cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GENE EXPANSION AND ANTIBODY VARIABILITY

SUMMARY The amino acid sequence near the N-terminus of a human immunoglobulin (Ig) light (L) chain has been determined. This sequence is more homologous to avian Ig L chains than to human Ig L chains, and defines an additional variable (V-) region subgroup designated as VλVI. These data also suggest that all vertebrates share large numbers of Ig V-region genes and that 'species-specific’residues reflect the expression in different species of different sets of V-region genes. Control at a level equivalent to ‘regulatory genes’* determines which genes are expressed. Our findings raise a question concerning the possible role of redundant DNA, in that at least some of the ‘nonsense’ DNA in one species may actually be 'sense’DNA in another. We hypothesize that in evolution‘gene expansion’is a regular mechanism for the generation of new genes and that different members of a given group of repetitious genes are expressed in different species. Such a phenomenon is basically similar to the‘mechanism’controlling the differential expression of genes during embryonic differentiation. Our hypothesis differs from the previous version of the germ-line hypothesis proposed for genetic control of antibody variability which involves ‘sudden excessive gene expansion and contraction’. Evidence suggesting that the‘gene expansion’mechanism may also be applicable to a lesser degree to other gene systems is briefly reviewed and discussed.
Possible Bio-Medical Applications of Antiprotons I. In-Vivo Direct Density Measurements: Radiography

We show that antiprotons can be used to extract density at any point within a biological medium by measuring the stopping power. There are no theoretical limits to the accuracy of such a measurement, but practical ones come from data collection capabilities. In addition, radiation dosage may result in a limit of ??/? = 10-2 when the measurements are taken within a volume of approximately 10-2 cm3. Measurements over larger volumes result in substantially smaller errors. The method is illustrated with computer simulated "experiments".
Linear-quadratic-Gaussian control for adaptive optics systems using a hybrid model

This paper presents a linear-quadratic-Gaussian (LQG) design based on the equivalent discrete-time model of an adaptive optics (AO) system. The design model incorporates deformable mirror dynamics, an asynchronous wavefront sensor and zero-order hold operation, and a continuous-time model of the incident wavefront. Using the structure of the discrete-time model, the dimensions of the Riccati equations to be solved are reduced. The LQG controller is shown to improve AO system performance under several conditions.
Physical studies on synthetic DANs containing 5-methylcytosine

Abstract In synthetic DNAs in which cytosine or 5-methylcytosine is base-paired with guanine or hypoxanthine, the physical properties depend both on base composition and base sequence. The absorption spectra of poly(dI) · poly(m5dC) and poly(dI-m5dC) · poly(dI-m5dC) closely resemble the spectra of an equimolar mixture of nucleotides; the maxima near 250 nm corresponds to dIMP absorption and the shoulder at 278 nm corresponds to 5-methyldeoxyCMP absorption. In contrast, when dIMP is replaced by dGMP, the maxima remain near 250 nm, but there is no shoulder; the pyrimidine absorption appears to be blue-shifted by approx. 28 nm. The fluorescence of 5-methyldeoxyCMP is unperturbed when incorporated into randomcoil poly(m5dC) and is blue-shifted by approx. 8 nm when incorporated into poly(dI-m5dC) · poly(dI-m5dC). Incorporation of 5-methyldeoxyCMP into poly(dG-m5dC) · poly(dG-m5dC) reduces the fluorescence yield several-fold and blue-shifts the emission by approx. 50 nm. Methylation of pyrimidines raises the melting temperature of both poly(dR-dY) · poly(dR-dY) and Poly(dR) · poly(dY) and reverses the order of melting: methylation (and also bromination) gives the homopolymer pair a higher melting temperature than the alternating copolymer. Methylation also invariably reduces the buoyant density of the synthetic DNAs in neutral and alkaline CsCl, but the decrement is not constant. Methylation of poly(dI-dC) also recudes its buoyant density in neutral and alkaline Cs2SO4. Methylation of poly(dG-dC) increases its buoyant density in neutral Cs2SO4 and reduces it in alkaline Cs2SO4.
The corrosion and wetting behaviour of copper in the presence of some thiol reagents

Abstract The corrosion and wetting behaviour of copper in aqueous solutions of potassium diethyldithiophosphate and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate has been studied by measurement of the limiting current density for oxygen attack of the metal and contact angles. In dilute solutions of the reagent, bulk precipitation of the metal-reagent salt is observed; there is no effect on the limiting current density; and the contact angle is zero. In concentrated solutions there is no bulk precipitate; the limiting current density decreases with increasing reagent concentration; the contact angle is finite. Finite contact angles appear to result from the presence of a hydrophobic metal-reagent salt on the surface. The behaviour of the system, which could not be explained on the thermodynamic basis, is explained in terms of a simple model that takes into consideration kinetic factors.
Head direction cell activity in the anterodorsal thalamus requires intact supragenual nuclei.

Neural activity in several limbic areas varies as a function of the animal's head direction (HD) in the horizontal plane. Lesions of the vestibular periphery abolish this HD cell signal, suggesting...
Tailoring molecular sieve properties during SDA removal via solvent extraction

Abstract Pure-silica molecular sieves with the MFI topology and zincosilicates, aluminosilicates, borosilicates and pure silicates with the *BEA topology are synthesized and subjected to solvent extraction treatments in an effort to remove the organic structure-directing agents (SDAs) from the micropores. For both molecular sieve topologies, the amount of SDA that can be removed by extraction is found to be dependent on the size of the SDA and the strength of interaction of the SDA with the molecular sieve framework. Furthermore, the potential for extraction of SDAs from the micropores of the material is shown to correlate well with the temperature at which the SDA combusts in thermogravimetric analyses experiments. For materials with SDAs that are small relative to the size of the micropores, the fraction of SDA that can be removed is found to correlate well with the fraction of the SDA that decomposes below 400°C in the materials studied here. SDA that burns or decomposes at temperatures exceeding this value is strongly bound to the framework via ionic charge-balancing interactions. The ease of liberation of charge-balancing tetraethylammonium (TEA) cations from the various metallosilicates is shown to be Zn>B>Al, following the reverse trend of known Bronsted acidity of the various types of sites. It is shown that this tightly bound SDA is removed by extraction under conditions that simultaneously hydrolyze part of the framework. For example, TEA cations charge-balancing boron atoms in the silicate framework are removed with concomitant hydrolysis of the B–O–Si bonds, releasing the tightly bound TEA cation with subsequent desorption of the boron and TEA from the molecular sieve pores. A borosilicate with the *BEA topology synthesized with TEA fluoride as an SDA is shown to be a precursor to a variety of molecular sieves as was previously demonstrated for the zincosilicate with the *BEA topology, CIT-6.
Replication and expression of an X-linked cluster of Drosophila chorion genes

Abstract Two 80- to 100-kb chromosomal replicons containing clustered chorion genes amplify in the ovarian follicle cells during the final 22 hr of Drosophila oogenesis. We have studied the relationship between amplification and transcription within one of these domains, located at 7E10-7F3,4 on the X chromosome. A tandem cluster of six genes, encoding chorion structural proteins s36-1, s38-1, and four putative minor chorion protein mRNAs, was mapped in the central 18 kb of the amplified domain, a region showing the highest levels of amplification. The regions both proximal and distal to this gene cluster, where lower levels of amplification occur, were also transcribed in ovary, but mRNAs produced specifically during choriogenesis were not detected. Thus, differences in amplification do not appear to modulate differential RNA accumulation. Instead, the gradient of amplification observed in egg chamber DNA may simply reflect the mechanism of amplification. In the female sterile mutation, In(1)ocelliless, a chromosomal rearrangement separates the central gene cluster into two parts, only one of which retains the capacity to amplify. Genes located within the unamplified portion of the ocelliless chromosome were expressed at the appropriate time during oogenesis, but at a 5- to 10-fold reduced level of RNA per gene. Thus neither cluster integrity nor amplification are required for the normal developmental program of gene expression within the cluster
Models of gain curves for fast ignition

Abstract We consider gain curves for Fast Ignition that have the following ingredients: hydrodynamic efficiency of the implosion for a range of drive intensities, density of the assembled fuel resulting from the reflected shock produced at the culmination of the implosion, effective particle range produced in the laser–plasma interaction as well as the heat capacity of the ignition region as determined by Atzeni. The dependence of the gain curves on the coupling efficiency from ignition laser to fuel, allowed in-flight-aspect-ratio, compressed fuel density profile and fraction of implosion energy in the compressed fuel is shown. In addition the fraction of the total driver energy devoted to the ignition driver that maximizes the gain is shown. These estimates will be made for systems where the implosion is directly driven with a laser of various colors or indirectly with a heavy ion beam.
Processing and characterization of diffusion-bonded Al–Si interfaces

Abstract Aluminum/silicon/aluminum sandwich specimens were produced via diffusion bonding in high vacuum at 843 K for 1 h with an applied pressure of 1.5 MPa in a uni-axial die. Details of process conditions and surface preparation of Si and Al for optimal bonding are discussed and rationalized. Following diffusion bonding, the morphology, texture, and chemistry of the interfacial region were examined using optical, scanning electron microscopy, orientation imaging microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the aluminum immediately adjacent to the interface underwent intense plastic deformation and recrystallization, helping to break up the native oxide layer. TEM revealed the presence of a thin O-rich amorphous layer at the interface. The interface between the Si and the amorphous layer was sharp, whereas, on the Al side, the amorphous region gradually transitioned to crystalline Al. The amorphous layer is thought to arise as a result of the native oxide layer that exists on Al prior to diffusion bonding.
Wild Allium spp. as Natural Hosts of Iris yellow spot virus.

The incidence of Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) of genus Tospovirus, family Bunyaviridae in a commercial onion crop was first confirmed in Washington state during 2003 (1). First found in Adams Coun...
Temperature dependence of the MCXD at the Gd L III edge

We measured the temperature dependence of the Magnetic Circular X-ray Dichroism (MCXD) effect at the GD L III absorption edge from 77 K up to 350 K, using an energy dispersive spectrometer. The low temperature, ferromagnetic region, MCXD spectrum consists of the main positive peak with pre-edge and post-edge features. Only the main positive peak exhibits temperature dependence similar to magnetization. all of the other features decrease with increasing temperature and vanish slightly above the reorientation temperature. Well above the ordering temperature, the MCXD consists only of the positive peak with a post-edge background slowly decaying away from it over the range of 90 eV.
Efficient representation and fast look-up of Maximum Entropy language models

Word class information has long been proven useful in language modeling (LM). However, the improved performance of class-based LMs over word n-gram models generally comes at the cost of increased decoding complexity and model size. In this paper, we propose a modified version of the Maximum Entropy token-based language model of [1] that matches the performance of the best existing class-based models, but which is as fast for decoding as a word n-gram model. In addition, while it is easy to statically combine word n-gram models built on different corpora into a single word n-gram model for fast decoding, it is unknown how to statically combine class-based LMs effectively. Another contribution of this paper is to propose a novel combination method that retains the gain of class-based LMs over word n-gram models. Experimental results on several spoken language translation tasks show that our model performs significantly better than word n-gram models with comparable decoding speed and only a modest increase in model size.
Influence of rod adaptation upon cone responses to light offset in humans: I. Results in normal observers

Dark-adapted rods exert a tonic suppressive influence upon cone-mediated sensitivity to rapid flicker, a phenomenon called suppressive rod-cone interaction (SRC1). However, rod dark adaptation has negligible influence upon cone-mediated thresholds measured with more usual psychophysical procedures. The present study separately examined the influences of rod light and dark adaptation upon cone-mediated sensitivity to transient increases or decreases in illumination using sawtooth flicker with rapid-on (ramp-off) or rapid-off (ramp-on) waveforms. In the parafoveal retina, cones alone were stimulated with flicker by spatially superimposing longand short-wavelength stimuli presented in counterphase and matched in scotopic illuminance. Several different adaptation procedures were used. For higher (>4 Hz) frequencies, sensitivity of cones to both waveforms is nearly identical under any condition of adaptation; sensitivity decreases as rods progressively dark adapt. A considerably different situation exists for slower frequencies (1–4 Hz). Sensitivity of cones to rapid-off flicker is appreciably greater under light-adapted conditions confirming recent observations by Bowen et al. (1989). But as rods progressively dark adapt, sensitivity of cones to rapid-off waveforms decreases considerably while sensitivity to rapid-on waveforms is much less affected; in the totally dark-adapted eye, sensitivity to both waveforms is identical. These results confirm and extend recent physiological observations in amphibian retina (Frumkes & Wu, 1990) suggesting that SRCI specifically involves responses to transient decreases in illumination.
Identification of mixed-phase systems from frequency slices of the bispectrum

Abstract The identification of the parameters of a linear, time-invariant system is an important problem in signal processing and control. Power spectral methods cannot be used in the identification of mixed-phase systems, or when the output is corrupted by Gaussian noise of unknown power spectral density. Bispectral methods are effective in those cases. In this paper we present a new procedure to identify mixed-phase systems using frequency slices of the bispectral phase to obtain the group delay of the system from which we then find the system parameters. For mixed-phase moving average (MA) or minimum-phase autoregressive moving average (ARMA) systems, we show that a single slice of the bispectral phase is sufficient to identify the parameters and the order of the system, while two slices of the bispectrum are needed for mixed-phase ARMA systems. The basis of our procedure is to obtain an equivalent minimum-phase system which has the same phase as the original one. Using the modified least squares (MLS) rational approximation for the equivalent system we find the parameters of the original system. In the mixed-phase ARMA case, additional separation of the minimum- and the maximum-phase components is necessary. Examples illustrating our procedure are given.
WW domain-containing protein YAP associates with ErbB-4 and acts as a co-transcriptional activator for the carboxyl-terminal fragment of ErbB-4 that translocates to the nucleus

The ErbB-4 receptor protein-tyrosine kinase is proteolytically processed by membrane proteases in response to the ligand or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate stimulation resulting in the cytoplasmic fragment translocating to the cell nucleus. The WW domain-containing co-transcriptional activator Yes-associated protein (YAP) associates physically with the full-length ErbB-4 receptor and functionally with the ErbB-4 cytoplasmic fragment in the nucleus. The YAP·ErbB4 complex is mediated by the first WW domain of YAP and the most carboxyl-terminal PPXY motif of ErbB-4. In human tissues, we documented the expression of YAP1 with a single WW domain and YAP2 with two WW domains. It is known that the COOH-terminal fragment of ErbB4 does not have transcriptional activity by itself; however, we show here that in the presence of YAP its transcriptional activity is revealed. There is a difference in the extent of transactivation activity among YAP isoforms: YAP2 is the stronger activator compared with YAP1. This transactivation is abolished by mutations that abrogate the YAP·ErbB4 complex formation. The unphosphorylatable mutation that increases the nuclear localization of YAP increases transcription activity. The COOH-terminal fragment of ErbB-4 and full-length YAP2 overexpressed in cells partially co-localize to the nucleus. Our data indicate that YAP is a potential signaling partner of the full-length ErbB4 receptor at the membrane and of the COOH-terminal fragment of ErbB-4 that translocates to the nucleus to regulate transcription.
Investigation of Pre-Diagnostic Virological Markers for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a severe neurological disorder due to JC virus (JCV) infection. Pre-diagnostic biological markers and risk factors for PML are not well understood. We conducted a case-control study nested within the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study to examine the association between JCV viruria and viremia and serum antibody to JCV capsids, in relation to subsequent PML diagnoses, 5 months to 12 years later. Other demographic and immunologic factors were also examined. The study population included 28 incident cases of PML, 26 matched HIV-positive controls, and 50 HIV-negative controls. Prevalence of JCV viruria was 37% in cases, 42% in HIV-positive controls, and 28% in HIV-negative controls (P = 0.43). Among persons with JCV viruria, persistent viruria was more common in cases (89%) than in HIV-positive controls (33%) (P = 0.02). Presence of JCV viruria was not related to the time to PML diagnosis (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.8-1.4); however, the urinary concentration of JCV DNA increased with proximity to the date of PML diagnosis in cases. JCV seropositivity did not differ between cases or controls (P = 0.42). Four cases tested JCV seronegative, including one case only 5 months prior to diagnosis with PML. JCV DNA was detected in the serum of one HIV-positive control. Smoking was the only demographic variable analyzed associated with an increased risk for PML (MOR: 9.0, 95% CI: 1.2-394.5). The results suggest that persistent JCV viruria and increasing urinary concentration of JCV DNA may be predictive of PML for some patients.
Immunosuppression in mice induced by cold water stress

Abstract A number of studies indicate that stress can result in suppression of the immune system in animals and man. Most of the studies have focused on alterations of lymphocyte function while only a few have investigated alterations of macrophage function or macrophage cytokine production. Macrophages play an essential role in homeostasis of the immune response. Indeed, the earliest events of the immune response occur in cells of the monocytic lineage, and their secretion of various cytokines may have both immunological and nonimmunological effects. The present studies were undertaken to determine whether alterations in macrophage physiology occur in mice subjected to a stress stimulus. Our studies in mice exposed to cold water stress for 4 days indicated reduced numbers of thymocytes and splenocytes, decreased T-cell blastogenesis, and reduced NK activity. Examination of elicited peritoneal macrophages from stressed mice revealed increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secretion and decreased immune region associated antigen (Ia) expression in response to interferon-γ. Despite elevated PGE2 levels, indomethacin was generally unable to restore depressed immune function. Of special interest was the finding that cell-associated and secreted interleukin 1 were significantly higher from unstimulated elicited macrophages from stressed mice. These results suggest that early in the response to stress, functions of a variety of cells within the immune system, especially macrophages, are altered and that dysregulated macrophage function may well contribute to the generalized suppression of the immune response in cold water stressed mice.
Professionalism as a Form of Work Commitment.

Abstract A modified version of R. H. Hall's (1968, American Sociological Review 33 , 92–104) multidimensional measure of professionalism was used to evaluate the concept of professionalism as a form of work commitment. Based on a sample of 325 accountants in public practice, professionalism was examined vis-a-vis three forms of work commitment (i.e., job involvement, organizational commitment, and work ethic endorsement) and four professional behaviors. Results indicate that the measure requires some refinement but is nonredundant with other forms of work commitment. The future role of professionalism is discussed.
Effect of Target Thickness on Characteristic Projectile X Rays and REC in Ion-Atom Collisions

A systematic investigation of projectile K x-ray production as a function of target thickness has been conducted for 20-80 MeV Cl ions incident on thin Cu targets. Measured intensities for characteristic x-rays and radiative electron capture (REC) are parametrized according to the model of Betz et al. From the fitting parameters the mean fluorescence yield and the radiative lifetime for K-shell decay for the highly ionized Cl projectiles are determined. The fluorescence yield is found to increase by a factor of about six over the energy range studied having a value of ~ 0.1 at 20 MeV. The radiative lifetime for K-shell decay is found to be ~ 3 × 10-14 sec. Parametrization of the REC intensity allows a determination of the REC cross section per K vacancy. The resulting cross sections are in good agreement with the free electron theory of Bethe and Salpeter if it is assumed that each of the "loosely" bound (i. e., M- and N-shell) electrons in Cu contribute equally to the REC process. By combining the results obtained for the characteristic x-rays and REC, the fluorescence yield for K-shell capture events is determined and found to have values in the range (2-4) × 10-3.
D.C. electrical measurements on evaporated thin films of copper phthalocyanine

Abstract The electrical properties of thin films of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) were studied for samples with thicknesses up to 10μm. Room temperature current density-voltage characteristics normally showed ohmic conduction in the lower voltage range and space-charge-limited conductivity, controlled by an exponential distribution of traps above the valence band edge, for higher voltage levels. Measurements of current density-temperature characteristics yielded voltage-variable slopes on plots of the logarithm of the current density as a function of the inverse temperature, in accordance with the theory for exponential trap distributions. Analysis of the results yielded the following values: permittivity e = 3.19 × 10 −11 F m −1 ; hole mobility μ ≈ 5 × 10 −7 m 2 V −1 s −1 ; room temperature hole concentration ρ O ≈ 9.1 × 10 17 m −3 ; concentration P o of traps per unit energy range at the valence band edge about 3.86 × 10 43 J −3 m −3 ; temperature parameter T t of trapping distribution about 750 K; total trapping concentration N t ≈ × 10 23 m −3 .
NEUTRINO--NUCLEON SCATTERING AND THE DIMENSION OF THE SYMMETRY-BREAKING HAMILTONIAN.

Abstract Some implications of an analysis of neutrino-nucleon scattering using Wilson operator-product-expansions are presented: (A) If the divergence of the axial vector current behaves as a canonical pion field, then there exists an operator of dimension ⩽ 0. (B) A “maximal contribution assumption” implies that Δ, the dimension of the SU(3) ⊗ SU(3) breaking Hamiltonian, is ⩾ 2. We also discuss implications for internal symmetry of the vanishing of W L .
Electrochemical reduction off 4-aminopyrimidine in aqueous media

Abstract The redox and associated chemical behavior of 4-aminopyrimidine (4-AP) and its reduction products in buffered aqueous media have been examined by a variety of electrochemical techniques. In acidic medium (pH 0–2), 4-AP undergoes a two-step reduction: pH-dependent wave I corresponds to a three-electron (3e) process; wave II, which corresponds to a 1e transfer, is accompanied by catalytic hydrogen discharge. Between pH 2 and 7.5, only wave I is visible; its height diminishes above pH 4, becoming zero by pH 8. Macroscale electroreduction at potentials on the crests of waves I and II has been followed electrochemically and by ultraviolet spectrophotometry with isolation and identification of the wave I reduction products. The photochemical transformation of the reduction products on ultraviolet irradiation has been examined. The reduction of 4-AP is accompanied by isomerization, ring opening and/or deamination of the primary reduction products and of the resulting secondary chemical products.
Smith equivalence of representations

An old question of P. A. Smith asks: If a finite group G acts smoothly on a closed homotopy sphere Σ with fixed set Σ G consisting of two points p and q , are the tangential representations T p Σ and T q Σ of G at p and q equal? Put another way: Describe the representations ( V, W ) of G which occur as ( T p Σ T q Σ) for Σ a sphere with smooth action of G and Σ G = p ∪ q . Under these conditions we say V and W are Smith equivalent (21) and write V ~ W . A stronger equivalence relation is also interesting. We say representations V and W are s -Smith equivalent if ( V, W ) = ( T p Σ, T q Σ) and Σ is a semi-linear G sphere (23), i.e. Σ K is a homotopy sphere for all K and Σ G = p ∪ q . In this case we write V ≈ W .
Transient Middle Cerebral Occlusion Produces Severe Injury to The Neonatal(P7) Rat Brain † 1905

Focal cerebral ischemia is a cause of stroke in infants. Current neonatal rodent models, however, require a combination of unilateral carotid artery ligation and exposure to systemic hypoxia, thus limiting the understanding of the pathophysiology of focal neonatal cerebral ischemia. Our aim was to develop a model of reproducible non-hemorrhagic focal ischemia-reperfusion in the neonate using transient middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in P7 rats. Right common carotid artery was exposed and the right external carotid ligated in 16 rat pups. A coated nylon filament (#7) was advanced for 8 mm through an incision in external carotid artery occluding the MCA. The filament was then sutured and pups were returned to the dams. After three hours, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was performed, and reperfusion was achieved by removal of the suture filament. At 24 hours, pups were perfused through the heart with 2% TTC. Brains were removed, fixed in 4% buffered paraformaldehyde, and cut into 4 or 5 coronal slices. The size of areas of moderate-to-complete TTC discoloration unilateral to MCA occlusion was determined serially using computer-assisted image analysis. Based on DWI performed during MCA occlusion, cytotoxic edema was evident in MCA distribution ipsilateral to the occlusion. Infarcts were seen in 15 animals and included 38.7±13.6%(mean±SD) of ischemic hemisphere. Hemorrhage was observed in one rat. This ischemia-reperfusion model will allow further study of the susceptibility of the newborn brain to ischemic insult during development.
Evolution of brain tissue injury after evacuation of acute traumatic subdural hematomas.

Objective Acute traumatic subdural hematoma complicated by brain parenchymal injury is associated with a 60 to 90% mortality rate. Early surgical evacuation of the mass lesion is essential for a favorable outcome, but the severity of the underlying brain injury determines the outcome, even when surgery has been prompt. The purpose of this study was to analyze tissue biochemical patterns in the brain underlying an evacuated acute subdural hematoma to identify a characteristic pattern of changes that might indicate evolving brain injury. Methods Prospectively collected data from 33 patients after surgical evacuation of acute subdural hematoma were analyzed. Both a brain tissue oxygen tension probe and an intracerebral microdialysis probe were placed in brain tissue exposed at surgery. On the basis of the postoperative clinical course, the patients were divided into three groups: patients with early intractable intracranial hypertension, patients with evolution of delayed traumatic injury (DTI), and patients with an uncomplicated course (the no-DTI group). Results The overall mortality rate was 46%, with 100% mortality in the intracranial hypertension group (five patients). Mortality in the DTI group was 53% compared with only 9% in the no-DTI group (P = 0.002). There were no significant differences in the initial computed tomographic scan characteristics, such as thickness of the subdural hematoma or amount of midline shift, among the three groups. Physiological variables, as well as the microdialysate measures of brain biochemistry, were markedly different in the intracranial hypertension group compared with the other groups. Differences between the other two groups were more subtle but were significant. Significantly lower values of brain tissue oxygen tension (14 +/- 8 mm Hg versus 27 +/- 14 mm Hg) and higher dialysate values of lactate and pyruvate were documented in patients who developed a delayed injury compared with patients with uncomplicated courses (4.1 +/- 2.3 mmol/L versus 1.7 +/- 0.7 mmol/L for lactate, and 104 +/- 47 micromol/L versus 73 +/- 54 micromol/L for pyruvate at 24 h after injury). Conclusion Evolution of DTI in the area of brain underlying an evacuated subdural hematoma is associated with a significant increase in mortality. Postoperatively decreasing brain tissue oxygen tension and increasing dialysate concentrations of lactate and pyruvate in this area may warn of evolving brain injury and evoke further diagnostic and therapeutic activity.
Pretreatment of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) spermatozoa with cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrins and glycerol addition at 4°C improves cryosurvival

Asian elephant spermatozoa are sensitive to chilling and do not respond well to cryopreservation. The objectives of the present study were to: (1) determine whether cholesterol content can be modified by preincubation of Asian elephant spermatozoa with cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC); and (2) assess the effects of CLC concentration(s), temperature at time of glycerol addition (22°C vs 4°C) and dilution medium on post-thaw sperm survival. Spermatozoa incubated with ≥1.5 mg CLC exhibited increased (P < 0.05) cholesterol concentrations. Pretreatment of spermatozoa with 1.5 mg CLC resulted in improvements (P < 0.05) in all post-thaw parameters. Glycerol addition at 4°C also improved all post-thaw parameters compared with 22°C. Dilution of thawed spermatozoa in an egg yolk-based medium improved (P < 0.05) motility compared with Ham's F-10 culture medium. In summary, our findings indicate that modifying cholesterol content within the plasma membrane improves the cryosurvival of Asian elephant spermatozoa. The development of an improved cryopreservation method that includes modification of membrane cholesterol and the addition of glycerol at 4°C, as reported in the present study, is an important step towards utilisation of cryopreserved spermatozoa in captive management of this species.
Intramuscular, intravenous and oral levetiracetam in dogs: safety and pharmacokinetics

Intravenous (IV) levetiracetam (LEV) is available for humans for bridge therapy when the oral route is unavailable. We investigated the safety and pharmacokinetics of LEV administered intramuscularly (IM), IV, and orally to dogs. Six Hound dogs received 19.5-22.6 mg/kg of LEV IM, IV and orally with a wash-out period in between. All dogs received 500 mg LEV orally and 5 mL of 100 mg/mL LEV IM. Three dogs received 500 mg of LEV IV and three dogs received 250 mg LEV IV with 250 mg given perivascularly to approximate extravasation. Safety was assessed using a pain scale at time of IM administration and histopathological examination 24 h to 5 days after injection. Intravenous LEV half-life was 180 +/- 18 min. Bioavailability of IM LEV was 100%. Mean time to T(max) after IM was 40 +/- 16 min. The mean C(max) IM was 30.3 +/- 3 mug/mL compared to the C(0) of 37 +/- 5 mug/mL for IV. Mean inflammation score (0-4 scale) for IM LEV was 0.28 and for saline 0.62. Extravasation did not cause tissue damage. Parenteral LEV is well tolerated and appears safe following IM and IV injections in dogs. Parenteral LEV should be evaluated for use in dogs with epilepsy.
A multi-criteria approach to screening alternatives for converting sewage sludge to biodiesel

Abstract The search for cheaper feedstock for use in the production of biofuels such as biodiesel has turned attention to various forms of waste products including animal fats, waste oils and now lipids in sludge. With the potential of obtaining sludge at a reduced cost, free, or possibly with incentives, sewage sludge is being investigated as a potential feedstock for biofuel production. For the extraction of oils from the sewage sludge and the subsequent processing, there are various alternatives that should be designed, analyzed, and screened. In developing and screening these alternatives, it is necessary to have a consistent basis for comparing alternatives based on key criteria. While most of the design studies focus on techno-economic criteria, it is also important to include safety metrics in the multi-criteria analysis. In this work, a detailed economic analysis and a safety evaluation are performed on a process involving extraction of triglycerides and fatty acids, pre-treatment of fatty acids (direct conversion to biodiesel), and transesterification of triglycerides to biodiesel. Four solvents, toluene, hexane, methanol and ethanol, are individually used in the extraction process. The resulting triglycerides and fatty acids from each extraction are modeled in the pre-treatment process. ASPEN Plus software is used to simulate the detailed process. Economic analysis is performed using ASPEN ICARUS, and scale-up of a previously analyzed process is used to estimate the cost of the biodiesel portion of the process. A new safety metric (referred to as the Safety Index “SI”) is introduced to enable comparison of the various solvent extraction processes. The SI is based on solvent criteria as well as process conditions. A case study is presented to demonstrate the insights and usefulness of the developed approach. The results of the techno-economic analysis reveal that of the four solvents used for the initial extraction, hexane and toluene were least costly (2.89 and 2.79 $/gal, respectively). Conversely, the safety analysis utilizing the SI reveals that methanol and ethanol are the safer solvent options. The issue of cost/safety tradeoffs is also discussed.
On a conjecture of Liu and Ye

We improve the asymptotic formula for Montgomery’s pair correlation function F(x, T) defined as in [3] and use it to show that the conjecture of Liu and Ye [2] is incompatible with Riemann Hypothesis.
Vitamin D and Bone

All cells comprising the skeleton—chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts—contain both the vitamin D receptor and the enzyme CYP27B1 required for producing the active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D. Direct effects of 25 hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D on these bone cells have been demonstrated. However, the major skeletal manifestations of vitamin D deficiency or mutations in the vitamin D receptor and CYP27B1, namely rickets and osteomalacia, can be corrected by increasing the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, indicating the importance of indirect effects. On the other hand, these dietary manipulations do not reverse defects in osteoblast or osteoclast function that lead to osteopenic bone. This review discusses the relative importance of the direct versus indirect actions of vitamin D on bone, and provides guidelines for the clinical use of vitamin D to prevent/treat bone loss and fractures.
Blending effects on ignition delay times of methyl octanoate/n-nonane/methylcyclohexane

Abstract Ignition delay times were measured behind reflected shock waves under highly dilute conditions (99% Ar) for 10 ternary blends of methyl octanoate, n-nonane, and methylcyclohexane (MCH), using a Design of Experiments approach, namely an L9 array. Measurements were obtained over a wide range of temperature (1258
A simplified theory of oscillating airfoils in transonic flow - Review and extension

Significant old and new results are presented to show to what extent a simplified theory for transonic flow may be used. Solutions are obtained by classical techniques and compared with experiment. Results are given for two-dimensional, steady and unsteady flow and three-dimensional, steady flow. The effects of flow separation and improvements in Bernoulli's equations and the surface boundary condition are also briefly discussed.
Hierarchy and Happiness: The Influence of Emotion on Administrative Job Satisfaction

Administrative job satisfaction in higher education is influenced by intrinsic and interpersonal factors (Volkwein & Zhou, 2002, 2003). Pioneers of the “affect as information” hypothesis of emotion postulate that emotions provide value-laden information regarding whether goals, standards, and attitudes are impacted positively or negatively by events, agents, or objects (Clore, 1992, 1994; Clore & Ortony, 1988; Ortony, Clore, & Collins, 1988; Schwarz & Clore, 1988). This study explored the relationship between emotion and job satisfaction among community college administrators. Elevated satisfaction scores were associated with positive emotional temperaments and elevated emotional intelligence. Optimistic administrators in good moods were more satisfied than pessimistic administrators in bad moods.
The Bandman Criterion for Educators: “A Good Enough Reason”

(1973). The Bandman Criterion for Educators: “A Good Enough Reason”. Educational Philosophy and Theory: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 39-57.
An investigation of the vanadium(V)octacyanomolybdate(VI) reaction

Abstract The rapid oxidation of Mo(CN) 4- 8 by VO + 2 was studied in acidic perchlorate media by the use of stopped-flow spectrophotometric techniques. Using a large excess of VO + 2 , the formation of Mo(CN) 3- 8 was described by the expression (A∞ − A t = B o e −k f t + P o e −k s t and the two reaction pathways at constant [H + ] showed a simple first order dependence upon both reactants. Variation of the [H + ] demonstrated the direct involvement of one proton in each pathway. The experimental data suggest the reaction of sodium ion pairs of Mo(CN) 4- 8 with VO + 2 . Relative rate studied indicate that the faster reaction is of an outer-sphere type.
Characterization of membrane action of steroids

Abstract This neuroprotocol describes in detail a neuronal membrane radioreceptor assay for progesterone and testosterone. These steroids are linked through different C positions in the molecule to bovine serum albumin (BSA) to form a large steroid-BSA complex that can be radioiodinated through tyrosyl residues in the BSA molecule, generating a hydrophilic ligand of high specific activity. A crude synaptosomal membrane fraction (P2 pellet) prepared from different regions of the CNS of the male or female rat is used as the source of neuronal membranes, and the assay is carried out in Tris-binding buffer (pH 7.4) at 4°C for 30 min. With this assay, stereospecific binding sites with an affinity constant in the micromolar range were shown at several CNS target sites for these steroids. High capacity and high selectivity as well marked physiological changes indicate that these binding sites most likely correspond to a new group of steroid membrane receptors different from classical nuclear receptors.
Type based abstraction for QoI aware applications

We describe Quality of Information (QoI) in terms of Type Theory in order to: clarify the meaning of QoI and desired capabilities of “quality aware” systems; to show how any quality metric can be expressed as a function of data and data provenance which negates the need for specific quality annotations; and to indicate how data processing may automatically be applied to deliver high quality information.
Progressive changes in microstructure and composition during degradation of solar mirrors

Abstract The long-term degradation of solar mirrors can range from negligible to near total destruction of the reflective silver layer, depending on age and conditions of use. The microstructure and composition of several commonly observed stages of degradation have been studied using visible light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with an electron microprobe X-ray fluorescence analyzer (EDX). Newly fabricated mirrors commonly display weak adhesion of the silver layer to the glass; gaps of several micrometers have been measured on mirror specimens polished in profile by metallographic methods for high resolution microscopy. Surface microdefects such as unsilvered spots, impurity precipitates and large silver grains also are not unusual in new mirrors. Field degradation of mirrors appears first as a random distribution of fine spots in which the silver layer is thickened and a reaction has occurred with the adjacent glass surface. Continued degradation leads to enlargement or aggregation of spots which may ultimately cover nearly the entire mirror surface. A circular banded structure develops around each spot center, with the silver layer adhering strongly to the glass or backing paint in alternate bands. The degraded regions are devoid of the copper originally deposited over the silver, and the silver grain size has increased about tenfold. The evidence suggests that the extent of degradation, the composition reaction products and the type of microstructure are strongly influenced by the presence of water.
SU‐GG‐T‐31: A Novel Fully Automated Re‐Planning Method for CT‐Guided Adaptive Planning in IMRT and SmartArc for Prostate Cancer

Purpose: The adaptive radiotherapy involves replanning process based on daily computed tomography(CT), which is impractical with the manual recontouring and trial‐and‐error replanning process. An automated adaptive planning(AAP) method, i.e. automated contouring and automated plan optimization without any manual intervention, was proposed and validated for IMRT and SmartArc planning to account for inter‐fractional changes in prostate cancer.Method and Materials: 9 CT datasets (simulation CT and 8 daily CTs) of a prostate cancer patient with large daily anatomical changes were selected. In the AAP method, contours on each daily CT were automatically generated by mapping the contours from simulation CT using Demons Image Registration. An in‐house developed automated planning method was used to generate the initial, the replanned IMRT and SmartArc plans. The final treatment plan evaluation was based on physician‐drawn contours on simulation CT and each daily CT. The cumulative dose‐volume‐histograms(DVHs) of the target and the normal tissues were acquired by averaging the DVHs based on the physician‐drawn contours of each daily CT and compared to those of the initial plans recalculated just by shifting the isocenter. Results: After adaption using AAP, the percentage volume covered by prescription dose for prostate and SV reached 98.8% and 96.7% for IMRT, and 97.2% and 95.5% for SmartArc, which was an absolute increase of respectively 10.8% and 15.3% for IMRT, and 5.4% and 10.9% for SmartArc plan compared to shifting‐iso method. The V70 and mean dose for rectum were 10.7% and 40.5Gy for IMRT, and 10.3% and 33.3Gy for SmartArc, an absolute reduction of 10.3% and 8.5Gy for IMRT, and 10.8% and 6.8Gy for SmartArc, compared to shifting‐iso method. Conclusion: The AAP method, which is fully automated, is practically effective for on‐line compensation of the target dose deficit and critical organ overdose caused by inter‐fractional anatomical change for prostate cancer.
Smoking as a risk factor for sleep-disordered breathing.

Background: Recent evidence indicates that the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing is remarkably high (24% for men and 9% for women) and that the public health burden attributable to sleep-disordered breathing is substantial. This investigation examines current and former cigarette smoking as potential risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing. Methods: Data were from 811 adults enrolled in the University of Wisconsin Sleep Cohort Study, Madison. The Sleep Cohort Study is a longitudinal, epidemiologic study that uses nocturnal polysomnography to investigate sleep-disordered breathing and other disorders of sleep. The presence and severity of sleep-disordered breathing was quantified by the frequency of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep. Results: Logistic regression analyses were used to control for potential confounding factors. Compared with never smokers, current smokers had a significantly greater risk of snoring (odds ratio, 2.29) and of moderate or worse sleep-disordered breathing (odds ratio, 4.44). Heavy smokers (≥40 cigarettes per day) had the greatest risk of mild sleep-disordered breathing (odds ratio, 6.74) and of moderate or worse sleep-disordered breathing (odds ratio, 40.47). Former smoking was unrelated to snoring and sleep-disordered breathing after adjustment for confounders. Conclusions: Current cigarette smokers are at greater risk for sleep-disordered breathing than are never smokers. Heavy smokers have the greatest risk while former smokers are not at increased risk for sleep-disordered breathing. Thus, smoking cessation should be considered in the treatment and prevention of sleep-disordered breathing. (Arch Intern Med. 1994;154:2219-2224)
A Calculus of Purpose

Why is the sky blue? Any scientist will answer this question with a statement of mechanism: Atmospheric gas scatters some wavelengths of light more than others. To answer with a statement of purpose—e.g., to say the sky is blue in order to make people happy—would not cross the scientific mind. Yet in biology we often pose “why” questions in which it is purpose, not mechanism,that interests us. The question “Why does the eye have a lens?” most often calls for the answer that the lens is there to focus light rays, and only rarely for the answer that the lens is there because lens cells are induced by the retina from overlying ectoderm.