cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A note on circular error probabilities

An approximation for P(X2 + Y2 ≤ K2σ21) based on an unpublished result of Kleinecke is derived, where X and Y are independent normal variables having zero means and variances σ21 and σ22 and σ1 ≥ σ2. Also, we provide asymptotic expressions for the probabilities for large values of β = K2(1 - c2)/4c2 where c = σ2/σ1. These are illustrated by comparing with values tabulated by Harter [6]. Solution of K for specified P and c is also considered. The main point of this note is that simple and easily calculable approximations for P and K can be developed and there is no need for numerical evaluation of integrals.
Chemotherapeutic Activity of Combination Doses of Chloroquine, Pyrimethamine, and Sulfamethoxy-diazine, a Long-Acting Sulfanilamide, Against Plasmodium berghei Infections in Mice

During the course of antimalarial screening, it was discovered that sulfamethoxydiazine, a long-acting sulfanilamide extensively used in genitourinary tract infections, not only was effective against Plasmodium berghei infections in mice when administered alone but also was active when used in combination with chloroquine, in effect making it possible to use half as much of the latter drug as normally required to achieve the same results. The triple combination of chloroquine, sulfamethoxydiazine, and pyrimethamine, when administered in a ratio of 30:10:1, was found to be potentiating against both blood-induced and sporozoite-induced P. berghei NK 65 infections. Mean effective dose values were calculated for chloroquine, sulfamethoxydiazine, and pyrimethamine against blood-induced P. berghei infection, and when a combination of the three drugs was administered therapeutically in the ratio given above, only one-tenth as much chloroquine, one-thirtieth as much sulfamethoxydiazine, and one-sixtieth as much pyrimethamine were needed to cure 50% of murine infections as was needed for each drug alone. The triple combination also showed enhanced activity against lethal sporozoite-induced P. berghei NK 65 infection in A/J strain mice.
Acceleration of quasi-Monte Carlo approximations with applications in mathematical finance

A procedure to accelerate the convergence of quasi-Monte Carlo approximations is described and investigated. The procedure applies a weighted least-squares smoothing method to improve the approximations that were obtained using low-discrepancy sequences. The acceleration procedure is tested computationally on several numerical integration problems including two problems of interest in mathematical finance. The results indicate that when Halton low-discrepancy points are used in the quasi-Monte Carlo method, the accelerated sequence often converges a factor of five or more faster than the original quasi-Monte Carlo approximations.
Isolating the Role of Surface Evapotranspiration on Moist Convection along the Eastern Flanks of the Tropical Andes Using a Quasi-Idealized Approach*

AbstractThe contribution of surface evapotranspiration (ET) to moist convection, cloudiness, and precipitation along the eastern flanks of the tropical Andes (EADS) was investigated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model with nested simulations of selected weather conditions down to 1.2-km grid spacing. To isolate the role of surface ET, numerical experiments were conducted using a quasi-idealized approach whereby, at every time step, the surface sensible heat effects are exactly the same as in the reference simulations, whereas the surface latent heat fluxes are prevented from entering the atmosphere. Energy balance analysis indicates that surface ET influences moist convection primarily through its impact on conditional instability, because it acts as an important source of moist entropy in this region. The energy available for convection decreases by up to approximately 60% when the ET contribution is withdrawn. In contrast, when convective motion is not thermally driven or under condit...
Mask-to-wafer alignment using x-ray-printed alignment marks in x-ray lithography

X-ray lithography can be used to achieve deep sub-micron design groundrules. With X-ray, as with other lithographic systems, mix and match techniques are often used to achieve timely, cost effective implementation. This can, in some cases, reduce overlay accuracy and complicate mask and wafer layout. In this paper we will present methods which will facilitate the use of X-ray lithography in mix and match environments to simplify layout and improve overlay accuracy. An alignment scheme for 0.35 micron CMOS device fabrication and a method for printing alignment marks for the next X-ray level are described. In this scheme all the critical levels such as oxide isolation, polysilicon gate, contact, and first metallization levels are printed using X-ray lithography with the same X-ray stepper (Karl Suss XRS200/2). All other noncritical levels are printed optically. The initial wafer lot using this scheme has been successfully processed to the first metallization level. The X-ray stepper alignment system can compensate for the first order overlay components such as translation and rotation. This feature is very useful for compensating for certain mask difference and process induced distortion. However, mask magnification difference must be compensated otherwise. A linear regression method has been used to analyze the overlay data and the results are fed back to the stepper for correction. A 3-sigma overlay distribution +/- 180 nm has been achieved.
Global and Regional Perspectives on Testing Children and Youth: An Empirical Study

Abstract The results of an international survey of test use in 44 countries are reported. Data are presented and discussed for six groupings: highly industrialised, less industrialised Western, developing Third World, socialist, Middle East, and least developed nations. A total of 740 tests were identified. A number of similarities exist among the six groupings in their test use. Intelligence tests are most commonly used followed by personality and achievement tests. Important differences also exist. For example, the developing Third World and Middle East nations use more group than individually administered tests and fewer achievement tests. Many tests lack reliability and validity studies and norms. Additional tests are needed to assess achievement, intelligence, social development, personality, and vocational interests and aptitudes. Tests are especially needed for children and youth who are learning disabled, mentally retarded, and slow learners. Problems created by these conditions and implications o...
A preliminary survey of birds from the Lac Lobeke Reserve, south-eastern Cameroon

The rainforest avifauna of south-eastern Cameroon is poorly known. In one of the first surveys of birds from this region, we report on bird species netted and observed in the Lac Lobeke Reserve. We document 11 minor range extensions, including that of the extremely rare Zenker's Honeyguide Melignomon zenkeri . The abundance of several rare species of birds and mammals in the area, in addition to low human densities and relative inaccessibility, should make the Lac Lobeke region a priority in conservation efforts. Currently, large logging operations and the commercial exploitation of wildlife threaten the fauna of the region.
SYNOPTIC MECHANISMS ASSOCIATED WITH SNOWFALL INCREASES TO THE LEE OF LAKES ERIE AND ONTARIO

Snowfall is a cyrospheric variable that impacts nearly every sector of society. Because of its societal importance, snowfall is a logical variable to be used as an indicator of potential global environmental change. This study investigates the mechanisms responsible for large observed snowfall increases across the eastern Great Lakes region of the USA. Results indicate that mean snowfall amounts across sections of western New York and north-western Pennsylvania have increased by up to 100 cm over the 60-year period encompassing the snowfall seasons 1930–1931 through to 1989–1990. A synoptic climatological approach is utilized to identify consistent synoptic-scale atmospheric patterns responsible for snowfall across the region. Nine synoptic types are identified as producing significan t snowfall in the study area; five with synoptic characteristics indicative of lake-effect snowfall and four evidencing characteristics of snowfall associated with cyclonic influence. An examination of the seasonal frequency of the nine synoptic types indicates a substantial increase in the frequency of the five lake-effect synoptic types and a long-term decrease in the numbers of cyclone synoptic types over the period 1950–1951 through to 1981–1982. Information concerning trends in the frequency and the intensity of each of the nine snowfall-producing synoptic types was combined to produce a modelled snowfall change due to frequency and intensity variations over the period. Trends in the frequency and intensity of the synoptic patterns associated with lake- effect snowfall explain the majority of the observed snowfall increase across the region. Variations in the synoptic types associated with cyclonically induced snowfall are shown to be unimportant to snowfall changes across the eastern Great Lakes area. Possible reasons for increases in the frequency and the intensity of the lake-effect synoptic types are discussed.
A Real-Time Cross Correlator for Neurophysiological Research

An instrument for computing correlograms of neuronal spike trains is described. The special purpose nature of the instrument permits sufficient computation speed to allow real-time display of compiling correlograms. Such capability greatly extends the user's observation power during the important phase of data collection from multiple neural units. Due to its modular design, other useful statistical analysis programs (PST, Interval histograms) can be easily designed and incorporated.
Significance of gross hemorrhage in peptic ulcer

Abstract The only conclusion that we can draw from these observations is that one must individualize the treatment for each hemorrhaging ulcer that is encountered. The following points should be stressed: (1) that patients may die from hemorrhage under conservative management regardless of whether they are transfused or not; (2) if the patient is operated we feel that it is essential to remove the ulcer or ulcers and this can best be accomplished by a subtotal resection; (3) hemorrhage does occur frequently following gastroenterostomy and the hemorrhage apparently comes from the original ulcer and not from a marginal ulcer, although this occassionally does happen. A negative roentgen study does not exclude a marginal ulcer, but, if the patient is free from pain plus a negative roentgenogram then one is fairly certain that a marginal ulcer does not exist. There were 12 cases that bled after gastroenterostomy for chronic ulcers and 4 that had recurring hemorrhage after gastroenterostomy for bleeding ulcers. In other words, of the 123 bleeding ulcers, 16 or 13 per cent, had had gastroenterostomies performed but have had severe hemorrhage following the gastroenterostomy.
Molecular structures of CPF-dipeptides, inhibitors for the binding of CD4 with gp120

The dipeptides N-carbomethoxycarbonyl-prolyl-phenylalanyl-benzyl esters (CPFs) play a significant role in the prevention of HIV-1 virus infection by interacting with the glycoprotein gp120, one of the envelope proteins of the HIV-1 virus. Of the four possible isomers of CPF, (L-pro-L-phe), (L-pro-D-phe), (D-pro-L-phe) and (D-pro-D-phe), herein denoted LL etc., the crystal structures of LL, stereoisomeric LD and the racemic mixture of LD/DL have been determined. All three peptides crystallize in the orthorhombic system and they all have similar cell dimensions: (i) LL, P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 13.699(2), b = 25.893(5), c = 6.155(1) A, Z = 4, Dcale = 1.333 g cm-3, R = 0.070 for 1247 observed reflections; (ii) LD, P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 11.663(2), b = 26.557(2), c = 7.281(1) A, Z = 4, Dcalc = 1.290 g cm-3, R = 0.054 for 1918 observed reflections; (iii) LD/DL, Pbc2(1), a = 11.953(2), b = 24.208(8), c = 7.782(2) A, Z = 4, Dcalc = 1.292 g cm-3, R = 0.080 for 894 observed reflections. Both the enantiomeric LD and the LD in racemic LD/DL have a similar conformation, an extended peptide chain with phi 1 = -76, -73 degrees; psi 1 = 160, 158 degrees, psi 2 = 123, 131 degrees and psi 2 = -172, -167 degrees, while peptide LL adopts a bent conformation at the Phe residue, phi 1 = -69 degrees, psi 1 = 158 degrees, phi 2 = -60 degrees and psi 2 = -34 degrees.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Dynamic Service-Channels Allocation (DSCA) in vehicular ad-hoc networks

Providing tools to achieve a high level of safety transportation is the important objective in VANETs research. Hence, most of the works are devoted to developing safety-message dissemination algorithms. However, non-safety applications can also contribute to the network efficiency by exchanging traffic information. To support these applications, VANETs adopt the wireless access in the vehicular environment (WAVE) to guarantee the quality of service (QoS) using four different access categories. However, the WAVE could not provide the QoS to the users due to the collisions caused by the small contention-window size for the top priority traffic when top-priority traffic is dominant. Therefore, this small contention-window size setting for the prioritization induces severe performance degradation. In this paper, the Dynamic Service-Channels Allocation (DSCA) method is proposed to maximize throughput by dynamically assigning different service channels to the users. Theoretical analysis and extensive simulation works suggest that the DSCA improves the average throughput by 22% over the uniform channel allocation method. Moreover, the DSCA can be easily implemented in real devices without any protocol modifications.
Lp-averaging domains in homogeneous spaces

Abstract We define L p -averaging domains in spaces of homogeneous type endowed with an intrinsic metric. We characterize these domains in terms of the quasihyperbolic metric and prove Boman chain domains are L p -averaging.
Determination of Aluminum, Calcium, and Magnesium in Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, and Red Spruce Foliage and Soil from the Southern and Middle Appalachians

Abstract Spruce–fir forests form unique ecosystems in the eastern United States and Canada. These forests are composed of Fraser fir ( Abies fraseri ) and red spruce ( Picea rubens ) in the Southern Appalachians, and balsam fir ( Abies balsamea ) and red spruce in the middle and northern Appalachians. Decline of spruce–fir forests has been observed since the 1960s that has been attributed, at least in part, to acidic deposition. Acidic deposition has been reported to decrease the availability of calcium and increase the availability of aluminum and induce decline of red spruce at high elevation sites above 1800 m. Aluminum, calcium, and magnesium were determined in Fraser fir, balsam fir, and red spruce foliage and soil from sites in the southern and middle Appalachians in order to evaluate whether acidic deposition may play a role in the decline of the conifers. Our nutrient studies did not provide any evidence that acidic deposition was affecting the conifers.
A short episode of seizure activity protects from status epilepticus-induced neuronal damage in rat brain.

Kainic acid (KA)-induced status epilepticus (SE) in adult rats results in extensive neuronal damage throughout the limbic system and the loss of selectively vulnerable neuronal populations, particularly CA3 neurons. We investigated the effects of a short episode of seizure activity on neuronal death elicited by a subsequent prolonged SE episode. A short episode of seizure activity was produced by sub-cutaneous (s.c.) injection of KA followed after 1 h by pentobarbital administration. Twenty-four hours later, KA was administered again, and animals were sacrificed 3 days later. Neuronal damage was estimated by visual analysis of neuronal density. Our results show that a short episode of seizure activity did not produce neuronal damage but almost completely protected vulnerable neurons from KA-induced neuronal damage. These results extend to epileptic tolerance the notion of tolerance previously described in the case of ischemia.
GLUTAMATE-MEDIATED CALCIUM SIGNALING: A POTENTIAL TARGET FOR LITHIUM ACTION

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are two debilitating mental health disorders associated with both severe impairment and increased suicide risk. Several lines of evidence indicate that these disorders are associated with disturbances in the glutamate system. For almost half a century, lithium has been the most effective drug for treatment of mood disorders. Lithium is still used mainly on empiric grounds and its molecular mechanisms of action are still largely unknown. This study was designed to explore the effects of continuous lithium exposure, in therapeutically relevant concentration, on the glutamate-mediated Ca2+ response in rat primary hippocampal neurons. We show that lithium treatment is associated with multiple perturbations in calcium signaling. Lithium attenuated calcium release after activation of both metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR)1/5 as well as muscarinic cholinergic receptors, two different Gq-coupled receptors. The attenuation of the calcium response was, for mGluR5 receptors, found to be associated with a downregulation of the plasma membrane expression of this receptor. Lithium also attenuated calcium influx after activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, without affecting its cell surface expression. Furthermore lithium treatment was associated with a decrease in intracellular calcium concentration and a reduction of calcium content in intracellular stores. Thus we have shown that lithium attenuates the effects of glutamate-mediated calcium signaling and regulates intracellular calcium levels as well as calcium turnover in hippocampal neurons. These effects can be expected to influence the communication within and between neurons in a variety of ways since calcium may be considered as the most common and the most versatile signaling molecule in neurons.
Inflammatory Markers of Disease Severity in Acute Pancreatitis

To date, CRP remains the single standard biochemical marker for predicting the severity of AP. Because the combination of clinico-physiological scores and CRP provides good information at 48 hours, research has focused on the predictive ability of various markers when applied in the initial 24 hours after admission to the hospital. After detailed review of the literature, the authors conclude that there is no single tool that serves as the optimal predictor of severity. There are, however, data supporting the use of certain tests to improve upon the clinician's early predictive ability on the subsequent course of AP. These include an APACHE II score greater than seven, IL-6 at the time of admission, and urine TAP, urine trypsinogen-2,and serum PMN-elastase at 24 hours (Box 1). These markers will only be able to help the clinician's predictive ability if they can be performed locally and if the results can be available in a timely manner. Future research should focus on markers such as procalcitonin, IL-8, IL-I ra, sTNFR,CAPAP, PLA-2, novel markers, and the combined use of more than one marker. The conventional research approach in predicting severity used in the last15 years has limitations and appears to have reached its maximal potential. Novel conceptions and approaches, such as identification of genetic polymorphisms that predispose to severe course and complications of AP, are needed for a quantum step forward.
Teamwork in prevention: possibilities and barriers to integrating oral health into general health.

While the term "teamwork" has been used in preventive dentistry for decades, little work has been done in the area of integrating oral health into general health via participation in primary health...
Overview and Recent Results from BRAHMS

Abstract The BRAHMS experiment was designed to measure and characterize in particular the properties of rapidity dependence of particle production in heavy ion collisions. The data-taking is now over, results of several years of analysis have been published and demonstrates several important features of the rapidity dependence, not envisioned from the start of the RHIC program. The bulk properties of the system formed at high rapidity resemble that of systems at lower energies at mid-rapidity when referenced via the baryo-chemical potential. New physics in AA are essentially observed at mid-rapidity including the demonstration that high- p T suppression is a final state effect. Another key result is that in d+A collisions at forward rapidities where the very low-x region of the nucleus was probed, a strong suppression of pion production was observed consistent with the picture of gluon saturation. The latest results examines the centrality and rapidity dependence of nuclear stopping, the particle production of pions, collective expansion vs. rapidity, and the baryon enhancement at intermediate values of p T .
The behaviour of calcium‐deficient chickens

Synopsis Growing broilers were deprived of calcium to ascertain whether they could form a specific hunger for calcium. When their blood‐calcium levels were significantly lower than those of the control birds they were allowed a choice between two mashes, differing only by the absence or presence of a calcium salt. In two experiments the deprived birds discriminated in favour of the calcium rich mash. However the preference broke down when the calcium salt was offered in the form of calcium lactate in the drinking water, for both the deprived and control birds preferred distilled water. Finally deprived birds were tested to find out whether calcium deprivation led to a greater interest in bizarre objects of edible size, for specific hungers may lead to exploratory behaviour from which the animal may learn to correct its deficiency. The calcium deprived birds were found to show more interest in bizarre objects of edible size.
Phase diffusion in micromasers

Abstract We have derived generalized master equations for the density matrix elements of an electromagnetic field with atomic lifetime in a two-level oscillator system. The maser equations are applied to estimate the field phase diffusion time in micromasers. When the maser and laser system are above the threshold and their average photon numbers are greater than one photon, the analytical expressions for the field phase diffusion time at its half maximum agrees very well with the exact numerical result found by solving the master equations directly. We discuss the field phase diffusion time for different atomic lifetimes.
Effect of complexation of flavin radical with tryptophan on electron transfer rates: a model for flavin-protein interactions.

Abstract The rates of oxidation of lumiflavin radical by ferricyanide, indole radical and oxygen are decreased by factors of four to ten as a result of complexation with tryptophan. Tyrosine, methionine and glycine were found not to measurably alter the flavin radical reactivity. Similar results were obtained using flavinyl peptides in which tryptophan or methionine were covalently linked to the flavin. These observations suggest that one of the consequences of the interaction between the flavin and a tryptophan side chain in the coenzyme binding site of the flavodoxins is to deactivate the semiquinone form of the enzyme towards oxidizing agents, thereby increasing its stability.
Morava K-theory of classifying spaces: Some calculations

We develop some basic methods for calculating Morava K-theories of compact Lie groups, and compute certain pivotal examples. We show that K(2)∗BP has odd elements, where P is the 3-Sylow subgroup of GL4(Z/3). This disproves a conjecture of Hopkins, Kuhn and Ravenel. We also calculate Morava K-theories of semidirect products of cyclic groups with elementary abelian groups, and prove a new theorem on complex-oriented cohomology of BO(K).
Complete Sample Estimation Techniques for Reparameterized Weibull Distributions

The Weibull distribution, frequently employed to assign probabilities to the lifetimes of components and systems operating under stress, is habitually characterized by a pair of positive parameters, termed the scale and shape parameters. Two fundamental reparameterizations of the Weibull probability density function are proposed. The first reparameterization replaces the shape parameter by its inverse, the resulting positive parameter thereafter termed the shaping parameter. This permits a more facile exposition of the properties of parameter estimates, derived in the event that a complete random sample from the Weibull distribution is available. The characteristics of these parameter estimation techniques are then reviewed and compared, and their variances and distributional properties are delineated whenever possible. A second reparameterization extends the parameter space so as to include nonpositive values of the shape parameter. This extension augments the utility and applicability of the Weibull distribution without requiring radical alteration of the standard parameter estimation procedures applicable to the original parameter space.
Studies on cystathionine synthase of rat liver properties of the highly purified enzyme

Abstract The enzyme cystathionine synthase has been purified over 400-fold from rat liver. A new spectrophotometric assay procedure for this enzyme has been employed based upon the observation that the ninhydrin reaction chromogen with cystathionine gives an absorption peak at 455 mμ in acid solution. The purified enzyme exhibited no dehydratase activity for any hydrxyamino acid tested. The optimum activity of the enzyme is at pH 8.3. The enzyme is strongly inhibited by p- chloromercuribenzoate and Hg2+. The inhibition by the former is relieved by the addition of reduced glutathionine. The enzyme is stable to heating to temperatures of up to 50° and can be lyophilized without loss of activity. The enzyme is colored yellow with an absorption peak at 430 mμ. Upon reduction with sodium borohydride this peak disappears and a shoulder develops at 330 mμ. Dialysis against cysteine cause a loss of enzyme activity that can be almost completely resored by the addition of pyridoxal -5-P . These results indicate strongly that the latter is a coenzyme for cystathionine synthase. The addition of enzyme-free protein filtrates to the enzyme enhances its activity by as much as 50%.
Functional stability re-training: principles and strategies for managing mechanical dysfunction

Functional stability is dependent on integrated local and global muscle function. Mechanical stability dysfunction presents as segmental (articular) and multi-segmental (myofascial) dysfunction. These dysfunctions present as combinations of restriction of normal motion and associated compensations (give) to maintain function. Stability dysfunction is diagnosed by the site and direction of give or compensation that relates to symptomatic pathology. Strategies to manage mechanical stabililty dysfunction require specific mobilization of articular and connective tissue restrictions, regaining myofascial extensibility, retraining global stability muscle control of myofascial compensations and local stability muscle recruitment to control segmental motion. Stability re-training targets both the local and global stability systems. Activation of the local stability system to increase muscle stiffness along with functional low-load integration in the neutral joint position controls segmental or articular give. Global muscle retraining is required to correct multisegmental or myofascial dysfunction in terms of controlling the site and direction of load that relates to provocation. The strategy here is to train low-load recruitment to control and limit motion at the site of pathology and then actively move the adjacent restriction, regain through range control of motion with the global stability muscles and regain sufficient extensibility in the global mobility muscles to allow normal function. Individual strategies for integrating local and global recruitment retraining back into normal function are suggested.
Pressures, energy densities and chiral condensates in SU(3) lattice gauge theory with dynamical fermions

Abstract We consider the one-loop perturbatively corrected energy densities and pressures in 4 × 12 3 lattice simulations of QCD with four quark flavors and QCD with a realistic quark spectrum (a light isodoublet and a heavier strange quark, 2 + 1 flavor model). The four-flavor theory has a clear first-order hadronic matter/quark-gluon plasma transition. The one-loop corrections enhance the gluonic internal energy and diminish the fermionic internal energy in the vicinity of the transition. The gluonic partial pressure is negative in the vicinity of the transition although the total pressure is positive and continuous everywhere, within substantial statistical errors. Similar effects are found in the 2 + 1 flavor model, although the evidence for a first-order transition is much less compelling and the positivity of the total pressure at the transition is not clear. Simulations on 8 4 lattices are also done to make zero temperature subtractions in the energies and pressures. The data for the 2 + 1 flavor model is consistent with a scaling window appearing in the light quark chiral condensate for β = 6/ g 2 greater than 5.30.
Uptake of 67copper complexed to 3H-histidine by brain hypothalamic slices: Evidence that dissociation of the complex is not the only factor determining 67copper uptake

It was previously shown that complexation of 67Cu with His facilitates 67Cu uptake by hypothalamic slices and that His, in a concentration that is 1000-fold greater than Cu(His)2, inhibits 67Cu uptake (D. E. Hartter and A. Barnea, J. Biol. Chem. 263, 799-805 (1988)). We addressed the question: Does dissociation of the Cu(His)2 complex occur during the process of Cu2+ uptake and if so, is dissociation the only factor determining uptake? Rat hypothalamic slices were incubated with 67Cu(3H-His)2 and the kinetic profiles of 67Cu and 3H-His uptake were evaluated. 67Cu uptake was linear for up to 60 min, Vo vs S [0.1-160 microM Cu(His)2] was sigmoidal, Lineweaver-Burk plot was non-linear, Scatchard plot was bell-shaped, and Hill plot had multiple slopes. In contrast, 3H-His uptake was linear for up to 30 min, Vo vs S was biphasic, Lineweaver-Burk plot was linear, Scatchard plot was biphasic, and Hill plot had a single slope. Keeping [67Cu] constant and increasing [3H-His] resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of 67Cu uptake which was not accompanied by an inhibition of 3H-His uptake. Substituting His in the complex with Phe or Lys resulted in a marked shift to the right in Vo vs S for 67Cu uptake and at S less than 40 microM, only His facilitated 67Cu uptake relative to ionic 67Cu2+. However, Vo vs S for 3H-His, 3H-Phe, and 3H-Lys uptake were superimposeable, indicating comparable dissociation of the complexes. In summary, we demonstrate that, although complexation of Cu2+ is essential for 67Cu uptake by hypothalamic tissue, 67Cu and 3H-His are taken up by distinct processes, which implies dissociation of the complex at the level of the membrane. Moreover, even though dissociation occurs, it is not the only factor that determines Cu2+ uptake by the hypothalamic tissue. It is suggested that the physicochemical properties of the Cu complex is an important factor determining Cu uptake by brain tissue.
Outcomes of tunneled femoral hemodialysis catheters: comparison with internal jugular vein catheters.

Outcomes of tunneled femoral hemodialysis catheters: Comparison with internal jugular vein catheters. Background Tunneled femoral vein dialysis catheters are used as a last resort when all other options for a permanent vascular access or thoracic central vein catheter have been exhausted. There is little published literature on the complications or outcomes of tunneled femoral catheters. Methods Using a prospective, computerized vascular access database, we identified all tunneled femoral dialysis catheters placed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham during a five-year period. The clinical features, catheter patency, and complications in these patients were compared to those observed in a group of sex-, age-, and date-matched control patients with tunneled internal jugular vein dialysis catheters. Results During the study period, 27 patients received a tunneled femoral dialysis catheter, accounting for 1.9% of all tunneled catheters placed. Only 7 patients (26%) were able to convert to a new permanent dialysis access. The primary catheter patency (time from placement to exchange) was substantially shorter for femoral catheters than for internal jugular dialysis catheters (median survival, 59 vs. >300 days, P P = 0.66). Seven patients with femoral catheters (or 26%) developed an ipsilateral deep vein thrombosis, but catheter use was possible with anticoagulation. Conclusion Tunneled femoral dialysis catheters have a substantially shorter primary patency, but a similar risk of catheter-related bacteremia, as compared with internal jugular vein catheters. An ipsilateral lower extremity deep vein thrombosis occurs commonly after placement of a femoral dialysis catheter, but does not preclude continued catheter use.
Direct cleavage of the vicinal diol linkage of the lignin model compound dihydroanisoin by the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The white rot basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium metabolized dihydroanisoin (1,2-dianisylethane-1,2 diol) in low nitrogen stationary cultures, conditions under which the ligninolytic system is expressed. Anisyl alcohol was isolated as a metabolic product indicating an initial diol bond cleavage of the substrate. Use of 3H-labeled dihydroanisoin (1,2-dianisylethane-1,2-diol-1,2 3H) indicated that the diol bond was cleaved directly, yielding anisyl aldehyde as the initial product. The metabolically stable ketol anisoin was shown not be an intermediate in the metabolism of dihydroanisoin. The diol cleavage reaction was dependent on the concentration of molecular oxygen but O2 could be replaced by H2O2 under some conditions. The cleavage reaction was inhibited by exogenously-added tyrosine2-Cu2+ complex (TCC). The appearance of the fungal diol cleavage system parallels the appearance of the ligninolytic system under a variety of physiological conditions. In addition, preincubation of ligninolytic cultures with 2.5 mM l-glutamate represses both the ligninolytic and the diol cleavage activities.
Tonotopic mapping of c-fos expression in the dorsal cochlear nucleus of the hamster

We used the hamster as a model for identifying frequency specific loci in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) using c-fos immunocytochemistry. Animals were divided into three groups. The animals in the first group were stimulated with tone bursts at a frequency of 5kHz, those in the second group at 10kHz, and those in the third at 17kHz. The bursts were 50 msecs in duration and were presented for 1 hour at 67 dB SPL (4/sec). Brain tissue was obtained and procedures for c-fos assay were performed. Following stimulation distinct clusters of immunolabeled nuclei were found within the DCN. Cluster locations varied as a function of frequency. For the 5 kHz stimulus group, clusters were found at a mean position of 33% of the distance from the lateral to the medial extremities of the DCN. For exposures of 10 kHz, the bands were positioned approximately 50% of this distance, and for 17 kHz at approximately 67% of the lateral to medial distance. These results are consistent with the pattern of tonotopic organization which has been demonstrated in the DCN using electrophysiological procedures.
Quantitative characterization of the substructure of AISI 316 stainless steel resulting from creep

The substructure of AISI 316 stainless steel resulting from creep deformation has been quantitatively characterized using transmission electron microscopy. The specimens were tested at temperatures and stresses ranging from 593° to 816°C and 8000 to 35,000 psi, respectively. Subgrains whose boundaries are predominantly (111) twist boundaries were formed in all tests at and above 704°C but were observed very infrequently at 650°C and were completely absent after creep at 593°C. The subgrain diameter,d, and the mobile dislocation density, ρ, were found to vary with the applied stress, σa, according to:d =kσa-1 and ρα σa2. Subgrain misorientation varys from less than 0.1 to 1 deg in each specimen seemingly independent of all parameters evaluated. A double triple node dislocation configuration was frequently observed in all specimens. Its relation to the deformation process is discussed in a mechanism involving the breaking of attractive dislocation nodes.
Episodic behavioral disorders and limbic ictus.

Many psychiatric disorders are associated with a limbic ictus. The original data to support this hypothesis are studies on patients with chronically implanted subcortical electrodes. Because of the intermittent course of these disorders, I have labeled them Episodic Behavioral Disorders (EBD) and have reviewed the clinical data in support of such a concept for the episodic (atypical) psychoses.1–3 This is a similar review for another subgroup of the EBD commonly referred to as the Dyscontrol Syndrome (DS). The official DSM-III diagnosis that best fits the DS, is the intermittent explosive disorders, but other DSM-III diagnoses, at least in some instances, may be related to a limbic ictus, e.g., panic disorder and alcohol idiosyncratic intoxication.4 Clinical vignettes are presented to illustrate the DS associated with a limbic ictus and the response of the DS to drugs which elevate seizural threshold.
Effect of stationary phase solvation on shape selectivity in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract The effect of stationary phase solvation on reversed-phase chromatographic shape selectivity has been investigated using n-hexanol as an additive t
Liouvillian and algebraic solutions of second and third order linear differential equations

Abstract In this paper we show that the index of a 1-reducible subgroup of the differential Galois group of an ordinary homogeneous linear differential equation L(y) = 0 yields the best possible bound for the degree of the minimal polynomial of an algebraic solution of the Riccati equation associated to L(y) = 0. For an irreducible third order equation we show that this degree belongs to {3,6,9,21,36}. When the Galois group is a finite primitive group, we reformulate and generalize work of L. Fuchs to show how to compute the minimal polynomial of a solution instead of the minimal polynomial of the logarithmic derivative of a solution. These results lead to an effective algorithm to compute Liouvillian solutions of second and third order linear differential equations.
Design of an algorithm for autonomous docking with a freely tumbling target

For complex unmanned docking missions, limited communication bandwidth and delays do not allow ground operators to have immediate access to all real-time state information and hence prevent them from playing an active role in the control loop. Advanced control algorithms are needed to make mission critical decisions to ensure safety of both spacecraft during close proximity maneuvers. This is especially true when unexpected contingencies occur. These algorithms will enable multiple space missions, including servicing of damaged spacecraft and missions to Mars. A key characteristic of spacecraft servicing missions is that the target spacecraft is likely to be freely tumbling due to various mechanical failures or fuel depletion. Very few technical references in the literature can be found on autonomous docking with a freely tumbling target and very few such maneuvers have been attempted. The MIT Space Systems Laboratory (SSL) is currently performing research on the subject. The objective of this research is to develop a control architecture that will enable safe and fuel-efficient docking of a thruster based spacecraft with a freely tumbling target in presence of obstacles and contingencies. The approach is to identify, select and implement state estimation, fault detection, isolation and recovery, optimal path planning and thruster management algorithms that, once properly integrated, can accomplish such a maneuver autonomously. Simulations and demonstrations on the SPHERES testbed developed by the MIT SSL will be executed to assess the performance of different combinations of algorithms. To date, experiments have been carried out at the MIT SSL 2-D Laboratory and at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) flat floor.
Reliability analysis of pole-type transmission structures

Abstract The unguyed single-pole transmission structure is widely used in the U.S. to support transmission lines of up to 345 kV capacity. Most poles are naturally grown wood, but some poles of prestressed concrete and some of steel are used, especially in high decay or high load situations. The resistance of each structure is a random variable which can be significantly influenced by time and location. Material strength and stiffness properties, especially of wood, vary from structure to structure, even for nominally identical poles. The life expectancy of poles varies with geographical location with poles in hot, humid climates having lower life times than those in hot, dry areas. The individual load causing phenomena of dead weight, wind velocity, and accretion of ice and snow on the structure are also random variables. Additionally, wind velocity, terrain conditions, temperature and structure shape interact to affect ice and snow accretion. Design of a structure to provide a known level of reliability requires that a reliability-based design methodology be established. To accomplish this the variable nature of the resistances and load causing phenomena must first be defined. Next, a correct method of analysis which properly considers all important response characteristics such as the highly nonlinear behavior of pole structures must be developed. The function of the analysis is to convert loads to load effects directly comparable to resistance. Finally, a procedure which allows the designer to size structures so they will provide the desired level of reliability must be created. A major part of producing such a practical design procedure is developing a method for performing the reliability analysis of transmission structures. As part of an eight-year effort to develop reliability-based design methods for transmission structures, several methods for performing reliability analyses of single-pole transmission structures were established. Implemented in program POLDAR (POLe Design, Analysis and Reliability), these procedures enable the user to perform a reliability assessment of unguyed planar single-pole structures of any material and configuration for the major loads normally considered in design. It is shown that the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) method developed based on reliability analysis results obtained with POLDAR produces structures having reliability levels very close to the target levels assumed by the designer. Thus a reliability-based design method is now available for use in the design of new structures and the assessment and upgrading of existing structures. Since over 130,000,000 wood poles are now in place, and several million additional poles are put into service each year at an in-place cost of $1000 to $2000 each, it is expected that improved design procedures will have a significant financial impact.
Barriers to Solutions: Service Delivery and Public Policy in Rural Areas

Improvements in individual and community resources are complicated by inadequate rural public policy and increasing difficulties in the delivery of services, including health care. This article examines rural service delivery, particularly the delivery of health care, and public policy issues in the context of persistent rural poverty. Barriers, including those at both individual and community levels, are discussed as well as artificial barriers that professionals may impose as they work to improve the life status of older rural adults. Initiatives currently underway for the improvement of rural service delivery and issues regarding the development and implementation ofpublic policy responsive to rural areas also are discussed. Recommendations forfuture service delivery in and public policy for rural areas are noted. Central to this discussion is the recognition that any attempt to improve the quality of life for older adults m rural areas, particularly when applied to the reduction of current financial d...
Annealing Effects on Deuterium in a-Si:D.

Progressive annealing of a-Si:D and a-Si:D,H samples between 250 and 600°C is found to eliminate the broad central deuteron magnetic resonance (DMR) spectral component associated with weakly bonded D. The well-resolved doublet arising from tightly bound D diminishes in intensity. The narrow central line associated with microvoid-contained molecular D2 and HD increases and then decreases for the warmest anneals. DMR relaxation times, line shapes, and hole-burning spectra reflect changes in sample morphology upon annealing.
Damage control for renal artery stenting.

Chronic kidney disease is associated with an increased risk of death in ambulatory patients,1 patients with heart disease,2 and in those undergoing cardiac procedures.3 Slowing the progression of kidney damage should improve survival. Article p 2752 Stenting of atherosclerotic renal artery stenoses is commonly performed in an attempt to preserve renal function and control blood pressure. The number of Medicare recipients undergoing renal artery angioplasty or stent placement has increased strikingly from 7660 cases in 1996 to 18 520 cases in 2000,4 but evidence of benefit remains “sparse and inconclusive.”5 In this issue of Circulation , Cooper and colleagues report the results of a randomized trial of patients undergoing renal artery stenting to determine whether a filter-based embolic protection device (EPD), the platelet glycoprotein inhibitor abciximab, or both in combination improves renal function.6 The results were more negative than anticipated. Glomerular filtration rates (GFR) worsened 30 days after renal stenting in 3 treatment groups and remained unchanged in the fourth group treated with combination therapy (see Table). Secondary comparisons among the treatment groups suggested that the combination of an EPD with abciximab caused the smallest changes in GFR, but no treatment could improve renal function over that existing at baseline before renal artery stenting was carried out. View this table: Table. Summary Results of the Primary (1°) End Point of Absolute Change in Glomerular Filtration Rate (ΔGFR) and Percentage Change From Baseline to 30 Days After Renal Artery Stenting Plus Abciximab, Filter-Based Embolic Protection, or Both The investigators estimated GFR from the creatinine-based Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula and corroborated the results with measurements of cystatin C. Cystatin C, a cysteine protease inhibitor produced by nearly all human cells, is a nonglycosylated basic protein with a low molecular mass (13 kDa) that is freely filtered …
Matches Between Human Resources and Strategy Among Ncaa Basketball Teams

This study examined the relationships among strategy, human resources, and performance among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball teams. Results based on survey data and a wid...
On multicast receivers grouping arithmetic based on cluster

Multicast communication achieves scalability by sending data to multiple receivers at the same time. Receivers in a multicast group usually share the fate with each other, even though their processing and receiving capacity may be quite different. Itpsilas important how to divide receivers into groups exactly and set appropriate group rates so that it is fair to all the receivers. In this paper, we propose a cluster-based grouping arithmetic, and compare with others under two fairness standards, max-min intra-session fairness and social welfare.