cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some interpretive aspects of elementary sensitivity gradients in combustion kinetics modeling

Abstract The applications of sensitivity analysis by gradient techniques to study detailed combustion chemistry will soon become more common as a result of the recent availability of increasingly efficient computer codes. This paper provides a compendium of the various uses and interpretive aspects of sensitivity gradient techniques applied to chemical kinetics. Illustrations are provided through analysis of the frequently studied elementary kinetic mechanism for the CO/H 2 O/O 2 system. Elementary first and second order sensitivity coefficients, obtained by the Green's function method, are interpreted and discussed in detail for a fuel lean and dilute system reacting in N 2 at 1100K and 1 atm. From the results of linear sensitivities, the effects of variations in initial conditions and uncertainties in rate constants and equilibrium constants on the model predictions are determined. Second order sensitivities are shown to yield valuable information on how these linear sensitivities vary when an initial condition or rate constant is varied. Elements of the Green's function matrix are shown to have a memory function interpretation, and results of small perturbations in each species concentration at various times during the kinetics on all other species concentrations at later times are presented. These latter sensitivities are unique in that they, in principle, are measurable in the laboratory. The results of feature sensitivity analysis (i.e., the effects of variations in input parameters on specific kinetic predictions, such as induction and kinetic periods) are presented for a wide range of equivalence ratios. Finally, elementary sensitivity analysis is shown to be extremely useful in experimental design as well as model development and evaluation.
Identification of conformations conducive to intramolecular excimer formation in polyesters with different numbers of methylene units between aromatic rings

Abstract Excimer formation has been studied in polyesters in which the repeating unit is represented by the formula ABm, where A is pOOCC6H4COO, B is CH2 and m = 2,…,6. In dichloroethane, dioxane and ethyl acetate, the ratio of excimer to monomer emission, I D I M , exhibits an odd-even effect, with the largest value of I D I M seen in the polyester with m = 3. The conformations conducive to excimer formation by nearest neighbour aromatic rings are identified with the aid of a rotational isometric state analysis of C6H5COOBmOOCC6H5 A single species completely dominates the excimer formation when m =2. As m increases more species can adopt the excimer-forming geometry. When m = 6, no conformation accounts for more than ∼ 1 7 of the excimers present. The equilibrium rotational isomeric state analysis can rationalize the occurrence of the largest value of I D I M at m = 3 and the existence of an odd-even effect at m = 2,…,5. However, it overestimates the importance of the excimers when m = 6.
Quine on translation

Against Quine's thesis of the ‘indeterminacy of translation’, in Word and Object, it is argued that the extension of terms, where determinable at all except by arbitrary decision, is determinable by empirical means other than comparison of ‘stimulus meaning’, that translation of terms does not presuppose prior translation of syncategoremata, that parallelisms of function of syncategoremata in different languages can in part be discovered on the basis of stimulus meanings, that it is incorrect to speak of bilinguals’ necessarily using ‘analytical hypotheses’, that in one form the thesis is correct and uncontroversial, that in another it is controversial but both unacceptable and at variance with Quine's own views on language.
An EMG-based system for continuous monitoring of clinical efficacy of Parkinson's disease treatments

Current methods for assessing the efficacy of treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) rely on physician rated scores. These methods pose three major shortcomings: 1) the subjectivity of the assessments, 2) the lack of precision on the rating scale (6 discrete levels), and 3) the inability to assess symptoms except under very specific conditions and/or for very specific tasks. To address these shortcomings, a portable system was developed to continuously monitor Parkinsonian symptoms with quantitative measures based on electrical signals from muscle activity (EMG). Here, we present the system design and the implementation of methods for system validation. This system was designed to provide continuous measures of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia which are related to the neurophysiological source without the need for multiple bulky experimental apparatuses, thus allowing more precise, quantitative indicators of the symptoms which can be measured during practical daily living tasks. This measurement system has the potential to improve the diagnosis of PD as well as the evaluation of PD treatments, which is an important step in the path to improving PD treatments.
Development of HPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of environmental phenols in human urine

We present a sensitive method for simultaneous determination of bisphenol A (BPA), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), 4-tert-octylphenol (t-OP), ortho-phenylphenol (OPP), four parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl parabens) and five chlorophenols (2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP), 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (2,4,5-triclorophenol), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP), and triclosan (TCS)), in human urine by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) mass spectrometry (MS). Samples were processed using enzymatic deconjugation of glucuronides followed by solid phase extraction (SPE) on a C18 cartridge and the eluate was concentrated. Analytes were separated by reversed-phase HPLC and then detected by atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI) MS and quantified by isotope dilution method. We describe details for optimisation of each step of the procedure. The sample treatment steps are straightforward and not labour-intensive and, therefore, permit a high sample throughput with excellent prospect...
EFFECTS OF EXPOSING C57BL/6J MICE TO HIGH- AND LOW-FREQUENCY AUGMENTED ACOUSTIC ENVIRONMENTS: AUDITORY BRAINSTEM RESPONSE THRESHOLDS, CYTOCOCHLEOGRAMS, ANTERIOR COCHLEAR NUCLEUS MORPHOLOGY AND THE ROLE OF GONADAL HORMONES

Gonadectomized and intact adult C57BL/6J (B6) mice of both sexes were exposed for 12h nightly to an augmented acoustic environment (AAE): repetitive bursts of a 70dB SPL noise band. The high-frequency AAE (HAAE) was a half-octave band centered at 20kHz; the low-frequency AAE (LAAE) was a 2-8kHz band. The effects of sex, gonadectomy, and AAE treatment on genetic progressive hearing loss (a trait of B6 mice) were evaluated by obtaining auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds at ages 3-, 6-, and 9-months. At 9-months of age, hair cell counts (cytocochleograms) were obtained, and morphometric measures of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) were obtained. LAAE treatment caused elevation in ABR thresholds (8-24kHz), with the highest thresholds occurring in intact females. LAAE treatment caused some loss of outer hair cells in the basal half of the cochlea (in addition to losses normally occurring in B6 mice), with intact females losing more cells than intact males. The loss of AVCN neurons and shrinkage of tissue volume that typically occur in 9-month-old B6 mice was lessened by LAAE treatment in intact (but not gonadectomized) male mice, whereas the degenerative changes were exacerbated in intact (but not gonadectomized) females. These LAAE effects were prominent in, but not restricted to, the tonotopic low-frequency (ventral) AVCN. HAAE treatment resulted in some loss of neurons in the high-frequency (dorsal) AVCN. In general, LAAE treatment plus male gonadal hormones (intact males) had an ameliorative effect whereas HAAE or LAAE treatment plus ovarian hormones (intact females) had a negative effect on age-related changes in the B6 auditory system.
Key binding interactions for memantine in the NMDA receptor.

Memantine (Namenda) is prescribed as a treatment for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s Disease. Memantine functions by blocking the NMDA receptor, but the key binding interactions between drug and receptor are not fully elucidated. To determine key binding interactions of memantine, we made side-by-side comparisons of IC_(50) for memantine and amantadine, a structurally related drug, in the GluN1/GluN2B NMDA receptor. We identified hydrophobic binding pockets for the two methyl groups on memantine formed by the residues A645 and A644 on the third transmembrane helices of GluN1 and GluN2B, respectively. Moreover, we found that while adding two methyl groups to amantadine to produce memantine greatly improves affinity, adding a third methyl group to produce the symmetrical trimethylamantadine diminished affinity. Our results provide a better understanding of chemical-scale interactions between memantine and the NMDA channel, which will potentially benefit the development of new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases involving NMDA receptors.
The Generic Mud Concept for NPDES Permitting of Offshore Drilling Discharges

Etablissement par l'Environmental Protection Agency de normes pour 9 fluides de forage utilisables dans les forages sous-marins sans execution d'essais biologiques et chimiques pour verifier leur impact sur le milieu marin
Scalding Poultry by Steam at Subatmospheric Pressures

Abstract The poultry industry needs to replace the long existing, almost universally used immersion scalding method by methods that would be more sanitary and esthetically acceptable, provide a safer, more stable product, and minimize pollution and water requirements. There have been several efforts to develop scalding by mixtures of air and steam maintained at proper temperatures; commercial models have been built and tested but so far no substantial commercial use developed. This report describes preliminary tests that establish the possibility of scalding birds for feather removal by exposing them to an atmosphere of steam under controlled subatmospheric pressure and temperature conditions. Scalding was carried out in a cylindrical metal vacuum chamber, connected to a mechanical vacuum pump and condenser and a manually controlled inflow of steam. The system permitted establishment of uniform steam atmospheres of desired temperatures (± 1°F.) within 15 seconds, in the range from 52°C. (125°F.) to 60°C. (140°F.),…
Meniscus Force Nanografting: Nanoscopic Patterning of DNA

Thiol-modified DNA is patterned with an atomic force microscope (AFM) on a resist-covered gold surface with line widths as small as 15 nm at speeds as high as 320 μm/s. In meniscus force nanografting, a drop of patterning solution simultaneously wets a hydrophilic resist on gold and an AFM tip. The surface tension supplies enough normal force for the tip to selectively remove the resist molecules and allow the DNA to attach to the gold surface. Different DNA-derivatized nanostructures can then hybridize to the complementary, surface-bound DNA in a demonstration of surface initiated orthogonal self-assembly.
Neuronal input from the inferior mesenteric ganglion (IMG) affects sperm transport within the rat cauda epididymis

Sympathetic nerves emanating from the inferior mesenteric ganglion (IMG) innervate the mammalian epididymis and vas deferens. We have reported previously that surgical removal of the rat IMG results in excessive accumulation of spermatozoa within the cauda epididymis. The objective of the present study was to determine whether sperm accumulation following IMG removal was due to a denervation-induced change in the rate of sperm transport within the cauda epididymis. In these studies epididymal sperm numbers were counted and used as a measure of sperm transport within the epididymis. In order to examine sperm transport within the cauda epididymis specifically, efferent duct ligation (EDL) was used to prevent further entry of testicular spermatozoa into the epididymis. Rats were divided into four treatment groups: sham-operated control, EDL alone for 7 days (EDL + 7), EDL alone for 14 days (EDL + 14), or EDL for 7 days at which time the IMG was removed and the rats were maintained for an additional 7 days (EDL + IMG). Epididymides were homogenized and the number of spermatozoa in the caput and cauda epididymis was counted. In EDL + 7 rats, the caput epididymis was devoid of spermatozoa. The rate of transit of spermatozoa through the cauda epididymis of EDL + 7 rats was approximately 3.43 million/day. The total number of cauda epididymal spermatozoa in EDL + 7 rats was reduced by 20% compared to sham-operated control rats. In EDL + 14 rats, spermatozoa transited the cauda epididymis at a rate of approximately 9.57 million/day, and the total number of spermatozoa in the cauda epididymis was reduced by 73% compared to sham-operated controls. If the IMG was removed 7 days following EDL, spermatozoa transited the cauda epididymis at a rate comparable to that observed in EDL + 7 rats (3.39 million/day). Following IMG denervation of EDL + 7 rats, cauda epididymal sperm numbers were maintained at levels observed in the EDL + 7 rats. These data demonstrate that the transport of spermatozoa through the cauda epididymis is influenced significantly by neuronal input from the IMG.
Absolute plate motions constrained by shear wave splitting orientations with implications for hot spot motions and mantle flow

[1] Here, I present a new absolute plate motion model of the Earth's surface, determined from the alignment of present-day surface motions with 474 published shear wave (i.e., SKS) splitting orientations. When limited to oceanic islands and cratons, splitting orientations are assumed to reflect anisotropy in the asthenosphere caused by the differential motion between lithosphere and mesosphere. The best fit model predicts a 0.2065°/Ma counterclockwise net rotation of the lithosphere as a whole, which revolves around a pole at 57.6°S and 63.2°E. This net rotation is particularly well constrained by data on cratons and/or in the Indo-Atlantic region. The average data misfit is 19° and 24° for oceanic and cratonic areas, respectively, but the normalized root-mean-square misfits are about equal at 5.4 and 5.2. Predicted plate motions are very consistent with recent hot spot track azimuths (<8° on many plates), except for the slowest moving plates (Antarctica, Africa, and Eurasia). The difference in hot spot propagation vectors and plate velocities describes the motion of hot spots (i.e., their underlying plumes). For most hot spots that move significantly, the motions are considerably smaller than and antiparallel to the absolute plate velocity. Only when the origin depth of the plume is considered can the hot spot motions be explained in terms of mantle flow. The results are largely consistent with independent evidence of subasthenospheric mantle flow and asthenospheric return flow near spreading ridges. The results suggest that, at least where hot spots are, the lithosphere is decoupled from the mesosphere, including in western North America.
Self-assembly: Towards precision micelles

Detailed imaging reveals the structure of a spherical 'micelle', self-assembled from cone-shaped molecules, and marks progress towards mimicking the natural assembly skills of biological systems.
Cigarette smoking in the menopausal woman

Abstract Approximately 25% of postmenopausal women smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking has been linked to many diseases of the mature woman, both gynecologic and non-gynecologic. Cigarette smoking is associated highly with cardiovascular disease, and in women, it is estimated that 21% of all mortality from cardiovascular disease is related to cigarette smoking. Cigarette smokers demonstrate a markedly elevated prevalence for development of airway obstruction and clinical symptoms leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, as well as to recurrent respiratory tract infections. Many nongynecologic cancers are associated with cigarette smoking. Multiple other medical problems including peptic ulcer disease, psoriasis, thyroid disease, and spinal disc disease are also associated with cigarette smoking. An earlier onset of menopause in women who smoke cigarettes has been clearly demonstrated. Cigarette smoking is associated with a decreased risk of endometrial cancer. The opposite effect is noted in other cancers; specifically, an increased risk for vulvar and cervical cancers has been observed. The association between cigarette smoking and risk for breast cancer is not clearly established. No apparent increased risk is found for ovarian cancer. Cigarette smoking also is associated with a decreased risk of benign conditions of the female reproductive tract (eg, endometriosis, leiomyomas, benign breast disease). An increased prevalence of osteoporosis is found in postmenopausal smokers when compared with non-smokers.
T-Cell–Mediated Lysis of Endothelial Cells in Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background— CD4 T lymphocytes accumulate in unstable plaque. The direct and indirect involvement of these T cells in tissue injury and plaque instability is not understood. Methods and Results— Gene profiling identified perforin, CD161, and members of the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors as being differentially expressed in CD4+CD28null T cells, a T-cell subset that preferentially infiltrates unstable plaque. Frequencies of CD161+ and perforin-expressing CD4 T cells in peripheral blood were significantly increased in patients with unstable angina (UA). CD161 appeared on CD4+CD28null T cells after stimulation, suggesting spontaneous activation of circulating CD4 T cells in UA. Perforin-expressing CD4+ T-cell clones from patients with UA exhibited cytotoxic activity against human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in redirected cytotoxicity assays after T-cell receptor triggering and also after stimulation of major histocompatibility complex class I–recognizing killer-cell immunoglobulin-lik...
Metabolism of bile acid oxazoline derivatives by hepatocyte monolayer cultures and intestinal anaerobic bacteria.

Abstract Certain bile acid oxazoline derivatives (100 μM), but not corresponding unconjugated bile acids (100 μM), were found to inhibit the growth of Eubacterium sp. V.P.I. 12708. The growth inhibition was correlated with the polarity of the steroid portion of the bile acid oxazoline. Primary cultures of adult rat hepatocyte monolayer cultures converted [7ξ-14C]methylchenooxazoline3 into MeOH-H2O soluble derivatives. Certain intestinal bacteria were capable of metabolizing [7ξ-14C] methylchenooxazoline as well as the MeOH-soluble hepatocyte derivative(s). These results suggest that bile acid oxazoline derivatives may undergo hepatic, as well as bacterial metabolism during enterohepatic circulation.
SRF-dependent gene expression in isolated cardiomyocytes: Regulation of genes involved in cardiac hypertrophy

Abstract Serum response factor (SRF) is a transcription factor required for the regulation of genes important for cardiac structure and function. Notably, the “fetal gene expression profile” that is characteristic of cardiac hypertrophy consists of genes known to be regulated by SRF. Transgenic animal studies suggest that cardiac-specific overexpression of SRF induces this pattern of hypertrophic genes and subsequently causes the progression of pathologic adaptations. Furthermore, studies examining cardiac tissues from patients with severe heart failure indicate significant alterations in SRF expression that correspond with alterations in expression of SRF-dependent genes. Based on these observations, it has been postulated that SRF may be critical for stimulating pathologic gene expression at the onset of hypertrophic adaptation. To address the role of SRF in cardiac hypertrophy we investigated whether SRF is necessary and sufficient for the expression of genes associated with the hypertrophic response. We used isolated cardiomyocytes from both neonatal rats, and transgenic mice containing floxed SRF alleles, to examine cardiac gene expression in response to overexpression and absence of SRF. Using this approach, we demonstrate that SRF is required for the induction of atrial naturetic factor (ANF), c-fos, NCX1, BNP, α-actins, α-myosin heavy chain, and β-myosin heavy chain genes. However, overexpression of exogenous SRF in isolated cardiomyocytes is only sufficient to induce NCX1 and α-myosin heavy chain. These results indicate that SRF is critical for the regulation and induction of genes associated with the progression of pathologic cardiac hypertrophy, however, the pattern of genes induced by overexpression of SRF in isolated cardiomyocytes is different from those genes expressed in hypertrophic transgenic hearts. This suggests that SRF-dependent gene expression is modulated in a complex manner by in vivo physiologic systems prior to and during heart failure as the organism adapts to cardiac stress.
Plantar Flexion with Noxious Dorsal Foot Stimulation in Brain Death

Plantar flexion with plantar stimulation has been well described in brain death, and is compatible with brain death. However, plantar flexion with stimulation to the dorsal surface of the foot has not been reported previously in brain dead patients. Case report with Technetium-99 m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime brain scan and video. A 46-year-old woman suffered severe anoxic brain injury following massive pulmonary embolism 5 days after arthroscopic knee surgery. Neurologic examination was consistent with brain death, with the exception of plantar flexion when noxious stimulation was applied to the dorsal surface of the great toe on each side. Ancillary testing with a technetium-99 m nuclear scan demonstrated absence of cerebral perfusion, supporting the diagnosis of brain death. Noxious stimulation to the dorsal surface of the foot may trigger spinally mediated plantar flexion in patients with brain death.
Sputter-Deposited Pt/CrN Nanoparticle PEM Fuel Cell Cathodes: Limited Proton Conductivity Through Electrode Dewetting

. Polarization curves exhibit dE/dlog i slopes b �100 and 150 mV/dec for high E 0.75 V and low E 0.5 V potentials, respectively, but show an anomalous drop with b �420 mV/dec in the intermediate voltage range. This is attributed to poor proton conduction associated with a reversible dewetting of electrode pores during low current operation. Quantitative analyses of rate-dependent polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectra show that the time scale for pore filling by process water is 10 3 s, and that the ionic resistance RC within the electrode increases by a factor of 4, from RC 0.2 to 0.8 cm 2 ,a sE increases from 0.5 to 0.8 V. The increasing electrode resistance is attributed to a low water production rate at low current, which allows the relatively hydrophobic CrN to expel water from the electrode pores, resulting in a higher resistance for ionic transport. These results show that even ultrathin sputtered catalyst layers can exhibit incomplete flooding.
A Relaxation Oscillator Description of the Burst-Generating Mechanism in the Cardiac Ganglion of the Lobster, Homarus americanus

Properties of the neural mechanism responsible for generating the periodic burst of spike potentials in the nine ganglion neurons were investigated by applying brief, single shocks to the four small cells with extracellular electrodes placed near the trigger zones of the small cells. The shock elicited a burst if presented during the latter portion of the silent period, terminated a burst during the latter portion of the burst period, and was followed by a newly initiated burst during the early portion of the burst period. The resultant changes in burst and silent period durations were quantitatively described by a second-order non-linear differential equation similar to the van der Pol equation for a relaxation oscillator. The equation also qualitatively described changes in firing threshold of the small cells during the burst cycle. The first derivative of the solution to the equation is similar to slow transmembrane potentials in neurons that are involved in generation of burst activity in other crustacean cardiac ganglia.
Calcium emboli to the retinal artery in calcific aortic stenosis

It is generally appreciated in the cardiovascular literature that calcium emboli to a central retinal artery or its branches may be the presenting feature of otherwise uncomplicated calcific aortic stenosis. The ophthalmologic literature provides good evidence for this point. Over a 7-month period, four such cases have come to our attention. Other potential sources of emboli were excluded by standard noninvasive and invasive diagnostic techniques, and two patients underwent successful aortic valve replacement. Previous studies of calcific aortic stenosis have demonstrated postmortem histologic evidence of calcium emboli to various organs, for example, heart, kidney, or brain. Since these emboli are small, their occurrence is clinically silent. The retinal circulation is unique in that its occlusion by a calcium microembolus results in loss of vision, and this symptom may be a clue to the presence of calcific aortic stenosis.
TRANSFORMING PUBLIC SERVICES: CONTRACTING FOR SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN THE US

Government contracting with private service organizations has grown rapidly in the United States in the last 25 years. Advocates of contracting hope that it will spur competition among service agencies, lowering costs and improving service quality. In practice, however, contracting departs significantly from this competitive model. Instead, government and private agencies develop long-term relationships which can be considered regimes governed by specific norms and expectations. These regimes profoundly influence the delivery of services and the politics of contracting. This article analyses these regimes in the context of the contested nature of public authority. The article concludes with suggestions for reforming public policy to improve the performance and effectiveness of contracted services.
Halotag Tethers to Study Titin Folding at the Single Molecule Level

Single molecule force spectroscopy techniques have become important tools to study properties of proteins that operate under force; a common occurrence in Biology. Lack of specific attachment of single molecules to the force probe limits the measuring time and often leads to tethering at random places along a protein substrate. Here we present a technique based on polyprotein engineering and HaloTag attachment that is capable of avoiding these limitations. This method shows full-length polyprotein unfolding, high pick-up yield and detachment forces of ∼2 nN. Compared to other covalent attachments, this method shows a specific signature, given by the partial unfolding of HaloTag. We find that placing the HaloTag at the N-end of the construct shows an unfolding contour length of 66 nm and a mechanical strength of ∼131 pN. Placing the HaloTag at the C-end of the construct exposes to force a more stable part of the protein, which shows an increased mechanical strength of ∼491 pN and a contour length increment of 27 nm. We use HaloTag covalent attachment to study the folding of I27, a model protein from human titin. We expose I27 polyprotein constructs to successive cycles of high and low force, which unfolds and refolds the component protein domains. Covalent attachment greatly expands the tethering time of a polyprotein construct and allows for the measuring of the unfolding and folding rates from a single trace. Furthermore, repeated unfolding and refolding of the same polyprotein reveals subtle effects such as folding intermediates and slow oxidation of cysteines, which affects the mechanical stability of titin. This method opens a new approach to study protein folding at the human timescale, where proteins such as titin are slowly turned over after several days and to determine their energy landscape.
Successful treatment of intracranial hemorrhage with recombinant activated factor VII in a patient with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia: A case report and review of the literature

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a common complication in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with an incidence rate of 6.3% [1]. Bleeding disorders related to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are common complications in AML cases [2]. Recombinant activated Factor VII (rFVIIa [NovoSeven®]) is approved for the treatment of bleeding complications with FVIII or FIX inhibitors in patients with congenital FVII deficiency. Use of rFVIIa for the treatment of acute hemorrhage in patients without hemophilia has been successful [3,4]. Herein, we describe the successful use of rFVIIa in a patient with acute ICH in the setting of newly diagnosed AML.
Structure-activity relationships for inhibitory insect myosuppressins: Contrast with the stimulatory sulfakinins

Unusual among insect neuropeptides, the decapeptide myosuppressins are capable of inhibiting contractions of visceral muscle, including the isolated cockroach hindgut. The C-terminal pentapeptide Val-Phe-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2 has been identified as the myosuppressin active core, the minimum number of residues required to elicit hindgut myoinhibitory activity. Activity of the same magnitude as the parent neuropeptide requires the C-terminal heptapeptide fragment Asp-His-Val-Phe-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2. Evaluation of a series of substitution analogs delineates structural features critical for myoinhibitory activity within this important fragment. The branched, hydrophobic residues in myosuppressin position 6 (Val) and particularly position 8 (Leu), their absence in the myostimulatory sulfakinins, and the different roles played by the shared Asp residue (myosuppressin position 4; leucosulfakinin position 5) in peptide-receptor interaction, account in large degree for the contrasting biological activities elicited by these otherwise structurally similar peptide families. The results may have broad significance for other invertebrate myotropic systems, such as the locust heart and the pharyngeal retractor muscle of the mollusc Helix aspersa.
Simultaneous analysis of the ν1 + ν2 and ν2 + ν3 bands of hydrogen telluride☆☆☆

Abstract The vibration-rotation absorption bands ν1 + ν2 and ν2 + ν3 of H2Te, which overlap one another near 2900 cm−1, have been analyzed using recently developed formulas. Because the upper states of these two bands are coupled through the interaction terms Gc(q1p3 − q3p1)Pz and Gabq1q3(PxPy + PyPx) in the Hamiltonian, we have analyzed them simultaneously by numerically diagonalizing the perturbed planar Hamiltonian matrix with the interaction terms included. The observed absorption lines from the six most abundant tellurium isotopes have been fit simultaneously by including mass dependencies for the terms A, C, and ν0 for upper and ground states. Values have been determined for the upper state constants ν0, A, B, C ∗ the four centrifugal distortion taus, and the sixth power term HK for each of the two bands, the interaction terms Gc and Gab between the two bands, and the ground state constants, as well as the mass dependency terms.
Temperature structure across the Kuroshio before and after typhoon Shirley

Two temperature sections across the track of Typhoon Shirley (September 1965) in the vicinity of the Kuroshio are shown. The first is based on observations made less than a week before the storm and the second within two days after its passage. The comparison shows: (1) maximum cooling of more than 3°C directly under the eye of the storm; (2) upwelling of 20–25 m on the seaward side of the eye but very little on the inshore side; (3) a slight increase in the depth of the mixed layer; and (4) some evidence that upwelling continued for at least a day after the storm passed. Heat loss to the atmosphere is estimated at 1000 to 3000 cal/cm 2 . DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1969.tb00454.x
An Estimator for Multi-Sensor Data Fusion

In this paper, we examine binary hypothesis testing and parameter estimation problem in a sensor network. We address the problem of detection and also the estimation of the underlying parameter at the fusion center by optimally combining the test statistics sent by different sensors. We make no assumptions on the noise statistics at the sensor nodes except that their first and second order statistics are known. We show that the proposed method is optimal as an estimator as well as a detector.
Correlation of Ultra-low Shear Rate Viscosity and Dynamic Barite Sag in Invert-Emulsion Drilling Fluids

The occurrence of barite sag has been a well recognized, but poorly understood phenomenon in the drilling industry. Problems such as lost circulation, well control and stuck pipe have resulted from, the occurrence of barite sag. The financial impact of barite sag on drilling costs, usually resulting from rig-time lost while circulating and conditioning the mud system, is not trivial. There are reported incidences where recurring barite sag problems have resulted in the loss of drilling projects. Although originally thought to occur under static conditions, barite sag is now recognized to occur more readily under dynamic, low shear rate conditions. Industry experts have offered a variety of measuring parameters, based upon empirical data, that only partially correlate with the occurrence of barite sag. The prediction of barite sag in dynamic flow has created an engineering challenge. The effect of shear rate on dynamic barite sag, for invert-emulsion muds, has been studied and quantified using new and advanced technology. A new field viscometer, capable of measuring viscosity at shear rates of 0.0017 s -1 , and an eccentric well-bore hydraulics model were used to develop and understand this relationship. Changes in mud weight as a function of shear rate, hole angle, annular velocity and eccentricity correlate with ultra-low shear rate viscosity. Based upon experimental results, field technology has been developed to predict the potential for barite sag of invert-emulsion muds and to provide remedial measures through ultra-low shear rate viscosity modification. The efficacy of using traditional rheological measurements as indicators of barite sag potential are addressed.
Sine oculis, a member of the SIX family of transcription factors, directs eye formation

The initiation of eye formation in all seeing animals is controlled by a group of selector genes that together forms the retinal determination cascade. In Drosophila, mice and humans, loss-of-function mutations lead to defects in eye and/or head development. While ectopic expression of these genes is sufficient to direct non-retinal tissues towards an eye fate, the ability of each gene to initiate eye formation is neither unlimited nor equal. A particularly enigmatic observation has been that one member of the cascade, sine oculis (so), which is a member of the SIX family of homeobox transcription factors, is unable to initiate eye development in non-retinal tissues. It is in contrast to every other retinal determination gene including optix, another Six family member, which can induce eye formation when expressed on its own. Here we demonstrate that, in contrast to published reports, expression of so on its own is sufficient to induce eye development within non-retinal tissues. We have extended results from prior reports on binding partner selectivity and DNA binding sites by conducting a structure/function analysis of the SO and OPTIX proteins. Here we demonstrate that the SIX domains and C-terminal portions of the SO and OPTIX proteins are required for functional specificity of SIX class transcription factors while the homeodomain of these proteins are interchangeable. Taken together, these results shed new light on the role that so plays in eye specification.
A New Security Access Scheme for WLANs and Its Performance Simulation Analysis

The IEEE 802.11 standard is becoming the most popular and efficient network topology deployed today. Providing and ensuring the security of wireless network is an essential part to its continuous growth. Goals such as confidentiality and trust imply that every data transmitted by each user stays known only to the communication parties. Authorization of users is also a very important aspect of network integrity. There exist mechanisms defined by the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) protocol that enable such functionality; however, recent attacks on such systems showed that these mechanisms can be defined. In this paper, we propose a new scheme to authenticate and authorize 802.11 wireless nodes within a network. This new layer of security relies on a neural network decision engine that restricts network access to mobile nodes whose physical location is within a threshold distance from the wireless access point or the controller of the network. This method gives an extra layer of security and allows policies to be enforced which only allow network access from a certain section of the network. We give a detailed description of the work done as well as a performance simulation analysis of this scheme.
Behavioral impulsivity in adolescents with conduct disorder who use marijuana

ObjectiveTo test behavioral impulsivity among adolescents with conduct disorder (CD) and a history of marijuana use.MethodsIn this case-controlled study of behavioral impulsivity, 13 through 17-year-olds with CD and positive urine-drug screens for marijuana (CD/THC+, n=11) were compared to: (1) adol
Mid-crustal magmatic sheets in the Cascades Mountains, Washington: implications for magma ascent

Abstract Diking, diapirism, ascent along faults, and ascent during heterogeneous ductile flow have all been championed as the most important means of magma ascent in the crust. We suggest that these mechanisms are end-members in a complex spectrum of ascent processes. In an attempt to evaluate which combination of ascent processes formed sheet-like bodies in the mid-crustal (20–25 km) Entiat pluton, Washington, we examined the tip regions of these sheets. The sheets have length/width ratios ranging from ∼6 to >75, with increasing ratios strongly correlated to decreasing sheet tip radii (from 850 to 100 m) and decreasing ratios of tip diameter/sheet width (from 0.66 to 0.33). Thus, these bodies have geometries falling between those of dikes and those associated with elliptical diapirs. The sheets are not associated with faults or fracture zones extending from their tips. Instead, sheet walls are oriented parallel to the axial planes of upright, syn-emplacement folds. In sheets with high length/width ratios, magmatic foliations in sheets are folded or parallel to axial planes of host rock folds. With decreasing length/width ratios, margin parallel foliations in both sheet and host rock are increasingly common. Our studies indicate that the sheets are emplaced at high angles to σ 1 , not σ 3 as proposed in elastic dike models, and are always associated with complex, viscoelastic flow of host rock. These observations rule out elastic dike and fault models, and instead favor diapiric rise of magma sheets during viscoelastic behavior of host rock.
Results of surgical treatment for thoracolumbar disc protrusion.

Ninety-nine dogs were treated by hemilaminectomy for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc protrusion. Most animals were 4–7 years old and chondrodystrophoid. The incidence of protrusion was higher at the thoracolumbar junction. Animals with paresis, pain, or pain and paresis had a greater recovery rate than dogs with paralysis. Resume. La protrusion du disque intervertebral thoracolombaire a ete traitee par hemi-laminectomie chez 99 chiens, la plupart âges de 4 a 7 ans et atteints de chondrodystrophie. Les protrusions etaient plus frequentes a la jonction thoraco-lombaire. Les animaux qui manifes-taient de la paresie ou de la douleur, ou de la paresie et de la douleur, se retablissaient plus vite et mieux que les animaux paralyses. Zusammenfassung. Neunundneunzig Hunde wurden mit Hemilaminektomie bei thoraco-lumbaren Zwischenwirbelscheibenvorfall behandelt. Die meisten Tiere waren 4–7 Jahre alt und chondrodystrophoid. Die Haufigkeit von Diskushernien war hoher am thoracolumbarem Uber-gangsabschnitt. Tiere mit Parese, Schmerzen oder Schmerzen und Parese wurden haufiger wiederhergestellt als Hunde mit Paralyse.
Theory of Thematic Curricula

A theory of thematic curriculum emerged during the development of a unit on pets, entitled Pets & Me. The unit was designed through a school/university partnership for children pre-school to grade 5. Analysis of data collected during the unit's development and field tests supports a dynamic view of curriculum that challenges policy makers to rethink policies that begin from a view of curriculum as a static list of "facts" to be learned or "topics" to be mastered. Reflection on the project led to the differentiation of three distinct constructs: (1) facts and information, (2) topics, and (3) themes. Each of these three constructs plays a different role in children's learning. Facts focus on basic information and narrowly defined ideas understood as discrete items. Topics provide a context for facts and information, and present a way of organizing discrete bits of information into classes of experience recognizable by scholars within traditional disciplines. Themes defined as broad existential questions, transcend disciplines, allowing learners to integrate the information and the topic within the full range of human experience. All three are important elements of thematic curriculum. PREFACE
Template-free electrodeposition of multicomponent metal nanoparticles for region-specific growth of interposed carbon nanotube micropatterns

We have demonstrated that multicomponent carbon nanotube micropatterns, in which different nanotubes are interposed in an intimate fashion, can be prepared by pyrolytic growth of carbon nanotubes on interposed micropatterns of different metal nanoparticles generated by template-free pulsed electrodeposition of metal-containing salts onto a photolithographically prepatterned conductive surface at different peak potentials. The resultant multicomponent interposed carbon nanotube micropatterns should have important implications for the construction of multicomponent and multifunctional nanomaterials and nanodevices based on carbon nanotubes for a wide range of potential applications.
Expressivism and plural truth

Contemporary expressivists typically deny that all true judgments must represent reality. Many instead adopt truth minimalism, according to which there is no substantive property of judgments in virtue of which they are true. In this article, I suggest that expressivists would be better suited to adopt truth pluralism, or the view that there is more than one substantive property of judgments in virtue of which judgments are true. My point is not that an expressivism that takes this form is true, but that it more readily accommodates the motivations that typically lead expressivists to their view in the first place.
Elastic fields in joined half-spaces due to nuclei of strain

The Galerkin vector stress functions are obtained for the complete set of 40 physically significant nuclei of strain in two joined elastic half-spaces of different elastic properties as an extension of the solutions for the nuclei of strain in the half-space. Two types of boundary condition at the planar interface are considered: perfect bonding and frictionless contact. Simplified expressions for the Galerkin vectors are introduced which reduce the complexity of the expressions for the displacements and stresses in the half-space and the two-material problems. The solutions are obtained by simply solving a set of linear simultaneous algebraic equations to find the strengths of the image and fictitious nuclei of strain which make the resultant elastic field satisfy the boundary conditions and show the proper singularity.
The Charter School Allure Can Traditional Schools Measure Up

The school choice debate evokes compelling arguments by advocates and opponents alike. As the controversy continues, urban school districts are losing significant resources to charter schools. Districts seeking to compete in the race to reclaim dollars lost to the school choice battle should emulate the factors that have propelled parents to seek alternative schools for their children. This study queried 260 urban parents who have withdrawn their children from the public school to attend charter schools in the past 2 years. Results show that despite the lack of statistically significant evidence of academic gains, parents perceive an enhanced educational experience. The author surmises that the chasm between perceived charter school success and traditional school failure is a “perception gap” with definable constructs that can be addressed through all levels of the traditional school organization. Traditional schools can successfully compete with charter schools by aggressively emulating the variables tha...
Nano-ceramic Composite Scaffolds for Bioreactor-based Bone Engineering

Background Composites of biodegradable polymers and bioactive ceramics are candidates for tissue-engineered scaffolds that closely match the properties of bone. We previously developed a porous, three-dimensional poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLAGA)/nanohydroxyapatite (n-HA) scaffold as a potential bone tissue engineering matrix suitable for high-aspect ratio vessel (HARV) bioreactor applications. However, the physical and cellular properties of this scaffold are unknown. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of n-HA in modulating PLAGA scaffold properties and human mesenchymal stem cell (HMSC) responses in a HARV bioreactor.
Integrated silicon pi-fet accelerometer with proof mass

Abstract A high-performance, intergrated, Si-beam accelerometer with a proof mass composed of 2.8 mg of Si has been fabricated and its performance measured. The strain transcuder for the accelerometer is a piezoelectric-film, field-effect transistor (PI-FET). The mechanical member for the accelerometer consists of an anisotropically etched Si cantilever beam 950 υm wide, 60 υm thick with a proof mass that is 300 υm thick and 2 × 2 mm 2 on the surface. A sensitivity of 5 m V g −1 which is nearly flat over a frequency range from near d.c. to about 2.5 kHz has been measured. The mechanical resonance of the beam occurs at 8.4 kHz. The non-linearity for input signals from 0.1 to 10 g is less than 0.5%. The response at 1 g of acceleration from 100 Hz up to 500 Hz is stable to within 0.1%, roughly the limit of the calibration machine.
Fast fashion: response to changes in the fashion industry

The fashion apparel industry has significantly evolved, particularly over the last 20 years. The changing dynamics of the fashion industry have forced retailers to desire low cost and flexibility in design, quality, and speed to market, key strategies to maintain a profitable position in the increasingly demanding market. This article reviews the literature on changes that have happened in the fashion apparel industry since the 1990s, highlighting the emergence of a concept of ‘throwaway’ or fast fashion. It describes fast fashion from a supplier as well as a consumer's perspective, and draws attention to several potential research issues.