cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Cell-Free Conversion of Noninfectious Moloney Retrovirus Particles to an Infectious Form by the Addition of the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Surrogate Envelope G Protein

In the absence of envelope gene expression, retrovirus packaging cell lines expressing Moloney murine leukemia virus (MLV) gag and pol genes produce large amounts of noninfectious virus-like particles that contain reverse transcriptase, processed Gag protein, and viral RNA ( gag-pol RNA particles). We demonstrate that these particles can be made infectious in an in vitro, cell-free system by the addition of a surrogate envelope protein, the G spike glycoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-G). The appearance of infectivity is accompanied by physical association of the G protein with the immature, noninfectious virus particles. Similarly, exposure in vitro of wild-type VSV-G to a fusion-defective pseudotyped virus containing a mutant VSV-G markedly increases the infectivity of the virus to titers similar to those of conventional VSV-G pseudotyped viruses. Furthermore, similar treatment of an amphotropic murine leukemia virus significantly allows infection of BHK cells not otherwise susceptible to infection with native amphotropic virus. The partially cell-free virus maturation system reported here should be useful for studies aimed at the preparation of tissue-targeted retrovirus vectors and will also aid in studies of nucleocapsid-envelope interactions during budding and of virus assembly and virus-receptor interactions during virus uptake into infected cells. It may also represent a potentially useful step toward the eventual development of a completely cell-free retrovirus assembly system.
Vision-assisted adaptive target tracking of unmanned ground vehicles

In this paper, we develop a vision-based adaptive control algorithm for target tracking from a collaborative UAV-UGV platform. By estimating global camera motion and registering video frames into a common coordinate system, the UAV detects moving targets, as well as the UGV on the ground. It estimates their locations and sends this information to the UGV to guide its tracking of the targets. Based on this vision-based location estimation, we develop an adaptive fault-tolerant control scheme for the UGV to accurately track the target. We have designed an adaptive controller to adjust the control currents to the motors which are mounted on its left and right wheels so that the vehicle is able to follow the target trajectory. We investigate actuator fading of the vehicle, unknown parameters in the vehicle system model, together with the impact of the uncertainty and noise in computer vision processing on the overall tracking performance. Our simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is very efficient.
SU-GG-J-95: Feasibility to Use Daily Cone-Beam-CT to Determine Dose-Surface Histogram of Oral Mucosa in Radiotherapy of H&N Cancer

Purpose: to develop a novel approach for estimating dose delivered to the oral mucosa — dose‐surface histogram (DSH)‐ to facilitate assessment of radiation induced mucositis from radiotherapy for head and neck (H&N) cancer.Method and Materials: Mucositis, Xerostomia, and dental caries are common oral complications from radiotherapy. We hypothesized that an improved method for describing dose distribution to oral mucosa and parotid glands would better enable prediction of these dose‐limiting effects. Due to large uncertainties related to mobility of oral tongue and month, we used daily CBCT to delineate the oral cavity and the gum, which were then expanded by 1‐mm. The shell of the expended 1‐mm should represent the mucosal layer. A dose‐surface‐histogram (DSH) was then calculated from the difference between the DVHs for the oral cavity from the 1‐mm expansion. In addition, the daily CBCT would also allow us to calculate the DVHs to the parotid glands that could be displaced and shrunken during the course of treatment. Results: We have successfully applied this method to two patients currently receiving IMRT for H&N cancer. The absolute mucosal surface area receiving a high dose (>80% of prescription dose) is significantly different from the volume within the oral cavity. Conclusion: DSH for oral mucosa is achievable using daily CBCTimages. The dose distribution to the mucosa may provide us with a more robust predictor of radiation‐induced mucositis and Xerostomia.
Methodologic issues in a population-based health survey of Gulf War veterans.

Abstract This report describes the principal methods used in the development, conduct, and analysis of the research study “Health Assessment of Persian Gulf War Veterans from Iowa” (Iowa Gulf War Study). The methods presented include an outline of the organizational structure, study timeline, hypotheses, outcome definitions, and study design. Adhering to a strict timeline, the study protocol and instruments were developed, and a stratified sample of 3,695 military personnel (76% participation) was located and surveyed by structured telephone interview. The study tracked personnel from all service branches residing nationally and internationally, including those discharged from service. This study required development and implementation of methods appropriate to analysis of data collected in a complex sampling framework and methodological procedures to ensure scientific rigor in a highly public and politicized environment. Statistical analyses were conducted on a priori health outcomes and required development of methods to compute Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel adjusted rate differences. This environment facilitated rapid implementation, critique by scientific and public advisors, a high participation rate, and rapid publication.
Framework of a Time-Based Simulation Model for the Analysis of Airfield Operations

This paper presents the framework of a new microscopic simulation model called Virginia Tech airfield simulation model (VTASIM) developed to study aircraft operations at airports. The model presented is designed and built under the concept of the time-based simulation model in which aircraft states are updated at fixed time intervals. By employing a vehicle-following model, VTASIM can portray aircraft movements on taxiways in great detail and with more accuracy than traditional discrete-event based airport simulation models. In order to find efficient taxiing routes between gates and runways, the model employs a time-dependent shortest path algorithm. Another unique feature of the model is its ability to capture the communication activities between pilots and controllers, which may cause delays in airfield operations especially at busy airports. This paper describes the methods and the structure of the model. The model is applied to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to illustrate its functionality.
Insertion of unactivated acetylenes into the metal-aryl bond of bis(triphenylphosphine)phenylbromonickel(II)

Abstract 2-Butyne reacts stereospecifically with (PPh3)2Ni(Ph)(Br) in CH3OH at room temperature, leading to the isolable vinyl complex trans-(PPh3)2-Ni(Br)[cis-C(CH3)C(CH3)(Ph)] in 70% yield. Carbonylation (CO/CH3OH) of this material gives a 98% yield of cis-α,β-dimethylcinnamate. Reaction of the phenylnickel complex with 3-hexyne is more complicated; insertion again occurs, but the ultimate products of the reaction are phenyl-substituted styrenes and butadienes. Evidence is presented that free vinyl radicals are involved as intermediates in the 3-hexyne reaction.
Opposing the Lottery in the United States: Forces behind Individual Attitudes towards Legalisation in 1975

In the 1970s, opposition to the lottery started to fracture in the USA. This study examines causes of the fracture and historical factors that contributed to changes in individual attitudes towards legalisation. The opponents at the time held to traditional arguments against legalised lotteries—negative economic effects, costs to others and increased crime. Unlike the past, however, there was weak religious institutional opposition to lotteries. Individuals with a strong commitment to their religious affiliation were more resistant to pro-lottery arguments, but in most cases could be convinced to support the lottery. The pre-World War II generation remained steadfast against the lottery, but there was relatively greater support among the post-World War II generation. This study has examined the 1975 survey data using a logit model to predict future legalisation in states with large population samples. As expected, analysis of 1975 attitudes shows that states with low levels of opposition are likely to leg...
The Role of Massive Transfusion Protocols in Obstetrics

Obstetric hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. New concepts involving the pathophysiology of hemorrhage have been described and include early activation of both the protein C and fibrinolytic pathways. New tendencies in hemorrhage treatment include the use of hemostatic resuscitation. Massive transfusion protocols involve the early utilization of blood products and limit the traditional approach of early massive crystalloid based resuscitation. The evidence behind hemostatic resuscitation is still limited.
Production of Hydrogen Sulphide by a Thermophilic Blue-green Alga

LIGHT has been found to stimulate the production of hydrogen sulphide in the unicellular blue-green alga Synechococcus lividus Copeland (axenic clone Y 52). The culture was initially isolated in 1964 from one of the Fairy Springs, Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park. The cells were collected at 52° C and the thiosulphate ion content of the water was probably about 9.0 p.p.m. (ref. 1).
Dynamic stability margin using a marker based system and Tekscan: A comparison of four gait conditions

Stability during gait is maintained through control of the center of mass (CoM) position and velocity in relation to the base of support (BoS). The dynamic stability margin, or the interaction of the extrapolated center of mass with the closest boundary of the BoS, can reveal possible control errors during gait. The purpose of this study was to investigate a marker based method for defining the BoS, and compare the dynamic stability margin throughout gait in comparison to a BoS defined from foot pressure sensors. The root mean squared difference between these two methodologies ranged from 0.9 cm to 3.5 cm, when walking under four conditions: plantigrade, equinus, everted, and inverted. As the stability margin approaches -35 cm prior to contralateral heel strike, there was approximately 90% agreement between the two systems at this time point. Underestimation of the marker based dynamic stability margin or overestimation of the pressure based dynamic stability margin was due to inaccuracies in defining the medial boundary of the BoS. Overall, care must be taken to ensure similar definitions of the BoS are utilized when comparing the dynamic stability margin between participants and gait conditions.
Defining the inventor-entrepreneur in the context of established typologies

Abstract Some 25 years ago while developing his type of entrepreneur and type of firm classification system. Smith (1967) thought he had identified a subtype of entrepreneur that did not fit either his craftsman or his opportunistic models. The data at that time were too sparse to be sure, but it appeared that there were certain entrepreneurs whose major concern was to develop an organization, not as an end in itself as with the opportunistic type, but rather as a vehicle to allow the invention and production of various products. This research now provides much more convincing evidence that the inventor-entrepreneur does indeed exist, using a sample of 147 National Science Foundation grant applicants who are also entrepreneurs. This sample was deemed particularly likely to contain large numbers of inventor-entrepreneurs. The support for Smith's (1967) early speculations turns out to be rather amazing. The inventor-entrepreneurs are located exactly where Smith (1967) expected them to be in the type of entrepreneur versus type affirm matrix. As anticipated, inventor-entrepreneurs, like other entrepreneurs, are more likely to head growing companies to the extent that they themselves are of the opportunistic type and their firms are of the adaptive type; there is nothing in the inventor-entrepreneur concept alone that calls for company growth. Also as hypothesized, the presence of a large number of inventor-entrepreneurs in a sample tends to dilute the usual finding of a strong positive correlation between type of entrepreneur and type of firm measures; among inventor-entrepreneurs it is not necessarily true that opportunistic entrepreneurs tend to head adaptive firms and craftsman entrepreneurs head rigid ones. There was one unexpected finding, however. Smith (1967) originally associated the inventor-entrepreneur with a proclivity for taking out patents. Although this association is supported by this research, it is dwarfed by another factor. What is really indicative of inventor-entrepreneurship is a strong commitment to a company strategy of new product development. Although not established by this research, it would appear that increasingly those who invent are dissuaded from seeking patents by the costs involved, the time delays, and the prospect in many new industries that patents will provide very little protection. It seems likely that patents will continue to decline in popularity among inventor-entrepreneurs, and that rapid market entry with new products to become a market leader will be the preferred strategy of the future. This assumes of course that inventor-entrepreneurs have access to sufficient capital to pursue this new product development strategy effectively. Investors should recognize, however, that the real importance of the inventor-entrepreneur stems not so much from immediate profit potential and the prospects for asset growth, although these are there, as from the contributions these individuals make to an expanding economy and the well-being of society.
Computational analysis of trajectories of linguistic development in autism

Deficits in semantic and pragmatic expression are among the hallmark linguistic features of autism. Recent work in deriving computational correlates of clinical spoken language measures has demonstrated the utility of automated linguistic analysis for characterizing the language of children with autism. Most of this research, however, has focused either on young children still acquiring language or on small populations covering a wide age range. In this paper, we extract numerous linguistic features from narratives produced by two groups of children with and without autism from two narrow age ranges. We find that although many differences between diagnostic groups remain constant with age, certain pragmatic measures, particularly the ability to remain on topic and avoid digressions, seem to improve. These results confirm findings reported in the psychology literature while underscoring the need for careful consideration of the age range of the population under investigation when performing clinically oriented computational analysis of spoken language.
Synthesis of specifically deoxygenated ligands related to (1→6)-β-d-galacto-oligosaccharides, and studies on their binding to monoclonal antigalactan antibodies

Abstract Synthetic deoxygenated derivatives of methyl β-glycosides of (1→6)-β- d -galacto-oligosaccharides were prepared, and their binding to antigalactan monoclonal antibodies X24 and J539 (Fab′) was studied. The results suggest the involvement of an additional, critical hydrogen bond in the highest affinity subsite ( A ), which now appears to require two hydrogen bonds from the 2- and 3-hydroxyls of the galactosyl residue to the protein, and one from the protein to O-4 of that residue. The data obtained with a series of oligosaccharides deoxygenated at position 3 1 , 3 2 , 3 3 , 4 1 , 4 2 , or 4 3 support the binding patterns and subsite-arrangement inferred previously from studies with large numbers of deoxyfluoro-substituted ligands and this family of antibodies.
Relativistic many-body calculations of excitation energies and transition rates in ytterbiumlike ions

Excitation energies, oscillator strengths, and transition rates are calculated for ${(5d}^{2}{+5d6s+6s}^{2})\ensuremath{-}(5d6p+5d5f+6s6p)$ electric dipole transitions in Yb-like ions with nuclear charges Z ranging from 72 to 100. Relativistic many-body perturbation theory (RMBPT), including the retarded Breit interaction, is used to evaluate retarded $E1$ matrix elements in length and velocity forms. The calculations start from a $[\mathrm{Xe}]{4f}^{14}$ core Dirac-Fock potential. First-order RMBPT is used to obtain intermediate coupling coefficients, and second-order RMBPT is used to determine matrix elements. A detailed discussion of the various contributions to energy levels and dipole matrix elements is given for ytterbiumlike rhenium, $Z=75.$ The resulting transition energies are compared with experimental values and with results from other recent calculations. Trends of excitation energies, line strengths, oscillator strengths, and transition rates as functions of nuclear charge Z are shown graphically for selected states and transitions. These calculations are presented as a theoretical benchmark for comparison with experiment and theory.
Ebolavirus Entry Requires a Compact Hydrophobic Fist at the Tip of the Fusion Loop

ABSTRACT Ebolavirus is an enveloped virus causing severe hemorrhagic fever. Its surface glycoproteins undergo proteolytic cleavage and rearrangements to permit membrane fusion and cell entry. Here we focus on the glycoprotein9s internal fusion loop (FL), critical for low-pH-triggered fusion in the endosome. Alanine mutations at L529 and I544 and particularly the L529 I544 double mutation compromised viral entry and fusion. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structures of the I544A and L529A I544A mutants in lipid environments showed significant disruption of a three-residue scaffold that is required for the formation of a consolidated fusogenic hydrophobic surface at the tip of the FL. Biophysical experiments and molecular simulation revealed the position of the wild-type (WT) FL in membranes and showed the inability of the inactive double mutant to reach this position. Consolidation of hydrophobic residues at the tip of FLs may be a common requirement for internal FLs of class I, II, and III fusion proteins. IMPORTANCE Many class I, II, and III viral fusion proteins bear fusion loops for target membrane insertion and fusion. We determined structures of the Ebolavirus fusion loop and found residues critical for forming a consolidated hydrophobic surface, membrane insertion, and viral entry.
A nonlinear elastic foundation model for interlaminar fracture of laminated composites

Abstract A model has been developed to predict crack propagation in laminated composite structures. Instead of using the concept of an energy release rate, a nonlinear elastic foundation model was employed to simulate cohesive interlaminar mode I failure of the composite. The material experiencing stresses due to the presence of the crack was replaced by a nonlinear elastic foundation with its own special properties. Two different kinds of foundation models are presented here. Each model is characterized using analytical and/or experimental methods. DCB type specimens were used in this study to model the mode I failure. A finite element code was developed to solve the beam on a nonlinear elastic foundation model. The two models, primarily based on an energy criterion and a strength criterion, respectively, in characterizing the foundation properties, reproduced load vs displacement curves of laboratory fracture tests very closely. The current models have the potential capability of being incorporated into an analysis to predict the evolution of planar crack growth without recourse to an explicit crack growth criterion.
Diagnosis and management of type 2 endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair.

Abstract Endovascular repair is a major treatment advance in patients with large infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. Since the FDA approved two commercial devices 2.5 years ago, over 40,000 patients have undergone this procedure in the United States. Although we have learned a great deal, more than a few mysteries relating to the long-term performance of these devices remain. This results in never-ending surveillance protocols searching for graft failure and aneurysm expansion. One of the especially contentious issues is the management of type 2 endoleaks. Unlike other endoleaks that are related to problems with the graft and/or fixation, this type of leak occurs in patients with properly functioning devices. This is why so much controversy exists about whether or not these patients must be treated. Some advocate "watchful-waiting" intervention only when there is aneurysm expansion. 1 Others routinely treat patients with type 2 endoleaks in an attempt to prevent expansion. 2–4 As with most controversial topics, if you look carefully, there is more agreement than disagreement between the two groups. In this review, we will first describe the methods used for endoleak diagnosis and treatment. We will then review our current endoleak treatment algorithm and explain its rationale for use.
Media Content and Externalizing Behaviors in Latino Toddlers

Objective There has been limited study of the association between media exposure and behavior in children younger than age 3 years. We sought to study this association in toddlers and determine whether the association varied depending on media content. Methods We carried out a secondary analysis of a cohort of Latino mother-infant dyads followed from birth to 33 months. We assessed media exposure at 21 and 33 months with a 24-hour recall diary that included information about the duration and content of each program watched. Behavior was assessed at 33 months by the Child Behavior Checklist. Results This analysis included 99 dyads. Results from multiple logistic regression analyses indicated associations of child behavior outcomes with 21-month total media exposure and both 21-month and 33-month exposure to noneducational young child media such as cartoons, after adjusting for maternal education, country of origin, and depressive symptoms, participation in a parenting program, and difficult child temperament. Media exposure has most consistent associations with aggressive behavior and externalizing problems. Conclusions Media exposure was associated with externalizing behavior in Latino toddlers, with the strongest association for media oriented toward young children but without educational content. This finding has importance for both parents of young children and pediatricians as they provide anticipatory guidance.
Optical and acoustic detection of ball lightning.

THE recent controversy about ball lightning1–4 stimulates me to report an observation of such an event, which occurred in September 1963.
Chemical and kinetic reaction mechanisms of quinohemoprotein amine dehydrogenase from Paracoccus denitrificans.

Quinohemoprotein amine dehydrogenase (QHNDH) possesses a cysteine tryptophylquinone (CTQ) prosthetic group that catalyzes the oxidative deamination of primary amines. In addition to CTQ, two heme c cofactors are present in QHNDH that mediate the transfer of the substrate-derived electrons from CTQ to an external electron acceptor. Steady-state kinetic assays yielded relatively small kcat values (<6 s-1), and the rate-limiting step appears to be the interprotein electron transfer from heme in QHNDH to the external electron acceptor. Transient kinetic studies of the CTQ-dependent reduction of heme in QHNDH by amine substrates yielded different rate constants for different substrates (72, 190, and 162 s-1 for methylamine, butylamine, and benzylamine, respectively). Deuterium kinetic isotope effect (KIE) values of 5.3, 3.9, and 8.5 were observed, respectively, for the reactions of methylamine, butylamine, and benzylamine. These results suggest that the abstraction of a proton from the α-methylene group of the...
THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE TO THE THEORY AND METHODOLOGY OF REGIONALISM

(1954). THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE TO THE THEORY AND METHODOLOGY OF REGIONALISM. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 6, No. 5, pp. 15-18.
Reaction of chemical acceptors with singlet oxygen produced by direct laser excitation

Abstract 1 Δ oxygen has been produced in 1,1,2-trichlorotrifigotoethane solution by direct laser extraction of the 1 Δ g+v − 3 Σ − g oxygen transition. The 1 Δ has been characterized by its reaction with laser chemical acceptors, and semi-quantitative estimates in the absolute rate constants for the reaction of 1 Δ with the various acceptors have been made.
A long marine history of carbon cycle modulation by orbital-climatic changes

Pacing of the marine carbon cycle by orbital forcing during the Pliocene and Pleistocene Ice Ages [past 2.5 million years (Myr)] is well known. As older deep-sea sediment records are being studied at greater temporal resolution, it is becoming clear that similar fluctuations in the marine carbon system have occurred throughout the late Mesozoic and Tertiary, despite the absence of large continental ice sheets over much of this time. Variations in both the organic and the calcium carbonate components of the marine carbon system seem to have varied cyclically in response to climate forcing, and carbon and carbonate time series appear to accurately characterize the frequency spectrum of ancient climatic change. For the past 35 Myr, much of the variance in carbonate content carries the “polar” signal of obliquity [41,000 years (41 kyr)] forcing. Over the past 125 Myr, there is evidence from marine sediments of the continued role of precessional (≈21 kyr) climatic cycles. Repeat patterns of sedimentation at about 100, 400, and 2,400 kyr, the modulation periods of precession, persistently enter into marine carbon cycle records as well. These patterns suggest a nonlinear response of climate and/or the sedimentation of organic carbon and carbonates to precessional orbital perturbations. Nonlinear responses of the carbon system may help to amplify relatively weak orbital insolation anomalies into more significant climatic perturbations through positive feedback effects. Nonlinearities in the carbon cycle may have transformed orbital-climatic cycles into long-wavelength features on time scales comparable to the residence times of carbon and nutrient elements in the ocean.
Simplifying system architecture using very smart displays

In the past, cockpit displays have had a limited role in that they were capable only of displaying information that was generated by other equipmentin the aircraft. Examples of this can be seen when we look at system architectures consisting of separate mission computers, map generators, engine data generators, and air data computers. These individual boxes take sensor information and perform the computations which feed the displays. With the advent of new technology offering super miniature, high speed components, potentially all processing can now be accomplished within the displays themselves while also allowing for a wide range of interfaces. In aircraft applications, this allows an architecture whereby the remote sensors feed directly into the displays, thus greatly reducing cabling requirements, reducing weight as well as reducing overall cost due to reduction in the number of boxes. System reliability is also greatly improved due to redundancy of functions between multiple displays in the aircraft. This paper discusses such an application and describes a display designed for aircraft fighter applications containing multiple processing capability. New system architecture is described which takes advantage of this capability.
Is the Family Universal

THE universality of the family has always been accepted as a sound hypothesis in anthropology; recently, Murdock has been able to confirm this hypothesis on the basis of his important cross-cultural study of kinship. Moreover, Murdock reports that the "nuclear" family is also universal, and that typically it has four functions: sexual, economic, reproductive, and educational. What is more important is his finding that no society "has succeeded in finding an adequate substitute for the nuclear family, to which it might transfer these functions" (1949: 11). In the light of this evidence there would be little reason to question his prediction that "it is highly doubtful whether any society ever will succeed in such an attempt utopian proposals for the abolition of the family to the contrary notwithstanding" (p. 11). The functions served by the nuclear family are, of course, universal prerequisites for the survival of any society; and it is on this basis that Murdock accounts for its universality.
Performance analysis of using GPU computing in MATLAB to simulate electromagnetic fields generated by current carrying wire

This paper documents a performance analysis of using CUDA in MATLAB to simulate the magnetic field generated by current running through a wire using the Biot-Savart law. It was found that the number of threads executing in a CUDA kernel varies the execution time linearly and the number of threads per block should be set to a power of 2 to optimize performance during runtime.
Linear spectral unmixing assisted by probability guided and minimum residual exhaustive search for subpixel classification

For subpixel analysis of remotely sensed imagery, the requirement for a sufficient number of image bands is often a constraint to a linear mixing model, because the number of end members for land cover classification is usually larger than the number of bands when Thematic Mapper (TM) or SPOT imagery is utilized. This paper proposes two algorithmic approaches to resolve the constraint that only consider a subset of end members in each pixel's unmixing process: a minimum residual exhaustive search (MRES) algorithm and a probability‐guided (PG) process. The MRES method tests each possible subset and measures its residual. Once all possible scenarios have been tested, the subset which yields the minimum residual is found and its unmixing result is accepted as this pixel's constituents. The PG method calculates a pixel's posterior probability to each end member first and takes the end members which have the highest probabilities to form a subset. Then, a linear spectral unmixing procedure is applied to unmix ...
Differential regulation of kininogen gene expression by estrogen and progesterone in vivo.

Abstract Kininogens which have multifunctional domains, serve as the precursors of potent vasoactive kinin peptides and also function as cysteine proteinase inhibitors. Given its potential role in blood pressure homeostasis and inflammation, we have examined the regulation of rat kininogen gene expression by sex hormones in vivo. Our studies indicate a differential regulation of kininogen gene expression in rat liver by estrogen and progesterone. Northern and dot blot analysis using a rat low molecular weight kininogen cDNA probe show that kininogen mRNA levels in the liver of female rats are 4-fold higher than those in male rats. Ovariectomy results in a reduction of kininogen transcripts in the liver, while estradiol replacement of the ovariectomized rats increases kininogen mRNA levels. Similarly, Northern blot analysis using a kallikrein cDNA probe shows that estradiol treatment induces an increase of kallikrein gene expression in the kidney of the same animals. In contrast, progesterone treatment of the ovariectomized rats results in an increase in renal kallikrein mRNA levels while it reduces kininogen gene expression as compared to vehicle-treated ovariectomized animals. Immunoreactive kininogen levels in the serum, analyzed by a direct radioimmunoassay and Western blot, are increased by estradiol but slightly decreased by progesterone treatment. Western blot of serum proteins on a two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel reveals that in estradiol-treated ovariectomized rats, the levels of several 68 000 Da kininogens varying in charge are markedly higher than those in ovariectomized rats. The results indicate that estrogen is one of the determinants in regulating low molecular weight kininogen gene expression in vivo. The impact of estrogen-regulated kininogen expression on cardiovascular function awaits further investigation.
XVII.—On early Contributions to the Flora of Ireland; with Remarks on Mr. Mackay's Flora Hibernica

(1840). XVII.—On early Contributions to the Flora of Ireland; with Remarks on Mr. Mackay's Flora Hibernica. Annals and Magazine of Natural History: Vol. 6, No. 35, pp. 126-135.
Electronic structure and stability of ring clusters in the Si(111)-(√7 × √7 )Co surface

The ring-cluster structure of the Si(111)-(√7×√7)Co surface is investigated by comparing local-density approximation, spin-dependent pseudofunction theoretical results with data. In the ring-cluster model, each surface unit cell contains a single Co atom substituting for a Si surface atom; this Co atom is then covered by three «bridging» and three «capping» Si adatoms, yielding C 3 point-group symmetry with respect to the Co site. We confirm the energetic stability of the ring-cluster structure, and determine atomic coordinates, including the height, 0.46 A, that the Co atom lies above the surface plane
Nanoporous black silicon photocathode for H2 production by photoelectrochemical water splitting

Nanostructured Si eliminates several critical problems with Si photocathodes and dramatically improves a photoelectrochemical (PEC) reaction important to water-splitting. Our nanostructured black Si photocathodes improve the H2 production by providing (1) near-ideal anti-reflection that enables the absorption of most incident light and its conversion to photogenerated electrons and (2) extremely high surface area in direct contact with water that reduces the overpotential needed for the PEC hydrogen half-reaction. Application of these advances would significantly improve the solar H2 conversion efficiency of an ideal tandem PEC system. Finally, the nanostructured Si surface facilitates bubble evolution and therefore reduces the need for surfactants in the electrolyte.
Study of instability formation in liners driven with a compact linear transformer driver

Summary form only given. Results of instability formation in metallic liners driven by GenASIS, a Linear Transformer Driver (LTD) capable of producing 250 kA current in 150 ns are presented. Different material liners (Aluminum, Copper and Nickel) with thicknesses ranging from 1 to 5 μm and diameter of 2 mm have been tested. We used laser probing techniques such as schlieren and interferometry to diagnose instabilities on the outside surface of the liners using four frames separated by 15 ns per frame. In addition, we used Extreme Ultra-Violet (XUV) radiation to study the evolution of the liners. We observed that the instabilities are produced within 100 ns of the current start and these grow with time. Experiments have been modeled using the hybrid code LSP. The relationship between electro-thermal and Magneto-Rayleigh Taylor instabilities has also been studied. We show that it is possible to study interesting physics relevant for MagLIF [1] concept using small-scale university device.
The femoral venous approach to endomyocardial biopsy: Comparison with internal jugular and transarterial approaches

Endomyocardial biopsy is often used in the clinical evaluation of cardiac disease. Among 134 consecutive procedures (280 myocardial samples), 3 approaches were compared: right internal jugular (n = 69), femoral arterial (n = 30) and femoral venous (n = 35). The femoral venous approach is a new method with which a preformed guiding sheath is used to allow sampling of the apical right ventricular portion of the ventricular septum. Vascular access and myocardial sampling were successful in all femoral venous and left ventricular (LV) procedures; however, the internal jugular vein could not be located to allow biopsy in 12% of neck approaches (p less than 0.025). One case of pneumothorax occurred after an internal jugular approach. Chest pain occurred after 10% (3 patients) of the LV, 4% (3 patients) of internal jugular and 3% (1 patient) of femoral venous procedures. Hypotension associated with biopsy was noted after 3 internal jugular and 2 LV procedures. Pericardial effusion was observed in 3 patients after an LV procedure (p less than 0.01). In 1 of these patients tamponade developed. The femoral venous approach had the highest overall efficiency (successful biopsy, lack of adverse events, p less than 0.05). This approach may become the procedure of choice for routine endomyocardial biopsy because it allows reliable vascular access and myocardial sampling with a low incidence of adverse reactions.
Glacial-postglacial temperature difference deduced from aspartic Acid racemization in fossil bones.

The magnitude of the temperature increase that occurred in continental regions following the termination of the last glaciation has been determined from the degree of racemization of aspartic acid in fossil bones of known age. The results indicate an increase of 4°C for the Mediterranean coast and 5° to 6°C for East Africa. These estimates are believed to be reliable within 1°C.
Does the oxidation of methionine in thrombomodulin contribute to the hypercoaguable state of smokers and diabetics

The leading cause of premature death in smokers is cardiovascular disease. Diabetics also suffer from increased cardiovascular disease. This results, in part, from the hypercoagulable state associated with these conditions. However, the molecular cause(s) of the elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and the prothrombotic state of smokers and diabetics remain unknown. It is well known that oxidative stress is increased in both conditions. In smokers, it is established that oxidation of methionine residues takes place in alpha(1)-antitrypsin in lungs and that this leads to emphysema. Thrombomodulin is a key regulator of blood clotting and is found on the endothelium. Oxidation of methionine 388 in thrombomodulin is known to slow the rate at which the thrombomodulin-thrombin complex activates protein C, a protein which, in turn, degrades the factors which activate thrombin and lead to clot formation. In analogy to the cause of emphysema, it is hypothesized that oxidation of this methionine is elevated in smokers relative to non-smokers and, perhaps, in conditions such as diabetes that impose oxidative stress on the body. Evidence for the hypothesis that such an oxidation and concomitant reduction in activated protein C levels would lead to elevated cardiovascular risk is presented.
The effect of concanavalin A-stimulated mononuclear cells on low density lipoprotein receptor activity of cultured fibroblasts

Secretory products of freshly isolated human circulating blood cells such as platelets, monocytes, and B lymphocytes, but not T lymphocytes, have previously been shown to enhance low density lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism by arterial wall cells. This study was undertaken to evaluate how secretory factor(s) from mononuclear cells that had been stimulated by concanavalin A (Con A) alters LDL receptor activity by cultured human skin fibroblasts. Conditioned medium from Con A-stimulated mononuclear cells produced an increase of 125I-LDL degradation accompanied by increased thymidine incorporation into DNA. The effect of conditioned medium from the Con A-stimulated mononuclear cells was mediated by the LDL receptor pathway. Degradation of HDL and methylated LDL, neither of which is taken up by the classical LDL receptor pathway, was not affected. The conditioned medium from these Con A-stimulated cells also failed to stimulate fluid pinocytosis, as measured by the uptake of [14C]sucrose. Some strains of fibroblasts, deficient in LDL receptors, responded to the conditioned medium from the Con A-stimulated mononuclear cells by increasing the very small amounts of LDL degraded by these cells. Fibroblasts from other homozygous familial hypercholesterolemic cell strains were unresponsive, however. The effect on LDL receptors was characterized by an increase in LDL receptor number without a change in the affinity of LDL for its receptor. Thus stimulated mononuclear cells secrete mitogens that also stimulate LDL receptor activity in human skin fibroblasts.
Numerical Simulation of the Sound Radiated by a Turbulent Vortex Ring

The acoustic field radiated by a turbulent vortex ring is studied. Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) of the fully compressible, three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are used to generate an axisymmetric vortex ring to which 3D stochastic disturbances are added. The disturbances cause instability and turbulent transition of the vortex ring. Detailed information about temporal evolution of sound pressure level, spectrum and directivity associated with modes of oscillation and their turbulent breakdown are investigated. The peak frequency agrees well with experiments, and the modal directivities agree well with predictions of vortex sound theory. Based on the self-similar decay of the turbulent near field, the self-similar decay of the sound field is investigated. We also explore the connections with jet noise by modeling the jet as a de-correlated train of vortex rings.
AB-initio effective potentials derived from many-body green's function theory: Application to Li

Abstract The many-body Green's function technique, developed by Schneider, Taylor and Yaris for electron scattering problems, is applied to the calculation of ab-initio effective potentials (pseudo-potentials) in atoms and molecules. Computational results on the ionization potentials, excitation energies and bound-bound oscillator strengths in lithium show quantitative agreement with experiment and contain all the heuristically expected physical effects.
Comparison of myoelectric and conventional prostheses for adolescent amputees

We questioned whether myoelectric prostheses were a reasonable alternative to conventional prostheses for adolescents with unilateral, congenital, below-elbow amputations in respect to fit, function, cosmesis, and cost. Ten patients were studied. Each received a physical, functional, and psychosocial evaluation prior to prosthetic fitting. The physical evaluation included myopotential, residual limb length and circumference, active range of motion, terminal device grasp force, and mechanical range. The functional evaluation consisted of a questionnaire of 38 bimanual activities. The psychosocial evaluation included an assessment of both the patient and the family. Following prosthesis fabrication, each patient received 10 days of training, a 3-month checkup, and a 6-month reevaluation. Wearing patterns, perception of cosmesis, change in physical attributes of the residual limb, and functional performance were documented. Results indicate that for these subjects myoelectric prostheses with a hand were an acceptable alternative to conventional prostheses with a hook.
Glutamine-Enriched Total Parenteral Nutrition Enhances Plasma Glutathione in the Resting State

Glutathione (GSH) is the major intracellular antioxidant and is essential to normal cell function and replication. Cysteine and other thiol compounds have been considered rate-limiting for GSH biosynthesis, but recent studies have demonstrated that glutamine (GLN) becomes essential during metabolic stress to replete tissue GSH levels which have become depleted. To determine the role of GLN supplementation in the resting, nonstressed state, we studied three groups of Wistar rats. The animals were catheterized and randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) chowad libitumgroup receiving iv saline (control), (2) standard total parenteral nutrition (STA-TPN) group, and (3) glutamine-enriched TPN (GLN-TPN) group. The intravenously fed animals received no rat chow. The infusions were administered at a rate of 2.2 ml/hr for 4 days and all animals were harvested on the fifth day of study. The GLN-TPN group had a significantly higher plasma GSH level than STA-TPN or control animals (P< 0.01). The hepatic concentration of GSH and the oxidized GSH/reduced GSH were similar in all groups. GLN-TPN had a significantly lower plasma ALT level than the control group (P< 0.05). The control group had a significantly higher ALP level than STA-TPN and GLN-TPN animals (P< 0.01). There were no significant differences in other measures of hepatic functions among the three groups. Our data demonstrate that in this model GLN-enriched TPN enhances plasma GSH concentrations, while maintaining hepatic GSH stores. This suggests that GSH turnover is altered during glutamine-enriched TPN, which may explain how dietary GLN supplementation enhances tissue antioxidant capacity.
Mesoderm induction in amphibians: the role of TGF-beta 2-like factors

Mesoderm induction in the amphibian embryo can be studied by exposing animal region explants (destined to become ectoderm) to appropriate stimuli and assaying the appearance of mesodermal products like alpha-actin messenger RNA. Transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-beta 2), but not TGF-beta 1, was active in alpha-actin induction, while addition of fibroblast growth factor had a small synergistic effect. Medium conditioned by Xenopus XTC cells (XTC-CM), known to have powerful mesoderm-inducing activity, was shown to contain TGF-beta-like activity as measured by a radioreceptor binding assay, colony formation in NRK cells, and growth inhibition in CCL64 cells. The activity of XTC-CM in mesoderm induction and in growth inhibition of CCL64 cells was inhibited partially by antibodies to TGF-beta 2 but not by antibodies to TGF-beta 1. Thus, a TGF-beta 2-like molecule may be involved in mesoderm induction.
A cognitive behavioral program for use with aggressive children

Abstract An anger‐control treatment program is described for use with aggressive elementary school children. The treatment program integrated cognitive behavioral and social problem‐solving strategies, and was based on a systematic model of anger arousal. Therapy groups are designed to meet for 40‐minute sessions twice weekly for six weeks. An outline of the group sessions’ goals and activities is presented. A preliminary evaluation based on teacher ratings and behavioral checklists of twelve aggressive children suggests that controlled research to determine the effectiveness of the Anger Control Program is warranted.
A subgrid-scale model for large-eddy simulation based on the physics of interscale energy transfer in turbulence

The scale-similarity model in large-eddy simulation (LES) leads to an attractive, functionally simple expression for the subgrid-scale (SGS) stress tensor. It is well known, however, that the similarity model fails to accurately predict some of the most fundamental quantities in turbulent flows, perhaps the most important being the global energy transfer and the associated subgrid-scale dissipation. To address this, additional dissipative terms are usually added to the similarity model to improve its performance. In the present paper, considerations of interscale energy transfer have been used to identify sources of the observed deficiencies of the similarity model, specifically its inadequate balancing of terms contributing energy to the smallest scales and its duplication of terms producing effects in the largest scales. These considerations provide guidance in the development of a new model, which shows more favorable characteristics of energy transfer while preserving the functional simplicity of the scale-similarity model. Partial nonlinear terms are used to decompose the nonlinear transfer present in LES and to formulate a model expression capable of balancing small-scale production terms depositing energy near the LES cutoff. The proposed model is formulated in the same vein as the scale-similarity model, consisting of test filtered velocities and their products, but offers clear improvements in predictions of mean flow quantities and the global energy flux from the resolved to subgrid scales without the need for additional terms to augment subgrid-scale energy dissipation. The application of the new interscale transfer model in LES of wall-bounded flows leads to predictions of mean and RMS flow quantities comparable to those obtained for other, established SGS models.