cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New differential techniques for evaluating rate constants and ratios of rate constants. The behaviors of irreversible first-and pseudo-first-order reactions

A record of the time dependence of the difference between two signals, one proportional to the concentration of a reactant or product in one reaction mixture and the other proportional to the concentration of the same or a corresponding substance in another mixture in which the reaction is initiated at the same time as the first, makes it possible to obtain not only the ratio, but also the individual values, of the rate constants for the two reactions. The effects of the experimental variables on a number of measurable parameters are examined, the errors associated with a number of different ways of evaluating the rate constants and their ratio are discussed, and it is shown how conditions can be selected that should provide values whose precisions compare favorably with those attainable by other techniques.
Characterization of the ETO and AML1–ETO proteins involved in the 8;21 translocation in acute myelogenous leukemia

The AML1 and ETO genes are disrupted by the nonrandom chromosomal translocation t(8;21) in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). While the AML1 gene encodes a transcription factor indispensable for definitive hematopoiesis, the biological function of ETO is unknown. To understand the role of ETO and AML1-ETO in the pathogenesis of AML, the full length cDNAs of ETO and AML1-ETO were cloned and antibodies against AML1 and ETO proteins have been developed in our laboratory. Western blot analysis showed that ETO and AML1-ETO were identified as 70 kDa and 94 kDa proteins, respectively, and that both proteins, like AML1, were associated with the nuclear matrix. To examine whether the t(8;21)-positive AMLs expressed a 94-kDa AML1-ETO, protein fractions isolated from leukemia blasts of 10 patients with t(8;21)-positive AML and the Kasumi-1 cells were analyzed by Western blotting. The 94 kDa AML1-ETO fusion protein was detected in all samples. However, this fusion protein was not detectable in all 40 patients with t(8;21)-negative AMLs. The biological significance of AML1-ETO was examined in K562 cells, which stably overexpress AML1-ETO. We found that AML1-ETO blocked the erythroid differentiation of K562 cells induced by low doses of Ara-C. Thus, t(8;21)-positive AMLs appear to overexpress the AML1-ETO fusion protein, which may be responsible for differentiation block and leukemogenesis in AML.
Temperature effects on steady state performance of an induction machine and a Switched Reluctance machine

Temperature effects on the performance of an Induction Motor (IM) and a Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) is compared. Two Dimensional (2D) Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used to calculate loss components in both motors at the same operating condition. A 3D FEA is then employed to calculate temperature rise in each motor. This has been used to update the material properties. Based on an iterative algorithm, the steady state performance of both motors is obtained and compared which shows the superior performance of the SRM as a heat tolerant motor.
The effects of local control station design variation on human performance and plant risk

Abstract A human factors analysis was performed to assess how selected design variations to local control stations (LCSs) in nuclear power plants affect both human performance and plant risk. Modifications in the design of individual control panels and changes in their functional centralization were considered. The analysis methodology was accomplished in four stages. First, a list of LCS human engineering design deficiencies was developed using data collected from a variety of sources including visits to nuclear power plants. From these data, a set of potential upgrades were defined to correct the deficiencies. Second, the effects of the upgrades on human error probabilities (HEPs) were determined using a computer-based methodology for soliciting expert judgement. Third, the HEPs were propagated through a plant probabilistic risk assessment, and new core melt frequencies were established. The results indicated that implementation of either type of upgrades would improve human performance and lower risk, although the effect of functional centralization on performance and risk was found to be greater than panel design.
Public perceptions about risk and protective factors for cognitive health and impairment: a review of the literature

Background Preventing and/or delaying cognitive impairment is a public health priority. To increase awareness of and participation in behaviors that may help maintain cognitive function or reduce risk of impairment, we need to understand public perceptions about risk and protective factors.
Growth of factor productivity in Turkish manufacturing industries

Abstract This paper presents estimates of rates of total factor productivity ( TFP ) growth for two-digit manufacturing industries in Turkey over the period 1963 to 1976. Estimates are presented separately for the public and private enterprises in each industry. It is shown that periods of slower productivity growth coincided with periods of a more stringent traderegime. It is also shown that, despite the fact that the rate of growth of TFP was about the same in the public and private sectors, absolute levels of inputs in the public sector enterprises are much higher than in their private sector counterparts.
Toxicity and role of terpenoid phytoalexins in verticillium wilt resistance in cotton

Abstract Hemigossypol (HG), methoxyhemigossypol (MHG), desoxyhemigossypol (dHG) and desoxymethoxyhemigossypol (dMHG), the four major terpenoids formed in the stem stele of Verticillium dahliae -infected, wilt-resistant Seabrook Sea Island (SBSI) cotton, were tested at pH 6·3–7·5 in liquid nutrient media for toxicity to V. dahliae . The terpenoids dHG, HG, dMHG, and MHG at 25 °C killed all conidia after 18–40 h at 10, 45, 25 and 60 μg ml −1 , respectively; and all mycelia after 48 h at 15, 32, 25 and 45 μg ml −1 , respectively. Inhibition of conidia germination also occurred at concentrations well below the fungicidal concentrations. Dimethylsulfoxide at 2 or 5% was required to solubilize HG, MHG and dMHG at fungicidal concentrations. Only dHG had the water solubility apparently required to reach fingicidal concentration in the aqueous medium of infected xylem vessels and thus account for the death of V. dahliae conidia and mycelia in most infected vessels in the stem stele of SBSI cotton 10 days after inoculation. The dHG in the stem stele at 10 days after inoculation was in excess of fungicidal concentration.
Platelet function studies in coronary artery disease. VII. Effect of aspirin and tachycardia stress on aortic and coronary venous blood

Abstract The effects of orally administered aspirin (650 mg) on platelet aggregation patterns and counts in aortic and coronary venous blood were evaluated in patients with coronary artery disease. Studies were conducted at rest and during the stress of tachycardia. Before administration of aspirin, platelet aggregation and counts were lower (p
Fecal Bacterial Community Changes Associated with Isoflavone Metabolites in Postmenopausal Women after Soy Bar Consumption

Soy isoflavones and their metabolism by intestinal microbiota have gained attention because of potential health benefits, such as the alleviation of estrogen/hormone-related conditions in postmenopausal women, associated with some of these compounds. However, overall changes in gut bacterial community structure and composition in response to addition of soy isoflavones to diets and their association with excreted isoflavone metabolites in postmenopausal women has not been studied. The aim of this study was to determine fecal bacterial community changes in 17 postmenopausal women after a week of diet supplementation with soy bars containing isoflavones, and to determine correlations between microbial community changes and excreted isoflavone metabolites. Using DGGE profiles of PCR amplified 16S rRNA genes (V3 region) to compare microbial communities in fecal samples collected one week before and one week during soy supplementation revealed significant differences (ANOSIM p<0.03) before and after soy supplementation in all subjects. However, between subjects comparisons showed high inter-individual variation that resulted in clustering of profiles by subjects. Urinary excretion of isoflavone (daidzein) metabolites indicated four subjects were equol producers and all subjects produced O-desmethylangolensin (ODMA). Comparison of relative proportions of 16S rRNA genes from 454 pyrosequencing of the last fecal samples of each treatment session revealed significant increases in average proportions of Bifidobacterium after soy consumption, and Bifidobacterium and Eubacterium were significantly greater in equol vs non-S-(-)equol producers. This is the first in vivo study using pyrosequencing to characterize significant differences in fecal community structure and composition in postmenopausal women after a week of soy diet-supplementation, and relate these changes to differences in soy isoflavones and isoflavone metabolites.
Beneficial effect of thyroxin on recovery from toxic acute renal failure.

Beneficial effect of thyroxin on recovery from toxic acute renal failure. To determine the effect of thyroxin (T 4 ) on the recovery from toxic acute renal failure, rats were injected, subcutaneously, with K-dichromate (15mg/kg) and at the peak of the renal injury, each animal was given either T 4 (4 µg/100 g body weight, i.p.) or normal saline (NS). The T 4 -treated rats had significantly better C In (669 ± 35µl/min/100 g body weight), improved FE Na (0.49 ± 0.05%) and increased U Osm (835 ± 50 mOsm/kg) as compared to animals given only NS (C In 422 ± 27; FE Na 1.02 ± 0.12; and U Osm 613 ± 23). A similar dose of T 4 given to non-injured control rats had no effect on renal function. The beneficial effect of T 4 on dichromate injected rats was sustained and lead to more prompt recovery of glomerular function. To eliminate any hemodynamic effects of T 4 , an isolated perfused kidney preparation was utilized, and kidneys from dichromate injected rats treated with T 4 had significantly better C In , urine flow and FE Na compared to rats given NS. Cellular morphology was better preserved in T 4 -treated animals. These data indicate that treatment with T 4 results in enhanced recovery from an acute toxic renal insult and that this beneficial effect is unlikely to be related to nonspecific systemic effects of the hormone. Effet benefique de la thyroxine lors de la recuperation d'une insuffisance renale aigue toxique. Afin de determiner l'effet de la thyroxine (T 4 ) sur la recuperation d'une insuffisance renale aigue toxique, des rats ont ete injectes, par voie sous-cutanee, avec du K-dichromate (15mg/kg) et au maximum de la lesion renale, chaque animal a recu, par voie intraperitoneale, soit de la T 4 (4 µg/100 g poids) ou du solute physiologique (NS). Les rats traites avec la T 4 avaient une C In significativement meilleure (669 ± 35µl/min/100 g poids), une FE Na amelioree (0,49 ± 0,05%) et une U Osm augmentee (835 ± 50 mOsm/kg) par rapport aux animaux ne recevant que NS (C In 422 ± 27; FE Na 1,02 ± 0,12; et U Osm 613 ± 23). Une dose identique de T 4 donnee a des rats controles non leses n'avait pas d'effet sur la fonction renale. L'effet benefique de T 4 sur les rats injectes avec du dichromate etait prolonge et aboutissait a une recuperation plus rapide de la fonction renale. Afin d'eliminer des effets hemodynamiques de T 4 , une preparation de rein isole-perfuse a ete utilisee, et les reins provenant des rats injectes avec le dichromate et traites avec T 4 avaient une C In , un debit urinaire et une FE Na significativement meilleurs que les rats ayant recu le NS. La morphologie cellulaire etait mieux preservee chez les animaux traites avec T 4 . Ces donnees indiquent que le traitement par T 4 entraine une recuperation plus rapide apres une atteinte renale aigue toxique, et que cet effet benefique n'est sans doute pas relie aux effets systemiques non specifiques de l'hormone.
A note on the stability of the estimation of the exponential distribution

Bounds on the uniform distance between a χ22n distribution and the distribution of 2Σni = 1 Xi/μ, where X1, X2,…, Xn are n independent, identically distributed nonnegative random variables with common mean μ, are derived assuming that the Xi's are HNBUE or HNWUE or that a specific ‘mechanism’ is ‘perturbing’ an exponential distribution. These bounds are used to quantify the robustness of the sampling distribution of the usual test statistic for hypothesis tests on the mean of the exponential distribution to departures from exponentiality.
Consecutive radical reactions and the role of the protein in the pulse radiolysis of enzymes

The reactions of H atoms, OH radicals and hydrated electrons acting as isolated reagents upon ribonuclease in dilute aqueous solution were studied by the technique of pulse radiolysis-kinetic spectroscopy. The experiments show that initial action of these reagents upon the protein molecule is followed by intramolecular transformations. Two consecutive intramolecular steps have been observed in the reaction of H atoms, with specific rates of approximately 103 sec−1 and 1 sec−1. Some spectral features can be assigned to specific radical sites. For instance, electron adduct to disulfide is formed by the primary action of H atoms at pH 6.6, by the primary action of hydrated electrons at pH 7.6 and by intramolecular reaction of primary product formed by action of OH at pH 7.
A comparison of geometry optimization with internal, cartesian, and mixed coordinates

Improvements in MO programs and computer speeds have dramatically increased the size of molecules that can be optimized by MO methods. This has put a considerable strain on existing geometry optimization techniques. For a given molecular system, the performance of a geometry optimization method can vary significantly depending on the coordinates used. Nonredundant internal coordinates (e.g., Z-matrix coordinates) are easily constructed and behave well for acyclic molecules but can be quite troublesome for cyclic systems. Cartesian coordinates behave well for rigid, cyclic molecules but can be quite poor for flexible, acyclic systems. Mixed cartesian and internal coordinates have been suggested as a means of combining the best of both approaches and are particularly convenient for cyclic systems with flexible substituents. The efficiency of these different approaches is compared for a number of molecules. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluation of the LAI-2000 Plant Canopy Analyzer to Estimate Leaf Area in Manually Defoliated Soybean

The LAI-2000 Plant Canopy Analyzer provides a rapid estimate of leaf area index (LAI), but its accuracy and utility for estimating soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] defoliation is unknown. This study evaluated minimum plot-size requirements for manually defoliated soybean experiments using the LAI-2000; compared LAI estimates using the LAI-2000 with directly determined values for 0, 33, 67, and 100% manual defoliation levels; and compared estimates between two LAI-2000 detector types having spectral sensitivity differences. The minimum plot size for obtaining accurate indirect estimates of LAI in defoliated canopies (0.89-m height) with 0.38-m row centers is six rows by 2.28 m and with 0.91-m row centers and a canopy height of 0.81 m is four rows by 2 m plus an additional 1-m defoliated area at the ends of the two middle rows. Indirect measurements of LAI with the wide-blue detector, which is included on newer LAI-2000 units, were statistically greater than directly determined values in 10 of 12 comparisons. Measurements with the narrow-blue detector were the same as directly determined values in three of five comparisons in 1998 and 1999 but were statistically greater in 11 of 12 comparisons in 2000. Estimates with the wide-blue detector were 9 and 2% greater than those with the narrow-blue detector in 1999 and 2000, respectively.
Parental investment by sex on ifaluk

Abstract Trivers and Willard ( Science 179;90–92, 1973) predict that where investment by parents in good condition increases the fitness of sons more than that of their sisters, while the opposite is true of parents in poor condition, parents with much to invest will favor sons, while those with little will favor daughters. Patterns of parent-child association on Ifaluk atoll are consistent with this prediction.
Theoretical, Computational and Experimental Studies of a Flat Plate Undergoing High-Amplitude Pitching Motion

A pitch-up, hold, pitch-down motion for a flat plate is studied using theoretical, computational (immersed boundary method), and experimental (water-tunnel) methods. This motion is one of several canonical pitch motions introduced by the AIAA Fluid Dynamics Technical Committee’s Low Reynolds Number Discussion Group. An inviscid theoretical method that is applicable to non-periodic motions and that accounts for large amplitudes and nonplanar wakes is employed. Results from theory are compared against those from computation and experiment which are also compared with each other. The variation of circulatory and apparent-mass loads as a function of pivot location for this motion is examined. The flow phenomena leading up to leading edge vortex shedding and the limit of validity of the inviscid theory in the face of vortex dominated flows is investigated. Also, the effect on pitch amplitude on leading edge vortex shedding is examined and two distinctly different vortex dominated flows are studied using dye flow visualizations from and experiment and vorticity plots from computation.
Parents' Mood and the Content of Pediatric Care for Young Children

Objective.—To assess the relationship between parents' mood and the provision of anticipatory guidance by pediatric health care providers. Data Source.—Data analyzed were from the National Survey of Early Childhood Health, a cross-sectional nationally representative survey concerning young children 4–35 months of age (n = 2068). Key Variables.—Parents were asked whether the children's health care providers had discussed 10–12 age-appropriate health promotion topics and 5 psychosocial issues during the past 12 months. Parents also identified missed opportunities for guidance (ie, topics not discussed for which discussion would have been helpful) and reported whether providers should discuss psychosocial issues. Parents' mood was assessed using factor scores derived from the Mental Health Inventory. Analyses.—Log–linear regression analyses determined if parents' mood was a significant predictor of the number of topics and issues discussed, the number of missed opportunities, and the reported number of issues that providers should discuss. Results.—Parents who were more often in a positive mood discussed more health promotion topics (B = .06, P Conclusions.—Increased attention to parents' mood and emotional well-being may help pediatricians identify parents who desire additional anticipatory guidance and ensure that opportunities for the provision of guidance are not inadvertently missed.
Durable responses to thalidomide-based drug therapy for myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia.

OBJECTIVE To present the results of a long-term analysis of 2 sequential phase 2 trials of thalidomide (alone or in combination) for palliation of myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM). PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed (March 1999 to August 2003) initial and long-term outcomes from 36 patients with symptomatic MMM who had enrolled in either our thalidomide single-agent trial (n=15) or our trial of low-dose thalidomide (50 mg/d) combined with prednisone (n=21). RESULTS Among the 36 study patients, 20 (56%) showed some improvement in their clinical course. Response rates for specific end points included improvements in anemia (15 of 36 [42%]), thrombocytopenia (10 of 13 [77%]), or splenomegaly (5 of 30 [17%]). The combination of low-dose thalidomide and prednisone, as opposed to single-agent thalidomide, was better tolerated and more efficacious. After a median follow-up of 25 months (range, 20-56 months), 10 of 36 patients (28%) showed an ongoing response, including 8 patients in whom protocol treatment has been discontinued for a median of 21 months (range, 16-31 months). Durable treatment responses were documented for only anemia and thrombocytopenia. Treatment response was not affected by the baseline status of bone marrow fibrosis, angiogenesis, osteosclerosis, cytogenetics, or circulating myeloid progenitor (CD34) cell count. Unusual drug effects, all reversible, included leukocytosis (8 patients) and/or thrombocytosis (6 patients). CONCLUSIONS Thalidomide (alone or combined with prednisone) is an effective first-line treatment of symptomatic anemia or thrombocytopenia in MMM. Thalidomide-based therapy has the potential to produce durable responses in MMM-associated cytopenias, even after discontinuation of the drug.
Why so Few Conservatives and Should we Care

We take mild issue with some of the conclusions Gross draws from his research into the political commitments of academics, and we draw attention to other research that suggests there are epistemic costs associated with the political imbalance that Gross observes. We question whether incentives and controls currently existing within the social sciences are sufficient to counter these epistemic costs.
The half-life of the 8.4 keV level in Tm169

Electrons from transitions feeding the 8.4-kev level in Er/sup 169/ and Yb/sup 169/ decay were detected with an intermediateimage BETA -spectrometer. The M- or N-electrons de-exciting the level were detected similarly. From coincidences observed between the two groups of electrons, the half life was determined (from the combined Er/sup 169/ and Yb/sup 169/ data) to be 4.36 plus or minus 0.17 nsec. (D.C.W.)
Thermoelectric voltage spectroscopy for studying compensation in semi-insulating wide energy band gap materials

A new method, thermoelectric voltage spectroscopy (TEVS), is demonstrated for the study of deep levels and compensation. Thermally stimulated conductivity (TSC) and thermoelectric emission spectroscopy (TEES) results are also shown for comparison. In TEVS, the thermoelectric voltage across a sample is measured as a function of the temperature, during the thermal stimulation of electron and hole traps. The TEVS voltage shows steps that reflect (1) the change of the electron and hole quasi-Fermi levels due to detrapping and (2) the trap type, whether electron or hole. A simple product rule holds between the TEVS voltage, TSC current, and TEES current, when identical trap filling and heating are done. The combination of TSC and TEVS is a powerful way for studying compensation and deep levels in semi-insulating wide energy band gap materials.
A novel extraction method for peanut allergenic proteins in chocolate and their detection by a liposome-based lateral flow assay

In this study, conditions for extracting the major peanut allergen (Ara h1) from chocolate were optimized, and the extracted samples were analyzed by a lateral flow assay (LFA) using liposomal nanovesicles. The optimal conditions using peanut-spiked chocolate were found to be extraction with a mixture of phosphate buffered saline and hexane for 30 min at 35 °C. After centrifugation, the buffer portion was treated with insoluble poly(vinylpolypyrrolidone) to remove phenolic compounds, and then analyzed by the LFA. The entire analysis, including sample preparation and LFA, could be easily completed within 2 h, and the detection limit was 158 μg of peanuts/g of chocolate.
Extinction and viruses

The micropaleontological record of deep-sea sediments is demonstrably continuous through time and, therefore, it can be used to study in detail the evolutionary process. Several taxa, including Coccolithophorida, planktic Foraminifera, Radiolaria, and diatoms, are abundantly represented. Some species, apparently evolved in the marginal marine environment, appear suddenly in the record while other species grade into different ones at rates that range from 100,000 years to millions of years. The rates are usually different for different morphological characters within the same lineage. Every few million years a mass extinction occurs--the disappearance of a number of taxa apparently caused by an environmental upset of some kind. These events are used by stratigraphers to subdivide geologic time. Interspersed between mass extinctions are the background extinctions, the individual extinctions of well-established species while the sympatric species exhibit no sign of stress. It is hypothesized that background extinctions are caused by host-specific viral action. It is further hypothesized that background extinctions are a fundamental component of the process of evolution.
Least significant differences for combined analyses of experiments with two- or three-factor treatment designs

(...) Emphasis is given to combined analyses of series of experiments in which the effects of experiments are considered to be random; individual experiments are assumed to have complete factorial treatment designs involving either two or three factors of which at least one is qualitative. All treatments effects, including main effects and interactions, are considered to be fixed effects. Formulae applicable to commonly used experimental designs are presented for the estimation of variances for the five categories of pairwise mean differences in two-factor treatment designs and the 19 categories of pairwise mean differences in three-factor treatment designs (...)
Methods Development For Rapid-Scanning Gas Phase Fourier Transform Infrared/Time-Resolved (FT-IR/TRS) Spectrometry

The development of techniques for use in gas phase Fourier transform infrared time-resolved spectrometry (FT-IR/TRS) is described. Equipment designs and experimental parameters are shown, and problems requiring modification of parameters or equipment are discussed.
Leadership and destructive acts: Individual and situational influences

Abstract Leaders sometimes make decisions that harm organizational members and long-term organizational performance. The intent of the present study was to assess the role of personality and situational influences on destructive interpersonal and organizational decisions. Management majors were asked to complete a battery of personality and ability measures as part of a Regional Sales Manager Assessment Center. Additionally, they were asked to complete a 32-item “in-basket,” with eight items reflecting decisions that would harm others and eight items reflecting decisions that would harm the organization. Systematic manipulations were made in “in-basket” content to manipulate authority norms, feelings of self-efficacy, and psychological distance. It was found that destructive individuals tended to make decisions that harmed the organization when self-efficacy was low. However, they would not necessarily make decisions that harmed others unless actions of this sort were supported by authority. The implications of these findings for leadership and organizational performance are discussed.
Are we investing less in the next generation? Historical trends in time spent caring for children

Historical and current data sets are used to trace the time married women and men spend caring for their own children on a daily basis. The data are also used to estimate the total time parents spend in raising two children to the age of 18. The analysis is restricted to primary child care time; i.e., the actual, direct administration of personal care, including physical care (feeding, bathing, dressing, putting to bed) and such other direct personal care as teaching, chauffering, supervising, counseling, managing, training, amusing, and entertaining. Secondary parental child care time is not studied. Although white married women spent about. 56 hours per day per child in primary child care in the 1924–1931 period, by 1981, the time had decreased to about 1.00 hour per day per child. Married men spent 0.25 hours per day per child in 1975, the first year for which national data exists. By 1981, this figure had increased to 0.33 hours per day per child. Raising two children to age 18 required about 5,789 hours of a white, employed, married woman's time and 14,053 hours of a white, unemployed, married woman's time in 1981. Husbands of white, employed married women spent about 1,500 more hours in raising two children to age 18 than the husbands of white, unemployed married women.
Defect pool model of defect formation in a-Si:H

The bulk chemical processes responsible for defect formation in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) are examined. Thermodynamic analyses of the corresponding chemical reactions account quantitatively for the observed defect density dependence on temperature and Fermi energy, and for the behavior of the defect density in a-Si:H under voltage bias, illumination with band-gap light, and during hydrogen depletion.
EMPOWERING IMAGES OF THE MINISTER AS TEACHER

Abstract The resistance of many ministers to the teaching role may be rooted in the dynamics of power and control, as seen in their preference for one‐to‐one and one‐to‐many dimensions of ministry rather than the one‐to‐group context of teaching. Another source of resistance is the minister's narrow understanding of teaching and the minister's limited repertoire of teaching skills. This paper proposes seven metaphors for teaching that can be clustered under one dominant motif—interpreter. These metaphors may empower a minister's move toward a self‐image as teacher
In Vitro Degradation of Serum Amyloid A by Cathepsin D and Other Acid Proteases: Possible Protection Against Amyloid Fibril Formation

The effects of acid proteases on degradation of serum amyloid A protein (SAA) were investigated in vitro. Human recombinant SAA1 (rSAA1), when incubated with human spleen extracts at pH 3.2, was degraded in the amino-terminal portion of the molecule. This reaction was inhibited by an acid protease inhibitor, pepstatin. The degraded SAA molecules lacking nine or more amino-terminal residues, when exposed to in vitro fibril-forming conditions, failed to form Congo red positive precipitates and did not show amyloid fibril-like structure by electron microscopy. This suggests that the amino-terminal portion of SAA is essential for fibril formation. Cathepsin D, one of the lysosomal enzymes, also initiated degradation of rSAA1 at the amino-terminus. Cathepsin D immunoreactivity was detected in marginal areas of amyloid deposits in spleens from patients with reactive amyloidosis. These findings suggest that cathepsin D or similar acid proteases may be involved in SAA catabolism and may protect against amyloid formation.
Association of serum albumin and mortality risk

Reduced levels of serum albumin concentration, a routine blood test, within the "normal" range have been reported to be associated with mortality risk. The literature is reviewed, with a focus on cohort studies meeting specified criteria, and findings are summarized. In studies of many populations, comprising healthy subjects and patients with acute or chronic illness, serum albumin concentration is inversely related to mortality risk in a graded manner over its entire range; the estimated increase in the odds of death ranges from 24% to 56% for each 2.5 g/l decrement in serum albumin concentration. The association predicts overall and cause-specific mortality including cardiovascular mortality. It is likely that albumin concentration is a highly sensitive indicator of preclinical disease and disease severity. A direct protective effect of the albumin molecule is suggested by the persistence of the association after adjustment for other known risk factors and preexisting illness, and after exclusion of early mortality. Although biologically plausible, there is no direct evidence for this hypothesis. Serum albumin concentration is an independent predictor of mortality risk and could be useful in the quantification of risk in a broad range of clinical and research settings.
TRTRL: A Localized Resource-Efficient Learning Algorithm for Recurrent Neural Netowrks

This paper introduces an efficient, low-complexity online learning algorithm for recurrent neural netowrks. The approach is based on the real-time recurrent learning (RTRL) algorithm, whereby the sensitivity set of each neuron is reduced to weights associated either with its input or output links. As a consequence, storage requirements are reduced from O(N3) to O(N2) and the computational complexity is reduced to O(N2). Despite the radical reduction in resource requirements, it is shown through simulation results that the overall performance degradation in rather minor. Moreover, the scheme lends itself to parallel hardware realization by virtue of the localized property that is inherent to the approach.
Studies on axonal transport in dopaminergic neurons: effect of neuropharmacologic lesions.

Abstract Axonal transport of [ 3 H]protein to the nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle, septal region, caudate nucleus, and hypothalamic region was investigated in rats after unilateral injection of [ 3 H]lysine into the substantia nigra. Co-injection of 2 μg of colchicine with the [ 3 H]lysine depressed the recovery of [ 3 H]protein from forebrain structures by over 70 percent without altering incorporation into midbrain protein, whereas 1 or 2 μg of cycloheximide decreased the incorporation of labelled lysine into both midbrain and forebrain protein by 69 to 76 percent. Partial 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced lesions of the substantia nigra decreased striatal dopamine levels by 78 percent and reduced axonal protein transport by 47 to 82 percent. Injecting the [ 3 H]lysine 2 mm dorsal to the substantia nigra decreased transport by 95 percent. Unilateral kainic acid-induced lesions of the caudate, which decreased striatal glutamic acid decarboxylase activity by 44 percent and spared striatal dopamine content, did not alter the transport of [ 3 H]protein. Thus, axonal transport of protein in dopamine-containing systems is dependent upon the site of injection of labelled precursor and upon the integrity of a 6-OHDA sensitive pathway. Further, transport is sensitive to inhibitors of both microtubule assembly and protein synthesis, and insensitive to intrastriatal kainic acid lesions.
Seasonal and spatial variations of sources of fine and quasi-ultrafine particulate matter in neighborhoods near the Los Angeles–Long Beach harbor

Abstract The Los Angeles–Long Beach harbor is the busiest port in the US. Levels of particulate matter (PM) are relatively high in this area, since it is affected by multiple PM sources. A Chemical Mass Balance (CMB) model was applied to speciated chemical measurements of quasi-ultrafine and fine particulate matter from seven different sites. Winter measurements were obtained during a 7-week period between March and May 2007, and summer measurements corresponded to a 6-week period between July and September 2007. Four of the sites were located within the communities of Wilmington and Long Beach, two sites were located at a background area in the harbor of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and one more site was located further downwind, near downtown Los Angeles, representing urban downtown LA, influenced by mostly traffic sources. The samples were analyzed for organic (OC) and elemental (EC) carbon content, organic species, inorganic ions, water soluble and total elements. The sources included in the CMB model were light duty vehicles (LDV), heavy-duty vehicles (HDV), road dust (RD), biomass burning and ship emissions. The model predictions of the LDV and HDV source contributions accounted, on average, for 83% of total fine OC in winter and for 70% in summer, whereas ship emissions’ contribution was lower than 5% of total OC at all sites. In the quasi-ultrafine mode, the vehicular sources accounted for 118% in winter and 103% in summer. Spatial variation of source contributions was not very pronounced with the exception of some specific sites. In terms of total fine PM, vehicular sources together with road dust explain up to 54% of the mass, whereas ship contribution is lower than 5% of total fine PM mass. Our results clearly indicate that, although ship emissions can be significant, PM emissions in the area of the largest US harbor are dominated by vehicular sources.
Bilateral Acetabular Fractures Associated With a Seizure: A Case Report

Seizures may produce significant muscular tension capable of fracturing bone. We present a patient who, after having a witnessed seizure, presented to the emergency department with bilateral hip pain and was diagnosed with bilateral acetabular fractures. A review of the literature revealed only 2 other cases of atraumatic bilateral acetabular fractures resulting from a seizure. Fractures in general are a rare complication of seizure and have been reported to occur in 0.25% to 2.4% of patients who experience seizures. Although fractures are uncommon, they should be considered when a patient is evaluated after a seizure episode.
Nonlinear mode-coupling for passive mode-locking: application of waveguide arrays, dual-core fibers, and/or fiber arrays

A detailed analysis of mode-locking is presented in which the nonlinear mode-coupling behavior in a waveguide array, dual-core fiber, and/or fiber array is used to achieve stable and robust passive modelocking. By using the discrete, nearest-neighbor spatial coupling of these nonlinear mode-coupling devices, low-intensity light can be transferred to the neighboring waveguides and ejected (attenuated) from the laser cavity. In contrast, higher intensity light is self-focused in the launch waveguide and remains largely unaffected. This nonlinear effect, which is a discrete Kerr lens effect, leads to the temporal intensity discrimination required in the laser cavity for mode-locking. Numerical studies of this pulse shaping mechanism show that using current waveguide arrays, fiber-arrays, or dual-core fibers in conjunction with standard optical fiber technology, stable and robustmode-locked soliton-like pulses are produced.
Parental involvement and students' academic achievement: A meta-analysis.

The idea that parental involvement has positive influence on students' academic achievement is so intuitively appealing that society in general, and educators in particular, have considered parental involvement an important ingredient for the remedy for many problems in education. The vast proportion of the literature in this area, however, is qualitative and nonempirical. Among the empirical studies that have investigated the issue quantitatively, there appear to be considerable inconsistencies. A meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the quantitative literature about the relationship between parental involvement and students' academic achievement. The findings reveal a small to moderate, and practically meaningful, relationship between parental involvement and academic achievement. Through moderator analysis, it was revealed that parental aspiration/expectation for children's education achievement has the strongest relationship, whereas parental home supervision has the weakest relationship, with students' academic achievement. In addition, the relationship is stronger when academic achievement is represented by a global indicator (e.g., GPA) than by a subject-specific indicator (e.g., math grade). Limitations of the study are noted, and suggestions are made for future studies.
Fluticasone propionate: a potent inhaled corticosteroid for the treatment of asthma

Fluticasone propionate (FP) is a potent inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) for the treatment of asthma. It is currently marketed in both the United States (as Flovent) and Europe (as Flixotide). Fluticasone is available in both aerosolised metered dose inhaler (MDI) and dry powder devices, with dosages ranging from 44-500 micrograms/puff. FP has been extensively studied in both children and adults; efficacy has been documented across the entire spectrum of asthma severity, including corticosteroid-dependent disease. Clinical data with FP strongly corroborates the in vitro pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies that FP is at least twice as potent as beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP), budesonide (BUD) or triamcinolone acetonide (TAA). Both objective (lung function) and subjective (symptoms, beta-agonist use and quality of life) outcomes are improved with FP treatment. Extensive post-marketing surveillance with FP suggests that it is more cost-effective than BUD and flunisolide (FLU) when analysed by an overall healthcare cost perspective. Most of the benefits arise from decreased hospitalizations, emergency room visits and physician-office visits. Extensive safety data with FP documents no clinically meaningful effects on bone mass, nor impairment of growth velocity in children. Considering the efficacy and safety data along with the ability to optimise patient's asthma therapy using the delivery devices and strengths available, FP has become a leader in the ICS marketplace to date.
Measurement of organic acids, aldehydes, and ketones in residential environments and their relation to ozone.

Abstract Ozone and several polar volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including organic acids and carbonyls (aldehydes and ketones) were measured over an approximately 24 hour period in four residences during the winter of 1993 and in nine residences during the summer of 1993. All residences were in the greater Boston, Massachusetts area. The relation of the polar VOCs to the ozone concentration was examined. Indoor carbonyl concentrations were similar between the summer and winter, with the total mean winter concentration being 31.7 ppb and the total mean summer concentration being 36.6 ppb. However, the average air exchange rate was 0.9 hr−1 during the winter and 2.6 hr−1 during the summer. Therefore, the estimated carbonyl emission rates were significantly higher during the summer. Indoor organic acid concentrations were about twice as high during the summer as during the winter. For formic acid, the indoor winter mean was 9.8 ppb, and the summer indoor mean was 17.8 ppb. For acetic acid, the indoor winte...
Impact of Age and Body Position on the Contribution of Nitric Oxide to Femoral Artery Shear Rate Implications for Atherosclerosis

Reduced shear stress and augmented oscillatory shear rate are associated with the proatherogenic phenotype observed with aging. To date, mechanisms contributing to the age-related alterations in shear rate in humans have only been examined in the conduit vessels of the arm. Therefore, this study sought to examine the contribution of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability to age-related alterations in shear rate and the impact of common body positions (supine and seated) in the atherosclerotic-prone conduit artery of the leg. Inhibition of NO synthase (NOS) was accomplished by intra-arterial infusion of N G -monomethyl-l-arginine (L-NMMA), and common femoral artery diameter and blood velocity were measured by Doppler ultrasound in healthy young (n=8, 24±1 years) and old (n=8, 75±3 years) men. Old subjects exhibited reduced mean shear rate in the supine (18±3 s −1 ) and seated positions (17±3 s −1 ) compared with young subjects (supine: 42±6 s −1 ; seated: 32±4 s −1 ). This reduced mean shear in the old was driven by attenuated antegrade shear as there were no differences in retrograde shear. Inhibition of NOS reduced antegrade shear in the young such that age-related differences were abolished. In contrast, NOS-induced reductions in retrograde shear rate were similar between groups. The seated position reduced mean shear rate in the young to that normally observed in old. Overall, this study reveals that age-related reductions in mean shear rate, assessed in the atherosclerotic-prone vasculature of the leg, are largely explained by reductions in antegrade shear as a result of reduced NO bioavailability in the elderly.
The exposure-dependent effects of aged secondhand smoke on endothelial function.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate whether exposure to a range of relatively low concentrations of aged secondhand smoke (SHS), similar to those encountered commonly in the community, would impair endothelial function in a concentration-dependent manner. Background Exposure to SHS impairs endothelial function in humans. The concentration-dependent relationship for aged SHS effects on endothelial function after an exposure of short duration is unknown. Methods Thirty-three healthy nonsmokers were exposed to 1 of 2 low levels of aged SHS or to conditioned filtered air for 30 min. The primary end point was change in maximal percent brachial artery flow-mediated dilation after exposure. Results In a linear regression model for each increase in SHS exposure by 100 μg/m 3 respirable suspended particles, the absolute maximal percent brachial artery flow-mediated dilation was reduced by 0.67%. We did not find evidence of a threshold for the effect of SHS on flow-mediated dilation. Conclusions Short-term exposure to real-world levels of aged SHS for 30 min resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in endothelial function as measured by flow-mediated dilation.
1997 Best Paper Award—Structures and Dynamics Committee: A Coupled Mode Analysis of Unsteady Multistage Flows in Turbomachinery

A computational method is presented for predicting the unsteady aerodynamic response of a vibrating blade row that is part of a multistage turbomachine. Most current unsteady aerodynamic theories model a single blade row isolated in an infinitely long duct. This assumption neglects the potentially important influence of neighboring blade rows. The present “coupled mode” analysis is an elegant and computationally efficient method for modeling neighboring blade row effects. Using this approach, the coupling between blade rows is modeled using a subset of the so-called spinning modes, i.e., pressure, vorticity, and entropy waves, which propagate between the blade rows. The blade rows themselves are represented by reflection and transmission coefficients. These coefficients describe how spinning modes interact with, and are scattered by, a given blade row. The coefficients can be calculated using any standard isolated blade row model; here we use a linearized full potential flow model together with rapid distortion theory to account for incident vortical gusts. The isolated blade row reflection and transmission coefficients, interrow coupling relationships, and appropriate boundary conditions are all assembled into a small sparse linear system of equations that describes the unsteady multistage flow. A number of numerical examples are presented to validate the method and to demonstrate the profound influence of neighboring blade rows on the aerodynamic damping of a cascade of vibrating airfoils.
MODELING OF THE CONTINUOUS CASTING OF STEEL - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

This lecture honoring Keith Brimacombe looks over the history, current abilities, and future potential of mathematical models to improve understanding and to help solve practical problems in the continuous casting of steel. Early finite-difference models of solidification, which were pioneered by Keith Brimacombe and his students, form the basis for the online dynamic models used to control spray water flow in a modern slab caster. Computational thermal-stress models, also pioneered by Brimacombe, have led to improved understanding of mold distortion, crack formation, and other phenomena. This has enabled process improvements, such as optimized mold geometry and spray-cooling design. Today, sophisticated models such as transient and multiphase fluid-flow simulations rival water modeling in providing insights into flow-related defects. Heat-flow and stress models have also advanced to yield new insights. As computer power increases and improvements via empirical plant trials become more costly, models will likely play an increasing role in future developments of complex mature processes, such as continuous casting.