cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wavefront curvature sensing and compensation methods in adaptive optics

Wavefront curvature sensing and compensation may lead to lower cost adaptive optics systems optimized for low order correction.
A new implementation of the spectral crystal plasticity framework in implicit finite elements

Abstract We present a new implementation of a computationally efficient crystal plasticity model in an implicit finite element (FE) framework. In recent publications, we have reported a standalone version of a crystal plasticity model based on fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) and termed it the spectral crystal plasticity (SCP) model. In this approach, iterative solvers for obtaining the mechanical response of a single crystal of any crystallographic orientation subjected to any deformation mode are replaced by a database of FFTs that allows fast retrieval of the solution. The standalone version of the code facilitates simulations of relatively simple monotonic deformation processes under homogeneous boundary conditions. In this paper, we present a new model that enables simulations of complex, non-monotonic deformation process with heterogeneous boundary conditions. For this purpose, we derive a fully analytical Jacobian enabling an efficient coupling of SCP with implicit finite elements. In our implementation, an FE integration point can represent a single crystal or a polycrystalline material point whose meso-scale mechanical response is obtained by the mean-field Taylor-type homogenization scheme. The finite element spectral crystal plasticity (FE-SCP) implementation has been validated for several monotonic loading conditions and successfully applied to rolling and equi-channel angular extrusion deformation processes. Predictions of the FE-SCP simulations compare favorably with experimental measurements. Details of the FE-SCP implementation and predicted results are presented and discussed in this paper.
A comparison of flat-field measurement techniques for optical streak cameras

A technique for calibrating the flat-field response and geometric distortion of optical streak cameras using high-power lasers and electro-optic pulse shaping hardware was reported previouslyl. The laser hardware provides a temporally-flat light pulse that can be used to calibrate streak cameras operating with sweep durations of 3-10 ns. Although this technique is successful, the hardware involved is expensive and the process is complex. Based on the analysis of calibrations made at these fast sweep rates, we developed a new technique to measure the flat-field response of an optical streak camera using an array of visible light emitting diodes (LED) and a slow (~10 μs) sweep generator. We will discuss the new slow technique, and will present a comparison between calibration measurements made using the two techniques.
Synthesis, characterization, and transistor response of semiconducting silole polymers with substantial hole mobility and air stability. Experiment and theory.

Realizing p-channel semiconducting polymers with good hole mobility, solution processibility, and air stability is an important step forward in the chemical manipulation of charge transport in polymeric solids and in the development of low-cost printed electronics. We report here the synthesis and full characterization of the dithienosilole- and dibenzosilole-based homopolymers, poly(4,4-di-n-hexyldithienosilole) (TS6) and poly(9,9-di-n-octyldibenzosilole) (BS8), and their mono- and bithiophene copolymers, poly(4,4-di-n-hexyldithienosilole-alt-(bi)thiophene) (TS6T1,TS6T2) and poly(9,9-di-n-octyldibenzosilole-alt-(bi)thiophene) (BS8T1,BS8T2), and examine in detail the consequences of introducing dithienosilole and dibenzosilole cores into a thiophene polymer backbone. We demonstrate air-stable thin-film transistors (TFTs) fabricated under ambient conditions having hole mobilities as large as 0.08 cm2/V·s, low turn-on voltages, and current on/off ratios > 106. Additionally, unencapsulated TFTs fabricated un...
Operation of a dielectric-loaded wideband gyro-TWT amplifier

The bandwidth of a gyro-TWT has been broadened by partially filling the interaction circuit with dielectric to reduce its dispersion. Initial hot tests of the X-band frequency, proof-of- principle experiment demonstrated zero-drive stability and achieved a peak output power of 55 kW with 11% efficiency, 27 dB saturated gain, and an unprecedented constant-drive bandwidth of 11% for a 100 kV, 5A, (alpha) equals (upsilon) (perpendicular)/(upsilon) z equals 0.6 electron beam. As predicted by simulation studies, the amplifier's performance can be further enhanced with improved beam quality.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Opposing Actions of Hippocampus TNFα Receptors on Limbic Seizure Susceptibility

Abstract Resected epileptic tissues exhibit elements of chronic neuroinflammation that include elevated TNFα and increased TNFα receptor activation, but the seizure related consequences of chronic TNFα expression remain unknown. Twenty four hours after acute limbic seizures the rat hippocampus exhibited a rapid upregulation of TNFR1, but a simultaneous downregulation of TNFR2. These limbic seizures also evoked significant increases in measures of neuroinflammation and caused significant neuronal cell death in both the hilus and CA3 of the hippocampus. In order to mimic a state of chronic TNFα exposure, adeno-associated viral vectors were packaged with a TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) specific agonist, human TNFα, or a TNF receptor 1/2 agonist, rat TNFα. Subsequently, chronic hippocampal overexpression of either TNFR ligand caused microglial activation and blood–brain barrier compromise, a pattern similar to limbic seizure-induced neuroinflammation. However, no evidence was found for neuronal cell death or spontaneous seizure activity. Thus, chronic, in vivo TNFα expression and the subsequent neuroinflammation alone did not cause cell death or elicit seizure activity. In contrast, chronic hippocampal activation of TNFR1 alone significantly increased limbic seizure sensitivity in both amygdala kainic acid and electrical amygdala kindling models, while chronic activation of both TNFR1 and TNFR2 significantly attenuated the amygdala kindling rate. With regard to endogenous TNFα, chronic hippocampal expression of a TNFα decoy receptor significantly reduced seizure-induced cell death in the hippocampus, but did not alter seizure susceptibility. These findings suggest that blockade of endogenous TNFα could attenuate seizure related neuropathology, while selective activation of TNFR2 could exert beneficial therapeutic effects on in vivo seizure sensitivity.
Identification by means of L-phenylalanine inhibition of intestinal alkaline phosphatase components separated by starch gel electrophoresis of serum

After electrophoresis of serum on starch gel, the alkaline phosphatase-rich zones which undergo inhibition by l-phenylalanine, a specific inhibitor for the intestinal enzyme, have been clearly defined and quantitatively measured. Serum from normal subjects, with a major peak of alkaline phosphatase activity in the fast α2 region, shows some intestinal alkaline phosphatase on the trailing edge of the peak. Occasionally a second intestinal peak is observed in the haptoglobin region, where alkaline phosphatase activity of intestinal tissue extracts is found7. This is also the location of an intense activity present in the serum from some cirrhotic patients. Another cirrhotic with a normal percentage of intestinal component but with highly elevated alkaline phosphatase total, exhibited no haptoglobin peak. These subjects are examples of two categories of cirrhotic patients with elevated serum alkaline phosphatase6, one in which the intestinal component is predominant and one in which it is not.
Expanded Possibilities for Surgical Treatment of Lung Cancer: Survival in Stage IIIa Disease

Two anatomic subsets of patients with stage IIIa non-small cell cancer of the lung are candidates for definitive surgical treatment. The first group includes patients with T1, T2, or T3 primary tumors and regional lymph node metastases confined to the ipsilateral mediastinal and subcarinal lymph nodes (N2 disease). There is controversy over the selection of this group of patients for surgery; some physicians do not believe that resection is an option if there is any evidence of mediastinal lymph node involvement. The second group is composed of patients with limited, circumscribed extrapulmonary extension of the primary tumor and lymph node metastasis, if present, limited to the hilar and peribronchial nodes (T3 N0-1 M0 disease). Peripheral tumors invading the chest wall, tumors originating in the superior sulcus of the lung, and those with limited involvement of the pericardium or the main bronchus are included. A five-year cumulative survival rate of 28 percent was documented for 198 consecutive patients undergoing complete resection for stage IIIa non-small cell lung cancer, 21 percent for the T1-3 N2 group, and 39 percent for the T3 N0-N1 patients. Cell type was not a statistically significant variable for survival; however, a superior outcome was observed for patients with squamous cell carcinoma in every TNM category. The results support surgical treatment as a valid option for selected patients with extrapulmonary extension of the disease.
Sequential Growth Factor Stimulation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells in Extended Culture

The sequence of applied biochemical stimulation in developing ligament tissue cultures in vitro offers the potential to intricately control cell behavior following the template of native tissue development. Previous studies have identified and enhanced ligament tissue development as defined by matrix in-growth, upregulation of mRNA transcripts for metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), collagen types I and III, and collagen type I production. We hypothesize that sequential application of growth factors through extended culture will reinforce the effectiveness of basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor beta (bFGF/TGF-beta) as the optimal growth factor regimen. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were seeded on RGD-coupled silk fiber matrices and cultured in bFGF, epidermal growth factor (EGF), or growth factor-free control for the first 5 days of culture. On day 5, cultures were stimulated with TGF-beta supplemented medium for a total of 28 days. Results indicated enhanced matrix in-growth and collagen type I produced with extended culture, most notably in mitogen / TGF-beta-stimulated cultures. Matrix development attained through extended static culture will support future study leading to the transition and addition of mechanical stimulation for optimized ligament tissue production.
Body of knowledge for software quality measurement

Measuring quality is the key to developing high-quality software. The author describes two approaches that help to identify the body of knowledge software engineers need to achieve this goal. The first approach derives knowledge requirements from a set of issues identified during two standards efforts: the IEEE Std. 1061-1998 for a Software Quality Metrics Methodology and the American National Standard Recommended Practice for Software Reliability (ANSI/AIAA R-013-1992). The second approach ties these knowledge requirements to phases in the software development life cycle. Together, these approaches define a body of knowledge that shows software engineers why and when to measure quality. Focusing on the entire software development life cycle, rather than just the coding phase, gives software engineers the comprehensive knowledge they need to enhance software quality and supports early detection and resolution of quality problems. The integration of product and process measurements lets engineers assess the interactions between them throughout the life cycle. Software engineers can apply this body of knowledge as a guideline for incorporating quality measurement in their projects. Professional licensing and training programs will also find it useful.
Real-time transmission of full-motion echocardiography over a high-speed data network: impact of data rate and network quality of service

With high-resolution network transmission required for telemedicine, education, and guided-image acquisition, the impact of errors and transmission rates on image quality needs evaluation. METHODS: We transmitted clinical echocardiograms from 2 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) research centers with the use of Motion Picture Expert Group-2 (MPEG-2) encoding and asynchronous transmission mode (ATM) network protocol over the NASA Research and Education Network. Data rates and network quality (cell losses [CLR], errors [CER], and delay variability [CVD]) were altered and image quality was judged. RESULTS: At speeds of 3 to 5 megabits per second (Mbps), digital images were superior to those on videotape; at 2 Mbps, images were equivalent. Increasing CLR caused occasional, brief pauses. Extreme CER and CDV increases still yielded high-quality images. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time echocardiographic acquisition, guidance, and transmission is feasible with the use of MPEG-2 and ATM with broadcast quality seen above 3 Mbps, even with severe network quality degradation. These techniques can be applied to telemedicine and used for planned echocardiography aboard the International Space Station.
Low-noise microwave generation using an on-chip Brillouin laser

An on-chip Brillouin microwave source is demonstrated. Phase noise of −106 dBc/Hz at 100kHz offset frequency (21.6 GHz carrier signal) is measured. A record low white phase noise floor for a microcavity-based source is demonstrated.
Reduction in Rates of Nosocomial Infections Attributed to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract ISSUE: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) is a 520-bed academic hospital in central New Jersey. Like many hospitals, RWJUH experienced a steady rise in the rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nosocomial infections (NI) over the past decade. Reduction in this rate became a priority performance improvement goal for Infection Control. The 2003 goal is at least 6 months with PROJECT: MRSA NI is calculated as rate per 1000 patient days and displayed using a “u” statistical process control chart to identify special cause. Reduction efforts initiated during July 2000 included mandatory handwashing education programs for staff and installation of an alcohol-based handwashing gel (AHWG) outside every patient room in all intensive care units. Based on physician requests, AHWG dispensers were installed throughout the institution in mid-2001. Concurrent with house-wide implementation of AHWG, a “feedback” system was developed to share monthly MRSA NI rates with all departmental and nursing supervisors via hospital e-mail. RESULTS: Statistical process control chart calculations comparing pre- and post-intervention rates showed a decrease in the mean from 1.6 (6/00) to 1.3 (8/00), with a further reduction to 1.1 infections per 1000 patient days in August 2001, indicating a positive special cause (p=0.003). MRSA NI rates have continued to decline.
The determinant of a fuzzy matrix with respect to t and co-t norms

Abstract We study determinants of square matrices over the interval [0,1] when ordinary multiplication is replaced by a triangular norm and ordinary addition is replaced by a triangular conorm.
IgH-2 cells: a reptilian model for apoptotic studies

Regulation of proper cell number in tissues depends upon a balance between cell proliferation and cell death. The process of apoptosis has thus far been studied in a variety of multicellular organisms from humans to higher plants. In order to broaden our perspective and identify another metazoan system with which to deepen our understanding of the function and evolution of the apoptotic machinery, we have characterized cell death in a reptilian cell line. We show that the death of IgH-2 Iguana (Iguana iguana) heart cells [Clark, H.F., Cohen, M.M., Karzon, D.T., 1970. Characterization of reptilian cell lines established at incubation temperatures of 23 to 36 degrees. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 133, 1039-1047.] is, in response to DNA damaging agents, accompanied by classic morphological changes of apoptosis including detachment from the substrate, cell shrinkage, nuclear pyknosis and externalization of the plasma membrane phospholipid phosphatidylserine. Our biochemical studies show that the death of IgH-2 cells is accompanied by internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and activation of caspases. Our studies with the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD.fmk implicate caspases in the apoptotic process we observe. This work represents the first detailed molecular and biochemical analysis of apoptosis in cells of an organism of class Reptilia and establishes IgH-2 cells as a suitable model system with which to investigate the phenomenon of caspase dependent apoptosis and the apoptotic machinery in a reptilian model.
ER-Mitochondria Crosstalk during Cerebral Ischemia: Molecular Chaperones and ER-Mitochondrial Calcium Transfer.

It is commonly believed that sustained elevations in the mitochondrial matrix Ca2+ concentration are a major feature of the intracellular cascade of lethal events during cerebral ischemia. The physical association between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, known as the mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM), enables highly efficient transmission of Ca2+ from the ER to mitochondria under both physiological and pathological conditions. Molecular chaperones are well known for their protective effects during cerebral ischemia. It has been demonstrated recently that many molecular chaperones coexist with MAM and regulate the MAM and thus Ca2+ concentration inside mitochondria. Here, we review recent research on cerebral ischemia and MAM, with a focus on molecular chaperones and ER-mitochondrial calcium transfer.
Electrochemical properties of nickel oxide

Abstract The electrochemical properties of lithiated nickel oxide in the form of mosaic crystals have been examined. Linear sweep voltammetry of this oxide in H 2 SO 4 ,HCl, HClO 4 , and NaOH reveals a reversible peak at 0.9 V(he), which corresponds closely in potential to that assigned by Pourbaix to the Ni(II)/Ni(III) oxide couple. In H 2 SO 4 , a second peak is evident at 1·4 V which corresponds closely to the potential for the Ni(III)/Ni(IV) couple. Dissolution rates have been studied in HCl at elevated temperatures and found to be surprisingly small. A step-like increment in dissolution rate occurs at potentials corresponding to the first peak (0·9 V) in the voltammetry curves. Various redox couples have been examined on the lithiated NiO crystals. In all instances, the cathodic process is inhibited relative to the anodic process. Tafel linearity has been found for the oxidation of ferrous and ferrocyanide ions after correction for mass-transport control, but the Tafel slopes vary from electrode to electrode at constant lithium content and tend to be lower at low rotation rates. Oxygen reduction to the peroxide is also substantially inhibited as compared with the reverse process. The relative inhibition of cathodic processes is as would be expected generally for a p-type semiconductor.
The G Protein Gα13 Is Required for Growth Factor-Induced Cell Migration

Heterotrimeric G proteins are critical cellular signal transducers. They are known to directly relay signals from seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to downstream effectors. On the other hand, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), a different family of membrane receptors, signal through docking sites in their carboxy-terminal tails created by autophosphorylated tyrosine residues. Here we show that a heterotrimeric G protein, G alpha(13), is essential for RTK-induced migration of mouse fibroblast and endothelial cells. G alpha(13) activity in cell migration is retained in a C-terminal mutant that is defective in GPCR coupling, suggesting that the migration function is independent of GPCR signaling. Thus, G alpha(13) appears to be a critical signal transducer for RTKs as well as GPCRs. This broader role of G alpha(13) in cell migration initiated by two types of receptors could provide a molecular basis for the vascular system defects exhibited by G alpha(13) knockout mice.
Bromocriptine reduces steatosis in obese rodent models

Background/Aims Obesity is a risk factor for glucose intolerance, steatosis, and oxidative stress, characteristics of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Bromocriptine may have anti-obesity, insulin-sensitizing, lipolytic, and antioxidant properties. We, therefore, hypothesized that bromocriptine would improve markers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in obese rodent models. Methods We performed a randomized, controlled experiment in genetically obese fatty Zucker rats and diet-induced obese rats to assess for behavioral and peripheral anti-obesity actions of bromocriptine (10mg/kg) that would improve nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Results Behaviorally, food intake decreased and locomotor activity increased in bromocriptine-treated fatty Zucker and dietary-induced obese rats. Peripherally, liver triglycerides were significantly reduced and hepatic manganese superoxide dismutase significantly increased in bromocriptine-treated fatty Zucker and diet-induced obese rats compared to controls. Blood glucose was significantly lower in bromocriptine-treated Zucker rats compared to fatty controls and was no different than that of lean controls. Conclusions Improvements in obesigenic behaviors, glucose tolerance, hepatic lipid accumulation, and mitochondrial oxidative stress observed in genetically obese and diet-induced obese rodents indicate that bromocriptine may be promising as a broad-based therapy for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Purification and properties of glycogen synthase I from skeletal muscle: two kinetic forms.

Abstract Rabbit muscle glycogen synthase I (UDPglucose:glycogen α-4-glucosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.11) containing less than 5% D form was purified over 500-fold. The enzyme, like the heart enzyme, exhibited unusual reaction kinetics best explained by two kinetic forms. The rate of conversion of Form 1 to Form 2 was analyzed graphically and a T 1 2 of 1.8–2.5 min was found. The kinetics of Form 1, the initial transient form, and of Form 2, the second stable form, were separately analyzed. Form 1 had a lower Km than Form 2 whereas V was the same. Na2SO4 increased V 2-fold and decreased Km 2- to 3-fold for both Forms 1 and 2.
Re-examining handedness in schizophrenia : now you see it - now you don't !

Abstract The present study was designed to examine patterns of handedness across tasks (i.e., those requiring less vs. greater skill) and over time (initially and 1 month later) in 72 schizophrenic patients and 105 normal controls. Two important methodologic advances were introduced: (1) two handedness tasks, varying in skill level (simple vs. complex); and (2) the addition of a retest on both tasks, 1 month later. Results show a higher incidence (43%) of mixed handedness in the schizophrenic sample than in normal controls (14.3%) on tasks requiring less precision in performance. Similar results were obtained when schizophrenic patients were retested 1 month later, R 1 =.88. When the more demanding set of tasks was presented, the frequency of mixed handed schizophrenics dropped by 50% at initial testing. Despite these findings, there was no evidence for stability of change over time. For example, each of the most extreme shifters at Time 1 was fully lateralized 1 month later.
Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Hormones in Peanut Ovules During Early Development

Abstract Study of hormonal regulation of fruit development requires quantitative measurement of reproductive tissues at different developmental stages. This study reports the application of ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) for the measurement of free indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), dihydrozeatin riboside (DHZR) and abscisic acid (ABA) in ovules of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L., cv. NC 6). IAA levels in apical and basal ovules gradually increased with aerial peg elongation from 4 to 10 d after pollination (DAP), but decreased when peg elongation ceased by 14 DAP. Higher DHZR levels were observed in aerial ovules at 10 DAP, and the ABA level was highest at 1 DAP. Aerial apical ovules contained higher IAA and DHZR levels than basal ovules. At day 1 after soil penetration (DASP), IAA and ABA levels in both ovules decreased, whereas DHZR levels increased. Peg tip swelling and ovary enlargement at 5 DASP were accompanied by increased levels of all three hormones. The highest levels of the hormones were obser...
Unemployment and alcohol disorder in 1910 and 1990: Drift versus social causation

Despite almost a century of research, the nature of the relationship between unemployment and mental health remains in dispute. One problem concerns the direction of causation: does behavioural disorder cause job loss (drift) or does job loss cause behavioural disorder (social causation) or both (reciprocal causation)? Another problem pertains to the severity of the mental distress associated with unemployment: only subclinical symptoms or severe diagnosis-specific psychopathology? Evidence about the association of alcohol disorder and unemployment comes from two studies. The first is a reanalysis of data gathered in a survey in 1910 by Rowntree and Lasker. The second analyses the epidemiologic catchment area data collected in the 1980s. The results from both studies support both drift and social causation processes and demonstrate that at least one diagnosis-specific psychopathology is linked to unemployment.
Preparation and Properties of Water and Glycerol-plasticized Sugar Beet Pulp Plastics

Sugar beet pulp (SBP), the residue from sugar extraction, was compounded and turned into in situ thermoplastic composite materials. The compounding was performed using a common twin- screw compounding extruder and water and glycerol were used as co-plasticizers. The melt compounding of SBP utilized the water-soluble characteristics of pectin which is one of main components of SBP. The structure of SBP was destroyed under extrusion and pectin was partially released and plasticized by water and glycerol. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the cellulose microfibrils were dispersed in the matrix of pectin and other ingredients. Effects of the water and glycerol co-plasticizers on rheological, tensile and dynamic mechanical properties of the SBP plastics were investigated. Effects of relative humidity of the environment on the tensile and dynamical mechanical properties of the neat SBP compounds were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that SBP could be processed as a plastic with water and glycerol as co-plasticizers using traditional processing equipments.
Long-term results of coronary artery bypass surgery for unstable angina: incidence of mortality, myocardial infarction, and angina resumption.

To determine if routine treadmill testing would be helpful in identifying patients at high risk for subsequent events, the first 81 patients to undergo coronary artery bypass0 surgery for unstable angina pectoris at Stanford University Medical Center were reevaluated at four intervals after surgery. Evaluations, including assessment of angina pectoris and a treadmill test, were done at mean times of 18,40, and 72 months after surgery. At a mean time of 90 months postoperatively, angina status was determined in survivors. The prevalence of angina rose from 19% during the first year to 53% during the fourth and fifth postoperative years. Cardiac deaths and myocardial infarctions were frequent during the first postoperative year, and were more frequent in patients with three-vessel disease and those with one or more severely narrowed coronary arteries which were not bypassed. Cardiac events were rare between 12 and 36 months after operation; clinical and treadmill variables did not predict these events. During the fourth and subsequent postoperative years, the incidence of cardiac events increased. While the presence of stable angina pectoris was the clinical variable most useful prognostically, treadmill testing added additional independent prognostic information (p<0.0001). During the intervals between visits 1 and 2, and visits 2 and 3, cardiac events were ten times more frequent in persons with a maximal heart rate of 130 beats/min or less on the treadmill at 18 and 40 months. We conclude that the prevalence of angina increased steadily during the first 5 postoperative years. Myocardial infarction and cardiac death rates were high during the first postoperative year, low during the second and third postoperative years, and then began to rise thereafter. The early events were more frequent in persons with three-vessel disease and one or more severely narrowed coronary arteries which were unbypassed. The late events were more frequent in persons with a maximal heart rate of 130 beats/min or less on treadmill exercise testing. No other clinical or treadmill variables added additional independent prognostic information.
Dermabrasion: state of the art.

Abstract. Dermabrasion was developed to remove acne scars but has now been utilized for other cosmetic and therapeutic problems. New instruments, anesthesia, and postoperative dressings have given rise to improved results. Complications and contraindications are emphasized. There is an increased popularity in dermabrasion.
Collaborative technologies in inter-university instruction

Can we demonstrate and implement scalable, cost-effective distance independent learning? At the University of Michigan during the 1994–1995 academic year, we worked through this problem and offered a course concurrently in Ann Arbor and at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. After looking both at the various forms of interaction which instruction involves (class lecture, team projects, interaction among peers, discussion with faculty) and the types of assignments (individual, group via computer, group via conversation) necessary for successful demonstration of mastery of course objectives, we selected technologies to fit the tasks and exploit a range of collaborative tools in a distance independent mode. Those technologies and applications included ISDN video conferencing, telephone conferencing, CUSeeMe, Timbuktu, PowerPoint, Internet tools, and fax. Many of the materials used in the class were available on the Internet (URL: http://www.sils.umich.edu/http: //www.sils.umich.edu/∼mholland/class/joint/introjoint.htmlsim;mholland/class/joint/introjoint.html) or through local servers at both institutions. Throughout the term, students provided feedback on their level of engagement and satisfaction with newly-introduced technologies; much of this data and evaluative comment are also available at the same URL. This article develops the matrix of technology/task fit, describes the various components of instruction, and presents some evaluation of the course from both the student and the faculty perspectives. It concludes with an overview of ongoing work and a perspective on future directions for distance independent learning. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis of the fully glycosylated cyclohexenone core of lomaiviticin A.

We describe two four-step sequences for conversion of the inexpensive reagent ethyl sorbate to either O-allyl-N,N-dimethyl-d-pyrrolosamine or O-allyl-l-oleandrose, protected forms of the 2,6-dideoxy sugar residues found in the complex bacterial metabolite lomaiviticin A. We also report a gram-scale synthesis of the highly-oxygenated cyclohexenone ring of this metabolite, and show this may be coupled with the aforementioned donors to form the bis(glycoside) 6. The longest linear sequence to 6 is nine steps.
Carrying the Burden: Resolving Conflicting Citizenship and Culture Dilemmas for American Indians and African Americans in a Neo-Colonized United States

Almost every statistic of the United States Census and numerous contemporary social, economic and political surveys place both American Indian people and African Americans consistently in an unequal status with members of the dominant culture. Many scholars of the academy advance discipline-centric research and explanations as to why this situation exists across the broad spectrum of United States society. The common theme to these studies is that for a multitude of reasons, American Indians and African Americans are having difficulty integrating or assimilating into the so called American society. This essay advances the theory that there are actually two existential determinants that are inherent in these indigenous cultures (those previously existing Indian and one created African American) which manifested during initial European contact, inhibit full acceptance by and of these indigenous people into mainstream society. In contrast to the many theories of racial, gender and social-political discriminatory factors with historically and public policy implications, these two determinants are the foundation of the identity of these cultures. The inability to reconcile these two determinants with the dominant colonized culture of the United States, is the root causal factor for the in congruence in day to day living and existential philosophy between these cultures.
Properdin Can Initiate Complement Activation by Binding Specific Target Surfaces and Providing a Platform for De Novo Convertase Assembly

Complement promotes the rapid recognition and elimination of pathogens, infected cells, and immune complexes. The biochemical basis for its target specificity is incompletely understood. In this report, we demonstrate that properdin can directly bind to microbial targets and provide a platform for the in situ assembly and function of the alternative pathway C3 convertases. This mechanism differs from the standard model wherein nascent C3b generated in the fluid phase attaches nonspecifically to its targets. Properdin-directed complement activation occurred on yeast cell walls (zymosan) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Properdin did not bind wild-type Escherichia coli, but it readily bound E. coli LPS mutants, and the properdin-binding capacity of each strain correlated with its respective serum-dependent AP activation rate. Moreover, properdin:single-chain Ab constructs were used to direct serum-dependent complement activation to novel targets. We conclude properdin participates in two distinct complement activation pathways: one that occurs by the standard model and one that proceeds by the properdin-directed model. The properdin-directed model is consistent with a proposal made by Pillemer and his colleagues >50 years ago.
Clustered DBMS scalability under unified Ethernet fabric

In this paper, we study the performance of a clustered DBMS running an on-line transaction processing (OLTP) workload and using TCP/IP over Ethernet as a "unified fabric" for inter-process communication. The study is based on a comprehensive simulation model of such systems, called DCLUE. It is found that while the protocol overhead has a large impact on performance, the end to end latency has significantly lesser impact. The results suggest that very low-latency protocol offload may not be very beneficial for clustered OLTP workloads, but proper QoS treatment of messages is important.
Effect of Acute Alcohol on Attention and the Processing of Hierarchical Patterns

Subjects received 100-msec exposures of hierarchical patterns consisting of a large “global” letter composed of several smaller “local” letters. Subjects were to respond whether a target letter was present at the global or at the local level. In the Neutral Bias condition target letters occurred randomly and equally often at the global and local levels. In the Global Bias condition, 79% of the targets occurred at the global and 21% at the local level. In the Local Bias condition, 79% of the targets occurred at the local and 21% at the global level. Subjects indicated by pressing a key which of two target letters had appeared on that trial. Subjects received either a placebo drink, a drink containing 0.7 ml of Alcohol per kg body weight, or a drink containing 1 ml of Alcohol per kg body weight. Placebo subjects were better at detecting letters at the global than at the local level in the Global Bias condition, better at local than global in the Local Bias condition, and about equally good at both levels in the Neutral Bias condition. Alcohol had no effect on detection of letters at the local level in any of the bias conditions but reduced detection of letters at the global level except when subjects were biased globally. The data suggest that alcohol does not affect attentional capacity. Instead, alcohol seems to affect either how attentional capacity is allocated or the global processing mechanism itself.
Release kinetics of coated, donut-shaped tablets for water soluble drugs

Coated, donut-shaped tablets (CDST) were designed to achieve parabolic and linear drug release profiles. When rapidly erodible polymers (HPMC E3, HPC, PEG8000, PEOs (Mw=100000 and 200000)) were used, the release profiles of diltiazem HCl from the tablets becomes parabolic whereas zero-order release was achieved by using slowly erodible polymers (HPMC E5, HPMC E15, PEO (Mw=300000)). Drug release from the rapidly erodible polymers was governed by the pure erosion of the polymer while both polymer erosion and drug diffusion controlled drug release from the slowly erodible polymers. As drug loading was increased from 10% to 39% w/w, the drug release rate from CDST based on HPMC E3 became faster and parabolic whereas that from CDST based on HPMC E5 was linear. The slowly erodible polymer (HPMC E5) provided parabolic release profiles when drug loading was greater than 49% w/w. In this case, drug release mechanisms likely shifted from a combination of polymer erosion and drug diffusion to pure polymer erosion due to the enhancement of polymer erosion by faster influx of water. As drug solubility decreased from 61.6% w/v (diltiazem HCl), 1.0% w/v (theophylline), to 0.5% w/v (nicardipine HCl), the drug release rate from CDST based on HPMC E3 decreased due to polymer erosion mechanism but there was little difference in release rate from CDST based on HPMC E5 due to the greater contribution of drug diffusion to drug release kinetics along with polymer erosion. As expected, the drug release rate of diltiazem HCl from HPMC E3 and E5 was significantly influenced by stirring rate and hole size.
Regulation of the retinoblastoma proteins by the human herpesviruses

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that alter the environment of infected cells in order to replicate more efficiently. One way viruses achieve this is by modulating cell cycle progression. The main regulators of progression out of G0, through G1, and into S phase are the members of the retinoblastoma (Rb) family of tumor suppressors. Rb proteins repress the transcription of genes controlled by the E2F transcription factors. Because the expression of E2F-responsive genes is required for cell cycle progression into the S phase, Rb arrests the cell cycle in G0/G1. A number of viral proteins directly target Rb family members for inactivation, presumably to create an environment more hospitable for viral replication. Such viral proteins include the extensively studied oncoproteins E7 (from human papillomavirus), E1A (from adenovirus), and the large T (tumor) antigen (from simian virus 40). Elucidating how these three viral proteins target and inactivate Rb has proven to be an invaluable approach to augment our understanding of both normal cell cycle progression and carcinogenesis. In addition to these proteins, a number of other virally-encoded inactivators of the Rb family have subsequently been identified including a surprising number encoded by human herpesviruses. Here we review how the human herpesviruses modulate Rb function during infection, introduce the individual viral proteins that directly or indirectly target Rb, and speculate about what roles Rb modulation by these proteins may play in viral replication, pathogenesis, and oncogenesis.
Biology of the ectomycorrhizal genus Rhizopogon. VI. Re-examination of infrageneric relationships inferred from phylogenetic analyses of ITS sequences

Rhizopogon (Basidiomycota, Boletales) is a genus of hypogeous fungi that form ectomycorrhizal associations mostly with members of the Pinaceae. This genus comprises an estimated 100+ species, with ...
Arthropods and biofuel production systems in North America

Biomass harvest may eventually be conducted on over 100000000 ha of US cropandforestlandstomeetfederally-mandatedtargetsforrenewablebiofuels.Suchlarge- scale land use changes could profoundly impact working landscapes and the arthropod communities that inhabit them. We review the literature on dedicated biofuel crops and biomassharvestfromforeststolookforcommonalitiesinarthropodcommunityresponses. With expanded biofuel production, existing arthropod pests of biofuel crops will likely become more important and new pests will emerge. Beneficial arthropods will also be influenced by biofuel crop habitats, potentially altering the distribution of pollination and pest control services to the surrounding landscape. Production of biofuel crops including initial crop selection, genetic improvement, agronomic practices, and harvest regimes will also influence arthropod communities. In turn, arthropods will impact the productivity and species composition of biomass production systems. Some of these processes have the potential to cause landscape-level changes in arthropod community dynamics and insect- vectored plant diseases. Finally, changes in arthropod populations and their spatiotemporal distribution in the landscape will have impacts on consumers of insects at higher trophic levels, potentially influencing their population and community dynamics and producing feedbacks to arthropod communities. Given that dedicated biofuel crops and intensified biomass harvest from forests are still relatively uncommon in North America, as they increase, we anticipate 'predictably unpredictable' shifts in arthropod communities and the ecosystem services and functions they support. We suggest that research on arthropod dynamics within biofuel crops, their spillover into adjacent habitats, and implications for the sustainability of working landscapes are critical topics for both basic and applied
Performance analysis of MUSIC for a nonplane quaternion array

In this paper a nonplane quaternion array is modeled and the high resolution Direction-Of-Arrival (DOA) estimation method—Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) algorithm is replanted into the array. Computer simulation for the performance comparison between the nonplane quaternion array and planar array is demonstrated. Some conclusions of MUSIC performance for different array are reached.
A Mobile Agent-Based Framework for Flexible Control of Multi-Robotic Systems

Modern manufacturing systems are increasingly becoming highly dynamic due to rapid changes in market and government regulations, as well as the integration of emerging technologies. To address the challenges of uncertainty, a flexible platform is critically needed for developing a new generation of manufacturing systems. This paper presents a mobile agent-based framework that supports dynamic deployment of control algorithms and operations in multi-robotic systems. The framework is based on a mobile agent system called Mobile-C. It uses Ch, an interpretive C/C++ environment, for robot programming. Since Ch has been ported to most existing computer platforms, the framework can control robots that work in different operating systems. Using a robot package in Ch as a middleware, control programs are portable to heterogeneous robots and associated mechatronic devices. The presented framework has been implemented and validated in an experimental robotic cell that consists of a Puma 560, an IBM 7575, and a conveyor system. The results show that the mobile agent approach can effectively deploy and execute new control algorithms and operations as mobile agents on any sub-system in a network.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Processing shotgun proteomics data on the Amazon Cloud with the Trans-Proteomic Pipeline

Cloud computing, where scalable, on-demand compute cycles and storage are available as a service, has the potential to accelerate mass spectrometry-based proteomics research by providing simple, expandable, and affordable large-scale computing to all laboratories regardless of location or information technology expertise. We present new cloud computing functionality for the Trans-Proteomic Pipeline, a free and open-source suite of tools for the processing and analysis of tandem mass spectrometry datasets. Enabled with Amazon Web Services cloud computing, the Trans-Proteomic Pipeline now accesses large scale computing resources, limited only by the available Amazon Web Services infrastructure, for all users. The Trans-Proteomic Pipeline runs in an environment fully hosted on Amazon Web Services, where all software and data reside on cloud resources to tackle large search studies. In addition, it can also be run on a local computer with computationally intensive tasks launched onto the Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud service to greatly decrease analysis times. We describe the new Trans-Proteomic Pipeline cloud service components, compare the relative performance and costs of various Elastic Compute Cloud service instance types, and present on-line tutorials that enable users to learn how to deploy cloud computing technology rapidly with the Trans-Proteomic Pipeline. We provide tools for estimating the necessary computing resources and costs given the scale of a job and demonstrate the use of cloud enabled Trans-Proteomic Pipeline by performing over 1100 tandem mass spectrometry files through four proteomic search engines in 9 h and at a very low cost.
Angiofibromas in tuberous sclerosis: comparison of treatment by carbon dioxide and argon laser.

. Multiple angiofibromas (adenoma sebaceum) of the nose in a dark-complexioned patient with tuberous sclerosis were treated with laser surgery. One side of the nose was treated with the argon laser. The other side of the nose was treated with the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. The CO2 laser produced superior cosmetic results with more complete removal of cutaneous lesions.
Mechanisms of Steroid Oxidation by Microorganisms III: Enzymatic Mechanism of Ring A Aromatization

Evidence is presented to show that the aromatization of 9α-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3,17-dione and 19-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3,17-dione involves a 1,2-dehydrogenation by the steroid 1-dehydrogenase to afford vinylogs of β -hydroxyketones which may undergo spontaneous nonenzymic rearrangement (reverse aldolization) to give their respective phenols. This mode of aromatization differs from the human placental system in that it requires a typical flavoprotein electron acceptor for activity; oxygen and NADPH 2 are not required for aromatization. Also, the relative rates of oxidation follows the order 19-norandrost-4-en-3,17-dione > 19-oxoandrost-4-en-3,17-dione > 19-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3,17-dione.