cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vivo intracellular oxygen dynamics in murine brain glioma and immunotherapeutic response of cytotoxic T cells observed by fluorine-19 magnetic resonance imaging.

Noninvasive biomarkers of anti-tumoral efficacy are of great importance to the development of therapeutic agents. Tumor oxygenation has been shown to be an important indicator of therapeutic response. We report the use of intracellular labeling of tumor cells with perfluorocarbon (PFC) molecules, combined with quantitative 19F spin-lattice relaxation rate (R1) measurements, to assay tumor cell oxygen dynamics in situ. In a murine central nervous system (CNS) GL261 glioma model, we visualized the impact of Pmel-1 cytotoxic T cell immunotherapy, delivered intravenously, on intracellular tumor oxygen levels. GL261 glioma cells were labeled ex vivo with PFC and inoculated into the mouse striatum. The R1 of 19F labeled cells was measured using localized single-voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the absolute intracellular partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) was ascertained. Three days after tumor implantation, mice were treated with 2×107 cytotoxic T cells intravenously. At day five, a transient spike in pO2 was observed indicating an influx of T cells into the CNS and putative tumor cell apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative flow cytometry analysis confirmed that the pO2 was causally related to the T cells infiltration. Surprisingly, the pO2 spike was detected even though few (∼4×104) T cells actually ingress into the CNS and with minimal tumor shrinkage. These results indicate the high sensitivity of this approach and its utility as a non-invasive surrogate biomarker of anti-cancer immunotherapeutic response in preclinical models.
Sodium, potassium stimulated adenosine triphosphate in the nerve cord of the hawk moth, Manduca sexta

Abstract 1. 1. The existence of Na + -K + -stimulated ATPase activity in microsomes prepared from nerve cords of the hawk moth, Manduca sexta , has been demonstrated. 2. 2. The dependence of enzyme activity on pH and magnessium, sodium and potassium concentrations is compared with the beef brain microsomal enzyme. The insect enzyme has lower potassium sensitivity than the beef brain enzyme. 3. 3. Ouabain and strophanthidin inhibition of Na + -K + -ATPase is complex. Strophanthidin inhibition is clearly biphasic indicating at least two groups of cardiotonic steroid binding sites in the tissue. It is likely that two forms of the Na + -K + -ATPase are present in the Manduca sexta nerve cord.
Half-collision studies of singlet-to-triplet energy transfer: action spectroscopy and predissociation dynamics of electronically excited Cd H2 and Cd D2 complexes

The Cd(DOT)H2 and Cd(DOT)D2 van der Waals complexes have been synthesized by expanding cadmium vapor and He/H2 mixtures into a supersonic free jet. The `half-collision' process, Cd(5s5p 1P1)(DOT)H2 yields Cd(5s5p 3PJ) + H2, was studied by fixing a probe dye laser pulse (delayed 10 ns) onto one of the Cd(5s6s 3S1 $IMP 5s5p 3PJ) transitions while exciting the Cd(DOT)H2(Cd(DOT)D2) complex with a pump dye laser pulse tuned across frequencies near that of the free Cd(5s5p 1P1 $IMP 5s5s 1S0) atomic transition. When the probe laser was tuned to detect Cd(5s5p 3P2), an action spectrum to the red of the atomic transition was obtained for Cd(DOT)H2, consisting of a broad continuum superimposed upon which was an anharmonic series of vibrational transitions with discernible, blue-shaded rotational structure. A similar spectrum was recorded for Cd(DOT)D2, except that only very broadened blue-shaded rotational structure was observed.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
High association between accessory soleus muscle and Achilles tendonopathy

This study investigated the association between accessory soleus muscle and abnormalities of the Achilles tendon. The authors reviewed 15 consecutive cases with a diagnosis of accessory soleus muscle from a computerized database of ankle magnetic resonance (MR) examinations reported between January 1998 and January 2007. On review, two cases were eliminated because of an incorrect initial diagnosis: One patient had a low lying soleus attachment to the Achilles tendon, while the other had a prominent flexor hallucis longus tendon partially obliterating Kager’s fat. The remaining 13 cases with accessory soleus muscles were evaluated for Achilles tendon abnormalities. There were 13 cases of accessory soleus muscles in 11 patients; two patients had bilateral accessory soleus muscles (the only study patients with bilateral MR examinations in our sample). There were five male and six female patients ranging from 15 to 81 years of age (mean 48). There were nine cases (69.2%) in which Achilles tendonopathy was associated with accessory soleus muscle, including tendonopathy of each Achilles tendon in the two patients with bilateral accessory muscles. In our small patient population, there was a high association between accessory soleus muscle and Achilles tendonopathy.
The effects of alongshore variation in bottom topography on a boundary current—(topographically induced upwelling)

Abstract A theory which describes the constant f -plane flow of a steady inviscid baroclinic boundary current over a continental margin with a bathymetry that varies slowly in the alongshore but rapidly in the offshore directions is developed in the parameter regime (L D /L) 2 ≤ Ro ≪ 1 , where L D is the internal deformation radius, L the horizontal length scale, and Ro the Rossby number. To lowest order in the Rossby number the flow is along isobaths with speed q o = V u (h,z)|Vh|/α , where V u (h,z) is the upstream speed, α the upstream bottom slope at depth h , and Vh the bottom slope downstream at depth h . The lowest order flow produces a variation in the vertical component of relative vorticity along the isobath as the magnitude and direction of Vh vary in the downstream direction. The variation of vorticity requires a vertical as well as a cross-isobath flow at first order in the Rossby number. The first order vertical velocity is computed from the vorticity equation in terms of upstream conditions and downstream variations of the bathymetry. The density, pressure, and cross-isobath flow at first order in the Rossby number are then calculated. It is shown that in the cyclonic region of current ( d/dh(V u /α) > 0 ), if the isobaths diverge in the downstream direction ( (∂/∂s)|Vh| ), then upwelling and onshore flow occur. The theory is applied to the northeastern Florida shelf to explain bottom temperature observations.
Lighting Regimes as an Influence on Maturity and Productivity of Leghorn-Type Layers

Abstract A VOLUMINOUS literature has accumulated concerning the influence of light on the regulation of ovarian activity in birds. The subject is reviewed in depth by Biellier and Ostmann (1960). Light is not essential for sexual maturity or the continued production of eggs since birds grown and maintained in the dark commence and continue to ovulate (Rider, 1938; Wilson and Woodard, 1957; King, 1960). But regardless of this, it is clear that the length of the photoperiodic cycles exert some influence over the age when the bird begins to produce eggs and the rate and cycling of such production. Daylength was shown to have a regulatory influence on age at sexual maturity by Byerly and Knox (1946), who found that a one hour increase in sunlight at maturity was associated with a five to fifteen day reduction in the age at which the pullet matures sexually. Morris and Fox (1958a, 1960)…
Hepatotoxicity of antibiotics and antifungals

Hepatotoxicity associated with any antibiotic is rare. With the wide-spread use of antimicrobial agents, however, hepatic injury is not an infrequent occurrence. Penicillins remain a widely used class of antimicrobials with a well defined record of low hepatotoxicity. The combination of clavulanate with amoxicillin may be associated with the greatest risk for liver injury from any antimicrobial agent. Significant hepatotoxicity also may occur with sulfamethoxazole/ trimethoprim and combination regimens used to treat tuberculosis. An autoimmune-like hepatitis may result from minocycline or nitrofurantoin exposure and most often resolves with cessation of therapy. Treatment with high doses of tetracycline and oxacillin may be associated with severe hepatotoxicity. Early suspicion of hepatocellular injury in the setting of antimicrobial exposure should prompt cessation of therapy and avoidance of rechallenge.
Active Range of the Optical Systems Test Facility at MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Active Range of the Optical Systems Test Facility was established in 2003 to allow for rapid development and demonstration of active electro-optic technology in a system context, investigate critical phenomenology issues in a repeatable environment, and enhance expertise in electro-optic technology. The test facility consists of four major parts: a control room, a 50-m range with installed ladar systems, a far-field emulator comprising of a 1-m primary mirror and zoom optics, and a dynamic target manipulator for full-scale (1-m) targets. This paper will focus on the capabilities of the Optical Systems Test Facilty and present some examples of laser radar experiments and data taken in the range.
COHERENT STATE QUANTIZATION OF CHERN-SIMONS THEORY

Three-dimensional Chern-Simons gauge theories are quantized in a functional coherent state formalism. The connection with two-dimensional conformal field theory is found to emerge naturally. The normalized wave functionals are identified as generating functionals for the chiral blocks of two-dimensional current algebra.
Effect of auxin on acropetal auxin transport in roots of corn.

Acropetal [14C]indoleacetic acid (IAA) transport was investigated in roots of corn. At least 40 to 50% of this movement is dependent on activities in the root apex. Selective excision of various populations of cells comprising the root apex, e.g. the root cap, quiescent center, or proximal meristem show that the proximal meristem is the critical region in the apex with regard to influencing IAA movement. The quiescent center has no influence and the root cap has only a minor effect. Excision and replacement of the proximal meristem with an exogenous supply of 10−8 to 10−9 molar IAA prevents the reduction in acropetal IAA transport which would normally occur in the absence of this meristem. Substituting 10−9 molar IAA for the excised root cap brings about a significant increase in the amount of IAA moved acropetally, as compared to intact roots with the root cap still in place. From this and previous work, it is concluded that IAA synthesis occurring in the proximal meristem stimulates the movement of IAA from the basal to apical end of the root.
A novel course on microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) theory and characterization

A graduate-level course is described that addresses the theory of microwave monolithic integrated circuits (MMICs). Passive and active devices, as well as integrated functions, are theoretically and experimentally analyzed. Monolithic technology aspects are treated and laboratory experiments are developed for a better understanding of MMIC devices. The course is also combined with term projects dealing with specific monolithic design and measurement aspects. Its aim is to create a generation of electronic engineers with strong experience in monolithic devices and circuits. >
Structural Elements in α-Conotoxin ImI Essential for Binding to Neuronal α7 Receptors

The neuronal-specific toxin alpha-conotoxin ImI (CTx ImI) has the sequence Gly-Cys-Cys-Ser-Asp-Pro-Arg-Cys-Ala-Trp-Arg-Cys-NH2, in which each cysteine forms a disulfide bridge to produce a constrained two-loop structure. To investigate the structural basis for bioactivity we mutated individual residues in CTx ImI and determined bioactivity. Bioactivity of the toxins was determined by their competition against 125I-labeled alpha-bungarotoxin binding to homomeric receptors containing alpha7 sequence in the major extracellular domain and 5HT-3 sequence elsewhere. The results reveal two regions in CTx ImI essential for binding to the alpha7/5HT-3 receptor. The first is the triad Asp-Pro-Arg in the first loop, where conservative mutations of each residue diminish affinity by 2-3 orders of magnitude. The second region is the lone Trp in the second loop, where an aromatic side chain is required. The overall results suggest that within the triad of the first loop, Pro positions the flanking Asp and Arg for optimal interaction with one portion of the binding site, while within the second loop, Trp stabilizes the complex through its aromatic ring.
Evaluation of Welding Flaws Under Ratcheting Fatigue

Hydrocarbon-carrying lines can be subjected to cyclic loads superimposed on monotonically increasing mean strains well into the plastic domain, resulting in tearing and tearing fatigue of initial welding flaws. This combined demand is referred to here as ratcheting fatigue. Examples of these loads are frost-heave in pipelines and thermal cycling of flowlines. This paper presents the experimental verification of a fracture mechanics model of monotonic and cyclic crack extension under ratcheting fatigue loads and its calibration to small-scale tests. The model is an extension of one currently used to predict tearing and tear-fatigue due to reeling. Crack driving forces (J-solutions) under load- and displacement-control conditions were derived and used with the model to predict test results. A total of 24 single-edge notched bend (SEN-B) specimens, taken from a welded riser, were tested for crack extension under combined monotonic and cyclic loads. Comparisons of predicted to measured fatigue crack-growth rates, and alternatively cyclic J-R curves, provide quantitative and qualitative validation of the model. However, calibration to large–scale tests are needed before the model can be used for design. ExxonMobil has already completed the first set of large-scale pipe tests under ratcheting fatigue loading, including internal pressure.Copyright © 2008 by ASME and Southwest Research Institute
Granulocytopoiesis in the fetus and neonate.

RANULOCYTOPOIESIS is the process by which terminally-differentiated cells of the granulocytic lineages are generated. Conceptually, generation of these lineages requires a hierarchy of progenitors, the presence of specific and nonspe­ cific growth and differentiation-inducing factors, and a conducive environment. Investigations of the developmental biology of these segments of gran­ ulocytopoiesis have shown significant differences between fetal and adult systems. A better under­ standing of these differences may generate insight into the pathophysiology and treatment of various neonatal neutropenias.
Spinor representations of affine Lie algebras

Abstract Let [unk] be an infinite-dimensional Kac-Moody Lie algebra of one of the types Dl+1(2), Bl(1), or Dl(1). These algebras are characterized by the property that an elimination of any endpoint of their Dynkin diagrams gives diagrams of types Bl or Dl of classical orthogonal Lie algebras. We construct two representations of a Lie algebra [unk], which we call spinor representations, following the analogy with the classical case. We obtain that every spinor representation is either irreducible or has two irreducible components. This provides us with an explicit construction of fundamental representations of [unk], two for the type Dl+1(2), three for Bl(1), and four for Dl(1). We note the profound connection of our construction with quantum field theory—in particular, with fermion fields. Comparing the character formulas of our representations with another construction of the fundamental representations of Kac-Moody Lie algebras of types Al(1), Dl(1), El(1), we obtain classical Jacobi identities and addition formulas for elliptic θ-functions.
The Accuracy of the Center-of-Gravity Method for Measuring Velocity and Magnetic Field Strength in the Solar Photosphere

I investigate the accuracy with which the line-of-sight velocity and magnetic field strength in the solar photosphere can be recovered from spatially resolved spectral line profiles with the center-of-gravity (COG) method. For this purpose, theoretical non-LTE polarized line profiles of a series of Fe I lines were calculated through a two-dimensional slice from a snapshot of a three-dimensional solar magnetoconvection simulation. The calculated profiles were analyzed with the COG method for all positions along the slice, and retrieved values of velocity and field strength were compared with actual values at the heights of formation of the lines. The average formation heights of the employed lines range from 60 to almost 400 km above the average photospheric level. The COG method appears reliable for measuring velocities in the lower half of these formation heights and for measuring field strength over the whole range of heights, for fields up to intermediate strength. Moreover, it is shown that the COG determination is independent of spectral resolution, making it particularly suitable for applications that require high throughput and a correspondingly large spectral bandpass, such as high spatial resolution observations with a large-diameter telescope. Finally, the effect of broad-angle scattering, which includes a schematic representation of image deterioration through seeing, on the retrieved velocity and field strength was investigated.
Residential mobility between cities and suburbs: race, suburbanization, and back-to-the-city moves

Information from the 1979 to 1985 waves of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics is merged with data on respondents’ tract and metropolitan area of residence to examine patterns and determinants of residential mobility between central cities and suburbs. Consistent with the life-cycle model of residential mobility, mobility in both directions declines with age, but on balance the presence of young children deters moving to the suburbs. Among blacks, education increases the probability of moving from cities to suburbs, while high income retains blacks and whites in suburbs. Consistent with the place stratification model. blacks are substantially less likely than whites to move from cities to suburbs, and substantially more likely to move from suburbs to cities, even after standardizing for racial differences in sociodemographic characteristics. High levels of violent crime and unemployment in cities relative to suburbs also tend to spur city-to-suburb mobility or inhibit suburb-to-city moves.
Determination of inorganic sulfur species in highly alkaline solutions by liquid chromatography with polarographic detection

Abstract Indirect anodic detection of sulfide, polysulfide, sulfite and thiosulfate can be achieved at a dropping mercury electrode based on the anodic oxidation of mercury to produce stable products of Hg(II). Results for sulfide (S 2− ) and polysulfide (S 2− x ) ions in alkaline media are emphasized. The maximum value of x in S 2− x was found to be 5, which is in agreement with the literature. Values of diffusion coefficients for the various species of S 2− x ( D x ; x = 1–5) were found to decrease dramatically as x is increase, e.g. , D 1 / D 2 = 3.6 and D 1 / D 5 = 32.4. Mixing solutions of S 2− 5 with S 2− is not followed by rapid re-equilibration to produce a polysulfide with average x 2− and S 2− x in their mixture. High-performance anion-chromatography with polarographic detection was examined for separation of alkaline mixtures of inorganic sulfur compounds. Separations were achieved within ca. 12 min. Polysulfide (S 2− x ) is concluded to undergo dissociation to S 2− and S° on the anion-exchange column and no cathodic detection peak is obtained which is characteristic of the polarographic reduction of S 2− x . A negative peak in the cathodic baseline current for reduction of dissolved oxygen at E V just prior to the peak for S 2 O 2− 3 is attributed to the effect of eluted S°. The retention time of the S° peak is independent of the concentration of nitrate in the mobile phase, which is consistent with a non-ionic interaction between S° and the anion-exchange separator. The technique does not detect sulfate.
Local public goods and private suppliers: Musical suburbs replayed

Abstract This paper deals with the existence of private market suppliers in a standard local public goods model. The result of this modification can be a cycling process instigated by rich households rather than poor households. The theoretical model provides empirical implications for capitalization studies and policy implications for the provision and financing of local public goods including education.
Tactile impairments cannot explain the effect of age on a grasp and lift task.

This experiment addressed the often-posed theory that age-related declines in manual dexterity result from diminished tactile function. We measured the time ’young’ subjects (n=33; mean=45 years) and ’old’ subjects (n=33; mean=74 years) needed to grip (thumb and index finger), lift, and transport a small metal sphere when vision was permitted and when blindfolded. Subjects began each trial by reaching for the sphere and were instructed to complete the entire task quickly. In the absence of visual information, placement of the finger and thumb for a secure grip and lift cannot be performed efficiently without tactile information. If age-related tactile changes are functionally significant for this task, then without visual information the ’old’ group should show a disproportionate increase in the duration of the grip and lift phase of the task compared to the ’young’ group. Perceptual thresholds for tactile pressure stimuli (Semmes-Weinstein filaments) confirmed well-known age-related changes. Age and vision effects were manifest mainly during the grip-lift phase (time from object contact to lift-off from its support surface), with the expected finding that the ’old’ group required more time than ’young’ group, regardless of visual condition. The main finding was that the ’grip-lift’ duration in the ’no-vision’ condition was about twice the duration observed in the ’vision’ condition for both age groups (ratios of 2.1 and 2.3 for ’young’ and ’old’, respectively). This similar relative slowing for the two groups fails to support the hypothesis that old adults’ ability to grip and lift the object was limited by changes in the availability or use of tactile information.
A computer vision and robotic system for an intelligent workstation

Abstract This paper describes a computer vision and robotics system for an automated workstation. The system can be taught to find an object, recognize it, and direct a robot arm to move to the object, pick it up and place it in user taught bins. The vision system recognizes an object in a frame and extracts the position and orientation information of the object which the robotics system uses to retrieve the object. Direct and inverse kinematic equations are developed for the Mitsubishi Movemaster II RM-501, a small five degree of freedom industrial robot arm. All software is written in “C” and runs under CP/M-68K on a CompuPro MC68008 system. The robotics software is written so as to be independent of the vision system and can be easily used with other computer vision systems or rehosted on other computers. The complete system is designed and implemented in a modular fashion so that a conveyor system may be later added to the workstation.
A protease activity is associated with testicular chromatin of the mouse.

A protease activity associated with the micrococcal nuclease-solubiized chromatin from mouse seminiferous tubules has been characterized. Proteolysis of histone Hi and core histones is stimulated in the presence of 3 M urea. The pH optimum of this pro tease is between pH 8 and 9, and the activity is not inhibited by trypsin or chymotrypsin-active site inhibitors. Leupeptin is an effective inhibitor of the protease at low concentrations. Soluble chromatin from neonatal and prepubertal mice lacks this proteolytic activity until three to four weeks after birth. That the protease activity is localized in the dinucleosomes and higher oligomers but is lacking in mononucleosome populations suggests its association with the linker DNA. Rat testis-soluble chromatin apparently lacks such a protease activity. The developmental expression of this protease and its in situ localization are consistent with a role in histone displacement during mouse spermiogenesis.
Promoting Europe through ‘Unity in Diversity’: Avignon as European Capital of Culture in 2000

This article examines the reception of European Union cultural policy through Avignon's experience as European Capital of Culture (ECOC) in 2000, focusing specifically on the EU objective of achieving “Unity in Diversity” through culture. Some recent studies argue that ECOC projects have served as media for conceptions of culture that are less essentialist and more centered on transformation and border-crossing than those promoted by national and regional cultural policies of the past. Assuming that one of the primary obstacles to overcoming social divisions in urban centers is the alienation of the residents of low-income, peripheral neighborhoods, this article focuses particular attention on a website created to promote Gypsy heritage. Consideration of this case underscores the uneasy balance struck between the goal of redefining cities as attractive to potential tourists and residents and the goal of overcoming the “democratic deficit” affecting disadvantaged urban populations. The case of Avignon highlights obstacles within cities to the broad diffusion and acceptance of more cosmopolitan models of European culture centered on dialogue and exchange.
Adult circadian behavior in Drosophila requires developmental expression of cycle, but not period.

Circadian clocks have evolved as internal time keeping mechanisms that allow anticipation of daily environmental changes and organization of a daily program of physiological and behavioral rhythms. To better examine the mechanisms underlying circadian clocks in animals and to ask whether clock gene expression and function during development affected subsequent daily time keeping in the adult, we used the genetic tools available in Drosophila to conditionally manipulate the function of the CYCLE component of the positive regulator CLOCK/CYCLE (CLK/CYC) or its negative feedback inhibitor PERIOD (PER). Differential manipulation of clock function during development and in adulthood indicated that there is no developmental requirement for either a running clock mechanism or expression of per. However, conditional suppression of CLK/CYC activity either via per over-expression or cyc depletion during metamorphosis resulted in persistent arrhythmic behavior in the adult. Two distinct mechanisms were identified that may contribute to this developmental function of CLK/CYC and both involve the ventral lateral clock neurons (LNvs) that are crucial to circadian control of locomotor behavior: (1) selective depletion of cyc expression in the LNvs resulted in abnormal peptidergic small-LNv dorsal projections, and (2) PER expression rhythms in the adult LNvs appeared to be affected by developmental inhibition of CLK/CYC activity. Given the conservation of clock genes and circuits among animals, this study provides a rationale for investigating a possible similar developmental role of the homologous mammalian CLOCK/BMAL1 complex.
Exploring Heavy Drinking Patterns Among Black and White Young Adults

Objective:This investigation examined patterns of heavy drinking among Black and White young adults from a person-centered perspective and linked family and individual factors in adolescence to young adult drinking patterns.Method:The analysis focuses on 331 10th-grade students (168 Whites, 163 Blacks; 51% males) who were followed into young adulthood (ages 20 and 22). Cluster analyses using heavy episodic drinking, drunkenness, and alcohol problems in young adulthood resulted in groups of drinkers with different patterns. Groups were examined across and within race. Associations between young adult drinking groups and adolescent family and individual factors were tested.Results:Groups followed well-established race differences, with Whites clustering into frequent drinking groups more than Blacks, and Blacks clustering into non–heavy drinking groups more than Whites. Further, Black heavy drinkers reported fewer alcohol problems than White counterparts. Parental monitoring, consistent discipline, ethnic i...
Assessing Spectral Orthogonality

Abstract The practice of using multivariate methods for spectral chemical analysis has increased. The inflation of computers incorporated with spectroscopic instruments represents the main thrust behind the growth. For example, multivariate procedures are typically applied to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. The most common multivariate routines for chemical analysis consist of multiple linear regression (MLR), principal component regression (PCR), and partial least
Time-resolved O21Δg→3Σg− chemiluminescence upon UV laser photolysis of an aromatic endoperoxide in aqueous solution

Abstract 1 Δ g → 3 Σ g − near infrared chemiluminescence of molecular oxygen eliminated from3,3'-(1,4-naphthylidene)dipropionate endoperoxide in aqueous and methanol solution upon thermal or electronic excitation has been observed. A UV laser flash-chemilununescence study of the decay of the expelled singlet oxygen in H 2 O, D 2 O, and CH 3 OH revealed lifetimes identical with those measured upon photosensitization of singlet O 2 , in these solvents. No shortening of the lifetime of the photochemically eliminated O 2 ( 1 Δ g ) by interaction with the product hydrocarbon was found, in contrast to our previously studied case of singlet oxygen expelled from 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene endoperoxide in CCl 4 .
Servomechanism's sensitivity to inaccurate measurements†

The paper studies the sensitivity of the robust servomechanism with respect to inaccurate measurements of the fed back variables, namely, plant's measured output, plant's input and regulated error.
Zur Darstellung und Charakterisierung von Calciumhydrogensulfaten

CaSO4 · H2SO4 konnte als Calciumhydrogensulfat charakterisiert werden, wahrend CaSO4 · 3 H2SO4 offensichtlich ein Schwefelsaure-Addukt darstellt. In Abhangigkeit vom H2SO4-Uberschus existieren bis 343 K beide Verbindungen nebeneinander, wahrend oberhalb dieser Temperatur nur noch das Ca(HSO4)2 stabil ist. Die DTA-Kurve von Ca(HSO4)2 zeigt zwei Maxima bei 488 K und 523 K, die der H2O-Abspaltung unter Bildung eines Pyrosulfates und schlieslich dessen Zersetzung unter SO3-Abspaltung entsprechen. Das Ca(HSO4)2 weist betrachtlich langere OH-Bindungsabstande im Vergleich zu anderen Hydrogensulfaten auf. Preparation and Characterization of Calcium Hydrogen Sulfate CaSO4 · H2SO4 was identified as calcium hydrogen sulfate whereas CaSO4 · 3 H2SO4 is an adduct of CaSO4 with H2SO4. Depending on the excessive amount of H2SO4 both compounds exist side by side up to a temperature of 343 K, whereas above this temperature only Ca(HSO4)2 is stable. The DTA curve of Ca(HSO4)2 shows two maxima at 488 K and 523 K, according to the separation of H2O under formation of pyrosulfate and decomposition of this compound under elimination of SO3. In comparison with other hydrogen sulfates Ca(HSO4)2 shows a considerable increased OH distances. The d-values of Ca(HSO4)2 are calculated and represented.
DETERMINATION OF ETHYL CARBAMATE IN COMMERCIAL PROTEIN BASED CONDIMENT SAUCES BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY‐MASS SPECTROMETRY

Commercially obtained protein based condiments, including soy sauces, were analyzed for the presence of ethyl carbamate (urethane) using combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Samples were spiked with 100 parts-per-billion (ppb) of t-butyl carbamate internal standard, extracted with methylene chloride and concentrated prior to GC-MS analysis. For quantitation, the ratio of the pseudomolecular ions produced during isobutane chemical ionization (CI) at m/z 90 (ethyl carbamate) and m/z 118 (t-butyl carbamate) were monitored by mass chromatography. Response factors for ethyl carbamate versus the internal standard were determined in both the electron ionization (EI) and chemical ionization modes. The CI mode was used for quantitation as it was more sensitive and interference free. Samples testing positive by CI-MS were subsequently scanned by EI-MS for confirmation of identity as the CI spectra did not contain fragment ions necessary for adequate specificity. This method proved simple and reliable with detection limits less than 1 ppb. Limits of confirmation were 10 ppb. The recovery of internal standard was 86.7%± 5.6%. Only fermented products were found to contain ethyl carbamate.
Aminoacyl transfer: Peptide synthesis and other properties of an amino acid imidazolide

Abstract N- (Glycyl)-imidazole was examined as a chemical model of a possible active site intermediate of enzymes involved in peptide bond formation. The preparation, purification and properties of N- (glycyl)-imidazole were investigated. Preparation was from glycinium trifluoroacetate and 1,1′-carbonyl-diimidazole in dimethylsulfoxide. The product contained significant amounts of N- (glycylglycyl)-imidazole and unreacted glycine which were removed by ion-exchange chromatography. The product was extremely stable to hydrolysis below pH 3, and of constant stability from pH 3–8 becoming more unstable above pH 9. In comparison, its derivative N- (acetylglycyl)-imidazole is much less stable at all pH values and is maximally stable at pH 7 and dramatically less stable at both higher and lower pH values. Peptide formation from the N- (glycyl)-imidazole was favored between pH 6 and pH 9 and decreased rapidly above and below this range. The yield and size of peptides was concentration dependent both increasing with concentration.
A flexible passive joint for robotic fish pectoral fins: Design, dynamic modeling, and experimental results

Pectoral fins are important actuation mechanisms in achieving maneuvering and propulsion for robotic fish. Existing designs predominantly adopt a rigid joint connecting the actuator to the pectoral fin, which requires differential actuation speeds in the power and recovery strokes in order to produce thrust and thus limits the overall actuation frequency. To address this problem, in this paper we propose a novel design of a flexible joint, which enables the pectoral fin to sweep back passively along the fish body in the recovery stroke, to minimize the drag, while maintaining the prescribed motion in the power stroke. A dynamic model is presented for a robotic fish propelled by pectoral fins incorporating such flexible joints, where the pectoral fin mechanism is modeled by two rigid segments connected with a pair of torsional spring and damper. This design results in a net thrust even with the same recovery and power stroke speed within each fin beat cycle, which simplifies the fin control. Experimental results on a robotic fish prototype are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed model, and to demonstrate the significant advantage of the proposed fin joint over the rigid joint. Furthermore, modeling analysis and experimental investigation are used to examine the influence of the joint length and stiffness on the locomotion performance.
Perception and Interpretation of Nonverbally Expressed Emotions by Adolescents with Learning Disabilities

The perception and interpretation by 17 learning disabled and 17 achieving adolescents of a young female's video taped nonverbal expressions of anger, embarrassment, fear, frustration, joy, and lov...
Meaning and racial slurs: Derogatory epithets and the semantics/pragmatics interface

Abstract The semantics of racial slurs has recently become a locus of debate amongst philosophers. While everyone agrees that slurs are offensive, there is disagreement about the linguistic mechanism responsible for this offensiveness. This paper places the debate about racial slurs into the context of a larger issue concerning the interface between semantics and pragmatics, and argues that even on minimalist assumptions, the offensiveness of slur words is more plausibly due to their semantic content rather than any pragmatic mechanism (including conventional implicature). Finally, I note that slurs make a good test case for expanding our semantic theories beyond the truth conditional tradition of Frege, which will be necessary in order to broaden the types of expressions handled by semantic theories.
Periodic swing-by orbits between earth and Venus

The general problem of finding fly-by dates for multiple swing-by missions involves an iterative search in a space with dimension equal to the number of swingbys assuming the launch date and final arrival date are specified. A double swing-by trajectory that visits Mars and Venus requires a search in two dimensions. Periodic orbits connecting Earth and Venus require a search in a space of dimension between 10 and 15. This paper reports the results of a study of the latter class of orbits. The computing procedures are generally applicable to any multiple swing-by problem. A summary is given of the computational experience gained. Trajectory data are presented for those periodic orbits which were computed.
Hypertension-Related Renal Injury: A Major Contributor to End-Stage Renal Disease

The US Renal Data System Annual Report reveals that 57% of new cases of end-stage renal disease are attributed to hypertensive nephropathy and diabetic nephropathy. Analyses of the data on serum creatinine from the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial confirms that one in 20 of the hypertensive men exhibits a rate of decline in renal function that equals or exceeds 3% per year, the rate of loss being greater in older men, black men, and men with higher baseline blood pressure. Effective blood pressure treatment with maintenance of diastolic blood pressure below 95 mm Hg protected renal function in non-blacks but not in blacks, despite comparable blood pressure reduction in blacks. A longitudinal study of a diabetic cohort (n = 131) revealed that hypertension, plasma angiotensin II, and aldosterone are independent predictors of accelerated loss of renal function in diabetic nephropathy, possibly aggravated by diuretic usage as part of the anti hypertensive regimen in diabetic nephropathy. No significant loss of renal function could be documented in those individuals whose blood pressure was adequately controlled (systolic blood pressure,
Molecular evidence of genetic modification of Sinorhizobium meliloti : enhanced PCB bioremediation

The genome of the nitrogen-fixing soil bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti does not possess genes for bioremediation of aromatic pollutants. It has the well-known ability to interact specifically with the leguminous alfalfa plant, Medicago sativa. Our previous work has shown enhanced degradation of the nitroaromatic compound 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) when a plasmid containing degradative genes was introduced in it. In this study we report molecular evidence of the transfer of a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-biodegradative plasmid pE43 to S. meliloti strain USDA 1936. Several standard analytical tests and plant growth chamber studies were conducted to test the ability of S. meliloti to degrade 2',3,4-PCB congener. Alfalfa plant alone was able to degrade 30% of PCBs compared with control. No enhanced dechlorination was noted when alfalfa plant was grown with wild-type S. meliloti, and when alfalfa plant was grown with the S. meliloti electrotransformants (genetically modified) dechlorination of PCBs was more than twice that when alfalfa plant was grown with wild-type S. meliloti. When alfalfa plant was grown with uncharacterized mixed culture (containing nodule formers), almost equally significant PCB degradation was observed. The significance of this work is that the naturally occurring nitrogen-fixing soil bacterium S. meliloti (genetically modified) has the ability to enhance fertility of soil in association with the leguminous alfalfa plant while simultaneously enhancing bioremediation of PCB-contaminated soils. Enhanced bioremediation of PCB and robust alfalfa plant growth was also noted when uncharacterized mixed cultures containing alfalfa plant nodule formers were used.
Importance of Calcar Comminution and Screw Length in Proximal Humerus Fractures Treated With Locking Plate Fixation

While proximal humerus fractures are relatively infrequent and the majority are amenable to non-operative treatment, open reduction with internal fixation remains a surgical mainstay [1,2]. With the advent of locking fixation, the majority of proximal humerus fractures requiring surgery are treated with locking plates. Biomechanical studies have demonstrated that locked plating is superior to intramedullary fixation, conventional or blade plating in two and three part proximal humerus fractures [3,4]. Despite the increased stability and use of locking fixation, loss of reduction remains a post-operative problem in osteoporotic bone with comminuted fractures [5]. Presently we hypothesized that: 1) Medial comminution of the calcar region is a determinant of fracture and fixation stability; and 2) Greater stability and increased resistance to varus deformity is gained through use of locking screws that cross the inferior surgical neck and penetrate the humeral head, i.e., the calcar region of the humerus.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Proton pump inhibitors are associated with a high rate of serious infections in veterans with decompensated cirrhosis.

Summary Background There is increasing evidence that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increase the rate of infections in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Aims To estimate the extent to which proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increase the rate of infections among patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Methods We conducted a retrospective propensity-matched new user design using US Veterans Health Administration data. Only decompensated cirrhotic patients from 2001 to 2009 were included. New PPI users after decompensation (n = 1268) were 1:1 matched to those who did not initiate gastric acid suppression. Serious infections, defined as infections associated with a hospitalisation, were the outcomes. These were separated into acid suppression-related (SBP, bacteremia, Clostridium difficile and pneumonia) and non-acid suppression-related. Time-varying Cox models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CIs of serious infections. Parallel analyses were conducted with H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA). Results More than half of persons with decompensated cirrhosis were new users of gastric acid suppressants, with most using PPIs (45.6%) compared with H2RAs (5.9%). In the PPI propensity-matched analysis, 25.3% developed serious infections and 25.9% developed serious infections in the H2RA analysis. PPI users developed serious infections faster than nongastric acid suppression users (adjusted HR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.31–2.12). For acid suppression-related serious infections, PPI users developed the outcome at a rate 1.75 times faster than non-users (95% CI: 1.32–2.34). The H2RA findings were not statistically significant (HR serious infections: 1.59; 95% CI: 0.80–3.18; HR acid suppression-related infections: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.31–2.73). Conclusion Among patients with decompensated cirrhosis, proton pump inhibitors but not H2 receptor antagonists increase the rate of serious infections.
Climate Change and Tourism

This Department publishes research notes, conference reports, reports on the work of public agencies and associations, field (industry) reports, and other relevant topics and timely issues. Contributions to this department are submitted to its two Associate Editors: Research Notes to Juergen Gnoth (Department of Marketing, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Email ) and Conference Reports to Russell Smith (Hospitality and Tourism, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Rep. of Singapore. Email ). Unsolicited conference and agency reports will not be accepted.
Inactivation of self-incompatibility following temperature pretreatments of styles in Lilium longiflorum

Incompatible (self) pollen tube growth in styles of six cultivars of L. longiflorum is strikingly influenced by treatment of the styles for six minutes in 50°C distilled water prior to pollination. In pretreated detached styles the incompatible pollen tubes reach lengths normally attained by compatible pollen whereas in untreated styles they grow to only approximately two-thirds the length normally reached by compatible tubes. Pretreatment at either 25°C or 45°C for six minutes does not affect incompatible pollen tube growth. Both compatible and incompatible tubes grow only a few millimeters into styles treated at 55°C for six minutes. Stigmatoid cells in these styles appear necrotic. Pretreatment of attached styles at 50°C for six minutes resulted in fruit set following self-pollination. Seed number per capsule ranged from 6 to 114. Stylar pretreatment appears to be a highly promising approach to further investigation concerning the nature of the self-incompatibility reaction. It also appears to offer a suitable means of obtaining seed from self-incompatible plants.
Identification of Mining Blasts at Mid- to Far-regional Distances Using Low Frequency Seismic Signals

This paper reports results from two recent monitoring experiments in Wyoming. Broadband seismic recordings of kiloton class delay-fired cast blasts and instantaneous calibration shots in the Black Thunder coal mine were made at four azimuths at ranges from 1° to 2°. The primary focus of this experiment was to observe and to explain low-frequency signals that can be seen at all azimuths and should routinely propagate above noise to mid-regional distances where most events will be recorded by International Monitoring System (IMS) stations.
Contraction strength variance during pressure/flow studies

The parameters of bladder pressure, urine flow rate and strength of contraction (W) during voiding were evaluated in female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and compared to non-SUI patients. The long-term modification in these parameters produced by endoscopic bladder neck suspension (BNS) was also evaluated in the SUI patients. Comparisons were made between the direct measurements of bladder pressure and flow rate during voiding with the indirect computations of W. The parameter, W, was evaluated at the prevoiding stage, and during micturition at 20% and 80% of voided bladder volume. The maximum W attained was also computed. Analysis was based on an algorithm of calculating the single valued variable W from detrusor pressure and flow rate information that was digitized by a real time computer. Data were obtained from a total of 80 patients; 49 patients with non-SUI having a mean age of 50 ± 16 years (mean ± SD) and 31 patients 56 ± 12 years with SUI. The pre-operative values of W and pressure/flow parameters in the 31 patients with SUI were compared with postoperative values obtained 26 months following (BNS). The results show that SUI patients void at a significantly lower pressure than non-SUI patients and at approximately the same flow rate. There is no statistically significant difference between SUI and non-SUI patients in the value of W at any stage of the voiding cycle. Comparison of pre-operative to postoperative values of these parameters also shows that BNS did not produce significant changes in contraction strength W although the direct measurements of voiding pressure significantly increased and flow significantly decreased. It is concluded that the contractility of the bladder is maintained at a preset physiological level in the presence of physiologically or surgically changing urethral impedance.