cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Full-potential multiple-scattering theory without structure constants.

A form of full-potential multiple-scattering theory for electrons in solids or molecules has recently been proposed in which the structure constants characteristic of standard theory (Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker) do not occur. This formalism was derived from the Lippmann-Schwinger integral equation and has been called the Green-function cellular method. It is shown here that this formalism is a restatement of the tail-cancellation condition of Andersen, applied originally in the context of his muffin-tin-orbital construction, using a local spherical approximation to the potential function in the Schr\"odinger equation. This was generalized to the atomic-cell orbital (ACO) construction for the full-potential problem by the present author. The equations of this method are derived here directly from the ACO tail-cancellation condition for boundary matching on the surface of each cell in a set of space-filling atomic cells, making no use of the free-particle or Helmholtz Green function. It is also shown here that these equations correspond to a restricted variation of trial functions on the surfaces of atomic cells in the context of the variational cellular method of Leite and collaborators, derived from the variational principle of Schlosser and Marcus.
SYS-EDF: a system-wide energy-efficient scheduling algorithm for hard real-time systems

Over the past several years, many embedded real-time systems have emerged with energy conservation requirements. Previous research has focused on power conservation for either the processor or I/O devices alone. System-wide energy conservation has received little attention. In this paper 1 , we analyse the problem of system-wide energy-efficient scheduling for hard real-time systems based on the preemptive periodic task model with non-preemptive shared resources. We propose an online system-wide energy-efficient scheduling algorithm system-wide energy-aware EDF (SYS-EDF), which integrates dynamic power management (DPM) for I/O devices and dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) for the processor. The evaluation of SYS-EDF shows that it yields significant energy savings with respect to DVS alone or DPM alone techniques.
Resilience and indicators of adjustment during rehabilitation from a spinal cord injury.

Objectives The purposes of this study were to (a) identify changes in resilience and indicators of adjustment (i.e., satisfaction with life, depressive symptomatology, spirituality, functional independence) during inpatient rehabilitation after spinal cord injury (SCI) and (b) examine the relationship between each variable at different stages of the rehabilitation process. Design The sample consisted of 42 individuals with a SCI, including 33 men and 9 women who were inpatients for a mean stay of 51 days (SD = 14.63). A repeated measures design was employed, with questionnaires completed at 3 times during the rehabilitation program (admit, 3 weeks, and discharge). Results Results from the repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance and post hoc follow-up tests indicated that there was no significant change in resilience, but that there was significant change for each indicator of adjustment during inpatient rehabilitation. Findings also indicated significant correlations between resilience, satisfaction with life, spirituality, and depressive symptoms. Conclusion Future studies that focus on developing interventions and examine the factors that predict resilience could help build resilience, which in turn may improve rehabilitation outcomes.
Hybrid antibiotics — the contribution of the new gene combinations

Abstract Genes coding for entire pathways of antibiotic biosynthesis have been cloned in Streptomyces . Inter-species cloning of antibiotic biosynthesis genes makes it possible to express in the same cell two biosynthetic pathways, which normally operate in different organisms, resulting in the formation of new hybrid structures different from those produced by either parent organism.
„Missing Link” als echter Eukaryot enttarnt

Am Zellkern scheiden sich die Lebewesen auf unserem Planeten: Wer einen besitzt, heist Eukaryot, wer keinen hat, heist Prokaryot und gehort zu den Archaea oder den Bakterien. Die Eukaryoten haben fur spezielle chemische Reaktionen abgeteilte Kammern wie beispielsweise die Mitochondrien, die aus integrierten Prokaryoten entstanden sind. Fur die Zwischenstufe dieser Entwicklung (Zellkern — aber noch keine Mitochondrien) gab es unter den heutigen Organismen mehrere Kandidaten. Jetzt wurden auch in dem letzten Zwischenwesen Giardia intestinalis Mitochondrien nachgewiesen. Damit stellt sich die Frage, ob es solche Intermediate uberhaupt geben kann, oder ob die Aufnahme der endosymbiotischen Mitochondrien gleichzeitig mit der Ausbildung des Zellkerns erfolgte und diesen vielleicht erst ermoglichte.
Simultaneous detection of selenium by atomic fluorescence and sulfur by molecular emission by flow-injection hydride generation with on-line reduction for the determination of selenate, sulfate and sulfite

Abstract An inductively coupled plasma atomic fluorescence spectrometry (ICP-AFS) instrument, was modified so that it was capable of monitoring transient chromatographic or flow-injection profiles and that sulfur molecular emission and selenium atomic fluorescence could be monitored simultaneously in an argon–hydrogen diffusion flame on a glass burner. The analytes were introduced as hydrogen selenide and hydrogen sulfide, generated on a flow-injection manifold. Selenate was reduced to hydride-forming selenite by microwave-assisted on-line reaction with hydrochloric acid, and sulfate, or sulfite, was reduced to hydride-forming sulfide by a mixture of hydriodic acid, acetic acid and sodium hypophosphite. The effects of the nature of reducing agent, flow rate, microwave power and coil length were studied. The limit of detection (3 s) for selenium was 10 μg L −1 , and for sulfide was 70 μg L −1 (200-μL injection volume). The calibration was linear for selenium up to 2 mg L −1 and to 10 mg L −1 for sulfide. The throughput was 180 h −1 . The three sulfur species could be differentiated on the basis of reactivity at various microwave powers.
1422 EVALUATION OF THE MINOLTA BILIRUBIN METER SCREENING DEVICE IN WHITE AND BLACK INFANTS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the transcutaneous bilirubin meter in black and white infants. The data (see Table) demonstrate a good correlation between serum bilirubin and skin reflectance for white term infants. In black infants ≥34 weeks GA the correlation is poor; incorporation of three wavelengths (420, 460 and 510) may provide a more accurate instrument. We suggest that further studies, and quite likely further modifications of the currently available instrument, should be carried out before it can be considered a clinically useful instrument for either screening or monitoring of serum bilirubin concentrations in the newborn.
Numerical study on U-shaped vortex formation in late boundary layer transition

Abstract This paper illustrates the mechanism of the U-shaped vortex formation, which has been found by both experiments and DNS in boundary-layer transition. The main goal of this paper is to find how the U-shaped vortex is formed and further developed. According to the results obtained by our direct numerical simulation (DNS) with high order accuracy, the U-shaped vortex is part of the large coherent vortex structure. This new finding is quite different from existing theories which describe that the U-shaped vortex is a secondary vortex induced by second sweeps, and it is newly formed as the head of young turbulence spot and finally breaks down to small pieces. However, it is found that the U-shaped vortex is neither generated by the second sweeps nor the consequent positive spikes. Actually, the U-shaped vortex is induced by the secondary vortices and the solid wall. The new finding also shows the U-shaped vortex is a vortex tube but not the heading wave. In addition, it is found that the U-shaped vortex has the same vorticity sign as the original Λ-shaped vortex legs, which means the U-shaped vortex is not secondary but tertiary. It serves as an additional channel to provide vorticity to support the multiple ring-like vortices when the original vortex tube is stretched and multiple rings are generated.
Overweight and obesity in China

The once lean giant has a weight problem that is increasing rapidly A bout one fifth of the one billion overweight or obese people in the world are Chinese. China was once considered to have one of the leanest populations,1 but it is fast catching up with the West in terms of the prevalence of overweight and obesity; disturbingly, this transition has occurred in a remarkably short time.2 Data from the 2002 national nutrition and health survey showed that 14.7% of Chinese were overweight (body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) ≥ 25) and another 2.6% were obese (BMI ≥ 30), such that there are currently (2002) 184 million overweight people, and a further 31 million obese people, in China, out of a total population of 1.3 billion (table).3 Although the prevalence of obesity in China is relatively low compared with Western countries such as the United States, where over half of adults are either overweight or obese, it is the rapid increase of the condition,4 especially among children, that is particularly alarming. Data from the China national surveys on the constitution and health in school children …
An arcuate-ventrolateral periaqueductal gray reciprocal circuit participates in electroacupuncture cardiovascular inhibition

Electroacupuncture (EA) suppresses elevated blood pressure (BP) by activating the arcuate nucleus, ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG), and inhibiting cardiovascular sympathetic neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla. This study investigated the reciprocal neural circuit between arcuate and vlPAG during EA inhibition of reflex increases in blood pressure. In α-chloralose anesthetized cats the gallbladder or splanchnic nerve was stimulated to induce cardiovascular sympathoexcitatory reflexes. Electrophysiological recordings showed that EA facilitates the arcuate neural response to splanchnic nerve stimulation. Bilateral vlPAG microinjection of D,L-homocysteic acid (DLH) facilitated the arcuate response to splanchnic nerve stimulation, while microinjection of kainic acid blocked EA (P 5-6 acupoints on pericardial meridian, overlying the median nerves) excitation of arcuate neurons. Retrograde microsphere tracer labeling in the arcuate or vlPAG perikarya was found after respective microinjection of the tracer in the vlPAG or arcuate of rats, demonstrating reciprocal direct connections between the two nuclei. EA inhibition of reflex-induced BP elevation was blocked by injection of glutamate or cholinergic receptor antagonist, kynurenic acid or atropine, into the arcuate. Excitation of vlPAG neurons during EA was blocked by arcuate microinjection of glutamate NMDA and non-NMDA receptor antagonists, AP-5 and CNQX, or the cholinergic receptor antagonist, atropine. Microinjection of DLH or acetylcholine (ACh) into the arcuate facilitated EA excitation of vlPAG neurons. Microinjection of AP5 and CNQX, but not atropine, into the vlPAG blocked EA excitation of arcuate neurons. Thus, a reciprocal excitatory glutamatergic neural circuit between the arcuate and vlPAG contributes to long-lasting EA cardiovascular inhibition. ACh in the arcuate but not in the vlPAG participates in the reciprocal excitation.
First-principles study of the electronic structure of iron-selenium: Implications for electron-phonon superconductivity

We have performed density functional theory calculations using the linearized augmented plane wave method (LAPW) with the local density approximation (LDA) functional to study the electronic structure of the iron-based superconductor iron-selenium (FeSe). In our study, we have performed a comprehensive set of calculations involving structural, atomic, and spin configurations. All calculations were executed using the tetragonal lead-oxide or $P4$/$nmm$ structure, with various volumes, $c/a$ ratios, and internal parameters. Furthermore, we investigated the spin polarization using the LDA functional to assess ferromagnetism in this material. The paramagnetic LDA calculations find the equilibrium configuration of FeSe in the $P4$/$nmm$ structure to have a volume of 472.5 a.u.${}^{3}$ with a $c/a$ ratio of 1.50 and internal parameter of 0.255, with the ferromagnetic having comparable results to the paramagnetic case. In addition, we calculated total energies for FeSe using a pseudopotential method, and found comparable results to the LAPW calculations. Superconductivity calculations were done using the Gaspari-Gyorffy and the McMillan formalisms and found substantial electron-phonon coupling. Under pressure, our calculations show that the superconductivity critical temperature continues to rise, but underestimates the measured values.
Personal Monitoring Device for Gaseous Contaminants

A passive sampling unit based on molecular diffusion of the gas to be measured has been designed for use as a personal monitoring device. To demonstrate the applicability of the approach, the sampler was initially used to measure water vapor concentration in the air; the results showed good accuracy and reproducibility. It was then tested with sulfur dioxide as a means of measuring time-weighted average exposure to this gas. The quantity of gas transferred by diffusion from the environment through an orifice of known dimensions into a chamber maintained at substantially zero concentration by a suitable collecting medium can be used as the basis for calculating average concentration during the time the sampler is in the environment. Calculated and observed values for chamber sulfur dioxide concentrations from 10 ppm to about 0.1 ppm agreed very well over a considerable range of orifice dimensions.
Optimal fringe angle selection for digital fringe projection technique

Existing digital fringe projection (DFP) systems mainly use either horizontal or vertical fringe patterns for three-dimensional shape measurement. This paper reveals that these two fringe directions are usually not optimal where the phase change is the largest to a given depth variation. We propose a novel and efficient method to determine the optimal fringe angle by projecting a set of horizontal and vertical fringe patterns onto a step-height object and by further analyzing two resultant phase maps. Experiments demonstrate the existence of the optimal angle and the success of the proposed optimal angle determination method.
Reduction in mortality from cardiac causes in Goldman class IV patients

In 1977, Goldman et al evaluated cardiac patients for non-cardiac operations and showed a high incidence of cardiac death in high-risk cardiac patients (Goldman class IV). The present study was designed to prospectively evaluate the incidence of cardiac death as well as overall mortality in 49 patients belonging to Goldman class IV at the present time. Four patients of 49 (8.2%) died of cardiac causes, and seven other patients died of non-cardiac causes. Thus, the overall mortality rate was 22.4% (11/49). There has been a marked reduction in cardiac mortality from 56% in Goldman et al's 1977 data to 8.2% in the present data. All of the developments and advances in patient care over the past 10 years probably contributed to this reduction in mortality from cardiac causes.
The kinase activity of aurora B is required for kinetochore-microtubule interactions during mitosis.

Abstract As a component of the "chromosomal passenger protein complex," the aurora B kinase is associated with centromeres during prometaphase and with midzone microtubules during anaphase and is required for both mitosis and cytokinesis [1–6]. Ablation of aurora B causes defects in both prometaphase chromosomal congression and the spindle checkpoint [4–6]; however, the mechanisms underlying these defects are unclear. To address this question, we have examined chromosomal movement, spindle organization, and microtubule motor distribution in NRK cells transfected with a kinase-inactive, dominant-negative mutant of aurora B, aurora B(K-R) [6–8]. In cells overexpressing aurora B(K-R) fused with GFP, centromeres moved in a synchronized and predominantly unidirectional manner, as opposed to the independent, bidirectional movement in control cells expressing a similar level of wild-type aurora B-GFP. In addition, most kinetochores became physically separated from spindle microtubules, which appeared as a striking bundle between the spindle poles. These defects were associated with a microtubule-dependent depletion of motor proteins dynein and CENP-E from kinetochores. Our observations suggest that aurora B regulates the association of motor proteins with kinetochores during prometaphase. Interactions of kinetochore motors with microtubules may in turn regulate the organization of microtubules, the movement of prometaphase chromosomes, and the release of the spindle checkpoint.
A novel method for sequence independent incorporation of activated/protected cysteine in Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis

Abstract In conventional stepwise Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis, incorporation of cysteine with nitro-pyridine sulfenyl (Npys) or pyridine sulfenyl (Pys) groups which act as an activation/protection of the thiol function has been accomplished in a sequence independent manner.
Excess amylase in Gammarus palustris (Crustacea: Amphipoda); its release into and possible roles in the environment

Gammarus palustris Bousfield (1969) individuals, of both sexes, contain levels of amylase activity sufficient to hydrolyze their dry weight in starch in less than an hour. We suggest that this is in excess of their needs for internal digestion. Experiments show that amylase is released by the amphipod into the environment, especially when they are maintained in the presence of food. Gammarus palustris amylase can be recovered from their natural habitat. The enzymes retain activity over the wide salinity range (5 to 30‰) encountered by this species in nature. It is hypothesized that released amylase plays a role external to the amphipod, perhaps in predigestion of food, perhaps as an aid in finding food.
The electromagnetic radius of the neutrinos

The electromagnetic radius of the neutrino is calculated by use of dispersion relations. If an intermediate vector boson is used, $$\left\langle {x^2 } \right\rangle = - 6\frac{{g^2 }}{{2\pi ^2 }}\frac{1}{{3m_B^2 }}\left[ {\log \frac{{m_B^2 }}{{m_1^2 }} + \frac{1}{6}} \right]$$ . If no intermediate vector boson is used, $$\left\langle {x^2 } \right\rangle = - 6\left( {\frac{G}{f}} \right)^2 \frac{1}{{4\pi ^2 }}\left( {\frac{{m_1^2 }}{m}} \right)^2 \frac{1}{{3m_\pi ^2 }}\left[ {\log \frac{{m_\pi ^2 }}{{m_1^2 }} - \frac{4}{3}} \right]$$ .
A Critical Role of STAYGREEN/Mendel’s I Locus in Controlling Disease Symptom Development during Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato Infection of Arabidopsis

Production of disease symptoms represents the final phase of infectious diseases and is a main cause of crop loss and/or marketability. However, little is known about the molecular basis of disease symptom development. In this study, a genetic screening was conducted to identify Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants that are impaired specifically in the development of disease symptoms (leaf chlorosis and/or necrosis) after infection with the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato (Pst) DC3000. An ethyl methanesulfonate-induced Arabidopsis mutant (no chlorosis1 [noc1]) was identified. In wild-type plants, the abundance of chlorophylls decreased markedly after Pst DC3000 infection, whereas the total amount of chlorophylls remained relatively unchanged in the noc1 mutant. Interestingly, noc1 mutant plants also exhibited reduced disease symptoms in response to the fungal pathogen Alternaria brassicicola. Genetic and molecular analyses showed that the nuclear gene STAYGREEN (SGR; or Mendel’s I locus) is mutated (resulting in the aspartic acid to tyrosine substitution at amino acid position 88) in noc1 plants. Transforming wild-type SGR cDNA into the noc1 mutant rescued the chlorosis phenotype in response to Pst DC3000 infection. The SGR transcript was highly induced by Pst DC3000, A. brassicicola, or coronatine (COR), a bacterial phytotoxin that promotes chlorosis. The induction of SGR expression by COR is dependent on COI1, a principal component of the jasmonate receptor complex. These results suggest that pathogen/COR-induced expression of SGR is a critical step underlying the development of plant disease chlorosis.
Axoplasmic transport and turnaround of neurotoxic esterase in hen sciatic nerve.

: We have recently found that there is a proximo-distal delay in the recovery of neurotoxic esterase (NTE) following inhibition along the sciatic nerve of the hen. To determine whether this delay could be due to a requirement for the transport of newly synthesized NTE from the cell body, we investigated the transport of NTE by measuring the rate of accumulation of activity at either one or two ligations. Although rapid turnaround of accumulated protein confounds calculation of the transport rate, it appeared that NTE is transported down the hen sciatic nerve at a rate close to 300 mm/day. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was found to be transported at a rate of about 500 mm/day, which is close to the expected rate of fast axoplasmic transport in the chicken. The relatively rapid turnaround of NTE compared with the retrograde transport rate precluded the estimation of a retrograde transport rate. A model is presented that accounts for turnaround as a result of exchange between mobile and stationary transport pools. Exchange of NTE between pools may account for the rapid turnaround of NTE described in this paper and for the proximo-distal delay in recovery as a dilution of newly synthesized NTE in the anterograde fast transport pool by inhibited protein as it travels down the nerve.
Studies on gas-phase negative ion/molecule reactions of relevance to ion mobility spectrometry: mass analysis and ion identification of the negative reactant ion peak in “clean” air

Abstract An understanding of the nature of the negative reactant ion peak (RIP) in an ion mobility spectrometer is a prerequisite to an understanding of the reactions that may occur in the presence of a pollutant. A study of the negative ions formed in “clean” air at atmospheric pressure together with a review of the literature has therefore been made. The use of isotopes and “tuned” mass analysis has enabled the identity of the majority of the ions to be determined with some confidence. The variations in relative ion abundance with water and CO2 concentration at four temperatures (25, 35, 45, 55°C) have been determined and the importance of CO2 concentration in determining the nature of the RIP in particular has been demonstrated. Radiolysis products formed in the air as it passes through the ionizing source have been shown to be of significance in the observed ion chemistry.
Monitoring of a military vehicle coating under Prohesion exposure by embedded sensors

Abstract Two-layered organic coatings protect metallic structures against corrosion by reducing the transport of water, ions, and oxygen from the environment to the substrate and storing species that provide corrosion inhibition. The topcoat and the primer provide the former and latter, respectively, with the primer also providing adhesion between the topcoat and the substrate. A standard testing method for coatings is the ASTM G85 Prohesion® test. This test involves alternating between a wet exposure of 1-h salt spray at 25 °C and a dry exposure of 1-h air at 35 °C. Apart from visual inspection, conventional monitoring of coating properties is achieved by ex situ electrochemical tests under immersion in a suitable electrolyte. In situ monitoring during a Prohesion® test was performed for a military vehicle coating system using embedded sensors located between the topcoat and primer. In situ results associated with the dry and wet exposures are presented from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical noise measurements. In situ single-frequency impedance measurements were used to monitor the water uptake/loss associated with the exposures of the test conditions. Ex situ monitoring was also performed for comparison with the in situ embedded sensor monitoring.
Sibling Confirmation as a Moderator of Rivalries and Relational Outcomes in Sibling Relationships

This study tested the degree to which confirmation moderated the association between sibling rivalry and relational outcomes in the sibling relationship (i.e., closeness and satisfaction). Participants included 329 young adults who completed online questionnaires concerning their parents’ treatment of them and their siblings, sibling confirmation, and closeness and satisfaction with the sibling relationship. Although parents’ differential treatment (i.e., an indicator of rivalry) was inversely associated with relational closeness and satisfaction in the sibling relationship, sibling confirmation was positively associated with both outcomes. Multivariate tests provided partial support for the hypothesis that sibling confirmation would mitigate the negative effects of parents’ differential treatment on sibling closeness and satisfaction. Notably, confirmation moderated the negative effect of differential treatment on the sibling relationship, but only when young adults reported that their sibling perceives ...
Two-dimensional Liouville, sine-Gordon and nonlinear σ-models

The Liouville, sine-Gordon and nonlinear σ-models in 2 dimensions are obtained from a common formalism. The topological charge of the Liouville model is found to be zero, if the definition of the topological charge of the sine-Gordon model is utilized.
Indium-111 oxine-labeled autologous leukocyte scans in the management of colorectal diseases

The accuracy and usefulness of indium-111 oxine-labeled autologous leukocyte scans in the management of infectious complications of colon and rectal surgery and of inflammatory diseases of the colon have been studied by review of the records of all patients undergoing such scans at Morristown Memorial Hospital during the first six months such scans were performed there. A total of 20 scans was performed on 18 patients. Twelve scans were performed on 11 patients being treated for diseases of the colon and rectum. Of these 12 scans, one was normal, four demonstrated intra-abdominal abscesses, three demonstrated wound infections (two abdominal, one perineal), one was positive for granulomatous colitis, one for pseudomembranous colitis, one for chronic diverticulitis, and one for enterocutaneous fistula. One allergic reaction to the labeled leukocytes occurred. Comparisons with other corroborative localizing diagnostic tests were made. Subsequent treatment was reviewed. Analysis of these cases indicates that the majority of all scans were performed to evaluate complications of colorectal surgery or inflammatory diseases of the colon and that these scans were highly accurate. In all instances where appropriate, delineation of a lesion in the colorectal cases was followed by corrective treatment.
Correction of severe clubfoot by the Ilizarov method

Summary Thirty-four cases of severe relapsed or neglected clubfoot deformity were treated with the Ilizarov external fixator. The method was used in cases where traditional methods were not likely to produce good results. Three types of correction were performed; a ‘closed' correction of the deformity, where the external fixator is put on to the limb, and gradual correction is then performed with no further operation. The second treatment consisted of a combination of softtissue release and gradual correction. An osteotomy through the foot, combined with gradual correction, was performed for the other cases. Good results were achieved in 20/34 patients and satisfactory results in 11/34. A recurrence of the deformity or overcorrection occurred in three of 34 patients. Besides the three bad results there were many problems, but no major complications. In our opinion, the Ilizarov method proved to be advantageous for correction of severe clubfoot deformities.
Structural models of the relations between age and measures of cognitive functioning

Alternative models of the pattern of relations among age and variables representing distinct cognitive factors were examined in data from a study involving 206 adults between 18 and 84 years of age. A model postulating that the variables each had independent age-related influences did not provide a good fit to the data, but models with a single age-related influence were surprisingly accurate at reproducing the age correlations on the variables. The best fit among the models examined was obtained with a hierarchical model in which the age-related influences operate only at highest level, on what is common to all variables. Because only age-sensitive variables were included in the analyses and because reasoning variables were closely related to the highest level factor, the hierarchical pattern is consistent with the fluid intelligence (Gf) model of Horn and Cattell. Additional analyses on data from this and other studies revealed that there was a strong positive relation between a variable's loading on the first principal component representing what all the variables have in common and the absolute value of the correlation of the variable with age. These results imply that broad or general factors play an important role in the age-related declines reported in many different types of cognitive tests.
31P Nuclear magnetic resonance observations in biological systems II. Nucleic acids and proteins

Abstract 31 P nucleus has proven to be an extremely useful nmr probe of phosphates in biochemical systems. It provides information on their structure and environment; any changes in these two factors are reflected in 31P chemical shift perturbations. This approach has been most useful in studying the nucleic acids backbone conformation.
Molecular dynamics simulations of the polymerization of aqueous silicic acid and analysis of the effects of concentration on silica polymorph distributions, growth mechanisms, and reaction kinetics

We have performed large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of the polymerization of silicic acid in aqueous solution using the potential developed by Fueston and Garofalini [J. Phys. Chem. 1990, 94, 5351]. Seventeen simulations, with different water-to-silicon ratios and silicic acid concentrations, were each run for between 1.6 and 12.5 ns, at temperatures of 1500, 2000, and 2500 K. Water clearly acts as a catalyst in these simulations. When the water-to-silicon ratio is large, we find that the initial stages of the polymerization process are dominated by the conversion of monomers to dimers and addition of monomers to small clusters, while at longer times cluster−cluster aggregation is observed. Using data from simulations at different temperatures, the activation energies of condensation between silicic acid monomers were calculated at different water-to-silicon ratios and found to compare favorably with experimental results; an extrapolation (at constant density) of simulated reaction rates to ambie...
Changes in pial arteriolar diameter and CSF adenosine concentrations during hypoxia

We measured the changes in pial arteriolar diameter and CSF concentrations of adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine during hypoxia in the absence and presence of topically applied dipyridamole (10(-6) M) and erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl)adenine (EHNA; 10(-5) M). Closed cranial windows were implanted in halothane-anesthetized adult male Sprague-Dawley rats for the observation of the pial circulation and collection of CSF. The mean resting arteriolar diameter in mock CSF was 31.2 +/- 5.9 microns. Topically applied dipyridamole and EHNA, in combination, caused a slight but significant (p < 0.05) increase in resting arteriolar diameter (33.8 +/- 4.3 microns). With mock CSF, moderate hypoxia caused a 22.1 +/- 9.7% increase in pial vessel diameter. Topically applied dipyridamole and EHNA significantly (p < 0.01) potentiated pial arteriolar vasodilation in response to hypoxia. Moreover, the potentiating effects of dipyridamole and EHNA during hypoxia were completely abolished by theophylline (0.20 mumol/g, i.p.; p < 0.05), an adenosine receptor antagonist. Resting concentrations of adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine in the subwindow CSF were 0.18 +/- 0.09, 0.35 +/- 0.21, and 0.62 +/- 0.12 microM, respectively. In the absence of dipyridamole and EHNA, these levels were not affected by sustained moderate hypoxia (PaO2 = 36 +/- 6 mm Hg). However, in the presence of dipyridamole and EHNA, the concentration of adenosine in the CSF during hypoxia was significantly (p < 0.05) increased. Our data indicate that dipyridamole and EHNA potentiate hypoxic vasodilation of pial arterioles while simultaneously increasing extracellular adenosine levels, thus supporting the hypothesis that adenosine is involved in the regulation of cerebral blood flow.
What's new in gynecology and obstetrics.

m s l c n t t i i l s s b t O l ( m l s he field of obstetrics and gynecology is growing and dvancing at a rapid pace. We continue to refine our echniques for minimally invasive surgery and uterine rtery embolization. New data about angiogenic factors mplicated in preeclampsia show potential promise for n accurate screening test. The prevention and early deection of cancers in patients with hereditary cancer synromes continues to be investigated, with special attenion given to the BRCA 1/2 and hereditary nonolyposis colorectal cancer mutation carrier populaions. An exciting new development has been the work erformed with the human papilloma virus vaccine. ertainly more questions need to be answered and issues eed to be resolved before the vaccine can be available in he public domain. Last, an update on polycystic ovarian yndrome shows good results with metformin and the eed to address potential longterm sequelae of this yndrome.
Mindfully mining MUSTT

In this issue of the Journal the MUSTT (Multicenter Unsustained Tachycardia Trial) investigators [(1)][1], extend their post hoc analyses of the original trial. By comparing outcomes of those patients in the EP group (patients discharged on drugs predicted effective by electrophysiologic testing)
Quantum levels of area-preserving maps

Abstract A method is given for quantizing volume-preserving polynomial mappings, using Heisenberg's matrix formulation of quantum mechanics. The energy levels of the linear map are obtained exactly and those of the quadratic, nonintegrable, Henon map approximately and numerically.
Pathology in brainstem regions of individuals with primary dystonia

Examination of brains from four individuals with the clinical diagnosis of primary dystonia revealed histopathologic abnormalities in two cases. A 29-year-old man with a 15-year history of dystonia musculorum deformans (DMD) had numerous neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and mild neuronal loss within the locus ceruleus; occasional NFT were also recognized in the substantia nigra pars compacta, pedunculopontine nucleus, and dorsal raphe nucleus. A 68-year-old man with a 35-year history of Meige syndrome had moderate-to-severe neuronal loss in several brainstem nuclei, including the substantia nigra pars compacta, locus ceruleus, raphe nuclei, and pedunculopontine nucleus. Infrequent NFT were also noted in substantia nigra. An examination of these and other brain regions in a 10-year-old boy with a 6-year history of DMD and a 50-year-old woman with a 3-year history of spasmodic torticollis did not disclose similar abnormalities.
Secular variation of the middle and late Miocene geomagnetic field recorded by the Columbia River Basalt Group in Oregon, Idaho and Washington, USA

This study of 118 discrete volcanic flows from the Columbia River Basalt Group is aimed to determine their distribution of geomagnetic field directions and virtual geomagnetic poles (VGPs) and to compare the inherent secular variation parameters with those from other studies. The magnetic signature of these rocks is uniformly carried by primary titanomagnetite, indicating that magnetic changes are due to variations in the magnetic field. Although most flows are flat lying, those that are tilted pass the Tauxe and Watson tilt test. Sequential flows with statistically similar site means were grouped, and directions that were considered outliers were evaluated and removed using the Vandamme cut-off method. Three normal-polarity (N-polarity) and three reversed-polarity (R-polarity) intervals are revealed by the stratigraphically ordered flows and have mean directions of N polarity (dec/inc=6.6°/+61.2°, k=29.3, α 95 =4.2°), and R polarity (dec/inc=178.2°/−59.2°, k=16, α 95 =5.5°). Regression analysis indicates that the secular variation analysis has not been affected by regional rotation, and that apparent polar wander is negligible. The VGP distribution is almost perfectly circular and supports the preference of VGP positions for the dispersion analysis. Dispersion parameters with corrections for within-site scatter (S b ) show a range of 14.3°–25.5°, including error limits, and were consistently higher for R-polarity results than for those of N polarity. Published dispersion parameters for extrusives <5 Ma show S b values slightly lower than ours, yielding values of 16°–19°, although the difference is not statistically significant. In contrast, published dispersion parameters from high quality data from the Cretaceous Normal Superchron are lower than those for the Neogene, which suggests that the noisiness of the magnetic field correlates with the frequency of reversals. Our new results allow us to extend the Plio-Pleistocene palaeosecular variation database to the bottom of the middle Miocene. Many Miocene formations on a variety of continents are suitable targets for future analysis. Furthermore, the significant difference between the reversed and N-polarity dispersion parameters is intriguing and needs substantiation.
Depolarized Light Scattering From Single Silver Nanoparticles

Depolarized scattering spectra from individual silver nanoparticles of different shapes and sizes were measured as a function of the incident polarization angle. The spectra were correlated to the nanoparticles’ shape, size, and orientation as determined by scanning electron microscopy. The intensity of depolarized scattered light from nonspherical silver nanoparticles strongly depends upon particle shape and orientation relative to the polarization vector. The intensity of depolarized scattered light also increases with the aspect ratio of the nanoparticles. The depolarized light scattering originated from the interference of the plasmon modes corresponding to the electron oscillations along different axes of the NPs.
A comparison among three measures of cross‐spectral processing of amplitude modulation with tonal signals

Results were obtained from three paradigms used to study cross‐spectral processing of envelope modulation [comodulation masking release (CMR), comodulation detection difference (CDD), and modulation detection interference (MDI)]. When tonal carriers separated by two octaves (flanking tone at 1000 Hz and target tone at 4000 Hz) were amplitude modulated at 20 Hz, there was no evidence of a CMR or CDD effect, but there was substantial MDI.
‘They were not drag queens, they were playboy models and bodybuilders’: media, masculinities and gay sexual identity

Using collective memory work, this study explored the development of masculinities and sexual identity through the media memories and experiences of gay men. Six gay men wrote about, discussed, and analyzed positive and negative memories of masculinities and gay male identity as portrayed in media. Their collective analysis revealed two major themes. The first theme, media as a means for opening the closet door, included escaping isolation, assessing others' reactions via shared media experiences, and locating oneself in gay culture. The second theme, mainstreaming gay identity, documents negotiating the stereotypes, hypermasculinity as a reaction to effimenancy, and (gay) marriage and family as a normalizer. Findings demonstrate men used media as an instructional medium to shape their understandings of manhood, sexuality and more subtly, participation in discourse related to heteronormativity and that media does not just socialize viewers, but also provides creative and resistant outlets for marginalized...
In-Flight Isolation of Degraded Engine Components by Shape Comparison of Transient Outputs

A direct method of aircraft engine health monitoring is introduced that can isolate a degraded engine component in-flight. The method utilizes continuous wavelet transformations of transient engine sensory data to represent their shape attributes in the time-scale domain. This enables contrasting the shapes of the current engine outputs with those previously collected from the engine. Continuous wavelet transforms also provide enhanced delineation of the engine transients in the time-scale domain. This enables identification of minute differences between the outputs affected by component degradations as well as between the sensitivities of modeled outputs with respect to the health parameters or components. The presence of these differences is used in this method as evidence of identifiability of the degradation by the outputs as well as of the effect of parameters or components on the outputs. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated in engine simulations. The results indicate that with the suite of outputs currently available on-board 70% to 96% of the degraded components simulated can be isolated for new and older engines.
The calculus of Gothic architecture

When you look at the facade of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, what do you see? The rectangular towers, classical Gothic arches, massive domes and stained glass rose windows of this famous cathedral offer excellent examples of areas for students to calculate via integration. Most modern calculus texts use simple examples of finding the area of an ellipse or circle when incorporating trigonometric substitution. This article describes an approach for instructors of single variable integral calculus courses in calculating the areas and volumes of Gothic structures which have incorporated the quinto acuto arch. Further, students do not have to travel far to find examples of Gothic architecture near their own campuses. Examples and sample calculations are provided.
Radioimmunoassay for Lys8, Asn9, neurotensin 8–13: Tissue and subcellular distribution of immunoreactivity in chickens☆

Abstract A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for Lys 8 , Asn 9 , neurotensin 8–13 (LANT-6) has been developed which utilizes 125 I-labeled LANT-6 and rabbit antisera raised towards conjugates of synthetic LANT-6 and bovine thyroglobulin. The antiserum described (TG-22) allows the detection of ca 100 fmol of LANT-6 and crossreacts
A facile synthesis of 2,3-dihydroimidazo- and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrirnido[1,2-f] phenanthridines

When 6-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-(1), 6-(3-hydroxypropyl)amino-(2),or 6-[2-(1-hydroxybutyl)]-aminophenanthridines (3), dissolved in concentrated sulfuric acid, were treated with nitrosylsulfuric acid at 0–25, then diluted with water and basified with aqueous sodium hydroxide at 65–86°, 2,3-dihydroimidazo- (4a-i), 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimido- (5), or 2,3-dihydro-2-ethyl-imidazo[1,2-f]phenanthridines (4j-p) were obtained respectively in good yields. Structures were substantiated by ir spectroscopy. The 6-ω-hydroxyalkylaminophenanthridines were prepared from the corresponding 6-chlorophenanthridines. A possible mechanism for the formation of these ring systems is postulated.
Net Synthesis of Heme from Protoporphyrin and Iron by Extracts of Duck Erythrocytes.

Soluble preparations of duck erythrocytes were found to effect net synthesis of heme from protoporphyrtn and iron. (auth) l3l92 Survival of lethally x-irradiated (BALB/c X A)F/sub 1/ hybrid mice was greatly prolonged by injection of leukemoid blood from (BALB/c X C3H)F: hybrid mloe. Quantitative estimates indicate that many, if not all cells in lymph nodes or marrow of irradiated protected mice were derived from leukemoid blood. (auth)
Managing a Large Database of Camera Fingerprints

Sensor fingerprint is a unique noise-like pattern caused by slightly varying pixel dimensions and inhomogeneity of the silicon wafer from which the sensor is made. The fingerprint can be used to prove that an image came from a specific digital camera. The presence of a camera fingerprint in an image is usually established using a detector that evaluates cross-correlation between the fingerprint and image noise. The complexity of the detector is thus proportional to the number of pixels in the image. Although computing the detector statistic for a few megapixel image takes several seconds on a single-processor PC, the processing time becomes impractically large if a sizeable database of camera fingerprints needs to be searched through. In this paper, we present a fast searching algorithm that utilizes special "fingerprint digests" and sparse data structures to address several tasks that forensic analysts will find useful when deploying camera identification from fingerprints in practice. In particular, we develop fast algorithms for finding if a given fingerprint already resides in the database and for determining whether a given image was taken by a camera whose fingerprint is in the database.
Obesity-induced Upper Extremity Lymphedema.

Summary:Obesity increases the risk of upper extremity lymphedema following treatment for breast cancer and can cause lower extremity lymphatic dysfunction in extremely obese individuals. We report the first patient with obesity-induced upper extremity lymphedema. A 62-year-old man with a previous bo
Behavioral preparation for surgery: Benefit or harm?

Elective surgery patients were prepared for surgery with training in muscle relaxation or with information about sensations they would experience. Relaxation reduced hospital stay, pain, and medication for pain and increased strength, energy, and postoperative epinephrine levels. Information reduced hospital stay. Personality variables (denial, fear, aggressiveness) were associated with recovery and influenced patients' responses to preparation. Less frightened patients benefited more from relaxation than did very frightened patients. Nonaggressive patients reacted to information with decreased hospital stay along with increased pain, medication, and epinephrine. Aggressive patients responded to information with decreased hospital stay along with decreased pain, medication, and epinephrine. Patients using denial were not harmed by preparation. A catharsis/moderation model is proposed to explain how information benefits patients. An active coping model is proposed to explain the benefits of relaxation. This study suggests that behavioral preparation benefits even frightened, aggressive, or denying elective surgical patients.
Elite Opinion Differences and Partisanship in Congressional Foreign Policy, 1975-1996

Why are some foreign policy votes partisan and others bipartisan? The authors argue that an electoral connection drives partisanship in congressional foreign policy voting. Members of Congress depend on core supporters for mobilization and money, and primary voters are likely to follow the opinion cues of partisan elites; as a result, when Republican and Democratic opinion elites hold more distinct views on an issue, one may expect to observe more partisan behavior in Congress on both low and high-politics foreign policy issues. An empirical analysis of elite public opinion and congressional voting on foreign policy issues for six Congresses between 1975 and 1996 supports the elite opinion cleavage argument.
Vibrational frequencies and structural determinations of tetrafluorobutatriene

Abstract The normal mode frequencies and corresponding vibrational assignments of tetrafluorobutatriene in D2h symmetry are examined theoretically using the gaussian 98 set of quantum chemistry codes. All normal modes were successfully assigned to one of six types of motion (CC stretch, CF2 scissors, CF2 twist, CF2 wag, CF2 rock, and CCC bend) predicted by a group theoretical analysis. By comparing the vibrational frequencies with IR and Raman spectra available in the literature, a set of scaling factors is derived.