cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural aspects of localized membrane damage in Spirillum serpens VHL early in its association with Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus 109D.

The freeze-fracture technique and electron microscopy have been used to demonstrate that localized damage is inflicted upon the cytoplasmic membrane of Spirillum serpens VHL within 20 to 30 min after the start of its association with Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus 109D. This damage is not observed in uninfected Spirillum cells, nor in infected cells within the first 10 min. This damage takes the form of a “blister” which, when viewed stereoscopically in electron micrographs, is seen to project toward the interior of the Spirillum cell. Shortly after its formation, the blister becomes elaborated into a series of ridges which may assume forms ranging from an elaborate spiral to a series of loops or knots. The formation of a blister is shown to involve both the inner and outer leaves of the membrane bilayer, and evidence is presented to indicate that the blister site corresponds to the site of attachment of the Bdellovibrio cell. The hypothesis is proposed that this ultrastructural damage is the cytological basis for the controlled and localized leakage through the cytoplasmic membrane into the periplasmic space of the Spirillum cell at locations adjacent to the Bdellovibrio cell. It is suggested that this localized membrane damage may be the ultrastructural basis for the high efficiency with which bdellowvibrios are known to incorporate cytoplasmic materials from the other bacteria in whose periplasmic spaces they develop.
Perceived Susceptibility to Heart Disease and Preventive Health Behavior among Type A and Type B Individuals

Abstract Although the Type A behavior pattern has been the subject of extensive research, surprisingly little information is available about the preventive health behavior of this population. Measures of perceived susceptibility, preventive health behavior, current stress, and risk for cardiovascular disease were obtained from 37 Type A and 37 Type B college students. Results indicated that the Type A students generated susceptibility judgments that covaried significantly with perceived stress. Susceptibility judgments for the Type B group, however, covaried significantly with nonbehavioral cardiovascular risk-factor status. Correlations between perceived susceptibility and preventive health behavior also differed between the two groups. For the Type A group, increments in perceived susceptibility were associated with decrements in preventive behavior. For the Type B group, however, increments in perceived susceptibility were associated with increments in preventive behavior. Between-group comparisons of ...
A proteomic approach for identification and localization of the pericellular components of chondrocytes

Although the pericellular matrix (PCM) plays a central role in the communication between chondrocytes and extracellular matrix, its composition is largely unknown. In this study, the PCM was investigated with a proteomic approach using chondrons, which are enzymatically isolated constructs including the chondrocyte and its surrounding PCM. Chondrons and chondrocytes alone were isolated from human articular cartilage. Proteins extracted from chondrons and chondrocytes were used for two-dimensional electrophoresis. Protein spots were quantitatively compared between chondron and chondrocyte gels. Cellular proteins, which had similar density between chondron and chondrocyte gels, did not proceed for analysis. Since chondrons only differ from chondrocytes in association of the PCM, protein spots in the chondron gels that had higher quantity than that in the chondrocyte gels were selected as candidates of the PCM components and processed for mass spectrometry. Among 15 identified peptides, several were fragments of the three type VI collagen chains (α-1, α-2, and α-3). Other identified PCM proteins included triosephosphate isomerase, transforming growth factor-β induced protein, peroxiredoxin-4, ADAM (A disintegrin and metalloproteinases) 28, and latent-transforming growth factor beta-binding protein-2. These PCM components were verified with immunohisto(cyto)chemistry for localization in the PCM region of articular cartilage. The abundance of type VI collagen in the PCM emphasizes its importance to the microenvironment of chondrocytes. Several proteins were localized in the PCM of chondrocytes for the first time and that warrants further investigation for their functions in cartilage biology.
Functionally graded metal matrix composite tubes

Abstract Current advanced manufacturing techniques allow the continuous variation of fiber or inclusion volume fraction in metal matrix composites. With this technology, it is now possible to tailor a composite to the expected loads by using the constituent materials to redistribute the stress and strain states through the material. Lighter and more structurally efficient components will be obtained through this grading process. The focus of this paper is the evaluation of the effects of material property and fiber volume grading on the overall mechanical response of metal matrix composite tubes subjected to mechanical loadings. This is accomplished through the development of a fully elastic-plastic axisymmetric generalized plane strain tube model. This analytical model incorporates a micromechanics algorithm in order to determine the elastic-plastic response of a heterogeneous fiber-reinforced composite cylinder. An arbitrary number of heterogeneous concentric cylinders can be included in the model, each with independent material properties. The inelastic analysis is performed through the method of successive elastic solutions. The optimization algorithm used in conjunction with this solution procedure utilizes the method of feasible directions and accepts any combination of design variables, constraints, and objective functions. As an example of the effectiveness of this grading, it is possible to vary the fiber volume fraction in an SiC/Ti-24Al-11Nb tube in such a way that the effective stress at the critical inner surface of an internally pressurized tube is reduced. For a 50.8 mm (2in) thick tube with an internal radius of 25.4 mm (1 in) and an internal pressure of 206.8 MPa (30 ksi), a uniform 40% fiber volume fraction distribution results in a tube that begins to plastically yield at the inner radius. By grading the fiber volume fraction, the tube now behaves elastically under the same pressure loading, allowing the tube to have a wall thickness of 25.4 mm (1 in) before plastic yielding begins. This grading results in a 60% weight saving.
The reduction rates of DEPC-modified mutant Thermus thermophilus Rieske proteins differ when there is a negative charge proximal to the cluster

Rieske and Rieske-type proteins are electron transport proteins involved in key biological processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, and detoxification. They have a [2Fe–2S] cluster ligated by two cysteines and two histidines. A series of mutations, L135E, L135R, L135A, and Y158F, of the Rieske protein from Thermus thermophilus has been produced which probe the effects of the neighboring residues, in the second sphere, on the dynamics of cluster reduction and the reactivity of the ligating histidines. These properties were probed using titrations and modifications with diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC) at various pH values monitored using UV–Visible and circular dichroism spectrophotometry. These results, along with results from EPR studies, provide information on ligating histidine modification and rate of reduction of each of the mutant proteins. L135R, L135A, and Y158F react with DEPC similarly to wild type, resulting in modified protein with a reduced [2Fe–2S] cluster in 15 h under the same conditions. Thus, the negative charge slows down the rate of reduction and provides an explanation as to why negatively charged residues are rarely, if ever, found in the equivalent position of other Rieske and Rieske-type proteins.
Analysis of pressure and pressure derivative without type-curve matching, 6. Horizontal well tests in anisotropic media

A new technique for interpreting pressure tests known as direct synthesis is proposed. This method couples the characteristic points and lines from a log-log plot of pressure and pressure derivative data with the exact analytical solution, consequently eliminating the need for multiple specialized plots or type curve matching. This paper concentrates on the interpretation of pressure tests in homogeneous and anisotropic porous media. The reservoir can be infinite or semi-infinite in areal extent and is bounded at the top and bottom boundaries. The pressure drop within the horizontal well is assumed to be negligible, i.e. infinite conductivity well condition. Step-by-step procedures to calculate reservoir parameters are presented for various pressure responses. Included are possible procedures to determine the effective horizontal wellbore length when sufficient characteristic points or lines are observed. This new technique is accurate because it uses the exact, analytical solutions to calculate reservoir parameters. Results are frequently verifiable from an independent source, e.g., another characteristic point or line. Application to pressure buildup and drawdown tests is illustrated by several examples which demonstrate the accuracy of the technique.
In Vitro Metabolism and Stability of the Actinide Chelating Agent 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO)

The hydroxypyridinonate ligand 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) is currently under development for radionuclide chelation therapy. The preclinical characterization of this highly promising ligand comprised the evaluation of its in vitro properties, including microsomal, plasma, and gastrointestinal fluid stability, cytochrome P450 inhibition, plasma protein binding, and intestinal absorption using the Caco-2 cell line. When mixed with active human liver microsomes, no loss of parent compound was observed after 60 min, indicating compound stability in the presence of liver microsomal P450. At the tested concentrations, 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) did not significantly influence the activities of any of the cytochromal isoforms screened. Thus, 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) is unlikely to cause drug-drug interactions by inhibiting the metabolic clearance of coadministered drugs metabolized by these enzymes. Plasma protein-binding assays revealed that the compound is protein-bound in dogs and less extensively in rats and humans. In the plasma stability study, the compound was stable after 1 h at 37°C in mouse, rat, dog, and human plasma samples. Finally, a bidirectional permeability assay demonstrated that 3,4,3-LI(1,2-HOPO) is not permeable across the Caco-2 monolayer, highlighting the need to further evaluate the effects of various compounds with known permeability enhancement properties on the permeability of the ligand in future studies.
Application of an Exhaust Geometry Based Delay Prediction Model to Internal Combustion Engines

All vehicle manufacturers implement an air-to-fuel ratio (AFR) control system for emissions reduction in gasoline engines. When using a model based control structure, it is vital to capture the underlying dynamics of the plant as accurately as possible, thus facilitating a robust control design that meets the emissions regulation requirements. One of the leading sources of uncertainty in the engine model is the variable plant delay. Although the delay could be modeled using a look-up table of steady-state delay values, during transients when AFR control is most important the steady-state delay poorly approximates the true delay. An exhaust geometry based delay model was developed previously within the framework of a model based control design for AFR control of stoichiometric engines. In this paper, it is shown that using this model the delay can be predicted with a significantly higher accuracy especially during transients, thus improving emissions performance. Because the plant delay plays a destabilizing role in feedback control, the utility of such a model is also to minimize phase errors between the predicted and measured equivalence ratio (EQR) in a reference tracking control setting.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Photosynthetic biomanufacturing in green algae; production of recombinant proteins for industrial, nutritional, and medical uses

Recombinant proteins are widely used for industrial, nutritional, and medical applications. Green microalgae have attracted considerable attention recently as a biomanufacturing platform for the production of recombinant proteins for a number of reasons. These photosynthetic eukaryotic microorganisms are safe, scalable, easy to genetically modify through transformation, mutagenesis, or breeding, and inexpensive to grow. Many microalgae species are genetically transformable, but the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is the most widely used host for recombinant protein expression. An extensive suite of molecular genetic tools has been developed for C. reinhardtii over the last 25 years, including a fully sequenced genome, well-established methods for transformation, mutagenesis and breeding, and transformation vectors for high levels of recombinant protein accumulation and secretion. Here, we review recent successes in the development of C. reinhardtii as a biomanufacturing host for recombinant proteins, including antibodies and immunotoxins, hormones, industrial enzymes, an orally-active colostral protein for gastrointestinal health, and subunit vaccines. In addition, we review the biomanufacturing potential of other green algae from the genera Dunaliella and Chlorella.
Biotransformation of Ni-Substituted Hydrous Ferric Oxide by an Fe(III)-Reducing Bacterium

The reductive biotransformation of a Ni2+-substituted (5 mol %) hydrous ferric oxide (NiHFO) by Shewanella putrefaciens, strain CN32, was investigated under anoxic conditions at circumneutral pH. Our objectives were to define the influence of Ni2+ substitution on the bioreducibility of the HFO and the biomineralization products formed and to identify biogeochemical factors controlling the phase distribution of Ni2+ during bioreduction. Incubations with CN32 and NiHFO were sampled after 14 and 32 d, and both aqueous chemistry and solid phases were characterized. By comparison of these results with a previous study (Fredrickson, J. K.; Zachara, J. M.; Kennedy, D. W.; Dong, H.; Onstott, T. C.; Hinman, N. W.; Li, S. W. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 1998, 62, 3239−3257), it was concluded that coprecipitated/sorbed Ni2+ inhibited the bioreduction of HFO through an undefined chemical mechanism. Mossbauer spectroscopy allowed analysis of the residual HFO phase and the identity and approximate mass percent of biogenic ...
Nanoparticle induced network self-assembly in polymer–carbon black composites

Abstract A novel percolation phenomenon with inorganic nanoparticle loading in polyamide 6-carbon based nanoparticle hybrids was identified. Percolation threshold substantially shifts to lower carbon black (CB) volume fractions in the presence of optimum concentration of chemically modified montmorillonite (organoclay) while the effective organoclay concentration can be optimized to lower the slope of percolation curve maintaining electrical conductivity within static dissipative 10 −6 –10 −9 S cm −1 range. Organoclay/CB ‘nano-unit’ morphology was found in polyamide 6 ternary hybrids. It is composed of stacked organo-montmorillonite platelets that deform to wrap partially around one or two primary CB aggregates. This elementary nano-unit structure induces CB network self-assembly within polyamide 6 matrices. The structure was found to be prevalent throughout the polymer matrix. This morphology remains robust under wide range of thermal-deformation histories due to the strong preferred organoclay/polyamide 6/CB interactions that partially blocks the electron conduction and hopping mechanisms with clay ‘walls’ thereby reducing the slope of the percolation curve. Organoclay can be used as a dispersion control agent in these polymer–carbon systems to induce self-assembly of CB network at low CB content, simultaneously, partial blocking the electron hopping pathways to level the slope of percolation curves. High order exfoliation and nano-scale dispersion of organoclay is essential to induce this advanced percolation phenomenon.
Antimicrobial Use and Risk for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection

Abstract Background Although antimicrobial use during and immediately after Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is discouraged, the frequency and consequences of such use are poorly defined. We sought to determine the frequency of non-CDI antimicrobial therapy during and after treatment for CDI, and the association of such therapy with recurrent disease. Methods Retrospective review of all CDI cases at a Veterans Affairs medical center from 2004-2006. Outcomes were non-CDI antimicrobial use during and within 30 days after completing CDI treatment, and recurrent CDI. Results From 2004 to 2006, new-onset CDI occurred in 249 unique patients. No follow-up information was available for 3 patients, leaving 246 as study subjects. Of these, 141 (57%) received non-CDI antimicrobials, including 61 (25%) who received non-CDI antimicrobials during CDI treatment, and 80 (33%) who received non-CDI antimicrobial therapy after CDI treatment. With adjustment for age, disease severity, duration of CDI treatment, and recent hospital or intensive-care unit stay, receipt of non-CDI antimicrobials after CDI treatment was significantly associated with recurrent CDI (odds ratio [OR] 3.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.66-5.52), compared with no antimicrobial use. Antimicrobial use during CDI treatment was not associated with recurrent CDI (OR 0.79; 95% CI, 0.40-1.52). Neither number of antimicrobial courses nor antimicrobial days was associated with recurrence. Conclusions Non-CDI antimicrobial therapy after an episode of CDI is common and is associated with a 3-fold increase in the odds of recurrent disease. The added risk associated with antimicrobial exposure (regardless of duration) should be considered if such therapy is contemplated.
Substance abuse in psychotic disorders: associations with affective syndromes

In a sample of 412 patients with psychotic disorders, the authors examined whether comorbid substance use can be reliably diagnosed, is associated with increased rates of affective symptoms and syndromes and specific psychotic symptoms, and is associated with lowered reliability of the DSM-III-R principal diagnosis. Data from the DSM-IV Field Trial for Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders was analyzed. In this dataset, substance use was scored on a 4-point ordinal scale and reliability was determined using weighted kappa scores. The associations of significant substance use with affective syndromes and symptoms, and psychotic symptoms were analyzed. Kappa statistics were calculated for principal psychotic disorder diagnoses for patients with and without significant substance use. Weighted kappa scores for substance use ratings ranged from 0.27 to 0.96 (median = 0.85). Syndromal depression was significantly associated with current alcohol use in the entire sample and in the subgroup with schizophrenia alone. Grandiose delusions were also associated with substance use. Significant comorbid substance use was not associated with lowered reliability of diagnosing the principal psychotic disorder. These findings support the hypothesis that comorbid substance abuse can be reliably diagnosed and that alcohol abuse is associated with depressive syndromes in patients with psychotic disorders.
Composite theory of large angle scattering and new tests of parton concepts

Abstract A formalism for handling the scattering of composite systems is presented. Using this formalism, the contribution to bound state scattering at large energy and angle from the interchange force is calculated. This force leads to elastic cross sections which behave at fixed angle like the sixth power of the form factor and for which ( d σ d t ) ( d σ d t ) 90° is an energy independent function of z. Comparison with p-p and π-p data shows excellent agreement. A new test of the existence of a pointlike coupling of the photon to partons is suggested.
Ken Alder, Engineering the Revolution: Arms and Enlightenment in France, 1763–1815. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1997. xvi + 476 pp. $59.50 cloth.

At first sight, a study of French artillery engineers from the Ancien Regime to Napoleon may seem far afield for labor historians. If labor history focuses on how political conflict and struggle mediate relations among labor, capital, and states, then Ken Alder's magnificent study is a signal contribution.
Software design methods for the design of large-scale real-time systems

Abstract This article discusses and compares the concepts and criteria used in software design methods for developing large-scale concurrent and modifiable real-time systems. Concurrency is addressed by task structuring, whereas modifiability is addressed by module structuring. In addition, the behavioral aspects of a real-time system are addressed by means of finitestate machines. Structured design, design approach for real-time systems (DARTS), Jackson system development JSD), Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) software cost reduction, and object-oriented design methods are compared from the perspective of how they address these concepts. Two related design methods for real-time systems, Ada-based DARTS (ADARTS) and concurrent DARTS (CODARTS), are described that use both task-structuring and information-hiding module-structuring criteria. The methods are described and illustrated by means of an example.
Unexpected Interactions between Sol−Gel Silica Glass and Guest Molecules. Extraction of Aromatic Hydrocarbons into Polar Silica from Hydrophobic Solvents

Properties of a solute may differ greatly between a free solution and that solution confined in pores of a sol−gel glass. We studied the entry of various aromatic organic compounds from solution into the monolith of sol−gel silica immersed in this solution. Partitioning of the solute is quantified by the uptake coefficient, the ratio of its concentrations in the glass and in the surrounding solution at equilibrium. The dependence of this coefficient on the solvent gives insight into possible interactions between the solute and the silica matrix. We report the uptake of 31 compounds altogether: 18 halogen derivatives of benzene; 5 condensed (fused) aromatics; and stilbene and three substituted derivatives of it, each in both cis and trans configurations. When the solvent is hexane, the uptake coefficients are as follows: 1.0−1.9 for the halobenzenes; 3.0−4.6 for the hydrocarbons; and 3.3−4.9 for the stilbenes. When the solvent is carbon tetrachloride or dichloromethane, the uptake coefficients become 0.8...
Item and order information in semantic memory: students’ retention of the “CU fight song” lyrics

University of Colorado (CU) students were tested on memory for the “CU Fight Song” in order to examine serial position effects in semantic memory while controlling for familiarity across positions. In Experiment 1, students reconstructed the order of the nine lines of the song. Students with previous exposure to the song performed better and showed a more bowed serial position function than did students with no knowledge of the song. Experiment 2 added a task assessing memory of item information. One word was removed and replaced with a blank in each line, and an alternative word was offered as an option, along with the correct word. Students selected the word that fit into each blank and then reconstructed the order of the lines. There was a bow-shaped curve for order reconstruction, but not for item selection, which implies that the serial position function in semantic memory stems from order, rather than item, information.
Rats bred for high alcohol drinking are more sensitive to delayed and probabilistic outcomes

Alcoholics and heavy drinkers score higher on measures of impulsivity than nonalcoholics and light drinkers. This may be because of factors that predate drug exposure (e.g. genetics). This study examined the role of genetics by comparing impulsivity measures in ethanol-naive rats selectively bred based on their high [high alcohol drinking (HAD)] or low [low alcohol drinking (LAD)] consumption of ethanol. Replicates 1 and 2 of the HAD and LAD rats, developed by the University of Indiana Alcohol Research Center, completed two different discounting tasks. Delay discounting examines sensitivity to rewards that are delayed in time and is commonly used to assess ‘choice’ impulsivity. Probability discounting examines sensitivity to the uncertain delivery of rewards and has been used to assess risk taking and risk assessment. High alcohol drinking rats discounted delayed and probabilistic rewards more steeply than LAD rats. Discount rates associated with probabilistic and delayed rewards were weakly correlated, while bias was strongly correlated with discount rate in both delay and probability discounting. The results suggest that selective breeding for high alcohol consumption selects for animals that are more sensitive to delayed and probabilistic outcomes. Sensitivity to delayed or probabilistic outcomes may be predictive of future drinking in genetically predisposed individuals.
Notes on the Hewitt realcompactification of a product

Abstract Several theorems are presented on the relation υ(X × Y) = υX × υ Y; the proofs use the idea of z-embedding of a subspace. The main results are to the effect that this relation holds if it holds uniformly locally, e.g., if X × Y has a nonmeasurable normal cover by pseudocompact rectangles. These results use the following theorem: if X has a nonmeasurable normal cover U with υU ⊂ υX for each U ϵ U , then υX = ∪ {υU: Uϵ U } ; this immediately implies the Katětov–Shirota Theorem.
Salmon's critique of Hempel: an alternative view of statistical explanation and theory building

This paper outlines and discusses Wesley Salmon's S-R model of explanation, and commends it to the favorable attention of political scientists. The discussion undertaken here proceeds in three general sections. The first recounts Hempel's account of deductive-nomological (D-N) and inductive-statistical (I-S) explanation. The discussion will particularly note those aspects of Hempel's account that impart special stringency to the requirements of I-S explanation. Section Two unfolds Salmon's S-R model of explanation, which is both a positive account of his model and a critique of the Hempelian account. The third section illuminates those aspects of Salmon's account that make it particularly useful to researchers who are attempting to develop and test theories en route to explanation. The paper concludes with some comments about the usefulness to political scientists of Salmon's S-R model.
Dynamic screening energy shifts and collision broadening of 2p → 1s transitions in 2 MeV/amu H- and He-like Ne, Mg and S ions

Abstract The spectra of K X-rays emitted by 2 MeV/amu Ne, Mg, and S ions in a thick carbon target were measured with a curved-crystal spectrometer. Energy shifts of the hydrogen-like ion 22P→12S and the helium-like ion 21P→11Stransition were determined by means of energy calibrations obtained from thin target spectra, for which X-ray emission occured almost entirely in vacuum. The spectra were fitted with a least-squares program employing Voigt functions to extract accurate peak centroids and, in the thick target cases, Lorentzian widths. The energy shifts were compared to those determined previously for S ions and found to be much smaller than expected on the basis of a dynamic screening model. The Lorentzian widths were found to increase slowly with decreasing projectile Z, and those for the 2P transition were ∼50% smaller than those for the 1P transition.
Labdane diterpenoids from Nolana filifolia

Abstract Two new labdane diterpenes, 2β-acetoxylabda-8(17),13 E -dien-15-oic acid and 2β-acetoxylabda-8(17),13 Z -dien-15-oic acid, were isolated from t
Pion transverse charge density and the edge of hadrons

We use the world data on the pion form factor for space-like kinematics and a technique previously used to extract the proton transverse densities to extract the transverse pion charge density and its uncertainty due the incomplete knowledge of the pion form factor at large values of ${Q}^{2}$ and the experimental uncertainties. The pion charge density at small values of impact parameter $bl$ 0.1 fm is dominated by this incompleteness error while the range between 0.1--0.3 fm is relatively well constrained. A comparison of pion and proton transverse charge densities shows that the pion is denser than the proton for values of $bl\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}0.2\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{fm}$. The pion and proton transverse charge densities seem to be the same for values of $b=0.3--0.6$ fm. Future data from Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab) 12 GeV and the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) will increase the dynamic extent of the form factor data to higher values of ${Q}^{2}$ and thus reduce the uncertainties in the extracted pion transverse charge density.
Aspirin and/or antioxidants did not prevent CV events in diabetes and peripheral arterial disease

Source Citation Belch J, MacCuish A, Campbell I, et al. The prevention of progression of arterial disease and diabetes (POPADAD) trial: factorial randomised placebo controlled trial of aspirin and ...
A kinetic characterization of the rabbit plasmin isozymes.

Abstract Steady-state and presteady-state kinetic parameters for plasmins derived from the two rabbit plasminogen isozymes have been determined. Steady-state kinetic experiments with N -α-tosyl- l -arginine methyl ester indicate that each isozyme has a similar V . Plasmin isozyme 2 has a higher K m value for this substrate as well as a higher K i , for the competitive inhibitor, benzamidine-HCl. Presteady-state kinetic experiments, using the p -nitrophenyl esters of p -(methylethylsulfoniummethyl)benzoate, p -(pyridiniummethyl) benzoate, p -(thiouroniummethyl)benzoate and p -(guanidinium)benzoate, indicate that each plasmin has similar rate constants of acylation ( k 2 ). However, values of the dissociation constant ( K S ) indicate that plasmin isozyme 1 has a greater binding affinity for these substrates than does isozyme 2. The magnitude of this difference varies with the substrate and is the greatest for those containing analogs of the guanidino moiety of l -arginine.
Some observations on intrinsic cardiac rate regulation in several marine vertebrates

Abstract 1. 1. A pressure-sensitive intrinsic cardiav rate regulatory mechanism has been demonstrated in the hearts of six species of marine fishes. These were: the rockfishes, Sebastes miniatus, Sebastodes constellatus , and S. paucispinis ; the sablefish, Anoplopoma fimbria ; the blue shark, Prionace glauca ; and juvenile, recently metamorphosed Dover sole, Microstomus pacificus . 2. 2. These data extend and confirm earlier findings that an intrinsic cardiac rate regulatory mechanism is present in the hearts of elasmobranch and teleostean fishes and lend additional support to the concept that this mechanism represents an ancient and independent phylogenetic development in many species of organisms. These findings are particularly significant as they were obtained on specimens collected from both pelagic and bathypelagic regions of the ocean. 3. 3. These data, together with the results obtained from similar studies on the hearts of a number of other fishes, clearly indicate that the phenomenon of intrinsic cardiac rate regulation is of general occurence in the hearts of members of the classes Cyclostomata, Chondrichthyes, and Osteichthyes.
Lung “soot” accumulation in man

The acid-insoluble dust (soot) contents of 146 male lung samples obtained at autopsy were measured. The mean content was 1.2 mgg−1 giving an estimated mean total soot accumulation for both lungs of 1.7 g. A statistically significant trend was found between age and quantity of soot accumulated (p < 0.05), but no associations emerged when occupational history and smoking habits were taken into account When necropsy diagnoses were considered, 13 patients dying with mention of a cerebrovascular accident had accumulated significantly greater quantities of lung soot than the rest (p < 0.001).
A unidirectional temperature gradient stage for solidification studies in aqueous solutions.

SUMMARY A low temperature light microscope stage has been designed and fabricated for quantitative analysis of the solidification of aqueous solutions. Thermal boundary conditions are controlled during freezing so as to enable direct comparison of data with complementary theoretical models. Evolution of the temperature distribution within the system is monitored by a one-dimensional thermocouple array, and growth of the phase interface is measured via a displacement transducer. The two-dimensional solution concentration field is assessed by computer densitometric analysis of the grey scale distribution for a light absorbing solute. Experimental and theoretical analyses of freezing processes with the stage correlate well, and the data base is shown to be internally consistent by independent thermal and mechanical measures of the interface velocity.
Response to Froloff: Probing system structure–effect relationships

In the Research Focus article by Nicolas Froloff [1], the author speaks of the utility of biological spectra (biospectra) analysis and captures possibilities for its use in advancing systems biology. This method owes its basis to the notion that characterization of an ‘interactome’ obtained by measuring the capacity of molecules to interact with a model proteome substitutes for knowledge on affinity constants for individual drug targets. As indicated in the PNAS paper [2] and discussed by Froloff, this approach provides us with the ability to obtain information about the system effects of ligands even in the absence of information on putative drug targets.
N-Confused Tetraphenylporphyrin and Tetraphenylsapphyrin Formation in One-Flask Syntheses of Tetraphenylporphyrin.

The yields of tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP), N-confused tetraphenylporphyrin (NC-TPP), and tetraphenylsapphyrin (TPS) were examined under diverse conditions in the one-flask room-temperature reaction of pyrrole and benzaldehyde. The conditions examined included TFA and BF3-etherate catalysis, acid concentrations, pyrrole and benzaldehyde concentrations, pyrrole:benzaldehyde ratios, the addition of salt, and reaction times. The quantities of TPP, NC-TPP, and TPS were determined by HPLC. The yield of NC-TPP mirrored that of TPP during systematic variation of reaction parameters but was consistently lower (≤7.5%). The rate of NC-TPP formation also resembled that of TPP. Excess pyrrole was not required to form NC-TPP. About 2-fold more NC-TPP was obtained with BF3-etherate compared with TFA catalysis. TPS was observed in only a few of the reactions examined. The yield of TPS peaked early and declined well before the maximum yields of TPP and NC-TPP were reached. The highest yield of TPS observed was 1.2%. TPS wa...
Effect of electrolytes on the viscosity of potato starch pastes

Abstract Flow times of potato starch pastes were measured in a single Ostwald viscosimeter made of pyrex glass. Concentrations were 0.4% and 1% and measurements were made at 30 and 90°C. Starches were derived by cation exchange from a high grade commercial potato starch. Under comparable conditions flow times were: “sodium hexametaphosphate” starch, 531 sec.; ammonium starch, 205 sec.; sodium starch, 167 sec.; potassium starch, 136 sec.; calcium starch, 66 sec.; parent commercial starch, 45 sec.; hydrogen starch, 16 sec.; water, 6 sec. The flow time for the potassium starch was reduced to 37 sec. in 10−4 N KCl; 31 sec. in 10−4 N CaCl2 and 13 sec. in 10−4 N KCl. The curve of pH versus flow time has a high maximum near pH 8.5, the pH of complete ionization of the amylophosphoric acid. Pastes of tapioca and waxy maize starches, which normally are unionized and show no electroviscosity, doubled their viscosity between pH 6 and 10, possibly due to ionization of glucoside hydroxyls. A corresponding effect in potato starch pastes was apparently masked by the ordinary viscosity reduction by the cation of the base used to adjust the pH. Correlation of paste viscosity and starch granule swelling was made through photomicrographs. Potato starch paste viscosity is related to the ionization of the small content of phosphoric acid esterified with the amylopectin component. Mutual electrostatic repulsion by the ions promotes hydration of the starch and thus increases particle volume and paste viscosity. Factors that decrease the repulsion, such as reduction of phosphoric acid dissociation at low pH, combination of phosphate ions with multivalent cations, or screening of the phosphate ions by cations of added electrolyte, diminish the hydration and paste viscosity.
Effect of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on an indentation test

The effect of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the measured results, such as load-displacement curves and interfacial stresses, from indentation tests of composite materials is studied using both analytical and finite element models. The intrinsic factors include properties of the fiber-matrix interface and the material symmetry of the fiber (transversely isotropic or isotropic). The extrinsic factors include the radius of the hole through which the fiber is pushed in, and the size and shape of the indentor. Out of the above factors, only the radius of the hole is found to have a negligible effect on the results of the indentation test.
Effects of imipramine on tyrosine and tryptophan are mediated by β-adrenoceptor stimulation

Abstract Imipramine (IMI; 20 mg/kg) in rats decreased the plasma tyrosine concentration by 21% (90 min), whereas norepinephrine (NE; 1.25 mg/kg) raised it by 72% (40 min). Since NE raised plasma tyrosine by stimulating α-adrenoceptors, as shown by phenoxybenzamine (PB) completely abolishing this increase, an experiment was done to find out whether IMI lowered plasma tyrosine by blocking α-adrenoceptors. In contrast to PB, IMI pretreatment failed to alter the NE-induced elevation in plasma tyrosine, suggesting that at this dose IMI is not an effective α-adrenergic antagonist in vivo . Thus, IMI would not appear to reduce plasma tyrosine by blocking α-adrenoceptors. In a separate experiment, propranolol blocked the ability of IMI to lower plasma tyrosine. Propranolol also prevented a 17% elevation in brain trytophan levels induced by IMI but did not alter the 29% decrease in plasma tryptophan. OB by itself decreased plasma tyrosine, but this decrease was not greater by additionally treating with IMI. Salbutamol (10 mg/kg), a β2 agonist, lowered plasma tyrosine to 76% and raised brain tryptophan to 143% of control. These results suggest that IMI decreases tyrosine concentrations in plasma and raises tryptophan in brain by stimulating β-adrenoceptors.
Conformation of the peptide hormone somatostatin in aqueous solution and organic solvents

Abstract Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was applied to the conformational analysis of somatostatin in H 2 O, 2 H 2 O, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO)- 2 H 2 O and DMSO. The results suggest that in these solvents the peptide adopts a similar structure. In agreement with circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic data, evidence for turn structures was found; however, there was no evidence for the intramolecular β-sheet secondary structures proposed on the basis of Raman and CD spectroscopic results. Rather, the amide CO and NH groups not involved in turns appear to be either hydrogen bonded to the solvent or free.
GPS-less indoor construction location sensing

Abstract Location aware computing in construction is an emerging area where the location of materials, workforce, and equipment can be used to derive knowledge about the state of the project. This paper aims to provide a low-cost location sensing solution for indoor construction and underground facilities, where satellite navigation systems cannot be used. In this solution a set of low-cost passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags is deployed using a predefined topology to provide a good spatial coverage of the project-active area. The locations are estimated and represented by zones and coordinates. The zone detection approach uses K-Nearest Neighbor classification method to assign a zone to the target. The coordinates of the target's location are also acquired by weighted average method using the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) as weight. The approach has been experimented on a construction project in Montreal as well as in a controlled lab environment. The experimental results show an average of 0.17 as error rate for detecting the target's zone and an average of 1.3 m accuracy in detecting the coordinates. The promising results presented in this paper demonstrate the potential for a high-accuracy and low-lost location estimation method for indoor construction job sites.
Psychosocial factors discriminate multidimensional clinical groups of chronic low back pain patients.

Previous studies have empirically defined clinical subgroups of chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients, based on differing patterns of pain, disability and emotional distress. Because these identified groups generally are comparable in terms of physical and demographic variables, variation in functional status cannot be adequately explained by medical or social factors. In the present study we evaluated whether other psychosocial factors (stress, coping attempts, and satisfaction with social supports) might differentiate the observed groups. A discriminate function analysis indicated that ratings of life adversity, coping, and social support statistically differentiate clinical groups of CLBP patients. Patients categorized as chronic pain syndrome (i.e., high levels of pain, disability and depression) reported greater life adversity, more reliance on passive/avoidant coping strategies, and less satisfaction with social support networks. Patients categorized as having good pain control (i.e., low levels of pain, disability and depression) reported less life adversity, less reliance on passive/avoidant coping strategies, and more satisfaction with social support networks. Finally, a mixed picture of less life adversity, but more reliance on passive/avoidant coping strategies and more satisfactory social support networks was reported by patients categorized in the positive adaptation to pain group (i.e., high levels of pain, but relatively low levels of disability and depression). These findings suggest that psychosocial factors may be important and complex correlates of multidimensional clinical presentations of CLBP. Psychosocial factors may also offer an avenue for intervention across 3 key dimensions of CLBP.
Set membership state and parameter estimation for nonlinear differential equations with sparse discrete measurements

This paper presents a method to perform parameter and state estimation in a bounded-error context for nonlinear continuous-time systems with sparse, discrete measurements. Direct application of a guaranteed parameter estimation method can be fruitless when few data measurements are available. This lack of measurements results in what we term “phantom” sets of parameter values that cannot be correctly discarded due to instability in the estimation method caused by the lack of information. Preprocessing the measurements through the addition of application specific stabilizing bounds vastly improves bounded parameter and state estimations. Comparisons between applying guaranteed estimation methods to raw and preprocessed data measurements are illustrated with an example application.
Phase composition analysis of hydrous aluminium oxides by thermal analysis and infrared spectrometry

Abstract A general method for determination of the phase composition of hydrous aluminium oxides by thermal analysis and infrared spectrometry, and determination of the transformation temperature of mixtures of Al(OH)3 and AlOOH into α-Al2O3 are described.
Prediction of critical properties of 1-hexene/hexene isomers/carbon dioxide mixtures with a cubic EOS : sensitivity to mixture composition and to the path of approach to critical points

Critical loci of 1hexene/CO2 and (hexene isomer pseudo-component)/CO2 binary mixtures, along with the critical properties of the ternary mixture of CO2/l-hexene/(hexene isomer pseudo-component) were predicted using Gibbs' thermodynamic criteria for criticality in conjunction with the Peng-Robinson (P-R) EOS. Maximum deviation in the critical pressures of the l-hexene/CO2 binary mixture is less than 2% from reported experimental values. The addition of hexene isomer to the l-hexene/CO2 binary and the path of approach to mixture critical points are shown to have surprisingly strong effects on predicted mixture critical properties. For a given ternary mixture, multiple critical points are predicted depending upon the isopleth (either constant CO2 mole fraction path or constant 1-hexene mole fraction path) along which the critical point is approached. Critical densities predicted along the CO2 isopleth of approach to critical points are always smaller than the ones predicted along the 1-hexene isopleth of app...
Salicylate degradation by the fungal plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

The fungal plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was studied to determine its ability to degrade salicylate, an important defense-signaling molecule in plants. S. sclerotiorum D-E7 was grown at 25 °C in an undefined medium (50 ml) containing minerals, 0.1 % soytone, 50 mM MES buffer (pH 6.5), 25 mM glucose, and 1 mM salicylate. Glucose, oxalate, and salicylate concentrations were monitored by HPLC. S. sclerotiorum D-E7 was found to be active in salicylate degradation. However, salicylate alone was not growth supportive and, at higher levels (10 mM), inhibited glucose-dependent growth. Biomass formation (130 mg [dry wt] of mycelium per 50 ml of undefined medium), oxalate concentrations (~10 mM), and culture acidification (final culture pH approximated 5) were essentially the same in cultures grown with or without salicylate (1 mM). Time-course analyses revealed that salicylate degradation and glucose consumption were complete after 7 days of incubation and was concomitant with growth. Trace amounts of catechol, a known intermediate of salicylate metabolism, were detected during salicylate degradation. Overall, these results indicated that S. sclerotiorum has the ability to degrade salicylate and that the presence of low levels of salicylate did not affect growth or oxalate production by S. sclerotiorum.
High-throughput Hyperspectral Microscopy

A hyperspectral imager provides a 3-D data cube in which the spatial information (2-D) of the image is complemented by spectral information (1-D) about each spatial location. A static, high-throughput spectrometer design previously developed by our group can be used as the spectral engine in a high-throughput hyperspectral imager that avoids the Fourier undersampling issues present in previous dispersive designs. We present the theory for both pushbroom and tomographic operation and describe experimental results from our proof-of-concept implementation of a hyperspectral microscope.
Note on Rank Biserial Correlation

variables, n consecutive ranks, a dichotomy, a trichotomy, etc. In this paper we shall be concerned with developing a measure of the correlation between one variable comprising n consecutive untied ranks and a second variable comprising a dichotomy. We shall regard the dichotomy (scored 0, 1) as having a ranking variable underlying it. In this regard it is analogous to the assumption made in biserial correlation that a normally distributed variable has been forced into a dichotomy. Of major interest is a surprising equivalence which results between the coefficient found in this paper and a coefficient due to Cureton (1956). It is to present and prove the equivalence of these two coefficients, which though quite different in origin and derivation are algebraically equivalent, that this paper is being written.