cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A numerical study of the development of frontal motions

Development of frontal disturbances is considered from a nonlinear initial value point of view. The frontal model is a two layer model with a wedge of cold air to the north represented by a homogeneous fluid layer of density ϱϱ, and an overlying warm air layer represented by another homogeneous fluid of density ϱ2 (<ϱ1). The warm and cold air layers have finite depths and the region of integration is bounded in the north-south direction by rigid boundaries. Inside this region, the depth of cold air goes to zero at some point, depicting the intersection of the frontal surface with the ground. The point of intersection essentially represents a free boundary. The west-east boundaries are periodic. A sinusoidal disturbance is imposed on the frontal surface and the growth of this disturbance is calculated numerically for two different initial conditions. For each set of initial conditions, various wave lengths and initial shears are considered. The frontal surface at each time step is determined by a simple linear extrapolation of the cold air height fields from the north.
Common-emitter feedback transimpedance amplifier for analog optical receivers

In this paper, we present a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) for analog optical communication based on common-emitter feedback (CEFB). CEFB is compared to traditional resistive feedback (RFB) in four metrics: gain, bandwidth, noise and linearity. In simulation, CEFB shows a 15% improvement in gain-bandwidth product and a 2dB reduction in noise over RFB. When followed by a common-emitter gain stage, CEFB shows vast improvement in linearity over RFB, 24dB higher IP3 and 57dB higher IP2. This large advantage in linearity makes CEFB especially well suited to analog applications, such as analog optical receivers.
Diet and Cancer: One View at the Start of the Millennium

The large differences in cancer rates among countries, striking changes in these rates among migrating populations, and rapid changes over time within countries indicate that some aspect of lifestyle or environment is largely responsible for the common cancers in Western countries. Dietary fat has been hypothesized to be the key factor because national consumption is correlated with the international differences, but these correlations are potentially confounded by other aspects of Western lifestyles. Detailed analyses in large prospective studies have not supported an important role of dietary fat. Instead, positive energy balance, reflected in early age at menarche and weight gain as an adult, is an important determinant of breast and colon cancers, consistent with numerous studies in animals. Physical inactivity has also been shown to be a risk factor for these diseases, and in part accounts for the international differences in cancer rates. Although the percentage of calories from fat in the diet does not appear related to risk of colon cancer, greater risks have been seen with higher consumption of red meat, suggesting that factors other than fat per se may be important. In many case-control studies a high consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with reduced risks of numerous cancers, but recent prospective studies suggest these associations may have been overstated. Among the factors in fruits and vegetables that have been examined in relation to cancer risk, present data most strongly support a benefit of higher folic acid consumption in reducing risks of colon and breast cancers. These findings have been bolstered by an association between incidence of colon cancer and a polymorphism in the gene for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, an enzyme involved in folic acid metabolism. The benefits of folic acid appear strongest among persons who regularly consume alcohol, which itself is associated with risk of these cancers. Numerous other aspects of diet are hypothesized to influence the risks of cancers in Western countries, but for the moment the evidence is unclear. Two decades of effort in developing, evaluating, and refining methods of dietary assessment have laid the groundwork for further insights into the role of diet in cancer etiology that will emerge from the more than 30 large prospective studies that are currently underway.
Maths for the masses

Mathematics: The Science of Patterns. By Keith Devlin. W. H. Freeman/Scientific American Library: 1994. Pp. 216. $32.95, £19.95. The Mathematical Universe: An Alphabetical Journey Through the Great Proofs, Problems, and Personalities. By William Dunham. Wiley: 1994. Pp. 314. $22.95, £16.95.
Pulmonary abnormalities after coronary arterial bypass grafting operation: cardiopulmonary bypass versus mechanical stabilization.

Abstract Background . Cardiopulmonary bypass has been implicated in causing poor pulmonary gas exchange postoperatively in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. This randomized prospective study was conducted to determine whether patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting operations using cardiac stabilization and thereby avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass will have improved pulmonary function postoperatively. Methods . Fifty-eight patients were randomized to one of two groups: coronary artery bypass grafting operation with stabilization or coronary artery bypass grafting operation with cardiopulmonary bypass. Preoperative and postoperative pulmonary gas exchange measurements were performed on intubated patients, including the arterial partial pressure of oxygen on 100% inspired oxygen, the alveolar–arterial oxygen gradient, and pulmonary shunt. Static and dynamic lung compliance measurements were performed postoperatively. Hemodynamic variables (including creatine kinase-MB and troponin levels), intubation time, postoperative bleeding, and blood transfusions were compared. Results . Both study groups had a large decrease in arterial partial pressure of oxygen on 100% inspired oxygen ( p p p = 0.03). The patients were extubated in the intensive care unit earlier in the stabilization group (8.2 hours versus 9.2 hours, not significant). The mean static and dynamic lung compliance postoperatively was lower in the stabilization group, although not statistically significant ( p = 0.06). Conclusions . Coronary artery bypass grafting operation using cardiac stabilization technique is safe and avoids the risk of cardiopulmonary bypass. The pulmonary gas exchange postoperatively is comparable to standard cardiopulmonary bypass procedures, but a reduced postoperative pulmonary shunt was seen in the stabilization group.
BadR and BadM Proteins Transcriptionally Regulate Two Operons Needed for Anaerobic Benzoate Degradation by Rhodopseudomonas palustris

The bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris grows with the aromatic acid benzoate and the alicyclic acid cyclohexanecarboxylate (CHC) as sole carbon sources. The enzymatic steps in an oxygen-independent pathway for CHC degradation have been elucidated, but it was unknown how the CHC operon (badHI aliAB badK) encoding the enzymes for CHC degradation was regulated. aliA and aliB encode enzymes for the conversion of CHC to cyclohex-1-enecarboxyl–coenzyme A (CHene-CoA). At this point, the pathway for CHC degradation merges with the pathway for anaerobic benzoate degradation, as CHene-CoA is an intermediate in both degradation pathways. Three enzymes, encoded by badK, badH, and badI, prepare and cleave the alicyclic ring of CHene-CoA to yield pimelyl-CoA. Here, we show that the MarR transcription factor family member, BadR, represses transcription of the CHC operon by binding near the transcription start site of badH. 2-Ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl–CoA, an intermediate of CHC and benzoate degradation, interacts with BadR to abrogate repression. We also present evidence that the transcription factor BadM binds to the promoter of the badDEFGAB (Bad) operon for the anaerobic conversion of benzoate to CHene-CoA to repress its expression. Contrary to previous reports, BadR does not appear to control expression of the Bad operon. These data enhance our view of the transcriptional regulation of anaerobic benzoate degradation by R. palustris.
Transform-Free Analysis of M/G/1/K and Related Queues

Using constructive, sample-path arguments, we derive a variety of transform-free results about queue lengths and waiting times for the M/G/1/K queue. In classical analyses of M/G/1/K, it is typical to work with Markov processes obtained by defining the "state" of the system at a time epoch to be the number of customers present and, as supplementary information, the remaining service time of the customer, if any, in service. In contrast, the key idea behind our analysis is to work with a modified Markov process that has a more-detailed state description. At any time epoch t when the server is busy, we replace "the number of customers present" by two variables, namely a the number of customers who where and still are waiting in the queue immediately after the start of the service in progress, and b the number of customers who arrived during that same service but prior to t. We show that this minor change of state definition, coupled with a rigorous formalization of the intuitive notion of a "test customer" whose viewpoint is adopted in our analysis of the modified Markov process makes possible a surprisingly simple analysis of the M/G/1/K queue. We also show that our method can be extended easily to yield similar results for various generalizations of the basic M/G/1/K model.
Effects of contact chemistry and host plant experience in the oviposition behaviour of the eastern black swallowtail butterfly

Papilio polyxenes, the eastern black swallowtail butterfly, is a specialist on members of the carrot family, Apiaceae. Females choose food plants for their larvae, laying eggs singly on acceptable host plants, which vary considerably visually and chemically. To allow for fidelity of these vagile females to a single family of host plants in the absence of information transfer across life stages, the response to at least one type of host plant cue, be it visual or chemical, must be innate. Although much work has been done to identify the plant chemicals used by ovipositing swallowtails to recognize their host plants after landing, it has been assumed rather than demonstrated that the response to this cue is innate. We conducted two experiments to test the nature of the black swallowtail's response to contact chemical host plant cues, and a third to examine the role of the larval host plant in adult behaviour. The results of the first experiment verified that females without host plant experience respond specifically to cues from the host plant, Daucus carota, with typical abdomen curling, and not to the nonhost fava bean, Vicia faba. The nondeterrency of bean was also verified. The second experiment demonstrated that this response was unaltered by specific host plant experience: females responded to extracts of hosts, carrot and poison hemlock, Conium maculatum, differentially, but without regard to the plant previously experienced. We also examined effects of deprivation and age in the first experiment, with each having a significant effect; these were controlled for in the second experiment. Finally, feeding on a host plant as a larva did not increase the preference for that plant as an adult. This is the first demonstration that the response to these contact chemical cues is not only innate but unaltered by specific host plant experience.
A study on polarization hysteresis in PEM fuel cells by galvanostatic step sweep

In this work, the galvanostatic step sweep was used to investigate the hysteresis phenomenon found in the polarization measurements in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Three different diffusion media including Toray, E-TEK and SGL as well as the PTFE content from 10% to 30% in the diffusion media were carefully examined. Based on these results along with the comparison between results using dry and fully humidified air, the reason for the formation of such hysteresis in polarization curves was clarified. The generation and storage of liquid water was correlated with the materials of diffusion layers as well as the cross point in polarization curves during the forward and backward sweeps. Experimental results on the effect of operation conditions, i.e. flow rates, cell temperature and the time at each current density were also explored to illuminate the transient behavior within fuel cells behind such hysteresis phenomenon.
Stability of the unison response for a rotating system with multiple tautochronic pendulum vibration absorbers

Due to spatial and balancing considerations, the implementation of centrifugal pendulum absorbers (CPVA's) invariably requires that the total absorber inertia be divided into several absorber masses and stationed about the center of rotation. To achieve the designed-for performance, the CPVA's are expected to move in exact unison, since the selection of the total absorber mass is made by assuming an equivalent single absorber mass. In this paper, we determine the conditions under which the unison motion ofa system of several identical CPVA's is dynamically stable. This is done for the special case of tautochronic absorbers subjected to a purely harmonic torque. The stability criterion is obtained by an asymptotic method that exploits certain symmetries in the equations of motion and is based on the assumption that total moment of inertia of the absorbers is much smaller than that of the entire rotating system-an assumption that is almost always satisfied in practice. It is expressed in terms of a critical torque level that is proportional to the square root of the equivalent viscous damping of the individual absorbers. The result is verified by numerical simulations of the system near the critical parameter conditions. A future paper will consider the post-critical response of the system.
Identification of atmospheric influences on the estimation of snow water equivalent from AMSR-E measurements

Abstract Radiometric measurements near 19 and 37 GHz have been used for estimation of snow water equivalent (SWE) for many years. Most conventional SWE retrieval algorithms depend on the difference between the brightness temperatures ( T b 's) at these frequencies. The effect of atmospheric absorption is generally assumed to be insignificant, and thus often not taken into account in such estimation. In this paper this effect is closely examined with the aid of AMSR-E and radiosonde data sets over two widely separated regions in the continental U.S.A. Results of the analysis show that even under a clear sky the atmospheric absorption could account for as much as ∼ 25–50% to the estimation of SWE. For example, the AMSR-E estimated SWE of 10 cm would become about 13.6 cm when measured at the ground level under the same atmospheric condition; the estimation based on surface emission alone (i.e., no atmosphere) would be about 15.2 cm. There is some regional dependence of this atmospheric absorption effect, but the effect of seasonal variation is negligibly small. Under cloudy conditions, the impact of liquid cloud absorption is significant and it appears necessary to perform either cloud screening or quantify the cloud effects on SWE estimation from 19 to 37 GHz radiometric measurements at ground level or satellite altitudes.
Exercise Alters Pain Sensitivity in Gulf War Veterans With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Abstract Since returning from the Persian Gulf, nearly 100,000 veterans of the first Gulf War (GVs) have reported numerous symptoms with no apparent medical explanation. A primary complaint of these individuals is chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP). CMP symptoms in GVs are similar to those reported by patients with fibromyalgia (FM), but have not received equivalent scientific attention. Exercise research in CMP patients suggests that acute exercise may exacerbate pain while chronic exercise can reduce pain and improve other symptoms. However, the influence of exercise on GVs with CMP is largely unexplored. This study examined the impact of an acute bout of exercise on pain sensitivity in GVs with CMP. Thirty-two GVs (CMP, n = 15; Control, n = 17) were recruited to complete a series of psychophysical assessments to determine pain sensitivity to heat and pressure stimuli before and after exercise. In response to heat-pain stimuli, GVs with CMP reported higher pain intensity and affect ratings than healthy GVs and exhibited a significant increase in ratings following exercise. GVs with CMP rated exercise as more painful and effortful and were generally more sensitive to heat-pain stimuli than healthy GVs. These results are similar to what has been reported for acute exercise in patients with FM. Perspective Gulf War veterans with CMP perceive exercise as more painful and effortful than healthy GVs and experience increased pain sensitivity following exercise. These results suggest that similar abnormalities in central nervous system processing of nociceptive information documented in FM may also be occurring in GVs with CMP.
Disparities in self-reported geriatric depressive symptoms due to sociodemographic differences: An extension of the bi-factor item response theory model for use in differential item functioning

Abstract This study evaluates the measurement noninvariance, or differential item functioning (DIF), in the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) items attributable to age, sex, and race/ethnicity among community-dwelling older adults. Participants (N = 2773) were from the New Haven site of the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies in the Elderly. Statistical analyses included exploratory factor analysis, bi-factor confirmatory factor analysis, and a bi-factor multiple indicator and multiple causes (MIMIC) model to address measurement noninvariance. Blacks, compared with whites, were more likely to endorse items loading on the interpersonal factor, which include “people dislike me” and “people are unfriendly.” Women were less likely to endorse the interpersonal items and the “I felt like a failure” item (odds ratio [OR] = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42, 0.94) than men. But women had a higher proportional odds than men for endorsing the “crying” item (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.96). Those 75 years and older (relative to those aged 65–74) were less likely to endorse the “I felt like a failure” item (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.97). However, measurement noninvariance found in both the “crying” and “failure” items were attributable to women and to those aged 75 and older were trivial after controlling for the underlying level of depressive symptomatology. Therefore, the interpersonal items showed measurement noninvariance attributable to sex and race. The bi-factor MIMIC model is useful for examining measurement noninvariance due to sociodemographics in a multidimensional depression instrument.
Putting Balance and Validity into the Balanced Scorecard

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC), popularized by Kaplan and Norton (1996a, 1996b), has become widely discussed and used (see, for example, Olsson, Karlsson, & Sharma, 2000). The basic notion of the BSC is that organisational performance ought to be evaluated from more than simply a financial perspective. This notion is sound and was an improvement over the traditional focus upon only financial performance. However, there is a fundamental problem with the version of the BSC proposed by Kaplan and Norton (1996b). Specifically, the Balanced Scorecard version proposed by Kaplan and Norton (1996b) is based upon the notion that “four perspectives” ought to be used to evaluate organisational performance: customer, internal business processes, learning and growth and financial. While this has intuitive appeal, the basic problem is that Kaplan and Norton (1996a, 1996b) have not provided any empirical support for these particular “perspectives.” We do not know whether these are the correct perspectives to be used as a basis for assessing organisational performance. This can have serious consequences for organisations. Managers are implicitly being encouraged to focus upon these four factors, when others might be more significant. In addition, this paper also questions the meaningfulness of the four perspectives proposed by Kaplan and Norton in terms of their construct validity. This is not just an academic quibble. The significance is that if the factors used in a strategic management system, such as a BSC, are invalid, managers can focus upon the wrong things and this, in turn, can potentially be damaging to companies, investors, and in turn, optimal societal resource allocation. Instead of the four perspectives proposed by Kaplan and Norton, there is evidence that there are actually six “key strategic building blocks” of successful organisations (Flamholtz, 1995; Flamholtz & Aksehirili, 2000; Flamholtz & Hua, 2002), and these should be used (in addition to financial results) to provide true balance for both performance measurement and strategic management. This should not be viewed as invalidating the original concept of the Balanced Scorecard, but rather as the next logical generation or iteration of its development.
IMPROVEMENTS IN DETERMINING TOTAL COUNTS OF BACTERIA

SYNOPSIS An interferometric method of measuring the thickness of counting chambers is described. It is simple enough to be used every time a chamber is assembled. Accurate measurement of chamber depth removes a large systematic error from total counts as ordinarily calculated. Experiments on various other details of counting technique lead to recommendations conducive to still further improvement. The standard error of a count under the best conditions need be no more than 50 p.c. greater than the error due to random sampling.
Production, purification and properties of endoglucanase from a newly isolated strain of Mucor circinelloides

Abstract A newly isolated strain of the fungus, Mucor circinelloides (NRRL 26519), when grown on lactose, cellobiose, or Sigmacell 50 produces complete cellulase (endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, and β-glucosidase) system. The extracellular endoglucanase (EG) was purified to homogeneity from the culture supernatant by ethanol precipitation (75%, v/v), CM Bio-Gel A column chromatography, and Bio-Gel A-0.5 m gel filtration. The purified EG (specific activity 43.33 U/mg protein) was a monomeric protein with a molecular weight of 27 000. The optimum temperature and pH for the action of the enzyme were at 55 °C and 4.0–6.0, respectively. The purified enzyme was fully stable at pH 4.0–7.0 and temperature up to 60 °C. It hydrolysed carboxymethyl cellulose and insoluble cellulose substrates (Avicel, Solka-floc, and Sigmacell 50) to soluble cellodextrins. No glucose, cellobiose, and short chain cellooligosaccarides were formed from these substrates. The purified EG could not degrade oat spelt xylan and larch wood xylan. It bound to Avicell, Solka-floc, and Sigmacell 50 at pH 5.0 and the bound enzyme was released by changing the pH to 8.0. The enzyme activity was enhanced by 27±5 and 44±14% by the addition of 5 mM MgCl2 and 0.5 mM CoCl2, respectively, to the reaction mixture. Comparative properties of this enzyme with other fungal EGs are presented.
Treatment of purulent meningitis with terramycin (oxytetracycline) and sulfadiazine.

Summary Thirty-one patients with purulent meningitis were treated with Terramycin and sulfadiazine. Of these the causative organism in nine was H. influenzae , fourteen were found to have meningococcus, and eight were unclassified. The medication was given parenterally until it could be tolerated orally, usually within twenty-four hours. Therapy was continued for ten days and was well tolerated. One patient developed a sterile abscess due to sulfadiazine. There were two fatalities, one due to meningococcus meningitis exhibiting the fulminating Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome and the other due to herniation of the cerebellar tonsils following lumbar puncture. The remaining patients gave evidence of rapid bacteriological and clinical responses. Two patients developed subdural effusions from one of which the organism was recovered in the aspirated fluid although the patient's spinal fluid showed no growth. These over-all results compare favorably with previously reported series using Chloromycetin and Aureomycin.
The fine structure of connective tissue fibrils

Abstract Electron micrographs of especially clean fibrils of collagen from dog and rat have shown their segments built up of pairs of threadlike striae. Sometimes a third filament is seen in each hollow between pairs; then the fibril appears continuously cross-striated with a distance between striae of ca 640 A 3 =210 A . Transitions between the two types of striation are often found in the same fiber. Perhaps these threads are the remains of a second transverse system of filaments which bind the separate collagen fibers into a fabric-like structure.
Synthesis of α-d-galactopyranosyl-linked oligosaccharides containing the α-Gal → β-Gal → GlcNAc sequence employing methyl-2,3,4,6-tetra-O-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1-thio- β-d-galactopyranoside as an efficient glycosyl donor☆

Abstract Synthesis of two trisaccharides and a tetrasaccharide, namely, α-Gal-(1 → 3)- β-Gal-(1 → 3)-GlcNAc-β-OBn (6), α-Gal-(1 → 3)-β-Gal-(1 → 4)-GlcNAc- β-OBn (9) and α-Gal-(1 → 3)-β-Gal-(1 → 4)-GlcNAc-β-(1 → 6)-GalNAc- α-OBn (19) was accomplished through development and utilization of a key α- galactosyl donor, methyl 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1-thio-β- d - galactopyranoside (1).
Split‐step Fourier Padé migration method

We have recently introduced the split-step Pade migration method based on the formal solution of the one-way wave equation. It can be much more efficient than conventional finitedifference parabolic-equation schemes for a given model, and can produce images of complex structures with fewer numerical artifacts than the latter. To further improve migration accuracy, we develop a split-step Fourier Pade migration method that uses the split-step Fourier scheme followed by a split-step Pade compensation during wavefield depth extrapolation. The method is based on a new approximation to the formal solution of the one-way wave equation, rather than on the approximation to the square-root operator in the one-way wave equation. It has almost the same advantages of Fourier-transform-based migration methods, that is, it is exact in homogeneous regions, and can use a much larger grid spacing than conventional finitedifference parabolic-equation methods to produce high-quality images for large 3-D imaging problems.
Portable plasma torch treatment on E. coli, S. aureus, N. meningitidis and other clinical isolates

The uses of non-thermal plasmas in medical, environmental and consumer industries especially in food processing, air filtration, decontamination and sterilization of bacteria in liquids and solids surfaces, are continued to grow. In this paper we present the research efforts on the effects of a portable non-thermal plasma source treatment on bacteria in liquid phases. We predict that the plasma species can penetrate/diffuse in to the liquid culture media and plasma treatment will efficiently kill the bacteria at unique time and distance parameters. It is also hypothesized that less stringent plasma treatment will negatively affect the growth rate of some species of bacteria and possibly their pathogenicity. Cultures used were at optical densities (O.D. 600nm ) ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 or McFarland standards of 0.5 and higher. The bacteria were exposed to plasmas at various time lengths and distance parameters and gas temperatures. Our results indicates that less than 120 seconds of plasma treatment with the plasma gun ∼5 cm away from the liquid culture is effective in killing/sterilizing cultures of S. aureus, S. pyogenes, Salmonella spp, N. meningitidis, and E. coli. Less than five minutes of cold plasma with the probe immersed 1–2 cm inside the liquid culture were needed to kill the bacteria. Furthermore, growth curve analysis showed that N. meningitidis, S. aureus and E. coli exposed to less than 2 minutes of treatment experienced decreased growth. N. meningitidis exposed to 1 minute of hot plasma treatment displayed a heavier mucoid appearance on agar plates and subsequent capsule staining will be employed to verify microscopically if a larger capsule is present in comparison to untreated samples. Furthermore, q-real time-RT-PCR will be employed with N. meningitidis to determine quantitative amount of capsule gene expression using primers for synC and synD genes (needed for capsular polysaccharide synthesis) and the ctrA gene (needed for capsular polysaccharide transport). Additionally, q-real time-RT-PCR work will be used to investigate whether N. meningitidis has decreased synthesis of the PilC gene after 1 minute treatment with hotter plasma. The PilC gene codes for the bacteria's pili, which are used for adhesion and pathogenicity in its host. Subsequent studies should be done to explore the effects of plasma treatment on the pathogenicity of different species of bacteria.
Measurement of angular correlation solid angle corrections for a coaxial Ge(Li) detector

Abstract Experimental finite solid-angle corrections have been determined for a coaxial Ge(Li) detector. A comparison between these experimental values and calculated values is shown.
Recovery of rat brain from a brief hyperphenylalaninemic insult early in development.

Abstract Rats were injected subcutaneously from the eighth to the twelfth day of life with 4 mg/g/day of a 2.5% solution of l -phrnylalanine in saline in 4 divided doses. Control sibs were injected with an equal volume of saline. Part of each group was sacrificed on day 12; remaining sibs were raised normally until day 50. At 12 days of age the cerebral hemispheres of hyperphenylalaninemic animals weighed only 86.8% of controls; lipids were decreased to 85.8% and residual proteins to 72.2% of control values, but DNA was only slightly reduced to 94.2% of controls. The cerebellums of hyperphenylalaninemic rats weighed 74% of controls at age 12 days, but DNA was reduced to 66%. The fresh weight, DNA, lipid and residual protein content of the cerebral hemispheres of sibs sacrificed on day 50 did not differ significantly regardless of whether or not they had been made hyperphenylalaninemic from day 8 to day 12. However, the cerebellums of previously hyperphenylalaninemic rats weighed only 87% and the DNA was only 73% control values. Thus, brief hyperphenylalaninemic insults early in life exert permanent effects on cell replication and growth of the cerebellum but not of the cerebrum.
Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model Chain Algorithm: Part 1 — Introduction and Concept Development

Pseudo-rigid-body models help expedite the compliant mechanism design process by aiding the analysis and synthesis of candidate design solutions, using loop-closure techniques for rigid-body mechanisms. Presently, these models are available only for relatively simple compliant beam geometries and loading situations. The chain algorithm is an alternate method for the design and analysis of compliant mechanisms. Though more versatile, insofar as the geometry and loading are concerned, it is not possible to implement this technique in analysis or synthesis problems involving loop-closure equations. This paper proposes the construction of a generalized “pseudo-rigid-body model chain;” it allows the use of pseudo-rigid-body models in conjunction with the chain algorithm to obtain the deformation kinematics of complex compliant members. Such a “pseudo-rigid-body model chain” would possess dual advantages of expediency of modeling through the use of pseudo-rigid-body representations of compliant segments, and the inherent flexibility of the chain algorithm to geometry and load boundary conditions. The proposed technique involves discretization of the planar continuum into initially straight, equal length compliant segments, whose deflections due to the applied load boundary conditions are then determined using appropriate pseudo-rigid-body models. Such a model could potentially be used in the solution of compliant mechanism design and analysis problems when coupled with the use of loop-closure equations.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Almond Nutmeat Moisture and Water Activity and its Influence on Fungal Flora and Seed Composition

Higher moisture in almonds, a possible result of rain during harvest, was studied. Water activity (aw) was positively correlated with moisture, increased reducing sugar and free fatty acid, and negatively correlated with total fat of almond kernels. These parameters indicate increased metabolism in the moist kernel and may be the cause of “concealed damage” a defect evidenced by brown centers in heated almonds. An almond water sorption isotherm has been developed and compared to mathematical equations. Fungal growth occurred at aw 0.75 and above. Time for visible growth development was related to aw and moisture. Fungal growth on the kernel depended upon aw and time. Static flora did not change at aw 0.70 and below. Aspergillus glaucus group was most frequently isolated at aw 0.75–0.80 and other storage fungi more frequently as the aw increased to 0.9. A. niger was the most frequent isolate.
Interactive backprojected soft shadows with an occlusion camera shadow map

Soft shadows are crucial for computer generated imagery, as they increase the level of realism and improve spacial perception. Generating soft shadows is inherently difficult because it involves evaluating the visibility between an area light source and every point in the scene. One way to accurately compute this visibility is to backproject occluder geometry onto the light for every point in the scene. However, searching for relevant edges is costly so backprojection scales poorly with increased scene complexity. We present an interactive soft shadow algorithm that draws insight from the depth discontinuity occlusion camera model (DDOC) [Popescu and Aliaga 2006], a non-pinhole camera that bends light rays near discontinuity edges to sample normally hidden surfaces. By carefully choosing the size of DDOC distortion regions based on light and occluder geometry, we generate a map that stores the closest silhouette edges for each pixel. This enables us to find the most relevant edge to backproject using a single map lookup and additional edges with a small neighborhood search. Our method combines the accuracy of object-space backprojection methods with the efficiency of an image-based approach.
Keratinocyte Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator is Secreted as a Single Chain Precursor

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is produced and secreted by cultured human keratinocytes as a single chain precursor. UPA in keratinocyte conditioned medium is not susceptible to inhibition with diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), and it has an apparent molecular weight of 55 kD under both reducing and nonreducing conditions. Cleavage of keratinocyte uPA by plasmin results in the formation of a 96 kD complex comprised of activated uPA and PA inhibitor 2. PA extracted from normal human epidermis is only partially inhibited by DFP, suggesting that precursor uPA is also present in vivo. The synthesis of uPA as a precursor with reduced enzymatic activity as well as decreased affinity for inhibitors is likely to be a mechanism by which normal epidermis regulates plasminogen activation in vivo.
On the semi-perfect elimination

We give algorithmic characterizations of two classes of graphs, for which every ordering produced by the Lexicographic Breadth-First Search and the Maximum Cardinality Search, respectively, satisfies a prescribed property. These characterizations allow us to design linear-time optimization algorithms for these classes of graphs.
Production and characterization of an antiserum which recognizes the native receptor for thyrotropin-releasing hormone.

Abstract Despite attempts in several laboratories, it has been difficult to prepare antiserum to the thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR). We have prepared a polyclonal anti-rat TRHR antiserum by immunization of rabbits with a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminus of the TRHR. The specificity of the antiserum was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The affinity-purified antibody recognized a major broad band at 50–60 kDa and a minor broad band at 100–120 kDa in Western blot analysis of membrane proteins from TRHR-transfected, but not control, HEK293t cells. Binding to both bands was abolished by preincubation with the immunizing peptide but not control peptide. The approach was repeated with rat pituitary F4C1 cells, which lack endogenous TRHRs; membranes from F4C1 cells transfected with TRHR cDNA, but not control cells, showed specific binding by Western blot. Using laser confocal microscopy, the TRHR was visualized on the plasma membrane of transfected, but not control, F4C1 cells. Similar confocal findings were observed in TRHR-transfected HEK293t cells. Within 5 min after TRH addition, the TRHR signal translocated from the plasma membrane to the cytoplasm of F4C1 cells transfected with TRHR cDNA. Ten minutes after TRH addition, the TRHR signal formed aggregates in the cytoplasm. Thirty minutes after TRH treatment, both cytoplasmic and plasma membrane localizations were observed, suggesting recycling of some TRHRs back to the plasma membrane. These observations are consistent with our previous findings using an epitope-tagged TRHR. In conclusion, we have prepared an antiserum that recognizes the native TRHR by Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy.
Shortest path adjusted similarity metrics for resolving boundary perturbations in scaffold images for tissue engineering

The degree of match between the delineation result produced by a segmentation technique and the ground truth can be assessed using robust " presence-absence " resemblance measures. Previously, we had investigated and introduced an exhaustive list of similarity indices for assessing multiple segmentation techniques. However, these measures are highly sensitive to even minor boundary perturbations which imminently manifest in the segmentations of random biphasic spaces reminiscent of the stochastic pore-solid distributions in the tissue engineering scaffolds. This paper investigates the ideas adapted from ecology to emphasize global resemblances and ignore minor local dissimilarities. It uses concepts from graph theory to perform controlled local mutations in order to maximize the similarities. The effect of this adjustment is investigated on a comprehensive list (forty nine) of similarity indices sensitive to the over- and under- estimation errors associated with image delineation tasks.
Ultramicrotomy of carbon-graphite materials for transmission electron microscopy

Abstract The biological techniques relating to the encapsulation of materials for ultramicrotomy prior to TEM observation were applied to some specific graphites to which metals had been added to modify the carbon structure. Ultrathin cross sections were prepared and examined in a high-resolution transmission electron microscope in order to characterize the internal morphology of the materials. Particle size and shape and relative particle size distribution were determined for each of the graphite species and identification of the major crystalline constituents was made by means of electron diffraction.
Low-frequency sound propagation in a quasi-one-dimensional flow

A systematic low-frequency theory is developed for the propagation of one-dimensional sound waves in a variable-area duct. The mean flow in the duct is assumed to be isentropic, compressible, and one-dimensional. Two applications are made of the theory. One concerns the reflexion coefficient from a pipe-nozzle combination, in which case comparisons are also made with some experimental data. In the second application, we consider the case of a sonic throat separating subsonic and supersonic flow. In this case, if the mean Mach number distribution in addition to being unity at the throat is also stationary at the throat, there is an axial ‘boundary-layer’ region in which the impedance of the sound wave changes from a fundamentally unsteady (reflexion-free) value at the sonic throat to the quasi-steady value away from the throat.
The St. Louis Ozone Gardens: Visualizing the Impact of a Changing Atmosphere

To illustrate how the present-day background concentrations of ground-level O3 damage the biosphere, we have established the St. Louis “Ozone Garden” Project as an educational and public outreach facility that provides platforms for observing and quantifying damage to plants. The St. Louis Ozone Gardens education/public outreach program is designed to increase public awareness of this environmental problem.
Studies on the formation, structure and magnetic properties of Cr substituted Sm2(Fe, Cr)17Cx compounds

Abstract The effects of Cr substitution on the formation, structure and magnetic properties of Sm 2 (Fe, Cr) 17 C x compounds have been systematically studied on arc-melted and melt-spun samples using XRD, TEM and magnetic measurements. It has been found that Cr substitution is an effective way to form the Sm 2 (Fe, Cr) 17 C x carbides. The minimum Cr amount for Sm 2 Fe 17− y Cr y C 2 to form an almost single 2 : 17 phase is around y = 2 and the maximum carbon amount for Sm 2 Fe 15 Cr 2 C x to remain in a single 2 : 17 structure is around x = 2. Magnetic measurements reveal that the Cr substituted Sm 2 (Fe, Cr) 17 C x carbides have a strong uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy with anisotropy fields higher than 90 kOe obtained in Sm 2 Fe 15 Cr 2 C 2 and Sm 2 Fe 14 Cr 3 C 2 carbides. However, both the Curie temperature and the magnetization are found to decrease with Cr substitution. High coercivity can be obtained in Sm 2 (Fe, Cr) 17 C x ribbons produced by the melt-spinning technique. The highest coercivity of 13.2 kOe has been obtained in Sm 2 Fe 15 Cr 2 C 2 ribbons spun at 52 m/s and annealed at 750°C for 20 min.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPUTER-ASSISTED INTERACTIVE GLOSSES

ABSTRACT This paper introduces a new Japanese courseware program, Banzai Readings, and presents an empirical study based on the program. Banzai Readings provides reading texts accompanied by glosses to enhance second-language learners' reading comprehension. Several studies support that marginal glosses are more effective than no gloss in learning second-language vocabulary (e.g., Hulstijn et al. 1996, Watanabe 1997). Since marginal glosses can be presented in different formats, it is of interest to determine which formats are more effective than others. This study investigates the effectiveness of two types of glosses using Banzai Readings. The single-gloss version of the program provides a single English translation for each target vocabulary item or target grammatical structure occurring in the reading text. The multiple-choice version of the program provides two possible translations in a multiple-choice format, followed by immediate feedback in response to learners' selections. The result of the study is that the multiple-choice format is significantly more effective than the single-gloss format. The study illustrates how educational software design decisions can be usefully guided by empirical studies of the relative effectiveness of different versions.
Studies on some fungi from north-western Wyoming. I. Pyrenomycetes.

During the summer of 1940, the writer spent several months at the Rocky Mountain Field Station of the University of Michigan (Camp Davis), at the mouth of Hoback Callyon, some seventeen miles south of Jackson, Wyoming. During this period, collections and observations of the fungi of this region were made within a radius of somle forty or fifty miles. This area is very interesting from a mycological viewpoint. It includes the Jackson Hole area about the Snake River, the Teton National Park, with its rugged peaks, a number of other mountain ranges and a large area of high, dry, hilly sagebrush country. At first inspection this does not appear to be a region favorable for fungus growth. However, it is of special interest in several respects. The fleshy fungi, it is true, appear to be absent over a large part of the area and during most of the year, but even these do occur, and in abundance, after the very local, but often heavy showers of late summer. To collect these one must be on the right spot at the right time-a few days after such periodic showers. Only a few such opportunities were encountered, and no great attention was paid to fleshy forms. Parasitic fungi, such as leaf spots, rusts, etc., also abound. The region has a large and varied host flora which will yield an abundance of such parasites. Dr. Solheim's accounts and collections (11: pt. 1-4) have recorded many of these. A third flourishing fungous flora, and the one in which the writer was most interested, is that found on the stems of herbaceous and woody plants. The Pyrenomycetes and Fungi Imperfecti on dead stems grow luxuriantly, particularly at the higher elevations and in the mountain meadows. In these situations there is a heavy winter snow-
Structural investigation of plasma-enhanced glass surface modification using ftir spectroscopy

Abstract The structural changes that occur on sodium calcium silicate glasses during plasma treatment were investigated using reflectance FTIR spectroscopy. These predicted structural changes were related to the composition changes with respect to the “near” surface region from SIMS spectroscopy. Surface structural/infrared spectral changes for such treatments were also related to those noted in earlier studies during corrosion of silicate glasses.
Phosphate depletion impairs insulin secretion by pancreatic islets.

Phosphate depletion impairs insulin secretion by pancreatic islets.Phosphate depletion (PD) is associated with resistance to the peripheral action of insulin and with glucose intolerance. However, data on the effect of PD on insulin secretion are not consistent, and were derived indirectly by measurements of blood levels of insulin during intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) or with hyperglycemic clamp technique. Direct evidence for an effect of PD on insulin secretion by pancreatic islets is not available, and the potential mechanisms through which PD may affect insulin secretion are not known. We performed IVGTT, examined in vitro insulin secretion by pancreatic islets, and evaluated various factors involved in insulin secretion in PD and pair weighed (PW) rats. PD animals had fasting hyperglycemia and normal plasma insulin levels, and displayed abnormal IVGTT as compared to PW rats. Both initial and late phases of D-glucose-induced insulin secretion from islets were markedly and significantly (P 3 ]2-deoxyglucose uptake by islets and their cyclic AMP content after exposure to D-glucose, D-glyceraldehyde or forskolin were not different among the two groups of animals. Insulin content in PD islets was modestly but significantly (P
Transfer of plasma lipid to platelets by action of glucagon

Abstract Intravenous administration of glucagon to 12 dogs and nine people produced significant depression of plasma total lipid and cholesterol at 1 2 to 2 hours. There was no significant change of whole blood total lipid. Incubation at 37°C of aliquots of blood completely or partially restored plasma lipid and cholesterol levels previously depressed by glucagon. In vitro dose-response curves showed concentrations of glucagon comparable to those following I.V. administration of glucagon (1 mg.) caused similar depression of plasma total lipid. In vitro study of the blood of seven people showed glucagon caused significant depression of plasma total lipid and cholesterol from 1 2 through 3 hours while incubation completely or partially restored depressed levels. These findings indicated glucagon lowered plasma lipid and cholesterol by transfer of lipid to the blood cell(s). Study of six people to determine the cell(s) involved showed glucagon caused significant depression of plasma lipid at 1 and 2 hours in platelet-rich plasma only while there was no change in platelet-poor blood, cell-free plasma, and normal saline controls. It was concluded the hypolipemic action of glucagon is due to transfer of plasma lipid to blood platelets which release the lipid back to plasma when the action of glucagon ceases.