cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of shape and stroke parameters on the propulsion performance of an axisymmetric swimmer

In nature, there exists a special group of aquatic animals which have an axisymmetric body and whose primary swimming mechanism is to use periodic body contractions to generate vortex rings in the surrounding fluid. Using jellyfish medusae as an example, this study develops a mathematical model of body kinematics of an axisymmetric swimmer and uses a computational approach to investigate the induced vortex wakes. Wake characteristics are identified for swimmers using jet propulsion and rowing, two mechanisms identified in previous studies of medusan propulsion. The parameter space of body kinematics is explored through four quantities: a measure of body shape, stroke amplitude, the ratio between body contraction duration and extension duration, and the pulsing frequency. The effects of these parameters on thrust, input power requirement and circulation production are quantified. Two metrics, cruising speed and energy cost of locomotion, are used to evaluate the propulsion performance. The study finds that a more prolate-shaped swimmer with larger stroke amplitudes is able to swim faster, but its cost of locomotion is also higher. In contrast, a more oblate-shaped swimmer with smaller stroke amplitudes uses less energy for its locomotion, but swims more slowly. Compared with symmetric strokes with equal durations of contraction and extension, faster bell contractions increase the swimming speed whereas faster bell extensions decrease it, but both require a larger energy input. This study shows that besides the well-studied correlations between medusan body shape and locomotion, stroke variables also affect the propulsion performance. It provides a framework for comparing the propulsion performance of axisymmetric swimmers based on their body kinematics when it is difficult to measure and analyze their wakes empirically. The knowledge from this study is also useful for the design of robotic swimmers that use axisymmetric body contractions for propulsion.
AUTOMATED MODIFIED LOWRY METHOD FOR PROTEIN ANALYSIS OF MILK

Protein concentrations in milk were compared using a modified Lowry and the micro-Kjeldahl methods. Correlation coefficients for absorbance (Lowry) vs protein (Kjeldahl) were 0.925, 0.904 and 0.899 for individual Holstein, individual Guernsey and bulk raw milk samples, respectively, whereas, the R2 was 0.9998 for samples of 2.5-4.0% protein prepared from three brands of nonfat dry milk. Added lactose, up to 16 mg/ml milk, did not interfere in the test. Storage at 4°C for up to 6 days was without effect. However, whey proteins had a lower specific absorbance than did casein. The standard deviation of differences among triplicate Lowry tests was about one-third of that for duplicate micro-Kjeldahl tests.
An Approach to Comprehensively Evaluate Potential Park and Ride Facilities

ABSTRACT A park and ride facility provides an option to car drivers to park their cars and switch to public transportation for the remaining portions of their trips. Although park and ride has been implemented in many cities in the United States and integrated with different modes of transportation, no comprehensive approach has been developed in published literature to assess the feasibility of a potential park and ride site. This research proposes a comprehensive approach, which consists of the following tasks, to evaluate potential park and ride facilities: 1 Site location analysis 2 Bus system reliability analysis 3 Parking supply and usage analysis 4 Mode choice model 5 User demand and ridership estimation 6 Cost estimation and economic impacts analysis The application of the proposed tasks was demonstrated through a case study of a site in the City of El Paso, Texas.
Effects of management practices on the timing of captive chimpanzee births

Most wild and captive nonhuman primates give birth nocturnally. Circadian rhythm mechanisms are a principal determinant of the nonrandom initiation of labor, but it has been suggested that the decreased human activity and increased seclusion over the weekend in laboratory primate colonies may result in an effect whereby births are confined mainly to the quiet periods. This study tests for such an effect in the timing of 153 live, term births in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) housed in three institutions with various management practices. Eighty-four percent of births occurred nocturnally, and peak delivery time was between 2400 and 0700 hours. When the total number of births was examined, significantly fewer births occurred on Wednesdays and Thursdays, during the mid-week peak in colony activity, and significantly more births occurred on Sundays and Mondays. In facilities having marked alterations between weekday and weekend activity, significantly more births occurred Sunday and Monday. In the colonies where weekend and weekday surveillance and activity were similar, births were more evenly distributed throughout the week. These data suggest that parturition may be inhibited by routine colony activities that are perceived as stressful by some animals, and that the decreased activity and increased privacy on weekends may allow relaxation of parturient females, resulting in delivery during or immediately following the weekend. Colony managers should minimize colony activities that are potentially stressful to prepartal females in order to reduce risks to the fetus that may occur with delay or disruption of normal parturition. © 1992 Wiley-Liss Inc.
Thymidine Phosphorylase Gene Mutations in MNGIE, a Human Mitochondrial Disorder

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is an autosomal recessive human disease associated with multiple deletions of skeletal muscle mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which have been ascribed to a defect in communication between the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Examination of 12 MNGIE probands revealed homozygous or compound-heterozygous mutations in the gene specifying thymidine phosphorylase (TP), located on chromosome 22q13.32-qter. TP activity in leukocytes from MNGIE patients was less than 5 percent of controls, indicating that loss-of-function mutations in TP cause the disease. The pathogenic mechanism may be related to aberrant thymidine metabolism, leading to impaired replication or maintenance of mtDNA, or both.
Cost estimation of drilling operations by a Drilling Burr Control Chart and Bayesian statistics

Abstract A cost minimization procedure for the drilling operation was developed based on a Drilling Burr Control Chart and Bayesian statistics. The cost of a drilling operation consists of the cost of drilling (hole making) and the cost of deburring. The drilling burr control chart is a tool that is based on experimental data and shows a specific distribution of burr types on the space defined by process variables developed for the chart. Bayesian statistics were applied to predict the probability of formation of certain types of burrs. Probabilistic burr type prediction is more feasible and, potentially, more effective in a mass production environment because drilling burr formation has considerable variation at certain ranges of process parameters. The procedure developed in this study can be effectively used to estimate and minimize the total cost of a drilling operation without sacrificing the productivity and hole quality.
CHARACTERIZATION OF TAMM-HORSFALL PROTEIN IN A RAT NEPHROLITHIASIS MODEL

Purpose: The role of Tamm-Horsfall protein in calcium oxalate stone formation is controversial. It is unclear whether Tamm-Horsfall protein has a role in crystallization. If it does, does it act as an inhibitor or promoter of crystallization? To elucidate the nature of its involvement we characterized Tamm-Horsfall protein in a rat model of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis by in vivo and in vitro techniques.Materials and Methods: Calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The amino acid and carbohydrate composition of Tamm-Horsfall protein from normal rats and those with nephrolithiasis was determined. The Tamm-Horsfall protein gene and protein expression in the kidneys were examined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the interaction of Tamm-Horsfall protein and calcium oxalate crystals was assessed by an in vitro crystal aggregation assay.Results: Tamm-Horsfall protein from rats with nephrolithiasis was biochemically similar to that from normal ra...
Evaluating the Role of Weaving Section Characteristics and Traffic on Crashes in Weaving Areas

Objective: The likelihood of being involved in a crash on a freeway, in general, is greater on weaving sections than on basic freeway sections and in ramp influence areas. This is due to possible crossing of entry and/or exit traffic over a short distance while traveling in the same direction without the aid of traffic control devices resulting in potential conflicting situations and crashes. This article focuses on evaluating the role of weaving section characteristics (configuration type, length and the number of required lane changes by weaving traffic) and traffic variables (entry volume, exit volume, and non-weaving volume) on crashes in weaving areas. Methods: Data collected for 25 weaving sections in the Las Vegas metropolitan area are used to study the relationship between crashes and weaving section characteristics and traffic variables. The relationship between (1) crashes by selected collision types and contributing factors and (2) weaving section characteristics and traffic variables are also ...
Alkalitalea saponilacus gen. nov., sp. nov., an obligately anaerobic, alkaliphilic, xylanolytic bacterium from a meromictic soda lake

A Gram-positive, obligately anaerobic, motile, slender, flexible rod, designated SC/BZ-SP2T, was isolated from mixed alkaline water and sediment of Soap Lake, Washington State, USA. Strain SC/BZ-SP2T formed salmon to pink colonies and was alkaliphilic. The isolate grew at pH35 °C 7.5–10.5 (optimum pH35 °C 9.7), at 8–40 °C (optimum 35–37 °C) and with 0.35–1.38 M Na+ (optimum 0.44–0.69 M Na+). The isolate utilized l-arabinose, d-ribose, d-xylose, d-fructose, d-mannose, d-galactose, cellobiose, maltose, sucrose, trehalose, sorbitol, xylan, malate and yeast extract as carbon and energy sources; best growth was observed with l-arabinose, cellobiose, maltose and trehalose. The major fermentation products from beechwood xylan were propionate and acetate. The dominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C17 : 0 3-OH and C15 : 0 3-OH. The cell-wall sugars were ribose, xylose, galactose and glucose. Thiosulfate and sulfite could be reduced to sulfide. The genomic DNA G+C content was 39.5±0.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SC/BZ-SP2T belonged to the family Marinilabiliaceae of the order Bacteroidales , class Bacteroidia . The most closely related strains were Alkaliflexus imshenetskii Z-7010T (91.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Marinilabilia salmonicolor Cy s1T (91.0 %) and Anaerophaga thermohalophila Fru22T (90.4 %). On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic features, strain SC/BZ-SP2T represents a novel species in a new genus of the family Marinilabiliaceae , for which the name Alkalitalea saponilacus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Alkalitalea saponilacus is SC/BZ-SP2T ( = ATCC BAA-2172T = DSM 24412T).
THE REGULATION OF SOME SUGAR DEHYDROGENASES IN A PSEUDOMONAD.

Abstract 1. 1. At least five sugar dehydrogenases were demonstrable in extracts of a Pseudomonad. These included two galactose dehydrogenases ( d -galactase: NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.48 and d -galactose: NADP oxidoreductase), one or two d -arabinose ( d -arabinose: NADCP) oxidoreductase), one glucose dehydrogenase ( d -glucose: NAD oxidoreductase) and one relatively nonspecific aldose sdehydrogenase (aldose: NAD oxidoreductase). 2. 2. Selection of strains which produce the galactose dehydrogenases constitutively revealed a complex regulatory relationship among the various dehydrogenases. In general, several enzymes were produced constitutively by a given strain. 3. 3. The aldose dehydrogenase was demonstrated in one constitutive strain and purified extensively. The results of purification and heat inactivation indicate that one catalytic species was responsible for the oxidation of glucose and galactose.
Solubilization and purification of aldehyde-generating fatty acyl-CoA reductase from green alga Botryococcus braunii

Membrane-bound fatty acyl-CoA reductase from the green alga Botryococcus braunii has been solubilized from the microsomal preparation by 0.1% octyl β-glucoside and purified to near homogeneity by Blue A agarose and palmitoyl-CoA agarose affinity column chromatography. The molecular mass of the enzyme was estimated by SDS-PAGE to be 35 kDa. The enzyme generates fatty aldehyde by reduction of fatty acyl-CoA with NADH as the reductant. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of this protein that represents the first eucaryotic aldehyde-generating reductase to be purified shows high homology with the N-terminus of fatty acid reductase from bacteria.
Information security governance: integrating security into the organizational culture

We finally got what we wished for: executive managers are aware of the need to protect their organizational data. However, we still have problems; for example, database breaches, stolen passwords and identity theft continue to be major issues. Aside from usability issues, the major issue is that management usually considers information security governance as under the jurisdiction of their information technology department, separate from corporate governance. They do not realize that security cannot be treated as an "add-on"; security must be made a priority and become integral to the organizational culture. This integration of security must be done from the top down and include everyone in the organization. I propose that the best and easiest way to accomplish this is by focusing on the everyday security issues that employees confront. Management should not initially try to force employee buy-in to the entire security policy. Instead, management should initially limit the policies with which all personnel must comply in order to help shape behavior that will ultimately become second nature. As employees learn and comply with these policies, management can slowly introduce the additional policies so that eventually the entire policy becomes integral to the organizational culture.
Multi-crystallin complexes exist in the water-soluble high molecular weight protein fractions of aging normal and cataractous human lenses.

Abstract The purpose of the study was to identify non-covalently held complexes that exist in the water-soluble high molecular weight (WS-HMW) protein fractions of normal human lenses of 20-year-old and 60- to 70-year-old, and in the age-matched 60- to 70-year-old cataractous lenses. The WS protein fractions were prepared from five pooled normal lenses of 20-year-old donors or five pooled lenses of 60- to 70-year-old donors or four pooled cataractous lenses (with nuclear opacity) of 60- to 70-year-old donors. Each WS protein fraction was subjected to size-exclusion chromatography using an Agarose A 5m column to recover the void volume WS-HMW protein fraction. A method known as blue-native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE), which allows the isolation of large multi-protein complexes (MPCs) in their native state for further characterization, was used to separate such complexes from individual WS-HMW protein fractions. The protein species that existed as a complex were excised from a gel and trypsin-digested, and the amino acid sequences of the tryptic fragments analyzed by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ES-MS/MS). After the second-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate–PAGE during BN-PAGE, protein complexes containing a total of 16, 12, and 24 species with Mr between 10 and 90 kDa were identified in the HMW protein fractions of normal lenses of 20-year-old, 60- to 70-year-old and cataractous lenses of 60- to 70-year-old donors, respectively. Based on the amino acid sequences of tryptic peptides of individual protein species in the complexes by the ES-MS/MS method, the presence of α-, β-, and γ-crystallin species along with beaded filament proteins (filensin and phakinin) was observed in the 20-year-old normal lenses. The 60- to 70-year-old normal lenses contained filensin and aldehyde dehydrogenase in addition to the above crystallins. Similarly, the age-matched cataractous lenses also contained the above crystallins and aldehyde dehydrogenase but lacked beaded filament proteins. Protein complexes, held mostly via non-covalent bonding, were seen in the WS-HMW proteins of 20-year-old normal, 60- to 70-year-old normal, and 60- to 70-year-old cataractous lenses. The complexes in the normal lenses were made of α-, β-, and γ-crystallin species, beaded filament proteins (filensin and/or phakinin), and aldehyde dehydrogenase. The complexes in the age-matched cataractous lenses also contained these crystallins, and aldehyde dehydrogenase, but not the beaded filament proteins. Further, the crystallin fragments were greater in number in the cataractous lenses compared to the age-matched normal lenses. During multi-angle light scattering (MALS), the HMW proteins from cataractous lenses exhibited species with lower molecular weight range than age-matched normal lenses. The HMW protein preparations from both normal and cataractous lenses showed spherical structures on electron microscopic analysis.
A 2-Aminobenzimidazole That Inhibits and Disperses Gram-Positive Biofilms through a Zinc-Dependent Mechanism

A number of 2-aminobenzimidazole derivatives were synthesized and screened for their ability to inhibit and disperse bacterial biofilms. From these compounds, a lead 2-aminobenzimidazole was identified that both inhibited and dispersed MRSA, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. Mechanistic studies showed that the activity is Zn(II)-dependent, potentially via a direct zinc-chelating mechanism.
Thermodynamic Properties of Methane Hydrate in Quartz Powder

Using the experimental method of precision adiabatic calorimetry, the thermodynamic (equilibrium) properties of methane hydrate in quartz sand with a grain size of 90−100 μm have been studied in the temperature range of 260−290 K and at pressures up to 10 MPa. The equilibrium curves for the water−methane hydrate-gas and ice−methane hydrate-gas transitions, hydration number, latent heat of hydrate decomposition along the equilibrium three-phase curves, and the specific heat capacity of the hydrate have been obtained. It has been experimentally shown that the equilibrium three-phase curves of the methane hydrate in porous media are shifted to the lower temperature and high pressure with respect to the equilibrium curves of the bulk hydrate. In these experiments, we have found that the specific heat capacity of the hydrate, within the accuracy of our measurements, coincides with the heat capacity of ice. The latent heat of the hydrate dissociation for the ice−hydrate-gas transition is equal to 143 ± 10 J/g, ...
Thermodynamic properties of the dimerized half-filled-band Hubbard chain

The dimerized-chain Hubbard model is characterized by a Coulomb energy $U$ and two alternating transfer constants, an intradimer constant $t$, and a smaller interdimer constant ${t}^{\ensuremath{'}}$. We have used thermodynamic perturbation theory to treat the half-filled-band case, taking the interdimer transfer as the perturbation term. The unperturbed problem is a lattice of isolated dimers. We give the energy, specific heat, and magnetic susceptibility as functions of temperature for the unperturbed case and for the first nonvanishing order in the perturbation. The results are consistent with the $U=0$ case, which is solved exactly. The interdimer transfer ${t}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ has the effect of distorting the peaks in the specific heat and reducing the susceptibility; this is shown graphically.
Grandchildren Raised by Grandparents: Comparing the Experiences of African-American and Tanzanian Grandchildren

This article compares the experiences and issues faced by grandchildren being raised by grandparents in New York with those of grandchildren in Tanzania, with both groups of grandparents having participated in grandparent empowerment training. The findings highlight differences between the groups related to both culture and resources but also suggest that empowerment training can positively impact both groups.
Temperature monitoring in digital replantation

Postoperative monitoring of replanted and revascularized digits with skin temperature probes was performed on the 20 patients admitted to the Duke University Medical Center Orthopaedic Replantation Service from April to July, 1977. Using multiple probes, temperatures were recorded for the replanted digit, a control digit on the same hand, and the dressing which represented the ambient temperature. In addition, the following simultaneous clinical inspections were performed on the digits: capillary refill, skin color, turgor, audibility of arterial Doppler tones, and amplitude of pulp pressure tracing. Temperatures of the replanted digits were in the range of 26.0° to 35.0° C. Control temperatures remained relatively stable, in the range of 33.0° to 35.0° C. From the authors' experience the patterns of temperature change which signaled changes in perfusion of the replanted digit and possible poor prognosis were (1) the temperature of the replanted digit dropping more than 2.5° C while the control temperature stayed constant; (2) the temperature of the replanted digit dropping below 30.0° C for longer than 1 hour; and (3) the control temperature dropping below 30.0° C with no correctable cause found.
Laboratory studies of the ·OH-initiated photooxidation of ethyl-n-butyl ether and di-n-butyl ether

Oxygenated compounds such as ethers and alcohols are used as gasoline additives and industrial solvents. However, despite their widespread use, the atmospheric reaction mechanisms of some of these compounds are unknown. This study examines the ·OH-initiated gas-phase removal mechanisms of ethyl-n-butyl ether (ENBE) and di-n-butyl ether (DNBE) utilizing gas chromatography–mass spectrometry techniques. The primary products and molar yields from the hydroxyl-radical–initiated photooxidation of ENBE in the presence of nitric oxide were acetaldehyde (0.173 ± 0.012), ethyl formate (0.219 ± 0.033), butyraldehyde (0.076 ± 0.004), butyl formate (0.241 ± 0.009), butyl acetate (0.032 ± 0.001), and ethyl butyrate (0.0044 ± 0.0006). From the calculated molar yields, approximately 45.5% of the reacted carbon were recovered. The primary products and molar yields from the DNBE and hydroxyl radical reaction in the presence of nitric oxide were propionaldehyde (0.379 ± 0.022), butyraldehyde (0.119 ± 0.003), butyl formate (0.410 ± 0.009), and butyl butyrate (0.019 ± 0.001). Approximately 47.7% of the reacted DNBE were recovered. The chemical mechanisms are presented to explain the formation of these products. In addition, the importance of the isomerization and nitrate/nitrite formation pathways in the reactions of large ethers are discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 33: 328–341, 2001
Evaluation and management of small-bowel tumors in the era of deep enteroscopy

In summary, small-intestine tumors are a rare phenomenon, but they are being discovered more frequently with newer diagnostic techniques. Prior studies of the small bowel were limited, making the diagnosis difficult. With the advent of CE and deep enteroscopy, gastroenterologists are finding these tumors at an earlier stage, thereby offering better management options for these patients. Although the incidence of small-bowel tumors has increased, the survival rates have remained the same. This may be a lag-time bias but could be a future area of research in this emerging field.
Source Addressing and Medium Access Control in Bacterial Communication Networks

In this work, we focus on the problem of source addressing in multiple source single receiver bacterial communication network. We propose amplitude-addressing, where the amplitude of transmitted signal is assigned as address of the source. We analyse the performance of the network with different addressing mechanisms and propose an optimum address sequence for a given network design. We also show that amplitude-addressing implicitly solves the problem of medium access control.
Re-solution-controlled fission-gas behavior in UO2 irradiated in a fast flux

Uranium dioxide irradiated in a fast neutron flux to a burnup of 2 × 1020 fissions/cm3 between 650 and 1400°C has been examined by transmission- and scanning-electron microscopy and replication metallography. The fission-gas distribution in the fuel matrix and grain boundaries has been characterized as a function of irradiation temperature and fission rate. The majority of fission gas produced even at the highest irradiation temperature was in the UO2 matrix either in solution or in the form of bubbles < 20 A in diameter. The results are explained on the basis of an irradiation-induced re-solution mechanism whereby fission gas from within bubbles is reinjected into metastable solution in the UO2 lattice. Calculated fission-gas solubilities are given as a function of temperature for 1013, 3 × 1013, and 1014 fissions/cm3 · sec, and, based on these results, it is concluded that the re-solution process is operative over a substantial fuel volume of both light-water-reactor and fast-breeder-reactor oxide fuels.
The role of external beam irradiation in patients undergoing prostate brachytherapy

Abstract The role of external beam irradiation (EBT) combined with transperineal interstitial permanent prostate brachytherapy (TIPPB) remain undefined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of EBT when combined with TIPPB in a retrospective, matched-pair analysis. Between September 1992 and January 1997, 605 consecutive patients with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent TIPPB. Patients with prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels ⩽10, Gleason scores ⩽6, and stage ⩽T2a underwent TIPPB alone using I-125 and Pd-103 [160 Gy (pre-TG-43) and 120 Gy, respectively]. Combined EBT and TIPPB was offered to patients with a PSA level >10 and/or Gleason score >6. From this cohort, a matched-pair analysis was performed to better assess the role of EBT and TIPPB (n = 215). PSA relapse-free survival was based on the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology Consensus Panel definition. Kaplan-Meier actuarial survival curves were compared to assess various prognostic factors. The median follow-up for all 215 matched patients was 44 months (range, 24–81) with an actuarial PSA relapse-free survival (RFS) at 5 years of 81.1%. Patients treated with EBT and TIPPB had a 5-year PSA RFS of 83.5% whereas patients treated with TIPPB only had a 5-year PSA RFS of 79.4% (p = 0.715). There was no difference in outcome between groups with regard to Gleason score groupings or PSA ⩽10 ng/ml or >10 ng/ml. Risk group analysis combining PSA, Gleason score, and stage failed to identify any risk group for which the addition of EBT was significant. Analysis of postimplant dosimetry using the dose to 90% of the prostate volume (D90) failed to distinguish any difference between groups. A significant advantage for combining EBT and TIPPB could not be demonstrated in this retrospective matched-pair analysis. These data indicate that the role and rationale of combined treatment in prostate brachytherapy requires better clarification, with a prospective randomized trial.
Studies of Naphthyl-Substituted β-Cyclodextrins. Self-Aggregation and Inclusion of External Guests

Studies of 3-O-(2-methylnaphthyl)-β-cyclodextrin (1) with various spectroscopic methods including 1H NMR, fluorescence, UV−vis, and circular dichroism yield information on the character of this compound. NOESY data indicate the naphthyl moiety binds inside the cyclodextrin cavity. 1H NMR concentration-dependent studies reveal that 1 is a dimer at concentrations of >10-4 M. The circular dichroism spectrum of dilute samples is consistent with a monomer. Analysis of 1 complexing with 2-(p-toluidino)-6-naphthalenesulfonate (TNS) with both fluorescence and 1H NMR demonstrates that a hydrophobic interaction occurs between 1 and TNS. The concentration dependence of this interaction is strongly affected by the dimerization equilibrium of 1.
Hemodynamic Effects of Postural Changes in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

In order to evaluate optimum patient position following acute myocardial infarction, hemodynamics were studied in 21 patients in the supine and semierect posture (70 degree head and thorax elevation with legs horizontal). None of the patients was in acute pulmonary edema or cardiogenic shock. Cardiac output (thermodilution technique) and right-sided pressure measurements were obtained with a triple lumen flow-directed balloon catheter. Following a change from the supine to semierect posture, right atrial pressure rose from an average of 6 to 9 mm Hg (p
Characterization of a rat liver protease with specificity for insulin.

A soluble hepatic enzyme which preferentially cleaves insulin has been isolated from the 100,000 X g supernatant of rat liver. This enzyme was purified 97–fold by ultracentrifugation, Ca3(PO4)2 gel adsorption—elution, Sephadex G-200 filtration and DEAE-Sephadex A–50 chromatography. The enzyme was estimated to have a mol wt of 80,000 by its behavior on Sephadex G-200. The Km for insulin degradation was found to be 0.10μ.M. In fractionated liver homogenate, the 100,000 X g supernatant was found to be responsible for 96% of the total insulin degrading activity. The remaining 4% of activity was in the debris, mitochondrial and microsomal fractions. The enzyme exhibited a relatively narrow pH range with the optimum activity occurring at pH 7.6. The enzyme was shown to be proteolytic and independent of glutathione (GSH) for enzymatic activity. Marked specificity for insulin degradation was found as indicated by a 15–fold greater rate of insulin destruction over that for proinsulin. Human growth hormone was not ...
Elevated cell-surface hyaluronate in substrate-attached cells.

CHO cells, an anchorage-independent Chinese hamster cell line, synthesize and deposit more hyaluronic acid into the cell-surface material when attached to substrate than when growing in suspension. The difference cannot be explained by differences in turnover, cellular localization, or secretion. Evidently the anchorage state per se stimulates hyaluronic acid synthesis.
Factors Affecting Rates of Comonomer Consumption in Copolymerization Processes with Intermittent Activation

Many controlled polymerization processes proceed via intermittent activation (i.e., by a series of activation/deactivation cycles), and this interrupted growth process may affect not only polydispersities but also (co)polymer microstructure. The computer modeling indicates that, in systems with intermittent and selective activation, rates of consumption of comonomers may be different from conventional systems, and this can result in different copolymer composition, microstructure, and different apparent reactivity ratios. The effect of several parameters such as concentration of the involved reagents, rate constants of homopropagation, cross-propagation, activation, and deactivation on the copolymer composition was studied. Deviations from the conventional systems are predicted for systems such as controlled/living radical polymerization, atom transfer radical polymerization, group transfer radical polymerization, “living” carbocationic polymerization, and other systems with intermittent activation. Use o...
Applications of biofilms in bioremediation and biotransformation of persistent organic pollutants, pharmaceuticals/personal care products, and heavy metals

In this review, the strategies being employed to exploit the inherent durability of biofilms and the diverse nutrient cycling of the microbiome for bioremediation are explored. Focus will be given to halogenated compounds, hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products as well as some heavy metals and toxic minerals, as these groups represent the majority of priority pollutants. For decades, industrial processes have been creating waste all around the world, resulting in contaminated sediments and subsequent, far-reaching dispersal into aquatic environments. As persistent pollutants have accumulated and are still being created and disposed, the incentive to find suitable and more efficient solutions to effectively detoxify the environment is even greater. Indigenous bacterial communities are capable of metabolizing persistent organic pollutants and oxidizing heavy metal contaminants. However, their low abundance and activity in the environment, difficulties accessing the contaminant or nutrient limitations in the environment all prevent the processes from occurring as quickly as desired and thus reaching the proposed clean-up goals. Biofilm communities provide among other things a beneficial structure, possibility for nutrient, and genetic exchange to participating microorganisms as well as protection from the surrounding environment concerning for instance predation and chemical and shear stresses. Biofilms can also be utilized in other ways as biomarkers for monitoring of stream water quality from for instance mine drainage. The durability and structure of biofilms together with the diverse array of structural and metabolic characteristics make these communities attractive actors in biofilm-mediated remediation solutions and ecosystem monitoring.
Psychometric Properties of the Inventory of Learning Processes: Evidence from United Arab Emirates College Students:

The reliability and validity of the Inventory of Learning Processes was investigated for 166 United Arab Emirates college students. Analysis provided satisfactory estimates of internal consistency and stability over a 4-wk. period. In addition, moderate intercorrelations among scales were comparable to the 1977 values of Schmeck, et al. Finally, correlations were significant between Deep and Elaborative Processing scales and students' GPAs, indicating that the two scales were moderately predictive of academic performance. These findings lend support to the reliability and validity of the Inventory of Learning Processes as a measure of learning style. In sum, the present investigation provides some evidence suggesting that this instrument can be used with reasonable confidence with subjects other than American college students.
Imaging cerebral malaria with a susceptibility-weighted MR sequence.

Cerebral malaria is a severe complication seen in approximately 2% of patients with acute Plasmodium falciparum infection. Characteristic diffuse petechial hemorrhages that were previously only seen by gross pathologic or microscopic examination, and virtually undetectable by conventional imaging
Radium-thorium disequilibrium and zeolite-water ion exchange in a Yellowstone hydrothermal environment

Abstract Whole rock samples of hydrothermally altered Biscuit Basin rhyolite from Yellowstone drill cores Y-7 and Y-8 were analyzed for 226 Ra and 230 Th to determine the extent of radioactive disequilibrium and its relation to the rates and mechanisms of element transport in the shallow portion of an active hydrothermal system. The ( 226 Ra 230 Th ) activity ratios range from 0.73 to 1.46 and are generally correlated with Th-normalized Ba concentrations (Ba N ). Values of ( 226 Ra 230 Th ) and Ba N > 1 were found in samples containing large modal fractions of clinoptilolite; whereas values of ( 226 Ra 230 Th ) and Ba N d mineral-water Ba values are 1.0·10 5 mL/g for clinoptilolite and 1.4·10 4 mL/g for mordenite. Apparent diffustvities through matrix porosity estimated for Ra and Ba range from ∼10 −12 to ∼10 −10 cm 2 s −1 in thoroughly zeolitic rhyolite; these rates of diffusion are too low to account for the observed distance scale of ( 226 Ra 230 Th ) disequilibrium. The correlated values of ( 226 Ra 230 Th ) disequilibrium and Ba N represent zeolite-water ion exchange equilibrium that is caused by porous flow of water through the rock matrix and by the relatively rapid diffusion of cations within the zeolite lattices. A water flux of at least ∼2.5 ( cm water 3 cm rock 3 ) yr −1 is required to produce measurable ( 226 Ra 230 Th ) disequilibrium, whereas at least ∼23 ( cm water 3 cm rock 3 ) yr −1 is r for the sample exhibiting the most extreme ( 226 Ra 230 Th ) disequilibrium; these fluxes are much higher than those that can be inferred from net mass transfers of stable species. The zeolite-water ion exchange process appears to have been operating for at least 8000 yr in the environment of the Y-7 and Y-8 drill holes.
Conjoint Effects of Intelligence and Adaptive Behavior on Achievement in a Nonreferred Sample

This study examined the conjoint effects of intelligence and adaptive behavior on subsequent achievement in a nonreferred sample. Scores from the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Revised (WPPSI-R) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-Classroom Edition (VABS-CE) were collected for 51 kindergarten children. These kindergarten scores subsequently were compared with the children's second-grade achievement in reading, spelling, language, and math. Results indicated a moderate overall relationship between intelligence and adaptive behavior scores (r = .31, p < .05), which corroborates earlier evidence that these are separate, but related constructs. As in previous studies, achievement was predicted best by intelligence (r = .67, p < .001). However, in the areas of reading, language, and math achievement, adaptive behavior contributed significant additional predictive power (117% for total achievement), even after intelligence had been taken into account.
Perlecan signaling: Helping hedgehog stimulate prostate cancer growth

Perlecan, an extracellular matrix proteoglycan, regulates signaling by a variety of growth factors through protein-protein and protein-carbohydrate interactions. Recent evidence demonstrates that Perlecan modulates sonic hedgehog signaling during both development and neoplasia, in particular in prostate cancer. Perlecan directly binds to sonic hedgehog and is required for its signaling. Increased sonic hedgehog signaling due to Perlecan in aggressive and metastatic prostate cancer cells can be attributed to increased Perlecan expression or changes in Perlecan glycan structure. Additional co-localization studies suggest that other tumor types may also have a Perlecan-modulated hedgehog signaling pathway. Inhibitors of Perlecan function at either the protein or glycan level would be ideal drug candidates for anti-cancer therapies.
Noninvasive quantification of coronary artery calcification: methods and prognostic value.

Evaluation of coronary artery calcium can allow early identification of coronary artery disease in patients with chronic renal failure. Computed tomography (CT) is a noninvasive method for detecting coronary calcium. Several scoring methods can be used to quantify CT-defined calcium load. The additive value of calcium scoring in cardiovascular risk assessment remains controversial. Caution is needed when extrapolating data on the prognostic value of coronary calcium quantification to patients with altered calcium metabolism, such as those with chronic renal failure.
Structural Studies of Pillared Clays and Modified Pillared Clays

The long-range order of pillared interlayered clays (PILCs) after acid activation with 0.05N HCl has been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The data show that long-range order in PILCs decreases as AlCH-PB = ZrCH-PB much greater than Zr/AlCH-PB = Cr/AlCH-PB (PB = pillared bentonite; MCH = metal chlorohydroxy pillaring agent, where M = Al, Zr or Cr). Apparently, pure oxide clusters are more stable than mixed oxide clusters. Treatment of PILCs with dilute HCl at 25/sup 0/C is less damaging than at reflux temperature, and calcined PILCs are more stable than air-dried materials. More structural damage occurs with 3M sulfuric acid treatment than with dilute HCl. Treatment with a weak base also causes some degradation of the pillars. /sup 27/Al-MAS NMR has been used to study pillared hectorite (PH), as well as other clay systems. The large increase of the observable octahedral aluminum (Al(VI)) resonance seen after pillaring is explained by loss of water from the (Al/sub 13/O/sub 4/(OH)/sub 24/(H/sub 2/O)/sub 12/)/sup 7 +/ (Al/sub 13/) cation. /sup 27/Al spectra of PILCs derived from different pillaring agents and exposed to various heat and acid treatments are remarkably similar. 16 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
Continuation of cropping sequence studies on coarse textured soils in southeastern Idaho

A potato cropping rotation study was initiated on coarse textured soils in 1969 to compare annual cropping to potatoes with potato-grain rotations. At the completion of the 1975 season, those treatments annually cropped to potatoes had been planted to potatoes for seven consecutive years. After this period of time, total yields were reduced by 14% or 55 cwt/acre (6 T/ha) when compared to yields from potato-grain rotation treatments. Soil fumigation with 30 gpa (285 1/ha) of soil fumigant (Shell D-D) resulted in no beneficial effects on tuber yield or quality.
Childhood primary cutaneous non-T/non-B lymphoma followed by acute T-cell leukemia.

An 8-year-old girl presented with cutaneous lymphoma without bone marrow or visceral involvement. The tumor cells displayed convoluted and invaginated euchromatic nuclei. The immunophenotype of these cells was non-T/non-B (Ia+, CALLA-, SIg-, TdT-, E-, Thy-). The skin lesions regressed promptly with chemotherapy including cyclophosphamide, vincristine, methotrexate, doxorubicin, and cytosine arabinoside. Six months after the completion of chemotherapy (18 months postdiagnosis), the patient had a relapse of the skin lesions with concurrent bone marrow involvement. The cutaneous infiltrate at relapse was morphologically and immunophenotypically similar to that at the onset of illness. However, the bone marrow infiltrate, although morphologically similar to the cutaneous tumor, had an immunophenotype consistent with T-cells (Ia+, CALLA-, SIg-, E-, TdT+, Thy+, OKT4+, OKT8+). As in adults, primary cutaneous non-T/non-B lymphomas in children may be derived from T-cells or their precursors. Cancer 57:2368–2374, 1986.
In vivo stoichiometry monitoring of G protein coupled receptor oligomers using spectrally resolved two-photon microscopy

Resonance Energy Transfer (RET) between a donor molecule in an electronically excited state and an acceptor molecule in close proximity has been frequently utilized for studies of protein-protein interactions in living cells. Typically, the cell under study is scanned a number of times in order to accumulate enough spectral information to accurately determine the RET efficiency for each region of interest within the cell. However, the composition of these regions may change during the course of the acquisition period, limiting the spatial determination of the RET efficiency to an average over entire cells. By means of a novel spectrally resolved two-photon microscope, we were able to obtain a full set of spectrally resolved images after only one complete excitation scan of the sample of interest. From this pixel-level spectral data, a map of RET efficiencies throughout the cell is calculated. By applying a simple theory of RET in oligomeric complexes to the experimentally obtained distribution of RET efficiencies throughout the cell, a single spectrally resolved scan reveals stoichiometric and structural information about the oligomer complex under study. This presentation will describe our experimental setup and data analysis procedure, as well as an application of the method to the determination of RET efficiencies throughout yeast cells ( S. cerevisiae ) expressing a G-protein-coupled receptor, Sterile 2 α factor protein (Ste2p), in the presence and absence of α-factor - a yeast mating pheromone.
The “Daylight Saving” Bill

MAY I point out, in addition to the recognised unscientific nature of the proposals of this Bill, that the third Sunday in April for the putting on of the clocks is hardly consistent with the third Sunday in September for putting them back? The length of the day in the third week of April is considerably greater than in the third week of September, and it would be much more consistent if the two equinoctial months March and September were both adopted for the alteration. The fourth Sunday in March, a little after the vernal equinox, has about the same length of day as the third Sunday in September, a little before the autumnal equinox. If it be urged that the temperature of the air in March in this country is too low for summer habits of life, one may reply that it is still too low in April, and even May, despite the long days and high altitude of the sun.
The effect of acute aortic regurgitation on the transthoracic impedance cardiogram

In nine anesthetized dogs, recordings of the first derivative of the transthoracic impedance cardiogram (ICG) were made during varying grades of acute aortic regurgitation. Acute aortic regurgitation was induced using a specially designed umbrella catheter, passed retrograde across the aortic valve into the left ventricle. The RFA (representing the fraction of the aortic reverse flow to the aortic forward flow) was computed using an electromagnetic flow probe implanted around the ascending aorta. Both the peak of the scalar ICG, dz/dtmax, which occurs at peak systolic ejection, and the nadir of the scalar ICG, X, which marks the closing of the aortic valve, increased with aortic regurgitation. The planimetered areas of the ICG during systole (S), and in early-diastole (X) increased during aortic regurgitation. These areas, S and X, correlated with the electromagnetic normalized aortic stroke volume (r = 0.90) and the regurgitant volume (r = 0.78), respectively. The ICG ratio X/S was correlated directly with the electromagnetic aortic regurgitant fraction (r = 0.86). This study demonstrates that the ICG waveform is consistently modified by experimental aortic regurgitation. Furthermore, these changes can be quantitatively related to the degree of aortic regurgitation.
FETAL URINARY TRACT ABNORMALITIES: Natural History, Pathophysiology, and Treatment

Urologic abnormalities are commonly detected on routine obstetric sonographic examinations. The progressive nature and potential reversibility of obstructive urologic anomalies have led to interest in in utero treatment of these lesions. Over 90% of obstructive urologic lesions do not need treatment until after birth. For a select group of patients, antenatal treatment may improve postnatal renal and pulmonary function. When indicated, minimally invasive nephroamniotic or vesicoamniotic stenting is the preferred method of treatment.
Rehabilitation of a Paraplegic Prisoner: Conflicts for Patient and Nurses

The most frequent outcome of a physical rehabilitation program is discharge to an independent or assisted-living environment in the community. When a patient remains incarcerated throughout a rehabilitation stay and is returned to a prison at discharge, both patient and nurse can experience conflicts caused by differences in the two settings. This article presents a case study in which conflicts that occurred and strategies for their resolution are discussed.