cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design with objects: an approach to object-oriented design

Abstract This paper is concerned with object-oriented design and aims to describe an object-oriented approach [called design-with-objects (DwO)] that encompasses both the fundamentals of object-oriented design and the use of object-oriented design in the development of design process models. The major design objects are described, together with their main structure, the message passing and inheritance involved, and the computability and exchangeability of the approach. The main potential advantages of such an approach are computability, in that a design process model obtained using DwO is not just a descriptive model but a computable model; reusability, in that once a design object in DwO has been established, it can be used repeatedly; and exchangeability, in that objects with similar interfaces can be readily exchanged in a modular manner. This paper reviews the background to design process models and object-oriented design and then describes the basis of DwO. Design models, DwO methods and an architecture for DwO are described together with an example design process model formalism that uses DwO. The implementation of this example DwO design process model formalism for the problem of electronics assemblies components selection is overviewed.
Effects of Ethanol on Cellular Immunity to Facultative Intracellular Bacteria

Alcohol abuse has been associated with an increase in infectious diseases caused by pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. Study results obtained from this laboratory and other laboratories have shown that consumption of large amounts of ethanol is associated with numerous changes in the immune system. The purpose of this article is to report findings obtained from this laboratory, as well as review those obtained from other laboratories, from experiments designed to evaluate the effects of ethanol on various components of antimicrobial host-defense mechanisms. The effects of ethanol on various aspects of immunity obtained with the use of in vivo and in vitro model systems are reviewed as they pertain to antimicrobial defenses. All current data would support the suggestion that ethanol affects both the development of an antigen-specific immune response and the effector mechanisms of the cellular immune response. Findings obtained from animal models show that ethanol prevents the formation of granulomas in infected tissues, perhaps by inhibiting the response of macrophages to T-cell cytokines. Data obtained from this laboratory also support the suggestion that the inability of the immune system to control the intracellular growth of microorganisms results in an exaggerated inflammatory response that is responsible for at least a part of the tissue damage.
Sensory Modulation of Locomotor-Like Membrane Oscillations in Hb9-Expressing Interneurons

The central pattern generator can generate locomotor-like rhythmic activity in the spinal cord in the absence of descending and peripheral inputs, but the motor pattern is regulated by feedback from peripheral sensory inputs that adjust motor outputs to external stimuli. To elucidate the possible role of Hb9-expressing interneurons (Hb9 INs) in the locomotor circuitry, we investigated whether their induced oscillatory activity is modulated by low-threshold afferents in the isolated spinal cords of neonatal Hb9:eGFP transgenic mice. Low-intensity stimulation of segmental afferents generated short-latency, monosynaptic excitatory responses in 62% of Hb9 INs. These were associated with longer-latency (approximately 13 ms) excitatory postsynaptic currents that were evoked in all Hb9 INs, probably by slow conducting afferents that synapse directly onto them. Concomitant morphological analysis confirmed that afferent axons with immunoreactive expression of vesicular glutamate transporter-1 and parvalbumin, presumably from primary afferents, contacted somata and dendrites of all Hb9 INs. Most of the putative synaptic contacts were on distal dendrites that extended to an area with profuse afferent projections. We next examined whether low-threshold afferents in upper (flexor-related) and lower (extensor-related) lumbar segments altered the timing of neurochemically induced locomotor-like rhythms in Hb9 INs and motoneurons. Excitation of flexor-related afferents during the flexor phase delayed the onset of subsequent cycles in both Hb9 INs and segmental motoneurons while maintaining the phase relationship between them. The in-phase correlation between voltage oscillations in Hb9 INs and motor bursts also persisted during the two- to threefold increase in cycle period triggered by extensor-related afferents. Our findings that low-threshold, presumably muscle afferents, synapse directly onto these interneurons and perturb their induced locomotor-like membrane oscillations in a pattern that remains phase-locked with motor bursts support the hypothesis that Hb9 INs are part of the sensorimotor circuitry that regulates the pattern of locomotor rhythms in the isolated cord.
Small Portable PEM Fuel Cell Systems for NASA Exploration Missions

Oxygen-Hydrogen PEM-based fuel cell systems are being examined as a portable power source alternative in addition to advanced battery technology. Fuel cell power systems have been used by the Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs. These systems have not been portable, but have been integral parts of their spacecraft, and have used reactants from a separate cryogenic supply. These systems typically have been higher in power. They also have had significant ancillary equipment sections that perform the pumping of reactants and coolant through the fuel cell stack and the separation of the product water from the unused reactant streams. The design of small portable fuel cell systems will be a significant departure from these previous designs. These smaller designs will have very limited ancillary equipment, relying on passive techniques for reactant and thermal management, and the reactant storage will be an integral part of the fuel cell system. An analysis of the mass and volume for small portable fuel cell systems was done to evaluate and quantify areas of technological improvement. A review of current fuel cell technology as well as reactant storage and management technology was completed to validate the analysis and to identify technology challenges
Offspring Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure from Birth to 25 Years: The Seattle Prospective Longitudinal Study

Before alcohol was generally known to cause birth defects, NIAAA in 1974 began funding a population-based Seattle study on alcohol use and pregnancy outcome. Women receiving prenatal care by mid-pregnancy were recruited (N = 1,529) and interviewed at home. Approximately 500 offspring exposed to a range of alcohol levels were examined on 11 occasions between day 1 and 25 years. Neuropsychological and neurobehavioral performance measures are correlated with prenatal alcohol dose, without substantial confounding by socio-demographic or rearing conditions, smoking, nutrition, or other drugs. Deficits in attention, arithmetic skill, spatial-visual memory, and IQ, as well as increased alcohol problems and psychiatric disorders are among offspring outcomes correlated at several ages with maternal drinking during and before pregnancy recognition. Findings are not confined to women who believed they had alcohol problems. Not all exposed offspring appear affected.
Regulation of nitrogenase activity in soybean nodules by ATP and energy charge

Abstract Nonphosphorylating condition under anaerobiosis stopped nitrogenase activity in nodules of soybean ( Glycine max var. Chippewa) in less than three minutes and aeration quickly activated the enzyme. This stop-and-go treatment can be repeatedly applied on excised nodules, and a concomitant low-and-high ATP and energy charge (EC) was observed. After 2 minutes under anaerobiosis, nodule ATP and EC were decreased, respectively, to 20 and 40% of the control. These decreases were not as great with longer anaerobic treatments, and there was no change in the content of total adenosine phosphates. Oxygen enrichment (40%) stimulated the activity of nitrogenase by 2.5 fold in four minutes with a concomitant increase of ATP and EC by 40% and 14%, respectively, and an exhaustion of AMP. Longer treatments of oxygen enrichment lessened the initial effects. These findings indicate that ATP and energy charge probably regulate the activity of nitrogenase in vivo and an active adenylate kinase must be operating in the nodules to maintain an energy supply for the basal metabolism and for the nitrogenase under temporary stressed conditions.
Intestinal Entrapment and Strangulation Caused by Rupture of the Duodenocolic Ligament in Four Dogs

Objective— The purpose of this study was to describe four dogs with intestinal entrapment and strangulation caused by a rupture of the duodenocolic ligament. Study Design— This case series documents historical findings, physical examination findings, diagnostic workup, surgical intervention, and outcome of four dogs confirmed at surgery with duodenocolic ligament rupture. Results— Three of four dogs were German shepherds, and two of three German shepherds were intact males. The history, clinical signs, and physical examination findings were not specific for intestinal entrapment. The clinical signs in three of four dogs included chronic vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and lethargy. In the remaining dog, the clinical signs were vomiting and peracute collapse. This dog rapidly deteriorated over a few hours because of strangulation of the entrapped intestines. In two of four dogs, abdominal radiographs showed a distended colon displaced to the right side of the abdominal cavity. Surgery involved transection of the remaining ventral remnant of the duodenocolic ligament and replacing the colon into its normal anatomic position. The three dogs with chronic clinical signs were either still alive, or were euthanatized for unrelated problems. The dog with strangulation of the entrapped intestines was euthanatized at the time of surgery. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance— Duodenocolic ligament rupture with secondary bowel entrapment can occur in dogs. The prognosis for these animals is favorable provided there is no vascular compromise of the entrapped bowel segments. The peracute history, progression of the disease process, and outcome of the fourth dog in this study indicate that surgery should be performed as an emergency procedure.
Onset and Localization of Collagen Synthesis during Wound Healing in Open Rat Skin Wounds

SummaryPrevious studies suggest that there is an initial “lag” or “latent” phase following wounding. During this 4- to 6-day period, there is very little collagen synthesis as judged by tensile strength measurements, light and electron microscopy, and changes in the specific activity of hydroxyproline. In the present study a sensitive biochemical method was used to measure collagen synthesis during the initial phase of open wound repair in rat skin and a significant increase in collagen synthesis was detected as early as 24 hr. Analysis of various wound components demonstrated that the early increased collagen synthesis was localized in the panniculus carnosis. Collagen synthesis continued to increase with the greatest activity occuring on day 7 and by day 11 had returned to normal skin levels. We conclude from these studies that collagen synthesis begins by 24 hr after wounding and that the initial phase of wound repair is not preceded by a “lag phase”.
Independence-friendly logic and axiomatic set theory

Abstract In order to be able to express all possible patterns of dependence and independence between variables, we have to replace the traditional first-order logic by independence-friendly (IF) logic. Our natural concept of truth for a quantificational sentence S says that all the Skolem functions for S exist. This conception of truth for a sufficiently rich IF first-order language can be expressed in the same language. In a first-order axiomatic set theory, one can apparently express this same concept in set-theoretical terms, since the existence of functions can be expressed there. Because of Tarski's theorem, this is impossible. Hence there must exist set-theoretical statements, even provable ones, which are said to be true in first-order models of axiomatic set theory but whose Skolem functions do not all exist. Hence there are provable sentences in axiomatic set theory that are false in accordance with our ordinary conceptions of set-theoretical truth. Such counter-intuitive propositions have been known to exist, but they have been blamed on the peculiarities of very large sets. It is argued here that this explanation is not correct and that there are intuitively false theorems not involving very large sets. Hence the provability or unprovability of a set-theoretical statement, e.g. of the continuum hypothesis (CH) in axiomatic set theory is not necessarily relevant to the truth of CH.
A note on the origin of the first doublet wave in thepolarography of Bi(III) from acid perchlorate media

Summary A preliminary study has been made of the pH dependence of the polarographiclimiting current and half-wave potential for reduction of Bi(III) foom constant 1.0 M and 3.0 M perchlorate media at both 0°C and 30°C. Interpretation of these results in the light of Olin's earlier potentiometric study of bismuth hydrolysis strongly suggests that, at intermediate acid pH the first wave of the Bi(III) doublet probably arises from mixed reduction of Biaquo3+ and BiOH2+. The results further show that the Bi(III) reduction overpotential is decreased by about 57 mV on increasing the ionic strength to 3.0 M (Na, H)ClO4 and that the change in E1/2 with acidity is linear with pH and not primarily attributable to secondary changes in viscosity, junction potentials or activity effects as suggested by several previous authors.
Purification and characterization of acetate kinase from Clostridium thermocellum

Abstract Acetate kinase (EC 2.7.2.1), an enzyme involved in the wasteful production of acetate during conversion of cellulose to ethanol by Clostridium thermocellum , was purified 144-fold. The enzyme has an M r of 84 kD by non-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and an M r of 46 kD when estimated with a denaturing gel; thus it appears to be a homodimer. Optimum enzyme activity occurs at 50°C and between pH 7.2 and 8.0. Acetate kinase is stable to temperatures up to 60°C, but is completely inactivated at 80°C after two h. The enzyme is stable between pH 7.0 and 9.0 when incubated at 50°C for two h. Optimum acetate kinase activity occurs at a MgCl 2 :ATP ratio of 2:1, which indicates an interaction between Mg 2+ and ATP and that between Mg 2+ and acetate kinase. Enzyme activity is partially inhibited by KCl, an inorganic salt frequently used in chromatography and fermentation media, losing 60% activity in the presence of 0.2 M KCl. Sigmoidal enzyme kinetics were observed from the velocity plot of acetate kinase when either the acetate (S 0.5 = 285 mM) or ATP (S 0.5 = 11 mM) concentration was varied, suggesting cooperative binding of the two substrates.
Botulinum toxin injection in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: results and experience using a ultrasound-guided approach

The purpose of this study was to describe the technique, complications, and rate of symptom relief after ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injection in subjects with suspected neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS). This study was IRB-approved and followed HIPPA guidelines. Subjects investigated for NTOS were identified via retrospective review of medical records. Procedures included botulinum toxin injections of the anterior scalene, pectoralis minor, and subclavius muscles performed under real-time ultrasound guidance. Technical success was defined as satisfactory muscle identification, intramuscular needle placement, and intramuscular delivery of medication. Follow-up was performed to determine procedure-related complications and therapy response using a binary assessment and modified visual analogue scale (VAS). Forty-one subjects with suspected NTOS underwent a total of 92 injections (58 anterior scalene, 33 pectoralis minor, and 1 subclavius muscle). Technical success was achieved in all procedures. No complications occurred. Symptom improvement occurred after 69% of procedures. The VAS before and after the procedure changed from 7.1 to 2.8 (P < 0.0001) respectively. The mean time to symptom improvement and duration of symptom improvement were 12 and 31 days respectively. Botulinum toxin injection under ultrasound guidance is a safe and well-tolerated procedure with a satisfactory rate of temporary symptom relief in subjects with suspected NTOS.
Interaction of C−Si, C−Sn, and Si−Si σ-Bonds with Chalcogen Lone Pairs

The ability of neighboring C-Si, C-Sn, and Si-Si groups in conformationally constrained cyclic molecules to reduce the lowest ionization energies of sulfur, selenium, and tellurium compounds has been determined by charge-transfer spectroscopy of complexes with tetracyanoethylene. For selected compounds, ionization energies were determined by gas-phase photoelectron spectroscopy. The lowest ionization energies measured by photoelectron spectroscopy, with one exception, correlate with the charge-transfer spectroscopic data. In addition, theoretical analysis has provided insight into the photoelectron spectra and the geometry-dependent interaction between C-Si or C-Sn bonds and chalcogen lone pairs. Substantial lowering of ionization energies is found which is anticipated to have important consequences in the chemistry of these and related species.
ADRENAL ANDROGENS ARE ELEVATED IN YOUNG WOMEN WITH ACNE AND/OR HIRSUTISM

Because elevated androgens have recently been found in patients with acne(A) and/or hirsutism(H), we have studied 32 young adult females, 15-34 yrs, who came to a dermatologist (A=13, H=2, A+H=17). 29 of these subjects had elevated baseline plasma free testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA) sulfate levels. Each subject and 15 controls who had no significant A or H received 1.5 μg dexamethasone hs before the am infusion of 1-24 ACTH 10 μg/m2 IV. One patient with acne had an abnormal response of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone(17 Prog) at 30' (383 ng/dl vs≤216) and 60' (551 vs≤230), diagnostic of the mild 21-hydroxylase deficiency form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia(CAH). 15 patients had abnormal responses of 17α-hydroxypregnenolone (17 Preg) at 30' (959-1858 ng/ml vs≤937) and 60'(1021-2620 vs≤981). DHEA and androstenedione(AD) were assayed in 18 subjects and abnormal responses were noted in 8 & 7 subjects respectively. Three patients (1=A, 2=A+H) had abnormal responses of 17 Preg and DHEA with normal responses of 17 Prog and AD suggestive of the 3 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase form of CAH. The other patterns of elevated androgen response to ACTH could not be attributed to a single enzyme dysfunction. Elevated androgens may underlie acne and/or hirsutism. The adrenal contribution is significant, representing well-defined CAH syndromes as well as functional adrenal hyperresponsiveness to ACTH.
Transmission and Reflection of Electromagnetic Waves Normally Incident on a Warm Plasma

The solution for an electric field normally incident onto a warm, semi‐infinite plasma is obtained by means of a modified Wiener‐Hopf technique. The warm plasma is taken into account by means of the relativistic Vlasov equation. It is found that the previously obtained solution of Taylor gives the correct term for the wavenumber in the plasma, but not the correct answer for the field. It is shown that the method of considering an ``equivalent'' fully infinite plasma corresponds to a physically unrealistic matching of the plasma to the vacuum. The field inside the plasma is found. The field just inside the plasma is discussed, and the nonuniform limit from warm to cold plasma found by Taylor is not found in our solution.
Role of hydrous ruthenium oxide in Pt-Ru direct methanol fuel cell anode electrocatalysts: The importance of mixed electron/proton conductivity

Pt−Ru is the favored anode catalyst for the oxidation of methanol in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The nanoscale Pt−Ru blacks are accepted to be bimetallic alloys as based on their X-ray diffraction patterns. Our bulk and surface analyses show that although practical Pt−Ru blacks have diffraction patterns consistent with an alloy assignment, they are primarily a mix of Pt metal and Ru oxides plus some Pt oxides and only small amounts of Ru metal. Thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of as-received Pt−Ru electrocatalysts indicate that DMFC materials contain substantial amounts of hydrous ruthenium oxide (RuOxHy). A potential misidentification of nanoscale Pt−Ru blacks arises because RuOxHy is amorphous and cannot be discerned by X-ray diffraction. Hydrous ruthenium oxide is a mixed proton and electron conductor and innately expresses Ru−OH speciation. These properties are of key importance in the mechanism of methanol oxidation, in particular, Ru−OH is a critical component ...
SU‐E‐T‐241: Achieving Optimal Treatment Workflow Configurations in Multi‐Room Proton Centers Via Monte Carlo Simulation

Purpose: To determine the optimal workflow configuration in a multi‐room proton center using Monte Carlo simulation. Methods: The patient's likely path through a four‐room proton center was identified. A simulation describing the sequence of events that each patient would go through within the center was then constructed. The proton center layout was modeled with two “loading rooms” that would service each treatment room. The “loading rooms” were equipped with either setup lasers alone or lasers and CT simulators. It provided either gross patient alignment or fine patient alignment. The duration of each step (input to the Monte Carlo simulation) was randomly drawn from analytical distributions based on clinical estimates of means and variances. Patient flow within the facility included checking in, immobilization and positioning, transit to gantry room, treatment delivery, and discharge. Patient positioning time consisted of laser time and different imaging time. Other parameters modeled stochastically included cancer case mix, cyclotron switching time between gantry rooms, gantry rotation time and treatment fields. We simulated 100 working days and each day consisted of 14 hours (two shifts). Decision variables were patient arrival rate, in‐room imaging or out‐of‐room imaging. We examined our results by evaluating patient throughput, patient wait times and cyclotron and treatment room utilization. Results: Both out‐of‐room setups (gross patient alignment or fine patient alignment) resulted in high utilization of cyclotron (93% and 98%) when comparing to in‐room setup (83%). For the two out‐of‐room setups, there was a trade‐off between cyclotron utilization and treatment room utilization. Although fine patient alignment increased the patient throughput by 14% comparing to gross patient alignment, it was not cost effective to equip all eight loading rooms with CT simulators. Conclusion: The impact of out‐of‐room imaging was significant in increasing patient throughput and cyclotron utilization with either gross or fine patient alignment.
NSLS RF System Improvements

It is required that the NSLS X-ray accelerator reach an energy of 2.5 GeV. An additional accelerating cavity and power amplifier system were installed to meet this goal. A new control system was designed to include phase and amplitude servos as well as computer interfacing. Commissioning and operating experience will be reported.
A lamda-optimal based heuristic for the berth scheduling problem

Berth scheduling aims to optimally schedule vessels to berthing areas along a quay and is a complex optimization problem. In this paper we propose a lamda-optimal based heuristic as a resolution approach for the discrete space berth scheduling problem. The proposed heuristic can also be applied to validate optimality, in the case where other (meta)heuristics are applied as resolution approaches. A second internal Genetic Algorithms based heuristic is also proposed to reduce the computational time required for medium to large scale instances. Numerical experiments performed show that the proposed heuristic is adequate to produce near-optimal results within acceptable computational times.
Typewriting Rate as a Function of Reaction Time

This study was designed to determine the relationship between reaction time and typewriting rate. Subjects were 24 typists ranging in age from 19 to 39 yr. Reaction times (.001 sec) to a light were recorded for each finger and to each alphabetic character and three punctuation marks. Analysis of variance yielded significant differences in reaction time among subjects and fingers. Correlation between typewriting rate and average reaction time to the alphabetic characters and three punctuation marks was --.75. Correlation between typewriting rate and the difference between the reaction time of the hands was --.42. Factors influencing typewriting rate may include reaction time of the fingers, difference between the reaction time of the hands, and reaction time to individual keys on the typewriter. Implications exist for instructional methodology and further research.
Standardization of skeletal muscle ischemic injury.

Observations on skeletal muscle function after a timed ischemic interval suggests significant interanimal variability. The purpose of this study is to compare the use of function versus time as a method for standardizing the degree of ischemic injury. Muscle function was measured by recording the isometric contraction to direct supramaximal tetanic stimulation of the anterior tibialis muscle (AT). Muscle cell viability was determined by the reduction of triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC)/g tissue measured by a spectrophotometric assay. Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits underwent an interval of ischemia to one anterior tibialis muscle produced by collateral ligation and unilateral inflow control, using the contralateral AT as a control. The duration of ischemia was determined by one of three methods: Group I, n = 8, underwent ischemia for 3 hr (3 hr); Group II, n = 8, underwent ischemia until AT muscle function decreased to 20% of control (20%); and Group III, n = 8, underwent ischemia until AT muscle function decreased to <5% of control (<5%). Following the ischemic injury, both physiologic function and cellular viability were measured and expressed as a percentage of control. After 3 hr of ischemia, the mean function was 15.5 with a standard deviation of 20.2, and the TTC reduced/g tissue was 24.7 with a standard deviation of 24.8. When the ischemic interval was determined by a decline of muscle function to 20% of control, the mean TTC reduced was 33.4 ± 7.6. The mean TTC reduced, when the ischemic interval was terminated when muscle function reached <5% of control, was 13.5 ± 7.2. There is a high degree of correlation between the percentage function and the percentage TTC reduced for each animal (r = 0.933). When time is used to standardize an ischemic interval there is a large degree of variability in the resulting cellular viability (SD = 24.8). This difference was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in both the 20 and <5% groups by use of function as a physiologic endpoint to mark the duration of the ischemic insult (SD = 7.6 and 7.2). We conclude that because of interanimal variability, use of function is superior to a predetermined timed ischemic interval as a method of standardizing the degree of an ischemic insult in skeletal muscle.
Faint comet searching

Comets are usually discovered to a magnitude limit of about 19 at best. This can be improved by one magnitude with a blink-search technique that is described here. To find a new comet, the required search area near opposition is about 600 square degrees at a magnitude limit of about 20.0. Three faint comets were found this way; they are inconspicuous and would not have been discovered in any other manner. It therefore appears that the presently known statistics must be incomplete at the faint end due to incompleteness of the discovery observations. Another future method to find such inconspicuous comets is with electronically scanning cameras and computerized reduction. If such a CCD scannerscope were to have an aperture of about 1.8 m, it could discover at least 40 comets per year.
Frequency-Discrimination Ability of Hearing-Impaired Listeners

Thresholds for frequency modulation were measured by an adaptive, two-alternative, forced-choice method with ten listeners: eight who showed varying degrees of sensorineural hearing impairment, and...
The GRE: A Question of Validity in Predicting Performance in Professional Schools of Social Work

Several forceful arguments have been presented which raise questions about the use of the GRE as a primary factor in the admissions process. Two issues that are raised repeatedly are concerned with...
Selective Opiate Modulation of the Physiological Responses to Hemorrhage in the Cat

To assess the role of endogenous opiates on the hormonal and cardiovascular responses to moderate hemorrhage (H) and/or nociceptor activation, naloxone (Nx; 100 μg/kg, iv) was given coincident with H (10 ml/kg), tooth pulp nerve stimulation (TP), or H plus TP in anesthetized cats. We have previously reported that TP potentiated the ACTH response to H. Nx treatment did not affect this TP potentiation of ACTH after H, nor did Nx affect the ACTH response to H alone. This suggested that the interaction between nociceptor and baroreceptor afferent nerves, which may underlie the observed TP potentiation of ACTH release after H in the anesthetized cat, was not dependent upon naloxone-sensitive opiate pathways. In contrast, Nx attenuated the fall in arterial pressure during H or H plus TP and completely blocked the normally observed hyperglycemia. Catecholamines showed a prompt rise during H or H plus TP in Nx-treated animals. Thus, altered adrenomedullary hormone release cannot account for the attenuated fall in...
Practical considerations in the control of chaos.

Unstable periodic orbits in certain chaotic systems may be stabilized via small perturbations of a control parameter. Stabilization using linear feedback has been achieved in both simulations and physical experiments. Not all chaotic systems can be controlled easily or well, and the effectiveness of proposed control algorithms depends strongly on mathematical properties of the chaotic behavior. Practical considerations are discussed that affect the robustness of local linear control strategies, with emphasis on the range of feedback gains which can stabilize the linearized map.
A director-field model of DNA packaging in viral capsids

The present work is concerned with the formulation of a continuum theory of viral DNA packaging based on a director field representation of the encapsidated DNA. The point values of the director field give the local direction and density of the DNA. The continuity of the DNA strand requires that the director field be divergence-free and tangent to the capsid wall. The energy of the DNA is defined as a functional of the director field which accounts for bending, torsion, and for electrostatic interactions through a density-dependent cohesive energy. The operative principle which determines the encapsidated DNA conformation is assumed to be energy minimization. We show that torsionless toroidal solenoids, consisting of planar coils contained within meridional planes and wrapped around a spool core, and fine mixtures of the solenoid and spool phase, beat the inverse spool construction.
Evaluating the effect of potassium on cellulose pyrolysis reaction kinetics

Abstract This paper proposes modifications to an existing cellulose pyrolysis mechanism in order to include the effect of potassium on product yields and composition. The changes in activation energies and pre-exponential factors due to potassium were evaluated based on the experimental data collected from pyrolysis of cellulose samples treated with different levels of potassium (0–1% mass fraction). The experiments were performed in a pyrolysis reactor coupled to a molecular beam mass spectrometer (MBMS). Principal component analysis (PCA) performed on the collected data revealed that cellulose pyrolysis products could be divided into two groups: anhydrosugars and other fragmentation products (hydroxyacetaldehyde, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, acetyl compounds). Multivariate curve resolution (MCR) was used to extract the time resolved concentration score profiles of principal components. Kinetic tests revealed that potassium apparently inhibits the formation of anhydrosugars and catalyzes char formation. Therefore, the oil yield predicted at 500 °C decreased from 87.9% from cellulose to 54.0% from cellulose with 0.5% mass fraction potassium treatment. The decrease in oil yield was accompanied by increased yield of char and gases produced via a catalyzed dehydration reaction. The predicted char and gas yield from cellulose were 3.7% and 8.4%, respectively. Introducing 0.5% mass fraction potassium treatment resulted in an increase of char yield to 12.1% and gas yield to 33.9%. The validation of the cellulose pyrolysis mechanism with experimental data from a fluidized-bed reactor, after this correction for potassium, showed good agreement with our results, with differences in product yields of up to 5%.
On essential conformal groups and a conformal invariant

We show that various conformal groups, including classical conformal diffeomorphism groups are essential. The essentiality is shown to be equivalent to the non-vanishing of a conformal cohomological invariant.
Morphology and electrophysiological properties of hamster spinal dorsal horn neurons that express VGLUT2 and enkephalin.

The excitatory amino acid glutamate mediates transmission at spinal synapses, including those formed by sensory afferent fibers and by intrinsic interneurons. The identity and physiological properties of glutamatergic dorsal horn neurons are poorly characterized despite their importance in spinal sensory circuits. Moreover, many intrinsic spinal glutamatergic synapses colocalize the opioid peptide enkephalin (ENK), but the neurons to which they belong are yet to be identified. Therefore, we used immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy to investigate expression of the VGLUT2 vesicular glutamate transporter, an isoform reported in nonprimary afferent spinal synapses, and ENK in electrophysiologically identified neurons of hamster spinal dorsal horn. VGLUT2 immunoreactivity was localized in restricted fashion to axon varicosities of neurons recorded from laminae II–V, although the occurrence of immunolabeling in individual varicosities varied widely between cells (39 ± 36%, n = 31 neurons). ENK colocalized with VGLUT2 in up to 77% of varicosities (17 ± 21%, n = 21 neurons). The majority of neurons expressing VGLUT2 and/or ENK had axons with dense local terminations or projections consistent with propriospinal functions. VGLUT2 and ENK labeling were not correlated with cellular morphology, intrinsic membrane properties, firing patterns, or synaptic responses to sensory afferent stimulation. However, VGLUT2 expression was significantly higher in neurons with depolarized resting membrane potential. The results are new evidence for a population of dual-function dorsal horn interneurons that might provide another mechanism for limiting excitation within dorsal horn circuits during periods of strong sensory activation. J. Comp. Neurol. 501:790–809, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A computer program for computation and interpretation of pulmonary function data.

Abstract The operation of a pulmonary function laboratory involves numerous computational procedures which are tedious and contribute significantly to the total time-expense of patient examination. Since the calculations are typically invariant, repetitive tasks, automatic computation is feasible. Automatic equation solving offers many benefits: precision, speed, the means of saving human time, and hence the opportunity for increased productivity. We have begun to investigate this field using a relatively small digital computer. Our previous work was concerned with use of a computer to analyze the expiratory and inspiratory spirogram, and resting and maximal voluntary ventilation (1–5). Analysis is accomplished by recording analog signals from the spirometer on magnetic tape for subsequent digitization and computer analysis. In our latest development, the measurements from these automatic analyses are used in conjunction with technician measurements to provide digital data for computer use.
Complement and the Multifaceted Functions of VWA and Integrin I Domains

The recent crystal structure of complement protein component C2a reveals an interface between its VWA and serine protease domains that could not exist in the zymogen C2. The implied change in VWA domain conformation between C2 and C2a differs from that described for other VWA domains, including the I domains in integrins. Here, the remarkable diversity in both conformational regulation and ligand binding among VWA domains that function in complement, hemostasis, cell adhesion, anthrax toxin binding, vesicle transport, DNA break repair, and RNA quality control is reviewed. Finally, implications for metastability of complement convertases are discussed.
Are You “Hot or Not”?

Research has established that physical attractiveness is the biggest determinant of success in the online dating market. What traits make one more or less attractive? HotOrNot (http://www.hotornot.com) provides a unique forum for an experiment to answer this question. The site displays pictures of people who viewers rate on a scale of 0 (not) to 10 (hot). Once the viewer rates the picture, the page refreshes with a new picture to rate as well as data (average rating and the number of votes cast) for the previous image. The user only see how others rated a person after the user rates the photo. The over 25 million pictures on HotOrNot are rated from more than 12 billion votes. The website does not provide demographic information on who is voting, or on the models, although a model may attach a short statement to their photo. Anecdotal evidence from using the site suggests that curvy, thin females with revealing clothing tend to receive higher ratings, while handsome, physically fit men seem to receive higher than average ratings. We developed an experiment to test whether subtle changes in one’s look could have a significant effect on one’s attractiveness rating on HotOrNot. We used three male and three female college-aged models, and took a variety of photos of the models, holding constant the background, lighting, pose, and clothing. The first picture is a control photo. For each subsequent photo we changed one characteristic of the model. Atl Econ J (2008) 36:367–368 DOI 10.1007/s11293-008-9127-9
Pretreatment of human myocardium with adenosine during open heart surgery.

Background: Depressed myocardial performance after cardiac surgery can be contributed to ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI) incurred during and following the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Myocardial preconditioning (PC) achieved by brief ischemia and subsequent reperfusion appears to be a clinically useful method of improved cardiac protection during surgery involving CPB by retarding IRI. Based on animal studies, activation of cardiac adenosine (ADO) receptors prior to the prolonged ischemic period appears to mimic this PC phenomenon. Aims and Methods: We investigated whether the human myocardial PC can be mimicked with ADO in the setting of the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). The specific proposed objective of this study was to determine whether ADO infusion just prior to starting the CPB can improve post-CPB myocardial hemodynamics. Patients undergoing elective CABG with poor ventricular function (ejection fraction ± 30%), and with at least three-vessel disease were selected for this study (n = 7 ADO, and n = 7 control). Results: Our results show that ADO infusion (250–350 μg/kg ± 10 min) just prior to CPB resulted in an immediately improved postbypass cardiac index (Cl) in the OR (Cl increase of 41.5%± 11.1% for ADO vs 9.7%± 6.0% for control, p < 0.05). Forty hours postoperatively in the intensive care unit, ADO patients had improved Cl (3.3 ± 0.2 L/min per m2 for ADO, vs 2.6 ± 0.1 L/min per m2 for control, p < 0.05), stroke volume index (35 ± 3 mL/m2 per beat for ADO, vs 26 ± 4 L/min per m2 for control, p < 0.05). ADO patients maintained lowered resting heart rate (90 ± 6 for ADO, vs 108 ± 4 for control, p < 0.05) 40 hours after the surgery. ADO patients also released significantly less CPK during the first 24 hours of the postoperative period. Conclusion: Based on these measurements, ADO pretreated patients had improved ventricular performance postoperatively. It also appears that ADO pretreatment results in lowered postoperative myocardial energy demand and less myocellular injury during CPB. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that human myocardium can be hemodynamically improved with ADO pretreatment, and may be protected against IRI incurred during and following the CPB. We believe that a cardiac surgeon may now have the unique opportunity to confer myocardial protection during and after a cardiac surgical procedure.
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: The Actual 5-Year Survivors

Background Most reports of patients undergoing resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma report estimated (actuarial) 5-year survival rates. Actual 5-year survival is rarely described, and factors associated with long-term survival are not well described.
Enhancement mode PHEMT low noise amplifier with LNA linearity control (IP3) and mitigated bypass switch

A new LNA has been designed using single supply enhancement mode PHEMT process for WCDMA and other wireless application up to 6 GHz. The LNA has direct CMOS logic controllable integrated bypass-mitigated switch and LNA linearity (IP3) control switch. Two different kind of logic controls (0/3 V, 3/0 V) switch has been design for bypass-mitigated switch. In high linearity mode the LNA draws 8.5 mA current and has 15 dB gain, 1 dB noise figure, -6 dBm IP/sub 1dB,/, 7.3 dBm IIP3 with I/O return loss >11 dB. In low linearity mode the LNA draws 3.5 mA current and has 14 dB gain, 1.1 dB noise figure,, -6.5 dBm IP/sub 1dB,/, 2 dBm IIP3 with I/O return loss >11 dB. The LNA bypass-mitigated switch has 11 dB and draws negligible current with 3/0 V logic, /spl sim/200 /spl mu/A for 0/3 V logic. Due to well-behaved match of LNA in High Linearity/Low Linearity/Bypass modes, this LNA has minimum mismatch effect for duplexers; and filters in a receiver system.
Localization of mucin (MUC2 and MUC3) messenger RNA and peptide expression in human normal intestine and colon cancer.

Abstract Background/Aims: Several studies have reported Northern blot data showing that mucin is expressed in a tissue-specific manner. To determine whether expression is limited to specific cell types within these tissues requires histological analysis. Methods: Both immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to identify cell types expressing the MUC2 and MUC3 mucins in the human small intestine, colon, and colon carcinoma. Results: In the normal small intestine and colon, an antibody recognizing the MUC2 apomucin stained goblet cells. In contrast, an antibody recognizing the MUC3 apomucin stained both goblet and absorptive cells. Consistent with this, in situ hybridization showed MUC2 messenger RNA (mRNA) only in goblet cells and MUC3 mRNA in both goblet and absorptive cells. In several samples of moderately well-differentiated colon cancer, MUC2 and MUC3 showed distinct patterns of expression, but the expression level of each was reduced compared with levels in normal tissue; there was considerable tumor-to-tumor and cell-to-cell variability using both mucin antibodies and complementary DNA probes. Conclusions: Individual mucin genes have distinct patterns of expression within mucin-producing tissues, suggesting that the various mucin gene products play distinct functional roles.
Delineating copper accumulation pathways for the freshwater bivalve Corbicula using stable copper isotopes

Delineation of metal uptake routes in aquatic invertebrates is critical for characterizing bioaccumulation dynamics and assessing risks associated with metal exposure. Here we demonstrate that Cu stable isotopic ratios can be manipulated in both exposure media and algae to determine the efflux rate constant (ke) and to estimate Cu assimilation efficiency (AE) from ingested food in a freshwater bivalve (Corbicula fluminea). The Cu AE in Corbicula fed 65Cu-spiked Cryptomonas ozolini was 38%. Copper uptake routes had no significant influence on efflux; ke of 0.004 per day characterized the slowest component of efflux following short-term exposures to 65Cu in water or in both food and water. Incorporation of the physiological parameters for dietary and dissolved uptake as well as rate constants of loss into a bioaccumulation model allowed for assessing the relative contribution of water and food as Cu sources. At [65Cu2+] of 6.7 μg/L, Corbicula accumulated twice as much Cu from diet as from water. In most freshwater systems, the dietary pathway is likely to act as the major Cu uptake route for Corbicula. Extrapolation of our laboratory results to the San Francisco Bay—Delta (California, USA) indicated that our biodynamic model and the laboratory-derived parameters for dietary 65Cu uptake provided a realistic representation of the processes involved in Cu accumulation by the bivalve Corbicula.
DRTSS: a simulation framework for complex real-time systems

This paper describes a simulation framework called DRTSS, which allows its users to easily construct discrete-event simulators of complex, multi-paradigm, distributed real-time systems. Preliminary, high-level system designs can be entered into DRTSS to gain initial insight into the timing feasibility of the system. Later, detailed hierarchical designs can be evaluated and more detailed analysis can be undertaken. DRTSS is a member of the PERTS family of timing-oriented prototyping and verification tools [17]. It complements the PERTS schedulability analyzer tool by dealing with complex real-lime systems for which a priori schedulability analysis is difficult or impossible.
Selective multiple methylene insertion reactions mediated by iodomethylzine iodide: Mechanistic considerations and synthetic applications

Abstract The reaction of alkynylcoppers 1 with an excess of iodomethylzinc iodide selectively furnishes the quadruple methylene insertion copper organometallics 2 in fair to good yields. The mechanism of the reaction has been investigated and postulated intermediates such as 4 or 8 have been trapped with electrophiles like aldehydes or ketones in excellent yields. A new in situ preparation of propargylic copper derivatives 4 starting from readily available alkynylcopper compounds has been developed leading to homopropargylic alcohols in 80–95% yield.