of the relation of sexual assault to health and sexuality and continue to address health and sexuality issues associated with sexual assault for their patients.
Toward the Detection of Prostate Cancer in Urine: A Critical Analysis

Purpose: Prostate specific antigen and digital rectal examination have low specificity for detecting prostate cancer and they poorly predict the presence of aggressive disease. Urine is readily available and noninvasive, and it represents a promising source of biomarkers for the early detection and prediction of prostate cancer prognosis. We identified promising biomarkers for urine based prostate cancer, examined trends and outlined potential pitfalls.Materials and Methods: We performed PubMed® and Web of Science® database searches of the peer reviewed literature on urine based testing for prostate cancer. Original studies of this subject as well as a small number of reviews were analyzed, including the strengths and weaknesses. We provide a comprehensive review of urine based testing for prostate cancer that covers the technical aspects, including the methodology of urine collection, as well as recent developments in biomarkers spanning the fields of genomics, epigenetics, transcriptomics, proteomics an...
The complexity of propositional proofs

Propositional proof complexity is the study of the sizes of propositional proofs, and more generally, the resources necessary to certify propositional tautologies. Questions about proof sizes have connections with computational complexity, theories of arithmetic, and satisfiability algorithms. This is article includes a broad survey of the field, and a technical exposition of some recently developed techniques for proving lower bounds on proof sizes.
Morphology and deformation behaviour of toughened blends of poly(butylene terephthalate), polycarbonate and poly(phenylene ether)

Abstract The morphology and properties of blends of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT), bisphenol A polycarbonate (PC), poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) (PPE), toughened with styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) rubber have been found to be strongly affected by spontaneous phase segregation which occurs during melt compounding. In the composition range of interest, such segregation leads to the formation of a unique microstructure in which dispersed particles of rubber-modified PPE are encapsulated by thin envelopes of PC and embedded in a PBT matrix. Electron microscopy and tensile dilatometry studies of partially and fully formulated PBT/PC/PPE/SEBS blends have been used to relate the morphology of these materials to their deformation behaviour.
Green jobs, livelihoods and the post-carbon economy in African cities

This article examines the potential contribution of household scale off-grid renewable energy generation to the post-carbon economy. The large-scale focus of the green jobs agenda in high-income countries obscures how small-scale technologies can be a transformative source of employment in developing economies. Debates about what constitutes a green job and their value leaves out the everyday practice of green livelihoods carried out by the urban poor across the African continent in unfavourable institutional contexts where nonrenewable fuel is subsidised and renewable energy inputs are heavily taxed. The article presents experiences from field work in several countries, including Egypt, Nigeria and Kenya to provide practical examples of communities pursuing strategies of income generation, community empowerment and environmental preservation. We argue that scholars and practitioners concerned with both social justice and environmental preservation should embrace a definition of green jobs that is bottom-...
Managing expectational language: translational genetic professionals consider the clinical potential of next-generation sequencing technologies

Clinical genetic professionals are used to being flooded by claims about the seemingly endless potential and promise of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in medicine today. This paper is about managing expectations in translational medicine. From 2009 to 2011, we conducted focus groups with genetic and allied professionals concerned with genomics in the clinic to examine their attitudes and perspectives of genetic and genomic tools in this environment. In this paper, we examine and explore some of their discussions, specifically related to NGS and whole genome sequencing tests and their introduction as normal clinical tools. Informed by sociology of expectations (SE), we discuss expectational language in the arena of translational medicine. Through SE, illuminated are some barriers and strategies used by professionals to manage expectations. Further, our work suggests the importance of SE and more nuanced study to understand the discursive realm of translational genomic medicine.
Perceptual Skill in the Game of Othello

Three experiments were conducted extending research on chess and Go to the game of Othello. Experiment 1 demonstrated that expert Othello players, in comparison to nonplayers of the game, are superior at recalling meaningful game configurations but are not better at recalling random positions. Experiment 2 demonstrated that expert players can learn a sequence of moves from an Othello game much more rapidly than nonplayers can. Experiment 3 examined chunking behavior and found that experts and nonplayers perceive different patterns of piece clusters in an Othello position. These results indicate that skill in Othello is cognitively organized in a manner similar to chess skill. Because Othello provides a less complex environment than chess and Go, efforts to model human skill in strategy games may be profitably pursued with Othello.
An energy-efficient mobile PAM memory interface for future 3D stacked mobile DRAMs

This paper presents a four-level pulse amplitude modulation (4-PAM) memory I/O interface for 3D stacked DRAMs. 3D integration technology is a promising solution for higher bandwidth and less power consumption due to the shortened link distance. The proposed transceiver is designed for 3D interconnects. The proposed transmitter employs a current mode output driver which sends data through TSVs. The receiver side uses differential amplifiers to decode three voltage levels by comparing the PAM signal with three reference voltages. The proposed scheme is simulated in 40 nm CMOS technology at 1.0 V. We use a highly accurate 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulator such as HFSS for 3D TSV channels simulations. The proposed architecture reduces the power consumption compared with prior works. It also increases the data bandwidth to 6.4 Gb/s/pin. Energy efficiency of proposed 3D mobile PAM I/O memory interface is 1.7 pJ/bit/pin.
Planar Polymer Light Guide Networks: Application To Differential Position Sensors

This paper describes the concept of large scale planar polymer light guide networks for automotive applications. These networks are cost effective, easy to fabricate, and easy to install in vehicles. They may incorporate data links, multiplexers, and couplers for communication purposes, as well as sensors, switches, and displays. Fabrication is achieved by cutting a thin sheet of polymer, or compression molding optical grade resin into the desired network topology. Examples of integratable parts are given, including a novel, reflective-type position sensor. The particular sensor we tested exhibited linear response over its designed range. Through normalization of the differential output, the response of the sensor was unaffected by light source intensity fluctuations, and by variations of the distance between the sensor extremities and the moving part. This simple position sensor demonstrates many of the advantages of planar polymer networks, including that of extending the one dimensional geometry of fiber optics into two dimensions.
Chorionic villus sampling: A distinctive teratogenic effect on fingers?

BACKGROUND An increased frequency of major limb malformations, especially terminal transverse limb defects, have been described in several studies of birth defects in children who had been exposed to the prenatal diagnosis procedure known as chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Vascular disruption has been proposed as the mechanism behind the fetal effect. We postulate that this mechanism is more likely to affect one or two middle fingers, rather than all five fingers. A recent report of the frequency of defects in any or all fingers in an unexposed control population enabled us to assess whether CVS is associated with an increased frequency of defects involving one or two fingers, as well as terminal transverse limb defects. METHODS The frequency of limb-reduction defects affecting one or more fingers or toes, including those with constriction rings and tissue loss, in published studies of 20,236 children who had been exposed to CVS was compared with the frequency in 161,252 newborn infants who had not been exposed to CVS. Children with recognized genetic disorders were excluded. RESULTS Several aspects of the limb deficiencies were more common in the CVS-exposed infants than in unexposed controls. The former were more likely to have: 1) any type of limb deficiency involving one or more fingers (p < .001); 2) absence/hypoplasia of two fingers (p < .001); and 3) absence/hypoplasia of all five fingers (p = .015). The absence of the distal portion of the third finger was a distinctive type of limb-reduction defect in CVS-exposed infants. CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of deficiencies in one or two fingers, including those designated as “amniotic band deformities,” are as common as terminal transverse limb defects in CVS-exposed infants, and both are much more common than in unexposed infants. The absence of the distal portion of the third finger, with tapering and stiff joints, appears to be a distinctive effect of exposure to CVS. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sex differences in the diagnostic evaluation of coronary artery disease.

Although sex differences in coronary heart disease (CHD) have long been recognized, many of the recommendations for the management of female patients continue to be identical to male patients. Given the paucity of sex-specific data in basic science and clinical studies, however, defining unique diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for women remains problematic for scientists and clinicians. For instance, women represent only 38% of subjects in previously NIH-funded cardiovascular studies (1). Previous studies and clinical trials have also included inadequate numbers of women. Finally, only 25% of previous cardiovascular clinical trials have reported sex-specific results (2). Recently, researchers have been encouraged to report sex differences in basic and clinical studies. Much of the impetus originates from data indicating that more women die of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than men (3). This disparity in mortality may signal the need for sex-specific guidelines for the diagnosis of CHD. In this review, we will discuss sex differences in the clinical manifestations and outcome of CHD, the limitations of current approaches for the management of female patients, and the potential strategies to improve the evaluation of CHD in women.
Determination of degradation products of sumatriptan succinate using LC-MS and LC-MS-MS

Acid, base, heat, oxidation and UV irradiation stress methods were applied to study the stability of the bulk drug form of sumatriptan succinate. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS and LC-MS-MS) was used to analyze the degraded samples and tentative structural identifications were assigned based upon known reactivity of the drug, molecular weight measurements and MS-MS fragmentation patterns. Sumatriptan succinate was found to be stable to exposure of acid, base, oxidation and UV irradiation at ambient conditions, but was found to degrade under acidic, basic and oxidative conditions when heated to 90°C.
Immunosuppressive Lymphocyte Factors: Characterization of the IDS-Producing Cell in the Experimental Model of Antigenic Competition

Inhibitor of DNA synthesis, is a soluble, protein lymphocyte factor which nonspecifically suppresses in vitro lymphocyte responses to antigens or mitogens. It is secreted in large amounts in vivo in some experimentally induced immunological paralysis. Here, we have defined the cell secreting IDS in one experimental model of non-specific immune-suppression, ie., that of antigenic competition. Lymphocytes of rats injected with a large dose of ovalbumin intravenously, show no immunologic response to the same or other antigens or mitogens 24 hr later. At this time, spleen cells of these rats secrete large amounts of the inhibitor into culture supernatants. However spleen cell supernatants of T-depleted rats do not contain the activity. Further, maximal inhibitor concentrations are obtained in the first 2 days of culture when more than 65% of cultured cells are large blasts actively synthesizing protein. As the number of actively metabolizing blast cells decrease in subsequent days of culture inhibitor concentration falls. Finally thymocytes of rats pretreated with hydrocortisone acetate, to deplete thymus cortex cells are unable to secrete inhibitor in culture. These findings reveal that the cells producing inhibitory DNA synthesis in an animal made tolerant with a supra-optimal dose of antigen is an active blast transformed T cell (present in the spleen and thymus). In the thymus the cell making inhibitor appears to reside in the thymus cortex. Previous experiments have confirmed that an identical cell causes nonspecific immune-suppression in vitro. We suggest that this cell produces in vivo tolerance in antigenic competition through the release of inhibitor to DNA synthesis.
Continuous bodies, impenetrability, and contact interactions : The view from the applied mathematics of continuum mechanics

Many philosophers have claimed that there is a tension between the impenetrability of matter and the possibility of contact between continuous bodies. This tension has led some to claim that impenetrable continuous bodies could not ever be in contact, and it has led others to posit certain structural features to continuous bodies that they believe would resolve the tension. Unfortunately, such philosophical discussions rarely borrow much from the investigation of actual matter. This is probably largely because actual matter is not continuous, and so it might seem as if discussion of the structure of continuous bodies is merely within the realm of philosophical thought experiments rather than actual scientific investigation. However, classical continuum mechanics models actual matter as if it were continuous, and it has implications about the structure of continuous bodies and about what contact and impenetrability are. This paper describes the relevant notions from classical continuum mechanics so as to resolve the alleged tension between contact and impenetrability.1The ‘Problem’ of Contact Interaction in a Continuous Medium: the Root Argument2The ‘Axiom of Impenetrability’ in Continuum Mechanics2.1The status of Kinematical principles in continuum mechanics2.1.1Vortex sheets (slip surfaces)2.2Violations of the axiom of impenetrability on sets of measure zero3Axioms of Body4Contact Forces and Equations of Motion5Contact Action and the Structure of Continuous Bodies6‘Real Contact’ and Contact in Continuum Mechanics7Bodies as Open or Closed Sets8Contact Action and Fields of Force9Conclusion
Decomposition and Ignition of the High‐Nitrogen Compound Triaminoguanidinium Azotetrazolate (TAGzT)

The high-nitrogen compound triaminoguanidinium azotetrazolate (TAGzT) belongs to a class of C, H and N compounds that are free of both oxygen and metal, but retain energetic material properties as a result of their high heat of formation. Its decomposition thus lacks secondary oxidation reactions of carbon and hydrogen. The fact that TAGzT is over 80% nitrogen makes it potentially useful as a gas generant and energetic material with a low flame temperature to increase the impulse in gun or rocket propellants. The burning rate, laser ignition and flash pyrolysis (T-jump/FTIR spectroscopy) characteristics were determined. It was found that TAGzT exhibits one of the fastest low-pressure burning rates yet measured for an organic compound. Both the decomposition and ignition behavior of TAGzT are dominated by condensed phase reactions. T-Jump/FTIR spectroscopy indicates that condensed phase reactions release about 65% of the energy, which helps to explain the high burning rate at low pressure.
Gender, self-employment and microcredit programs An Indonesian case study

Abstract Credit is often the missing link for low-income families that try to make a living by operating small microenterprises. At the same time, the presumption that lending to the poor is very risky, the costs of operation are high, and the low repayment rates for such loans limit bankers’ willingness to extend credit to the poor. This article, however reports on the results of a microcredit program in Indonesia which suggests that when agencies, government and non-government, in a developing country make credit available to low income women, they can reduce the costs of delivery, greatly increase repayment rates, and substantially improve the well-being of poor families. Other studies also suggest that such credit tends to increase women’s participation in decision making, reduces fertility, substantially improves household nutrition and raises aspirations for children’s education. Our case study cofirms these results.
An empirical stream power formulation for knickpoint retreat in Appalachian Plateau fluviokarst

Summary Hydrologically abandoned caves on tributaries of the Upper Cumberland River, Tennessee, USA record a wave of river incision that advanced up the drainage basin in the Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene. Geomorphic and geologic evidence suggests that incision occurred as a migrating knickpoint generated by sudden base-level lowering. The passage of a knickpoint up the Cumberland River tributaries was modeled as a perturbation to steady-state incision according to the stream power law E = kQ m S n and tested using dated incision events recorded in cave sediments. Knickpoint migration rates generated by this model were 0.1–0.18 m/yr over the entire stream network, and 4.0 m/yr for the mainstem Cumberland River channel. The ratio m / n = 0.79 was consistent with previously published parameters; however, the values of m = 1.91 and n = 2.39 were much higher than those reported in previous field studies. These results suggest the stream power model may be used to model knickpoint migration in the study area, provided values for the constants m and n are larger. This may be due to the influence of fluviokarst, where surface drainage is interrupted due to diversion into the underlying karst aquifer. Field measurements of channel and basin geometry in fluviokarstic tributaries to the Upper Cumberland River show (1) a stronger variance between channel slope and discharge; (2) a nonlinear relationship between discharge and drainage area; and (3) stream width to be nearly invariant, as opposed to non-karst watersheds. Because the stream power model relies heavily on the substitution of discharge for drainage area, the behavior of channel incision and knickpoint migration in fluviokarst may differ substantially from that of non-karst channels.
Expression and distribution of canine antimicrobial peptides in the skin of healthy and atopic beagles

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small immuno-modulatory proteins important in defense against pathogenic organisms. Defensins and cathelicidin are the most frequently studied human AMPs. An increase in AMPs in atopic humans has been reported recently. Our goals were to determine the distribution of AMPs and evaluate their mRNA and protein expression in non-lesional (Day 0), acute lesional skin (Day 3) and post-challenged skin after resolution of skin lesions (Day 10) using a canine model of atopic dermatitis (AD). All dogs were environmentally challenged for three consecutive days with house dust mite. Clinical evaluation of atopic beagles was performed using a CADESI score at each time point before and after environmental challenge. Skin biopsies were taken from six healthy and seven atopic beagles before and after allergen challenge (Day 0, Day 3 and Day 10). The transcription of canine cathelicidin (cCath) and beta-defensins (cBD)-1, -2 and -3 mRNA was quantified using quantitative-RT-PCR while the protein distribution of cBD2, cBD3 and cCath was detected by indirect immunofluorescence. A significant effect, over-time, was seen in CADESI score in AD beagles with an increase score after challenge (Day 3). Quantitative analysis showed a significant difference in mRNA transcript levels between groups (with atopic dogs having more than controls) for all AMPs but cBD2. No effect over time was evident for either group. No significant differences were seen for the AMP protein patterns of distribution (homogenous distribution). Although, these results showed no differences in AMP's localization after allergen exposure in each group; atopic dogs had a higher mRNA expression of AMPs when compared with healthy dogs, a similar finding to humans.
Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema and Pulmonary Fibrosis in Falciparum Malaria

Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema is an uncommon but serious complication of falciparum malaria. A case of fatal noncardiogenic pulmonary edema complicating falciparum malaria is presented in which the unfavorable outcome resulted from rapidly developing pulmonary fibrosis, documented through open-lung biopsy. Possible mechanisms of lung injury in falciparum malaria include: impaired perfusion and tissue hypoxia in the pulmonary microcirculation caused by reduced effective circulating volume; abnormal autonomic effects on the lung resulting from reduced blood flow in the central nervous system; immunologic injury to alveolar-capillary structures; and morphologic changes in the surface membranes of infected erythrocytes leading to sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes in vascular beds and pulmonary capillary damage. That pulmonary involvement in falciparum malaria is usually associated with high-grade parasitemia, concurrent cerebral involvement, and delay in institution of antimalarial therapy emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.