cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Multi-Branch Receiver With Modulated Mixer Clocks for Concurrent Dual-Carrier Reception and Rapid Compressive-Sampling Spectrum Scanning

A multi-branch receiver is introduced that uses mixer-clock modulation to unify the functions of single-carrier and concurrent dual-carrier reception, as well as compressive-sampling spectrum scanning into a single architecture. With CW-modulated mixer clocks, the receiver achieves concurrent reception from two distinct bands and realizes tuned impedance matching that greatly improves its out-of-band (OB) linearity. With pseudo-noise (PN)-modulated mixer clocks, the receiver supports rapid spectrum scanning. Disabling modulation reverts the receiver to a single-carrier receiver with good OB linearity. A 65-nm CMOS prototype is presented that offers 2.7-dB minimum NF, −1.3-dBm B1dB, and +8-dBm IIP3 for high-sensitivity single-carrier reception. Concurrent dual-carrier reception at 500 and 900 MHz is demonstrated that offers −8.4-dBm B1dB and sub-6-dB NF. In the CS spectrum scanning mode, the receiver achieves a 66-dB dynamic range with −75-dBm sensitivity over a 630-MHz RF span and consumes 18.7 nJ per detected signal.
Utilizing functional lumen imaging probe in directing treatment for post-fundoplication dysphagia

Esophagogastric junction obstruction (EGJO) post-fundoplication (PF) is difficult to identify with currently available tests. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of EGJ opening on functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) and dilation outcome in FLIP-detected EGJO in PF dysphagia. We prospectively collected data on PF patients referred to Esophageal Clinic over 18 months. EGJO diagnosis was made by (a) endoscopist’s description of a narrow EGJ/wrap area, (b) appearance of wrap obstruction or contrast/tablet retention on esophagram, or (c) EGJ-distensibility index (DI) < 2.8 mm2/mmHg on real-time FLIP. In patients with EGJO and dysphagia, EGJ dilation was performed to 20 mm, 30 mm, or 35 mm in a stepwise fashion. Outcome was assessed as % dysphagia improvement during phone call or on brief esophageal dysphagia questionnaire (BEDQ) score. Twenty-six patients were included, of whom 17 (65%) had a low EGJ-DI. No patients had a hiatal hernia greater than 3 cm. Dysphagia was the primary symptom in 17/26 (65%). In 85% (κ = 0.677) of cases, EGJ assessment (tight vs. open) was congruent between the combination of endoscopy (n = 26) and esophagram (n = 21) vs. EGJ-DI (n = 26) on FLIP. Follow-up data were available in 11 patients who had dilation based on a low EGJ-DI (4 with 20 mm balloon and 7 with ≥ 30 mm balloon). Overall, the mean % improvement in dysphagia was 60% (95% CI 37.7–82.3%, p = 0.0001). Nine out of 11 patients, including 6 out of 7 undergoing pneumatic dilation, had improvement ≥ 50% in dysphagia (mean % improvement 72.2%; 95% CI 56.1–88.4%, p = 0.0001). Functional lumen imaging probe is an accurate modality for evaluating for EGJ obstruction PF. FLIP may be used to select patients who may benefit from larger diameter dilation.
The equilibrium prices of auction IPO securities: Empirical evidence

Abstract We empirically show that the auction IPO share price is the equilibrium outcome of a sequential game between promoters and institutional investors. In this game, promoters’ utility for information production and their utility for price stability are higher (lower) than their utility for IPO proceeds when they retain a large (small) fraction of the firm’s equity. Conversely, institutional investors always produce information and their utility for underpricing, which is inversely related to return volatility, is higher (lower) in lottery (pro-rata) IPOs. The findings provide new evidence on the economic roles of promoters and institutional investors in the auction IPO market.
Differentiating densities on smooth manifolds

Abstract Lebesgue integration of derivatives of strongly-oscillatory functions is a recurring challenge in computational science and engineering. Integration by parts is an effective remedy for huge computational costs associated with Monte Carlo integration schemes. In case of Lebesgue integrals over a smooth manifold, however, integration by parts gives rise to a derivative of the density implied by charts describing the domain manifold. This paper focuses on the computation of that derivative, which we call the density gradient function, on general smooth manifolds. We analytically derive formulas for the density gradient and present examples of manifolds determined by popular differential equation-driven systems. We highlight the significance of the density gradient by demonstrating a numerical example of Monte Carlo integration involving oscillatory integrands.
CFD-based numerical modeling to predict the dimensions of printed droplets in electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing

Abstract Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) inkjet printing is a type of potential non-contact micro/nanoscale manufacturing technology. The printed droplet dimension plays an important role in EHD inkjet printing due to its significant influence on printing quality and the resolution of patterns. The complexity of the mechanism and the limited process optimization techniques present a challenge in obtaining the desired printing resolution, eventually becoming an expensive and time consuming endeavor. Recent developments in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) bring an effective alternative to alleviate the aforementioned challenges. In this study, a CFD model is proposed to investigate the mechanism of the cone-jet printing process in EHD inkjet printing. The complete cone-jet printing process is successfully simulated with four phases: Taylor cone formation, cone-jet generation, jet break and droplet expansion. A further analysis predicts the jetting diameter and printed droplet diameter with different operating parameters and substrates. The simulation has a satisfactory agreement with experiments in predicting the printing behavior and printing quality (jetting diameter, printed droplet diameter). Such advancement in modeling can be utilized to guide the quick determination of operation parameters for the desired printing resolution when given a new ink.
Multi-decadal retreat of marine-terminating outlet glaciers in northwest and central-west Greenland

Abstract. The retreat and acceleration of marine-terminating outlet glaciers in Greenland over the past two decades has been widely attributed to climate change. Here we present a comprehensive annual record of glacier terminus positions in northwest and central-west Greenland and compare it against local and regional climatology to assess the regional sensitivity of glacier termini to different climatic factors. This record is derived from optical and radar satellite imagery and spans 87 marine-terminating outlet glaciers from 1972 through 2021. We find that in this region, most glaciers have retreated over the observation period, and widespread regional retreat accelerated around 1996. The acceleration of glacier retreat coincides with the timing of sharp shifts in ocean surface temperatures, duration of sea-ice season, ice-sheet surface mass balance, and meltwater and runoff production. Our findings suggest that a variety of processes – such as ocean-interface melting, melange presence and rigidity, and hydrofracture-induced calving – contribute to, but do not conclusively dominate, the observed regional retreat.
Postless Hip Arthroscopy: A Safer Alternative for Treatment of Femoracetabular Impingement Syndrome:

Background:Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome continues to gain popularity and indications for its use are expanding. Though low complication rates have previously been...
Complexity Science and Collaborative Decision Making

, Judith Innes andDavid Booher (2010) make the case for a new way of knowing and decidingthat they call collaborative rationality,an approach to problem solving thatputs a premium on face-to-face dialogue and multiparty negotiation. Col-laborative rationality involves interactions among a great many people withdifferent perspectives, drawing on multiple sources of information, whomanage to reach agreement. To explain how such broad-based collabora-tion is possible, Innes and Booher draw on insights from the ﬁeld ofcomplexity science.That ﬁeld’s experimental and disciplinary underpinnings are summa-rized in another recent book,
Quantum Discontinuity for Massive Gravity with a Cosmological Term

We report on the recent work on the van Dam‐Veltman‐Zakharov discontinuity for massive and partially massless gravitons in A(dS) space at one‐loop.
Planar algebras, I

We introduce a notion of planar algebra, the simplest example of which is a vector space of tensors, closed under planar contractions. A planar algebra with suitable positivity properties produces a finite index subfactor of a II_1 factor, and vice versa.
The Climatology, Frequency, and Distribution of Cold Season Fog Events in Northern Utah

The distribution and frequency of fog events during the cold season in northern Utah is studied using surface Mesowest data from 2004 to 2014. Fog is identified using the reported weather conditions, relative humidity, and visibility. The length and time of each fog occurrence is calculated. Statistics are performed on daily, monthly, and seasonal timescales. To ensure representativeness of the data and to account for the relatively small sample size, “near-fog” conditions are included in some statistics. Results show that there is significant variability among the valleys in northern Utah in terms of both quantity and timing of fog events. Fog occurs more frequently in locations close to lakes such as the Great Salt Lake or Utah Lake than in locations farther away. It is also noted that small, enclosed valleys have higher amounts of fog than broader, open valleys. Throughout the region, there is a distinct peak in fog in late January for most stations. A strong peak in fog occurrences near dawn is also found for all cold season months. In addition, the influence of local, mesoscale conditions on the fog distribution is evident in many stations. It is found that the existence of fog at one location is a very poor predictor of fog at nearby locations on a daily timescale, which implies serious forecasting difficulties over complex terrain. However, it is also found that on an annual timescale the amount of fog at one location can be used to estimate the amount of fog at another location. The controlling factors that contribute to the variability of fog events over northern Utah (a mountainous region) are discussed.
Primary structure, neural-specific expression, and dendritic location of human BC200 RNA

Primate BC200 RNA is a 200-nucleotide-long, nontranslatable RNA that is prevalently expressed in the nervous system. We have determined the primary structure of human BC200 RNA, using cDNA cloning and PCR techniques. BC200 RNA can be subdivided into three structural domains. The 5' region is homologous to Alu repetitive elements that are found in high copy numbers in primate genomes. The central part of BC200 RNA is characterized by a high percentage of A-residues, with a few interspersed other nucleotides. The 3' sequence is unique to BC200 RNA and shows no apparent similarity with known human DNA sequences. Sequence similarity with rodent BC1 RNA is limited to several short elements, and BC1/BC200 sequence comparisons indicate that the two genes have evolved via separate phylogenetic routes. Probes directed against the 3' unique part of BC200 RNA detected a single band corresponding to approximately 200 nucleotides on RNA blots. This band was identified only with RNA isolated from human brain, not with RNA from non-neural organs such as lung or kidney. In situ hybridization to selected areas of the human nervous system showed that BC200 RNA is expressed by a subpopulation of neurons that is analogous to the BC1 RNA-expressing subset of neurons in the corresponding areas of the rat nervous system. Moreover, like rat BC1 RNA, human BC200 RNA was localized to dendrite-rich neuropil areas, for example, in the inner plexiform layer of the retina. These results indicate that BC1 RNA and BC200 RNA, although of different evolutionary pedigree, may play analogous functional roles, in rodents and primates, respectively, in somatodendritic domains of nerve cells.
A kinder, gentler way: control of the proliferative tumor compartment, not cosmetic complete response, should be the goal of myeloma therapy.

A kinder, gentler way: control of the proliferative tumor compartment, not cosmetic complete response, should be the goal of myeloma therapy
Edge-rooted forests and the α-invariant of cone graphs

We define the @a-invariant of a finite graph G on n+1 vertices to be the alternating sum @a(G)@?f"n-f"n"-"1+...+(-1)^nf"0 where each f"i is the number of spanning forests in G with i edges. The cone G@^ on a graph G is obtained by adjoining a new vertex p and then joining each vertex of G to p by a single edge. The main result of this paper is a simple and elegant combinatorial interpretation of @a(G@^) as the cardinality of the set of all edge-rooted spanning forests in the base graph G. We apply this result to discuss several examples of @a(G@^) including the complete graphs.
Aphelenchoides rutgersi: growth requirements for heme and purine nucleotides in crude chick embryo extract.

Abstract The crude chick embryo extract (CEE) at 20% concentration (v/v) in the basal medium (M-10), enabled the growth, reproduction, and continuous culturing of Aphelenchoides rutgersi Hooper and Myers. No such growth promoting effect was found with chick embryo extract (Ultra filtrate), human gamma globulin and beta lipoprotein (Cohn fraction IV-4) when used either alone or in combination with hemin. The nematode growth factor(s) in the CEE were stable to trypsinization and temperature of 100 C for 5 min but not for 15 min. After acid treatment to pH 3.0 with sulfuric acid, the supernatant retained only partial activity. But, after treatment with perchloric acid to pH 3.0 or with activated charcoal, the CEE was completely ineffective as a growth supplement. The activity of charcoal-treated CEE has been completely recovered by addition of hemin (10 μg/ml M-10). Deletion of nucleic acid supplements from M-10 but not from the CEE did not affect the reproduction of the nematodes at all. However, the reproduction was significantly reduced when the nucleic acids were removed both from the M-10 and the CEE. Selective deletion of deoxyribonucleotides and purine-, and pyrimidinenucleotides of ribose series indicated only limited nutritional requirement for purine compounds.
Determinants of postoperative recovery in elective orthopedic surgery.

Abstract Patients vary widely in their patterns of recovery from surgery. To better understand this variation a double blind study of 34 patients (21 men, 13 women) who were hospitalized in an 800-bed hospital for elective orthopedic surgery was conducted. Patients found to be higher in hospital anxiety tended to have more medical complications and consequently longer hospitalizations, whereas patients found to be lower in hospital anxiety tended to have fewer medical complications and consequently shorter hospitalizations. Also, this study demonstrates that the personality dimension of internal-external locus of control is significantly related to hospital anxiety. These results are interpreted as a hypothesis about the role of information and coping style in surgical recovery: internals attempt to influence the course of their recovery by acting on their environment by using information as a cue to appropriate behavior while externals incapacitated by anxiety may fail to recognize ways in which they can cope with the threat of the surgical experience. Appropriate statistical and methodological procedures for this type of study are discussed.
Relating gene expression data on two-component systems to functional annotations in Escherichia coli

Obtaining physiological insights from microarray experiments requires computational techniques that relate gene expression data to functional information. Traditionally, this has been done in two consecutive steps. The first step identifies important genes through clustering or statistical techniques, while the second step assigns biological functions to the identified groups. Recently, techniques have been developed that identify such relationships in a single step. We have developed an algorithm that relates patterns of gene expression in a set of microarray experiments to functional groups in one step. Our only assumption is that patterns co-occur frequently. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated as part of a study of regulation by two-component systems in Escherichia coli. The significance of the relationships between expression data and functional annotations is evaluated based on density histograms that are constructed using product similarity among expression vectors. We present a biological analysis of three of the resulting functional groups of proteins, develop hypotheses for further biological studies, and test one of these hypotheses experimentally. A comparison with other algorithms and a different data set is presented. Our new algorithm is able to find interesting and biologically meaningful relationships, not found by other algorithms, in previously analyzed data sets. Scaling of the algorithm to large data sets can be achieved based on a theoretical model.
Human liver cell trafficking mutants: characterization and whole exome sequencing.

The HuH7 liver cell mutant Trf1 is defective in membrane trafficking and is complemented by the casein kinase 2α subunit CK2α’’. Here we identify characteristic morphologies, trafficking and mutational changes in six additional HuH7 mutants Trf2-Trf7. Trf1 cells were previously shown to be severely defective in gap junction functions. Using a Lucifer yellow transfer assay, remarkable attenuation of gap junction communication was revealed in each of the mutants Trf2-Trf7. Electron microscopy and light microscopy of thiamine pyrophosphatase showed that several mutants exhibited fragmented Golgi apparatus cisternae compared to parental HuH7 cells. Intracellular trafficking was investigated using assays of transferrin endocytosis and recycling and VSV G secretion. Surface binding of transferrin was reduced in all six Trf2-Trf7 mutants, which generally correlated with the degree of reduced expression of the transferrin receptor at the cell surface. The mutants displayed the same transferrin influx rates as HuH7, and for efflux rate, only Trf6 differed, having a slower transferrin efflux rate than HuH7. The kinetics of VSV G transport along the exocytic pathway were altered in Trf2 and Trf5 mutants. Genetic changes unique to particular Trf mutants were identified by exome sequencing, and one was investigated in depth. The novel mutation Ile34Phe in the GTPase RAB22A was identified in Trf4. RNA interference knockdown of RAB22A or overexpression of RAB22AI34F in HuH7 cells caused phenotypic changes characteristic of the Trf4 mutant. In addition, the Ile34Phe mutation reduced both guanine nucleotide binding and hydrolysis activities of RAB22A. Thus, the RAB22A Ile34Phe mutation appears to contribute to the Trf4 mutant phenotype.
Mamu-A*01 Allele-Mediated Attenuation of Disease Progression in Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Numerous observations have shown that host genetic factors play important roles in disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection (24, 28). The genetics of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) appears to be a particularly critical factor (5). Rapid disease progression has been demonstrated to be associated with certain class I HLA molecules, such as the HLA-B35-Cw∗04 haplotype (3, 11). Slow disease progression is linked with several class I HLA molecules, notably HLA-B∗27 and HLA-B∗57 (13, 17, 23). Recently, this protective effect was demonstrated in a mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission setting, where it was found that HLA-B∗27-restricted immunodominant cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses play a crucial role in delaying disease progression (12). Similar protective effects were also observed in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, particularly in association with expression of the Mamu-A∗01 MHC allele. For instance, expression of Mamu-A∗01 significantly delayed disease progression in SIVmac 251 infection (8, 9, 25). Since this allele has been consistently associated with the CTL response to an immunodominant epitope derived from the SIV Gag region (SIV Gag residues 181 to 189, designated p11CM), detectable by sensitive tetramer and ELISPOT assays, Mamu-A∗01 monkeys have been favored for evaluation of AIDS vaccine candidates (1, 2, 29). Infection with a pathogenic isolate of simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV 89.6P), causes severe CD4 lymphopenia and rapid disease progression in rhesus monkeys (16, 27). Because of the highly pathogenic nature of this virus and its consistent replication kinetics in rhesus monkeys, this challenge model is widely adopted for evaluation of potential AIDS vaccines (1, 2, 29). To further understand the pathogenesis of SHIV 89.6P infection, particularly the impact of expression of the Mamu-A∗01 allele on disease progression, we monitored a cohort of intravenously infected rhesus monkeys with and without expression of the Mamu-A∗01 allele. Here we report that expression of the Mamu-A∗01 allele was associated with delayed disease progression to AIDS in SHIV 89.6P infection. Early virus-specific CTL responses, especially Mamu-A∗01-restricted CTL responses, likely contributed to the significant reduction of initial viral replication observed in lymphoid tissue. Reduced viral replication in lymphoid tissue allowed lymphoid tissue structure to remain relatively intact, thereby resulting in attenuation of disease progression.
Merit Pay in Academia: Historical Perspectives and Contemporary Perceptions:

This paper reviews the historical perspectives and contemporary perceptions of merit plans as tools to promote excellence and productivity. A review of literature involving merit plans, their success, and conditions linked with successful and unsuccessful plans is combined with a survey of deans of public and private business schools to determine perceived residual benefits of merit pay plans. Implementation problems are also addressed. Inasmuch as merit pay systems are currently being externally imposed on a number of public universities, this study -- with its implications and suggestions for future research -- should be of interest to administrators, departmental chairs, and faculty as well as to researchers involved in "merit pay" as a stream of research.
Measurement of the velocity distribution in a plasmajet.

Accordingly, heat of reaction with mixed acid, RFNA and oleum were estimated separately for various alcohols. These are given in Table 4. The measured values of heat of reac- tion for different alcohols are compared with the value ex- pected if both the side reactions proceeded proportional to the amount of oleum and RFNA in the mixed acid. The comparison shows that the amount of alcohol used in the two simultaneous side reactions is in proportion to the amounts of respective acids. The small difference in the values may be caused by the other side reactions. The case for butanols needs further investigation. The reaction (2) probably takes place in two stages The heat of reaction for stage (a) is recorded in Table 4 which is much smaller than heat produced during the reaction of ethyl alcohol with RFNA. The heat of reaction with mixed acid is a little higher than the calculated values, showing that probably more side reactions occur. No simple correlation exists between the ignitability and the structure. The ignition involves two processes, viz., (a) oxidation (b) dehydration to form alkene. Normal alcohols are most easily oxidized whereas tertiary alcohols are most easily dehydrated. During the reaction, oxidation and de- hydration of alcohols occur simultaneously; hence, no order in the values of heat of reaction is found. The reaction would depend presumably on the nature of the reactivity of corresponding alkenes towards N02 and on the nature of oxidation products of various alcohols. From Table 3 it appears that calcium and potassium per- manganates are good catalysts for ignition. This probably may be caused by production of atomic oxygen that acceler- ates the oxidation of alcohols.3 The heats of ignition with pot- assium permanganate as an additive have been measured also for various alcohols (Table 5). The values are consistently much higher as compared to the case when no additive is added. Presumably more side reaction or consecutive reactions take place in the latter case.
Cloning, Expression, and Partial Purification of Rep78: An Adeno-Associated Virus Replication Protein

Using the vaccinia virus/T7-RNA polymerase transient protein expression system, the AAV Rep78 protein was expressed in mammalian cells. Rep78 protein was found localized primarily to the nucleus of cells. Maximal steady-state protein levels were reached as early as 12 hr postinfection, with no discernable increase at later time points. The Rep78 protein has been partially purified from nuclear extracts of the expression system. We have successfully used the cloned, purified Rep78 protein to complement an uninfected HeLa cell extract in an in vitro AAV DNA replication assay. Rep78-containing fractions are sufficient to make an uninfected HeLa cell extract competent for AAV DNA replication.
Induction of a novel splice variant of NF-κB p65 transcript in lungs of CD14 knockout mice after burn injury

Abstract Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factor is one of the key effectors that acts downstream of the LPS receptor system. While studying role of CD14 in the regulation of NF-κB after burn injury, we identified a smaller variant of the NF-κB p65 transcript. The purpose of this study is to characterize the biological activity of this NF-κB variant. CD14 knockout mice and their wild-type controls were subjected to 18% TBSA burn. Their lung tissues were harvested and analyzed for NF-κB p65 mRNA expression using RT-PCR. The PCR product of the newly identified NF-κB variant was sequenced and cloned for in vitro overexpression study. Protein expression was analyzed by Western analysis. Burn induced the smaller NF-κB p65 variant in the lung of CD14 knockout mice but not wild-type mice at 1 day. Sequencing revealed that exon 4 was excluded from this variant. This splicing event led to premature termination of translation, generating a product consisting of the original 111 N-terminal plus 10 additional amino acids. Overexpression of the spliced variant resulted in the production of an 18-kDa protein. These data suggest that deficiency in CD14 may induce a spliced variant of NF-κB p65 in the lung after injury. This NF-κB variant may play a crucial role in the injury response in the absence of CD14. Download : Download full-size image
Transmembrane ionic gradients in lepidoptera as related to cardiac electrical activity.

Abstract Muscle and hemolymph from the moth Hyalphora cecropia were analyzed for Na + , K + , Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ content using spectrophotometric and atomic absorption techniques. The direction and relative magnitude of the transmembrane gradients are summarized. 1. (1) Na + and Ca 2+ are about evenly distributed; the magnitude of the transmembrane gradient is not statistically significant. 2. (2) The transmembrane K + concentration gradient is directed outward while the Mg 2+ gradient is directed inward. Substitution of these numerical values into the Nernst equation (assuming a permeability coefficient of 1) gives no clue as to the origin of the electrical potential recorded, i.e. E K + = −11 mV; E Na + = +10 mV; E Ca 2+ = −2 mV; E Mg 2+ = +12 m mV.
γ-ray spectroscopy in the decays of 80mBr and 82gBr

Abstract High-resolution spectroscopy has been used to determine the energies and intensities of the γ-rays emitted in the decays of 80m Br and 82g Br, produced by neutron activation of naturally occurring Br. From the observed energies and intensities, improved values for the energies and β-decay feedings of the levels in the daughter nuclides 80 Se, 80 Kr, and 82 Kr have been deduced.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis for Large Radius Deformation of Stainless Steels by Laser Forming Process

In an effort to develop a process free of dedicated tooling, this research seeks to study large radius deformation by laser forming. Experimental testing was conducted to determine how the laser parameters affect the single pass output bend angle as well as the additive bend angle from successive parallel, evenly spaced laser irradiations. As an extension of the previous developments, this work seeks to develop a three-dimensional model to simulate the multi-scan laser process. It is of interest to determine how sophisticated a three-dimensional case is required for sufficient agreement to experimental data. The simulated results of bending angle are compared with experimental data and suggestions for future study include the implementation of phase transformation and microstructure data within the model to account for stress development resulting from phase transformation and grain growth.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Increased Bone Strength in Coop-Reared Broilers Provided Flouridated Water

Abstract Four experiments were conducted to determine the feasibility of using fluoride to mitigate bone fragility (osteoporosis) that develops in cage-reared broilers. The treatments consisted of adding sodium fluoride to the drinking water at the levels of 100, 150, 200, and 200 p.p.m. of fluoride in the four experiments, respectively. Birds were transferred from starting batteries at four weeks of age into six coops. Birds in three coops served as controls; birds in the other three coops were provided the fluoridated water ad libitum from four to eight weeks of age. No significant differences were observed in the final body weights between treated and control birds in the four experiments. The percentage of bone ash was usually greater from the treated birds than from the controls. These differences were significant (P ≤ 0.01) in the 150 and 200 p.p.m. treatments. At all levels of fluoridation, the strengths of humeri were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased. However, at the lowest level of fluoridation, 100 p.p.m., the increase was significant only in the females. Tibia strength was significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased only at the 200 p.p.m. level. The increase in bone strength from fluoridation may be sufficiently great enough to result in a decrease in the incidence of bone breakage during the processing of coop-reared broilers.
Distribution of trans and cis 18:1 Fatty Acid Isomers in Chicks Fed Different Fats

The effects of dietary trans isomers of 18:1 (t-18:1) were studied in chicks by feeding purified diets containing soybean oil (SBO) as the control lipid source, saturated fat (SF), hydrogenated soybean oil (HSBO), or spent restaurant grease (SRG) for three weeks. Argentation thin-layer chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography were used to separate trans and cis (c) isomers of 18:1 and to determine the fatty acid composition in chick tissues. Chicks fed HSBO (34% t-18:1 of total 18:1) had weight gains similar to those of chicks fed SF but significantly (P less than .05) lower gains than those of chicks fed SBO or SRG. No differences were observed in feed conversion ratios (total feed:total gain) across treatments. Trans-18:1 was incorporated into liver, heart, lung, and abdominal fat pad of chicks fed HSBO. Chicks fed HSBO had higher levels of c-16:1 omega 7 and 18:1 and lower levels of linoleate and arachidonate in tissue lipids. Similar changes were observed in liver microsomal fatty acids of chicks fed SRG that was adequate in linoleate, but which contained low levels of t-18:1 (4% of total 18:1). Positional and geometrical isomers of 18:1 appear to impair essential fatty acid metabolism in the chick.
Retinoid X receptor-alpha and apolipoprotein AI regulatory protein 1 differentially modulate 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine-induced transcription.

The formation of heterodimers with thyroid hormone receptor (TR) and other nuclear hormone receptors on thyroid hormone response elements (TREs) is important for T3-regulated gene transcription. The potential roles of retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXR alpha) and apolipoprotein regulatory protein-1 (ARP-1) in T3-mediated transcription were studied on a well characterized TRE, a direct repeat of AGGTCA separated by four nucleotides (DR4), using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and transient transfection in CV-1 cells. It was shown that RXR alpha blocked liganded TR alpha-induced transcription. However, ARP-1 did not block T3/TR alpha-mediated transcription, although both TR alpha/RXR alpha and TR alpha/ARP-1 heterodimers had similar affinities for the TRE-DR4. In contrast, wild type ARP-1 reversed the blocking effect of RXR alpha on the liganded TR alpha-induced transcription, whereas a dimerization domain-deleted ARP-1 mutant (ARP-1 delta C) did not, suggesting that ARP-1 modulates T3-induced transcripti...
Discrimination within and between hemifields: a new constraint on theories of attention.

Abstract Subjects were presented with two groups of characters and were to decide whether they were the same or different. The stimulus groups differed either by a single feature (“preattentive” trials) or by a conjunction of features (“attentive” trials). The two stimulus groups appeared at the corners of an imaginary square centered about the fixation point, falling either in the same or different hemifields. In two experiments, subjects evaluated both types of stimuli faster when they were presented in different hemifields than in the same hemifield. Subjects also compared pairs of single characters faster when they appeared in different hemifields. Finally, this different-hemifield advantage was eliminated when the characters appeared sequentially. These results indicated that two stimuli that appear simultaneously in the same hemifield engender either a competition for common processing structures or intrahemispheric inhibition.
A study of the serum 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine sulfate concentration in normal and hypothyroid fetuses at various gestational stages.

We have studied T3 sulfate (T3S) levels, blindly, in coded plasma samples from 21 normal and 3 hypothyroid fetuses at different stages of gestation (19-42 weeks). Fetal plasma samples were obtained by cordocentesis. T3S was detectable in all samples studied, with values ranging from 50-294 (mean +/- SD, 130 +/- 62 pmol/L). Plasma T3S was low (< 45 pmol/L) in all 4 normal adult control subjects studied simultaneously; serum T3S ranged from less than 20 to 130 in another set of 18 control subjects (mean +/- SD, 63 +/- 32 pmol/L). Fetal T3S values were positively correlated with gestational age (r = 0.43; P < 0.05), but not with free T4 (FT4), FT3, or TSH values. In the 3 hypothyroid fetuses at 31, 38, and 40 weeks gestation, respectively, plasma TSH was elevated (26, 98, and 24 mU/L, respectively), FT4 was low (10, 6.7, and 7.5 pmol/L, respectively), and FT3 was normal or high (3.2, 8.2, and 2.2 pmol/L, respectively). However, T3S values in hypothyroid fetuses (88, 133, and 252 pmol/L, respectively) were similar to those in normal fetuses at corresponding gestational ages. We conclude that 1) T3S is detectable in fetal circulation from at least 19 weeks gestation, and its concentration increases with fetal-age; 2) plasma T3S concentrations in the fetus at 19-40 weeks gestation are at least comparable to but generally higher than those in the adult; and 3) plasma T3S levels in hypothyroid fetuses are similar to those in normal fetuses. Recent studies demonstrating the ability of some fetal rat tissues (e.g. cerebral cortex) to desulfate T3S to T3 have suggested a possible role of T3S as a source of T3. Normal T3S in fetal hypothyroidism suggests that T3S may contribute to attenuation of the effects of hypothyroidism during intrauterine life.
Molecular modeling of hexakis(areneisonitrile)technetium(I), tricarbonyl η5 cyclopentadienyl technetium and technetium(V)-oxo complexes: MM3 parameter development and prediction of biological properties

Abstract Genetic algorithms (GA) were used to develop specific technetium metal–ligand force field parameters for the MM3 force field. These parameters were developed using automated procedures within the program FFGenerAtor from a combination of crystallographic structures and ab initio calculations. These new parameters produced results in good agreement with experiment when tested against a blind validation set. To illustrate the utility of these new force field parameters, quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models were developed to predict the P-glycoprotein uptake (log10 VI) of a series of hexakis(areneisonitrile)technetium(I) complexes and to predict their biodistribution. The log10 VI QSAR model, built using a training set of 16 Tc(I) isonitrile complexes, exhibited a correlation between the experimental log10 VI and 5 simple descriptors as follows: r2 = 0.94, q2 = 0.93. When applied to an external test set of six Tc(I) isonitrile complexes, the QSAR preformed with great accuracy q2 = 0.78 based on a leave-one-out cross-validation analysis. Further QSAR models were developed to predict the biodistribution of the same set of Tc(I) isonitrile complexes; a QSAR model to predict hepatic uptake exhibited a correlation between the experimental log10(Blood/Liver) with six simple descriptors as follows: r2 = 0.97, q2 = 0.96. A QSAR model to predict renal uptake exhibited a correlation between the experimental log10(Blood/Kidney) and six simple descriptors as follows: r2 = 0.85, q2 = 0.82. When applied to the external test set the QSAR models preformed with great accuracy, q2 = 0.78 and 0.56, respectively.
Modeling tracer diffusion in fractured and unfractured, unsaturated, porous media

Abstract A proposed tracer diffusion test for the Exploratory Shaft Facility at Yucca Mountain, NV, is modeled. For the proposed test, a solution containing conservative tracers will be introduced into a borehole in the geologic medium of interest. The tracers will diffuse and advect from the saturated source region into the unsaturated matrix in the surrounding tuff. After some time, the borehole is to be overcored, and tracer concentrations in the fluid will be measured in the core as a function of distance from emplacement. The data will be used to evaluate diffusive behavior and to derive effective diffusion coefficients for the tracers in the specific tuff. Numerical simulations are used to study the effects of effective diffusion coefficient, porosity, saturation, and fracturing on tracer transport. Results are reported for numerical simulations of tests in the Topopah Spring Member and the Tuff of Calico Hills, which have significantly different porosities and saturations. The simulations make the following predictions: The spread of tracer during the test will be sensitive to the effective diffusion coefficient of the tracer. Tracer will diffuse farther in the Topopah Spring Member than in the Tuff of Calico Hills because of the former's lower porosity and saturation. Tracer transport by advection into the Topopah Spring Member will be greater than that into the Tuff of Calico Hills because of capillary effects. While advection will be a significant mechanism for tracer penetration into the Topopah Spring tuff, it will be less significant for tracer penetration into the Calico Hills tuff. The proximity of a single vertical fracture to the source region determines its effects on tracer transport, especially if the fracture diverts fluid flowing from the source region into the matrix.
Flow-sensitive interprocedural constant propagation

We present a flow-sensitive interprocedural constant propagation algorithm, which supports recursion while only performing one flow-sensitive analysis of each procedure. We present experimental results which show that this method finds substantially more constants than previous methods and is efficient in practice. We introduce new metrics for evaluating interprocedural constant propagation algorithms which measure the number of interprocedural constant values that are propagated. We use these metrics to provide further experimental results for our algorithm.
Generating efficient feedback and enabling interaction in virtual worlds for users with visual impairments

Despite the efforts for making virtual worlds accessible to users with visual impairments (VI), we still lack an effective way of describing the virtual environment and having the users interact with it. This work aims to complete these missing parts by generating meaningful textual/audio feedbacks as necessary and by providing text-based interaction capabilities.
The critical active-site amine of the human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase, hOgg1: direct identification, ablation and chemical reconstitution

Abstract Background: Base-excision DNA repair (BER) is the principal pathway responsible for the removal of aberrant, genotoxic bases from the genome and restoration of the original sequence. Key components of the BER pathway are DNA glycosylases, enzymes that recognize aberrant bases in the genome and catalyze their expulsion. One major class of such enzymes, glycosylase/lyases, also catalyze scission of the DNA backbone following base expulsion. Recent studies indicate that the glycosylase and lyase functions of these enzymes are mechanistically unified through a common amine-bearing residue on the enzyme, which acts as both the electrophile that displaces the aberrant base and an electron sink that facilitates DNA strand scission through imine (Schiff base)/conjugate elimination chemistry. The identity of this critical amine-bearing residue has not been rigorously established for any member of a superfamily of BER glycosylase/lyases. Results: Here, we report the identification of the active-site amine of the human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (hOgg1), a human BER superfamily protein that repairs the mutagenic 8-oxoguanine lesion in DNA. We employed Edman sequencing of an active-site peptide irreversibly linked to substrate DNA to identify directly the active-site amine of hOgg1 as the ϵ-NH 2 group of Lys249. In addition, we observed that the repair-inactive but recognition-competent Cys249 mutant (Lys249→Cys) of hOgg1 can be functionally rescued by alkylation with 2-bromoethylamine, which functionally replaces the lysine residue by generating a γ-thia-lysine. Conclusions: This study provides the first direct identification of the active-site amine for any DNA glycosylase/lyase belonging to the BER superfamily, members of which are characterized by the presence of a helix-hairpin-helix-Gly/Pro-Asp active-site motif. The critical lysine residue identified here is conserved in all members of the BER superfamily that exhibit robust glycosylase/lyase activity. The ability to trigger the catalytic activity of the Lys249→4Cys mutant of hOgg1 by treatment with the chemical inducer 2-bromoethylamine may permit snapshots to be taken of the enzyme acting on its substrate and could represent a novel strategy for conditional activation of catalysis by hOgg1 in cells.
Hydrothermal synthesis and structure of K6[(UO2)4(CrO4)7]·6H2O: A layered uranyl chromate with a new uranyl sheet topology

Abstract The layered uranyl chromate, K6[(UO2)4(CrO4)7]·6H2O (1), has been synthesized by reacting UO3 with K2Cr2O7 under mild hydrothermal conditions. The structure of 1 is formed from UO22+ cations that are bound by chromate anions to yield a pentagonal bipyramidal geometry around the uranium centers. These polyhedra are bridged by chromate anions to yield one-dimensional ∞1[UO2(CrO4)2]2− chains. The chains are similar to the ∞1[UO2(CrO4)2(H2O)]2− chains found in the previously reported one-dimensional uranyl chromate, K2[UO2(CrO4)2(H2O)]·3H2O, a phase that forms concomitantly with 1. These chains are condensed with the loss of the coordinated water molecules into two-dimensional ∞2[(UO2)4(CrO4)7]6− layers with additional one-dimensional ∞1[(UO2)2(CrO4)3]2− chains. These anionic layers form a new type of anionic sheet topology and are charge balanced by both intra- and interlayer K+ cations. Crystallographic data (193 K): 1, orthorhombic, space group P21212, a=10.9583(5) A, b=22.582(1) A, c=7.9552(4) A, Z=2, MoKα, λ=0.71073, R(F)=1.77% for 268 parameters with 4657 reflections with I>2σ(I).
An Analysis Study on Zone-Based Anonymous Communication in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

A zone-based anonymous positioning routing protocol for ad hoc networks, enabling anonymity of both source and destination, is proposed and analyzed. According to the proposed algorithm, a source sends data to an anonymity zone, where the destination node and a number of other nodes are located. The data is then flooded within the anonymity zone so that a tracer is not able to determine the actual destination node. Source anonymity is also enabled because the positioning routing algorithms do not require the source ID or its position for the correct routing. We develop anonymity protocols for both routeless and route-based data delivery algorithms. To evaluate anonymity, we propose a "measure of anonymity," and we develop an analytical model to evaluate it. By using this model, we perform an extensive analysis of the anonymity protocols to determine the parameters that most impact the anonymity level.
The effect of Se partial pressure on intergranular embrittlement of a Pt-Rh-W alloy

This note presents additional experimental results concerning the effect of P/sub Se/ on the degree of intergranular embrittlement and the extent of Se contamination at Pt +30 wt % Rh +8 wt % W Alloy (Pt-3008) grain boundaries. 8 refs.
Weed control and soybean response to preplant tillage and planting time.

Abstract Clay soils in the southeastern U.S.A. Typically are tilled for seedbed preparation and weed control, prior to seeding soybean (Glycine max (L.).Merr.). However, during extended wet periods when clayey soils cannot be tilled, this practice interferes with timely planting of soybean. Consequently, a 3-year study (1985–1987) investigated the role of tillage and seeding date on irrigated soybean production on Sharkey clay (Vertic Haplaquept) near Stoneville, Mississippi. Plantings were made each year, in early May and late may or early June, in seedbeds subjected to the following treatments: (1) autumn tillage and winter fallow; (2) autumn tillage and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cover; (3) late winter or early spring tillage; (4) prepared seedbed; or (5) no tillage between harvest and planting. A disk-harrow and spring-tooth harrow were used for all tillage operations. Weeds were effectively controlled during each growing season in all treatments by selected preplant, preemergence, and postemergence herbicides, plus postemergence cultivation. Seedbed tillage had no consistent effect on soybean yield, but in two of the three years, early plantings yielded significantly more seed than late plantings. The increase from early planting was 862 kg ha−1 (3598 vs. 2736 kg ha−1) in 1986, and 381 kg ha−1 (2899 vs. 2518 kg ha−1) in 1987. These results indicate that seedbed tillage of clayey soil should be avoided if it interferes with timely planting of soybean.
Chinese elementary mathematics teachers’ knowledge in mathematics and pedagogy for teaching: the case of fraction division

In this study, we investigated the extent of knowledge in mathematics and pedagogy that Chinese practicing elementary mathematics teachers have and what changes teaching experience may bring to their knowledge. With a sample of 18 mathematics teachers from two elementary schools, we focused on both practicing teachers’ beliefs and perceptions about their own knowledge in mathematics and pedagogy and the extent of their knowledge on the topic of fraction division. The results revealed a gap between these teachers’ limited knowledge about the curriculum they teach and their solid mathematics knowledge for teaching, as an example, fraction division. Moreover, senior teachers used more diverse strategies that are concrete in nature than junior teachers in providing procedural justifications. The results suggested that Chinese practicing teachers benefit from teaching and in-service professional development for the improvement of their mathematics knowledge for teaching but not their knowledge about mathematics curriculum.