cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internet based simulations of debris dispersion of shuttle launch

The debris dispersion model (which dispersion model?) is so heterogeneous and interrelated with various factors, 3D graphics combined with physical models are useful in understanding the complexity of launch and range operations. Modeling and simulation in this area mainly focuses on orbital dynamics and range safety concepts, including destruct limits, telemetry and tracking, and population risk. Particle explosion modeling is the process of simulating an explosion by breaking the rocket into many pieces. The particles are scattered throughout their motion using the laws of physics eventually coming to rest. The size of the foot print explains the type of explosion and distribution of the particles. The shuttle launch and range operations in this paper are discussed based on the operations of the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA. Java 3D graphics provides geometric and visual content with suitable modeling behaviors of Shuttle launches.
Cumulative Incidence of Cancer Among Persons With HIV in North America: A Cohort Study

Cancer has become more common among persons with HIV. After examination of cumulative cancer incidence by age 75 years and calendar trends in cumulative incidence and hazard rates, it was determine...
Water Sampling and Laboratory Safety

Water sampling is done for a wide variety of reasons; some of which may place the individual in perilous environments. Because sample collection represents a significant allocation of resources, safeguards for personnel and samples alike are important. Actual hazards of sampling and analysis depend on the sampling location and type of analysis to be conducted. The field log book is perhaps the important sampling tool, and all information pertinent to the sampling trip is to be recorded in it. The physical security and integrity of water samples is essential to ensuring the accuracy and legal defensibility of results, and precautions to protect samples from contamination and deterioration are therefore essential. Precautions must also be taken in the laboratory. Laboratories must comply with safety regulations, as analysis can involve exposure to corrosive, reactive, and toxic reagents, and personal protective equipment should be used. Keywords: chain of custody form; contamination; hazard communication; log book; OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration); personal protective equipment; safety; sample collection; sample integrity; sampling
4.7-T diffusion tensor imaging of acute traumatic peripheral nerve injury

Diagnosis and management of peripheral nerve injury is complicated by the inability to assess microstructural features of injured nerve fibers via clinical examination and electrophysiology. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been shown to accurately detect nerve injury and regeneration in crush models of peripheral nerve injury, but no prior studies have been conducted on nerve transection, a surgical emergency that can lead to permanent weakness or paralysis. Acute sciatic nerve injuries were performed microsurgically to produce multiple grades of nerve transection in rats that were harvested 1 hour after surgery. High-resolution diffusion tensor images from ex vivo sciatic nerves were obtained using diffusion-weighted spin-echo acquisitions at 4.7 T. Fractional anisotropy was significantly reduced at the injury sites of transected rats compared with sham rats. Additionally, minor eigenvalues and radial diffusivity were profoundly elevated at all injury sites and were negatively correlated to the degree of injury. Diffusion tensor tractography showed discontinuities at all injury sites and significantly reduced continuous tract counts. These findings demonstrate that high-resolution DTI is a promising tool for acute diagnosis and grading of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries.
Cycles and trends in the procurement system: Anticipating changes in acquisition legislation, regulation and policy

Summary In conclusion, let me raise the question of whether the Law Panel can impact these cycles or reverse these trends. If they are regarded as historical imperatives, the answer is clearly No. But we have been urged to be bold and to try to devise a new, simplified statute that will take us back to a better day. We are going to do that, without regard to the question whether Congress will accept the solution. There probably has never been a better time for the Panel's report than the present; the window of opportunity is open. But what the Panel recommends is going to be awfully hard to sell, even in a window-of-opportunity year. If the predictions come true about the defense budget's going down to the level of the period when Eisenhower remained a Major for 14 years, maybe Congress will be receptive to anything that adds a little bit of value to the defense dollar. With this in mind, the Law Panel is likely to be very bold in its attempt to streamline the procurement system and reduce oversight. Hope...
Preparation and characterization of ruthenium(II) clathrochelate complexes

Abstract Synthetic routes were developed for the preparation of clathrochelate complexes of ruthenium(II) utilizing a totally encapsulating ligand derived from dioxime ligands (1,2-cyclohexanedione dioxime, diphenylglyoxime and dimethylglyoxime) and various boron capping agents (boronic acids, borate esters, and boron halides). These complexes were fully characterized by 1 H NMR, U'V-vis and IR spectroscopies. Cyclic voltammetric electrochemical experiments were performed and indicate that the stability of a ruthenium(III) clathrochelate complex is dependent on the nature of the substituent attached to the boron cap. Specifically, the stability increases with the length of the linear chain alkoxy groups attached to boron, and decreases for bulky alkoxy groups.
Miscellaneous error bounds for multiquadric and related interpolators

We establish several types of a a priori error bounds for multiquadric and related interpolators. The results are stated and proven in the general multivariate case. These estimates show, for example, that in many cases such interpolators converge very quickly and can be used in the recovery of band limited functions from discrete data. We also include numerical experiments which illustrate the theoretical results.
Electrophysiological, biochemical, and behavioral studies of acute haloperidol-induced depolarization block of nigral dopamine neurons

The electrophysiological, biochemical and behavioral responses produced by administration of haloperidol were studied in intact rats and in rats with 6-hydroxydopamine-induced partial lesions of the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway. In both control rats and rates tested four to 10 days postlesion, the electrophysiological response of nigral dopamine neurons to increasing doses of haloperidol consisted of either: (1) an increase in firing rate which reached a plateau at six to 10 spikes per second, or (2) no response (i.e., less than 20% change in firing rate). Administration of additional doses of haloperidol up to lethal levels did not elicit further changes in dopamine cell firing in these rats. In contrast, in 6-hydroxydopamine-treated rats tested four to six weeks postlesion, acute administration of haloperidol was not only more consistent in producing increases in dopamine cell firing rate, but also caused six out of seven dopamine neurons tested to cease firing upon entering a state of depolarization block. In all cases in which depolarization block was observed, dopamine cell firing was reinstated by either iontophoretic application of gamma-aminobutyric acid or intravenous administration of apomorphine. In parallel studies, haloperidol caused an increase in the extracellular dopamine levels measured by microdialysis in the striatum of control rats, whereas administration of the same dose of haloperidol to 6-hydroxydopamine-treated rats four to six weeks postlesion did not elicit any change in extracellular dopamine levels. In addition, administration of haloperidol at a dose which was ineffective in control rats produced gross motor deficits in the 6-hydroxydopamine-treated rats when tested four to six weeks postlesion. These results show that 6-hydroxydopamine-induced dopamine depletions produce a time-dependent change in the responsivity of the nigrostriatal dopamine system to acute haloperidol administration. In this altered system, the induction of depolarization block of spike activity in nigral dopamine neurons by haloperidol was not associated with a corresponding decrease in extracellular dopamine levels measured in the striatum. However, it appeared that depolarization block did prevent haloperidol-induced increases in extracellular dopamine levels. The occurrence of depolarization block in the dopamine-depleted animal may limit the capacity of this system to respond to additional compromise, in spite of the compensatory processes that contribute to maintaining motor function.
An experience in facilitating process improvement with an integration problem reporting process simulation

Software process improvement (SPI) has been a discernible theme in the software process simulation literature, which has recognized a wide variety of ways in which simulation can support SPI. This case study describes one of those ways, a very focused, retrospective modeling driven by integration delays in the development of an avionics system project. A simple simulation of the integration problem report flows offered a low cost means of looking into the dynamics of the backlogged integration process and clearly seeing a basic development problem that was difficult to see from existing reports. The model became especially helpful when alternative scenarios were run in order to see the relative benefits that different types of actions would have provided to the integration process. These experiments clarified lessons learned from other sources and suggested a major improvement for the next release cycle. The actual results of improvements deployed in the next release cycle were a reduced problem report backlog (1/3 that of the previous release) and 40% less test effort. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tolerance of Sk-incompatible skin grafts

ALLOANTIGENS expressed on one cell type but not on another provide the basis for homograft reactions directed against particular tissues. The Sk alloantigens of mice are expressed on epidermal cells but not on haemopoietic cells1. Thus C57B1/6 (B6) mice that have been lethally irradiated and restored with (B6 × A)F1 spleen and bone marrow cells [abbreviated to (B6 × A)-to-B6 chimaeras] invariably reject (B6 × A) and A strain skin although they are permanent haemopoietic chimaeras. Rejection is accompanied by the production of antibody which is cytotoxic for A strain epidermal cells but not for A strain haemopoietic cells of any type2. The antigen thus recognized, Sk.1, is absent from all tissues of B6 mice; B6 epidermal cells carry the alternative alloantigen Sk.2.
A century of paraphyly: a molecular phylogeny of katydids (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) supports multiple origins of leaf-like wings.

The phylogenetic relationships of Tettigoniidae (katydids and bush-crickets) were inferred using molecular sequence data. Six genes (18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, Cytochrome Oxidase II, Histone 3, Tubulin Alpha I, and Wingless) were sequenced for 135 ingroup taxa representing 16 of the 19 extant katydid subfamilies. Five subfamilies (Tettigoniinae, Pseudophyllinae, Mecopodinae, Meconematinae, and Listroscelidinae) were found to be paraphyletic under various tree reconstruction methods (Maximum Likelihood, Bayesisan Inference and Maximum Parsimony). Seven subfamilies – Conocephalinae, Hetrodinae, Hexacentrinae, Saginae, Phaneropterinae, Phyllophorinae, and Lipotactinae – were each recovered as well-supported monophyletic groups. We mapped the small and exposed thoracic auditory spiracle (a defining character of the subfamily Pseudophyllinae) and found it to be homoplasious. We also found the leaf-like wings of katydids have been derived independently in at least six lineages.
Molecular Motion of Hydrogen-Bonded CH3CN in H-MFI: A 1H, 2H, and 13C Multinuclear Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Study

The dynamics associated with the adsorption complex formed by CH3CN at Bronsted sites in the high-silica zeolite H-MFI have been explored using 1H, 2H, and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spec...
Parallel Operation of Main-Engine-Driven 400-Cycle Aircrart Generators

This paper reports progress in the development of variable-ratio drives and governors for parallel operation of aircraft alternators driven from the main engines. Preliminary tests have been made demonstrating successful parallel operation of such drives under various conditions of acceleration and loading. The general system of operation and results of some of the first tests are described in this paper.
DYNAMICALLY LOADED BEARINGS OPERATING WITH NON- NEWTONIAN LUBRICANT FILMS

Abstract The behaviour of a laminar non-Newtonian film (power law) was studied for dynamically loaded bearings. The momentum equation for an infinitely long bearing is solved by assuming that the velocity profile is a superposition of couette and Poiseuille flow for power law fluids. An expression for the modified Reynolds equation is obtained for the non-Newtonian fluid film. The load- carrying capacity is obtained for various values of the viscometric exponent of the power law model. It is shown that non-Newtonian lubricants can have a pronounced effect on dynamically loaded bearings.
Neuropsychological Sequelae of Arteriovenous Malformations

A total of 24 patients harboring arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in either the dominant hemisphere (n = 12) or the nondominant hemisphere (n = 12) were examined neuropsychologically. When compared with 24 matched normal control subjects, the AVM patients demonstrated differential degrees of impairment in verbal or visuospatial processing, depending on whether the lesion involved the dominant or nondominant hemisphere. As predicted, most compelling were the findings of cognitive deficit associated with the hemisphere contralateral to the AVM relative to matched normal control subjects. Evidence of higher cortical dysfunction contralateral to the residing AVM is discussed in the context of cerebrovascular steal.
Tel Aviv: The New City of Palestine

(1937). Tel Aviv: The New City of Palestine. Journal of Geography: Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 111-115.
Kibitz: End-to-End Recommendation System Builder

Kibitz (kibitz.csail.mit.edu) is a web application and recommendation system framework that helps inexperienced and novice programmers to build recommenders without the need to program the back end for the system. The author uploads a table of items, and Kibitz produces a collaborative-filtering recommender for the uploaded items. The recommender can be hosted by Kibitz or downloaded and customized as a set of static pages hosted on the author's personal web domain. Developers who want to avoid the hassle of writing their own recommender back end may choose to link their websites to our service through our easy to use API. A demo of our system can be found at kibitz.csail.mit.edu/video_demo/.
Treatment of sleep disordered breathing in congestive heart failure.

In patients with congestive heart failure, sleep disordered breathing occurs commonly and is associated with an increased mortality. In addition to central sleep apnea (Cheyne–Stokes respiration), obstructive sleep apnea is more prevalent in patients with congestive heart failure than in the general population. As a result, a number of treatments have been investigated, with varying results. While many therapies may improve the severity of sleep disordered breathing, only positive pressure ventilation has been shown to improve cardiac function. Newer forms of positive pressure ventilation, such as adaptive servo-ventilation, appear to be even more effective at correcting central sleep apnea. Whether any of these treatments have an effect on transplant-free survival is presently unknown and awaits further study.
Potentiometric precipitation titrations of selenite, selenate, tellurite and tellurate

Some precipitation titrations have been evaluated for the determination of the oxo anions of selenium and tellurium. Selenite and tellurite can be titrated with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, using a silver ion-selective electrode as sensor. Tellurite can be titrated with cetylpyridinium chloride, using a poly(vinylchloride)/dioctylphthalate-coated graphite rod as sensor.
The Effect of a Justification Memo and Hypothesis Set Quality on the Review Process

This study provides evidence on the effects of a preparer's supporting justification memo and hypothesis set quality on a reviewer's ability to identify a preparer's incorrect conclusion. We hypothesize that the presence of a supporting justification memo will lead to a significant performance decline for reviewers who evaluate working papers containing a correct hypothesis set (one that includes the correct cause), but not those with an incorrect hypothesis set. This expectation follows because reviewers of the correct hypothesis set can link each hypothesis in the working papers to an underlying piece of evidence while those with the incorrect hypothesis set cannot. Thus, the former are more likely to presume that evidence pointing to the actual cause has been integrated, and hence are more willing to rely on the preparer's supporting justification memo. To test our hypothesis, 97 audit seniors reviewed working papers documenting work done by a preparer while investigating five potential explanations (i...
Communicative competence: a framework for understanding language barriers in health care.

When clinicians and their patients speak different languages, patient care and clinical outcomes suffer. Specifically, when patients have limited English proficiency (LEP) they have worse access to care, receive poorer quality care, are less likely to understand and adhere to care plans, and are less satisfied with their physicians and the care they do receive.1
Transient neonatal estrogen exposure to estrogen-deficient mice (aromatase knockout) reduces prostate weight and induces inflammation in late life.

Exposure of newborn male mice to estrogens is associated with age-related changes in prostate size and induction of epithelial hyperplasia and dysplasia. Whether these changes directly result from systemic estrogen administration or indirect effects of estrogens on systemic testosterone levels is unclear. We have addressed this question using aromatase-knockout (ArKO) mice that are estrogen-deficient during their lifespan but have elevated androgen levels and develop prostate enlargement and hyperplasia (McPherson SJ, Wang H, Jones ME, Pedersen J, Iismaa TP, Wreford N, Simpson ER, Risbridger GP: Endocrinology 2001, 142:2458–2467). Circulating testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels were significantly decreased by neonatal diethylstilbestrol treatment, remained suppressed in adult wild-type mice, but rapidly returned to control levels in ArKO animals. However, adult prostate weight and luminal size were reduced in both wild-type and ArKO animals. Because both wild-type and ArKO mice developed epithelial hyperplasia and inflammation following neonatal diethylstilbestrol treatment, this validates that estrogens directly cause prostatic inflammation and epithelial hyperplasia. Furthermore, because ArKO mice are estrogen-deficient, this study demonstrates the sensitivity of the neonatal period to estrogen exposure and the long range and permanent nature of the prostatic responses that occur. Finally, this study establishes the ArKO mouse model of estrogen deficiency as a unique approach to study the effects of estrogens, estrogenic factors, and endocrine disruptors on prostate development.
Resonances in Saturn's rings.

The locations and strengths of the major resonances of Saturn's known moons with particles orbiting within Saturn's rings are calculated. The resonant effects of an outer satellite on Saturn's rings is analyzed by Fourier expanding the satellite's potential, and it is found that the forcing at an l:(m-1) resonance depends on the moon's eccentricity to the (l-m) power. As most of Saturn's inner moons are in very nearly circular orbits, only their strongest resonances, with l = m and l = m+1, are calculated. For Mimas, which has a somewhat larger eccentricity, resonances with l = m+2 are also computed. All of the resonances of these forms which are located between Saturn's cloud tops and 2.267 Saturn radii are tabulated, except some of those due to tiny 1980 S28.
The interaction of UCS intensity and intertrial interval in avoidance learning

In a 3 by 3 factorial design, 27 rats were given 50 trials of avoidance conditioning in a shuttlebox. The main effects of shock (.2,.4, and.8 mA) and of intertrial interval (15, 30, 60 sec), as well as the interaction, were significant. Ss with.2 mA avoided equally well with all ITIs,.4 mA best at 30 sec ITI, and.8 mA at 60 sec.
Integrating design into undergraduate honors theses in a computer engineering program: an experiment

ABET recognizes the practical component or design as a key ingredient of any successful engineering program and mandates its inclusion in every engineering curricula. This paper is the result of a seven-year long experiment by the author that was initiated in 1989 as an attempt to integrate the tradition of undergraduate honors research at Brown University (USA) with the emerging ABET requirement of engineering design in the computer engineering program. The paper presents the philosophical principles, the underlying assumptions and goals of the experiment, and the character of the experiences learned at the conclusion of the experiment.
Evaluating economic uncertainty of municipal wind turbine projects

Communities across the country are increasingly considering wind power to provide municipal needs as a result of increasing energy costs and concern about atmospheric emissions; however, with uncertainty in wind conditions, most municipalities lack the expertise to evaluate these proposals without outside consultants. This paper provides a simple but robust methodology that can be used by municipalities in order to determine the economic returns of a wind proposal, allowing the community to determine the probability of success and to quantify the risks associated with the proposal. Adjustable economic parameters are initial cost, annual operating cost, interest rate, loan payback period, turbine life, and energy cost and inflation. Adjustable engineering parameters are mean annual wind speed and its standard deviation and turbine performance characteristics. A spreadsheet that performs the calculations is available from the author. A case study performed for the Town of Dartmouth, Massachusetts illustrates the methodology.
Perceived Behavioral Consistency Underlying Trait Attributions to Oneself and Another An Extension of the Actor-Observer Effect

This psychometric study was designed to investigate the hypothesis that people perceive themselves as more variable than others, even when they judge themselves and the other person identically on a trait-rating scale. Using one of two different types of rating formats, subjects described themselves and a person of the same sex and approximate age whom they knew well and liked. Both persons were rated on each of6O trait-descriptive adjectives, with a scale ranging from -3 to +3, plus four middle response options (average, depends on the situation, don't know, term unclear). After each of their trait ratings, subjects assessed the consistency of the person's behaviors associated with that trait. Analyses revealed a highly uniform pattern of self/other differences in the predicted direction: For 72% of the 60 traits, the majority of the subjects described themselves as more variable than the other person.
PMT and ICCD investigation of light emission and bubble generation from microplasma generated in liquid

Summary form only given. Microplasmas in liquid with microsecond and nanosecond duration are generated by the application of fast rise time voltage pulses to a micro-tipped-electrode immersed in the liquid with single and double spark gap switching respectively. The time dependent light emission occurring during the microplasmas generation in liquid with different energy inputs are investigated in this research. Salt water is used as liquid for microplama generation with different salt (NaCl) concentration. The size of microelectrode tip, applied voltage waveform, and conductivity determines the energy input and energy density to initiate microplasma at the tip. The microplasma light emissions are detected at high time resolution in two ways. First via a microscope based optical system in dark environment. The microsecond and nanosecond duration of microplasma light emission is captured by high speed gated ICCD camera. From photos taken in dark environment, the light emission is clearly recorded with different delay and exposure time of ICCD. Using backlighting density variations commensurate with the microplasma formation is detectable. A second method for light detection employs a photomultiplier tube (PMT) with optical fiber confirms the ICCD camera results with regards to light emission. Though not spatially resolved the PMT results have the advantages of: 1) being from a single discharge rather than multiple discharges with variable gate delay as in the case of the ICCD; and 2) not requiring complicated pre-triggering schema to overcome inherent ICCD triggering delays and measure the earliest phases of plasma initiation. However, significant efforts (including multiple layers of shielding and long fiber optic lengths) had to be employed to decrease electromagnetic interference (EMI) in the PMT signals. The light emission from microplasma experiences a gradually brighter and then gradually dimmer process. Based on the voltage pulse duration and energy inputs, the duration of light emission increases correspondingly. As energy to initiates discharge continues decreasing, the light intensity captured by ICCD and PMT also reduced. A threshold voltage is deduced, under which no light emission is detected and no microplasma will be initiated. However, the energy released from such voltage appears to induce density variations, i.e., the microbubble generation. These results indicate that at least within the range of rise times and conductivities tested density variations (i.e. microbubble generation) precedes plasma generation.
Physical Properties of Hemoglobin−Poly(acrylamide) Hydrogel-Based Oxygen Carriers: Effect of Reaction pH

This work examines the physical properties of bovine hemoglobin (BHb) chemically cross-linked to a pH responsive polymer (poly(acrylamide)) with the goal of taking advantage of the polymer's pH sensitivity to generate low-P50 oxygen carriers for application in physiological conditions characterized by deviations from normal pH. BHb−hydrogel-based oxygen carriers encapsulating 10−16 g/dL BHb displayed P50s < 10 mmHg when encapsulated inside of liposomes (i.e. Hb−LGs) and <15 mmHg in the absence of a lipid bilayer (i.e. Hb−NHPs), when synthesized at pHs less than normal physiological pH. The results of this work suggest that synthesis of Hb−LGs/Hb−NHPs under different pH conditions affect the ionization of BHb and the flexibility of the polymer chains to which BHb is chemically cross-linked. The degree of BHb cross-linking to the polymer matrix and the chain flexibility of the polymer influences the oxygen affinity and cooperativity of the oxygen carrier by influencing how easy it is for the Hb molecule to ...
On the dynamics of molecular conformation

Understanding the mechanism of fast transitions between conformed states of large biomolecules is central to reconciling the dichotomy between the relatively high speed of metabolic processes and slow (random-walk based) estimates on the speed of biomolecular processes. Here we use the dynamical systems approach to suggest that the reduced time of transition between different conformations is due to features of the dynamics of molecules that are a consequence of their structural features. Long-range and local effects both play a role. Long-range molecular forces account for the robustness of final states and nonlinear processes that channel localized, bounded disturbances into collective, modal motions. Local interconnections provide fast transition dynamics. These properties are shared by a class of networked systems with strong local interconnections and long-range nonlinear forces that thus exhibit flexibility and robustness at the same time.
Calcium phosphate formation on sol‐gel‐derived bioactive glasses in vitro

When soluble salts are used in the sol-gel processing of bioactive glasses, the resulting materials are not homogeneous. To produce homogeneous gel-glasses, a sol-gel method using all alkoxide precursors was developed. In this work the in vitro bioactivity of the new all-alkoxide gel-glasses is investigated. Three compositions in the system, CaO-P2O5-SiO2, were studied. Solid samples were soaked in Tris buffer and simulated body fluid (SBF), and the rate of formation of hydroxy carbonate apatite (HCA) on the surface of the glasses was measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The solutions were analyzed before and after reaction by inductively coupled plasma. All compositions studied formed a hydroxy carbonate apatite (HCA) layer within 8 h in both test solutions. The HCA layer grew rapidly when SBF was used.
Mid-IR Photonics

Mid-infrared photonic integrated circuits can potentially reduce the cost, power consumption, and footprint of sensors for environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and threat detection. This tutorial explores platforms for the manipulation of mid-wave/short-wave infrared signals, with a focus upon silicon photonics.
Integrated multi-sensory control of space robot hand

Dexterous manipulation of a robot hand requires the use of multiple sensors integrated into the mechanical hand under distributed microcomputer control. Where space applications such as construction, assembly, servicing and repair tasks are desired of smart robot arms and robot hands, several critical drives influence the design, engineering and integration of such an electromechanical hand. This paper describes a smart robot hand developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for experimental use and evaluation with the Protoflight Manipulator Arm (PFMA) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).
In Vitro Comparisons of Hepatic Adenylate Cyclase from Normal and Hypophysectomized Rat Liver Plasma Membrane

The adenylate cyclase activity in both hypophysectomized (hypox) and normal rat liver plasma membrane (RLM) has been characterized and compared in an attempt to decipher the molecular differences of the adenylate cyclase in these two membrane systems. Basal and glucagon- and fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities were severalfold greater in hypox RLM than in normal RLM. The elevation in adenylate cyclase activity in hypox RLM occurred within 36-48 h posthypophysectomy. The time course of stimulation with both glucagon and guanyl-5'-imidodiphosphate of the adenylate cyclase in both hypox and normal RLM was characterized by increased activity. The kinetics of activation of adenylate cyclase indicated similar Km values for hypox and normal RLM for both glucagon- and fluoride-stimulated activity, whereas the maximum velocity (Vmax) was 2- to 3-fold greater for the hypox RLM compared to the normal RLM. The adenylate cyclase activities in both normal and hypox RLM exhibited similar responses to increases in Mg++ or Mn++ concentrations. Manganese concentrations greater than 10 mM returned the glucagon-stimulated activity to the basal level in both membrane systems. The fluoride-stimulated activity in both hypox and normal RLM was about 40% of the maximum activity even at 20 mM Mn++. The activity of the hypox RLM was greater than the normal RLM at all Mn++ concentrations. Calcium inhibited adenylate cyclase activity in both normal and hypox RLM in a similar manner. A rapid decrease in fluoride-stimulated activity in these two membrane systems was observed above 3-5 mM Ca++. Maximum inhibition of glucagon-stimulated cyclase activity in normal RLM occurred at about 0.5 mM Ca++, while more than 3 mM Ca++ was required to decrease the hypox RLM glucagon-stimulated activity to levels observed in normal RLM. EGTA enhanced the activity of adenylate cyclase in both normal and hypox RLM. The enhancement was characterized by a 2.7-fold increase with a peak at 0.15 mM EGTA in hypox RLM, and a 2-fold increase without a well defined peak between 0.05-0.3 mM EGTA in normal RLM. The pH dependencies of glucagon- and fluoride-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities in normal and hypox RLM were somewhat different. The pH values for maximum activity for normal RLM and hypox RLM were 7.5 and 8.0, respectively. The results of this study suggested that basic differences exist between adenylate cyclase in hypox and normal RLM and that the increased adenylate cyclase activity in hypox RLM resides in the catalytic unit of the cyclase.
Synergism of ARA-C-Imuvert combination in aborting the development of transplanted chloroleukemia in the rat

ABSTRACT The development of chloroleukemia in the rat after transplantion of C51 chloremia cells can be aborted by treatment with an exogenous source of differentiating activity (DA) or by stimulation of endogenous DA production by the administration of Imuvert, a biologic response modifier. Success or failure of treatment was determined by the ratio of DA to leukemic cell load. Accordingly, in the present study we examined the hypothesis that treatment with cytosine arabinoside (ARA-C) to reduce the leukemic cell load coupled with Imuvert would be more effective than either given alone. Treatment with ARA-C-Imuvert aborted the development of chloroleukemia in 79% of the animals in contrast to 0%, 9% and 45% in animals treated with buffer, ARA-C, or Imuvert respectively. These results suggest that stimulation of endogenous DA in combination with cytoreductive agents offers a potentially curative treatment for myelogenous leukemia.
Scale transition theory: Its aims, motivations and predictions

Abstract Scale transition theory is an approach to understanding population and community dynamics in the presence of spatial or temporal variation in environmental factors or population densities. It focuses on changes in the equations for population dynamics as the scale enlarges. These changes are explained in terms of interactions between nonlinearities and variation on lower scales, and they predict the emergence of new properties on larger scales that are not predicted by lower scale dynamics in the absence of variation on those lower scales. These phenomena can be understood in terms of statistical inequalities arising from the process of nonlinear averaging, which translates the rules for dynamics from lower to higher scales. Nonlinearities in population dynamics are expressions of the fundamental biology of the interactions between individual organisms. Variation that interacts with these nonlinearities also involves biology fundamentally in several different ways. First, there are the aspects of biology that are sensitive to variation in space or time. These determine which aspects of a nonlinear dynamical equation are affected by variation, and whether different individuals or different species are sensitive to different extents or to different aspects of variation. Second is the nature of the variation, for example, whether it is variation in the physical environment or variation in population densities. From the interplay between variation and nonlinearities in population dynamics, scale transition theory builds a theory of changes in dynamics with changes in scale. In this article, the focus is on spatial variation, and the theory is illustrated with examples relevant to the dynamics of insect communities. In these communities, one commonly occurring nonlinear relationship is a negative exponential relationship between survival of an organism and the densities of natural enemies or competitors. This negative exponential has a biological origin in terms of independent actions of many individuals. The subsequent effects of spatial variation can be represented naturally in terms of Laplace transforms and related statistical transforms to obtain both analytical solutions and an extra level of understanding. This process allows us to analyze the meaning and effects of aggregation of insects in space. Scale transition theory more generally, however, does not aim to have fully analytical solutions but partial analytical solutions applicable for circumstances too complex for full analytical solution. These partial solutions are intended to provide a framework for understanding of numerical solutions, simulations and field studies where key quantities can be estimated from empirical data.
Continuous reactions in a non-isothermal CSTR. I: Multiplicity of steady states

Abstract The question of the multiplicity of steady states in a non-isothermal CSTR in which an infinite number of Arrhenius first-order continuous reactions is taking place is addressed here. It is shown that only for some degenerate cases does an infinite number of steady states exist, whereas, in general, the behaviour of the system is similar to the discrete case. Two particular feed concentration distributions have been considered, namely a Γ-distribution for the energies of activation and a Γ-distribution for the preexponential factor: for these situations, the discrete counterpart turns out to be the single-component case, since either one or three steady states exist. Finally, multiplicity regions have been compared for different values of the distribution parameter and of the average Damkohler number.
Dispersion of Raman scattering in CdTe and InP below the absorption edge

Abstract TO Raman scattering in CdTe was observed for the first time with incident photon energies less than the band-gap energy. Dispersion of the ratio of LO to TO intensity was measured in CdTe and InP at 80°K with a tunable dye laser. The effects of using high-intensity laser pulses to measure the Raman spectrum are discussed.
PRIMARY DIAGNOSES AS PREDICTORS OF LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME IN SCHOOL AGE SURVIVORS OF EXTRACORPOREAL LIFE SUPPORT (ECLS): A LONGITUDINAL STUDY. ▴ 1581

PRIMARY DIAGNOSES AS PREDICTORS OF LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME IN SCHOOL AGE SURVIVORS OF EXTRACORPOREAL LIFE SUPPORT (ECLS): A LONGITUDINAL STUDY. ▴ 1581
Natural selection in relation to complexity

Structural complexity characterizes our representations of dissipative structures. As a mechanistic concept, when referred to natural systems it generates perplexity in the face of logically sound models. Natural selection is a simple mechanistic concept, whose logic is well exemplified in genetic algorithms. While biological traits and functions do appear to have been subjected to selective culling, current neo-Darwinian theory is unable to account for the evolution of traits or functions when many of these are taken as the separate objects of independent fitness functions. Soft selection, acting in a phenotypically holistic manner, does model selection acting upon structurally complex systems with many traits and functions, but does not account for the evolution of specific traits or functions. It is further suggested that selection cannot be other than a weak force in the early, generative stages of complex life histories, and that this is a good thing, preserving their generativity. I conclude that natural selection theory by itself cannot account for increases in structural complexity.
Management of oral mucositis during local radiation and systemic chemotherapy: a study of 98 patients.

Abstract Oral mucositis is among the complications of head and neck irradiation and systemic chemotherapy. To determine whether or not mucositis could be prevented or reduced in intensity by using Kamillosan Liquidum as an oral rinse, 98 patients were placed on study protocols. Twenty patients who were treated with radiation therapy and 46 patients who received systemic chemotherapy participated in prophylactic oral care with Kamillosan oral rinse. Thirty-two patients were treated therapeutically after mucositis had developed. Sixteen patients receiving chemotherapy were treated therapeutically and prophylactically with Kamillosan oral rinse during repeated cycles of chemotherapy. Only one of the 20 patients who had bad radiation therapy developed grade 3 mucositis in the final week of treatment. Thirty-six of the 46 patients undergoing chemotherapy did not develop clinically noticeable mucositis. It appears that resolution of mucositis is accelerated by Kamillosan rinse. Prophylactic oral care appeared to modify the oral environment favorably and maintain tissue integrity.
Agronomic Performance of Spring-Sown Faba Bean in Southeastern Washington

Published in Agron. J. 107:574–578 (2015) doi:10.2134/agronj14.0284 Available freely online through the author-supported open access option. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Agronomy, 5585 Guilford Road, Madison, WI 53711. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ABSTRACT Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is the world’s fourth most important cool-season pulse crop. Currently commercial faba bean cultivars are unavailable in the United States speci cally selected for grain production; therefore, a spring-sown variety trial with 11 populations was conducted for two seasons at two contrasting locations in southeastern Washington. Early seeding was expected to achieve optimal grain yield. In 2012, the warmer Central Ferry, WA, location was sown a month earlier than at Pullman, WA (April vs. May), resulting in earlier owering, higher grain yield, and an earlier maturity across populations. A drier March–April in 2013 allowed similar sowing dates across locations, synchronizing phenological development and improving grain yields at Pullman. However, at Central Ferry, yield was reduced due to high temperatures (>35°C) and subsequent ower and pod shedding. e National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) accession W6 12023 and the Extra Precoce Violetto × Hiverna/2 F3:5 breeding population were the highest yielding populations and earliest to ower and mature in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Across 4 site-years, W6 12023 proved to have superior general adaptability with a high mean plant yield (22.6 g plant–1). Yield data compared favorably to other spring sown pulses currently grown in the region; therefore, a multienvironment trial with early maturing spring-type cultivars is warranted.
Treatment of Heterogeneous Mixed Wastes: Enzyme Degradation of Cellulosic Materials Contaminated with Hazardous Organics and Toxic and Radioactive Metals

The redirection and downsizing of the U.S. Department of Energy's nuclear weapons complex requires that many facilities be decontaminated and decommissioned (D&D). At Los Alamos National Laboratory, much of the low-level radioactive, mixed, and hazardous/chemical waste volume handled by waste management operations was produced by D&D and environmental restoration activities. A combination of technologies-air stripping and biodegradation of volatile organics, enzymatic digestion of cellulosics, and metal ion extraction-was effective in treating a radiologically contaminated heterogeneous paint-stripping waste. Treatment of VOCs using a modified bioreactor avoided radioactive contamination of byproduct biomass and inhibition of biodegradation by toxic metal ions in the waste. Cellulase digestion of bulk cellulose minimized the final solid waste volume by 80%. Moreover, the residue passed TCLP for RCRA metals. Hazardous metals and radioactivity in byproduct sugar solutions were removed using polymer filtration, which employs a combination of water-soluble chelating polymers and ultrafiltration to separate and concentrate metal contaminants. Polymer filtration was used to concentrate RCRA metals and radioactivity into <5% of the original wastewater volume. Permeate solutions had no detectable radioactivity and were below RCRA-allowable discharge limits for Pb and Cr.
Performance and Clinical Utility of a Commercial von Willebrand Factor Collagen Binding Assay for Laboratory Diagnosis of von Willebrand Disease

Background: Von Willebrand disease (VWD) diagnosis and classification usually require a combination of nonspecific and VW-factor (VWF)-specific assays. We evaluated the analytical performance of a commercially available collagen-binding assay (CBA) and its usefulness in conjunction with other assays for laboratory diagnosis of VWD. Methods: We used a commercial CBA ELISA (Life Technologies) to evaluate 3085 plasma samples. We used standard procedures to perform other assays, including factor VIII activity (FVIII:C), VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), ristocetin cofactor activity, VWF collagen binding capacity (VWF:CB), and VWF multimeric analysis. Results: CBA intra- and interassay CVs were <6% and <13%, respectively. Reference intervals were 45%–198% for VWF:CB and 0.75–1.32 for the VWF:CB/Ag ratio. Of 3085 samples tested, 235 (8%) had results commonly associated with VWD. Multimer analysis and phenotypic data in 156 samples identified VWD types as: 91 (58%) type 1, 62 (40%) type 2, and 3 (2%) type 3. Of the 91 type 1 samples, proportional decreases in functional activity were seen in 75 samples (82%) according to CBA and in 63 samples (69%) according to the ristocetin cofactor assay. Of the type 2 samples, 10 were further identified as probable type 2A, 26 as probable type 2B, 12 as probable type 2M, and 14 could not be subtyped. VWF:CBA/Ag ratios <0.5 occurred in 83% of VWD type 2A and 2B samples, indicating characteristic functional discordance. Mean (SD) VWF:CB values were significantly higher in individuals without group O blood \[113 (45)] than in those with group O blood [83 (32)\] ( t -test, P = 0.007). Conclusions: The commercial CBA assay produces reliable results and is useful for laboratory diagnosis of VWD.
Investigation of virus crystal growth mechanisms by in situ atomic force microscopy

For the first time, virus crystal growth dynamics and morphology have been investigated in real time on the nanometer scale. Individual monomers on the (111) face of cubic satellite tobacco mosaic virus (STMV) crystals were resolved and used to determine crystal packing. Growth of STMV proceeded by two- and three-dimensional nucleation to formed ``stacks'' of islands. No dislocations were observed. Small islands provided an estimate of critical radius size and the free energy of the step edge, \ensuremath{\alpha}. Step advancement rates were used to determinate the kinetic coefficient \ensuremath{\beta}. Images illustrate mechanisms for defect incorporation and suggest factors that limit growth rate and uniformity.