cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON THE CONSERVATION OF EPIDERMAL SPECIFICITIES OF SKIN AND CERTAIN MUCOSAS IN ADULT MAMMALS

To determine whether the factor(s) responsible for the conservation of epidermal specificities in adult guinea pigs and hamsters resides in the germinal layer of the epidermis or in the dermis, thin grafts of skin, possessing qualitatively distinct regional characteristics, were separated into their superficial epidermal and dermal components with the aid of trypsin. Dermis of one type was combined with epidermis of another to produce "recombinant" grafts which were then transplanted to small, full thickness cutaneous sites on the thorax of geneticaily compatible hosts. A variant of this procedure involved transplanting sheets of superficial epidermis of various types to shallow split thickness recipient areas in the skin of the thorax. All grafts were maintained for 100 days before they were excised and examined histologically. The results indicate that, whereas the dermis determines the kind of epidermis produced in recombinant grafts involving the ear, the sole of the foot, and the trunk, this is not the case in recombinants which include tongue, esophageal, or cheek pouch epithelia. The one exception to this occurred when tongue or esophagus epithelia were transplanted to split thickness beds in trunk skin. Here they appeared to produce an epidermis characteristic of their new location. It is believed that this exception is probably due to the fact that the native follicular epidermis present in trunk dermis made such a substantial contribution to the new superficial epidermis that it behaved overtly as body skin epidermis. Taken together, these results suggest that basal layer cells of the superficial epidermis of sole of foot skin, ear skin, and the hair-bearing skin of the general integument behave as if they are equipotential, and that in adult life maintenance of these particular epidermal specificities is the outcome of persistent specific inductive stimuli from the underlying dermis. The results of subsidiary experiments are reported which indicate that the epithelial component of mammary gland tissue is also pluripotential, being capable of producing, under appropriate conditions, a normal-looking, fully stratified superficial epidermis.
Deep inelastic lepton-nucleon interactions and the structure of the nucleon: Structure functions, multiplicities and v, v total cross sections☆

Abstract Structure functions for vN and v N interactions were obtained from the three-quark-boson nucleon model constructed before from the study of deep inelastic eN scattering. The results obtained give quantitative relations between eN and v N , v N interactions, and explicit expressions for the differential and integral cross sections, d σ(v, v )/ d x, d σ(v, v )/ d y and σ(v, v ) . With the energy dependence of pion multiplicity for vN interactions deduced from the experimental data, the calculated total vN cross sections with no free parameters reproduce both the CERN 1967 propane and the recent Gargamelle results. For v N interactions, the calculated total cross sections agree also with the Gargamelle data, giving the ratio σ tot ( v ) /σ tot (v) ≈ 0.38 at CERN energies, and a lower pion multiplicity (i.e., about one-half the vN multiplicity) is predicted. Excluding the effects of intermediate bosons, all the four σ v p , v n , v p , v n have the same “asymptotic” cross section σ ∞ = 2 3 G 2 ME/π , although the approach to this limit is extremely slow except for σvp.
Lumbar Curve Is Stable After Selective Thoracic Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis : A 20-Year Follow-up

Study design A retrospective cohort study comparing long-term clinical and radiographical outcomes using selective thoracic instrumented fusion versus long instrumented fusion for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Objective To evaluate long-term behavior of the lumbar curve in patients with AIS treated with selective thoracic fusion and to assess clinical outcome measures in this patient population compared with those patients treated with fusion in the lumbar spine. Summary of background data Selective thoracic fusion for the treatment of AIS preserves motion segments, but leaves residual lumbar deformity. Long-term results of selective fusion using segmental fixation are limited. Methods Nineteen patients with AIS treated with selective thoracic fusion and 9 patients treated with a long fusion returned at a mean 20 years (range, 14-24 years) postoperatively for radiographs, clinical evaluation, and outcome surveys (Short Form-12, Scoliosis Research Society-24, Spinal Appearance Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index, and visual analogue scale for pain and stiffness). Curve types were Lenke 1B, 1C, or 3C. All patients underwent posterior fusion with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital or Cotrel-Dubousset hook-rod instrumentation. Results The selective thoracic fusion group had no significant progression in the lumbar curve magnitude and no worsening of L4 obliquity to the pelvis between initial postoperative and 20-year follow-up. Mean preoperative lumbar curve magnitude (mean, 44°; range, 32-64) corrected 43% on initial postoperative films versus 38% at latest follow-up. Mean L4 obliquity to the pelvis, trunk shift, sagittal balance, and coronal balance were stable over time. Outcome scores between the 2 groups were similar. Scores in long fusion group, when compared with the selective group, were higher for 2 Scoliosis Research Society domains: self-image after surgery (P = 0.005) and function after surgery (P = 0.0006). Conclusion Spinal balance and correction of the lumbar curve remain stable over time in selective thoracic fusion. Those with selective fusions have outcome measures comparable with those with long fusions.
Sum rule analysis of vector and axial-vector spectral functions with excited states in vacuum

Abstract We simultaneously analyze vector and axial-vector spectral functions in vacuum using hadronic models constrained by experimental data and the requirement that Weinberg-type sum rules are satisfied. Upon explicit inclusion of an excited vector state, viz . ρ ′ , and the requirement that the perturbative continua are degenerate in vector and axial-vector channels, we deduce the existence of an excited axial-vector resonance state, a 1 ′ , in order that the Weinberg sum rules are satisfied. The resulting spectral functions are further tested with QCD sum rules.
Curing diabetes with transplantation

Type 1 diabetes affects >1 million people in the United States, where it accounts for up to 10% of all diabetes cases. Glycemic control via the use of exogenous insulin injections in diabetic patients is incomplete, resulting in multiple long-term complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, vasculopathy, and nephropathy. The goal of beta-cell replacement by whole-pancreas or islet transplantation is to achieve long-term insulin independence, and the proposed benefits are improved quality of life, prevention of recurrent diabetic nephropathy, stabilization or improvement in secondary complications, and improved mortality. No other regimen of insulin delivery can achieve this level of physiologic regulation. Mt Sinai J Med 79:267–275, 2012.© 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Modulation of hepatocyte growth factor gene expression by estrogen in mouse ovary

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is expressed in a variety of tissues and cell types under normal conditions and in response to various stimuli such as tissue injury. In the present study, we demonstrate that the transcription of the HGF gene is stimulated by estrogen in mouse ovary. A single injection of 17 beta-estradiol results in a dramatic and transient elevation of the levels of mouse HGF mRNA. Sequence analysis has found that two putative estrogen responsive elements (ERE) reside at -872 in the 5'-flanking region and at +511 in the first intron, respectively, of the mouse HGF gene. To test whether these ERE elements are responsible for estrogen induction of HGF gene expression, chimeric plasmids containing variable regions of the 5'-flanking sequence of HGF gene and the coding region for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene were transiently transfected into both human endometrial carcinoma RL 95-2 cells and mouse fibroblast NIH 3T3 cells to assess hormone responsiveness. Transfection results indicate that the ERE elements of the mouse HGF gene can confer estrogen action to either homologous or heterologous promoters. Nuclear protein extracts either from RL95-2 cells transfected with the estrogen receptor expression vector or from mouse liver bound in vitro to ERE elements specifically, as shown by band shift assay. Therefore, our results demonstrate that the HGF gene is transcriptionally regulated by estrogen in mouse ovary; and such regulation is mediated via a direct interaction of the estrogen receptor complex with cis-acting ERE elements identified in the mouse HGF gene.
Evolution of Underwater DBD Plasma Jet

The evolution of an underwater dielectric barrier discharge from microdischarge to plasma jet has been investigated. Images of the discharge evolution with voltage are discussed.
ORCA's depolarizer

The Ocean Radiometer for Carbon Assessment (ORCA), currently being developed at Goddard, is a hyperspectral instrument with a spectral range extending from 350nm to 880nm in the UV and visible wavelength. Its radiometric measurement accuracy will depend, in part, on the extent to which it is insensitive to linearly polarized light. A wedge type depolarizer is used to reduce ORCA's polarization sensitivity over its entire spectral range. The choice for this approach is driven by the large spectral range and to a certain extent is also influenced by the currently orbiting SeaWifs instrument's use of a wedge depolarizer and its low polarization sensitivity. The wedge depolarizer's design, its modeled and measured depolarization characteristics are presented.
Soluble guanylate cyclase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

After removing nonspecific immunoreactivities from crude extract by immunoaffinity chromatography, an immunoreactive-band at 40kDa of soluble guanylate cyclase (SGC) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was detected by Western blot using rabbit anti-beta 1 subunit of SGC. Cyclic GMP level and SGC activity was measured by ELISA. Immunoprecipitated yeast SGC was activated by sodium nitroprusside, whereas inhibited by 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo(4,3-A)quinoxalin-1-one. Increased cyclic GMP level was also noted when intact yeast cells were incubated with s-nitrosoglutathione, a NO donor. The result implies that NO can be utilized intracellularly and extracellularly. Moreover, the presence of SGC suggests the significance of NO/cyclic GMP signaling in unicellular eukaryotes.
Electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry study of the interaction of cisplatin-adducted oligonucleotides with human XPA minimal binding domain protein.

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is the process responsible for eliminating most ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage from DNA, as well as base alterations caused by a variety of mutagens. The xeroderma pigmentosum group A complementing protein (XPA) is believed to be involved in the early step of NER by recognizing and binding damaged DNA. Recent work has suggested that electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) can be an effective tool for the study of protein-DNA complexes. We have used ESI-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry to examine the cisplatin-adducted oligonucleotide and its interaction with the human XPA minimal binding domain (XPA-MBD). High-resolution FTICR experiments of the binding products showed that both double-stranded damaged 20-mer and double-stranded undamaged 20-mer formed 1:1 noncovalent complexes with XPA-MBD. A 2:1 binding stoichiometry complex was also observed between XPA-MBD and double-stranded damaged 20-mer. Competitive binding experiments indicated only slightly preferential binding of XPA-MBD with the double-stranded damaged 20-mer compared to the undamaged 20-mer. The results demonstrate that ESI-FTICR mass spectrometry provides a fast and efficient approach for characterizing weak protein-DNA interactions such as the binding between XPA-MBD and a 20-mer oligonucleotide system.
An In Vitro Uniaxial Stretch Model for Axonal Injury

We have developed a unique uniaxial stretching device to study axonal injury and neural cell death resulting from brain tissue deformations common in traumatic head injuries. Using displacement control rather than force control, this device is capable of achieving strains >70% and strain rates up to 90 s-1, well above those currently used for studying axonal injury. We have demonstrated that the deformation of the specimen was uniaxial, uniform and highly reproducible; the prespecified displacement profiles could be realized almost precisely; and adequate cell adhesion could be achieved readily. The entire device can fit into a biological safety cabinet to maintain sterility, and the specimens are convenient for cell culture. This device can be used to investigate a wide range of biomechanical issues involved in diffuse axonal injury. © 2003 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC2003: 8719La, 8710+e, 8719Rr, 8717–d
Pluricausal pathogenesis and preventability of ischemic heart disease.

SUMMARY The traditional concept of coronary atherosclerosis as being the one and only pathogenic factor, responsible for the origin of degenerative (so-called"coronary") heart disease, is no longer tenable. Additional myocardial vulnerability-augmenting neurogenic and hormonal interferences in the heart muscle's oxygen and electrolyte metabolism have to be taken into account, in keeping with today's state of knowledge. Attempts at the preventive protection of the myocardial tissue's function and structure are to be aimed specifically (a) at retardation of predisposing atherogenesis, chiefly by means of dietary and anti-hypertensive measures, and (b) at reduction of potentially myocardial hypoxia-producing and potassium-depleting adreno-sympathetic and adrenocortical overactivity by means of environmental-emotional relaxation, abstinence from smoking, and regular physical exercise. Administration of potassium and magnesium ions in appropriate "polarizing" combinations, especially in the form of aspartates, is theoretically justified as a prophylactic measure, the merits of which are at present being subjected to prospective epidemiologic investigation.
RIGHT TO BE HOSTILE?: A Critique of Erica Chito Childs's “Looking Behind the Stereotypes of the ‘Angry Black Woman’”

Erica Chito Childs's article “Looking Behind the Stereotypes of the ‘Angry Black Woman’,” published in Gender and Society in 2005, represents an important empirical contribution to studies of interracial intimacy. Black women's voices are routinely marginalized during analyses of interracial dating, and, worse, their real-life experiences and first-person interpretations are replaced by demeaning, racist stereotypes of angry Black womanhood. Childs recognizes this tradition and acts to interrupt the cycle of Black female marginalization and insult through situating Black women in context and presenting their narratives with little interruption and interpretation.
Expediting of laparoscopic rectal dissection using a hand-access device.

Adoption of laparoscopic rectal dissection has been limited partially because of technical difficulties related to rectal exposure and effective retraction. We introduce a simple but effective method of retracting the distal rectum by using a Gelport® hand-assisted laparoscopic device. Our method facilitates laparoscopic rectal dissection while obviating the need for intracorporeal manual retraction.
Nicotine discrimination in men and women.

Nicotine is the primary compound that maintains tobacco smoking behavior, and nicotine reinforcement may be related to its discriminative stimulus effects. Nicotine in novel form, isolated from tobacco smoke, is often reinforcing in men but not in women, and clinical trials with nicotine replacement via gum or patch have often shown less efficacy in women vs. men trying to quit smoking. We hypothesize that this sex difference in nicotine reinforcement or clinical efficacy may be related to reduced intensity of nicotine's discriminative stimulus effects in women. Using formal drug discrimination procedures, we have found in several studies that discrimination responding across nasal spray nicotine doses tends to be flatter for women than men (i.e., sex × dose interaction), suggesting reduced sensitivity to changes in dose. Results from the field of psychophysiology, involving detection of physiological changes, are generally consistent with our findings, and suggest that the environmental context accompanying physiological change is important in understanding this sex difference. The implications of this sex difference for smoking cessation treatment and future research directions are presented.
The effect of elastomeric liners on high-pressure liquid propellant combustion oscillations†

Liquid propellants are currently being investigated as an alternative to solid propellants in advanced gun designs. The use of liquids may provide advantages in the areas of safety, cost and performance. One area of concern in liquid propellant gun designs is the presence of large pressure oscillations: oscillations of ± 50% of the baseline pressure have been observed. These oscillations may result in a degradation of performance and reliability. The source of pressure oscillations and possible mitigation schemes are being studied in the Sandia Liquid Propellant Injector/Combustor. In this research device, the effect of acoustic liners on pressure oscillations in a high-pressure (128 MPa) liquid propellant spray combustor is studied for a hydroxylammonium nitrate-based propellant. In this study we investigated the effects of orientation and coverage fraction of elastomer liners on pressure oscillation reduction. Results for a range of elastomer/steel liner combinations are presented. along with an acoustic model and a correlation the data. The results indicate that: (1) linears can reduce oscillations by approximately three order of magnitude,(2) the reduction in pressure oscillation is independent of the placement of liners relative to the propellant flow, and (3) the magnitude of the oscillations can be correlated with the acoustic properties of the wall material.
The water economy of salamanders: Water uptake after dehydration

Abstract 1. 1. A dehydrated salamander rehydrates at a rate proportional to the percentage of body water is has lost in an anitial dehydration. 2. 2. An aquatic salamander with a dehydration deficit of 20 per cent will have a lower rate of rehydration than will a terrestrial salamander with the same deficit. 3. 3. The total water entry rate into Ambystoma specimens which have dehydration deficits greater than about 15 per cent is larger than that into hydrated specimens. The increase is greater than that predicted from the increase in fluid osmotic concentration. 4. 4. The greatest observed rate of rehydration by a salamander (9·58 mg cm−2 hr−1) is larger than the lowest reported uptake rate by a dehydrated anuran (3·86 mg.cm−2hr−1), but is less than 7 per cent of the maximum uptake rate reported for an anuran.
Nonlinear Free-Surface and Viscous-Internal Sloshing

This paper examines free-surface and internal-pycnocline sloshing motions in twodimensional numerical wave tanks subjected to horizontal excitation. In all of the cases studied, the rectangular tank of liquid has a width-to-depth ratio of 2. The first set of results are based on an inviscid, fully nonlinear finite difference free-surface model. The model equations are mapped from the physical domain onto a rectangular domain. Case studies at and off resonance are presented illustrating when linear theory is inadequate. The next set of results are concerned with analyzing internal waves induced by sloshing a density-stratified liquid. Nonlinear, viscous flow equations are solved. Two types of breaking are discussed. One is associated with a shear instability which causes overturning on the lee side of a wave that moves towards the center of the container; this wave is generated as the dominant sloshing mode recedes from the sidewall towards the end of the first sloshing cycle. The other is associated with the growth of a convective instability that initiates the formation of a lip of heavier fluid above lighter fluid behind the crest of the primary wave as it moves up the sidewall. The lip grows into a bore-like structure as it plunges downward. It falls downward behind the primary wave as the primary wave moves up the sidewall and ahead of the primary wave as this wave recedes from the sidewall. This breaking event occurs near the end of the first cycle of sloshing, which is initiated from a state of rest by sinusoidal forcing. fDOI: 10.1115/1.1894415g
Safety issues relating to long-term treatment with histamine H2-receptor antagonists

H2-receptor antagonist therapy is associated with a low incidence of adverse reactions. Adverse events reported in clinical trials of ranitidine in daily doses of up to 1200 mg include headache, tiredness and mild gastrointestinal disturbances, but the incidence is similar to or less than that for placebo. High doses of cimetidine (> 5 g/day) can cause reversible impotence or gynaecomastia. While ranitidine exhibits no clinically significant drug-drug interactions, cimetidine interacts with many drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450. In contrast to ranitidine and cimetidine, where safety data are available for up to 10 years of continuous therapy, experience with famotidine and nizatidine is limited. The safety of long-term H2-receptor antagonist therapy needs to be considered in relation to the potential consequences of prolonged acid suppression, including the risk of proliferation of gastric flora and the risk of developing enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia, which could in turn, theoretically, lead to gastric malignancy. Such problems have not been observed in patients during long-term therapy at low or full doses of H2-receptor antagonists. Standard doses of currently available H2-receptor antagonists permit acid secretion in response to food and other stimuli, and this daily acid tide prevents persistent bacterial colonization.
Dexamethasone and methylprednisolone do not inhibit neuritic outgrowth while inhibiting outgrowth of fibroblasts from spiral ganglion explants.

Conclusion. Dexamethasone and methylprednisolone do not inhibit neuritic outgrowth while inhibiting fibroblastic outgrowth from spiral ganglion micro-explants. Objectives. To demonstrate reduced fibroblastic outgrowth while maintaining neurite outgrowth for several corticosteroids using an in vitro test system of neonatal rat spiral ganglion micro-explants. Materials and methods. The in vitro test system comprised 3-day-old rat spiral ganglion micro-explants. Dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone acetonide, and human recombinant brain-derived neurotrophic factor (hrBDNF) were tested in vitro. The control was ganglion micro-explants in supplemented Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium. Areas of the ganglion explant, neurite and fibroblast outgrowth of ganglion explants after 10 days in vitro were imaged, digitized, and analyzed using Image Tool 3.00 on a PC workstation. Areas of neurite and fibroblast outgrowth from the experimental explants were compared against values obtained from control expla...
Band Structure Optimization of Two-Dimensional Photonic Crystals in H-Polarization

In the study of photonic crystals, the question arises naturally: Which crystals produce the largest band gaps? This question is investigated by means of an optimization-based evolution algorithm which, given two dielectric materials, seeks to produce a material distribution within the fundamental cell which produces a maximal band gap at a given point in the spectrum. The case of H-polarization in two dimensions is considered. Several numerical examples are presented.
An observation on storage allocation in a flow line with a common buffer

Abstract In this paper, a transfer line with a common buffer is considered. It is demonstrated that the distribution of storage capacity remains a control issue even when a common buffer is employed. In particular, it is shown how deliberate machine blocking can be utilized as a device to improve system throughput performance.
Relativistic Doppler effect in light clocks construed as a result of prior acceleration

During a transverse acceleration of a light clock from rest, the mirrors must be tilted so as to retain the light pulse. The mirrors therefore have a normal velocity which increases the frequency of the pulse at each reflection. If a mirror is annihilated, the frequency of the escaping pulse, as a result of many reflections, is that of the relativistic Doppler effect. This holds for any acceleration, if the Fitzgerald contraction is assumed, thereby furnishing a new mechanism for such frequencies. The traditional mechanism, in which the source (subject to the time dilation) generates a pulse modulated by the source motion, is therefore not a unique explanation of the Doppler effect. The new mechanism permits the speculation that radiation preexists in atomic sources, rather than being generated at the instant of release.
Do preclinical background and clerkship experiences impact skills performance in an accelerated internship preparation course for senior medical students

Background Dedicated skills courses may help to prepare 4th-year medical students for surgical internships. The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that influence the preparedness of 4th-year medical students planning a surgical career, and the role that our skills course plays in that preparedness. Methods A comprehensive skills course for senior medical students matching in a surgical specialty was conducted each spring from 2006 through 2009. Students were surveyed for background skills, clerkship experience, and skills confidence levels (1–5 Likert scale). Assessment included 5 suturing and knot-tying tasks pre- and postcourse and a written examination. Data are presented as mean values ± standard deviations; statistical analyses were by 2-tailed t test, linear regression, and analysis of variance. Results Sixty-five 4th-year students were enrolled; most common specialties were general surgery ( n = 22) and orthopedics ( n = 16). Thirty-five students were elite musicians ( n = 16) or athletes ( n = 19) and 8 regular videogamers. Suturing task times improved significantly from pre- to postcourse for all 5 tasks (total task times pre, 805 ± 202 versus post, 627 ± 168 seconds [ P P P P = .012); suturing confidence levels and precourse suturing and total task times ( P = .024); and number of nonsurgical call nights with confidence in managing acute on-call problems ( P = .028). No significant correlation was found between these variables and postcourse performance. Conclusion Completion of an accelerated skills course results in comparable levels of student performance postcourse across a variety of preclinical backgrounds and clerkship experiences.
Soliton evolution in quasi-phase-matched second-harmonic generation

We investigate the formation and evolution of spatial solitons with light beams propagating in quadratic nonlinear media under conditions for second-harmonic generation in quasi-phase-matched samples. We study the properties of the solitons as a function of the periodicity of the domain-reversal process involved in the quasi-phase-matching techniques, and we show the effects introduced by random shifts of the nominal domain length.
Effects of Low-Dose Aspirin and Fish Oil on Platelet Function and NF-kappaB in Adults with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Introduction Many diabetics are insensitive to aspirin's platelet anti-aggregation effects. The possible modulating effects of co-administration of aspirin and fish oil in subjects with diabetes are poorly characterized. Participants and methods Thirty adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus were treated with aspirin 81 mg/d for 7 days, then with fish oil 4 g/day for 28 days, then the combination of fish oil and aspirin for another 7 days. Results Aspirin alone and in combination with fish oil reduced platelet aggregation in most participants. Five of 7 participants classified as aspirin insensitive 1 week after daily aspirin ingestion were sensitive after the combination. Although some platelet aggregation measures correlated positively after aspirin and fish oil ingestion alone and (in combination) in all individuals, correlation was only observed in those who were aspirin insensitive after ingestion of the combination. Conclusions Co-administration of aspirin and fish oil may reduce platelet aggregation more than aspirin alone in adults with diabetes mellitus.
Deficient diet evokes nasty heart virus.

Infection of mice on a selenium-deficient diet with a nonvirulent Coxsackievirus selects a stable cardiovirulent strain (pages 433–436).
Vaginal drug absorption in the rhesus monkey: Bioavailability method and assessment of estrogens

Abstract Novel experimental and theoretical methods in evaluating the systemic bioavaliability of estrogens delivered via the vaginal route have been developed. The approaches were demonstrated for estrone and estradiol in the rhesus monkey. These newly developed techniques have made it possible to quantify first pass vaginal membrane metabolism for estrone and for estradiol and to distinguish this process from peripheral tissue metabolism. This was achieved by obtaining steady-state blood levels of the steroids and all significant metabolites resulting from identical zero-order infusion rates of the steroid by the vaginal and intravenous routes. Comparison of the blood levels gave rapid estimations of bioavailability. The modeling of the steady-state situation and quantification of the kinetic parameters were employed such that differences in blood levels from vaginal and intravenous drug infusion mirrored the membrane transport and metabolic events. Membrane metabolism of infused estrone and estradiol reduced the blood levels of these steroids by about 55 and 61%, respectively, of that expected in the absence of membrane metabolism. About 45% of vaginally administered estrone appeared directly in the blood as estrone and 9% as estradiol and 46% as total conjugates. The dominant route of membrane metabolism of estrone was estrone conjugation rather than reduction to estradiol. When estradiol was infused vaginally, 26% estradiol appeared in the blood and 35% as estrone and 39% as total conjugates; the dominant route of metabolism was the oxidation to estrone and not estradiol conjugation.
Boron segregation at grain boundaries in rapidly solidified Ni3Al

The work reported here was performed to test the suggestion that the suppression of beneficial boron segregation to grain boundaries as a result of the increasing quench rate was responsible for the ductile-to-brittle transition on increasing solidification rate. Auger analysis and scanning electron microscopy of the fractured surfaces were the primary methods used. Auger spectroscopy results show along with previous work on bulk materials, that the critical concentration for strengthening grain boundaries is between 7 to 11 at. % B.
Two Morenoina species new to Britain

Morenoina epilobii (Lib.) v. Arx and a new species, M. pteridicola , are recorded for the first time in Britain.
EXPERIMENTS AND SPECULATIONS ON THE ROLE OF OXIDATIVE CYCLIZATION CHEMISTRY IN NATURAL PRODUCT BIOSYNTHESIS

Abstract Syntheses of [2- 2 H,3- 13 C]- and [2- 2 H,3′- 2 H 2 ]proclavaminic acid, ( 22 ) and ( 29 ) respectively, are described. These labeled substrates were incubated with clavaminate synthase, a key enzyme acting in the biosynthesis of the lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid, in the presence of ferrous ion, α-ketoglutaric acid and molecular oxygen. The apparent oxidative cyclization/desaturation chemistry evident in the conversion of proclavaminic acid ( 8 ) to clavaminic acid ( 9 ) takes place without loss or exchange of label at C-2 and C-3′ in the substrate. These observations point to notable similarities to sulfur insertion reactions in natural product biosynthesis and lead to the proposition of a generalized mechanism for oxidative cyclization invoking substrate heteroatom participation. By extension of this mechanistic hypothesis, a new biogenetic speculation is advanced to account for polyether formation, for example, in monensin ( 52 ) and brevetoxin A ( 55 ).
LIF Spectra of Cyclohexoxy Radical and Direct Kinetic Studies of Its Reaction with O2

The laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) excitation spectrum of cyclohexoxy radical has been measured for the first time. The dominant vibrational progression is consistent with computations, at CIS/6-...
Variation of fracture toughness with constraint

`Curving' could occur in Mode I brittle fracture and it can be attributed to the constraint. The variation of the apparent fracture toughness with constraint with or without crack curving is investigated. Using a critical opening or hoop stress as the fracture criterion, it is demonstrated that a fracture event can be quantified by two mechanics parameters, i.e. K and A3 for fracture without curving and K and T for fracture with curving. K, T and A3 are the first, second and third coefficient in the Williams' asymptotic series solution, respectively, and are used here to quantify the constraint level. Test data are used to validate the theory. It is shown that while the apparent fracture toughness increases with increasing T it decreases with T after curving occurs.
Optimal damped least-squares methods for inverse kinematics of robot manipulators

Inverse kinematics of robotic manipulators poses a challenging problem, especially near singular configurations where the joint velocities tend to become extremely high, even if the minimum-norm pseudo-inverse solution is used. The singularity robust inverse (SRI), which arises from the damped least-squares technique, damps joint velocities using a damping factor but causes some deviation of the end-effector from its specified trajectory. The trade-off between obtaining an accurate solution and a feasible one is decided by the damping factor. In this work, we present a new optimal method of computing the damping factor which yields minimum end-effector deviation while ensuring feasible joint velocities. This method is computationally efficient with an added advantage in that it can be implemented even if the SVD of the Jacobian is not available. The method is effective for both planar and spatial manipulators, redundant or non-redundant. This is borne out by the simulations presented at the end of this paper.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Aluminum‐inhibited shoot development in soybean: A possible consequence of impaired cytokinin supply

Abstract Soybean grown on high‐aluminum soil exhibits a marked inhibition of development of lateral branches of the shoot. This inhibition can be alleviated with exogenous cytokinin applications to the shoot. A primiry effect of aluminum is to restrict root meristematic development. Substantial evidence exists to show that the root meristem is a major site of cytokinin biosynthesis for transport to the developing shoot. The common locality of ytokinin synthesis and primary aluminum toxicity effects in the root meristems implies that limited cytokinin supply may inhibit lateral shoot development during aluminum toxicity stress. This is possibly due to a limitation in cytokinin‐induced meristematic development of the lateral shoots. In addition, the inhibition may involve altered calcium transport and cytokinin‐mediated distribution of calcium in these regions.
Development of Wide-field Quantitative Multispectral Fluorescence-Reflectance Imaging Using an Ultrathin and Flexible Scanning Fiber Endoscope

Molecular imaging has great potential for personalized diseases diagnosis and treatment. We present technologies developed using an ultrathin and flexible multispectral Scanning Fiber Endoscope for wide-field, high-resolution and quantitative fluorescence molecular imaging.
Factor prices under integrated markets for risky capital

Abstract When returns to domestic and foreign capital are random and imperfectly correlated, risk averse savers will generally diversify their portfolios if permitted to do so. In such a setting free trade in capital is inconsistent with factor-price equalization so long as countries differ. Returns to capital are likely to be higher in economies which are more cyclical, which are generally more efficient, which have a larger labor force, or whose citizens tend to save less. When countries differ along any of these dimensions their mutual current account balance is also unlikely to tend towards zero.
Selection and evaluation of a new Pu density measurement fluid

This paper summarizes efforts leading to selection of a new fluid for the determination of the density of large Pu parts. Based on an extended literature search, perfluorotributylamine (CF3(CF2)3)3N, trade name FC-43) was chosen for an experimental study. Plutonium coupon corrosion studies were performed by exposing Pu to deaerated and aerated solutions and measuring corrosion rates gravimetrically. Samples of deaerated and aerated (FC-43) were also irradiated with 60Co gamma rays. The samples were extracted with NaOH and analyzed by Ion Chromatography (IC). In surface study experiments, Pu coupons were exposed to deaerated and aerated solutions of FC-43 and analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XPS data indicate that there is no detectable surface effect caused by the new fluid.
Isolation and characterization of an antibody to a highly purified preparation of the hemin-controlled translational repressor from rabbit reticulocytes

Abstract An antibody to a highly purified preparation of the translational repressor (HCR), which mediates hemin control of globin synthesis in rabbit reticulocyte lysates, has been obtained from the serum of immunized guinea pigs. Preincubation with immune but not normal guinea pig IgG leads to neutralization of the inhibitory activity of either crude or highly purified HCR. Excess prorepressor, the precursor of HCR, has essentially no competitive effect on the inactivation of HCR by immune IgG, suggesting that the antigenic determinants responsible for neutralization of HCR by antibody are buried within the prorepressor molecule. These antigenic determinants become exposed at an early stage in the formation of HCR, since hemin-sensitive HCR, formed within 20 min, is inactivated by immune IgG. The antibody also neutralizes the inhibitory activity generated by a short incubation of partially purified prorepressor with N-ethylmaleimide, indicating that the activity formed is the same as natural HCR.
Integration of text-based applications into service-oriented architectures for transnational digital government

Significant efforts are currently being pursued by several countries and IT providers to deploy SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) designs of digital government systems that integrate or implement workflows of multiple software services and data sources. Unfortunately, many existing applications that can be useful in digital government are not implemented as Web Services, a fact that complicates their integration and interoperation within SOAs. To address this problem, this paper presents an approach to easily wrap text-based applications into Web Services. Compared to other application-wrapping approaches, this paper's solution exposes a simpler interface to users, completely hiding the complexities of understanding and developing Web Services. The approach is motivated by, and effective for, the important case of interactive applications, which is harder than batch-oriented applications and has not been considered by other approaches or software development environments. The paper briefly reviews a transnational digital government (TDG) project that requires interoperation and integration of independently developed geographically distributed information processing tools. The characteristics of SOAs are briefly described, along with their suitability for TDG systems and how they can be developed and deployed. The applications underlying the services needed for TDG are introduced and their SOA-relevant characteristics are identified. A framework is described for turning these applications into Web Services that are secure, support interactivity as needed, and do not constrain application functionality. The use of this framework and the evaluation of its benefits are described in the context of the deployment of application services needed by the TDG project.
On the detectability of crustal magma chambers using the magnetotelluric method.

We utilized resistivity models of silicic magma chambers to explore effects that layering can have on three‐dimensional (3-D) magnetotelluric (MT) responses. Model simulations show that MT detection of magma may depend strongly on its one‐dimensional host. The 3-D responses of a model juvenile magma body which is connected electrically to deeper, less resistive crust of regional extent are very subdued. However, intermediate and mature magmatic systems, leaving magma no longer in contact with lower, less resistive crust, may be detectable with the MT method. Further, the release and ascent of volatiles from crystallizing melt may lead to fracturing above the chamber, thereby establishing electrical contact of the magma with shallow, conductive crust and amplifying its MT response.
Process control and artificial intelligence software for aquaculture

Abstract Modern research and commercial aquaculture operations have begun to adopt new technologies, including computer control systems. Aquaculturists realize that by controlling the environmental conditions and system inputs (e.g. water, oxygen, temperature, feed rate and stocking density), physiological rates of cultured species and final process outputs (e.g. ammonia, pH and growth) can be regulated. These are exactly the kinds of practical measurements that will allow commercial aquaculture facilities to optimize their efficiency by reducing labor and utility costs. Anticipated benefits for aquaculture process control and artificial intelligence systems are: (1) increased process efficiency; (2) reduced energy and water losses; (3) reduced labor costs; (4) reduced stress and disease; (5) improved accounting; and (6) improved understanding of the process. This review explores the technologies and implementation of the technologies necessary for the development of computer intelligent management systems for enhanced commercial aquaculture production. Today’s artificial intelligence (AI) systems (i.e. expert systems and neural networks) offer the aquaculturist a proven methodology for implementing management systems that are both intuitive and inferential. There have been many successful commercial applications of AI (e.g. expert systems in cameras and automobiles). The major factors to consider in the design and purchase of process control and artificial intelligence software are functionality/intuitiveness, compatibility, flexibility, upgrade path, hardware requirements and cost. Of these, intuitiveness and compatibility are the most important. The software must be intuitive to the user or they will not use the system. Regarding compatibility, the manufacturer should be congruent with open architecture designs so that the chosen software is interchangeable with other software products.
Maize RNA Polymerase IV Defines trans-Generational Epigenetic Variation

The maize (Zea mays) RNA Polymerase IV (Pol IV) largest subunit, RNA Polymerase D1 (RPD1 or NRPD1), is required for facilitating paramutations, restricting expression patterns of genes required for normal development, and generating small interfering RNA (siRNAs). Despite this expanded role for maize Pol IV relative to Arabidopsis thaliana, neither the general characteristics of Pol IV–regulated haplotypes, nor their prevalence, are known. Here, we show that specific haplotypes of the purple plant1 locus, encoding an anthocyanin pigment regulator, acquire and retain an expanded expression domain following transmission from siRNA biogenesis mutants. This conditioned expression pattern is progressively enhanced over generations in Pol IV mutants and then remains heritable after restoration of Pol IV function. This unusual genetic behavior is associated with promoter-proximal transposon fragments but is independent of sequences required for paramutation. These results indicate that trans-generational Pol IV action defines the expression patterns of haplotypes using co-opted transposon-derived sequences as regulatory elements. Our results provide a molecular framework for the concept that induced changes to the heterochromatic component of the genome are coincident with heritable changes in gene regulation. Alterations of this Pol IV–based regulatory system can generate potentially desirable and adaptive traits for selection to act upon.
Computerized Tomography Diagnosis of Myxoid Fibroma of the Kidneys

A 54-year-old white male presented with left flank pain with persistent intermittent episodes during the ensuing 1 1/2 years. Ultrasonography and computerized tomography (CT) 15 months previously showed a 25 mm (in greatest diameter) high density cyst on the mid pole of the right kidney and a 26 mm high density cyst at a similar location in the left kidney. Tentative diagnosis was hemorrhagic cyst based on high pre-enhancement attenuation coefficients without significant enhancement in the parenchymal phase. At the present hospitalization physical examination was within normal limits except for mild prostatic enlargement. Urinalysis, blood chemistry studies and hematologic profile were within normal limits (blood urea nitrogen 18, creatinine 0.9). A multiphasic helical CT demonstrated a 38 32 mm sharply demarcated mass in the medial mid pole of the left
Permeability Studies on Red Cell Membranes of Dog, Cat, and Beef

Water permeability coefficients of dog, cat, and beef red cell membranes have been measured under an osmotic pressure gradient. The measurements employed a rapid reaction stop flow apparatus with which cell shrinking was measured under a relative osmotic pressure gradient of 1.25 to 1.64 times the isosmolar concentration. For the dog red cell the osmotic permeability coefficient is 0.36 cm4/(sec, osmol). The water permeability coefficient for the dog red cell under a diffusion gradient was also measured (rate constant = 0.10/msec). The ratio between the two permeabilities was used to calculate an equivalent pore radius of 5.9 A. This value agrees welt with an equivalent pore radius of 6.2 A obtained from reflection coefficients of nonelectrolyte water-soluble molecules, and is consistent with data on the permeability of the dog red cell membrane to glucose. These data provide evidence supporting the existence of equivalent pores in single biological membranes.
Revealing the Kinematics of the Oculomotor Plant With Tertiary Eye Positions and Ocular Counterroll

Retinal information is two-dimensional, whereas eye movements are three-dimensional. The oculomotor system solves this degrees-of-freedom problem by constraining eye positions to zero torsion (Listing's law) and determining how eye velocities change with eye position (half-angle rule). Here we test whether the oculomotor plant, in the absence of well-defined neural commands, can implement these constrains mechanically, not just in a primary position but for all eye and head orientations. We stimulated the abducens nerve at tertiary eye positions and when ocular counterroll was induced at tilted head orientations. Stimulation-induced eye velocities follow the half-angle rule, even for tertiary eye positions, and microstimulation at tilted head orientations elicits eye positions that adhere to torsionally shifted planes, similar to naturally occurring eye movements. These results support the notion that oculomotor plant can continuously apply these three-dimensional rules correctly and appropriately for all eye and head orientations that obey Listing's law, demonstrating a major role of peripheral biomechanics in motor control.