cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of developmental exposure to indole-3-carbinol or2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on reproductive potential of male rat offspring

Abstract Treatment of pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats on Gestational Day 15 with a single oral dose of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) (0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 μg/kg) or indole-3-carbinol (I3C, 1.0 or 100 mg/kg), an aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor agonist which is found in cruciferous vegetables, resulted in reproductive abnormalities in the male offspring (three to five litters in each treatment group). Anogenital distance and crown to rump length were altered by both compounds; however, the timing of the effects (Day 1 or 5) was variable and the responses were not necessarily dose-dependent. In 62-day-old offspring, seminal vesicle (24 to 26%), prostate (32 to 44%), testicular parenchymal (14%), and epididymal weight (19%) were decreased by one or more doses of TCDD. In contrast, I3C at one or more doses decreased daily sperm production/g testicular parenchyma (13 to 20%) and daily sperm production/testis (22%). Total number of sperm in the epididymis was significantly decreased (30 to 33%) in rats perinatally exposed to TCDD and this was due to a decreased (49 to 51%) number of sperm in the tail of the epididymis. Perinatal exposure to I3C did not affect any of these parameters. TCDD did not affect epididymal transit time of sperm through the complete epididymis at any of the doses (0.5 to 2.0 μg/kg). However, at the two highest doses (1.0 and 2.0 μg/kg), TCDD increased epididymal transit rate of sperm through the tail of the epididymis by 33 and 37%, respectively. In contrast, primarily due to decreased transit rate (39%) of sperm through the head plus body of the epididymis, I3C (1 mg/kg) significantly increased total epididymal transit time by 31%. In conclusion, perinatal exposure of pregnant rats to I3C, an Ah receptor agonist similar to TCDD, causes reproductive abnormalities in male rat offspring; however, I3C and TCDD elicited both common and different responses.
Influence of Irrelevant Information in Addition Word Problems on Problem Solving

The purpose of this study was to investigate the problem-solving performance of learning disabled students and their peers. Irrelevant linguistic and numerical information embedded within addition word problems was presented to matched groups of subjects. Whereas irrelevant numerical information negatively affected pupil performance, irrelevant linguistic information did not affect performance. Learning disabled students exhibited lower accuracy levels and problem-solving rates than grade-age peers. Implications of these findings are discussed in terms of students' problem-solving processes as well as educational programming for learning disabled pupils.
Specification of the enveloping layer and lack of autoneuralization in zebrafish embryonic explants

We have analyzed the roles of cell contact during determination of the outermost enveloping layer (EVL) and deeper neurectoderm in zebrafish embryos. Outer cells, but not deeper cells, are specified to express the EVL-specific marker, cyt1 by late blastula. EVL specification requires cell contact or close cell proximity, because cyt1 is not expressed after explant dissociation. The EVL may be homologous to the Xenopus epithelial layer, including the ventral larval epidermis. While Xenopus epidermal cytokeratin gene expression is activated by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, zebrafish cyt1 is not responsive to BMPs. Zebrafish early gastrula ectodermal explants are specified to express the neural markers opl (zic1) and otx2, and this expression is prevented by BMP4. Dissociation of zebrafish explants prevents otx2 and opl expression, suggesting that neural specification in zebrafish requires cell contact or close cell proximity. This finding is in contrast to the case in Xenopus, where ectodermal dissociation leads to activation of neural gene expression, or autoneuralization. Our data suggest that distinct mechanisms direct development of homologous lineages in different vertebrates. Developmental Dynamics 232:85–97, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The 2005 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Electrical Engineering presented to Andrew Viterbi

The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA, awarded the 2005 Benjamin Franklin Medal in Electrical Engineering to Andrew Viterbi for developing an efficient technique that has advanced the design and implementation of modern space and wireless communication systems. He also was a leader in the development of Code Division Multiple Access wireless technologies.
A novel global search algorithm for nonlinear mixed-effects models using particle swarm optimization.

NONMEM is one of the most popular approaches to a population pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) analysis in fitting nonlinear mixed-effects models. As a local optimization algorithm, NONMEM usually requires an initial value close enough to the global optimum. This paper proposes a novel global search algorithm called P-NONMEM. It combines the global search strategy by particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the local estimation strategy of NONMEM. In the proposed algorithm, initial values (particles) are generated randomly by PSO, and NONMEM is implemented for each particle to find a local optimum for fixed effects and variance parameters. P-NONMEM guarantees the global optimization for fixed effects and variance parameters. Under certain regularity conditions, it also leads to global optimization for random effects. Because P-NONMEM doesn’t run PSO search for random effect estimation, it avoids tremendous computational burden. In the simulation studies, we have shown that P-NONMEM has much improved convergence performance than NONMEM. Even when the initial values were far away from the global optima, P-NONMEM converged nicely for all fixed effects, random effects, and variance components.
Preparing autoradiograms of serial sections for electron microscopy.

Abstract A reliable procedure is described for preparing series of up to 300 consecutive thin sections for EM autoradiography.
Paradoxical embolization of a fractured guidewire: Successful retrieval from left atrium using a snare device

In adults, paradoxical embolization of catheters or guidewire fragments related to central venous catheterization is a rare phenomenon. Reports of successful percutaneous retrieval of foreign bodies from the left atrium is also rare. We describe the successful percutaneous retrieval of a fractured guidewire that had undergone paradoxical embolization to the left atrium in an adult patient.
A modified adaptive Kalman filter for real-time applications

A modified adaptive Kalman filtering algorithm is derived for the standard linear problem under an irregular environment where all variances of the zero-mean Gaussian white (system and observation) noises are unknown a priori. This algorithm has certain merits over various existing adaptive schemes in that it is simple, efficient, and suitable for real-time applications. An illustrative numerical example is presented. >
Strategic Models of Talk in Political Decision Making

Talk in politics is effective only insofar as the speaker is able to persuade his or her audience of the relevance of some point, or the validity of some claim, contained in the speech. From a rational choice perspective, therefore, such speech making is a strategic activity in which speakers seek to influence the beliefs of decision makers. This paper is an informal introduction to rational choice models of political decision making involving the strategic use of speech.
Efficient approximation of structured covariance under joint Toeplitz and rank constraints

The disturbance (clutter plus noise and jamming) covariance matrix which plays a central role in radar space time adaptive processing (STAP) should be estimated from sample training observations in practice. Traditional maximum likelihood (ML) estimators lead to degraded false alarm and detection performance in the realistic regime of limited training. Therefore constrained ML estimation has received much attention which exploits structure and other properties that a disturbance covariance matrix exhibits. In this paper1, we derive a new covariance estimator for STAP that jointly considers a Toeplitz structure and a rank constraint on the clutter component. Past work has shown that in the regime of low training, even handling each constraint individually is hard and techniques often resort to slow numerically based solutions. Our proposed solution leverages a recent advance called rank constrained ML estimator (RCML) of structured covariances to build a computationally friendly approximation that involves a cascade of two closed form solutions. Experimental investigation shows that the proposed estimator outperforms state of the art alternatives in the sense of: 1.) normalized signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR), and 2.) probability of detection versus signal to noise ratio (SNR).
Leoki: A Powerful Voice of Hawaiian Language Revitalization

Abstract Political and linguistic repression over a period of one hundred years nearly brought the death of the Hawaiian language. In the last thirty years though, a Hawaiian renaissance movement has helped revitalize the Hawaiian language. Hawaiian language activists and scholars are taking advantage of every possible tool to promote their language, including computers and the Internet. This article discusses the role of computing and online communications in Hawaiian language revitalization, focusing on the Leoki bulletin board system, the first BBS in the world fully based on an indigenous language.
Effects of Worldview and Mortality Salience in Persuasion Processes

Individual differences in media effects research have yielded a trove of insights into how media content can have varying effects. One such variable is worldview—a philosophy of life that enables a person to make sense of one's experience—but the notion has largely been unexamined in media effects research. A person's worldview can moderate the way a persuasive message is processed—sometimes in the opposite direction of that intended by communicators. Building on the construct of worldview and terror management theory, two experiments (N = 149 and N = 151) examined the question with worldview as a measured variable and mortality salience as a two-level factor. Worldview had a main effect on global evaluations of ads, as participants who tended toward a relativist worldview had lower evaluations of the ads and lower behavioral intentions, while participants who tended toward a positivist worldview had higher evaluations of the ads and higher behavioral intentions. Also, mortality salience was found to mode...
Effects of nonlipolytic ligand function of endothelial lipase on high density lipoprotein metabolism in vivo.

Abstract Endothelial lipase (EL) influences high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism in vivo and mediates bridging and uptake of HDL particles independent of its lipolytic activity in vitro. To determine whether EL has a nonlipolytic ligand function in HDL metabolism in vivo, 1 × 1011 particles of a recombinant adenovirus encoding human EL (AdEL), catalytically inactive human EL (AdELS149A), or control (Adnull) were injected into wild-type, apoA-I transgenic, and hepatic lipase knockout mice. ELS149A protein was expressed at higher levels than wild-type EL. EL and ELS149A protein were both substantially increased in the postheparin plasma compared with preheparin, indicating that both the wild-type and mutant EL were bound to cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Overexpression of wild-type EL was associated with a significantly increased postheparin-plasma phospholipase activity and dramatically decreased levels of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, phospholipids, and apoA-I. Injection of AdELS149A did not result in increased phospholipase activity confirming that ELS149A was catalytically inactive. Expression of ELS149A did not decrease lipid or apoA-I levels in wild-type and apoA-I transgenic mice yet led to an intermediate reduction of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and phospholipids in hepatic lipase-deficient mice compared with control and EL-expressing mice. Our study demonstrates for the first time that EL has both a lipolytic and nonlipolytic function in HDL metabolism in vivo. Lipolytic activity of EL, however, seems to be most important for its effects on systemic HDL metabolism.
CONSTITUENTS OF ELEMENTARY BODIES OF VACCINIA : I. CERTAIN BASIC ANALYSES AND OBSERVATIONS ON LIPID COMPONENTS OF THE VIRUS.

The results of chemical analyses reveal that it is possible to secure preparations of elementary bodies of vaccinia that possess a considerable uniformity in their chemical constituents. Furthermore, the amounts of certain of these constituents, namely, nitrogen, alpha-amino nitrogen after hydrolysis, phosphorus, total fat, phospholipid, neutral fat, reducing sugar after hydrolysis, and cystine, in the purified virus are significantly different from those in the various materials discarded during the process of purification. The amounts of phospholipid and neutral fat in the virus preparations are not appreciably affected by extraction with ethyl ether or by digestion with lipase, procedures which do not inactivate the virus. Cholesterol, on the contrary, is apparently completely removed by these manipulations, and hence is not considered to play an important part in the economy of the virus.
The effects of incongruity and complexity on the perception of humor

Abstract This study compared differing predictions about the relationship between subjects' style or preference for general cognitive complexity and the role of incongruity and complexity on the perception of humor. The subjects, all adult females, found simpler, less incongruous cartoons to be most humorous. Regardless of their general preference for cognitive complexity, ease of information processing seemed directly related to the perception of humor.
Compositional analysis of apatites with laser-raman spectroscopy:(oh,f,cl)apatites.

Abstract Feasibility of analyses for OH and other components in regions as small as 20 μm across has been demonstrated with a view toward analysis of spatial variation of tooth composition. Laser-Raman spectra of fluorhydroxyapatite and chlorhydroxyapatite with halide compositions corresponding to up to 40 per cent replacement of hydroxyl ions are reported. The lattice mode region below 300 cm−1 for the three pure apatites has also been newly observed, that for hydroxyapatite being reported for the first time known. Several line intensities or frequencies are viable candidates for use in quantitative analysis of the kind and degree of halide intersubstitution, e.g. F for OH in tooth enamel. Substitution of Cl rather than F for OH can be distinguished by line shifts in the lattice mode region and by changes in the ratios of certain phosphate-mode line intensities. With present data, sensitivities of 5 per cent F for OH (e.g. 612 597 cm−1 intensity ratios), of approximately 2 per cent Cl for OH (612 451 cm 1 intensity ratios), and 5 per cent deficiency of OH (3573 cm−1 line intensity) are indicated. Better sensitivity can he anticipated with refined techniques. A trial application to human tooth enamel showed, through large amounts of visible-light induced fluorescence, apatite-like spectra exhibiting both broadening and mode-frequency shifts.
Understanding specialism when the jack of all trades can be the master of all

Specialism is widespread in nature, generating and maintaining diversity, but recent work has demonstrated that generalists can be equally fit as specialists in some shared environments. This no-cost generalism challenges the maxim that ‘the jack of all trades is the master of none’, and requires evolutionary genetic mechanisms explaining the existence of specialism and no-cost generalism, and the persistence of specialism in the face of selection for generalism. Examining three well-described mechanisms with respect to epistasis and pleiotropy indicates that sign (or antagonistic) pleiotropy without epistasis cannot explain no-cost generalism and that magnitude pleiotropy without epistasis (including directional selection and mutation accumulation) cannot explain the persistence of specialism. However, pleiotropy with epistasis can explain all. Furthermore, epistatic pleiotropy may allow past habitat use to influence future use of novel environments, thereby affecting disease emergence and populations' responses to habitat change.
Multiple scattering correction using a combination of Monte Carlo and analytical methods

Abstract A multiple scattering correction for neutron experiments is presented. A combination of Monte Carlo and analytical methods is used. The total fraction of neutrons, integrated over all angles, which are scattered once, twice and three or more times are calculated using Monte Carlo random walk techniques. The angular distributions of the neutrons in the various orders of scattering are calculated analytically. As a result of combining Monte Carlo and analytical methods the multiple scattering correction can be applied to much thicker scattering samples than is practicable with the purely analytical approach used by many authors and is much less time consuming than the correction procedures which use the Monte Carlo random walk methods throughout. The rather sophisticated computer facility which is required by most of the recently proposed multiple scattering corrections is not needed for the application of the presently described method. Use of a computer is required only in obtaining a least-squares fit of the experimental angular distribution to a Legendre polynomial series.
Relationships between Chemical Structure and Inhibition of Human Placental Choline Acetyltransferase by Keto Analogs of Acetylcholine

Seven keto analogs of acetylcholine were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of human placental choline placental choline acetyltransferase. Their potencies for inhibition of horse serum cholinesterase and stimulation of cholinergic receptors in the longitudinal ileal muscle of the guinea pig were investigated. The most potent and selective inhibitor of choline acetyltransferase was (2-benzoylethyl)trimethylammonium chloride with an I50 of 3 X 10(-6) M. It exhibited considerably low activities at muscarinic and nicotinic receptors and cholinesterases. Its high potency for inhibiting choline acetyltransferase was atrributed to: (a) its cationic terminal, a site for an electron acceptor interaction; (b) an aryl moiety for hydrophobic and electron donor contributions; and (c) a positive charge on the carbon atom adjacent to the benzene ring due to the presence of the carbonyl group, which interacts with the nucleophilic residue on the enzyme.
High affinity insulin binding in the human placenta insulin receptor requires αβ heterodimeric subunit interactions

Insulin binding to human placenta membranes treated at pH 7.6 or 8.5 in the presence or absence of 2.0mm DTT for 5 min, followed by the simultaneous removal of the DTT and pH adjustment to pH 7.6, displayed curvilinear (heterogeneous) insulin binding plots when analyzed by the method of Scatchard. However, Triton X-100 solubilization followed by Bio-Gel A-1.5m gel filtration chromatography of the placenta membranes previously treated with DTT at pH 8.5 generated a nearly straight line (homogeneous) Scatchard plot.125I-insulin affinity crosslinking studies coupled with Bio-Gel A-1.5m gel filtration chromatography demonstrated that the alkaline pH and DTT treatment of placenta membranes followed by detergent solubilization generated an αβ heterodimeric insulin receptor complex from the α2β2 heterotetrameric disulfide-linked state. The ability of alkaline pH and DTT to produce a functional αβ heterodimeric insulin receptor complex was found to be time dependent with maximal formation and preservation of tracer insulin binding occurring at 5 min. These data demonstrate that (i) a combination of alkaline pH and DTT treatment of placenta membranes can result in the formation of a functional αβ heterodimeric insulin receptor complex. (ii) the αβ heterodimeric complex displays homogeneous insulin binding. (iii) the insulin receptor membrane environment maintains the α2β2 association state, which displays heterogeneous insulin binding, despite reduction of the critical domains that are responsible for the covalent interaction between the αβ heterodimers.
Relocation as Positive Act: The Immigrant Experience in Bharati Mukherjee's Novels

To define immigration as the activity of “coming to settle in a country that is not one’s own” (Oxford English Dictionary) is to invoke its opposite: the existence of, and departure from, a country...
Photorefractive Keratectomy Complications and Their Management

Serious complications with photorefractive keratectomy are not common, but can be troublesome. Haze is usually mild, but can be severe in higher myopes and if reepithelialization is prolonged. Regression is also more common with higher attempted corrections and with smaller optical zones. Loss of best corrected visual acuity can occur and is attributed to haze, irregular astigmatism, decentration, and steroid-related cataracts. Treatments for some of the previously mentioned problems may include topical steroids, corneal scraping, and reablation. Loss of contrast sensitivity is usually mild and temporary. Problems with night vision, including glare and halos, similarly tend to decrease during the first postoperative months.Overcorrections persisting beyond 6 to 12 months may be managed with a bandage lens, diclofenac, corneal scraping, or pilocarpine drops. Decentration of the ablation usually does not cause significant visual symptoms, except in severe cases. Central islands are common in the immediate p...
A Robust Design Mark-Resight Abundance Estimator Allowing Heterogeneity in Resighting Probabilities

This article introduces the beta-binomial estimator (BBE), a closed-population abundance mark-resight model combining the favorable qualities of maximum likelihood theory and the allowance of individual heterogeneity in sighting probability (p). The model may be parameterized for a robust sampling design consisting of multiple primary sampling occasions where closure need not be met between primary occasions. We applied the model to brown bear data from three study areas in Alaska and compared its performance to the joint hypergeometric estimator (JHE) and Bowden’s estimator (BOWE). BBE estimates suggest heterogeneity levels were non-negligible and discourage the use of JHE for these data. Compared to JHE and BOWE, confidence intervals were considerably shorter for the AICc model-averaged BBE. To evaluate the properties of BBE relative to JHE and BOWE when sample sizes are small, simulations were performed with data from three primary occasions generated under both individual heterogeneity and temporal variation in p. All models remained consistent regardless of levels of variation in p. In terms of precision, the AICc model-averaged BBE showed advantages over JHE and BOWE when heterogeneity was present and mean sighting probabilities were similar between primary occasions. Based on the conditions examined, BBE is a reliable alternative to JHE or BOWE and provides a framework for further advances in mark-resight abundance estimation.
A recombinant particulate antigen of Japanese encephalitis virus produced in stably-transformed cells is an effective noninfectious antigen and subunit immunogen.

Abstract A COS-1 cell line, stably transformed by a plasmid encoding the premembrane and envelope glycoproteins of Japanese encephalitis virus, produced a noninfectious recombinant antigen expressed as extracellular particles. Extracellular particles purified by equilibrium density centrifugation in sucrose gradients followed by electron microscopy were characterized as spherical particles with an average diameter of approximately 30 nm and a buoyant density of 1.15 g/cc. Purified extracellular particles were shown by western blot to contain premembrane, membrane and envelope proteins. The gradient-purified particles exhibited hemagglutination activity at the same pH optimum (6.6) as Japanese encephalitis virus. Recombinant antigen from cell culture fluid was concentrated by precipitation with polyethylene glycol and evaluated for immunogenicity in 8–10-week-old ICR mice. Groups of five mice received only one immunization of recombinant antigen with or without Freund's incomplete adjuvant. Mice immunized with recombinant antigen plus Freund's incomplete adjuvant elicited the highest anti-viral titers as determined by both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and plaque-reduction neutralization tests. The polyethylene glycol-concentrated recombinant antigen was also evaluated for use in IgM antibody-capture ELISA and indirect IgG ELISA. The IgM-capture ELISA results using recombinant antigen correlated well with the results of a similar test using Japanese encephalitis virus-infected mouse brain antigen for the analysis of serum samples from patients with symptoms of acute encephalitis. Similar IgG titers were observed in an indirect ELISA comparing recombinant antigen and purified Japanese encephalitis virus as plate-bound antigens. Based on these studies, this entirely safe, easily produced antigen that expresses authentic Japanese encephalitis virus envelope glycoprotein would provide an excellent alternative to standard viral antigens used in various ELISA formats.
Coupled wave propagation in composites of long bonded components

Abstract A composite consisting of two elastic bars of different materials will possess two propagation speeds. In this paper we analyze the effect of coupling between the bars under frictional-type bonding forces on the side contact surfaces. A Finite Element method is used to analyze the basic dynamics of this problem, assuming the waves to be uniformly distributed over each cross-section, given a step-pulse input on each of the bars, respectively. We show that wave-fronts exist at both the slower and the faster of the two wave-speeds and that the force at the bonding surface undergoes sharp reversals whenever one of these discontinuities pass. We show the stress and velocity profiles for each case. The method is applicable to more general types of bonding forces, to pulses of arbitrary shape, and various types of inclusions.
Relative involvement of receptors subtypes in opioid-induced inhibition of intestinal motility in mice

Abstract The effects of opioids on intestinal transit of a charcoal meal were assessed in mice. Morphine (s.c. or i.c.v.) produced a fulldose-response curve and DADLE (s.c. or i.c.v.) produced a dose-response curve with a reduced maximum effect. The highly selective, non-equilibrium μ antagonist, β-funaltrexamine (β-FNA), antagonized these effects. Nalorphine (s.c.) induced a maximal 42% inhibition of charcoal meal transit that was not antagonized by β-FNA. Ethylketazocine (s.c.) produced a full dose-response curve, the higher doses of which were antagonized by β-FNA. Nalorphine and ethylketazocine had no effect upon charcoal meal transit when given i.c.v. Tolerance to morphine (s.c.) and to higher doses of ethylketazocine (s.c.) was seen in animals pretreated with a morphine pellet. These data suggest that inhibition of charcoal meal transit in mice can be mediated by a central and a peripheral μ-mediated mechanism and that a peripheral k component may also produce a limited inhibition of intestinal motility. Moreover, since a s.c. dose of β-FNA produced a 10-and 2-fold shift in the ED 50 for morphine given s.c. and i.c.v., respectively, yet an i.c.v. dose of β-FNA produced a 6- and 200-fold shift in the ED 50 for morphine given s.c. and i.c.v., respectively, the effects of a s.c. dose of morphine appear to be mediated predominantly by a peripheral, rather than a central, opioid action.
Role of excitation-induced shift in the coherent optical response of semiconductors

A transient four-wave-mixing signal is shown to arise from an excitation induced shift. In semiconductors, this signal can be comparable to or stronger than signals arising from saturation, local fields, or excitation induced dephasing. Calculations using modified optical Bloch equations show that multiple peaks in the transient four-wave-mixing spectrum are a signature of an excitation induced shift contributing to the signal. We observe this experimentally from a semiconductor multiple quantum well and confirm the presence of a shift directly using spectrally resolved differential transmission.
Nucleotidase Activities of the 26 S Proteasome and Its Regulatory Complex

The 26 S proteasome can be assembled from the multicatalytic protease (or 20 S proteasome) and a large multisubunit regulatory complex in an ATP-dependent reaction. The 26 S proteasome and its regulatory complex were purified from rabbit reticulocytes for characterization of their nucleotidase properties. Both particles hydrolyze ATP, CTP, GTP, and UTP to the corresponding nucleoside diphosphate and inorganic phosphate. The Km values for hydrolysis of specific nucleotides by the 26 S proteasome are 15 μM for ATP and CTP, 50 μM for GTP, and 100 μM for UTP; Km values for nucleotide hydrolysis by the regulatory complex are 2-4-fold higher for each nucleotide. Several ATPase inhibitors (erythro-9-[3-(2-hydroxynonyl)]adenine, oligomycin, ouabain, and thapsigargin) had no effect on ATP hydrolysis by either complex whereas known inhibitors of proteolysis by the 26 S enzyme (hemin, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), and vanadate) significantly reduced ATP hydrolysis by both particles. Hydrolysis of all nucleotides was inhibited by 5 mM NEM but only GTP and UTP hydrolysis was significantly reduced at 50 μM NEM. The 15 μM Km for ATP hydrolysis by the 26 S proteasome is virtually identical to the observed Km of 12 μM ATP for Ub-conjugate degradation. Although nucleotide hydrolysis is required for protein degradation by the 26 S proteasome, nucleotide hydrolysis and peptide bond cleavage are not strictly coupled. Substrate specificity constants (kcat/Km) are similar for hydrolysis of each nucleotide, yet GTP and UTP barely supported Ub-conjugate degradation. Further evidence that nucleotide hydrolysis is not coupled to peptide bond cleavage was obtained using N-acetyl-leucyl-leucyl-norleucinal (LLnL). This compound inhibited peptide hydrolysis by the multicatalytic protease and Ub-conjugate degradation by the 26 S proteasome, but it had little effect on ATP or UTP hydrolysis by the 26 S enzyme.
The use of in-situ produced cosmogenic radionuclides in glaciology and glacial geomorphology

The usefulness of in-situ produced cosmogenic radionuclides in constraining glacial chronologies through exposure-age dating has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, an understanding of cosmogenic radionuclide techniques and their uncertainties opens up a wide range of other potential applications in glaciology and glacial geomorphology. Recently developed applications include: estimation of spatial and temporal variations in the depth of glacial erosion from cosmogenic radionuclide inheritance, which provides important constraints on process-based erosion models; and burial dating, which can provide chronological control for glacial advances and the onset of till deposition. An interesting new application, currently at the level of theoretical model development, concerns the unraveling of complex exposure and burial histories. Overall, in-situ produced cosmogenic radionuclide techniques provide a means with which to constrain a wide range of ice-sheet and glacial models over time-scales of a thousand to a few million years.
APPLICATION AND USE OF THE ATR, FT-IR METHOD TO ASPHALT AGING STUDIES

ABSTRACT Infrared analysis is an extremely valuable tool for investigating the chemical functionality of asphalts. The attenuated total reflection (ATR) FT-IR method is especially useful for the study of this intractable material. Quick and easy sample preparation, natural state analysis, and clean and reproducible spectra are advantages of the ATR method over conventional transmission methods. Comparisons of this procedure to potassium bromide pellet and solution methods support the method's use. Asphalt oxidative and solvent aging studies employed the ATR method to track hardening of asphalt in various solvents as indicated by increased carbonyl absorbances. Also. standard laboratory tests for simulating the hot-mix aging of asphalts, compared using this method as well as other chemical and physical properties, sbow significant differences from actual hot-mix aging
Symmetry breaking in the molecular-dynamics method for ab initio total-energy calculations

An analysis of the symmetry of the electron wave functions as they evolve under the molecular-dynamics equation of motion is presented. It is found that symmetry in the initial conditions, corresponding to wave functions of two or more bands being partner functions, can prevent wave functions from converging to eigenfunctions of the Hamiltonian. This artificial symmetry is broken by the Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization procedure so any convenient initial conditions will lead to convergence to eigenstates of the Hamiltonian.
Gemcitabine and Carboplatin (Renally Dosed) Regimen for Bladder Cancer

* Dr. Pritchard is a pharmacy practice (PGY1) resident at Blount Memorial Hospital, Maryville, Tennessee. The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases. Questions or suggestions for topics should be addressed to Dominic A. Solimando, Jr, President, Oncology Pharmacy Services, Inc., 4201 Wilson Blvd #110-545, Arlington, VA 22203, e-mail: OncRxSvc@comcast.net; or J. Aubrey Waddell, Professor, University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy; Oncology Pharmacist, Pharmacy Department, Blount Memorial Hospital, 907 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804, e-mail: waddfour@charter.net.
Design of Aluminum Bicycle Frames

This paper presents the use of a hybrid stress analysis method for the prediction of fatigue life of bicycle frames. A finite beam element computer program is used to calculate frame stresses. In order to correlate the results with actual frame stresses, brittle coating experiments are conducted on an aluminum frame. Strain gage experiments, guided by the brittle coating results, provide more accurate measurements of maximum principal stresses. Stress concentration factors are defined, the fatigue life of an aluminum frame is predicted for a simple loading condition, and the result is compared with in-service failure data.
Integration of Biotechnology to Waste Minimization Programs

This paper focuses on the waste minimization programs in the USA chemical process industries and the role of biotechnology in these programs. The role of biotechnology in waste minimization is reviewed from an R&D perspective. To obtain a good perspective on the waste minimization activities of the chemical industry in the last 5 years, one needs to answer the following two questions: How has the processing industry responded to the increased environmental regulations and social consciousness on waste generation? What waste minimization programs were implemented during this period and what are planned for the future?
Chelating ability of fumarprotocetraric acid andParmelia conspersa

Fumarprotocetraric acid andParmelia conspersa interact with granite to produce soluble colored complexes which shows that chemical weathering of the rock material takes place. The chelating ability ofP. conspersa may be due to the presence of fumarprotocetraric acid. Contrary to popular belief, many lichen acids are not very insoluble in water.
Turning Clustering Loops: Sex Determination in Caenorhabditis elegans

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has two sexes: males and hermaphrodites. Hermaphrodites are essentially female animals that produce sperm and oocytes. In the past few years tremendous progress has been made towards understanding how sexual identity is controlled in the worm. These analyses have revealed that the regulatory pathway controlling sexual development is far from linear and that it contains a number of loops and branches that play crucial roles in regulating sexual development. This review summarizes our current understanding of the mechanisms that regulate sexual cell fate in C. elegans.
A vision-based motion capture and recognition framework for behavior-based safety management

Abstract In construction, about 80%–90% of accidents are associated with workers' unsafe acts. Nevertheless, the measurement of workers' behavior has not been actively applied in practice, due to the difficulties in observing workers on jobsites. In an effort to provide a robust and automated means for worker observation, this paper proposes a framework of vision-based unsafe action detection for behavior monitoring. The framework consists of (1) the identification of critical unsafe behavior, (2) the collection of relevant motion templates and site videos, (3) the 3D skeleton extraction from the videos, and (4) the detection of unsafe actions using the motion templates and skeleton models. For a proof of concept, experimental studies areundertaken to detect unsafe actions during ladder climbing (i.e., reaching far to a side) in motion datasets extracted from videos. The result indicates that the proposed framework can potentially perform well at detecting predefined unsafe actions in videos.
A federated design for a neurobiological simulation engine: the CBI federated software architecture

Simulator interoperability and extensibility has become a growing requirement in computational biology. To address this, we have developed a federated software architecture. It is federated by its union of independent disparate systems under a single cohesive view, provides interoperability through its capability to communicate, execute programs, or transfer data among different independent applications, and supports extensibility by enabling simulator expansion or enhancement without the need for major changes to system infrastructure. Historically, simulator interoperability has relied on development of declarative markup languages such as the neuron modeling language NeuroML, while simulator extension typically occurred through modification of existing functionality. The software architecture we describe here allows for both these approaches. However, it is designed to support alternative paradigms of interoperability and extensibility through the provision of logical relationships and defined application programming interfaces. They allow any appropriately configured component or software application to be incorporated into a simulator. The architecture defines independent functional modules that run stand-alone. They are arranged in logical layers that naturally correspond to the occurrence of high-level data (biological concepts) versus low-level data (numerical values) and distinguish data from control functions. The modular nature of the architecture and its independence from a given technology facilitates communication about similar concepts and functions for both users and developers. It provides several advantages for multiple independent contributions to software development. Importantly, these include: (1) Reduction in complexity of individual simulator components when compared to the complexity of a complete simulator, (2) Documentation of individual components in terms of their inputs and outputs, (3) Easy removal or replacement of unnecessary or obsoleted components, (4) Stand-alone testing of components, and (5) Clear delineation of the development scope of new components.
Neutrophil Alkaline Phosphatases in Blood Cells of Primates

NEUTROPHIL alkaline phosphatase (NAP) activity is a useful diagnostic tool in clinical haematology, although the biological significance of observed differences is unexplained. Furthermore, differences in this activity are characteristically found in different species of mammals1 and suggest a species-linked genetic control of the type of non-specific alkaline phosphatase demonstrated by histochemical methods.
A note on an international invisible college for information exchange

This paper presents the first empirical sociometric evidence of an international invisible college for information exchange. Using sociometric techniques and ratings of professional status as a researcher, a highly elite invisible college was identified which crossed international boundaries. Members of this elite group were found to be in relatively frequent contact with one another and were considered by the professional community in high energy physics, the context of this study, to be doing the most important work in the area. An important part of the information infrastructure of this invisible college consists of intermediaries who perform a gatekeeping and linkage function. Selected differences in communication behavior between the key people of the invisible college and the intermediaries is noted briefly. Also selected communication differences are noted between members of the invisible college and a matched sample wholly outside this special information network. The paper concludes with suggested questions for future studies.
SU‐FF‐J‐42: Imaging Study to Determine Appropriate Implanted Fiducial Markers for Proton Or Photon Image Guided Radiation Therapy

Purpose: Fiducial markers are used to verify and correct prostate position during x‐ray intensity modulated radiation therapy or proton therapy. However, each commercially available marker has some advantages and disadvantages associated with their use. We have conducted an imaging study to determine the appropriate type of marker to be used for prostate patients undergoing x‐ray or protonimaged guided radiation therapy(IGRT).Method and Materials: Four types of markers were evaluated: a) gold (0.8 mm × 3.0 mm); b) gold (1.2 mm × 3.0 mm); c) carbon (1.0 mm × 3.0 mm); d) plastic (1.0 mm × 5.0 mm). The markers were inserted into the pelvis of a Rando phantom and a computed tomography(CT) was obtained. The radiographic visibility of the markers, were assessed by visual inspection of radiographs using a linac kilovoltage (kV) and megavoltage (MV) x‐ray imaging system. Results: Under CTimaging, the large gold marker produced the greatest artifact followed by the small gold marker. The carbon and plastic markers produced minimal CT artifact. Under kV imaging, all four fiducials were clearly visible. Under MV imaging, both the gold fiducials were visible, however, both carbon or plastic fiducials were not‐visible. Conclusion: Due to CT artifacts, gold markers are inaccurate to contour on the CT dataset resulting in approximate marker locations on the digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR's). This limitation adds to patient setup uncertainty during daily IGRT.Gold markers, especially the smaller marker, would be a suitable choice when imaging with MV beams. Carbon or plastic markers provide high resolution kV localization with minimal CT artifacts. Fewer artifacts leads to more accurate DRR's. Gold markers cause dose perturbation in patients receiving protonradiotherapy. Low density carbon markers could be used instead. Carbon markers would also be a great choice for patients receiving x‐ray kV IGRT.
Processes underlying adaptation to tempo changes in sensorimotor synchronization.

Abstract In synchronizing finger taps with an auditory sequence, a small sudden tempo (“step”) change in the sequence tends to be followed by rapid adaptation of the tapping period but slow adaptation of the relative phase of the taps, whereas a larger step change leads to initial period overshoot followed by rapid adaptation of both period and phase [M.H. Thaut, R.A. Miller, L.M. Schauer, Biological Cybernetics 79 (1998a) 241–250]. Experiment 1 replicated these findings and showed that the transition between the two patterns of adaptation occurs near the perceptual detection threshold for a tempo change. A reasonable explanation of these data was provided by a dual-process model of internal error correction [J. Mates, Biological Cybernetics 70 (1994a) 463–473, 70 (1994b) 475–484], with the added assumption that one process (period correction) depends on conscious awareness of a tempo change whereas the other (phase correction) does not. This assumption received support in Experiment 2, where a synchronization-continuation tapping task was used in combination with perceptual judgments to probe into the process of period correction following step changes. The results led to the conclusion that rapid adaptation of the tapping period to a small, undetected tempo change is in fact due to rapid internal phase correction, whereas slow adaptation of the relative phase of the taps is due to slow internal period correction.
Fire exposure to exterior walls and flame spread on combustible cladding

A segment of the on-going research program on fire spread via exterior walls conducted at the Institute for Research in Construction of the National Research Council of Canada is described. The research includes full-scale experimental studies of fire exposure to exterior walls, fire hazards associated with the use of combustible materials, and the development of new test methods for assessing the flammability of combustible cladding. Correlations between the results of a new full-scale test and standard flame spread tests (Steiner tunnel test, radiant panel test, roof deck test) were investigated. A prototype of a reduced-scale test, the vertical channel test, is described. It was found that, at present, the full-scale test is the most appropriate method to evaluate the fire hazards of combustible wall assemblies.
Design of nanostructured-based glucose biosensors

This paper presents the design of glucose sensors that will be integrated with advanced nano-materials, bio-coatings and electronics to create novel devices that are highly sensitive, inexpensive, accurate, and reliable. In the work presented, a glucose biosensor and its fabrication process flow have been designed. The device is based on electrochemical sensing using a working electrode with bio-functionalized zinc oxide (ZnO) nano-rods. Among all metal oxide nanostructures, ZnO nano-materials play a significant role as a sensing element in biosensors due to their properties such as high isoelectric point (IEP), fast electron transfer, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and chemical stability which are very crucial parameters to achieve high sensitivity. Amperometric enzyme electrodes based on glucose oxidase (GOx) are used due to their stability and high selectivity to glucose. The device also consists of silicon dioxide and titanium layers as well as platinum working and counter electrodes and a silver/silver chloride reference electrode. Currently, the biosensors are being fabricated using the process flow developed. Once completed, the sensors will be bio-functionalized and tested to characterize their performance, including their sensitivity and stability.
The mitochondrial KATP channel and cardioprotection

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels allow coupling of membrane potential to cellular metabolic status. Two K(ATP) channel subtypes coexist in the myocardium, with one subtype located in the sarcolemma (sarcK(ATP)) membrane and the other in the inner membrane of the mitochondria (mitoK(ATP)). The K(ATP) channels can be pharmacologically modulated by a family of structurally diverse agents of varied potency and selectivity, collectively known as potassium channel openers and blockers. Sufficient evidence exists to indicate that the K(ATP) channels and, in particular, the mitoK(ATP) channels play an important role both as a trigger and an effector in surgical cardioprotection. In this review, the biochemistry and surgical specificity of the K(ATP) channels are examined.
A one-suture end-to-side microvascular sleeve anastomosis: preliminary report.

A new technique is presented for end- to- side anastomosis of vessels smaller than 0.5 mm in diameter. This technique employs a “sleeve” or “telescoped” method of joining the vessels, which has previously been used in end-to-end anastomoses.