cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lateral transport of ions into the xylem of corn roots: I. Kinetics and energetics.

A technique is described for study of the kinetics of lateral transport of ions across single roots of corn, Zea mays, in short term experiments under steady state conditions. The kinetics of chloride transfer to the vessels reflected the kinetics of absorption of chloride by the root cells. Efflux from the root vacuoles contributed to only a small extent to transport of chloride into the exudate. Lateral transport of chloride was inhibited by bromide at chloride concentrations in the ranges of both mechanisms 1 and 2 in a manner implicating competition. The uncoupler carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone used at 1 mum caused transfer of chloride to cease almost immediately at both low and high concentrations of chloride. Oligomycin depressed transport of chloride to the vessels within 10 to 15 minutes after application at 2 micrograms per milliliter. Inhibition by oligomycin was 75% at 0.5 mm chloride and 55% at 5 mm.It is concluded that lateral transport of chloride across corn roots is mediated by the dual mechanisms of ion absorption which reside in the plasmalemma. Transfer of chloride is inhibited by bromide and depends upon ATP as energy source. Chloride moves from the plasmalemma, the site of carriermediated absorption, to the xylem vessels by way of the symplasm. There is no evidence in these experiments that lateral transport of chloride in corn roots is governed by diffusion at any concentrations of chloride used in these experiments.
Conservation of the amino acid sequence of SV2, a transmembrane transporter in synaptic vesicles and endocrine cells.

Abstract SV2 is a secretory vesicle-specific protein produced by all neurons and by endocrine cells. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence of this protein indicates that it is a transmembrane transporter [Bajjalieh et al., Science 257 (1992) 1211–1213; Feany et al., Cell 70 (1992) 861–867; Gingrich et al, FEBS Lett. 312 (1992) 115–122]. To determine the regions of the protein that are the most highly conserved throughout evolution, and might therefore be essential for the function of SV2, we isolated a cDNA clone encoding SV2 from the elasmobranch fish, Discopyge ommata , and compared the deduced aa sequence to two isoforms from rat, SV2A and SV2B [Bajjalieh et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90 (1993) 2150–2154]. The comparison indicates that although the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain of SV2 is the most divergent region, it contains a highly conserved sequence that is predicted to be the epitope for a monoclonal antibody that crossreacts with all species and two isoforms of SV2 [ Buckley and Kelly J. Cell Biol. 100 (1985) 1284–1294; Bajjalieh et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90 (1993) 2150–2154]. The remainder of the protein is highly conserved: 62% of the aa in SV2 from D. ommata are identical to the rat SV2A sequence, and 12% are conservative substitutions. The high degree of conservation of this protein throughout evolution and across species indicates that it mediates a critical function of synaptic vesicles.
Reversible reaction of double-stranded polynucleotides and Hg-2: separation of the strands.

THE reaction of double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) and mercuric compounds1 proceeds by two principal steps2–4. In the DNA's occurring naturally, these steps can be demonstrated and defined by the presence of isobestic points in the ultraviolet spectra of the equilibrium mixture. The first reaction occurs in the region 0 ⩽ r ⩽ 0.5 – 0.6; the second, in the region r ⩾ 0.5 – 0.6, where, as usual, the quantity r is defined as the number of moles of HgII added per mole of nucleotide.
Are there possibilities for the detection of chronically elevated alcohol consumption by hair analysis? A report about the state of investigation

The analysis of suitable ethanol markers in hair would be an advantageous tool for chronic alcohol abuse control because of the wide diagnostic window allowed by this specimen and the possibility of segmental investigation. Between the markers practically used or thoroughly investigated in blood or urine, ethylglucuronide, fatty acid ethylesters, phosphatidylethanol, acetaldehyde adducts to protein and 5-hydroxytryptophol can be regarded as possible candidates also in hair, but preliminary data were found in the literature only for ethylglucuronide and acetaldehyde modified proteins. By using headspace gas chromatography and headspace solid phase microextraction in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS), in alkaline hydrolysates of hair it was possible to determine between 17 and 135 ng/mg of ethanol beside acetone and several other volatile compounds with slightly higher ethanol values for alcoholics than for social drinkers and teetotalers. A part of this is ethanol only absorbed in the hair matrix from the surrounding environment and consequently is not applicable as a diagnostic criterion. By extraction with aqueous buffer, methanol or a methanol/chloroform mixture and subsequent alkaline hydrolysis it was found that another part is generated from ethylesters, which are preferentially deposited in the lipid fraction of hair. In a specific search for ethylesters of 17 carboxylic acids by GC/MS-SIM in most cases ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (0.1 to 5.9 ng/mg, a preservative in hair cosmetics) and in four cases traces of indolylacetic acid ethylester were found. Furthermore, diethyl phthalate (a softening agent, present also in many cosmetic products) was identified in the hair of alcoholics as well as of children. As potential markers of alcohol intake, ethyl palmitate, ethyl stearate and ethyl oleate were detected in hair samples of alcoholics by headspace SPME-GC/MS of the chloroform/methanol extracts.
CCL5-independent Helper T Lymphocyte Responses to Immuno-dominant Pneumococcal Surface Protein A Epitopes

Understanding the requirements for protection against pneumococcal carriage and pneumonia will greatly benefit efforts in controlling these diseases. Several antigens, in addition to the polysaccharide capsule, have been implicated in both the virulence and protective immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae; one of the best-studied S. pneumoniae antigens is pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA). Recently, it was shown that genetic polymorphisms could diminish CCL5 expression, which results in increased susceptibility to and progression of infectious diseases. We previously showed CCL5 blockade reduced PspA-specific humoral and cellular pneumococcal immunity, during S. pneumoniae strain EF3030-induced carriage, by diminishing IFN-γ and enhancing IL-10 secretion by effector T cells. We also identified immuno-dominant helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes in PspA peptide 19-23 (PspA199-246), which caused comparatively more cytokine secretion and proliferation responses by splenic and cervical lymph node (CLN) CD4+ T cells from mice previously challenged with S. pneumoniae strain EF3030. In this study, we sought to determine if PspA199-246–specific CD4+ T cells responses were resistant to the effect of CCL5 deficiency. In short, T cell responses against these HTL epitopes were resistant to CCL5 inhibition, than compared to cells from control or naive mice, and unaffected by reduced co-stimulatory molecule expression caused by CCL5 blockade. CCL5 deficiency also corresponded with a higher number of IL-10+ CD11b+ CD11cLo and CD11b+ CD11cHi cells and lower IFN-γ expression by similar cells, than compared to controls. These data confirm CCL5 is an essential factor for optimal pneumococcal adaptive immunity and show CD4+ T cell responses to PspA199-246 are largely resistant to CCL5 deficiency.
Effects of Repeated Readings on Bilingual and Monolingual Memory for Text

Abstract Repeated readings is a recognized method for improving students′ memory for text. In this paper, we investigated the variables that influence the effectiveness of repeated readings. Across four experiments, college students read narrative or expository texts and answered comprehension questions about the texts. The time interval between the repetitions (massed or spaced repetitions), the language of repetitions (same or different) as well as the type of activity between the two repetitions (interfering or noninterfering passages) were manipulated. These variables affected performance only on text-based questions that asked for details rather than on questions that asked for main ideas and inferences. A spaced repeated reading led to better performance than a massed repeated reading. However, a bilingual presentation could overcome the disadvantages of a massed repetition.
Geometry and resolution of duality gaps

In this study we interpret the exterior penalty function method as a generalized lagrangian metliod which fills duality gaps in nonconvex problems. Geometry and resolution of these gaps from a duality point of view are highlighted.
Self-repairing and tuning reconfigurable electronics for space

Space missions often require technologies not yet available for earth applications. This talk will present the development of self-reconfigurable electronics for two real-world problems met by NASA: extreme environment electronics and navigation grade miniaturized inertial measurement sensor. Radiation and extreme-temperature hardened electronics is needed to survive the harsh environments beyond earth's atmosphere. Traditional approaches to preserve electronics incorporate radiation shielding, insulation and redundancy at the expense of power and weight. This presentation will demonstrate the implementation of a self-adaptive system using a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and data converters which can autonomously recover the lost functionality of a reconfigurable analog array (RAA) integrated circuit (IC). The second application is related to the development of inexpensive, navigation grade, miniaturized inertial measurement unit (IMU), which surpasses the current state-of-the art in performance, compactness (both size and mass) and power efficiency used by all NASA missions. The talk will explain a self-tuning method for reconfigurable Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) gyroscopes based on evolutionary computation that has the capacity to efficiently increase the sensitivity of MEMS gyroscopes through in-situ tuning. Didier Keymeulen joined the computer science division of the Japanese National Electrotechnical Laboratory as senior researcher in 1996. In 1998 he moved to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and is currently principal member of the technical staff in the Bio-Inspired Technologies Group. At JPL, he is responsible for the applications of the DoD and NASA projects on evolvable hardware for adaptive computing that lead to the development of fault-tolerant electronics and autonomous and adaptive sensor technologies. He is the electronics test lead of the tunable laser spectrum (TLS) instrument on the 2011 Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover mission to Mars. He served as chair, co-chair, and program-chair of the NASA/ESA Conference on Adaptive Hardware and Systems. Didier received his BSEE, MSEE and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Free University of Brussels, Belgium.
Target parameter estimation with heterogeneous sensor networks

A distributed network of sensors leverages its performance by aggregating information gathered by individual sensors. This process is referred to as sensor fusion. The primary goal of sensor fusion is to process and progressively refine information from multiple sensors to eventually create situation awareness (SA). Sensor fusion requires sensors to exchange data and information over a network with limited capacity. Consequently, fusing raw sensor data may not be desirable, since transporting large amounts of data from sensor nodes will consume a lot of bandwidth, which is in short supply in a typical wireless sensor network. More importantly, when a network has heterogeneous sensors with widely varying signal characteristics, it may not even be possible to mix sensor data from different sensor modalities. To minimize network bandwidth requirements and to deal with the multiple sensing modalities, we propose an alternative approach in which sensors compute their individual estimates, which are then sent to a fusion center that generates global estimates by optimally aggregating individual estimates. Since sensors do not have any prior knowledge about the value of the parameters to be estimated, each sensor independently computes its maximum likelihood estimates of the unknown parameters, based on the limited sensed data gathered in its local vicinity. These estimates along with their distributions are then communicated to a fusion center. The global estimator computes the final maximum likelihood estimates by maximizing a new likelihood function using the distribution of the individual estimates provide by different sensors. Since the distribution of an estimate typically requires a small number of parameters or moments, the amount of data that a sensor needs to communicate over the network is significantly reduced. The performance of the global estimator is evaluated by computing the Cramer-Rao lower bound of the variance of the estimates.
Neuromodulation of Cancer Pain

Managing cancer-related chronic pain is challenging to health care professionals as well as cancer patients and survivors. The management of cancer-related pain has largely consisted of pharmacological treatments, which has caused researchers to focus on neurotransmitter activity as a mediator of patients' perception of pain rather than the electrical activity during neurobiological processes of cancer-related pain. Consequently, brain-based pain treatment has focused mainly on neurotransmitters and not electrical neuromodulation. Neuroimaging research has revealed that brain activity is associated with patients' perceptions of symptoms across various diagnoses. The brain modulates internally generated neural activity and adjusts perceptions according to sensory input from the peripheral nervous system. Cancer-related pain may result not only from changes in the peripheral nervous system but also from changes in cortical activity over time. Thus, cortical reorganization by way of the brain's natural, plastic ability (neuroplasticity) may be used to manage pain symptoms. Physical and psychological distress could be modulated by giving patients tools to regulate neural activity in symptom-specific regions of interest. Initial research in nononcology populations suggests that encouraging neuroplasticity through a learning paradigm can be a useful technique to help treat chronic pain. Here we review evidence that indicates a measurable link between brain activity and patient-reported psychological and physical distress. We also summarize findings regarding both the neuroelectrical and neuroanatomical experience of symptoms, review research examining the mechanisms of the brain's ability to modify its own activity, and propose a brain-computer interface as a learning paradigm to augment neuroplasticity for pain management.
Girl's schooling in war-torn Somalia

Abstract A civil war has raged in Somalia since 1991. The civil war was the final blow to an already collapsed education system. Somalia has received little research and policy attention yet children, especially girls, are very vulnerable during times of conflict. The different gender roles, activities, and status in society create gender differentiated risk and vulnerability during conflict; therefore, girls experience conflict differently from boys. This paper has two aims to (1) push Somalia back into the international development agenda and (2) highlight the state of girl's education in Somalia. The study examines 5969 households and presents the patterns of educational enrollment and attendance of girls in Somalia, and identifies the major challenges of expanding education access in Somalia.
A critical review of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-related sexual dysfunction; incidence, possible aetiology and implications for management

There is a high incidence of sexual dysfunction in the general population and sexual dysfunction is often an integral symptom of a depressive disorder. In addition, all antidepressants have effects...
Relativistic effects in iron-, ruthenium-, and osmium porphyrins

Abstract Nonrelativistic and relativistic DFT calculations are performed on four-coordinate metal porphyrins MP and their six-coordinate adducts MP(py)2 and MP(py)(CO) (py=pyridine) with M=Fe, Ru, and Os. The electronic structures of the MPs are investigated by considering all possible low-lying states with different configurations of nd-electrons. FeP and OsP have a 3 A 2 g ground state, while this state is nearly degenerate with 3 E g for RuP. Without relativistic corrections, the ground states of both RuP and OsP would be 3 E g . For the six-coordinate adducts with py and CO, the strong-field axial ligands raise the energy of the M dz2-orbital, thereby making the MII ion diamagnetic. The calculated redox properties of MP(py)2 and MP(py)(CO) are in agreement with experiment. The difference between RuP(py)(CO) and OsP(py)(CO), in terms of site of oxidation, is due to relativistic effects.
Optical second-harmonic spectroscopy of silicon nano-interfaces

Second-harmonic generation (SHG), traditionally a spectroscopic probe of planar interfaces, is adapted to probe spherical interfaces of Si nanocrystals and linear step-edges of vicinal Si. Two-beam SHG and coordination with reflectance-anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) are critical.
Cellulose acetate succinate as an enteric coating for some compressed tablets.

The preparation and testing of compressed tablets of barium sulfate and sodium chloride coated with cellulose acetate succinate (CAS) are described, and the statistical evaluation of the data obtained is presented. The most satisfactory coatings were obtained when the test material, in an acetone-ethyl acetate solution, was applied by a modified “pan” method using talc as a dusting powder. Generally, CAS coatings which were stable for 3 1/2 hours in Simulated Gastric Fluid USP XVI dissolved sooner than control coatings of CAP applied and treated in the same manner. Disintegration times were slightly lower for most tablets placed directly into Simulated Intestinal Fluid, USP XVI than they were for tablets first treated with Simulated Gastric Fluid USP XVI for 31/2 hours and then tested in the former solution. None of the tablet coatings showed signs of cracks as a result of storage at −2 ± 2° for 21 days or 45 ± 2° for 10 days; however, some of these showed statistically significant differences in average disintegration time when compared with samples stored at room temperature. When test and control tablets were stored at 40 ± 2° and approximately 81% humidity, the majority of coatings were unsatisfactory. Tablets lost less than 3.56% tablet weight as a result of the simulated gastric fluid treatment. Preliminary in vivo tests with human subjects indicate that CAS has merit as an enteric coating. Pancreatin appears to have little effect on the disintegration times of the test coating.
Redwoods, restoration, and implications for carbon budgets

Abstract The coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) of California have several unique characteristics that influence interactions between vegetation and geomorphic processes. Case studies, using a combination of in-channel wood surveys and an air photo inventory of landslides, illustrate current conditions in a redwood-dominated watershed undergoing restoration work, and the influence of wood loading and landslides on the carbon budget. Redwood trees have extremely large biomass (trunk wood volumes of 700 to 1000 m3) and are very decay-resistant; consequently, they have a large and persistent influence on in-channel wood loading. Large wood surveys indicate high wood loading in streams in uncut forests (0.3–0.5 m3/m2 of channel), but also show that high wood loading can persist in logged basin with unlogged riparian buffers because of the slow decay of fallen redwoods. Through a watershed restoration program, Redwood National Park increases in-channel wood loading in low-order streams, but the effectiveness of this technique has not yet been tested by a large flood. Another unique characteristic of redwood is its ability to resprout from basal burls after cutting, so that root strength may not decline as sharply following logging as in other types of forests. An air photo inventory of landslides following a large storm in 1997 indicated: 1) that in the Redwood Creek watershed the volume of material displaced by landslides in harvested areas was not related to the time elapsed since logging, suggesting that the loss of root strength was not a decisive factor in landslide initiation, 2) landslide production on decommissioned logging roads was half that of untreated roads, and 3) landslides removed an estimated 28 Mg of organic carbon/km2 from hillslopes. The carbon budget of a redwood-dominated catchment is dominated by the vegetative component, but is also influenced by the extent of mass movement, erosion control work, and in-channel storage of wood.
Coulomb-nuclear interference

The phase difference between strong and electromagnetic contributions to the scattering amplitude is derived from diffraction theory. The results are consistent with relativistic calculations. Bethe's phase is shown also to be consistent with relativistic calculations. New expressions for the amplitude are obtained to all orders in $\frac{{Z}_{1}{Z}_{2}{e}^{2}}{\ensuremath{\hbar}v}$ for the point-charge and extended-charge cases. Cross sections calculated from the original expression and from the point-charge solution are compared with those of the extended-charge solution.
A conceptual approach managing design resource

This paper proposes a conceptual approach for managing design resources which supports continuous product development and collaborative design. Most of the current product design exists in the form of CAD files that contain geometry-oriented product data. This data is not sufficient for reuse in the design of a new product. This paper proposes an enhanced product model which is understandable, customizable and reusable. A model enhancer (ME) helps to transfer the CAD model into this enhanced model which is a reusable design resource. The ME is implemented as a software component, so that its exposed methods can be reused at the programming level. We believe that this approach to design resource management (DRM) will benefit modern product development.
Effect of Impurities on Σ3 (111) Grain-Boundary Fracture in Tungsten—Atomistic Simulation

The effect of various impurities and micro-alloying additions (B, N, C, O, Al, Si, S and P) on the intrinsic resistance of the Σ3 (111) GB in Tungsten has been investigated using Molecular Dynamics simulation. The atomic interactions have been accounted for through the use of the Finnis-Sinclair interatomic potentials. The fracture resistance of the GB has been characterized by computing, in each case, the ideal work of GB separation, the Mode I stress intensity factor and the Eshelby F - conservation integral at the onset of crack propagation. The results obtained suggest that pure Tungsten is relatively resistant toward GB decohesion and that this resistance is further enhanced by the presence of B, C and N. Elements such as O, Al and Si on the other hand, have a relatively minor effect on the cohesion strength of the ∑3 (111) GB. In sharp contrast, S and P greatly reduce this strength making Tungsten quite brittle. These findings have been correlated with the effect of the impurity atoms on material evolution at the crack tip.
The Shawl-Patterned Gown

This report describes research in progress related to a genre of late-nineteenth-century wool gowns printed a disposition. From what has been determined thus far, much of the fabric for these gowns was imported into the U.S. and was sold in kits to be made into robes de chambre. The research focuses on the importation and distribution of these kits, the marriage of textile design with garment design, and the evolution of a disposition patterns in the nineteenth century.
CELL-CYCLE-DEPENDENT MODULATION OF EGF-RECEPTOR-MEDIATED SIGNALING

Abstract In A431 cells synchronized by treatment with thymidine, the level of EGF-stimulated tyrosine protein kinase activity in cells in S and G2/M phases was reduced ∼40% relative to that seen in cells in G1. This decrease in receptor tyrosine protein kinase activity did not correlate with a decrease in cell surface EGF receptor expression,indicating that the reduced activity could not be attributed to receptor loss. EGF-stimulated PI 3-kinase activity was also reduced by ∼60% during S phase as compared to G1 phase. The change was not due to decreased PI 3-kinase expression since Western blot analyses indicated that cellular p85 levels remained constant throughout the cell cycle. These data suggest that the ability of EGF to stimulate biological responses varies during the cell cycle and implicate cell-cycle-dependent processes in the regulation of EGF-receptor-mediated signaling.
Molecular genetics of group I introns: RNA structures and protein factors required for splicing — a review

In vivo and in vitro genetic techniques have been widely used to investigate the structure-function relationships and requirements for splicing of group-I introns. Analyses of group-I introns from extremely diverse genetic systems, including fungal mitochondria, protozoan nuclei, and bacteriophages, have yielded results which are complementary and highly consistent. In vivo genetic studies of fungal mitochondrial systems have served to identify cis-acting sequences within mitochondrial introns, and trans-acting protein products of mitochondrial and nuclear genes which are important for splicing, and to show that some mitochondrial introns are mobile genetic elements. In vitro genetic studies of the self-splicing intron within the Tetrahymena thermophila nuclear large ribosomal RNA precursor (Tetrahymena LSU intron) have been used to examine essential and nonessential RNA sequences and structures in RNA-catalyzed splicing. In vivo and in vitro genetic analysis of the intron within the bacteriophage T4 td gene has permitted the detailed examination of mutant phenotypes by analyzing splicing in vivo and self-splicing in vitro. The genetic studies combined with phylogenetic analysis of intron structure based on comparative nucleotide sequence data [Cech 73 (1988) 259-271] and with biochemical data obtained from in vitro splicing experiments have resulted in significant advances in understanding the biology and chemistry of group-I introns.
The monodromy rings of a class of self-energy graphs

The monodromy rings of self-energy graphs, with two vertices and an arbitrary number of connecting lines, are determined.
Incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients undergoing elective tube exchange to LoTrach endotracheal tubes.

The objective was to study a cohort of general ICU patients electively reintubated with the LoTrach tracheal tube (tube exchange) to determine safety and to audit postprocedural ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Emergency reintubation following elective or unplanned extubation is a known risk factor for subsequent VAP [1]; however, there are no published data on the effects of protocol-based elective tube exchange. The LoTrach tube prevents the pulmonary aspiration that occurs with conventional cuffs [2] and allows subglottic secretion management, thereby directly influencing two key steps in the pathogenesis of VAP.
Effect of dental amalgam and nickel alloys on T-lymphocytes: Preliminary report

Preliminary data suggest that dental amalgam and dental nickel alloys can adversely affect the quantity of T-lymphocytes. Human T-lymphocytes can recognize specific antigens, execute effector functions, and regulate the type and intensity of virtually all cellular and humoral immune responses. Normal immune function depends on a proper quantity, quality, and ratio of T-lymphocyte helper and suppressor subsets. Further research may determine the frequency and magnitude of T-lymphocyte reduction and alteration by dental materials.
Large deformation theory of coupled thermoplasticity including kinematic hardening

Thermoplasticity is a topic central to important applications such as metalforming, ballistics and welding. The current investigation introduces a thermoplastic constitutive model accommodating the difficult issues of finite strain and kinematic hardening. Two potential functions are used. One is interpreted as the Helmholtz free energy. Its reversible portion describes elastic behavior, while its irreversible portion describes kinematic hardening. The second potential function describes dissipative effects and arises directly from the entropy production inequality. It is shown that the dissipation potential can be interpreted as a yield function. With two simplifying assumptions, the formulation leads to a simple energy equation, which is used to derive a rate variational principle. Together with the Principle of Virtual Work in rate form, finite element equations governing coupled thermal and mechanical effects are presented. Using a uniqueness argument, an inequality is derived which is interpreted as a finite strain thermoplastic counterpart to the classical inequality for “stability in the small”. A simple example is introduced using a von Mises yield function with linear kinematic hardening, linear isotropic hardening and linear thermal softening.
Polarization of Neutrons from the B 11 (d, n)C 12 Reaction at 2 MeV

The polarization of five groups of neutrons has been measured at 2.0-MeV deuteron bombarding energy for the ${\mathrm{B}}^{11}(d, n){\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ reaction corresponding to the ground, 4.43-, 7.66-, 9.66-, and 12.76-MeV states of ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$. A liquid-helium time-of-flight neutron polarimeter was used to make the measurements. The polarization of the neutrons to the ground state and first excited state in ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ is positive at forward angles and negative at back angles. The polarization of neutrons to the 7.66-MeV level in ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ is negative for angles less than 130\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The polarization of neutrons to the 9.66- and 12.66-MeV levels is negative at forward angles and positive beyond 50\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}.
Behavioral effects of congenital ventromedial prefrontal cortex malformation.

Background A detailed behavioral profile associated with focal congenital malformation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) has not been reported previously. Here we describe a 14 year-old boy, B.W., with neurological and psychiatric sequelae stemming from focal cortical malformation of the left vmPFC.
Cuticular strength and pigmentation of five strains of adult Blattella germanica (L.) during sclerotization: Correlations with catecholamines, β-alanine and food deprivation

Abstract Five German cockroach Blattella germanica strains, wild-type (VPI), yellow (y), orange (or), black (Bl), and pale body (Pb) which differ in cuticular colouration, were used to investigate possible correlations of catecholamine and β-alanine concentrations with cuticular strength as measured by puncture resistance of adult pronotal cuticle. The cuticular strength of all strains was the same at ecdysis, but that of VPI, or and y increased more rapidly than Bl and Pb during sclerotization. Cuticle of VPI, y and or reached maximal levels of puncture resistance by day 4, whereas Bl and Pb cuticles failed to achieve this strength by day 14. Extractable N-β-alanyldopamine (NBAD) and N-β-alanylnorepinephrine (NBANE) accumulated rapidly in VPI, y and or cuticles during the first 12 h after ecdysis, but their accumulation was delayed in Bl cuticle until 24 h. Pb cuticle had the least strength and also the lowest NBAD and NBANE levels. β-Alanine concentrations were also lowest in Bl cuticle during melanization. Conversely, dopamine was highest in Bl and or cuticles during melanization but was very low in y and Pb cuticles, which lack black pigmentation. Therefore, N-β-alanyl catecholamine and β-alanine concentrations in cuticle are positively correlated with increasing cuticular strength during stabilization of the exoskeleton, whereas dopamine is correlated with melanization. When dopamine is apparently shunted into the melanization pathway in Bl cuticle or when lower concentrations of the N-β-alanyl catecholamines occur in Pb cuticle, cuticular strength is reduced. Cuticular strength and weight were substantially reduced in cockroaches deprived of food after ecdysis and even later after feeding was resumed. However, cuticular thickness and catecholamine content in starved insects did not differ from those in fed insects. Deficiencies in the protein and chitin content of the procuticle as indicated by reduced weight and density likely result from starvation. Therefore, fewer sites for macromolecular cross-linking or other sclerotization reactions would be available and consequently a weaker cuticle would result.
Transcatheter creation and enlargement of ventricular septal defects for relief of ventricular hypertension

Objective Creation or enlargement of a ventricular septal defect is indicated in rare clinical situations. In the setting of double-outlet right ventricle requiring single-ventricle palliation, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction caused by progressive restriction at the ventricular septal defect poses an uncommon but recognized dilemma. In this situation surgical ventricular septal defect enlargement may be desirable but risks damage to the atrioventricular valve or conduction system. We report the results of a novel technique for transcatheter creation or enlargement of ventricular septal defects as an alternative to reoperation when decompression of an isolated ventricle is indicated. Methods Eight patients had undergone transcatheter ventricular septal defect enlargement or creation, and 3 of these patients had undergone 4 prior surgical attempts at left ventricular decompression. Ventricular aneurysms had developed in 3 patients before intervention. Results Five patients underwent ventricular septal defect creation, and 3 patients underwent enlargement of existing ventricular septal defects. Initial intervention resulted in a decreased ventricular septal defect pressure gradient from 76.9 mm Hg to 20.3 mm Hg ( P = .004). There was no procedural mortality or sustained heart block. Two patients had moderate-to-severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation, and 1 required surgical repair. At last follow-up, all ventricular septal defects remained patent, with recurrent obstruction in the majority of cases caused by muscular hypertrophy beyond the stent margins. In 1 patient a ventricular aneurysm has regressed in size. Repeat intervention reduced recurrent obstruction, but recurrence was the rule. Conclusions When reoperation is considered high risk, transcatheter creation and enlargement of ventricular septal defects is possible with excellent short-term results. Recurrent obstruction is common but responds to repeated intervention. Further studies are required to establish clinical benefit.
Piezoelectric energy harvesting from an L-shaped beam-mass structure

Cantilevered piezoelectric harvesters have been extensively considered in the energy harvesting literature. Mostly, a traditional cantilevered beam with one or more piezoceramic layers is located on a vibrating host structure. Motion of the host structure results in vibrations of the harvester beam and that yields an alternating voltage output. As an alternative to classical cantilevered beams, this paper presents a novel harvesting device; a flexible L-shaped beam-mass structure that can be tuned to have a two-to-one internal resonance to a primary resonance ω2 ∼ 2ω1(which is not possible for classical cantilevers). The L-shaped structure has been well investigated in the literature of nonlinear dynamics since the two-to-one internal resonance, along with the consideration of quadratic nonlinearities, may yield modal energy exchange (for excitation frequency ω ∼ ω1) or the so-called saturation phenomenon (for ω ∼ ω2). As a part of our ongoing research on piezoelectric energy harvesting, we are investigating the possibility of improving the electrical outputs in energy harvesting by employing these features of the L-shaped structure. This paper aims to introduce the idea, describes the important features of the L-shaped harvester configuration and develops a linear distributed parameter model for predicting the electromechanically coupled response. In addition, this work proposes a direct application of the L-shaped piezoelectric energy harvester configuration for use as landing gears in unmanned air vehicle applications.
Erhitzen von Weizen

Korner verschiedener Weizensorten wurden bei 20% Wassergehalt uber 6 min auf 50–65 °C erhitzt und vermahlen. Die Mehle wurden in Starke, Kleber und wasserlosliche Komponenten getrennt. Die Fraktionen aus unerhitzten Kornern wurden einzeln erhitzt und rekombiniert. Teige aus thermisch behandelten Weizenkornern zeigten im Zugversuch eine Zunahme des Dehnwiderstandes und eine Abnahme der Dehnbarkeit. Die Effekte wurden durch Veranderungen der Kleberproteine verursacht.
Prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor treatment confers whole-animal hypoxia tolerance.

Aim Recently a family of O(2)-dependent prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing enzymes (PHD) has been identified as a cellular oxygen-sensing mechanism. Reduced prolyl hydroxylase activity initiates a signalling cascade that includes the accumulation, as well as the activation, of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1alpha). In turn the transcription factor HIF-1alpha, and other targets of the PHD, elicit a myriad of incompletely understood cellular responses. In these studies we have tested: (1) whether a small-molecule prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (PHI) can effectively activate the oxygen-sensing pathway when administered systemically to mice, and (2) whether the activation of the PHD signalling pathway at the cellular level results in whole-animal hypoxic tolerance. Methods Mice received daily injections of the PHI, ethyl-3,4 dihydroxybenzoate (EDHB, 100-250 mg kg(-1)) or vehicle. Tissue levels of HIF-1alpha and the serum levels of the HIF-inducible gene, erythropoietin (EPO), were measured to evaluate PHD-pathway activation. To evaluate hypoxic tolerance, the endurance and survival ability of these animals was tested in sublethal (8% O(2)) and lethal hypoxia (5% O(2)) respectively. Results Systemic treatment of mice with the PHD inhibitor, EDHB, leads to elevated levels of HIF-1alpha in liver and HIF-inducible EPO in serum, indicating activation of the cellular oxygen-sensing pathway. Animals treated with EDHB display significantly increased viability and enhanced exercise performance in hypoxia. Conclusion These results demonstrate a novel pharmacological strategy to induce hypoxic tolerance and are the first to demonstrate that the activation of the PHD oxygen-sensing pathway at the cellular level is sufficient to produce a hypoxic-tolerant phenotype at the physiological level of the whole animal.
Posterior corneal surface changes after refractive surgery

Abstract Objective To determine the frequency of changes in posterior corneal surface after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Design Nonrandomized, comparative trial. Participants Ninety-five eyes (71 patients) that underwent PRK (n = 45) or LASIK (n = 50). Controls Twenty nonsurgery eyes were used to validate the method of analysis of the posterior corneal curvature (PCC). Seventy nonsurgery eyes were used for comparisons. Methods Float, apex-fixed best fit corneal curvature (ABC), and posterior elevation difference were evaluated in 20 elevation topography maps at 6 zone diameters (3–7 and 10 mm) and at two time points. Corneal elevation maps before and after PRK or LASIK were analyzed by the ABC and float methods and compared with a nonsurgery group. Main outcome measures Posterior corneal curvature change (mm) was classified as flattening, steepening, or no change. Results Flattening of more than 0.12 mm was found in 22.2% of eyes (n = 10) in the PRK group, a change of ±0.12 mm was found in 53.3% of eyes (n = 24), and steepening of more than 0.12 mm was found in 24.4% of eyes (n = 11) using the float method and in 28.9% of eyes (n = 13), 35.6% of eyes (n = 16), and 35.6% eyes (n = 16), respectively, using the ABC method. In the LASIK group, the float method registered flattening in 20% of eyes (n = 10), no change in 52% of eyes (n = 26), and steepening in 28% of eyes (n = 14), whereas the ABC method registered flattening in 30% of eyes (n = 15), no change in 40% of eyes (n = 20), and steepening in 30% of eyes (n = 15). The nonsurgery group showed a similar change in PCC at two different time points similar to that of the PRK and the LASIK groups. Conclusions The differences observed in the PCC after PRK or LASIK were not statistically significantly different from those observed over time in the nonsurgery control group.
Linearization algorithms for computer-aided control engineering

Numerical algorithms and heuristic logic for the accurate and robust linearization of nonlinear dynamic system models are given. The numerical algorithms deal with cases in which the system nonlinearities are differentiable (possess a Taylor series expansion), and the logic handles a variety of anomalous situations. New conventional methods and algorithms for linearization, as well as an expert system to aid the control engineer in determining linearized models for nonlinear systems, have been obtained. Included are an approach that minimizes the effects of truncation and round-off errors incurred through numerical differentiation and techniques for accurately identifying certain discontinuities in the mathematical description of a nonlinear system, as well as other problems that make linearization difficult or meaningless. >
Metal chelate compounds of glycylglycine and glycylglycylglycine.

Abstract The preparation of copper(II), cobalt(III), and nickel(II) chelates of glyclyglycine and of glycylglycylglycine is described and the structures of the compounds are deduced with the aid of analytical data and titration curves. For both ligands it was found that association with these metal ions was accompanied by the displacement of a hydrogen ion from each peptide linkage.
BAYESIAN INFERENCE FOR HIERARCHICAL AGE-PERIOD-COHORT MODELS OF REPEATED CROSS-SECTION SURVEY DATA

This study applies methods of Bayesian statistical inference to hierarchical APC models for the age-period-cohort analysis of repeated cross-section survey data. It examines the impacts of small sa...
A note on randomly evolving hazard rate functions

Let τ be a finite stopping time with random hazard rate function (λt:t ≥ 0). We prove that στ λtdt is exponentially distributed with mean 1.
Effect of pregnancy on nitrofurantoin disposition in mice.

We investigated the effect of pregnancy on nitrofurantoin (NFT) disposition in wild-type and Bcrp1−/− mice. Pregnant and non-pregnant mice were administered NFT intravenously (5 mg/kg) or orally (10 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected at various times (5–60 min) after drug administration, plasma NFT concentrations determined by HPLC/UV, and pharmacokinetic parameters estimated. Dose-normalized area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC), terminal plasma half-life (T1/2), total plasma clearance (CL), and steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) of intravenous NFT in wild-type or Bcrp1−/− mice were not altered by pregnancy. After oral administration, pregnancy did not affect dose-normalized AUC of NFT in wild-type mice; however, dose-normalized AUC in Bcrp1−/− mice was decreased by approximately 70% by pregnancy. In conclusion, since Bcrp1 plays a minor role in the systemic clearance of NFT in female mice, pregnancy did not affect disposition of intravenous NFT despite the fact that Bcrp1 expression in the liver and kidney of mice is significantly induced by pregnancy. On the other hand, pregnancy may affect expression and activity of certain intestinal efflux transporters and/or metabolic enzymes in Bcrp1−/− mice, resulting in a drastic decrease in the systemic exposure of oral NFT in pregnant Bcrp1−/− mice. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 98:4306–4315, 2009
A fibrin-based arterial media equivalent.

We report here, with respect to collagen production and the mechanical properties of a fibrin-based media equivalent (ME), on our efforts to optimize the culture conditions of neonatal SMCs entrapped in tubular fibrin gels. We examined several factors, including the concentration of fibrinolysis inhibitor, the cell source and initial number, the addition of TGF-beta and insulin to the culture medium, and the time in culture. We found that varying the concentration of epsilon-aminocaproic acid (ACA), an inhibitor of fibrinolysis, did not affect the collagen production, but that lower concentrations resulted in a compromised physical integrity of the ME. While use of neonatal SMCs yielded superior results over adult SMCs, a higher initial cell number did not improve results. The addition of 1 ng/mL of TGF-beta to the medium increased the collagen content fourfold and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and modulus approximately tenfold after 3 weeks, while the addition of both TGF-beta and insulin improved collagen content sixfold and UTS and modulus almost 20-fold. Additional TGF-beta (5 ng/mL) did not improve any of the properties measured, but additional time in culture did. Samples incubated for 6 weeks with TGF-beta and insulin contained about seven times the amount of collagen and had a three-times higher UTS and modulus than did samples incubated for only 3 weeks. When compared to collagen MEs, the fibrin MEs compacted to a greater extent and were both stronger and stiffer when cultured under the same conditions, having after 6 weeks a tensile modulus and ultimate tensile strength similar to those of rat abdominal aorta.
A Simulator Design for Studying Operating Systems: Related Issues

Using simulators to study the behavior and performance of operating systems is gaining popularity. In this paper, a new simulator design is presented that can be used to quickly assemble a basic prototype that captures most of the functionality of modern multi-tasking operating systems. The design technique is modular and allows the designer to choose the correct level of detail to suit his/her model. It takes into consideration detailed timing information of individual system tasks, and thereby provides results with a high level of accuracy. A new modeling approach is introduced that improves input jobs descriptions. It is also shown how the scope of the basic simulator can be easily extended for studying more complex systems, such as distributed computing environments.