cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excitation-transcription coupling in sympathetic neurons and the molecular mechanism of its initiation.

Abstract In excitable cells, membrane depolarization and activation of voltage-gated Ca 2+ (Ca V ) channels trigger numerous cellular responses, including muscle contraction, secretion, and gene expression. Yet, while the mechanisms underlying excitation–contraction and excitation–secretion coupling have been extensively characterized, how neuronal activity is coupled to gene expression has remained more elusive. In this article, we will discuss recent progress toward understanding the relationship between patterns of channel activity driven by membrane depolarization and activation of the nuclear transcription factor CREB. We show that signaling strength is steeply dependent on membrane depolarization and is more sensitive to the open probability of Ca V channels than the Ca 2+ entry itself. Furthermore, our data indicate that by decoding Ca V channel activity, CaMKII (a Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase) links membrane excitation to activation of CREB in the nucleus. Together, these results revealed some interesting and unexpected similarities between excitation–transcription coupling and other forms of excitation–response coupling.
Effects of Warm and Cold Temperatures on Release of TSH, GH, and Prolactin in Rats

SummaryWhen mature male rats were placed in a chamber at 40° for 30 or 60 min, there were significant decreases in serum TSH and plasma GH, and a five- to tenfold elevation of serum PRL. A temperature of 4° for 1 or 2 hr increased serum TSH, did not significantly alter plasma GH levels, and resulted in a significant fall in serum PRL. The observation that TSH and PRL responded oppositely to the same temperature changes suggests that different mechanisms regulate release of these two hormones under these conditions. The possible role of stress, and the interactions of the hypothalamic hypophysiotropic hormones and biogenic amines in the temperature-induced changes remain to be evaluated.Note in proof: Wettemann and Tucker (Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 146, 908 (1974)) recently reported that cattle exposed to increased ambient temperature showed a significant rise in blood prolactin levels, whereas exposure to cold ambient temperature resulted in a significant fall in blood prolactin. Thus cattle and rats sho...
Comparisons of Gas-Phase Temperature Measurements in a Flame Using Thin-Filament Pyrometry and Thermocouples

Less-intrusive, fast-responding, and full-field temperature measurements have long been a desired tool for the research community. Recently, the emission of a silicon-carbide (SiC) fiber placed in a flowing hot (or reacting) gas has been used to measure the temperature profile along the length of the fiber. The relationship between the gas and fiber temperature comes from an energy balance on the fiber. In the present work, we compared single point flame temperature measurements using thin-filament pyrometry (TFP) and thermocouples. The data was from vertically traversing a thermocouple and a SiC fiber through a methanol/air diffusion flame of a porous-metal wick burner. The results showed that the gas temperature using the TFP technique agreed with the thermocouple measurements (25.4 m diameter wire) within 3.5% for temperatures above 1200 K. Additionally, we imaged the entire SiC fiber (with a spatial resolution of 0.14 mm) while it was in the flame using a high resolution CCD camera. The intensity level along the fiber length is a function of the temperature. This results in a one-dimensional temperature profiles at various heights above the burner wick. This temperature measurement technique, while having a precision of less than 1 K, showed data scatter as high as 38 K. Finally, we discuss the major sources of uncertainty in gas temperature measurement using TFP.
Collagenases and Collagen Degradation

Degradation of interstitial collagens probably takes place through different enzymatic mechanisms than degradation of basement membrane and pericellular collagens. Interstitial collagens are resorbed under pathological and physiological conditions by collagenases which function extracellularly and cleave polypeptide chains in the collagen triple helix at specific loci resulting in solubilization from the fibril. Production of collagenase in humans is ascribable to fibroblast-like cells which can be stimulated to synthesize new enzyme for release outside of the cell. In several inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid synovitis, modulation of collagenase production is mediated by interactions with surrounding inflammatory cells. Monocyte-macrophages produce a stimulatory factor, which has homologies with interleukin 1, which not only increases collagenase synthesis but also PGE 2 synthesis. The PGE 2 in turn has profound effects on cellular function. Production of the mononuclear cell factor is modulated by several interactions including T lymphocytes and? lymphocyte products, collagen of the extracellular matrix and the Fc portion of immunoglobulins. It is probable, from analogies with other stimulants such as phorbol myristate acetate, that the increase in collagen synthesis is controlled at the level of transcription. Further regulation of collagenase action outside of the cell is probably accomplished by proteolytic activation of a latent collagenase zymogen and interactions with inhibitory proteins also produced by cells in the local environment of the resorptive process.
Some effects of grammatical transformations on the recall of english sentences

Summary The recall of English sentences varying systematically in syntactic structure was studied by the method of prompted recall with 80 S s. Analysis of the errors indicated that most of them were due to syntactical confusions. The hypothesis is advanced that S s analyze the sentences into a semantic component plus syntactic corrections when they learn them, and that this separation of semantic content from syntactic form is one reason that the general meaning of a message is generally so much easier to recall than its exact wording.
Applications of solid lubricant films in spacecraft

Abstract The use of solid (dry) lubricants, particularly solid lubricant thin films, in space systems, including satellites and launch vehicles, is reviewed. Various types of satellites and their generic mechanical requirements are outlined. Mechanisms that use solid lubricant films are described. The types of solid lubricant films available, including burnished, bonded, and sputter-deposited, are reviewed and their properties assessed relative to application requirements. Future opportunities for insertion of solid lubricants as replacements for liquid or grease lubricants are identified.
Simulation of carrier capture in quantum well lasers due to strong inelastic scattering

The effects of strong inelastic scattering on carrier transport over and capture into the quantum wells of quantum well lasers are simulated. In contrast to most semiconductor devices, strong scattering is beneficial to the operation of quantum well lasers. However, such strong inelastic scattering in nanostructures can be expected to produce intermediate degrees of phase coherence, limiting the applicability of both classical models, such as Bethe thermionic emission theory, and commonly used quantum mechanical treatments, such as Fermi's Golden Rule. Two computational approaches are demonstrated for simulating such transport with intermediate degrees of phase coherence. First, absorbing potentials are used within Schrodinger's equation to represent inelastic scattering. This simple approach both exhibits much of the essential physics of such transport and is computationally efficient. Then a more rigorous approach, Schrodinger equation (based) Monte Carlo (SEMC), is demonstrated. While SEMC is rigorously quantum mechanical, the numerical algorithm has more in common with semiclassical Monte Carlo methods than path integral-based quantum Monte Carlo methods. Both of these methods demonstrate nonlinear variations in carrier capture with variations in scattering, and the destruction of quantum resonances for transmission over the quantum well.
Job roles of systems analysts in the “profit” vs the “not for profit” sectors

Abstract Study of the personal characteristics and job development roles of a nationwide sample of 104 systems analysts in 20 companies in both the “profit” and “not for profit” sectors indicates that there are significant differences in responsibilities. The range of duties is more narrowly defined for the systems analyst in the “not for profit” sector. The analyst in the “not for profit” sector is more likely to write documentation and perform end user training. Maintenance duties are about the same. The analyst in the “profit sector” tends to be younger, has less formal education and is paid more than his “not for profit” counterpart. The paper specifically covers (1) system development roles, (2) training and documentation duties, (3) systems maintenance duties, (4) staff functions, and (5) professional development activities.
The Parahippocampal Cortex Mediates Spatial and Nonspatial Associations

The parahippocampal cortex (PHC) has been implicated in the processing of place-related information. It has also been implicated in episodic memory, even for items that are not related to unique places. How could the same cortical region mediate such seemingly different cognitive processes? Both processes rely on contextual associations, and we therefore propose that the PHC should be viewed not as exclusively dedicated for analyzing place-related information, or as solely processing episodic memories, but instead as more generally playing a central role in contextual associative processing. To test this proposal, we created a novel learning paradigm to form new associations among meaningless visual patterns. These new associations were created to emulate either spatial or nonspatial contexts. Both spatial and nonspatial associations activated the PHC more than noncontextual items. Moreover, items from spatial contexts activated the posterior part of the PHC, whereas items from nonspatial contexts activated the anterior PHC. Therefore, we show that the PHC plays a role of processing contextual associations in general, and that these associations are not restricted to spatial information. By modifying the existing view of the PHC function accordingly, the seemingly contradicting processes that activate it can be reconciled under one overarching framework.
The allergically active substance in pollen. A chemical and biologic study of Phleum pratense (timothy) pollen

Abstract 1.1. The allergically active substance of timothy pollen is an albuminous protein similar to the active material of ragweed pollen. It has been shown to be the only active substance. 2.2. Water extracts of ten-year-old timothy pollen were found to be low in protein, nitrogen, and activity, as compared with extracts of new pollens. 3.3. Alcoholic treatment of timothy pollen greatly lessened the amount of extractable nitrogen and activity. Heating lessened the activity of extract. 4.4. The globulin and reducing substances have no specific activity. 5.5. The precipitin test was negative, using the purified albumin and a specifically sensitive serum. 6.6. There was no albumin found in cat-tail pollen. This may explain the absence of clinical and skin reactivity to this airborne pollen.
Motexafin-Gadolinium and Involved Field Radiation Therapy for Intrinsic Pontine Glioma of Childhood: A Children's Oncology Group Phase 2 Study

Purpose To evaluate the effects on 1-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) of combining motexafin and gadolinium (MGd), a potent radiosensitizer, with daily fractionated radiation therapy in children with newly diagnosed intrinsic pontine gliomas. Methods and Materials Patients with newly diagnosed intrinsic pontine glioma were treated with MGd daily for 5 consecutive days each week, for a total of 30 doses. Patients received a 5- to 10-min intravenous bolus of MGd, 4.4 mg/kg/day, given 2 to 5 h prior to standard dose irradiation. Radiation therapy was administered at a daily dose of 1.8 Gy for 30 treatments over 6 weeks. The total dose was 54 Gy. Results Sixty eligible children received MGd daily, concurrent with 6 weeks of radiation therapy. The estimated 1-year EFS was 18% ± 5%, and the estimated 1-year OS was 53% ± 6.5%. The most common grade 3 to 4 toxicities were lymphopenia, transient elevation of liver transaminases, and hypertension. Conclusions Compared to historical controls, the addition of MGd to a standard 6-week course of radiation did not improve the survival of pediatric patients with newly diagnosed intrinsic pontine gliomas.
Cleft lip and palate rehabilitation.

A CHILD born with a congenital facial malformation is handicapped from birth. As he grows and develops, his problems will become increasingly evident to himself and to others. A facial defect may cause the child to feel different from other children and may frustrate him in his attempts to make good and be accepted. Clefts of the lip and/or palate have occurred in the human race for many centuries. In the past these clefts were usually the responsibility of the surgeon. However, the modern trend is to have the pediatrician, the orthodontist, the maxillofacial surgeon, the otolaryngologist, the speech pathologist, aud others work together as a team, beginning soon after the child’s birth. When this approach is followed, our final results are greatly enhanced.
Distributed spectrum sensing in the presence of selfish users

We study the problem of decentralized spectrum sensing in the presence of selfish secondary users. We employ diffusion strategies to guide the estimation process and a reputation mechanism to encourage secondary users to participate in the sharing of information. Simulation results illustrate the performance of the proposed technique for spectrum sensing over cognitive radios.
Redesigning the library e-lending experience to ensure accessibility and patron privacy

This poster identifies systematic problems with current user experience models that disadvantage consumers in favor of protecting rights holders' interests. Finally, alternative models that balance library, patron, and publisher interests are discussed.
A staff‐generated cross‐training plan for academic reference librarians: The TQM approach at Wayne State University libraries

The competence of academic librarians promises to be a foremost issue for academic librarianship in the twenty‐first century. New subject specialties, unprecedented information technologies, and increasingly interdisciplinary university curricula and research mean ever‐faster outdating of the library science degree. Currently, within ten to 12 years of receiving their diplomas, academic librarians are estimated to be half as competent to meet professional demands as they were at graduation. Continuing education is, therefore, ever more vital in maintaining a staff of library professionals who are capable of providing continually relevant service to library users.
Beyond the electronic textbook model: software techniques to make on-line educational content dynamic.

Objective: We describe a working software technology that enables educators to incorporate their expertise and teaching style into highly interactive and Socratic educational material for distribution on the world wide web.Materials/Methods: A graphically oriented interactive authoring system was developed to enable the computer novice to create and store within a database his or her domain expertise in the form of electronic knowledge. The authoring system supports and facilitates the input and integration of several types of content, including free-form, stylized text, miniature and full-sized images, audio, and interactive questions with immediate feedback. The system enables the choreography and sequencing of these entities for display within a web page as well as the sequencing of entire web pages within a case-based or thematic presentation. Images or segments of text can be hyperlinked with point-and-click to other entities such as adjunctive web pages, audio, or other images, cases, or electronic chapters. Miniature (thumbnail) images are automatically linked to their full-sized counterparts. The authoring system contains a graphically oriented word processor, an image editor, and capabilities to automatically invoke and use external image-editing software such as Photoshop. The system works in both local area network (LAN) and internet-centric environments. An internal metalanguage (invisible to the author but stored with the content) was invented to represent the choreographic directives that specify the interactive delivery of the content on the world wide web. A database schema was developed to objectify and store both this electronic knowledge and its associated choreographic metalanguage. A database engine was combined with page-rendering algorithms in order to retrieve content from the database and deliver it on the web in a Socratic style, assess the recipient’s current fund of knowledge, and provide immediate feedback, thus stimulating in-person interaction with a human expert.Results: This technology enables the educator to choreograph a stylized, interactive delivery of his or her message using multimedia components assembled in virtually any order, spanning any number of thus exercise precise influence on specific learning objectives, embody his or her personal teaching style within the content, and ultimately enhance its educational impact.Conclusion: The described technology amplifies the efforts of the educator and provides a more dynamic and enriching learning environment for web-based education.
Decreased lateral aggregation of a variant recombinant fibrinogen provides insight into the polymerization mechanism.

We analyzed the polymerization of BβA68T fibrinogen, the recombinant counterpart of fibrinogen Naples, a variant known to have decreased thrombin binding. When polymerized with equal thrombin conce...
Connected Health: A Review Of Technologies And Strategies To Improve Patient Care With Telemedicine And Telehealth

With the advent of national health reform, millions more Americans are gaining access to a health care system that is struggling to provide high-quality care at reduced costs. The increasing adoption of electronic technologies is widely recognized as a key strategy for making health care more cost-effective. This article examines the concept of connected health as an overarching structure for telemedicine and telehealth, and it provides examples of its value to professionals as well as patients. Policy makers, academe, patient advocacy groups, and private-sector organizations need to create partnerships to rapidly test, evaluate, deploy, and pay for new care models that use telemedicine.
Advances in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon.

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a common condition characterized by vasospasm of the digital arteries and resulting cyanosis and redness. It often does not require pharmacologic management, but in some cases symptoms are severe and pharmacologic management is necessary. Calcium channel blockers are often used first-line, but in some patients are ineffective. Patients with severe symptoms or intolerance to available therapies have prompted exploration of alternative therapies, including endothelin antagonists, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, antioxidants, newer vasodilators, statins, and botulinum toxin. These newer therapies provide the focus for this review.
Reconfigurable on-board vision processing for small autonomous vehicles

This paper addresses the challenge of supporting real-time vision processing on-board small autonomous vehicles. Local vision gives increased autonomous capability, but it requires substantial computing power that is difficult to provide given the severe constraints of small size and battery-powered operation. We describe a custom FPGA-based circuit board designed to support research in the development of algorithms for image-directed navigation and control. We show that the FPGA approach supports real-time vision algorithms by describing the implementation of an algorithm to construct a three-dimensional (3D) map of the environment surrounding a small mobile robot. We show that FPGAs are well suited for systems that must be flexible and deliver high levels of performance, especially in embedded settings where space and power are significant concerns.
Fires in large scale ventilation systems

Abstract This paper summarizes the experience gained simulating fires in large scale ventilation systems patterned after ventilation systems found in nuclear fuel cycle facilities. The series of experiements discussed includes: (1) combustion aerosol loading of 0.61×0.61m HEPA filters with the combustion products of two organic fuels, polysterene and polymethylemethacrylate; (2) gas dynamic and heat transport through a large scale ventilation system consisting of a 0.61 m duct 90 m in length, with dampers, HEPA filters, blowers, etc.; (3) gas dynamic and simultaneous transport of heat and solid particulate (consisting of glass beads with a mean aerodynamic diameter of 10μ) through the large scale ventilation system; and (4) the transport of heat and soot, generated by kerosene pool fires, through the large scale ventilation system. The FIRAC computer code, designed to predict fire-induced transients in nuclear fuel cycle facility ventilation systems, was used to predict the results of experiments (2) through (4). In general, the results of the predictions were satisfactory. The code predictions for the gas dynamics, heat transport, and particulate transport and deposition were within 10% of the experimentally measured values. However, the code was less successful in predicting the amount of soot generation from kerosene pool fires, probably due to the fire module of the code being a one-dimensional zone model. The experiments revealed a complicated three-dimensional combustion pattern within the fire room of the ventilation system. Further refinement of the fire module within FIRAC is needed.
Effects of MBE growth on the optical properties of AlGaN quantum wells

Optical studies are reported of multiple quantum wells, based on AlGaN for emission in the deep ultraviolet. The materials are grown using gas source molecular beam epitaxy in a growth regime which transitions from purely two-dimensional to mixed two- and three-dimensional well formation. Low temperature photoluminescence and absorption measurements are used to obtain the Stokes shift, and temperature dependence is used to estimate the thermal activation energy associated with photoluminescence intensity decrease. Variations in these energies are attributed to the well morphologies.
A new synthesis of piperidines and pyridines and pyridines: [3+3] annulation of 2-azaallyl anions

Abstract A one-pot approach to 6-membered heterocyclic rings combines two 1,3-dipole equivalents: 2-azaallyl anions (2) and iodosilane 3. The resulting cis-2,6-disubstituted 4-methylenepiperidines are converted in high yield to 2,4,6-trisubstituted pyridines (6) byoxidation with mercuric acetate in acetic acid.
Computation of high‐temperature equilibrium airflows using discontinuous Galerkin finite element method

In this paper, the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element method is applied to simulate high-temperature equilibrium airflows. Two approximate Riemann solvers are used to compute the advective flux. A second-order TVD Runge–Kutta time integration scheme is employed to march the solution in time. The extension to equilibrium chemistry is implemented by using the effective γ approach. The effective γ is obtained through a polynomial curve fit. With this approach, the computation of the species composition of the equilibrium air can be completely separated from the main solver. Several numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the DG method in chemically reacting airflows. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis assemblages in weaned cattle on cow-calf operations in the United States.

Abstract To determine the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in weaned beef calves on cow-calf operations in the United States, fecal specimens were collected from 819 calves (6–18 months of age) from 49 operations. After cleaning and concentration procedures to maximize recovery of cysts from feces, DNA was extracted from each of the 819 specimens. The presence of G. duodenalis was determined by nested PCR of a fragment of the SSU rRNA gene. All positive PCR products were subjected to sequence analysis. The overall sample level prevalence of Giardia was 33.5% with prevalence ranging from 0 to 100% among operations. The highest within herd prevalence of infected beef calves was found in one cow-calf operation from the South region (100%), followed by a cow-calf operation from the West region (90%), and three cow-calf operations from the Midwest region (87.5, 85, and 85%). Giardia was not detected in samples from 7 operations including 5 cow-calf operations from the South region, and 1 cow-calf operation each from the Midwest and West regions. Molecular analysis of the Giardia -positive samples identified assemblage E (or E-like) in 31.7% of all samples (260/819) and assemblage A in 1.2% (10/819). A mixed infection with assemblages A and E was observed in four calves from an operation in Midwest region. The potentially zoonotic assemblage A was detected in specimens from four operations in Midwest region. These findings indicate that most G. duodenalis found in weaned beef calves was assemblage E which represents no known zoonotic threat. However, the presence of assemblage A in a small number of animals poses a potential risk of infection to humans.
Medicine as Enlightenment cure: Benedetto Frizzi, physician to eighteenth-century Italian Jewish society

This article examines modern Jewish doctors and the Enlightenment in action through its analysis of Dr. Benedetto Frizzi (1756–1844) as an Enlightenment Jewish physician and public intellectual in Habsburg northern Italy. Frizzi sought to spread the new Enlightenment gospel of polizia medica—public health policy or social medicine—that he learned from its pioneering exponent, Dr. Johann Peter Frank, his teacher at the University of Pavia. Frizzi dispensed Enlightenment medicine for the benefit of the state and society in general, as well as Jewish society and culture in particular, for he saw himself as both public health crusader and doctor-priest ministering to his own people. His commitments to Enlightenment science and rationalism led him to criticize Jewish social practices harshly even as he creatively reinterpreted classic Jewish texts; accordingly, Frizzi was regarded in some quarters as subversive, while in others as an apologetic defender of Jews and Judaism. Situating Frizzi within the traditions of Jewish as well as European Enlightenment physicians, this article raises broader questions about religion and secularism in the modern discourse of medicalized Judaism.
The effect of a 10-day space flight on the function, phenotype, and adhesion molecule expression of splenocytes and lymph node lymphocytes.

Abstract Previous studies have indicated that space flight affects the activation of lymphocytes from humans, monkeys, and rodents. In rats, where lymphocytes from blood, spleen, and lymph nodes have been tested, the accumulated data suggest that the effects of flight on various cells are lymphoid organ-specific. Thus, cells may be affected by variations in trafficking brought about by fluid shifts in microgravity ( -3 g ). In this study we examined lymphocyte activation (IL-2 production) as well as the expression of surface differentiation antigens and of adhesion molecules by splenocytes and lymph node lymphocytes (LNL) after a 10-day flight (Space Shuttle Mission STS-57). For splenocytes and LNL from flight (FLT) animals, IL-2 production decreased in response to the T cell receptor-independent mitogen 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate plus ionomycin, but was not affected by stimulation with the T cell receptor-dependent mitogens Concanavalin A or phytohemagglutinin. In addition, the percentage, as well as fluorescent intensity, of splenocytes which expressed CD8, CD4, or kappa increased after flight. The percentage of LNL expressing CD2 also increased but those expressing CD5 decreased. The percentage of cells expressing the integrins LFA-1 α and β increased with splenocytes from FLT animals but decreased for LNL. In contrast, FLT animals showed a decrease in the percentage of selectin-positive splenocytes. ICAM-1 expression did not change. In summary, these data are consistent with a model in which microgravity affects lymphocyte redistribution among organs, which in turn influences the activation potential of the cells.
The effects of a space-fixed friction force on the in-plane stress and stability of transverse vibrations of a spinning disk

The membrane stress field in a spinning disk induced by a stationary circumferential friction force is first derived in the form of an infinite series. It is then shown, both by analysis and numerical computation, that this membrane stress field has no effect on the stability of transverse vibration of the spinning disk.
Apocalypse now!: Jim Morrison's vision of America

(1992). Apocalypse now!: Jim Morrison's vision of America. Popular Music and Society: Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 55-66.
Uncertainty Analysis for a Social Vulnerability Index

Indexes have gained favor over the past decade as a tool to measure social vulnerability to hazards. Numerous index designs have been put forward, yet we still know very little about their reliability. This research investigates the methods of social vulnerability index construction, examining decisions related to indicator selection, scale of analysis, measurement error, data transformation, normalization, and weighting. Each of these stages is imbued with uncertainty due to choices made by the index developer. The study applies Monte Carlo–based uncertainty analysis to assess and visualize uncertainty for a hierarchical social vulnerability index. Confidence limits are computed for the index rankings, leading to a finding of a high magnitude of uncertainty. The performance of the index compared to alternative configurations is strong in some places but statistically biased in about a third of the census tracts. The variability of index rankings is also assessed, indicating that index precision decreases...
USE OF NON-COULOMB H ION BACKSCATTERING TO CHARACTERIZE THICK ANODIZED ALUMINUM FILMS

Abstract A method is described which permits the characterization of the oxygen concentration as a function of depth for anodized Al layers thicker than can be measured with standard He ion backscattering. The method involves isolation of the contribution from the oxygen concentration in both the anodized sample and in the stoichiometric oxide, Al2O3 (sapphire), by subtraction of an appropriately normalized spectrum due to pure Al, obtained under identical conditions. The oxygen concentration from the anodized sample is then quantified by comparison of the oxygen distribution channel-by-channel with that from the standard Al2O3. In this comparison the variations in the stopping power factor, which linearly depends on the fraction of oxygen atoms present in the mixture or stoichiometric compound, is taken into account. It is shown, both by calculation from stopping power tabulations and by direct experiment, in which the strongly resonant features from the Al disappear in the difference spectrum, that this method of subtraction is valid in the Al/Al2O3 system and probably in other suitable binary systems. A criterion of equal ratios of stopping power for the incoming and outgoing ions in the two materials is developed which may be used to test in advance the applicability of the method in other cases.
Low doses of caffeine reduce heart rate during submaximal cycle ergometry

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the cardiovascular effects of two low-levels of caffeine ingestion in non habitual caffeine users at various submaximal and maximal exercise intensities.
Blood proteins and amino acids of female vbreeder Turkeys fed on maize‐soyabean diets supplemented with methionine

1. Two hundred and six female breeder turkeys were fed on maize‐soyabean diets of equal energy content, containing 100, 120 or 140 g crude protein (CP)/kg to which DL‐methionine was added at 0,1, 2 or 3 g/kg diet in a factorial design. 2. Serum albumin concentrations were found to be more sensitive measures of dietary protein adequacy than were total serum protein concentrations. Albumin concentrations at peak egg production were highest among birds fed on 120 and 140 g CP/kg diets. Four weeks later, they were highest only for those on the 140 g CP/kg diet. The elevated concentrations of blood threonine and lysine and the decreased concentration of glycine with increased dietary protein were in agreement with the data on egg production. 3. These data suggested that a sub‐optimal balance of dietary amino acids may have occurred.
Metachronous/concomitant B-cell neoplasms with discordant light-chain or heavy-chain isotype restrictions: evidence of distinct B-cell neoplasms rather than clonal evolutions

Metachronous/concomitant B-cell neoplasms with distinct morphology are usually considered clonally related. We retrospectively analyzed 4 cases of metachronous/concomitant B-cell neoplasms with discordant light-chain/heavy-chain restrictions. The primary diagnoses included chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL; n = 2), lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (n = 1), and pediatric follicular lymphoma (FL; n = 1). The respective secondary diagnoses included diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL; n = 2), plasmablastic myeloma, and pediatric FL. The secondary B-cell neoplasm occurred after the primary diagnosis in 3 cases, with the median interval of 120 months (range, 21-216), whereas the remaining 1 case had the 2 neoplasms (CLL/DLBCL) diagnosed concurrently. Histology suggested aggressive transformation in 3 cases and recurrence in 1 case (FL). Nonetheless, 3 cases showed discordant light-chain restrictions between the 2 B-cell neoplasms, whereas in the remaining case (lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/plasmablastic myeloma), the 2 neoplasms shared κ light-chain restriction but expressed different heavy-chain isotypes (IgM versus IgA). The 2 CLL/DLBCL cases had polymerase chain reaction-based IGH/K gene rearrangement study and amplicon sequence analysis performed, which demonstrated distinct clonal amplicons between the 2 B-cell neoplasms in each case. Concomitant/metachronous B-cell neoplasms may be clonally unrelated, which can be confirmed by immunoglobulin isotype analysis and/or genotypic studies. We advocate analysis of clonal identities in large cell transformation or recurrent disease compared with primary indolent B-cell neoplasm because of a potential difference in prognosis between clonally related and unrelated secondary B-cell neoplasms.
Optical oscillator strengths for N II.

An analytic atomic independent particle model adjusted to experimental single-particle energy levels is used to generate wave functions for the valence and excited states of N ii. Using these wave functions in conjunction with the Born approximation and the Russell-Saunders LS-coupling scheme, we calculate optical oscillator strengths for various transitions from the 2p2(3P0) ground state of N ii. The results are compared with available experimental data and other calculations.
The regulation of carbon flow through pyruvate dehydrogenase in the perfused guinea pig liver

Summary The relative contributions of lactate, propionate and octanoate to the acetyl CoA pool for ketone body formation in the perfused guinea pig liver was investigated with 14 C-labeled substrates. In the presence of octanoate, incorporation of 3-( 14 C)-lactate or 3-( 14 C)-propionate into acetoacetate was extremely low, amounting to only about 0.2% of the incorporation of 1-( 14 C)-octanoate which accounted for 28% of the acetoacetate synthesized, when this labeled fatty acid was perfused together with un-labeled lactate or propionate. Incorporation of 3-( 14 C)-lactate and 3-( 14 C)-propionate into CO 2 was likewise very low, in the same experiments amounting only to less than 0.7% and 7.0% respectively of the 1-( 14 C)-octanoate carbon oxidized to CO 2 in the presence of unlabeled lactate or propionate. Despite the potential availability of acetyl CoA from lactate via pyruvate; and from propionate via succinate, oxalacetate, P-enolpyruvate and pyruvate, its formation was minimal. The results indicate that pyruvate dehydrogenase is strongly inhibited during ketogenesis, when under these conditions, there is virtually complete conversion of metabolic pyruvate to glucose.
Flows induced by a plate moving normal to stagnation-point flow

The flow generated by an infinite flat plate advancing toward or receding from a normal stagnation-point flow is obtained as an exact reduction of the Navier–Stokes equations for the case when the plate moves at constant velocity V. Both Hiemenz (planar) and Homann (axisymmetric) stagnation flows are considered. In each case, the problem is governed by a Reynolds number R proportional to V. Small and large R behaviors of the shear stress parameters are found for both advancing and receding plates. Numerical solutions determined over an intermediate range of R accurately match onto the small and large R asymptotic behaviors. As a side note, we report an interesting exact solution for plates advancing toward or receding from an exact rotational stagnation-point flow discovered by Agrawal (1957).
Energy velocity, damping, and elementary inversion

Our numerical computation of precursors shows that damping increases the speed of frequency components to a degree that is consistent with energy velocity. The speedup here is slight, and a medium that has been called highly absorptive exhibits no speedup. These small effects lead us to question the extent to which energy velocity would be more useful than group velocity in the laboratory. We also introduce an especially simple method for measuring permittivity. The method is useful when damping affects wave speed no more than slightly, as happens in all the numerical simulations cited or reported here.
Correction of Random Surface Roughness on Colloidal Probes in Measuring Adhesion

Atomic force microscopes (AFM) are commonly used to measure adhesion at nanoscale between two surfaces. To avoid uncertainties in the contact areas between the tip and the surface, colloidal probes have been used for adhesion measurements. We measured adhesion between glass spheres and silicon (100) surface using colloidal probes of different radii under controlled conditions (relative humidity of < 3%, temperature of 25 +/- 1 degrees C). Results showed that the adhesion forces did not correlate with the radii of the spheres as suggested by elastic contact mechanics theories. Surface roughness and random surface features were found on the surfaces of the colloidal probes. We evaluated various roughness parameters, Rumpf and Rabinovich models, and a load-bearing area correction model in an attempt to correct for the roughness effects on adhesion, but the results were unsatisfactory. We developed a new multiscale contact model taking into account elastic as well as plastic deformation in a successive contacting mode. The new model was able to correct for most of the surface roughness features except for surface ridges with sharp angular features, limited by the spherical asperity assumption made in the model.
PARITY-NONCONSERVING INTERNUCLEON POTENTIALS. II. EFFECTS IN ELECTROMAGNETIC TRANSITIONS

A detailed investigation is made of the way in which parity-nonconserving (PNC) internucleon potentials lead to parity impurities in nuclear states and hence to pseudoscalar asymmetries in the emission of gamma radiation. Explicit expressions are obtained for the angular distribution of unpolarized radiation (a) in emission from nuclei polarized by non-nuclear methods, (b) in $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ angular correlations, (c) in polarized thermal neutron capture radiation and also for the magnitude of the circular polarization of radiation from an arbitrarily oriented nuclear system. The magnitudes of these effects are then estimated for the case of a transition between low-lying nuclear states and also for a ground-state transition following neutron capture. Finally a critique of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transitions so far used in experimental investigations of PNC effects is given. It is concluded that many transitions in particularly simple nuclei are insensitive to PNC effects and that at present all that can be stated with any confidence is that $\mathfrak{F}\ensuremath{\le}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}\ensuremath{-}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$.
Thyroidal hormones restore cell proliferation to the lenses of hypophysectomized adult frogs.

Abstract Mitotic activity abates in the lens epithelium of adult frogs 3–4 weeks after hypophysectomy. If triiodothyronine or thyrotropin treatment is initiated shortly after surgery, this cell cycle block is prevented. Moreover, the two hormone restore proliferative activity to the lens even when treatment is deferred until well after all mitotic activity has been halted. Neither T3 nor TSH is mitogenic to explanted lenses cultured in a completely defined medium. The results suggest that T3 and TSH promote the availability of a growth factor required by lenticular (but not corneal) epithelium.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) induces gonad reversal in a protogynous fish, the bluehead wrasse, Thalassoma bifasciatum (Teleostei, Labridae).

Female to male successive hermaphroditism (protogyny) is common in several groups of marine fish. Thalassoma bifasciatum, the bluehead wrasse (Labridae), found in the reefs of the Caribbean normally undergoes sex reversal after receiving behavioral cues. This report deals with the successful use of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in inducing gonad reversal in this species. Eighty percent (n = 40) of the treated fish showed signs of reversal in 1-6 weeks; only 11% (n = 54) of the control (nontreated) group showed signs of reversal during the same period. The number of fish undergoing reversal increased with the length of the treatment period, 55% after 1 week, 100% after 6 weeks. A bluehead color pattern, typical of the terminal male phase, also appeared more frequently in the longer treated groups. To determine the efficacy of hCG in inducing gonad reversal, morphological criteria for reversal had to be established. For the majority of treated fish, the presence of both spermatogenic cysts and degenerating oocytes was sufficient to label these gonads unambiguously as undergoing reversal. However, at the extremes of this process, i.e., onset (early) and endpoint (late) stages, ambiguity could arise in identifying a gonad as undergoing reversal, and, therefore, key criteria were established for these stages. In our hands, the most consistent and reliable criterion for the early stage reversal was appearance of male germ line cells, clusters of "spermatogonial-like" cells. For the late stage, recognizable remnants of late-state oocytes had to be present. Some details of the histological changes that occur during early, middle, and late stages of reversal are also described. It is suggested that these results with hCG shed new light on the endocrine control of gonad reversal in T. bifasciatum.
Decomposition of 4-bromobiphenyl in soil mediated by microwave energy

Abstract It is shown the 4-bromobiphenyl in soil can be decomposed quickly and almost quantitatively to organic fragments free of bromine, in a specially designed bomb in the presence of a reagent such as cuprous oxide and aqueous alkali, by using microwave energy.
A metric on the set of connected simple graphs of given order

We introduce a sequence $ d{^\ell_n} (\ell = 1, 2, \ldots) $ of functions on $ {\mathcal G}{_n} \times {\mathcal G}{_n} $, where $ {\mathcal G}_n $ is the set of all simple, connected, undirected graphs of order n up to isomorphism. We show that when $ \ell = 1 $ or $ \ell \geq n-1 $, $ d{^\ell_n} $ is a metric on $ {\mathcal G}_n $. While $ ({\mathcal G}{_n}, d{^1_n}) $ is a totally disconnected metric space that embodies the classical notion of graph isomorphism, $ ({\mathcal G}{_n}, d{^\ell_n}) $ is a connected metric space whenever $ \ell \geq n-1 $. In this paper, we investigate some properties and the relationship between these two spaces. This work was motivated by the problem of virtual path layout in high-speed computer networks, which concerns embedding a specified virtual network into the given physical network in a way that makes optimal use of the physical network resources.
The use of prophylactic antimicrobial agents during and after hip arthroplasty.

An intravenous antibiotic, administered just before skin incision, effectively reduces the prevalence of deep wound infection. The optimal antimicrobial agent has not been determined definitively ; however, a short duration of prophylaxis is recommended. Institutional compliance strategies are cost-effective and improve the timing of antibiotic administration. Also, published antimicrobial restriction recommendations are warranted because of the concern of emerging antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Specifically, restriction of vancomycin in orthopaedic surgery should be targeted critically. Supplemental antibiotic administration includes additional intraoperative antibiotic dosing, use of antibiotic-irrigant solutions, and admixture of antibiotics into acrylic bone cement or bone graft. There are no established standards or clinical guidelines for these supplemental antibiotic applications. Postoperatively, antimicrobial agents frequently are overused for various clinical scenarios and this pattern of antibiotic usage is potentially detrimental. A prophylaxis strategy for prevention of early and late hematogenous infection requires consideration of host risk factors, wound environment variables, and sources of potential bacteremia. This strategy should include deliberation of the cost-effectiveness, efficacy, and complications associated with routine use of antibiotics. Advisory statements for elective procedures, which potentially may cause bacteremia, are being developed and additional research is required for this area of antimicrobial agent prophylaxis.
Equipartition of mass distributions by hyperplanes

We consider the problem of determining the smallest dimensiond=Δ(j, k) such that, for anyj mass distributions inRd, there arek hyperplanes so that each orthant contains a fraction 1/2k of each of the masses. The case Δ(1,2)=2 is very well known. The casek=1 is answered by the ham-sandwich theorem with Δ(j, 1)=j. By using mass distributions on the moment curve the lower bound Δ(j, k)źj(2kź1)/k is obtained. We believe this is a tight bound. However, the only general upper bound that we know is Δ(j, k)≤j2kź1. We are able to prove that Δ(j, k)=źj(2kź1/kź for a few pairs (j, k) ((j, 2) forj=3 andj=2n withnź0, and (2, 3)), and obtain some nontrivial bounds in other cases. As an intermediate result of independent interest we prove a Borsuk-Ulam-type theorem on a product of balls. The motivation for this work was to determine Δ(1, 4) (the only case forj=1 in which it is not known whether Δ(1,k)=k); unfortunately the approach fails to give an answer in this case (but we can show Δ(1, 4)≤5).