cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 12 Glycerolipids in signal transduction

Publisher Summary Glycerolipids are essential molecules for the regulation of cell functions by hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors, and inflammatory cytokines. This chapter describes the mechanisms by which lipid-derived second messengers regulate various cell functions and summarizes the current information about the pathways that regulate the formation and metabolism of signaling lipids and inositol phosphates as well as the progress in identifying protein targets for the second messengers. Formation of signaling lipids is initiated by ligand binding to a specific cell-surface receptor, which leads to the activation of phospholipases and/or lipid kinases. The lipid-derived second messengers generated then act on specific target proteins to influence cell function. The signaling intermediates and protein targets involved in the regulation of specific cell functions assemble and disassemble in dynamic complexes at specific intracellular locations. However, much remains to be learned about glycerolipid signaling, and with the dawn of the genomic age, it may be possible to identify all of the enzymes involved in the synthesis and metabolism of the signaling lipids, based on homologies with known proteins.
The World Bank primer on reinsurance

Reinsurance is a mechanism the insurance industry uses to spread the risk it assumes from policyholders. Through reinsurance, the industry's losses are absorbed and distributed among a group of companies so that no single company is overburdened with the financial responsibility of offering coverage to its policyholders. Catastrophes, unexpected liabilities, and a series of large losses that might be too great for an individual insurer to absorb can be handled through reinsurance. Without it, most insurers would be able to cover only the safest of ventures, leaving many risky but worthwhile ventures without coverage. The authors present a primer of reinsurance concepts, explaining such terms as ceding company, primary carrier, direct underwriter, cession, retrocessions, ceding commission, and surplus relief reinsurance. There are separate sections on: 1) The purposes of reinsurance (for example, underwriting capacity, earnings stability, reserve requirement reduction, and mechanism for existing business), 2) Methods of cession for reinsurance contracts (treaty, facultative, and automatic facultative), 3) Types of reinsurance contracts (proportional, nonproportional, hybrid, and retrocessions), 4) Prices and usage of reinsurance contracts, 5) The economics of risk transfer, 6) The characteristics of reinsurance risk, 7) The reinsurance market and 8) Reinsurance regulation.
The Effect of a Modified Moore Method on Attitudes and Beliefs in Precalculus

As part of a study on the effects of teaching with a Modified Moore Method (MMM), a survey containing 20 items from Schoenfeld's (1989) investigation of attitudes and beliefs about mathematics was administered to students in undergraduate precalculus classes. The study included one section of precalculus taught with an MMM, a student-centered and inquiry-based teaching method, and two sections taught using traditional lecture methods. The survey was administered one week into the semester, following the drop/add date, and during the last week of classes. In this paper, we discuss the findings of the attitudes and beliefs portions of the survey and correlations with scores on a common final exam. We looked for differences between the MMM and traditional sections as well as gender differences. There were only a few differences in the attitudes and beliefs among the students, although there were more changes for females than males and all the significant differences were positive. The correlation between attitudes and beliefs and final exam scores was much stronger in the traditionally taught classes than in the MMM class. When separated by gender, only the reported attitudes and beliefs of the females in the traditional class significantly correlated with final exam scores.
Nuclear factor kappa B in the dorsal raphe of macaques: an anatomical link for steroids, cytokines and serotonin.

Objectif : Le facteur nucleaire kappa B (NFKB) est un facteur de transcription qui active l'expression genique en reponse a des cytokines pro-inflammatoires, et l'elevation des cytokines est associee a la depression, qui comporte un element constituant serotoninergique. Nous avons cherche a savoir (1) si les neurones a serotoninergiques contiennent du NFKB, (2) si un traitement aux hormones ovariennes modifie la detection du NFKB par immunocytochimie dans le noyau du raphe dorsal (NRD) et (3) si les hormones ovariennes assurent la regulation de l'expression genique ou proteique du NFKB dans le mesencephale. Methodes : On a pratique une ovariectomie sur des guenons auxquelles on a administre un placebo, de l'oestrogene (E), de la progesterone (P) ou une combinaison E+P pendant un mois (n = 4 animaux/groupe de traitement). On a preleve ensuite le mesencephale pour effectuer des tests d'immunocytochimie et de stereologie. On a applique un anticorps qui detecte le NFKB p65 nucleaire a localisation specifique (NLS) et compte le nombre de cellules immunopositives pour le NLS-MFκB dans 9 coupes du NRD. On a utilise d'autres sujets pour proceder a une analyse quantitative par transfert de Western et reaction en chaine de la polymerase par transcription inverse (RT-PCR) pour le NFKB p65. Resultats: Chez les macaques traitees par placebo, on a soumis les neurones a une immunocoloration double pour la serotonine et le NFKB p65 nucleaire dans tout le NRD. Le nombre total moyen de cellules positives pour le NFKB a atteint 2178 (et l'erreur type de la moyenne [ETM], 129) chez les sujets traites par placebo, 1631 (ETM 221) chez ceux qui ont recu de l'oestrogene, 2314 (ETM 186) chez ceux qui ont recu de la progesterone et 1162 (ETM 100) chez les sujets traites par la combinaison E+P (analyse d'ecart p = 0,003). Les groupes qui ont recu de l'oestrogene et les sujets traites par la combinaison E+P avaient une densite significativement moindre de cellules colorees positivement pour le NFKB que le groupe traite par placebo ou les groupes traites par progesterone (a posteriori). Le demasquage de l'immunocoloration NLS-NFκB dans le NRD a revele une immunocoloration dense dans le cytoplasme des gros neurones du raphe. On n'a constate aucune difference entre les groupes quant a la quantite de NFKB p65 detecte par transfert de Western ou quant a l'expression relative de l'ARNM du NFKB p65 par la methode RT-PCR quantitative. Conclusions: Ces observations concordent avec le concept selon lequel l'expression genique et proteique du NFKB est constitutive, mais les hormones ovariennes peuvent reduire la localisation nucleaire du NFKB dans les neurones du raphe dorsal et, par consequent, reduire la capacite du NFKB de catalyser l'expression genique en reponse aux cytokines.
The Twice‐Killed: Imagining Protest Suicide

The inspiration I take from J. M. Coetzee's book Elizabeth Costello (2003) is his advocacy of imagining as an alternative to rational thought. Imagining, as I understand him, is mindwork that engages the body as an experiential and metaphorical site. I apply this notion of imagining to suicides conducted in the service of political protest: The fatal hunger strike of ten prisoners in Northern Ireland in 1981 and Jan Palach's self-immolation in Prague in 1969. Three questions direct the exploration of their trajectories: What feeds the hope for the effectiveness of protest suicides? How do they use the body as a performance site? Do such suicides call for an ethics of attentiveness?
Stability of Hg-based high-Tc superconducting thin films

Abstract Stability of Hg-based superconducting thin films has been studied in air, acetone, alcohol, water, and thermal cycling. T c , J c , and surface microstructures were analyzed as functions of exposure period. In dry air, fully reacted samples did not show degradation for a period of over one year, while samples which were not fully reacted due to air contamination or other reasons degraded within a few weeks. In humid air, samples were totally degraded within a few minutes. It has been found that the films degraded considerably in alcohol and acetone after they were immersed for a few hours, while this degradation was much severe in water. The mechanism of sample degradation has been discussed as well.
The Role of Shyness and Private Self-Consciousness in Identity Development

Abstract The present study, drawing on Marcia′s (1966) model of ego identity development and Buss′ (1980) theory of shyness and self-consciousness, tested the hypotheses that shyness inhibits identity development, whereas private self-consciousness facilitates identity development. Results indicated that shyness was positively associated with identity diffusion and negatively associated with identity achievement, whereas private self-consciousness was negatively associated with identity foreclosure. These relationships were obtained after controlling for the influence of attachment to parents, peer social support, and gender on identity development. These findings suggest that shyness may be associated with impaired psychosocial development in late adolescence, an outcome which may in turn have developmental consequences over the course of a lifetime.
Fuzzy Moves Using Compensatory Granular Reasoning

In this paper, compensatory granular reasoning methods are proposed based on fuzzy logic, neural networks, genetic algorithms, compensatory computing and granular computing. The compensatory operation can be reduced to the relevant general compensatory AND operations which replace the traditional AND operations in the compensatory granular reasoning. Different compensatory AND operations such as fuzzy compensatory AND, neural compensatory AND, genetic compensatory AND, linear compensatory AND, and exponential compensatory AND are defined. The compensatory granular reasoning methods can be used to make more reliable decisions. For example, the compensatory granular reasoning methods can make more fault-tolerant fuzzy moves in a fuzzy game if a player carefully chooses a reasonable compensatory operation. In the future, different compensatory granular reasoning methods will be used in different decision-making applications.
Culture Conditions for Improvement of L-Threonine Production Using a Genetically Self-cloned L-Threonine Hyperproducing Strain of Escherichia coli K-12

We had constructed an L-threonine-hyperproducing strain of E. coli K-12 by recombinant DNA techniques. In this paper, culture conditions for the practical production of L-threonine were investigated using this strain. Cultivation temperature, concentration of required amino acids, and dissolved oxygen greatly influenced the yield of L-threonine. High production of L-threonine was obtained at a high level of dissolved oxygen for the recombinant strain, but not for the parent. This improved production was accompanied by a high copy number of recombinant plasmids and high activity of aspartokinase. Initial addition of L-threonine together with required amino acids greatly reduced the net production of L-threonine. To remove the reductive effect, methods for the addition of the required amino acids were tested. Lowering the required amino acids at a later stage of cultivation seemed to be effective to avoid the reductive effect of the accumulated L-threonine. By using the optimal conditions, the highest level of L-threonine production, 65 g/l, 48% yield, was achieved.
Influence of anabolic hormones on protein metabolism in the isolated perfused rat hind limb: a technique for cyclic cross-perfusion of isolated limb and liver.

Abstract In the cyclic perfused skinned hind limb, insulin stimulated the incorporation of labeled leucine into protein and the uptake and/or exchange of glycine, alanine, valine, methionine, isoleucine and leucine into skeletal muscle. The combination of insulin and testosterone was more effective in stimulating protein synthesis than insulin. The substituted derivative of testosterone, 17-β-hydroxy-17-α-methyl-2-oxandrostan-3-one (SC 11585), was as effective as insulin in stimulating protein synthesis and the uptake and/or exchange of several amino acids. Testosterone was ineffective in increasing protein synthesizing capacity. A technique for the cyclic cross-perfusion of isolated skinned rat hind limb and liver is described. Under conditions of these cyclic cross-perfusions there is no support for the proposal of a concept of alteration of the testosterone molecule by the liver into an active metabolite which is functional in protein synthesis in skeletal muscle.
Evaluation of elastic-plastic fracture in aluminum panels

Abstract An experimental and numerical study of failure in 6061-T6 aluminum panels was completed. The experimental effort included generation of GRcurves and collection of data from static fracture tests on thin aluminum panels with cracks and notches. The numerical effort centered on predicting the crack opening displacement as a function of applied load, predicting applied load at failure, and predicting the nature of failure: either yield or fracture. A finite element model, referred to in this paper as the damage zone model (DZM), incorporates a cohesive stress zone adjacent to a crack or notch. The predicted failure loads using the DZM were within 9.0% of experimental values for yield failure. Predicted failure loads were within 11.0% of experimental failure loads when stable crack growth preceded unstable fracture. In all cases, the DZM predicted the nature of the final failure.
Evaluation of a force sensor based on a quartz tuning fork for operation at low temperatures and ultrahigh vacuum

The noise performance of the force sensor is crucial for optimizing the resolution in non-contact atomic force microscopy. Sensing forces in vacuum and low temperatures is even more demanding than at ambient conditions. Here we analyze the noise performance and the sensitivity of a force sensor based on a quartz tuning fork of which one of the prongs is fixed (qPlus sensor). The noise characteristic of the qPlus sensor, optical and piezoresistive detection schemes at room temperature are compared and the qPlus sensor is investigated at low temperatures. The frequency variation of quartz tuning forks as a function of temperature is experimentally determined for the temperature range from 4 to 300 K.
Effect of zinc deficiency on autologous rosette-forming cells

Abstract Ability to form autologous rosettes (A-rosettes) is characteristic of a certain population of immature T cells, present in the thymus of various species including man. In mice, few A-rosettes are normally found in peripheral blood and spleen but their number increases markedly in spleen following thymectomy. In our studies, A-rosette formation could be demonstrated to be significantly enhanced in the spleen of C57B1/Ks mice after the animals had been maintained 3, 6, and 8 weeks on a zinc-deficient diet (Zn − ) and to increase progressively with duration of feeding the Zn − diet. These changes were quickly reversed by feeding a normal diet containing zinc but could not be eliminated by complete adrenalectomy, a finding that ruled out their dependence on pituitary-adrenal as is function attributable to stress. Pair-fed controls and mice fed a zinc-supplemented diet ad libitum showed few A-rosettes, as expected.
Interventional procedures in the upper urinary tract

The introduction and acceptance of percutaneous nephrostomy as a safe and effective alternative to surgical nephrostomy served as the impetus for the development and expansion of an ever-increasing number of techniques that are encompassed by the term “interventional uroradiology.” This article reviews many of the non-vascular interventional techniques that have proliferated during the past decade and that are currently used in the kidney, ureter, and perinephric space. The authors emphasize those procedures that are most frequently employed, as well as their own preferences and perspectives on these procedures.
A Consistent Scaling Framework for Simulating High Rate Brittle Failure Problems

Abstract We develop a material model that includes non-linear kinematics, a Mie-Gruneisen equation of state, and material failure based on an interacting microcrack damage model. This material model is well suited for simulating hypervelocity impacts on brittle materials. By accounting for the subscale distribution of cracks within the material, we are able to produce a material model that does not require assumptions about how material strength scales with specimen size. This allows us to calibrate the model at laboratory scales and then apply the model under conditions that are not achievable in a laboratory setting such as asteroid impacts.
Computation of bifurcation branches using projection methods

Abstract Using a straightforward Newton's method argument, convergence properties of projection methods for the computation of bifurcation branches off simple eigenvalues for general operator equations and for the computation of Hopf bifurcation branches for ordinary differential equations are established.
Development of the inner ear efferent system across vertebrate species

Inner ear efferent neurons are part of a descending centrifugal pathway from the hindbrain known across vertebrates as the octavolateralis efferent system. This centrifugal pathway terminates on either sensory hair cells or eighth nerve ganglion cells. Most studies of efferent development have used either avian or mammalian models. Recent studies suggest that prevailing notions of the development of efferent innervation need to be revised. In birds, efferents reside in a single, diffuse nucleus, but segregate according to vestibular or cochlear projections. In mammals, the auditory and vestibular efferents are completely separate. Cochlear efferents can be divided into at least two distinct, descending medial and lateral pathways. During development, inner ear efferents appear to be a specific motor neuron phenotype, but unlike motor neurons have contralateral projections, innervate sensory targets, and, at least in mammals, also express noncholinergic neurotransmitters. Contrary to prevailing views, newer data suggest that medial efferent neurons mature early, are mostly, if not exclusively, cholinergic, and project transiently to the inner hair cell region of the cochlea before making final synapses on outer hair cells. On the other hand, lateral efferent neurons mature later, are neurochemically heterogeneous, and project mostly, but not exclusively to the inner hair cell region. The early efferent innervation to the ear may serve an important role in the maturation of afferent responses. This review summarizes recent data on the neurogenesis, pathfinding, target selection, innervation, and onset of neurotransmitter expression in cholinergic efferent neurons.
Basis for soybean tolerance to thifensulfuron methyl.

Abstract Thifensulfuron methyl (methyl 3-[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)aminocarbonyl]aminosulfonyl]-2-thiophenecarboxylate, formerly DPX-M6316) is a sulfonylurea herbicide for postemergence broadleaf weed control in wheat, barley, and soybeans. Plant response data are presented demonstrating > 12-fold soybean tolerance to thifensulfuron methyl relative to sensitive weeds, including Amaranthus retroflexus L., Chenopodium album L., and Abutilon theophrasti Medik. Studies of foliar uptake and in vitro inhibition of acetolactate synthase (ALS) discount differential uptake or differential active site sensitivity as the basis for soybean tolerance to this herbicide. Instead, excised soybean ( Glycine max , cv “Williams”) seedlings are found to rapidly metabolize a transpired pulse of thifensulfuron methyl with a half-life of 4–6 hr while sensitive weeds metabolize this herbicide much more slowly. The primary metabolite of thifensulfuron methyl in soybean seedlings is its deesterified free acid (thifensulfuron acid), which is herbicidally inactive and inactive against ALS. Metabolism rates and pathways of thifensulfuron methyl, chlorimuron ethyl, and metsulfuron methyl in soybean seedlings are compared and discussed. It is concluded that soybean tolerance to thifensulfuron methyl is based on rapid metabolic deesterification and that this deesterification reaction is specific to certain sulfonylurea herbicides.
Seattle Intelligent Transportation System Information Backbone

This case study involved the review of the advanced traveler information system (ATIS) and advanced traffic management system (ATMS) and the use of the information backbone (I2B) component of the intelligent transportation system of the Seattle Metropolitan Model Deployment Initiative. Through a survey of documents and other material combined with interviews of key participants, the nature of any increased benefits or reduced costs associated with ATIS and ATMS integration resulting from the I2B was examined. The results suggest that the distributed nature of the I2B provided for the coordination of responsibility among multiple information contributors and processors as well as geographic flexibility. The open nature of participation was also cited as a factor in making connection to the I2B a relatively easy matter since software tools for interfacing are provided. For contributors, the I2B has provided the ability to distribute information via a single access method, thereby reducing support effort. Pr...
Commentary on “maternal mortality and morbidity in the developing world: Personal reflections and a profession's commitment”

This is a rebuttal on a response to a paper to which the respondent made suggestions on how American obstetrician-gynecologists could help the situation of high maternal mortality in Africa. The author agrees that such high maternal morbidity and morbidity is tragic because most of it could be prevented with known low technology interventions. The author emphasizes that he believes the only strategies and a network of accessible first-level referral centers. He regrets that there are no highly effective interventions that can be applied in the village that will markedly reduce maternal mortality. In contrast several highly effective appropriate technology strategies are amenable to application in villages for increasing child survival such as oral rehydration and immunization. He believes that even if massive funds were spent training traditional birth attendants serious causes of maternal mortality would not be addressed. Instead governments must assign high priority to install staff and equip referral centers and transport systems. These centers must be able to give intravenous antibiotics blood transfusions and do cesarean sections. The writer further disagrees with the correspondents view that it would be helpful if American obstetricians spent time in their training on international medicine sent print materials to Africa went to Africa as visiting professors or donated American equipment to African teaching programs. Each of these suggestions has practical drawbacks; most are impractical because African practitioners do not need more training in our highly technological tertiary care approach. He believes that there is very little that American gynecologists can do to help African women.
Taking the family history in genetic disease: a guide for ophthalmologists.

Purpose of review The family pedigree is an important tool in the field of ophthalmology. Recent advances in genetic testing for ophthalmic conditions underlie the need to offer genetic testing to patients when appropriate. Future availability of gene therapy for some ocular diseases further illustrates the importance of gene testing for patients seen in the ophthalmology clinic. Recent findings The pedigree is the first step in the genetic screening process and can guide the clinician in determining the likely genetic cause of a given disorder. Although not every patient warrants generating a pedigree, for patients whose condition may have a heritable basis, it is worthwhile to document the family history for several reasons. The pedigree gives us information about the mode of inheritance and can give clues toward a diagnosis. We can also determine whether family members are at risk for developing disease and calculate the recurrence risk for future offspring. The pedigree can help differentiate between a syndrome and an isolated ocular disease and may indicate the need for a specialist referral if there is risk of other systemic abnormalities. The pedigree gives us important information that may guide us in deciding which genes to test for and allows us to counsel the family appropriately. Summary The purpose of this review is to inform ophthalmologists on how to take a detailed family history relevant to possible genetic disorders, outline the information that can be obtained from the family history, and describe how this information can be used to optimize patient care.
Beam forming of the underwater sound field from impact pile driving

Observations of underwater noise from impact pile driving were made with a vertical line array. Previous studies [Reinhall and Dahl, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 130, 1209–1216 (2011)] show that the dominant underwater noise from impact driving is from the Mach wave associated with the radial expansion of the pile that propagates down the pile at supersonic speed after impact. Here precise estimates of the vertical arrival angles associated with the down- and up-going Mach wave are made via beam forming, and the energy budget of the arrival structure is quantified.
The treating physician as expert witness: ethical and pragmatic considerations.

Objective. The objective of this analysis is to apprise pain physicians of the ethical concerns and practical considerations that arise when a treating physician is called upon to testify as an expert witness in a legal proceeding involving his or her own patient. The provision of expert testimony in medico-legal proceedings has come under heightened scrutiny in recent years. When a physician testifies as an expert witness, such testimony is considered to be the practice of medicine, and hence subject to the same ethical and professional obligations as patient care. Increasingly, medical professional organizations have promulgated guidelines for such activities, and even implemented oversight mechanisms to review complaints concerning expert testimony by their members. Additional issues are raised when the expert witness is also the treating physician for the patient who is a party to the legal proceeding in which the expert testimony is offered. Conclusions. While it is not categorically unethical or inadvisable for a physician to testify as an expert witness in a medico-legal proceeding involving his or her own patient, such activity raises special issues and concerns. Prospective expert witnesses in such situations should be cognizant of these issues and insure that they have been adequately addressed before and during the testimony.
Characterization of Textured Ceramics by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: II, Formation and Properties of Textured MgO

A method for the formation of macroscopic quantities of faceted, nanophase MgO precursor powders has been developed that permits a degree of control over the particulate size distribution. By employing powder of this type it was possible to form textured MgO ceramics by means of cold-pressing and sintering. The theoretical basis for the application of EPR techniques to texture analysis as developed in Part I of this work was used to establish the nature of the preferred orientation in these MgO ceramics. Both EPR and X-ray analyses showed that preferred orientations of the (111) axes of the MgO microstructural grains occur along or near the direction of force used to compact the green body. EPR results also show that this texture develops during the sintering process and that no preferred orientation effects are present in the unsintered body formed by cold-pressing the faceted, nanophase MgO powder. Effects of parametric variation such as sintering temperatures, compaction force, and faceted particle size on the degree of preferred orientation in theses sintered MgO ceramics have been investigated using EPR techniques. The results show that the amount of texturing increases with increasing compaction force or temperature up to a limiting value and that itmore » also increases with decreasing faceted particle size.« less
Decentralized extrema-finding in circular configurations of processors

This note presents an efficient algorithm, requiring O(n log n) message passes, for finding the largest (or smallest) of a set of n uniquely numbered processors arranged in a circle, in which no central controller exists and the number of processors is not known a priori.
On Phase Transition in the Hard-Core Model on ${\mathbb Z}^d$

It is shown that the hard-core model on ${{\mathbb Z}}^d$ exhibits a phase transition at activities above some function $\lambda(d)$ which tends to zero as $d\rightarrow \infty$. More precisely, consider the usual nearest neighbour graph on ${{\mathbb Z}}^d$, and write ${\cal E}$ and ${\cal O}$ for the sets of even and odd vertices (defined in the obvious way). Set $${\cal G}L_M={\cal G}L_M^d =\{z\in{{\mathbb Z}}^d:\|z\|_{\infty}\leq M\},\quad \partial^{\star} {\cal G}L_M =\{z\in{{\mathbb Z}}^d:\|z\|_{\infty}= M\},$$ and write ${\cal I}({\cal G}L_M)$ for the collection of independent sets (sets of vertices spanning no edges) in ${\cal G}L_M$. For $\lambda>0$ let ${\bf I}$ be chosen from ${\cal I}({\cal G}L_M)$ with $\Pr({\bf I}=I) \propto \lambda^{|I|}$.Theorem There is a constant $C$ such that if $\lambda > Cd^{-1/4}\log^{3/4}d$, then $$\lim_{M\rightarrow\infty}\Pr(\underline{0}\in{\bf I}|{\bf I}\supseteq \partial^{\star} {\cal G}L_M\cap {\cal E})~> \lim_{M\rightarrow\infty}\Pr(\underline{0}\in{\bf I}| {\bf I}\supseteq \partial^{\star} {\cal G}L_M\cap {\cal O}).$$ Thus, roughly speaking, the influence of the boundary on behaviour at the origin persists as the boundary recedes.
Monte Carlo integration of density functional theory: Fermions in a harmonic well

Abstract The first numerical results with a recently developed path integration formulation of electron density functional theory are presented. The many-dimensional integral which provides the fundamental expression for the density is presented in a rearranged form amenable to straightforward Monte Carlo estimation. This method is then applied to the case of independent electrons in a harmonic well. The numerical results satisfactorily reproduce the structured electron densities which reflect fermion level filling for this simple problem. These encouraging results also exemplify the algorithmic problems which must be overcome before the present formulation of electron density functional theory shall be of important practical use.
Origin of enantioselection in chiral alcohol oxidation catalyzed by Pd[(-)-sparteine]Cl2.

A kinetic investigation into the origin of enantioselectivity for the Pd[(−)-sparteine]Cl2-catalyzed aerobic oxidative kinetic resolution (OKR) is reported. A mechanism to account for a newly discovered chloride dissociation from Pd[(−)-sparteine]Cl2 prior to alcohol binding is proposed. The mechanism includes (1) chloride dissociation from Pd[(−)-sparteine]Cl2 to form cationic Pd(−)-sparteine]Cl, (2) alcohol binding, (3) deprotonation of Pd-bound alcohol to form a Pd−alkoxide, and (4) β-hydride elimination of Pd−alkoxide to form ketone product and a Pd−hydride. Utilizing the addition of (−)-sparteine HCl to control the [Cl-] and [H+] and the resulting derived rate law, the key microscopic kinetic and thermodynamic constants were extracted for each enantiomer of sec-phenethyl alcohol. These constants allow for the successful simulation of the oxidation rate in the presence of exogenous (−)-sparteine HCl. A rate law for oxidation of the racemic alcohol was derived that allows for the successful prediction ...
Noninvasive imaging and frequency analysis for carotid artery diagnosis and surgical decisions

An analysis of 212 carotid arteries studied by Doppler imaging, B-mode imaging, and spectral analysis reveals poor correlation though similarity of data base by chi-square and gamma is strong. The differences between arteriography and the noninvasive techniques appear mainly in the categories of normal and > 50% stenosis
ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AND SHEATH POTENTIAL ASSOCIATED WITH A COLD ELECTRODE

The boundary-layer resistance and the difference in sheath potentials between a pair of electrodes were measured in a shock tube. Using a small, square electrode and a strip electrode flush with the wall of the shock tube, the electric current could be drawn across the shock tube was measured as a function of the shock wave position for several applied voltages and load resistances. All measurements were made in air at a shock speed of 4.35 mmn/ mu sec and an initial pressure of 1 mm Hg. In the range of applied voltages considered, the boundary-layer resistance was not a function of the current level. The change in the sheath potential was of the order of several volts. A continumm theory is developed to predict the boundary-layer resistance for small current levels and the sheath potential. The sheath solution is separated from the convective compressible boundary-layer problem where ambipolar diffusion dominates. In the sheath, the transport equations for ions and electrons in and electric field are solved numerically. Resulting integrals for the dimensionless boundary-layer resistance and sheath potential are evaluated, both in the sheath and in more » the compressible boundary layer, to obtuin results that can be compared with experiment. Values of the resistance obtained, assuming the ionization reaction to be frozen, are not in agreement with experiment. Reasonable agreement between theory and experiment is obtained for the magnitude of the sheath potential. (auth) « less
Taking stock of the discipline: Some reflections on the state of American sociology

While sociology, as a subject of inquiry, is fundamental for a democratic society, the field of sociology, as it is practiced through a scientific discipline, is not. In this article, I contend that the discipline of sociology in the United States is increasingly vulnerable, both as a viable professional association and an academic field of study, through its notable weaknesses in four fundamental areas. Patently, these include an amorphous disciplinary mission and scope, the lack of theoretical and methodological integration, a peripheral isolation of the widespread application of disciplinary knowledge, and the lack of program accreditation efforts. In many respects, these four areas direct attention toward the culture of American Sociology, what has previously been termed the "soci ology of sociology'1 (see, e.g., Reynolds and Reynolds, 1970). Although histori cally colorful, the discipline appears to lack a coherent and generally recogniz able history among its members, both with regard to the evolution of its scientific accomplishments and its relationship to higher education. This outcome is problematic because, unless we, as a discipline, routinely emphasize our his tory and scientific accomplishments, American Sociology will likely become an historical footnote in the annals of science. Let me offer evidence for my conjecture through elaboration of these four areas.
Olfactory basis of cannibalism in grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae): II. field assessment of attractants.

The responses of rangeland grasshoppers to biologically and historically derived attractants were studied in a shortgrass prairie in southeastern Wyoming in July 1990. Seven long-chain fatty acids (C14–C20: singly and in combination), grasshopper cadavers, molasses, fruit extracts, and chloroform (solvent control) were tested. Each attractant was applied to filter paper and placed in an arena delimited by a 0.10-m2 aluminum ring. Grasshoppers were most attracted to linoleic and linolenic acids, with significantly more grasshoppers found in these arenas than in those of the controls or other attractants. These two fatty acids alone and in combination were more attractive at 1 grasshopper equivalent (GE) than at 5 GE. The seed bug,Lygaeus kalmii Stal, and five species of ants were also attracted to these two fatty acids. Molasses had significantly more grasshoppers on the filter paper than did the other attractants, but molasses had significantly fewer grasshoppers in the arena than the fatty acids. Fruit extracts were not effective at attracting grasshoppers. Water extracts of cadavers attracted significantly more grasshoppers to the bait than did chloroform extracts. Because the assayed grasshopper community was dominated by the Gomphocerinae (a subfamily that includes many pest species that do not readily consume wheat bran bait), it may be possible to use fatty acids in conjunction with insecticidal bran baits for increased control of rangeland grasshoppers.
Mechanism of lamellar spacing adjustment in directionally frozen agar gels

A theory is presented for predicting the size of ice crystals which result from steady-state, unidirectional growth within aqueous agar gels. Cellular arrays of adjacent ice crystals were separated by an amorphous water-agar membrane at a composition near the vitrification point. Using this vitrification composition and both a steady-state condition and a minimum free energy criterion, the size of ice crystals was predicted for a given solidification velocity and diffusion condition. It was found, however, that this simple model could not predict the trend towards larger crystal sizes that was observed when the initial agar concentration in the gels increased from 3% to 10% by weight agar.
Activation energies associated with current noise of thin metal films

Current noise measurements of thin metal films may be used as a valuable tool for studying their material properties. The noise voltage spectra are sensitive to microscopic processes which affect conduction and govern effects such as electromigration. This paper reviews methods for determining activation energies associated with the 1/f and I/f2 current noise components in thin metal films. The activation energies are close to those reported in the literature for grain boundary diffusion. Although the 1/f noise increases dramatically with the structural damage caused by electromigration damage, the 1/f2 noise component is more directly related to the electromigration process. Direct activation energy measurements based on the 1/f2 noise component’s temperature dependence yield 0.59 eV, 0.69 eV and 0.74 eV for Al(99.999%), Al-Si(2%) and Al-Cu(2%), respectively. Possible generation mechanisms of current noise and its relation to the electromigration process will be discussed.
Image analysis: reconstructing the true scene from noisy images

Inspired by the principle of image restoration, a strategy for restoring the true scene from a given image has been developed. When the embedded model of a type of images is derived, the true scene can be recovered by seeking an image which best fits this model. Gaussian mixture and asymptotic independence of a pixel intensifies of x-ray CT and MR images have been proved which validate the use of independent Finite Normal Mixture (FNM) and locally dependent Markov random field (MRF) models. FNM is futher shown to be a degenerate Hidding MRF (HMRF). A two-level image analysis method is developed for recovering the true scene from the given x-ray CT and MR image. At the low-level, it is a pixel-based intensity processing method and utilizes the FNM model and an Expectation-Maximization algorithm, known as FNM-EM operation. At the high-level, it is a region-based context processing method and utilizes MRF and an Iterated Conditional Mode algorithm, known as MRF-ICM operation. The results obtained by applying this method to simulated and real phantom images demonstrated considerable success: the restored true scene is the ground truth of the objets in the given image. Results also demonstrated that best fitting the given image and best fitting the embedded model may lead to two different scenes, and only in the case of high SNR, these two scenes are closer.
Explicit small-scale velocity simulation for high-Re turbulent flows

A new approach, two level simulation (TLS), is developed based on the explicit reconstruction of the small-scale velocity by solving the small-scale governing equations on the domain with reduced dimension representing a collection of one-dimensional lines embedded in the three-dimensional flow domain. A coupled system of equations, that is not based on an eddy-viscosity hypothesis, is derived based on the decomposition of flow variables into the large-scale and the small-scale components without introducing the concept of filtering. Simplified treatment of the small-scale equations is proposed based on neglecting the small-scale advective and dissipative terms in the line orthogonal directions. Fully coupled simulation of the forced isotropic turbulence at Re"@l~65, 114 demonstrates potential benefits and challenges of the TLS approach for high-Re turbulent flows using coarse grids.
LDV measurements and analysis of gas and particulate phase velocity profiles in a vertical jet plume in a 2D bubbling fluidized bed Part II: Mass and momentum transport

A Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) technique was implemented to simultaneously measure the gas and particulate phase velocities in a high-speed jet plume in a two-dimensional (2D) bubbling fluidized bed. The gas and particulate phase velocity profiles are presented and analyzed. This includes similarity profile scaling as well as volume fraction, mass flow, and momentum transport calculations for the two phases. Furthermore, applying the Eulerian equation of motion to the particulate phase with the measured velocity profiles, the bed particle drag coefficient is recovered and is found to be consistent with the established empirical value.
NEMA Suggested Standards for Future Design of AC Integral Horsepower Motors

This paper discusses the new NEMA suggested standards for future design of ac integral horsepower motors, 1-200 hp where the horsepower ratings have been increased for frame sizes, and compares them with the standards (T versus U frames). Design changes necessary to meet the new standards are indicated.
Specificity determinants of a novel Nck interaction with the juxtamembrane domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor.

Nck is a ubiquitously expressed adaptor protein containing Src homology 2 (SH2) and Src homology 3 (SH3) domains. It integrates downstream effector proteins with cell membrane receptors, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR plays a critical role in cellular proliferation and differentiation. The 45-residue juxtamembrane domain of EGFR (JM), located between the transmembrane and kinase domains, regulates receptor activation and trafficking to the basolateral membrane of polarized epithelia through a proline-rich motif that resembles a consensus SH3 domain binding site. We demonstrate here that the JM region can bind to Nck, showing a notable binding preference for the second SH3 domain. To elucidate the structural determinants for this interaction, we have determined the NMR solution structures of both the first and second Nck SH3 domains (Nck1-1 and Nck1-2). These domains adopt a canonical SH3 β-barrel-like fold, containing five antiparallel strands separated by three loop regions and...
Who Are Medical Marijuana Patients? Population Characteristics from Nine California Assessment Clinics

Marijuana is a currently illegal psychoactive drug that many physicians believe has substantial therapeutic uses. The medical literature contains a growing number of studies on cannabinoids as well as case studies and anecdotal reports suggesting therapeutic potential. Fifteen states have passed medical marijuana laws, but little is known about the growing population of patients who use marijuana medicinally. This article reports on a sample of 1,746 patients from a network of nine medical marijuana evaluation clinics in California. Patients completed a standardized medical history form; evaluating physicians completed standardized evaluation forms. From this data we describe patient characteristics, self-reported presenting symptoms, physician evaluations, other treatments tried, other drug use, and medical marijuana use practices. Pain, insomnia, and anxiety were the most common conditions for which evaluating physicians recommended medical marijuana. Shifts in the medical marijuana patient population over time, the need for further research, and the issue of diversion are discussed.
Regional cerebral blood flow and glucose utilization during hypothermia in newborn dogs.

To ascertain the effect of profound hypothermia on brain function and metabolism, newborn dogs were subjected to surface cooling during which regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and glucose utilization (rCGU) were measured with iodo-[14C]-antipyrine and 2-deoxy-[14C]-glucose, respectively. Puppies were anesthetized with nitrous oxide, paralyzed, and their lungs artificially ventilated to maintain arterial normoxia (PaO2 greater than 60 mmHg) and normal acid-base balance (PaCO2 = 35-41 mmHg; pHa = 7.34-7.42). When rectal temperature was decreased from 37 to 20 degrees C, mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) decreased from 75 to 47 mmHg (P less than 0.001) and heart rate from 238 to 64 beats/min (P less than 0.001). Arterial PCO2 was reduced from 38 to 31 mmHg (P less than 0.001) (corrected to 37 degrees C), whereas pHa was unchanged from control (7.40). The electroencephalogram slowed progressively and became isoelectric at 22-25 degrees C. During normothermia (n = 6) blood flow to 16 component structures of brain varied from 17 (occipital white matter) to 65 (medulla) ml.100 g-1.min-1, whereas during hypothermia (n = 6) blood flow was lower in all regions (P less than 0.001) at remarkably uniform levels 8.3-10.3 ml.100 g-1.min-1). Thus, the greatest reductions (range, 16-48% of control) in CBF occurred in those structures with the highest intrinsic flows during normothermia and were proportionately less in low flow structures. Regional CGU also decreased in all brain regions analyzed (P less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The initial acute phase response predicts long-term stroke recovery.

Indicators of an acute phase response (APR) in acute ischemic stroke have been shown to correlate with infarct size and predict stroke recurrence. In this study, we examined how well the APR indicators predicted long-term stroke recovery compared with standard clinical predictors of recovery. Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), fibrinogen, white blood cells (WBCs), and serum albumin were measured within 4±2 days of onset in 131 stroke patients who were free of apparent infections. Standard clinical predictors included initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), infarct size on computed tomography (CT), and Glasgow scale. The individual correlations with 6-month Glasgow outcome were IL-6, 0.42; fibrinogen, 0.24; WBC, 0.35; albumin, 0.47; NIHSS, 0.53; infarct size, 0.19; and initial Glasgow, 0.57. (all P R 2 of .31 for the APR indicators, compared with .38 for the clinical variables. These results indicate that the initial APR is highly correlated with 6-month stroke recovery and that this correlation approaches that observed with standard clinical predictors.
Weak-geodetically closed subgraphs in distance-regular graphs

Let Γ=(X,R) denote a distance-regular graph with diameter D≥2 and distance function δ. A (vertex) subgraph Ω⊆X is said to be weak-geodetically closed whenever for all x,y∈Ω and all z∈X, $$$$