cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural homologies in mammalian neurofilament proteins

Summary Antibody has been prepared to purified neurofilament protein extracted from calf brain. This antibody crossreacts with brain and nerve extracts from all mammals tested but fails to crossreact with frog, cod and chicken nerve extracts. Thus the serologic homology of these neurofilament proteins appears to be restricted to the mammals. Structural similarities between the mammalian neurofilament protein are also indicated by the strong resemblance between iodinated peptide maps prepared from the electrophoretically purified neurofilament proteins.
Quantitative examination of stress corrosion cracking of alloy 600 in high temperature water

Abstract Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) examination of Inconel 600 steam generator tubing has continued at Brookhaven National Laboratory, using U-bends, constant load and slow extension rate tests, leading to Arrhenius plots of failure times versus inverse temperature for crack initiation and propagation. Effect of applied load can be expressed as log-log curves for failure times versus stress. Variations in environment and cold work are included in all the experiments. Microstructure and composition of oxide films on Inconel 600 surfaces were examined after exposure to pure water at 365°C, and stripping with the bromine-methanol method. Results are consistent with a mechanism of transient creep, film rupture and a mass-transport-limited anodic process.
Acid ceramidase maintains the chondrogenic phenotype of expanded primary chondrocytes and improves the chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Acid ceramidase is required to maintain the metabolic balance of several important bioactive lipids, including ceramide, sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate. Here we show that addition of recombinant acid ceramidase (rAC) to primary chondrocyte culture media maintained low levels of ceramide and led to elevated sphingosine by 48 hours. Surprisingly, after three weeks of expansion the chondrogenic phenotype of these cells also was markedly improved, as assessed by a combination of histochemical staining (Alcian Blue and Safranin-O), western blotting (e.g., Sox9, aggrecan, collagen 2A1), and/or qPCR. The same effects were evident in rat, equine and human cells, and were observed in monolayer and 3-D cultures. rAC also reduced the number of apoptotic cells in some culture conditions, contributing to overall improved cell quality. In addition to these effects on primary chondrocytes, when rAC was added to freshly harvested rat, equine or feline bone marrow cultures an ∼2-fold enrichment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was observed by one week. rAC also improved the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs, as revealed by histochemical and immunostaining. These latter effects were synergistic with TGF-beta1. Based on these results we propose that rAC could be used to improve the outcome of cell-based cartilage repair by maintaining the quality of the expanded cells, and also might be useful in vivo to induce endogenous cartilage repair in combination with other techniques. The results also suggest that short-term changes in sphingolipid metabolism may lead to longer-term effects on the chondrogenic phenotype.
Biosynthesis of calcium-binding protein of chick embryonic chorioallantoic membrane: In vitro organ culture and cell-free translation

Abstract Biosynthesis of the calcium-binding protein (CaBP) of the chick embryonic chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was studied using in vitro organ culture and cell-free translation. The organ culture studies showed: 1) The CaBP is a relatively stable protein ( t 1 2 = 60 h ); 2) Biosynthesis of the CaBP involves microsomes and includes two posttranslational modifications, glycosylation and γ-glutamyl carboxylation; and 3) During embryonic development, a single species of the CaBP is expressed in the CAM. Cell-free translation of total CAM mRNA, including CaBP mRNA, was achieved in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system using [35S]Met as a tracer. Based on the properties of the nascent CaBP polypeptide translated in the presence or absence of microsomal membranes, the early stages of CaBP synthesis appear to be: translation of CaBP mRNA on membrane-bound polysomes, insertion and translocation of the nascent polypeptide across microsomal membranes, and co-translational cleavage of a signal sequence.
Exploitation of intracellular pH gradients in the cellular delivery of macromolecules.

Most cellular components such as the cytoplasm, endosomes, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi bodies, mitochondria, and nuclei are known to maintain their own characteristic pH values. These pH values range from as low as 4.5 in the lysosome to about 8.0 in the mitochondria. Given these proton gradients around a neutral pH, weak acids, and bases with a pKa between 5.0 and 8.0 can exhibit dramatic changes in physicochemical properties. These compounds can be conjugated as such to macromolecules or incorporated into polymeric or liposomal formulations to promote the efficient cellular delivery of macromolecules. Mechanistically, the carrier molecules can facilitate favorable membrane partition, membrane fusion, transient pore formation, or membrane disruption. Drug carriers equipped with such pH-sensitive triggers and switches are able to significantly enhance the cellular delivery of macromolecules in vitro. However, the successful application of these molecules for efficient delivery in vivo requires the design of noncytotoxic, nonimmunogenic, serum compatible and biochemically labile carriers, systematic analysis of their mechanisms of action, and extensive animal studies.
Listening, Culture and Structures of Consciousness: Ways of Studying Listening

Abstract Listening research has focused on methods borrowed from psychology and the study of communication. This article describes a broader approach to the study of listening that encompasses quantitative and qualitative methodology and goes further to explore the larger field of human experience. Structures of consciousness are described that present very expansive ways to understand listening in cultural context.
Corrosion of 316 stainless steel in high temperature molten Li2BeF4 (FLiBe) salt

Abstract In support of structural material development for the fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (FHR), corrosion tests of 316 stainless steel were performed in the potential primary coolant, molten Li2BeF4 (FLiBe) at 700 °C for an exposure duration up to 3000 h. Tests were performed in both 316 stainless steel and graphite capsules. Corrosion in both capsule materials occurred by the dissolution of chromium from the stainless steel into the salt which led to the depletion of chromium predominantly along the grain boundaries of the test samples. The samples tested in graphite capsules showed a factor of two greater depth of corrosion attack as measured in terms of chromium depletion, compared to those tested in 316 stainless steel capsules. The samples tested in graphite capsules showed the formation of Cr7C3 particulate phases throughout the depth of the corrosion layer. Samples tested in both types of capsule materials showed the formation of MoSi2 phase due to increased activity of Mo and Si as a result of Cr depletion, and furthermore corrosion promoted the formation of a α-ferrite phase in the near-surface regions of the 316 stainless steel. Based on the corrosion tests, the corrosion attack depth in FLiBe salt was predicted as 17.1 μm/year and 31.2 μm/year for 316 stainless steel tested in 316 stainless steel and in graphite capsules respectively. It is in an acceptable range compared to the Hastelloy-N corrosion in the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) fuel salt.
Remote measurement of NO2 in the brown cloud over Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Remote measurements of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were recorded in the ‘brown cloud’ over Albuquerque, NM, using absorption spectroscopy in the winter of 1987-88 and summer of 1989. The NO2 burdens (optical densities) measured in this manner were found to be in excess of 100 ppm-m. These long pathlength measurements correspond to total concentrations of approximately 5–10 ppb over the integrated observation pathlengths, which ranged from 10–20 km. These concentrations compare well with single location, independent NO x analyses. Using two correlation (absorption) spectrometers simultaneously, it was shown that the NO2 distribution is not uniform over the city and can change on the order of minutes in the boundary layer late in the day, demonstrating the advantages of NO2 optical measurements for assessing the location and extent of urban nitrogen dioxide levels in the boundary layer.
Evaluation of Wireless Tools for Determining Contact Status Between a Casing and the Carrier Pipe

For more than half a century, cased crossings have been used to support oil and gas steel pipes for crossing highways, railways, or rivers. Leaks or ruptures of cased crossings have occurred that resulted in casualties and property damage. Unlike uncased pipes buried in soils, which can be assessed for external corrosion directly and indirectly, the presence of a steel casing wall makes it challenging, even if possible, to conduct these assessments. The effect of the casing wall on the external corrosion of the carrier pipe inside the annulus is not well understood; it is unclear what tools can be used to effectively inspect the cased pipes. Empirical experience from the pipeline industry has shown that a few tools can be used to detect the contact status between a casing and the carrier pipe, which can help assess the severity of the carrier pipe external corrosion. Unfortunately, the criteria used to detect a contact status vary by user for the same tool and thus, the effectiveness of these criteria is uncertain. This paper reports results from a recent study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of AC current attenuation, AC voltage gradient, and close interval (potential) survey as tools for detecting the contact status between a casing and the carrier pipe.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Consequences of urbanizing landscapes to reproductive performance of birds in remnant forests

In contrast to the well-documented changes in avian community structure in urbanizing areas, the demographic consequences of urbanization remain less understood. As such, we examined the extent to which an urbanizing landscape matrix affected avian reproductive performance in forests. From 2001 to 2011, we studied five songbird species in 19 forested sites in Ohio, USA and monitored 4264 natural nests to determine rates of daily nest survival and brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater). We also tracked the annual number of fledglings produced by color-banded pairs of two focal species, the synanthropic northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis, n = 974 breeding pairs between 2003 and 2011) and the urban-avoiding Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens, n = 350 breeding pairs between 2001 and 2011). Over the 10-year period, neither daily nest survival nor brood parasitism rates in remnant forests were consistently related to the amount of urbanization in the surrounding landscape matrix for focal species, with the sole exception of Acadian flycatcher for which the percentage of nests with brood parasitism increased with urbanization. Annual reproductive output of cardinals was comparable across the rural–urban gradient, but Acadian flycatchers produced fewer fledglings as urbanization increased. These findings demonstrate that urban-associated patterns of annual reproduction cannot necessarily be inferred from nest survival data alone. Moreover, we show that avian community changes are not the simple consequence of nest predation. Understanding ecological processes that operate within metropolitan areas is critical if we are to conserve biological diversity on our urbanizing planet.
A novel alteration in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene is frequently detected in human non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract We studied 60 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for alterations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. 2460 (40%) demonstrated cleavage of a 4.2 kb Eco RI fragment in the tumor DNA which was not observed in DNA from paired normal lung. This fragment corresponds to a genomic region that encodes for part of the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain of the EGFR. We demonstrated that an alteration is present which leads to an increased cleavage efficiency of restriction endonuclease Eco RI for a specific Eco RI site in this 4.2 kb fragment.
Esophageal-guided biopsy with volumetric laser endomicroscopy and laser cautery marking: a pilot clinical study

Background Biopsy surveillance protocols for the assessment of Barrett's esophagus can be subject to sampling errors, resulting in diagnostic uncertainty. Optical coherence tomography is a cross-sectional imaging technique that can be used to conduct volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) of the entire distal esophagus. We have developed a biopsy guidance platform that places endoscopically visible marks at VLE-determined biopsy sites. Objective The objective of this study was to demonstrate in human participants the safety and feasibility of VLE-guided biopsy in vivo. Design A pilot feasibility study. Setting Massachusetts General Hospital. Patients A total of 22 participants were enrolled from January 2011 to June 2012 with a prior diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. Twelve participants were used to optimize the laser marking parameters and the system platform. A total of 30 target sites were selected and marked in real-time by using the VLE-guided biopsy platform in the remaining 10 participants. Intervention Volumetric laser endomicroscopy. Main Outcome Measurements Endoscopic and VLE visibility, and accuracy of VLE diagnosis of the tissue between the laser cautery marks. Results There were no adverse events of VLE and laser marking. The optimal laser marking parameters were determined to be 2 seconds at 410 mW, with a mark separation of 6 mm. All marks made with these parameters were visible on endoscopy and VLE. The accuracies for diagnosing tissue in between the laser cautery marks by independent blinded readers for endoscopy were 67% (95% confidence interval [CI], 47%-83%), for VLE intent-to-biopsy images 93% (95% CI, 78%-99%), and for corrected VLE post-marking images 100% when compared with histopathology interpretations. Limitations This is a single-center feasibility study with a limited number of patients. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that VLE-guided biopsy of the esophagus is safe and can be used to guide biopsy site selection based on the acquired volumetric optical coherence tomography imaging data. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01439633.)
Homoclinic chaos in a laser-matter system

Abstract In the slowly varying envelope approximation and the rotating wave approximation for the Maxwell-Schrodinger equations, we show that the presence of a small-amplitude probe laser in an excited, two-level, resonant medium leads to homoclinic chaos in the laser-matter dynamics.
Erich Fromm's Productivity: Creativity as Exemplified by Joyce's Blooming of Leopold and Molly

According to Erich Fromm, the productive character expresses what he called the life force in ways that are, by nature, artistic in quality. His valuing of the vital and the artistic, fueled by this life force in our potential to be human, serves as the cornerstone of his model of psychoanalysis. Gilbert Rose, author of Necessary Illusion: Art as "Witness", also has identified the parallel between analytic and artistic processes, building on the assumption that the therapeutic alliance and the aesthetic alliance are one and the same. In elaborating this assumption and extending the parallel between Rose and Fromm, I draw the conclusion that the qualities of relationships have an impact on one's ability to express oneself creatively, to live an artistic life--that is, to live productively. Psychoanalysis is, in practice, a process that is artistic, creative, and re-creative in nature. To the degree that authentic expression of emotionally charged implicit knowledge of the ineffable (the emotional life that resides deep in the bodymind) results in transformation and healing, the process is artistic in nature. This process is exemplified by examining the life and literary creations of James Joyce, especially Joyce's characters of Molly and Leopold Bloom in Ulysses.
Reduction in mortality from heartwater in cattle, sheep and goats exposed to field challenge using an inactivated vaccine.

Abstract Inactivated vaccines for heartwater prepared with the commercially acceptable Montanide ISA 50 (ISA 50) adjuvant were field tested in Boer goats in Botswana, Angora goats in South Africa, and Merino sheep in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Two vaccines, one made using the Zimbabwean Mbizi isolate and the other using the respective local field isolate (Sunnyside in Botswana; Bathurst in South Africa; Lutale in Zambia), were tested at each site, except in Zimbabwe where only the Mbizi vaccine was tested. Compared with unvaccinated animals, the Mbizi vaccine significantly protected goats and sheep against field Amblyomma tick challenge in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe (P=0.018, 0.002 and 0.017, respectively), but failed to protect Angora goats in South Africa. However, in South Africa the vaccine prepared using the local field isolate Bathurst, induced significant protection (P=0.008). The vaccines containing the local isolates at all other sites were less protective than the Mbizi vaccine. The Mbizi inactivated vaccine also significantly protected 17 of 21 cattle (P=0.05) against heartwater challenge from field ticks in Zimbabwe. Against the same challenge only 7 of 21 unvaccinated control cattle survived. This study demonstrates that heartwater is a major constraint to upgrading livestock in endemic areas, and caused an overall mortality of 77.6% in naive sheep and goats (97 of 125 died) and 67% in cattle (14 of 21 died). In contrast, the vaccine had a protective effect by reducing the overall mortality in sheep and goats to 54.3% (113 of 208 died) and to 19% in cattle (4 of 21 died).
Time-dependent changes in protein phosphorylation patterns in rat brain synaptosomes caused by deltamethrin

Effects of deltamethrin, a powerful pyrethroid insecticide, on the protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation processes during depolarization in rat brain synaptosomes were studied by using [32P]phosphoric acid as a starting radiotracer and high external concentration of potassium ions or veratridine (10−-5 M) as depolarizing agents. At the onset of depolarization there was a quick rise in phosphorylation in various synaptic proteins for about 15–30 s followed by a gradual decline in levels of phosphorylation. The effect of deltamethrin (10−-7 M) on this system was found to be dependent on the length of preincubation of the synaptosome with the pesticide prior to depolarization. At an early stage (0–3 min preincubation period) it caused a modest suppression of protein phosphorylation activities. When the period of deltamethrin preincubation was extended to 5–20 min, however, it caused a significant increase in protein phosphorylation throughout the depolarization period. At the later stage of the action of deltamethrin (e.g. preincubation period of 30–40 min), deltamethrin-treated synaptosomes no longer responded to the depolarization signal to raise the level of phosphorylation on many proteins. These results indicate that deltamethrin's actions on the synaptic process are complex. Depending on the length of exposure, its effects on protein phosphorylation responses in intact synaptosomes could be either stimulatory or inhibitory. To study the cause of deltamethrin-induced synaptic block at the later stage, effects of deltamethrin on protein kinases were studied by using lysed synaptic membranes with [gamma-32P]ATP. Deltamethrin was shown to inhibit calcium–calmodulin-dependent protein phosphorylation activities at 10−-7 M when given directly to the enzyme source 10 min prior to the addition of [32P]ATP. Such an observation helps to explain the inhibitory action of deltamethrin on protein phosphorylation which occurs at the late stage of its action (i.e. preincubation time > 20 min).
FATIGUE CRACK STATISTICS IN FASTENER HOLES

Structural components in aircraft are often required to be operative beyond their original design service objectives (DSO). Vital issues for aging infrastructures are estimation and prediction, with confidence, of residual life, reliability, and availability, given the service history. Uncertainty increasingly is considered to be a major factor. Demanding high reliability exacerbates the role of uncertainty. One aspect of life cycle management for aging aircraft was investigated by replicating laboratory specimens subjected to fatigue loading that is typical for a class of military aircraft wing skins. Samples were fabricated from 7075-T6 plate aluminum alloy similar to that used for wing panels. A total of 15 specimens were tested. Tests were terminated when the fatigue life expended (FLE) reached a prescribed value of 100%, 150%, or 200% of the component DSO. Then, microscopy was used to quantify the size of fatigue cracks within high stress regions of simulated fastener holes in laboratory specimens. Cumulative distribution functions (cdfs) for geometrical properties of cracks and constituent particles in the alloy were characterized statistically as input for residual life estimations and for life cycle management analyses. Insights into crack initiation and growth are also provided.
Effect of nitrous oxide inactivation of vitamin B12-dependent methionine synthetase on the subcellular distribution of folate coenzymes in rat liver☆

The effects of nitrous oxide inactivation of the vitamin B12-dependent enzyme, methionine synthetase (EC 2.1.1.13), on the subcellular distribution of hepatic folate coenzymes was determined. In controls, cytosolic folates were 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (45%), 5- and 10-formyltetrahydrofolate (9 and 19%, respectively), and tetrahydrofolate (27%). Exposure of rats to an atmosphere containing 80% nitrous oxide for 18 h resulted in a marked shift in this distribution pattern to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, 84%; 5- and 10-formyltetrahydrofolate, 2.1 and 9.1%, respectively; and tetrahydrofolate, 4.7%. Activity of the cytosolic enzyme, methionine synthetase, was reduced by about 84% as compared to that of air breathing controls. In controls, mitochondrial folates were 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (7.3%), 5- and 10-formyltetrahydrofolate (11.5 and 33.1%, respectively), and tetrahydrofolate (48.1%). This distribution did not change after exposure to nitrous oxide. These results show that the effects of nitrous oxide inactivation of vitamin B12 are confined to the cytosol, at least in the short term, and suggest that there is little, if any, transport of free folates between the cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments.
Assessment and quantification of HF radar uncertainty

A large body of work exists concerning uncertainty in ocean current measuring high-frequency radar (HFR) systems. This study investigates the magnitude of uncertainty present in a HFR system in the lower Chesapeake Bay region of Virginia. A method of assessing the fundamental performance of the HFR is comparing the radial velocities measured by two facing HF radars at the centre point of their baseline. In an error-free network, radial vectors from the two sites would be equal and opposite at a point on the baseline, so the magnitude of their sum represents a measure of imperfection in the data. Often essential information lies not in any individual process variable but in how the variables change with respect to one another, i.e. how they co-vary. PCA is a data-driven modelling technique that transforms a set of correlated variables into a smaller set of uncorrelated variables while retaining most of the original information. This paper adopts PCA to detect anomalies in data coming from the individual HF stations. A PCA model is developed based on a calibration set of historical data. The model is used with new process data to detect changes in the system by application of PCA in combination with multivariate statistical techniques. Based on a comprehensive analysis the study presents an objective preconditioning methodology for preprocessing of HFR data prior to assimilation into coastal ocean models or other uses sensitive to the divergence of the flow.
Application of Dynamic State and Parameter Estimation Techniques on Real-World Data

The objective of this paper is to apply two dynamic state and parameter estimation techniques to real-world data. Dynamic state and parameter estimation can estimate equivalent generator internal voltages and rotor angles (dynamic states) during electromechanical dynamics. In addition, parameters such as the transient reactances and inertia can be estimated. A set of real world data recorded by Eastern Interconnection Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) regarding a generator trip event is analyzed in this paper. An estimation algorithm developed by Chow was applied to estimate the states and parameters of a transfer path. An alternative estimation method based on the classic generator model and swing equation is presented in this paper and applied to the real world PMU data with the aid of digital filtering technology. Challenges in real-world data applications are identified in this paper.
Consequences of divergent egg phenology to predation and coexistence in two sympatric, congeneric mantids (Orthoptera: Mantidae)

Two sympatric, congeneric mantid species, Tenodera sinensis (Saussure) and t. angustipennis (Saussure) exhibit intrinsically different temporal patterns of egg hatch in the spring. Tenodera sinensis hatches first, and begins to enter second instar by the time T. angustipennis starts to hatch. As a result, there is asynchrony in developmental times such that several different instars may be present during the first crucial month of life when mantid population densities are high and prey availability is low. The body length ratio of larger to smaller nymphs is most commonly ≥1.37, in favor of T. sinensis. This character divergence suggests allochronic niche separation which may alleviate competition for prey. However this same ratio appears to be the threshold for both interspecific predation and cannibalism among these bitrophic generalist predators. Therefore T. sinensis, which is nearly always larger, may have a selective advantage by utilizing its smaller congener and later-hatching conspecifics as prey in a food limited environment.
Interleukin-7 and Transforming Growth Factor-β Play Counter-regulatory Roles in Protein Kinase C-δ-dependent Control of Fibroblast Collagen Synthesis in Pulmonary Fibrosis

Abstract Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a potent fibrogenic factor responsible for promoting synthesis of extracellular matrix. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) inhibits TGF-β signaling by up-regulating Smad7, a major inhibitor of the Smad family. In a variety of cells, TGF-β-mediated activation of target genes requires active protein kinase C-δ (PKC-δ) in addition to Smads (1). We determined the role of PKC-δ in the regulation of pulmonary fibroblast collagen synthesis in response to TGF-β and IL-7 stimulation. Here we show that TGF-β and IL-7 have opposing effects on PKC-δ; TGF-β stimulates, while IL-7 inhibits, PKC-δ activity. IL-7 inhibits TGF-β-induced PKC-δ phosphorylation at Ser-645 and Thr-505. Inhibition of PKC-δ with specific small inhibitory RNA restores TGF-β-mediated induction of Smad7 and in parallel significantly reduces TGF-β-mediated collagen synthesis. Thus, PKC-δ may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and may serve as a molecular target for therapeutic intervention to suppress fibrosis.
In-situ chemical, U–Pb dating, and Hf isotope investigation of megacrystic zircons, Malaita (Solomon Islands): Evidence for multi-stage alkaline magmatic activity beneath the Ontong Java Plateau

Previous investigations of pipe-like intrusions of alnoite within northern Malaita (Solomon Islands) have detailed the chemical and isotopic nature of the alnoite and entrained megacrysts/xenoliths. Alnoite emplacement is poorly constrained since available ages include an Ar–Ar date of 34 Ma (phlogopite) from a mantle xenolith, and a 206Pb/238U date of 33.9 Ma for a zircon megacryst. Hence, we report chemical data, in-situ U–Pb age determinations and Hf isotope compositions for megacrystic zircons recovered from alnoite-derived, ilmenite-rich gravels in the Auluta, Kwainale, and Faufaumela rivers of Malaita. The Zr/Hf ratio (39 to 50) is variable for zircons from Auluta and Faufaumela, whereas it is relatively uniform (40 to 42) in most zircons from Kwainale. Chemical imaging reveals the homogeneous nature for all of the 16 grains analyzed. Trace element compositions obtained by LA-ICP-MS indicate parallel chondrite-normalized REE patterns at variable levels of enrichment; these patterns combined with their low abundances (< 1 to 10 ppm) of U, Th, and Pb confirm their mantle origin. In-situ U–Pb dating conducted by LA-ICP-MS (n = 94 analyses) define a total range in weighted mean (WM) 206Pb/238U ages between ∼ 35 and ∼ 52 Ma. The zircons from Auluta define a range of WM 206Pb/238U ages between 34.9 ± 2.0 Ma and 45.1 ± 2.5 Ma (2σ) that correlate negatively with Zr/Hf ratios and total REE contents. Conversely, the chemically homogeneous zircons from Kwainale define a uniform age spectrum yielding a WM 206Pb/238U age of 36.7 ± 0.5 Ma (2σ). In-situ Hf isotope analyses (n = 30) are uniform and define a WM 176Hf/177Hf value of 0.282933 ± 0.000013 (2σ), which is identical to the previously reported whole rock value for the Malaitan alnoite (0.282939 ± 0.000007). Correlations between ages and chemical compositions (i.e., Auluta zircons), and the uniform Hf isotope compositions are consistent with zircon formation from a common Ontong Java Plateau (OJP)-like mantle undergoing progressive CO2-dominated metasomatism over a ∼ 17 Ma interval. This unique example of prolonged highly alkaline magmatism within an intraplate oceanic setting mimics that defined by cratonic kimberlite provinces and suggests that the Malaitan upper mantle section of the OJP represents an analogy to continental lithosphere.
SEED EMBRYO FEATURES AND IRRADIATION RESPONSE

Abstract It is possible to predict acute irradiation response of mature seeds from measurement of structural features in excised embryos. Embryos removed from seeds of 12 plant species were thoroughly studied to obtain a better understanding of embryonic structure. Dose-response data, representing seedling development in controlled environment chambers following seed equilibration, γ-ray exposure, and planting in perlite-peat growth media, were obtained for each species. Data were collected on number of embryonic leaves and buds, volume of cells and nuclei in terminal apex promeristem tissue, volume of terminal apices, chromosome number, and exposure of Co 80 γ-radiation required to reduce seedling growth by 50 per cent. There was highly significant correlation between cellular and nuclear volumes and radiation tolerance—these were exponential functions. Multiple regression analysis of cell and nuclear volume on exposure tolerance gave estimates which were accurate within a factor of two while inclusion of nine embryonic factors gave estimates accurate within 10 per cent. The accuracy of dose predictions for other species will be tested.
Ultrastructure of sensory receptors in ascidian tadpoles

An analysis of fine structure and function was conducted on three types of receptors in the cerebral vesicle of two species of ascidian tadpoles (Ciona intestinalis andDistaplia occidentalis). Theocellus is composed of one pigmented, cup-shaped supportive cell, an estimated 15–20 sensory cells, and three lens cells, each with a large body of granules (glycogen ?). The outer segments of the photoreceptoral processes are modified cilia, one per sensory cell, consisting of many lamellae, formed by infoldings of the ciliary membranes, and axonemes of 9 + 0 doublets of microtubules. The lamellae are homologous to retinal disks of vertebrates.Hydrostatic pressure (?)receptors are modified cilia containing tubules which open to the lumen of the cerebral vesicle. These receptors closely resemble the globular, ciliary processes of coronet cells in the saccus vasculosus of fishes. Thestatocyte is a onecell gravity receptor. The part extending into the lumen of the brain contains the nucleus and a large black body which is thought to function as a float. The foot-piece of the cell is firmly anchored in the brain wall; the neck is probably the site of generation of signals.
Biodegradable Cellulose Block Copolymers

Abstract Biodegradable polymers can be prepared by the incorporation of cellulose oligomeric blocks into the polymer backbone. Block copolymers prepared by reacting equimolar amounts of depolymerized cellulose triacetate (CTA) with MDI or TDI and block terpolymers prepared by reacting the CTA oligomer with poly (propylene glycol) capped with MDI or TDI were deacetylated and incubated with cellulysin at pH 5 and 50 °C. The intrinsic viscosity of each copolymer decreased substantially even after 10 hr incubation time. There was negligible acid hydrolysis. Cellulose showed a smaller decrease at the same incubation time-probably due to its lower accessibility. Methods for incorporating cellulose oligomeric blocks and other biodegradable blocks into different types of polymers are discussed.
Children’s Acceptance of Television Advertising and the Relation of Televiewing to School Achievement

THE PRESENT study was designed to assess I some of the learning outcomes resulting from the relatively large number of hours children spend j watching television. Considerable attention has I been directed toward television program content (1, 3) ; however, to this writer's knowledge, no one has made any attempt to study the commer cial portion of television programming. This ap pears to be an important oversight when one notes the attention children pay to the very common animated commercial. I Specifically, the study attempted to show how children differ in their knowledge and understand? ing of the commercial on their favorite programs, their acceptance, as fact, of the argument of the commercial, and their use or desire to use the advertised product. These reactions also were rej lated to intelligence, socioeconomic status, school I achievement, and amount of television viewing.
Flammability of heat transfer fluid aerosols produced by electrospray measured by laser diffraction analysis

Accidental release of pressurized high flash point heat transfer fluids can result in fire and explosion hazard scenarios in the process industry. An experimental investigation on ignition of aerosols of a heat transfer fluid is carried out, and characterization of aerosol and its ignition process by non-intrusive laser diffraction technique is reported. Propagation speed of the aerosol combustion flame front as analyzed from the laser diffraction measurement agrees with high-speed visual camera observation. Flammability of the aerosol, which is based on the chances of the global flame appearance in the aerosol, is mainly controlled by aerosol droplet size and the droplet volume concentration.
Immunochemistry of sperm whale myoglobin—XIV. Role of histidines 12 and 24 in the antigenic structure☆

Abstract A peptide comprising the sequence 1–31 in sperm-whale myoglobin (Mb) was isolated as one of the peptides from the specific cleavage of Mb at arginine peptide bonds. This peptide had previously been shown (Singhal and Atassi, 1971) to contain the single antigenic reactive region in the entire sequence 1–55. This was previously narrowed down to fall within (but not including all of) sequence 8–30. Carboxymethylation of peptide 1–31 with iodoacetic acid yielded a homogeneous derivative (CM 1–31) which has modified specifically at histidines 12 and 24. One histidine was carboxymethylated at position 3 in the imidazole ring and the other histidine was carboxymethylated at both position 1 and 3. Peptide 1–31 and CM 1–31 had identical ORD and CD parameters, clearly indicating that the modification did not result in a change of the peptide conformation in solution. This ruled out any conformational effects on the immunochemical behavior of the derivative. The antigenic reactivities of peptide 1–31 and CM 1–31 were quantitatively identical when determined with three different antisera to Mb. From previously reported work and the present results, the antigenic reactive region in the first third of the Mb molecule (sequence 1–55) has been shown to be located within (but may not include all of) sequence 13–23. Also, most likely glycine 23 will not participate in interaction with antibody.
Clinical characteristics of preoperative hypoalbuminemia predict outcome of cardiovascular surgery.

Objective: To define the clinical characteristics and outcome of preoperative hypoalbuminemia in adult cardiovascular surgery. Study: Inception cohort. Setting: Adult cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU). Patients: Admissions to CVICU between January 1 and December 31, 1993. Intervention: Preoperative hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin ≤3.5 g/dL) was classified by the presence of malnutrition cachexia (body mass index of ≤20 kg/m2), liver insufficiency (serum bilirubin ≥2.0 mg/dL), history of congestive heart failure, or hypoalbuminemia alone. Demographics, chronic diseases, systemic hemodynamics, and laboratory data were obtained at preoperative and later on admission and during the stay in the CVICU. Outcome measures: Postoperative organ dysfunction, nosocomial infections, length of mechanical ventilation, hospitalization and death. Results: A total of 2,743 patients (91%) of 3,025 patients who were admitted to the CVICU were enrolled in the study. Preoperative hypoalbuminemia was found in 325 patient...
Effects of Structural and Electronic Characteristics of Chalcones on the Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma

Chalcones share some structural similarities with GW-1929, a highly-selective and potent agonist for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ). In this study, we tested 53 structurally diverse chalcones to identify characteristics essential for PPARγ activation in a GAL4-based transactivation assay. This screen identified several novel chalcone agonists of PPARγ. Our results indicate that chalcones with an electron rich group or sterically large groups such as naphthyl on the carbonyl side tend to activate PPARγ. The absence of any strict structural or electronic requirements suggests that the flexibility of the PPARγ ligand binding pocket may allow binding of diverse chalcones with some preference for a slightly larger electron-rich group on the carbonyl side. We predict that further structure-activity relationship studies on chalcones with naphthalene or electron-rich groups near the carbonyl moiety will lead to the development of more potent PPARγ agonists.
Passive sodium movements across the opercular epithelium: the paracellular shunt pathway and ionic conductance.

The unidirectional Na+, Cl−, and urea fluxes across isolated opercular epithelia from seawater-adaptedFundulus heteroclitus were measured under different experimental conditions. The mean Na+, Cl−, and urea permeabilities were 9.30×10−6 cm·sec−1, 1.24×10−6 cm·sec−1, and 5.05×10−7 cm·sec−1, respectively. The responses of the unidirectional Na+ fluxes and the Cl− influx (mucosa to serosa) to voltage clamping were characteristic of passively moving ions traversing only one rate-limiting barrier. The Na+ conductance varied linearly with, and comprised a mean 54% of, the total tissue ionic conductance. The Cl− influx and the urea fluxes were independent of the tissue conductance. Triaminopyrimidine (TAP) reduced the Na+ fluxes and tissue conductance over 70%, while having no effect on the Cl− influx or urea fluxes. Mucosal Na+ substitution reduced the Na+ permeability 60% and the tissue conductance 76%, but had no effect on the Cl− influx or the urea fluxes. Both the Na+ and Cl− influxes were unaffected by respective serosal substitutions, indicating the lack of any Na+/Na+ and Cl−/Cl− exchange diffusion. The results suggest that the unidirectional Na+ fluxes are simple passive fluxes proceeding extracellularly (i.e., movement through a cation-selective paracellular shunt). This pathway is dependent on mucosal (external) Na+, independent of serosal (internal) Na+, and may be distinct from the transepithelial Cl− and urea pathways.
Olfactory evoked responses and identification tests in neurological disease.

UNLABELLED To assess the value of smell testing we used olfactory evoked potentials (OEP) and an identification test in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disease and Alzheimer's disease. METHODS The OEP to H2S (20 ppm) was obtained using an olfactometer designed to stimulate olfactory nerve endings only. Odor recognition was assessed by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). In all instances the disease was 'definite' based on standard diagnostic criteria. Controls were derived from 156 healthy people. RESULTS 1) Multiple Sclerosis: 11/72 patients (15%) were abnormal on UPSIT. For OEP there was significant increase of latency and decrease in amplitude in 6/26 patients (23%). 2) Parkinson's Disease: 126/155 (81%) patients had an abnormal UPSIT score. 12/37 (32%) had prolonged latency with normal amplitude measurement on OEP, but 27 had absent or unclear readings. 4/10 with normal UPSIT displayed abnormality on OEP. 3) Motor Neuron Disease: 9/58 (16%) were abnormal on UPSIT. There was significant delay in 1/10 (10%) patients on OEP. 4) Alzheimer's Disease: UPSIT scores were abnormal in all 8 patients examined. OEP was normal in 4 of these who could be tested. CONCLUSION Smell dysfunction was found in all 4 conditions but most severely in Parkinson's Disease (over 80%). The UPSIT in general showed abnormality more frequently than OEP. The olfactory defect probably involves peripheral structures in all diseases tested except Alzheimer's. A patient with normal olfaction is unlikely to have idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
Stimulus-dependent effects on right ear advantage in schizophrenia.

When presented with different sounds in each ear (dichotic listening), healthy subjects typically show a preference for stimuli heard in the right ear, an effect termed “right ear advantage”. Previous studies examining right ear advantage in schizophrenia have been inconsistent, showing either decreased or increased advantage relative to comparison subjects. Given evidence for enhanced semantic processing in schizophrenia, some of this inconsistency may be due to the type of stimuli presented (words or syllables). The present study examined right ear advantage in patients and controls using both words and syllables as stimuli.
Vortex scattering and intercommuting cosmic strings on a noncommutative spacetime

We study the scattering of noncommutative vortices, based on the noncommutative field theory developed in [A. P. Balachandran, T. R. Govindarajan, G. Mangano, A. Pinzul, B. A. Qureshi, and S. Vaidya, Phys. Rev. D 75, 045009 (2007).], as a way to understand the interaction of cosmic strings. In the center-of-mass frame, the effects of noncommutativity vanish, and therefore the reconnection of cosmic strings occurs in an identical manner to the commutative case. However, when scattering occurs in a frame other than the center-of-mass frame, strings still reconnect but the well-known 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} scattering no longer need correspond to the head-on collision of the strings, due to the breakdown of Lorentz invariance in the underlying noncommutative field theory.
Integrated maintenance and production planning with energy consumption and minimal repair

In this study, we analyze an integrated production-preventive maintenance planning problem where product processing times are affected by machine degradation. Preventive maintenance and repair can return the degraded machines/equipment to normal conditions, which can improve the job processing times and the amount of energy consumed. We propose a mathematical model for an integrated production and preventive maintenance planning problem in a multi-product, multi-period, single-machine manufacturing environment with minimal repair and energy consumption considerations in order to minimize the overall cost of production, inventory, energy, maintenance, and repair. The model investigates the impact of imperfect and “as-good-as-new” (AGAN) maintenance strategies on production plan and total cost. Experimental analyses provide insights about the proposed model: when the sensitivity of processing times to machine health status increases, the required number of maintenance actions increases. In addition, enforcing more number of maintenance actions into a production plan decreases energy cost of the system.
The midpoint method in Banach spaces and the Ptaˆk error estimates

Abstract We introduce the midpoint two-step method to approximate a locally unique solution of a nonlinear operator equation in a Banach space setting. We provide existence-uniqueness theorems as well as an error analysis for this iteration using Newton-Kantorovich-type assumptions and the majorant method. We assume that the Frechet-derivative of the operator involved satisfies Ptâk-like estimates. Our results are also extended to include nonlinear operator equations with a nondifferentiable term. For special choices of the functions involved we show that our method is of order three, and compares favorably with other well-known Newton methods of order three. Our results can apply to solve nonlinear integral equations appearing in radiative transfer [3].
Religiosity and Adolescent Drinking Behavior

THE CONSUMPTION of beverage alcohol in American society has always been surrounded by a sharp ambivalence. Even during the colonial era moderate use of non-distilled beverages, such as beer, wine, ale, was expected and fully approved, but drunkenness, usually viewed as a moral defect indicating weak self-control, was frowned upon and often punished. During the Revolution and post-revolutionary period, this ambivalent attitude was fostered and alcohol was viewed, on the one hand, as a temporary desirable release from relentless reality and, on the other hand, as a major cause of poverty, crime, divorce and deviancy. The wet-dry controversy was climaxed, of course, by the passage of the Eighteenth Amendment in 1917. After a long struggle, the "wet" forces were able to obtain the repeal of this amendment in 1933. The impact of this struggle is still felt in contemporary American society. Organized religion, as has been true within the larger society itself, has been divided into several opposing views on the subject of alcohol use. Several of the more fundamentalist groups view the use of alcohol as a moral issue and see total abstinence as the desirable, if not the only acceptable, mode of behavior. On the other hand, Roman Catholics, Jews and Episcopalians are officially unopposed to moderate use of alcohol, although drunkenness is certainly frowned upon. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organized religion as it affects the use of alcohol among a sample of teenagers. The Problem. Organized religion, although perhaps less important than family and peer group influences, is usually viewed as an important agent of social control for adolescent behavior. That is, various religions have varying normative standards for their members and the members internalize these norms through the socialization process and reflect the norms in their behavior. Since the use or nonuse of alcohol is a norma-