cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural basis for physiological regulation of paracellular pathways in intestinal epithelia.

Isolated segments of hamster small intestine were perfused with oxygenated salt-fluorocarbon emulsions with or without 10–25mm glucose, alanine or leucine. Resistances of inter-cellular occluding junctions and of lateral spaces and the distributed capacitance of epithelial plasma membranes were estimated from steady-state transepithelial impedances at frequencies from 0.01–10 kHz. The segments were then fixedin situ with isorheic 2.5% glutaraldehyde while continuing to measure impedance. This method of fixation increased the resistance of lateral spaces but had little effect on the resistance of occluding junctions or on membrane capacitance. The large decreases of impedance induced by glucose or amino acids were preserved in fixed tissue and could therefore be correlated with changes in structure. The observed changes of impedance were interpreted as decreased resistance of occluding junctions and lateral spaces together with increased exposed surface of lateral membranes (capacitance). Glucose, alanine or leucine induced expansion of lateral intercellular spaces as seen by light and electron microscopy. Large dilatations within absorptive cell occluding junctions were revealed by electron microscopy. Freeze-fracture analysis revealed that these dilatations consisted of expansions of compartments bounded by strands/grooves. These solute-induced structural alterations were also associated with condensation of microfilaments in the zone of the perijunctional actomyosin ring, typical of enhanced ring tension. Similar anatomical changes were found in epithelia fixedin situ at 38°C during luminal perfusion with glucose in blood-circulated intestinal segments of anesthetized animals. These structural changes support the hypothesis that Na-coupled solute transport triggers contraction of perijunctional actomyosin, thereby increasing junctional permeability and enhancing absorption of nutrients by solvent drag as described in the two accompanying papers.
IRIS: a transactions-based DSS for human resources management

Regulatory and internal requirements are creating strong and growing pressures for more effective means of managing human resources. This calls for systems support more capable than is available through traditional MIS methods. There is a crucial need to extend the customary MIS role, beyond providing regular functions and procedures to assure timeliness and integrity of raw data, to be capable of becoming an integral part of the management process itself through ad hoc inquiry and analysis. This must be a facility which is put at the direct and personal disposal of the manager. The degree to which such an information technology genuinely assists a decision maker in pursuing a train of thought is the most relevant and, in the final analysis, perhaps the only true measure of its effectiveness.Currently available data base designs, high-level analysis and inquiry languages and interactive computing have been combined into a systems architecture which makes such decision support systems a practical reality. This paper describes one such system. It is in regular daily use ina highly diverse industrial enterprise as a transaction driven data system, but is designed for the noncomputeroriented manager in a problem-solving situation as the intended ultimate end user.
The Influence of Pharmacological Manipulation of Serotonergic and Dopaminergic Mechanisms on Plasma Prolactin in Ovariectomized, Estrogen-Treated Rats*

Plasma prolactin was determined by radioimmunoassay in ovariectomized, estrogen-treated rats after the systemic administration of several serotonergic agonists and antagonists alone or in combination. In addition, the prolactin response to serotonin and 5-hydroxytryptophan was determined in rats pretreated with apomorphine and pimozide to assess the degree of interaction between serotonergic and dopaminergic mechanisms which affect prolactin release in vivo. Serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), and quipazine, a 5-HT agonist, each induced a marked, yet transient, release of prolactin. Fluoxetine, a 5-HT re-uptake blocker, combined with a small dose of 5- HTP but not 5-HT, also increased plasma levels of prolactin. In contrast, methysergide, cyproheptadine, and SQ 10,631, suspected 5-HT receptor antagonists, induced small, yet significant, depressions of basal plasma prolactin levels. In addition, one of these antagonists, methysergide, significantly increased plasma prolactin. This increase could...
The Role Of Digital Adaptive Beamforming In High Resolution Microwave Imaging

The user of a high resolution microwave imaging system views it as a large phased array radar. To the designer, however, it is a huge signal processing system with a multiport input (the phased antenna array) and a single output port ( the image display) . Between the input and the output, there is a great deal of signal handling and processing. Of course, there is a transmitter and receivers with local oscillators, mixers, IF amplifiers and quadrature demodulators. These are standard items required for frequency translation, amplification and demodulation; the real action as well as the intellectual depth in the creation of the system lies in the signal processing.
Newborn With Unilateral Lower Extremity Vascular Malformation and Limb Asymmetry

A newborn presents with a unilateral lower-extremity vascular malformation and limb asymmetry. (Figure 1) Figure 1. ### Prenatal and Birth Histories ### Presentation The infant was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit for issues related to prematurity. His admission physical examination was notable for a large, non-blanching, erythematous patch over the right lower extremity associated with lower limb asymmetry, with right greater than left. ### Vital Signs ### Physical Examination
Prolonged visual disturbance secondary to isolated sphenoid sinus disease.

Objectives/Hypothesis: The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with isolated sphenoid sinus disease with visual disturbances of more than 72 hours' duration. Study Design: Retrospective review. Methods: A sequential series of patients with isolated sphenoid sinus disease with visual disturbances who underwent endoscopic surgery performed by the same surgeon between 1995 and 2002 were reviewed. Patients with malignant tumors were excluded from the study. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively to record the effects of this approach on visual acuity and diplopia. Results: The study population included six women and seven men with a mean age of 56.2 years (age range, 31-75 y). Eight eyes had vision loss attributable to compressive optic neuropathy (27%) and optic neuritis (27%); seven eyes with diplopia had abducens palsy (40%) and oculomotor nerve palsy (7%). Sphenoid sinus lesions included sinusitis (38%), mucocele (31%), and aspergillosis (31%). The mean interval between the onset of visual disturbances and surgery was 6.6 months (range, 3 d-3.5 y). Visual disturbances improved in 60% of the patients (P <.01). There was better improvement in diplopia than in vision loss (P <.01). The results of endoscopic sinus surgery for patients with abducens palsy and aspergillosis were excellent (83% and 80%, respectively). Optic neuritis and visual disturbances lasting for more than 6 months were regarded as poor prognostic factors. Conclusion: The study supports the treatment of visual disturbances resulting from isolated sphenoid sinus disease by endoscopic sinus surgery. A timely operation may prevent permanent sequelae.
Semiconductor manufacturing process control and monitoring: A fab-wide framework

Abstract The semiconductor industry has started the technology transition from 200 mm to 300 mm wafers to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce manufacturing cost. These technological changes present a unique opportunity to optimally design the process control systems for the next generation fabs. In this paper we first propose a hierarchical fab-wide control framework with the integration of 300 mm equipment and metrology tools and highly automated material handling system. Relevant existing run-to-run technology is reviewed and analyzed in the fab-wide control context. Process and metrology data monitoring are discussed with an example. Missing components are pointed out as opportunities for future research and development. Concluding remarks are given at the end of the paper.
Cellular mechanisms of oxygen sensing at the carotid body: heme proteins and ion channels

Abstract The purpose of this article is to highlight some recent concepts on oxygen sensing mechanisms at the carotid body chemoreceptors. Most available evidence suggests that glomus (type I) cells are the initial site of transduction and they release transmitters in response to hypoxia, which in turn depolarize the nearby afferent nerve ending, leading to an increase in sensory discharge. Two main hypotheses have been advanced to explain the initiation of the transduction process that triggers transmitter release. One hypothesis assumes that a biochemical event associated with a heme protein triggers the transduction cascade. Supporting this idea it has been shown that hypoxia affects mitochondrial cytochromes. In addition, there is a body of evidence implicating non-mitochondrial enzymes such as NADPH oxidases, NO synthases and heme oxygenases located in glomus cells. These proteins could contribute to transduction via generation of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide and/or carbon monoxide. The other hypothesis suggests that a K + channel protein is the oxygen sensor and inhibition of this channel and the ensuing depolarization is the initial event in transduction. Several oxygen sensitive K + channels have been identified. However, their roles in initiation of the transduction cascade and/or cell excitability are unclear. In addition, recent studies indicate that molecular oxygen and a variety of neurotransmitters may also modulate Ca 2+ channels. Most importantly, it is possible that the carotid body response to oxygen requires multiple sensors, and they work together to shape the overall sensory response of the carotid body over a wide range of arterial oxygen tensions.
A filter-plate method for the recovery and cultivation of microorganisms utilizing volatile organic compounds

The recovery on solid media of microorganisms able to utilize complex mixtures such as petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) as their sole source of carbon and energy can be difficult due to differing solubilities of the PHC components. The inability to get adequate amounts of these compounds to partition into the solid media during preparation, without the use of surfactants, is a problem. To deal with these problems, an easy, inexpensive, and rapid method was developed for recovery and cultivation of microorganisms that are capable of growing on PHCs and other types of volatile and relatively insoluble substrates as sole sources of carbon and energy. This method involves introduction of the substrate to the microorganisms in the vapor phase by placing the growth substrate on a filter pad in the lid of a petri dish containing a minimal agar medium and microorganisms. The plate is incubated inverted, so the substrate/filter pad is below the microorganisms; growth can occur only if the microbes can utilize the volatilized compounds. This method has been used with a variety of volatilized hydrocarbon compounds, such as benzene, naphthalene, and alpha-pinene, to cultivate and enumerate both pure and mixed cultures of microorganisms. The filter pad method may be of use in the evaluation of microorganisms for their application to biofiltration applications.
Recoverin, a calcium-binding protein in photoreceptors

Recoverin is a Ca2+-binding protein found primarily in vertebrate photoreceptors. The proposed physiological function of recoverin is based on the finding that recoverin inhibits light-stimulated phosphorylation of rhodopsin. Recoverin interacts with rod outer segment membranes in a Ca2+-dependent manner. This interaction requires N-terminal acylation of recoverin. Four types of fatty acids have been detected on the N-terminus of recoverin, but the functional significance of this heterogeneous acylation is not yet clear.
Magnetic field-induced reversible actuation using ferromagnetic shape memory alloys

Abstract This paper presents a simple method to examine whether a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy can be used as an actuator by controlling the transformation temperature by magnetic field. Both Fe–Pd and NiAlCo alloys are studied. The analysis results show the recently discovered alloy of NiAlCo cannot be used. Although an Fe–Pd alloy can be used, in principle, for magnetic field actuation, the work extracted by magnetic actuation is small.
Synaptic competition and the persistence of polyneuronal innervation at frog neuromuscular junctions

Mechanisms governing the elimination of polyneuronal innervation were examined by correlating the morphology and physiology of competing nerve terminals at identified dually innervated neuromuscular junctions in sartorius muscles of adult frogs (Rana pipiens). Synaptic efficacy (endplate potential amplitude per unit nerve terminal length) was presumed to reflect the ability of a terminal to compete for synaptic space. The synaptic efficacies of two terminals at the same synaptic site were found to be surprisingly equal, with a median difference of 33%. Much more variation would be expected if dually innervated junctions were randomly innervated by pairs of terminals having the same range of synaptic efficacy as that found at singly innervated junctions in the same muscle. This finding supports the hypothesis that the weaker input is elimianted from dually innervated junctions when there is a large discrepancy in competitive efficacy, and that both inputs may persist if competitive efficacies are relatively equal. We also tested but failed to find support for the hypothesis that spatial proximity between competing terminals intensifies competition for synaptic space during synapse elimination.
Micromechanical Analysis of Composite Laminates at Cryogenic Temperatures

A finite element analysis-based micromechanics method is developed to investigate development of microcracks in a graphite/epoxy composite liquid hydrogen tank at cryogenic temperatures. The unit cell of the composite is modeled using finite elements. Periodic boundary conditions are applied to the boundaries of the unit cell. The temperature-dependent properties including the coefficient of thermal expansion of the matrix material are taken into account in the analysis. The thermoelastic constants of the composite are calculated as a function of temperature. The stresses in the fiber and matrix phases and along the fiber-matrix interface are calculated. When the laminated composite structure is subjected to combined thermal and mechanical loads, the macrostrains are computed from the global analysis. Then, the macrostrains and temperatures are applied to the unit cell model to evaluate microstresses, which are used to predict the formation of microcracks in the matrix. The method is applied to a composite liquid hydrogen storage system. It is found that the stresses in the matrix phase could be large enough to cause microcracks in the composite.
Introduction: Coaches as Intellectuals

The intellectual always stands between loneliness and alignment. —Edward Said (1996, p. 22) Walpole and McKenna (2008) defined literacy coaching as “a strategy for implementing a professional suppo...
Failure Prediction of Hot-Pressed Si3N4 Ceramics by NDE

Results are presented on the detection of critical flaws in hot-pressed Si3N4 with Fe inclusions by nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and fractographic observation. The NDE methods employed included (1) low-energy contact radiography with digital image enhancement and (2) through-transmission and backscatter ultrasonic imaging. A comparison of NDE and fractography results indicates that the backscatter ultrasonic method may be more suitable than low-kV contact radiography for the detection of near-surface flaws.Copyright © 1987 by ASME
Vertical sectional curvature and K-contactness

We prove that a contact form with riemannian characteristic flow is K-contact. We also present a purely riemannian hypothesis which implies the existence of a K-contact form with a prescribed unit Killing vector field as characteristic vector field. Our hypothesis is weaker than that previously presented by Hatakeyama, Ogawa and Tanno.
Intravenous 8-Bromo-cGMP Reduces Lung Vascular Resistance in Newborn Lambs with Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension

Intravenous 8-Bromo-cGMP Reduces Lung Vascular Resistance in Newborn Lambs with Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension
Predicted electrical conductivity between 0 and 80 km in the Venusian atmosphere

Calculations of the space charge, ion density, and conductivity in the Venus atmosphere were made. The presence of the cloud particles on Venus causes a profund reduction in the calculated values of the ion density and conductivity compared to the values that are obtained without consideration of the cloud particles. When the cloud particles are included in the calculations, the results for the ion density and conductivity are approximately the same as those of the terrestrial atmosphere at the same pressure-altitude. Because the particles span such a large range of sizes and are abundant over a substantial range of pressure, the space charge varies strongly with altitude and particle size. Differential settling of the particles is expected to produce weak electric fields in the clouds.
Inhibition of Influenza H7 Hemagglutinin-Mediated Entry

The recent outbreak of H7N9 influenza in China is of high concern to public health. H7 hemagglutinin (HA) plays a critical role in influenza entry and thus HA presents an attractive target for antivirals. Previous studies have suggested that the small molecule tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) inhibits the entry of influenza H3 HA by binding to the stem loop of HA and stabilizing the neutral pH conformation of HA, thereby disrupting the membrane fusion step. Based on amino acid sequence, structure and immunogenicity, H7 is a related Group 2 HA. In this work we show, using a pseudovirus entry assay, that TBHQ inhibits H7 HA-mediated entry, as well as H3 HA-mediated entry, with an IC50∼6 µM. Using NMR, we show that TBHQ binds to the H7 stem loop region. STD NMR experiments indicate that the aromatic ring of TBHQ makes extensive contact with the H7 HA surface. Limited proteolysis experiments indicate that TBHQ inhibits influenza entry by stabilizing the H7 HA neutral pH conformation. Together, this work suggests that the stem loop region of H7 HA is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention and that TBHQ, which is a widely used food preservative, is a promising lead compound.
Superplastic-like flow in ceramics: Recent developments and potentials applications

The process of superplasticity denotes the possibility of attaining high tensile elongations in materials with very fine grain sizes. This process is well established in metals, and superplastic forming has become an important industrial operation. Recent experimental results show the possibility of achieving superplastic-like flow in ceramic materials. This paper examines these results and the potential long-term applications.
The Strategic Influence of Newly Hired Executives

Executive Overview This article presents an examination of study conducted by researcher Warren Boeker on the strategic implications of executive migration, or the movement of executives between firms. The author discusses how Boeker studied the relationship between executive migration and new market entry for 67 semiconductor firms over an 18-year period. Boeker found a significant, positive relationship between executive migration and a firm's likelihood of entering a market in which the new executive's former firm competed. The author also notes that Boeker's research explored various facets of this effect of executive migration on product market entry decisions. The notes that despite only examining one industry the study still produced significant results.
Dipole moments of water aggregates according to the polarization model

Abstract Polarization model on water dimer and octomers (in the ice Ic configuration) which further support the credibility of the model for use in molecular dynamic and Monte Carlo simulations are presented. Some problems with the current parameterization of the model are discussed.
Control of topography and morphology for channel SiGe by in-situ HCl etching for future CMOS technologies with high-K metal gate

Abstract In high- K metal gate-first integration for future CMOS technologies an epitaxial SiGe layer in the P -channel is applied to modulate V T . This results in an unwanted elevation of the P -channel challenging particularly gate patterning. In this work, an in-situ HCl etching process prior to deposition of the channel SiGe for gate-first integration of HKMG has been studied. By in-situ HCl etching prior to epitaxial deposition (recessed cSiGe) the topography is clearly reduced with excellent epitaxial quality. The morphology of channel SiGe particularly for very small feature sizes is significantly improved by recessing the P -channel prior to epitaxial deposition. The flat topography shows a clear benefit for the gate-first integration. The topography driven P -channel leakage was reduced by one order of magnitude for recessed channel SiGe.
Carbon dioxide as the initial stimulus for excystation of Eimeria tenella oocysts.

SYNOPSIS. The stimulus necessary to initiate in vitro excystation of the chicken coccidium Eimeria tenella was provided by exposure of intact sporulated oocysts to an atmosphere of carbon dioxide. This stimulus produced a thinning and indentation at the micropylar region and oocysts became permeable to trypsin and bile. Sporozoites became active and began to escape from sporocysts into the oocyst cavity and then to the outside thru the altered micropyle after incubation in the enzyme-bile mixture. Activation of sporozoites when CO2-pretreated oocysts were incubated in trypsin and bile, was used as the criterion to determine the number of oocysts responding to the initial stimulus. Thus, activation of sporozoites within intact oocysts was an indirect measurement of the number of oocysts stimulated during CO2-pretreatment. Approximately 90% of the oocysts contained active sporozoites after 18 hr of pretreatment with carbon dioxide and 8 hr incubation in trypsin and bile at 38 or 41 C, respectively. Pretreatment of oocysts with air, N2, O2, or He resulted in 8% or less activation during incubation in trypsin and bile. Approximately 83% of the oocysts responded to the stimulus during 8 hr CO2-pretreatment at 41 C, whereas at 38 C, 16 hr of pretreatment were required for a similar response. The stimulus did not elicit a response from oocysts held at 23 C during the pretreatment gasphase. No significant difference occurred in number of oocysts containing active sporozoites after sufficient CO2-pretreatment for maximum stimulation of oocysts and incubation in trypsin and bile at 38 or 41 C.
Immunological studies on the participation of 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin (2′-oxo) reductase, an aldose reductase, in tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis

Summary The NADPH-dependent reduction of the two carbonyl groups in the side chain of the first tetrahydropterin intermediate on the tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthetic pathway, 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin, proceeds in a sequential manner whose order has not yet been resolved. Sepiapterin reductase can catalyze the reduction of both carbonyl groups starting with the 1′-oxo. 6-Pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin (2′-oxo) reductase, which has now been shown to be a member of the aldose reductase family, catalyzes the formation of only the 2′-hydroxy-1′-oxo intermediate which still requires sepiapterin reductase for final conversion to tetrahydrobiopterin. Inhibiting antibodies to the 2′-oxo reductase have been prepared and utilized to explore the distribution of this reductase in rat brain. The antiserum also maximally inhibited in vitro tetrahydrobiopterin synthesis in crude rat brain extracts by 60%, indicating that the majority of tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis in vivo may proceed via the 2′-hydroxy-1′-oxo intermediate. However, analogous experiments with rat liver extracts demonstrate that inhibition of the 2′-oxo reductase activity does not inhibit the conversion of 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin to tetrahydrobiopterin, suggesting that tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis may proceed via different pathways in rat brain and liver.
Approach to Equilibrium of a Boltzmann-Equation Solution

The generalized $H$ theorem, ${(\ensuremath{-}\frac{d}{\mathrm{dt}})}^{n}Hg~0$, is verified for $nl~30$ for the Bobylev-Krook-Wu solution of the Boltzmann equation, and for $d$-dimensional generalizations of that solution, $1l~dl~6$.
Pacing-induced angina pectoris and induction of ventricular arrhythmias in coronary artery disease☆

Ischemia caused by rapid pacing during electrophysiologic study could facilitate induction of ventricular arrhythmias. The results of extrastimulation were retrospectively analyzed in 32 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) without a history of symptomatic arrhythmia. These patients were studied at cardiac catheterization for angina pectoris refractory to medical therapy. Eleven patients (group I) had typical angina during trains of rapid right ventricular pacing (repeated trains of 8 stimuli [mean cycle length (CL) 473 +/- 47 ms]) but were asymptomatic during slower trains (CL 800 +/- 100 ms). Twenty-one patients (group II) had no symptoms with either rapid (CL 448 +/- 51 ms) or slow (CL 688 +/- 105 ms) trains, despite comparable left ventricular function, CAD severity and medication. Effective refractory periods (S1S2) after rapid drive were shorter in group I than in group II patients (225 +/- 9 vs 240 +/- 14 ms, p less than 0.002), but refractory periods during slow pacing were similar (251 +/- 12 vs 253 +/- 17 ms, difference not significant). No patient in either group had sustained arrhythmia (more than 15 beats) induced by single and double ventricular extrastimuli, decrementally applied at the right ventricular apex. The number of extra beats provoked in group I when rapid trains caused angina (4.3 +/- 3.6) was similar to that induced by extra-stimulation after slower pacing without angina (4.4 +/- 3.5) and to that obtained with rapid or slow pacing in group II (3.1 +/- 3.3 and 2.8 +/- 2.2).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Population Dynamics of the Dioecious Amazonian Palm Mauritia flexuosa: Simulation Analysis of Sustainable Harvesting

The dioecious, tropical palm Mauritia flexuosa has high ecological and economic value, but currendy some wild populations are harvested excessively, which is likely to increase. In this study, we investigated the population dynamics of this important palm, the effects of harvesting, and suggested sustainable harvesting regimes. Data were collected from populations in the Ecuadorian Amazon that were assumed to be stable. We used a matrix population model to calculate the density-independent asymptotic population growth rate (A, = 1.046) and to evaluate harvesting scenarios. Elasticity analysis showed that survival (particularly in the second and fifth size class) contributes more to the population growth rate, than growth and fecundity. To simulate a stable population at carrying capacity, density dependence was incorporated and applied to the seedling survival and growth parameters in the transition matrix. Harvesting scenarios were simulated with the density-dependent population models to predict sustainable harvesting regimes for the dioecious palm. We simulated the removal of only female palms and showed how both sexes are affected with harvest intensities between 15 and 75 percent and harvest intervals of 1-15 yr. By assuming a minimum female threshold, we demonstrated a continuum of sustainable harvesting schedules for various intensities and frequencies for 100 yr of harvest. Furthermore, by setting the population model's ? = 1.00, we found that a harvest of 22.5 percent on a 20 yr frequency for the M. flexuosa population in Ecuador is consistent with a sustainable, viable population over time.
Soft-Templating Synthesis and Properties of Mesoporous Alumina-Titania

Abstract Mesoporous alumina–titania materials, having various molar compositions of aluminum and titanium, were synthesized via cooperative self-assembly of the corresponding metal alkoxides and Pluronic ® P123 triblock copolymer (soft template) in ethanolic solution under acidic conditions. The resulting mixed metal oxides possess ordered mesopores at low to equal molar compositions of titanium in relation to aluminum (up to 50%) and worm-like mesostructures at higher molar compositions of titanium (50–75%). In addition, these mesoporous oxides exhibit high BET surface areas (up to 438 m 2 /g), large pore widths (from 7.37 to 18.55 nm) and pore volumes (from 0.16 to 0.64 cm 3 /g), narrow pore size distributions, crystalline pore walls and high thermal stability.
Confidence interval estimation for the variance parameter of stationary

Asymptotic confidence interval estimators of the variance parameter I2 = limn â ∞ n Var1/n âni = 1 Xi are described in this paper for observations X1, X2,',Xn from a strictly stationary phi-mixing stochastic process. They are based on asymptotic properties of the standardized time series of observations from the process. The new point and interval estimators for the variance parameter are compared to the classical batch means estimator. The results show that the new estimators have asymptotic properties that clearly dominate the classical estimator. Also, asymptotic confidence interval estimators for the ratio of two variance parameters representing two independent processes are discussed.
Properties of Two Overlapping Zone Plates of Different Focal Lengths

The overlapping of two different zone plates creates a set of very interesting moire patterns—the moire zone plates (MZP). Their properties, especially their focal lengths and foci orientations, are studied analytically in this paper. Experiments were conducted to support the theory, and the results show that they are in perfect agreement.
Cloning, Sequencing, and cDNA-Directed Expression of the Rat Renal CYP4A2: Arachidonic Acid ω-Hydroxylation and 11,12-Epoxidation by CYP4A2 Protein

Abstract 20-Hydroxy-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), the ω-hydroxylation product of arachidonic acid, is the major metabolite produced in the kidney. It has potent biological effects on renal tubular and vascular functions and on the long-term control of arterial pressure. The synthesis of 20-HETE is catalyzed by enzymes of the CYP4A family, among which CYP4A2 is the most abundant isozyme expressed in the kidneys of rats. We have cloned and sequenced the CYP4A2 cDNA from the kidney of Lewis–Wistar rats and directed its expression using baculovirus and Sf9 insect cells. A high level of expression of CYP4A2 was evident by Northern, Western, and spectral analyses revealing a P450 content of 0.3 nmol/mg microsomal protein. To study CYP4A2-catalyzed arachidonic acid ω-hydroxylation, Sf9 cells were coinfected with CYP4A2 and NADPH cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (OR) recombinant viruses. CYP4A2/OR membranes metabolized lauric acid at a high rate (7 and 5.5 nmol/min/nmol P450 in the presence and absence of b5, respectively). However, arachidonic acid ω-hydroxylase activity was barely detectable. When purified OR was added to the membranes expressing CYP4A2 protein, a concentration-dependent production of 20-HETE was observed. Maximal synthesis of 20-HETE of 0.89 nmol/min/nmol P450 was achieved at OR:CYP4A2 ratio of 14:1. The ω-hydroxylation of arachidonic acid was dependent on the presence of b5. Furthermore, increasing OR concentrations yielded additional arachidonic acid metabolite identified by GC/MS as 11,12-EET. Microsomes prepared from isolated renal microvessels selectively expressed CYP4A2 protein and readily metabolized arachidonic acid to two major metabolites, 20-HETE and 11,12-DHET, the hydrolytic metabolite of 11,12-EET. It is suggested that CYP4A2 functions as the renal microvessel arachidonate ω-hydroxylase and that it can also catalyze the 11,12-epoxidation of arachidonic acid.
Using protochirons for three-dimensional coding of certain chemical structures.

For three-dimensional coding (including enantiomerism) of staggered paths and circuits on the diamond lattice, or paths/circuits with angles 90° or 180° on the cubic lattice, use is made of the previously defined paths-3 (paths of length three bonds defining two intersecting planes). The two cases mentioned above are examined and exemplified. In the diamond lattice there are three kinds of diamond-paths-3: one is achiral (Z) and two are chiral and enantiomeric (R and S). In the cubic lattice there are six kinds of orthopaths-3, of which only two are chiral and enantiomeric (R and S) and four are achiral (I, L, U, and Z). The chiral paths-3 are the previously defined protochirons in the respective lattice. Coding ascribes to each bond the letter that would characterize it if it were the central bond of an isolated path-3. To obtain a unique code out of several equally correct ones it is proposed to use the convention of inverse alphabetic priority in the above system of letters.
Convective heat transfer to shear-driven liquid film flow in a microchannel

Abstract Experimental study on heat transfer to a liquid water film in a microchannel was performed. The liquid film was introduced into a nitrogen stream through a 350 μm circular hole upstream of a 1 mm × 1 mm heater in a 220 μm deep and 1.5 mm wide rectangular microchannel. Average heat transfer coefficient was obtained for different gas and liquid flow rates and results were compared to single-phase flow. Significant improvement in heat transfer performance was observed with no appreciable change in pressure drop. Experimental data combined with a heat transfer analysis was used to infer the mechanisms controlling the heat transfer process.
The Federal Formula and the Collapse of the USSR

A plan for the most ambitious political reform in Soviet history was approved by the USSR's parliament in late 198& As the reform unfolded, a key component came to be what Mikhail S. Gorbachev called "a renewedfederal structure. " Reform proponents argued that only a renewedfederalism could provide for the continued integrity of the Soviet state while assuring greater responsiveness to local demands. However, the attempt to breathe life into the USSR's pseudo-federal structure unleashed longsuppressed nationalist, territorial, and localist sentiments. Beginning in 1990, "refederalization" passed from mainly rhetorical discussion to a plan for a more loosely organized federation under the auspices ofa Union Treaty. Following the attempted coup d'6tat by Kremlin hard-liners in August 1991, pressures for decentralization led, in the closing weeks of 1991, to the complete abandonment of the "Great Soviet experiment. " With the demise of the USSR, the plan forfederal redesign was superseded by the rapid emergence of independent states.
Ultrasound molecular imaging of cardiovascular disease

Myocardial contrast echocardiography utilizes intravenously injected gas-filled microspheres as acoustically active red blood cell tracers. During ultrasound imaging, unimpeded microsphere transit through the intramyocardial microcirculation causes transient myocardial opacification, which can be mapped and quantified as myocardial perfusion. Ultrasound molecular imaging utilizes similar acoustically active microspheres, which are modified to bear a receptor-specific ligand on the surface, conferring microsphere binding to a disease-specific endothelial epitope. Because the microspheres adhere to the endothelium, ultrasound imaging reveals a persistent, rather than transient, contrast effect, indicating the presence and location of the molecule of interest in real time. Molecular contrast echocardiography has been developed to detect upregulated leukocyte adhesion molecules during microvascular inflammation, such as occurs in cardiac transplant rejection and ischemia-reperfusion. Principles of microsphere targeting and ultrasound imaging of microvascular epitopes have been extended to larger vessels to image molecular markers of atherosclerosis. This Article summarizes the current status of cardiovascular ultrasound molecular imaging. Experimental proofs of concept will be outlined and the clinical extension of these concepts to the molecular imaging of cardiovascular disease using clinical ultrasound technology will be discussed.
TH‐A‐M100E‐05: Credentialing IGRT Verification Techniques for Clinical Trials

Paralleling the introduction of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy(IMRT) in the early to mid 1990s, Image Guided Radiation Therapy(IGRT) is an important but problematic new tool for the RadiationOncology community. The challenges are similar to IMRT in that IGRT is a general classification that covers many different approaches with numerous variations. Where IMRT ranges from tomotherapy to conventional MLC‐based dose delivery with many different treatment planning approaches, IGRT covers a broad spectrum of techniques ranging from stereoscopic x‐ray imaging with rigid‐body fusion to cone‐beam volume imaging with deformable registration. Thus, like IMRT, guaranteeing the safe and effective use of this new modality in a clinical trial setting will require procedures that are as comprehensive as the ones currently in place for IMRT. As quality assurance techniques are developed for routine clinical use of advanced technologies like IGRT, they must also be appropriately standardized for use in clinical trials. Image Guidance is defined here as the steps of obtaining daily in‐room images of the patient in the treatment position, matching or fusing these images to the ones obtained during the treatment planning process, and the procedure of manually or automatically changing the patient's position based on the fusioninformation. Notice that this description does not consider the patient as a deformable object. Using this simple definition, two Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) protocols employ IGRT for targeting the lesion. Both of these protocols require institutions to verify their IGRT methodology through a credentialing process. This process is aimed at guaranteeing that each institution understands the protocol requirements relative to the use of their fusion software or manual shift capabilities. This presentation will discuss the process used by the RTOG to credential institutions for the use of IGRT in their protocols, and it will present the problems and considerations that will have to be addressed as the definition of IGRT expands to include moving targets and deformable fusion. Educational Objectives: 1. To develop a working definition of IGRT that includes imagefusion and patient repositioning. 2. To understand how IGRT is currently being used in RTOG protocols. 3. To understand how the RTOG credentials institutions to use daily imaging and imagefusion in clinical trails. 4. To describe future challenges and to outline how they might be addressed.
Pd on low-sureace-area α-alumina system: Is metallic Pd active for methane combustion?

Palladium (Pd) supported on alumina with various additives is the catalyst of choice for the catalytic combustion of methane. This catalyst is interesting in that it can change dramatically under reaction conditions and can chemically interact withhigh-surface-area (HSA) y -alumina supports. Much has been made of the observation that the apparent activity of these catalysts decreases in certain regimes as temperature increases, leading to the assertion that Pd metal is not active for methane oxidation, at least under fuel-leam conditons. This phenomenon has been suggested as a means to keep a catalyst from overheating in practical combustor designs. In this paper, we show that for Pd supported on low-surface-area (LSA) α-alumina, the methane oxidation activity increases as PdO is reduced to Pd at a fixed operating temperature, even for fuel-lean gas mixtures. This higher activity is significantly greater than the highest turnover frequencies reported by previous investigators when extrapolated back to 550 K and 2% methane in air. We propose that the differences in relative activity for methane oxidation between catalysts supported on different alminase are likely related to differences in morphology, the state of the Pd phases, differences in catalyst poisoning by water, and interactions between the Pd phases and the support. Most of these parameters were not directly monitored in previous studies.
Free standing oxide alloy electrolytes for low temperature thin film solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract Thermomechanical challenges place restrictions on the choice of fast ion conductors that may be implemented as free standing electrolyte membranes for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells. In order to expand the possible choices, mechanical and chemical stability constraints must be taken into consideration. Here, we present a method to utilize the mechanical stability of a ZrO 2 based electrolyte for this application. Facile low temperature synthesis of solid solution (Y 2 O 3 ) 0.08 (ZrO 2 ) 0.92 –(Gd 2 O 3 ) 0.1 (CeO 2 ) 0.9 free standing electrolytes by co-sputtering is demonstrated. Fuel cells integrating these nanoscale electrolytes show power output of over 1000 mW cm −2 at 510 °C and are thermomechanically robust. The results demonstrate a general route for low temperature synthesis of nanoscale functional oxide alloys for thin film solid oxide fuel cells.
Mesoporous silicon sponge as an anti-pulverization structure for high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes

Silicon is a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries, but suffers from poor cyclability especially at high mass loading. Here, Li et al. synthesize mesoporous silicon sponge-like structures, which show promising performance at the deep lithiation and high loading conditions required for practical applications.
Dietary strontium and calcium and deposition of Sr89 and Ca45 in the bones of rats.

SummaryDiets containing various levels of stable strontium and calcium and containing low and constant levels of Ca45 and Sr89 were fed to young rats during a 3 week period. The amounts of the 2 isotopes in the bones were measured. Addition of small amounts of stable Sr, sufficient to reduce the specific activity of the dietary Sr to one-fourth, did not decrease the deposition of radio-Sr and may have caused a slight increase in the deposition of both Ca45 and Sr89. Larger amounts of stable Sr were no more effective than calcium in reducing the amounts of the isotopes deposited in the bones.
Self-concept changes over time in cognitive-behavioral treatment for smoking cessation

A smoker self-concept and an abstainer self-concept are individual difference variables that have been shown to predict smoking cessation. We examined whether these self-concept constructs changed as a function of participating in a clinic-based smoking cessation program and, specifically, whether these changes occurred differentially between posttreatment smokers and abstainers. Subjects completed the Smoker Self-concept scale and the Abstainer Self-concept scale at three time points: pretreatment, posttreatment, and 3 months' posttreatment. Smoking status was assessed and biochemically verified directly after quit day and 3 months' posttreatment. Results indicated that abstainers' smoker self-concept decreased more precipitously over time compared to smokers'. Abstainers showed consistent increases over time in their abstainer self-concept, and smokers showed increases followed by decreases to pretreatment levels. Clinical implications are discussed.
Oxygen diffusion in La 2− x Sr x CuO 4− y

Diffusion of 18 O in the superconductor La 2− x Sr x CuO 4− y has been measured as a function of x (0 to 0.20) between 300 and 500°C at an oxygen partial pressure of ≍ 1 atm. Concentration profiles were obtained using a secondary ion mass spectrometer. The diffusion coefficient decreases with increasing Sr additions from 0.1 to 0.2, primarily because of an increase in activation energy. This result, which is contradictory to the expectation that the diffusion coefficient should increase with increasing vacancy concentration caused by the added Sr, can be explained if oxygen vacancies are bound to Sr clusters. Measurements on samples with x = 0 or 0.05 were unsuccessful, probably because of porosity.
Random Mutagenesis and Functional Analysis of the Ran-binding Protein, RanBP1 *

Ran GTPase is required for nucleocytoplasmic transport of many types of cargo. Several proteins that recognize Ran in its GTP-bound state (Ran·GTP) possess a conserved Ran-binding domain (RanBD). Ran-binding protein-1 (RanBP1) has a single RanBD and is required for RanGAP-mediated GTP hydrolysis and release of Ran from nuclear transport receptors (karyopherins). In budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), RanBP1 is encoded by the essential YRB1 gene; expression of mouse RanBP1 cDNA rescues the lethality of Yrb1-deficient cells. We generated libraries of mouse RanBP1 mutants and examined 11 mutants in vitro and for their ability to complement a temperature-sensitiveyrb1 mutant (yrb1-51 ts) in vivo. In 9 of the mutants, the alteration was a change in a residue (or 2 residues) that is conserved in all known RanBDs. However, 4 of these 9 mutants displayed biochemical properties indistinguishable from that of wild-type RanBP1. These mutants bound to Ran·GTP, stimulated RanGAP, inhibited the exchange activity of RCC1, and rescued growth of the yrb1-51 ts yeast cells. Two of the 9 mutants altered in residues thought to be essential for interaction with Ran were unable to rescue growth of the yrb1 ts mutant and did not bind detectably to Ran in vitro. However, one of these 2 mutants (and 2 others that were crippled in other RanBP1 functions) retained some ability to co-activate RanGAP. A truncated form of RanBP1 (lacking its nuclear export signal) was able to complement the yrb1 ts mutation. When driven from the YRB1 promoter, 4 of the 5 mutants most impaired for Ran binding were unable to rescue growth of the yrb1 ts cells; remarkably, these mutants could nevertheless form ternary complexes with importin-5 or importin-β and Ran-GTP. The same mutants stimulated only inefficiently RanGAP-mediated GTP hydrolysis of the Ran·GTP·importin-5 complex. Thus, the essential biological activity of RanBP1 in budding yeast correlates not with Ran·GTP binding per se or with the ability to form ternary complexes with karyopherins, but with the capacity to potentiate RanGAP activity toward GTP-bound Ran in these complexes.
Molecular Mechanism of Co-translational Protein Targeting by the Signal Recognition Particle

The signal recognition particle (SRP) is a key component of the cellular machinery that couples the ongoing synthesis of proteins to their proper localization, and has often served as a paradigm for understanding the molecular basis of protein localization within the cell. The SRP pathway exemplifies several key molecular events required for protein targeting to cellular membranes: the specific recognition of signal sequences on cargo proteins, the efficient delivery of cargo to the target membrane, the productive unloading of cargo to the translocation machinery and the precise spatial and temporal coordination of these molecular events. Here we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying this pathway, and discuss new questions raised by these findings.