cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biogenic magnetite as a basis for magnetic field detection in animals

Bacteria, sharks, honey bees, and homing pigeons as well as other organisms seem to detect the direction of the earth's magnetic field. Indirect but reproducible evidence suggests that the bees and birds can also respond to very minute changes in its intensity. The mechanisms behind this sensitivity are not known. Naturally magnetic, biologically precipitated magnetite (Fe3O4) has been found in chitons, magnetotactic bacteria, honey bees, homing pigeons, and dolphins. Its mineralization in localized areas may be associated with the ability of these animals to respond to the direction and intensity of the earth's magnetic field. The presence of large numbers (approximately 10(8)) of superparamagnetic magnetite crystals in honey bees and similar numbers of single-domain magnetite grains in pigeons suggests that there may be at least two basic types of ferrimagnetic magnetoreceptive organelles. Theoretical calculations show that ferrimagnetic organs using either type of grain when integrated by the nervous system are capable of accounting for even the most extreme magnetic field sensitivities reported. Indirect evidence suggests that organic magnetite may be a common biological component, and may account for the results of numerous high field and electromagnetic experiments on animals.
Impact of extraction on a humidification–dehumidification desalination system

Abstract Humidification–dehumidification desalination systems obtain higher water output per unit energy input when the entropy generation of the system is minimized. Past studies have shown that entropy production is lowered when the system's humidifier and dehumidifier have nearly equal rates of enthalpy flow for both air and water streams. In this study, we examine the effect of extracting water or air from one component and injecting into the other, with the aim of bringing the enthalpy rates into balance. We consider the effect of extraction or injection on standalone heat and mass exchange devices. Similar to cases without extraction, it is found that entropy generation is reduced when a component's modified heat capacity rate ratio is brought closer to unity. We then consider the entire system with one or more extractions at various mass flow rates. The results show that it is possible to significantly improve the cycle performance, but that performance can be degraded in some cases. The effect of injection or extraction was greatest for components with high effectiveness and low terminal temperature difference. While multiple extractions resulted in higher performance gains, the impact of a single extraction was greatest with subsequent extractions yielding diminishing returns.
Laser Brewster window sealing techniques

The application of the Wallis and Pomerantz electrostatic sealing technique to low-temperature glass-to-glass vacuum tight optical window seals is discussed. The successful sealing of vacuum tight quartz optical windows to quartz tubing at the Brewster angle is described and problem areas are defined. A brief discussion of the sealing mechanism is given and the general equations are defined.
PLA2 and secondary metabolites of arachidonic acid control filopodial behavior in neuronal growth cones

The neuronal growth cone provides the sensory and motor structure that guides neuronal processes to their target. The ability of a growth cone to navigate correctly depends on its filopodia, which sample the environment by continually extending and retracting as the growth cone advances. Several second messengers systems that are activated upon contact with extracellular cues have been reported to affect growth cone morphology by changing the length and number of filopodia. Because recent studies have suggested that guidance cues can signal via G-protein coupled receptors to regulate phospholipases, we here investigated whether phospholipase A2 (PLA2) may control filopodial dynamics and could thereby affect neuronal pathfinding. Employing identified Helisoma neurons in vitro, we demonstrate that inhibition of PLA2 with 2 microM BPB caused a 40.3% increase in average filopodial length, as well as a 37.3% reduction in the number of filopodia on a growth cone. The effect of PLA2 inhibition on filopodial length was mimicked by the inhibition of G-proteins with 500 ng/ml pertussis toxin and was partially blocked by the simultaneous activation of PLA2 with 50 nM melittin. We provide evidence that PLA2 acts via production of arachidonic acid (AA), because (1) the effect of inhibition of PLA2 could be counteracted by supplying AA exogenously, and (2) the inhibition of cyclooxygenase, which metabolizes AA into prostaglandins, also increased filopodial length. We conclude that filopodial contact with extracellular signals that alter the activity of PLA2 can control growth cone morphology and may affect neuronal pathfinding by regulating the sensory radius of navigating growth cones.
Gravitomagnetic effects in the propagation of electromagnetic waves in variable gravitational fields of arbitrary-moving and spinning bodies

The propagation of light in the gravitational field of self-gravitating spinning bodies moving with arbitrary velocities is discussed. The gravitational field is assumed to be ``weak'' everywhere. The equations of motion of a light ray are solved in the first post-Minkowskian approximation which is linear with respect to the universal gravitational constant G. We do not restrict ourselves to the approximation of a gravitational lens so that the solution of light geodesics is applicable for arbitrary locations of the source of light and the observer. This formalism is applied for studying corrections to the Shapiro time delay in binary pulsars caused by the rotation of the pulsar and its companion. We also derive the correction to the light deflection angle caused by the rotation of gravitating bodies in the solar system (Sun, planets) or a gravitational lens. The gravitational shift of frequency due to the combined translational and rotational motions of light-ray-deflecting bodies is analyzed as well. We give a general derivation of the formula describing the relativistic rotation of the plane of polarization of electromagnetic waves (Skrotskii effect). This formula is valid for arbitrary translational and rotational motion of gravitating bodies and greatly extends the results of previous researchers. Finally, we discuss the Skrotskii effect for gravitational waves emitted by localized sources such as a binary system. The theoretical results of this paper can be applied for studying various relativistic effects in microarcsecond space astrometry and developing corresponding algorithms for data processing in space astrometric missions such as FAME, SIM, and GAIA.
Synthesis of Polyacrylamide Nanogels by Intramolecular Disulfide Cross-linking

Nondegradable polyamides with protein-like properties were designed and prepared as a copolymeric hydrogel by the free-radical polymerization of acrylamide with a disulfide-containing cross-linking...
Crystal Splitting in the Growth of Bi2S3

Novel Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3} nanostructures with a sheaf-like morphology are obtained via reaction of bismuth acetate-oleic acid complex with elemental sulfur in 1-octadecence. We propose these structures form by the splitting crystal growth mechanism, which is known to account for the morphology some mineral crystals assume in nature. By controlling the synthetic parameters, different forms of splitting, analogous to observed in minerals, are obtained in our case of Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3}. These new and complex Bi{sub 2}S{sub 3} nanostructures are characterized by TEM, SEM, XRD and ED.
Review of 208 medicolegal cases over 20 years

A review of the 208 medicolegal cases sent to me from 1975 to 1995 showed that problems were related to one of the following: indication for surgery, consent, anesthesia, vascular injury, bowel injury, urologic injury, nerve injury, abandonment, and unwanted pregnancies. The cases were categorized as reviewed only, progress with no further action, deposition, settled, and to trial. Approximately 50% of cases did not go to trial.
Discursive Multilateralism: Global Benchmarks, Shame, and Learning in the ILO Labor Standards Monitoring Regime

A distinct feature of contemporary international relations is the proliferation of multilateral monitoring regimes. Despite the significance of this for the study of international law and organization, little empirical evaluation of the effectiveness of multilateral monitoring exists. This article examines the effectiveness of the supervisory system of the International Labor Organization (ILO), widely recognized as the prototypical model for all multilateral monitoring regimes. I examine the speech acts and rule-practices of the ILO regime within a hermeneutic/constructivist framework. This yields a set of heuristic hypotheses reflective of the “logic” that guides regime interactions with its member states. This asserts that “shame” influences member states to comply and respond positively to regime obligations. To test this, I statistically generate global benchmarks. These consist of world and regional averages in the behavioral patterns of member states. Quantitative findings demonstrate recidivist patterns of deviance by “global pariahs” set against a statistical background consisting of large-scale normative conformity on the part of ILO member states but configured around some regional variations. My analysis contends that global benchmarking reduces the risks of member state defection from core international labor standards and thereby promotes monitoring by learning or discursive multilateralism.
Oscillating and stagnating plumes in the Earth's lower mantle

Abstract We investigate the coupled effects of mineralogy and pressure on the dynamics of axisymmetric thermochemical plumes in the lower mantle, using both high resolution numerical experiments and simple analytical theory. We focus on the effect of composition on the compressibility which has not been studied before. Our results show that the effect of mineralogy is considerable: For relatively low Si enrichment, the compressibility of the plume and of the surrounding mantle is similar therefore the compositional density excess of the plume is constant with depth. This leads to an oscillatory behavior in plume head vertical position with time, similar to previous work [A. Davaille. Simultaneous generation of hotspots and superswells by convection in a heterogeneous planetary mantle. Nature, 402 (1999) 756–760.]. Si-enriched compositions instead induce a lower compressibility for the thermochemical plume with respect to the surrounding mantle, implying an increase of the compositional density excess with decreasing depth. Therefore, although thermochemical plumes can fully develop and rise toward the surface, their ascent may be impeded by the chemical density excess, leading to the stagnation of large plume heads at various depths in the lower mantle. As a consequence, Si-enriched thermochemical plumes may display broad (∼ 1200 km wide) negative seismic velocity anomalies at various lower mantle depths, which may not necessarily be associated with upwelling currents. In addition, the coupling between mineralogy and dynamics may provide an efficient mechanism for the long term survival of compositional heterogeneity in the lower mantle.
Reaction of aldehyde oils with a resinous polyol, styrene-allyl alcohol copolymer

A series of film formers based on aldehyde oils, derived by reductive ozonolysis of soybean and linseed oils was prepared by a two-step reaction with a resinous polyol, styrene-allyl alcohol copolymer. The methyl acetals of the di- and monoaldehyde oils were interchanged with the hydroxyl functionality of the resinous polyol with potassium acid sulfate as the catalyst as follows: (a) The heterogeneous mixture was heated only to clarity in the first step. This consumed about 20–25% of the hydroxyl groups of the resinous polyol. (b) Films of the partially reacted products of (a) were cast and cured at various temperatures between 100 and 175 C for variable periods of time. The films showed good hardness, scratch and chemical resistance. Some yellowing was observed. The film former in the (a) stage was compatible with melamine and urea-formaldehyde resins and, upon baking, these compositions also produced clear, hard chemical-resistant films.
Reproducing kernel resolution space and its applications—II

Abstract In some recent work Kailath and Duttweiler used reproducing Kernel Hilbert space techniques, together with a highly non-standard time structure, to formulate a representation theory for stochastic processes. Although non-standard their structure satisfied the axioms for a resolution space; a Hilbert space to which a time structure is axiomatically adjoined which has received considerable interest in the mathematical system theory literature. In the present paper the work of Kailath and Duttweiler is extended via the concept of a reproducing kernel resolution space which is defined for the covariance of an arbitrary resolution space valued random variable. Applications to the representation and approximation of stochastic processes are considered, a new formula for the optimal stochastic predictor is derived, and a canonical form for the causal factors of an arbitrary covariance is obtained.
Photodynamic cytotoxicity of mammalian cells exposed to sunlight-simulating near ultraviolet light in the presence of the carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene.

— The coal-derived carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA), added to cultures of V79 Chinese hamster, C3H mouse 10T1/2, and human HeLa cells, enhances photolethality induced by the sunlight-simulating emission from Westinghouse Sun Lamps (- 29˜100 nm) but only in the presence of O2. Treatment of cells with DMBA after irradiation is without lethal effect; the endoperoxide of DMBA is ineffective both before as well as after irradiation, and DMBA incubation before far-UV exposure (254 nm) is protective. Cells rendered photosensitive by incubation with DMBA rapidly lose their sensitivity (in < 10 min, 37°C) if incubated in a DMBA-free solution containing serum, but maintain their sensitivity at least for several hours if a serum-free solution is used. Although DMBA enhances light-induced killing of cells in all phases of the cycle, those undergoing DNA syntheses are preferentially sensitized. The data support photodynamic lethality due to one or both of the following: (1) the reaction with DNA of either DMBA radicals followed by oxidation, or DMBA-produced singlet oxygen; or (2) the peroxidation of lysosomal membranes followed by the release of hydrolases including DNAses. As a model system of the combined effects of a fossil-fuel derived polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and sunlight, the results with DMBA + near-UV are discussed in the context of altered cell properties (e.g. neoplastic transformation) in sublethally affected cells.
Use of emergency balloon dilation to reverse acute hemodynamic decompensation developing during diagnostic catheterization for aortic stenosis (bailout valvuloplasty)

Abstract Balloon aortic valvuloplasty has been shown to be an effective means of acutely reducing outflow tract obstruction in children 1 and adults 2,3 with aortic stenosis. In the present study we describe 3 patients with aortic stenosis who entered the hospital and catheterization laboratory in a stable hemodynamic state, but deteriorated acutely during routine diagnostic catheterization. In all 3 patients, balloon valvuloplasty was successfully performed as a bailout procedure after conventional measures failed to restore adequate systemic perfusion.
In Situ FTIR Spectroscopic Analysis of Carbonate Transformations during Adsorption and Desorption of CO2 in K-Promoted HTlc

In situ FTIR spectroscopy was used to study carbonate transformations during adsorption and desorption of CO2 in K-promoted HTlc at 450 °C just after activation. It revealed one irreversible process associated with the slow formation of polydentate carbonate during both adsorption and desorption, which explains CO2 capacity fade with cycling. It also revealed several reversible processes associated with the disappearance of free carbonate ion and the formation of unidentate, bidentate, and bridged (surface) carbonates during the adsorption of gaseous CO2 on active sites (highly basic, metal-bound unsaturated oxygen atoms) and vice versa during desorption. As the active sites became depleted during adsorption, free carbonate also transformed into bidentate, bidentate formation continued throughout adsorption, and unidentate and bridged carbonates began to disappear, possibly transforming irreversibly into polydentate. Once enough active sites became available during desorption, bidentate also began to tran...
The Hierarchy of Models in Chemical Process Control

Chemical processes are large-scale systems that cannot be described adequately by a single model. A three-tiered hierarchy of process models and control problems is presented to illustrate the nature-of the industrial control system design problem and the interrelations among various solutions. The process phenomena under consideration generally exhibit nonlinear, time-varying distributed-parameter dynamics occurring over a continuum of time scales. The key question, then, is "what constitutes an adequate process model?". This paper makes the case for more complex models than the "first-order plus deadtime" types commonly invoked in practice. This case is based on considerations of process nonlinearities and dynamics that occur on multiple time scales.
Can Patients With Cardiovascular Disease Take Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs

More than 80 million people in the United States have some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD)—for example, coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, or heart failure—and millions of others are at increased risk for these diseases. Over half of these people are also affected by arthritis and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system—the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and bursa. The pain associated with these chronic conditions is often treated with a class of medications known as nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, it has been shown that taking some NSAIDs can increase a person’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This risk is likely greatest in patients who have a prior history of CVD or who are at high risk for CVD. The information here will help you to understand what NSAIDs are and whether it is safe to take them. NSAIDs can reduce fever, pain, and inflammation (swelling and redness). Some are available over the counter (OTC), whereas others require a prescription. The best known NSAID is aspirin. Other common NSAIDs are ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen (all 3 are available both OTC and in prescription strengths). NSAIDs available only by prescription are celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, and sulindac (see Table 1 for a longer list and brand names). View this table: Table 1. NSAIDs, Generic and Brand Names NSAIDs work by inhibiting a …
Amino acid transport System L in muscle cells: biochemical properties and its relation to protein synthesis.

Abstract Objectives were to characterize mechanisms and biochemical properties of transport systems responsible for the uptake of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) in muscle cells. Rat omega myoblasts (RMo) were grown to confluency and allowed to differentiate prior to conduct of transport assays. Myotubes concentrated cycloleucine (cLeu) in a sodium (Na)-free medium. The Na gradient-independent transporter possessed high affinity ( K m = 0.12mM) and high capacity ( V max = 6.4 nmol cLeu/mg protein per min). Cycloleucine transport was strongly inhibited by nonpolar neutral amino acids but not by α-aminoisobutyric acid or lysine. Myotubes possessed a Na gradient-independent trans-exchange mechanism. Hence, myotubes possess a System L-like transporter. In the second part of the study we determined that various inhibitors (KCN, oligomycin, iodoacetamide and cycloheximide) increased leucine transport. Their actions were not mediated by reductions in ATP concentration but were instead associated with changes in proteins synthesis. Hence, regulation of muscle protein synthesis may also influence transporter activity.
Measurement of equivalence ratio fluctuation and its effect on heat release during unstable combustion

This paper presents the first quantitative measurements of equivalence ratio fluctuations during unstable combustion in a lean premixed model dump combustor operating on natural gas with a nominal heat release rate of 75 kW. Equivalence ratio was measured using an infrared absorption probe based on the absorption by methane of the 3.39 μm output of a He−Ne laser. In order to make quantitative equivalence ratio measurements it was necessary to independently measure the absorption coefficient over a wide range of temperatures (293–683 K) and pressures (up to 600 kPa). Using simultaneous equivalence ratio, pressure, and chemiluminescence-based heat release measurements, it was demonstrated that new insights could be obtained regarding the role of equivalence ratio fluctuations during unstable combustion. For example, the measurements indicate that the observed heat release can be primarily attributed to the measured equivalence ratio fluctuations, and they show that the equivalence ratio fluctuations exhibit significantly higher harmonics, whereas the heat release and pressure fluctuations occur predominately at the fundamental frequency of the instability.
Thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis

A group of 71 patients with myasthenia gravis is reviewed. All were initially managed medically, and 18 underwent thymectomy. Twenty-three responded poorly to drug treatment, and seven died from respiratory failure. In contrast, thymectomy was beneficial in 16 of the 18 who were subjected to operation. Seven patients had significant postoperative respiratory complications, and nine required a tracheostomy. Thymectomy appears to be effective and safe and to be indicated in young patients with early disease, and in patients who do not respond to drug treatment. The transcervical approach to thymectomy zvas satisfactory on two occasions.
A Counter-Example in Linear Feature Selection Theory

A family of examples is constructed to show that there may exist distinct k × n matrices, each of which maximizes transformed divergence which are not row-equivalent.
Enhancement's place in medicine

Many enhancement technologies are distributed by healthcare professionals-by physicians-who are held to the Hippocratic Oath and the goals of medicine. While the ethics of enhancement has been widely discussed with regard to the social justice, humanism, morals and normative values of these interventions, their place in medicine has not attracted a great deal of attention. This paper investigates the potential for enhancement technologies to fulfil the goals of medicine, arguing that they play a role in promoting the health of individuals, and thus, an unavoidable place in medicine. It also warns of potential dangers, suggesting a set of guidelines to initiate conversations regarding the role and responsibilities of physicians practising in an era of enhancement.
Biosynthesis of heterogeneous forms of mammalian brain tubulin subunits by multiple messenger RNAs.

—Heterogeneity among the primary translation products of rat brain tubulin messenger RNA was examined. On two-dimensional gels native cytoplasmic tubulin from randomly bred rats (PB21) consists of two groups of α tubulin subunits among which the most acidic forms, α1 and α2, are most abundant; and β tubulin consists of a minimum of two species, β1 and β2. In the same group of animals the primary translation products of rat brain tubulin mRNA consist of at least these four subunit forms (α1α2, β1 and β2); however, minor basic forms of α subunits were not synthesized. This same result was obtained from a homologous brain protein synthesizing system, a heterologous system prepared from brain polysomes and rabbit reticulocyte initiation factors, and a wheat germ lysate programmed with brain poly A mRNA. A variant form of brain tubulin was found in rats bred monogamously for over 30 generations (MB71 rats). MB71 brain polysomes synthesize overlapping a subunits which migrate in two-dimensional gels to the α1 position, and the typical PB21 α2 is not present. The addition of PB21 brain mRNA to a protein synthesizing system composed of MB71 polysomes plus reticulocyte initiation factors allowed synthesis of the typical α2 tubulin in addition to the MB71 tubulin subunits. The structural relationship among subunits was examined by radioiodinated peptide mapping. The α subunits are structurally different from the β subunits; however, among the major tyrosine-containing tryptic peptides no prominent differences were observed between α1 and α2, or between β1 and β2 by the radioiodination procedure. The results provide evidence for heterogeneity among the primary translation products of brain tubulin mRNA, and for the existence of multiple functional tubulin genes in rat brain.
Sustainability of Grasshopper Management and Support through CARMA

CARMA is an advisory system for grasshopper infestations that has been successfully used since 1996. During CARMA’s history, grasshopper control has increasingly focused on environmentally friendly and sustainable strategies. In order to keep pace with and support emerging strategies, CARMA’s functionality has been enhanced in a manner which both improves maintainability and which expands CARMA beyond its original role as a grasshopper infestation advisor into that of a grasshopper research support tool. This paper details efforts to develop sustainable grasshopper management strategies and the role that CARMA has played and continues to play in supporting the development and implementation of those strategies.
Estradiol regulates GH-releasing peptide's interactions with GH-releasing hormone and somatostatin in postmenopausal women

Objective: Estrogen stimulates pulsatile secretion of GH, via mechanisms that are largely unknown. An untested hypothesis is that estradiol (E2) drives GH secretion by amplifying interactions among GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), somatostatin (SS), and GH-releasing peptide (GHRP). Design: The design comprised double-blind randomized prospective administration of transdermal E2 vs placebo to healthy postmenopausal women (nZ24) followed by pulsatile GHRH or SS infusions for 13 h overnight with or without continuous GHRP2 stimulation. Methods: End points were mean concentrations, deconvolved secretion, and approximate entropy (ApEn; a regularity measure) of GH. Results: By generalized ANOVA models, it was observed that E2 vs placebo supplementation: i) augmented mean (13-h) GH concentrations (PZ0.023), GHRH-induced pulsatile GH secretion over the first 3 h (PZ0.0085) and pulsatile GH secretion over the next 10 h (PZ0.054); ii) increased GHRP-modulated (PZ0.022) and SS-modulated (P!0.001) GH ApEn; and iii) did not amplify GHRH/GHRP synergy during pulsatile GH secretion. By linear regression, E2 concentrations were found to be positively correlated with GH secretion during GHRP2 infusion (PZ0.022), whereas BMI was found to be negatively correlated with GH secretion during GHRH (PZ0.006) and combined GHRH/GHRP (PZ0.015) stimulation. E2 and BMI jointly determined triple (combined L-arginine, GHRH, and GHRP2) stimulation of GH secretion after saline (R 2 Z0.44 and PZ0.003) and pulsatile GHRH (R 2 Z0.39 and PZ0.013) infusions. Conclusion: In summary, in postmenopausal women, E2 supplementation augments the amount (mass) and alters the pattern (regularity) of GH secretion via interactions among GHRH, SS, GHRP, and BMI. These outcomes introduce a more complex model of E2 supplementation in coordinating GH secretion in aging women.
On the suppression of zero energy deformation modes

Based on the Hellinger-Reissner principle and the deformation energy due to assumed stresses and displacements, the problem of the kinematic deformation modes in assumed stress hybrid/mixed finite elements has been examined. Basic schemes are developed for the choice of assumed stress terms that will suppress all kinematic deformation modes. Quadrilateral membrane and axisymmetric elements, and three-dimensional hexahedral elements, are used to illustrate the suggested procedure.
Photoluminescence and Electroluminescence Quenching in 8-Hydroxyquinoline Aluminum Chelates

The present communication proposes a mechanism for photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) quenching in aluminum(III) 8-hydroxyquinoline (Alq3) chelates. Our experiments indicate that in the presence of moisture, ligand exchange of 8-hydroxyquinoline with water can occur. At elevated temperatures, the liberated 8-hydroxyquinoline undergoes a condensation reaction in the presence of traces of oxygen, generating a dark, non-emissive polymeric compound. Spectroscopic and electrochemical methods were used to determine the band gap and energy levels (highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO)) of this byproduct. Steady state PL experiments indicate that (0.5 to 1 %) concentration of this byproduct, evenly dispersed in Alq3 films, results in dramatic PL quenching. Deliberate insertion of an approximately 50 A thick fdm of this byproduct into the interface of a poly(p-phenylenevinylene)/Alq3 light emitting diode (LED) completely quenches the EL as well. Initial data suggest an energy transfer quenching mechanism.
Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 and capillary loading in premature infants with and without chronic lung disease

It was our objective to quantify platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) by immunohistochemistry in control infants of 22-50 weeks postconceptual age, and to correlate it with varying degrees of neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD). We tested the hypothesis that the density of PECAM-1 staining will positively correlate with increasing gestational age (GA) and the inflammatory process in CLD. A library of postmortem lung tissue of infants receiving ventilator care was accessed. The population consisted of 35 control infants exposed briefly to oxygen and positive pressure ventilation, and 31 infants who were 23-30 weeks GA with mild to severe CLD. A monoclonal anti-human PECAM-1 antibody was used to stain 5-microm paraffin sections. The slides were viewed at a magnification of x 40 by a blinded examiner. Twenty consecutive fields from standardly expanded tissue samples were viewed, and the volume density of PECAM-1 (V(V PECAM)) per parenchyma was measured, using point counting. In addition, 1-microm sections from 15 controls and 5 infants with CLD were stained with Toluidine blue and viewed under oil at a magnification of x 100, and the volume density of capillaries (V(V CAP)) and capillary load (CL) were calculated. The V(V PECAM) increased significantly with GA in controls (r = 0.72, P < 0.001). There was no relationship between V(V PECAM) and severity of CLD. Both V(V CAP) and CL increased significantly with GA (r = 0.93, P < 0.001; r = 0.94, P < 0.001, respectively). The infants with CLD had a normal or increased V(V CAP) and CL compared to controls. In summary, V(V PECAM), V(V CAP), and CL increased significantly with gestational age in control infants, but the postconceptional age range in CLD infants was too short to determine whether the V(V PECAM) changed. Infants with CLD had normal or increased V(V CAP) and CL compared to controls. The PECAM-1 immunostain does not appear to be a sensitive method for assessing capillary density in infants with CLD. These findings of normal or increased capillary load may represent a vascular adaptation for the lack of secondary septation and decreased surface area in CLD.
Document restoration using 3D shape: a general deskewing algorithm for arbitrarily warped documents

We present a framework for restoring arbitrarily warped and deformed documents to their original planar shape. The impetus for this work is the need for tools and techniques to help digitally preserve and restore fragile manuscripts. Current digitization is performed under the assumption that the documents are flat, with subsequent image-processing and restoration algorithms either relying on this assumption or attempting to overcome it without shape information. Although most manuscripts were originally flat, many become deformed from damage and deterioration. Physical flattening is not possible without risking further, possibly irreversible, damage. Our framework addresses this restoration problem with two primary contributions. First, we present a working 3D digitization setup that acquires a 3D model with accurate shape-to-texture registration under multiple lighting conditions. Second, we show how the 3D model and a mass-spring particle system can be used together as a framework for digital flattening. We show that this restoration process can correct document deformations and can significantly improve subsequent document analysis.
Importance of black carbon in distribution and bioaccumulation models of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in contaminated marine sediments.

The roles and relative importance of nonpyrogenic organic carbon (NPOC) and black carbon (BC) as binding phases of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were assessed by their ability to estimate pore water concentrations and biological uptake in various marine sediments. Sediment bioaccumulation tests were performed with the marine polychaete Nereis virens, using a polyethylene device to estimate pore water concentrations of PAHs. Using existing partitioning data for pyrene and phenanthrene, it was found that the traditional Equilibrium Partitioning model, which assumes all organic carbon is NPOC (EqP OC ), overestimated the measured pore water concentrations in the test sediments by one to three orders of magnitude. Instead, the measured pore water concentrations were better predicted from a distribution scenario that uses both BC and NPOC (EqP NPOC,BC ). When comparing actual worm body burdens of pyrene and phenanthrene with the two model estimates of worm tissue concentrations, the EqP OC model tended to overestimate actual body burdens by three orders of magnitude, while the EqP NPOC,BC model came much closer to the true body burden values. The observed distribution of PAHs in the test sediments was used to calculate BC partition coefficients for five PAHs, which were one to two orders of magnitude higher than their corresponding organic carbon-normalized distribution coefficients, or K OC s. Together, these results suggest that, in certain situations, adding black carbon to distribution models may he necessary to predict accurately the bioavailability of PAHs.
Anandamide and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Directly Inhibit Cells of the Immune System via CB2 Receptors

This study shows that two cannabinoids, Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and anandamide, induce dose-related immunosuppression in both the primary and secondary in vitro plaque-forming cell assays of antibody formation. The immunosuppression induced by both compounds could be blocked by SR144528, an antagonist specific for the CB(2) receptor, but not by SR141716, a CB(1) antagonist. These studies are novel in that they show that both anandamide and THC are active in the nanomolar to picomolar (for anandamide) range in these assays of immune function, and that both mediate their effects directly on cells of the immune system through the CB(2) receptor.
Textile composite wound dressing

Poly lactic acid (PLA), poly /spl epsiv/-caprolactone (PCL), and chitosan (CH) are incorporated into a biodegradable wound dressing. Physical properties of these films, including topography, water vapor permeability, degradation, and bacterial permeation as well as biological effects of toxicity on human fibroblast cells were studied. An in vivo study currently in progress is proposed.
Visualizing genetic recombination with interactive computer program

Genetic recombination is an important process for DNA repairing and increasing genetic variation, thereby enriching the gene pools for the survival and vitality of a species. In eukaryotes, meiosis is a major means for genetic recombination. For genes on non-homologous chromosomes, mixing of paternal and maternal genes is achieved through different chromosome configurations at metaphase I of meiosis. The process is known as the genetic principle of independent assortment of unlinked genes. Recombination of paternal and maternal genes on homologous chromosomes can be achieved through the exchanges of non-sister chromatids resulting in crossing over or homologous recombination. The molecular mechanism of homologous recombination is complicated and often difficult for students to understand. The objective of this research is to develop an interactive computer program for learning this important biological process. The software program, along with related computer-based genetics learning programs such as mitosis and meiosis as well as cytogenetics laboratory training exercises, will be useful for genetics education at high school and university levels.
Error associated with the direction of arrival estimation in the presence of material bodies

In many adaptive signal processing applications, it is assumed that the direction of arrival of (DOA) of the signals is known. For a radar problem, this is true as we know along which direction we transmitted the beam, and therefore, we expect the radar return to be arriving from that direction. However, this assumption is questionable when there are material bodies near or along its path. Here, we address the question as to what happens to the direction of propagation when the electromagnetic wave encounters a material body near or along its path for the noise free case. Thus, the objective is to calculate the error associated with the prediction of DOA when the free space is not empty. We illustrate the error associated with the estimation of the DOA when there is a perfect electric conducting (PEC) sphere and a dielectric sphere along/near the path of propagation. A PEC and dielectric will diffract the incident electromagnetic energy. We evaluate the scattered far fields at a few points away from the obstacle. From the measured field points, we predict the DOA of the signal of interest. The simulations have been carried out using an electromagnetic simulator and a DOA estimation algorithm using the Matrix Pencil method. The examples deal with the case of both one- and two-dimensional antenna arrays and how they interpret the diffracted signals.
A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE SPAWNING GROUNDS OF MILKFISH AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS THAT INFLUENCE FRY ABUNDANCE AND COLLECTION ALONG THE ANTIQUE COAST OF PANAY ISLAND, PHILIPPINES1/

The most serious problem affecting the milkfish (Chanos chanos (Forskal)) farming industry throughout its range (Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan) is inadequate supply of fry. For example, the requirement for milkfish fry in the Philippines in 1974 was approximately 875 million, but the supply was less that one-half the demand. Demands for fry are expected to continue to increase. Milkfish have never been artificially reproduced, and milkfish farmers depend entirely on fry captured from coastal waters for their stock. The objectives of this study were to determine the environmental conditions influencing milkfish fry abundance and capture and to determine the location of the spawning grounds of milkfish that supply the fry collected along the Antique coast of Panay Island, Philippines. Some environmental factors influencing milkfish fry abundance and capture are reported. Conclusions were: 1) milkfish fry collected along the coast are spawned far from the collecting grounds, 2) surface oceans currents transport the fry from the spawning grounds to the Antique coast, and are responsible for the seasonality of milkfish fry there.
Theoretical models of ionospheric electrodynamics and plasma transport

ionosphere. The relationship J = Q + S E 0 is applied to a one-dimensional ionospheric model to study ion velocities, electron velocities, currents, electric fields, and induced magnetic fields simultaneously and self-consistently. In this model, ion and electron velocities transition smoothly from moving across fieldlines below the dynamo region to moving along fieldlines above the dynamo region. This relationship is valid for the terrestrial ionosphere; replacing J = � E 0 with J = Q + S E 0 in terrestrial models may alter
Duplex ultrasound assessment of femoral venous flow during laparoscopic and open gastric bypass.

Background: Pneumoperitoneum (PP) and the reverse Trendelenburg (RT) position have been shown to decrease femoral blood flow, resulting in venous stasis. However the effects of PP and RT on femoral venous flow have not been evaluated in morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass (GBP). We analyzed the effects of PP and RT on peak systolic velocity and the cross-sectional area of the femoral vein during laparoscopic and open GBP. We further examined the efficacy of intermittent sequential compression devices in reversing the reduction of femoral peak systolic velocity. Methods: Thirty patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40–60 were randomly allocated to under go either laparoscopic (n = 14) or open (n = 16) GBP. A duplex ultrasound examination of the femoral vein was performed at baseline, during PP and combined PP and RT in the laparoscopic group, and at baseline and during RT in the open group. The ultrasound exam was performed first without the use of sequential compression devices and then with the sequential compression devices inflated to 45 mmHg. Results: The two groups were similar in age, sex, BMI, and calf and thigh circumferences. During laparoscopic GBP, PP resulted in a 43% decrease in peak systolic velocity and a 52% increase in the cross-sectional area of the femoral vein; the combination of PP and RT decreased peak systolic velocity to 57% of baseline and increased the femoral cross-sectional area to 121% of baseline. During laparoscopic GBP, the use of sequential compression devices during PP and RT partially reversed the reduction of femoral peak systolic velocity, but femoral peak systolic velocity was still lower than baseline by 38%. During open GBP, RT resulted in a 38% reduction in peak systolic velocity and a 69% increase in the cross-sectional area of the femoral vein; the use of sequential compression devices during RT partially reversed these changes by increasing femoral peak systolic velocity by 26%; however, it was still lower than baseline by 22%. Conclusions: Pneumoperitoneum and reverse Trendelenburg position during laparoscopic and open GBP are independent factors for the development of venous stasis. Combining the reverse Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic GBP further reduces femoral peak systolic velocity and hence increases venous stasis. The use of sequential compression devices was partially effective in reversing the reduction of femoral peak systolic velocity, but it did not return femoral peak systolic velocity to baseline levels.
On strong 1-factors and Hamilton weights of cubic graphs

Abstract A 1-factor M of a cubic graph G is strong if |M∩T|=1 for each 3-edge-cut T of G . It is proved in this paper that a cubic graph G has precisely three strong 1-factors if and only if the graph can be obtained from K 4 via a series of △↔Y operations. Consequently, the graph G admits a Hamilton weight and is uniquely edge-3-colorable.
MRP subfamily ABC transporters from plants and yeast

This review addresses recent advances in the understanding of the function and organization of one subfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, the multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs), from plants and yeast. So named because of the phenotypes conferred by their animal prototypes, many MRPs are glutathione-conjugate or multi-specific organic anion Mg 2+ -ATPases active in the transport of glutathionated compounds and other bulky amphipathic anions. Acting downstream of the first two phases of toxin detoxification, typified by, but not limited to the reactions catalysed by the cytochromes P450 and glutathione S-transferases, respectively, processes that likely converge and depend on the MRPs from plants and yeast include the detoxification of herbicides and other organic xenobiotics, the alleviation of oxidative damage, the storage of endotoxins, heavy metal sequestration, and the vacuolation of natural pigments. Distinguished by a unique domain organization and the facility to mediate MgATP-energized transport, the MRPs are of profound significance in two respects. First, the fact that the MRPs, like most ABC transporters, are energized directly by MgATP rather than by, for example, a preformed H + gradient, offers a new, non-chemiosmotic perspective on the molecular basis of energy-dependent solute transport in plants. Second, given the existence of 29 ABC protein genes in the yeast genome alone, characterization of the MRPs-the first class of ABC transporters from a plant source to have been defined at both the molecular and biochemical levels-indicates that many more ABC transporters and ABC transporter-mediated processes remain to be discovered in plants.
Intergenerational Transmission of Aggression in Romantic Relationships: The Moderating Role of Attachment Security

This prospective study used longitudinal, multi-reporter data to examine the influence of parents' marital relationship functioning on subsequent adolescent romantic relationships. Consistent with Bryant and Conger's (2002) model for the Development of Early Adult Romantic Relationships (DEARR), we found that interactional styles, more specifically paternal aggression and satisfaction, exhibited in parents' marital relationship when their adolescents were age 13 were predictive of qualities of the adolescent's romantic relationships 5 years later. Continuities were domain specific: paternal satisfaction predicted adolescent satisfaction and paternal aggression predicted adolescent aggression. Attachment security moderated the link between paternal aggression and subsequent adolescent aggression, with continuities between negative conflictual styles across relationships reduced for secure adolescents. Results are interpreted as suggesting that attachment may help attenuated the transmission of destructive conflict strategies across generations.