cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protection of mRNA against nucleases in cytoplasmic extracts of mouse sarcoma ascites cells

Abstract The mRNA present in extracts of mouse sarcoma 180 (S-180) ascites cells is relatively resistant to degradation when compared to added tracer ribosomal RNA. Deproteinized mRNA added to the extract is about as resistant as the endogenous mRNA, an indication that the protection is not due to any protein present in the endogenous mRNP structure. A major determinant of protection lies at the 5′ end of RNA chains, where the presence of a triphosphate or a cap enhances the stability of mRNA transcripts. Addition of poly(A) to a capped transcript had little effect on stability. Stabilization by the cap structure is apparently not due to association of transcripts with a cap-binding protein. The discrimination in RNA decay rates appears to be based on interaction of the different RNA species with an exonuclease, which represents the predominant ribonuclease activity in the extract. Other major cytoplasmic nucleases are suppressed by an RNase inhibitor that is present in excess.
Machine discovery in chemistry: new results

Abstract Earlier we proposed an idea for conjecturing unseen entities in science, and described its application within MECHEM to the chemistry task of inferring the mechanism of a chemical reaction based on experimental evidence. However, the program was a prototype, and lacked several capabilities that rendered it incompetent on current science. We now describe extensions that enable reasoning about the molecular structural transformations that are the focus of modern chemistry. We also report successful applications of MECHEM to chemical problems of current interest, and point out subsequent machine discovery work that the MECHEM project has strongly influenced. These new results demonstrate the efficacy and generality of the original idea for machine discovery, and vindicate the research strategy of emphasizing specific task competence and deferring concerns with generality.
Associated Higgs boson production with a vector boson pair at hadronic supercolliders

We perform an exact calculation of the processes [ital pp][r arrow][ital W][sup +][ital W][sup [minus]][ital H], [ital ZZH], [ital Z][gamma][ital H], [ital W][sup [plus minus]][ital ZH], and [ital W][sup [plus minus]][gamma][ital H] at hadronic supercolliders. They have sizable production cross sections of the order of 3--120 fb at the SSC and about 1--40 fb at the CERN LHC for an intermediate mass Higgs (IMH) boson. They are higher order processes contributing to the IMH signals of [ital WH], [ital t[bar t]H][r arrow][ital l][nu][gamma][gamma][ital X], and [ital l][nu][ital b[bar b]X]. But they turn out to be relatively unimportant.
Immunologic alterations in bronchogenic cancer. Sequential study.

A sequential study of patients with cancer of the lung reveals that there is a marked alteration in delayed hypersensitivity as manifested by Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) sensitization and purified protein derivative (PPD) reactions, when compared to age-matched controls. Short survival times (diagnosis to death) are associated with negative DNCB tests. Skin reactivity does not necessarily change as patients approach death, however. Circulating lymphocytes decrease significantly in number during the months approaching death and these counts can be plotted into a smooth regression curve with time to death as the abscissa. Humoral antibody synthesis is not altered in these patients; the circulating levels of the various serum proteins and iramunoglobulins do not alter with time nor are they biologically different from control values.
Comparison of the LV pacing lead location on the chest radiograph to the physician’s “best guess”

variability (HRV) changes induced by cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in advanced heart failure (HF) patients. Methods: Stored data were retrieved of 113 HF patients (NYHA functional class III or IV, left ventricular ejection fraction 35%, QRS duration 120 ms) receiving a CRT device capable of continous assessment of HRV through calculation of SDANN, the standard deviation of the averages of intrinsic intervals in the 288 5-minutes segments of a day. Major cardiovascular events were death from any cause, urgent heart transplantation, implantation of left ventricular assist device, hospitalization for cardiac reason and DC-shock for ventricular arrhythmia. Results: CRT induced an increase of SDANN at three months of follow-up (from 69 23 ms to 93 27 ms, p 0,001) which was consistent with improvement of functional capacity and reversed mal-adaptation remodeling. Percentage of change in HRV at 4 weeks from CRT initiation predicted major cardiovascular events. Indeed, 1-year event-free survival rate (figure) was significantly lower (62% versus 94%, p 0,005) in patients with no SDANN increase (delta change 0%) compared to patients who showed moderate (0% delta change 17%) or large (delta change 17%) increase of SDANN 4 weeks after CRT initiation. Conclusions: CRT significantly modified the sympathetic-parasympathetic interaction to the heart as showed by significant increase of SDANN at three months follow-up. This positive effect on autonomic nervous system parameters paralleled improvement of functional capacity and structural changes. Unimproved SDANN 4 weeks after CRT initiation identified patients at higher risk for major cardiovascular events.
Tolerance and diagnostic accuracy of an abbreviated adenosine infusion for myocardial scintigraphy: a randomized, prospective study.

Abstract Background. The objectives of this study were 2-fold: (1) to determine the tolerance of adenosine perfusion tomography with the use of an abbreviated (3-minute) infusion in comparison to the standard (6-minute) infusion, and (2) to assess the relative diagnostic accuracy of a 3-minute adenosine infusion in patients referred for arteriography. An abbreviated adenosine infusion may decrease the frequency and duration of side effects and be a more cost-effective alternative. Methods and Results. We prospectively randomized 599 patients undergoing adenosine myocardial perfusion tomography to either a 3-minute or 6-minute adenosine infusion at 140 μg/kg per minute. Among the 599 enrolled patients, 142 subsequently underwent coronary angiography. Patients randomized to the 3-minute adenosine infusion tolerated the procedure better than those randomized to the standard infusion (P
Solving a Puzzle: Aggregate Analysis and Economic Voting Revisited

This paper proposes an alternative explanation for the lack of congruence between aggregate and individual level studies of economic voting through a reexamination and extension of the aggregate time series. While aggregate level studies find a strong relationship between the state of the economy and the congressional vote, individual level studies performed in the latter half of the postwar era find little or no relationship between personal economic conditions and vote choice. It is argued that this lack of congruence exists because the impact of short-term economic fluctuations on voting in congressional elections has decreased dramatically over time. Using aggregate data, the relationship between economic changes and voting patterns is found to be time dependent; economic conditions are no longer major determinants of House elections. An examination of Senate elections indicates that this trend is limited to the House, in that economic fluctuations continue to influence senatorial contests. This House...
Genetic effects of crocidolite asbestos in Chinese hamster lung cells

Abstract Chinese hamster lung cells cultured in the presence of crocidolite asbestos displayed inhibition of cell growth. Cell death was directly associated with the phagocytosis of larger fibres as observed with the aid of trypan blue. Watersoluble components of crocidolite did not appear to inhibit cell growth. Chromosomal aberrations were induced by the asbestos. The aberrations were confined mainly to structural aberrations — breaks and fragments. Electron-microscopic preparation indicated that asbestos was readily contained in phagosomes. Phagocytosed asbestos appeared to be a weak mutagen in its ability to induce gene mutation at the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase locus.
Activation-induced Degradation of FLIPL Is Mediated via the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Signaling Pathway in Macrophages

Cellular FLIP (Flice-like inhibitory protein) is critical for the protection against death receptor-mediated cell apoptosis. In macrophages, FLIP long (FLIPL) and FLIP short (FLIPS) mRNA was induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, mediated through NF-κB. However, we observed TNFα reduced the protein level of FLIPL, but not FLIPS, at 1 and 2 h. Similar results were observed with lipopolysaccharide. The reduction of FLIPL by TNFα was not mediated by caspase 8, or through JNK or Itch, but was suppressed by inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway employing chemical inhibitors, a dominant negative Akt-1, or Akt-1 small interfering RNA. The reduction of FLIPL resulted in the short term induction of caspase 8-like activity, which augmented NF-κB activation. A co-immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that Akt-1 physically interacts with FLIPL. Moreover, TNFα enhanced FLIPL serine phosphorylation, which was increased by activated Akt-1. Serine 273, a putative Akt-1 phosphorylation site in FLIPL, was critical for the activation-induced reduction of FLIPL. Thus, these observations document a novel mechanism where by TNFα facilitates the reduction of FLIPL protein, which is dependent on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling.
Failure of neuronal homeostasis results in common neuropsychiatric phenotypes

Failure of normal brain development leads to mental retardation or autism in about 3% of children. Many genes integral to pathways by which synaptic modification and the remodelling of neuronal networks mediate cognitive and social development have been identified, usually through loss of function. Evidence is accumulating, however, that either loss or gain of molecular functions can be deleterious to the nervous system. Copy-number variation, regulation of gene expression by non-coding RNAs and epigenetic changes are all mechanisms by which altered gene dosage can cause the failure of neuronal homeostasis.
Intrinsic geometric distortions in a type of multi-projector light field display

We consider a class of projector-based light field 3D displays (horizontal parallax only) that use reflective or refractive anisotropic diffusers, and analyze the implications that at slated projection the light spreading is not in an ideally vertical plane, but instead is shaped like a cone. We demonstrate how this causes geometric distortions, some of which can be corrected by proper choice of projected images, while others, which we call intrinsic distortions, cannot. We show how the amount of distortion can be quantified by angular deviations, which are independent of the reproduced 3D scene, and present some of its properties. Ray-tracing simulations of these displays are shown to demonstrate the important results.
Relative laterality of the N170 to single letter stimuli is predicted by a concurrent neural index of implicit processing of letternames

Abstract While previous research reports a consistently left-lateralized N170 to whole words relative to control stimuli, much less is known about the nature of single letter processing. Yet single letter processing is of both theoretical and practical interest, as letters form an initial unit of literacy learning for alphabetic scripts and may be particularly useful in the study of literacy development. In the present study, adult fluent readers completed an implicit processing one-back task while event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded. Separate blocks included single letter or matched false-font stimuli. Results indicated that single letters elicited a bilateral (rather than left-lateralized) enhancement of the N170 relative to the false font stimuli. Although participants did not make overt rhyming judgments, letters preceded by a rhyming as compared to non-rhyming letter (e.g., e–b versus e–h) also tended to elicit an N450 rhyme effect, as previously reported in explicit letter rhyme tasks. Moreover, individuals with a larger N450 rhyme effect showed greater relative left-lateralization of the response to single letters. Taken together, these findings suggest that early neural specialization for orthographic stimuli extends to the case of single letters and, further, that automatic mappings between visual symbols and phonological codes can account for at least some portion of the relative left-lateralization of early neurophysiological responses to printed text. These findings help resolve discrepancies in the existing literature concerning relative laterality of early neural responses to single letters and provide critical baseline data for future developmental neuroimaging studies.
Modulating mechanical properties of self-assembled polymer networks by multi-functional complementary hydrogen bonding

The mechanical properties of reversible polymer networks have been modulated successfully at room temperature with a high degree of control over a large magnitude exclusively by altering the complementary hydrogen bonding interactions used for the inter-chain crosslinking process. For these studies, norbornene-based copolymers have been synthesized with multiple functional side-chains that offer different hydrogen bonding motifs. By adding small molecule crosslinking agents with complementary motifs to solutions of these copolymers, self-assembled polymer networks with tunable mechanical properties were obtained. The hydrogen bonding motifs utilized in this study are based on thymine/2,4-diaminotriazine and cyanuric acid/Hamilton wedge pairs. It was found that the mechanical properties of the self-assembled polymer networks strongly depend upon the type of hydrogen bonding motif used for the inter-chain crosslinking as well as the concentration of crosslinking agent. We were able to modulate the rheological properties of the networks from highly viscous to highly elastic and vary the dynamic moduli over five orders of magnitude at room temperature. This degree of control over the network's mechanical properties was achieved without changing the copolymer backbone architecture. Finally, competitive hydrogen bonding of various motifs was used to de-crosslink and re-crosslink the network at room temperature through the selective addition of various crosslinking agents. In addition to the more common thermal responsiveness of hydrogen bonded networks, competitive binding offers an additional parameter to control the mechanical properties of the self-assembled polymer networks at ambient temperature.
Evidence from 18S ribosomal DNA that the lophophorates are protostome animals

The suspension-feeding metazoan subkingdom Lophophorata exhibits characteristics of both deuterostomes and protostomes. Because the morphology and embryology of lophophorates are phylogenetically ambiguous, their origin is a major unsolved problem of metazoan phylogenetics. The complete 18S ribosomal DNA sequences of all three lophophorate phyla were obtained and analyzed to clarify the phylogenetic relationships of this subkingdom. Sequence analyses show that lophophorates are protostomes closely related to mollusks and annelids. This conclusion deviates from the commonly held view of deuterostome affinity.
STIMULATION BY THE MINERAL ACIDS, HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC, AND NITRIC, IN THE SUNFISH EUPOMOTIS.

1. The stimulating efficiency of hydrochloric, sulfuric, and nitric acids has been measured in the sunfish Eupomotis gibbosus, by a method which reduces experimental errors to a minimum. 2. The results show that stimulation by these acids is primarily dependent upon the (H+) produced in the animal's aquatic environment, and that the reaction time is a logarithmic function of the (H+) within the range tested expressed by the equation: (RT–5) = –4.3 log (H+ x 104) + 9.118. 3. Any effect of the chloride, sulfate, and nitrate ions must itself be measured by the (H+). 4. Variation in the reaction time is also a logarithmic function of the (H+), and the percentage variation is independent of the (H+) over the range tested. 5. Freshly collected fish show a lower threshold for stimulation as determined by the (H+) than do fish adapted to laboratory conditions, but relatively the reaction times of the two groups are the same.
Coupled-Sturmian and perturbative treatments of electron transfer and ionization in high-energy p-He + collisions

Cross sections have been determined for electron transfer and ionization in collisions between protons and ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ ions at proton energies from several hundred kilo-electron-volts to 2 MeV. A coupled-Sturmian approach is taken, extending the work of Winter [Phys. Rev. A 35, 3799 (1987)] and Stodden et al. [Phys. Rev. A 41, 1281 (1990)] to high energies where perturbative approaches are expected to be valid. An explicit connection is made with the first-order Born approximation for ionization and the impulse version of the distorted, strong-potential Born approximation for electron transfer. The capture cross section is shown to be affected by the presence of target basis functions of positive energy near ${\mathit{v}}^{2}$/2, corresponding to the Thomas mechanism.
Geometric quantization and derived functor modules for semisimple Lie groups

Abstract Let G be a semisimple Lie group, g the complexified Lie algebra, and X the flag variety of g . The mechanism of geometric quantization suggests that the various G-orbits in X should give rise to representations of G. On the other hand, Zuckerman's derived functor construction attaches algebraic representations of g to G-orbits. In this paper we show that geometric quantization leads to Frechet representations of finite length, which are the maximal globalizations of the derived functor modules. We give two alternate realizations of the representations, as cohomology spaces of ∂b complexes with hyperfunction coefficients, and as local cohomology groups along G-orbits in X. We use the latter realization to implement the duality between the derived functor modules and the Beilinson-Bernstein modules, as cup product between local cohomology group followed by evaluation over the fundamental cycle.
Phylogeny of the Sympetrinae (Odonata: Libellulidae): further evidence of the homoplasious nature of wing venation

Sympetrinae is the largest subfamily of the diverse dragonfly family Libellulidae. This subfamily, like most libellulid subfamilies, is defined currently by a few wing venation characters, none of which are synapomorphies for the taxon. In this study, we used DNA sequence data from the nuclear locus elongation factor-1a and the mitochondrial loci 16S and 12S rRNA, together with 38 wing venation characters, to test the monophyly of the Sympetrinae and several other libellulid subfamilies. No analysis recovered Sympetrinae as mono- phyletic, partly because of the position of Leucorrhinia (of the subfamily Leucorrhininae) as a strongly supported sister to Sympetrum (of Sympetrinae) in all analyses. The subfamilies Brachydiplactinae, Leucorrhininae, Trameinae and Trithemistinae were also found not to be monophyletic. Libellulinae was the only subfamily supported strongly as monophyletic. Consistency indices and retention indices of wing venation characters used to define various subfamilies were closer to zero than unity, showing that many of these characters were homoplasious, and therefore not useful for a classification scheme within Libellulidae.
Molecular Analysis of Endogenous Virus ev21-Slow Feathering Complex of Chickens.1. Cloning of Proviral-Cell Junction Fragment and Unoccupied Integration Site

Sex-linked slow-feathering gene, K, is genetically associated with the presence of an avian endogenous retrovirus ev21 in White Leghorns (WL). An EcoRI fragment corresponding to the endogenous virus ev21-cell junction fragment and a fragment homologous to the proviral unoccupied site (US) were cloned, respectively, from genomic DNA libraries of two WL chickens: an ev21-only female and an ev-negative male. A 1.7-kilobase pairs (kbp) fragment cleaved from the cloned proviral US by the HaeIII restriction endonuclease was the most informative probe to molecularly characterize the occupied and unoccupied integration sites of ev21 locus. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of slow-feathering (SF) and rapid-feathering (RF) chickens from various commercial breeds, using the US HaeIII 1.7-kbp probe, indicated that the complete genetic association between ev21 and SF phenotype is common among other lines of SF chickens and was not restricted to WL. It was also shown that there was at least one additional DNA region highly homologous to DNA sequences flanking the EV21 integration site in the chicken genome. In SF birds of either sex this additional repeat was distinguishable from the site occupied by ev21 (OR) and represents an unoccupied repeat (UR). Analysis of DNA from RF revertant females showed novel patterns of reversion. In Type I RF revertants, RF is associated with the complete excision of proviral ev21 DNA sequences. In Type II revertants, the UR homologous to the cell sequences flanking ev21 integration site is excised, but proviral ev21 sequences remain intact. A hypothesis to explain these types of reversion is suggested. It postulates a close association between OR and UR on the Z chromosome.
The application of proton-induced x-ray emission to bioenvironmental analyses☆

Abstract For several years a proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis system has been under development in the 4 MeV Van de Graaff laboratory of TUNL. The present paper reports a few examples of current studies utilizing the multielement analytical capabilities of the system. Specifically, the emphasis here is on analyses of plants and soils, marine life and animal tissues, and human lungs. The results are used as an indicator of the potential of PIXE analyses.
Fracture-resistant ultralloys for space-power systems: Nuclear-thermionic-conversion implications of W,27Re

Abstract Maximizing total and specific power from space nuclear reactor (SNR) systems requires alloys that approach ultimate material capabilities. This requirement dictates improvement of the maximal metal tungsten (W) through its combination with other very effective refractory additives. Perhaps the best known addition is rhenium (Re) which improves W creep strength, recrystallization resistance and ductility. More ductile ultralloys command attention because W brittleness poses problems in both fabrication and service. However a “composition for good workability” is W,27Re, and perhaps its most practical processing procedure is sintering. Furthermore a promising SNR application for such ultralloys is very-high-temperature thermionic energy conversion. Therefore determinations of thermionic and thermal emissive characteristics for sintered W,27Re at temperatures near and above 2000 K in hard vacuum enable both scientific and pragmatic progress. Such research results comprise the data and interpretive presentations in this paper. These findings emphasize the fallacy of characterizing ultralloys similar to W,27Re with single-valued thermophysicochemical properties—such as the work function. They further stress the necessity for investigations of this type to determine and demonstrate effective prototypic ultralloy compositions and processing methods.
Enhanced backward scattering by surface plasmons on silver film

Surface plasmon and its potential application in nanotechnology have attracted a remarkable amount of attention recently due to their novel properties. In this work we present an angularly resolved surface plasmon scattering study on a primitive metal surface. Using a reversed attenuated total reflection (RATR) setup in the experiment, we obtained a double-crescent shaped and enhanced scattering pattern at far field. The scattering pattern as a function on the variation of angle and polarization of incident beam are studied. Both theoretical and experimental results reveal an enhanced backward scattering by surface plasmon excitation. Consequently, it is shown that this angularly resolved surface plasmon scattering measurement can be employed for resolving a richness of nanoscale surface textures.
Rock-eval pyrolysis and vitrinite reflectance trends in the Cleveland Shale Member of the Ohio Shale, eastern Kentucky

Within eastern Kentucky, organic petrographic and geochemical data indicate a southeastwards increase in maturation of the Cleveland Shale Member of the Ohio Shale (Devonian-Mississippian). Reflectance levels of dispersed organic material in the Cleveland Shale increase from 0.5% in the outcrop belt in central Kentucky, to slightly over 1.0% in Pike County, eastern Kentucky. A decrease in fluorescence intensity of liptinitic components, such as Tasmanites, accompanies this reflectance increase, as does a shift in fluorescence color of the alginite towards the red. In the highest rank areas, fluorescence is almost absent. Groundmass fluorescence is observed also, and follows trends similar to those shown by the alginite. Kerogen in the Cleveland Shale is primarily Type II, as indicated by petrographic observations and Rock-Eval data. Total organic carbon contents of this shale decrease from over 12% in the outcrop belt, to less than 2% in the eastern-most part of the study area. Source rock potential ranges from good to very good, with the highest potentials occurring in the outcrop belt. Tmax values for this unit increase from under 430°C in the outcrop belt to over 450°C in the southeast, confirming the increase in maturation trends indicated by vitrinite reflectance data. Both petrographic and geochemical maturation parameters place the Cleveland Shale of eastern Kentucky within the oil window. Comparison with maturation data for Pennsylvanian-age coals upsection suggests that maturation indices are retarded, or suppressed, in the Devonian shales. The level of maturation indicated for the Cleveland may be problematical considering that the Ohio Shale is a major gas-producer in this area.
Fuel pellets and optical systems for inertially confined fusion

Abstract Current laser-driven ICF targets are complex sets of concentric spherical shells made from a variety of materials including the fuel (e.g., deuterium-tritium), glass, beryllium, gold, polymeric materials, organo-metallics, and several additional organic and inorganic materials depending on the particular experiments to be done. While we don't yet know what the reactor targets will be exactly, there is little reason to believe they will be just simple, low quality glass shells containing DT gas or simple spheres of deuterated polyethylene or other fuel. Consequently, we consider many of the current targets, materials, and fabrication techniques to be applicable to the long range problems of ICF reactor target fabrication. Many of our current material problems and fabrication techniques are discussed and various quality factors are presented in an attempt to bring an awareness of the possible fusion reactor target materials problems to the scientific and technical community. We should note that “target]” and “pellet” are used interchangeably and do not have any subtle variational significances.
Masseter Muscle Rigidity and Nondepolarizing Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

Masseter muscle rigidity has been identified as a possible risk factor for malignant hyperthermia (MH) and is usually noted in children receiving intravenously administered succinylcholine chloride after mask induction with halothane. Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants are considered safe for persons susceptible to MH. In this article, we present a case of clinically recognized jaw rigidity in the absence of succinylcholine after administration of a nondepolarizing muscle relaxant that was reported to the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States hot line. The patient had recurrent jaw rigidity during subsequent anesthesia when a different nondepolarizing muscle relaxant was given. The North American MH Registry was then reviewed for similar cases. Three cases of masseter muscle rigidity in the presence of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants were discovered. Two of the patients were not found to be susceptible to MH; however, the third patient had positive findings on muscle biopsy. These cases do not provide enough information to confirm the ability of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants to cause jaw rigidity in the absence of MH.
A Critical Review of Performance Appraisal At the Federal Level: the Experience of the Phs

The implementation of the Civil Service Reform Act in the U. S. Public Health Service was ac complished in a timely mannner. However, there were many problems, specifically with the per formance appraisal aspects. These problems arose not only through interpretation of the Act but through frequently changing requirements and one major flaw - making basic salary dependent upon performance appraisal. This requirement led to questions of equity on ratings, work plans, and amount of merit pay. In addition to these disincentives, implementation resulted in massive paperwork and inflexibility.
Vibrational frequencies and structural determination of dewar benzene

Abstract The vibrational frequencies and corresponding normal mode assignments of dewar benzene are examined theoretically using the gaussian 98 set of quantum chemistry codes. All normal modes were successfully assigned to one of six types of motion predicted by a group theoretical analysis (C–H stretch, C–C stretch, CC stretch, CH wag, C–C–C bend, and C–C–C–C torsion) utilizing the C 2v symmetry of the molecule. The molecular orbitals and bonding of dewar benzene are examined. Predicted normal mode frequencies for trans -dewar benzene ( C 2h symmetry) are presented.
Spiny Dogfish Mortality Induced by Gill-Net and Trawl Capture and Tag and Release

Abstract The spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias was once classified as an underutilized species along the U.S. East Coast, but it constituted a lucrative fishery in the 1990s until recruitment overfishing caused stock collapse. Coastwide restrictions currently apply; federal stock assessment models use bycatch mortality estimates of 50% for trawling, 75% for gill netting, and 100% for hook-and-line fishing. This study examined mortality at the southern end of commercial fishing operations caused by trawling for 30- and 90-min periods and by gill nets of various mesh sizes set for 19- to 24-h periods. Both experiments used tagged and untagged fish placed in rectangular cages anchored to the seafloor for 48 h. Tags were the Floy SS-94 single-barb nylon dart with a stainless steel wire insert. A total of 635 spiny dogfish were captured by trawl and all were alive, for a 0% initial mortality rate. A total of 2,284 spiny dogfish were collected by gill net for an initial mortality rate of 17.5%. There was no addit...
Angular momentum state mixing and quenching of n=3 atomic hydrogen fluorescence

Abstract Measurements are presented for atomic hydrogen n=3 excited state fluorescence quenching in the presence of various quenching gases over a range of pressures up to 50 Torr. The n=3 excited state was probed using two-photon allowed laser induced fluorescence. Comparisons using nonlinear least-squares regression fits are made between the data and a model calculation using rate equations which describe the population changes for the different angular momentum levels of the n=3 state. Included in the calculation is the effect of angular momentum state mixing and translational cooling. The regression fits provide rate constants for nonradiative quenching and angular momentum state mixing and are compared with other previously measured values from the literature.
Stress analysis of a welded joint

Abstract The use of the two-dimensional finite element method (FEM) in finding the stress distribution across a butt-welded joint is illustrated for two types of loading conditions, viz. tension and bending. Two dimensional photo-elastic analysis (PEA) of a butt weld under plane stress conditions has been demonstrated. The results of FEM (for plane strain) and PEA (for plane stress) are discussed. The effect of an embedded porosity on the stress distribution under bending load is highlighted.
Photoperiodic regulation of hemolymph protein in the woodroach Parcoblatta pennsylvanica

Abstract In the woodroach, Parcoblatta pennsylvanica , growth rate during postembryonic development has been shown to be photoperiodically controlled. We report here that the protein constituents of the hemolymph are also under photoperiodic control. Electrophoretic patterns under SDS-PAGE conditions and total protein concentrations of hemolymph were measured. Both total protein and the presence of a specific protein band in SDS-PAGE gels (at 82 kD), which we believe to be storage protein, and have termed Development Associated Storage Protein (DASP), showed an annual cycle in animals sampled immediately after collection from the field. Protein concentration in the hemolymph and the amount of DASP were found to be under photoperiodic control in the laboratory. Animals were maintained at constant temperature (25 °C) in light-dark cycles of either 18h light and 6h of darkness (long-day) or 12h of light and 12h of darkness (short-day). Animals maintained in long-days exhibited lower hemolymph protein concentrations than animals in short-days. In contrast, DASP was prominent in long-day animals but was markedly reduced or absent in short-day animals.
A Signature Identification Method Based on Strength and Strokes Direction

It was much more complex and difficult for off-line signature identification attributable to the limitation of available information. To solve the problem, a signature identification method based on strength and strokes direction was proposed. The signature image acquired was gray-scaled and filtered at the stage of preprocess; then the image was two-valued with different threshold based on strength feature, the regions which grayscale was less than threshold were retained; the strokes which possess distinctive directional feature were extracted by using mathematical morphology and combining different scales/directions structure element based on strokes direction feature; at last judgement was maked for sample in accordance with corresponding feature. Experimental results showed the proposed method can enhance accurate rate effectively, improve real-time performance, which was a try beneficial to apply new methods for off-line signature identification.
Characterization of membrane-bound and soluble catechol-O-methyltransferase from human frontal cortex

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT; E.C. 2.1.1.6) from human frontal cortex occurs in both a soluble and membrane-bound form. Attempts to solubilize the membrane-bound transferase by repeated washing or by extraction into solutions of high ionic strength were unsuccessful. The finding that Triton X-100 was capable of solubilizing membrane-bound COMT suggested that the membrane-bound transferase is an integral membrane protein. The membrane-bound and soluble enzymes did not differ in their requirements for magnesium ions or in their pH-activity profiles; both enzymes showed an optimum near pH 8.0 when assayed in phosphate buffer. In addition, the two enzymes did not differ in the degree of inhibition caused by CaCl2, both enzymes displaying 65% inhibition at 2.5 mM CaCl2. The competitive inhibitors tropolone and nordihydroguaiaretic acid displayed Ki values for the membrane-bound transferase five- to 10-fold lower than those observed for the soluble transferase. Solubilization of membrane-bound COMT in Triton X-100 resulted in an increase in the apparent Km value of the membrane-bound transferase for dopamine. The increase in Km appeared to be due to apparent competitive inhibition by Triton X-100 and reached a limiting value of approximately 80 microM. These results confirm that membrane-bound COMT is an integral membrane protein that may be structurally distinct from soluble COMT.
Evolution of the transposable element Uhu in five species of Hawaiian Drosophila

The complete DNA sequence of three independent isolates of Uhu, a member of the Tc1-like class of transposable elements from D. heteroneura (Uhu-1, Uhu-3, and Uhu-4), has been determined. These isolates have between 95 and 96.4% nucleotide sequence identity indicating that Uhu is well conserved within this species. A comparison of the DNA sequences of Uhu and the D. melanogaster Hb1 transposable element shows that the nucleotide substitution rate for Uhu is comparable to the synonymous rate for the Adh gene in these species. Uhu has been identified in four other species of endemic Hawaiian Drosophila, D. silvestris, D. differens, D. planitibia and D. picticornis, and nine Uhu elements were isolated from genomic libraries of these four species. A 444 base pair region from within the coding region of the Uhu element, with well conserved ends, was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and used for sequence comparison of elements from different species. The analysis of the sequence similarities between the elements within and between the species shows a grouping of the two pairs of most closely related species (D. heteroneura and D. silvestris, and D. differens and D. planitibia), but shows a much larger variation within the most recently diverged species (D. heteroneura and D. silvestris) than expected. There are extensive nucleotide substitutions and deletions in the Uhu elements from D. picticornis showing that they are degenerating and being lost in this species. These observations indicate that the Uhu element has been transmitted vertically and that transposition may have been activated at the time of formation of each species as it colonized the newly formed islands of the Hawaiian archipelago.
Nodal Yield in Neck Dissection and the Likelihood of Metastases

Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this study was to begin investigating the relationship between nodal yield in neck dissection and the likelihood of finding cervical metastases in T1 and T2 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). No clinical implications are drawn from this preliminary work. Study Design and Setting: This study was a retrospective analysis of 564 patients with T1 and T2 HNSCC of the oral cavity, oropharynx, or hypopharynx from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program registry. A multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between nodal yield in neck dissection and the discovery of cervical metastases. Other independent factors included in the analysis were gender, age, race, and primary site of tumor. Results: Compared with nodal yield 40 (P 20, increased age, male sex, and primary site correspond with an increased likelihood of finding cervical metastases. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003;128:185-90.)
The spectrum of benzene in the 3-μm region: The ν12 fundamental band ☆

Abstract The absorption spectrum of benzene vapor between 3020 and 3125 cm −1 was recorded at 297 and 204 K with Doppler-limited resolution using a difference-frequency laser spectrometer. Since in this highly complex spectrum much of the observed structure results from blends of two or more transitions, deconvolution was used to reduce the linewidth by a factor of ∼3 down to 0.0010 – 0.0015 cm −1 . This made it possible to resolve and analyze the spectrum in detail. This spectral region contains the perpendicular band of the only infrared-allowed CH stretching fundamental ν 12 of symmetry E 1 u . However, two other comparably strong perpendicular bands due to the ν 13 + ν 16 and ν 2 + ν 13 + ν 18 combinations also appear. These combinations are enhanced by close Fermi and Coriolis interactions with ν 12 and with each other. This paper describes the measurements, and the analysis of the ν 12 fundamental. Highly accurate constants B 0 , D J 0 , and D JK 0 were obtained for the ground vibrational state of C 6 H 6 from the well-resolved rotational structure of the ν 12 band. A set of band constants is reported which reproduces the positions of over 4300 unperturbed lines assigned to 125 subbands of ν 12 with an overall standard deviation of 0.65 × 10 −3 cm −1 . Various higher-order perturbations were detected in the spectrum.
Role of bacterial translocation in necrotizing enterocolitis

The intestinal mucosa functions as a major local defense barrier preventing bacteria that colonize the gut from invading organs and tissues. Under certain circumstances, bacteria colonizing the gastrointestinal tract can cross the gut mucosal barrier to infect the mesenteric lymph node and systemic organs via a process termed bacterial translocation. Factors that promote the translocation of bacteria or endotoxin from the gut include bacterial overgrowth with gram-negative enteric bacilli, impaired host immune defenses and injury to the gut mucosa resulting in increased intestinal permeability. These same promoting factors are present in patients at increased risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis. Consequently, this review focuses on the potential role of bacterial and endotoxin translocation from the gut in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis.
Antimicrobial stewardship: bridging the gap between quality care and cost.

Purpose of reviewAntibiotic resistance continues to rise, whereas development of new agents to counter it has slowed. A heightened need exists to maintain the effectiveness of currently available agents. This review focuses on the need for better antimicrobial stewardship, expected benefits of well
Bilateral longitudinal temporal bone fractures: A retrospective review of seventeen cases

Abstract The types of temporal bone fractures, longitudinal and transverse, are reviewed. All cases of bilateral temporal bone fractures at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas over a 10-year period from 1968 to 1978 are reivewed and discussed by the authors. One hundred sixty patients with the diagnosis of base of skull fractures were studied. Fifty-nine of these were temporal bone fractures and 17 of the 59 were bilateral. Of all the base of skull fractures, 10% were bilateral temporal bone fractures and 29% of all temporal bone fractures were bilateral. For each case the method of injury, the extent of damage to hearing and facial nerve function, presence of CSF otorrhea, X-ray findings, and additional complications are summarized and the results discussed. The operative findings of facial nerve decompressions are carefully reviewed. The authors' method of caring for temporal bone fractures is presented.
Measurement of Negative Symptoms

The issue of the dimensionality of negative symptoms is addressed. In reference to data reported by Lewine, Fogg, and Meltzer (1983), it is suggested that the nonsignificant correlation between a SADS-C negative symptom scale and a NOSIE negative symptom scale, both independently developed using the Rasch model, is evidence for the multidimensionality of negative symptoms. Additional data supporting the multidimensionality of negative symptoms using confirmatory factor analysis is also discussed (Gibbons et al. 1985). A new theory for the structure of negative symptoms is needed, which specifies the number of dimensions, their classification, and their pattern of intercorrelation.
On-chip photonic crystals on magnetic garnet films

By trapping photons in fabricated phase-shift defects magnetic photonic crystals can enhance the Faraday rotation in magneto-optic films. The integration of these structures into on-chip photonic circuits, while advantageous from the point of view of component connectivity in multi-functional systems, faces several challenges. Differences in effective refractive indices between transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes engender phase disparities, thus hindering the Faraday response of the material. Moreover, photonic waveguide structures in magnetic films may support more than one mode depending on the waveguide thickness and refractive index. The effects of birefringence and multimodality on the performance of waveguide magnetic photonic crystals in magnetic garnets are discussed in paper. Particular attention is paid to analyzing the effect of Faraday rotation enhancement in magnetophotonic crystals in the presence of waveguide birefringence and modal multiplicity. Multiple stopbands and significant polarization rotation are observed in multimode Bi-substituted iron garnet film waveguides with single-defect photonic crystal structures. A spectrally flat response is predicted for the polarization rotation in first order mode for birefringent waveguides. The photonic crystals for this study are patterned on ridge waveguide films by focused ion beam (FIB) milling.
Reynolds stress model assessment using round jet experimental data

Abstract Experimental data of Hussein et al. (1993) for the turbulent round jet are used to evaluate individual components of Reynolds stress turbulence models. Models for terms in the Reynolds stress equations are reviewed, with particular emphasis on linear and nonlinear pressure-strain models. Improved coefficients for the Choi and Lumley return-to-isotropy expressions have been developed by the authors. These coefficients are valid for a wider range of flows than the currently used coefficients. Pressure-strain and transport model components are compared to the experimental data for the jet, and agreement is very good, indicating that the models are reasonably correct. Predictions using the linear models are generally as good as those obtained using nonlinear models, indicating that nonlinear models may not be necessary for engineering accuracy for this flow.
Scraping the ACM Digital Library

As part of a larger project to automatically reference link the online scholarly literature, an attempt to analyze PDF documents was undertaken. The ACM Digital Library was used as the corpus for these experiments. With the current PDF and HTML analysis tools, roughly 80% accuracy was obtained in the automatic extraction of reference linking information.
Direct parameter identification of fractured porous medium

Abstract A direct method of parameter identification for a fracture porous medium can be formulated. The coefficient of piezo-conductivity and the virtual fracture transmissivity can be determined using a combination of graphical methods and approximate formulae. Field calculation provides a practical demonstration of the proposed approach.
Heat Shock Protein–Based Cancer Vaccines

The ability to duplicate the remarkable success of infectious disease vaccines in cancer, with durably robust and highly specific antitumor immune responses, has been long held as one of the keys in developing true "magic bullet" cancer therapies. This article attempts to explain why cancer vaccines have failed (so far), delineates the increasingly complex barriers that prevent the eliciting of effective antitumor immunity, and examines the ability of heat shock protein-based vaccines to overcome these barriers. This article is not a definitive compendium of the huge body of relevant literature but rather focuses on the major concepts underlying active specific immunotherapy in general and heat shock protein vaccines in particular.