cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical characteristics of cometary dust from optical studies

Observations of the sunlight scattered and thermal emission from cometary dust, which may be used to infer the physical properties of the dust grains, are reviewed. Consideration is given to the observed wavelength dependence of the scattered light from cometary coma and tails, the average scattering function of the dust grains, the average grain Bond albedo, the polarization of the scattered light, and grain temperatures deduced from thermal infrared emission. The thermal properties of dust grains are illustrated for models based on magnetite or olivine grain materials, with consideration given to the variation of thermal properties with particle radius and heliocentric distance. Comparison of the models with observations indicates that a disordered or amorphous olivine composition can give a reasonable fit to the data for appropriate grain sizes and temperatures. The observations acquired are noted to indicate an optically important particle size of 1 micron, with silicate particles not larger than a few microns usually present although pure silicate grains can not be responsible for the thermal emission, and the cometary dust grains are most likely not spherical. Further observations needed in the infrared are indicated.
Genomic Structure and Function of the UDP-Glucuronosyltransferases

This article has no abstract. Keywords: genomic structure and function of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases
Domestic Violence, Poverty, and Social Services: Does Location Matter?

Objective. This study investigates whether or not domestic violence agencies are located in areas of need. Recent research indicates that community economic disadvantage is a risk factor for intimate partner violence, but related questions regarding the geographic location of social service agencies have not been investigated.Methods. Using Connecticut as a case study, we analyze the relationship of agency location and police-reported domestic violence incidents and assaults using OLS regression and correcting for spatial autocorrelation. Results. The presence of an agency within a town has no relationship with the rates of domestic violence. However, regional patterns are evident. Conclusion. Findings indicate that programs are not geographically mismatched with need, but neither are programs located in towns with higher rates of incidents or assaults. Future research and planning efforts should consider the geographic location of agencies. Language: en
Strategies for effective use of exergy-based modeling of data center thermal management systems

As power densities in data centers quickly increase, the inefficiencies of yesterday are becoming costly data center thermal management problems today. One proposed method to address the inefficiencies of state-of-the-art data centers is to use the concept of exergy. To this end, earlier investigations have used a finite-volume, uniform-flow computer model to analyze exergy destruction as a means of identifying inefficiencies. For this type of exergy-based program to be a useful engineering tool, it should: (i) be easy to set up, viz. establish grid size and impose system parameters; (ii) have a formulation that is solvable and numerically stable; (iii) be executable in reasonable time on a workstation machine with typical processor speed and memory; and (iv) model the physics with acceptable accuracy. This investigation explored specific strategies for achieving these features. This work demonstrates that optimally chosen computational strategies do enhance the usefulness of an exergy-based analysis program as an engineering tool for evaluating the thermal performance of a data center.
An Analysis of Intranet Infusion Levels

When Internet technology is used within the bounds of an organization, the network is referred to as an intranet. Using intranets to connect heterogeneous systems enables information sharing between existing information systems without major changes to existing applications. This study examined organizational, contextual, and technical variables that are associated with intranet infusion in organizations. A survey was mailed to 1,000 senior-level computer executives in the United States. Six independent variables were examined using an ordered probit analysis to explain the likelihood of occurrence for different levels of intranet infusion. Results indicate that top management support, IT infrastructure, and competition positively influence high levels of intranet infusion. Organizational size is negatively associated with high levels of intranet infusion. Implications and areas for further research are discussed.
Water Uptake, Distribution, and Mobility in Amorphous Poly(d,l‐Lactide) by Molecular Dynamics Simulation

An explicit all-atom computational model for amorphous poly(lactide) (PLA) was developed. Molecular dynamics simulations of PLA glasses were conducted to explore various molecular interactions and predict certain physical properties. The density of a newly formed PLA glass aged for 100 ns at 298 K was 1.23 g/cm(3), close to the experimental range (1.24-1.25 g/cm(3)). The glass transition temperature (Tg = 364 K) was higher than experimental values because of the fast cooling rate (0.03 K/ps) in the simulation. The solubility parameter (20.6 MPa(1/2)) compared favorably to the literature. The water sorption isotherm obtained by relating the excess chemical potential of water in PLA to the Henry's law constant for water sorption was close to the experiment. At 0.6% (w/w), water molecules localize next to polar ester groups in PLA because of hydrogen bonding. Local mobility in PLA as characterized by the atomic fluctuation was sharply reduced near the Tg , decreasing further with aging at 298 K. The non-Einsteinian diffusion of water was found to correlate with the rotational β-relaxation of PLA C=O groups at 298 K. A relaxation-diffusion coupling model proposed recently by the authors gave a diffusion coefficient (1.3 × 10(-8) cm(2) /s at 298 K) which is comparable to reported experimental values.
Splenic rupture and infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis is an acute viral illness associated with a high incidence of splenomegaly, although the incidence of splenic rupture is low. When rupture occurs, the mortality has been significant, presumably, because a history of trauma is not present. The spleen may be vulnerable to injury due to the histopathologic changes that occur as a result of this illness. Essentially all patients with spontaneous rupture related to infectious mononucleosis have epigastric or upper abdominal pain. The diagnosis of splenic rupture may be confirmed in a variety of ways. In those patients who are hemodynamically stable, CT scan, ultrasound, or radionuclide scan may aid in establishing the diagnosis. Selective splenic angiography is very accurate but has been largely abandoned because of the invasive nature of the study. Peritoneal lavage is efficacious in establishing the diagnosis in hemodynamically unstable patients. The treatment of choice, at this time, is splenectomy. Current interest in splenic salvage has resulted in reports of nonoperative therapy in stable patients and splenorrhaphy in one instance. Due to the extent of the histologic changes in the spleen, caution is urged in electing the conservative approach to this clinical situation.
Raising intestinal contents viscosity leads to greater excretion of neutral steroids but not bile acids in hamsters and rats

To examine the effect of intestinal contents viscosity on fecal steroid excretion independent of colonic fermentation, hamsters and rats were fed cholesterol-containing diets containing either cellulose or different viscosity grades of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a non-fermentable fiber, as the dietary fiber source. HPMC feeding relative to cellulose significantly lowered plasma cholesterol in hamsters and liver cholesterol in rats. Fecal neutral steroid excretion was significantly greater in both species consuming HPMC compared to cellulose. Fecal bile acid excretion was not altered in hamsters, but was reduced in rats fed HPMC compared to cellulose. Thus, greater intestinal contents supernatant viscosity results in reduced plasma (hamster) or liver (rat) cholesterol and greater neutral steroid excretion, whereas bile acid excretion is unaffected or reduced. This suggests that viscosity is the principal characteristic of dietary fiber responsible for cholesterol lowering, and that this effect is due to increased excretion of cholesterol from the body.
Influence of substrate preparation on the flattening and cooling of plasma-sprayed particles

Impacts of plasma-sprayed molybdenum particles were monitored by detecting thermal radiation emitted by the hot particles when they flatten on the substrate surface. Evolution of the light intensity collected at two different wavelengths was used to obtain information about flattening time, flattening degree, and cooling time of the impinging particles. Variations of these parameters with substrate surface roughness were investigated on glass and molybdenum substrates. The substrate roughness significantly influenced the flattening degree and flattening time of the particles: the smoother the substrate, the larger the surface of the splats and the longer the flattening time. The cooling time, as determined from the decay time of the light signals after impact, was shorter on smooth substrates. In this case, the temperature of the splats was not radially uniform, with a lower cooling rate at the periphery.
THE PASS‐FAIL GRADING OPTION AT A STATE UNIVERSITY: A FIVE SEMESTER EVALUATION1

To evaluate the pass-fail grading option, course and grade data were generated each semester. Faculty and student attitudinal data were obtained once. Because pass-fail students were not identified to instructors, all students were given traditional A-E grades. During administrative data processing, the A-E grades of pass-fail students were converted to pass or fail. In comparison with traditionally graded students in the same classes, pass-fail students received lower grades on the average. The pass-fail option proved to be popular. Students favored the pass-fail option, although their reasons for electing the option were not necessarily in accord with the official rationale, to foster exploration. Perhaps because they perceived students as abusing the option, the small faculty sample had somewhat negative attitudes toward the pass-fail system.
Texture perception in humans and computers: models and psychophysical experiments

In this paper, research studies aimed at the development of computational models, specifically for an important preattentive cue, texture, are discussed. The primary basis for the development of computational texture models is to match them with how a human perceives textured patterns. This matching between human and quantitative models is accomplished with the help of an extensive series of psychophysical experiments. Observers view textured patterns, which are generated with a precise mathematical model, and human responses are used to develop a ranking of distinctness of texture patterns. We illustrate the use of these computational and psychophysical experimental tools for the analysis and characterization of real-world high resolution imagery acquired in thermal and visible bands. These results are applicable to image clutter characterization, camouflage assessment, and automatic target detection and recognition tasks.
On conditional AstA: A Sample-Path Approach

In this paper finite-time and infinite-time sample-path analogues of the joint and conditional covariance formulas, and joint and conditional AST A are proved under minimal requirements. We apply sample-path AST A and conditional AST A to give simple proofs of extensions of well-known formulas in G/ G/ c/ K queueing systems, and provide additional insight into the job observer property in networks of queues. Our proofs are intuitively appealing and elementary. The approach taken in this paper reveals that the essential issues related to AST A are elementary, and the relations among limiting averages follow immediately from the definitions, assuming the limits exist.
A preliminary specification of an on-line expert help system

Abstract Although research has suggested a number of desirable characteristics for on-line help systems, traditional design approaches have resulted in software containing many inadequacies and limitations. Here the deficiencies of current help systems are discussed and an expert system design approach to on-line help is outlined. The main components of such an expert help system are introduced.
A Transactional Model of Spoken Vocabulary Variation in Toddlers With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose The authors examined (a) whether dose frequency of milieu communication teaching (MCT) affects children's canonical syllabic communication and (b) whether the relation between early canonical syllabic communication and later spoken vocabulary is mediated by parental linguistic mapping in children with intellectual disabilities (ID). Method The authors drew on extant data from a recent differential treatment intensity study in which 63 toddlers with ID were randomly assigned to receive either five 1-hr MCT sessions per week (i.e., daily treatment) or one 1-hr MCT session per week (i.e., weekly treatment) for 9 months. Children's early canonical syllabic communication was measured after 3 months of treatment, and later spoken vocabulary was measured at posttreatment. Midpoint parental linguistic mapping was measured after 6 months of treatment. Results A moderate-sized effect in favor of daily treatment was observed on canonical syllabic communication. The significant relation between canonical syll...
Welfare Analysis of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement: The Cotton Textile and Apparel Industries

This article studies the effects of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (US-CAFTA-DR) on the world fiber market using a partial equilibrium modeling approach. We find the effect of the agreement on the U.S. cotton yarn and Caribbean cotton apparel industries to be positive while the U.S. cotton apparel industry suffers significant losses. Cotton apparel producers in the Caribbean region gain approximately $80 million under US-CAFTA-DR while gains by the U.S. yarn industry average about $120 million over current trade arrangements. The U.S. cotton apparel industry loses about $40 million per year under US-CAFTA-DR.
Regulation of sedimentary cation exchange capacity by organic matter

Abstract The bulk cation exchange capacity (CEC) of surface sediments from Long Island Sound results primarily from the organic carbon content of the sediments. The exchange capacity of the organic matter in surface sediments is calculated to be 6.4 meq/g organic carbon (2.1 meq/g organic matter). The total sedimentary CEC is highly correlated to acid-leachable Mg, several transition metals, and organic carbon. However, Mg and Fe concentrations are 7–10 times higher than can be accounted for by cation exchange reactions. Thus, mechanisms other than cation exchange on the organic matter must influence transition-metal distributions in Long Island Sound.
Peak Implosion Power as a Predictor of Plasma Radiation Source K-Shell Performance

Hawk is a current-stiff Z-pinch driver that uses a plasma opening switch to transfer inductively-stored current into the load, and employs a vacuum voltmeter to directly measure the voltage drop across the neon gas-puff Z-pinch. The load-voltage measurements permit calculation of the time-dependent load inductance, as well as the associated power Pimp and energy Eimp in the pinch during the implosion and stagnation phases. For experiments that determine the dependence of neon K-shell yield on the gas-puff density profile at constant load mass, Pimp is found to be a better measure of pinch quality and yield than peak current or implosion energy. For these data, and other data for which the load mass was varied with constant profile shape, Pimp and Eimp are combined with K-shell radiation measurements to provide insights into the physics of the pinch stagnation phase.
Modeling serotonin uptake in the lung shows endothelial transporters dominate over cleft permeation

A four-region (capillary plasma, endothelium, interstitial fluid, cell) multipath model was configured to describe the kinetics of blood-tissue exchange for small solutes in the lung, accounting fo...
Heritability of GFR and albuminuria in Caucasians with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Background: Elevated urinary albumin excretion and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are risk factors for cardiovascular death and end-stage renal disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: To determine the extent of familial aggregation of GFR and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), we calculated heritability (h 2 ) estimates by using a variance component approach. Results: Among 662 participants with DM from 310 families (422 DM-concordant sibling pairs), 51.8% (n = 343) were women, mean age was 62.3 ± 9.2 (SD) years (median, 62.6 years), diabetes duration was 10.8 ± 7.6 years (median, 9 years), GFR was 67.6 ± 19.0 mL/min (median, 64.7 mL/min), and urine ACR was 139.7 ± 631.4 mg/g (median, 13.1 mg/g). Estimated h 2 of GFR was 0.75 ± 0.10 ( P 1c level. These covariates accounted for only 2% of the total phenotypic variation in log GFR. Similarly, estimated h 2 of ACR was 0.46 ± 0.12 ( P
Two new species of Hirsutella Patouillard.

During the summer and fall of 1948, epizootics were observed of two economically important arthropods, rust mites [Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashm.) ] and purple scales (Lepidosaphes beckii Newm.), on Citrus in Florida. The occurrence of a fungus consistently associated with dead first instar nymphs of purple scales was reported by Fisher et al. (2), and tentatively identified as a species of Hirsutella. Later, a fungus on dead rust mites was also reported (1) as probably being Hirsutella sp. Further study has shown that these fungi on dead rust mites and dead first instar nymphs of purple scales are not only separate and distinct species, but also are species which have not previously been described. Both of these fungi are easily recognized under a dissecting microscope with a magnification of 15 X. On young purple-scale nymphs, the Hirsutella exhibits an extensive growth of mycelium which originates from the ventral surface of the insect's body. Only a few hyphae are present on rust mites; these hyphae typically extend posteriorly or anteriorly from the mite's body, but, occasionally, lateral hyphae are found. The direction of the mycelial growth depends upon the portion of the mite's body from which the hyphae emerge. For instance, if a hypha emerges from the posterior region of a rust mite's body, the typical growth of that hypha will be a direct extension posteriorly from the body. Since the larger-bodied scales give rise to a fuller mycelium than do the smaller-bodied mites, the variations between the two species were at first considered to be non-specific and to be directly related to the food supply. It has been found, however, that the dissimilarities betwreen these two species are not only in size and extent of mycelium, but also in the shape of the phialides and the spores, and the color of the older mycelia. 290
Synthesis and characterization of new fluorine-containing polyethers

Abstract A highly fluorinated monomer, 1,3-bis(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-pentafluorophenylmethoxy-2-propyl)benzene (12F-FBE), is obtained by reaction of the sodium salt of 1,3-bis(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-hydroxy-2-propyl)benzene with pentafluorobenzyl bromide. 12F-FBE reacts with diphenols to give soluble, hydrophobic, low dielectric (2.30–2.43 at 10 GHz) polyethers. Thermal stability as measured by TGA (10 wt% loss) is moderate and ranges from 445 to 464 °C in air. Glass transition temperatures are between 89 and 110 °C.
Halogens in the coastal snow pack near Barrow, Alaska: Evidence for active bromine air-snow chemistry during springtime

Received 14 October 2004; revised 11 January 2005; accepted 25 January 2005; published 26 February 2005. [1] We measured halide concentrations of snow and frost flowers in the vicinity of Barrow, Alaska. We find that the ratio of bromide to sodium in frost flowers is slightly enhanced (10%) as compared to sea water. In contrast, the ratio of bromide to sodium in some snow samples is more than an order of magnitude enhanced, and in other samples is more than an order of magnitude depleted. We interpret the bromide depleted snow as having been processed by heterogeneous chemistry and providing reactive halogen compounds to the atmosphere. The eventual end product of reactive bromine chemistry is HBr that is then deposited over a wide region, enhancing bromide in inland snow samples. Although frost flowers or open leads are likely to be the original source of halides that become reactive halogen gases, we find that the bromide release often occurs subsequent to production of aerosol from marine sources. Citation: Simpson, W. R., L. Alvarez-Aviles, T. A. Douglas, M. Sturm, and F. Domine (2005), Halogens in the coastal snow pack near Barrow, Alaska: Evidence for active bromine air-snow chemistry during springtime, Geophys. Res. Lett., 32, L04811,
Harbour and River Boats of Ancient Rome

From the moment Rome's port city of Ostia was founded, boats of all kinds were needed to take care of the traffic about the Tiber's mouth and up-river to the capital. As the centuries passed, and both Rome and Ostia grew, the number and variety of such boats increased apace.Ancient writers and, more important, inscriptions give the names of many of these craft and of the men who specialized in operating the particular types. We hear of codicarii, lenuncularii, scapharii and so on. What were their boats like? What special service did each perform?
Effects of methylation and neutralization of carboxylated poly(n-butyl acrylate) on the interfacial and bulk contributions to adhesion

The relationship between the energy release rate (or adhesion energy) and the crack velocity has been measured for a variety of cross-linked elastomers based on carboxylated poly(n-butyl acrylate). Methylation of the carboxyl groups decreased adhesion energies to the glassy polymer substrates used in these experiments, and neutralization of the carboxyl groups increased the adhesion energy to these substrates. The primary effect of methylation or neutralization was to change the velocity dependence of the adhesion energy. These changes were consistent with changes in the measured relaxation times of un-cross-linked carboxylated, methylated and neutralized polymers. Effects on the critical energy release rate required for measurable crack motions were consistent with a contact charging mechanism, involving transfer of a proton for the carboxylated elastomers, and transfer of a sodium ion for the neutralized polymers.
The Reduction of Environmental Effects on Tension-Twist Coupled Composite Tubes

A method is presented for designing composite laminates which will pro duce tension-twist coupling in tubes but show reduced variation in that coupling due to hygrothermal effects. Experimental results are presented which demonstrate coupling vari ations due to changes in temperature and moisture content. These effects are modeled the oretically as the variation of constituent shear moduli since shear modulus dominates cou pling behavior. This model predicts the same form of variation as seen in the experimental measurements of coupling. Based on laminates which do not exhibit thermally induced shear deformation, hybrid laminates were developed that can reduce or eliminate hygro thermal sensitivity while retaining coupling.
Linkage of β-thalassaemia mutations and β-globin gene polymorphisms with DNA polymorphisms in human β-globin gene cluster

Combined analysis of DNA polymorphisms in the human β-globin gene cluster and in cloned β-genes has revealed the association of specific β-thalassaemia mutations and β-gene polymorphisms with particular flanking polymorphisms. A systematic study of cloned genes identified several new mutations, one of which possibly affects transcription. The strategy used may be applicable to other diseases of single-copy genes.
Traumatic Brain Injury: Knowledge and Self-Perceptions of School Speech-Language Pathologists

School-based speech-language pathologists from 10 states responded to a survey concerning their readiness to provide services to students with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Survey responses prov...
Gaps and transitions in health insurance: what are the concerns of women?

ABSTRACT This is a study of women's health insurance that makes both disaggregated and longitudinal comparisons between men and women to identify and describe gaps and sources of insecurity that are important for women. Income and family status are more important than gender in explaining health insurance differences. In many respects, the health insurance experiences of single women are more similar to those of single men than those of married women. Although married women often depend on their husbands for employer-sponsored insurance, the health insurance of married men and women is otherwise quite similar. Married women are at no greater risk of losing employer-sponsored insurance than married men, and married women experience fewer gaps and changes in coverage than single women (and single men). An expansion of coverage to all poor and uninsured adults would benefit more women than men by a small margin, despite the focus of Medicaid on low-income women. The married uninsured are concentrated just ab...
Preparing Grandparents for a New Role

Intergenerational programs are well established, but there is a void of educational support for grandparents. A series of discussions were held with 400 grandparents to identify learning needs associated with their changing family role. Outcomes were used to formulate a curriculum for helping grandparents become more influential and respected family members. Elements of the described curriculum include sharing feelings and ideas, listening to child perspective, studying life-span development, encouraging mutual storytelling, developing questioning skills, and focusing self-evaluation. When all aspects of the program are judged to be suitable, an experimental study is planned to determine whether grandparents can benefit from family-oriented education.
A systematic study of the genus hulsea (Asteraceae)

A systematic treatment based on genetic, biochemical, and morphological studies is presented for the 11 recognized taxa ofHulsea. A uniform diploid complement of 38 chromosomes was found in the 37 populations examined, including all species and representing first reports forH. brevifolia, H. californica, andH. mexicana. Thirteen flavonoid compounds, based on the aglycones quercetin, apigenin, cyanidin, and the 4′-O-methyl ether of luteolin, were detected inHulsea. Patterns of the flavonoid compounds are discussed with respect to the systematic treatment. The results of 595 synthetic crosses indicate thatHulsea species are self-incompatible, relatively cross-compatible, and that their F1 hybrids are relatively fertile. Heterozygosity for one or two translocations is reported for 11 interspecific and intersubspecific hybrid combinations.
3-D elastic-plastic investigation of fracture parameters in side-grooved compact specimen

This paper presents an analytical comparison of a standard and a side-grooved compact tension specimen. Both specimens were analyzed using 3-13 finite element techniques in the elastic regime as well as under large-scale yielding conditions. The standard specimen reveals large variations of both the crack opening displacement and the energy release rate along the crack front clearly indicating that the crack will tend to propagate in a tunneling mode. The side-grooved specimen, on the other hand, provides a much more uniform variation of both parameters thereby promoting both flat fracture and a uniform crack growth. The results clearly indicate that for ductile materials loaded well into the plastic range, a much more uniform fracture process can be obtained with the side-grooved specimen.
A monoclonal antibody detecting the adenovirus type 5 E 1 b-58Kd tumor antigen: Characterization of the E 1 b-58Kd tumor antigen in adenovirus-infected and -transformed cells

Abstract A monoclonal antibody directed against the adenovirus type 5 Elb-58Kd tumor antigen has been isolated. Immune clearing experiments were employed to demonstrate that this monoclonal antibody detects the same Elb-58Kd antigen observed previously with polyclonal antisera from hamsters bearing adenovirus-induced tumors. Fluorescent antibody tests using the monoclonal antibodies directed against the Elb-58Kd antigen localized the viral protein predominantly in the nucleus of virus-infected and -transformed cells. The monoclonal and polyclonal tumor sera detected similar protein species in virusinfected and -transformed cells. In adenovirus productively infected human cells the monoclonal antibody and polyclonal tumor sera both detected a 25Kd protein in addition to the Elb-58Kd antigen. In transformed mouse and hamster cells this monoclonal and polyclonal antisera coimmunoprecipitated a 53Kd cellular protein along with the Elb58Kd antigen. This 53Kd cellular protein is similar to the p53 antigens detected in a variety of transformed cells.
Cutis laxa associated with pulmonary artery stenosis

Cutis laxa and pulmonary artery stenosis are described in a 4-year-old boy. Although the association of these two disorders has not been reported previously, evidence collected from previous studies indicates that their relationship is not haphazard, but is related to a generalized defect in elastic tissue fibers.
Genetic effects of artificial propagation: signals from wild and hatchery populations of red abalone in California

Abstract Numerous attempts have been made to restore the declining California abalone fisheries by outplanting of hatchery-produced seed. Poor survival of planted seed has been generally attributed to predation and emigration, lessening enthusiasm for reseeding efforts. We present genetic evidence that one large-scale outplanting of red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) in southern California was effective, and document changes in the genetic composition of red abalone populations accompanying hatchery propagation. Allozymes appeared to behave as neutral and therefore effective markers for tracking population bottlenecks in hatchery production and reseeded populations. Careful monitoring of hatchery breeding practices is essential for both commercial production and artificial reseeding programs.
Effect of Glutamine Supplementation on Growth of Rat Pups Reared in Hyperoxia and Room Air. † 1110

Glutamine is a preferred substrate for rapidly proliferating cells. We studied the growth of 31 rat pups from the 6th to the 16th day. The pups were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was reared with their mother in room air. Groups 2 and 3 were artificially reared on milk substitute via a miniature gastrostomy cannula according to the method previously described (Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1990, 195:335). They were each further divided into 3 subgroups, a, b and c. Subgroups a were used as controls, while subgroups b and c were supplemented with 1.8 and 9 g/kg/day of glutamine respectively in the milk substitute. Additionally, Group 2 was reared in 80% oxygen and Group 3 was reared in room air. At the end of day 16 the pups were sacrificed. Results: The data were subjected to anova statistical analysis. Overall the body weights of Group 3 pups were greater than Group 1 and group 2 pups. Although the pups supplemented with glutamine (subgroups b and c) tended to have higher body weights than subgroups a the differences were not significant (p>0.05). The weights of the livers, kidneys, and the length of small intestines were greater in Group 2 & 3 than in Group 1. However, the weight of the cortex of the animals in group 2 were smaller than those of groups 1 & 3 (p<0.05). The size of the organs of the glutamine supplemented subgroups were not significantly different from their controls. Conclusions: Pups on an isocaloric diet reared in hyperoxic environment were smaller than those reared in room air. Under the conditions of the experiment and sample size glutamine supplementation did not enhance growth.
Vitamin A status, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) toxicosis, and common bile duct hyperplasia in rats.

Abstract The interaction between dietary concentrations of vitamin A and PBB was evaluated in two experiments. In the first experiment, male weanling rats were used in a 2 × 3 factorial experiment. Concentrations of PBB were 0, 10, or 100 mg/kg of diet and diets were either vitamin A-deficient or were supplemented with 3000 IU vitamin A palmitate/kg of diet. In the second experiment the design was similar except that two vitamin A-supplemented diets were used, one containing 3,000 IU/vitamin A palmitate/kg of diet and the other 30,000 IU. Diets contained either 0 or 100 mg of PBB/kg. Clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency and mortality occurred early in rats fed vitamin A-deficient diets containing 100 mg of PBB/kg. Vitamin A supplementation provided partial protection against decreased weight gain associated with PBB. Decreases in thymic weight associated with PBB toxicosis were prevented by supplementation with vitamin A. Massive enlargement of the common bile duct occurred in rats fed a vitamin A-deficient diet containing 100 mg of PBB/kg. Histologically, this lesion consisted of extensive hyperplasia. A significant decrease in retinol concentrations in the sera was recorded in rats fed vitamin A-deficient diets containing 100 mg of PBB/kg. Interaction between vitamin A deficiency and PBB toxicosis affected vitamin A metabolism as manifested by the appearance of appreciable amounts of retinyl acetate in the liver vitamin A profile. These results suggest an interaction between PBB toxicity and vitamin A and emphasize the importance of nutritional factors such as vitamin A in assessment of PBB toxicosis.
The Rhetoric of Disjointed Proverbs

This article examines proverbs in which the fit between the lines (cola) is awkward. This may sometimes be a flaw, but in quite a few of cases it seems intended for a particular rhetorical effect. Imperfect parallelism leaves a gap between the lines. When the missing component–a premise or a conclusion–is mentally supplied, the couplet gains cohesiveness and a tighter linkage. Such ‘disjointed' proverbs are a type of enthymeme which involves the audience in its own persuasion.
Limit cycle oscillation and domain of stability in prototypical wing sections with unsteady aerodynamics

The paper treats the question of the existence of limit cycle oscillations and domain of stability (attraction) of prototypical aeroelastic wing sections with pitch structural nonlinearity using the describing function method. The model includes unsteady aerodynamics based on Theodorsen’s theory. The dual-input describing functions of the nonlinearity are used for the limit cycle analysis. Analytical expressions for the computation of the average value, and the amplitude and frequency of oscillation of pitch and plunge responses are obtained. Interestingly, it is found that flutter can exist not only when the origin in the state space is unstable but also when it is asymptotically stable if the initial conditions are not small. For such cases, an estimate of the domain of stability surrounding the origin in the state space is computed in which flutter cannot exist. The Nyquist criterion is used to establish the stability of the limit cycle and it is shown that unstable as well as the stable limit cycles exist when the origin is exponentially stable. Numerical results are presented for a set of values of the flow velocities and the locations of the elastic axis which show that the predicted limit cycle oscillation amplitude and frequency as well as the mean value are quite close to the actual values.
Synthesis of glucosylceramide by purified calf spleen β-glucosidase

Radioactive glucocerebroside was formed when purified calf spleen β-glucosidase was incubated in the presence of 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucoside and (14C) labeled ceramide. The product was identified by cochromatography on thin layer plates and carrier dilution and crystallization to constant specific activity. The radioactive glucocerebroside was also a substrate for hydrolysis by this same β-glucosidase preparation employed for its synthesis resulting in the liberation of labeled ceramide. Neither methyl-β-D-glucoside nor free D-glucose were effective in producing radioactive glucocerebroside when incubated with labeled ceramide in this system.
Monitoring conformational rearrangements in the substrate-binding site of a membrane transport protein by mass spectrometry.

Combined biochemical, biophysical, and crystallographic studies on the lactose permease of Escherichia coli suggest that Arg-144 (helix V) forms a salt bridge with Glu-126 (helix IV), which is broken during substrate binding, thereby permitting the guanidino group to form a bidentate H-bond with the C-4 and C-3 O atoms of the galactopyranosyl moiety and an H-bond with Glu-269 (helix VIII). To examine the relative interaction of Arg-144 with these two potential salt bridge partners (Glu-126 and Glu-269) in the absence of substrate, the covalent modification of the guanidino group was monitored with the Arg-specific reagent butane-2,3-dione using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. In a functional background, the reactivity of Arg-144 with butane-2,3-dione is low (∼25%) and is reduced by a factor of approximately 2 by preincubation with ligand. Interestingly, although replacement of Glu-126 with Ala results in a 3-fold increase in the reactivity of Arg-144, replacement of Glu-269 with Ala elicits virtually no effect. Taken together, these results suggest that in the absence of substrate the interaction between Arg-144 and Glu-126 is much stronger than the interaction with Glu-269, supporting the contention that sugar recognition leads to rearrangement of charge-paired residues essential for sugar binding.
Lactobacillus endocarditis: A chronic active infection

Lactobacilli are gram positive rod-shaped or filamentous bacteria that are a rare cause of endocarditis. We review the literature of less than 50 reported cases, and present a case of a 43-year-old male with a protracted, one-year history consistent with endocarditus. The pathologic findings in the heart at autopsy indicate a long, chronic course of smoldering infection with extensive secondary fibroelastosis of valvular structure and adjacent endocardium, although superimposed more acute vegetation with viable organisms consistent with the premortem blood culture of Lactobacillus acidophilus were abuntly present. Thus, the pathologic and clinical features of this case, and our review of the available literature, suggest that infective endocarditis caused by Lactobacillus species has an indolent nature and results in severe, chronic alterations of valvular structure.
Paleomagnetism of the southern continents and plate tectonics

Abstract A new method, utilizing paleomagnetic determinations on continents and ocean basins, is proposed to produce paleomagnetic reconstructions in terms of continued rotations of some of the larger plates of the lithosphere about axes which have remained fixed in the present geographic coordinates for times of the order of 100 to 150 million years. The solution is not unique but it is obtained with only one arbitrary assumption applied to all such continents and therefore is preferable to reconstructions which assign arbitrary motions to each continent. This method is applied to determine the motion of the southern continents since the Jurassic. The paleomagnetic reconstruction of Gondwanaland obtained is similar to that suggested on geological evidence alone and the proposed movements of the various plates do account for many of the observed features of the floor of the Indian Ocean. The success of this model suggests that the pivot points about which continental drift of the southern continents took place since the Jurassic are fixed in the mantle with respect to each other and the Earth's spin axis.
Correlation of liver and pancreas endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy in patients with a primary pancreatic lesion

Background Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is commonly used in the evaluation of pancreas masses, and when a liver lesion is visualized, it can undergo a fine-needle aspiration (FNA). This can provide diagnostic and staging information. The purpose of the study was to correlate the findings of patients who underwent EUS FNA biopsy of a pancreas lesion and a liver lesion during the same procedure. Materials and methods The pathology database at Washington University Medical Center was searched for EUS FNA biopsy cases where biopsy of both the pancreas and liver were performed over a consecutive 10-year period (2003-2013). All pathology reports were reviewed, and clinical information and diagnostic results were recorded. Results A total of 102 cases were identified. For pancreas cases, 79.4% were malignant and for liver cases, 58.8% were malignant. In pancreas lesions categorized as suspicious for malignancy (9%), the liver biopsy provided a diagnosis of malignancy in 67% of cases. A malignant pancreatic cohort demonstrated a 62.9% liver malignancy. A malignant liver cohort corresponded to a malignant pancreas diagnosis in 86.6% of cases and a suspicious-malignant group of 98.3%. Conclusions The 102 cases with concomitant EUS FNA biopsy of the pancreas and liver demonstrated the ability to provide a diagnosis of pancreas malignancy and correlate regional metastatic malignancy in the liver. In patients with a pancreas mass and in the appropriate clinical setting, a liver EUS FNA biopsy has the ability to provide a diagnosis of malignancy and demonstrate a high positive predictive value of malignancy in the pancreas (98.3%).
Cardiovascular Fitness in Obese versus Nonobese 8-11-Year-Old Boys and Girls.

The purpose of this study was to compare cardiovascular fitness between obese and nonobese children. Based on body mass index, 118 were classified as obese (boys [OB] = 62, girls [OG] = 56), while 421 were nonobese (boys [NOB] = 196, girls [NOG] = 225). Cardiovascular fitness was determined by a 1-mile [1.6 km] run/walk (MRW) and estimated peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and analyzed using two-way analyses of variance (Gender x Obese/Nonobese). MRW times were significantly faster (p < .05) for the NOB (10 min 34 s) compared to the OB (13 min 8 s) and the NOG (13 min 15 s.) compared to the OG (14 min 44 s.). Predicted VO2peak values (mL·kg-1·min-1) were significantly higher (p < .05) for the NOB (48.29) compared to the OB (41.56) and the NOG (45.99) compared to the OG (42.13). MRW was compared between obese and nonobese participants on the President's Challenge (2005), the National Children and Youth Fitness Study, and FITNESSGRAM® HFZ standards. The nonobese boys and girls scored higher on all three, exhibit...
Sex differences in psychiatric evaluation and treatment. An empirical review.

• This article reviews the research evidence concerning sexrelated differences in psychiatric/psychological assessment and treatment. The effects of both sex of patient and sex of judge are considered. The article also raises methodological criticisms of the existing research, and draws some tentative conclusions.
Observation of low noise in a passive fibre gyroscope

We report short-term noise levels of < 1 deg/h and 10 min drift of < 2 deg/h in a passive fibre gyroscope utilising a fused 3 × 3 fibre coupler and a broadband and partially polarised superluminescent diode. Partially polarised operation of the source is shown to result in less noise than polarised operation.
Characterization of Reptilian Cell Lines Established at Incubation Temperatures of 23 to 36

SummaryCell lines were established from several species of turtles and lizards, but not from snakes, crocodilians, or amphisbaenids. Growth was obtained in mammalian cell medium at incubation temperatures from 23 to 36°, but cell lines were most often successfully established at 30°. Cell morphology was variable, including fibroblastic, epithelioid, and some aberrant types. Karyoptic analysis of several cell lines derived from Iguana iguana revealed in each case a diploid karyotype at early passage levels followed by acquisition of an added marker chromosome in later (25th to 73rd) passages. On the basis of this and previously published data it was concluded that reptilian cell lines typically emerge by early (5th to 10th passage) selection of one morphological cell type followed by a later (10th to 40th passage) appearance of usually minor chromosomal changes. Reptilian cell lines supported the replication with cytopathic effect of homeothermic vertebrate viruses of the poxvirus, herpesvirus, myxovirus, ...
Expression cloning of the aldosterone target cell-specific 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from rabbit collecting duct cells.

11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-OHSD) is thought to confer aldosterone specificity to mineralocorticoid target cells by protecting the mineralocorticoid receptor from occupancy by endogenous glucocorticoids. We have recently described a novel isoform of 11-OHSD in the renal aldosterone target cells (11 beta-OHSD/CD) that differs from the previously characterized isoform (11 beta-OHSD-1). Unlike 11-OHSD-1, the collecting duct enzyme catalyzes irreversible dehydrogenation, has a very high affinity for its substrate, and is tissue-specific. We report here the isolation, sequence, and characterization of a complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding the rabbit collecting duct 11 beta-OHSD/CD or 11 beta-OHSD type 2. The cDNA, isolated using expression screening in Xenopus oocytes, is 1.9 kilobases in length and encodes a protein of 406 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 44,130 daltons. The cloned enzyme has a Michaelis constant (Km) for corticosterone of 6.6 +/- 3 nM, catalyzes exclusively dehy...
Mycetoma of the hand

Mycetoma or maduromycosis is a rare chronic granulomatous disease caused by a fungus infection. We report a rare case of mycetoma in the hand; to our knowledge this is the first report in the United States of mycetoma caused by Nocardia asteroides . The patient had had 2 years of chronic drainage and edema of the left hand after a penetrating injury sustained in the shipyards. After surgical debridement he was treated with co-triamazole, 1 tablet orally four times a day for 6 months. The chronic drainage has ceased but most of his wrist and hand joint movements are restricted.
Ratchet effects for vortices in superconductors with periodic pinning arrays

Using numerical simulations we show that novel transport phenomena can occur for vortices moving in periodic pinning arrays when two external perpendicular ac drives are applied. In particular, we find a ratchet effect where the vortices can have a net dc drift even in the absence of a dc drive. This ratchet effect can occur for ac drives which create orbits that break one or more reflection symmetries.