cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nuclear Size and Shape Effects in Chemical Reactions. Isotope Chemistry of the Heavy Elements

The theory of the isotopic enrichment factor is extended to include hyperfine splitting and the nuclear field shift. It is shown that hyperfine splitting is an order of magnitude too small to explain the anomaly in the 238U/235U separation in the U(III)−U(VI) exchange reaction. The “anomalous mass effect” in this reaction and the related U(IV)−U(VI) exchange reactions are shown to be related to the nuclear field shift of the electron energy levels. Calculations of the effects of these shifts exactly reproduce the odd−even staggering in the U(IV)−U(VI) exchange reaction and the separation factors for the even−even nuclei. In the U(IV)−U(VI) exchange reactions the nuclear field effect is three times as large as the absolute value and of opposite sign to the vibrational energy term. It is the nuclear field shift which leads to a preference of the U(IV) for the heavy isotope in each of these exchange reactions. A revision of the reduced partition function ratios of uranium ions in solution, which takes into a...
Marketing Resources for the Busy Librarian

Abstract This article provides an overview of some of the most useful marketing resources, in print and online, available to librarians. Included are general introductory marketing guides, as well as books and articles on marketing specialized services such as library instruction or reference. Marketing advice from key library vendors, Internet sites, and resources for continuing education are also included.
UAV Task Assignment

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming vital warfare and homeland security platforms because they have the potential to significantly reduce cost and risk to human life while amplifying warfighter and first-responder capabilities. This article builds on the very active area of planning and control for autonomous multiagent systems. This work represents a step toward enabling robust decision making for distributed autonomous UAVs by improving the team's operational reliability and capabilities through better system self-awareness and adaptive mission planning. The health-aware task assignment algorithm developed in this article was demonstrated to be effective both in simulation and flight experiments.
Sphingomyelin Synthase 1 Regulates Neuro-2a Cell Proliferation and Cell Cycle Progression Through Modulation of p27 Expression and Akt Signaling

Sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) is a key enzyme involved in the generation of sphingomyelin (SM) and regulation of cell growth and survival. However, the effects of SMS on neuronal cell proliferation and cell cycle progression are not completely elucidated. In this study, we examined the direct effects of SMS1 in regulating cell cycle progression and proliferation of Neuro-2a cells that exhibit neuronal characteristics. Neuro-2a cells transfected with SMS-specific small hairpin RNA (shRNA) expressed significantly lower levels of SMS1. RNA interference-mediated depletion of SMS1 in Neuro-2a cells caused a significant decrease in SM levels. Decreased SMS1 levels resulted in reduced proliferation rate and morphological changes including neurite-like outgrowth. Also, silencing of SMS1 induced cell cycle arrest as shown by the increased percentage of cells in G0/G1 and decreased proportion of cells in S phase. These changes were accompanied by upregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 and decreased levels of cyclin D1 and phospho-Akt. Nuclear accumulation of p27 was also evident in SMS1-deficient cells. Furthermore, loss of SMS1 inhibited the migratory potential of Neuro-2a cells in association with decreased levels of matrix metalloproteinases. These results indicate that SMS1 plays an important role in mediating the key signaling pathways that are involved in the tight coordination of multiple cellular activities, including neuronal cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and migration, and therefore may have significant implications in neurodegenerative diseases.
Dysfunction in the Neural Circuitry of Emotion Regulation--A Possible Prelude to Violence

Emotion is normally regulated in the human brain by a complex circuit consisting of the orbital frontal cortex, amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, and several other interconnected regions. There are both genetic and environmental contributions to the structure and function of this circuitry. We posit that impulsive aggression and violence arise as a consequence of faulty emotion regulation. Indeed, the prefrontal cortex receives a major serotonergic projection, which is dysfunctional in individuals who show impulsive violence. Individuals vulnerable to faulty regulation of negative emotion are at risk for violence and aggression. Research on the neural circuitry of emotion regulation suggests new avenues of intervention for such at-risk populations.
Erythrocyte aldehyde dehydrogenase and disulfiram-like side effects of hypoglycemics and antianginals.

Abstract Disulfiram-like responses to various drug therapies are caused by elevated ethnol-derived blood acetaldehyde concentrations resulting from drug-induced inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes. We have found that the nitrate ester antianginal drugs, isosorbide dinitrate and nitroglycerin, are potent inhibitors of human erythrocyte aldehyde dehydrogenase. To further characterize this drug-induced enzyme inhibition, erythrocyte aldehyde dehydrogenase activities were measured in patients undergoing therapy with nitrate ester antianginals (isosorbide dinitrate and nitroglycerin) and sulfonylurea hypoglycemics (chlorpropamide and tolazamide). The erythrocyte enzyme was decreased by approximately 25% in sulfonylurea-treated patients, whereas in the nitrate ester-treated patients, an 88% inhibition was observed. The minimal enzyme inhibition in the sulfonylurea-treated group was unexpected because these therapies have well-documented disulfiram-like side effects. This weak inhibition contrasted with the severe inhibition observed in the nitrate ester-treated group where the disulfiram-like side effects are not considered a serious clinical problem. This apparent anomaly was attributed to differences in inhibition of the erythrocyte and liver aldehyde dehydrogenase by the parent drugs and their hepatic metabolites.
Anodic electrosynthesis of a thin film of Cu2S on a gold electrode. A voltammetric, nanoelectrogravimetric, and I/t transient study

The electroformation of a Cu2S phase, obtained by sulfidization of a thin film of copper placed by the spin-coating technique onto the gold surface of a gold/quartz crystal that is part of an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM), was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical quartz crystal microgravimetry. The electrolytic medium employed was a bisulfide-containing aqueous buffered solution (pH 9.2). CV parameters showed that the formation of the Cu2S phase occurred by means of an irreversible diffusion-controlled mechanism, where a first uncomplicated electron transfer was the rate-determining step. The EQCM data showed that the initially formed phase was Cu2S, which was later oxidized to nonstoichiometric compounds (Cu(2-x)S) and CuS. Furthermore ΔQ/Δm data analysis established that the electron reaction valence (n) was close to 2 for all electrochemical processes where Cu/S compounds were involved. The nucleation and growth mechanism (NGM) of the Cu2S phase corresponded to a ...
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COMPUTER FAMILIARITY AND PERFORMANCE ON COMPUTER-BASED TOEFL TEST TASKS

The increasing use of computer-based testing raises concerns about equity and bias. Specifically, many in the field of language testing are concerned that the introduction of a computer-based TOEFL test in 1998 will confound language proficiency with computer proficiency and thus bring construct-irrelevant variance to the measurement of examinees' English-language abilities. In a Phase I study (Kirsch, Jamieson, Taylor, & Eignor, 1998), TOEFL examinees were surveyed regarding their computer familiarity and classified into one of three computer familiarity groups: low, moderate, and high. In this study, Phase II, more than 1,100 “low-computer-familiar” and “high-computer-familiar” examinees from 12 international sites were identified from the Phase I survey and administered a computer tutorial and a set of 60 computer-based TOEFL test items. The relationship between level of computer familiarity and performance on the computer-based items was then examined. The examinees in Phase II were largely representative of those in Phase I, who were representative of the general TOEFL test-taking population. Thus, results from this phase of the study are considered generalizable to the current TOEFL examinee population. The effect of computer familiarity after adjustments for language ability was examined by performing a series of analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs), using TOEFL paper-and-pencil test score as the covariate. These analyses were followed by a series of ANCOVAs involving the computer familiarity variable and a number of other variables: gender, reason for taking the TOEFL test, times the TOEFL test had been taken, and location where the TOEFL test was taken. In a final set of analyses, the TOEFL paper-and-pencil test scores of the low- and high-computer-familiar examinees were weighted such that the groups had identical distributions on the covariate. After controlling for language ability, the researchers found no meaningful relationship between level of computer familiarity and level of performance on computerized language tasks among TOEFL examinees who had completed the computer tutorial. This finding was consistent for all but one of the subgroups considered. A small but practically significant interaction between computer familiarity and reason for taking the test was found on the set of computerized reading items. Researchers concluded that there was no evidence of adverse effects on the computer-based TOEFL performance due to lack of prior computer experience.
In vitro differentiation and ultrastructure of human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells.

Summary Tissue explants of anchoring villi from the first trimester placentae cultured on extracellular matrix (Matrigel) give rise to EVT cells in vitro. This study was designed to address two issues important for further application of the described in vitro model: first, were the observed EVT cells derived by cell proliferation in vitro and second, what is the degree of homology between the in vivo and the in vitro differentiated EVT cells. The cultures (tissue and matrix) were prepared for light and electron microscopic (EM) examinations. Semi-thin sections from Spurr epoxy resin-embedded tissue were used to ‘pop-off’ the selected area for EM examination. Cell proliferation in vitro was assessed immunohistochemically using proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibodies. Since positive hPL immunostaining has been consistently demonstrated in the invasive subpopulation of EVT cells from placental bed in situ, hPL staining was used as a marker of EVT cell differentiation in vitro. It has been demonstrated that PCNA antibodies immunostained nuclei of cytotrophoblast cells from cell column at the base of the anchoring villi, indicating that these cells expressed proliferative activity in vitro. Cytotrophoblast proliferation resulted in the formation of the flattened zone of cell outgrowths at the tip of anchoring villi. Cells from the distal layer of the cell column detached gradually and migrated into the surrounding matrix. These cells appeared as individual, round-shaped EVT cells with smooth surface cell membrane. Their cytoplasm was rich in glycogen and contained large lipid droplets and flattened cisternae of the RER. Positive PCNA immunostaining, along with the presence of mitotic figures, indicated that EVT cells in vitro retained the ability for cell proliferation. As a result of cell proliferation and migration, the number of EVT cells increased during the culture period of 4 days. EVT cell glycogen content and lipid stores decreased progressively as they migrated into the matrix. Individual EVT cells, as well as EVT cell clusters, became surrounded by the clear zone of digested matrix. Some cells started to express strong positive staining with hPL antibodies as soon as they had migrated outside the villous explant. By day 4 of culture, a small percentage of EVT cells (about 5–10%) ceased to migrate, firmly attached to the substratum and appeared as irregular shaped cells with filopodia-like projections. Their cytoplasm contained dilated cisternae of RER, a small number of glycogen granules and bundles of actin-like filaments located in the cytoplasm inside the plasma membrane. These cells did not stain with PCNA antibodies and can be regarded as a final stage of EVT cell differentiation in vitro. The results described in this study demonstrated striking similarities between the in vitro and the in vivo pattern of EVT cell differentiation. Therefore, the described in vitro model has potential for elucidation of the mechanisms underlying EVT cell differentiation, migration and invasion.
Extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine concentration in rat hypothalamus after administration of fluoxetine plus L-5-hydroxytryptophan.

Fluoxetine (10 mg kg-1, i.p.) caused a three- to fourfold increase in extracellular 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentration measured by microdialysis in hypothalamus of freely moving rats. The addition of L-5-hydroxytryptophan at 20 or 40 mg kg-1, i.p. doses, magnified the increase in extracellular 5-HT to as much as 16 times basal levels, although these doses of L-5-hydroxytryptophan alone had only small effects on extracellular 5-HT. The increased formation of 5-HT following L-5-hydroxytryptophan administration appears to overcome homeostatic mechanisms that limit the increases in extracellular 5-HT caused by uptake inhibition.
Parallelizing multiple linear regression for speed and redundancy: an empirical study ∗

The purpose of this paper is to present a parallel implementation of multiple linear regression. We discuss the multiple linear regression model. Traditionally parallelism has been used for either speed up or redundancy (hence reliability). With stochastic data, by clever parsing and algorithm development, it is possible to achieve both speed and reliability enhancement. We demonstrate this with multiple linear regression.
Activation of the HTLV-I Long Terminal Repeat by the Hepatitis B Virus X Protein

The human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) Tax protein and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein have each been shown to activate transcription of their respective viral promoters as well as a subset of cellular gene promoters. Here we show that the HTLV-I long terminal repeat (LTR) is responsive to HBV X transactivation. Maximum levels of X-mediated transactivation of the LTR were 8-fold. An X-responsive-region (XRR) of the LTR is located between nucleotides -355 and -276 and contains an AP-2 binding site, a previously recognized X-responsive element. We demonstrated that Tax and X synergize to activate transcription from the HTLV-I LTR, although the AP-2 binding site was not required for this synergy. These results raise the possibility that the HBV X protein may affect the level of HTLV-I gene expression in co-infected individuals.
The effect of catalysts on the thermal decomposition of sodium superoxide

Abstract Simultaneous differential thermal, thermogravimetric and differential thermogravimetric analysis have been made on samples of sodium superoxide and sodium superoxide containing l% (w/w) copper(I) oxide. Decomposition of the superoxide involving oxygen production (weight loss) does not occur at a meaningful rate until temperatures approach 250°. The effects of 12 metallic oxide catalysts and one metalloorganic catalyst on the decomposition of sodium superoxide have been studied by differentialthermal analysis. Six metallic oxides had no effect while 3 oxides, (palladium oxide, titanium oxide and cadmium oxide) caused small but distinct changes in the DTA plots. A polymeric phthalocyanine, and the oxides of vanadium(III), vanadium(V) and manganese (IV) apparently reacted with the superoxide above 250°. Pretreatment of the superoxide by brief exposure to 100% humidity resulted in the formation of peroxyhydrates of sodium peroxide which upon dissociation produced water vapor in turn causing the release of oxygen from the superoxide and peroxide at lower temperatures than those experienced with untreated superoxide samples.
A Method for Designing Fiberglass Sucker-Rod Strings With API RP 11L

This paper presents a method for using the API recommended practice for the design of sucker-rod pumping systems with fiberglass composite rod strings. The API method is useful for obtaining quick, approximate, preliminary design calculations. Equations for calculating all the composite material factors needed in the API calculations are given.
Possibility of increased mobility in Ge-Sn alloy system

We study the effect of strain and alloying with Sn on the band structure of Ge using a combination of ab initio and empirical pseudopotential techniques. The properties calculated are used to determine the phonon and alloy scattering contributions to the mobility. Using the dependence of the mobility on strain and alloying Sn, we propose a combination of alloying and biaxial strain to enhance both the electron and hole mobilities of Ge.
Predictions of Diffraction Minima in Elastic Electron Scattering Using Finite Nuclear Potentials

Finite nuclear potentials are compared with the conventional harmonic-oscillator potential in studying the diffraction minima in elastic electron scattering from ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$ and ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$. The effects of admixtures of two-particle, two-hole configurations in the ground states on the form factors are considered.
Consumer’s Surplus with a Racial Apology? Black Relative to Non-Black Inequality in the Welfare Gains of Fuel-Efficient Cars and Trucks

This paper considers whether race conditions the welfare gains associated with the purchase of cars and trucks that comply with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency Standards . We utilize data from the General Social Survey on respondent stated preferences for the extent to which they value fuel-efficient cars and trucks to estimate the maximum market price they are willing to pay for fuel-efficient cars and trucks. Multinomial and Binary Logit parameter estimates from an inverse demand maximum price valuation specification reveal that relative to non-black Americans, black Americans place less value on fuel-efficient cars and trucks. Our results suggest that federal Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency Standards policy is a source of inegalitarian and racially stratified welfare outcomes as relative to non-black Americans, black Americans gain less consumer’s surplus from fuel-efficient cars and trucks.
Partonic energy loss and the Drell-Yan process

We examine the current status of the extraction of the rate of partonic energy loss in nuclei from A-dependent data. The advantages and difficulties of using the Drell-Yan process to measure the energy loss of a parton traversing a cold nuclear medium are discussed. The prospects of using relatively low energy proton beams for a definitive measurement of partonic energy loss are presented.
Determination of influential factors and diagnostics using multivariate statistical relationships between variables and faults

This paper proposes a variable influence (VI) index-based on-line method for diagnosing discontinuous processes. The VI index is developed using the concept of contribution plots, and can be used to explain the influence of a process variable on a specific fault. The proposed method consists of two phases: off-line VI model-building and on-line diagnosis via VI index comparison. In the off-line VI model-building phase, the off-line VI model is constructed using off-line fault data and used as a reference model for the on-line diagnosis of a new batch. The on-line diagnosis phase is triggered by an out-of-control signal of a new batch. It calculates the VI index values for new process data available at that time, which are compared with the off-line VI index values of the off-line VI model stored in the data/model base. The proposed method has the advantage that it does not require any process knowledge of operators and can automatically select an assignable cause via the comparison of VI index values. A case study on a PVC batch process is conducted to demonstrate the diagnosis performance of the proposed method. The performance of the proposed method is also evaluated when an on-line mode is not considered in the proposed framework.
Interactive graphics and menus for computer network models

The Hierarchical Modeling System (HMS) is a single software package that provides a discrete event simulation and analytic modeling capability for computer networks. The analyst may reconfigure the network model depending on the number of nodes and their interconnections by making a few changes to some simple data files-no recoding of the model is necessary. This paper describes an interactive graphics front end for HMS which allows the analyst the capability for reconfiguring the model at a graphics terminal. This provides a faster, less error prone input method. In addition, changes in the network topology are more readily understood when presented graphically. Menus are used with the graphics input in order to make changes to nodal specific models.
Jump behavior of circuits and systems

Some circuits exhibit jump behavior. for example, this occurs when the velocity field specified by the \dot{i}_L and \dot{\upsilon}_c of the inductor and capacitor characteristics cannot be "lifted" on to the resistive constraint manifold. The (jump) behavior is viewed as the limit as \epsilon \rightarrow 0 of the solutions of a regularized system of equations obtained by introducing suitably located \epsilon -parasitic L 's and C 's: this leads to a consistent way of defining discontinuous solutions. In particular, the behavior near a fold and cusp is examined. The concept of physically measurable operating point is defined and is related to that of strict local dissipativeness (which generalizes that of strict local passivity). Two examples are included.
Long-term outcome of detectable PSA levels after radical prostatectomy

Detectable prostate-specific antigen levels (PSA) following radical prostatectomy (RP) are believed to represent treatment failure. In this retrospective review, we characterize long-term PSA outcomes following RP (n = 204) in a non-referral hospital performed between 1984 and 1994. With an average follow-up of 10 y, 90 (44%) patients developed a PSA recurrence: 15 (17%) died of prostate cancer despite hormonal intervention, 39 (43%) responded to hormonal therapy with stable remission and 36 (40%) were observed without intervention. Following RP many patients may have a detectable PSA that does not require treatment. PSA doubling time (< 12 months) was the best predictor of disease progression.
Vascular Wall Engineering Via Femtosecond Laser Ablation: Scaffolds with Self-Containing Smooth Muscle Cell Populations

For tissue-engineered vascular grafts to reach their full potential, three-dimensional (3D) cellular micro-integration will be necessary. In this study, we utilize femtosecond laser ablation to produce microchannels inside electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds. These microchannels potentially provide spatially controlled cell distributions approaching those observed in vivo. The ability of such laser-ablated microchannels to direct cell seeding was evaluated. The dimensions chosen were 100 μm wide, 100 μm deep and 10 mm long. Femtosecond laser ablation successfully produced these microchannels in the scaffolds without substantially altering the ~900 nm diameter fibers. Flow within these microchannels was studied by injecting fluorescent polystyrene bead solutions. Direct measurement of bead motion yielded an inlet velocity of 2.78 cm s−1. This was used for modeling two-dimensional (2D) flow using computational fluid dynamics to estimate flow profiles within the microchannel. Successful demonstrations of bead flow were followed by seeding of 500,000 human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) in proliferative medium at a rate of ~500 μL min−1. Confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the HCASMCs were seeded down the full 10-mm length of the microchannel and stayed within its boundaries. Both nuclei and F-actin were observed within the seeded cells. The presence of F-actin filaments shows that the cells were adhered strongly to the scaffold and remained viable throughout the culture. The concept of “vascular wall engineering” producing intricate cell seeding through microchannels produced via femtosecond laser ablation was validated.
Bacteriorhodopsin-based single and dual wavelength holographic interferometry for monitoring crystal growth

Bacteriorhodopsin-based holographic interferometry is a new technique with which high-resolution interferograms can be recorded at one or more wavelengths in real time. The erasable nature of bacteriorhodopsin (bR), its panchromatic response to light, and the fact that recording is done on the molecular level allow for the formation of fringe patterns combining the high resolution of conventional silver halide recording materials with the real-time properties of CCD cameras. In this context, we have used bR to image changes in the crystal environment at single and dual wavelengths, using a real-time sequencing architecture whereby successive exposures of a bR thin film are overlapped to produce a continuous stream of interferometric images. This allows realtime data buffering and immediate, on-line observation of results. In this paper, we present real-time single and dual wavelength interferograms of growing KAl(SO4)2 and melting sugar crystals recorded on bR thin films. The interferograms were produced with a shuttered cw argon or a pulsed Nd:YAG write laser, and a helium-neon read laser, and show contrast more than adequate for the given application. The results of this effort clearly demonstrate the real-time recording capabilities of bR thin films.
Immunopathology of cutaneous human lupus erythematosus defined by murine monoclonal antibodies.

Skin biopsy specimens obtained from involved skin from sixteen patients with systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus were studied. Murine monoclonal antibodies with a biotin-avidin-horseradish peroxidase staining system were used. The findings consisted of (1) a marked reduction in the number of epidermal Langerhans cells defined by surface antigens, (2) reduced HLA-DR (Ia-like) antigens on the surface of dermal capillary endothelium, and (3) mononuclear cell infiltrates characterized by a predominance of helper T lymphocytes and an increase in the number of mononuclear phagocytic cells. B lymphocytes were rarely identified. The number of T lymphocytes within the dermis correlated inversely with both the number of HLA-DR-positive epidermal Langerhans cells (p
Postseismic deformation due to the Mw 6.0 2004 Parkfield earthquake: Stress‐driven creep on a fault with spatially variable rate‐and‐state friction parameters

[1] We investigate the coseismic and postseismic deformation due to the M w 6.0 2004 Parkfield, California, earthquake. We produce coseismic and postseismic slip models by inverting data from an array of 14 continuous GPS stations from the SCIGN network. Kinematic inversions of postseismic GPS data over a time period of 3 years show that afterslip occurred in areas of low seismicity and low coseismic slip, predominantly at a depth of ~5 km. Inversions suggest that coseismic stress increases were relaxed by predominantly aseismic afterslip on a fault plane. The kinetics of afterslip is consistent with a velocity-strengthening friction generalized to include the case of infinitesimal velocities. We performed simulations of stress-driven creep using a numerical model that evaluates the time-dependent deformation due to coseismic stress changes in a viscoelastoplastic half-space. Starting with a coseismic slip distribution, we compute the time-dependent evolution of afterslip on a fault plane and the associated displacements at the GPS stations. Data are best explained by a rate-strengthening model with frictional parameter (a - b) = 7 x 10 -3 , at a high end of values observed in laboratory experiments. We also find that the geodetic moment due to creep is a factor of 100 greater than the cumulative seismic moment of aftershocks. The rate of aftershocks in the top 10 km of the seismogenic zone mirrors the kinetics of afterslip, suggesting that postearthquake seismicity is governed by loading from the nearby aseismic creep. The San Andreas fault around Parkfield is deduced to have large along-strike variations in rate-and-state frictional properties. Velocity strengthening areas may be responsible for the separation of the coseismic slip in two distinct asperities and for the ongoing aseismic creep occurring between the velocity-weakening patches after the 2004 rupture.
Agrochemical Exposure and Farmworker Health in the Caribbean: A Local/Global Perspective

This article describes the impact of recent agricultural transformations on farmworker health and the environment on the islands of Antigua, Barbados, and St. Vincent. Primary and secondary data were collected in 1994- 1995 on the agricultural sector. The number of growers, agricultural practices and use of biocides and their influence on human health and the natural environment were analyzed from a political ecology perspective. The number of small-scale producers and their dependence on biocides has increased, putting more farmers and the environment at risk of biochemical exposure.
Positioning Graphical Objects on Computer Screens: A Three-Phase Model

Objective: This experiment identifies and models phases during the positioning of graphical objects (called cursors in this article) on computer displays.Background: The human computer-interaction ...
Interactions of Scopolamine and Physostigmine with ECS and One Trial Learning

Abstract Twelve groups of 10 rats were trained on a one-trial, passive avoidance task and were tested for retention four hr later. Six groups received electroconvulsive shock (ECS) immediately following the learning trial, and the remaining six groups were in a non-ECS condition. The six groups in both the ECS and non-ECS conditions were divided into three groups which received either saline, scopolamine or physostigmine injections before the learning trial and three groups which received the injections before the retention trial. The results suggested that physostigmine prior to the learning trial or scopolamine prior to the retention trial protected memory from the normally disruptive effects of ECS. In addition, scopolamine alone before the learning trial or physostigmine alone before the retention trial had a disruptive effect on retention. Results are discussed in terms of influences of the drugs and/or ECS on ACh activity.
A Production-Investment Decision Model of Farm Firm Growth

This article presents the conceptualization of a farm firm growth model which includes both investment and production decisions. The results obtained in the application of the model to a hypothetical Central Indiana farm under alternative resource availability and optimizing criteria assumptions are reviewed. These applications demonstrate the interaction between investment and production decisions in the growth process and indicate that under realistic conditions optimal firm growth is not scale growth. They also indicate that the growth process and the terminal size are different for different objective functions. Finally, the results illustrate the applicability of such a model for investigating farm firm adjustments in a growth context.
Central neuropathic itch: A new treatment option?

In 1999, a 55-year-old woman presented for evaluation of a painful syndrome affecting her right groin and flank. The symptom, a severe burning sensation, began quite suddenly in 1991. Occasionally, she had paresthesia in a belt-like distribution extending from the back toward the groin. At that time neurologic examination showed hypoesthesia in the affected area, increased deep tendon reflexes in the lower extremities (left greater than right), and the Babinski sign on the left. MRI of the spine demonstrated a cavernous hemangioma at level T9–T10. A thin rim of hemosiderin suggested that the patient had had a microscopic hemorrhage, possibly at the onset of her painful symptoms. In 1994, she had sudden onset of a sensation described as an electrical current running down the left leg to the foot. No new neurologic deficit occurred. She received trials of various tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants, but they either …
Broadcast-Based Consensus With Non-Zero-Mean Stochastic Perturbations

Bolstered by the growing interest in building wireless sensor and ad hoc networks with applications ranging across different engineering disciplines, distributed consensus algorithms have recently seen a new revival since their inception in the early 1980s. Of particular interest is the recently developed broadcast-based consensus algorithm, which is one special type of randomized consensus algorithms and is amenable to practical implementation in wireless networks. This paper focuses on the performance analysis of this broadcast-based consensus algorithm in the presence of non-zero-mean stochastic perturbations. It is demonstrated that as the algorithm proceeds, the deviation of the node states from their average will converge, in expectation, to a fixed value, which is determined by the Laplacian matrix of the network, the mixing parameter, and the mean of the stochastic perturbations. Asymptotic upper and lower bounds on the total mean-square deviation are derived, which describe the range of distances over which the node states deviate from consensus. These bounds can facilitate evaluation of the applicability of this algorithm in practice. Results are also provided on the algorithm's e-converging time, i.e., the earliest time at which the deviation is e close to its steady value, and on the mean and mean-square behaviors of the displacement of node states from their initial states at large iteration number. As a special case study, performance of the broadcast-based consensus algorithm under zero-mean stochastic disturbances is analyzed, and results regarding its convergence, mean-square deviation, and mean-square displacement are given. The theoretical results presented in this study hold true regardless of the statistics of the stochastic disturbances, and are valid for arbitrary network topology as long as the topology is connected.
Modeling phosphorus cycling in a well-mixed coastal plain estuary

Phosphorus cycling in the Delaware Estuary was examined during 1986–88 using numerical methods to calculate fluxes and estimate net regeneration. In the tidal river, the flux of total phosphorus (TP) increased threefold compared to Delaware River due to municipal inputs, with most of TP flux as dissolved inorganic phosphate (DIP, 56–59%). This observed increase in TP flux in the river, however, is much lower than expected, given known inputs. A mass balance for TP in the river indicated that a large fraction (44–67%) of TP inputs was retained mainly through geochemical processes. Phosphorus cycling in Delaware Bay, in contrast, was dominated by biological uptake and recycling. Within the bay, DIP input from the tidal river was transformed into phytoplankton biomass; the relative flux of particulate phosphorus (PP) increased from 35% of total flux into the bay to 62% at the month due to a 52% increase in mean PP flux. The biological dominance of P cycling in the bay resulted in strong seasonal variations in TP flux; during the annual winter–spring bloom, TP was retained in the bay (53–56%), while the bay was a source (+52%) of TP during the fall. Throughout the year, except during the spring, regenerated DIP was sufficient to supply 102±19, 94±10, and 95±6% of phytoplankton P-demand in the upper, middle, and lower bay respectively. During the spring, there was an imbalance between uptake and regeneration resulting in DIP depletion. A comparison of processes contributing to total regeneration indicated that 71–97% of apparent regeneration occurred within the water column, with sediment DIP release contributing an additional 3–25%. On an annual basis, 84% of TP entering the salinity gradient of the estuary was exported to coastal waters.
Conformational dynamics of Cu(I) complexes of tripodal ligands: steric control of molecular motion

The dynamics of molecular conformational changes for Cu(I) complexes of two tripodal ligands were studied. Variable-temperature NMR and circular dichroism in combination with two-dimensional NMR experiments were employed to determine the structural and energetic details of a dynamic process in which one of three arms dissociates from coordination to Cu(I). Dissociation was triggered by addition of a strongly coordinating anion (SCN−). One-electron oxidation to the Cu(II) complex returned coordination of all three ligand arms. The observed phenomena were dependent upon steric crowding; addition of a single methyl group to one arm resulted in marked differences in behavior. The CuSCN and CuPF6 complexes of tris(2-quinolylmethyl)amine (TQA) and the CuPF6 complex of 1-(quinolin-2-yl)-N,N-bis(quinolin-2-ylmethyl)ethanamine (MeTQA) did not give any evidence for differences in coordination over the temperature range 0–35 °C, while CuI(MeTQA)NCS demonstrated marked differences in NMR but not CD spectra over this temperature range. In the latter complex, two diastereotopic arms displace each other with a transition energy of 14.0 kcal mol−1. The structure of the arm-dissociated complex contains a higher degree of stereochemical complexity than the tetradentate complexes.
WEB-IS (integrated system): An overall view

WEB-IS, Web-based Integrated System, allows remote, interactive visualization of large-scale 3-D data over the Internet, along with data analysis and data mining. In this paper, we discuss the overall structure of WEB-IS. Up until now we have developed three sub-modules geared towards geophysical problems. WEB-IS1 allows geoscientists to navigate through their 3-D geophysical data, such as seismic structures or numerical simulations, and interactively analyze the statistics or apply data-mining techniques, such as cluster analysis. WEB-IS2 lets a user control Amira (a powerful 3-D visualization package) remotely and analyze, render and view large datasets across the Internet. WEB-IS3 is an imaging service that enables the user to control the scale of features to view through interactive zooming. In the near future, we propose to integrate the three components together through a middleware framework called NaradaBrokering (iNtegrated Asynchronous Real-time Adaptive Distributed Architecture, a distributed messaging infrastructure that can be used to intelligently route data between the originators and registered consumers) without regard for time or location. As a result, WEB-IS will improve its scalability and acquire properties of fault-tolerance. WEB-IS uses a combination of Java, C++, and through the use of NaradaBrokering will seamlessly integrate the server-side processing and user interaction utilities on the client. The server takes care of the processor intensive tasks, such as visualization and data mining, and sends either the resulting bitmap image or statistical results to the middleware across the Internet for viewing. WEB-IS is an easy-to-use service, which will eventually help geoscientists collaborate from different sites in a natural manner. It will be very useful in the next 10 years because of the increasing number of space missions and geophysical campaigns.
Explaining Differences in Mental Health Between Married and Cohabiting Individuals

Research on the relationship between cohabitation and mental health tends to ignore social psychological factors that help explain mental health differences between the married and the unmarried, including coping resources and perceived relationship quality. In this paper I draw on social psychological theory and research to clarify differences in depression and alcohol use between married and cohabiting individuals. Using data from the National Survey of Families and Households, I examine the independent and combined influences of socioeconomic status, coping resources, and relationship quality to account for marital status differences in distress. I find that marital status differences in coping resources and relationship quality help explain the gap in depression, but not in alcohol use, between married and cohabiting individuals. I also find that social selection is not responsible for marital status differences in distress. The implications of these findings for future research on cohabitors' mental ...
Cardiac Effects of Exercise Training in Hypertension

Hypertension is a significant health concern. Hypertension leads to compensatory pathologic hypertrophy and impaired cardiac function. Lifestyle modifications such as exercise are encouraged for hypertensive patients. Some studies have shown that exercise training can reverse pathological hypertrophy. Conversely, studies on animal models of hypertension have shown increased cardiac growth with exercise training. Despite the further induction of hypertrophy, exercise training seems protective against cell death and may increase cardiomyocyte proliferation, leading to a putative phenotype. One of the hallmark beneficial effects of exercise in hypertension is an improvement in myocardial β adrenergic responsiveness. The focus of this paper is to discuss how exercise training impacts cardiac remodeling and function in the hypertensive heart with specific reference to β adrenergic signaling.
Specific Cell Binding Using Staphylococcal Protein A Magnetic Microspheres

Protein A, a protein derived from Staphylococcus aureus, was incorporated into the matrix of magnetic albumin microspheres. Because staphylococcal protein A binds most subclasses of immunoglobulin G through their Fc portions, immunoglobulin may be rapidly bound to microspheres without chemical coupling agents or a diaminoheptane spacer group. Microspheres so prepared bind specifically to a given cell type when incubated in vitro with a heterogeneous cell population. The use of these microspheres as a drug carrier capable of cellular specificity as well as their ability to isolate homogeneous cell populations rapidly is discussed.
Pulse duration effects on cutaneous pigment

Melanin, an endogenous chromophore in pigment containing cells in skin, is being specifically altered by lasers using the principle of selective photothermolysis (SPT). This implies that a combination of specific laser parameters of wavelength, pulse duration, spotsize, and energy density are required to confine the delivered laser energy to the targeted cells alone. Because the bulk of cutaneous pigment is localized to epidermal basal cells, pigmentary incontinence has been found to occur in skin exposed to laser irradiation. This study demonstrates that pulse duration or exposure time of the laser affect the severity of pigmentary incontinence induced. Pigment granules are more abundant, aggregated, and located deeper in the dermis following exposure to 500 nsec pulse duration than 100 nsec at a wavelength of 504 nm. This relationship appears to be independent of the laser energy density used. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Binding of phosphorylase a and b to skeletal muscle thin filament proteins.

Abstract Phosphorylase plays an important role in energy generation during muscle contraction. We have demonstrated that purified rabbit skeletal muscle phosphorylase a and phosphorylase b bind to rabbit muscle F-actin, F-actin-tropomyosin, F-actin-tropomyosin-troponin, and myofibrils. Neither phosphorylase a nor phosphorylase b binds to myosin. Phosphorylase a and b bind to F-actin with S 0.5 values of 1.5 × 10 −6 and 2.1 × 10 −6 m , respectively. At saturation, 0.035 mol of phosphorylase a and b is bound for every seven G-actin monomers in the F-actin polymer. Using the F-actin-tropomyosin-troponin complex as opposed to F-actin as a binding target, there are five- and threefold increases in the maximal binding capacity for phosphorylase a and phosphorylase b, respectively, without a significant change in the S 0.5 value for either form of the enzyme. A similar stoichiometry and affinity of phosphorylase binding are observed when myofibrils are used as the binding target. Ca 2+ ions and AMP increase the maximal binding capacity for phosphorylase a to myofibrils while ATP decreases the B max . Our study suggests that in skeletal muscle, phosphorylase a and phosphorylase b may interact with the thin filament, and that this binding to thin filament proteins may be controlled by changes in sarcoplasmic concentration of Ca 2+ and ligands of phosphorylase during muscle contraction.
Power deposition in the head and neck of an anatomically based human body model for plane wave exposures

At certain frequencies, when the human head becomes a resonant structure, the power absorbed by the head and neck, when the body is exposed to a vertically polarized plane wave propagating from front to back, becomes significantly larger than would ordinarily be expected from its shadow cross section. This has possible implications in the study of the biological effects of electromagnetic fields. Additionally the frequencies at which these resonances occur are not readily predicted by simple approximations of the head in isolation. In order to determine these resonant conditions an anatomically based model of the whole human body has been used, with the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) algorithm to accurately determine field propagation, specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions and power absorption in both the whole body and the head region (head and neck). This paper shows that resonant frequencies can be determined using two methods. The first is by use of the accurate anatomically based model (with heterogeneous tissue properties) and secondly using a model built from parallelepiped sections (for the torso and legs), an ellipsoid for the head and a cylinder for the neck. This approximation to the human body is built from homogeneous tissue the equivalent of two-thirds the conductivity and dielectric constant of that of muscle. An IBM SP-2 supercomputer together with a parallel FDTD code has been used to accommodate the large problem size. We find resonant frequencies for the head and neck at 207 MHz and 193 MHz for the isolated and grounded conditions, with absorption cross sections that are respectively 3.27 and 2.62 times the shadow cross section.
Murine monocytes express transferrin receptors: Evidence for similarity to inflammatory macrophages

Abstract Nonionic detergent extracts of murine monocytes contain a specific, high-affinity binding site for the serum glycoprotein transferrin. The binding activity was saturable and specific for 125 I-labeled transferrin. The transferrin-receptor content of monocytes was compared with that of resident peritoneal macrophages and thioglycollate-elicited macrophages. Whereas resident cells showed no detectable activity, inflammatory macrophages and monocytes both bound transferrin to a similar degree. The calculated dissociation constant (2.3 × 10 −10 ) and the number of sites per monocyte (11,400) compared favorably with those reported for transferrin receptors on inflammatory macrophages. Thus, based on the expression of the transferrin receptor, murine monocytes resemble murine inflammatory peritoneal macrophages rather than resident tissue macrophages.