cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rare Variants of Keratosis Pilaris

In addition to commonly observed forms of keratosis pilaris (KP), there are also rare variants, i.e., KP atrophicans (KPA), erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli (EFFC), as well as papular, profuse, precocious KP (PPPKP). KPA encompasses a group of conditions in which the abnormality in follicular keratinization is accompanied by atrophy and scarring alopecia, while EFFC has significant clinical overlap with KP rubra and may represent a disease spectrum with individual differences in pigmentation. PPPKP is recently described and manifests before 18 months of age with significant involvement of the cheeks and extremities. Although these entities are rare, they all feature a prominent plug of keratin within the follicular opening. The chronic and sometimes disfiguring nature; association with genetic syndromes; as well as cosmetic impact bring importance of establishing an early diagnosis, treatment, and overall acknowledgment of their individual differences.
Fear of Failure and Perfectionism in Young Adults

“Fear of failure is a motive to avoid failure in evaluative situations based on anticipatory shame upon failure” (Atkinson, 1957). “Perfectionism is a personality disposition characterized by striving for flawlessness and setting exceedingly high standards of performance accompanied by overly critical evaluations of one’s behavior” (Hewitt & Flett, 1991). Relationship between fear of failure and perfectionism was examined. Data was collected from 200 young adults from Hyderabad using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory (Conroy et al., 2002) and Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Hewitt & Flett, 2004) were used. Data was analyzed using t-test and correlation. Results show a significant positive correlation between fear of failure and perfectionism. Interventions to help reduce Fear of Failure and Perfectionism can be developed.
Practical Considerations for Single Isocenter LINAC Radiosurgery of Multiple Brain Metastases.

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to summarize treatment guidelines for the performance of single isocenter LINAC radiosurgery of multiple brain metastases developed and used by 3 experienced centers. This article is not meant to provide consensus guidelines. Rather, this is a practical, "how we do it" reference without substantial discussion. To serve as a treatment reference, the great majority of the information is presented in topic-specific tables.
Flexible circuit mechanisms for context-dependent song sequencing

Many sequenced behaviors, including locomotion, reaching, and vocalization, are patterned differently in different contexts, enabling animals to adjust to their current environments. However, how contextual information shapes neural activity to flexibly alter the patterning of actions is not yet understood. Prior work indicates such flexibility could be achieved via parallel motor circuits, with differing sensitivities to sensory context [1, 2, 3]; instead we demonstrate here how a single neural pathway operates in two different regimes dependent on recent sensory history. We leverage the Drosophila song production system [4] to investigate the neural mechanisms that support male song sequence generation in two contexts: near versus far from the female. While previous studies identified several song production neurons [5, 6, 7, 8], how these neurons are organized to mediate song patterning was unknown. We find that male flies sing 9simple9 trains of only one syllable or mode far from the female but complex song sequences consisting of alternations between modes when near to her. We characterize the male song circuit from the brain to the ventral nerve cord (VNC), and find that the VNC song pre-motor circuit is shaped by two key computations: mutual inhibition and rebound excitability [9] between nodes driving the two modes of song. Weak sensory input to a direct brain-to-VNC excitatory pathway (via pC2 brain and pIP10 descending neurons) drives simple song far from the female. Strong sensory input to the same pathway enables complex song production via simultaneous recruitment of P1a neuron-mediated disinhibition of the VNC song pre-motor circuit. Thus, proximity to the female effectively unlocks motor circuit dynamics in the correct sensory context. We construct a compact circuit model to demonstrate that these few computations are sufficient to replicate natural context-dependent song dynamics. These results have broad implications for neural population-level models of context-dependent behavior [10] and highlight that canonical circuit motifs [11, 12, 13] can be combined in novel ways to enable circuit flexibility required for dynamic communication.
Mapping of mammalian genomes with radiation (Goss and Harris) hybrids.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the use of radiation hybrids for constructing high-resolution maps of the human genome. Radiation hybrids have recently been implemented for mouse mapping and have been found to have a higher level of resolution compared to that of interspecies meiotic mapping panels. The chapter presents the advantages and disadvantages of the two different types of radiation hybrid panels. One advantage of the chromosome-specific panels is their reduced complexity. Because the human component in the hybrids is derived from a single chromosome or a reduced number of chromosomes, the hybrid can be used as a resource for chromosome-specific marker isolation. Using methods, such as interspersed repetitive sequence-polymerase chain reaction (IRS-PCR) to obtain the human sequences has greatly improved their usefulness. Moreover, the hybrids are easier to analyze with markers from multigenic families due to their reduced complexity. As radiation hybrid mapping has become more popular, numerous laboratories have expressed an interest in gaining access to hybrid panels. There is a renewed interest in total genome hybrid panels because they can be used without a piori knowledge of a marker's location.
Heuristic Games for Structural Design

The concept of heuristic games for stimulating innovation, for studying system interaction, and for forecasting consequences in structural design under computer-stimulated environment is presented. These games are aimed primarily at the development of sound engineering judgment of structural designers. The general features of structural design games and the basic considerations in their construction are described and explained. An example of practical interest is given in detail to illustrate the application of heuristic games to a structural design situation. The role of computer in gaming is studied. Finally, the merits and pitfalls in the use of structural design games are examined.
Computational complexity since 1980

The field of computational complexity is reaching what could be termed middle age, with over forty years having passed since the first papers defining the discipline. With this metaphor in mind, the early nineteeneighties represented the end of adolescence for the area, the time when it stopped wondering what it would be when it grew up. During the childhood period of the sixties, research centered on establishing the extent to which computational complexity, or the inherrent computational resources required to solve a problem, actually existed and was well-defined.
Deterministic growth model of pattern formation in dendritic solidification

A deterministic growth process, based on the solution of the lattice Laplace equation for the temperature field, is introduced for modelling pattern formation in dendritic solidification. By a simple parameterisation of the physical and environmental conditions during crystal growth a wide variety of dendritic patterns, similar to regular snowflakes, are produced. The fractal scaling of the dendritic patterns is investigated.
High-strain-rate response of hot-explosively consolidated W–Ti alloys

Disk-shaped, two-phase, full-density W–Ti alloy billets have been fabricated by a new, hot-explosive-compaction technique. As part of a characterization effort, the compressive behavior of the alloy was investigated. Quasistatic and split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) tests of cylindrical samples, taken from a 83W–17Ti at.% alloy billet, demonstrate the propensity of this material to fail via shear localization at high strain rates. The effects of strain rate, orientation of the matrix phase with respect to the direction of the SHPB compression, and spatial location within the billet (i.e., periphery or core) were evaluated. At quasistatic strain rates, the alloy deformed in a ductile mode and exhibited a definite spatial location sensitivity. At high strain rates, spatial location sensitivity was absent. Shear localization was unaffected by density variations, matrix orientation in the alloy, or the presence of coarsened substructural features in the matrix. These experiments and the microstructural characteristics of the resultant localized regions are discussed.
Predicting skin permeability from complex vehicles.

Abstract It is now widely accepted that vehicle and formulation components influence the rate and extent of passive chemical absorption through skin. Significant progress, over the last decades, has been made in predicting dermal absorption from a single vehicle; however the effect of a complex, realistic mixture has not received its due attention. Recent studies have aimed to bridge this gap by extending the use of quantitative structure–permeation relationship (QSPR) models based on linear free energy relationships (LFER) to predict dermal absorption from complex mixtures with the inclusion of significant molecular descriptors such as a mixture factor that accounts for the physicochemical properties of the vehicle/mixture components. These models have been compiled and statistically validated using the data generated from in vitro or ex vivo experimental techniques. This review highlights the progress made in predicting skin permeability from complex vehicles.
Critical evaluation of Jet-A spray combustion using propane chemical kinetics in gas turbine combustion simulated by KIVA-2

Jet-A spray combustion has been evaluated in gas turbine combustion with the use of propane chemical kinetics as the first approximation for the chemical reactions. Here, the numerical solutions are obtained by using the KIVA-2 computer code. The KIVA-2 code is the most developed of the available multidimensional combustion computer programs for application of the in-cylinder combustion dynamics of internal combustion engines. The released version of KIVA-2 assumes that 12 chemical species are present; the code uses an Arrhenius kinetic-controlled combustion model governed by a four-step global chemical reaction and six equilibrium reactions. Researchers efforts involve the addition of Jet-A thermophysical properties and the implementation of detailed reaction mechanisms for propane oxidation. Three different detailed reaction mechanism models are considered. The first model consists of 131 reactions and 45 species. This is considered as the full mechanism which is developed through the study of chemical kinetics of propane combustion in an enclosed chamber. The full mechanism is evaluated by comparing calculated ignition delay times with available shock tube data. However, these detailed reactions occupy too much computer memory and CPU time for the computation. Therefore, it only serves as a benchmark case by which to evaluate other simplified models. Two possible simplified models were tested in the existing computer code KIVA-2 for the same conditions as used with the full mechanism. One model is obtained through a sensitivity analysis using LSENS, the general kinetics and sensitivity analysis program code of D. A. Bittker and K. Radhakrishnan. This model consists of 45 chemical reactions and 27 species. The other model is based on the work published by C. K. Westbrook and F. L. Dryer.
Home care for children following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The quality of life of patients who undergo haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is affected by long periods of hospitalisation for the treatment of several complications. On this basis, 28 children who underwent 29 HSCTs were included in the Home Care (HC) programme of the Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Department of the Gaslini Children's Hospital to be discharged earlier. A total of 17 children were assisted for haematologic follow-up and support therapy administration. The remaining children were followed up for graft- versus-host disease and/or cytomegalovirus infection. Overall activity consisted of 1232 i.v. therapies, 501 blood tests, 58 red blood cell or platelet transfusions, 107 procedures on Central Venous Catheter. Median duration of the assistance per child was 25 days (range 1235) for a total of 1598 days. A total of 822 accesses at home replaced 459 and 363 out-patient and in-patient days of hospitalisation. The average cost per patient receiving HC (€4252) was significantly lower (P<0.01) when compared to the average cost per patient admitted to the hospital to undergo the same procedures (€14693). This report shows that HC is feasible for children following HSCT, that it reduces the discomfort of the patients and their families, and that it reduces costs.
Voltammetric, chronoamperometric and chronoabsorptometric studies of the nucleation of n-heptyl viologen films on SnO2, silane-modified SnO2 and ion-beam-treated ito-metallized polymer films

Abstract Nucleation of the first monolayers of the n-heptyl viologen-bromide or-biphthalate films on SnO 2 electrodes was found to be accelerated by the addition of one molecular layer of dimethyldiethoxy (dmde)-silane to the SnO 2 surface. Partitioning of the reactant viologen into the non-polar surface layer and lowering of the surface tension against nucleation site growth in the silane layer may both be responsible for the enhanced nucleation rates. Similar acceleration of the nucleation of n-HV + was found on ion-beam-etched indium-tin oxide-metallized polymer electrodes (MPOTE). A second nucleation site with a much lower, and distinguishable rate of nucleation, was produced on this type of electrode surface. Chronoamperometry and chronoabsorptometry were used to confirm that the nucleation of n-heptyl viologen cation-radical salts follows an instantaneous rather than progressive nucleation mechanism, on any of the surfaces studied.
Apoio popular à integração econômica regional na América Latina

Regional economic integration schemes abound in Latin America, yet very little is known about the degree of popular support for such programs. Now that democratic regimes rule in almost all of Latin America, public opinion can have an important impact on national policies. This paper examines the attitudes toward economic integration in 17 mainland Latin American countries with interview data from over 18,000 people. Perceived benefits of integration and perceptions of personal and national economic situation prove to be important factors, as are higher levels of education, support for democracy and gender. Two novel findings are that a positive opinion of the European Union along with satisfaction with the functioning of democracy are both linked to greater support for integration.
Multiple sclerosis: brain immunoglobulin-G and albumin.

The majority of brains affected by multiple sclerosis are found to contain significantly greater concentrations of gamma2 globulin (γG) than apparently normal brains. Because the concentrations of albumin are similar, it may be that γG is synthesized in the central nervous tissue of some patients with multiple sclerosis.
Parameterized beyond-Einstein growth

A single parameter, the gravitational growth index gamma, succeeds in characterizing the growth of density perturbations in the linear regime separately from the effects of the cosmic expansion. The parameter is restricted to a very narrow range for models of dark energy obeying the laws of general relativity but can take on distinctly different values in models of beyond-Einstein gravity. Motivated by the parameterized post-Newtonian (PPN) formalism for testing gravity, we analytically derive and extend the gravitational growth index, or Minimal Modified Gravity, approach to parameterizing beyond-Einstein cosmology. The analytic formalism demonstrates how to apply the growth index parameter to early dark energy, time-varying gravity, DGP braneworld gravity, and some scalar-tensor gravity.
Managing a Large "Agile" Software Engineering Organization

This is the story of my business and personal transformation as our department adopted the Agile methodology. The bumps and bruises along the way forced a shift in management philosophy. Embracing the transformation has enabled significant success within the company. The confidence of our customers and internal organizations in our ability to deliver high quality software has increased dramatically. Software releases are now delivered on time with an improved level of quality. However, this success did not necessarily come easily. There were many obstacles to overcome as this large organization transformed itself from a largely waterfall development organization into a high-output agile development machine. This article presents this transformation and the impact it had on the organization's leadership and management styles.
Positional accuracy analysis of Flickr and Panoramio images for selected world regions

Flickr and Panoramio are fast-growing photo-sharing services that contain millions of geotagged images contributed by Web users from all over the world. This study analyses the positional accuracy of 1433 images for 45 areas in four selected world regions by comparing the geotagged position of photos to the manually corrected camera position based on the image content. The analysis reveals a better positional accuracy for Panoramio than for Flickr images, and some effects of image category and world region on positional accuracy. These findings can be helpful when considering Flickr and Panoramio images as data sources for future geo-applications and services.
Delimitation of the Hematite-Ilmenite Miscibility Gap

Note: This paper is dedicated to Aaron and Elizabeth Waters on the occasion of Dr. Waters' retirement. Recent analytical data on the compositions of natural hematite-ilmenite solid solutions suggest that the miscibility gap of Carmichael (1961) cannot be correct. Attempts to redetermine the miscibility gap under hydrothermal conditions have been only partly successful, for with the oxygen buffers currently available, it is not possible to retain both hematite and ilmenite phases in a given experiment. Despite the fact that the hydrothermal experiments do not give the maximum solubilities of Fe2O3 in ilmenite and FeTiO3 in hematite, they nevertheless show that the published miscibility gap is too wide (by approximately 15 mole percent at 600°C) and that the consolute temperature is at least 150°C too high.
Flexible inspection systems for serial multi-stage production systems

An FIS is defined as an Inspection System where the inspection routines are determined just prior to performing the inspection. The goal is to determine the inspection routine so as to optimize global objectives (such as cost minimization) subject to global and local constraints (such as total inspection time available). The concept of an FIS provides the basis for the development of intelligent automated inspection systems. In this paper, the concept of a Flexible Inspection System (FIS) for Serial Multistage production lines is introduced, the modelling implications discussed, and numerical examples are presented.
Experiment in correlation of tree‐growth rings and precipitation‐cycles

The problem—In 1931 a group of landowners whose properties bordered Goose Lake, in Modoc County, California, requested their farm advisor, John C. Hays, that a study be undertaken of the cycles of the Lake water-level. It has been reported that the Lake has filled to overflowing and receded to dryness three times since history has been kept for the region. At one time regular steamer-service operated from a point near Alturas on the southern end of the Lake to Lakeview, 30 miles north. The Lake is dry at the present time; incipient drying was evident about 1916, and by about 1923 it was completely dry. Herbaceous vegetation has for some years virtually covered the old lake-floor and ranching improvements, such as fences and wells, are becoming established farther and farther out on the old bottom. The question in the minds of the people in the area is: Will the Lake again refill? If so, how long before this may occur?
The Behavior of Risk Arbitrageurs in Mergers and Acquisitions

When takeover announcements are made, trading in the securities, involved in the transactions is dominated by the decisions and actions of risk arbitrageurs. Generally institutions and individuals liquidate their positions in the target company9s securities in the marketplace while arbitrageurs buy the shares of the target company. The inner workings of the risk arbitrage decision process however, has not been sufficiently explored in the literature. This article, through a survey of arbitrageurs, explores insights into the thought process and decision making of risk arbitrageurs. The survey characterizes the rapid reactions of arbitrageurs to takeover announcements as well as their approach to trading and controlling risk within their portfolios. The results from the survey also provide insights into how arbitrageurs conduct their trading. While it is commonly believed that they use market orders, the survey finds that is rarely the case. The survey shows that arbitrageurs use limit orders instead to control the prices at which they buy and sell securities.
Phase II trial of temozolomide plus marimastat for recurrent anaplastic gliomas: A relationship among efficacy, joint toxicity and anticonvulsant status

Purpose Since anaplastic gliomas (AG) depend on matrix metalloproteinases for tumor cell invasion and angiogenesis, we undertook this phase II study to evaluate the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor marimastat (MT), combined with the alkylator temozolomide (TMZ) in patients with recurrent AG, looking for improved outcomes.
Photic and circadian expression of luciferase in mPeriod1-luc transgenic mice in vivo

A conserved transcription-translation negative feedback loop forms the molecular basis of the circadian oscillator in animals. Molecular interactions within this loop have been relatively well characterized in vitro and in cell culture; however, in vivo approaches are required to assess the functional significance of these interactions. Here, regulation of circadian gene expression was studied in vivo by using transgenic reporter mouse lines in which 6.75 kb of the mouse Period1 (mPer1) promoter drives luciferase (luc) expression. Six mPer1-luc transgenic lines were created, and all lines express a daily rhythm of luc mRNA in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). Each mPer1-luc line also sustains a long-term circadian rhythm of luminescence in SCN slice culture. A 6-h light pulse administered during the early subjective night rapidly induces luc mRNA expression in the SCN; however, high luc mRNA levels are sustained, whereas endogenous mPer1 mRNA levels return to baseline, suggesting that posttranscriptional events mediate the down-regulation of mPer1 after exposure to light. This approach demonstrates that the 6.75-kb mPer1 promoter fragment is sufficient to confer both circadian and photic regulation in vivo and reveals a potential posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism within the mammalian circadian oscillator.
SU‐E‐I‐29: Dosimetric Characterization of a Tableside Fluoroscopy with Dynamic Flat Panel Detector

Purpose: A tableside fluoroscopy system with dynamic flat panel detector (FPD) has been recently introduced. Compared to conventional fluoroscopy system with image intensifierII, the FPD fluoroscopy system has potential in dose reduction while improving image quality. As the first of its kind, radiation dose of the FPD system has yet to be investigated. This study is to investigate patient dose from a tableside FPD fluoroscopy and compare to those from a conventional IIsystem. Methods: A whole body anthropomorphic phantom was used for dose measurements with three common GI fluoroscopic procedures: Barium Swallow, Barium upper GI, and Cystogram. Radiation doses were obtained in the chest, the upper abdomen, and the pelvis, respectively. Different pulse fluoroscopy rates (15 and 7.5 frames/sec) were used for the FPD system, while continuous mode was used in IIsystem. Entrance skin exposure, exposure rate, and fluoroscopy time were measured using an Unfors dosimeter (Unfors RaySafe, Inc., Hopkinton, MA) and with a radiography/fluoroscopy detector. Dose‐area‐product (DAP) was recorded from both systems. Image quality was evaluated by an attending radiologist and radiology resident. Results: Radiation dose of the FPD system strongly depends on initial exposure setting for the pulse. With default protocols, the FPD system delivers more radiation than IIsystem for chest imaging (700.4 mR/min vs. 549.2 mR/min). With pelvic imaging, both the 15 and 7.5 fps setting delivered less radiation dose compared to the IIsystem (806.4 mR/min, 1195 mR/min vs. 1330 mR/min). The dose rate for abdominal imaging varied with pulse rate. Image quality was substantially improved on the FPD fluoroscopy system. Conclusion: Compared to the IIsystem, clinical protocols and dose reduction program of the tableside fluoroscopy system with dynamic FPD can be optimized, potentially reducing patient radiation dose with no loss or even improved image quality.
Serologic and virologic profiles of hepatitis C infection in renal transplant candidates. New England Organ Bank Hepatitis C Study Group

Abstract The development of policies to prevent nosocomial transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in hemodialysis units is critically dependent on the understanding of the relationship between tests for anti-HCV, HCV RNA, and HCV genotype and the patients' clinical characteristics. We tested sera from all patients on the renal transplant waiting list at the New England Organ Bank between November 1986 and June 1990 for anti-HCV by a third-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA3) and a third-generation recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA3). All ELISA3-positive sera were tested for HCV RNA by reverse transcriptase "nested" polymerase chain reaction, and the genotype was characterized by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Sera were available in 1,544 of 3,243 (48%) patients on the waiting list, of whom 287 (19%) tested positive for anti-HCV by ELISA3. Two hundred eighty-six randomly selected, anti-HCV-negative patients served as controls. Compared with anti-HCV-negative controls, anti-HCV-positive patients had a longer duration since initiation of renal replacement therapy, higher number of previous kidney transplants and blood transfusions, higher proportion of patients with anti-HBc, history of liver disease, history of non-A, non-B hepatitis, and elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, and lower serum albumin concentrations. Of the 287 anti-HCV-positive sera, 261 (91%) were reactive by RIBA3, 21 (7%) were indeterminate, and five (2%) were nonreactive. HCV RNA was detected in 224 of 275 (81%) ELISA3-positive patients, in whom additional sera were available. There were no significant differences in clinical or laboratory characteristics between ELISA3-positive patients with and without HCV RNA. Genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, and 4 were present in 53%, 23%, 8%, 10%, 4%, and 2% of patients, respectively. Infection with one, two, or three different HCV genotypes was present in 92%, 7%, and 1%, respectively. There was no significant association between the type or number of HCV genotypes and RIBA3 reactivity. There were no major differences in clinical or laboratory characteristics between genotypes or between single and mixed infection. In summary, this study provides detailed information regarding the relationship between tests for anti-HCV, HCV RNA, and HCV genotypes and the clinical and laboratory characteristics of a large, well-characterized cohort of patients referred for renal transplant. (Am J Kidney Dis 1998 Jun;31(6):920-7)
Digital Parallelism, Perpendicularity, and Rectangles

The slope of digital line segments is defined and an algorithm to evaluate it is presented. Parallelism and perpendicularity of two digital line segments are also defined. Finally, rectangular digital regions are defined and characterized, and an algorithm that determines whether or not a given digital region is a digital rectangle is presented.
Merit Aid in North Carolina: A Case Study of a “Nonevent”

Since the adoption of Georgia’s HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) scholarship program, seven additional Southeastern states have adopted similar merit-based financial aid programs, most of which are also funded by state lotteries. This study examines why North Carolina after adopting a state lottery in 2005 did not allocate its proceeds for a merit scholarship program. This in-depth case study considers the explanatory power of a revised multiple streams model and the integrated diffusion model by analyzing data collected through elite interviews and archival documents. The study findings suggest that internal determinants, such as North Carolina’s educational and economic context, trumped regional diffusion trends and that the multiple stream model’s “black box” influences, such as political tactics and gamesmanship, provide the most conceptually compelling explanation for why merit aid became a “nonevent” in North Carolina. Indeed, by considering decisions and nondecisions, researchers may...
Explicit Pore-Pressure Evaluation: Concept and Application

A general method was developed to determine pore pressure in undercompacted shales on the basis of explicit relationships among measured shale properties, shale properties, shale porosity, effective vertical stress, and pore pressure. Although calibration may be necessary, this technique neither uses empirical correlations nor requires establishment of normal trend lines. A modular approach allows users to implement custom equations. This paper outlines the concept and focuses on its application to real-time pore-pressure evaluation based on resistivity measurements.
Activation of HIV LTR-directed expression: Analysis with pseudorabies virus immediate early gene

The long terminal repeat (LTR) region of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), which regulates viral gene expression, is modulated by viral trans-acting proteins of HIV and DNA viruses and by biologically active chemical agents that induce cellular proliferation and/or differentiation. The pseudorabies virus immediate early gene (PIE) shares similar transcriptional trans-activating properties with the gene products of several other DNA viruses. The transient expression chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) assays in HeLa cells transfected with HIV long terminal repeat (LTR)-CAT and PIE plasmids demonstrated trans-activation of the HIV LTR by PIE. Analyses of 5' deletion mutants and site-directed Sp1 and transactivation responsive (TAR) region mutants of the LTR indicated PIE-responsive sequences located between -65 and -17. Synergistic cooperativity between PIE and the HIV-1 tat protein was demonstrated. PIE exhibited a marked stimulatory effect upon HIV replication in HeLa cells transfected with a biologically active HIV proviral DNA. These data provide evidence that, like a number of other DNA containing viruses, PRV can trans-activate HIV gene expression.
A Robust Algorithm for Derivation of Heart Rate Variability Spectra from ECG and PPG Signals

Digital spectral analysis of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) signals provides quantitative markers of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) activity, underpinning a variety of physiologic processes. In this investigation, a robust algorithm was developed to derive HRV signals, their FFT- or AR-based spectra and their standard spectral features from either electrocardiogram (ECG) or photoplethysmographic (PPG) signals. ECG/PPG signals were first interpolated to a common sampling rate and detrended using a first order DC-notch IIR high-pass filter to remove very low frequencies. Next, the undecimated Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) Daubechies-6 family of filters was used to selectively remove some of the high-frequency subbands from the signals. The filtered ECG/PPG signals were then squared to increase the dynamic range of the target dominant peaks from which accurate peak-to-peak intervals could be extracted. A smart peak-tracking and monitoring algorithm was used to detect the peaks while enforcing a valid trend of the instantaneous heart rate. Once the peak-to-peak intervals were obtained, the HRV signal was determined using cubic spline interpolation to create a signal at a very low sampling rate of 1-4 Hz. Standard Power Spectrum Estimation (PSD) of the HRV signal was then performed to generate normalized LF, HF and LF/HF spectral features to quantify parasympathetic influences and sympathovagal balance.
Condensed xenon at high pressure

This paper presents calculations on xenon at high pressure. We have employed recent developments in electron-band theory and the theory of fluids to demonstrate that the experimental solid isotherm, liquid shock compression Hugoniot, and high-energy atomic-beam-scattering data are all consistent and in agreement with theoretical predictions. Electron-band theory predicts that xenon will transform from an insulator to a metal at a pressure in excess of 1.3 Mbar.
Die to die and die to database capability analysis for advanced OPC inspection

With design rules continuing to shrink down to 0.18 micrometer and beyond, various small OPC features have been used more and more by the semiconductor industry to increase the process latitude depth of focus), preserve the printing pattern fidelity on the wafer and extend the lifetime of photolithography technology. These various sub resolution OPC features directly challenge the inspection capability of the most advanced inspection systems. Die to die and die to database inspection capabilities must be characterized. A comprehensive 'HellOPC' test mask has been designed and developed for the OPC inspection evaluation. We have evaluated the OPC inspection capability of various OPC features for four technology levels that are 0.25 micrometer, 0.225 micrometer, 0.18 micrometer and 0.15 micrometer with Die to Die and Die to Database modes with this 'HellOPC' test mask. Runability (runability equals inspectability) maps for various technology levels and various OPC sizes have been presented. The results showed die to die inspection capability is much better than die to database for the advanced OPC inspection. The APA on KLA351 and the AOP215 on KLA353 have been evaluated in this work.
A Thrombus Susceptibility Comparison of Two Pulsatile Penn State 50 cc Left Ventricular Assist Device Designs

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have proven successful as bridge to transplant devices for patients awaiting donor organs. While survival rates continue to increase, destination therapy remains hindered by thrombus formation within the device. Research has shown that thrombosis is correlated to the fluid dynamics within the device and may be a result of sustained shear rates below 500 s−1 on the polyurethane blood sac used in the Penn State pulsatile LVAD. Particle image velocimetry is used to compare flow within two 50 cc LVAD designs to assess fluid patterns and quantify wall shear rates in regions known from in vivo studies to be susceptible to thrombus formation. The two designs differ in their front face geometry. The V-1 model has an outward-facing “dome” whereas the face of the V-2 model is flat. A thrombus susceptibility metric, which uses measured wall shear rates and exposure times, was applied to objectively compare pump designs over the entire cardiac cycle. For each design, there are regions where wall shear rates remained below 500 s−1 for the entire cardiac cycle resulting in high thrombus susceptibility potential. Results of this study indicate that the V-2 device had an overall lower propensity for thrombus formation in the current region of interest.
Identification of Thromboxane A2 Synthase Active Site Residues by Molecular Modeling-guided Site-directed Mutagenesis

Human thromboxane A2 synthase (TXAS) exhibits spectral characteristics of cytochrome P450 but lacks monooxygenase activity. Its distinctive amino acid sequence makes TXAS the sole member of family 5 in the P450 superfamily. To better understand the structure-function relationship of this unusual P450, we have recently constructed a three-dimensional model for TXAS using P450BM-3 as the template (Ruan, K.-H., Milfeld, K., Kulmacz, R. J., and Wu, K. K. (1994) Protein Eng. 7, 1345-1551) and have identified a potential active site region. The catalytic roles of several putative active site residues were evaluated using selectively mutated recombinant TXAS expressed in COS-1 cells. Mutation of Ala-408 to Glu or Arg-413 to Gly led to a complete loss of enzyme activity despite expression of mutant protein levels equivalent to that of the wild-type TXAS. Mutation of Ala-408 to Gly or Leu retained the enzyme activity at levels of 30 or 40%, respectively. This suggests that Ala-408 provides a hydrophobic environment for substrate binding. Mutation of Arg-413 to Lys or Gln completely abolished the enzyme activity, indicating that this residue is essential to catalytic activity and supports its identification as an active site residue. Mutation of Arg-410 to Gly or Glu-433 to Ala resulted in >50% reduction in the enzyme activity without appreciably altering mutant protein expression, consistent with a more subtle effect of these residues on TXAS catalytic efficiency. Mutation of residues predicted to be involved in binding the heme prosthetic group, including the heme thiolate ligand Cys-480, Arg-478, Phe-127, and Asn-110, each markedly reduced the expressed protein level and abolished enzyme activity. This suggests that proper heme binding is important to synthesis or stability of recombinant TXAS. Mutation of Ile-346, which corresponds to P450cam-Thr-252, an essential amino acid involved in dioxygen bond scission, to Thr increased the enzymatic activity by 40%, suggesting that oxygen bond cleavage is not a rate-limiting step in thromboxane A2 biosynthesis. The present results from site-directed mutagenesis support the overall structure of the TXAS active site predicted by homology modeling and have allowed refinement of the position of bound substrate.
Characterization of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for Application to Space Exploration:

Early in the next century, several space missions are planned with the goal of landing craft on asteroids, comets, the Moon, and Mars. To increase the scientific return of these missions, new methods are needed to provide (1) significantly more analyses per mission lifetime, and (2) expanded analytical capabilities. One method that has the potential to meet both of these needs for the elemental analysis of geological samples is laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). These capabilities are possible because the laser plasma provides rapid analysis and the laser pulse can be focused on a remotely located sample to perform a stand-off measurement. Stand-off is defined as a distance up to 20 m between the target and laser. Here we present the results of a characterization of LIBS for the stand-off analysis of soils at reduced air pressures and in a simulated Martian atmosphere (5-7 torr pressure of CO2) showing the feasibility of LIBS for space exploration. For example, it is demonstrated that an analytically useful laser plasma can be generated at distances up to 19 m by using only 35 mJ/pulse from a compact laser. Some characteristics of the laser plasma at reduced pressure were also investigated. Temporally and spectrally resolved imaging showed significant changes in the plasma as the pressure was reduced and also showed that the analyte signals and mass ablated from a target were strongly dependent on pressure. As the pressure decreased from 590 torr to the 40-100 torr range, the signals increased by a factor of about 3-4, and as the pressure was further reduced the signals decreased. This behavior can be explained by pressure-dependent changes in the mass of material vaporized and the frequency of collisions between species in the plasma. Changes in the temperature and the electron density of the plasmas with pressure were also examined and detection limits for selected elements were determined. Index Headings: Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy; LIBS; Laser spark; Soil analysis; Space exploration.
Consumer Pesticide Concerns: A 1965 and 1984 Comparison

Concern with pesticide use is a major issue for consumers. The present paper examines changes over time in consumer attitudes toward pesticide use. The study also examines the relationship between socioeconomic factors and consumer concern with pesticide use. Findings suggest that consumers were more concerned with pesticide issues in 1984 than in 1965. Concern has increased in terms of the impact of pesticides on wildlife, on farmers, and on individual health. Concern about pesticides is widespread and is not centered in any particular population group.
ANTI-PLATELET ACTIVITY OF BETA-ADRENERGIC ANTAGONISTS: INHIBITION OF THROMBOXANE SYNTHESIS AND PLATELET AGGREGATION IN PATIENTS RECEIVING LONG-TERM PROPRANOLOL TREATMENT

Treatment of hypertensive patients with dl-propranolol (640 mg/day) significantly inhibited thromboxane synthesis by their platelets and platelet aggregation induced by thrombin or arachidonic acid. The effects were dose-related and were also caused by the stereoisomer, d-propranolol (640 mg/day), which has very little beta-blocking activity. These findings suggest that the cardioprotective effects of propranolol may be due partly to this anti-platelet activity, to a reduction in thromboxane-induced coronary-artery vasoconstriction, or to both. d-Propranolol treatment may be particularly useful, since this isomer provides similar benefits without causing pronounced beta-adrenergic blockade.
Interleukin 2 induction of antigen-nonspecific suppressor cells.

Abstract Although Interleukin 2 (IL-2) is essential to the generation of immune responses it may also be important as a regulator of these same responses, as both primary and secondary anti-SRBC responses are greatly diminished when IL-2 is included in culture. IL-2 must be present within the first 24 hr of culture to affect maximum suppression. This inhibition is mediated by suppressor cells which are expanded by pulsing spleen cells with IL-2 for 48–72 hr. Their development is not antigen dependent and their action is antigen nonspecific. Suppressor cell activity can be generated from either naive or primed animals which are equally effective in inhibiting primary or secondary anti-SRBC responses. Suppressor cells can be propagated for long periods of time in T-cell growth factor-containing medium. These long-term cultured cells retain the ability to inhibit various immune responses such as mitogen- and alloantigen-induced proliferation, the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and humoral responses. These cells suppress these responses by absorbing IL-2, as demonstrated by their ability to remove IL-2 upon incubation at 4 °C, and the reversal of suppression by the addition of supraoptimal amounts of IL-2.
The properties of tungsten processed by chemically activated sintering

Two tungsten powders have been treated with small concentrations of sintering activators to provide for enhanced low temperature sintering. The experimental study focused on the determination of the processing effects on properties such as sintered density, grain size, hardness, and strength. Variables in the plan included tungsten particle size, type of activator, amount of activator, compaction pressure, and sintering temperature. The sintered density is found to have a dominant effect on strength and hardness. The various processing variables are analyzed in terms of their effects on density. At high sintered densities, grain growth acts to degrade the strength. Additionally, the nature of the sintering activator influences the fracture strength. In this study optimal strength occurred with a 0.7 μm tungsten powder treated with 0.29 wt pct Ni, sintered at 1200 °C for one hour. The resulting density was 18.21 g/cm3, with aR A hardness of 69 and a transverse rupture strength of 460 MPa.
Functional electrical stimulation in spinal cord injury respiratory care.

The management of chronic respiratory insufficiency and/or long-term inability to breathe independently has traditionally been via positive-pressure ventilation through a mechanical ventilator. Although life-sustaining, it is associated with limitations of function, lack of independence, decreased quality of life, sleep disturbance, and increased risk for infections. In addition, its mechanical and electronic complexity requires full understanding of the possible malfunctions by patients and caregivers. Ventilator-associated pneumonia, tracheal injury, and equipment malfunction account for common complications of prolonged ventilation, and respiratory infections are the most common cause of death in spinal cord–injured patients. The development of functional electric stimulation (FES) as an alternative to mechanical ventilation has been motivated by a goal to improve the quality of life of affected individuals. In this article, we will review the physiology, types, characteristics, risks and benefits, surgical techniques, and complications of the 2 commercially available FES strategies – phrenic nerve pacing (PNP) and diaphragm motor point pacing (DMPP).
Effects of pneumatic antishock trousers on canine intracranial pressure

The military antishock trouser (MAST) has become an accepted prehospital treatment modality for hypovolemic shock. Our interest in the effect of MAST on intracranial pressure (ICP) was aroused by the manufacturer's written warning that use of the device was contraindicated in patients with suspected head injury. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of MAST device inflation on intracranial pressure in dogs with normal and artificially elevated ICP in both normovolemic and hypovolemic states. The largest increase in hemodynamic parameters was seen in mean arterial pressure (MAP) in hypovolemic animals. Although the ICP did increase with MAST inflation, it never reached levels of clinical significance. Furthermore, the cerebral perfusion pressure (MAP — ICP) was calculated and shown to be improved in all groups when the MAST device was inflated. Data from this study support clinical use of the MAST garment in hypovolemic patients even in the presence of suspected head injury.