cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Homograft use in reoperative aortic root and proximal aortic surgery for endocarditis: A 12-year experience in high-risk patients

Objectives We examined the early and midterm outcomes of homograft use in reoperative aortic root and proximal aortic surgery for endocarditis and estimated the associated risk of postoperative reinfection. Methods From January 2001 to January 2014, 355 consecutive patients underwent reoperation of the proximal thoracic aorta. Thirty-nine patients (10.9%; mean age, 55.4 ± 13.3 years) presented with active endocarditis; 30 (76.9%) had prosthetic aortic root infection with or without concomitant ascending and arch graft infection, and 9 (23.1%) had proximal ascending aortic graft infection with or without aortic valve involvement. Sixteen patients (41.0%) had genetically triggered thoracic aortic disease. Twelve patients (30.8%) had more than 1 prior sternotomy (mean, 2.4 ± 0.6). Results Valved homografts were used to replace the aortic root in 29 patients (74.4%); nonvalved homografts were used to replace the ascending aorta in 10 patients (25.6%). Twenty-five patients (64.1%) required concomitant proximal arch replacement with a homograft, and 2 patients (5.1%) required a total arch homograft. Median cardiopulmonary bypass, cardiac ischemia, and circulatory arrest times were 186 (137-253) minutes, 113 (59-151) minutes, and 28 (16-81) minutes. Operative mortality was 10.3% (n = 4). The rate of permanent stroke was 2.6% (n = 1); 3 additional patients had transient neurologic events. One patient (1/35, 2.9%) returned with aortic valve stenosis 10 years after the homograft operation. During the follow-up period (median, 2.5 years; range, 1 month to 12.3 years), no reinfection was reported, and survival was 65.7%. Conclusions This is one of the largest North American single-center series of homograft use in reoperations on the proximal thoracic aorta to treat active endocarditis. In this high-risk population, homograft tissue can be used with acceptable early and midterm survival and a low risk of reinfection. When necessary, homograft tissue may be extended into the distal ascending and transverse aortic arch, with excellent results. These patients require long-term surveillance for both infection and implant durability.
Balloon-borne chemiluminescent measurement of NO to 45 km

MEASUREMENT of nitric oxide (NO) above an altitude of 40 km is of interest because in this region of the stratosphere >70% of the total odd nitrogen (NO+NO2+HNO3+N2O5) is thought to exist as NO, and at 45 km the NO is predicted to be approximately 90% of the total1. This measurement thus provides an important test for odd nitrogen concentrations as predicted by theoretical models for ozone chemistry. Some models show that of the total ozone destruction necessary to explain the observed ozone concentration, approximately 50–70% is due to the odd nitrogen catalytic cycles2.
Some spectral properties of cytochrome P-450 from microsomes isolated from control, phenobarbital- and naphthalene-treated houseflies.

Abstract 1. Phenobarbital and naphthalene induce a new species of cytochrome P-450 in houseflies which has a maximum absorbance in the off balance absolute spectrum at 446 nm. 2. Neither induced nor non-induced hemoprotein show type I spectral changes in the oxidized state but only when they are reduced by NADPH, Na 2 S 2 O 4 or when ethyl isocyanide is present in the reaction mixture. The affinity of the induced hemoprotein for type I and II substrates is greater than in the case of control cytochrome P-450. 3. As in mammalian systems, the type I spectral changes depend on the type I substrate concentration. However, control cytochrome P-450 shows small spectral changes at low substrate concentrations, and only at concentrations above 3 mM the spectral changes become large. On the contrary, appreciable type I spectral changes can be observed in the case of induced hemoprotein with substrate concentrations as low as 0.05 mM. This is particularly apparent in the case of induced hemoprotein previously incubated with ethyl isocyanide. Although the extinction coefficient for the Soret peaks produced by ethyl isocyanide appears to be the same for control and induced hemoprotein, the titration of spectral changes for the 455-nm peak is different in control and induced cytochrome P-450. 4. It is suggested that chemical changes involving the heme moiety of cytochrome P-450 bring about conformational changes in the protein moiety which facilitate the binding of type I ligands. Whether this phenomenon has an allosteric nature remains to be established.
A feasibility study of wearable activity monitors for pre-adolescent school-age children.

Author(s): Schaefer, Sara E; Van Loan, Marta; German, J Bruce | Abstract: IntroductionUnderstanding physical activity is key in the fight against childhood obesity. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of using certain wearable devices to measure physical activity among children.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted with 25 children aged 7 to 10 years to assess acceptability and compliance of wearable activity devices in this age group. During March through August 2012, children participated in a 4-week study of 3 accelerometer models and a heart rate monitor. Children were asked to use a different device each week for 7 consecutive days. Children and their parents completed structured interviews after using each device; they also completed a final exit interview.ResultsThe wrist-worn Polar Active was the device most preferred by children and was associated with the highest level of compliance. Devices that are comfortable to wear, fit properly, have engaging features, and are waterproof increase feasibility and are associated with higher levels of compliance.ConclusionThe wrist-worn device was the most feasible for measuring physical activity among children aged 7 to 10 years. These findings will inform researchers in selecting tools for measuring children's physical activity.
Alternatively Spliced Juxtamembrane Domain of a Tyrosine Kinase Receptor Is a Multifunctional Regulatory Site DELETION ALTERS CELLULAR TYROSINE PHOSPHORYLATION PATTERN AND FACILITATES BINDING OF PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL-3-OH KINASE TO THE HEPATOCYTE GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR

The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor is a tyrosine kinase receptor that mediates signal transduction upon ligand stimulation. This receptor is present in mouse tissues as two major isoforms differing by a 47-amino acid segment in the juxtamembrane domain, an alternatively spliced cytoplasmic region adjacent to the transmembrane domain of the receptor. We report here that the juxtamembrane domain of the receptor is involved in the regulation of downstream signal transduction. The two receptor isoforms were transiently expressed in COS-7 cells. Both exogenous receptors underwent autophosphorylation and subsequently stimulated a set of protein tyrosine phosphorylations that were not present in control cells. Comparisons of phosphotyrosine profiles of transfected cell lysates induced by receptor isoforms demonstrated that at least three phosphorylated proteins of ∼ 62, ∼ 35, and ∼ 30 kDa were differentially induced by the receptor isoforms, suggesting that the juxtamembrane domain of a kinase receptor can play a role in selective signal transduction. Furthermore, the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI3 kinase) co-precipitated with the small isoform of the HGF receptor, and this association was dramatically inhibited by treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Since removal of the juxtamembrane domain facilitates the binding of p85 to the receptor, it is likely that the juxtamembrane region plays a role in negative regulation of the binding of PI3 kinase to the HGF receptor. Our study establishes novel molecular sequelae of alternative splicing of an intracellular domain of the HGF receptor.
Does Gender Moderate the Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment and Adult Depression

Although considerable evidence demonstrates that adults who report childhood maltreatment are at increased risk of depression in adulthood, little is known about whether gender moderates risk. In a sample of 5,673 adult Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) patients, the authors employed the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) to assess major depressive disorder (MDD) and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) to assess five different types of childhood maltreatment: emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as emotional and physical neglect. Logistic regression models tested the main and interactive effects of gender and childhood maltreatment. Consistent with previous studies, men and women with histories of each type of childhood adversity were significantly more likely to meet criteria for MDD. However, the authors found no evidence that gender moderates the risk of depression. These findings suggest that men and women reporting history of childhood maltreatment are equally likely to suffer major depression in adulthood.
Correction to Reference Numbers in: “Many Breast Cancer Mutations Parallel Mutations in Known Viral Cancers”

CITATION: friedenson. Correction to reference numbers in: “many Breast Cancer mutations Parallel mutations in Known Viral Cancers”. Journal of Genomes and Exomes 2014:3 37 doi:10.4137/JGe.s22513. TYPE: Corrigendum COPYRIGHT: © the authors, publisher and licensee libertas academica limited. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons CC-BY-nC 3.0 license. CORRESPONDENCE: molmeddoc@yahoo.com; bernief@uic.edu
Sorption of cyclohexane vapor by aluminum dilaurate.

Abstract Two sorption-desorption isotherms were determined at 50°C. for the system aluminum dilaurate-cyclohexane. During the first run the aluminum soap remained in the gel form, but a transition from the gel to jelly form occurred during the second sorption at 85% relative pressure. The jelly sorbed a great deal more cyclohexane at given vapor pressures than had the gel, indicating that the gel is metastable at least in the range 85–100% vapor pressure. Further, the jelly showed marked hysteresis during the desorption. In general, the form of the isotherms is similar to that observed for other jelly-forming colloids.
Modeling of the 3D rocking problem

Abstract The rocking motion of a rigid rectangular prism on a moving base is a complex three dimensional phenomenon. Although, with very few exceptions, the previous models in the literature make the simplified assumption that this motion is planar, this is usually not true since a body will probably not be aligned with the direction of the ground motion. Thus, even in the case where the body is fully symmetric, the rocking motion involves three dimensional rotations and displacements. In this work, a three dimensional formulation is introduced for the rocking motion of a rigid rectangular prism on a deformable base. Two models are developed: the Concentrated Springs Model and the Winkler Model. Both sliding and uplift are taken into account and the fully non-linear equations of the problem are developed and solved numerically. The models developed are later used to examine the behavior of bodies subjected to general ground excitations. The contribution of phenomena neglected in previous models, such as twist, is stressed.
A review of evidence for postulated Middle Pleistocene occupations in Viet Nam

Abstract Since the early 1960s, some Vietnamese and Soviet scholars have proposed that a number of fossil hominid and archaeological localities scattered across the territory of Viet Nam are of Middle Pleistocene antiquity. An extensive review of pertinent literature, in-depth consultation with Vietnamese colleagues, and the examination of specimens and field sites in Viet Nam over the past 3 years lead us to believe that while some of these claims appear valid, the criteria for establishing the absolute age of many localities are tenuous and unreliable at best. We suggest that most assemblages previously interpreted as synchronic single-component occurrences actually reflect human activities extending over very long periods of time. Lines of research that might lead to the resolution of remaining problems are recommended.
Inch by inch, row by row

Bacterial chemotaxis systems have cooperatively interacting clusters of transmembrane receptors and signaling proteins to detect, amplify, integrate and adapt to environmental signals. A recent study provides experimental data to construct a new model of the signaling complex.
A Descriptive Study of Mentor‐Protégé Relationships, Mentors’ Emotional Empathic Tendency, and Protégés’ Teacher Self‐efficacy Belief

This study investigated sample associations between mentors’ emotional empathic tendency, proteges’ perception of the mentoring relationship, and proteges’ teacher self‐efficacy belief. Questionnaires were administered to 26 mentor‐protege pairs who had been together for three semesters in a preservice teacher program. Scores were paired, Pearson Product Moment correlations were calculated, and responses on the open‐ended questionnaire were analyzed to provide descriptive data on factors that influenced proteges’ self‐efficacy belief. Findings indicated some sample evidence that linear relationships existed between mentors’ level of emotional empathy, the proteges’ perception of the mentor‐protege relationship, and the proteges’ teacher self‐efficacy belief. The mentors had a relatively high level of emotional empathic tendency, the proteges rated their mentor‐protege relationships highly, and the proteges had a high level of teacher self‐efficacy belief. Both felt that long‐term placement had provided th...
Experimental Trichinous Myocarditis in Parabiotic Animals.

Infection of one member of a pair of parabiotic rats with various numbers of Trichinella spiralis larvae consistently produced myocarditis in the infected rat. No myocarditis was seen in any of the “uninfected parabionts”.
Coherent and incoherent exciton motion in the framework of the continuous time random walk

Abstract We derive the hopping time distribution functions of the continuous time random walk theory starting from an exact kernel for one-dimensional exciton motion. The derivation is based on exact relations between the kernel and the hopping time distribution functions.
Visualization tool for the scientist/engineer

Continuing advances in supercomputer technology give the scientist/engineer the ability to run increasingly complex computational experiments and simulations. Gaining insight from the flood of simulation resuits is a difficult task for the scientist. This paper presents the Visual interpretation System (VIS), an easy to use, interactive, discipline-independent tool for understanding multidimensional data sets. Components of the VIS are a database manager, a user interface, and a visualization manager. The database manager facilitates discipline-independent visualization and lets the scientist manipulate data with familiar names and attributes. The visualization manager uses an optical model to generate 3D images with a variety of options including opaque and transparent structures, cutouts, and region highlighting. The effectiveness ofthe VIS is demonstrated using data from a 3D simulation of a transistor device.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Regulation of submandibular salivary gland protein synthesis in the developing rat. The effect of food deprivation on polysome isolation and amino acid incorporation

Abstract It has been previously observed that RNase and RNase inhibitor have peak activities in the submandibular salivary gland of rats about 10 days old. This is the time when food deprivation seemed to be most effective in controlling levels of RNase through regulation of its inhibitor. Both linear sucrose density gradient analysis of polyribosomes and an in vitro amino acid incorporation system were used to support the hypothesis that a specific developmental period exists during which the protein synthetic capability of the submandibular salivary gland of the rat is at least partially controlled by diet.
Subspace Identification From Classical Realization Methods

Abstract Subspace identification techniques are reinterpreted via classical realization theory to formulate a wide class of subspace identification methods. Re-formulating subspace identification in terms of a low rank decomposition of a weighted Hankel matrix allows special cases such as impulse-based and step-based input signals, but also realization based on arbitrary input signals and correlation functions. Ideas are illustrated with a simulation example.
The vibrational spectrum of B4Cl4

Abstract Infrared and Raman spectra of solid B 4 Cl 4 have been measured from 35 to 3500 cm −1 . Raman depolarization measurements were made on a CCl 4 , solution, and two i.r. bands were obtained for the vapor. The i.r. spectrum is surprisingly sparse; only one band was found below 925 cm −1 . The spectra can be understood very well on the assumption of a T d structure in which the boron atoms form a tetrahedral cage, with the B Cl bonds directed away from the center of the tetrahedron. In the crystal the symmetry is known to be distorted very slightly to D 2 d , and the Raman spectra show splittings compatible with this. The eight fundamentals for T d symmetry have been assigned as follows (solid state frequencies): a 1 : 1302, 358; e : 692, 117; f 1 : [343] (inferred); f 2 : 978, 514, 110 cm −1 . They are believed to be reliable, except that 110 and 117 may be interchanged. A normal coordinate calculation has been made. It shows that the two a 1 modes are almost completely mixed. The most interesting force constants are k r (B Cl) = 4.08 and k R (B B) = 2.3 ± 0.1 mdyn/A˚. The former is in the normal range, but the latter is quite low by analogy to some related compounds. This reflects the electron-deficient nature of the molecule.
Polymorphisms in the Advanced Glycosylation End Product–Specific Receptor Gene and Risk of Incident Myocardial Infarction or Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose— Recent findings of an association between polymorphisms of advanced glycosylation end product–specific receptor (AGER) and risk of diabetic vasculopathy have generated great...
Patient-Centered Medical Home Initiatives Expanded In 2009–13: Providers, Patients, And Payment Incentives Increased

Patient-centered medical home initiatives are central to many efforts to reform the US health care delivery system. To better understand the extent and nature of these initiatives, in 2013 we perfo...
Interactive Exploration of UML Sequence Diagrams

Sequence diagrams are commonly used to represent object interactions in software systems. Reverse-engineered sequence diagrams, which are constructed from existing code, are becoming widely available to more programmers through modern commercial and research UML tools. However, due to their large size and inefficient spatial design, such diagrams can easily become useless. We discuss the visual limitations of UML sequence diagrams and present a set of techniques for overcoming these limitations. These techniques allow a programmer to explore interactively various aspects of large real-world sequence diagrams in order to gain insights about the behavior of the underlying software. We have implemented a prototype tool based on these techniques, and we have used it to enhance our comprehension of sequence diagrams that were constructed from code in the standard Java libraries. This paper discusses some insights from our experience, and their implications for the builders of visualization tools
Biosynthesis of Deuterated Benzylpenicillins II: Isolation and Characterization of a Highly Deuterated Benzylpenicillin

By using a modified replacement culture technique in combination with deuterated substrates, highly deuterated benzylpenicillin was isolated from the broth and characterized by PMR spectroscopy. Analysis of the spectra revealed an average replacement of 89% of the protons (1H) with deuterium (2H) atoms. Complete replacement by 2H is observed in the phenylacetyl group, the C-3 position of the thiazolidine ring, and the C-6 position of the β-lactam ring. Partial substitution (64%) is noted in the C-5 position of the β-lactam ring and in the methyl groups (77%) at the C-2 position of the thiazolidine ring. The methyl groups of highly deuterated benzylpenicillin are all preformed in the seed inoculum, since there appears to be no de novo biosynthesis of the methyl groups during fermentation.
Neutralizing and Complement. Fixing Antibody Production and Resistance following Vaccination in Experimental Encephalitis Infections.

In mice vaccinated subcutaneously with different doses of virulent W.E.E. virus or with formolized vaccine, neutralizing and complement-fixing antibodies paralleled resistance to some extent yet appeared in groups in which resistance remained undetectable, persisted at a similar maximum level in spite of different titers of resistance, and after resistance had become negligible. In mice vaccinated subcutaneously with different doses of virulent St. Louis encephalitis virus or with formolized vaccine, neutralizing and complement-fixing antibodies bore little relation to resistance. Neutralizing antibodies appeared only in the group showing resistance but not until resistance was diminishing. Complement-fixing antibodies developed equally well in groups with or without resistance.
Acidic and Non-Acidic Reflux During Sleep Under Conditions of Powerful Acid Suppression

Abstract Background: During sleep, individuals are uniquely vulnerable to acid reflux. Acid reflux during sleep has been studied by a number of investigators, but non-acid reflux is largely unexplored. Methods: In this study, 15 individuals with significant subjective complaints of heartburn were treated with esomeprazole, 40 mg bid, and with placebo, in random order, for 1 week each. After 1 week of treatment, participants underwent combined impedence/pH monitoring and polysomnography. In both drug and placebo conditions, these procedures were done after participants consumed a meal designed to increase the likelihood of reflux events. Results: Total reflux events and acid reflux events were significantly decreased with proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment as compared to placebo. Nonacid reflux events were more common with PPI treatment as compared to placebo, but this result was not statistically significant. The ratio of non-acidic to acidic events was significantly greater with PPI treatment, however. Similar results were found for reflux events that occurred only during sleep. Proximal migration of acidic vs non-acidic reflux events was found to be similar. There was no difference in sleep architecture between placebo and drug conditions. Conclusion: PPI treatment reduced overall reflux events, but non-acidic reflux events were relatively more likely to occur with PPI treatment. The occurrence of these non-acidic reflux events on PPI might conceivably explain why some individuals continue to have symptoms after PPI treatment.
A truncated shell model calculation of 23Na. 24Mg and 28Si

Abstract Results of an s-d-shell model calculation of 23Na. 24Mg and 28Si are discussed. An inert 16O core is assumed and states with up to four d 5 2 holes and at most two d 3 2 particles are included. The calculated level energies of 23Na and pre24Mg are in excellent agreement with the observed spectra. Fair agreement for 28Si is also obtained if the d 5 2 -s 1 2 interaction is strenghtened by 400 keV over that used for A = 23 and 24.
Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous(?) synorogenic sedimentary rocks in the southern Spring Mountains, Nevada

A newly recognized sequence of Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous(?) terrigenous rocks in the Good-springs district, Nevada, was deposited during the emplacement of the Contact thrust plate. Two facies are recognized: (1) interbedded conglomerate and sandstone derived from Mesozoic igneous and terrigenous platform rocks and (2) interbedded carbonate and sandstone-clast conglomerate, quartz sandstone, and red shale. No igneous detritus occurs in the facies with carbonate-clast conglomerate. Carbonate clasts could only have been derived from the Paleozoic carbonate sequence, which was exposed in the area by latest Jurassic to earliest Cretaceous thrusting. The age of rocks from a volcanic unit within the synorogenic sequence was determined radiometrically to be 150 ± 10 m.y. (K-Ar on biotite). The sequence was deposited disconformably on deeply eroded rocks of the early Mesozoic platform and ultimately overridden from the west by the Contact thrust plate. Information from the sequence corroborates previously reported regional data regarding the timing and nature of the Contact-Red Springs thrust event.
Thermoelectrics from Abundant Chemical Elements: High-Performance Nanostructured PbSe–PbS

We report promising thermoelectric properties of the rock salt PbSe–PbS system which consists of chemical elements with high natural abundance. Doping with PbCl2, excess Pb, and Bi gives n-type behavior without significantly perturbing the cation sublattice. Thus, despite the great extent of dissolution of PbS in PbSe, the transport properties in this system, such as carrier mobilities and power factors, are remarkably similar to those of pristine n-type PbSe in fractions as high as 16%. The unexpected finding is the presence of precipitates ∼2–5 nm in size, revealed by transmission electron microscopy, that increase in density with increasing PbS concentration, in contrast to previous reports of the occurrence of a complete solid solution in this system. We report a marked impact of the observed nanostructuring on the lattice thermal conductivity, as highlighted by contrasting the experimental values (∼1.3 W/mK) to those predicted by Klemens–Drabble theory at room temperature (∼1.6 W/mK). Our thermal con...
Characterization of a Defense Complex Consisting of Interleukin 1 and Phenol Oxidase from the Hemolymph of the Tobacco Hornworm, Manduca sexta

Hemolymph of fifth instar Manduca sexta larvae collected under non-sterile conditions exhibited the presence of a novel high molecular weight protein complex, which was absent from the hemolymph collected aseptically. The high molecular weight complex consisted of, at least, prophenol oxidase, phenol oxidase, and an interleukin 1-like molecule, thereby demonstrating the generation of this complex as a consequence of a host defense response. While the native phenol oxidase and the interleukin 1-like molecule possessed molecular weights of about 80,000 and 17,000, respectively, the complex had a molecular weight of about 400,000. Apart from prophenol oxidase, phenol oxidase, and interleukin 1, dopachrome isomerase and other, as of yet unidentified, proteins may be part of the complex as judged by the presence of additional bands observed during SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The significance of the assembly of this defense complex for insect host defense strategies is discussed.
The Structure of Surface Steps on Low-Index Planes of Oxides.

Surface steps have been observed on low-index planes of alpha-alumina and spinel. The steps were produced by annealing both bulk and perforated thin foil single crystals. A comparative study of bright-field TEM and dark-field REM of the same crystals makes it possible to construct models for the surface structure. Many faceted steps can be observed on the (0001), $\{{01\bar 12} \}$ , $\{{10\bar 10} \}$ and $\{{11\bar 20} \}$ surfaces of alpha-alumina and on the {100} surface of spinel. A detailed study of step faceting and step facet movement during reheating is presented.
Exemplars' Experience of Self-Managing Type 2 Diabetes:

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experience of learning self-management among women with type 2 diabetes. The 17 study participants were nominated as exemplars of self-manag...
ESTIMATING DENSITY AND LANE INFLOW ON A FREEWAY SEGMENT

This paper illustrates a methodology for estimating density in a freeway lane between detector stations and measuring the net number of vehicles to enter (or leave) the lane, i.e., the lane inflow. The work uses vehicle arrivals at each detector station and information from a sparse vehicle reidentification system, one that may match the measurements from as few as 5% of the vehicles that pass both detector stations. Such reidentification systems have already been documented and deployed for dual loop detectors and they will be used for illustration. Of course this work is also applicable to other vehicle reidentification systems, which may be based on other detection technologies, that may have a higher rate of reidentification.
Atomic Physics and Related Subjects.: Communications to Nature.: Raman Lines of Mercury in Arc improbable

A COMMUNICATION by Venkatesachar and Sibaiya appeared in NATURE for Nov. 30, 1929, in which the opinion was expressed that some of the faint nebulous lines of the mercury arc were in reality Raman lines of mercury excited by the more powerful radiations.
Rate Constant and Product Branching for the Vinyl Radical Self-Reaction at T = 298 K

The rate constant and product branching for the self reaction of C2H3 has been measured using the discharge−flow kinetic technique coupled to mass spectrometric detection at T = 298 K and 1 Torr nominal pressure (He). C2H3 is produced by the reaction of F with C2H4, which also forms C2H3F + H. In addition to the C2H3 self reaction, C2H3 also decays by reaction with H and by wall loss processes. The result obtained by parameter fitting the C2H3 decay curves was k(C2H3 + C2H3) = (1.41 ± 0.60) × 10-10 cm3 molecule-1 s-1, where k is defined by d[C2H3]/dt = 2k[C2H3]2. Results from the product studies showed that the recombination product 1,3-butadiene was not observed at 1 Torr and that the ratio [C2H2] product formed/[C2H3]0 was 0.65 ± 0.14 for the combined C2H3 + C2H3 and C2H3 + H reactions. Both observations are consistent with C2H2 + C2H4 being the exclusive C2H3 + C2H3 products, since the maximum yield of C2H2 from the combined C2H3 + C2H3 and C2H3 + H reactions is 0.59. The experimental observations that...
Pupil Alignment Considerations for Large, Deployable Space Telescopes

For many optical systems the properties and alignment of the internal apertures and pupils are not critical or controlled with high precision during optical system design, fabrication or assembly. In wide angle imaging systems, for instance, the entrance pupil position and orientation is typically unconstrained and varies over the system s field of view in order to optimize image quality. Aperture tolerances usually do not receive the same amount of scrutiny as optical surface aberrations or throughput characteristics because performance degradation is typically graceful with misalignment, generally only causing a slight reduction in system sensitivity due to vignetting. But for a large deployable space-based observatory like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), we have found that pupil alignment is a key parameter. For in addition to vignetting, JWST pupil errors cause uncertainty in the wavefront sensing process that is used to construct the observatory on-orbit. Furthermore they also open stray light paths that degrade the science return from some of the telescope s instrument channels. In response to these consequences, we have developed several pupil measurement techniques for the cryogenic vacuum test where JWST science instrument pupil alignment is verified. These approaches use pupil alignment references within the JWST science instruments; pupil imaging lenses in three science instrument channels; and unique pupil characterization features in the optical test equipment. This will allow us to verify and crosscheck the lateral pupil alignment of the JWST science instruments to approximately 1-2% of their pupil diameters.
Non-hydrolyzable synthetic analogs of phosphatidic acids

Diether-phosphonate analogs of phosphatidic acids of the type ROCH2-CH(OR′)CH2P(O)(OH)2(RC2H5,R′CH3;RC18H37,R′C16H33;RC18H37,R′CH3) have been prepared by reaction of the corresponding iodides with triethyl phosphite, followed by hydrolysis. The iodides were prepared in one step from the allyl alkyl ether, alcohol, iodine, and zinc oxide. It was found that a reagent recently described for the detection of phosphatides on thin-layer chromatograms also detects many but not all phosphonic acids and esters. The synthesis of propargyl octadecyl ether and of barium ethyl 2-benzyloxyethylphosphonate is also described.
Angiotensin II type 2 receptor-stimulated activation of plasma prekallikrein and bradykinin release: role of SHP-1

ANG II type 2 receptors (AT2R) elicit cardioprotective effects in part by stimulating the release of kinins; however, the mechanism(s) responsible have not been fully explored. We demonstrated prev...
Isolation of Differentially Expressed Genes by Cloning Transcriptionally Active DNA Fragments

During studies of erythroid cell growth and differentiation induced by erythropoietin (Epo), we developed a method that allows the identification and isolation of genes based upon their transcriptional activity. Transcriptionally active genomic DNA fragments from Epo-treated cells and control cells are purified from inactive chromatin using mercury affinity chromatography, based on the mechanism that the thiol groups of histone H3 on transcriptionally active chromatin are exposed to the solvent and therefore are easily accessible. Using the purified genomic DNA fragments from the two populations of cells, a subtractive hybridization strategy is used to isolate and clone genes that are differentially expressed in the absence or in the presence of Epo.
The Analysis and Control of Micro-Hardness Distribution During Wire Drawing

During wire drawing processes a critical parameter is the micro-hardness distribution imposed. The present numerical and experimental investigation focused on the effects of and interdependence between processing parameters such as die angle, bearing length, lubrication, and draw speed during wire drawing. The micro-hardness distribution imparted by the drawing process was selected as the focal product quality attribute. The goal of the study was to evaluate the ability to create desired hardness levels in a drawn wire product. The numerical component of the study was performed using DEFORM-2D, a commercially available metal forming software package based on the finite element method. In addition, experimental verifications of the software predictions were completed wherever possible. Full factorial designs of the processing parameters were studied, and it was found that the final hardness distribution was primarily affected by the die angle. Interactions between the four processing parameters were negligible. Based upon this finding, it was concluded that strength and hardness variations inherent to stock wire could be detected and minimized during wire drawing through the appropriate science-based selection of die angle. This could dramatically enhance the consistency of the wide range of common metal products that are manufactured from wire stock.
Quantitative trait loci mapped to single-nucleotide resolution in yeast.

Identifying the genetic variation underlying quantitative trait loci remains problematic. Consequently, our molecular understanding of genetically complex, quantitative traits is limited. To address this issue directly, we mapped three quantitative trait loci that control yeast sporulation efficiency to single-nucleotide resolution in a noncoding regulatory region (RME1) and to two missense mutations (TAO3 and MKT1). For each quantitative trait locus, the responsible polymorphism is rare among a diverse set of 13 yeast strains, suggestive of genetic heterogeneity in the control of yeast sporulation. Additionally, under optimal conditions, we reconstituted ∼92% of the sporulation efficiency difference between the two genetically distinct parents by engineering three nucleotide changes in the appropriate yeast genome. Our results provide the highest resolution to date of the molecular basis of a quantitative trait, showing that the interaction of a few genetic variants can have a profound phenotypic effect.
Stabilizing effects of spatial heterogeneity in predator-prey systems.

Abstract A general predator is assumed to divide its hunting time between two sub-habitats with different prey species, spending a larger fraction (φ) of search time in an area as the relative prey abundance there increases. This always causes switching in the model, and changes a functional response from one that imposes a risk on the average prey that decreases with prey density in the direction of one that imposes an increasing risk. I discuss the conditions for a response that is density dependent, and those predatory attributes that make such a response more likely. Transit time between subhabitats always increases the density dependent effect, and is necessary for “system stability” in a Lotka-Volterra model with two prey species. Experiments have confirmed the model's basic assumption. General predators do not fit easily into classical predator-prey models of simple “closed” communities, and then the degree of density dependence of the functional response becomes a useful measure of a predator's short-term stabilizing effect on a prey species. The model demonstrates how spatial heterogeneity can be stabilizing.
Selective reagents in chemical ionization mass spectrometry: Tetramethylsilane with ethers

Chemical ionization mass spectra of several ethers obtained with He/(CH3)4Si mixtures as the reagent gases contain abundant [M + 73]+ adduct ions which identify the relative molecular mass. For the di-n-alkyl ethers, these [M + 73]+ ions are formed by sample ion/sample molecule reactions of the fragment ions, [M + 73 − CnH2n]+ and [M + 73 − 2CnH2n]+. Small amounts of [M + H]+ ions are also formed, predominantly by proton transfer reactions of the [M + 73 − 2CnH2n]+ or [(CH3)3SiOH2]+ ions with the ethers. The di-s-alkyl ethers give no [M + 73] + ions, but do give [M + H]+ ions, which allow the determination of the relative molecular mass. These [M + H]+ ions result primarily from proton transfer reactions from the dominant fragment ion, [(CH3)3SiOH2]+ with the ether. Methyl phenyl ether gives only [M + 73]+ adduct ions, by a bimolecular addition of the trimethylsilyl ion to the ether, not by the two-step process found for the di-n-alkyl ethers. Ethyl phenyl ether gives [M + 73]+ by both the two-step process and the bimolecular addition. Although the mass spectra of the alkyl etherr are temperature-dependent, the sensitivities of the di-alkyl ethers and ethyl phenyl ether are independent of temperature. However, the sensitivity for methyl phenyl ether decreases significantly with increasing temperature.
Role of insulin as a "permissive" hormone in mammary gland development.

THE growth and differentiation of the mammary gland is controlled by the synergistic action of insulin, prolactin and ovarian or corticosteroid hormones1–4. The ovarian steroid induced alveolar development of the virgin mammary gland in vivo is mediated by activation of nucleic acid and protein synthesis and mitosis5–9. On the other hand, numerous studies using organ cultures, mostly of fragments of mid-pregnant mammary gland, emphasised the role of insulin as the mitogenic hormone in mammary gland development10–12. This variable nature of responsiveness of the mammary tissue to hormones in vivo and in organ culture has been discussed in recent reports13,14. The proliferative mammary gland of pregnancy, mostly used in these organ culture studies10–12, should contain a large proportion of cells in the division cycle at the time of excision; we considered that hormonal regulation of the fate of these dividing cells during incubation in vitro may influence the interpretation of the results obtained from the organ culture studies. In order to test this possibility, mid-pregnant mammary cells of Balb/c mice were labelled for 1 h with 3H-thymidine (3H-dT) in vivo, and the transit patterns of the labelled cells reaching mitosis were determined at different times in organ culture.
The cyanomethyl group for nitrogen protection and iminium ion generation in ring-enlarging pyrrolidine annulations. A short synthesis of the amaryllidaceae alkaloid d,1-crinine

Abstract The preparation of cis -3a-aryl-4-oxo-decahydrocyclohepta[b]pyrroles and cis -3a-aryl-4-oxo-octahydroindoles is facilitated by using a cyanomethyl group to both protect nitrogen and serve as a precursor for a formaldehyde iminium ion.
RF localization inside human body: Enabling micro-robotic navigation for medical applications

In this paper we introduce issues relevant to understanding of the human body as a medium for radio frequency (RF) navigation of smart robots travelling inside the body for wireless medical applications. We provide the results of Cramer Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) for in-body localization using received signal strength (RSS) and we highlight challenges demanding further research for attaining more precise localization inside body using time-of-arrival (TOA) techniques.
Propagating Modes with Large Bandwidth in Nanoscale Cylindrical Holes

Subwavelength cylindrical holes in optically thick metallic films always support propagating modes near the surface plasmon frequency, regardless of how small the holes are. Here, we design nanoscale holes supporting modes with very large bandwidth.
Commitment to One -- Openness to Others: A Challenge for Christians

As we so often hear, Christians of every new generation, or in any new cultural context, have to answer for themselves the question Jesus posed for the first generation of disciples: “Who do you say I am?” (Mk 8:27) This is a question that can be answered only in the light of other questions—that is, the personal, social, political, scientific questions we find ourselves grappling with in our own age and experience. The meaning of Jesus “becomes flesh” again in the meaning and direction we struggle for in our own times.Among the questions that most stir the minds and feelings of Christians today, perhaps one of the most rankling and challenging is that of other religions traditions and other religious believers—the issue of religious pluralism. To answer the question “Who do you say I am?”, we have to connect it to the question “Who do you say they are?” How do we understand Jesus—his person and his work—in view of so many other religious persons and their words and works of wisdom? As Roger Haight has perceptively pointed out, the reality of other religions is not a question we take up after we have worked out our Christology. It enters into, and directs and determines, how we do our Christology from the very start.If I can try to formulate how “Who do you say I am?” translates into the context of religious pluralism, it might be something like: “How can I be truly committed to Christ and at the same time be truly open to other religions?” That, I think, captures the questions and the struggles many Christians are feeling as they try to understand themselves as Christians in a world of many religions.
Synthesis, Transfer, and Devices of Single- and Few-Layer Graphene by Chemical Vapor Deposition

The advance of graphene-based nanoelectronics has been hampered due to the difficulty in producing single- or few-layer graphene over large areas. We report a simple, scalable, and cost-efficient method to prepare graphene using methane-based CVD on nickel films deposited over complete Si/SiO2 wafers. By using highly diluted methane, single- and few-layer graphene were obtained, as confirmed by micro-Raman spectroscopy. In addition, a transfer technique has been applied to transfer the graphene film to target substrates via nickel etching. FETs based on the graphene films transferred to Si/SiO2 substrates revealed a weak p-type gate dependence, while transferring of the graphene films to glass substrate allowed its characterization as transparent conductive films, exhibiting transmittance of 80% in the visible wavelength range.
Political Influence: Strategies Employed by Organizations to Impact Legislation in Business and Economic Matters

This study examines strategies that business lobbyists, consumer groups, unions, and federal agencies employ to shape federal legislation. Interviews with U. S. senators and congressmen preceded a questionnaire survey of 435 chief legislative policymakers. Results reveal that the three major sectors adopt different strategy sets and these strategy sets have varying impacts on the legislative process.
What urban government for a sustainable urban planning? Conceptual analysis based on the case study of tunisian cities and their local agenda 21

A Tunis, comme dans la majorite des villes en developpement, le systeme de pouvoir centralise se presente comme l’unique pourvoyeur-regulateur de l’urbanisation et de sa durabilite. Dans de pareils contextes qui sous-integrent la participation citoyenne dans la gestion des villes, des notions telles que « gouvernement urbain » et « gouvernance » peuvent apparaitre tout particulierement inappropriees face aux fonctionnements en « reseaux » des acteurs dans leurs structures sociales et politiques. L’etude des villes tunisiennes revele l’emergence de nouvelles formes de gouvernement local dont les actions et les decisions demeurent fortement fragilisees par les pouvoirs extra-locaux. Ce paradoxe dans les formes de pouvoirs et dans leur maniere d’agir amenent a s’interroger, pour ainsi partir d’une confrontation entre contextes et « concepts », sur les enjeux de la democratisation de l’action locale et leurs repercussions sur l’urbanisme durable.
Darcy's law–based numerical simulation for modeling 3D liquid absorption into porous wicks

Liquid imbibition into polymer wicks, where a clear liquid front can be seen rising during the wicking process, is modeled using the concepts of flow in porous media. The flow of liquid behind the moving liquid front is modeled using the physics of single-phase flow in a porous medium where the Darcy’s law is combined with the continuity equation and a capillary suction pressure is imposed at the liquid front. A novel numerical simulation PORE-FLOW V C based on the finite element/control volume method is proposed to model such imbibitional flows in wicks of complex shapes. A validation of the simulation is obtained by achieving an excellent comparison of its predictions with an experimental result, an analytical solution, and the Washburn equation for the case of wicking against gravity in a cylindrical wick. The simulation is also used to predict a case of two-dimensional (2D) wicking in the altered cylindrical wicks with two different cross-sectional areas. Once again an excellent match is obtained with the experimental results, while analytical solutions for the single and double cross-section cases along with the Washburn equation fail to predict the 2D wicking. Later, some other types of altered wicks with sharp changes in their cross-sectional areas were analyzed numerically for their wicking behavior. It was observed that the height of liquid front in a vertical wick as a function of time, which is proportional to the history of liquid imbibed, is strongly dependent on the extent of reduction in the wick cross-sectional area as well as its location vis-a `-vis the wick entrance. V C 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 57: 1132–1143, 2011
Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications.

Far infrared (FIR) radiation ( λ = 3 – 100 μ m) is a subdivision of the electromagnetic spectrum that has been investigated for biological effects. The goal of this review is to cover the use of a further sub-division (3 – 12 μ m) of this waveband, that has been observed in both in vitro and in vivo studies, to stimulate cells and tissue, and is considered a promising treatment modality for certain medical conditions. Technological advances have provided new techniques for delivering FIR radiation to the human body. Specialty lamps and saunas, delivering pure FIR radiation (eliminating completely the near and mid infrared bands), have became safe, effective, and widely used sources to generate therapeutic effects. Fibers impregnated with FIR emitting ceramic nanoparticles and woven into fabrics, are being used as garments and wraps to generate FIR radiation, and attain health benefits from its effects.