cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Raman spectroscopy of DNA and proteins.

Publisher Summary From an analysis of the Raman spectrum of a DNA or protein molecule a great deal of structural information can be obtained. Vibrational information is obtained that may be representative of one or more conformational states that are present at the same time. To obtain a Raman spectrum of a protein or nucleic acid, one places the sample at the focal point of a focused laser beam. Because a laser beam can be focused into a circle with a radius of approximately its wavelength, this allows for a spatial resolution of the order of a cubic micrometer. There are three types of Raman spectrometers in general use today for the characterization of protein or nucleic acid structure: (1) the classic laser Raman spectrometer, (2) the laser Raman microscope, and (3) the ultraviolet resonance Raman spectrometer. Classical Raman spectra of solutions of a protein or a nucleic acid are obtained from samples in a glass capillary mounted in a copper block with the temperature controlled by circulating water from a water bath.
Stochastic Programming in Transportation and Logistics

Freight transportation is characterized by highly dynamic information processes: customers call in orders over time to move freight; the movement of freight over long distances is subject to random delays; equipment failures require last minute changes; and decisions are not always executed in the field according to plan. The high-dimensionality of the decisions involved has made transportation a natural application for the techniques of mathematical programming, but the challenge of modeling dynamic information processes has limited their success. In this chapter, we explore the use of concepts from stochastic programming in the context of resource allocation problems that arise in freight transportation. Since transportation problems are often quite large, we focus on the degree to which some techniques exploit the natural structure of these problems. Experimental work in the context of these applications is quite limited, so we highlight the techniques that appear to be the most promising.
The Cost of Compensation: Revisiting Contract Remedies in Repeat Play Settings

Author(s): Ben-Shahar, Omri | Abstract: Legal rights may erode as a result of past, uncontested, breach. In light of ongoing violations, the rightholder's enforcement may result in the loss of the entitlement. The doctrines, of course, of performance in contract law and adverse possession in property law are prominent examples of this widespread erosion phenomenon. In analyzing the effects of such laws, the Article confronts two conflicting intuitions. On the one hand, the "license" to continue breach prospectively encourages opportunism. On the other hand, the risk of erosion may reinforce the rightholder's motivation to take anti-erosion measures, bolstering the credibility of the threat to enforce, thus better preserving the entitlement. The article proves that these two effects of erosion rules always balance out. The same amount of value will be extracted from the right holder irrespective of the law's erosion doctrine. The article also demonstrates the limits of this "irrelevance" claim and the factors that may lead to its collapse. It applies the analysis to offer new perspectives on various prominent legal rules.
Development planning in Mexico: Case study of an oil-rich economy

Abstract The authors identify problems of political, economic and social development in Mexico, which has now become a net oil exporter. Aspects of Mexican society are analysed - possession of resources, population growth, agricultural and industrial sectors of the economy and development policy. The political and economic components of social change and policy limitations are considered. It is clear that the severity of Mexico's development problems present serious issues for the current administration.
Stimulation of Sperm Production by Human Chorionic Gonadotropin after Prolonged Gonadotropin Suppression in Normal Men

The precise hormonal milieu required for quantitatively normal spermatogenesis in man is unclear. The authors previously have shown that both supraphysiologic dosages of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and physiologic dosages of human luteinizing hormone (hLH) can reinitiate sperm production in short-term (four months) gonadotropin-suppressed normal men who have prepubertal FSH levels. To determine whether normal FSH levels were necessary to stimulate sperm production after a prolonged period of gonadotropin and testicular suppression, the authors administered hCG to four normal men whose endogenous gonadotropin levels and sperm production were suppressed by prolonged exogenous testosterone (T) administration. After a 3-month control period, all subjects received 200 mg of T enanthate intramuscularly (im) each week to suppress LH and FSH for a total of 9 months and until successive sperm concentrations (performed twice monthly) revealed azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia (mean sperm concentration less than 3 X 10(6) spermatozoa/ml) for 6 months. Then, while continuing the same dosage of T enanthate, all four men simultaneously received 5000 IU of hCG im three times weekly for 6 months, replacing LH-like activity and leaving FSH activity suppressed. The effect on sperm production of the selective FSH deficiency produced by hCG plus T administration after the period of prolonged gonadotropin suppression was determined. Exogenous T administration resulted in severe suppression of sperm concentrations from 79 +/- 7 X 10(6) spermatozoa/ml (mean +/- SEM) during the control period to 0.8 +/- 0.5 X 10(6)/ml after 12 weeks of T treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cosmic Journeys: To the Edge of Gravity, Space, and Time

A star explodes, blowing its contents into interstellar space. At its core, a black hole may form. Or maybe a neutron star or white dwarf, depending on the size of the original star. Over the next million years, a new star may form from the left over gas. The ever-changing Universe is the ultimate recycler. NASA's Cosmic Journeys is a set of missions that will of explore the Universe's many mysteries. An summary of future missions is presented.
Alkaline serine proteinase from Thermomonospora fusca YX. Stability to heat and denaturants.

The serine proteinase isolated from Thermomonospora fusca YX shows considerable thermal stability up to 80 degrees C, and progressive inactivation occurs at higher temperatures. Lyotropic salts affected the thermal stability of the enzyme at 85 degrees C, suggesting that disruption of hydrophobic interactions play an important role in the decreased thermal stability of the enzyme above 80 degrees C. Thermal stability is highly pH-dependent; above pH 6.0-6.5 there is a sharp decrease in the stability of the enzyme, reflecting increased autolysis. Although some stabilization occurs upon increasing ionic strength, Ca2+ binding does not appear to play a role in thermal stability. Denaturants, i.e. 8 M-urea, 6 M-guanidinium chloride or 1% SDS, had no significant effect on the activity of the enzyme after 24 h at 25 degrees C.
Case Finding, Screening, and Referral

As indicated in Chaps. 1 and 3, the rates of bipolar diagnoses in children and adolescents are dramatically increasing. However, many individuals report a delay of an appropriate diagnosis, with an average of 7–9 years between the onset of symptoms and a bipolar diagnosis (Faedda, Baldessarini, Glovinsky, & Austin, 2004; Hirschfeld, Lewis, & Vornik, 2003). Unfortunately, bipolar disorder is not often considered initially (i.e., around 10 % of the time), despite recurrent affective symptoms (including mania) and a positive family history of affective and/or substance use disorders (Faedda et al., 2004).
Live Streaming from the 2015 Music Library Association Annual Meeting

Live streaming of conferences and workshops by organizations is increasingly becoming a trend. Events such as the Association for Recorded Sound Collections (ARSC) pre-conference workshop, the Amer...
The role of wave-induced pressure fluctuations in the transfer processes across an air–water interface

The structure of the pressure and velocity fields in the air above mechanically generated water waves was investigated in order to evaluate their contribution to the transfer of momentum and energy from wind to water waves. The measurements were taken in a transformed Eulerian wave-following frame of reference, in a wind-wave research facility at Stanford University.The organized component of the fluctuating static pressure at the channel roof was found to contain contributions from both the sound field and the reflected water wave. The acoustic contributions were accounted for by appropriately correcting the pressure amplitude and phase (relative to the wave) and its contribution to the momentum and energy exchange. The wave-induced pressure coefficient at the fundamental mode shows in general an exponential decay behaviour with height, but the rate of decay is different from that predicted by potential-flow theory. The wave-induced pressure phase relative to the wave remains fairly constant throughout the boundary layer, except when the ratio of the wave speed to the freestream velocity, c/Uδ0 = 0.78 and 0.68. This phase difference was found to be about 130° during active wave generation, with the pressure lagging the wave. The momentum and energy transfer rates supported by the waves were found to be dominated by the wave-induced pressure, but the transfer of the corresponding total quantities to both waves and currents may or may not be so dominated, depending on the ratio c/Uδ0. The direct contribution of the wave-induced Reynolds stresses to the transfer processes is negligible.
Product metrics for object-oriented systems

We survey metrics proposed for object-oriented systems, focusing on product metrics. The survey is intended for the purposes of understanding, classifying, and analyzing ongoing research in object-oriented metrics. The survey applies fundamental measurement theory to artifacts created by development activities. We develop a mathematical formalism that captures this perspective clearly, giving appropriate attention to the peculiarities of the object-oriented system developmenr process. Consistent representation of the available metrics, following this mathematical formalism, shows that current research in this area contains varying coverage of different products and their properties at different development stages. The consistent representation also facilitates several analyses including aggregation across metrics, usage across metrics, equivalent formulation of metrics by multiple researchers, and exploitation of traditional metrics for object-oriented metrics. We also trace the chronological development of research in this area, and uncover gaps that suggest opportunities for future research.
Multistream hydrodynamic modeling of interhemispheric plasma flow

Interhemispheric plasma flow was simulated using one-stream and two-stream hydrodymic models in order to test the suggestion of Banks et al. (1971) and others that the collision of high-speed flows originating from the conjugate hemispheres will cause the formation of a pair of shocks. The single-fluid hydrodynamic equations were modified to include multiple ion streams, allowing for the possibility of counterstreaming flow. It was found that a counterstreaming of ion streams from conjugate hemispheres does occur during the early stages of the refilling of plamaspheric flux tubes, and that a pair of reverse shocks does form. These shocks form away from the equator, and their subsequent motion creates conditions similar to those predicted by the single-stream hydrodynamic models. The findings support the conclusion of earlier studies that the refilling of the plasmasphere occurs from the equatorial region downward.
Biliary complications in 96 consecutive right lobe living donor transplant recipients.

Background. Biliary reconstruction represents one of the most challenging parts of right lobe (RL) living donor liver transplantations (LDLTs). Different causes, surgical techniques, and treatments have been suggested but are incompletely defined. Methods. Between June 1999 and January 2002, 96 RL LDLTs were performed in our center. We reviewed the incidence of biliary complications in all the recipients. Results. Roux-en-Y reconstruction was performed in 53 cases (55.2%) and duct-to-duct was performed in 39 cases (40.6%). Both procedures were performed in 4 cases (4.2%). Multiple ducts (≥2) were found in 58 grafts (60.4%). Thirty-nine recipients (40.6%) had 43 biliary complications: 21 had bile leaks, 22 had biliary strictures, and 4 had both complications. Patients with multiple ducts had a higher incidence of bile leaks than those patients with a single duct (P=0.049). No significant differences in complications were found between Roux-en-Y or duct-to-duct reconstructions. Freedom from biliary complications was 59% at 1 year and 55% at 2 years. The overall 1-year and 2-year survival rates for patients were 86% and 81%, respectively. The overall 1-year and 2-year survival rates for grafts were 80% and 77%, respectively. Occurrence of bile leaks affected patient and graft survival (76% and 65% 2-year patient and graft survival, respectively, vs. 89% and 85% for those without biliary leaks, P=0.07). Conclusions. Despite technical modifications and application of various surgical techniques, biliary complications remain frequent after RL LDLT. Patients with multiple biliary reconstructions had a higher incidence of bile leaks. Patients who developed leaks had lower patient and graft survival rates.
Regulation of nigrostriatal and tuberoinfundibular-hypophyseal dopaminergic neurons

Abstract The nigrostriatal and tuberoinfundibular-hypophyseal dopaminergic systems subserve different functions, the initiation of motor behaviors and the release of hormones from the pituitary, respectively. These differences are related to specific anatomical characteristics, the most important of which is the postsynaptic element. Although dopamine serves as the transmitter for both systems, the manner in which it reaches the receptive site in each system is fundamentally different. The nigrostriatal neurons form synaptic contacts with other neurons. Thus, the terminal and receptor are in close proximity. Dopamine released from the tuberoinfundibular system, on the other hand, must be transported the length of the infundibulum to reach the receptor, which is on a secretory cell rather than on a neuron. The postsynaptic element of the tuberohypophyseal system has not been as completely defined, although it may consist of neurosecretory cells. Not surprisingly, these systems, which are functionally and anatomically different, are regulated by different mechanisms. A number of afferent inputs can influence nigrostriatal activity at the level of the cell bodies in substantia nigra as well as the terminals in the striatum. In addition to these extrinsic influences, nigrostriatal activity is under tonic homeostatic control. This autoregulation occurs via neuronal feedback loops and/or dopaminergic autoreceptors located at terminals and possibly on neuronal perikarya or dendrites. Nigrostriatal activity is thus maintained within limits despite physiologically or pharmacologically-induced fluctuations in impulse traffic. Because of technical diffculties less known about regulation of tuberoinfundibular-hypophyseal neurons. Certainly, extrinsic neurons must influence their activity, but to date only hormonal influences have been investigated. Prolactin appears to be the major hormonal feedback regulator of this system. Thus, in contrast to the rapid neuronal mechanisms influencing nigrostriatal activity, the tuberoinfundibular-hypophyseal system is regulated, at least in part, by a slow hormonal feedback.
Diversity in Secreted PLA2-IIA Activity Among Inbred Mouse Strains that are Resistant or Susceptible to ApcMin/+ Tumorigenesis

The secreted phospholipase A2 type IIA (Pla2g2a) gene was previously identified as a modifier of intestinal adenoma multiplicity in Apc Min/+ mice. To determine if intestinal secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) activity was also attenuated in susceptible strains, we developed a sensitive assay to directly quantitate sPLA2 activity in the murine intestinal tract utilizing a fluorescent BODIPY-labeled phospholipid substrate. Here, we report assay conditions that distinguish between secreted and cytosolic PLA2 enzyme activities in extracts of intestinal tissue. The small intestine exhibited higher activity levels than the large intestine. Consistent with predictions from the sPLA2-IIA gene sequence in inbred strains, we detected low levels of enzyme activity in inbred strains containing sPLA2-IIA mutations; these strains were also associated with greater numbers of intestinal polyps. Additionally, the assay was able to distinguish differences in levels of sPLA2 activity between neoplasia-resistant strains, which were then shown by sequencing to carry variant wild-type sPLA2-IIA alleles. Immunohistochemical analyses of intestinal tissues were consistent with sPLA2-IIA activity levels. This approach enables further studies of the mechanisms of sPLA2 action influencing the development and tumorigenesis of the small intestine and colon in both mice and humans.
Human CD8+ lymphocytes stimulated in the absence of CD4+ cells enhance IgG production by antibody-secreting B cells.

Abstract We describe conditions where the addition of stimulated CD8+ lymphocytes from healthy donors to autologous antibody-secreting B cells significantly enhanced IgG production by these cells. In two-step experiments, purified CD8+ lymphocytes were first cocultured with irradiated allogeneic monocytes. These cells developed interleukin 2 receptors, but proliferated only minimally in the absence of CD4+ cells. When added to antibody-secreting B cells, these CD8+ lymphocytes augmented IgG production in a dose-dependent manner in comparison with control CD8+ cells. Studies with T killer cell precursors revealed an inverse correlation between augmentation of antibody synthesis and the generation of MHC class I-restricted cytotoxic activity against lymphocytes from the allogeneic donor. Evidence is presented that CD8+ CD45RA+ CD45RO− can provide B cell help, whereas the generation of CD8+ CD45RA+ CD45RO+ cells inhibits this helper activity. Our studies support the hypothesis that in chronic diseases characterized by CD4+ cell hypofunction, CD8+ cells not only fail to down-regulate antibody production, but can provide B cell help.
CARE: an automobile crash data analysis tool

The Critical Analysis Reporting Environment provides an efficient tool for transportation safer engineers and policymakers to use in analyzing the categorical crash data typically obtained from police reports. CAPE has proven successful in the traffic safety community for two reasons: its simplicity and its efficiency. It is currently being used in several states.
Bright CuInS2/CdS nanocrystal phosphors for high-gain full-spectrum luminescent solar concentrators

The performance of colloidal CuInS2/CdS nanocrystals as phosphors for full-spectrum luminescent solar concentrators has been examined. Their combination of large solar absorption, high photoluminescence quantum yields, and only moderate reabsorption produces the highest projected flux gains of any nanocrystal luminophore to date.
Pneumonia in a Paso-Fino mare.

A 5-year-old Paso-Fino mare was presented for severe respiratory distress. The mare had foaled 2 months prior to presentation. The horse was in poor body condition with a dull hair coat. A mild fever was noted during physical examination and increased bronchovesicular sounds were auscultated. Thoracic radiographs showed an interstitial pattern and an alveolar infiltrate with distinct air bronchograms. Moderate purulent inflammation with increased mucus was observed in tracheal wash fluid, but no infectious agents were identified. A bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) contained a large amount of mucus and reactive mononuclear phagocytes with variable numbers of intracellular fungal organisms morphologically consistent with Pneumocystis carinii. The mare had undetectable levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and decreased IgG levels in the serum. Immunophenotyping revealed decreased expression of major histocompatability complex (MHC) class II molecules. Moderate to marked hyperplasia of type II epithelial cells was present throughout histologic sections of lung, but the fungal organisms were not observed. A culture system has not been developed for diagnosis of P carinii infection. Instead, diagnosis of P carinii pneumonia is achieved by microscopic identification of characteristic morphologic features of the pathogen. Cytologic examination of BAL fluid is the preferred method used to diagnose human infection with P carinii. In humans, the diagnostic sensitivity of cytology is significantly higher than the sensitivity of histopathologic examination of lung biopsies. The difference in sensitivity between BAL cytology and lung histopathology may also apply to the diagnosis of P carinii pneumonia in horses. (MacNeill AL, Alleman AR, Franklin RP, Long M, Giguere S, Uhl E, Lopez-Martinez A, Wilkerson M. Pneumonia in a Paso-Fino mare [Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia].
Decreased Ovarian Response to Chorionic Gonadotropin following Hysterectomy in the Mouse

MANY attempts have been made to demonstrate a possible endocrine influence of the uterus upon the ovaries of animals. The most recent report dealing with this subject1 describes degenerative changes in the ovaries of hysterectomized rabbits. An extract of rabbit endometrium appeared to retard the process of ovarian atrophy in another group of hysterectomized rabbits. The authors suggest that a protective influence upon the ovary is exerted by the uterus. Some clinical reports support the observation that conservation of some endometrium at the time of hysterectomy in the human lessens the severity of the menopausal syndrome following such an operation2. Other investigators leave the subject an open question.
The development of aversive responses to quinine in hyperthyroid rats.

Normal and hyperthyroid rat pups received intraoral infusions of 0.25% quinine hydrochloride at 8, 10, 12, 14, or 16 days of age. Chin scraping and paw treading, aversive behaviors that adult rats show to quinine, emerged at 12 to 14 days in normal animals and were accelerated in hyperthyroid animals. Once these behaviors emerged, the hyperthyroid pups showed levels of both paw treading and chin scraping that were typical of controls several days older. Hyperthyroid and control pups did not differ in their intake of quinine at ages at which there were marked differences in chin scraping and paw treading. Other types of responses that pups show to aversive stimuli, such as paw flicking and forelimb flailing, were not affected by the thyroid treatment. These findings suggest that the appearance of chin scraping and paw treading at 12–14 days of age in normal animals results from maturation of motor systems underlying these behaviors, and that this maturation can be accelerated by treatment with thyroid hormones.
1216 MULTIPLICATION RATES OF ENDODERM/MESODERM IN HEAD PROCESS-TO 17-SOMITE-STAGE CHICK EMBRYOS

Study of chick embryos in early stages of development has shown that the rate of cell multiplication slows as organ differentiation begins. We calculated the rate of doubling of cells in the endoderm/mesoderm layer from Hamburger-Hamilton stage 5 to stage 12+ (head-process to 17-somite stages, 24-47 hours of incubation). Equally-sized tritiated-thymidine-labeled transplants were excised from the endoderm/mesoderm layers of donor embryos, and placed in homologous positions in 12 pairs of recipient embryos. One recipient of each pair (the control embryo) was fixed as soon as the transplant had healed, and the other was reincubated for 4-23 hours before fixing. All embryos were embedded in paraffin, serially sectioned and mounted. The slides were radioautographed with exposure times of 5-42 days, and the labeled cells in each embryo were counted. In each pair of embryos, the number of labeled cells in the control embryo was compared to the number of labeled cells in the embryo reincubated for a longer period. The resulting ratios were plotted on a graph against the number of hours of reincubation; the ratios were grouped at 4, 15-16, 18-18.5 and 21.5-23 hours. The resulting growth curve indicated that the number of endoderm/mesoderm cells had doubled at five hours of reincubation (approximately the one-somite stage) and again 12 hours later. These multiplication rates are within the range of rates calculated by previous investigators from mitotic or radioactive indices.
Folding of a three-helix bundle at the folding speed limit

We show in this Letter that a double mutant (K5I/K39V) of 1prb7-53, the GA module of an albumin binding domain, has a maximum folding rate constant of ∼1 (μs)-1. This value is comparable to the estimated theoretical speed limit for protein folding. In addition, we found that the mean hydrophobicity of a given tertiary fold plays an important role in controlling its folding rate.
Formation of 2-methoxy-1,4-benzoquinone from vanillic acid by fungal laccases at various pH values

Laccases of various fungi metabolize vanillic acid, but contradictory reports were found concerning the formation of 2-methoxy-1,4-benzoquinone. We could establish that the pH of the medium was the major factor affecting the formation of this product.
Efficient algorithms for finding maximum matchings in convex bipartite graphs and related problems

A bipartite graph G=(A, B, E) is convex on the vertex set A if A can be ordered so that for each element b in the vertex set B the elements of A connected to b form an interval of A; G is doubly convex if it is convex on both A and B. Letting ¦A¦=m and ¦B¦=n, in this paper we describe maximum matching algorithms which run in time O(m + nA(n)) on convex graphs (where A(n) is a very slowly growing function related to a functional inverse of Ackermann's function), and in time O(m+n) on doubly convex graphs. We also show that, given a maximum matching in a convex bipartite graph G, a corresponding maximum set of independent vertices can be found in time O(m+n). Finally, we briefly discuss some generalizations of convex bipartite graphs and some extensions of the previously discussed techniques to instances in scheduling theory.
Statistical Hydrodynamics of Plasmas

A canonical theory is developed for a collisionless plasma in which the electrons interact with quasistationary ions by the self-consistent electric field. The nonlinear equations of motion of the electron fluid and continuity for the electric current density are obtained as functional derivatives of the Hamiltonian of the plasma with respect to the canonical conjugate fields (which are proportional to the mean mass velocity and electric field, respectively). By means of a Fourier analysis, it is shown that Hamiltonian equations exist for the complex Fourier amplitudes of the canonical-conjugate fields, which correspond to the Fourier transforms of the nonlinear Eulerian equations of motion and continuity of the electron gas. The Liouville equation is derived for the distribution function in the multidimensional phase space formed by the complex Fourier amplitudes of the canonical-conjugate fields. A statistical definition of the entropy contained in the wave modes is given in form of an integral functional of the phase-space density. The theoretical considerations indicate a quasiparticle behavior of the wave modes of the classical plasma continuum.
Low-energy electron-atom scattering in a magnetic field

The threshold laws for electron-atom scattering processes in a magnetic field are shown not to contain singularities in general. Observed modulations of photodetachment cross sections are due to the presence of true resonances rather than divergence of phase space. These resonances may be associated with thresholds, or they may be analogous to the quasi-Landau resonances observed in photoionization.
A calorimetric measurement of the nuclear quadrupole coupling in pure, single crystal, rhenium metal

The nuclear contribution to the specific heat of Re has been measured in the temperature range 0.1°K – 0.5°K. The nuclear contribution has the expected A/T^2 dependence. We have found A = 0.061 ± 0.002 mJ°K/mole for H ∼ H_c increasing to A = 0.077 ± 0.004 mJ°K/mole at H = 12.5 Oe. On the basis of these results the resonant magnetic fields for possible NMR transitions are predicted.
The role of the mantle during crustal extension: Constraints from geochemistry of volcanic rocks in the Lake Mead area, Nevada and Arizona

One of the fundamental questions in areas of large-magnitude extension and magmatism is the role of the mantle in the extension process. The Lake Mead area is ideally suited for developing models that link crustal and mantle processes because it contains both mantle and crustal boundaries and it was the site of large-magnitude crustal extension and magmatism during Miocene time. In the Lake Mead area, the boundary between the amagmatic zone and the northern Colorado River extensional corridor parallels the Lake Mead fault system and is situated just to the north of Lake Mead. This boundary formed between 11 and 6 Ma during, and just following, the peak of extension and corresponds to a contact between two mantle domains. During thinning and replacement of the lithospheric mantle in the northern Colorado River extensional corridor, the lithospheric mantle in the amagmatic zone remained intact. Contrasting behavior to the north and south of this boundary may have produced the mantle domain boundary. The domain to the north of the boundary is characterized by mafic lavas with a lithospheric mantle isotopic and geochemical signature (ϵ Nd = -3 to -9; 87 Sr/ 86 Sr = 0.706-0.707). To the south of the boundary in the northern Colorado River extensional corridor, lavas have an ocean island basalt (OIB)-mantle signature and appear to have only a minor lithospheric mantle component in their source (ϵ Nd = 0 to +4; 87 Sr/ 86 Sr = 0.703-0.705). Mafic lavas of the northern Colorado River extensional corridor represent the melting of a complex and variable mixture of asthenospheric mantle, lithospheric mantle, and crust. Pliocene alkali basalt magmas of the Fortification Hill field represent the melting of a source composed of a mixture of asthenospheric mantle, high U/Pb (HIMU)-like mantle, and lithospheric mantle. Depth of melting of alkali basalt magmas remained relatively constant from 12 to 6 Ma during, and just after, the peak of extension but probably increased between 6 and 4.3 Ma following extension. Miocene and Pliocene low ϵ Nd and high 87 Sr/ 86 Sr magmas and tholeiites at Malpais Flattop were derived from a lithospheric mantle source and were contaminated as they passed through the crust. The shift in isotopic values due to crustal interaction is no more than 4 units in ϵ Nd and 0.002 in 87 Sr/ 86 Sr and does not mask the character of the mantle source. The change in source of basalts from lithospheric mantle to asthenospheric mantle with time, the OIB character of the mafic lavas, and the HIMU-like mantle component in the source are compatible with the presence of rising asthenosphere, as an upwelling convective cell, or plume beneath the northern Colorado River extensional corridor during extension. The Lake Mead fault system, a major crustal shear zone, parallels the mantle domain boundary. The Lake Mead fault system may locally represent the crustal manifestation of differential thinning of the lithospheric mantle.
Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) for the allergist: update on the assessment and management.

Objective The purpose of this article is to provide an understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, potentially serious complications, diagnostic modalities, and treatment options available for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Data Sources The Ovid, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases from 1950 to the present were searched for relevant articles regarding pediatric OSAS. Study Selection Articles describing the prevalence, mechanisms, risk factors, complications, and most recent updates on assessment and management of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) were used for this review. Results The data suggest that SDB may be considered a disease continuum. It ranges in severity from mild obstruction of the upper airway, producing primary snoring, to increased upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), to continuous episodes of complete upper airway obstruction or OSAS. The degree of sleep disruption, hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and upper airway airflow reduction are main factors in determining the severity of SDB. Mounting evidence implicates OSAS as a risk factor for decreased growth, impaired neurocognitive function, and cardiovascular morbidity. The first treatment of choice for OSAS in children remains tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Conclusions Sleep-disordered breathing is common in children and can cause minor as well as major disruption of sleep and health problems requiring intervention. Despite apparent symptoms and potentially severe consequences, SDB may be underdiagnosed and unrecognized. Therefore, a high index of suspicion and detailed clinical history and physical examination should be part of any clinical assessment of a child presenting with breathing difficulty during sleep.
Analysis of purified maize starch synthases IIa and IIb: SS isoforms can be distinguished based on their kinetic properties.

Abstract Since starch synthases IIa (SSIIa) and SSIIb have not been purified from plant tissue, their structure–function relationships have not been well characterized. Therefore, we have expressed these SS genes in Escherichia coli, purified them to apparent homogeneity, and studied their kinetic properties. In addition, the N-terminally truncated forms of these enzymes were studied in an attempt to understand the function of the diverse N-terminal sequences in SS. Our results show that, like SSI, the N-terminal extensions of SSIIa and SSIIb are not essential for catalytic activity and no extensive changes in their kinetic properties are observed upon their N-terminal truncation. Each isoform of SS can be distinguished based on its kinetic properties. Maize SSI and maize SSIIb exhibit higher V max with glycogen as a primer, while the converse is true for SSIIa. However, the specific activity of SSIIb is at least two- to threefold higher than that for either SSI or SSIIa. Although SSIIb exhibits the highest maximal velocity of the isoforms compared, its apparent affinity for primer is twofold lower than the affinity of SSI and SSIIa for primer. Perhaps these differences in primer affinity, primer preference, and maximal velocities all contribute in some way to the different structure(s) of starch during its synthesis. Expression and purification of maize SS has now provided us a useful tool to address the role(s) of SS in starch synthesis and starch structure.
EMG controlled arm prototype forearm flexo-extension

Electromyography is mainly used in the assessment of neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy, myasthemia gravis or peripheral nerve disorders; however its direct relation with limb movement, muscle's electrical signal accessibility (easy to acquire) and the need in our society to come up with rehabilitation oriented practical solutions make it an approachable and attractive option to develop useful control applications. In this project the forearm muscle signal is acquired through superficial electrodes and processed with a designed circuit in which signal amplification, filtering and other conditioning take place. All of these steps are conducive to obtain a final command so that the user can control the arm prototype at his will with just a tiny muscle contraction.
A composite phase diagram of structure H hydrates using Schreinemakers' geometric approach

Abstract A composite phase diagram is presented for Structure H (sH) clathrate hydrates, In this work, we derived the reactions occurring among the various phases along each four-phase (Ice/Liquid water, liquid hydrocarbon, vapor, and hydrate) equilibrium line. A powerful method (though seldom used in chemical engineering) for multicomponent equilibria developed by Schreinemakers is applied to determine the relative location of all quadruple (four-phase) lines emanating from three quintuple (five-phase) points. Experimental evidence validating the approximate phase diagram is also provided. The use of Schreinemakers' rules for the development of the phase diagram is novel for hydrates, but these rules may be extended to resolve the phase space of other more complex systems commonly encountered in chemical engineering.
Translational energy selection of molecular precursors to oxygen adsorption on Pt(111)

Adsorption intermediates of oxygen on a platinum (111) surface were examined with electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and molecular beams. Low incident kinetic energies promote initial adsorption into both a superoxolike $(870\mathrm{cm}{}^{\ensuremath{-}1})$ and peroxolike $(690\mathrm{cm}{}^{\ensuremath{-}1})$ molecular surface species at 77 K. High incident energies, however, exclusively populate the more strongly bound peroxolike species, suggesting a close correlation between incident kinetic energy and the reaction coordinate for adsorption. This investigation directly verifies surface intermediates in high kinetic energy adsorption and provides evidence of translational energy affecting adsorption product distribution.
Nucleotide sequence of a cDNA for canine β-spectrin reveals high evolutionary conservation

Abstract A cDNA coding for the carboxy-terminus of canine β-spectrin was isolated from a canine tracheal cDNA library. Analysis of the 3267 nucleotide sequence revealed a single open reading frame coding for 707 amino acids. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence to that of the recently reported general isoform of human β-spectrin (βG) revealed 98% identity. This high degree of conservation of the general isoform of β-spectrin illustrates a strong evolutionary selection and should help in identification of sites that are candidates to mediate specialized functions of this general isoform. This is the first report of a cDNA encoding canine β-spectrin.
Treatment strategy for disseminated langerhans cell histiocytosis

Treatment of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) remains problematic. To test the hypothesis that rapid initiation and long-term continuation of chemotherapy can improve survival and reduce recurrence and late consequences of disseminated LCH, we have completed a prospective clinical trial (DAL HX-83). One hundred six newly diagnosed patients were stratified into three risk groups (A: multifocal bone disease [n = 28]; B: soft tissue involvement without organ dysfunction [n = 57]; C: organ dysfunction [n = 21]). All patients received an identical initial 6-week treatment (etoposide [VP-16], prednisone, and vinblastine), and continuation treatment for 1 year, slightly adapted according to stratification at diagnosis. It included oral 6-mercaptopurine and eight pulses of vinblastine and prednisone for all patients, plus VP-16 in group B and VP-16 and methotrexate in group C. Eighty-nine percent and 91% of patients in groups A and B and 67% of the most severely affected group C, achieved complete resolution of disease. The speed of resolution was rapid (median 4 months) and independent of disease severity. The frequency of recurrence after initial resolution was low (12%, 23%, and 42% in groups A, B and C); overall fully 77% of patients have remained free of recurrence. Permanent consequences developed after diagnosis in 20% of the patients. Diabetes insipidus after initiation of treatment occurred in only 10% of patients. Mortality (9%) was limited to patients of groups B (two patients) and C (eight patients). Finally, among the 106 patients treated by DAL HX-83 none have developed a malignancy (median follow-up 6 years, 9 months). The shorter duration of active disease, low rate of recurrence and permanent consequences, and improved survival among patients with poor prognosis support the strategy of rapid initiation of a predefined prolonged treatment upon the diagnosis of disseminated LCH.
How to save Kant's deduction of taste

Kant has been taken to argue in his deduction of taste that aesthetic response is grounded in a perception of form that engenders a feeling of proportion which is a "subjective state" necessary for all cognition. He then seems caught in being able to preserve the necessity of taste only by holding the quite non-Kantian principle that all objects are beautiful, t Those who recognize this difficulty think the only way out is to take aesthetic response rather to involve a special kind of sensitivity in particular people that would avoid making all objects beautiful only at the cost of not allowing a ground for the claim that aesthetic judgments are universal and necessary. 2 I shall argue that there is a better way to escape this difficulty, one that allows for Kant's claim of the universal validity of taste to be maintained. I shall also note that the price of saving Kant's argument here is to restrict its significance, but this is a fact Kant can and does accept.
A NOTE ON AN IMPROVED QUASI-LAGRANGIAN ADVECTIVE SCHEME FOR PRIMITIVE EQUATIONS

Abstract Numerical results of time integration of divergent barotropic primitive equations by a quasi-Lagrangian advective scheme, without smoothing, show that the proposed model has the desired property of conserving total energy and potential vorticity following a particle. A scheme to forecast boundary conditions in a manner similar to that in the interior is incorporated which significantly improves the results. The tests are made utilizing a large amplitude sinusoidal perturbation on a basic current as the initial state. Tests are carried out by performing the integration for 8 days.
The pelvis of the free-tailed bat: sexual dimorphism and pregnancy changes.

There are constant morphological differences between the bony pelves of adult males and females that constitute a sexual dimorphism. A convexity along the caudal border of the ischiopubic ramus and a bony projection bordering the pubic joint are present only in the male. The pubic joint in the male is a typical symphysis, whereas in the female it consists of an interpubic ligament interconnecting the coxal bones. The ligament contains an abundance of elastic fibers interspersed among collagenous fibers. The disparity between the size of the pelvic birth canal of the pregnant bat and the single full-term fetus is so great that during parturition the interpubic ligament stretches to more than 15 times its original length.
Retreat. Reveal. Retain

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to suggest that leaders use staff retreats as a time for budget and planning, more than as a time for working on the prototypical subjects of group cohesion, personality pairing/profiling and teamwork exercises.Design/methodology/approach – Analysis from the perspective of staff retention frames the explanation of staff retreats used primarily as budget exercises, to educate and spark informed debate leading to increased employee satisfaction.Findings – Open and honest budgetary disclosure is the fundamental desire of employees concerned about macroeconomic issues affecting organizations going forward. Placing these matters first during staff retreats will create the desired group cohesion and retention effects sought through embarking on staff retreat activities.Originality/value – Staff retreats are very popular, and literature on this topic is plentiful. Positive retention outcomes attained from staff retreats because of a focus on a shared understanding of budget...
Comparisons of CFD flow field solutions with experimental data at Mach 14

Experimental data obtained in the Sandia National Laboratories Hypersonic Wind Tunnel (HWT) are compared with numerical predictions made by a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) computer code. The data compared are force and moment coefficients for a slender blunted cone at Mach 14. The CFD code is a Parabolized Navier-Stokes (PNS) code. Schlieren photographs of the shock shapes are compared with predictions made by the PNS code for angles of attack up to 14/sup 0/. Oil flow photographs are compared with the numerical prediction of the location of the cross flow separation. Overall, the numerical predictions agree with the experimental data.
Strain Dependence of Longitudinal Piezoelectric, Elastic, and Dielectric Constants of X -Cut Quartz

Experimental measurements of the piezoelectric current from impact-loaded $X$-cut quartz are utilized to determine the finite-strain piezoelectric and elastic constitutive relations for uniaxial strain ${\ensuremath{\eta}}_{1}$ from 2.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ to 4.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$. The measurements are analyzed to provide values for the linear piezoelectric stress constant ${e}_{11}$, the direct-effect nonlinear constant $\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}{e}_{11}}{\ensuremath{\partial}{\ensuremath{\eta}}_{1}}$, the strain dependence of the permittivity, and the second-, third-, and fourth-order longitudinal elastic constants. It is found that consitutive relations developed to describe nonlinear responses at small strains describe the response of $X$-cut quartz for the large strains employed in the present investigation. The results show that ${e}_{11}=(0.1711\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00094)$ C ${\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$, $\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}{e}_{11}}{\ensuremath{\partial}{\ensuremath{\eta}}_{1}}=\ensuremath{-}2.64\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.048$ C ${\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$, and ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{11}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{11}}{\ensuremath{\partial}{\ensuremath{\eta}}_{1}}=\ensuremath{-}0.46\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.13$. The elastic constants are ${c}_{11}=(0.868\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0095)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{12}$ dyn ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$, ${c}_{111}=(\ensuremath{-}3.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{12}$ dyn ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$, and ${c}_{1111}=+(75\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}25)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{12}$ dyn ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$. Data from previous authors are analyzed to obtain values for the nonlinear piezoelectric constants at 573 and 79 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K.
Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Is a Physiological Regulator of Adipocyte Insulin Signaling

Many proinflammatory cytokines and hormones have been demonstrated to be involved in insulin resistance. However, the molecular mechanisms whereby these cytokines and hormones inhibit insulin signaling are not completely understood. We observed that several cytokines and hormones that induce insulin resistance also stimulate SOCS3 expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and that SOCS3 mRNA is increased in adipose tissue of obese/diabetic mice. We then hypothesized that SOCS3 may mediate cytokine- and hormone-induced insulin resistance. By using SOCS3-deficient adipocytes differentiated from mouse embryonic fibroblasts, we found that SOCS3 deficiency increases insulin-stimulated IRS1 and IRS2 phosphorylation, IRS-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity, and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Moreover, lack of SOCS3 substantially limits the inhibitory effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha to suppress IRS1 and IRS2 tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity, and glucose uptake in adipocytes. The ameliorated insulin signaling in SOCS3-deficient adipocytes is mainly due to the suppression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced IRS1 and IRS2 protein degradation. Therefore, our data suggest that endogenous SOCS3 expression is a key determinant of basal insulin signaling and is an important molecular mediator of cytokine-induced insulin resistance in adipocytes. We conclude that SOCS3 plays an important role in mediating insulin resistance and may be an excellent target for therapeutic intervention in insulin resistance and type II diabetes.