cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin II induces c-fos mRNA in aortic smooth muscle. Role of Ca2+ mobilization and protein kinase C activation.

Abstract Vasoconstrictors such as angiotensin II (Ang II) play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. These agonists may be responsible for the abnormal vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth seen in hypertension, either indirectly as a consequence of elevating blood pressure or directly as a result of receptor-mediated effects on VSMC growth. To investigate whether Ang II might directly initiate or modulate some of the "early" genetic programs associated with growth in VSMC, the expression of the proto-oncogene c-fos was studied in cultured rat aortic VSMC. Ang II rapidly induced the accumulation of c-fos mRNA, with maximal levels occurring at approximately 30 min. Induction of c-fos mRNA by Ang II was concentration-dependent, with a maximal response at 100 nM. Ang II induction of c-fos mRNA was blocked by its competitive inhibitor, [sarcosine 1,isoleucine 8]angiotensin II. Induction of c-fos mRNA was not dependent upon Ang II-stimulated intracellular alkalinization or activation of Na+/H+ exchange, but was dependent upon mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ and protein kinase C activation. Epidermal growth factor, a VSMC mitogen, also induced c-fos mRNA in VSMC, but by a mechanism different from that of Ang II. These results demonstrate that the vasoconstrictor hormone Ang II induces in VSMC one of the earliest genes, c-fos, associated with the proliferative response.
Operation of the ballbot on slopes and with center-of-mass offsets

The ballbot is a human sized, dynamically stable mobile robot that balances on a single, spherical wheel. The current framework for navigation and control makes the assumption that the robot is operating on a level surface without any center-of-mass offset; however, in practice, such a dynamically stable robot has to be able to successfully navigate sloped surfaces and with such offsets. This work develops the equations of motion for the ballbot system on a sloped surface with a center-of-mass offset. The equilibria of this system are analyzed, and a compensation strategy is formulated that allows the ballbot to operate in the presence of slopes and center-of-mass offsets. This work also develops estimation algorithms for slope and center-of-mass offset angles during station-keeping and trajectory following. Results for compensation and estimation are demonstrated experimentally.
Blue Book Value

Nabokov's Blues The Scientific Odyssey of a Literary Genius. Kurt Johnson and Steve Coates. Zoland, Cambridge, MA, 1999. 384 pp. $27. C$38. ISBN 1-58195-009-8. Nabokov's Butterflies Unpublished and Uncollected Writings. Brian Boyd and Robert Michael Pyle, Eds. Beacon, Boston, 2000. 796 pp. $45. ISBN 0-8070-8540-5. Allen Lane, London, 2000. 796 pp. £25. ISBN 0-7139-9380-4. These two volumes celebrate the lepidopteran obsession of writer Vladimir Nabokov. Boyd and Pyle offer a collection of Nabokov's writings, fictional and scientific, to document the connections between the insects and Nabokov's art. Johnson and Coates focus on the novelist's work on a diverse group of Andean butterflies.
Production of OH radicals from the reactions of C4–C6 internal alkenes and styrenes with ozone in the gas phase

Abstract OH formation from the ozonolysis reactions of seven internal alkenes with 4–6 carbons, styrene, trans - β -methyl styrene, and α -methyl styrene was studied using complementary techniques. A small-ratio relative-rate technique in which small quantities of OH tracers are added to monitor OH formation yields provided the following results: trans -2-butene, 0.64±0.12; cis -2-butene, 0.33±0.05; trans -2-pentene, 0.46±0.08; cis -2-pentene, 0.29±0.06; trans -3-hexene, 0.53±0.08; cis -3-hexene, 0.36±0.07; and 2-methyl-2-butene, 0.98±0.24. For styrene, trans - β -methyl styrene, and α -methyl styrene, OH yields of 0.07±0.04, 0.22±0.09, and 0.23±0.12 were measured, respectively. A second method, which monitors product formation from the OH reaction with 2-butanol was used to derive OH formation yields from 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene, 2-methyl-2-butene and cis -2-pentene, and provided yields of 0.91±0.14, 0.80±0.12, and 0.27±0.07, respectively. The results are briefly discussed in terms of the relationship between structures of these alkenes and OH formation.
Comparison of polytomography and computed tomography for fracture assessment.

Objective. To compare polytomography (PT) and computed tomography (CT) for visualizing fractures and arthrodeses, with and without metal hardware, to determine whether CT could adequately replace PT.
Analyzing Dyadic Data From Small Samples: A Pooled Regression Actor–Partner Interdependence Model Approach

The authors describe an approach to analyzing dyadic data that can be utilized with the smaller samples often available to researcher–practitioners working with couples in counseling. Specifically,...
Long-Period Fluctuations of the General Circulation of the Atmosphere.

Abstract This paper summarizes certain facts of observation, as reported by a number of investigators, concerning the nature of climatic variations on the earth's surface during observational time, during postglacial or historical time, and during the geological past. Particular emphasis is placed on possible interpretations or explanations of these changes. The discussion of the secular variations of the world weather patterns during observational time stresses on the one hand apparent relationships between these variations and solar activity, as indicated by sunspots, and on the other hand the essential similarity of these secular variations to those which occur from week to week and month to month in the fluctuation of the general-circulation pattern between more zonal (high index) and more cellular (low index) characteristics. The discussion of the variations of world climate during geological time is concerned primarily with the relative merits of the three principal theories which currently attempt ...
In vivo results using photothermal tomography for imaging cutaneous blood vessels

Previous studies suggest that optimal port wine stain (PWS) laser treatment parameters require knowledge of skin characteristics such as blood vessel size, depth, and distribution. Effective and rapid imaging modalities are not widely available. In the present study, photothermal tomography (PTT) images of an in vivo hamster window model and human PWS skin were obtained and analyzed. Subtherapeutic laser light pulses at 585 and 600 nm were applied to skin surface and image sequences acquired with an infrared camera. A nonnegatively constrained conjugate gradient algorithm was used to reconstruct a PTT image of the initial temperature distribution immediately following pulsed laser irradiation. Vessel dimensions determined from PTT images of hamster window model skin compared well with those measured directly using video microscopy. PTT images of human PWS skin contained vessels with estimated diameters of 200-250 μm over a 250-320 μm depth range. Use of dual wavelength excitation (DWE) analysis allowed for imaging of shallow vessels.
New Developments and Challenges of Health Status Measurement for Outcomes Evaluation

Increasing interest is now being directed towards the assessment of patient outcomes, both in evaluating medical interventions and in endeavors to increase the quality of care patients receive. While it is argued that outcomes measurement has the potential to positively influence medical care, when carried out without due consideration of its limitations and weaknesses it could lead to data that are misleading. In light of health outcomes data being viewed as central to monitoring and evaluation, we believe that evaluators have the potential to bring expertise and valuable experience into this rapidly evolving field of inquiry. The following article will discuss recent developments in the field of health status measurement for outcomes evaluation and analyse some of the most important challenges in the field.
High loads induce differences between actual and imagined movement duration

Actual and imagined action may be governed by common information and neural processes. This hypothesis has found strong support from a range of chronometric studies showing that it takes the same amount of time to actually move and to imagine moving. However, exceptions have been observed when actual and imagined movements were made under conditions of inertial loading: sometimes the equivalency of actual and imagined movement durations (MDs) has been preserved, and other times it has been disrupted. The purpose of the current study was to test the hypothesis that the appearance and magnitude of actual–imagined MD differences in those studies was dependent on the level of load relative to the maximum loading capacity of the involved effector system [the maximum voluntary load (MVL)]. The experiment required 12 young, healthy humans to actually produce, and to imagine producing, single degree of freedom index finger movements under a range of loads (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80% MVL). As predicted, statistically significant actual–imagined MD differences were absent at lower loads (0–20% MVL), but differences appeared and increased in magnitude with further increases in %MVL (40 and 80% MVL). That pattern of results may relate to the common, everyday experience individuals have in interacting with loads. Participants are likely to have extensive experience interacting with very low loads, but not high loads. It follows that the control of low inertial loads should be governed by complete central representations of action, while representations should be less complete for high loads. A consequence may be increases in the uncertainty of predicting motor output with increases in load. Compensation for the increased uncertainty may appear as increases in the MD values selected during both the preparation and imagery of action—according to a speed-uncertainty trade-off. Then, during actual action, MD may be reduced if movement-related feedback indicates that a faster movement would succeed.
A finite element analysis of temperature variation in silicon wafers during wiresaw slicing

Temperature variation during slicing can cause undesirable warp and nanotopography on wafer surfaces, especially for large wafers. In this paper, a finite element model is constructed and presented to analyze and synthesize temperature variation of ingot during wiresaw slicing. The heat flux and natural convection boundary condition arising during slicing have been studied and incorporated in the model as well as the material removal. The model is designed to accommodate time-dependent boundary conditions and geometry which are integral to wiresaw slicing process. The results obtained from the model compare very well with the experimental results available in the literature. A method is proposed in order to obtain a relatively flat profile of temperature during slicing in order to reduce warp due to heat generation by intelligent control of boundary conditions. The method is tested using the model developed. The proposed method can be utilized by practitioners in order to obtain wafers with less warp and improved nanotopography due to thermal aspects in slicing using wiresaws.
Developmental interactions between the peripheral and central nervous system in Drosophila melanogaster: Analysis of the mutant, two-faced☆

A genetically complex mutant, two-faced (tfd), which causes the production of extra eye and antennal tissue on the dorsal head cuticle, has been analyzed for connectivity to and projection patterns in the central brain of nerves derived from these extra structures. It has been found that the extra antennal nerves frequently connect to and achieve normal projections in the brain, whereas no convincing connectivity between the nerves from the extra eye tissue and the brain, has been found. This suggests that the mechanisms by which the nerves derived from normal eyes and antennae achieve central connections may differ.
An unusual combination: lipedema with myiasis

Lipedema refers to the abnormal deposition of subcutaneous fat causing a striking enlargement of the lower extremities that is out of proportion to the upper body. Most clinicians are unaware of this disease and thus it is seldom diagnosed correctly. Cutaneous myiasis is the infestation of skin by fly larvae. We describe an unusual case of a woman with lipedema who developed cutaneous myiasis.
Association of acculturation factors with dietary intakes of folate among older Mexican Americans in the post-fortification era: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2006.

Previous studies have shown that acculturation factors are associated with dietary patterns of older Mexican Americans (MAs), but the association of these factors with post-fortification folate intake is unknown. We estimated usual folate intakes for U.S. MAs aged ≥60 years (N = 712) by acculturation factors using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2006. Mean total folic acid and total folate, but not natural folate intakes, were lower for MAs with lower acculturation factors, and 16% of MAs had total folate intakes less than the estimated average requirement (EAR) of 320 µg/day. Most older U.S. MAs did not meet requirements from natural food folate intake alone, regardless of acculturation status, but their intakes were adequate when fortified foods and supplement sources were taken into account. Logistic regression models including age, sex, education, poverty, and acculturation factors indicated that low income, not acculturation, was significantly associated with intak...
Limits on the Neutrino Magnetic Moment Using Super-Kamiokande Solar Neutrino Data

Existence of non-zero neutrino magnetic moment would mean new physics beyond the standard model. A search for the neutrino magnetic moment has been conducted using the high statistic solar neutrino data from Super-Kamiokande-I. This is done by looking for the distortion to the observed energy spectrum of recoil electrons. A non-zero neutrino magnetic moment would cause an increase of event rates at lower energies. The search found no clear signal of neutrino magnetic moment. A limit on the neutrino magnetic moment has been obtained at 3.6 × 10-10μB at 90% C.L. by fitting to the Super-Kamiokande day-night spectra. The effects of neutrino oscillation have been included in the analysis. Including results from other neutrino experiments limiting the oscillation region, a limit of 1.1 × 10-10μB at 90% C.L. was obtained.
Tunable water desalination across graphene oxide framework membranes

The performance of graphene oxide framework (GOF) membranes for water desalination is assessed using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The coupling between water permeability and salt rejection of GOF membranes is studied as a function of linker concentration n, thickness h and applied pressure ΔP. The simulations reveal that water permeability in GOF-(n,h) membranes can be tuned from ∼5 (n = 32 and h = 6.5 nm) to 400 L cm−2 day−1 MPa−1 (n = 64 and h = 2.5 nm) and follows a Cnh−αn law. For a given pore size (n = 16 or 32), water permeability of GOF membranes increases when the pore spacing decreases, whereas for a given pore spacing (n = 32 or 64), water permeability increases by up to two orders of magnitude when the pore size increases. Furthermore, for linker concentrations n ≤ 32, the high water permeability corresponds to a 100% salt rejection, elevating this type of GOF membrane as an ideal candidate for water desalination. Compared to experimental performance of reverse osmosis membranes, our calculations suggest that under the same conditions of applied pressure and characteristics of membranes (ΔP ∼ 10 MPa and h ∼ 100 nm), one can expect a perfect salt rejection coupled to a water permeability two orders of magnitude higher than existing technologies, i.e., from a few cL cm−2 day−1 MPa−1 to a few L cm−2 day−1 MPa−1.
A degree sequence problem related to network design

We consider a combinatorial problem arising in the design and operation of lightwave networks. Nodes in such networks are equipped with tunable transmitters and receivers and communication occurs when the frequency of some transmitter is the same as that of a receiver. This technology enables us to update the network topology to respond to changes in traffic patterns. There are two main optimization problems related to this network structure, one being the design of a target graph more suitable to (future) traffic conditions, and the other being the problem of transforming the current network to this target network. This paper discusses the second problem, i.e., the transition phase when the modifications on the current graph are made through a sequence of intermediate connection networks. In particular, we move from one graph to another by swapping two independent edges in the current graph for two other independent edges not in the current graph, so that the union forms a four-cycle. We characterize the sequence requiring the minimum number of intermediate graphs together with the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of such a sequence. We also develop upper and lower bounds on the length of a shortest sequence by formulating an integer program and solving its continuous relaxation to optimality. We also give an efficient algorithm for the case when the intermediate graphs are required to be connected. © 1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Filling a gap in the central metabolism of archaea: prediction of a novel aconitase by comparative‐genomic analysis⋆

Aconitase, an essential enzyme of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), so far has been identified only in a minority of archaeal genomes. This enzyme belongs to the aconitase A family, which is represented in most bacteria and eukaryotes. Using iterative sequence database search, we linked two previously uncharacterized protein families (COG1679 and COG1786), respectively, to the three Fe–S-cluster-associated aconitase domains and the swiveling domain, the four domains that are present in all known aconitase families. The respective genes are often found in one predicted operon and, moreover, are fused in several species, suggesting a functional and physical interaction. We predict that these proteins together comprise a previously undetected, distinct aconitase family, which we designated aconitase X. Aconitase X is encoded in the genomes of many archaea and some proteobacteria. Among archaea, the pattern of aconitase X occurrence complements that of aconitase A such that together the two enzymes account for aconitase activity in all archaea. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that aconitase X is likely to be the ancestral archaeal form, with non-orthologous displacement in some of the archaea apparently brought about by horizontal transfer of the gene for bacterial aconitase A. The prediction of aconitase X completes the TCA cycle for Methanothermobacter thermoautotrophicus and Archaeoglobus fulgidus and suggests that most archaea have a full TCA cycle.
Implications of Localized, Acoustic Absorption for Heliotomographic Analysis of Sunspots

Acoustic tomography is emerging as an important tool for mapping the three-dimensional structure of the Sun. Widely used in seismic studies of the Earth, tomography is being applied to probe the structure of magnetically active regions (e.g., sunspots), large-scale convective motions, and the structure of the solar atmosphere. By interpreting solar tomographic data by analogy with terrestrial tomographic data, namely in terms of acoustic travel times, Duvall et al. (1996) argue that strong downflows of matter are present beneath sunspots, a conclusion that lends support to the idea that convective downdrafts play a role in forming and maintaining sunspots. Helioseismic waves are thought to be generated continuously, in a turbulent layer beneath the solar photosphere. This circumstance and the fact that sunspots absorb acoustic energy make heliotomographic data more difficult to interpret than their terrestrial counterpart. Therefore, the seismic evidence for strong downflows below sunspots should be viewed with skepticism. We perform a theoretical analysis of waves in a simple absorbing medium, which explicitly deals with both the generation and propagation of waves. The results of the analysis suggest that localized acoustic absorption can qualitatively mimic the effect of a travel time perturbation. However, absorption (by itself, or in combination with flows) appears to be incapable of quantitatively reproducing the sunspot observations, indicating the operation of some as yet unidentified mechanism.
Effect of Sugars on Transport of Alanine in Intestine

The eflect of glucose and galactose on transport of alanine by rabbit ileum has been investigated. Transmural transport and cellular ac cumulation of the amino acid were in hibited by the sugars, but alanine in flux across the mucosal border of the cells was unaltered.
Neuronal plasticity and signal transduction in nociceptive neurons: implications for the initiation and maintenance of pathological pain.

Pathological pain, consisting of tissue injury-induced inflammatory and nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain, is an expression of neuronal plasticity. One component of this is that the afferent input generated by injury and intense noxious stimuli triggers an increased excitability of nociceptive neurons in the spinal cord. This central sensitization is an activity-dependent functional plasticity that results from activation of different intracellular kinase cascades leading to the phosphorylation of key membrane receptors and channels, increasing synaptic efficacy. Central sensitization is both induced and maintained in a transcription-independent manner. Several different intracellular signal transduction cascades converge on MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), activation of which appears to be a master switch or gate for the regulation of central sensitization. In addition to posttranslational regulation, the MAPK pathway may also regulate long-term pain hypersensitivity, via transcriptional regulation of key gene products. Pharmacological intervention targeted specifically at the signal transduction pathways in nociceptive neurons may provide, therefore, new therapeutic opportunities for pathological pain.
Radiation Patterns on a Budget: Second Prize Paper [Education Column]

As announced in the August 2011 issue, we are publishing the final reports written by the three prize-winning teams in this year's Student Design Contest. The task this year was to assemble an inexpensive radiation-pattern measurement system.
THE COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF ESTRADIOL, DIETHYLSTILBESTROL AND ITS MONOMETHYL ETHER ON THE RESPONSE OF THE RABBIT UTERINE ENDOMETRIUM TO PROGESTERONE1

IN AN EARLIER COMMUNICATION (Werthessen, Gargill, Berman and Greenberg, 1945) we reported the effect of estradiol, stilbestrol, and its monomethyl ether on the growth of the early rabbit blastocyst. The animals in the series had been ovariectomized and received the same dosage of progesterone (0.42 mgs.) combined with varying concentrations of the 3 estrogens. In brief, it was found that estradiol had no effect on blastocyst growth under these conditions while stilbestrol and its monomethyl ether inhibited blastocyst growth. The ether was found to be at least 4 times more active than the parent compound. At the same time at which the above data were obtained the uteri of the animals were preserved for later examination. The results of this examination are to be reported here. In addition, certain other experiments whose value was indicated by these results will be reported.
Study designs for effectiveness and translation research :identifying trade-offs.

Background Practitioners and policymakers need credible evidence of effectiveness to justify allocating resources to complex, expensive health programs. Investigators, however, face challenges in designing sound effectiveness and translation research with relevance for "real-world" settings. Methods Research experts and federal and foundation funders ( n =∼120) prepared for and participated in a symposium, held May 4–5, 2004, to weigh the strengths, limitations, and trade-offs between alternate designs for studying the effectiveness and translation of complex, multilevel health interventions. Results Symposium attendees acknowledged that research phases (hypothesis generating, efficacy, effectiveness, translation) are iterative and cyclical, not linear, since research in advanced phases may reveal unanswered questions in earlier phases. Research questions thus always need to drive the choice of study design. When randomization and experimental control are feasible, participants noted that the randomized controlled trial with individual random assignment remains the gold standard for safeguarding internal validity. Attendees highlighted trade-offs of randomized controlled trial variants, quasi-experimental designs, and natural experiments for use when randomization or experimental control or both are impossible or inadequately address external validity. Participants discussed enhancements to all designs to increase confidence in causal inference while accommodating greater external validity. Since no single study can establish causality, participants encouraged replication of studies and triangulation using different study designs. Participants also recommended participatory research approaches for building population relevance, acceptability, and usefulness. Conclusions Consideration of the study design choices, trade-offs, and enhancements discussed here can guide the design, funding, completion, and publication of appropriate policy- and practice-oriented effectiveness and translational research for complex, multilevel health interventions.
Three-dimensional laryngeal flow fields induced by a model vocal fold polyp

Abstract Pathological laryngeal flow fields are investigated in a dynamically-driven, scaled-up model of the vocal folds. Disruption of the flow field due to the presence of a geometric protuberance, representative of a sessile unilateral polyp, is investigated in both the streamwise and transverse flow directions using phase-averaged particle image velocimetry. It is shown that the protuberance disrupts the normal flow behavior of the glottal jet throughout the phonatory cycle. During the divergent portions of the glottal cycle, the flow is characterized by the formation of hairpin vortices downstream of the protuberance. The protuberance also introduces significant velocity gradients in the anterior-posterior direction, which cover ∼30 − 40% of the vocal fold length. It is proposed that the disruption of the normal velocity behavior owing to the presence of a polyp will adversely impact the aerodynamic loadings that drive vocal fold motion, contributing to the temporal and spatial vocal fold asymmetries that are clinically-observed in patients with unilateral polyps.
On the role of microeconomics, planning, and finances in product design

In this article it is claimed that in order to obtain the right composition, structure, and functionality for a new product, one needs to anticipate what the demand of the product will be and take into account all costs involved (associated manufacturing and supply chain). To obtain the demand, one needs a pricing model, which in turn relies on consumer preferences that are connected to the product composition, structure, and functionality. Thus, a model, including the varying characteristics of the product, the manufacturing capacity and site, the supply chain and ultimately, the markets, is proposed. I use a very simple case of insect repellent to illustrate how the best repellent, identified as the one that consumers will prefer the most, is not the most profitable one and how one can obtain the insect repellent composition that maximizes profit. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Medullary cistern choroid plexus papilloma

Objective and importance Choroid plexus papillomas (CPP) are benign neoplasms of ventricular ependymal origin that make up 0.5–0.6% of all adult brain tumors but are more commonly seen in the pediatric population [8]. Gross total resection is the surgical objective, and when achieved, 10-year survival can approach 75% [20]. Choroid plexus papillomas can arise in any ventricular compartment, but an age-specific predilection does exist. Supratentorial CPP, those located in the lateral and third ventricles, are more common in infants with an average age diagnosis of 1.5 years, while fourth ventricle and cerebellopontine angle CPP are more common in adults with an average age diagnosis of 35.5 years [27]. Unusual locations for CPP have been widely reported, but to date, there has not been a report of a CPP located within the medullary cistern. Here, we describe the case of a young woman with a CPP in the right medullary cistern causing mass effect on the medulla that was treated surgically with gross total resection. To our knowledge,
What drives the diel vertical migrations of Antarctic midwater fish

Like their counterparts at lower latitudes, many Antarctic midwater fish make extensive, diel vertical migrations. However, Antarctic species make these migrations in the absence of two of the three selective advantages generally ascribed to this behaviour. Because the water column is nearly isothermal, there is no metabolic bonus to be gained from thermal differences in habitat depth. Likewise, because their prey do not perform significant vertical migrations, the fish migrations act to diminish rather than enhance their feeding opportunities. For Antarctic midwater fish, the sole advantage of these migrations appears to be the avoidance of visually-cued predators in the upper part of the water column. An evaluation of the relative importance of the three selective factors supports the suggestion that predator avoidance may also be the principal driver of diel vertical migrations for midwater fish at lower latitudes.
Evaluation and prioritization of scientific data based on its level of support or refutation of an experimental thesis

Onboard analysis of data to determine whether it should be transmitted back to Earth and, if so, at what level of priority is thus highly desirable. This paper presents an algorithm for analyzing image data with regards to several hypotheses about the presence of various objects. This example demonstrates how data can be prioritized based on its relevance in supporting or refuting a scientific thesis.
Intramolecular motion and reorientational barriers in 9-fluorenone, 4-methyl-9-fluorenone and 4,5-dimethyl-9-fluorenone

Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spin-lattice relaxation times and nuclear Overhauser enhancements were measured as functions of temperature for the hydrogen-bearing carbons in 9-fluorenone, 4-methyl-9-fluorenone and 4,5-dimethyl-9-fluorenone. Reorientational diffusion constants were obtained from the dipolar T1 values. Isotropic overall molecular motion was assumed, and the methyl group rotation was separated from the overall molecular reorientation by the method of Woessner. Arrhenius plots of the dependence of the rotation rates on temperature provided values of the energy barriers for molecular reorientation and methyl group rotation. The energy barriers for molecular reorientation are essentially the same: 9-fluorenone 11.8 ± 0.5 kJ mol−1, 4-methyl-9-fluorenone 11.9 ± 0.5 kJ mol−1 and 4,5-dimethyl-9-fluorenone 11.7 ± 0.2 kJ mol−1. The barriers to methyl group rotation are 4-methyl-9-fluorenone 7.8 ± 0.9 kJ mol−1 and 4,5-dimethyl-9-fluorenone 11.0 ± 0.5 kJ mol−1. Thus the bay methyl-methyl steric interaction in 4,5-dimethyl-9-fluorenone increases the methyl rotational barrier by 3.2 kJ mol−1.
An evaluation of text classification methods for literary study

Text classification methods have been evaluated on topic classification tasks. This thesis extends the empirical evaluation to emotion classification tasks in the literary domain. This study selects two literary text classification problems---the eroticism classification in Dickinson's poems and the sentimentalism classification in early American novels---as two cases for this evaluation. Both problems focus on identifying certain kinds of emotion---a document property other than topic. This study chooses two popular text classification algorithms---naive Bayes and Support Vector Machines (SVM), and three feature engineering options---stemming, stopword removal and statistical feature selection (Odds Ratio and SVM)---as the subjects of evaluation. This study aims to examine the effects of the chosen classifiers and feature engineering options on the two emotion classification problems, and the interaction between the classifiers and the feature engineering options. This thesis seeks empirical answers to the following research questions: (1) is SVM a better classifier than naive Bayes regarding classification accuracy, new literary knowledge discovery and potential for example-based retrieval? (2) is SVM a better feature selection method than Odds Ratio regarding feature reduction rate and classification accuracy improvement? (3) does stop word removal affect the classification performance? (4) does stemming affect the performance of classifiers and feature selection methods? Some of our conclusions are consistent with what are obtained in topic classification, such as Odds Ratio does not improve SVM performance and stop word removal might harm classification. Some conclusions contradict previous results, such as SVM does not beat naive Bayes in both cases. Some findings are new to this area---SVM and naive Bayes select top features in different frequency ranges; stemming might harm feature selection methods. These experiment results provide new insights to the relation between classification methods, feature engineering options and non-topic document properties. They also provide guidance for classification method selection in literary text classification applications.
Scanning Electron Microscopy of Fixed, Frozen, and Dried Protozoa

Selected protozoa were examined with a scanning electron microscope. The natural shape of the body and surface organelles were revealed. Chemical fixation and freeze-drying techniques described here permit a new approach to the study of protozoa.
Placing carbon reduction in the context of sustainable development priorities: a global perspective

Carbon reduction is a critical global priority this century. Cities have grown rapidly in the age of cheap oil, creating a landscape of major and megacities, and emerging megaregions. In this rapidly urbanizing world, cities now consume 75% of the world’s energy and emit 80% of the world’s GHGs and are presently growing globally at the rate of 2% per year. Reducing oil use is both an environmental and political necessity. However, it is not without economic and social ramifications, which may be different at different locations, and at different time periods in the same location. This article discusses the need for considering carbon management in the context of local socioeconomic conditions and constraints in different countries and regions. The sustainability footprint model is presented and applied to highlight differences in the marginal costs of development with respect to carbon reduction and the implications for effective carbon management. The study findings indicate that the marginal costs of hu...
Cfd Based Shape Optimization of Ic Engine

Intense competition and global regulations in the automotive industry has placed unprecedented demands on the performance, efficiency, and emissions of today's IC engines. The success or failure of a new engine design to meet these often-conflicting requirements is primarily dictated by its capability to provide minimal restriction for the inducted and exhausted flow and by its capability to generate strong large-scale in-cylinder motion. The first criterion is directly linked to power performance of the engine, while the latter has been shown to control the burn rate in IC engines. Enhanced burn rates are favorable to engine efficiency and partial load performance. CFD based numerical simulations have recently made it possible to study the development of such engine flows in great details. However, they offer little guidance for modifying the ports and chamber geometry controlling the flow to meet the desired performance. This paper presents a methodology which combines 3D, steady state CFD techniques with robust numerical optimization tools to design, rather than just evaluate the performance, of IC engine ports and chambers.
EWMA control charts with variable sample sizes and variable sampling intervals

Abstract Traditional control charts for process monitoring are based on taking samples of fixed size from the process using a fixed sampling interval. Variable Sample Size (VSS) and Variable Sampling Interval (VSI) control charts vary the sampling rate from the process as a function of the data from the process. VSS and VSI control charts sample at a higher rate when there is evidence of a change in the process, and are thus able to detect process changes faster than traditional control charts. This paper considers general VSS and VSI control charts and develops integral equation and Markov chain methods for finding the statistical properties of these charts. EWMA charts with the VSS and/or the VSI features are studied in detail, and different ways of defining the EWMA control statistic are investigated. It is shown that using either the VSS or VSI feature in an EWMA control chart substantially improves the ability to detect all but very large shifts in the process mean. The VSI feature usually gives more...
Synthesis and characterization of group 11 1,1,3,3-tetraalkylguanidinate (TAG) clusters: [M2(mu-TAG){mu-N(SiMe3)2}]2 (M = Cu, Ag, and Au).

The addition of diethylcyanamide to a tetrahydrofuran solution of lithium dialkylamide {LiN(CH3)2 or LiNCH2CH2CH2CH2, Li(PYR)} results in the corresponding lithium 1,1,3,3-tetraalkylguanidinate, Li...
Kinetics and stability of GM-CSF production by recombinant yeast cells immobilized in a fibrous-bed bioreactor.

The continuous production of murine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) by recombinant yeast cells immobilized in a fibrous-bed bioreactor was studied. A high cell density of approximately 68 g/L and a GM-CSF productivity of approximately 3.5 mg/L.h were attained in the fibrous-bed bioreactor-fed with a rich (nonselective, pH 6.7) medium at a dilution rate of 0.16 h-1. The GM-CSF production was stable even though the fraction of plasmid-carrying cells in the reactor effluent gradually dropped below 5% over a period of 2 weeks. At the end of that period, the immobilized cells in the fibrous matrix still had a high fraction, approximately 26%, of plasmid-carrying cells. Similar results were obtained with reactors operated at 0.05 h-1 dilution rate and pH 4.0. Although the GM-CSF production was lower at pH 4, the reactor was stably operated for over 4 weeks without contamination or significant loss of productivity. The stable long-term GM-CSF production from the fibrous-bed bioreactor was attributed to the effect of cell immobilization on plasmid stability. Because GM-CSF production was growth-associated, as was found in batch fermentation with free cells, this stabilization effect cannot be attributed solely to the reduced cell growth in the immobilized cell environment. Plasmid-carrying cells were preferentially retained in the fibrous matrix, perhaps because their abilities to adhere to the fiber surface and to form cell aggregates were higher than those of plasmid-free cells.
Characterization and cAMP inhibition of a lysyl-(N-ϵ-5′-phospho) adenosyl phosphoamidase in Dictyostelium discoideum

A lysyl-(N-epsilon-5'-phospho) adenosyl phosphoamidase activity has been identified in Dictyostelium discoideum. Conjugates, formed by coupling AMP via a phosphoamide bond to the epsilon amino group of lysine in avidin and tuftsin, served as substrate. Lysyl-N-epsilon-5'-phosphoadenosine and adenosine phosphoramidate (AMPNH) were substrates as well. The phosphoamidase liberated AMP from all four compounds but did not degrade cAMP. Approximately 90% of the phosphoamidase activity was inhibited competitively by 100 microM cAMP with an apparent Ki of 35 microM for all substrates.
A randomized study of combined zidovudine-lamivudine versus didanosine monotherapy in children with symptomatic therapy-naive HIV-1 infection

Abstract Objective: The Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group (PACTG) Protocol 300 assessed the clinical efficacy and safety of combination zidovudine/lamivudine (ZDV/3TC) compared with either didanosine (ddI) alone or combination ZDV/ddI. Study design: Children with symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, 6 weeks through 15 years of age, were stratified according to age and randomly assigned to receive ddI, ZDV/3TC, or ZDV/ddI. The primary endpoint was time to first progression of HIV disease or death. Enrollment in the ZDV/ddI arm stopped after 11 months on the basis of results of PACTG Protocol 152, but blinded follow-up continued. Results: For the 471 children who could be evaluated, the median age was 2.7 years, median CD4 cell count was 699 cells/mm 3 , and median log 10 HIV RNA was 5.1/mL. Median follow-up was 9.4 months. Patients receiving ZDV/3TC had a lower risk of HIV disease progression or death than those receiving ddI alone (15 vs 38 failures, P = .0006) and a lower risk of death (3 vs 15 deaths, P = .0039). Weight and height growth rates, CD4 + cell counts, and RNA concentrations showed results favoring ZDV/3TC. For patients concurrently randomized to all 3 treatment arms, both ZDV/3TC and ZDV/ddI recipients had lower risk of HIV disease progression than those who received ddI alone (P = .0026 and P = .0045). Conclusions: Combination therapy with either ZDV/3TC or ZDV/ddI was superior, as determined by clinical and laboratory measures, to monotherapy with ddI. (J Pediatr 1998;133:500-8)
Flow cytometric DNA measurements in benign and malignant Hürthle cell tumors of the thyroid

The prediction of outcome in the rare Hurthle cell tumor of the thyroid continues to present a problem to surgeons and pathologists. To better clarify the distinctions between benign and malignant tumors, we have measured DNA content by flow cytometry on isolated cell nuclei derived from archival paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 125 Hurthle cell tumors operated from 1943 to 1985 at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, U.S.A. Nuclear DNA ploidy patterns were divided into 3 groups. A DNA normal (diploid) pattern was found in 55% of 75 Hurthle cell adenomas and in 26% of 50 Hurthle cell cancers; a DNA tetraploid/polyploid pattern was found in 11% of benign, and 14% of malignant tumors. An abnormal DNA stemline was detected in 34% of benign and 60% of malignant tumors. Hurthle cell cancer was the histologic diagnosis in 24% of the DNA normal, 47% of the DNA tetraploid/polyploid, and 54% of the DNA aneuploid tumors. None of the patients with adenomas developed tumor recurrence. However, 20% of the euploid and 40% of the aneuploid tumors developed local or distant recurrences. Survival to thyroid cancer death was significantly correlated with DNA ploidy status (p=0.02) but did not correlate with either tumor size or histologic grade. To date, deaths from thyroid cancer have been confined to patients whose tumors were DNA aneuploid. We would conclude that determination of DNA ploidy status may not aid the surgical pathologist in the diagnosis of Hurthle cell cancer. However, when a patient's Hurthle cell cancer is DNA aneuploid, there is significant risk of death from thyroid cancer.
Chemokines in seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Abstract Monocyte chemotactic and activating factor/monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCAF/MCP-1), RANTES, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α are chemokines known to activate basophils (MCAF/RANTES) and eosinophils (RANTES/MIP-1α). IL-8 inhibits MCAF-induced histamine release from basophils. We questioned whether a relationship exists between the levels of these chemokines and various inflammatory mediators released from mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils as assessed in nasal secretions obtained from patients during the allergy season and out of season. Samples were assessed for MCAF/MCP-1, RANTES, MIP-1α, IL-8, histamine, tryptase and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in three subject groups: subjects with allergic rhinitis (n = 18), atopic subjects without rhinitis (n = 9), and healthy individuals (n = 6). Statistically significant differences were apparent only in the subjects with symptoms as follows. MCAF/MCP-1 increased during the season from 336 ± 47 pg/ml to 829 ± 137 pg/ml (p LLERGY C LIN I MMUNOL 1996;97:104-12.)
From lineage to conjugality: the social context of fertility decisions among the Pare of northern Tanzania.

This paper is a case study of the linkages between selected characteristics of the social organization in a particular ethnic group and reproductive values and behavior. Specifically, it examines factors that might be responsible for the acceptance of contraception and an expressed desire for a relatively small number of children among the Pare of Northern Tanzania. It is hypothesized that with the increasing shift towards wage labor and diminishing dependence on land and lineage relations, there is a growing reliance on the conjugal bond and the development of a partnership marriage in which husbands and wives perceive their interests as mutual. This facilitates communication, particularly about family planning. Research methodology consisted of a two-pronged approach and combined an intensive ethnographic study of the households in the Ugweno District of the Pare mountains with individual surveys administered to a sample of 512 women and in-depth interviews conducted with 20 women regarding the value of children and contraceptive and birth histories.