cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiologic Abnormalities in AL (Primary) Amyloidosis With Cardiac Involvement

Abstract Objectives. This study sought to determine the spectrum of electrophysiologic abnormalities found in patients with cardiac involvement due to AL (primary) amyloidosis and to evaluate the prognostic implications, particularly in relation to subsequent sudden death. Background. Only case reports, but no series of invasive electrophysiologic studies, exist in patients with cardiac AL. Methods. Twenty-five patients with biopsy-proven AL and cardiac involvement underwent standard invasive electrophysiologic studies. Results. The function of the sinus and the atrioventricular node was preserved in most patients, but the infra-His (HV) conduction times were usually abnormal. The mean (±SD) HV interval for the 25 patients was 79 ± 18 ms (range 50 to 110), and 23 patients (92%) had an abnormally prolonged interval (>55 ms). Marked HV prolongation (≥80 ms) occurred in 12 patients, 6 of whom had an interval ≥100 ms. Among the 23 patients who died during follow-up, HV prolongation was the sole independent predictor of sudden death by multivariate analysis (p = 0.05). Conclusions. Patients with cardiac AL are prone to disease in the His-Purkinje system. Prolongation of the HV interval is common and may not be suspected from the surface electrocardiogram in the presence of a narrow QRS complex. These patients have a high prevalence of sudden death, of which the HV interval is an independent predictor. The association of HV prolongation and sudden death is probably multifactorial, representing either a marker of severe myocardial infiltration with an increased propensity to lethal ventricular arrhythmias or electromechanical dissociation, or indicating severe conduction system disease eventually leading to complete atrioventricular block and bradycardic death.
Making pointer-based data structures cache conscious

To narrow the widening gap between processor and memory performance, the authors propose improving the cache locality of pointer-manipulating programs and bolstering performance by careful placement of structure elements. It is concluded that considering past trends and future technology, it seems clear that the processor-memory performance gap will continue to increase and software will continue to grow larger and more complex. Although cache-conscious algorithms and data structures are the first and perhaps best place to attack this performance problem, the complexity of software design and an increasing tendency to build large software systems by assembling smaller components does not favor a focused, integrated approach. We propose another, more incremental approach of cache-conscious data layout, which uses techniques such as clustering, coloring, and compression to enhance data locality by placing structure elements more carefully in the cache.
THE NON-UNIFORM PISTON-DRIVEN MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC SHOCK WAVE

The effects of small variations in cross-sectional area and piston velocity on the propagation of a shock wave into a duct have been considered. The motion of the perfectly conducting fluid is subjected to a transverse magnetic field. In particular an expression for the pressure perturbation behind the shock has been derived.
Approximate Distribution of Parameters in a Distributed Lag Model

Abstract In the construction of econometric models, the need frequently arises to test the significance of coefficients whose distribution is a ratio of two normal random variables for which no statistical tables exist. In this article the distribution of such a ratio, emanating from a partial adjustment model, is empirically approximated by utilizing Monte Carlo experiments with various sample sizes. The results indicate that the standardized distribution of the ratio is positively skewed and does not closely approximate the z-distribution. On the basis of the empirical distribution obtained, critical values for various levels of significances and sample sizes are reported.
The Role of ATM in Telomere Structure and Function

Abstract Pandita, T. K. The Role of ATM in Telomere Structure and Function. Radiat. Res. 156, 642–647 (2001). Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is a rare human autosomal recessive disorder with a wide variety of phenotypic manifestations. AT patients are cancer prone and hypersensitive to ionizing radiation. Cells derived from AT patients require higher levels of serum factors, exhibit cytoskeletal defects, and undergo premature senescence in culture. The gene responsible for AT is ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated), and its product has been implicated in mitogenic signal transduction, chromosome condensation, meiotic recombination, and cell cycle control. Because of the homology of the human ATM gene to the TEL1 and rad3 genes of yeast, it has been suggested that mutations in ATM could lead to defective telomere maintenance. The ATM gene product influences chromosome end associations, telomere length, and telomere clustering. The defective telomere metabolism in AT cells could be due to altered interactions be...
An electromagnetic analysis of a cylindrical homogeneous lens

Radially symmetric lenses are ideally suited for use as multiple-beam antennas. In recent years, several investigations using a geometrical optics approach have indicated that simple lens structures such as homogeneous lenses might be suitable antennas. This paper presents an electromagnetic analysis of a cylindrical homogeneous lens as well as examining in detail the effect upon performance of parameter variations such that engineering and design evaluations can be made. It is shown that a lens with a relative dielectric constant of 3.5 gives the best performance. With the use of simple matching techniques, overall performance comparable to the more complex Luneburg lens is obtained.
SYSTEMIC REACTIONS TO TOPICALLY APPLIED DRUGS

Topical drugs can be absorbed percutaneously in sufficient amounts to cause untoward systemic effects. Generally speaking, infants and young children appears to be more vulnerable than adults. It has been shown that the prolonged and extensive use of topical corticosteroids can induce iatrogenic hypercorticism and that they may also impair the patients ability to cope with stress. Furthermore, the relatively limited use, areawise and timewise, of agents such as phenol, resorcinol, salicylic acid, hexachlorophene, boric acid, mercurials, and podophyllin may suffice to elicit dire systemic reactions.
Subcellular distribution of metals within the kidney of the bivalve Mercenaria mercenaria (L.)

Abstract 1. 1. The subcellular distribution of nine transition metals (plus four additional elements) was measured in the kidney tissue of the quahog, Mercenaria mercenaria. 2. 2. Elemental analyses of the subcellular fractions indicated three main patterns of metal distribution within kidney cells. 3. 3. Barium, iron, manganese and lead were associated primarily with kidney granules. 4. 4. Cadmium, copper, potassium and magnesium were found mainly in the cytosolic fraction. 5. 5. Calcium, phosphorus and zinc were found in all isolated fractions, probably reflecting the important roles that these elements play in bivalve metabolism. 6. 6. The organelle composition of the isolated subcellular fractions was determined using marker enzyme assays and microscopic techniques.
On infinite products associated with sums of digits

Abstract We evaluate some unusual infinite products, of which the following is a typical example: 3 −1 3 = 1 2 · 6 4 · 8 9 · 12 10 · 14 15 · 16 17 · 20 21 · 22 23 · 27 25 … . Here the numbers n in the denominator are { n : s 3 ( n − 1) ≡ 0 (mod 3)} and the numbers d in the denominator are { d : s 3 ( d − 1) ≡ 1(mod 3)}, where s k ( n ) denotes the sum of the digits of n when expressed in base k .
Flow cytometric analysis of thymic lymphosarcoma induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea in C57B1/6J mice

N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) induces thymic lymphosarcoma in numerous mouse strains. We determined the neoplastic phenotype induced by MNU in 20 C57B1/6J mice. Eleven neoplasms were composed of cells that were CD4-CD8+, four neoplasms were composed of cells that were CD4+CD8+, two neoplasms were mixtures of CD4+CD8+ and CD4-CD8+ cells, and three neoplasms were made up of cells that expressed neither CD4 nor CD8. Expanded populations of CD4+CD8- cells were observed within individual neoplasms. Of 10 neoplasms that were further classified, all were composed of cells that were J11d+, indicating immaturity. CD3 expression was generally negative, while IL2R expression was variable in these neoplasms. These data from C57B1/6J mice, a strain with a low incidence of spontaneous (viral-associated) thymic lymphosarcoma, indicate that a continuous spectrum of immature phenotypes are produced by MNU. The finding that each immature cell population can be expanded in this model system differs from previous reports. Our data do confirm the general finding in AKR mice, a strain with a high incidence of spontaneous thymic lymphosarcoma, that cells with immature phenotypes, particularly CD4-CD8+J11d+, make up MNU-induced thymic lymphosarcomas.
The Structural Proteins of Harlequin Fetus: Stratum Corneum

Stratum corneum from the harlequin fetus, a rare type of ichthyosis, shows a cross-β x-ray diffraction pattern instead of the usual α-type. Isometric contraction studies in water of the stratum corneum from a harlequin fetus did not show the increase in tension with heating that is observed with normal stratum corneum. The fibrous proteins isolated from harlequin fetus stratum corneum had the same x-ray diffraction pattern as whole stratum corneum and their amino acid composition was different from normal α-protein. These data indicate that the fibrous proteins of harlequin fetus stratum corneum are different from those of normal tissue and are not just a denatured form.
In situ real-time investigation of kinetics of nucleation and growth of sol-gel-derived functional oxide thin films

Early-stage nucleation and growth kinetics of sol-gel-derived multiferroic ${\text{BiFeO}}_{3}$ thin films were investigated in situ and in real time by combining transmission electron microscopy and grazing-incidence small-angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS). While the initial phase of the nuclei was identified to be ${\text{Bi}}_{2}{\text{O}}_{2}{\text{CO}}_{3}$, the quantitative GISAXS analysis unambiguously revealed that the early-stage kinetic nucleation growth in the thin films was dominated by an oriented-attachment mechanism as opposed to the conventional Ostwald ripening in metallic and ceramic systems.
Gender and gender-role identity influences upon self- and other-reports of communicative competence

This study examines the influence of gender-role identity on interpersonal perceptions of “communicative competence” in a natural setting over an extended period of time. After working in small task-oriented groups for 15 weeks, 146 students (74 females, 72 males) completed a questionnaire containing measures of gender-role identity (Bem Sex Role Inventory) and “communicative competence” [J. M. Wieman, Explication and test of a model of communicative competence. Human Communication Research, 1977, 3, 195–213]. A three-way ANOVA (masculinity, femininity, gender) was used for analysis. Predictions based on prior models were only partially supported. Findings suggest that gender-role identity functions in more complex ways than prior models suggest. For all dimensions of “communicative competence,” gender-role identity resulted in different patterns for males and females. Furthermore, comparisons of self- vs other-perceptions indicate the possibility that one model may hold for self-perceptions and another for other-perceptions.
Performance of Broilers on Different Types of Water Equipment

Abstract Four experiments were conducted comparing Plasson 2 plastic hanging fountains and Hart cups. Five C-9N Hart cups per 150 broilers were compared to one Plasson fountain per 150 mixed broilers in Experiment 1. Broilers in the pens equipped with the Plasson fountain were significantly heavier (P .05) in 8-week body weight was found between one Plasson fountain or three C-9N Hart cups per pen with body weights of 1928 and 1913 g, respectively. No significant difference (P>.05) was found for 8-week body weight in Experiment 4 when one Plasson fountain or two C-9X Hart cups per pen of 75 male broilers were used with body weights of 2236 and 2222 g, respectively. No differences (P>.05) were found in any of the experiments due to type of waterer for feed efficiency or mortality. Litter in the first three experiments was higher in moisture content under the Hart cups than under the Plasson fountains.
Neurologic complications of pediatric lung transplantation

Objective: To report neurologic complications in a large population of pediatric lung transplantation patients. Methods: A retrospective review of the first 135 patients to undergo lung transplantation at St. Louis Children’s Hospital from July 1990 to December 1997. Results: Sixty-one (45%) patients had neurologic complications. The most common presenting symptoms were seizures (27%), followed by encephalopathy, headache, depression, and focal neurologic deficits. Cyclosporine toxicity (7%) and hypoxia–ischemia (7%) constituted the most commonly identified etiologies, followed by stroke, metabolic, and infectious causes. Risk factor analysis found that patients with interstitial lung disease had a higher frequency of hypoxic–ischemic events and patients with seizures had significantly elevated trough cyclosporine levels. Patients with stroke and hypoxia had a poor neurologic prognosis, whereas patients with cyclosporine toxicity uniformly had a good outcome. Conclusions: Neurologic complications occur frequently after lung transplantation in pediatric patients, with seizures being the most common presenting symptom. Except in patients with stroke and hypoxia, prognosis is generally favorable. Seizures not accompanied by an irreversible structural etiology are unlikely to require long-term treatment with antiepileptic medications. Cyclosporine neurotoxicity typically resolves without requiring discontinuation of immunosuppressive therapy.
The origin of erythroblasts in Rana pipiens tadpoles

Abstract The origin of circulating erythrocytes in larval Rana pipiens was studied. The normal morphology of red cells in diploid and triploid larvae was established to evaluate the use of ploidy as a cell marker. Sufficient differences exist, and this characteristic was exploited as a means of introducing cells of known origin into the circulation of larvae. Reciprocal transplantations of prospective hemopoietic anlagen were made between embryos with differences in ploidy. Blood samples from mid-larval tadpoles having received a prior exchange of blood island material contained no erythrocytes of graft ploidy. Red cells from this area are short lived and do not act as stem cells for erythrocytes produced in other areas. Erythrocytes of graft ploidy were present in blood samples from mid-larval tadploes having received a prior exchange of pronephric or mesonephric kidney anlagen. The stem cells of erythrocytes produced in the intertubular spaces of these structures develop in situ.
A dynamic tool for finding redundant computations in native code

Compilers perform optimizations to improve application runtime performance, but they often fail to generate optimal code due to complicated interactions between optimizations and unforeseen interactions of optimizations with the target architecture. Although there exist performance monitoring tools that can collect CPU performance information via hardware event counters, compiler developers or performance analysts need to comprehensively interpret the information to infer deficiencies in compiler optimizations. This paper presents a tool that can identify potentially redundant computations relevant to specific compiler optimizations. In particular, our current implementation can identify redundant computations that match three patterns occurring in compiler generated native code: 1. redundant sign/zero extension, 2. redundant constant-spill, and 3. missing copy/constant propagation. Our tool adapts the Pin dynamic instrumentation framework to analyze program execution contexts at runtime and identify the redundant computations described above. We use this tool to report both locations and execution frequencies of redundant computations within the SPEC®CPU2006 benchmarks generated by two GCC compiler versions targeting IA-32 and Intel® 64 architectures. By effectively removing instrumentation that has become unnecessary, our tools runs at 19x the average execution time of these benchmarks. From this study, we are able to address how redundant computations are affected by different architectural features such as a number of registers and memory address size, and different compiler versions.
Cell-specific expression of the α1(I) collagen promoter-CAT transgene in skin and lung: A response to TGF-β subcutaneous injection and bleomycin endotracheal instillation

Transgenic mice containing a rat collagen alpha 1 (I) promoter (3.6 kilobases) fused to the reporter gene chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) express the reporter gene parallel to endogenous gene in most connective tissues other than vascular tissue [Pavlin et al. (1992): J Cell Biol 116:227-236; Bedalov et al. (1994): J Biol Chem 269:4903-4909]. We have challenged transgenic mice with subcutaneous injections of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) or intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. In situ hybridization studies of skin revealed increased CAT expression in the papillary dermis of TGF-beta treated animals. In contrast, alpha 1 (I) collagen mRNA was expressed throughout the dermis including granulation tissue and reticular dermis. Therefore, the transgenic promoter responds to TGF-beta in a subset of dermal fibroblasts. Endotracheal instillation of bleomycin induces lung fibrosis which is thought to be mediated in part by TGF-beta. CAT gene expression in lungs was increased 6-8-fold at 2 weeks post bleomycin treatment. In situ hybridization studies revealed focal areas of cells expressing both CAT and collagen genes in the interstitium. However, most regions, especially around airways, contained a subset of cells expressing the endogenous gene with little or no CAT expression as judged by in situ hybridization. These cells could be myofibroblasts that require additional cis-acting elements to activate alpha 1 (I) collagen gene expression similar to smooth muscle cells.
Uniform Approximation by Rational Functions Which All Satisfy the Same Algebraic Differential Equation

We prove that given two disjoint compact setsK1andK2in the complex plane, without any holes in them, there exists a sequencepn(z) of rational functions, all of them satisfying one and the same algebraic differential equation, such thatpn(z) converges uniformly to 1 onK1and uniformly to 0 onK2.
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) ameliorates the effects of porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection.

Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV) disease, one of the most economically significant viral diseases in the swine industry, is characterized by miscarriages, premature farrowing, stillborn pigs, and respiratory disease associated with death and chronic poor performance of nursing and weaned pigs. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a key component in driving the development of cell-mediated immunity as well as stimulating interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production from T cells and natural killer cells. Although some studies have investigated the use of IL-12 as a vaccine adjuvant in swine, little is known about its effectiveness as a treatment against viral diseases in swine. The present study investigated whether recombinant porcine IL-12 (rpIL-12) enhances the immune response and thereby diminishes the effects of PRRSV infection in young pigs. Interestingly, in vitro experiments demonstrated that rpIL-12 is capable of inducing swine pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs), the target cells of PRRSV, to produce IFN-γ in a dose and time dependent manner. In addition, in vitro studies also revealed that rpIL-12 treatment was capable of significantly reducing PRRSV viral titers in PAMs. In vivo administration of rpIL-12 significantly decreased PRRSV titers in the lungs and blood of infected animals. Furthermore, treatment with rpIL-12 prevented significant growth retardation in PRRSV-infected animals. Finally, in response to viral antigen recall challenge, PAMs isolated from rpIL-12-treated/PRRSV-infected animals produced greater amounts of IFN-γ and lesser amounts of interleukin-10 than PAMs isolated from non-rpIL-12-treated/PRRSV-infected animals. Taken together our data indicate that treatment with rpIL-12 may provide an effective approach to control or ameliorate PRRSV-induced disease in swine.
Environmental influences on CO2 uptake by agaves, CAM plants with high productivities.

Agaves have long been utilized for their leaf fiber and for beverage production. As first reported in 1968 for Agave americana, they are Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) plants, for which stomatal opening and CO2 uptake occur primarily at night when the lower temperatures greatly reduce water loss. More recently, the influences of rainfall, temperature, and photosynthetically active radiation on CO2 uptake by agaves have been determined and incorporated into an Environmental Productivity Index (EPI). Nutrient effects on CO2 uptake and growth can be quantified by a Nutrient Index, which multiplies EPI to account for soil element effects. New growth data forAgave victoriae-reginae are consistent with the Nutrient Index, except that high soil potassium levels inhibited dry weight increases and sodium was somewhat more inhibitory than expected. Productivities of agaves are high, the 25 tons dry weight hectare-1 yr-1 achievable byAgave mapisaga, A. salmiana, and A. tequilana exceeding the productivity of most annual agricultural crops. Often interest is focused on a specific harvestable plant part, such as the stems ofA. tequilana, which are harvested for tequila production. These stems have threefold higher levels of nonstructural carbohydrates such as sugars and polysaccharides than do the leaves; levels of such carbohydrates tend to be higher at times of the year with higher EPI, new data that can affect traditional harvesting practices. In conclusion, because of CAM, agaves can have high productivities in regions of moderate annual rainfall, and because of EPI, such productivity can be predicted, which augurs well for the increased future cultivation of agaves.
DSS for top executives: Obstacles and bridges

A survey of 40 organizations has been used to identify the problems considered more important and more frequently encountered by top executives using computers for decision support. MIS managers in these organizations were asked to enumerate the tools, methods, roles and activities (items) which the company has implemented to address each of the problems. The results indicate that some of the problems are related to the level of executive computer literacy and that problem frequency in many cases is inversely related to the number and effectiveness of items addressing the problem. Based on the results, several implications and conclusions are drawn which may lead to the improvement of service and management of computerized decision support for top managers.
Effect of ovarian steroids on basal and oxytocin-induced prostaglandin F2α secretion from pig endometrial cells

These studies were undertaken to determine how treatment with 100 nM progesterone and/or 10 nM oestradiol-17β acutely (3 h; Experiment 1) or chronically (72 h; Experiments 2–4) influenced basal and oxytocin (OT)-stimulated prostaglandin (PG) F2α secretion, in enriched cultures of pig endometrial luminal epithelial, glandular epithelial and stromal cells obtained on Day 16 (Experiments 1, 2 and 4) or Day 12 (Experiment 3) after oestrus. In Experiment 1, acute treatment with progesterone stimulated PGF2α secretion from each cell type on Day 16, whereas acute oestradiol treatment inhibited the stimulatory action of progesterone on PGF2α secretion only in glandular epithelial cells. In Experiment 2, OT stimulated phospholipase (PL) C activity in luminal epithelial cells on Day 16 only in the presence of chronic oestradiol treatment. For glandular epithelial cells on Day 16, OT stimulated PLC activity only in the presence of chronic treatment with steroid. In stromal cells on Day 16, OT stimulated PLC activity in the absence of steroids and the response to OT was further enhanced by oestradiol. In the absence of chronic treatment with steroid, OT did not stimulate PGF2α secretion from luminal epithelial cells, but oestradiol induced a response to OT. For glandular epithelial cells, OT-induced PGF2α secretion was not altered by steroids, whereas the stimulatory response to OT was inhibited by oestradiol or progesterone in stromal cells. For endometrial cells obtained on Day 12 after oestrus in Experiment 3, OT only stimulated PGF2α release from glandular epithelial and stromal cells. For luminal epithelial cells obtained on Day 16 after oestrus and cultured under polarizing conditions in Experiment 4, secretion of PGF2α occurred preferentially from the basolateral surface and was stimulated by OT more from the basolateral surface than from the apical surface. Oxytocin-induced PGF2α secretion from the apical surface was enhanced by chronic treatment with oestradiol, whereas that from the basolateral surface was enhanced by chronic treatment with progesterone. In summary, oestradiol enhanced OT-induced PGF2α secretion from the apical surface of luminal epithelial cells and reduced the response of stromal cells to OT, actions that may contribute to the reorientation of PGF2α from endocrine secretion (i.e. towards the uterine vasculature) to exocrine secretion (i.e. towards the uterine lumen) during pregnancy recognition in pigs.
An overview of biomedical policy: life and death issues.

This article attempts to encourage discussion and analysis of the policy implications of biomedical technology and proposes a framework for studying life and death issues arising out of this technology. It summarizes the status of research on a wide variety of specific policy areas, including those in human genetic inter-vention as well as the non-genetic biomedical issues at various life stages. It suggests that no set of issues has more serious implications for humanity and urges policy scientists to examine these technologies more fully. While the technical and ethical aspects of these issues are important, at the center of these con-cerns is the extent to which decision should be public–the degree to which the government should direct, limit, or facilitate applica-tion of the various technologies that affect life and death. This overview article concludes with a call for a PSJ symposium on this area of critical policy importance.
The acquisition of the publications of the Quebec government

Abstract This article provides information on the practices for acquiring the publications issued by the government of the Province of Quebec in Canada, including the depository library program launched in November 1981. It reviews some selection tools published by the public and private sectors at the provincial and federal levels for acquiring (current and retrospective) Quebec government publications in paper, microform and other nonprint media. Since publications of the Quebec government are acquired through a decentralized distribution network, addresses for acquiring Quebec documents are supplied.
Silicon compilation based on a data-flow paradigm

Presents the fundamental ideas and techniques for an approach to silicon compilation that is based on a data-flow paradigm. Data-flow graphs are discussed, and their relationship to the behavior of digital systems is established. The syntax and semantics of a particular data-flow language, YASC, are then presented. Finally, the silicon compilation process is discussed, with emphasis on the relationship between the data-flow specification and its logic-level realization. Both synchronous and self-timed implementations are considered.
Insight into the Chemical Mechanism of Thymidylate Synthase-Catalyzed Reaction Through the Evaluation of Chemical Models: The Role of C6 Sulfhydryl Addition During the Reductive Elimination Step of the Reaction1

Thymidylate synthase catalyzes the last step of the de novo synthesis of thymidine-5′-monophosphate (TMP), which has long been a target for the development of effective anticancer agents. Model compounds (15, 16, 17) were used to study the effect of C6 nucleophilic addition on the reductive elimination step of the TS-catalyzed reaction. Results suggest that C6 addition facilitates the reductive elimination of the H2folate moiety of the ternary intermediate (3). Therefore, the reaction pathway (pathway (b)) with the participation of C6 sulfhydryl addition during the reductive elimination process is the energetically favored process. Consequently, the elimination of the cysteine sulfhydryl group from the C6 position is the last step of the reaction before the dissociation of the products from the enzyme.
PDAs in higher education: Tips for instructors and students

PDAs are personal productivity tools as well as useful instructional tools (McFadden, 2001). As the range of PDA software offers more features, instructional uses will continue to expand. Currently, PDAs provide many options for communicating, facilitating, and enhancing learning. In our teaching experience, we have found that PDAs increase motivational levels of students and enhance the learning atmosphere in many courses by giving students a greater sense of connection to the class and the course content.
Etray: a program for efficient design and recording of crystallization trials

Determination of conditions suitable for crystallizing macromolecules often involves many iterative trials. The current standard procedure of manual design of experiments (including manual calculation of volumes of reagents) and recording observations by hand, is tedious, susceptible to errors, makes organization of records and searches for patterns difficult, and is not suited to automation. We have therefore written Etray, an open-source program that is freely obtainable over the Web, Elkin, C., Hogle, J., http://sbweb.med.harvard.edu/∼hogle/etray (2000), to automate record keeping, most aspects of experimental planning, and to facilitate computational analyses of these results. Etray displays an image of a standard 24 well crystal tray and allows the user to add reagents in appropriate concentrations to the wells, either individually or using tools for grid searches and incomplete factorial design. Etray automatically calculates volumes of stock solutions necessary to achieve the specified concentration, and contains tools for sketching, commenting and scoring the well contents. Speech recognition features allow the observations to be spoken out loud while the investigator looks into the microscope. An example of the use of Etray to design and analyze an incomplete factorial crystallization experiment is presented.
Synthesis, Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Nanocrystalline NiAl

Nanocrystalline NiAl was produced from pre-cast alloys using an electron beam inert gas condensation system. In-situ compaction was carried out at 100-300 C under vacuum conditions. Energy dispersive spectroscopy was used to determine chemical composition and homogeneity. Average grain sizes in the range 4-10 nm were found from TEM dark field analyses. A compression-cage fixture was designed to perform disk bend tests. These tests revealed substantial room temperature ductility in nanocrystalline NiAl, while coarse grained NiAl showed no measurable room temperature ductility.
The replication timing of the amplified dihyrofolate reductase genes in the Chinese hamster ovary cell line CHOC 400

We have examined the timing of replication of the amplified dihydrofolate reductase genes in the methotrexate-resistant Chinese hamster ovary cell line CHOC 400 using two synchronization procedures. DNA replicated in the presence of 5-bromodeoxyuridine was collected from cells of various times during the DNA synthesis phase and the extent of replication for defined sequences was determined by Southern blotting analysis of CsCl density gradient fractions. We report that under these conditions the DHFR gene replicates throughout the course of S phase in a mode similar to the bulk of the replicated genomic DNA. This contrasts with previous data that shows the non-amplified DHFR gene replicates during the first quarter of S phase. Therefore, we conclude that gene amplification alters the replication timing of the DHFR gene in CHOC 400 cells.
Effect of multiple particle interactions on burning droplets

Abstract The interactions between burning droplets are analyzed on the basis of the quasi-steady assumption. A generalized treatment for burning rates of droplets in an array has been developed using a modified Laplace equation with point sources. This treatment is applied to two droplets of different sizes, as well as finite arrays containing up to eight symmetrically arranged monodisperse droplets. Particle interactions are shown to be a function of particle size, number density, and geometry of the array. Results are presented in terms of correction factors from which multiple particle burning rates can be calculated from single particle burning rates. The correction factors are shown to be in close agreement with results available in the literature.
The growth of InAsSb/InAsP strained-layer superlattices for use in infrared emitters

We describe the metal-organic chemical vapor deposition growth of InAsSb/InAsP strained-layer superlattice (SLS) active regions for use in mid-infrared emitters. These SLSs were grown at 500{degrees}C, and 200 torr in a horizontal quartz reactor using TMIn, TESb, AsH{sub 3},and PH{sub 3}. By changing the layer thickness and composition we have prepared structures with low temperature ({le}20K) photoluminescence wavelengths ranging from 3.2 to 4.4 {mu}m. Excellent performance was observed for an SLS LED and both optically pumped and electrically injected SLS lasers. An optically pumped, double heterostructure laser emitted at 3.86 {mu}m with a maximum operating temperature of 240 K and a characteristic temperature of 33 K. We have also made electrically injected lasers and LEDs utilizing a GaAsSb/InAs semi-metal injection scheme. The semi-metal injected, broadband LED emitted at 4 {mu}m with 80 {mu}W of power at 300K and 200 mA average current. The InAsSb/InAsP SLS injection laser emitted at 3.6 gm at 120 K.
Exposure to strong static magnetic field slows the growth of human cancer cells in vitro

Proposals to enhance the amount of radiation dose delivered to small tumors with radioimmunotherapy by constraining emitted electrons with very strong homogeneous static magnetic fields has renewed interest in the cellular effects of prolonged exposures to such fields. Past investigations have not studied the effects on tumor cell growth of lengthy exposures to very high magnetic fields. Three malignant human cell lines, HTB 63 (melanoma), HTB 77 IP3 (ovarian carcinoma), and CCL 86 (lymphoma: Raji cells), were exposed to a 7 Tesla uniform static magnetic field for 64 hours. Following exposure, the number of viable cells in each group was determined. In addition, multicycle flow cytometry was performed on all cell lines, and pulsed-field electrophoresis was performed solely on Raji cells to investigate changes in cell cycle patterns and the possibility of DNA fragmentation induced by the magnetic field. A 64 h exposure to the magnetic field produced a reduction in viable cell number in each of the three cell lines. Reductions of 19.04 +/- 7.32%, 22.06 +/- 6.19%, and 40.68 +/- 8.31% were measured for the melanoma, ovarian carcinoma, and lymphoma cell lines, respectively, vs. control groups not exposed to the magnetic field. Multicycle flow cytometry revealed that the cell cycle was largely unaltered. Pulsed-field electrophoresis analysis revealed no increase in DNA breaks related to magnetic field exposure. In conclusion, prolonged exposure to a very strong magnetic field appeared to inhibit the growth of three human tumor cell lines in vitro. The mechanism underlying this effect has not, as yet, been identified, although alteration of cell growth cycle and gross fragmentation of DNA have been excluded as possible contributory factors. Future investigations of this phenomenon may have a significant impact on the future understanding and treatment of cancer.
Some observations for distance protection of power transmission lines

This paper presents some observations related to distance protection for power system transmission lines. Classical distance protection relays adopt the line terminal voltage and line current to calculate the distance between the fault and the relay location and then make a decision on whether a tripping signal should be issued and, if so, what the time delay should be. An interesting question is: is it possible for two faults at different points of the system to result in the same bus voltage and the same line current at a relay location such that the relay cannot distinguish between them? This paper presents some of these scenarios that may impose challenges on distance relay settings and operation.
Determinants of polydipsia in rats: II. DRL extinction

Three rats were trained on DRL 30 sec. for food. All developed polydipsia. Two DRL extinction sessions were run, one with the dispenser click following each correctly-spaced response, one without it. Drinking continued through extinction sessions, at lower frequency. Two of the rats drank more in the extinction session with the click than in the one without it.
Evaluation of in situ sea surface temperatures for use in the calibration and validation of satellite retrievals

[1] In situ sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are used for calibration and validation of satellite retrievals. This study analyzes three in situ data sets from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Telecommunication System (GTS), the International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS) release 2.4, and the U.S. Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment/Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC). Comparisons show that most reports in the ICOADS and FNMOC are of the same origin as NCEP GTS. Quality control (QC) information is either unavailable (NCEP), not well documented (FNMOC), or nonuniform (ICOADS, FNMOC). Preliminary QC was implemented in this study and uniformly applied to all data sets. All analyses are stratified by major types of in situ platforms including ships, drifters, and moored buoys, the latter being further subdivided into tropical and coastal. Ships overwhelmingly prevailed before 1990 but then declined, whereas the number of drifters significantly increased, as did their reporting density. Although both platforms sample the full SST range well, drifters cover the global ocean much more uniformly than ships. Statistical analyses are performed on the in situ SST anomalies with respect to daily Reynolds and daily Pathfinder. Different global mean biases are observed for different platform types (e.g., ∼+0.03 K for drifters and tropical moorings and ∼+0.15 K for ships, with respect to Reynolds SST), suggesting existence of cross-platform biases that need to be reconciled. Root mean square (RMS) errors of the four types of in situ data have been estimated via three-way analyses proposed in O'Carroll et al. (2008). The geographical distributions of RMS errors in Pathfinder, Reynolds, and in situ SSTs show distinct spatial patterns, which require further understanding and remediation.
Electron storage ring distributions near linear resonance

Abstract The standard formula for the shape of a beam in a collisionless electron storage ring can require substantial correction when the (linear) equations of motion have solutions that are nearly periodic or antiperiodic in time. How to calculate approximations to beam shapes in such cases in a simple way is explained. A similar analysis is also applied to the storage ring dispersion (or off-energy function). This technique is similar in its logic to the “two-time” and “smoothing” methods of Keller.
Improving community detection in networks by targeted node removal

How a network breaks up into subnetworks or communities is of wide interest. Here we show that vertices connected to many other vertices across a network can disturb the community structures of otherwise ordered networks, introducing noise. We investigate strategies to identify and remove noisy vertices (“violators”) and develop a quantitative approach using statistical breakpoints to identify when the largest enhancement to a modularity measure is achieved. We show that removing nodes thus identified reduces noise in detected community structures for a range of different types of real networks in software systems and in biological systems.
Mercury stack emissions from U.S. electric utility power plants

Literature estimates for worldwide anthropogenic mercury (Hg) emissions range from 900 to 6200 t/yr. EPA recently estimated that U.S. electric utilities emit about 93 t/yr. EPRI, DOE, and others have recently conducted field measurements to better quantify electric utility emissions of Hg and other trace substances. Hg emissions inventories based on these recent measurements indicate that total electric utility Hg emissions are about 40 t/yr — about half of these previous estimates. Furthermore, the results have indicated that Hg emissions are quite variable and are not consistently captured by conventional air pollution control technologies - electrostatic precipitators, fabric filters, and flue gas desulfurization systems.
Experimental infection of Ornithodoros spp. ticks (Acari: Argasidae) with Yersinia pestis.

Ticks of the genus Ornithodoros feed on many rodent species with known roles in maintaining and amplifying plague (Yersinia pestis) in nature. Five species of ticks in this genus are shown to acquire the plague bacillus by feeding on infected hosts. Most notably, 80% of O. hermsi Wheeler, Herms and Meyer harbored Y. pestis 1 mo after an infectious blood meal. Subsequent transmission by infected ticks was not demonstrated. However, 1 yr after the infectious feeding, Y. pestis DNA was detected using a hybridization probe on tick triturates that were amplified by in vitro cultivation. Y. pestis can remain reproductively viable for at least 1 yr in about 2% of ticks fed on infected hosts.
Schizophrenia and Atypical Motor Features in a Case of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (The Steele-Richardson-Olszewski Syndrome)

Mental manifestations are characteristic of the syndrome described by Steele, Richardson, and Olszewski as progressive supranuclear palsy (SRO). Discussions emphasize cognitive aspects, namely the &#x201c;subcortical dementia&#x201d; for which the disease is prototypical, but personality change has been mentioned beginning with the earliest accounts. Psychosis has been virtually absent from neuropsychiatric descriptions, perhaps curiously so in view of the association between subcortical disease and delusions. We report here a case of autopsy-proven SRO in which a schizophrenia-like psychosis was a central feature.
Effects of hydrolysis-induced molecular weight changes on the phase separation of a polyester polyurethane

A polyester polyurethane, was subjected to humid and dry aging conditions at 70 °C with 75% and 0% relative humidity, respectively. Differences in molecular weight and quasi-static tensile strength between humid- and dry-aged samples are attributed to hydrolysis of the humid-aged polymers. A phase-separation study was performed on selected samples from the aging matrix. Polymer samples were subjected to 110 °C for 10 min, by mixing the polyester (soft) and the polyurethane (hard) domains, then rapidly cooled to room temperature, initiating the phase-separation process. Uniaxial tension, dynamic shear and infrared spectra of these samples were measured as a function of time providing insight into the effects of hydrolytic degradation and the relationship of mechanical and molecular-level properties. An Avrami-type analysis shows two distinct processes whose characteristics vary as a function of increased hydrolysis. LA-UR 04-6447.
Mesenteric Vasodilation Mediated by Endothelial Anandamide Receptors

Abstract —Cannabinoids, including the endogenous ligand anandamide (arachidonyl ethanolamide), elicit pronounced hypotension in rats via activation of peripherally located CB1 cannabinoid receptors, which have been also implicated in endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS])-induced hypotension. The present study was designed to test the role of vascular CB1 receptors in cannabinoid- and endotoxin-induced mesenteric vasodilation. In the isolated, buffer-perfused rat mesenteric arterial bed precontracted with phenylephrine, anandamide induced long-lasting (up to 60 minutes) dose-dependent vasodilation (ED 50 : 79±3 nmol; maximal relaxation: 77±2%), inhibited by 0.5 to 5.0 μmol/L of the selective CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A. Low doses of the calcium ionophore ionomycin also caused mesenteric vasodilation inhibited by SR141716A. The metabolically stable analogue R-methanandamide elicited mesenteric vasodilation (ED 50 : 286±29 nmol), whereas the potent synthetic CB1 receptor agonists WIN 55212-2 and HU-210 caused no change in vascular tone or only a minor dilator effect not affected by SR141716A, respectively. The endogenous ligand 2-arachidonyl glycerol caused no change in vascular tone, whereas Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol and arachidonic acid caused mesenteric vasoconstriction. After endothelial denudation, the dilator response to anandamide was slightly reduced and was no longer inhibited by SR141716A. In preparations from LPS-pretreated rats, SR141716A alone caused a significant and prolonged increase in perfusion pressure, whereas it had no such effect in control preparations perfused in vitro with or without LPS or after endothelial denudation in preparations from rats pretreated with LPS. We conclude that anandamide-induced mesenteric vasodilation is mediated by an endothelially located SR141716A-sensitive “anandamide receptor” distinct from CB1 cannabinoid receptors and that activation of such receptors by an endocannabinoid, possibly anandamide, contributes to LPS-induced mesenteric vasodilation in vivo.
Current aspects of mucosal immunology and its influence by nutrition.

Abstract Background: A significant body of clinical literature demonstrates that enteral feeding significantly reduces the incidence of pneumonia compared to patients fed parenterally. An immunologic link between the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract is postulated via the common mucosal immune hypothesis. This hypothesis states that cells are sensitized within the Peyer’s patches of the small intestine and are subsequently distributed to submucosal locations in both intestinal and extra intestinal sites. This system is exquisitely sensitive to route and type of nutrition. Data Source: This review examines the laboratory data regarding cell numbers, cell phenotypes, cytokine profile, and immunologic function in both intestinal and extra intestinal sites in animals that have been administered either parenteral feeding or various types of enteral feeding. It also establishes links between a specific nutrient, glutamine, the enteric nervous system, by way of neuropeptides, and mucosal immunity. Conclusion: Progress in understanding relationships between nutrient availability, enteric nervous system stimulation, and nutrient delivery on mucosal immunity offers opportunities to explore immune systems previously not appreciated by clinicians and basic scientists. These opportunities offer new challenges to the physician scientist, basic scientist, and clinician to understand, manipulate, and apply these concepts to the critically ill patient population by favorably influencing immunologic barriers and the inflammatory response.