cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uptake of 2-deoxyglucose by BALB-3T3 cells: changes after polyoma infection.

Abstract The rate of 2-deoxyglucose uptake is approximately three times faster in actively growing BALB 3T3 cells than in resting cells, and another three times faster in polyoma or SV40-transformed cells than in actively growing untransformed cells. Uptake of 2-deoxyglucose increases approximately 10-fold after infection of resting cells by polyoma virus, and 3-fold after infection of growing cells. Uptake of 3- O -methylglucose also increases after infection of resting cells, showing that changes in the rate of 2-deoxyglucose uptake can be ascribed to changes in the rate of transport of hexose across the cell membrane. The increased rate of uptake in polyoma-infected cells begins about 12 hr after infection of resting cells at 37°, and occurs in the presence of cytosine arabinoside. The increase in uptake occurs after infection at 39° by a polyoma temperature-sensitive mutant, ts25, which is blocked in viral DNA synthesis at the restrictive temperature. The increase does not occur after infection with ts3, a mutant which is blocked in induction of cellular DNA synthesis, showing that an early viral gene product is required for increased uptake.
X-linked mental retardation and the fragile-X syndrome.

A recent issue of a human genetics journal (American Journal of Medical Genetics) devotes nearly 100 pages to nine different presentations on X- linked mental retardation. This expression of tremendous interest stems primarily from a cytogenetic finding that appears to define a new cause of mental retardation (MR), which is generally referred to as the fragile-X syndrome. The accumulated information concerning this syndrome indicates that it is one of the most frequent of the diagnosable forms of MR. For this reason, every physician, and especially every pediatrician, should become thoroughly acquainted with the fragile-X syndrome. Inasmuch as it is unusual for new syndromes of significant frequency to be discovered, a brief account of how this was achieved is in order.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide-specific Glutamate Dehydrogenase of Neurospora III. ISOLATION AND SEQUENCES OF PEPTIDES CONTAINING SELECTIVELY LABELED LYSINE AND CYSTEINE RESIDUES

Abstract A specific cysteine residue in NAD-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase from Neurospora crassa was labeled with N-ethyl[1-14C]maleimide. Inactivation of the modified enzyme with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate followed by reduction with NaBH4 resulted in the preferential labeling of 4 to 4.5 lysine residues per subunit. Tryptic hydrolysis of the doubly labeled enzyme yielded a single radioactive peptide containing a S-(N-ethyl[14C]succinimido)cysteine residue, and its sequence was identified as Val-Leu-Cys*-Asp-Asp-Thr-Asn-Val-Thr-Leu-Pro-Asp-Gly-(Val,Gln,Asn)-His-Gly-Thr-Ala-Phe-Arg. Five fluorescent peptides containing e-N-(5'-phosphopyridoxyl)lysine residues were isolated from the digest, and their sequences were determined as: (a) Ser-Lys*-Glu-Ala-Tyr-Gln-Ile-Asn-Ala-Arg; (b) Ala-Thr-Lys*-Asn-Thr-Lys; (c) Leu-Glu-Lys*-Lys; (d) Leu-Ala-Lys*-Ala-Arg; (e) Lys*-Asn-Lys. None of the sequences of the labeled peptides showed homology with regions containing essential lysine residues or the cysteine residues in other glutamate dehydrogenases previously described; however, there may have been additional labeled peptides representing different sequences that were not obtained.
Unsteady Two-Dimensional Flow Using Dowell's Method

Received Dec. 10, 1975; synoptic received May 17, 1976. Full paper available from National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Va., 22151, as N-76-24154 at the standard price (available upon request). The author wishes to express his appreciation to his advisor, Earl Dowell, for his helpful advice and comments. Index categories: Subsonic and Transonic Flow; Nonsteady Aerodynamics. *Assistant-in-Research, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Sciences. correction term. No empiricism beyond that inherent in an inviscid, potential flow model is involved. Comparisons with experimental and other theoretical data are encouraging and show that the method is reasonably accurate for shock-free flows.
Cloning, nucleotide sequence, and mutagenesis of a gene (irpA) involved in iron-deficient growth of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. strain PCC7942.

Abstract We describe the cloning and sequencing of a gene from the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. strain PCC7942, designated irpA (iron-regulated protein A), that encodes for a protein involved in iron acquisition or storage. Polyclonal antibodies raised against proteins which accumulate during iron-deficient growth were used as probes to isolate immunopositive clones from a lambda gt11 genomic expression library. The clone, designated lambda gtAN26, carried a 1.7-kilobase (kb) chromosomal DNA insert and was detected by cross-reactivity with antibody against a 36-kilodalton protein. It was possible to map a 20-kb portion of the chromosome with various DNA probes from lambda gt11 and lambda EMBL-3 clones, and Southern blot analysis revealed that the irpA gene was present in a single copy and localized within a 1.7-kb PstI fragment. DNA sequencing revealed an open reading frame of 1,068 nucleotides capable of encoding 356 amino acids which yields a protein with a molecular weight of 38,584. The hydropathy profile of the polypeptide indicated a putative N-terminal signal sequence of 44 amino acid residues. IrpA is a cytoplasmic membrane protein as determined by biochemistry and electron microscopy immunocytochemistry. The upstream region of the irpA gene contained a consensus sequence similar to the aerobactin operator in Escherichia coli. This fact, plus a mutant with a mutation in irpA that is unable to grow under iron-deficient conditions, led us to suggest that irpA is regulated by iron and that the gene product is involved in iron acquisition or storage.
Investigating School-Related Behavior Disorders: Lessons Learned from a Thirty-Year Research Career

The CEC Research Award recognizes researchers for the significant contributions they have made to special education. We believe that this distinguished group of award winners has much to share with our readers. We have invited each of them to contribute an article, addressing their perspectives on special education and practices. Hill M. Walker was awarded the Research Award in 1993, recognizing 30 years of research investigating school-related behavior disorders. This article by Hill Walker presents his thoughts about (a) the enabling effects of a supportive context for research and scholarship, (b) the lessons he has learned from his career successes and failures, and (c) some brief comments on the value of the applied research process.
Retinal development: Time and order of appearance of specific neuronal properties

The high affinity uptake, biosynthesis and K(+)-stimulated release of certain neurotransmitter candidates was studied in adult and developing retinas of Xenopus laevis. In the adult retina, (3)H-GABA was accumulated predominantly by horizontal cells while (3)H-glycine and (3)H-dopamine were accumulated by cells located deeper in the inner nuclear layer (possibly a type of amacrine or interplexiform cells). This retina also synthesized GABA, dopamine and acetylcholine from their precursors supplied exogenously. Furthermore, adult retinas preloaded with (3)H-GABA, (3)H-glycine and (3)H-dopamine, released these transmitters in response to increased K(+)-concentration in the medium. We have determined the time of appearance and maturation of these properties during embryonic development. With GABA, the appearance of the high affinity uptake system appeared first, preceding GABA synthesis which was followed by the development of K(+)-stimulated transmitter release mechanism. Similary, (3)H-glycine uptake appeared several stages before its release. In the case of dopamine, however, its biosynthesis occurred first, followed by the development of the high affinity uptake system and finally the release mechanism appeared. The initiation of this sequence of events for the three transmitter systems studied occurred at different developmental stages: the GABA-ergic properties appeared first, followed shortly by the glycinergic properties, which preceded the dopaminergic properties.
Teichmüller spaces and holomorphic motions

The subject of holomorphic motions over the open unit disc has found important applications in complex dynamics. In this paper, we study holomorphic motions over more general parameter spaces. The Teichmuller space of a closed subset of the Reimann sphere is shown to be a universal parameter space for holomorphic motions of the set over a simply connected complex Banach manifold. As a consequence, we prove a generalization of the “Harmonic γ-Lemma” of Bers and Royden. We also study some other applications.
Analytical modeling of the propagation of a thermal reaction front in condensed systems

An improved analytical model for combustion synthesis has been developed. The features of the model include consideration of the thermophysical and chemical properties of both the reactants and products, as well as consideration s of porosity for both reactants and products. An analysis of the variation of the dimensionless velocity with the variation of dimensionless thermal conductivity, density, and heat capacity is carried out. The equations for the combustion temperature and combustion velocity with the inclusion of nonreacting diluents and different thermophysical and chemical properties of the reactants and products is also developed. An equation for the velocity as a function of the nonmelting reactant radius and the different thermophysical and chemical properties of the reactants and products is derived using a diffusion kinetic equation. Master plots for general solid-solid reaction systems, which relate dimensionless velocity, thermal conductivity, density, and heat capacity, are presented. Application of this model to the combustion synthesis of TiC has been carried out to study the variation of combustion front motion with the radius of carbon particles. A comparison of velocities for NiAl predicted by the model as a function of the reactant porosity is presented and compared with the experimentally determined value. The comparisonmore » is noted to be close except when the thin zone approximation is no longer valid.« less
Emergency department ultrasound in the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma

Abstract The main objective of this study was to compare bedside sonographic detection of hemoperitoneum with diagnostic peritoneal lavage/laparotomy in the patient with blunt abdominal trauma. A retrospective review was conducted of all blunt trauma patients that underwent emergency department (bedside) sonography to rule out intraperitoneal hemorrhage at a level I trauma center in 1991 to 1992. Patients were included in the study population only if (1) the results of the ultrasound examination were interpreted before any other diagnostic studies, and (2) a diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) or laparotomy was performed. The ultrasound examination consisted of a single right inter/subcostal longitudinal view with the patient in the trendelenburg position performed by the emergency physician or surgeon. A real-time sector scanner with a 3.5 MHz probe was used. The presence of an anechoic (black) stripe between the liver and the right kidney (Morrison's pouch) was interpreted as a positive study, and the absence of this finding was interpreted as a negative study. A positive DPL was defined as ≥ 10 mL of gross blood or a blood cell count ≥ 100,000/mm 3 in the returned lavage fluid, and a positive laparotomy as ≥ 100 mL of intraperitoneal blood. Forty-four patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. Eleven patients (24%) in this population had either a positive DPL or laparotomy. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of bedside sonography in identifying intraperitoneal hemorrhage was 81.8%, 93.9%, and 90.9%, respectively. The ultrasound study provided an answer in less than 1 minute in most patients. Therefore, it was concluded that bedside sonography is a safe, rapid, accurate screening technique in detection of hemoperitoneum in the patient with abdominal trauma.
Myelin-Associated Inhibitors in Axonal Growth After CNS Injury

There are multiple barriers to axonal growth after CNS injury. Myelin-associated inhibitors represent one group of barriers extrinsic to the injured neurons. Nogo, MAG and OMgp are three prototypical myelin inhibitors that signal through multiple neuronal receptors to exert growth inhibition. Targeting myelin inhibition alone modulates the compensatory sprouting of uninjured axons but the effect on the regeneration of injured axons is limited. Meanwhile, modulating sprouting, a naturally occurring repair mechanism, may be a more attainable therapeutic goal for promoting functional repair after CNS injury in the near term.
Cosmogenic 3He exposure ages of basalt flows in the northwestern Payún Matru volcanic field, Mendoza Province, Argentina

Abstract The Payun Matru volcanic field encompasses more than 12,000 km 2 in the west-central Argentine province of Mendoza. The northwestern part of the field, called Los Volcanes, includes multiple basaltic lava flows and numerous cinder cones and scoria fields. We sampled primary lava flow features (tumuli, pahoehoe and aa flow surfaces) from two different basaltic lava flows and one fluvial strath for cosmogenic 3 He exposure age dating in the Los Volcanes area. Olivines from the sampled basalts have low concentrations of U and Th and a minimal radiogenic 4 He correction. We used the recently established R correction factor to correct our measured 3 He concentrations for magmatic 3 He and 4 He and radiogenic 4 He. Exposure ages for primary lava flow features covering a large area just east of where Route 40 crosses the Rio Grande range from 41 to 43 ka with external uncertainties on the order of 7%. A recently published K→Ar age of 26 ± 5 ka was sampled within a few hundred meters of three of our cosmogenic exposure age samples and appears to be from the same basalt flow. Given the large uncertainties associated with dating young lava flows, the K→Ar age and our cosmogenic ages are in reasonable agreement; however, they do not overlap within uncertainties and suggest possible systematic discrepancies between the two methods of up to 20% in this instance. A sample from a bedrock strath carved by the Rio Grande into basalt yielded a surface exposure age of 17 ± 1 ka. The toe of a much younger-looking aa flow about 5 km west of the Rt. 40 Rio Grande bridge yielded two ages of 0 and 2 ka, and is presumed to be historical.
Chronic Kidney Disease Defined by Cystatin C Predicts Mobility Disability and Changes in Gait Speed: The Framingham Offspring Study

The prevalence in older adults of chronic kidney disease (CKD), or reduced renal function, increased from 27.8% in 1994 to 37.8% in 2004 (1). By 2030, projections predict that there will be more than 70 million older adult Americans (2), resulting in dramatic growth in the number of elders with CKD in the future. Studies have documented an association between CKD and declining physical function in older adults. The Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) study found that elders with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 based on serum creatinine were more likely to develop difficulty with walking or climbing stairs (3). The University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging found that elders with an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 based on creatinine had greater odds of difficulties with activities of daily living (4). The Cardiovascular Health Study found that activities of daily living difficulty was associated with elevated levels of creatinine (men: ≥1.5 mg/dL; women: ≥1.3mg/dL) (5). Creatinine, the current biomarker used to assess kidney function, is derived from muscle, but with age total muscle mass is known to decrease (6). An alternative biomarker is the protein cystatin C (7), produced by nucleated cells at a steady rate and not related to muscle mass. Inker et al (8) demonstrated that eGFR as predicted by cystatin C and creatinine accurately measured renal function at all levels of body mass index (BMI), including those less than twenty. Mobility-limited elders are less likely to remain in the community (9). Studies have shown that mobility disability is associated with high levels of cystatin C (3). However, guidelines from the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Work Group of the National Kidney Foundation define CKD as eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, as eGFR accounts for gender and race (10). Using this definition, studies have shown that CKD (CKDcr) derived from creatinine-based eGFR (eGFRcr) is associated with higher rates of kidney disease progression and mortality (11,12). But data using cystatin C-based eGFRs (eGFRcys) to determine CKD (CKDcys) are still emerging. CKDcys is associated with elevated risks of infection-related hospitalizations (13) and cardiovascular events (14), but minimal information exists on functional outcomes. Our main goal was to determine if CKDcys, as determined by an eGFRcys less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, was associated longitudinally with incident mobility disability in community-dwelling older adults. Our secondary goal was to assess if CKDcys was associated longitudinally with a reduction in gait speed, as gait speed has been associated with mobility disability (15).
Design of some nucleic acid antimetabolites: expectations and reality.

3′-Azido-2′ 3′-dideoxythymidine (AZT), a thymidine analogue with potent antiretroviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in vitro, has been shown to confer a clinical benefit in patients with advanced acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Other 2′,3′-dideoxynucleosides, e.g., 2′,3′-dideoxy-cytidine and 2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine, block the infectivity of HIV against helper/inducer T cells in vitro and protect the cell against the cytopathic effect of the virus. The majority of these antiretroviral agents were synthesized more than twenty years ago as analogues of physiologically important deoxynucleosides in the quest of a more effective cancer chemotherapy. None of the synthetic analogues manifested significant activity when screened against L1210 leukemia in BDF mice despite the fact that the phosphorylation reactions, crucial to the activation of the 2′, 3′ -dideoxynucleosides, are catalyzed by kinases of appropriate target cells. However, the 2′, 3′-dideoxynucleoside triphosphates, relative to corresponding deoxynucleotides, have a reduced affinity for DNA polymerase α, an enzyme that has key DNA synthetic and repair functions in the life of a cell. In contrast, HIV reverse transcriptase, like host cellular DNA polymerase β (a repair enzyme) and γ (a mitochondrial enzyme), is much more susceptible to the inhibitory effects of the dideoxynucleotides. This would explain the activity of the fradulent nucleotides at low concentrations against pathogenic retroviruses vis a vis the low cytoxic activity observed with these agents as anti-leukemia drugs.
Ammonia excretion by zooplankton and its significance to primary productivity during summer

Excretion rates of ammonia have been determined for zooplankton off the coasts of Washington and Oregon (USA). Rates varied from 0.16 to 0.60 μg-at NH 4 + -N/mg dry weight/day for most planktonic animals, and from 0.02 to 0.06 for jellyfishes. Ammonia concentration in seawater was low in offshore regions. Ammonia released by zooplankton was studied in relation to primary productivity during summer. It was found that, in the Columbia River plume offshore, excreted ammonia contributed about 90% of the total nitrogen requirements of observed production rates. The ammonia-N contribution was 36% in oceanic waters, and was relatively unimportant in the inshore region. The significance of eddy diffusivity in offshore waters and upwelling in inshore waters is also discussed.
Effect of green tea catechins and hydrolyzable tannins on benzo[a]pyrene-induced DNA adducts and structure-activity relationship.

Green tea catechins and hydrolyzable tannins are gaining increasing attention as chemopreventive agents. However, their mechanism of action is poorly understood. We investigated the effects of four green tea catechins and two hydrolyzable tannins on microsome-induced benzo[a]pyrene (BP)−DNA adducts and the possible structure−activity relationship. BP (1 μM) was incubated with rat liver microsomes and DNA in the presence of the test compound (1−200 μM) or vehicle. The purified DNA was analyzed by 32P-postlabeling. The inhibitory activity of the catechins was in the following descending order: epigallocatechin gallate (IC50 = 16 μM) > epicatechin gallate (24 μM) > epigallocatechin (146 μM) > epicatechin (462 μM), suggesting a correlation between the number of adjacent aromatic hydroxyl groups in the molecular structure and their potencies. Tannic acid (IC50 = 4 μM) and pentagalloglucose (IC50 = 26 μM) elicited as much DNA adduct inhibitory activity as the catechins or higher presumably due to the presence o...
Investigation of Size Effects on Process Models for Plane Strain Microbending

Accurate process models provide vital information in the design of manufacturing processes. To characterize bending operations, analytical models have been developed and shown to predict the peak bending forces fairly accurately for sheets in the macro or mesoscale (i.e. sheets with a large number of grains through the thickness). However, whether these models also accurately predict bending forces for sheets in the microscale (i.e. sheets with approximately ten grains or less through the thickness) has not been evaluated. The present study is aimed at investigating the use of two such models from previous work with microscale bending data. In addition, using these previous models as a foundation, additional bending force models were developed to predict the bending force specifically for microscale bending operations. Data analysis showed that the process models from past research, which provide accurate results for macroscale bending, over predict the peak force required for bending microscale sheets. These process models assume a non-linear strain distribution through the thickness and a curved formed wall. The two models developed in this research provide accurate results for the microscale bending tests, however, they under predict the peak force for the macroscale bending operation. These developed process models assume a linear strain distribution through the thickness and a straight formed wall. The linear strain distribution is more appropriate for the microscale bending process as there are few grains through the thickness and the strain in individual grains varies linearly across the grain. The straight formed wall is more appropriate for the microscale bending process as there is not sufficient distance to warrant a curved formed wall assumption. These differences represent size effects for assumptions in the process models. The material used for these investigations was Brass (CuZn15). The sheets had between 2 and 50 grains through the thickness with grain sizes of between 10 μm and 71 μm.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Mucosal immunity in mice immunized with HIV-1 peptide conjugated to Brucella abortus.

Abstract We have previously shown that a V3-loop peptide from HIV-1 envelope conjugated to heat-inactivated Brucella abortus (Ba) (V3-Ba) is capable of inducing antibodies that neutralize HIV-1 and cytotoxic T cells (CTL) that kill HIV-1-infected targets, even in mice that lack CD4+ T cells. In this paper we show that intranasal (i.n.) immunization elicits neutralizing antibodies and IFNγ-secreting T cells at mucosal surfaces. This approach may protect individuals from HIV-1 infection and reduce transmission from infected individuals to their sexual partners and offspring.
Pharmacokinetics of Anti-hepcidin Monoclonal Antibody Ab 12B9m and Hepcidin in Cynomolgus Monkeys

Hepcidin is a key regulator responsible for systemic iron homeostasis. A semi-mechanistic PK model for hepcidin and a fully human anti-hepcidin monoclonal antibody (Ab 12B9m) was developed to describe their total (free + bound) serum concentration-time data after single and multiple weekly intravenous or subcutaneous doses of Ab 12B9m. The model was based on target mediated drug disposition and the IgG–FcRn interaction concepts published previously. Both total Ab 12B9m and total hepcidin exhibited nonlinear kinetics due to saturable Fc–FcRn interaction. Ab 12B9m showed a limited volume of distribution and negligible linear elimination from serum. The nonlinear elimination of Ab 12B9m was attributed to the endosomal degradation of Ab 12B9m that was not bound to the FcRn receptor. The terminal half-life, assumed to be the same for free and total serum Ab 12B9m, was estimated to be 16.5 days. The subcutaneous absorption of Ab 12B9m was described with a first-order absorption rate constant ka of 0.0278 h−1, with 86% bioavailability. The model suggested a rapid hepcidin clearance of approximately 800 mL h−1 kg−1. Only the highest-tested Ab 12B9m dose of 300 mg kg−1 week−1 was able to maintain free hepcidin level below the baseline during the dosing intervals. Free Ab 12B9m and free hepcidin concentrations were simulated, and their PK profiles were nonlinear as affected by their binding to each other. Additionally, the total amount of FcRn receptor involved in Ab 12B9m recycling at a given time was calculated empirically, and the temporal changes in the free FcRn levels upon Ab 12B9m administration were inferred.
A Knowledge Capture Distributed DSS Architecture to Support Planning and Policy Decision Making

In this paper we propose a Web portal architecture that supports collaborative planning and policy decision making efforts through remote, joint experimentation with a distributed simulation model ...
The method of capturing CO2 greenhouse gas in cellulose matrix

Abstract Reducing greenhouse gas has been important issue in recent years. Capturing CO 2 gas in polymer matrix is attractive method to reduce the greenhouse gas and uses as a natural resource, such as polymer–CaCO 3 composite. Calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) and cellulose composite have been synthesized by bubbling CO 2 gas into the mixture of cellulose acetate (CA) and Ca(OH) 2 solution. Completely dissolved and transparent Ca(OH) 2 solution was prepared to react stoichiometric reaction of Ca(OH) 2 and CO 2 . Since the strong absorption peak of the CA in infrared spectra, it is difficult to identify the existence of the CaCO 3 . To confirm the existence of CaCO 3 in the cellulose matrix, the CA was removed by dissolving the reaction composite and by centrifuging the solution to separate CaCO 3 particles. The characteristic absorption peaks of CaCO 3 at 1450, 875 and 712 cm −1 were obtained for the particles. Field emission scanning electron microscope images show the shape and size of the CaCO 3 particles in the cellulose matrix. Therefore, using cellulose and Ca(OH) 2 is one of the effective method capturing the CO 2 greenhouse gas.
Raman-active phonon line profiles in semiconducting nanowires

Results of Raman scattering investigations of optical phonons confined in the cross section of small diameter Si nanowires are discussed. Using low excitation intensity at 514.53 nm to study Si as a prototypical material, we first demonstrate that the outcome of the phonon confinement is an asymmetric broadening and downshifting of the LO-TO phonon line observed at 520 cm−1 in the bulk. The effect is important in Si wires with diameter d < 10 nm. We find good agreement between our data and an early theory due to Richter et al., provided we introduce an additional factor that sets the phonon confinement length. Furthermore, we examine the effects on the 520 cm−1 lineshape from increasing the laser power density in the tight microRaman focal spot size (∼1 μm). We find that a second asymmetric line broadening mechanism is also present that can be identified with an inhomogeneous temperature distribution set up in the nanowires. This distribution is driven by the Gaussian spatial intensity of the laser beam in the focal plane of the microRaman instrument. Using the thermal properties of the phonons in Si, we can explain semi-quantitatively the complex changes in the lineshape that we observe in both small and large diameter Si nanowires, i.e., with or without phonon confinement as an active consideration.
The calibration of a phytoplankton growth model using batch culture data

The feasibility of applying nonlinear parameter estimation techniques to data from batch culture of phytoplankton is studied using simulated data. A Monod-type model for nutrient uptake and growth in phytoplankton is used for the simulation. A parameter estimation procedure is applied to these data before and after they are noise-corrupted, to obtain back-calculated values of the parameter in the model. The results indicate that nonlinear parameter estimation is well suited fpr analytical interpretation of batch-culture data.
Going global with innovations from emerging economies: investment in customer support capabilities pays off

Abstract Globalization of innovation calls for entrepreneurial new ventures from emerging economies to develop customer-focused dynamic capabilities. The authors argue that firms with proprietary technology and a strategic intent to internationalize invest in international customer support capabilities to satisfy the demands of their most important international customers. Using a unique sample of 173 international new ventures from China and India, the authors show that such investments are associated with improved organizational learning and performance. The results suggest that globalization pays off when entrepreneurial firms from emerging economies invest in ongoing support of their most important international customers.
Recanalization of Chronic Total Occlusions of the Superior Mesenteric Artery in Patients with Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia: Technical and Clinical Outcomes

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the safety and outcomes of endovascular recanalization of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). Materials and Methods A single-institution retrospective review was performed of 47 consecutive patients (18 male, 29 female) who underwent endovascular stent placement for CTOs of the SMA between February 2006 and November 2012. All patients had symptoms of CMI. Procedural and follow-up data were collected for assessment of technical success, safety, and outcome. Results Technical success was achieved in 41 of 47 patients (87%). Forty-two of the 47 procedures were performed from a femoral approach. Fifteen patients underwent concurrent revascularization of the celiac artery. All patients who underwent successful recanalization reported symptomatic improvement. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed primary freedom from symptomatic recurrence of 95% at 12 months and 78% at 24 months. Symptomatic recurrence was observed in seven patients, all of whom underwent successful assisted or secondary endovascular procedures. Secondary freedom from symptomatic recurrence rates were 100% at 12 months and 88% 24 months. There were three (7%) minor access-related complications and no major complications. Conclusions Endovascular stent-assisted recanalization of chronic SMA occlusions is safe and effective, with an acceptable rate of technical success and excellent midterm clinical outcomes.
Influence of the refractive index on the radiative source function of an isotropically scattering medium

Abstract The influence of refractive index on the radiative source function is presented for the case of emission from an isothermal, isotropically scattering medium. A closed-form, approximate solution is obtained and results are presented for finite and semi-infinite nonconservative cases. An increase in refractive index causes the source function to increase and that effect is more pronounced at higher scattering albedo and smaller optical depths.
Evolution of perturbations in an inflationary universe

The evolution of inhomogeneous density perturbations in a model of the very early universe that is dominated for a time by a constant energy density of a false quantum-mechanical vacuum is analyzed. During this period, the universe inflates exponentially and supercools exponentially, until a phase transition back to the true vacuum reheats the matter and radiation. Focus is on the physically measurable, coordinate-independent modes of inhomogeneous perturbations of this model and it is found that all modes either are constant or are exponentially damped during the inflationary era.
Systematic Repression of β-Silyl Carbocation Stabilization

Solvolysis of 1-(trimethylsilylmethyl)cyclopropyl mesylate in CD3CO2D gives ring-opened products as well as methylenecyclopropane. The rate enhancement due to the β-trimethylsilyl group is a factor of about 106. The large stabilizing effect of a β-silyl group (which can cause rate enhancements of up to 1012) on the intermediate cation has been repressed. B3LYP/6-31G* computational studies indicate a carbocation stabilization energy of 16.6 kcal/mol. Rates of solvolyses of 1-phenyl-2-trimethylsilylcyclopropyl chlorides are enhanced by a factor of 103−104. The intermediate cyclopropyl cation undergoes substantial ring opening since β-silyl stabilization is not large (calculated stabilization energy of 12 kcal/mol). Solvolysis rates of 2-trimethylsilylbenzocyclobutyl derivatives are not significantly enhanced by the β-trimethylsilyl group. β-Silyl stabilization of benzocyclobutenyl carbocations generated in solution has been effectively eliminated due to antiaromatic considerations (calculated stabilization ...
Suture-mediated closure of antegrade femoral arteriotomy following infrainguinal intervention.

Antegrade femoral arterial access has been less commonly adopted for infrainguinal intervention due to increased risk of retroperitoneal hemorrhage secondary to noncompressibility of arteriotomy site. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of suture-mediated closure of antegrade femoral arteriotomy using the Closer device. Twelve consecutive patients undergoing infrainguinal intervention (females, 5; mean body weight, 69 ± 16 kg; limb threatening ischemia, 50%) underwent repair of the antegrade femoral arteriotomy immediately postprocedure using the Closer. Indications for antegrade access were excessive iliac tortuosity (6/12), long femoral artery occlusion (5/12), and bilateral aortoiliac bifurcation stents (1/12). The acute procedural success (immediate hemostasis without need for manual compression) was 100%. The mean time to ambulation was 3.9 ± 1.5 hr and the procedure-related length of stay was 18 ± 5.5 hr. In conclusion, repair of antegrade arterial puncture is safe and effective following infrainguinal intervention. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:504–507. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electrochemical characterization of the LiCoO2/acetylene carbon ratios for porous electrodes in alkaline lithium aqueous solutions by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Abstract LiCoO 2 electrodes were fabricated with different acetylene carbon (AC) additions and fixed binder content. Subsequent electrochemical testing showed different processes at the interface that are related to pore distribution and electrode composition. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterized the mechanisms close to open circuit conditions. The active state, combined with diffusion mechanisms within the cylindrical pores, contributed to the functionality of the particles according to the LiCoO 2 /AC content, and surface characteristics of the electrode influenced the impedance distribution. The de Levie theory for porous electrode was used to describe the influence of the LiCoO 2 /AC ratios in the impedance distribution when exposed to alkaline aqueous electrolytes (LiOH + Li 2 SO 4 ). The pore model helped relate physical properties of the composite material, such as pore count, pore length, and double layer capacitance, with the mechanisms present at the interface. The theoretical model was validated with experimental data and the fitting process resulted in good agreement.
True dielectric breakdown strength of cable papers

The object of this study is to present a new unique way of controlling edge effect and thus obtain the true dielectric breakdown strength of electric cable insulating papers, to compare the dielectric strength of paper so determined with the dielectric strength of other materials and with the dielectric strength of built-up paper insulation, and to compare the dielectric strength of structures composed of saturated paper insulation with the intrinsic dielectric strength of the saturated paper.
On the primitivity of prime rings

In this paper we obtain some conditions which force prime rings to be primitive. Our main theorems are converses to well-known results on the primitivity of certain subrings of primitive rings. Applications are given to the case of primitive domains, and a tensor prod&t theorem is proved which answers a question of Herstein on the primitivity of E[x, ,..., x,J, for E the endomorphism ring of a vector space over a division ring. Throughout the paper, all modules are right (unital) modules and “primitive” will mean right primitive. When R has an identity, the existence of a faithful irreducible R module is equivalent to the existence in R of a proper right ideal T satisfying T + I = R for every nonzero ideal I of R [2, Theorem 1, p. 5081. We begin by stating a useful and well-known result, the proof of which is straightforward using the existence of a faithful irreducible module.
716-2 Myocardial Ischemia Induced by Mental Stress Predicts a Poorer Prognosis in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Although it is clear that mental distress elicits myocardial ischemia, the relationship of mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia (MSI) to prognosis in patients with CAD is unknown. 130 CAD patients with stable angina underwent a series of mental stress and exercise tests using radionuclide ventriculography and standard 12-lead ECG, then were followed for one year, Myocardial ischemia was defined as a new wall-motion abnormality, ejection fraction (EF) decrease g5%. or ST-segment depression ≥0.1 mV from baseline. Cardiac events (CE) were defined as CABG, PTCA, unstable angina admission requiring angiography (UA), nonfatal myocardial infarction (NMI), and cardiac death, of the 130 patients, 50% had both MSI and exercise-induced ischemia (ESI), 18% experienced MSI alone. and 18% had ESI alone. Of the 117 patients achieving one-year follow-up, 20 suffered various CE: 19 had UA, 9 had PTCA, 4 had CABG. 2 had NMI, and 1 died. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the possible relationships among age, baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP), baseline EF, MSI, ESI and CE. Results showed that baseline SBP and MSI, but not ESI, were univariable predictors of CE (see Table). Multivariable logistic models were then used, with age, baseline SBP, and baseline EF as covariables, to determine if the addition of either MSI or ESI provided prognostic information in predicting CE. MSI was independently predictive of CE after adjustment for the covariables. Univariable x 2 p Value Age 0.49 0.48 Baseline SBP 5.32 0.02 Baseline EF 0.001 0.97 MSI 4.77 0.03 ESI 0.48 0.49 In conclusion, MSI may have greater prognostic potential than ESI for a specific population of CAD patients.
Effects of branched-chain amino acids on β-endorphin in the pituitary of the rat

Abstract Despite evidence that the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) influence brain metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, there is little information on the neuroendocrine effects of the BCAAs. We now report that administration of a mixture of the BCAAs 3 times daily for 12 days to Sprague-Dawley rats decreased the concentration of β-endorphin immunoreactivity (BEI) in the neurointermediate lobe of the pituitary. In BCAA-treated rats, BEI was 21 ± 4 compared to control levels of 57 ± 12 (ng/μg of protein). The BCAAs had no effect on the level of BEI in the adenohypophysis. These findings suggest that changes in availability of leucine, isoleucine, and valine mediate specific neuroendocrine responses to metabolic perturbations in the rat.
Inhibition of rubral neurons by a specific ligand for σ receptors

Abstract 1,3-Di-ortho-tolylguanidine (DTG), a compound with marked selectivity for σ receptors was iontophoretically applied to neurons in the red nucleus and nearby mesencephalic reticular formation. Spontaneous firing of rubral neurons was reduced by DTG in most cases. However, in the reticular formation, less than half of the cells tested showed inhinition; the remaining cells showed either an increase in rate or no consistent response to DTG. This corresponds to the greater density of σ receptors in the red nucleus and supports previous work which suggests that σ receptors play a role in the regulation of movement and posture.
Upstream effects of the Gulf Stream on the structure of the mid-ocean thermocline

Abstract Attempts to resolve a paradoxical result by Blandford (1965) led us to reexamine the degree of specification necessary to assure continuity of solution in a density stratified non-rotating channel through which two layers move over a deep resting one. We then proceeded to formulate and solve, numerically, a rudimentary beta-plane model of an inertial boundary current fed entirely from the equator: the zero potential vorticity case. Inspection of the numerical results indicates a simpler self similar form of the evolution of this problem, leading to same results but explicitly analytical. This model implies that the Gulf Stream exerts a control over mid-ocean thermocline structure.
Collective action, pluralism, and the legitimacy tariff: Corporate activity or inactivity in politics

Despite the fact that domestic and foreign corporations, along with trade associations, are some of the most politically active groups in the United States, earlier research has identified a substa...
General method for the detection and in vitro expansion of equine cytolytic T lymphocytes

Equine immunological research is hindered by the lack of a simple yet reliable general protocol by which to assay CTL activity specific for viral or parasitic antigens. We present here the first comprehensive analysis of the parameters necessary to reliably culture equine T cells and to analyze the antigen specific cytolytic activity of T lymphocytes utilizing the equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) infection of outbred ponies as a source for in vivo primed T lymphocytes. Effective long-term in vitro culture of equine T cells was determined to require minimally 200 U/ml of recombinant human IL-2. We demonstrated that pokeweed mitogen (PWM) stimulated PBMC generated large quantities of MHC class I and MHC class II expressing autologous lymphoblasts that were used initially to activate and expand antigen specific T lymphocytes and later to serve as a source of target cells in standard chromium release assays. The source of antigen expressed by the PWM lymphoblasts was a recombinant vaccinia virus vector which carried sequences encoding various antigens of interest, but most specifically, the envelope glycoprotein of EIAV. Secondary in vitro stimulation of the T lymphocytes by autologous PWM lymphoblasts expressing EIAV envelope glycoprotein was maximal using a ratio of 10 T cells to one stimulator cell. After antigen stimulation, responding T lymphocytes had antigen specific cytolytic activity and were of both the CD4 and CD8 lineage. The methodology presented here should provide an effective and reliable means by which to analyze the cytolytic activity of equine T lymphocytes to other foreign antigens. Furthermore, we suggest that this method derived for the equine animal model should be applicable to other mammalian and avian model systems that currently lack an effective means by which to analyze antigen specific CTL activity.
Fabrication of infrared optics

Methods for grinding and polishing IR transmitting materials are described and contrasted with better known methods for making glass optics. Because many IR optical systems use aspheric surfaces, single-point diamond turning (SPDT) is suggested as the most prudent method of making both reflective and refractive aspheric surfaces. For cases in which sufficiently good surface finish cannot be achieved with SPDT, either for system use or for testing with visible-light test equipment, a postpolishing technique that uses fine diamond paste and synthetic polishing pads is given as an alternative method. Finally, some practical aspects of good mechanical and optical engineering relating to SPDT are reviewed. By taking a few simple precautions and by building in appropriate optical alignment and mechanical mating surfaces, a difficult test and assembly situation can be reduced to something that is trivial.
Variations in the value of reductions in commuting time

Abstract This paper applies the theory of consumer choice to investigate the variations in the value of a marginal reduction in commuting for motorists. Two models are developed: Model I includes leisure and goods in the utility function and Model II adds commuting time to the utility function. Model I predicts that the value of a marginal reduction in commuting time increases as income or commuting time increases and decreases as commuting time saved increases. Model II does not have clear qualitative implications. The empirical tests generally support Model I.
The arterial switch operation: 25-year experience with 258 patients.

Background At our institution, the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries has transitioned from the Gore-Tex patch (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) for pulmonary artery reconstruction to redundant pantaloon pericardial patch (RPPP). The (U-shaped) coronary artery button was used for coronary reimplantation. This study investigates overall mortality and factors for neopulmonary artery, neoaortic, and coronary artery surgical reintervention. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent arterial switch between 1983 and 2007. Our surgical database, operative reports, and cardiology clinic charts were reviewed. Time to event was plotted as Kaplan-Meier curves. Predictors of time-to-event were examined using Cox proportional hazard modeling. Results A total of 258 patients underwent arterial switch during the study. Mortality declined from 15% (era I: 1983 to 1990) to 11% (era II: 1991 to 1998) to 7% (era III: 1999 to 2007). Era III had a significantly later time to death compared with era I (hazard ratio [HR] 0.62, p = 0.04). The RPPP had a lower neopulmonary artery reintervention rate compared with Gore-Tex; 9 of 225 (4%) versus 3 of 21 (14%), p = 0.008. Complex anatomy increased risk for neopulmonary reintervention (HR 3.3, p = 0.03). Surgical reintervention rate for coronary arteries was 2%. Complex coronary anatomy (HR 17.9, p = 0.01) predicted coronary reintervention. Predictors of neoaortic reintervention were prior pulmonary artery band (HR 4.3, p = 0.03), complex anatomy (HR 3.5, p = 0.01), and coronary artery anatomy (HR 3.5, p = 0.04). Conclusions Arterial switch operation mortality has decreased. Conversion to RPPP reduced neopulmonary artery reintervention. The (U-shaped) coronary artery button technique is associated with low coronary reintervention rates. Complex coronary anatomy increases coronary and aortic reintervention. Prior pulmonary artery banding and complex anatomy increase aortic reintervention.