cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of polarity on the adsorption of dichlorobenzene isomers

Abstract The influence of reference vapor polarity on the characterization of microporous carbon adsorbents using the Dubinin equations was investigated. Polarity may be an important parameter for reference vapor selection due to the influence of electrostatic forces on the adsorption of polar vapors. Adsorbate polarity was investigated by evaluating the adsorption isotherms and characteristic curves for the three isomers of dichlorobenzene and the heats of adsorption for the two liquid isomers. The three isomers are very similar in terms of molecular weight, vapor pressure, density, and electronic polarizations. The major difference is the range of dipole moments: 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 2.50 D; 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1.72 D; and 1,4-dichlorobenzene, 0.00 D. If adsorbate polarity has a major influence on adsorption, the three characteristic curves should have different slopes. The slopes of the three curves were not statistically different at the 95% level, and no difference in the heats of adsorption was observed. It was concluded, therefore, that electrostatic forces do not have a major influence on vapor adsorption when adsorbate polarities are between 0 and 2.50 D. Therefore, a single reference vapor may be adequate for characterization of microporous carbon adsorbents.
A theoretical investigation of sources of large and medium scale atmospheric gravity waves in the auroral oval

Abstract Many papers have been published to devise models to describe the sources of large and medium scale atmospheric gravity waves (AGWs) in the auroral oval ionosphere. One of the models proposed by Chimonas and Hines [(1970) Planet. Space Sci. 18 , 565] calculated the relative importance of Lorentz force and Joule heating as sources of AGWs in the auroral regions based on certain assumptions. In this paper, we develop a general theory to describe the behavior of the AGW source terms. It has been found that the source terms which generate AGWs are closely related to the velocities and frequencies of AGWs, and that the Lorentz force is dominant in generating the vertical velocity perturbation of large scale AGWs. The formulas which determine the source term contributions are derived. This relationship gives us the possibility to predict what kind of AGW will be generated by observing the source terms, or conversely perhaps to deduce some of the source characteristics by measuring properties of the traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs).
Radiance Temperature (at 653 nm) of Tungsten at Its Melting Point

The radiance temperature (at 653 nm) of tungsten at its melting point was measured using a subsecond-duration pulse-heating technique. Specimens in the form of strips with initially different surface roughnesses were used. The results do not indicate any dependence of radiance temperature (at the melting point) on initial surface or system operational conditions. The average radiance temperature (at 653 nm) at the melting point for 23 tungsten specimens is 3208 K on IPTS-68, with a standard deviation of 0.8 K and a maximum absolute deviation of 1.9 K. The total error in the radiance temperature is estimated to be not more than ± 10 K.
Nonlinear traveling waves in a free electron laser

Abstract We investigate nonlinear electromagnetic waves in a system which consists of an intense, cold-fluid relativistic electron beam propagating in a helical magnetic field. By transforming to wiggler coordinates and introducing the traveling wave ansatz, we have obtained a set of three coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations plus an exact invariant to describe wave motions in the system. In the Compton-approximation limit, the number of differential equations reduces to two. These equations are particularly useful for studying nonlinear saturated states of the free electron laser instability, corresponding to values of the dimensionless phase speed ( β = u c ) that are less than the dimensionless beam speed ( β b = V 0 c ) or less than unity. This restriction on β may permit the existence of solitons for discrete values of β.
Differential effect of 6-ethylmercaptopurine on c-myc expression in wild-type and HGPRT-deficient HL-60 cells.

A variety of compounds inhibit the growth and induce differentiation of human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells. HL-60 subclones that lack the purine salvage enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT) can also be induced to differentiate with purine analogs. Mechanisms by which purine analogs induce differentiation offer unique possibilities for cancer chemotherapy. We have studied the effect of the purine analog 6-ethylmercaptopurine (e6MP) on the growth and induction of differentiation in both wild-type and HGPRT-deficient HL-60 cells. We have previously shown that e6MP inhibits cell growth in both wild-type and HGPRT-deficient HL-60 cells without activation through salvage pathways [8]. In this report we evaluate the effect of e6MP on c-myc mRNA expression. c-Myc mRNA, which is amplified in HL-60 cells, has been shown to play a role in the induction of granulocytic differentiation in HL-60 cells. e6MP transiently down-regulates c-myc mRNA in wild-type cells but has no efect on c-myc mRNA expression in HGPRT-deficient HL-60 cells. Despite the differential effects of e6MP on c-myc mRNA, both wild-type and HGPRT-deficient HL-60 cells appear to engage in terminal differentiation. The morphological changes and nonspecific esterase activity induced by e6MP suggest differentiation down the monocytic pathway. However, early monocytic markers such as the rapid induction of c-fos and the stabilization of c-fms mRNA are not observed. In addition, e6MP inhibits TPA-induced monocytic/macrophage differentiation as characterized by stabilization of c-fms mRNA and cellular adherence.
Managerial bias in corporate governance and the effect of D&O insurance: A literature review and synthesis

This paper provides an argument that corporate managers co-opt the allegiance of their board members. Though owners elect board members, if the board is controlled by management the nominating process tends to guarantee a continuation of that control. Though board members operating with a managerial bias might violate a duty to shareholders, directors and officers (D&O) insurance assists managers in co-opting board support by eliminating the financial consequences of violating that duty. Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder movements, by increasing the number of stakeholders whose interests are likely to be violated by a continued managerial bias, are likely to increase the price of D&O coverage. This price effect and other recently proposed governance-linked coverage changes alter, but do not eliminate, the benefit of a continuing managerial bias.
Experimental methods for evaluating the health risks associated with organic chemicals in drinking water

Estimation of health hazards associated with the widespread distribution of small amounts of chemical carcinogens in drinking water presents a complex problem. However, it is becoming clear that risks attributed to chemical treatments that increase tumor incidence in experimental animals may be profoundly affected by the type of mechanism responsible for tumor induction. Differentiation of mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis can be made between those chemicals acting through interactions with cellular DNA and those acting through mechanisms not involving the genome. Chemicals commonly found in drinking water fall into both categories. Research conducted by our laboratory indicates that there is little evidence to suggest that chloroform acts through interaction with DNA or as a tumor initiator. This conclusion is based upon the absence of activity in the Ames assay, little or no evidence of direct chemical interaction with DNA in vivo, and inability to show clear evidence of tumor initiating activity in...
Comparison of Locked Volar Plating Versus Pinning and External Fixation in the Treatment of Unstable Intraarticular Distal Radius Fractures

Introduction We retrospectively compared the outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with volar locking plate versus standard external fixation and percutaneous pinning in treating similar unstable distal radius fractures with a minimum 2-year follow-up.
Pathways connecting the right and left cochlear nuclei

Connections between the right and left cochlear nuclei were studied with retrograde and anterograde axonal transport techniques. Large, multipolar neurons in the anterior and posterior divisions of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus and in the posteroventral cochlear nucleus project to the ventral and dorsal cochlear nuclei on the opposite side. In addition, giant cells in the deep layers of the dorsal cochlear nucleus project to the contralateral posteroventral cochlear nucleus and possibly also to the contralateral dorsal cochlear nucleus. The pattern of terminal distribution of the crossed connections was determined by using the anterograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase-labelled wheat germ lectin. Although no part of the cochlear nuclear complex is completely free of anterograde label, the densest labelling is found in the anterior division of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus, throughout the posteroventral cochlear nucleus (where it is closely associated with cell bodies), and in the fusiform and superficial layers of the dorsal cochlear nucleus. These direct synaptic connections from one cochlear nucleus to the other could play a significant role in processes that depend on binaural interactions within the central nervous system.
Liquid–solid heterogeneous synthesis of highly dispersed and PdPt surface enriched PdPtCu/C as methanol tolerant oxygen reduction reaction catalysts

Abstract We present a liquid–solid heterogeneous synthesis with switchable etching effects to prepare highly dispersed, PdPt surface enriched PdPtCu alloy nanoparticles (NPs) supported on carbon black (PdPtCu/C) by using Cu NPs as a heterogeneous reducing agent. A mixture of the Pd and Pt precursors and nanosized particles of Cu are required to form the highly dispersed PdPtCu alloy NPs and scatter them on the carbon black. Oxidative etching of the surface Cu with the reaction solution triggered by switching the reaction solution atmosphere from N2 to air results in an enrichment of the surface of PdPtCu by PdPt. The activity towards the oxygen reduction reaction and methanol tolerance is tuned by controlling the Pd/Pt ratio. The PdPtCu/C catalyst with a Pd/Pt molar ratio of 1:1 exhibits noble metal and Pt mass activities of, respectively, 2 and 3 times that of a commercial Pt/C at 0.85 V vs. RHE with much superior methanol tolerance. It also shows better performance than Pt/C with comparable durability in a direct methanol fuel cell.
Vitamin A levels in children with measles in Long Beach, California

Studies from Africa suggest that vitamin A supplementation may reduce morbidity and mortality rates associated with measles among poorly nourished children. We studied 20 children with measles in Long Beach, Calif., and found that 50% (95% confidence interval; 28% to 72%) were vitamin A deficient. This frequency among presumably well nourished American children supports evaluation of vitamin A status as a part of acute management of measles in the United States.
Rhodopsin activity varies in proteoliposomes prepared by different techniques.

A variety of techniques are currently in use for preparing protein-containing lipid vesicles known as proteoliposomes. However, the functionality of membrane protein in proteoliposomes prepared by various techniques has rarely been evaluated directly. We prepared rhodopsin-containing proteoliposomes consisting of asolectin or native retinal rod outer segment disk lipids using n-octyl β-d-glucopyranoside and the detergent dialysis (DD) and rapid dilution (RD) techniques and measured the activity of rhodopsin using equilibrium UV/vis and flash photolysis spectroscopy. A significant difference in rhodopsin activity was observed in proteoliposomes prepared by these techniques. The equilibrium constant of metarhodopsin I−metarhodopsin II is 30−45% higher, and the apparent rate constant of MII formation is up to 3-fold faster in proteoliposomes prepared by RD vs DD. The DD technique produced larger yet more heterogeneous vesicles, while the RD technique yielded smaller and more homogeneous vesicles, as determin...
Multiple vascular malformation in the ‘blue rubber bleb naevus’ syndrome: a case with aneurysm of vein of Galen and vascular lesions suggesting a link to the Weber–Osler–Rendu syndrome

A case of Bean's syndrome is reported in which a wide variety of vascular malformations are illustrated. Among these were multiple arterio-venous malformations including a so-called vein of Galen aneurysm. A comparison of this case with those in the literature suggests that the pathology in patients with Bean's syndrome may be more varied than heretofore recognized, and that an overlap between this syndrome and the Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome may exist.
In Vivo Monitoring of Immunotherapies for Cancer in Intact Mice• 802

Our laboratories have recently developed a method of monitoring tumor progression in vivo using a bioluminescent reporter in intact animals. A potential immunotherapeutic intervention was evaluated in living animals and compared to a standard chemotherapy. Earlier work demonstrated that a population of human T cells expanded ex vivo, termed cytokine induced killer (CIK) cells, had potent anti-tumor activity against a variety of human lymphoma cell lines both in culture and when engrafted into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. These cells were derived from T cell precursors and express the NK cell marker CD56. Human CIK cells from in vitro activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, were used against a human cell target in this study in order to establish an in vivo model system to monitor immune therapies and tumor growth. A stable HeLa cell line that constitutively expressed a modified firefly luciferase gene was used as the target cells. These bioluminescent target cells were injected intraperitoneally (IP) into 3 groups of 5 irradiated SCID mice and treated with either the CD3+CD56+ cells, cyclophosphamide or PBS. The luciferase substrate (luciferin) was introduced IP 20 min. prior to imaging the mice with an intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) camera. Mice were imaged weekly for 4 weeks and tumor growth measured using bioluminescence as a reporter. The control animals showed graded increases in light intensity over time. Treatment of the mice with the CD3+CD56+ cells (CIK) or cyclophosphamide resulted in reduction of light intensity compared to control animals. This noninvasive method allowed convenient, real time analyses of tumor growth and regression in living animal models of human cancer.
Field ion specimen preparation from near-surface regions

The feasibility of fabricating field ion specimens from planar surfaces by the technique of ion beam mask etching has been demonstrated. The production of an electric field at the tip apex sufficient to produce field evaporation has been accomplished by a combination of the minimization of the surface area, the increase in the tip height above the planar surface, and the minimization of the tip radius and shank angle.
Integration of the Medical College of Wisconsin Physician Scientist Pathway and Summer Research Programs to Increase Medical Student Research Skills

The Physician Scientist Pathway provides students with protected curriculum time for research. A structured program during first year teaches introductory research skills and prepares the student for an intensive summer research experience. Dedicated time during second and third year focuses on the dissemination of results in oral and written form.
Some effects of alternating current polarization on the surface of noble metal electrodes

Abstract Small electrodes of platinum, rhodium, palladium, iridium and gold were polarized with alternating current and alternating current biased with direct current. Only those metals which dissolve hydrogen —platinum and palladium—produced metal-black surfaces with alternating current polarization. The dissolved hydrogen plays an essential role in the break-up of the surface. Using a single-pulse technique, double layer capacitance data were obtained; they support these conclusions. The superior behaviour of an anodized platinum indicator electrode may be traced to the presence of “oxygen bridges”.
Short-cycle overhead work and shoulder girdle muscle fatigue

Abstract The objective of this research was to determine shoulder girdle fatigue for different combinations of weight of workpieces, weight of hand-tools, shoulder postures, arm up time and arm down time that are commonly used in automotive assembly operations. Both objective [surface electromyography (sEMG)] and subjective measures (ratings of perceived exertion, (RPE), fatigue and pain) were used to assess stress, fatigue and pain in the shoulder girdle. Ten healthy young female subjects participated in a laboratory experiment that consisted of a simulation of common automotive assembly job tasks. The simulation consisted of four tasks in a 1-min job-cycle. Each cycle was repeated 50 times. The four tasks were varied with different predetermined combinations of two weights ( W 1 signifying a workpiece and W 2 signifying the hand-tool weight), three exertion times and three shoulder postures. W 1 was either 1.36 or 2.73 kg (3 and 6 lb), and W 2 was 0.45, 0.91 or 1.82 kg (1, 2 and 4 lb). Exertion time was with the arm up for 2 seconds and down for 2 s (2–2) for ten exertions per minute, arm 3 s up and 3 s down (3–3) for seven exertions/min, or arm 5 s up and 3 s down (5–3) for five exertions/min. Each cycle finished with an 8–10 s rest phase to complete a 1-min cycle time. The posture angles were shoulder flexion of 60°, 90° and 120° combined with an included elbow angle of 90°, 120° and 150°, respectively. Experimental combinations ( n =54) were randomly selected. Response variables were recorded in the first minute and every 5 min thereafter for 50 min. The response variables included sEMG, RPE, fatigue and pain in the shoulder girdle. All subjects were able to perform all combinations with the lowest weights; however, in the more extreme postures, a few subjects prematurely terminated the experiments due to fatigue and/or pain. RPEs, as compared to sEMG data, appeared more sensitive and consistent. An analysis of variance showed that all four variables (workpiece weight ( W 1 ), tool weight ( W 2 ), arm up and down time, exertion time and shoulder posture) were statistically significant ( p ⩽0.01), although the tool weight and workpiece weight were most predictive of capabilities. As expected, the RPE, fatigue and pain increased with an increase in the weights of the workpiece ( W 1 ) and hand tool ( W 2 ). Guidelines for acceptable workloads are provided. Relevance to Industry Combinations of weights, exertion time and shoulder posture that cause excessive fatigue are important for designing overhead work and hand-tools. The data reported provide a set of such data for female subjects.
A biomechanical study of Tang's multiple locking techniques for flexor tendon repair.

Summary This study was designed to biomechanically compare Tang's multiple looped locking techniques with various suture techniques for flexor tendon repair in the hand. Fifty flexor digitorum profondus tendons taken from pig toes were used as models; The tendons were transected in the middle part of zone 2 defined as the area beneath bifurcation of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendons, and were repaired by five different suture methods: (1) modified Kessler, (2) Tsuge's suture, (3) double Kessler, (4) modified Kessler plus Tsuge, and (5) Tang's suture. The repaired tendons were placed in an Instron tensile testing machine to determine the tensile properties of the repair. 2 mm gap formation force and ultimate tensile strength were measured during the test. Maximal work to failure were calulated according to area under the load-displacement curve of the test. 2 mm gap formation force was 21.5 N for the Kessler, 20.6 N for the Tsuge, 31.6 N for double Kessler, 30.9 N for the Kessler plus Tsuge and 41.4 N for the Tang. Ultimate tensile strength was 23.5 N for the Kessler, 22.9 N for the Tsuge, 34.5 N for the Kessler plus Tsuge and 45.6 N for the Tang. Statistically, Tang's suture had the greatest gap formation force, ultimate strength and energy for failure among the five techniques (p
Dual EKF estimator for fault detection and isolation in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems

Nowadays to monitor and to control the recent generation of high complexity Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) building systems under a wide variety of occupancy and load related operating conditions represents one of the most difficult and challenging task. The main objective of this study is to develop a new approach of the fault detection, diagnosis and isolation (FDDI) automated techniques applied to the valve actuator failures in HVAC systems. These techniques are based on the dual Extended Kalman Filter that combines state estimation and parameter estimation to detect the faulty valve (stuck opened and stuck closed), to determine the fault severity and finally to isolate it. The superiority of this approach is its simplicity and its application to a wide range of similar applications. This algorithm is implemented in a simulation environment, and the fault diagnosis results could be evaluated for a several fault scenarios in terms of the injection fault, detection time, and its severity.
Design of a symmetrical diplexer composed of canonical butterworth two-port networks

Abstract The paper presents a new approach to the design of a diplexer having given insertion loss at the crossover frequency. The diplexer consists of a low-pass two-port network and a high-pass two-port network connecting either in series or in parallel. Having expressed the transducer power gain of the diplexer in terms of the Butterworth polynomials, it is shown that the cut-off frequencies of the low-pass and high-pass networks must be symmetrical with respect to the crossover frequency in order to obtain a diplexer with symmetrical characteristic. The problem of designing a symmetrical diplexer is simplified to that of choosing the order of the Butterworth response and the cut-off frequency for the individual two-ports. A computer program DIPLX is available for computing the circuit elements as well as the final frequency response.
LIFETIME OF THE 186-kev LEVEL OF THORIUM-231

The lifetime of the 186-kev level of ${\mathrm{Th}}^{231}$ has been studied following ${\mathrm{U}}^{235}$ alpha decay. The half-life value of this level is 0.77\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.12 m\ensuremath{\mu}sec.
The Effect of Heat Carrier Selection on the Structure of a Flowsheet

The design of processes with very exothermic or endothermic reactions often require the addition of a heat carrier to moderate the temperature change through the reactor. The selection of the heat carrier can have a major impact on the flowsheet alternatives that arise using Douglas' hierarchical decision procedure to synthesize the flowsheet, and these new alternatives change as the values of the design variables change. The evolution of the alternatives is illustrated for styrene manufacture, although different structures are to be expected for different reaction chemistries.
An ENDOR and HYSCORE investigation of a reaction intermediate in IspG (GcpE) catalysis.

IspG is a 4Fe� 4S protein that carries out an essential reduction step in isoprenoid biosynthesis. Using electronnuclear double resonance (ENDOR) and hyper- fine sublevel correlation (HYSCORE) spectroscopies on labeled samples, we have specifically assigned the hyperfine interactions in a reaction intermediate. These results help clarify the nature of the reaction intermediate, supporting a direct interaction between the unique fourth Fe in the cluster and C2 and O3 of the ligand.
Young infants’ expectations about hidden objects: a reply to three challenges

In this article, I address three broad challenges that have been directed at claims that even young infants are able to represent and to reason about hidden objects. The first challenge is that such claims are static and non-developmental and as such represent an unproductive approach to the study of infant cognition. The second challenge is that claims that even young infants represent hidden objects typically go hand in hand with assertions that infants are born with a belief that objects exist continuously in time and move continuously through space, and there is no evidence to date to support such assertions. Finally, the third challenge is that reports that young infants represent hidden objects can all be explained more parsimoniously in terms of low level perceptual biases in infants’ encoding and processing of events, or in terms of transient expectations formed during habituation trials and later extended to test trials.
Bimeasure algebras on locally compact groups

For locally compact groups G and H, let BM(G, H) denote the Banach space of bounded bilinear forms on C0(G) × C0(H). Using a consequence of the fundamental inequality of A. Grothendieck. a multiplication and an adjoint operation are introduced on BM(G, H) which generalize the convolution structure of M(G × H) and which make BM(G, H) into a KG2-Banach ∗-algebra, where KG is Grothendieck's universal constant. Various topics relating to the ideal structure of BM(G, H) and the lifting of unitary representations of G × H to ∗-representations of BM(G, H) are investigated.
Intervening at the Entry Point: Differences in How CIT Trained and Non-CIT Trained Officers Describe Responding to Mental Health-Related Calls

In response to challenges officers face with mental health-related calls, police departments are implementing specialized response programs like Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT). CIT is gaining support for its promise to promote safe, respectful interactions with police and individuals with mental illnesses. This paper outlines the results of a qualitative study investigating the impact of CIT. We found difference in CIT and non-CIT officers’ response tactics to mental health-related calls and assessments of danger. CIT officers described a broader understanding of exhibited behaviors and considered more options when deciding the outcomes of calls. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Relay Usage Scheduling in Sensor Networks with Energy Harvesting

Sensors equipped with energy harvesting capabilities are a viable solution to the limitations of current battery technology associated with wireless sensor networks (WSNs). This paper addresses the problem of developing energy efficient transmission strategies for WSNs with energy harvesting capabilities and cooperative transmission options. Taking into account the energy harvesting capabilities of the sensors, decision policies are developed to determine the transmission mode to use at a given instant of time in order to maximize the quality of coverage. The problem is formulated in a Markov Decision Process (MDP) framework and an upper bound on the performance of arbitrary policies is determined.
NRAO VLA Archive Survey

The Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope, operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), has been collecting interferometric data (visibilities) since the late 1970’s. Converting visibility data into images requires careful calibration of the data, fast Fourier transform processing, and deconvolution methods. To make VLA data accessible to the astronomical community, the NRAO has undertaken the NRAO VLA Archive Survey (NVAS). The goal of NVAS is to produce images, calibrated data, and diagnostics from the visibility data archive and make these data products available to all astronomers. Survey results are obtained from a software pipeline, the details of which are described here.
Comparison of Prestress Losses for Pedestrian Bridges Constructed with High-Strength Concrete and High-Strength Self-Consolidating Concrete

Two precast prestressed high-strength concrete and high-strength self-consolidating concrete pedestrian bridges were designed and erected in Rolla, Missouri, for an in situ investigative study to monitor time-dependent losses. Using the temperature and strain data monitored by the vibrating wire strain gauges within the beam cross sections, time-dependent losses were determined and compared between the bridges and various empirical expressions presented by AASHTO and the Precast/Prestresed Concrete Institute.
The design and implementation of a certifying compiler

This paper presents the design and implementation of a compiler that translates programs written in a type-safe subset of the C programming language into highly optimized DEC Alpha assembly language programs, and a certifier that automatically checks the type safety and memory safety of any assembly language program produced by the compiler. The result of the certifier is either a formal proof of type safety or a counterexample pointing to a potential violation of the type system by the target program. The ensemble of the compiler and the certifier is called a certifying compiler.Several advantages of certifying compilation over previous approaches can be claimed. The notion of a certifying compiler is significantly easier to employ than a formal compiler verification, in part because it is generally easier to verify the correctness of the result of a computation than to prove the correctness of the computation itself. Also, the approach can be applied even to highly optimizing compilers, as demonstrated by the fact that our compiler generates target code, for a range of realistic C programs, which is competitive with both the cc and gcc compilers with all optimizations enabled. The certifier also drastically improves the effectiveness of compiler testing because, for each test case, it statically signals compilation errors that might otherwise require many executions to detect. Finally, this approach is a practical way to produce the safety proofs for a Proof-Carrying Code system, and thus may be useful in a system for safe mobile code.
Birefringence in strong flows of polymer solutions

Abstract The constitutive relation for the refractive index of dilute solutions of flexible polymer molecules is obtained, and calculations of the intrinsic birefringence exhibited in uniaxial elongational flow are presented. The polymer molecules are modeled as chains of beads connected by finitely extensible nonlinear elastic springs under the Peterlin approximation. It is found that at very low elongation rates there is very little birefringence, but there is a critical elongation rate above which there is substantial birefringence. This critical elongation rate scales as the inverse square of the number of beads in the chain. At this elongation rate the individual springs in the chains are stretched and oriented with the flow, but the chains have not uncoiled. It is found that the stress-optic relation holds for elongation rates below the critical elongation rate. However, the stress-optic coefficient is not constant above the critical rate. In the instantaneous inception of the flow above the critical elongation rate, the stress optic coefficient initially takes on the value that it would have below the critical elongation rate, but it decays to a much lower value as the strain increases.
Blood lipids and lipoproteins in a Minnesota urban population

Abstract The distributions are described of lipids and lipoprotein cholesterol in a randomly selected sample from a Minneapolis, Minnesota, suburb. There are large differences in these levels in different age, sex and hormone use groups. Total plasma cholesterol, the low-density and very-low-density lipoprotein fractions, and plasma triglycerides rise steadily for ages 10–49 in both men and women. The level continues to rise in women during ages 50–59 but falls in men. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, however, decreases from sexual equality at ages 10–11 to low levels in adult men. High levels are maintained in adult women. Exogenous hormones apparently affect lipids. Oral contraceptive use is associated with higher levels of each of the lipids except high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; post-menopausal supplementary estrogen use is associated, however, with decreased total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while the high-density fraction is higher.
Toward Optimization of the Grain Boundary Character Distribution in OFE Copper

The authors used a two-step (low and high temperature) strain-annealing process to evolve the grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) in fully recrystallized oxygen-free electronic (OFE) Cu bar that was forged and rolled. Orientation imaging microscopy (OIM) has been used to characterize the GBCD after each step in the processing. The fraction of special grain boundaries, special fraction, was {approximately} 70% in the starting recrystallized material. High, moderate, and low temperature processing conditions were employed. The high-temperature process resulted in a reduction in the fraction of special grain boundaries while both of the lower temperature processes resulted in an increase in special fraction up to 85%. Further, the lower temperature processes resulted in average deviation angles from exact misorientation, for special boundaries, that were significantly smaller than observed from the high temperature process. Results indicate the importance of the low temperature part of the two-step strain-annealing process in preparing the microstructure for the higher temperature anneal and commensurate increase in the special fraction. The authors approach is aimed at testing a hypothesis for the mechanism for GBCD optimization in Cu, i.e., it is possible to optimize the GBCD in Cu by selectively removing random grain boundaries through a strain-annealing process. Theymore » begin with a fully recrystallized material, deform it by a crucial amount, then apply a specific heat treatment schedule. The deformation is not intended to be sufficient to induce full recrystallization upon heating, but is intended to localize the deformation energy at random boundaries (since random boundaries are expected to be less efficient at transmitting dislocations than special boundaries). Upon heating, the stored energy near these random boundaries is expected to provide sufficient driving force to rearrange these boundaries into special types.« less
Essential hypertension: Cost-effective evaluation and treatment

The widespread prevalence of hypertension in the United States and the enormous expense and effort associated with its treatment necessitate a cost-conscious approach to evaluation and therapy. In the past, we have devoted too many resources to testing for rare diseases suspected of causing hypertension when it has been demonstrated that secondary causes are rare. Devoting resources to the effective treatment of essential hypertension itself should be a priority, because such treatment has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases. Clinical and epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that treatment for hypertension should not be initiated unless diastolic blood pressure readings are 90 mm Hg or greater on three successive office visits. Treatment should be carried out in a step-wise fashion, using a non-pharmacologic approach only in situations in which hypertension is mild, target organ disease is absent, and compliance is favorable. Diuretics should be used as step-one drug therapy in most situations, because they are effective in the majority of patients, convenient to use, easy to titrate, and comparatively inexpensive. They do not cause salt and water retention, and side effects are usually minimal. When the use of diuretics is contraindicated, beta blockers are suitable alternatives, equally effective in most respects. When beta blockers or other non-diuretic drugs are used as step-one therapy and an additional drug is needed, diuretics can be used advantageously in conjunction with the step-one drug.
Monitoring clinical trials: issues and controversies regarding confidentiality.

During phase III clinical trials in life-threatening disease settings, it is important to ensure that the Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) has exclusive access to the interim efficacy and safety data generated by the data analysis centre, in order to minimize the risk of widespread prejudgement of unreliable trial results based on limited data. This prejudgement could adversely impact rates of patient accrual, continued adherence to trial regimens and ability to obtain unbiased and complete assessment of trial outcome measures. This also could result in publications of early results that might be very inconsistent with final study data on the benefit-to-risk profile of the study interventions. Circumstances arise only rarely in which unblinding of interim data beyond the DMC would enhance the ability of the trial to provide reliable results. However, to address the ethical imperative to protect the interests of study participants, the DMC itself should have access to unblinded efficacy and safety results.
Efficient modulation of T-cell response by dual-mode, single-carrier delivery of cytokine-targeted siRNA and DNA vaccine to antigen-presenting cells.

Controlled modulation of T-cell response during immunotherapy, especially the balance between T helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 responses, is critical for generating effective immune response. Here we report that dual delivery of interleukin 10 (IL-10)-targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA) and DNA vaccines to dendritic cells (DCs), using a single particle carrier, efficiently enhances immune response and modulates it toward a stronger Th1 phenotype. Surface-functionalized polymer microparticles (MPs) carrying both IL-10-targeted siRNA and DNA antigens exhibited effective gene silencing, DNA transfection, and synergistically enhanced upregulation of maturation markers in primary DCs leading to increased T-cell proliferation, in vitro. Mice immunized with these dual-delivery carriers demonstrated a significant “switch” toward Th1 response as evidenced by increase in interferon γ (IFN-γ) production and decrease in IL-4 production by CD4+ T cells. This further led to enhanced antiviral cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity. Such dual siRNA–DNA delivery provides a novel strategy to precisely control the type and strength of T-cell response during immunotherapy.
Atomistic Mechanism of Relaxor Ferroelectricity

Relaxor ferroelectrics are widely used in various applications because of their high dielectric and piezoelectric response over a wide range of temperature. The microscopic mechanism of the relaxor behavior, however, is highly complex and still inadequately understood. We discuss the atomistic mechanisms that create the relaxor behavior and suggest that adjusting the balance between ordering and disordering forces may be the key to achieving high dielectric and piezoelectric responses.
Multigrid Monte Carlo Method for Lattice Field Theories

We propose a stochastic generalization of the multigrid method, which reduces critical slowing down in Monte Carlo computations of lattice field theories. For free fields, critical slowing down is completely eliminated. For a ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ model, numerical experiments show a factor of \ensuremath{\cong} 10 reduction, over a standard heat-bath algorithm, in the work needed to get a given accuracy (error-bar size).
Millimeter-wave nonlinear transmission line tripler

Nonlinear transmission lines (NLTLs) provide a nonlinear, dispersive medium for soliton propagation. Taking advantage of the soliton propagation effects, electrical impulse compression and harmonic generation can be achieved in NLTL circuits. In this paper, characteristics of solitons propagating along NLTLs have been investigated and simulated by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique. Unique nonlinear interactions among solitons propagating along nonlinear transmission lines are observed in our model. A novel NLTL millimeter-wave tripler has been developed which is realized by periodically loading back-to-back diodes in a high-impedance transmission line. Our simulation results show that this NLTL tripler has higher conversion efficiency than conventional NLTL triplers.
Architecture of a Complex between the ς70 Subunit of Escherichia coli RNA Polymerase and the Nontemplate Strand Oligonucleotide LUMINESCENCE RESONANCE ENERGY TRANSFER STUDY

We used luminescence energy transfer measurements to determine the localization of 5'- and 3'-ends of a 12-nucleotide nontemplate strand oligonucleotide bound to sigma70 holoenzyme. Five single reactive cysteine mutants of sigma70 (cysteine residues at positions 1, 59, 366, 442, and 596) were labeled with a europium chelate fluorochrome (donor). The oligonucleotide was modified at the 5'- or at the 3'-end with Cy5 fluorochrome (acceptor). The energy transfer was observed upon complex formation between the donor-labeled sigma70 holoenzyme and the acceptor-labeled nontemplate strand oligonucleotide, whereas no interaction was observed with the template strand oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide was bound in one preferred orientation. This observation together with the sequence specificity of single-stranded oligonucleotide interaction suggests that two mechanisms of discrimination between the template and nontemplate strand are used by sigma70: sequence specificity and strand polarity specificity. The bound oligonucleotide was found to be close to residue 442, confirming that the single-stranded DNA binding site of sigma70 is located in an alpha-helix containing residue 442. The 5'-end of the oligonucleotide was oriented toward the COOH terminus of the helix.
Gene transfer in apomictic buffelgrass through fertilization of an unreduced egg

(...)The primary objective was to determine the potential for gene transfer in buffelgrass through 2n+n hybridization. When an apomictic pentaploid accession with an alien genome (2n=5x=45) was crossed with tetraploid apomictic birdwoodgrass (C. setigerus Vahl, 2n=4x=36), 1.3% of 950 progeny resulted from the fertilization of an unreduced egg (B III hybrids) and had 2n=7x=63 chromosomes.(...)
Mutations of class II MHC molecules.

It remains unclear how the tertiary interaction of T-cell receptor, la molecule and foreign antigen results in the extensive diversity of the helper T cell repertoire. Here Laurie Glimcher and Irwin Griffith focus on what has been learned about the relationship between structure and function of the la molecule from the use of mouse strains with mutations in the genes coding for these glycoproteins.
Inter-specific variation in salinity effects on germination in Pacific Northwest tidal wetland plants

Abstract Environmental stressors such as salinity may affect plant germination and early growth, eventually impacting the distribution and abundance of more mature individuals. In a lab study we evaluated germination sensitivity to salinity in 13 tidal wetland species found in the Pacific Northwest and then compared germination responses with the distributions of established plants along a soil salinity gradient. For two species we also tested whether seeds from wetlands with different salinity regimes varied in their tolerance of higher salinity. All species examined, except Sarcocornia perennis and Symphyotrichum subspicatum , showed maximum germination and seedling lengths under fresh to oligohaline (0–5 ppt) conditions. Most species, including those commonly distributed in more saline wetland soils as adults, had reduced germination at salinities ≥10 ppt. Sensitivity to elevated salinity in Triglochin maritima and Hordeum brachyantherum did not differ markedly between sampled populations. Our results show a mismatch between germination sensitivity and adult tolerance for about half of the species tested. The occurrence of low salinity in time or space may be necessary for optimal germination rates in these species. Future increases in estuarine salinity, perhaps in response to sea-level rise or reduced coastal precipitation, may alter germination patterns in tidal wetland plants and thereby shift plant composition.
A carboxy-terminus motif of HKα2 is necessary for assembly and function

A carboxy-terminus motif of HKα 2 is necessary for assembly and function. Background The present experiments were designed to study the importance of the carboxy-terminus of HKα 2 , for both function and integrity of assembly with β 1 -Na + ,K + -ATPase. Methods For this purpose, stop codons were created, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), at different positions in the carboxy-terminus of HKα 2 . Subsequently, chimeras between HKα 2 and the carboxy-terminus of α 1 -Na + ,K + -ATPase or with the carboxy-terminus of the gastric H + ,K + -ATPase were created. Human embryonic kidney HEK-293 cells were used as expression systems for functional studies using 86 Rb + uptake and α/β assembly using specific antibodies. Results The results demonstrate that the entire carboxy-terminus of HKα 2 is required for optimal protection of the α/β complex from degradation and for functionality as evidenced by 86 Rb + uptake. The results also demonstrate that there was flexibility in the sequence of the carboxy-terminus. The last two tyrosines (Y 1035 Y 1036 ) of HKα 2 could be mutated to alanines and the carboxy-terminus of HKα 2 could be replaced by the carboxy-terminus of α 1 -Na + ,K + -ATPase while preserving transport activity. Conclusion The entire carboxy-terminus of HKα 2 is required for stable assembly with β 1 -Na + ,K + -ATPase and functionality.
Mechanisms and intermediates in the photochemistry of M2(CO)6(η5-C5H5)2, where M=Cr, Mo and W, and their ring-coupled analogs

Abstract The structure, bonding, and photochemistry of the Group VI cyclopentadienyl metal carbonyl compounds of the general form (η 5 -C 5 H 5 ) 2 M 2 (CO) 6 , where M=Cr, Mo, and W, and their ring-substituted and ring-coupled derivatives is critically reviewed. The emphasis of this review is to bring together evidence for reaction intermediates and mechanisms to assist in the interpretation of the chemistry of these materials and to guide future investigations.
Centroiding algorithms and spatial resolution of photon counting detectors with cross-strip anodes

Significant advances in readout elements of microchannel plate based sensors have led to the development of detectors with less than 10 μm spatial resolution. We have shown that cross strip (XS) anodes have spatial resolution as small as 5 μm FWHM when a simple and fast center of gravity centroiding technique is used. In this paper we investigate the variation of XS anode spatial resolution for several types of centroiding algorithms (N-finger center of gravity, Gaussian, Lorentzian, parabolic and hyperbolic cosine centroiding) and determine the optimum algorithm in terms of spatial resolution and image linearity. We found that for existing 32x32 mm2 cross strip anodes and associated electronics, the best resolution and linearity is achieved with center of gravity centroiding with properly chosen thresholds on the data set. The images of USAF resolution test target obtained with MCP's with 6 μm pores on 7.5 μm centers resolve 71.8 line pairs per mm (Group 6 element 2, with line width of only ~7 μm). Thus the ~7 μm spatial resolution of the detector with cross strip anode is indeed limited now by the size of the MCP pores, while the resolution of XS readout is on the order of only few micrometers FWHM.
ψ Decays to charmless final states

Abstract The importance of measuring the non - D D ¯ decays of the ψ″ = ψ (3770) resonance is discussed. These decays can shed light on a possible discrepancy between the total and D D ¯ cross-sections at the ψ″, and on a proposed mechanism for enhancement of penguin amplitudes in B meson decays through charm–anticharm annihilation. Measurements (including the ψ″ line shape) in states of definite G-parity and in inclusive charmless final states such as η′ + X are found to be particularly important.