cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding straining induced changes in thermal properties of tropocollagen-hydroxyapatite interfacial configurations

The ability of a biomaterial to transport energy by conduction is best characterised in the steady state by its thermal conductivity and in the non-steady state by its thermal diffusivity. The complex hierarchical structure of most biomaterials makes the direct determination of the thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity difficult using experimental methods. This study presents a classical molecular simulation-based approach for the thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity prediction for a set of tropocollagen and hydroxyapatite-based idealised biomaterial interfaces. The thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity are calculated using the presented approach at five levels of straining (10% compressive, 5% compressive, 0%, 5% tensile, 10% tensile) at 300 K. The effects of straining, interfacial period and thickness of simulated systems on the thermal properties are analysed. Analyses point out important role played by interfaces and straining in determining biomaterial thermal properties including establishment of a notion that straining can be used to tailor the thermal properties (thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity) of the organic-inorganic interfacial system and nanocomposite systems.
Stapled colostomy in infants

A divided colostomy using the GIA stapler is described. The procedure obviates faecal spillage and reduces blood loss, operating time, and prolapse rate.
Molecular dynamics simulation of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine membrane with cholesterol sulfate

Using the molecular dynamics simulation technique, we studied the changes occurring in a dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC):cholesterol (CH) membrane at 50 mol% sterol when cholesterol is replaced with cholesterol sulfate (CS). Our simulations were performed at constant pressure and temperature on a nanosecond time scale. We found that 1) the area per DPPC:CS heterodimer is greater than the area of the DPPC:CH heterodimer; 2) CS increases ordering of DPPC acyl chains, but to a lesser extent than CH; 3) the number of hydrogen bonds between DPPC and water is decreased in a CS-containing membrane, but CS forms more water hydrogen bonds than CH; and 4) the membrane dipole potential reverses its sign for a DPPC-CS membrane compared to a DPPC-CH bilayer. We also studied the changes occurring in lipid headgroup conformations and determined the location of CS molecules in the membrane. Our results are in good agreement with the data available from experiments.
Milkweed Pod Thresher

One of the biggest chores associated with rearing milkweed bugs (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) on their natural diet of milkweed seeds is the annual collection of the seeds. This paper describes a machine which can be easily and cheaply made with shop facilities and which mechanically removes milkweed seeds from their pods.
Cellular subpopulations in the expression of IgG1

Abstract Consistent with the surface display of IgG 1 , antigen-primed B cells are sensitive to functional elimination by anti-Ig and C. This depletion of IgG 1 responses, assayed in adoptive transfer, is accompanied by increased responses of other isotypes, a phenomenon termed compensation. An analysis of the tertiary response reveals that cells sensitive to functional elimination are precursors to memory cells as well as plaque-forming cells. To investigate control mechanisms governing preferential expression of IgG 1 , and the compensation active after elimination of IgG 1 , increased numbers of carrier-primed cells were transferred and antigen dose was increased to adoptive recipients. Doses of carrier-primed cells or antigen were found which allowed maximal expression of both IgG 1 and non-IgG 1 isotypes. In recipients of anti-Ig and C-treated B cells, increased numbers of carrier-primed cells did not further increase the compensatory expression of non-IgG 1 isotypes. A discussion is presented of compensation as a result of limiting inductive signals to B cells.
Electrochemical measurement of release of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine from synaptosomes.

Abstract Liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection has been used to determine endogenous dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) in a striatal crude synaptosomal fraction isolated by centrifugal methods. The electrochemical determinations are accomplished with a new type of electrode material, pressure annealed pyrolytic graphite. The analysis scheme permits direct quantitation of DA and 5-HT with minimal sample pretreatment. The distribution of endogenous 5-HT in each subfraction throughout the centrifugation procedure is found to be approximately parallel to that of endogenous DA. The release of DA and 5-HT from the crude synaptosome preparation exhibits the properties expected for stimulus-coupled, depolarization-induced release. The release of both neurotransmitters is Ca 2+ dependent and is induced by high K + or veratridine in the external medium. The latter is blocked by tetrodotoxin. Release is independent of ascorbic acid, but is dependent on the temperature of incubation.
The Numbers of Elastic Properties and Failure Parameters for Fiber Composites

It is shown that there is a coordination between the numbers of the elastic properties and the numbers of the failure criteria parameters for aligned fiber composites under certain realistic conditions. These conditions require a high degree of anisotropy appropriate to polymeric matrix composites such that failure decomposes into separate fiber dominated and matrix dominated modes. Failure criteria are given in both five parameter and four parameter forms. The five parameter failure form coordinates with the usual five elastic property form for transversely isotropic composites. The four parameter failure form coordinates with a reduced four elastic property form which is shown to be applicable as an approximation for the same typical fiber composites.
Measurement of absolute interfacial free energies in a NiCr alloy

Abstract The method of zero creep utilizing the concept of balance of surface tension in thin wires, and the observation of twin boundary-grain boundary intersections in thin foils have been combined in a simultaneous measurement of absolute (average) interfacial free energies in 80 20 NiCr (Chromel-A) at 1060 °C. Using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to measure and identify equilibrium grain lengths and wire diameters, and transmission electron (projection shadowgraph) microscopy to accurately determine the dihedral angles at the intersection of grain boundaries with the wire surface, the surface and grain boundary free energies were measured to be 1960 and 680 erg cm 2 respectively. From measurements of a representative number of low-torque twin-grain boundary inter sections in thin foils by transmission electron microscopy, the twin boundary free energy was calculated to be 17 erg cm 2 from a relative twin/grain boundary free energy ratio of 0.025.
One- and two-dimensional 13C-n.m.r. characterization of two series of oligosaccharides derived from porcine intestinal mucosal heparin by degradation with heparinase.

Abstract Two tetrasaccharides, two hexasaccharides, and a disaccharide have been purified from heparinase digests of porcine intestinal mucosal heparin in sufficient quantities to permit 13 C-n.m.r. characterization of the species. The two tetrasacchrides are the sulfated iduronic acid-containing 4en-Hex p A2SO 3 -(1→4)-α- d -Glc p NSO 3 ;6SO 3 -(1→4)-α- l -Ido p A2SO 3 -(1→4)- d -Glc p NSO 3 ;6SO 3 and the non-sulfated glucuronic acid-containing 4en-Hex p A2SO 3 -(1→4)-α- d -Glc p NSO 3 ;6SO 3 -(1→4)-β- d -Glc p A-(1→4)- d -Glc p NSO 3 ;6SO 3 . The two hexasaccharides are related to the two tetrasaccharides by the insertion of α-linked l -Ido p A2SO 3 -(1→4)- d -Glc p NSO 3 ;6SO 3 after the non-reducing end sulfated glucosamine residue. The disaccharide is 4en-Hex p A2SO 3 -(1→4)-α- d -Glc p NSO 3 ;6SO 3 . The disaccharide, together with each of the iduronate-containing oligosaccharides, form one series of related di-, tetra-, and hexa-saccharides, while the disaccharide together with the glucuronate-containing oligosaccharides form a second series. Using inverse detection as a means of increasing sensitivity, two-dimensional n.m.r. 13 C 1 H heterocorrelation spectra have been obtained for all five oligosaccharides. The use of two-dimensional heterocorrelation n.m.r. spectroscopy offers a much less ambiguous means of making 13 C resonance assignments than do traditional one-dimensional methods, while the use of inverse detection gives both greater sensitivity than direct detection, as well as values for the one-bond 13  1 H coupling constants. From a knowledge of the assignments of resonances in the 1 H spectra of these species, it has been possible to assign almost all of the 13 C resonances of these five oligosaccharides. Some corrections to previously published assignments for the tetrasaccharides have been made. In addition, one-bond 13 C 1 H coupling constant data have been obtained for all of the anomeric protons.
Receptor-mediated delivery of drugs to hepatocytes

Abstract Standard pharmacologic approaches to liver diseases have been frustrated by inadequate delivery of active agents into liver cells as well as nonspecific toxicity towards other organs. Drug targeting to hepatocytes via the binding of a drug-ligand or macromolecule-ligand complex to a cell surface receptor with subsequent endocytosis and release within the cell may improve the drug's therapeutic ratio. Several receptor molecules specific for liver parenchymal cells exist and could serve such a drug-delivery function. One such receptor, the asialoglycoprotein (ASGP)-receptor has been studied in hepatocytes as well as in a well-differentiated hepatoma cell line, HepG2. This cell line resembles mature hepatocytes in many metabolic, synthetic, and structural features. In this model system, ligand bound to receptor is internalized via coated pits and enters an acidic compartment where ligand-receptor dissociation occurs followed by receptor recycling to plasma membrane and eventual transfer of ligand to lysosome for degradation. Other intracellular routes not resulting in degradation of ligand have also been elucidated in hepatocytes and the HepG2 cell line. This has been demonstrated for the ASGP receptor, the transferrin receptor and the polymeric Ig-IgA receptor. It is apparent that macromolecular pharmacologic agents complexed to ligands for any of these receptors (such as monoclonal antibodies, enzymes, or nucleic acids) must dissociate from the ligand and permeate the endosomal membrane to reach their intracellular sites of action. Recent studies of viral pathogenesis and intracellular protein targeting have revealed key features of protein domain structure that are necessary for membrane permeation. Further understanding of the mechanisms responsible for these pathways of intracellular sorting will enable drug-carrier design that will fully exploit the potential of hepatocyte receptor-mediated endocytosis for drug delivery.
A C-Glycosidation Approach to the Central Core of Amphidinol 3: Synthesis of the C39−C52 Fragment

[reaction: see text] A concise route to an advance precursor (3) of the central core of amphidinol 3, a natural occurring polyketide, has been developed by applying a reductive lithiation as key step. The origin of the diastereoselectivity of this reaction was comprehensively studied for nucleophilic C-glycoside donor 5 and differently protected analogues.
X-ray cluster of galaxies identified in error box 2U2358-29

THE identification of Uhuru X-ray sources1 with rich clusters of galaxies is simple for sources in the northern hemisphere. Zwicky's cluster catalogues2 extend southward to a declination of −2° and Abell's cluster catalogue3 extends to a declination of −27°. The X-ray coincidences with these clusters are listed in the Uhuru catalogue and discussed elsewher4–6. Here I report the results of search for rich nearby clusters of galaxies located in those Uhuru error boxes (for 90% positional confidence) which lie in the declination zone −27°≥dec.≥−45°. The prints used in the search are from the Whiteoak 1964 extension of the Palomar Sky Survey.
A variational treatment for the response of frame structures to oscillating loads

Abstract A variational technique is developed for the computation of the steady state response of rigid jointed frame structures to harmonically varying load systems. Explicit formulas are obtained for frames consisting of uniform straight members and some examples are furnished to illustrate the method.
Melatonin: clinical relevance

This chapter reviews the neural connections between the retinas and the pineal gland and summarizes the role of the light:dark cycle and the biological clock, i.e. the suprachiasmatic nuclei, in regulating pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion. The cellular mechanisms governing the nocturnal production of melatonin are described together with the way in which the misuse of light interferes with the circadian melatonin cycle and the total quantity of the indole generated. The chapter describes the nature of the membrane melatonin receptors and their signal transduction mechanisms in peripheral organs. The clinical implications and potential uses of melatonin in terms of influencing the biological clock (e.g. sleep and jet lag), immune function, and cancer initiation and growth are noted. Additionally, the chapter includes a description of the newly discovered free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of melatonin; it also includes a list of clinical situations in which melatonin has been used with beneficial effects.
Evaluating the damage in shock compressed glass coupling with VISAR measurement

A semiempirical method is proposed to evaluate the damage parameter related to failure wave formation, based on the analysis of free-surface velocity history with linear acoustic theory. Experiments were conducted to demonstrate this method with velocity profiles measured by a velocity interferometer system for any reflector (VISAR). Results showed that the degree of damage in the failed layer depends strongly on the glass material.
Complementing MHC- and non-MHC-linked genes and resistance to avian sarcoma virus-induced tumours in inbred lines of chickens

Schmidt-Ruppin Rous sarcoma virus, subgroup B (SR-RSV-B), was inoculated into the wingwebs of chickens from three partially congenic inbred lines, G-B1, G-B2 and G-B3, homozygous for different MHC (B region) haplotypes (genotypes = B1/B1, B2/B2 and B3/B3 respectively). All birds developed tumours but only the G-B2 line resisted progressive tumour growth. Birds from lines G-B1 and G-B3 approached 100% susceptibility to progressive tumour growth, whereas most (G-B1 X G-B3) F1 hybrids were resistant to tumours induced by SR-RSV-B. The association of the resistance trait in F1 hybrids with genes of the B region was investigated by testing progeny of (G-B1 X G-B3) X B-B1 F1 and (G-B1 X G-B2) X G-B3 F1 backcross matings. Approximately 27% of the backcross population was resistant to SR-RSV-B-induced tumours and these resistant offspring were predominantly of the B1/B3 phenotype. We interpret these results to mean that resistance to progressive tumour growth involves complementation between genes (allelic or at separate loci) linked to or within the B region and that resistance is effective only when the complementing B region genes act in concert with complementing genes which assort independently of the MHC. We suggest that complementing B region-linked genes are homologues of complementing murine H-2-linked Ir genes. The function of the B region in determining growth of sarcomas may therefore be analogous to that of Ir genes.
Modeling of Early Events in T Cell Signal Transduction after Controlled T Cell Activation by Peptide Major Histocompatibility Complex

Calcium signaling was observed in murine T cells over time, starting at a precise moment of contact with a layer of fibroblasts expressing a stimulatory major histocompatibility class II–peptide complex. The contact was controlled by a film-thinning apparatus. Intracellular calcium levels were followed with the ratiometric dye, Fura-2. The calcium response was highly synchronized and well fitted by a mathematical model. The model includes three components: a sequence of reactions occurring after T cell receptor (TCR) triggering; InsP3-mediated calcium release from intracellular stores (Meyer and Stryer, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85: 5051–5055, 1988); and slow changes in levels phospholipase C-γ1 (PLCγ1) reflecting a decrease in receptor triggering rate. Each component in the model controls a different part of the response—the initial delay, the sharp rise, and the slow decay, respectively. Kinetic parameters determined from curve fitting were the initial delay in calcium signaling defined as the time when [PLCγ1] reached its half of its maximum (76 s), the coefficient characterizing calcium efflux from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) (2.86 μM s--1, expressed per liter of cell volume), and a rate constant characterizing the diminishing yield of production of PLCγ1 (0.00046 s--1) by active TCR. Only the parameter representing PLCγ1 production varied much from cell to cell. © 2001 Biomedical Engineering Society.
Inspection of compositionally graded mullite coatings using laser based ultrasonics

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) have spatial variations in composition and structure resulting in corresponding changes in material properties. These materials can be developed for applications in which the functional requirements of a component are position dependent. In this paper, we evaluate the feasibility of using a laser based ultrasonic technique to determine the distribution of elastic properties in FGMs. A model for the laser generation of ultrasound in a compositionally graded coating on a semi-infinite substrate is used to explore the relationship between the acoustic wave propagation and depth dependent elastic property profile. Surface acoustic waves (SAW) generated in such a system are dispersive, and the dispersion characteristics are highly dependent on the mechanical property profile. A high-resolution laser ultrasonic system has been developed, and experimental measurements of the mechanical properties of single layer mullite coatings are presented. Using compositionally graded mullite coatings as a model system, numerical results are reported showing the sensitivity of SAW dispersion behavior to various composition profiles.
Assessment at AACSB Schools: A Survey of Deans.

The purpose of this research was to document the extent to which Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)–accredited business schools have implemented strategies to improve students’ ability to achieve program learning objectives. Assessment of academic programs is increasingly important at AACSB schools. Compliance with changing accreditation requirements and continuous improvement necessitated revision of assessment methods and modification of programs. Deans at 91 AACSB schools participated in this research. Communication skills were the most-assessed competency. Mandating increased coverage of specific skills or topics across the curriculum was the most frequent change made as a result of assessment. Further studies will be needed to track this dynamic activity.
Comma-free and synchronizable codes.

Shepherd (1981. Proc. natn. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 78, 1596-1600), Clarke (1982. J. theor. Biol. 99, 397-403), Crick et al. (1976. Origins of Life 7, 389) have put forward the possibility that there was a code, ancestral to the existing genetic code, which was non-degenerate and comma-free. The point of a comma-free code, as first proposed in Crick et al. (1957), is that it provides immunity from frameshift reading errors. In this paper it is argued that if frameshift error immunity is to be used as a selection factor in guiding the search for a hypothetical ancestral code, then the appropriate mathematical formulation of this characteristic is not comma-freeness but synchronizability. The calling card of the comma-free notion is that it results in a limit of 20 on the number of sense codons when applied to the genetic coding system. But so does synchronizability, which includes comma-freeness as a special case. Further, using synchronizability as a constraint instead of comma-freeness yields roughly 3000 times as many potential models for an ancestral code. In particular, the RNY model becomes more compatible with immunity from frameshift error as an evolutionary constraint.
Efficacy of tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil as acute graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis and the impact of subtherapeutic tacrolimus levels in children after matched sibling donor allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Abstract Only a few studies in children have evaluated the efficacy of prophylactic regimens using tacrolimus on acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). As a result, optimal tacrolimus levels in children after matched sibling donor allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) are not well defined. We measured the association between subtherapeutic levels (
Harnack type inequalities for conformal scalar curvature equation

We derive a Harnack type inequality for the conformal scalar curvature equation \(\Delta u+K(x)u^\frac{n+2}{n-2}=0\) on B3R. If the positive scalar curvature function K(x) is sub-harmonic in a neighborhood of each critical point and the maximum of u over BR is comparable to its maximum over B3R, then the Harnack type inequality can be obtained.
Characterization of Protein Encoded by spnR from the Spinosyn Gene Cluster of Saccharopolyspora spinosa: Mechanistic Implications for Forosamine Biosynthesis

d-Forosamine is a 4-N,N-(dimethylamino)-2,3,4,6-tetradeoxy-α-d-threo-hexopyranose found in spinosyn produced by Saccharopolyspora spinosa. Studies of spinosyn biosynthesis in S. spinosa led to the isolation of the entire biosynthetic gene cluster. Heterologous expression of spnR, one putative gene in forosamine biosynthesis, in E. coli and purification of the SpnR protein identified it as an aminotransferase catalyzing the conversion of the 4-keto-2,3,6-trideoxy sugar intermediate to the corresponding 4-amino sugar product. Identification of SpnR function relied on the use of a stable TMP-phosphonate sugar in place of TDP-sugar substrate to determine the function of SpnR. This strategy may find general applicability for designing probes to study enzymes which catalyze the transformation of labile deoxysugar intermediates.
Do Professional Sports Unions Fit the Standard Model of Traditional Unionism

Current literature generally highlights the unique differences between sports and traditional unions. In particular, the contrast between the two types of unions’ approaches to the free market when it comes to wage determination—sports unions fought the “reserve clause” to obtain free market outcomes while traditional unions fought to circumvent the market for wages—has been widely cited. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the hitherto neglected comparisons between sports and traditional unions. With respect to both economic and non-economic issues, professional sports unions share far more in common with their traditional counterparts than the labor and sports economics literatures would lead one to believe.
The radiation‐initiated solution polymerization of vinylidene fluoride

The radiation-initiated solution polymerization of vinylidene fluoride was examined in an effort to determine the effect of polymerization conditions on the head-to-head content of the resulting poly(vinylidene fluoride). No appreciable change was observed in the head-to-head content when this new type of polymerization was utilized. However, the polymers which resulted had melting points 10–15°C higher than those of the suspension-polymerized poly(vinylidene fluoride), higher crystallinity, and, when trifluoroacetic acid was used as a solvent, a higher molecular weight.
Surface Mean-Square Amplitudes of Vibration for NaCl

The mean-square amplitudes and mean-square velocities of vibration have been calculated for the (100) surface of NaCl with the Kellermann rigid-ion model. The calculated value of $\frac{{〈{u}_{z}^{2}〉}_{\mathrm{surface}}}{{〈{u}_{z}^{2}〉}_{\mathrm{bulk}}}$ (the $z$ direction being perpendicular to the surface) is only about 1.6 at high temperatures, as compared with calculated and experimental values ranging upward from about 2.0 for monatomic metals and noble-gas solids.
Racial/ethnic diversity in children's oncology clinical trials: ten years later.

BACKGROUND. During the past 50 years, clinical trials have led to dramatic improvement in pediatric cancer survival. Prior studies have shown that racial/ethnic and age groups have not been enrolled proportionally. Whites, Hispanics, and adolescents are under-represented and black children are over-represented. This study identifies the current racial/ethnic/age/sex representation in pediatric (ages birth to 19 years) cancer treatment trials. METHODS. The authors compared the observed proportions (O) of US children enrolled in Children's Oncology Group (COG) clinical trials from 2000 through 2003 with expected proportions (E), based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data. The enrollees were subgrouped by race/ethnicity, age, sex, and cancer type (solid or lymphohematopoietic). Chi-square tests and 95% confidence intervals were used for O versus E comparisons. RESULTS. Although representation was fairly proportional for each racial/ethnic group, significantly under-represented solid tumor subgroups were whites (males particularly), adolescents ages 10 to 19 years, and Hispanics aged <10 years. For lymphohematopoietic cancers, significantly under-represented subgroups were blacks, Hispanics, adolescents ages 10 to 19 years, blacks aged <10 years, Hispanics aged <5 years, white and black males, and black and Hispanic females. The most significantly under-represented groups were adolescents ages 15 to 19 years for both solid (9.1% O vs 34.3% E) and lymphohematopoietic (11.0% O vs 30.2% E) cancers and Hispanic females with lymphohematopoietic cancers (11.9% O vs 20.5% E). COG enrolled 26.8% of expected cancer cases. CONCLUSIONS. Although racial/ethnic groups are proportionally represented in COG trials, some specific subgroups including the youngest black and Hispanic children, Hispanic females, and particularly white adolescents ages 15 to 19 years may be under-represented and may benefit from targeted attention. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Comparison of personality traits in patients with frontal and temporal lobe epilepsies

The current study sought to characterize and compare personality traits of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE). Ninety-seven adults with medically intractable epilepsy (TLE n=58, FLE n=39) completed the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) as part of routine preoperative investigations. Not surprisingly, both epilepsy groups endorsed significantly more symptoms across PAI clinical scales than the normative sample, most notably on scales assessing Depression and Somatic Complaints. Direct comparison of personality profiles of people with FLE and TLE revealed that FLE was associated with relative elevations on scales assessing emotional lability and relationship difficulties (i.e., Mania, Borderline Features, Antisocial, Stress, and Nonsupport). Although effect sizes were moderate to large, the clinical significance of these differences was questionable (<1 SD). However, results of a logistic regression suggested that the Borderline Features and Anxiety scales have incremental validity in predicting seizure site (FLE vs TLE) above education and duration of recurrent seizures. These results suggest that patients with FLE may exhibit more behavioral traits associated with frontal dysfunction than patients with TLE.
Contribution of human manganese superoxide dismutase tyrosine 34 to structure and catalysis.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes are critical in controlling levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are linked to aging, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease. Superoxide (O2•−) produced during respiration is removed by the product of the SOD2 gene, the homotetrameric manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Here, we examine the structural and catalytic roles of the highly conserved active-site residue Tyr34, based upon structure−function studies of MnSOD enzymes with mutations at this site. Substitution of Tyr34 with five different amino acids retained the active-site protein structure and assembly but caused a substantial decrease in the catalytic rate constant for the reduction of superoxide. The rate constant for formation of the product inhibition complex also decreases but to a much lesser extent, resulting in a net increase in the level of product inhibited form of the mutant enzymes. Comparisons of crystal structures and catalytic rates also suggest that one mutation, Y34V, interrupts the h...
The envelope of the subspaces of the polyhedra of an involution on a rational curve

The following note was suggested by an interesting paper written by F. P. White, where many references are given. It refers to a theorem given by W. F. Meyer, by whom the proof is indicated as possible by generalization of an intricate analytical proof given by him for a simple case. His result is that if on the rational curve of order r, in space [r], say the curve cr [r], there be an involution ∞k, of sets of m points, expressed, suppose, by an equationthen the spaces [r − 1], formed from r points of any one of the polyhedra of m points, are an aggregate ∞k of primes of this space [r], which is of class (m − k, m − r), the notation (p, q) meaning the binomial coefficient p! / q!(p − q)!. By Meyer, the conditions k < r ≤ m are supposed to be satisfied. But there is a theorem for r < k ≤ m − 1, relating to selected [r − 1], formed from r points of any one of the polyhedra of m points. The general theorem may be formulated thus: In a space [r], the equation of any prime may be expressed by λu + μv +... + ρw = 0, where u = 0, v = 0, …w = 0 are any r + 1 given independent primes, and λ, μ, …ρ are coefficients which may be described as prime coordinates of the [r].
Infinite-dilution viscoelastic properties of fibrinogen and intermediate fibrin polymer.

The storage and loss shear moduli, G′ and G″, have been measured for dilute solutions of bovine fibrinogen in 68% aqueous glycerol and of intermediate fibrin polymer in 6M hexamethylene glycol, by the Birnboim-Schrag multiple-lumped resonator apparatus with titanium alloy resonators. The frequency range was 100–5800 Hz, the concentration range 1–6 g/l., and the temperatures 10.0 and 25.0°C. The shear moduli G′ and G″ at finite concentration, and the extrapolated instrinsic shear moduli [G′] and [G″], as functions of frequency, were compared with the predictions of various molecular theories. For fibrinogen, the frequency dependence agreed quite well with the calculations of Hassager for a trinodular rod as modified for the presence of small amounts of dimeric and trimeric aggregates which were deduced from parallel measurements of oscillatory flow birefringence. It was not possible, however, to distinguish between a linearly rigid configuration and one which is freely jointed at the central nodule. A model of a soft elastic sphere (simulating the cage model of Koppel) appeared to be very unlikely. The relaxation time for a rigid trinodular rod and the longest relaxation time for a jointed trinodular rod, calculated from molecular dimensions on the basis of electron microscope measurements, are somewhat smaller than the corresponding observed values; the discrepancy suggests that the molecule is swollen in solution. For the intermediate polymer (which was formed under conditions where ligation is expected), the frequency dependence agreed quite well with that predicted either for a prolate ellipsoid (Cerf-Scheraga-Saitō) or for a cylindrical rod (Yamakawa). The relaxation time obtained by fitting to theory agrees quite well with that calculated for a cylindrical rod with molecular dimensions based on a degree of polymerization of 20 and lateral binary association with staggered overlapping.
Mechanics of six-legged runners

Six-legged pedestrians, cockroaches, use a running gait during locomotion. The gait was defined by measuring ground reaction forces and mechanical energy fluctuations of the center of mass in Blaberus discoidalis (Serville) as they travelled over a miniature force platform. These six-legged animals produce horizontal and vertical ground-reaction patterns of force similar to those found in two-, four- and eight-legged runners. Lateral forces were less than half the vertical force fluctuations. At speeds between 0.08 and 0.66 ms-1, horizontal kinetic and gravitational potential energy changes were in phase. This pattern of energy fluctuation characterizes the bouncing gaits used by other animals that run. Blaberus discoidalis attained a maximum sustainable stride frequency of 13 Hz at 0.35 ms-1, the same speed and frequency predicted for a mammal of the same mass. Despite differences in body form, the mass-specific energy used to move the center of mass a given distance (0.9 J kg-1m-1) was the same for cockroaches, ghost crabs, mammals, and birds. Similarities in force production, stride frequency and mechanical energy production during locomotion suggest that there may be common design constraints in terrestrial locomotion which scale with body mass and are relatively independent of body form, leg number and skeletal type.
BUCKLING ANALYSIS OF TAPERED COMPOSITE PLATES USING RITZ METHOD BASED ON FIRST-ORDER SHEAR DEFORMATION THEORY

Tapered composite plates have various engineering applications such as helicopter yoke, robot arms and turbine blades in which the structure needs to be stiff at one end and flexible at another end. No closed form analytical solution of tapered composite plates using Ritz method based on first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is available at present. In the present paper, the buckling analysis of different types of composite plates with longitudinal-internal-ply-drop-off configuration is investigated using Ritz method. The buckling analysis of these plates is also conducted using ANSYS®. The efficiency and accuracy of the developed formulation are established in comparison with available solutions, where applicable. A detailed parametric study has been conducted on various taper and lay-up configurations, all made of NCT/301 graphite-epoxy, in order to investigate the effects of taper angle, length-to-height ratio, length-to-width ratio, boundary conditions, and taper and lay-up configurations.
The Effects of Citric Acid on Attachment of Laterally Positioned Flaps

Citric acid demineralization of root surfaces to enhance new attachment clinically appears to be successful, but histologic evidence of new attachment in humans is lacking. Two recession-like defects were surgically created on the facial aspect of mandibular incisors scheduled for extraction in five patients. Each patient had differing degrees of periodontal disease, but the control and experimental teeth of each were similarly involved. The roots were thoroughly planed and an apical reference notch was inscribed just coronal to crestal bone. One tooth served as the control, while the experimental tooth was treated with citric acid (pH 1) for two minutes. Two full-thickness laterally positioned flaps were done to cover the roots. After healing periods of 1, 2, 4, 12, and 20 weeks, the teeth were removed by block section for histologic evaluation. The type of attachment differed on the teeth with longer healing periods. The control teeth exhibited a long epithelial attachment with no evidence of cementogen...
Ethical and social-psychological aspects of urinalysis to detect heroin use.

Summary This paper is concerned with the social scientific aspects of urinalysis procedures in the detection of heroin use. Data on attitudes toward urinalysis and subject behavior in regard to the test were derived from interviews with 53 former addicts who were subject to urinalysis as part of their release requirements from a federal commitment program. The study results indicate that a great deal of anxiety is associated with urinalysis both for the former addicts and the supervisory staff. Information is also provided on the procedures used by the former addicts to subvert the test. The accuracy of urinalysis tests under field conditions is questioned.
Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of using positive airways pressure to manage sleep apnoea in patients with type 2 diabetes in the UK

Background and aims: To assess clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of positive airways pressure (PAP) in managing sleep apnoea patients with type 2 diabetes from the perspective of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Materials and methods: A case-control analysis was conducted using the case records of 150 PAP-treated patients and 150 matched non-PAP treated patients from the THIN database (a nationally representative database of patients registered with general practitioners in the UK). Regression models were used to assess the impact of patients9 baseline variables on resource use and clinical outcomes. The analysis also estimated the cost-effectiveness of PAP compared to no PAP treatment over five years. Results: Patients’ mean age was 53.7 years, 82% were male and >80% of patients in both groups were obese at 5 years. The time between diagnosis of sleep apnoea and starting PAP treatment was a mean 19.6±31.2 months. Compliance with PAP fell to 89% in year 5. PAP-treated patients had significantly lower HbA1c levels at five years (66.0 versus 118.6 mmol/mol (8.2 versus 13.0%); p Conclusion: Initiating treatment with PAP in sleep apnoea patients with type 2 diabetes leads to significantly better controlled diabetes and affords a cost-effective use of NHS resources.
Observations in Psychotropic Medication Usage in Patients With Behavior Disorders Presenting to a Specialty Clinic

In recent decades, national and international surveys have reported increased usage of psychotropic medications in children. A review of the computerized clinic records for 709 children seen in a behavioral specialty clinic from January 2001 to December 2007, inclusive, in a rural US state was completed. The number of children diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorder/behavior management issues increased over the 7-year period, but this was balanced by an increased number of referrals. The number of children referred over the 7-year period increased from 77 in 2001 to 127 in 2006, a 39% increase. The overall percentage of children on medications at time of first visit showed some variability, but it did not increase over the years 2001 to 2007. The results of this study suggest that the previously reported increase in psychotropic medication usage in pediatric patients is not consistent across all diagnostic categories or in all regions of the United States.
A survey of multicasting protocols for broadcast-and-select single-hop networks

Multicast communication in single-hop broadcast-and-select wavelength-division multiplexing networks has received considerable attention from researchers. This article presents a comprehensive survey of the multicast scheduling techniques in this environment. It considers different challenges that are faced in the design of the multicasting techniques and presents a classification of such schemes. A survey of specific techniques is then presented and a comparison is drawn between such techniques.
Inherent diode isolation in programmable metallization cell resistive memory elements

The feasibility of a storage element with inherent rectifying or isolation properties for use in passive memory arrays has been demonstrated using a programmable metallization cell structure with a doped (n-type) silicon electrode. The Cu/Cu–SiO2/n-Si cell used in this study switches via the formation of a nanoscale Cu filament in the Cu–SiO2 film which results in the creation of a Cu/n-Si Schottky contact with soft reverse breakdown characteristics. The reverse bias leakage current in the on-state diode is dependent on the programming current employed as this influences the area of the electrodeposit and hence the area of the Cu/n-Si junction. The programming current also controls the on-state resistance of the device, allowing multi-level cell (MLC) operation, in which discrete resistance levels are used to represent multiple logical bits in each physical cell. The Cu/Cu–SiO2/n-Si elements with heavily doped silicon electrodes were readily erasable at voltage less than −5 V which allows them to be re-programmed. Lightly doped silicon electrode devices were not able to be erased due to their very high reverse breakdown voltage but exhibited extremely low leakage current levels potentially allowing them to be used in low energy one-time programmable arrays.
The road to efficient and effective stuttering management: information for physicians

Physicians are often the first point of contact when children's speech begins to be disrupted by stuttering behaviors such as sound repetitions and prolongations. For this reason, we feel it is important that they are accurately informed with regards to the nature of stuttering and the available treatment options before making referrals to speech-language pathologists. Stuttering is by definition, an involuntary disorder and remains that way throughout life. Its cause is still unknown and the only true form of remission appears to be the natural, spontaneous recovery that occurs in up to 80% of those children afflicted. No therapeutic course has seemed to change this figure and the prevalence of stuttering in the general population has remained stable, suggesting that speech therapy has never 'cured' stuttering. Therefore, we suggest that therapeutic intervention for stuttering should be best directed towards 'efficient' and 'effective' symptom reduction. Until recently, intervention options for children and adults who stutter have generally been limited consist of countless hours of speech retraining (teaching people 'how to talk again'), while attempting to bring the disorder under voluntary control. The common end-results of these procedures include unnatural speech patterns that are difficult to maintain in all situations and highly prone to relapse, thus, reinforcing the notion that stuttering is highly resistant to treatment. However, miniaturized digital technology now allows those who stutter to take advantage of auditory effects that 'inhibit' stuttering. 'Choral speech' or speaking in unison has long been known to make those who stutter immediately fluent without compromising speech naturalness. All in-the-ear devices can emulate choral speech effects by altering auditory feedback. Therapeutic protocols using these devices can be quickly and efficiently implemented. Furthermore, they are showing high levels of long-term effectiveness with regards to reducing stuttering frequency and maintaining speech naturalness.
Screening for abnormal placentation and adverse pregnancy outcomes with maternal serum biomarkers in the second trimester

Second trimester biomarkers were initially introduced with the intent of screening for neural tube defects and then subsequently for Down syndrome. It was soon realized that these markers can be indirect evidence of abnormal placentation and, therefore, can be used for screening for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Several new biomarkers have subsequently been described with conflicting findings regarding their efficiency for screening for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although a biologically feasible mechanism has been proposed for the role of these biomarkers, they still fall short of an ideal screening test to be clinically useful.
The Möbius Effect Addressing Learner Variance in Schools

Currently, educators separate out from typical students those whose learning needs vary from the norm. The norming and sorting process may earmark students as “different” without providing markedly unique instruction and without producing robust academic outcomes. An alternative to fragmentation for some students is the creation of classrooms in which human differences are valued and provided for, yet few teachers (including specialists) seem currently to have the skill or will to develop these sorts of settings. Educators need to examine the potential costs and benefits of alternative approaches to addressing the learning needs that exist among people.
Revised identification of tropical oceanic cumulus congestus as viewed by CloudSat

Abstract. Congestus cloud convective features are examined in one year of tropical oceanic cloud observations from the CloudSat/CALIPSO instruments. Two types of convective clouds (cumulus and deep convective, based on classification profiles from radar), and associated differences in radar reflectivity and radar/lidar cloud-top height are considered. Congestus convective features are defined as contiguous convective clouds with heights between 3 and 9 km. Three criteria were used in previous studies to identify congestus: (1) CloudSat and CALIPSO cloud-top heights less than 1 km apart; (2) CloudSat 0 dBZ echo-top height less than 1 km from CloudSat cloud-top height, and (3) CloudSat 10 dBZ echo-top height less than 2 km from CloudSat cloud-top height. A majority of congestus convective features satisfy the second and third requirements. However, over 40% of convective features identified had no associated CALIPSO cloud-top height, predominantly due to the extinguishment of the lidar beam above the CloudSat-reported convective cloud. For the remaining cells, approximately 56% of these satisfy all three requirements; when considering the lidar beam-extinction issue, only 31% of congestus convective features are identified using these criteria. This implies that while previous methods used to identify congestus clouds may be accurate in finding vigorous convection (such as transient congestus rising toward the tropopause), these criteria may miss almost 70% of the total observed congestus convective features, suggesting a more general approach should be used to describe congestus and its surrounding environment.
Astrometry and Near-Infrared Photometry of Neptune's Inner Satellites and Ring Arcs

We report 1.87 μm photometry and astrometry of the inner satellites (Proteus, Larissa, Galatea, and Despina) and ring arcs of Neptune, obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope and its near-infrared camera NICMOS. From comparison with the Voyager data obtained at visible wavelengths, the small bodies orbiting within the ring region of Neptune have a near-infrared albedo consistently low, but higher than at visible wavelengths for most of the satellites, ranging from p1.87 μm = 0.058 (Despina) to p1.87 μm = 0.094 (Proteus). The ring arcs display a reddish spectral response similar to the satellites' in the 0.5–1.9 μm wavelength range. If we consider an earlier photometric measurement of Proteus obtained at K band, the satellite's albedo shows a depression at 2.2 μm that could be the first spectral evidence for the presence of C–H or C≡N bearing material on its surface. Although astrometry of the inner moons of Neptune yields positions consistent with the predictions derived from Voyager images, the long time base between the Voyager and NICMOS observations allows us to refine our knowledge of their mean motions and semimajor axes, and to decrease the errors associated with these measurements. In addition, we confirm a mismatch between the mean semimajor axis of the ring arcs and the location of the 42 : 43 corotation inclined resonance due to Galatea. This result calls into question the ability of this resonance to confine the arcs azimuthally.