cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stimulation of nuclear poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase activity from HeLa cells by endonucleases.

Abstract Isolated nuclei from HeLa cells can incorporate labeled ADP-ribose from NAD into an acid-precipitable product, poly(ADP-ribose). This reaction is stimulated by 4–6-fold by the addition of deoxyribonuclease I to the complete reaction mixture. If the nuclei are treated first with deoxyribonuclease I, no effect is seen; the stimulation is only apparent when the two enzymes, deoxyribonuclease I and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, are operating at the same time. After making several minor modifications in the assay mixture, it was found that another endonuclease, micrococcal nuclease, can also stimulate the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase activity of HeLa nuclei. A comparison of the two stimulatory effects indicated that the two endonucleases activated the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activity of HeLa nuclei in the same way. Overall this evidence suggests that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase may have a functional role in the process of DNA repair.
Phenotypic characterization of collagen gel embedded primary human breast epithelial cells in athymic nude mice

We have developed a method to characterize the phenotypes and tumorigenicity of dissociated human breast epithelial cells. The dissociated cells were first embedded in collagen gels and subsequently transplanted subcutaneously in vivo in athymic nude mice. The transplantation of dissociated epithelial cells from reduction mammoplasties, presumed to be normal, always resulted in normal histomorphology. Epithelial cells were arranged as short tubular structures consisting of lumina surrounded by epithelial cells with an occasional more complex branching structure. These outgrowths were surrounded by intact basement membrane and were embedded in collagen gel that, at termination, contained collagenous stroma with fibroblasts and blood vessels. In contrast, transplantation of dissociated breast epithelial cells from breast cancer specimens resulted in outgrowths with an invasive pattern infiltrating the collagen gel as well as frank invasion into vascular space, nerves and muscles. These observations were made long before the subsequent palpable stage which resulted if left in the mouse for a long enough time. The dissociated human breast epithelial cells thus retained their intrinsic property to undergo morphogenesis to reflect their original phenotype when placed in a suitable environment, the collagen gel.
Nanodevice motion at microwave frequencies

It has been almost forgotten that the first computers envisaged by Charles Babbage in the early 1800s were mechanical and not electronic, but the development of high-frequency nanoelectromechanical systems is now promising a range of new applications, including sensitive mechanical charge detectors and mechanical devices for high-frequency signal processing, biological imaging and quantum measurement. Here we describe the construction of nanodevices that will operate with fundamental frequencies in the previously inaccessible microwave range (greater than 1 gigahertz). This achievement represents a significant advance in the quest for extremely high-frequency nanoelectromechanical systems.
Indirect Robust Control of Spacecraft via Theta-D Optimal Control Solution

This paper proposes a new method for robust control of spacecraft from an optimal control formulation. It can be shown in the new formulation that the robust control design is equivalent to the optimal control design in the sense that the Lyapunov function guaranteeing the closed-loop stability is a solution to the steady-state Hamilton-JacobiBellman (HJB) equation for optimal controlled nominal system with a modified cost functional including uncertainty bounds. Therefore, both stabilization and optimal performance can be achieved. This indirect robust control formulation is employed for control of spacecraft in proximity operations. The pursuer spacecraft is required to drive itself to a certain relative position with respect to an autonomous target and align its docking port towards the one on the target while keeping their attitude synchronized. Flexible motion, parameter uncertainties, and external disturbance are considered in the control design to enhance the robustness. A recently emerging nonlinear control approach called the θ-D technique is employed to design the optimal and robust controller. A closed-form control law can be given through an approximate solution to the HJB equation, which facilitates the onboard implementation. The effectiveness of the robust optimal control design is demonstrated via 6-DOF simulations with parameter uncertainties and external disturbance.
Hofstede's country classification 25 years later

Nearly 3 decades have passed since Hofstede (1980) collected the data used to classify countries by their underlying work-related value structures. The present study, in which recent data from 9 countries in 4 continents was collected, is a reexamination of his country classifications. The results suggest that many shifts have occurred since Hofstede's study in 1980. These shifts are related to some of the major environmental changes that have occurred.
Fast simulator for cloud optical centroid pressure

Here, we describe a fast simulator for satellite-derived cloud optical centroid pressure, a parameter commonly used in trace-gas retrieval algorithms to describe the mean photon pathlength for backscattered sunlight in a cloud.
Temperature dependent tensile behavior of gel-spun polyacrylonitrile and polyacrylonitrile/carbon nanotube composite fibers

Abstract Tensile properties of gel-spun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and PAN/carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers were studied as a function of temperature from −100 °C to 300 °C at a constant strain rate of 0.01/s. Tensile strength and modulus values at low temperature were as high as 1.65 GPa and 44.4 GPa, respectively. The tensile strength and modulus of PAN fibers decreased with increasing temperature, while drawability dramatically increased in a narrow temperature window near α/αc transition temperature. Three transitions, namely γ, βc, and α/αc transitions were observed by dynamic mechanical analysis. The relationships between tensile properties and thermal transitions, the effect of the addition of CNT, and the structure evolution during the elongation at temperatures above the PAN α/αc transition were investigated. Understanding of the drawing behavior of PAN and PAN/CNT is important so the highest property carbon fibers can be processed from these fibers.
Epigenetic effects of child abuse and neglect propagate human cruelty

The nature of children's early environment has profound long-term consequences. We are beginning to understand the underlying molecular programming of the stress-response system, which may mediate the destructive long-term effects of cruelty to children, explain the evolutionary stability of cruelty, and provide opportunities for its reversal of early trauma.
Microbial Activities and Dissolved Organic Matter Dynamics in Oil-Contaminated Surface Seawater from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Site

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill triggered a complex cascade of microbial responses that reshaped the dynamics of heterotrophic carbon degradation and the turnover of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in oil contaminated waters. Our results from 21-day laboratory incubations in rotating glass bottles (roller bottles) demonstrate that microbial dynamics and carbon flux in oil-contaminated surface water sampled near the spill site two weeks after the onset of the blowout were greatly affected by activities of microbes associated with macroscopic oil aggregates. Roller bottles with oil-amended water showed rapid formation of oil aggregates that were similar in size and appearance compared to oil aggregates observed in surface waters near the spill site. Oil aggregates that formed in roller bottles were densely colonized by heterotrophic bacteria, exhibiting high rates of enzymatic activity (lipase hydrolysis) indicative of oil degradation. Ambient waters surrounding aggregates also showed enhanced microbial activities not directly associated with primary oil-degradation (β-glucosidase; peptidase), as well as a twofold increase in DOC. Concurrent changes in fluorescence properties of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) suggest an increase in oil-derived, aromatic hydrocarbons in the DOC pool. Thus our data indicate that oil aggregates mediate, by two distinct mechanisms, the transfer of hydrocarbons to the deep sea: a microbially-derived flux of oil-derived DOC from sinking oil aggregates into the ambient water column, and rapid sedimentation of the oil aggregates themselves, serving as vehicles for oily particulate matter as well as oil aggregate-associated microbial communities.
Alkaline Phosphatase Levels In Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage Fluid As A Predictor Of Hollow Visceral Injury

Isolated injuries to hollow viscera may result in equivocal diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) findings. Small bowel injuries cause alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels to increase in DPL effluent. The goal of this study was to better define the role of AP levels in the evaluation of the injured abdomen. We prospectively measured AP levels in 672 patients undergoing DPL. These were retrospectively compared with the clinical findings. All 12 patients with small bowel injuries and three of four with large bowel injuries had an AP level > 10 IU/L. There was one patient with an AP level > 10 IU/L without clinically significant intra-abdominal injury. An AP level > 10 IU/L in the DPL effluent predicted injury requiring laparotomy with a specificity of 99.8% and a sensitivity of 94.7%. We recommend using AP levels only in the management of patients with equivocal findings on DPL who would otherwise not undergo laparotomy. This selective use of AP levels will improve the probability of early diagnosis of bowel injury without increasing the cost of care.
Multi-stage stochastic optimization applied to energy planning

This paper presents a methodology for the solution of multistage stochastic optimization problems, based on the approximation of the expected-cost-to-go functions of stochastic dynamic programming by piecewise linear functions. No state discretization is necessary, and the combinatorial "explosion" with the number of states (the well known "curse of dimensionality" of dynamic programming) is avoided. The piecewise functions are obtained from the dual solutions of the optimization problem at each stage and correspond to Benders cuts in a stochastic, multistage decomposition framework. A case study of optimal stochastic scheduling for a 39-reservoir system is presented and discussed.
Relative humidity dependence of HONO chemistry in urban areas

[1] The role of nitrous acid, HONO, as a precursor for hydroxyl radicals in polluted urban air has been recognized for many years. The chemical processes leading to the formation of HONO are, however, still not well understood. Laboratory studies show that HONO formation occurs primarily on surfaces and is first order in NO2. Water also plays an important role in the conversion process. While the latter has been shown in the laboratory, little information is available regarding the influence of water on the NO2 and HONO chemistry in the real atmosphere. Here we present nocturnal DOAS measurements of HONO and NO2 from three field experiments. The observations show that [HONO]/[NO2] ratios between 10 and 30% relative humidity (RH) do not exceed 0.04, while values of up to 0.09 were observed at higher RH. These results are analyzed by interpreting the observed maximum [HONO]/[NO2] ratio at a given relative humidity as the pseudo steady state (PSS) between the heterogeneous NO2 to HONO conversion and the HONO loss on surfaces. Theoretical considerations show that the [HONO]/[NO2] ratio at the PSS is equal to the ratio of the heterogeneous NO2 to HONO conversion coefficient and the reactive HONO uptake coefficient, thus showing that these processes depend on the RH. This result implies that RH has to be considered in the parameterization of HONO formation in air pollution models.
Stimulated Raman scattering and the extreme high-velocity H2O maser features in W49

Stimulated Raman scattering of the intense 22.2-GHz water-vapor maser radiation within W49 is examined as a possible explanation of the extremely broad spectrum of W49 extending to + or - 200 km/sec apparent Doppler velocity. Under the most favorable conditions, Raman scattering from ammonia molecules is calculated to be observable. It is unlikely that the Raman process contributes appreciably in the case of W49, as it fails to predict the observed spatial and spectral distribution of the radiation.
Reactions of niobium(III) and tantalum(III) compounds with acetylenes. 5. Preparation and structure of [NbCl2(SC4H8)(PhCCPh)]2(m̧-Cl)2 and its relationship to other alkyne complexes of niobium(III) and tantalum(III)

Abstract From the reaction of Nb2Cl6(THT)3, THT = tetrahydrothiophene, with tolane, PhCCPh, the compound [NbCl2(THT)(PhCCPh)]2(μ-Cl)2, 1, has been isolated. Its structure, which has been determined by X-ray crystallography, is very similar to that of the corresponding tantalanum compound containing CH3CCBu in place of PhCCPh. It has been shown that 1 reacts smoothly with pyridine to give a product, 2, that is isomorphous with the previously reported (pyH)[TaCl4py(PhCCPh)], 3. Thus, the precursor of 3, previously suggested to be TaCl3(THT)2(PhCCPh), is likely to be the Ta analog of 1. The relationship of 1 to the tetranuclear reaction product of NbCl5 with tolane is discussed. The crystals of 1 belong to the triclinic system, space group P 1 , and have unit cell dimensions a = 10.516(2) A, b = 12.663(3) A, c = 9.068(2) A, α = 100.63(2)°, β = 91.71(2)°, γ = 68.36(2)°, V = 1102.1(6) A3, Z = 1.
Spore Removal by Centrifugation and Its Effect on Ultra-High Temperature Commercial Sterilization of Milk

Abstract The removal of spores of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus stearothermophilus from milk by continuous centrifugation at 71, 82C or both and flow rates of ∼1,800 or ∼5,400kg per hour was studied. The effect of spore reduction on spoilage after various ultra-high temperature treatments also was investigated. With a centrifugal force at 9,000 × g , spore reduction was approximately 98 to >99% for one centrifugation at slow milk-flow rate, or two centrifugations at the faster rate. Milk solids (sludge) losses were approximately three times higher when centrifuging at 1,800 compared to 5,400kg per hour. A third centrifugation at 1,800 or 5,400kg per hour had only a small effect on further reduction of spores. Species of spores did not significantly affect the final count with two centrifugations. The initial spore content of the milk resulted in only a small difference on percentage removal with two centrifugations but the total number remaining was higher with the larger initial count. Comparative centrifugations at 82C for removing spores showed no significant difference from 71C. If the milk contained a high spore content of 10,000 per milliliter or more, centrifugation removed 98 to >99% of the spores allowing a small reduction in temperature, or ensuring a slightly reduced spoilage rate compared to the milk that was not centrifuged.
Understanding differences in upper stratospheric ozone response to changes in chlorine and temperature as computed using CCMVal‐2 models

Projections of future ozone levels are made using models that couple a general circulation model with a representation of atmospheric photochemical processes, allowing interactions among photochemical processes, radiation, and dynamics. Such models are known as chemistry and climate models (CCMs). Although developed from common principles and subject to the same boundary conditions, simulated ozone time series vary for projections of changes in ozone depleting substances (ODSs) and greenhouse gases. In the upper stratosphere photochemical processes control ozone level, and ozone increases as ODSs decrease and temperature decreases due to greenhouse gas increase. Simulations agree broadly but there are quantitative differences in the sensitivity of ozone to chlorine and to temperature. We obtain insight into these differences in sensitivity by examining the relationship between the upper stratosphere annual cycle of ozone and temperature as produced by a suite of models. All simulations conform to expectation in that ozone is less sensitive to temperature when chlorine levels are highest because chlorine catalyzed loss is nearly independent of temperature. Differences in sensitivity are traced to differences in simulated temperature, ozone and reactive nitrogen when chlorine levels are close to background. This work shows that differences in the importance of specific processes underlie differences in simulated sensitivity of ozone to composition change. This suggests a) the multi-model mean is not a best estimate of the sensitivity of upper ozone to changes in ODSs and temperature; b) the spread of values is not an appropriate measure of uncertainty.
Sociosexuality and Motivations for Romantic Involvement

Abstract This study explored how individual differences in sociosexual orientation influence what people look for in, and seek to obtain from, romantic partners. Results indicated that individuals differing in sociosexual orientation have contrasting motivations for involvement in romantic relationships. Individuals with a restricted sociosexual orientation, relative to those with an unrestricted orientation, reported greater intrinsic and instrumental motivations for forming and maintaining their current relationship. Additionally, analyses suggested that these contrasting motivations may mediate the effects of sociosexuality on relationship commitment.
THE DETERMINATION OF STRESSES IN ROLLING-CONTACT ELEMENTS

Stress patterns in lubricated rolling-contact elements have been computed from surface pressures and temperatures between pairs of rolling disks, both cylindrical or both crowned, measured by means of evaporated surface transducers. The maximum mechanical shearing stresses computed for both cylindrical and crowned disks proved to be nearly equal to those that would have occurred under static contact, but the calculated depth of those stresses was reduced for cylindrical rollers in dynamic contact. The maximum shear reversals computed for rolling cylindrical disks were noticeably below the corresponding shear differences for the static cases. Local pressure anomalies, such as the pressure spike in the one particular case chosen for investigation, did not seem to alter significantly the shear-stress patterns. Thermal shearing stresses do not appear to be a significant portion of the maximum stress but do dominate over mechanical shearing stresses near the surface of the elements.
Cellular transforming genes and oncogenesis.

II. Identification of cellular transforming genes by transfection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 A. ras H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 B. ras r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 C. ras N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 D. B lymI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 E. T l ymI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 F. Transforming genes of other lymphoid neoplasms ( i x l , ix-2 and i x -3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 G. Mammary carcinoma transforming gene ( t x . 4 ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Resistance mutations at the lipid substrate binding site of Plasmodium falciparum protein farnesyltransferase.

The post-translational farnesylation of proteins serves to anchor a subset of intracellular proteins to membranes in eukaryotic organisms and also promotes protein-protein interactions. This enzymatic reaction is carried out by protein farnesyltransferase (PFT), which catalyzes the transfer of a 15carbon isoprenoid lipid unit, a farnesyl group, from farnesyl pyrophosphate to the C-termini of proteins containing a CaaX motif. Inhibition of PFT is lethal to the pathogenic protozoa Plasmodium falciparum. Previously, we have shown that parasites resistant to a tetrahydroquinoline (THQ)-based PFT inhibitor BMS-388891 have mutations leading to amino acid substitutions in PFT that map to the peptide substrate binding domain. We now report the selection of parasites resistant to another THQ PFT inhibitor BMS-339941. In whole cell assays sensitivity to BMS-33941 was reduced by 33-fold in a resistant clone, and biochemical analysis demonstrated a corresponding 33-fold increase in the BMS-339941 Ki for the mutant PFT enzyme. More detailed kinetic analysis revealed that the mutant enzyme required higher concentration of peptide and farnesyl pyrophosphate substrates for optimum catalysis. Unlike previously characterized parasites resistant to BMS-388891, the resistant parasites have a mutation which is predicted to be in a distinct location of the enzymatic pocket, near the farnesyl pyrophosphate binding pocket. This is the first description of a mutation from any species affecting the farnesyl pyrophosphate binding pocket with reduced efficacy of PFT inhibitors. These data provide further support that PFT is the target of THQ inhibitors in P. falciparum and suggest that PFT inhibitors should be combined with other antimalarial agents to minimize the development of resistant parasites.
The evolution of the damage zone with fault growth in sandstone and its multiscale characteristics

[1] We document the formation and evolution of the damage zones associated with strikeslip faults in porous sandstone, through detailed field and statistical studies of faults of increasing slip magnitudes. The faults initiate as sheared joints with discontinuous damage zone located primarily at fault tips and fault surface irregularities. With increasing slip, the damage zone develops by progressive fracture infilling and is organized into two components with different characteristics. The first of these components is the inner damage zone flanking the fault core with a high fracture frequency and a thickness scaling with fault slip. It contributes to the progressive widening of the fault core with increasing deformation. The second of these components is the outer damage zone with a larger and more variable thickness and a lower fracture frequency than the inner zone. The origin and evolution of the inner and outer damage zones are closely related to the history of fault development, as presented in a new conceptual model for damage zone evolution with fault growth. The statistical properties of the fault networks, determined by scan line surveys, evolve with fault growth. This is attributed to the progressive saturation of the fault networks. Well-developed fault networks have multifractal properties with important consequences in forecasting and characterizing faults from limited data sets. The conceptual model and statistical data presented here may be used as predictive tools to better estimate the geometrical and statistical properties of the damage zones associated with large faults with remotely resolvable slip magnitude in the subsurface.
Changes in the dendritic branching of adult mammalian neurones revealed by repeated imaging in situ.

A major obstacle to understanding the mechanism of long-term change in the vertebrate nervous system has been the inability to observe the same nerve cell at different times during the life of an animal. The possibility that changes in neural connectivity underlie the remarkable flexibility of the nervous systems of mammals has therefore not been tested by direct observation. Here, we report studies in which we have visualized the same neurone in the superior cervical ganglion of young adult mice at intervals of up to 33 days. This collection of nerve cells is particularly accessible and therefore well suited to our approach. We find that the dendritic branches of the neurones examined change appreciably over intervals, of 2 weeks or more; some branches retract, others elongate and others seem to form de novo. The apparent remodelling of these postsynaptic elements implies that the synaptic connections of these cells normally undergo significant rearrangement beyond what is usually considered to be the developmental period.
Mechanical properties of zirconia-based ceramics asfunctions of temperature

Abstract Commercially available ceramics, MgO–ZrO 2 , CeO 2 –ZrO 2 , and an in-house fabricated zirconia-toughened mullite were examined in this study for use as a structural component in diesel engines. The fast fracture strengths of these materials were measured by loading ASTM C-1161-B specimens in four-point flexure at 30 MPa/s and at 20, 200, 400, 600, and 850 °C. The dynamic fatigue or slow crack growth susceptibility was assessed at 20 and 850 °C by combining the fast fracture strengths with strength data obtained by testing the same specimens in four-point flexure at 0.30 and 0.003 MPa/s stressing rates, as specified in the ASTM C 1368 standard. Fracture toughness was measured following the ASTM C-1421 standard and using chevron notch specimens in three-point flexure at room and elevated temperatures. The strength of the zirconia-toughened mullite was invariant to increases in the temperature and decreases in the loading rate, while the MgO–ZrO 2 and CeO 2 –ZrO 2 materials exhibited strength degradation as temperatures increased and the loading rates decreased. Temperature was observed to have the greatest influence on facture toughness. As temperatures increased, the fracture toughness values dramatically decreased for all the materials examined in this study. Improvements in the fracture toughness are needed most for these ceramic materials in order to meet the structural requirements and to develop a more durable and reliable diesel engine component.
Antibodies to a C-terminal peptide of the rat brain glutamate receptor subunit, GluR-A, recognize a subpopulation of AMPA binding sites but not kainate sites

Antibodies were made to a thirteen amino acid synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal portion of the glutamate (glu) receptor, GluR-A. The immunoprecipitation of kainic acid (KA) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) binding sites by the anti-peptide antibodies was studied using a detergent-solubilized preparation of rat brain membranes. Under these conditions a subpopulation of AMPA binding sites was recognized by the antibodies, but no KA binding sites were recognized. Scatchard analysis of this subpopulation of AMPA binding sites yields a curvilinear plot which fits a two-site model with dissociation constants of 4.6 and 323 nM. These studies show that the glu receptor complex, GluR-A, binds AMPA but not KA and suggest that (i) the binding sites for these two ligands reside on different proteins, and (ii) the KA receptor identified physiologically is not equivalent to the KA binding sites identified with 3H-labelled KA.
Effect of dynamic strain aging on mechanical and fracture properties of A516Gr70 steel

Abstract The effects of dynamic strain aging (DSA) on mechanical and fracture characteristics were investigated in a ferritic steel type A516Gr70 commonly used for reactor support steels and pressure vessels. Tensile and 3-point bend tests were performed on miniature tensile and subsize Charpy specimens at various temperatures from ambient to about 700 K with specific purpose of delineating the friction and source hardening terms, and the effects of DSA on them. The total energy to fracture obtained from the areas under the load–displacement curves of 3-point bend tests of subsize Charpy specimens revealed dips in the DSA range. Unloading compliance JIC tests were performed on 1TCT specimens at varied temperatures from 243 (−30) to about 773 K (500°C) using a clip gauge (T K ) and a high-temperature extensometer. At temperatures higher than 273 K valid JIC measurements could be made and JIC decreased with increasing temperature. However, no dips in the DSA range were noted contrary to the earlier observations in A533B steel and pure iron. Effect of neutron radiation exposure was investigated on the mechanical properties using subsize tensile and 3-point bend specimens. Synergistic effects of interstitial impurities and radiation-induced defects resulted in shifting the region of DSA to higher temperatures revealing improved ductility in some temperature regimes following radiation exposure.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF RING CHROMOSOME 6 IN A FETUS WITH HYDROCEPHALUS

A patient with ring chromosome 6/monosomy 6 mosaicism is presented. At 25 weeks' gestation, ultrasound examination demonstrated fetal hydrocephalus. Amniocentesis was performed. The fetal karyotype was 45,XY,-6/ 45,XY,-6,+f/46,XY,r(6)(p25q27). Delivery of this male infant was by Caesarean section at 37 weeks' gestation. The karyotype in peripheral blood lymphocytes was 46,XY,r(6)(p25q27) with no indications of mosaicism. The infant had hydrocephalus which required treatment with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt at 22 days of age. He had no other obvious serious congenital anomalies. By 17 months he had developed microcephaly, seizures, severe bilateral hearing loss, and global development delay. This patient provides information regarding phenotypic variability of ring chromosome 6 and also reinforces the importance of offering amniocentesis if fetal hydrocephalus is detected as an isolated anomaly.
Three-Dimensional Cyclic Beam-Truss Model for Nonplanar Reinforced Concrete Walls

AbstractA three-dimensional nonlinear cyclic model for nonplanar reinforced concrete walls is presented. Nonlinear Euler-Bernoulli fiber-section beam elements are used to represent steel and concrete in the vertical direction, and nonlinear trusses are used to represent the steel and concrete in the horizontal direction and the concrete in the diagonal directions. The model represents the effects of flexure-shear interaction by computing the stress and strains in the horizontal and vertical directions and by considering biaxial effects on the behavior of concrete diagonals and accounts for mesh-size effects. The model is validated by comparing the experimentally measured and numerically computed response of three reinforced concrete T-shape, C-shape, and I-shape section wall specimens, respectively, with the response of the latter two characterized by crushing of the concrete in the diagonal direction. The overall force-deformation and local strain responses are presented. Finally, the computed response u...
The measurement of option mispricing

Abstract Different studies have examined the ability of the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate accurately market prices of publicly traded options and reached conflicting results. This study examines commonly used ex ante measures of option mispricing, finds that they can produce differing conclusions about option prices, and develops an alternative measure for gauging option mispricing. Empirical analysis of returns to options selected using the various mispricing measures indicates that this new measure is more likely to detect mispricing and identify options that yield excess returns before commissions.
Stabilization of a pH-sensitive apoptosis-linked coiled coil through single point mutations

The apoptosis-associated Par-4 protein has been implicated in cancers of the prostate, colon, and kidney, and in Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases, among other neurodegenerative disorders. Previously, we have shown that a peptide from the Par-4 C-terminus, which is responsible for Par-4 self-association as well as interaction with all currently identified effector molecules, is natively unfolded at neutral pH, but forms a tightly associated coiled coil at acidic pH and low temperature. Here, we have alternately mutated the two acidic residues predicted to participate in repulsive electrostatic interactions at the coiled coil interhelical interface. Analysis of circular dichroism spectra reveals that a dramatic alteration of the folding/unfolding equilibrium of this peptide can be effected through directed-point mutagenesis, confirming that the two acidic residues are indeed key to the pH-dependent folding behavior of the Par-4 coiled coil, and further suggesting that alleviation of charge repulsion through exposure to either a low pH microenvironment or an electrostatically complementary environment may be necessary for efficient folding of the Par-4 C-terminus.
Barium and calcium sulfate precipitation and migration inside sandpacks

This paper is an experimental and theoretical study of permeability reduction of sandpacks caused by solids generation and migration. Two solids, calcium and barium sulfate crystals, were injected into and generated within the sandpacks by chemical reaction. We found that we could simulate the effluent concentrations, including the produced solids, with a fractional flow model for solids migration
Exploration of the use of novel SiO2 nanocomposites doped with fluorescent Eu3+/sensitizer complex for latent fingerprint detection.

Abstract Silicon dioxide-based nanocomposites have shown great potential in novel chemical and biological sensor development due to their large loading capacity and high surface area to volume ratio for trapping molecular complexes of various sizes. However, their potential applications in forensic science, latent fingerprint detection in particular, were still unclear. In this study, we have succeeded in trapping the highly fluorescent and photo-stable Eu 3+ metal ions/sensitizer complex in silicon dioxide-based nanocomposites, doped xerogels, using the sol–gel method. We have tested the spectroscopic properties of Eu 3+ in several combinations of rare earth sensitizers and different derivatives of silicon dioxide nanoporous templates. Our results indicated that the use of 1,10-phenanthroline (OP) sensitizer in tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) template provides the best fluorescently doped xerogels applicable for latent fingerprint detections on various forensic relevant materials, including metal foil, glass, plastic, colored paper, and a green tree leaf. The fabrication procedure, UV/vis and fluorescence characterizations, and fingerprint labeling results of these new Eu 3+ /OP/TEOS nanocomposites are presented in this exploratory study.
Hydrogel-β-TCP scaffolds and stem cells for tissue engineering bone

Trabecular bone is a material of choice for reconstruction after trauma and tumor resection and for correction of congenital defects. Autologous bone grafts are available in limited shapes and sizes; significant donor site morbidity is another major disadvantage to this approach. To overcome these limitations, we used a tissue engineering approach to create bone replacements in vitro, combining bone-marrow-derived differentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) suspended in hydrogels and 3-dimensionally printed (3DP) porous scaffolds made of beta-tricalcium-phosphate (beta-TCP). The scaffolds provided support for the formation of bone tissue in collagen I, fibrin, alginate, and pluronic F127 hydrogels during culturing in oscillating and rotating dynamic conditions. Histological evaluation including toluidine blue, alkaline phosphatase, and von Kossa staining was done at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Radiographic evaluation and high-resolution volumetric CT (VCT) scanning, expression of bone-specific genes and biomechanical compression testing were performed at 6 weeks. Both culture conditions resulted in similar bone tissue formation. Histologically collagen I and fibrin hydrogels specimens had superior bone tissue, although radiopacities were detected only in collagen I samples. VCT scan revealed density values in all but the Pluronic F127 samples, with Houndsfield unit values comparable to native bone in collagen I and fibrin glue samples. Expression of bone-specific genes was significantly higher in the collagen I samples. Pluronic F127 hydrogel did not support formation of bone tissue. All samples cultured in dynamic oscillating conditions had slightly higher mechanical strength than under rotating conditions. Bone tissue can be successfully formed in vitro using constructs comprised of collagen I hydrogel, MSCs, and porous beta-TCP scaffolds.
Thermal Infrared Emission Spectroscopy of Salt Minerals Predicted for Mars

Abstract Thermal emissivity spectra (2000–400 cm −1 ) of select carbonate, sulfate, phosphate, and chloride minerals are presented in this study. The suite of samples was chosen to most closely represent the chemistry of the salts predicted for Mars on the basis of the Viking lander data, theoretical and experimental studies, and analyses of the Shergottite–Nakhlite–Chassignite and ALH84001 meteorites. Midinfrared spectra are presented to demonstrate the variation in emissivity between evaporite mineral classes (e.g., carbonates versus sulfates) and within a mineral class (e.g., calcite versus dolomite). Additional emissivity spectra are presented of particle-size fractions for each of the four mineral classes to show the effects of increased energy scattering with decreased particle size. Understanding particle-size effects may be critical for interpreting the emission of Mars where particulate material is common. The unique appearance of the emissivity spectra will aid the identification of the salt minerals on Mars from the midinfrared vibrational data to be acquired by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer aboard the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft.
Effect of extracellular K+ concentration on resting potential, caerulein-induced depolarization and amylase release from mouse pancreatic acinar cells.

Acinar cell membrane potentials and amylase release were measured from in vitro preparations of mouse pancreas. The effect of a 10-fold increase of the extracellular K+ concentration (to 47 mM) was studied on the resting membrane potential and amylase release as well as on the membrane depolarization and amylase release induced by the cholecystokinin-pancreozymin analogue, caerulein. In the presence of atropine (to exclude the effect of a possible release of endogenous acetylcholine), the increased K+ concentration depolarized the cells from −45 to −20 mV without influencing the rate of the unstimulated release of amylase. Under these conditions, the depolarizing effect of caerulein was almost abolished, while the caerulein-induced amylase was not. It is concluded that caerulein-induced enzyme secretion from pancreatic acinar cells is independent of the level of the membrane potential as well as extracellular K+ concentration in the range from 4.7–47 mM.
Historical document enhancement using LUT classification

The fast evolution of scanning and computing technologies in recent years has led to the creation of large collections of scanned historical documents. It is almost always the case that these scanned documents suffer from some form of degradation. Large degradations make documents hard to read and substantially deteriorate the performance of automated document processing systems. Enhancement of degraded document images is normally performed assuming global degradation models. When the degradation is large, global degradation models do not perform well. In contrast, we propose to learn local degradation models and use them in enhancing degraded document images. Using a semi-automated enhancement system, we have labeled a subset of the Frieder diaries collection (The diaries of Rabbi Dr. Avraham Abba Frieder. http://ir.iit.edu/collections/). This labeled subset was then used to train classifiers based on lookup tables in conjunction with the approximated nearest neighbor algorithm. The resulting algorithm is highly efficient and effective. Experimental evaluation results are provided using the Frieder diaries collection (The diaries of Rabbi Dr. Avraham Abba Frieder. http://ir.iit.edu/collections/).
Discussion of the Dynamical Equations for the Regge Parameters

The dynamical equations for the Regge parameters in the relativistic, many-channel case are reduced into a single integral equation for $\mathrm{Im}\ensuremath{\alpha}(t)$, which is convenient to solve numerically. The solution of this integral equation is shown to exist and to be unique, after one subtraction constant for each of the functions $\ensuremath{\alpha}(t)$ and ${r}_{\mathrm{ij}}(t)$, and the location of zeros of the residue functions ${r}_{\mathrm{ij}}(t)$ are supplied, provided that some conditions on the subtraction constants are satisfied.
On the parametric stability of a central pattern generator

Abstract In this study, one subunit of the nerve network that gives rise to swimming oscillations in Hirudo was implemented in electronic hardware and characterized for its range and stability. Based on documentation from in-vivo studies, the network was re-created in analog VLSI hardware on a nerve-by-nerve, synapse-by-synapse basis. The eleven cells that comprise the network are tonically active, and network topology reveals the presence of numerous reciprocally inhibitory pairs and cyclically inhibitory rings of cells. IC-based artificial nerve cells were individually configured to match the responsiveness of their living counterparts, and the network assembled. Parametric tests on tonically active single cells, reciprocally inhibitory pairs of cells, cyclically inhibitory rings of cells, and the entire network revealed that the entire network was far more immune to variation in inward and environmental parameters than any suboscillator type alone.
Contributions of Associative Learning to Age and Individual Differences in Fluid Intelligence.

Abstract According to the cognitive cascade hypothesis, age-related slowing results in decreased working memory, which in turn affects higher-order cognition. Because recent studies show complex associative learning correlates highly with fluid intelligence, the present study examined the role of complex associative learning in cognitive cascade models of data from adults aged 30–80 years. Path analyses revealed that an extended cascade model, in which associative learning mediated the relation between working memory and fluid intelligence, provided an adequate fit to the data. Moreover, an alternative extended cascade model, one with an additional path from speed to fluid intelligence and separate learning and secondary memory components, provided an excellent fit. These findings establish a role for complex associative learning in the extended cognitive cascade underlying age and individual differences in fluid intelligence.
OPN01-3: Achieving 100% Throughput in WDM-PON under the SUCCESS-HPON Architecture

In this paper we study the tunable resources scheduling problem for WDM-PON under the Stanford University aCCESS - hybrid WDM/TDM PON (SUCCESS-HPON) architecture, a next generation optical access network. In SUCCESS-HPON a few tunable transmitters and receivers at the OLT are shared by all the users for both downstream and upstream transmission using a centralized light sources approach. Each ONU is assigned a single wavelength for both downstream and upstream data transmission; for the latter, a continuous wave is provided by the OLT for the ONUs to amplitude-modulate upstream data onto it and send it back to the OLT. Through the use of novel scheduling algorithms, it is possible to provide service to all users in the network with just a few tunable transmitters and receivers, making the network very cost-efficient. The performance of these algorithms has been extensively studied through simulations. In this paper we attempt to prove 100% throughput guarantee on a particular scheduling algorithm. We show that the maximum weight matching (MWM) algorithm for admissible traffic with the strong law of large numbers property is stable and can guarantee 100% throughput in a simplified model of SUCCESS-HPON. We derive this result by converting the scheduling problem under consideration to a generalization of the well-known crossbar input-queued switch scheduling problem, and then use a fluid model of a discrete time switch together with the extended Birkhoff-von Neumann (BvN) decomposition theorem. The MWM algorithm can be easily implemented on the SUCCESS-HPON architecture since the number of wavelengths, which determines the complexity of implementation of MWM algorithm, is usually small. This proof of MWM in SUCCESS-HPON is meaningful in that it suggests a practical scheduling algorithm with 100% throughput guarantee as well as determines a theoretical bound. As a byproduct of this research, we prove the extended BvN decomposition theorem, which may be useful in proving 100% throughput guarantee of MWM algorithm in resource scheduling (allocation) problems where certain number of users share the same kind of resources, for example, as in the case that K users are sharing Ntype-A resources and Mtype-B resources.
Recent literature on government information

Cette liste est une souce d'information courante sur les publications officielles aux Etats-Unis, classees par theme: politique d'information du gouvernement americain; publications federales; publications etrangeres et intergouvernementales; publications locales et a l'echelon d'un etat; technologie et automatisation; propriete intellectuelle et generalites
Gastric bypass reduces biochemical cardiac risk factors

Abstract Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, with obesity as a leading preventable risk factor for CAD. Certain biochemical markers have demonstrated strong prediction for cardiovascular events. We hypothesized that in addition to weight reduction, gastric bypass will also induce a salutary effect on the biochemical cardiac risk factors. Methods At a single academic institution, from 2003 to 2004, we measured the biochemical cardiac risk factors in gastric bypass patients preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. These risk factors included total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio, triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio, triglycerides, lipoprotein A, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and homocysteine. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results The mean age of the 356 patients was 43 years; 84% were women; the mean body mass index was 47 kg/m 2 ; 33% were diabetic; 50% were hypertensive; 23% were taking lipid-lowering medications; and 2% had known CAD. Significant improvement occurred in the biochemical cardiac factors from preoperatively to 12 months. The beneficial changes were as follows: total cholesterol, 192 mg/dL preoperatively to 166 mg/dL at 12 months; HDL cholesterol, 46 mg/dL preoperatively to 54 mg/dL at 12 months; low-density lipoprotein, 125 mg/dL preoperatively to 88 mg/dL at 12 months; total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio, 4 preoperatively to 3 at 12 months; triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio, 3 preoperatively to 2 at 12 months; triglycerides, 133 mg/dL preoperatively to 92 mg/dL at 12 months; lipoprotein A, 14 mg/dL preoperatively to 13 mg/dL at 12 months; high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, 8 mg/L preoperatively to 1 mg/L; and homocysteine, 10 μmol/L preoperatively to 8 μmol/L at 12 months. Conclusions The results of our study have shown that gastric bypass significantly improves all biochemical markers of CAD risk, particularly C-reactive protein, which had an 80% reduction. As a result, gastric bypass decreases the cardiac risk by both weight loss and advantageous alterations of biochemical cardiac risk factors.