cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of radioiodinated ligand binding to amyloid β plaques

Several novel series of iodinated compounds based on the thioflavin backbone structure have been developed and characterized. These iodinated compounds showed high specific binding to amyloid β (Aβ) aggregates with subnanomolar to nanomolar affinities. Probes like IMPY and MIPA display high brain uptakes and fast washout in normal mice, resulting in low background signals (presumably no amyloid plaques present in normal mouse brain), whereas TZDM shows long brain retention in normal mice suggesting high nonspecific in vivo binding. It is likely that tracers, that is, IMPY or MIPA, with desirable in vivo properties, will provide the highest target to non-target ratio; therefore, they are most likely to be successful as imaging agents targeting Aβ plaques in the brain.
Protonation of the Neutral Repeats of the RNA Polymerase II CTD

Abstract The CTD (carboxy-terminal repeat domain) of the largest subunit of RNA Polymerase II in most eukaryotes consists of from 26 to 52 seven amino acid repeats, the consensus sequence of which is YSPTSPS. Even though this consensus repeat does not contain residues that are normally protonated under the conditions used for positive ion electrospray mass spectrometry, we find that the CTD acquires about one proton per repeat when analyzed by this procedure. We have termed this phenomenon superprotonation. Superprotonation is apparently a property of the consensus sequence as the repeat peptide, (YSPTSPS) 4 , is superprotonated whereas other proteins and the repeat peptides (YSPTSPK) 4 , (YSPTSPR) 4 and (YSPTAPR) 4 are not. The highly conserved nature of the contiguous consensus repeats in organisms ranging from yeast to mammals implies that the functionally significant behavior of the domain is easily perturbed. We propose that CTD superprotonation is a manifestation of a unique biophysical property that will influence and could be the basis for consensus repeat function in vivo.
Insulin-like growth factor-I prevents caspase-mediated apoptosis in Schwann cells.

Both neurons and glia succumb to programmed cell death (PCD) when deprived of growth factors at critical periods in development or following injury. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) prevents apoptosis in neurons in vitro. To investigate whether IGF-I can protect Schwann cells (SC) from apoptosis, SC were harvested from postnatal day 3 rats and maintained in serum-containing media until confluency. When cells were switched to serum-free defined media (DM) for 12–72 h, they underwent PCD. Addition of insulin or IGF-I prevented apoptosis. Bisbenzamide staining revealed nuclear condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies in SC grown in DM alone, but SC grown in DM plus IGF-I had normal nuclear morphology. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K) inhibitor LY294002 blocked IGF-I–mediated protection. Caspase-3 activity was rapidly activated upon serum withdrawal in SC, and the caspase inhibitor BAF blocked apoptosis. These results suggest that IGF-I rescues SC from apoptosis via PI 3-K signaling which is upstream from caspase activation. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 41: 540–548, 1999
Alternative diesel fuels from vegetable oils

Abstract This paper reviews the use of vegetable oils and animal fats as diesel fuel. Physical and chemical properties and structure of the vegetable oils are discussed. Fuel preparation by transesterification, pryolysis, dilution, and microemulsion and the effects of these processes on the properties of the fuel and, in turn, their effects on the engines have been reviewed. Each of the processes give improved fuel properties over those of unprocessed vegetable oil. The performance of engines using triglyceride based fuels and their emission characteristics are also presented.
The thrombin receptor gene is centromeric to the common proximal breakpoint in patients with the 5q− syndrome: identification of a previously unrecognized chromosome 5 inversion

The human thrombin receptor (TR) gene has previously been localized to band q13 of chromosome 5, a site that is at or contiguous with the common proximal breakpoint site identified in the majority of patients with the 5q- syndrome (dysmegakaryocytopoiesis and refractory anaemia). Since thrombin has putative effects on the growth and differentiation of megakaryocytes, we hypothesized that the phenotypic abnormalities in megakaryocytopoiesis observed in the 5q- syndrome may be partially explained by involvement of the TR gene in the interstitial deletion. We have utilized molecular and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis to study potential cytogenetic abnormalities of the thrombin receptor gene in patients demonstrating this abnormality. Dual-label FISH with a q12-specific genomic fragment and the TR gene was completed using interphase and metaphase cells from seven patients with a del(5)(q13q33). Our data demonstrate that the TR gene is located on the centromeric side of the common proximal breakpoint, and is grossly present in all patients with the affected 5q- chromosome. In addition, one of the seven patients demonstrated a small proximal rearrangement, most likely representing a paracentric inversion, which was not apparent by conventional cytogenetic techniques. The significance of these alterations is discussed.
Evidence that the rat pineal has neuronal connections via the pineal stalk.

Abstract The present observation, based on the retrograde movement of HRP, provides neuroanatomic evidence for neuronal connections between the stria medullaris-habenula complex and the rat pineal, through the pineal stalk.
Generic substitution of antiepileptic medications in patients with epilepsy: Is this a potential problem?

The question “Is there a difference between brand and generic formulations?” is often proposed to health care professionals, particularly pharmacists. This topic is controversial among pharmacists, physicians, legislative groups, and third-party payers. More than 7000 generic products have been
Avaliando as intenções do empregado mudar de empresa, antes e após a implantação do TQM

Os programas de gerenciamento da qualidade total (TQM - Total Quality Management) tem produzido uma significativa lista de beneficios e continuam acumulando adeptos a sua filosofia. Muitos dos requisitos basicos para uma implementacao bem sucedida do TQM estao relacionados a mudancas no trabalho das pessoas na empresa, incluindo: a necessidade de trabalhar em equipe e o incentivo ao gerenciamento participativo, o estimulo a criatividade e ao espirito inovador do empregado, uma apropriada forma de recompensa, a criacao de um clima organizacional com comprometimento em todos os niveis, feedback do cliente, um ambiente propicio a negociacao entre empregado e gerente, o incentivo ao envolvimento e energizacao do empregado para melhoria das comunicacoes e agilizacao da tomada de decisoes. Qual e o impacto destes requisitos nas intencoes do empregado mudar de empresa? O principal proposito deste estudo foi testar empiricamente varias hipoteses que comparam as intencoes do funcionario mudar de empresa, e seus antecedentes, nos momentos anterior e posterior a implantacao de um programa de TQM. Para analisar essa diferenca, utilizou-se do estudo de 113 empregados de uma empresa, anteriormente a implementacao do TQM, e de um conjunto menor de 73 empregados desta mesma empresa depois da implementacao. Os resultados indicaram uma significativa melhora na delimitacao de funcoes, na satisfacao com o trabalho, no envolvimento com o trabalho, no compromisso com a organizacao e nas intencoes de mudanca de empresa do empregado; mas nao notou-se uma mudanca significativa nos conflitos entre funcoes, nas caracteristicas das tarefas e na satisfacao com a carreira profissional.
Parameter estimation and optimal design of thermal radiation detectors using engineering prototypes and numerical models

Scientists at NASA's Langley Research Center, in collaboration with researchers at Virginia Tech, are developing the next generation of thermal radiation detectors composed of new space-age materials, including carbon-doped Larc-Si and aerogels. In order to accurately model and design these detectors, it is necessary to determine the in situ thermoelectric properties of these new materials, including thin-film effects and contact resistance. The authors present an approach to determine these properties through the use of simultaneous parameter estimation methods in which experimental results obtained from detector prototypes are compared with results predicted from analytical models. Parametric values are varied using an optimization method to minimize the least-squares error between the experimental and model results. A numerical study is presented to validate the use of this approach. Simulated experimental results were produced using a model based on nominal parameter values. These results were then introduced into a parameter estimation algorithm that was able to recover the parameter values without the benefit of a priori knowledge about the material properties. Genetic algorithms, stochastic hill climbers, and a hybrid of the two methods were investigated for use in parameter estimation.
Intersatellite Differences of HIRS Longwave Channels Between NOAA-14 and NOAA-15 and Between NOAA-17 and METOP-A

Intersatellite differences of the High-Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) longwave channels (channels 1-12) between National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 14 (NOAA-14) and NOAA-15 and between NOAA-17 and METOP-A are examined. Two sets of colocated data are incorporated in the examination. One data set is obtained during periods when equator crossing times of two satellites are very close to each other, and the data set is referred to as global simultaneous nadir overpass observation (SNO). The other data set is based on multiyear polar SNOs. The examination shows that intersatellite differences (ISDs) of temperature-sounding channels from lower stratosphere to lower troposphere, i.e., channels 3-7, are correlated with their corresponding lapse rate factors. Many of the channels also vary with respect to channel brightness temperatures; however, for the upper tropospheric temperature channel (channel 4), the patterns of ISDs from low latitudes and high latitudes are very different due to the fact that the latitudinal variation of brightness temperature does not necessarily follow the latitudinal variation of the temperature lapse rate. The differences between observations in low latitudes and high latitudes form “fork” patterns in scatter plots of ISDs with respect to brightness temperatures. A comparison of ISDs derived from short-term global SNOs and those derived from multiyear polar SNOs reveals the advantage and the limitation of the two data sets. The multiyear polar SNO generally provides larger observation ranges of brightness temperatures in channels 1-4. The global SNO extends the brightness temperature observations to the warm sides for channels 5-12 and captures the occurrences of larger ISDs for most longwave channels.
Analytical modeling of particle size and cluster effects on particulate-filled composite

Abstract A three-layer built-in model, extended from Christensen and Lo’s three-phase sphere model for particulate-filled composites (PFC) containing no clusters [R.M. Christensen and K.H. Lo, J. Mech. Phys. Solids, 27 (1979) 315.], is proposed to evaluate the particle size and cluster effect on the mechanical properties of PFC. Different from the self-consistent model used by Corbin and Wilkinson [S.F. Corbin and D.S. Wilkinson, Acta Metall. Mater., 42 (1994) 1311], which gives only average stress–strain distribution, this model can be used to estimate the point-by-point stress–strain distribution induced by either external force or temperature variation. Particles that are harder and softer than matrix are studied. It is found from the calculated results that reducing cluster and particle size, using less scattered particles, reinforcing the bonding strength at the interface of particles and matrix, enhancing the deformability of matrix, and employing particles with a coefficient of thermal expansion smaller than that of matrix are efficient methods to resist damages of PFC. In addition, reducing cluster concentrations and increasing particle contents are preferred for PFC containing hard particles and have negative effect for PFC involving soft particles. The selection of particle rigidities should be based on a balanced comparison between strength and rigidity requirements of PFC.
Non-linear waves of the steady natural convection in a vertical fluid layer: A numerical approach

A fully implicit finite difference scheme is developed for the stream function formulation of unsteady thermoconvective flows. An artificial time is added in the equation for the stream function rendering it into an ultra-parabolic type. For each time stage of the real time, a convergence is obtained with respect to artificial time (''internal iterations''). An implicit efficient operator-splitting time stepping is designed and proved to be absolutely stable. Employing a conservative central-difference approximation of the non-linear terms makes the scheme absolutely stable without using upwind differences. As a result, the scheme has no scheme viscosity and has virtually negligible phase error, which makes it a useful tool for investigating the intricate structure of the thermoconvective flow. The scheme is second-order approximation both in time and space. By means of the scheme developed, the convective flow in a vertical slot with differentially heated walls and vertical temperature gradient is studied for very large Rayleigh numbers. The model involves Boussinesq approximation and consists of a coupled system of a fourth-order in space equation for the stream function and a convection-diffusion equation for the temperature. The numerical results show that with increasing stratification parameter, the mode of the instability changes from traveling-wave to stationary-wave, which is consistent with the predictions of the linear theory of hydrodynamic instability. The role of the dimensionless wavelength is investigated and the issue of most dangerous wave is addressed numerically.
Toxicity of various solute moderators used in hypothermia

Abstract Freezing an organ and thawing it to a state of viable function is an extremely complex problem with innumerable sources of damage to the tissues. This study has evaluated the toxicity of these solute moderators since if they are toxic, the freezing procedure is doomed to failure in spite of control of all other factors. Glycerol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in varying concentrations and saturated chloroform solution were perfused through isolated rat hearts at temperatures above 25 °C and below 15 °C. Chloroform exhibited no toxic effect. Both 10% glycerol and 20% DMSO are toxic if introduced into the heart at room temperature or above, although DMSO is the better tolerated.
Wave Propagation In Connected Waveguides Of Varying Cross-section

The spectral element method is extended to problems involving arbitrary non-uniform waveguides by introducing an approximate tapered element. The depth of the cross-section is assumed to vary linearly, thus allowing an arbitrary variation to be modelled as a collection of piece-wise linear segments. The frequency dependent stiffness relation is established using the displacement fields of the uniform deep waveguide (both longitudinal and transverse) as the Ritz functions. The element is verified by comparison with a 2-D finite element solution.
Comparison of radionuclide ratios in atmospheric nuclear explosions and nuclear releases from Chernobyl and Fukushima seen in gamma ray spectrometry

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty has remote radionuclide monitoring followed by an On Site Inspection (OSI) to clarify the nature of a suspect event as part of its verification regime. An important aspect of radionuclide measurements on site is the discrimination of other potential sources of similar radionuclides such as reactor accidents or medical isotope production. The Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear reactor disasters offer two different reactor source term environmental inputs that can be compared against historical measurements of nuclear explosions. The comparison of whole-sample gamma spectrometry measurements from these three events and the analysis of similarities and differences are presented. This analysis is a step toward confirming what is needed for measurements during an OSI under the auspices of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
Increased in vitro binding and fertilizing ability of mouse sperm exposed to a synthetic peptide

We report use of an in vitro assay (Barbato et al., 1998: Biol Reprod 58:686-699) to assess binding ability of cauda epididymal mouse sperm to a surrogate zona pellucida and effect of a synthetic peptide (Amann et al., 1999: J Androl 20: 42-46) on fertilization ability in in vitro fertilization (IVF) tests. Sperm from C57Bl/6, CD1, and CF1 mice (4 replicates each) were evaluated for binding ability after exposure to 0 (control) and 80-1280 pM peptide. For control sperm, endogenous binding was C57Bl/6 320 pM peptide increased relative binding of sperm (P < 0.05; 2-way general linear model; GLM). Strains differed both in basal binding ability and in response to synthetic peptide. To determine if IVF rate increased after exposure of sperm to peptide, ova from B6C3 mice (four replicate pools) were collected after eCG and hCG stimulation. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC; 8-15 ova in each of 3-6 drops/treatment) were incubated with hyperactivated C57Bl/6 sperm at approximately 1500 sperm per ovum. Data for incubations were corrected for false-positive classification to yield a better estimate of true cleavage rate, and then related to results observed with a tenfold greater sperm concentration. Relative cleavage rates were 0 peptide (0.48); 420 pM (0.78, P < 0.05); and 840 pM (0.90, P < 0.01; GLM and Tukey tests). IVF rate was increased by exposure of mouse sperm to peptide at concentrations effective in the in vitro assay, and use of peptide allowed use of 1/10 as many sperm.
25 Years after age-1: Genes, Interventions and the Revolution in Aging Research

This communication will briefly review more than 30 years of research on aging using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans ("The Worm") as carried out in the labs of Tom Johnson. We will highlight research directions initiated in the 1980's, which were exciting for those of us trying to turn over a new leaf in aging research. In this narrative, I will discuss primarily the science that I and my lab have been involved with for the last 30 years. This area has been fascinating to those studying the sociology of science as modern aging research has moved to replace the simplistic, poorly controlled and outright fictitious approaches seen in much of the previous aging research.
Group dispersion effects in picosecond spectroscopy

Abstract Pulse-dispersion effects are shown to be an important consideration in picosecond spectroscopy. Frequency-dispersion is re-emphasized, since it accounts for certain recent misinterpretations in the literature. Transverse dispersion is shown to have advantages in the production of high-intensity, controllable-duration pulses.
Trustee Representation in Structured Finance Transactions

Certain fundamental trustee issues arise in virtually all financings involving a trust structure. Significant concerns for trustees include capacity, indemnification, direction, and limited responsibility. It is vitally important that counsel and other deal parties distinguish between the trust and the individual and trustee capacities of the trustee, and also that they take particular care to limit the power and authority of the trustee such that the trustee’s risk (and associated fee structure) remains low, while allowing the parties with a material interest in the transaction to retain control. A comprehensive understanding of these matters by counsel and other deal parties is critical to ensure an efficient closing.
Teaching and Testing Mathematics Reading

When we discuss teaching undergraduate mathematics with our colleagues, we frequently distinguish two sorts of goals: first, we want students to be able to do computations related to the course and, second, we want students to know the theory from the course. In a calculus course, we want students to be able to integrate polynomials, so in class we tell them how, and on the exam; we give them polynomials to integrate. In linear algebra class, we want the students to know the theorems concerning determinants, so we prove the theorems from the book, and on the exam, we ask them to prove that if A is an invertible matrix, then det(A-1) = 1/det(A). Our hallway conversations elicit general agreement that most of our students do learn to do the calculations we put on the exam and most don't master the theory to the point that they can write a coherent proof of any but the most trivial theorems. I want to argue in this note that there is another goal, between these in accessibility, that should be a conscious part of our teaching effort:
Captopril-Induced Pulmonary Infiltrates with Eosinophilia in an Infant with Congenital Heart Disease

We report a case of an infant with complex congenital heart disease who was placed on captopril for afterload reduction following cardiac surgery and subsequently developed pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia. The patient was readmitted with symptoms of rhinorrhea, poor feeding, and decreased activity level. She was found to have diffuse pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiograph and a marked peripheral eosinophilia without leukocytosis. After discontinuing captopril and starting systemic steroids, her symptomatology rapidly improved, and her eosinophilia and radiographic abnormalities both resolved.
Optimally bounded score functions for generalized linear models with applications to logistic regression

SUMMARY We study optimally bounded score functions for estimating regression parameters in a generalized linear model. Our work extends results obtained by Krasker & Welsch (1982) for the linear model and provides a simple proof of Krasker & Welsch's first-order condition for strong optimality. The application of these results to logistic regression is studied in some detail with an example given comparing the bounded-influence estimator with maximum likelihood. where h( . ), q( . ) and c( . ) are known functions and 0 is a vector of regression parameters. Models of this type include logistic and probit regression, Poisson regression, linear regression with known variance, and certain models for lifetime data. Our motivation for seeking robust estimators is the same as that in the linear model; maximum likelihood estimation is sometimes sensitive to outlying data. For logistic regression, Pregibon (1981,,1982) has documented the nonrobustness of the maximum likelihood estimator and expounded the benefits of diagnostics as well as robust or resistant fitting procedures; see also Johnson (1985). Much of the work on robust estimation concerns finding estimators which sacrifice little efficiency at the assumed model while providing protection against outliers and model violations. We follow this course finding bounded-influence estimators minimizing certain functionals of the asymptotic covariance matrix. Related work includes that of Hampel (1978), Krasker (1980) and Krasker & Welsch (1982). When fitting models to data, two important issues are identification of outliers and influential cases and accommodation of these observations. Frequently when influential cases are present, the fitted model is not representative of the bulk of the data. To rectify this, one can simply delete influential cases and refit via standard methods, but this
Comparison of serial quantitative evaluation of calcified coronary artery plaque by ultrafast computed tomography in persons with and without obstructive coronary artery disease

Coronary artery calcium indicates atherosclerosis. Ultrafast computed tomography (CT) can noninvasively visualize and quantify coronary calcium, permitting the natural history of calcified plaque to be studied. This pilot study evaluates the ability of ultrafast CT to follow the progression of calcified plaque within the coronary arteries in patients with and without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Twenty-five subjects had serial ultrafast CT scans of the coronary arteries a mean of 406 days apart. Changes in the number of calcific deposits, calcified plaque area and volume, calcium density and total calcium score were measured. In the 20 patients with calcium on the first study, there were statistically significant increases in mean peak CT number, total calcified plaque volume, total calcified plaque area and total calcium score (p less than 0.0001 for all). Subjects with proved obstructive CAD (n = 10) on angiography had a 48% increase in calcified plaque volume compared with 22% in asymptomatic subjects (n = 10). Comparison of serial studies showed that smaller calcific deposits often coalesced into single larger calcific deposits. Ninety-eight percent (235 of 241) of deposits identified on the first study were accounted for on the second study. Patients with obstructive CAD had a higher number of new calcific deposits than did those in the asymptomatic group (55 vs 18, p = 0.058). Serial ultrafast CT accurately tracks the progression of coronary artery calcium. It is a useful technique for assessing changes in calcified plaque formation in both asymptomatic subjects and in patients with obstructive CAD. It may be useful for studying the natural history of CAD and the effects of intervention on the course of CAD.
Rydberg levels of polyatomic molecules: Oxygen-containing molecules

Interesting similarities in the vacuum ultraviolet spectra of oxygen-containing molecules have been noted previously (1, 2). In the present work the basis of this classification is discussed from the viewpoint of the Rydberg states of these molecules. Sections I and II describe some of the characteristics of Rydberg spectra, especially with regard to the expected differences between lower and higher members of the same series. The splitting of np type orbitals in C2v symmetry is calculated as a function of principal quantum number n. In Section III the spectra of the simple oxygen-containing polyatomic molecules are correlated on the basis of their term values relative to the ionization potential of the nonbonding oxygen electrons.
Continuous-wave tunable midwave infrared generation near 4.5 μm with an intracavity optical parametric oscillator and difference frequency generation

Continuously tunable cw emission near 4.5 μm was generated by difference frequency generation (DFG) within a Nd:YAG pumped optical parametric oscillator (OPO). The periodically poled lithium niobate crystal used for DFG contained eight grating bands that enabled wavelength tuning between 4.25 and 4.65 μm. As much as 90 mW of power at 4.48 μm was achieved for 16.7 W of pump.
Sexually transmitted diseases and reproductive health in women

The effect of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) on the reproductive health of women, the reasons why women bear a disproportionate percent of STD morbidity and mortality, and the factors contributing to an increased risk for STDs and their complications in women are enumerated. Conclusions and recommendations from the 1997 Institute of Medicine report, The Hidden Epidemic: Confronting Sexually Transmitted Diseases, are categorized and addressed. The categories are education, population groups, and clinical practice. The contributions of midwives to implementing pertinent Institute of Medicine recommendations in basic and continuing education programs, individual practice, and in influencing policy are detailed. Factual information about STDs, risk assessment history, essential STD-related services, and treatment guidelines are provided in tables.
University simulation models: an appraisal from users

Recent years have seen much activity in simulation modeling for research and planning, and several organizations have developed simulation models designed especially for use by administrators of higher education. Although the power and sophistication of this tool have been proven in areas of business and government, many questions remain to be answered about the effectiveness of these models as an aid to administrators of higher education.
Respiratory muscle training improves swimming endurance in divers

Respiratory muscles can fatigue during prolonged and maximal exercise, thus reducing performance. The respiratory system is challenged during underwater exercise due to increased hydrostatic pressure and breathing resistance. The purpose of this study was to determine if two different respiratory muscle training protocols enhance respiratory function and swimming performance in divers. Thirty male subjects (23.4 +/- 4.3 years) participated. They were randomized to a placebo (PRMT), endurance (ERMT), or resistance respiratory muscle training (RRMT) protocol. Training sessions were 30 min/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. PRMT consisted of 10-s breath-holds once/minute, ERMT consisted of isocapnic hyperpnea, and RRMT consisted of a vital capacity maneuver against 50 cm H(2)O resistance every 30 s. The PRMT group had no significant changes in any measured variable. Underwater and surface endurance swim time to exhaustion significantly increased after RRMT (66%, P ERMT) improves respiratory muscle and underwater swimming performance.
Photo-stabilization and photo-degradation in organic coatings containing a hindered amine light stabilizer: Part V—Infrared spectroscopic measurements of hindered amine effectiveness

The effectiveness of hindered amine light stabilizers in reducing carbonyl formation during ultraviolet light exposure of an acrylic melamine coating has been measured by infrared spectroscopy for both a harsh and near-ambient exposure. The four hindered amines studied are all based on 2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine, and have the following substitutents on the piperidine nitrogen: H, CH3, CH2CH2-polymer, and COCH3. The inhibition of photo-oxidation provided by a given hindered amine varies with exposure condition. Harsh, accelerated tests can lead to inaccurate predictions of the performance of hindered amines in coatings exposed to sunlight. Under the near-ambient exposure used here, stabilizers based on NH and NCH3 functionality are found to provide higher levels of inhibition, especially during the early stages of exposure, than the other stabilizers in the acrylic melamine coating studied.
RAISING CAPITAL WITH PRIVATE PLACEMENTS OF DEBT

In this study the role of private placements of debt in the capital acquisition decision of public utilities is investigated. Whereas public offerings are sales of securities through financial intermediaries to the public-at-large, private placements are direct sales of securities by an issuing corporation to a limited number of institutional investors. In contrast to the negative stock price reactions typically found for public security sales, private placements are associated with significant positive abnormal returns in the shares of the issuing public utilities. Also, larger private placements appear to elicit a more favorable market response. Results are consistent with reduced information asymmetries and increased monitoring of the issuing firm resulting from the private placement.
Advances in the Design of Resource-Efficient Cropping Systems

SUMMARY Cropping systems in the Midwest USA are evolving as farmers seek labor-efficient designs to capture and use available light and precipitation. Heavy reliance on fossil fuels and other energy-intensive production inputs coupled with uncertain markets for commodities have encouraged the search for greater energy efficiency as well as alternative crops, markets, and production systems. Agroecology has emerged as an innovative and integrative approach to evaluating systems more suited to the often harsh and unpredictable environment, using native prairie structure and function as one guide to design of future systems. A more specific approach, Natural Systems Agriculture, is being explored as a new paradigm to saving soil while producing the crop and animal output needed for a growing global population. Whole-farm and landscape-level design and planning will become more important as society recognizes and values multifunctional rural landscapes.
Time, length, and mass changes in a gravitational field

Abstract Seen from afar, time dilates, rulers contract, and masses increase in the induced field inside either a hollow accelerating cylinder or the equivalent GM r 2 field. Frame dragging causes these effects to be due to velocity when viewed close at hand.
Effects of Nutrient Enrichment on Phytoplankton in an Alpine Lake, Colorado, U.S.A

Deposition of atmospheric nitrogen from urban and agricultural sources has caused surface water nitrate concentrations to increase in the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. To investigate the effects of sustained increases in nitrate concentrations on phytoplankton dynamics in an alpine lake, we conducted nutrient enrichment experiments in mesocosms amended with nitrate, phosphate, and phosphate plus nitrate on four dates in July and August 2002. During this period, phytoplankton species composition shifted as diatoms decreased in abundance. Phytoplankton chlorophyll a increased in the phosphate and phosphate plus nitrate enrichments, but did not increase in the nitrate only enrichments. Analysis of the phytoplankton community using Principal Component Analysis showed that 34% of the variance was accounted for by the primary axis, which was associated with different time periods, and 21% of the variance was explained by the secondary axis, which was associated with treatments. The response to phosphorus enrichment was taxon-specific, and the two chlorophyte species which became more abundant, Chlamydomonas sp. and Scenedesmus sp., were strongly weighted on the secondary axis. These results indicate that the productivity of this phytoplankton community is phosphorus-limited throughout the summer. Therefore, additional inputs of nitrogen are not expected to directly alter the productivity of the phytoplankton community.
RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF BRAIN SCINTIGRAPHY IN 116 DOGS AND CATS

We performed a retrospective study of 100 dogs and 16 cats with planar brain scintigraphy and histopathologically established diagnoses from a total of 485 studies performed from 1976 to 1992. Necropsy (112) or surgical biopsies (4) diagnoses were categorized in two ways: first as focal brain disease, diffuse brain disease or normal; second as either neoplastic, non-neoplastic or normal. A radiologist reviewed brain scintigrams and categorized the studies as focal areas of increased accumulation, diffuse or poorly localized areas of increased accumulation, or normal. We calculated for this population of 116 animals that focal brain scintigrams had 75% sensitivity and 90% specificity for any focal brain disease. The sensitivity and specificity of a focal scintigraphic lesion for a brain tumor was 72% and 82% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of a diffuse or poorly localized scintigraphic lesion as a test for diffuse brain disease was 40% and 88% respectively.
The growth of magnesium chloride monolayer and multilayer structures on different transition metal (Pt, Pd, Rh) single crystals with varied orientations

Abstract The growth of magnesium chloride (MgCl 2 ) monolayer and multilayer structures on a variety of transition metal single crystal surfaces [Pd(111) and (100), Pt(111) and (100)-hex and Rh(111)] has been studied. Low energy electron diffraction (LEED) has been employed as a probe of the long range order at both monolayer and multilayer coverages while temperature programmed desorption (TPD) provided information on the strength of adsorbate-substrate interactions. LEED results indicated that MgCl 2 growth at both monolayer and multilayer coverages is dependent upon the magnitude of the monolayer adsorbate-substrate interactions which are themselves a function of the underlying single crystal template. LEED results indicated that, on each transition metal surface studied, the MgCl 2 monolayer structures act as a template for subsequent multilayer structures. On Pt(111) and Pd(111), identical, well ordered LEED structures at both monolayer and multilayer coverages, were produced. The commensurate (4 × 4) and (√13 × √13)R13.9° monolayer structures were associated with expansions and contractions in the MgCl 2 unit cell dimension, respectively. These structural changes were correlated with the strength of the monolayer adsorbate-substrate interaction, which on these surfaces lead to distinct monolayer TPD features. In contrast, MgCl 2 growth on Pt(100)-hex and Pd(100) exhibited more complex LEED patterns associated with various degrees of ordered and rotationally disordered domains. This was attributed to a reduction in the magnitude of monolayer adsorbate-substrate interactions, correlated by TPD measurements. Experiments on Rh(111) indicate that the factors responsible for ordered MgCl 2 growth on this surface differ from those observed on Pt and Pd single crystals. In general, better matching between the substrate and adsorbate unit cell dimensions leads to enhanced adsorbate-substrate interactions which are responsible for the degree of ordering at monolayer and subsequent multilayer coverages.
Least-squares order statistic filters with coefficient censoring

Abstract Order statistic (OS) filters are class of nonlinear filters which are useful for the robust estimation or smoothing of discrete signals immersed in noise. In this paper, the effect of coefficient censoring , or zero padding, on the noise smoothing performance of order statistic (OS) filters is considered. Several important types of OS filters which are in common use can be interpreted as censored OS filters. These include the well-known median filter, the rank-order filters, and the trimmed mean filters. Coefficient censoring can be accomplished in two ways: (1) by appending zeros to the coefficient vector of a given OS filter, or (2) by computing an optimal set of censored coefficients for a specified filter span and degree of censoring. Both possibilities are considered here, using the mean-squared error (MSE) as an optimality criterion in the second case. Specifically, it is shown that coefficient censoring leads to increased robustness against outlying or impulsive noise occurrences relative to uncensored filters. Moreover, coefficient censoring yields improved retention of information-bearing edges immersed in noise. Thus, censored OS filters possess attractive properties for image smoothing. Examples are given illustrating the efficacy of coefficient censoring using a test image immersed in a variety of noise types.
The Elementary Redundancy-Optimization Problem: A Case Study in Probabilistic Multiple-Goal Programming

This paper deals with systems such as electronic devices and corporations that are designed to accomplish multiple goals and whose internal structures are characterized by networks of interacting component parts. Each component of such a system is typically associated with a probability of failure, while each system goal is associated with a reward value. Failure of any network component may ultimately result in the inability to achieve one or more goals and force the forfeiture of the associated rewards. A basic problem in component-system design is to determine how the expectation of total reward may be maximized through the cost-limited acquisition of redundant backup components. This paper provides a formal statement of this redundancy-optimization problem and argues that the problem may not be solved easily by standard linear or integer programming techniques. It introduces an algorithm to solve this problem, proves its convergence, and presents computational results taken from a battery of test problems and an algorithm-efficiency study based on these tests.
Remark on string solitons.

We derive an exact stringlike soliton solution of [ital D]=10 heterotic string theory. The solution possesses SU(2)[times]SU(2) instanton structure in the eight-dimensional space transverse to the world sheet of the soliton.
Noise Effects For Edge Operators

Techniques and analyses for improving the signal-to-noise performance of edge detectors are presented. A general edge detection method is developed as a result of the noise analysis, and a wide class of edge detectors is shown to be insensitive to edge orientation. For this class, an optimal design with respect to noise statistics is found and a comparison made between many common edge operators. Edge and noise models characteristic of typical images are presented and used in the analysis of these edge detectors.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Gene expression profiling of multiple leiomyomata uteri and matched normal tissue from a single patient

Objective To identify differentially expressed genes between fibroid and adjacent normal myometrium in an identical hormonal and genetic background. Design Array analysis of three leiomyomata and matched adjacent normal myometrium in a single patient. Setting University of Colorado Hospital. Patient(s) A single female undergoing medically indicated hysterectomy for symptomatic fibroids. Interventions(s) mRNA isolation and microarray analysis, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Main Outcome Measure(s) Changes in mRNA and protein levels in leiomyomata and matched normal myometrium. Result(s) Expression of 197 genes was increased and 619 decreased significantly by at least twofold, in leiomyomata relative to normal myometrium. Expression profiles between tumors were similar and normal myometrial samples showed minimal variation. Changes in, and variation of, expression of selected genes were confirmed in additional normal and leiomyoma samples from multiple patients. Conclusion(s) Analysis of multiple tumors from a single patient confirmed changes in expression of genes described in previous, apparently disparate, studies, and identified novel targets. Gene expression profiles in leiomyomata are consistent with increased activation of mitogenic pathways and inhibition of apoptosis. Down-regulation of genes implicated in invasion and metastasis, of cancers, was observed in fibroids. This expression pattern may underlie the benign nature of uterine leiomyomata and may aid in the differential diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma.
Traumatic Portacaval Shunt: A Case Report and Literature Review

Computed tomography (CT) evaluation of the acute polytrauma patient has become well established as a mainstay of ER triage in hemodynamically stable patients. The radiologist plays a pivotal role in directing management by identifying and appropriately categorizing the severity of a patient's injuries. High-grade liver injuries have undergone an increasing trend of nonoperative management over the last several decades, with concurrent decrease in mortality. However, we present a case of a patient with a grade V liver laceration, in whom a rare portacaval shunt was also present. In the setting of this rare injury, the radiologist will likely be the first person to recognize and categorize a severe complication, which may indicate the need for a fundamental change in patient management.
Application of a radiometric ear assay for studies of adjuvant arthritis in rats

A radioisotopic method, originally developed for measuring the cellular response in delayed hypersensitivity lesions in mice, has been evaluated in adjuvant arthritic rats. Focal accumulation of 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine-125I (125IUdR) at a site of antigen challenge (left pinna) was measured and expressed as increased radioactivity in the challenged (left) over the unchallenged (right) ear (L/R ear ratio). Immunologic specificity of the assay was established with anti-lymphocyte globulin (ALG)-treated arthritic rats. ALG significantly inhibited the 125IUdR L/R ear ratio; normal rabbit globulin had no effect on this parameter. A significant negative correlation was observed between the 125IUdR ear ratios and subjective arthritic scores in established adjuvant disease. Certain characteristics of the 125IUdR radiometric ear assay in rats were established in several types of experiments: disappearance of the isotope from blood, whole body irradiation studies in turpentine-injected rats, and cyclophosphamide pretreatment in a sheep erythrocyte antigenic system. The results of this study support the utility of the 125IUdR ear assay to quantify cellular accumulation at a site of antigen challenge in adjuvant arthritic rats and possibly other antigenic systems in this species.
Recent Advances in the NYU Autostereoscopic Display

The NYU Media Research Laboratory has developed a single- person, non-invasive, active autostereoscopic display with no mechanically moving parts that provides a realistic stereoscopic image over a large continuous viewing area and range of distance [Perlin]. We believe this to be the first such display in existence. The display uses eye tracking to determine the pitch and placement of a dynamic parallax barrier, but rather than using the even/odd interlace found in other parallax barrier systems, the NYU system uses wide vertical stripes both in the barrier structure and in the interlaced image. The system rapidly cycles through three different positional phases for every frame so that the stripes of the individual phases are not perceived by the user. By this combination of temporal and spatial multiplexing, we are able to deliver full screen resolution to each eye of an observer at any position within an angular volume of 20 degrees horizontally and vertically and over a distance range of 0.3 - 1.5 meters. We include a discussion of recent hardware and software improvements made in the second generation of the display. Hardware improvements have increased contrast, reduced flicker, improved eye tracking, and allowed the incorporation of OpenGL acceleration. Software improvements have increased frame rate, reduced latency and visual artifacts, and improved the robustness and accuracy of calibration. New directions for research are also discussed.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.