cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phospholipid Dependence of the Reversible, Energy-Linked, Mitochondrial Transhydrogenase in Manduca sexta

Midgut mitochondria from fifth larval instar Manduca sexta exhibit a membrane-associated transhydrogenase that catalyzes hydride ion transfer between NADP(H) and NAD(H). The NADPH-forming transhydrogenations occur as nonenergy- and energy-linked activities. The energy-linked activities couple with electron transport-dependent utilization of NADH/succinate, or with Mg2+-dependent ATPase. These energy-linked transhydrogenations have been shown to be physiologically and developmentally significant with respect to insect larval/pupal maturation. In the present study, isolated mitochondrial membranes were lyophilized and subjected to organic solvent or phospholipase treatments. Acetone extraction and addition of Phospholipase A2 proved to be effective inhibitors of the insect transhydrogenase. Liberation of phospholipids was reflected by measured phosphorous release. Addition of phospholipids to organic solvent- and phospholipase-treated membranes was without effect. Employing a partially lipid-depleted preparation, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine were reintroduced and transhydrogenase activity assessed. Of the phospholipids tested, only phosphatidylcholine significantly stimulated transhydrogenase activity. The results of this study suggest a phospholipid dependence of the M. sexta mitochondrial transhydrogenase.
Adaptive pursuit-evasion under adversarial confrontations-part I: Performance-measure statistics in linear-quadratic differential games

The research proposes a new method of assessing performance risk and uncertainty with high confidence for a linear-quadratic class of stochastic pursuit-evasion on the basis of multi-player confrontations and competitions. The proposed method to characterize higher-order performance uncertainties for this class of differential games is enabled by three prerequisites: 1) the Know-How related to competence; 2) the Know-How-to-Cooperate for coordination between activities; and 3) the performance-measure statistics for coalitional performance robustness capturing adversarial elements from competitive teams and stochastic surprises from stationary environments.
Mdv1 interacts with assembled dnm1 to promote mitochondrial division.

The dynamin-related GTPase, Dnm1, self-assembles into punctate structures that are targeted to the outer mitochondrial membrane where they mediate mitochondrial division. Post-targeting, Dnm1-dependent division is controlled by the actions of the WD repeat protein, Mdv1, and the mitochondrial tetratricopeptide repeat-like outer membrane protein, Fis1. Our previous studies suggest a model where at this step Mdv1 functions as an adaptor linking Fis1 with Dnm1. To gain insight into the exact role of the Fis1·Mdv1·Dnm1 complex in mitochondrial division, we performed a structure-function analysis of the Mdv1 adaptor. Our analysis suggests that dynamic interactions between Mdv1 and Dnm1 play a key role in division by regulating Dnm1 self-assembly.
Mass ratio of two ions in a Penning trap by alternating between the trap center and a large cyclotron orbit

Abstract We have implemented a technique for precision mass comparison of two ions trapped simultaneously in a Penning trap in which each ion is alternately positioned at the center of the trap – where the cyclotron frequency is measured – and in a large cyclotron “parking” orbit. Systematic shifts in the cyclotron frequency ratio have been studied by comparing 13 C 2 H 2 + / 14 N 2 + and 14 N 2 + / 28 Si + . Using the method to compare 28 SiH 3 + / 31 P + we have obtained a new atomic mass for 31 P, M[ 31 P] = 30.973 761 999 7 (61) u.
Molecular characterization of a bean α-amylase inhibitor that inhibits the α-amylase of the Mexican bean weevil Zabrotes subfasciatus

Cultivated varieties of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) contain an α-amylase inhibitor (αAI-1) that inhibits porcine pancreatic α-amylase (PPA; EC 3.2.1.1) and the amylases of certain seed weevils, but not that of the Mexican bean weevil, Zabrotes subfasciatus. A variant of αAI-1, called αAI-2, is found in certain arcelin-containing wild accessions of the common bean. The variant αAI-2 inhibits Z. subfasciatus α-amylase (ZSA), but not PPA. We purified αAI-2 and studied its interaction with ZSA. The formation of the αAI-2-ZSA complex is time-dependent and occurs maximally at pH 5.0 or below. When a previously isolated cDNA assumed to encode αAI-2 was expressed in transgenic tobacco seeds, the seeds contained inhibitory activity toward ZSA but not toward PPA, confirming that the cDNA encodes αAI-2. The inhibitors αAI-1 and αAI-2 share 78% sequence identity at the amino acid level and they differ in an important region that is part of the site where the enzyme binds the inhibitor. The swap of a tripeptide in this region was not sufficient to change the specificity of the two inhibitors towards their respective enzymes. The three-dimensional structure of the αAI-1/PPA complex has just been solved and we recently obtained the derived amino acid sequence of ZSA. This additional information allows us to discuss the results described here in the framework of the amino acid residues of both proteins involved in the formation of the enzyme-inhibitor complex and to pinpoint the amino acids responsible for the specificity of the interaction.
5-HT1b receptors in an animal model of depression

After exposure to a 0.8 mA course of uncontrollable shocks, Sprague-Dawley rats can be differentiated into two distinct groups defined in term of their performance in a shock escape paradigm. Learned helpless (LH) rats do not learn to escape a controllable shock while non-helpless (NLH) rats learn this response as quickly as naive controls (NC) rats do. The current experiments were designed to extend our studies of 5-HT receptors in these three groups of rats. The major finding in the present study concerned post-synaptic 5-HT receptor effects in the cortex, hippocampus, septum and hypothalamus of LH rats. These included an up regulation of 5-HT1b receptors in the cortex, hippocampus and septum in LH rats. In contrast, 5-HT1b receptors in the hypothalamus of LH rats were down-regulated. These results implicate serotonergic mechanisms in the behavioral deficit caused by uncontrollable shock with a limbic-hypothalamic circuit serving as a center for adaptation to stress.
Production and perception of sex differences in vocalizations of Wied's black-tufted-ear marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii)

Males and females from many species produce distinct acoustic variations of functionally identical call types. Social behavior may be primed by sex-specific variation in acoustic features of calls. We present a series of acoustic analyses and playback experiments as methods for investigating this subject. Acoustic parameters of phee calls produced by Wied's black-tufted-ear marmosets (Callithrix kuhlii) were analyzed for sex differences. Discriminant function analyses showed that calls contained sufficient acoustic variation to predict the sex of the caller. Several frequency variables differed significantly between the sexes. Natural and synthesized calls were presented to male-female pairs. Calls elicited differential behavioral responses based on the sex of the caller. Marmosets became significantly more vigilant following the playback of male phee calls (both natural and synthetic) than following female phee calls. In a second playback experiment, synthesized calls were modified by independently manipulating three parameters that were known to differ between the sexes (low-, peak-, and end-frequency). When end-frequency-modified calls were presented, responsiveness was differentiable by sex of caller but did not differ from responses to natural calls. This suggests that marmosets did not use end-frequency to determine the sex of the caller. Manipulation of peak-and low-frequency parameters eliminated the discrete behavioral responses to male and female calls. Together, these parameters may be important features that encode for the sex-specific signal. Recognition of sex by acoustic cues seems to be a multivariate process that depends on the congruency of acoustic features.
Echo I: An experimental analysis of local effects and conjugate return echoes from an electron beam injected into the magnetosphere by a sounding rocket

Abstract On 13 August 1970, a sounding rocket carrying a high voltage electron accelerator and several electron detectors was launched from Wallops Island, Virginia. 16 msec long, 70 mA pulses were injected into the magnetosphere at pitch angles near 90°. In each pulse the electron energy was modulated between 35 and 43 keV. The electrons were trapped in the Earth's magnetic field and bounced between the northern and southern conjugate points with a period of ∼0.65 sec and drifted eastward with a gradient-curvature drift velocity of ∼765 m/sec. For about 90 seconds the rocket intercepted the returning echoes. Careful study of the rocket trajectory has allowed a partial space-time picture of an echo to be constructed. The bounce time and drift velocity observations are consistent with predictions based on internal magnetic field models with no electric fields. The flux has the spatial variations predicted by atmospheric scattering models at the southern conjugate point but is about a factor of 10 too low. After some injections delayed echoes are observed, apparently 40 keV electrons whose bounce time has been increased by ∼75 msec, but with no change in their bounce averaged drift velocity. Study of detector response during gun pulses revealed three unexplained features: (1) a field aligned upward moving flux after downward injections; (2) a downward moving, time dependent, flux after injections at some upward pitch angles; (3) a lack of altitude (or atmospheric density) dependence on observed count rates.
Optimal crown–rump length for measuring the nuchal translucency

Purpose. To determine the optimal crown–rump length (CRL) for obtaining nuchal translucency (NT) measurements. Methods. Women undergoing NT measurements by NT-certified sonographers within a combined screening program over an 18-month period were included in the study if they had a living fetus with a CRL of 45–84 mm. NT measurement success and screen-positive rates, transvaginal sonography (TVUS) use, and reasons for failed NT measurements were compared in 3 groups by CRL corresponding to 11-0/7 to 11-6/7 weeks (45–54 mm), 12-0/7 to 12-6/7 weeks (55–66 mm), and 13-0/7 to 13-6/7 weeks (67–84 mm). Results. Eight hundred thirty-seven women aged 34.9 ± 4.9 years underwent 1 to 3 NT measurements at a mean CRL of 59.8 ± 25.0 mm. NT measurements were more successful at 11 and 12 weeks (81.8% and 84.4%) than at 13 weeks (66.9%) (p < 0.001). Screen-positive and TVUS rates, and reasons for failed NT measurements did not vary by CRL. Conclusion. NT measurements are most successful at CRL 45–66 mm corresponding to sonographically determined gestational ages of 11-0/7 to 12-6/7 weeks. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2007
The polygonal containment model

The polygonal containment problem is to position two structures of convex forms under rigid motion mechanics such that the forms of one structure are completely contained within the elements of the associated structure. In this note, the polygonal containment problem is formalized in terms of a generalized containment model and solved as a constrained nonlinear program.
Electromagnetic axisymmetric finite elements based on a gauged four-potential variational principle

Electromagnetic finite elements are derived based on a variational principle that uses the electromagnetic four-potential as a primary variable. The Lorentz gage normalization is incorporated as a constraint condition through a Lagrange multiplier field to construct elements suitable for downstream coupling with mechanical and thermal finite elements for the analysis of high-temperature superconductor devices with aerospace applications. The main advantages are: jump discontinuities on interfaces are naturally handled; no a priori approximations are invoked; and the number of degrees of freedom per node remains modest as the problem dimensionality increases. The new elements are tested on two magnetostatic axisymmetric problems. The results are in excellent agreement with analytical solutions and previous solutions for the 1D problem of a conducting infinite wire, in which case the multiplier field has no effect. For materials of widely different permeability, jump conditions are naturally accommodated by the present formulation.
Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the mandible and maxilla: clinical and imaging features.

Objective Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is a rare, but morbid, condition. We present the clinical and imaging features of 19 patients. Methods A review of 19 bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis patients was performed. Patient demographics, diagnosis, dental procedures, symptoms and clinical findings, location and pattern of involvement, and presence of fractures, sequestra, and fistulae were documented. Results Patients included 14 women and 5 men aged 48 to 80 years. Diagnoses included breast carcinoma (n = 11), multiple myeloma (n = 4), osteoporosis (n = 4), prostate carcinoma (n = 2), and lymphoma (n = 1). Seventeen patients received intravenous and 2 received oral bisphosphonates for 2 to 5 years. Bone involvement was noted in the mandible (74%), maxilla (16%), and both (10%). A lytic and sclerotic pattern was most common (58%). Additional findings included fractures (n = 5), sequestra (n = 4), and oroantral fistulae (n = 2). Conclusions Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis is a rare, but morbid, condition, and imaging features can mimic other conditions. It is important for the radiologist to consider this entity in the appropriate clinical setting.
Fostering resiliency in students: Positive action strategies for classroom teachers

Abstract Numerous risk factors and stressful events continue to affect the lives of K‐12 students. Rather than focus on negative elements, the challenge is to implement prevention strategies that strengthen protective factors and build resilient youth. The author describes research‐supported, positive action strategies for teachers that will help foster resiliency in their classrooms, thus promoting the healthy development and social competence of all students. Although these strategies represent best practice in any classroom, they particularly enhance resiliency. Teacher educators can present and model these positive action strategies as well as infusion techniques across academic content areas.
Dietary caffeine intake and the risk for detrusor instability: a case-control study.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether there is an association in women between caffeine intake and risk for detrusor instability. Methods: Women were included if they had symptoms of urinary incontinence, completed a 48-hour voiding diary detailing fluid and caffeine intake, and had undergone standardized multichannel urodynamics. The study group had 131 women with detrusor instability on provocative cystometry and maximum urethral closure pressure greater than 20 cm of water. The control group had 128 women without detrusor instability on provocative cystometry and maximum urethral closure pressure greater than 20 cm of water. For statistical comparison, women were divided into the following three groups on the basis of caffeine intake: minimal ( 400 mg/day). Results: The mean caffeine intake of women with detrusor instability (484 ± 123 mg/day) was significantly higher than that of controls (194 ± 84 mg/day, P = .002). On univariate analysis, significant risk factors for detrusor instability were age, smoking status, and caffeine intake. On multivariate analysis, the statistically significant association between high caffeine intake and detrusor instability persisted after controlling for age and smoking (odds ratio [OR] 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1, 6.5, P = .018). When women with moderate caffeine intake were compared with those with minimal caffeine intake, the risk for detrusor instability was lower and did not reach significant levels (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.1, 7.2, P = .093). Conclusion: An association between high caffeine intake and detrusor instability was seen in this population. Larger studies are required to determine whether the association is causal.
Fictive temperature and fictive pressure measurement of silica glasses using FTIR method: For thick samples and samples containing Si–H

Abstract A simple IR method using the silica structural band at ~ 2260 cm − 1 was previously developed to determine the fictive temperature of silica and high silica glasses. The method has been used to determine the fictive temperature of silica glasses with an unknown thermal history as well as for the study of their relaxation kinetics. In the present study, a similar technique using the silica structural band at ~ 2660 cm − 1 was explored. It was found that the use of the 2660 cm − 1 band is advantageous over the use of the 2260 cm − 1 band in some applications. One advantage is for silica glasses containing Si–H bonding, as Si–H gives absorbance close to the silica structural band at ~ 2260 cm − 1 , but not at ~ 2660 cm − 1 . The other advantage is that thicker samples can be used since the absorbance per unit thickness is less at ~ 2660 cm − 1 . The use of a thicker sample can be advantageous because the influence of surface structural relaxation effects is reduced. It was also shown that the method of fictive temperature measurement can be extended to determine the fictive pressure of silica glasses treated under various high pressures at a constant temperature.
Uncommon areas of electrical stimulation for pain relief

Uncommon stimulation refers to the use of peripheral nerve and spinal cord stimulation for nontraditional applications. There has been much interest recently with subcutaneous suboccipital stimulation for occipital neuralgia, sacral stimulation for pelvic pain, trigeminal stimulation for trigeminal neuralgia, and spinal cord stimulation for angina and peripheral ischemia. The indications and techniques used for accomplishing each method are discussed.
Microstructure of sol-gel processed TiO2/SiO2 glasses

Abstract Ultra-low expansion TiO 2 /SiO 2 glasses were prepared by the sol-gel method. Their microstructures were examined using optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (TEM/EDS). A variety of macro-, micro- and nano-defects were observed and are described, and these are related to the sol/gel processing parameters. However, the intrinsic microstructure of the glasses was found to be homogeneous, amorphous and, in general, comparable to glasses prepared by high temperature flame hydrolysis techniques. This observation is significant because these gels were diphasic mixtures of TiO 2 and SiO 2 colloidal species initially and, further, because their sintering was completed below the liquidus temperature.
Two distinct 4-hydroxynonenal metabolizing glutathione S-transferase isozymes are differentially expressed in human tissues.

The two previously reported human glutathione S-transferase isozymes, hGST5.8 and hGSTA4-4, have been suggested to be similar because of their comparable activities toward 4-hydroxynonenal-GSH conjugation. Here, we demonstrate that hGST5.8 and hGSTA4-4 are distinct. Antibodies raised against hGSTA4-4 did not recognize hGST5.8, and antibodies raised against mouse GSTA4-4 that cross-react with hGST5.8 did not recognize hGSTA4-4. The pI value of hGSTA4-4 was found to be 8.4, as opposed to the pI value of 5.8 for hGST5.8. The two isozymes are differentially expressed in human tissues and there are significant differences in their kinetic properties. While both isozymes showed a strong expression in liver and testis, hGSTA4-4 was not detected in brain where hGST5.8 was present. In the pancreas, a strong expression of hGST5.8 was observed while hGSTA4-4 was barely detectable in this tissue.
Do males of Drosophila littoralis have free recombination

Base genetique de la presence de crossing over chez les mâles de D. littoralis etudiees par croisement de D. littoralis avec des especes voisines
Bayesian and frequentist estimation and prediction for exponential distributions

Abstract Bayes estimates and predictors are derived for exponential distribution with density θ e - θ x , x > 0 , under several known loss functions, where θ > 0 is an unknown parameter. The commonly used frequentist approaches such as the maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) and the “plug-in” procedure, which is to substitute a point estimate of the unknown parameter into the predictive distribution, are reviewed. We have examined Bayes estimates under various losses such as the absolute error, the squared error, the LINEX loss and the entropy loss functions. We show that Bayes estimate under the LINEX loss is more general, which includes the MLE and other Bayes estimates as special cases up to the second-order accuracy. The second-order asymptotic theory under these loss functions is developed and the risks are compared. It is shown that Bayes estimates of θ are superior to the MLE under the noninformative prior and when an appropriate a * in the LINEX loss is chosen. When the objective is prediction rather then estimation, it is less clear-cut which of the different procedures is best.
Abstract 1849: Chemopreventive efficacy of naproxen, sulindac, and their nitric oxide-derivatives in the hydroxylbutyl(butyl)nitrosamine induced model of urinary bladder cancer

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL A variety of studies were performed with naproxen (a standard NSAID with a good cardiovascular profile), sulindac, and their nitric oxide (NO)-derivatives. In Fisher 344 rats, OH-BBN (2x/week for 8 weeks by gavage) induced invasive urinary bladder cancers. When treatment was initiated one week following the final dose of OH-BBN, both naproxen (400 ppm) and sulindac (400 ppm) were highly effective preventive agents at these human equivalent doses. The NO-derivatives of each compound (NO-naproxen, 550 ppm and NO-sulindac, 520 ppm) were similarly effective. When the dose of naproxen was decreased from 400 ppm to 75 ppm a strong preventive effect was still observed. This activity was observed even when treatment with naproxen was started 12 weeks after the last OH-BBN treatment; microcarcinomas already existed at this time. In an attempt to make a more direct comparison between the human and rat data, animals were treated with 40 mg/kg BW/day of naproxen by gavage. Similar to the dietary dose of 400 ppm, the agent was highly effective; however, gavaging the rats permitted more direct comparison of the pharmacokinetics observed in the rat with known results in humans. In contrast to the naproxen data, reducing the dose of sulindac from 400 to 150 ppm, a dose comparable to the human dose employed by Meyskens, et al. (Cancer Prevention Res. 1:32-38, 2008), resulted in only limited activity. Finally, the effects of naproxen and NO-naproxen on modulation of gene expression in the livers of treated rats were determined. Limited, but similar, gene expression changes induced by both agents were observed. Interestingly, neither agent induced the antioxidant response element genes [e.g., GST Pi, quinone oxidoreductase, aldo keto reductase A37 (aflatoxicol)] that one might have expected to be highly induced by free NO. Supported by the NCI contract number HHSN261200433001C. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1849. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1849
Competition for space: Effects of disturbance and indeterminate competitive success

Abstract Organisms occupying and competing for space appear to coexist indefinitely on a relatively homogeneous and limited resource. Armstrong (1976) developed a mathematical model showing how fugitive species, with high recruitment rates and low interference competitive ability, can coexist with dominant species, those with high competitive ability but lower rates of recruitment. This and similar models of coexistence have not considered the case where competitive success is indeterminate, that is, where the poorer competitor can sometimes win competitive encounters. Armstrong's model and others considering coexistence of more than two species (e.g., Hastings, 1980 ) predict coexistence of multiple species at intermediate rates of disturbance and monopolization of space by single species at either very low or very high disturbance rates. This result is not true for a three-species modification of Armstrong's model. Under certain parameter values, a single species can monopolize space at intermediate disturbance rates as well.
Visually impaired orientation techniques in unfamiliar indoor environments: a user study

Individuals who are visually impaired encounter a number of challenges when attempting to orientate their own position or the position of others in relation to them within an unfamiliar indoor environment. To design an orientation assistive technology, it is crucial to understand the factors that reduce the user's sense of orientation. In this work, we discuss the disorientation factors that resulted from three user studies, which were conducted to formulate the basic requirements for an orientation assistive technology to assist visually impaired individuals in unfamiliar indoor areas. Using the feedback we elicited from one survey and two interview studies, we shed light on the factors that reduce the user's sense of orientation in unfamiliar buildings such as noise and traffic levels.
The antiaggressive effect of lithium is abolished by area postrema lesion

Lithium (Li) suppresses intraspecific aggression in rats and other mammals. However, antiaggressive doses of Li have been shown to produce signs of illness and to serve as an unconditioned stimulus for conditioned taste aversions (CTA). Therefore, it is possible that the antiaggressive effects of Li result from Li-induced malaise. Malaise and CTA's produced by some drugs and toxins are mediated by chemoreceptors in the area postrema. In this paper we report [1] that thermal lesion of the area postrema abolishes Li's ability to condition taste aversions and [2] that area postrema lesion abolishes the antiaggressive effect of Li as measured by attack latency in a shock-induced aggression test. Taken together, these findings suggest that some or all of Li's antiaggressive action in rats may result from malaise attributable to Li's action on the area postrema.
Inhibition of microbial activity in marine sediments by a bromophenol from a hemichordate

Allelochemicals, a class of organic compounds, affect succession, competition, predation and other interactions between organisms1–3. Bromophenols, a member of this class, are found in marine algae and invertebrates, particularly annelids, phoronids and hemi-chordates4,5. Bromophenols are toxins with bacteriocidal properties6–9. Here I report inhibition of microbial activity in marine sediments by the common bromophenol, 2,4-dibromophenol (DBP), from the hemichordate Saccoglossus kowalewskii and demonstrate that anaerobic microbial metabolism in sediments is relatively unaffected by DBP whereas aerobic metabolism is particularly sensitive. These data, together with observations of the distributions of DBP and burrow-wall chemistry, suggest that secretion of DBP inhibits the aerobic microbial degradation of the burrow-wall mucous lining or alters local biogeochemistry. Thus, bromophenols may be targeted against higher organisms with which S. kowalewskii competes as well as against microorganisms.
Faster exponential time algorithms for the shortest vector problem

We present new faster algorithms for the exact solution of the shortest vector problem in arbitrary lattices. Our main result shows that the shortest vector in any n-dimensional lattice can be found in time 23.199n (and space 21.325n), or in space 21.095n (and still time 2O(n)). This improves the best previously known algorithm by Ajtai, Kumar and Sivakumar [Proceedings of STOC 2001] which was shown by Nguyen and Vidick [J. Math. Crypto. 2(2):181--207] to run in time 25.9n and space 22.95n. We also present a practical variant of our algorithm which provably uses an amount of space proportional to τn, the "kissing" constant in dimension n. No upper bound on the running time of our second algorithm is currently known, but experimentally the algorithm seems to perform fairly well in practice, with running time 20.52n, and space complexity 20.2n.
Rate of Convergence of Basic Multivariate Neural Network Operators to the Unit

This chapter deals with the determination of the rate of convergence to the unit of some multivariate neural network operators, namely the normalized “bell” and “squashing” type operators.
Synthesis of α-hydroxy-β-lactams†

A convenient synthesis of α-hydroxy-β-lactams has been devised that involves the annelation of an inline with benzyloxyacetyl chloride and triethylamine and subsequent hydrogenolysis in the presence of palladium on carbon. In most cases a cis-β-lactam was obtained. A thioimidate can also be used as the imino component in the annelation reaction but the hydrogenolysis step fails. The annelation of the appropriate thiazoline to a 6-epi-penicillin derivative occurred much more readily with benzyloxyacetyl chloride than with azidoacetyl chloride.
Towards smart prosthetic hand: Adaptive probability based skeletan muscle fatigue model

Skeletal muscle force can be estimated using surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals. Usually, the surface location for the sensors is near the respective muscle motor unit points. Skeletal muscles generate a spatial EMG signal, which causes cross talk between different sEMG signal sensors. In this study, an array of three sEMG sensors is used to capture the information of muscle dynamics in terms of sEMG signals. The recorded sEMG signals are filtered utilizing optimized nonlinear Half-Gaussian Bayesian filters parameters, and the muscle force signal using a Chebyshev type-II filter. The filter optimization is accomplished using Genetic Algorithms. Three discrete time state-space muscle fatigue models are obtained using system identification and modal transformation for three sets of sensors for single motor unit. The outputs of these three muscle fatigue models are fused with a probabilistic Kullback Information Criterion (KIC) for model selection. The final fused output is estimated with an adaptive probability of KIC, which provides improved force estimates
On constant maskin monotonic social choice functions

Abstract A social choice function satisfying a “dual dominance” condition is Maskin monotonic if and only if it is constant. Hence, any non-constant social choice function satisfying dual dominance is not Nash implementable. Among the important examples are all social choice functions on unrestricted domains. On the other hand, non-constant social choice functions such as a Walrasian performance function in economic environments need not satisfy dual dominance.
A statistical model of cluster stability

In the current paper we present a method for assessing cluster stability. This method, combined with a clustering algorithm, yields an estimate of the data partition, namely, the number of clusters. We adopt the cluster stability standpoint where clusters are imagined as islands of ''high'' density in a sea of ''low'' density. Explicitly, a cluster is associated with its high density core. Our approach offers to evaluate the goodness of a cluster by the similarity amongst the entire cluster and its core. We propose to measure this resemblance by two-sample tests or by probability distances between appropriate probability distributions. The distances are calculated on clustered samples drawn from the source population according to two different distributions. The first law is the underlying set distribution. The second law is constructed so that it represents the clusters' cores. Here, a variant of the k-nearest neighbor density estimation is applied, so that items belonging to cores have a much higher chance to be selected. As the sample distribution is unknown a distribution-free two-sample test is required to examine the mentioned correspondence. For constructing such a test, we use distance functions built on negative definite kernels. In practice, outliers in the samples and limitations of the clustering algorithm heavily contribute to the noise level. As a result of this shortcoming the distance values have to be determined for many pairs of samples and therefore an empirical distance's distribution is obtained. The distribution is dependent on the examined number of clusters. To prevent this property for biasing the results we normalize the distances. It is conjectured that the true number of clusters yields the most concentrated normalized distribution. To measure the concentration we use the sample mean and the sample 25th percentile. The paper exhibits the good performance of the proposed method on synthetic and real-world data.
Acid Leaching of SHS Produced Magnesium Oxide/Titanium Diboride

The stoichiometric self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) thermite reaction involving magnesium (Mg), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), and boron oxide (B 2 O 3 ) forms MgO and titanium diboride (TiB 2 ) as final products. Selective acid leaching is used to remove the MgO leaving TiB 2 powder. This study investigates the acid leaching of SHS-produced MgO/TiB 2 powders and a stoichiometric mixture of commercially obtained MgO and TiB 2 powders. Leaching was conducted at pH levels of 4.0, 2.5, and 1.0 by the introduction of concentrated aliquots of HNO 3 . This method maintains a minimum pH target throughout the leaching process, thereby sustaining a dynamic concentration to remove the oxide. The optimal leaching conditions were determined to be at 90°C at a minimum pH target of 2.5 for the SHS-produced product. At these conditions, conversion percentages of 83%-84% of MgO were measured with only trace amounts of TiB 2 measured in the solution (<100 μg/L). Conversion percentages for each leaching condition and dissolution mass of solid MgO and TiB 2 at each pH are also reported. Results from powder X-ray diffraction confirm the removal of MgO and minimal dissolution of TiB 2 , and indicate the formation of unidentified compounds. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP) was used to analyze the ionic composition and extent of leaching. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the particle morphology of the leached powders.
Designing funnel‐and‐gate groundwater remediation systems near property corners

Numerical models were used to simulate alternative funnel-and-gate groundwater remediation structures near property corners in hypothetical homogeneous and heterogeneous unconfined aquifers. Each structure comprised a highly permeable central gate (hydraulic conductivity = 25 m/d) and soil-bentonite slurry walls (hydraulic conductivity = 0.00009 m/d). Gates were perpendicular to regional groundwater flow and approximately 5 m from a contaminant plume's leading tip. Funnel segments collinear to the central gate reached property boundaries; additional funnel segments followed property boundaries in the most hydraulically upgradient direction. Structures were 1 m thick and anchored into the base of the aquifer. Two structures were simulated for each aquifer: one with a 3.0-m-long central gate and funnels on either side; and a second with a 1.5-m-long central gate, funnels on either side, and 0.75-m-long end gates. Funnels were lengthened in successive simulations, until a structure contained a contaminant plume. Results suggest that, for the same total gate length, one-gate structures may facilitate more rapid remediation, up to 44 percent less time in trials conducted in this study, than multiple-gate structures constructed near property corners. However, in order to effectively contain a plume, one-gate structures were up to 46 percent larger than multiple-gate structures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Results of simultaneous and sequential pediatric liver and kidney transplantation.

Background The indications for simultaneous and sequential pediatric liver (LTx) and kidney (KTx) transplantation have not been well defined. We herein report the results of our experience with these procedures in children with end-stage liver disease and/or subsequent end-stage renal disease. Patients and methods Between 1984 and 1995, 12 LTx recipients received 15 kidney allografts. Eight simultaneous and seven sequential LTx/KTx were performed. There were six males and six females, with a mean age of 10.9 years (1.5-23.7). One of the eight simultaneous LTx/KTx was part of a multivisceral allograft. Five KTx were performed at varied intervals after successful LTx, one KTx was performed after a previous simultaneous LTx/KTx, and one KTx was performed after previous sequential LTx/KTx. Immunosuppression was with tacrolimus or cyclosporine and steroids. Indications for LTx were oxalosis (four), congenital hepatic fibrosis (two), cystinosis (one), polycystic liver disease (one), A-1-A deficiency (one), Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)-related (one), cryptogenic cirrhosis (one), and hepatoblastoma (one). Indications for KTx were oxalosis (four), drug-induced (four), polycystic kidney disease (three), cystinosis (one), and glomerulonephritis (1). Results With a mean follow-up of 58 months (0.9-130), the overall patient survival rate was 58% (7/12). One-year and 5-year actuarial patient survival rates were 66% and 58%, respectively. Patient survival rates at 1 year after KTx according to United Network of Organ Sharing (liver) status were 100% for status 3, 50% for status 2, and 0% for status 1. The overall renal allograft survival rate was 47%. Actuarial renal allograft survival rates were 53% at 1 and 5 years. The overall hepatic allograft survival rate was equivalent to the overall patient survival rate (58%). Six of seven surviving patients have normal renal allograft function, and one patient has moderate chronic allograft nephropathy. All surviving patients have normal hepatic allograft function. Six (86%) of seven sequentially transplanted kidneys developed acute cellular rejection compared with only two (25%) of eight simultaneously transplanted kidneys (P Conclusions Simultaneously transplanted kidneys were less likely to develop rejection than sequentially transplanted kidneys in this series. This did not have any bearing on patient or graft survival rates. Mortality correlated directly with the severity of United Network of Organ Sharing status at the time of kidney transplantation. Candidates for simultaneous or sequential LTx/KTx should be prioritized based on medical stability to optimize distribution of scarce renal allografts.
Modulating the stereochemical outcome of the Ireland-Claisen reaction of (E)- and (Z)-allylic glycolates

Abstract The diastereoselectivity of Ireland–Claisen rearrangements of allylic glycolates is dependent on the E:Z ratio of the silyl ketene acetals, the alkene geometry in the allyl unit, and the transition state topography. High yields and excellent diastereoselectivities (>95:5) have been achieved for selected substrates, including those with R2 = ethyl that results in a newly formed quaternary center. A discussion of the scope, selectivities, and transition state models will be presented.
Evaporation of Charged Particles from Highly Excited Compound Nuclei

Energy spectra and angular distributions of alpha particles and protons emitted in the bombardment of Ni targets with 160-Mev oxygen ions have been measured. The initial compound nucleus is characterized approximately by $Z=36$, $A=75$, total excitation energy=125 Mev, and rms $\mathrm{angular}\mathrm{momentum}=50\ensuremath{\hbar}$. The energy distributions have the shapes of evaporation spectra although they are displaced by several Mev toward lower energies compared to calculated evaporation spectra. The angular distributions are approximately symmetric about 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and sharply peaked in the forward and backward directions. At all energies there is some excess of particles in the forward direction and at high energies the distributions are predominantly forward peaked. Most of the particles are believed to be evaporated from compound nuclei with angular distributions determined by the high angular momenta of the emitting systems. The angular distributions can be fitted by a theory with a single adjustable parameter which is related to the variation of level density with angular momentum and the incoming and outgoing angular momenta. The total cross section for alpha-particle production is 2.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6 barns and for protons 4.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0 barns. These cross sections are larger than the estimated cross section for compound nucleus formation, indicating that several charged particles are evaporated per interaction. About half the collision cross section is believed to result in compound nucleus formation.
Chapter 11. The Future of Culturally Competent Mental Health Care for Latino Immigrants

Abstract This chapter underscores the importance of cultural competence in the provision of effective mental health services to Latino immigrants. Culturally competent mental health care must be understood within the context of a social-political-economic framework that is changing on a continual basis. Health and mental health care reform for Latino immigrants must be linked to both practice-based research efforts and timely diffusion of best practice innovations. Cultural competence must be integrated as a valued component of the organizational structure of mental health systems of care.
An Analysis of a Journal Bearing Sleeve Motion With a Transient Approach

The purpose of this paper is to study the dynamic behavior of a journal bearing sleeve center by using a transient approach. Unlike other papers presenting the motion of the shaft inside the bearing sleeve, in this paper the rotor is considered rigid having only a small unbalance and the motion of the sleeve center is analyzed. The sleeve is supported by elastic elements. In addition, the axial ends of the bearing are exposed at two different pressures. To the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first study of such a bearing configuration. Moreover, the influence of the stiffness and damping properties of the elastic element on the sleeve dynamic behavior (trajectories, motion frequencies, etc.) is also analyzed. Relative and absolute trajectories of the sleeve center and FFT analysis of the motion are presented.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Actuator saturation and its influence on vibration reduction by actively controlled flaps

The influence of actuator saturation on the vibration reduction abilities of an actively controlled flap is investigated. An aeroelastic model of a four bladed hingeless rotor with a free wake is used for the analyses. Three methods for constraining flap deflections are studied at two limiting values, two and four degrees, of maximum flap deflection. Results indicate that neither scaling nor clipping of the optimal control flap deflection to the maximum flap deflection provides acceptable vibration reduction. A newly developed control method with saturation constraints shows exceptional reduction of vibrations. This new control method reduces vibrations to similar levels as the unconstrained optimal control while constraining maximum flap deflections to the limiting values.
Microchemical analysis in the brain

Abstract Two microchemical methods for monitoring the extracellular chemistry of the brain are described. In vivo voltammetry and in in vivo microdialysis are two complementary methods which provide information which has not been obtainable before on the central nervous system. In vivo voltammetry provides information on easily oxidizable compounds such as the neurotransmitter dopamine on a time scale of seconds, while microdialysis combined with microbore high-performance liquid chromatography provides a profile of the extracellular chemistry of the brain.
Effect of furfural on ethanol production by S. cerevisiae in a cross-linked immobilized cell reactor

Abstract Furfural, a browning reaction product, inhibits yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) growth and metabolism at low concentration levels in batch culture. The performance of an immobilized cell reactor (ICR) in the presence of 0–2.0 g 1- −t of furfural was examined. Cell growth in the ICR, with and without furfural in the media, indicated that either furfural did not impair glucose utilization, or that the negative effects of furfural were negated by increasing cell density in the reactor. Ethanol yields were constant at 0.48 g ethanol per g glucose regardless of the furfural concentration in the media. Although the specific productivity in the ICR decreased with furfural concentration, the productivity based on liquid hold-up remained constant. Furfural was depleted in the ICR during the experimental operation. Thus, furfural levels of 2.0 g I −1 or less can be tolerated by the yeast for ethanol production in the ICR without negatively affecting reactor performance.
Continental Transform Basins: Why Are They Asymmetric?

Continental transforms constitute only a few of the world's plate boundaries and do not produce the largest earthquakes. Yet they are the tectonic underpinning of some of the most attractive and densely populated coastal environments. As a result, they have disproportionally contributed to catastrophic earthquakes. The most recent example is the M = 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January 2010, killing at least 100,000 people, by some reports. Because of concern for their earthquakes, continental transforms–particularly California's San Andreas Fault and Turkey's North Anatolian fault–have been intensely studied. Nonetheless, the link between the largest and most dangerous earthquakes and fault segments along transforms remains elusive. A better understanding of the structural singularities bounding these segments, particularly the subsurface nature of basins along transform faults, may clarify why some of them stop earthquake ruptures while others do not.
Effect of essential fatty acid deficiency on the epidermal sphingolipids of the rat

Abstract The epidermal sphingolipids from rats maintained on either a rat stock diet or a fat-free diet have been analyzed. Thin-layer Chromatographic analyses have revealed glucosylceramides, acylglucosylceramides and four fractions of ceramides, one of which proved to be an acylceramide. The relative amounts of the glucosylceramides, acylglucosylceramides and acylceramides were increased in the essential fatty acid-deficient epidermis while one ceramide fraction was diminished. The other two ceramide fractions remained unchanged. The acylceramides and acylglucosylceramides from normal rat epidermis both contained long-chain ω-hydroxy acids in amide linkage to sphingosine bases and high proportions of linoleic acid in ester linkage. The linoleate, which is known to be crucial for the formation and maintenance of the epidermal water barrier, was replaced by oleate in the essential fatty acid-deficient rats.
Cracking assisted nucleation in chemical vapor deposition of silicon nanoparticles on silicon dioxide

Abstract Deposition of sub-monolayer silicon on SiO 2 /Si(1 0 0) greatly facilitates nucleation in subsequent thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of silicon nanoparticles. Sub-monolayer seeding is accomplished using silicon atoms generated via disilane decomposition over a hot tungsten filament. The hot-wire process is nonselective towards deposition on silicon and SiO 2 , is insensitive to surface temperature below 825 K, and gives controlled coverages well below 1 ML. Thermal CVD of nanoparticles at 1×10 −4 Torr disilane and temperatures ranging from 825 to 925 K was studied over SiO 2 /Si(1 0 0) surfaces that had been subjected to predeposition of Si or were bare. Seeding of the SiO 2 surface with as little as 0.01 ML is shown to double the nanoparticle density at 825 K, and densities are increased twenty fold at 875 K after seeding the surface with 30% of a monolayer.