cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of prostaglandins E2 and F2α on synaptosomal accumulation and release of 3H-norepinephrine

Abstract Prostaglandins (PG) of both the E and F series may serve as modulators of norepinephrine (NE) release from peripheral sympathetic neurons. We have studied the effects of PGE 2 and PGF 2α on the accumulation and release of 3 H-NE in the CNS using synaptosomes isolated from rat hypothalami. The release of 3 H-NE from synaptosomes superfused with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer was multiphasic with an initial fast release phase followed by a slower release. Raising KC1 concentration of the superfusion medium to 56mM during the slow release phase is known to stimulate 3 H-NE release. PGE 2 (1 × 10 −6 M) attenuated 3 H-NE release during the fast phase and reduced the amount of 3 H-NE released due to KC1 stimulation. At lower concentrations of PGE 2 there was no change in the release profile. PGF 2α was without effect on 3 H-NE release at all concentrations tested. The accumulation of 3 H-NE was significantly diminished by PGE 2 at a concentration of 1 × 10 −6 M, while a lower concentration (1 × 10 −7 M) was ineffective. PGF 2α had no effect on 3 H-NE accumulation at all concentrations investigated.
Swirl-Enhanced Internal Cooling of Turbine Airfoils: Part II—90 Degree Flow Entry

Heat transfer measurements and analysis have been performed on a uniquely designed multi-channel passage consisting of a slot shaped channel with a 3:1 aspect ratio with coolant-feed tubes located adjacent to the main slot shaped channel. Small round jets connect the outer feed passages to the main channels at a 15 degree angle relative to the main channel flow direction and at a position tangent to the floor/roof of the main channel. Flow entering the multi-channel passages is directed into the main channel through orifices that reduce the pressure in the main channel, thereby enabling positive pressure differences between the feed and the main channel and allowing high velocity flow through the jets. The flow enters the main channel via a 90-degree turn through the orifice. The resulting flow through the side jets and main channel causes high shear flow along the roof and floor of the channel where the jet flow enters the main channel, swirl motion as the high velocity side jet flow enters the main channel flow at an angle relative to the main flow direction, and high turbulence regions as the lower velocity main channel flow tumbles when coming in contact with the high velocity jets issuing from the side channels. The heat transfer characteristics were compared to the slot channel with a 90 degree inlet with no additional heat transfer enhancements. Four different jet configurations are presented along with three different orifice diameters. While a single channel passage with flow exiting freely is not a design typically found in a turbine airfoil, the benefits of this unique concept can be a basis for further studies with geometries more typical of a production airfoil. The results yield average normalized Nusselt numbers enhancement for the entire main channel as high as 10.7, when compared to a smooth slot channel without heat transfer enhancements. Pressure losses, mainly due to the orifices, were high but the overall performance shows significant improvements when compared to other heat transfer enhancement methods in turbine airfoil mid-span regions.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Limits and extensions of equal weights in additive multiattribute models

Abstract The equal weights is a dominant idea in psychology is implicit in Wainer's salient title. ‘Estimating coefficients in linear models: It don't make no nevermind’. The claim for equal weights should be more modest. In this paper it will be demonstrated, that in selecting a single best multiattributed alternative, the weights do matter. The procedure reported determines ‘nearly equal’ weights which solve (subject to obvious feasibility requirements) the following two problems: determine the most ‘nearly equal’ weights which 1. equate the overall multiattribute value of the best alternative based on equal weights, and any other non-dominated alternative; 2. reverse the overall multiattribute value of the best ‘equal weights’ alternative and any other non-dominated alternative by a pre-specified difference in value, thereby inducing a loss in multiattribute value. As a sensitivity analysis tool, the procedure leads to a synthesis of man and model which can improve overall judgment. An example using 15 alternatives of nine attributes each illustrates the procedure(s).
Interferometric Measurements Of Strain Concentrations Induced By An Optical Fiber Embedded In A Fiber Reinforced Composite

An optical fiber embedded between layers of structural fibers in a composite deforms together with a composite structure and modulates light passing through the optical fiber. This effect has been implemented in the form of so-called "smart skins". By analyzing the changes of light transmitted by an embedded fiber dangerous strain levels in the structure as well as failure of the material can be detected. A system of such optical sensors embedded in a structure could act as the nervous system of this structure. Several important questions must be answered before the concept of embedding optical fibers in a composite structure can be commercialized. How does the presence of optical fibers in a composite affect its mechanical performance? How does an embedded fiber affect the strain distribution in its vicinity? What is the relationship between the strain distribution and the layup of the surrounding composite? What can be done to prevent the negative effects of the introduction of an extra fiber into a structure? This work addresses some of these questions. Preliminary results of experimental tests performed on representative composite specimens are presented. A discussion of the results and plans for the future are provided.
A modified least-mean-square-error algorithm for location of outages in distribution systems

This paper presents an algorithm based on the Least-Mean-Square Error criterion modified appropriately for location of outages in distribution systems. Under this scheme, analysis of information obtained remotely can be carried out at the control center before dispatching repair crews to the field. Time-of-outage measurements obtained at different customer-ends are used as input. These measurements are considered to be imperfect due to measurement errors and noise in the communication medium. The most attractive feature of this method is its ability to identify the faulted location and its type without assuming a specific mathematical distribution for modeling the noise. The validity of this claim was tested for different noise characteristics at different noise levels. Limiting noise levels that ensure correct fault classification and location under each noise scenario studied are also presented as a guide for selecting suitable timing devices for implementation of this scheme in practice.
X-Ray Photoemission from Zinc: Evidence for Extra-Atomic Relaxation via Semilocalized Excitons

X-ray-photoelectron-spectroscopy studies on clean metallic zinc are reported. A well-defined Fermi edge was observed, and the $3d$ band peak was located at ${E}_{F}\ensuremath{-}10.2$ eV. The data analysis raised the question of the extent to which valence-band photoemission spectra of metals are distorted, relative to one-electron "frozen-orbital" band-structure calculations, by differential relaxation. Atomic hole-state calculations by Lindgren and by Gelius and Siegbahn indicate that (intra-) atomic relaxation can vary by up to 5 eV between $3d$ and $4s$ shells. Thus valence-band spectra in $3d$ transition metals can be seriously distorted by atomic relaxation alone. It is argued that the $3d$ bands probably lie below the $4s$, $4p$ valence bands in zinc in the initial state, but not in the photoemission spectrum. The nickel photoemission spectrum may well be distorted by relaxation. The magnitude of the extra-atomic relaxation energy $\ensuremath{\Delta}{E}_{B}$ was estimated in several ways. Empirical estimates were based on comparisons among photoemission and optical data on several elements. Semiempirical estimates were based on theoretical atomic binding energies and experimental binding energies in metals. All estimates were in rather good agreement, showing extra-atomic relaxation energies of up to \ensuremath{\sim} 15 eV. A theoretical model was derived, based on the assumption that extra-atomic relaxation occurs through screening of the hole state by formation of a semilocalized exction. This process was described by Friedel as positive phase shifts in the conduction bands. The model predicts a slow rise in $\ensuremath{\Delta}{E}_{B}$ in the $3d$ series and a sudden drop between Ni and Cu, in excellent agreement with experiment.
Adaptive noise filtering of white-light confocal microscope images using Karhunen-Loève expansion

We present a noise filtering technique using Karhunen-Loeve expansion by the method of snapshots (KLS) using a small ensemble of 3 images. The KLS provides a set of basis functions which comprise the optimal linear basis for the description of an ensemble of empirical observations. The KLS basis is computed using the eigenvectors of the covariance matrix R of the ensemble of images. The significance of each of the basis functions is determined by the magnitude of the corresponding eigenvalues of R , the largest being the most significant. Since all the three images in the ensemble represent the same scene and are registered, the KLS basis construct using the eigenvectors of R with the least eigenvalues typically represent the non-significant and uncommon features in the ensemble. We show that most of the noise in the scene can be removed by reconstructing the image using the KLS basis function constructed using the eigenvector of R with the largest eigenvalue. R is 3x3 symmetric positive definite matrix and hence has a full set of orthogonal eigenvectors. The KLS filtering scheme described here is faster and does not require prior knowledge about the image noise. We show the performance of the proposed method on the images of random cotton fibers acquired using white-light confocal microscope (WLCM) and compare the performance with a median filter. Also, we show that a simple inverse-filter deconvolution algorithm provides an impressive image restoration by pre-filtering the images using the proposed KLS filtering technique.
The sleepy surgeon: does night-time surgery for trauma affect mortality outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Sleepiness and fatigue affect surgical outcomes. We wished to determine the association between time of day and outcomes following surgery for trauma. METHODS: From the National Trauma Data Bank (2007 to 2010), we analyzed all adults who underwent an exploratory laparotomy between midnight and 6 am or between 7 am and 5 pm. We compared hospital mortality between these groups using multivariate logistic regression. Additionally, for each hour, a standardized mortality ratio was calculated. RESULTS: About 16,096 patients and 15,109 patients were operated on in the night time and day time, respectively. No difference was found in the risk-adjusted mortality rate between the 2 time periods (odds ratio .97, 95% confidence interval .893 to 1.058). However, hourly variations in mortality during the 24-hour period were noted. CONCLUSION: Trauma surgery during the odd hours of the night did not have an increased riskadjusted mortality when compared with surgery during the day.
(3 + 1) Assembly of three human telomeric repeats into an asymmetric dimeric G-quadruplex

We present an NMR study on the structure of a DNA fragment of the human telomere containing three guanine-tracts, d(GGGTTAGGGTTAGGGT). This sequence forms in Na(+) solution a unique asymmetric dimeric quadruplex, in which the G-tetrad core involves all three G-tracts of one strand and only the last 3'-end G-tract of the other strand. We show that a three-repeat human telomeric sequence can also associate with a single-repeat human telomeric sequence into a structure with the same topology that we name (3 + 1) quadruplex assembly. In this G-quadruplex assembly, there are one syn.syn.syn.anti and two anti.anti.anti.syn G-tetrads, two edgewise loops, three G-tracts oriented in one direction and the fourth oriented in the opposite direction. We discuss the possible implications of the new folding topology for understanding the structure of telomeric DNA, including t-loop formation, and for targeting G-quadruplexes in the telomeres.
Noise analysis of time series data in gene regulatory networks

One of the most important properties in gene expression is the stochasticity. Gene expression process is noisy and fluctuant. In this paper, the quantitative analysis of noisy time-series gene expression data on inference of gene regulatory networks is performed. We propose a two-step algorithm to solve the problem. In the first step, B-Spline is introduced to interpolate between data points. In the second step, Kalman filter or H ∞ filter is introduced to infer the gene structure. If the statistical noise is known, Kalman filter is applied; Otherwise H ∞ filter is applied. Both synthetic data and real experiment data are used to evaluate the procedure.
Magnetic properties of Mn 3 O 4 and a solution of the canted-spin problem

The temperature-dependent studies of the low-field magnetization $M$, the paramagnetic susceptibility $\ensuremath{\chi}$, and the electron-spin-resonance (ESR) parameters (linewidth $\ensuremath{\Delta}H$ and resonance field ${H}_{r}$) of a polycrystalline natural sample of the ferrimagnet hausmannite (${\mathrm{Mn}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$) are reported. Since earlier attempts to fit $\ensuremath{\chi}$ and the canted-spin structure of ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ occurring below its ${T}_{C}\ensuremath{\simeq}42$ K with the use of Lotgering's model have been unsuccessful, special attention has been given to this problem. With the use of an extended Lotgering model, which is equivalent to N\'eel's two-sublattice model, a set of molecular-field constants, viz. ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathrm{AB}}=54.3$, ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathrm{BB}}=78.9$, and ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{\mathrm{AA}}=26.0$, has been obtained from the fit of $\ensuremath{\chi}$ between 45 and 297 K. With these constants, the calculated values for the canting angle of the $B$ sublattices, the Curie temperature ${T}_{C}$, and the asymptotic Curie-Weiss temperature ${T}_{a}$ agree well with the experimental values for these parameters. The $M\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{vs}\ensuremath{-}T$ data yield anomalies at ${T}_{C}$ and 39 K, whereas ${H}_{r}$ and $\ensuremath{\Delta}H$ have anomalous changes at ${T}_{C}$, 39 K, and near 32 K. The anomalies near 39 and 32 K are indicative of the known spin reorientation transitions at these temperatures in ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$. The ESR parameters indicate a spin-only $g$ value for ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{3+}$ ions at the $B$ sites of ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$.
Risk of leukaemia mortality from exposure to ionising radiation in US nuclear workers: a pooled case-control study

Objective To follow-up on earlier studies of the leukaemogenicity of occupational ionising radiation exposure. Methods We conducted a nested case-control analysis of leukaemia mortality in a pooled cohort of US nuclear workers followed through 2005. Each case was matched to four controls on attained age. Exposures were estimated from available records. General relative risk models were used to estimate the excess relative risk (ERR) of leukaemia, excluding chronic lymphocytic (CLL), acute myeloid leukaemia, chronic myeloid leukaemia and CLL while controlling for potential confounders. Preferred exposure lags and time-windows of risks were calculated using joint maximum likelihood. Dose-response was also examined using linear, linear-quadratic, categorical and restricted cubic spline models. Results There were 369 leukaemia deaths in 105 245 US nuclear workers. The adjusted ERR for non-CLL leukaemia was 0.09 (95% CI −0.17 to 0.65) per 100 mGy. Elevated non-CLL risks were observed from exposures occurring 6–14 years prior to attained age of cases (ERR per 100 mGy=1.9; 95% CI 100 mGy) doses, which contributed to the imprecision of results in linear models. Similar risk attenuation was not evident in time-windows-based models. Conclusions Risk estimates were in reasonable agreement with previous estimates, with the temporality of non-CLL leukaemia risk as a dominant factor in dose-response analyses. Future research should focus on methods that improve evaluations of the dose-response, particularly in the low-dose range.
Comparison of accuracy of optic nerve ultrasound for the detection of intracranial hypertension in the setting of acutely fluctuating vs stable intracranial pressure: post-hoc analysis of data from a prospective, blinded single center study

Introduction Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement with bedside ultrasound has been shown in many studies to accurately detect high intracranial pressure (ICP). The accuracy of point-in-time ONSD measurement in the presence of ongoing fluctuation of ICP between high and normal is not known. Recent laboratory investigation suggests that reversal of optic nerve sheath distension may be impaired following bouts of intracranial hypertension. Our objective was to compare the accuracy of ONSD measurement in the setting of fluctuating versus stable ICP.
Unperturbed dimensions of crosslinked histones evaluated using random‐flight statistics and rotational isomeric state theory

Unperturbed dimensions have been computed via rotational isomeric state theory for approximately 700 dimers obtained from histones 2A, 2B, and 4. Dimers result from a crosslink joining either lysyl or tyrosyl residues in different histones. Sets of statistical weights were chosen that yield either a low helicity or a helical content near 40%. These extremes correspond to helicities of histones in the commonly used acid/urea and sodium dodecyl sulfate systems, respectively. Many features of the rotational isomeric state results can be sucessfully reproduced by much simpler expressions based on random-flight statistics. For example, the two methods are about equally effective in predicting how the radius of gyration of a given type of crosslinked dimer should vary from that of the analogous linear polypeptide chain. This result is in marked contrast to that attained using crosslinked, partially helical homopolypeptides. The unexpected success of random-flight statistics with partially helical crosslinked histones is due to the suppression of long helical segments by helix-breaking amino acid residues. Random-flight statistics should be applicable to other crosslinked, partially helical proteins if their amino acid sequences contain the usual representation of helix-breaking amino acid residues.
Subcutaneous infusion ports in the pediatric patient with hemophilia

Central venous access devices have become important tools in the management of pediatric patients with malnutrition, malignancy, and infections requiring long-term antibiotic treatment. Hemophilia presents a lifetime challenge for venous access and at times can be an urgent or life-threatening situation. Since 1986, the authors have implanted 11 subcutaneous infusion ports in nine patients with hemophilia. The systems have remained in place for up to 7 years, without major complications or problems. Two catheters were replaced, after 4 and 6 years, because of skin erosion and blockage, respectively. One catheter was removed after 7 years because of blockage following local trauma and was not replaced. A recent survey through the Canadian Hemophilia Centre Directors Group obtained a further 45 subcutaneous infusion ports in other centers across Canada. The benefits of this system are overwhelming enthusiasm by the parents and children and no major complications. Some of the patients are now HIV-positive and are able to use their system for ongoing drug therapy.
The project orthodoxy in development: Re‐evaluating the cutting edge

This paper takes a broad critical posture towards the project as an instrument of development. It addresses the multidimensional features of what has become the project orthodoxy in development management, and some of the attending effects. It suggests that some of the virtues of the project have been offset by a number of negative consequences as it has become institutionalized in the procedures of both donor agencies and national governments in developing countries. An attempt is made to distinguish between those kinds of activities in which the project mode is most useful, and those for which its basic features and attendant trappings have great limitations. The argument concludes with a reassertion of the need for better linkages with programme management and the sources of policy.
Contribution of soil-borne bacteria to the rotation effect in corn.

Few efforts have been directed at understanding how the rhizosphere microbiology of continuous corn may effect crop yields. This relationship may explain, in part, the decreases in yield associated with continuous corn as compared to the corn in rotation with a second crop. This study was conducted to determine the importance of soil-borne microorganisms to yield declines in long term continuous corn. Continuous corn (Zea mays L.) or rotated corn-soybean (Glycine max L.) field plots, established in 1975, under either fall plowing or no-till tillage treatments were used. Treatments consisted of methyl bromide applied at 48.8 g m−2 3 days prior to planting in all four combinations. Total plant samples from both the fumigated and non-fumigated areas were collected 14 days after planting. Rhizosphere bacteria were recovered and tested for their ability to impact plant growth. Bacterial assessments were made in a test tube bioassay where germinated corn was transported in to agar containing a bacterial isolate. In the first year of the study a highly significant interaction of fumigation and rotation was indicated. With fumigation continuous corn yields were similar to that of rotated corn-bean. Rotated corn yields were less affected by fumigation. In the second year, the effects were similar but less significant. Over 130 bacterial isolates were tested for their effect on plant growth. Approximately 22% were able to inhibit plant growth. Of these, 72% were from the continuous corn system. Clearly, the interaction of rotation and yield is at a microbiological level. The suggestion that microorganisms similar to those isolated are responsible for controlling early plant growth in the continuous corn system is indicated.
Power scaling analysis of fiber lasers and amplifiers based on non-silica materials

A developed formalism for analyzing the power scaling of diffraction limited fiber lasers and amplifiers is applied to a wider range of materials. Limits considered include thermal rupture, thermal lensing, melting of the core, stimulated Raman scattering, stimulated Brillouin scattering, optical damage, bend induced limits on core diameter and limits to coupling of pump diode light into the fiber. For conventional fiber lasers based upon silica, the single aperture, diffraction limited power limit was found to be 36.6kW. This is a hard upper limit that results from an interaction of the stimulated Raman scattering with thermal lensing. This result is dependent only upon physical constants of the material and is independent of the core diameter or fiber length. Other materials will have different results both in terms of ultimate power out and which of the many limits is the determining factor in the results. Materials considered include silica doped with Tm and Er, YAG and YAG based ceramics and Yb doped phosphate glass. Pros and cons of the various materials and their current state of development will be assessed. In particular the impact of excess background loss on laser efficiency is discussed.
Temperature-induced modifications of glycosphingolipids in plasma membranes of Neurospora crassa.

Abstract Plasma membranes isolated from a cell-wall-less mutant of Neurospora crassa grown at 37 and 15°C display large differences in lipid compositions. A free sterol-to-phospholipid ratio of 0.8 was found in 37°C membranes, while 15°C plasma membranes exhibited a ratio of nearly 2.0. Membranes formed under both growth conditions were found to contain glycosphingolipids. Cultures grown at the low temperature, however, were found to contain 6-fold higher levels of glycosphingolipids and a corresponding 2-fold reduction of phospholipid levels. The high glycosphingolipid content at 15°C compensates for the reduced levels of phospholipids in such a way that sterol/polar lipid ratios are almost the same in plasma membranes under the two growth conditions. Temperature-dependent changes in plasma-membrane phospholipid and glycosphingolipid species were also observed. Phosphatidylethanolamine levels were sharply reduced at 15°C, in addition to a moderate increase in levels of unsaturated phospholipid fatty acids. Glycosphingolipids contained high levels of long-chain hydroxy fatty acids, which constituted 75% of the total fraction at 37°C, but only 50% at 15°C. Compositional changes were also observed in the long-chain base component of glycosphingolipids with respect to growth temperature. Fluorescence polarization studies indicate that the observed lipid modifications in 15°C plasma membranes act to modulate bulk fluidity of the plasma-membrane lipids with respect to growth temperature. These studies suggest that coordinate modulation of glycosphingolipid, phospholipid and sterol content may be involved in regulation of plasma-membrane fluid properties during temperature acclimation.
Naïve Realism and Affirmative Action: Adversaries are More Similar Than They Think.

Research on "naive realism" has shown that opposing partisans in political debates overestimate the dissimilarity in their views. These studies explore and extend this "false polarization" phenomenon in the context of affirmative action. Study 1 showed that partisans on both sides of the affirmative action debate greatly overestimate the liberalism of proponents and the conservatism of opponents. Study 2 extended this finding by showing that both sides similarly overestimate the ideological consistency of the two sides with respect to other policy issues such as abortion and immigration. Study 3 demonstrated an implication of these results by showing that adversaries were more optimistic about negotiation when they were exposed to the actual rather than the assumed views of their counterparts. Discussion centers on strategies for reducing false polarization and its impact on dispute resolution, and the relevance of these findings for the affirmative action debate.
Ethics Studies in Graduate-Level Security Management Education Programs in the United States

This study identified a grounded theory related to ethics studies within graduate organizational Security Management programs in the United States. The study used data analysis of program curricula, course descriptions, and program Web sites, as well as interviews of program faculty and administrators (n = 15) to explore (a) how ethics studies are incorporated into graduate organizational Security Management program curricula in the United States, (b) the role that ethics studies play in graduate organizational Security Management studies, (c) instruction and evaluation methods for ethics studies within the programs, (d) difficulties in teaching ethics, and (e) barriers to incorporating ethics into a curriculum. The research findings resulted in the creation of theoretical models depicting ethics studies in graduate Security Management programs and the role of ethics studies in the professionalization of security.
Alloying and impurity effects in vanadium-base alloys

Abstract Vanadium-base alloys offer a number of significant advantages over other alloy systems for fusion reactor structural applications. However, the properties and performance of vanadium are strongly influenced by the choice of alloying additions and the presence of impurity elements, and these effects are reviewed in this paper. In particular, contraints imposed by neutron-activation considerations upon possible alloying additions and permissible levels of impurities are discussed, and typical impurity levels resulting from reduction and refining operations are summarized. The effects of alloying additions and impurities upon mechanical properties are also reviewed, with particular attention given to recent observations on the intergranular segregation of sulfur and other impurities. Effects on corrosion/compatibility and fabrication properties are also summarized. Finally, consideration is given to future directions in alloy optimization, in view of recent results on the apparent neutron-irradiation and helium embrittlement of certain V-Cr-Ti alloys.
Dependence of Plant Cell Wall Composition and Structure on Cellulose Synthase-Like Knock Out Mutant

Plant cell walls are a complex mixture of polysaccharides, proteins and the phenolic polymer lignin that have been recently targeted as possible sources of fermentable sugars for the production of biofuels. The development of a biomass-based biofuels industry is partly dependent on genetic engineering and breeding next generation crops containing, among other traits, easily extractable cell wall sugars. Thus, a better understanding of how plants synthesize, deposit and modify their cell walls is necessary for the selection of traits important for biofuel crop improvement. The identification of plants with altered cell wall composition or structure can prove useful in the discovery of novel genes involved in the biosynthesis and modification of the cell wall.The CELLULOSE SYNTHASE-LIKE 6 (CSL6) gene has been recently shown to mediate the biosynthesis of mixed-linkage glucan (MLG), a cell wall polysaccharide that is thought to be necessary for cell wall expansion in the primary cell wall of young seedlings. A detailed analysis of a loss-of-function MLG rice mutant has been recently conducted revealing surprising results. Though the mutant showed a 99% reduction of MLG content, the rice clsf6 knock out mutant showed only a slight decrease in growth compared to wildtype. The cell wall properties of both mutant and wild type were determined via biochemical and various spectroscopic (Fourier Transform Mid-Infrared spectroscopy) analyses. We found that not only was the composition of the cell wall dramatically altered, but the overall structure of the cell wall was affected demonstrating the flexibility of plant polysaccharide organization to compensate for changes within the cell wall.
Impact of Solvent Polarity on N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Catalyzed β-Protonations of Homoenolate Equivalents

N-Heterocyclic carbenes have been demonstrated to react through divergent pathways under the same conditions. Experimental and computational evidence demonstrates that the ability to favor generation of homoenolate equivalents from α,β-unsaturated aldehydes versus the oxidation of aldehydes to esters is highly dependent upon the choice of solvent. The solvation environment plays an important role due to the mechanistic differences in these processes, with polar protic solvent favoring the oxidation process due to solvation of intermediates with greater charge separation.
Generalized n-gons and Chebychev polynomials

Two sequences of orthogonal polynomials are given whose weight functions consist of an absolutely continuous part and two point masses. Combinatorial proofs of the orthogonality relations are given. The polynomials include natural q-analogs of the Chebychev polynomials. The technique uses association schemes of generalized n-gons to find approximating discrete orthogonality relations. The Feit-Higman Theorem is a corollary of these orthogonality relations for the polynomials.
Stereoselective high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of ketoprofen and its acyl glucuronides in chronic renal insufficiency

A rapid, sensitive method was developed for the quantification of the R- and S-enantiomers of ketoprofen and their acyl glucuronide conjugates in the plasma and dialysate of hemodialysis-dependent anephric patients. Unconjugated R- and S-ketoprofen plasma concentrations were determined directly by liquid chromatography using a S,S-Whelk-O1 chiral stationary phase. R- and S-Ketoprofen glucuronide for use as standards were resolved using a C18 reversed-phase HPLC column with a mobile phase containing the ion-pair reagent tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate. Plasma glucuronides, however, could not be directly quantified due to matrix interference. Therefore, the glucuronides were isolated using reversed-phase HPLC and quantified after alkaline hydrolysis using the S,S-Whelk-O1 chiral stationary phase column.
RHEOLOGY OF MILK GELS FORMED BY MILK‐CLOTTING ENZYMES

Clotting times and complex rigidity moduli (G) were determined with a thrombelastograph during clotting of skim milk by soluble and immobilized pepsin and during rennet-clotting of milk acidified with various acids to pH 5.6. Longer clotting times resulted in slower rates of increase in G; excellent linearity existed between the two factors for clots formed by immobilized and soluble pepsins. For these two enzymes, the approach of G to maximum G was first order with respect to time during most of the clot formation. The type of acid greatly affected G but not clotting time except that samples acidified with citric acid clotted slower. Acids effecting higher G in gels also cause greater retention of calcium in cheese.
Repair of psoralen and acetylaminofluorene DNA adducts by ABC excinuclease

Abstract Escherichia coli UvrA, UvrB and UvrC proteins acting in concert remove the major ultraviolet light-induced photoproduct, the pyrimidine dimer, from DNA in the form of a 12 to 13-nucleotide long single-stranded fragment. In vivo data indicate that the UvrABC enzyme is also capable of removing other nucleotide diadducts as well as certain nucleotide monoadducts from DNA and initiating the repair process that leads to removal of interstrand crosslinks caused by some bifunctional chemical agents. We have determined the action mechanism of the enzyme on nucleotide monoadducts produced by 4′-hydroxymethyl-4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen and N -acetoxy- N -2-acetylaminofluorene. In both cases we find that the enzyme hydrolyzes the eighth phosphodiester bond 5′ and the fifth phosphodiester bond 3′ to the modified base. This cutting pattern is similar to that observed with diadduct substrate, the only difference being that while the enzyme incises the fourth or fifth phosphodiester bond 3′ to the pyrimidine dimer it always hydrolyzes the fifth bond relative to monoadducts. Our results also suggest that ABC excinuclease cuts the same two phosphodiester bonds on both sides of a T whether that T has a psoralen monoadduct or is involved in psoralen-mediated interstrand crosslink.
Estimating Cost of Equity in the Restaurant Industry: What IS Your Required Rate of Return?

ABSTRACT Accurate estimation of cost of equity is critical when making capital investment decisions to allocate valuable corporate resources. While the importance of proper estimation of required rate of return of an investment project is well documented, challenges surrounding estimation of the cost of equity still abound. This paper empirically evaluates the viability of common cost of equity models to estimate required rate of return for the U.S. restaurant industry for the 1996–2010 period. The full model, which consists of five risk factors, emerges as the soundest cost of equity model for the U.S. restaurant industry. We recommend that future studies assess the performance of cost of equity models in other countries and other segments of the hospitality industry.
Real-Time Qualitative PCR for 57 Human Adenovirus Types from Multiple Specimen Sources

ABSTRACT Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) are ubiquitous double-stranded DNA viruses that cause a wide array of diseases in humans including pharyngitis, pneumonia, gastroenteritis, hemorrhagic cystitis, and keratoconjunctivitis. They also cause life-threatening opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals and are responsible for outbreaks in certain populations. Diagnosis is traditionally by cell culture or antigen detection methods. However, some HAdVs can take up to 4 weeks to isolate, and diarrheagenic types 40 and 41 will not grow in routine cell culture. Therefore, the goal of this study was to design a rapid, real-time PCR assay to detect all known 57 HAdV types from multiple different specimen sources. Primers and fluorescence resonance energy transfer hybridization probes were designed to target a 185-bp region of the penton base gene of HAdV. The analytical sensitivity was determined to be 10 copies/μl for HAdV types showing exact primer/probe homology in specimen matrix. Using whole-virus strains, the analytical sensitivity for representative HAdV types ranged from 10−1 to 103 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50)/ml. The assay demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 99% specificity. This real-time PCR assay provides a rapid method for the detection of all 57 known HAdV types from respiratory specimens, blood, stool, urine, and ocular swabs.
Fusion and Emission of 1 H and 4 He in Reactions between Complex Nuclei at High Energies

We have measured cross sections for evaporation residues, fission, and direct and evaporative $^{1}\mathrm{He}$ and $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ in reactions of 222-340-MeV $^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$ with $^{116}\mathrm{Sn}$, $^{154}\mathrm{Sm}$, $^{164}\mathrm{Dy}$, and $^{197}\mathrm{Au}$. Fusion cross sections are also presented for 77-167-MeV $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ + $^{182}\mathrm{W}$ and 187-MeV $^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$ + $^{116}\mathrm{Sn}$. The $Z$ dependence of the evaporative H/He indicates a breakdown of phase-space models for fission-evaporation competition. The large cross sections observed for direct H/He emission force serious consideration of energy dissipation by H/He ejection during the initial impact.
Estimation of net radiation from the MODIS data under all sky conditions: Southern Great Plains case study

Abstract Net radiation is a key component in the surface radiation budget. Numerous studies have developed frameworks to estimate net radiation or its components (upwelling or downwelling longwave and/or shortwave radiation) from remote sensing data for clear sky conditions. Application of existing methodologies to estimate net radiation for cloudy sky conditions from remote sensing sensors remains a significant challenge. In this paper, we present a framework to estimate instantaneous and daily average net radiation under all sky conditions from using the data from the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), onboard from the Terra satellites. Bisht et al. (2005) methodology is used for the clear sky portion of the MODIS overpass; while for cloudy portion of the MODIS overpass an extension of Bisht et al. (2005) methodology is applied. The extension of Bisht et al. (2005) methodology utilizes the MODIS cloud data product (MOD06_L2) for cloud top temperature, cloud fraction, cloud emissivity, cloud optical thickness and land surface temperature for cloudy days. The methodology is applied over the Southern Great Plains (SGP) for a time period covering all seasons of 2006. During the MODIS-Terra overpasses in 2006 over the SGP, only 24% of day-overpasses and 9% of night-overpasses had 75% or more of the study region as cloud free. Thus, this proposed study is applicable to a large portion of the MODIS-Terra overpasses. The root mean square errors (RMSE) of instantaneous and daily average net radiation estimated under cloudy conditions using the MOD06_L2 product, comparing to ground-based measurements are 37 W m − 2 and 38 W m − 2 , respectively. The strength of the proposed methodology is that it can rely exclusively on remote sensing data in the absence of ancillary ground observations, thus it has a potential to estimate surface energy budget globally.
Nucleation and growth of epitaxial ZrB2(0 0 0 1) on Si(1 1 1)

Abstract The growth behavior of epitaxial ZrB 2 (0 0 0 1) films on Si(1 1 1) via the thermal decomposition of the unimolecular precursor Zr(BH 4 ) 4 was studied in situ using low-energy electron diffraction and low-energy electron microscopy, and ex situ using cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Under appropriate kinetic conditions, epitaxy was achieved in spite of the very large lattice mismatch between ZrB 2 (0 0 0 1) and Si(1 1 1). Our study followed the growth from the initial nucleation stage to the final epitaxial film at various growth temperatures. At 900°C, the growth of ZrB 2 (0 0 0 1) proceeded by the nucleation of two-dimensional islands. These islands eventually coalesced to form a smooth film with an RMS roughness of 0.9 nm. The interface between ZrB 2 (0 0 0 1) and Si(1 1 1) was modeled theoretically and the most favorable interface consisted of the ZrB 2 (0 0 0 1) growing on a Si(1 1 1)–(√3×√3)B surface with the Zr-layer nearest to the interface and the B-layer on the top surface.
A re-assessment of Basketmaker II cave 7: massacre site or cemetery context

Our ongoing investigation of early maize farming in the American Southwest has entailed stable isotope analysis and accelerator radiocarbon dating of Basketmaker II remains from sites in the Four Corners region. Here we report radiocarbon dates on a large mortuary assemblage excavated by Richard Wetherill in 1893 from a burial cave in southeastern Utah. It has long been thought that all individuals interred in Cave 7 were massacred in a single violent attack given embedded projectiles and evidence for blunt force trauma. However, accelerator radiocarbon dates on purified bone collagen (n ¼ 96) do not lend strong support to this argument, even among the subset of individuals with clear evidence for violent injuries. Moreover, nearly 80% of Cave 7 burials examined in the study show no evidence of perimortem trauma and no adult females or subadults under the age of 12 appear to have suffered violent deaths. Rather than an anomalous single-event massacre, the Cave 7 radiocarbon dataset suggests that raiding and intragroup, male/male violence was episodic among Basketmaker groups in southeastern Utah. Population densities were relatively high and individuals interred in Cave 7 and elsewhere in the region were heavily dependent on maize agriculture, a prehistoric economic strategy typically characterized by high amplitude fluctuations in productivity. Variability in the array of grave goods accompanying Cave 7 male burials and elsewhere suggests competitive social differentiation likely heightened during periods of resource shortfall leading to intra-group conflict, raiding and perhaps ritualized acts of violence.
Effects of low energy laser on wound healing in a porcine model.

Low energy helium neon laser has been suggested as an effective adjuvant in the healing of open wounds. To date, supportive studies have been performed in loose-skinned animals. For such data to be clinically meaningful, it was felt necessary to study this effect in an animal with a dermal structure more closely resembling that of man, the pig. After creating 62 partial thickness wounds on the dorsum of domestic swine, one-half of these were randomized to receive laser treatment. The remainder served as controls. Laser treated wounds received a daily treatment of 15 sec/cm2 at an irradiance of 64 mW/cm2 (energy fluence = .96 J/cm2/day). With these treatment parameters, we could not demonstrate any clinically significant laser induced acceleration of open wound healing.
R&D on lithium batteries in the USA: high-energy electrode materials

Abstract Recent trends in R&D on lithium battery technology in the USA continue to focus on high-performance batteries, polymer electrolyte systems and the development and production of batteries for specialty markets. Research on sol–gel derived amorphous vanadium and manganese oxides as high capacity, high-energy electrode materials has shown these morphologies are capable of reversibly intercalating very large amounts of lithium and they are attractive cathode candidates. Methods to improve the kinetics of these positive electrodes are showing promise.
Multiplier and gradient methods

The main purpose of this paper is to suggest a method for finding the minimum of a functionf(x) subject to the constraintg(x)=0. The method consists of replacingf byF=f+λg+1/2cg 2, wherec is a suitably large constant, and computing the appropriate value of the Lagrange multiplier. Only the simplest algorithm is presented. The remaining part of the paper is devoted to a survey of known methods for finding unconstrained minima, with special emphasis on the various gradient techniques that are available. This includes Newton's method and the method of conjugate gradients.
Removal of organic micropollutants by coagulation and adsorption

Abstract The factors which affect removal of organic micropollutants by coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and activated carbon adsorption will be reviewed. Removal of specific compounds by coagulation, sedimentation and filtration is often slight, unless the pollutants adsorb on particles or associate with humic substances which are then coagulated. By comparison, removal of humic substances by these processes can be substantial, depending upon the water chemistry and the process conditions. Activated carbon may be applied in both the powdered (PAC) and granular (GAC) form. PAC and GAC have been used successfully throughout the world to remove odorous compounds. PAC has been used to a much smaller extent for removal of other micropollutants, but there is much potential for improvement of the application procedure so that good results can be achieved. GAC is widely used to remove micropollutants other than odor in Europe but has not been extensively used for this purpose in North America. The compounds which can be removed by GAC are presented and process monitoring procedures are discussed. Factors which limit its use include incomplete knowledge about which compounds must be removed and what effluent concentrations are acceptable.
A model describing acceleration-induced blackout.

A mathematical model is derived that describes oxygen concentration in a retinal capillary in terms of the local rate of oxygen utilization and arterial pressure at eye level. The model is applied to describe the loss of vision that occurs upon exposure to acceleration stress.
Educational Technology and Distance Education in Central Florida: An Assessment of Capabilities

Abstract The Faculty Development Group of the Central Florida Consortium of Higher Education (CFCHE) developed a needs assessment to address the capabilities and experience of CFCHE faculty with distance education, educational technologies, and instructional design. Assessment results include 1) the factors perceived by instructors as most important for both promoting and inhibiting the learning of new educational technologies; 2) distance education experience with and interest in various delivery approaches; and 3) the extent to which CFCHE faculty possess the necessary instructional design skills to initiate distance education courses. These results may provide information that is beneficial to institutions planning distance education initiatives.
A Thermoviscoelastic Dynamic Vibration Absorber

A dynamic vibration absorber with a viscoelastic element is studied. The viscoelastic element is modeled as a material with memory in which the internal dissipative force depends on current, as well as previous deformations. The viscoelastic behavior is governed by two parameters: the relaxation modulus G 0 , and the relaxation time γ. We apply the principle of time-temperature superposition to affect a dependence of the relaxation time γ on temperature. This temperature dependence can be used to tune a vibration absorber so as to be effective at more than one excitation frequency.
The p, V, T behavior of dense fluids(3) II. The p, V, T behavior of liquid and of dense gaseous krypton

Abstract The p , V , T behavior of liquid and dense gaseous krypton has been studied in the temperature range 130 to 240 K at pressures from the vapor pressure to 280 atm and at densities from 0.6 to 2.6 times the critical density.