cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Communication in prairie grouse

Avian vocalizations contain information which can be used by conspecifics to predict subsequent actions of emitters in the process of communication. This study examines information in the calls of greater prairie chickens (Tympanuchus cupido) and sharp-tailed grouse (Pedioecetes phasianellus) by determining when calls are given and their associations with other marker behaviors. Reactions to these calls and their probable functions are determined through playback experiments. Prairie chicken booms contain information about sex, territorial status, mating condition, location, and individual identity of the signaler. They function in long-range advertisement and courtship and thus are similar to songs of passerines. Whoops and stamps are primarily epigamic, cackles are agonistic, and whines denote ambivalent intentions. Sharptail dancing, cork notes and chilks are principally epigamic; whines, cackles and gobbles are agonistic and coos are medium range advertisers. Prairie chicken males responded to playbacks of booms, whoops, whines, and composite calls (a series of sounds made by males when a female visited a display ground). Sharptails significantly reacted to playbacks of coos, chilks, cackles, cork notes, gobbles, and dancing. In general, prairie grouse vocalizations contain similar types of information as the songs of passerines but the information in each call is more discrete.
A pathogenic role for SHP-1 activity in macrophages (HUM1P.321)

Microbial infections elicit inflammatory responses that eradicate infection and remove damaged cells. Regulation of these events is critical as excessive inflammation may cause substantial bystander tissue destruction in the process of pathogen clearance while a deficient response may be insufficient to clear infections and damaged cells. Defective clearance of dying cells can trigger devastating chronic inflammatory diseases, and we report an unanticipated role for SHP-1 in facilitating this process. SHP-1 restricts innate immunity to pathogens, and therefore mice lacking SHP-1 suffer macrophage-mediated destruction of myelin in the CNS following infection with Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV). To the contrary, we have discovered that although resistant to CNS disease, TMEV-infected wild type animals develop a severe debilitating skeletal muscle disease not seen in SHP-1-/- mice. We show that SHP-1-mediated restriction of macrophage responses in WT mice corresponds with insufficient clearance of damaged tissue and increased muscle dysfunction. As SHP-1 controls macrophage phagocytic activity, our data suggests that increased macrophage activity in SHP-1-/- mice restricts muscle disease through rapid clearance of infected and damaged myofibers. These findings demonstrate a unique role of SHP-1 in exacerbating rather than resolving disease pathology by inhibiting clearance of cellular debris. These data suggest novel therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases.
A Reply to Professors Gould and Yamey

In replying to Professor Gould and Professor Yamey, I must necessarily assume that the reader is generally familiar with the main outlines of my previous article.1 It may be useful, nevertheless, to restate the core of my argument very briefly. In the previous article, I urged the legality of certain types of price fixing and market division, both horizontal and vertical. Professors Gould and Yamey are concerned here only with one aspect of that article's thesis: my assertion that vertical price fixing or resale price maintenance, when it is not used as the tool of a cartel among resellers or among manufacturers, can only result from the manufacturer's desire to increase efficiency, and, further, that courts should accept that motivation as conclusive of the effect of such resale price maintenance. (Hereafter, unless otherwise indicated, references to resale price maintenance, or r.p.m., should be taken to indicate only this variety of manufacturer-desired r.p.m.) In its briefest terms, my argument runs as follows: No manufacturer will desire r.p.m. for the mere purpose of-giving his resellers a greaterthan-competitive return. The extra return would be money out of his pocket and we may safely assume that manufacturers are rarely moved to engage in that variety of philanthropy. The manufacturer who imposes r.p.m., therefore, must be attempting to purchase something for it. What he gets is usually increased activity by the reseller in providing information, promotional services, and the like. These are means of increasing distributive efficiency and should be permitted on grounds of efficient resource allocation. The case is no different than if the manufacturer owned the resellers and required his reseller employees to perform the same functions. R.p.m. is simply a partial integration and is often more efficient than full integration by ownership or contract.2 Since we have isolated a practice which is engaged in for the pur-
Chemical modification of the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Abstract 1. Exposure of mitochondria and submitochondrial particles from bovine heart to [35S]diazobenzenesulfonate yielded information on the asymmetrical distribution of membrane components. Radioactive coupling factor 1 (ATPase) was isolated from submitochondrial particles and radioactive cytochrome c from mitochondria. The specific radioactivities were comparable to those observed when the soluble proteins were exposed to [35S]diazobenzenesulfonate. The low radioactivity of coupling factor 1 isolated from mitochondria and of cytochrome c isolated from submitochondrial particles is evidence for the lack of permeation of the radioactive marker from one side of the membrane to the other. 2. Cytochrome oxidase was labeled from both sides of the membrane, but the specific radioactivity was about 6-fold lower than that of a solubilized cytochrome oxidase treated with [35S]diazobenzenesulfonate. This finding indicates a transmembranous location of cytochrome oxidase. 3. Spectral and enzymatic analyses of mitochondria and submitochondrial particles after cross-linking with polylysine show that cytochrome a is located on the same side as cytochrome c and suggest that cytochrome a3 is located on the same side as coupling factor 1. 4. Exposure of membrane-bound coupling factor 1 to [35S]-diazobenzenesulfonate resulted in an asymmetrical labeling of its subunits which was distinctly different from the labeling pattern after exposure of the soluble coupling factor.
Inflammasomes: mechanism of action, role in disease, and therapeutics

The inflammasomes are innate immune system receptors and sensors that regulate the activation of caspase-1 and induce inflammation in response to infectious microbes and molecules derived from host proteins. They have been implicated in a host of inflammatory disorders. Recent developments have greatly enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which different inflammasomes are activated. Additionally, increasing evidence in mouse models, supported by human data, strongly implicates an involvement of the inflammasome in the initiation or progression of diseases with a high impact on public health, such as metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, recent developments pointing toward promising therapeutics that target inflammasome activity in inflammatory diseases have been reported. This review will focus on these three areas of inflammasome research.
Information flow on directed acyclic graphs

The paper considers a multi-argument independence relation between messages sent over the edges of a directed acyclic graph. This relation is a generalization of a relation known in information flow as nondeducibility. A logical system that describes the properties of this relation for an arbitrary fixed directed acyclic graph is introduced and proven to be complete and decidable
Prevalence and Predictors of Suicidal Ideation in Epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis (P7.040)

Objective To estimate the prevalence and identify predictors of suicidal ideation in patients with epilepsy and multiple sclerosis (MS). Background Patients with epilepsy and MS have an elevated suicide risk compared to the general population. Knowledge about risk factors for suicidal ideation would help clinicians to identify high-risk patients. Methods Data consists of 20,734 patient visits at the Cleveland Clinic. Endorsement of item 9 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was considered for suicidal ideation. Generalized estimating equations which account for correlated repeat patient visits were used to examine the association among suicide ideation and the following predictor variables: age, gender, household income, major depression, disease severity, and quality of life. Results The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 14% (387/2763) in epilepsy patients and 15% (562/3823) in MS. Epilepsy patients with major depression were more likely to have suicidal ideation (OR 7.04, p<0.0001) than those without major depression and as quality of life improved were less likely to have suicidal ideation (OR 0.84, p<0.0001). Males with epilepsy have an increased risk of suicidal ideation with increasing disease severity (OR 2.19 for severe disease). Males with MS were more likely to have suicidal ideation (OR 1.52, p<0.001) than females and were less likely to have suicidal ideation (OR 0.83) as quality of life improved. The effect of major depression on suicidal ideation was modified by marital status and MS severity. The effect of depression was largest in widowed patients, followed by divorced, married, and single. This relationship was attenuated by worsening MS severity. Conclusions There was a high prevalence of suicidal ideation in both epilepsy and MS patients. Patients with poor quality of life and comorbid major depression may be at high risk of suicidal ideation. Disease severity is an important risk factor for suicidal ideation in epilepsy and MS. Study Supported by: Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute Research Project Pilot Funding Disclosure: Dr. Dickstein has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nowacki has nothing to disclose. Dr. Viguera has nothing to disclose.
U.S. air quality generally improves

Air quality in the United States continues to gradually improve, according to a recent report entitled, “Latest Findings on National Air Quality: 2000 Status and Trends.” The report was released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Use of infrared thermography to detect thermal segregation in asphalt overlay and reflective cracking potential.

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to assess whether temperature differentials measured using infrared thermography (IRT) occur in an overlay built on top of discontinuities such as joints and cracks and to study the horizontal and vertical thermal profiles in the asphalt overlay using a validated finite element (FE) modeling approach. To achieve this objective, an infrared camera was used to monitor the temperature profiles in the asphalt mat in a number of field projects from the time it was placed to after completion of the compaction process. The temperature profiles were monitored on top and away from severe discontinuities and joints in the existing pavement. Based on IRT measurements, cracks in the existing pavement did not influence the thermal profiles in a hot-mix asphalt overlay. However, thermal measurements on top of a joint were consistently lower than away from it as observed in thermal images, which may indicate that temperature loss may occur at the joints. Based on FE simulations,...
Cardioselective beta‐blockers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background Beta-blocker therapy has a proven mortality benefit in patients with hypertension, heart failure and coronary artery disease, as well as during the perioperative period. These drugs have traditionally been considered contraindicated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objectives To assess the effect of cardioselective beta-blockers on respiratory function of patients with COPD. Search methods A comprehensive search of the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register (derived from systematic searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL) was carried out to identify randomised blinded controlled trials from 1966 to August 2010. We did not exclude trials on the basis of language. Selection criteria Randomised, blinded, controlled trials of single dose or longer duration that studied the effects of cardioselective beta-blockers on the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) or symptoms in patients with COPD. Data collection and analysis Two independent reviewers extracted data from the selected articles, reconciling differences by consensus. Two interventions studied were the administration of beta-blocker, given either as a single dose or for longer duration, and the use of beta2-agonist given after the study drug. Main results Eleven studies of single-dose treatment and 11 of treatment for longer durations, ranging from 2 days to 16 weeks, met selection criteria. Cardioselective beta-blockers, given as a single dose or for longer duration, produced no change in FEV1 or respiratory symptoms compared to placebo, and did not affect the FEV1 treatment response to beta2-agonists. Subgroup analyses revealed no significant change in results for those participants with severe chronic airways obstruction, those with a reversible obstructive component, or those with concomitant cardiovascular disease. Authors' conclusions Cardioselective beta-blockers, given to patients with COPD in the identified studies did not produce adverse respiratory effects. Given their demonstrated benefit in conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease and hypertension, cardioselective beta-blockers should not be routinely withheld from patients with COPD.
Algebraic geometry and group theory in geometric constraint satisfaction for computer-aided design and assembly planning

Mechanical design and assembly planning inherently involve geometric constraint satisfaction or scene feasibility (GCS/SF) problems. Such problems imply the satisfaction of proposed relations placed between undefined geometric entities in a given scenario. If the degrees of freedom remaining in the scene are compatible with the proposed relations or constraints, a set of entities is produced that populate the scenario satisfying the relations. Otherwise, a diagnostic of inconsistency of the problem is emitted. This problem appears in various forms in assembly planning (assembly model generation), process planning, constraint driven design, computer vision, etc. Previous attempts at solution using separate numerical, symbolic or procedural approaches suffer serious shortcomings in characterizing the solution space, in dealing simultaneously with geometric (dimensional) and topological (relational) inconsistencies, and in completely covering the possible physical variations of the problem. This investigatio...
A new perspective on infrastructure financing in Asia

Abstract This paper describes some of the major problems associated with current approaches to infrastructure financing in the Asia–Pacific region. It argues that efficient infrastructure financing should be guided by the capital market's invisible hand. And a key part of such financing must come from financial innovation.
Facilitating Discourse and Enhancing Teaching Presence: Using Mini Audio Presentations in Online Forums

Abstract The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if instructors' use of mini audio presentations (MAPs) in online discussions serves as an effective facilitation method, particularly when the content contains specific facilitation markers including reinforcement, recognition, and reward (three Rs). Instructors posted MAPs as audio file attachments in the discussion forum at different points of time in an online course. A two-part survey was used to examine students' perceptions of MAPs as a way to increase teaching presence, immediacy (e.g. social presence of the instructor), and students' participation and satisfaction in the course. Preliminary results of the study indicate the use of MAPs enhances students' understanding of the course content and satisfaction in the course.
Lidar studies of interannual, seasonal, and diurnal variations of polar mesospheric clouds at the South Pole

[1] Polar mesospheric clouds (PMC) were observed by an Fe Boltzmann temperature lidar at the South Pole in the 1999–2000 and 2000–2001 austral summer seasons. We report the study of interannual, seasonal, and diurnal variations of PMC using more than 430 h of PMC data. The most significant differences between the two seasons are that in the 2000–2001 season, the PMC mean total backscatter coefficient is 82% larger and the mean centroid altitude is 0.83 km lower than PMC in the 1999–2000 season. Clear seasonal trends in PMC altitudes were observed at the South Pole where maximum altitudes occurred around 10–20 days after summer solstice. Seasonal variations of PMC backscatter coefficient and occurrence probability show maxima around 25–40 days after summer solstice. Strong diurnal and semidiurnal variations in PMC backscatter coefficient and centroid altitude were observed at the South Pole with both in-phase and out-of-phase correlations during different years. A significant hemispheric difference in PMC altitudes was found, that the mean PMC altitude of 85.03 km at the South Pole is about 2–3 km higher than PMC in the northern hemisphere. Through comparisons with the NCAR Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIME-GCM), the hemispheric difference in PMC altitude is attributed to the hemispheric differences in the altitudes of supersaturation region and in the upwelling vertical wind, which are mainly caused by different solar forcing in two hemispheres that the solar flux in January is 6% greater than the solar flux in July due to the Earth's orbital eccentricity. Gravity wave forcing also contributes to these differences.
Effects of Treefall Gap Disturbances on Ant Assemblages in a Tropical Montane Cloud Forest

The study of gap dynamics and the effects of gaps on diversity has been at the center of tropical ecology for decades. While most studies have focused on the responses of plant species and communities to gap formation, in this study, we consider the effects of treefall gap disturbances on leaf litter ant assemblages in a Neotropical montane cloud forest. We sampled leaf litter ant assemblages and estimated a suite of abiotic parameters in 12 large (>80-m 2 ) treefall gaps across a chronosequence and in 12 paired adjacent intact forest sites in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve in Costa Rica. No species were more common in gaps than in intact forests, and in fact, species that were common in gaps were also among the most common in forests. The Chao2 estimate of species richness, however, was higher in gap sites than in intact forest sites. In addition, ant assemblages in gap sites did not become more similar to those in adjacent intact sites as gaps aged. In contrast to other studies, our work demonstrates that ant assemblages in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve are weakly affected by the formation of treefall gaps. Together, these results indicate that treefall gap dynamics probably play little role in promoting ant diversity at more regional scales, or coexistence among species at more local scales.
An Adolescent with Tingling and Numbness of Hand: Gitelman Syndrome

Context: Gitelman syndrome is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder. It is usually diagnosed incidentally during adolescence or early adulthood based on clinical and biochemical findings. Case Report: We present a case of 16 years old adolescent female presenting with recurrent chest pain, tingling, and numbness of bilateral hands. Diagnosis was established by the typical biochemical abnormalities with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalciuria, metabolic alkalosis, and hyperreninemic hyperaldosteronism. Genetic diagnosis was confirmed by sequence analysis of the SLC12A3 gene showing the compound heterozygous mutation encoding the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride co-transporter. The patient was treated with oral potassium, magnesium, and amiloride with complete improvement of symptoms and biochemical profile. Conclusion: Gitelman syndrome should be considered as a differential diagnosis in work up of hypokalemia, especially in adolescent age group. The presence of hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesaemia, hypocalciuria, and mutation analysis provides the final diagnosis.
Crystal structure of Escherichia coli uracil DNA glycosylase and its complexes with uracil and glycerol: structure and glycosylase mechanism revisited.

The DNA repair enzyme uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) catalyzes the hydrolysis of premu- tagenic uracil residues from single-stranded or du- plex DNA, producing free uracil and abasic DNA. Here we report the high-resolution crystal struc- tures of free UDG from Escherichia coli strain B (1.60 A ˚ ), its complex with uracil (1.50 A ˚ ), and a second active-site complex with glycerol (1.43 A ˚ ). These represent the first high-resolution structures of a prokaryotic UDG to be reported. The overall structure of the E. coli enzyme is more similar to the human UDG than the herpes virus enzyme. Signifi- cant differences between the bacterial and viral structures are seen in the side-chain positions of the putative general-acid (His187) and base (Asp64), similar to differences previously observed between the viral and human enzymes. In general, the active- site loop that contains His187 appears preorganized in comparison with the viral and human enzymes, requiring smaller substrate-induced conformational changes to bring active-site groups into catalytic position. These structural differences may be re- lated to the large differences in the mechanism of uracil recognition used by the E. coli and viral enzymes. The pH dependence of kcat for wild-type UDG and the D64N and H187Q mutant enzymes is consistent with general-base catalysis by Asp64, but provides no evidence for a general-acid catalyst. The catalytic mechanism of UDG is critically dis- cussed with respect to these results. Proteins
Relation of Melatonin to Sleep Architecture in Children with Autism

Children with autism often suffer from sleep disturbances, and compared to age-matched controls, have decreased melatonin levels, as indicated by urine levels of the primary melatonin metabolite, 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-SM). We therefore investigated the relationship between 6-SM levels and sleep architecture in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Twenty-three children, aged 4–10 years, completed two nights of polysomnography and one overnight urine collection for measurement of urinary 6-SM excretion rate. Parents completed the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire. We found that higher urinary 6-SM excretion rates were associated with increased N3 sleep, decreased N2 sleep, and decreased daytime sleepiness. The results warrant further examination to examine the effects of supplemental melatonin on sleep architecture and daytime sleepiness.
An expert system to elicit risks preferences: The futility of utility revisited

Abstract An expert system, ASSESS, is presented which is designed to elicit risk preferences. ASSESS measures risk preferences inexactly with an interval measure that is easily used with Generalized Stochastic Dominance to rank alternative management strategies for risk efficiency. The literature on risk attitude assessments is reviewed and the expert system is described. The design of ASSESS is discussed in the context of the current literature on elicitation procedures. ASSESS is one component of the overall COTFLEX system being developed to help cotton producers with key management decisions in the United States.
Effects of calmodulin inhibitors on rabbit synoviocyte phospholipase A2.

Abstract The effect of calmodulin inhibitors on synoviocyte phospholipase A 2 activity was evaluated. Cells were incubated with [ 3 H]arachidonic acid for 24 hours to label phospholipids. [ 3 H]prostaglandin E 2 synthesis was stimulated by Salmonella minnesota lipopolysaccharide (100 μg/ml). Trifluoperazine, 35 μM, reduced lipopolysaccharide-stimulated [ 3 H]prostaglandin E 2 synthesis by 50%. In sonicated suspensions of cells, calcium-dependent phospholipase A 2 activity was inhibited by trifluoperazine 3–100 pM and by compound 48 80 (3 μg/ml). These agents inhibit calmodulin-dependent enzyme activity. The addition of calmodulin, 1 or 2.5 μM, to compound 48 80 - treated suspensions reversed this inhibition in a dose-dependent manner. Agents which inhibit calmodulin-dependent enzymes can reversibly inhibit synoviocyte phospholipase A 2 and thus prostaglandin E 2 production.
HURRICANE SWELL AS A GENERATOR OF MICROSEISMS

Abstract Seismographs were operated in the Bahama Islands and on the east coast of the United States during the hurricane season of 1950. Data from these instruments do not support the hypothesis that microseisms originate in the ocean floor immediately beneath the low-pressure region. On the other hand, there is no apparent difficulty in interpreting the observed characteristics of microseisms associated with hurricanes if it is assumed that microseisms are created near the shore by swell. The manner in which standing waves exert periodic forces on the ocean bottom, as described by Miche or Longuet-Higgins and Ursell, seems to provide a satisfactory explanation for the origin of microseisms.
A method for calculating megavoltage x‐ray dose and dose parameters

Limitations of the most commonly used dose calculation methodologies as apply to medium and high‐energy x rays are discussed. A method is presented whereby the dose to a point in medium is divided into several components with expressions given for various components. The depth of transient‐charged particle equilibrium is chosen as the reference point. Equations are derived for calculating and relating the dose parameters including the percent depth dose, the tissue‐reference ratio, and the scatter‐reference ratio. Particular emphasis is placed on the accuracy and adequacy of the technique in the region of buildup. The applicability of the present method to megavoltage photons is established for a number of x‐ray beams in the range 4–45 MeV maximum energy.
Statistical quality control of information

This paper was written to promote interest by management and statistical quality control personnel in the current need for statistical quality control of information of all types. By way of illustration, a step by step procedure for implementing such control on computer files is presented. Emphasis has been placed on the sequencing of the system rather than the underlying techniques.
DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION OF METAZOAN BODYPLANS : THE FOSSIL EVIDENCE

Evidence from the fossil record, developmental biology and metazoan phylogeny demonstrates that the rapid origination of major metazoan bodyplans during the late Neoproterozoic and earliest Cambrian was intimately associated with a series of innovations in developmental control mechanisms that included the Hox gene cluster. The interval between about 565 Ma (million years ago) and 530 Ma evidently includes the protostome-deuterostome branching, diversification of independent higher metazoan clades, diversification of important developmental control systems, and formation of higher metazoan bodyplans. Comparative paleontological and developmental studies will allow further tests of alternative models for the sequence of these events, illuminating the association between developmental and bodyplan evolution.
Effects of iron depletion on CALM-AF10 leukemias

Iron, an essential nutrient for cellular growth and proliferation, enters cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. The clathrin assembly lymphoid myeloid (CALM) protein plays an essential role in the cellular import of iron by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. CALM-AF10 leukemias harbor a single copy of the normal CALM gene and therefore may be more sensitive to the growth-inhibitory effect of iron restriction compared with normal hematopoietic cells. We found that CALM heterozygous (CALMHET) murine fibroblasts exhibit signs of iron deficiency, with increased surface transferrin receptor levels and reduced growth rates. CALMHET hematopoietic cells are more sensitive in vitro to iron chelators than their wild type counterparts. Iron chelation also displayed toxicity toward cultured CALMHET CALM-AF10 leukemia cells, and this effect was additive to that of chemotherapy. In mice transplanted with CALMHET CALM-AF10 leukemia, we found that dietary iron restriction reduced tumor burden in the spleen. However, dietary iron restriction, used alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy, did not increase survival of mice with CALMHET CALM-AF10 leukemia. In summary, although CALM heterozygosity results in iron deficiency and increased sensitivity to iron chelation in vitro, our data in mice do not suggest that iron depletion strategies would be beneficial for the therapy of CALM-AF10 leukemia patients.
Comparison of the Flame Characteristics of Turbulent Circular and Elliptic Jets in a Crossflow

This study was directed to understand the coupling effects of the noncircular geometry of the burner and a crossflow on the combustion of gas jets. This paper compares the characteristics of turbulent propane jet flames from circular (diameter=0.45 cm) and elliptic (major axis/minor axis=3) burners of equivalent exit area in a crossflow. The elliptic burner was oriented with its major axis or minor axis aligned with the crossflow. Experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel provided with optical and probe access and capable of wind speeds up to 12.5 m/s. The burners were fabricated with metal tubes. Instrumentation included a Pt-Pt/13% Rh thermocouple, a quartz-probe gas sampling system, chemiluminescent and nondispersive infrared analyzers, a video-recorder, and a computer data acquisition system. The measurements consisted of the upper and lower limits of jet velocity for a stable flame, flame configuration, and visible length. Flame structure data including temperature profiles and concentration profiles of CO 2 , O 2 , CO, and NO were obtained in a two-zone flame configuration (at jet to crossflow momentum flux ratio=0.11), where a planar recirculation exists in the wake of the burner tube followed by an axisymmetric tail. The relative emission indicators of CO and NO were estimated from the composition data. Results show that the upper and lower limits of the fuel jet velocity increase with the crossflow velocity for all burners, and the rate of increase is highest for the elliptic burner with its minor axis aligned with the crossflow. That burner configuration also produces the longest flame. The relative emission indicators show that the CO production is lower and NO production is higher with elliptic burners than with circular burners in crossflow.
Wetting of grain boundaries in metals and ceramics

Observations of the wetting of grain boundaries in metals and ceramics are reviewed. Systematics of grain boundary wetting are introduced and the conditions for penetration of a liquid down a grain boundary presented. These concepts are sufficient to describe the macroscopic wetting behavior, such as the macroscopic contact angle, but are insufficient to describe the occurrence of thin (∼ nm) intergranular films seen in some ceramics. These films require the existence of attractive and repulsive forces on the nanometer length scale. Observations by high resolution electron microscopy are necessary to establish whether intergranular films form in the metallic systems that exhibit wetting and hence whether such forces are also operative in metal systems.
Generalized multivariate rank type test statistics via spatial U-quantiles

Abstract The classical univariate sign and signed rank tests for location have been extended over the years to the multivariate setting, including recent robust rotation invariant “spatial” versions. Here we introduce a broad class of rotation invariant multivariate spatial generalized rank type test statistics. For a given inference problem not restricted to location, the test statistics are linked through Bahadur–Kiefer representations with spatial median estimators in appropriately matched U-quantile location models. Under null and contiguous alternative hypotheses, related quadratic form statistics have central and noncentral chi-square limit distributions. Robustness properties in terms of breakdown points and influence functions of the associated estimators are quite favorable. Illustrative applications cover location, multivariate dispersion, and multiple linear regression.
The effect of etomidate pretreatment on cerebral high energy metabolites, lactate, and glucose during severe hypoxia in the rat.

Etomidate was compared with thiopental with respect to preventing loss of brain high energy metabolites and accumulation of lactate during 20 min of hypoxemia (Pa2 of 16-19 mmHg) in rats with unilateral carotid artery ligation. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, anesthetized with halothane and nitrous oxide (N2O) in oxygen were randomly assigned to one of six groups. A normoxic control group which received 70% N2O in oxygen, a hypoxia group received no iv drug treatment (hypoxia-N2O), and four iv drug treatment groups (N2O was replaced by 70% nitrogen at the start of drug administration). The iv drug groups were treated as follows: hypoxia-etomidate low dose (1 mg.kg-1 iv followed by an infusion at 0.35 mg.kg-1.min-1); hypoxia-etomidate high dose (1 mg.kg-1 then 1.3 mg.kg-1.min-1); hypoxia-thiopental low dose (15 mg.kg-1, then 1.5 mg.kg-1.min-1); and hypoxia-thiopental high dose (15 mg.kg-1, then 5 mg.kg-1.min-1). After hypoxia or a corresponding period in the normoxic group, the brains were frozen in situ for later biochemical analysis. Blood was obtained prior to and at the end of hypoxia and analyzed for glucose. Brain metabolite concentrations on the side ipsilateral to the ligated carotid artery in the normoxia-N2O group were adenosine triphosphate (ATP), 2.76 +/- 0.1, phosphocreatione (PCr) 3.88 +/- 0.12, lactate 2.34 +/- 0.16, and glucose 3.56 +/- 0.28 (mumole.g-1 wet weight, mean +/- SE). There was no significant decrease in ATP in any of the hypoxia groups. PCr decreased by 45% (compared to normoxia-N2O) in the hypoxia-N2O group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A comparative analysis of biomass production in five tropical tree species

Abstract Trees of Casuarina equisetifolia, Albizia procera, Eucalyptus robusta, and two varieties of Leucaena leucocephala (an exotic and a native) were grown for maximum biomass production under the same climatic (1102 mm mean annual rainfall and 25°C mean annual air temperature) and edaphic conditions in the Lajas Valley of Puerto Rico (lat. 18°N., long. 67°W.). Management was intensive during early growth and establishment phases. Rates of large-branch/stem production (diameter ⩾ 2.5 cm) at age 5.5 years were 27.8, 20.4, 10.1, 7.7, and 5.5 t ha−1 year−1 for Casuarina, Albizia, Eucalyptus, exotic Leucaena, and native Leucaena, respectively. Stemwood biomass production of 40 tropical tree plantations established elsewhere for biomass production averaged 7.9 t ha−1 year−1. Species ranking in terms of total above-ground biomass and litter accumulation followed the same order. At age 5.5 years, the litter accumulation in plantations was (in the sale order): 16.2, 10.2, 11.8, 7.0, and 6.5 t ha−1. Thirty-five natural tropical forest stands averaged 6 t ha−1. Intensive management of fertile soils increases biomass yield of energy plantations, but not all species respond equally well to such treatments.
Genomic structure of and a cardiac promoter for the mouse carnitine palmitoyltransferase II gene.

Abstract The mouse carnitine palmitoyltransferase II gene hasbeen isolated and its genomic structure determined. The gene contained five exons, including an unusually long 1305-nt exon 4. The exon/intron boundaries were sequenced and conformed to the consensus splice junction sequences. The transcription start site was determined from adult mouse heart mRNA by primer extension analysis and confirmed by 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends. A promoter that differs from the previously published promoter for the carnitine palmitoyltransferase II gene was isolated and sequenced. When placed in a mammalian expression vector, this promoter was shown to drive the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene in mouse hepatoma cells. This new promoter is the major driver of carnitine palmitoyltransferase II gene expression in heart and may also be active in liver.
Carbon Adsorption and Absorption in the (111) L12 Fe3Al Surface

Density functional theory is used to investigate the adsorption of carbon on the (111) surface of the L1 2 Fe 3 Al structure under various carbon coverages and the absorption in interstitial sites of the subsurface. Surface reconstruction is observed after carbon is adsorbed on the surface, and as carbon coverage increases carbon structures are formed in most cases with enhanced adsorption energies. C structures evolve, becoming sp3-like at intermediate coverage, and at much higher coverage sp2 networks form a graphene sheet that separates from the metal surface. The surface Fe magnetic moments are decreased in the presence of C, and the change is dependent on the position of the adsorbed C atom. At low C coverage, C interacting with Fe has an induced magnetic moment on the order of 0.15 μB that becomes reduced as C-C structures are formed. The interstitial octahedral sites of the first interlayer below the surface are the most stable sites for carbon absorption, where carbon is more stable than when adsorbed on the surface at the same total coverage. Carbon diffusion from the surface to the subsurface at low coverage has a barrier of 0.99 eV, but the barrier is significantly reduced to 0.33 eV at higher C surface coverage. Strong lattice distortions occur due to the incorporation of carbon on the surface and subsurface, giving some insights into possible carburization pathways of the L1 2 F 3 Al phase.
Immobilization contributes to exaggerated neuropeptide signaling, inflammatory changes, and nociceptive sensitization after fracture in rats.

Abstract A tibia fracture cast immobilized for 4 weeks can induce exaggerated substance P and calcitonin gene–related peptide signaling and neuropeptide-dependent nociceptive and inflammatory changes in the hind limbs of rats similar to those seen in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Four weeks of hind limb cast immobilization can also induce nociceptive and vascular changes resembling CRPS. To test our hypothesis that immobilization alone could cause exaggerated neuropeptide signaling and inflammatory changes, we tested 5 cohorts of rats: 1) controls; 2) tibia fracture and hind limb casted; 3) hind limb casted, no fracture; 4) tibia fracture with intramedullary pinning, no cast; and 5) tibia fracture with intramedullary pinning and hind limb casting. After 4 weeks, the casts were removed and hind limb allodynia, unweighting, warmth, edema, sciatic nerve neuropeptide content, cutaneous and spinal cord inflammatory mediator levels, and spinal c-Fos activation were measured. After fracture with casting, there was allodynia, unweighting, warmth, edema, increased sciatic nerve substance P and calcitonin gene–related peptide, increased skin neurokinin 1 receptors and keratinocyte proliferation, increased inflammatory mediator expression in the hind paw skin (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, nerve growth factor) and cord (IL-1β, nerve growth factor), and increased spinal c-Fos activation. These same changes were observed after cast immobilization alone, except that spinal IL-1β levels were not increased. Treating cast-only rats with a neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist inhibited development of nociceptive and inflammatory changes. Four weeks after fracture with pinning, all nociceptive and vascular changes had resolved and there were no increases in neuropeptide signaling or inflammatory mediator expression. Perspective Collectively, these data indicate that immobilization alone increased neuropeptide signaling and caused nociceptive and inflammatory changes similar to those observed after tibia fracture and casting, and that early mobilization after fracture with pinning inhibited these changes. Early limb mobilization after fracture may prevent the development of CRPS.
The direct conversion of wood charcoal to lithium carbide in the production of acetylene for radiocarbon dating

On decrit ici une nouvelle methode pour convertir, dans un four d'acier a 800°C, le charbon de bois directement en carbure de lithium produisant de l'acetylene pour determiner le carbone radioactif. La methode offre une notable economie de temps pour la preparation des echantillons et le produit de conversion atteint le 95% ou davantage.
Initial limiter and getter operation in TFTR

Abstract During the recent ohmic heating experiments on TFTR, the movable limiter array, preliminary inner bumper limiter, and prototype ZrAl alloy bulk getter surface pumping system were brought into operation. This paper summarizes the operational experience and plasma characteristics obtained with these components. The near-term upgrades of these systems are also discussed.
Increased Competitive Fitness of Bacillus subtilis under Nonsporulating Conditions via Inactivation of Pleiotropic Regulators AlsR, SigD, and SigW

Previous studies implicated loss of motility and mutations of the alsR and sigW regulatory genes in enhanced fitness of the Bacillus subtilis evolved strain WN716 over that of its ancestral strain WN624. The fitness of strains carrying knockout mutations alsR::spc, sigD::kan, and/or sigW::erm was measured and compared to that of the congenic ancestral strain by competition experiments.
Anti-CA19-9 diabody as a PET imaging probe for pancreas cancer.

Background Intact antibodies are poor imaging agents due to a long serum half-life (10–20 d) preventing adequate contrast between the tumor and surrounding blood. Smaller engineered antibody fragments overcome this problem by exhibiting shorter serum half-lives (4–20 h).The diabody (55 kDa) is the smallest antibody fragment, which retains the bivalency of the intact antibody. Our goal was to develop and characterize the anti-CA19-9 diabody fragment and determine its ability to provide antigen specific imaging of pancreas cancer. Methods The diabody DNA construct was created by isolation of the variable region genes of the intact anti-CA19-9 antibody. Diabody expression was carried out in NS0 cells and purified using HPLC from supernatant. Specific antigen binding was confirmed with flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Radiolabeled diabody was injected into mice harboring an antigen positive xenograft (BxPC3 or Capan-2) and a negative xenograft (MiaPaca-2). MicroCT and MicroPET were performed at successive time intervals after injection. Radioactivity was measured in blood and tumor to provide objective confirmation of the microPET images. Results Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry showed specific binding of the anti-CA19-9 diabody. Pancreas xenograft imaging of BxPC3/MiaPaca-2 and Capan-2/MiaPaca-2 models with the anti-CA19-9 diabody demonstrated an average tumor:blood ratio of 5.0 and 2.0, respectively, and an average positive:negative tumor ratio of 11 and 6, respectively. With respect to the tumor:blood ratio, these data indicate five times and two times more radioactivity in the tumor than in the blood yielding adequate contrast between tumor tissue and background (i.e., blood) to create the representative microPET images. Conclusions We successfully engineered a functional diabody against CA19-9, a tumor antigen present on the vast majority of pancreas cancers. Additionally, we demonstrate high contrast antigen specific microPET imaging of pancreas cancer in xenograft models.
Egg Deterioration Due to Ingestion by Hens of Malvaceous Materials

Abstract THE effects of ingestion of cottonseed by hens on quality of eggs produced was first reported by Sherwood (1928) who found that eggs from birds on a diet containing cottonseed meal developed marked changes during storage. In some eggs the yolk became greenish brown in color, in some it turned reddish, and in others it had a mottled yellow appearance. Many of the yolks became spongy or developed a gelatinous consistency. The color of the albumen varied from normal to pink. When the ration contained large amounts of cottonseed meal (38 percent) the discoloration could often be noticed in fresh eggs. The occurrence of a similar type of storage deterioration in commercial pack was reported by Lorenz, Almquist, and Hendry (1933) and by Lorenz and Almquist (1934). The yolks of these rejected eggs were invariably reddish or salmon colored, and were markedly larger than normal yolks. They were of watery . . .
Stimulation of Prostaglandin Synthesis in Bovine Ovarian Tissues by Arachidonic Acid and Luteinizing Hormone

Bovine corpora lutes and follicles removed from heifers at the 16th or 17th day of the estrous cycle were sliced and incubated for 2 h at 37#{176}Cwith Kreb’s-Ringer bicarbonate buffer containing glucose. The concentration of prostaglandins of the F series (PGF) in unincubated control luteal tissue was 25.3 ± 5.1 ng/g and increased to 54.8 ± 13 ng/g (P<0.01) during incubation. PGF concentration increased when either LH or arachidonic acid was added to the medium; net stimulation on addition of LH amounted to 33.1 ng/g tissue (P<0.01) and in response to arachidonic acid was 85.2 ng/g (P<0.001). A higher level of PGF was found in follicles (148 ± 36 ng/gm). This level increased to 287.3 ± 63 (P<0.01) in incubated control tissues; when LH or arachidonic acid (AA) were added to the medium the net stimulated synthesis amounted to 199.7 ng/gm (P<0.01) and 352.7 ng/gm (P<0.001), respectively. Addition of indomethacin to the incubation medium prevented stimulated synthesis in both folhicular and luteal tissues and resulted in PGF levels that were not significantly different from levels of unincubated control tissues. The data indicate that the bovine ovary synthesizes PGF in both follicular and luteal tissues. The stimulation of PGF synthesis by LH provides further evidence that the preovulatory release of LH causes increased PGF synthesis in the ovary leading to increased steroidogenesis and ovulation.
Oxygen uptake by Nautilus pompilius

The oxygen uptake of Nautilus pompilius at 17°C was 27 ml O2·kg−1·h−1 for calm species and 52 ml O2·kg−1·h−1 for active specimens. At 25°C the corresponding uptakes were 64 and 109 ml O2·kg−1·h−1. Oxygen con-sumption dropped as the oxygen content of inhalant water dropped. Uptake ceased at about 20 mm Hg O2. Nautilus appears to have a lower oxygen demand and an oxygen delivery system less well developed than of that the modern cephalopods.
Toxic Effects Associated With Consumption of Zinc

A 27-year-old man with a history of acne presented to his primary care physician because of fatigue and dyspnea on exertion of 4 weeks' duration. He was remarkably pale, orthostatic pulse changes were noted, and a systolic ejection murmur was heard. The patient had profound anemia (hemoglobin concentration, 5.0 g/dL) and neutropenia (neutrophil count, 0.06 × 10 9 /L); he was admitted for further evaluation. A detailed inquiry into his medication history revealed that he was taking several vitamins and zinc gluconate, 850 to 1000 mg/d for 1 year (US recommended daily allowance, 15 mg), as therapy for acne. A zinc toxic and copper-deficient state was confirmed by laboratory studies. The patient was treated with intravenous copper sulfate, followed by 3 months of oral therapy. The complete blood cell count, serum copper level, and serum zinc level returned to normal.