cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal evolution of the full three-dimensional magnetic excitations in the multiferroic BiFeO3

We present neutron inelastic scattering measurements of the full three-dimensional spin-wave dispersion in the multiferroic material BiFeO${}_{3}$ for temperatures from 5 to 700 K. Despite the presence of strong electromagnetic coupling, the magnetic excitations behave as conventional magnons over all parts of the Brillouin zone. At low temperature the spin waves are well-defined coherent modes, described by a classical model for a $G$-type antiferromagnet. A softening of the spin-wave velocity and broadening in energy is already present at room temperature, which is well below the N\'eel temperature ${T}_{N}\ensuremath{\sim}640$ K, and increases on heating. In addition, a strong hybridization of the Fe $3d$ and O $2p$ states is found to modify significantly the distribution of the spin-wave spectral weight, which implies that the spins are not restricted to the Fe atomic sites as previously believed.
Identification of Medium-Sized Copy Number Alterations in Whole-Genome Sequencing

The genome-wide discoveries such as detection of copy number alterations (CNA) from high-throughput whole-genome sequencing data enabled new developments in personalized medicine. The CNAs have been reported to be associated with various diseases and cancers including acute myeloid leukemia. However, there are multiple challenges to the use of current CNA detection tools that lead to high false-positive rates and thus impede widespread use of such tools in cancer research. In this paper, we discuss these issues and propose possible solutions. First, since the entire genome cannot be mapped due to some regions lacking sequence uniqueness, current methods cannot be appropriately adjusted to handle these regions in the analyses. Thus, detection of medium-sized CNAs is also being directly affected by these mappability problems. The requirement for matching control samples is also an important limitation because acquiring matching controls might not be possible or might not be cost efficient. Here we present an approach that addresses these issues and detects medium-sized CNAs in cancer genomes by (1) masking unmappable regions during the initial CNA detection phase, (2) using pool of a few normal samples as control, and (3) employing median filtering to adjust CNA ratios to its surrounding coverage and eliminate false positives.
Evaluation of denitrification in an urban stream receiving wastewater effluent

Urban streams often contain elevated concentrations of nitrogen (N) which can be amplified in systems receiving effluent from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). In this study, we evaluated the importance of denitrification in a stream draining urban Greensboro, NC, USA, using two approaches: (1) natural abundance of 15N–NO 3 − in conjunction with background NO 3 − –N concentrations along a 7 km transect downstream of a WWTP; and (2) C2H2 block experiments at three sites and at three habitat types within each site. Overall lack of a longitudinal pattern of δ15N–NO 3 − and NO 3 − –N, combined with high concentrations of NO 3 − –N suggested that other factors were controlling NO 3 − –N flux in the study transect. However, denitrification did appear to be significant along one portion of the transect. C2H2 block experiments showed that denitrification rates were much higher downstream of the WWTP compared to upstream, and showed that denitrification rates were highest in erosional and depositional areas downstream of the WWTP and in erosional areas upstream of the plant. Thus, the combination of the two methods for evaluating denitrification provided more insight into the spatial dynamics of denitrification activity than either approach alone. Denitrification appeared to be a significant sink for NO 3 − –N upstream of the WWTP, but not downstream. Approximately 46% of the total NO 3 − –N load was removed via denitrification in the upstream, urban section of the stream, while only 2.3% of NO 3 − –N was lost downstream of the plant. This result suggests that controlling NO 3 − –N loading from the plant could result in considerable improvement of downstream water quality.
Nitrogen dynamics in an Alaskan salt marsh following spring use by geese

Lesser snow geese (Anser caerulescens caerulescens) and Canada geese (Branta canadensis) use several salt marshes in Cook Inlet, Alaska, as stopover areas for brief periods during spring migration. We investigated the effects of geese on nitrogen cycling processes in Susitna Flats, one of the marshes. We compared net nitrogen mineralization, organic nitrogen pools and production in buried bags, nitrogen fixation by cyanobacteria, and soil and litter characteristics on grazed plots versus paired plots that had been exclosed from grazing for 3 years. Grazed areas had higher rates of net nitrogen mineralization in the spring and there was no effect of grazing on organic nitrogen availability. The increased mineralization rates in grazed plots could not be accounted for by alteration of litter quality, litter quantity, microclimate, or root biomass, which were not different between grazed and exclosed plots. In addition, fecal input was very slight in the year that we studied nitrogen cycling. We propose that trampling had two effects that could account for greater nitrogen availability in grazed areas: litter incorporation into soil, resulting in increased rates of decomposition and mineralization of litter material, and greater rates of nitrogen fixation by cyanobacteria on bare, trampled soils. A path analysis indicated that litter incorporation by trampling played a primary role in the nitrogen dynamics of the system, with nitrogen fixation secondary, and that fecal input was of little importance.
Analysis of transcendental nonlinear systems

In the recent literature1?5 certain aspects of a nonlinear theory were introduced which enable the solving of a class of nonlinear systems whose general dynamic equation is given by one like the following: $Z(D) x (t) + F \{x, \dot {x}, \ldots \} = g(t) \eqno{\hbox{(1)}}$ where the linear part Z(D)x(t), the nonlinear part F{x, x ?}, and the driving function g(t) are required to satisfy certain conditions given in references 1 and 2, and x is the response function. The dotted letters are time derivatives, so that x = d/dt. The linear integro-differential operator has the form $Z(D) = \sum^{N_{2}}_{\pi=N_{1}} f_{n}D^{n}$ The coefficients fn are constants for each value of n and the bounds N1 and N2 are positive, negative, or either one is zero, depending on Z(D). Time-varying linear terms are easily added in a similar manner and offer no difficulty either of a theoretical or computational nature. The forcing function g(t), although assumed here to be a deterministic process, may be relaxed to a random process with the aid of the transform ensemble theorem, as explained in reference 6.
A Critical Analysis of Arc Image Ignition of Solid Propellants

The arc image furnace is used widely for evaluating solid-propellant ignition characteristics, but the applicability of such data to rocket motors is not well-established. In arc image testing, radiation replaces the normal conductive and convective heating modes that exist in rocket motor ignition; radiation interacts with the propellant in a basically different way. Thus, for example, because radiation is absorbed in depth, the ignition delay is sensitive to propellant opacity. In addition, radiation can cause subsurface disruption of the propellant. A physical model is proposed in which incident radiation penetrates the propellant and is absorbed, causing thermal and photochemical decomposition and a temperature increase. Oxidative reactions start either in the gaseous boundary layer or on the surface and, by thermochemical action, lead to a flame. The system of differential equations for this complete model is complicated and has not been solved. However, an equivalent model of simpler character is solved, and an equation is produced for the ignition time delay as a function of radiation intensity, pressure, and physico-chemical properties. This equation can be used for correcting arc image data to equivalent convective ignition data. The qualitative behavior of experimental radiative ignition data reported by Beyer and Fishman and by Bastress can be rationalized with the aid of this theory.
Management of atherosclerotic renovascular disease: the effect of renal artery stenting on renal function and blood pressure

In the last few years, renal artery stenting has gradually evolved into one of the most important therapeutic modalities in the management of atherosclerotic renovascular disease. Stenting is nowadays preferred by a steadily increasing number of physicians, not only because of its significant contribution to blood pressure control, but also because of its documented ability to maintain, and even improve, renal function. At the same time, procedure-related morbidity and mortality rates are extremely low, while recurrent stenosis rates have been repeatedly reported to be minimal. Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) and stenting are nowadays considered by many physicians to be the treatment of choice for atherosclerotic renovascular disease.
Global change assessments in anti-Alzheimer clinical drug trials

The assessment of efficacy in clinical trials in Alzheimer's disease has been a controversial area. The US Food and Drug Administration has not accepted mental status assessment as a sole determinant of efficacy because of concerns about oversensitivity and lack of direct linkage to clinical importance. Global change instruments offer a number of advantages as primary outcome measures, chief among which is a wide range of responsiveness, a property well suited for trials of 1 to 2 years. Initial investigations with global change instruments have shown encouraging validity. Reliability has been only moderate, suggesting that the methodology needs further attention. A standardized format for interview and the acceptance of a set of anchor points that better define the ratings of change are two modifications that should improve reliability. Global change instruments, if properly explained to the patients, caregivers and primary physicians, will capture the concept of clinical importance.
Criminology and Animal Studies: A Sociological View

Most readers of Society a Animals probably will notnknow that among the multi-disciplinary practitionersnof criminology there is longstanding and, at times,nquite heated disagreement about its proper objectsnof study. As a sociologist, I understand criminologynto be a discourse that investigates the whys, the hows,nand the whens of the generation and control of thenmany aspects of social harmmincluding abuse, exclusion,npain, injury, and...
Insulin-like growth factor I signaling in skeletal muscle and the potential for cytokine interactions.

Recent research has demonstrated that intracellular signaling components associated with several proinflammatory cytokines have the potential to interact with signaling pathways that regulate anabolic processes in skeletal muscle. This presentation and the ensuing brief review are intended to present a selection of the potential interactions between these two critical processes
A NEURAL NET WITH SELF-INHIBITING UNITS FOR THE N-QUEENS PROBLEM

Suggested here is a neural net algorithm for the n-queens problem. The net is basically a Hopfield net but with one major difference: every unit is allowed to inhibit itself. This distinctive characteristic enables the net to escape efficiently from all local minima. The net’s dynamics then can be described as a travel in paths of low-level energy spaces until it finds a solution (global minimum). The paper explains why standard Hopfield nets have failed to solve the queens problem and proofs that the self-inhibiting net (NQ2 algorithm in the text) never stabilizes in local minima and relaxes when it falls into a global minimum are provided. The experimental results supported by theoretical explanation indicate that the net never continually oscillates but relaxes into a solution in polynomial time. In addition, it appears that the net solves the queens problem regardless of the dimension n or the initialized values. The net uses only few parameters to fix the weights; all globally determined as a function of n.
Biosynthesis of mouse erythrocyte membrane proteins by friend erythroleukemia cells

The synthesis of mouse erythrocyte membrane proteins by Friend erythroleukemia cells during dimethyl sulfoxide-induced differentiation was studied. Untreated and dimethyl sulfoxide-treated cells were incubated with L-[3H]leucine and the incorporation of radioactivity into total trichloroacetic acid-insoluble proteins and into proteins immunoprecipitated with a multivalent rabbit antibody to mouse erythrocyte membranes was determined. The immunoprecipitated membrane proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and radioactivity was detected by fluorography. The incorporation of L-[3H]leucine into total cell proteins was linear for 20 min in both untreated and treated cells. Exposure of the cells to dimethyl sulfoxide had an inhibitory effect on protein synthesis, with a significant decrease noted on the fourth day of treatment and a continued decline occurring until the seventh day when protein synthesis was 42% that of untreated cells. The synthesis of erythrocyte membrane proteins was 0.49% that of total cell proteins in untreated cells, was increased to 1.27% by the third day of treatment and remained at about 1% of total protein synthesis from the fourth to the seventh day. Untreated cells synthesized low levels of spectrin, bands 5 and 6 proteins. Treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide caused a staggered increase in synthesis of a number of erythrocyte membrane proteins. Spectrin synthesis increased 4-fold by the third day of treatment and declined thereafter. The synthesis of membrane proteins with electrophoretic mobilities similar to bands 3 and 4 was increased 2--3-fold by the fourth day, while bands 6 and 5 proteins attained maximal synthesis (4-fold) on the fifth and sixth days of treatment.
The role of cyclic AMP and its protein kinase in mediating acetylcholine release and the action of adenosine at frog motor nerve endings.

1. The importance of adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and its protein kinase (protein kinase A, PKA) in promoting acetylcholine (ACh) release was studied at frog motor nerve endings. The effects of cyclic AMP-dependent protein phosphorylation on the action of adenosine receptor agonists were also investigated. 2. Cyclic AMP was delivered to a local region of the cytoplasm just beneath the plasma membrane of motor nerve endings using phospholipid vesicles (liposomes) as a vehicle. Cyclic AMP in liposomes produced a parallel reduction in the mean level of evoked ACh release (m) and spontaneous ACh release (miniature endplate potential frequency; m.e.p.p.f) in most experiments. These inhibitory effects of cyclic AMP on quantal ACh release resemble the action of adenosine. 3. The effects of global increases in cytoplasmic cyclic AMP concentrations using lipophilic cyclic AMP analogues were generally different from those observed with cyclic AMP. 8-(4-Chlorophenylthio) cyclic AMP (CPT cyclic AMP) produced approximately two fold increases in m and m.e.p.p.f. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db cyclic AMP) also increased m and m.e.p.p.f, with the effect on m being smaller and more variable. 4. All three cyclic AMP analogues reduced the effects of adenosine receptor agonists on spontaneous and evoked ACh release. 5. The roles of protein phosphorylation in mediating ACh release and the inhibitory effects of adenosine were studied with the protein kinase inhibitor H7. H7 (30-100 microM) produced no consistent effect on evoked or spontaneous ACh release. At these concentrations, however, H7 exerted an unfortunate inhibitory action on the nicotinic ACh receptor/ion channel. 6. H7 prevented the increases in spontaneous ACh release produced by CPT cyclic AMP (250 microM). Thus H7 is likely to inhibit PK A in frog motor nerve endings. 7. H7 did not alter the inhibitory effect of adenosine on evoked and spontaneous ACh release. 8. The results suggest: (i) that the adenylyl cyclase-cyclic AMP-PK A system is compartmentalized within the motor nerve terminal, (ii) that phosphorylation does not play a major role in ACh release and (iii) the cyclic AMP-PK A system modulates rather than mediates the inhibitory effects of adenosine.
THE LABORATORY DETERMINATION OF GASTRIC PROTEASES

Summary Human gastric juice contains at least three different proteases which have been separated by column chromatography. Gastricsin is most probably one of these separated by this method. Proteolytic activity occurs over a pH range of approximately 0.5 to 4.0 in this composite protease mixture. Separation of the activities of individual proteases in gastric juice by simple pH control is not possible by current methods. Individual substrate differences may eventually lead to relatively simple methods of separation. Our usual laboratory procedures provide a partial summation of total gastric protease activity. The radioactive iodinated albumin method for protease measurements is a satisfactory and relatively simple laboratory procedure that can be applied to undiluted gastric juice. Results are related to a standard of purified pepsin of known specific activity and can therefore be reported in pepsin units. Clinical application of this method demonstrates that (1) protease is always present when acid is present; (2) Histalog stimulates the release of protease; (3) anticholinergic drugs may sometimes block the release of free acid but not protease; and (4) selective alteration of acid and protease appears to depend upon the intensity of pharmacologic stimulation or blockade of the vagus nerve. Clinical application of this method demonstrates that synthetic sulfated amylopectin has significant antipeptic activity both in vitro and in vivo.
Enhanced terahertz imaging system performance analysis and design tool for concealed weapon identification

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and the U.S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) have developed a terahertz-band imaging system performance model/tool for detection and identification of concealed weaponry. The details of the MATLAB-based model which accounts for the effects of all critical sensor and display components, and for the effects of atmospheric attenuation, concealment material attenuation, and active illumination, were reported on at the 2005 SPIE Europe Security & Defence Symposium (Brugge). An advanced version of the base model that accounts for both the dramatic impact that target and background orientation can have on target observability as related to specular and Lambertian reflections captured by an active-illumination-based imaging system, and for the impact of target and background thermal emission, was reported on at the 2007 SPIE Defense and Security Symposium (Orlando). This paper will provide a comprehensive review of an enhanced, user-friendly, Windows-executable, terahertz-band imaging system performance analysis and design tool that now includes additional features such as a MODTRAN-based atmospheric attenuation calculator and advanced system architecture configuration inputs that allow for straightforward performance analysis of active or passive systems based on scanning (single- or line-array detector element(s)) or staring (focal-plane-array detector elements) imaging architectures. This newly enhanced THz imaging system design tool is an extension of the advanced THz imaging system performance model that was developed under the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's (DARPA) Terahertz Imaging Focal-Plane Technology (TIFT) program. This paper will also provide example system component (active-illumination source and detector) trade-study analyses using the new features of this user-friendly THz imaging system performance analysis and design tool.
Review of grounding practices on 480-volt portable distribution systems in strip mines

A number of unfortunate experiences in the past, resulting in the loss of lives, have made many persons conscious of the hazards which can exist on the high-voltage systems serving strip-mining operations. Several years ago a system design employing the neutral grounding resistor was adopted. This has greatly minimized the number of shock accidents caused by equipment and cable failures.
Heuristics for weighted perfect matching

The problem of finding near optimal perfect matchings of an even number n of vertices is considered. When the distances between the vertices satisfy the triangle inequality it is possible to get within a constant multiplicative factor of the optimal matching in time O(n2 log K) where K is the ratio of the longest to the shortest distance between vertices. Other heuristics are analyzed as well, including one that gets within a logarithmic factor of the optimal matching in time O(n2 log n). Finding an optimal weighted matching requires t(n3) time by the fastest known algorithm, so these heuristics are quite useful. When the n vertices lie in the unit (Euclidean) square, no heuristic can be guaranteed to produce a matching of cost less than [equation] in the worst case. We analyze various heuristics for this case, including one that always produces a matching costing at most [equation]. In addition, this heuristic also finds a traveling salesman tour of the n vertices costing at most [equation]. A different one of the heuristics analyzed produces asymptotically optimal results. It is also shown that asymptotically optimal traveling salesman tours can be found in O(n log n) time in the unit square.
Thermal transport properties in helium near the superfluid transition. III. Dilute 3 He- 4 He mixtures in the normal phase

An experimental study is presented for the thermal conductivity κ and the thermal relaxation for dilute mixtures of3He in4He with concentration 9×10−4⩽X(3He)⩽5×10−2 at saturated vapor pressure and in the normal phase near the superfluid transition. The conductivity results for κ are compared with predictions by Dohm and Folk from field-theoretic renormalization group(RG) theory. The conductivity κ s =[κ−1(T)−κ−1(Tλ)]−1, is compared with Ahlers' phenomenological arguments, and also with predictions by Dohm and Folk and by Onuki. The temperature difference transient ΔT(t) across the fluid, measured as a function of timet after switching on and off the heat current, is analyzed. The thermal diffusion ratiok T and the mass diffusion coefficientD are obtained by fitting the calculated transient to the experimental one. The results are compared with the predictions that follow from the RG approach by Dohm and Folk. Very good agreement is obtained fork T. The transient is not very sensitive toD, and hence the determination is not accurate. Yet within the uncertainty, the deducedD also agrees with predictions. Appendices give (1) the corrections to κ from finite heat effects, (2) the calculation of the concentration susceptibility (∂X/∂Δ) T,P , and (3) the calculation procedure for κ,k T, andD using the RG approach of Dohm and Folk.
Molecular Linkage Mapping and Marker-Trait Associations with NlRPT, a Downy Mildew Resistance Gene in Nicotiana langsdorffii

Nicotiana langsdorffii is one of two species of Nicotiana known to express an incompatible interaction with the oomycete Peronospora tabacina, the causal agent of tobacco blue mold disease. We previously showed that incompatibility is due to the hypersensitive response (HR), and plants expressing the HR are resistant to P. tabacina at all stages of growth. Resistance is due to a single dominant gene in N. langsdorffii accession S-4-4 that we have named NlRPT. In further characterizing this unique host-pathogen interaction, NlRPT has been placed on a preliminary genetic map of the N. langsdorffii genome. Allelic scores for five classes of DNA markers were determined for 90 progeny of a “modified backcross” involving two N. langsdorffii inbred lines and the related species N. forgetiana. All markers had an expected segregation ratio of 1:1, and were scored in a common format. The map was constructed with JoinMap 3.0, and loci showing excessive transmission distortion were removed. The linkage map consists of 266 molecular marker loci defined by 217 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), 26 simple-sequence repeats (SSR), 10 conserved orthologous sequence (COS) markers, nine inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers, and four target region amplification polymorphism (TRAP) markers arranged in 12 linkage groups with a combined length of 1062 cM. NlRPT is located on linkage group 3, flanked by four AFLP markers and one SSR. Regions of skewed segregation were detected on LGs 1, 5 and 9. Markers developed for N. langsdorffii are potentially useful genetic tools for other species in Nicotiana section Alatae, as well as in N. benthamiana. We also investigated whether AFLPs could be used to infer genetic relationships within N. langsdorffii and related species from section Alatae. A phenetic analysis of the AFLP data showed that there are two main lineages within N. langsdorffii, and that both contain populations expressing dominant resistance to P. tabacina.
The composition and structure of Pd-Au surfaces

Pd, Au, and Pd-Au mixtures were deposited via physical vapor deposition onto a Mo(110) substrate, and the surface concentration and morphology of the Pd-Au mixtures were determined by low-energy ion scattering spectroscopy (LEISS), infrared absorption spectroscopy (IRAS), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Pd-Au mixtures form a stable alloy between 700 and 1000 K with substantial enrichment in Au compared to the bulk composition. Annealing a 1:1 Pd-Au mixture at 800 K leads to the formation of a surface alloy with a composition Au(0.8)Pd(0.2) where Pd is predominantly surrounded by Au. The surface concentration of this isolated Pd site can be systematically controlled by altering the bulk Pd-Au alloy concentration.
Reactivity of Ozone with Solid Potassium Iodide Investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy

The reaction of ozone with the (100) plane of solid potassium iodide (KI) was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The reaction forming potassium iodate (KIO{sub 3}) initiates at step edges prior to reacting on the flat terraces. Small domains of KIO{sub 3}, initially 3.8 {angstrom} in height are formed on the top of step edges. Following reaction at the step edge, domains of KIO{sub 3} are formed across the terraces. With prolonged exposure to ozone, KIO{sub 3} domains nucleate further growth until the surface is evenly covered with KIO{sub 3} particles that are 4-6 nm in height, at which point the surface is passivated and the reaction terminates.
Cell surface proteins of symbiotic and aposymbiotic strains of Crithidia oncopelti and Blastocrithidia culicis

Abstract 1. 1. Surface proteins of normal (bacterial endosymbiont-containing) and aposymbiotic Crithidia oncopelti and Blastocrithidia culicis were labeled with lactoperoxidase-catalyzed 125I, by NaB3H4 reduction following oxidation and by metabolic labelling with [3H]mannose and [3H]fucose. 2. 2. An intensely labelled diffuse band, detected after SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography of all labelled preparations, had a Mr of about 30,000 and an isoelectric point of pH 7.0 3. 3. Aposymbiotic C. oncopelti failed to incorporate detectable amounts of [3H]fucose into the 30,000 Mr species. 4. 4. Alterations in the fucose/mannose content of this major surface glycopeptide may help to explain previously reported differences between normal and aposymbiotic C. oncopelti in agglutinability by lectins.
Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Alternating Copolymerization of Allene with Carbon Monoxide and the Synthesis of Terpolymer with Alt-Allene-Carbon Monoxide and Alt-Ethene-Carbon Monoxide Blocks. Synthetic and Mechanistic Aspects

The alternating copolymerization of 3,3-dimethylallene with carbon monoxide was achieved using [Pd(PPh3)2(MeCN)2](BF4)2 as the catalyst. The use of bidentate phosphines resulted in drastically reduced yields. In order to gain insight into the copolymerization mechanism, the stepwise successive insertions of 3,3-dimethylallene and carbon monoxide into palladium−carbon bonds in the complexes, Pd(PPh3)2(Me)(Cl), [Pd(PPh3)2(C(O)-C6H4-Me-p)(MeCN)](BF4), and [Pd[(Dppp)(Me)(MeCN)](BF4) (Dppp: 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane), were studied. These studies, in turn, led to a novel living catalytic system which was used to synthesize a terpolymer with alt-allene-carbon monoxide and alt-ethene-carbon monoxide blocks.
Improve method for isolation of rat liver plasma membrane

Abstract An improved method for the isolation of plasma membrane from rat liver is presented. Gentle homogenization of perfused livers in buffered isotonic KCI, followed by direct flotation of a low-speed nuclear pellet through a discontinuous sucrose density gradient results in a 32% yield, and 25-fold enrichment for the plasma membrane marker, phosphodiesterase I, in a crude plasma membrane fraction. This fraction contains less than 1% of the mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum present in the original homogenate, but is more heavily contaminated with lysosomes and Golgi membrane. Vigorous mechanical disruption of this material, followed by a second discontinuous sucrose density gradient, gives a light plasma membrane fraction with an 80-fold purification and 20% yield of phosphodiesterase I over the original homogete (with further reduction of contaminants).
Preimplantation alteration of adenine nucleotides in cryopreserved heart valves

Abstract To assess the initial metabolic phase of cellular injury from cardiac valve processing, high-energy phosphate concentrations were analyzed in valve leaflets subsequent to critical processing steps. Using a porcine model, valves were processed in a manner identical to human homografts, with 58 randomly assigned to five groups representing distinct preparation phases. Group I (controls) sustained 40 minutes of warm ischemia concluded by liquid nitrogen immersion. Remaining groups similarly endured 40 minutes of ischemia, but were subsequently prepared according to stepwise design: II, warm ischemia + 24 hours of 4 °C ischemia; III, warm ischemia + 24 hours of 4 °C antibiotic disinfection; IV, warm ischemia + 24 hours at 4 °C (without antibiotics) + cryopreservation (−1 °C/min cryoprotected freezing); and V, warm ischemia + disinfection + cryopreservation. At each regimen's conclusion leaflet extracts were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography for high-energy adenine nucleotides (adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate) and catabolites. A 47% and 86% decrease in cellular adenosine triphosphate level was observed in group III and group V leaflets, respectively. The level of total adenine nucleotides was maintained up to cryopreservation; thereafter a 74% decrease was noted. Catabolite analysis confirmed incomplete degradation of adenine nudeotides indicating cellular metabolic resilience throughout standard homograft preparation in valves previously exposed to 40 minutes of warm ischemia.
Prestige, charitable deductions and other determinants of alumni giving: Evidence from a highly selective liberal arts college

Abstract Private institutions of higher education are highly dependent on alumni support to cover operating expenses, fund endowments and fuel large capital campaigns. For example, in 2004, alumni at private liberal arts colleges generated nearly 43% of total voluntary support and funded 21.5% of total institutional expenditures. This paper uses 15 years of detailed data on alumni donations to a private liberal arts college to explore a full range of potential determinants of giving. Results suggest that wealthy alumni who live in states that allow charitable tax deductions are more generous than otherwise similar alumni in states without such subsidies. Alumni contributions also increase in years when the college has achieved greater athletic prestige but fall when academic prestige rises. Furthermore, recent alumni are more influenced by institutional prestige than older graduates. With regard to other determinants, females tend to be more generous, as do alumni living in wealthier neighborhoods within 250 miles of the college. Alumni who have close alumni relatives tend to give more as do alumni who participated in campus activities during their college years. Undergraduate major and occupational sector are also strong predictors of giving behavior.
Effects of antioxidants, methyl silicone and hydrogenation on room odor of soybean cooking oils

Room odor characteristics produced by heated soybean oil (SBO) and soybean oils hydrogenated with copper (CuHSBO) and nickel (NiHSBO) catalysts were evaluated by a trained panel. Oils were intermittently heated to 190 C for total heating periods of 5, 15 and 30 hr. Oil additives investigated included methyl silicone (MS), tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and a polymeric antioxidant in various combinations with citric acid (CA). In room odor tests directly comparing SBO, CuHSBO and NiHSBO, panelists rated the hydrogenated oils as having significantly less odor intensity than the SBO. The combination of CA+MS had the greatest effect in lowering odor intensity of the heated oils, followed by the mixture of CA+MS+TBHQ. The low odor intensity of the MS-treated oils remained fairly constant throughout the tests, while the higher intensity associated with all the other additive-treated oils decreased with increasing heating times, possibly as the result of formation of more volatile decomposition products in the initial heating stages. Methyl silicone had the strongest effect of any additive in decreasing objectionable room odors in the oils. Partially hydrogenated SBO treated with up to 5 ppm of MS produced cooking oils with low room odor intensity and low color development during prolonged heating.
Activation of Natural Killer-Like YT-INDY Cells by Oligodeoxynucleotides and Binding by Homologous Pattern Recognition Proteins

The present study was designed to examine the binding and signalling effects of single base and CpG dinucleotide phosphodiester (Po) oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) on the human natural killer (NK)-like cell line (YT-INDY). Single base Po ODN composed of 20-mers of guanosine (dG20), adenosine (dA20), cytosine (dC20) or thymidine (dT20) as well as 'conventional' Po CpG ODN were examined for their ability to bind and activate YT-INDY cells. Binding by dG20 and CpG ODN to YT-INDY cells was saturable and specific. dG20 binding was competitively inhibited by homologous dG20 and heterologous CpG ODN but not by dC20 and dA20. Two different YT-INDY membrane proteins (18 and 29 kDa) were identified by ligand (Southwestern) blotting with biotinylated dG20 and CpG. The specificity of the ODN-binding protein(s) was further confirmed by ODN depletion experiments using a teleost recombinant protein orthologue [nonspecific cytotoxic cells (NCC) cationic antimicrobial protein-1 (ncamp-1)] known to bind CpG and dG20. Cell proliferation and activation studies showed that dG20 and CpG treatment of YT-INDY cells induced cellular DNA synthesis (i.e. G1 to S-phase conversion). This signalling function was accompanied in dG20-treated cells by proliferation 10 h posttreatment. Both dG20 and CpG ODN binding induced a calcium flux in YT-INDY cells within seconds of treatment. These experiments demonstrated that Po single base dG20 and CpG ODN bind to a (potential) new class of cell-surface proteins that mediate the activation of YT-INDY cells.
Computational Diversions: Slamming Door Comedy

Puzzles are an odd form of literature. For the most part, puzzle-writers—even the best of them—simply aren’t concerned with narrative, plot, character development, or even simple plausibility. Take, for example, the ‘‘island of truth-tellers and liars’’ found in so many logic puzzles: what kind of a place would really and truly be populated with (exclusive) truth-tellers and liars, anyhow? Could such people exist? (Even my best friends aren’t exclusive truth-tellers, and even my least favorite political figures aren’t exclusive liars.) And squeezed together on an island, no less—wouldn’t that lead to civil war? Or the farmer crossing the river—what’s the man doing walking around with both a fox and a goose? Maybe he should just invest in a muzzle for the fox? I was thinking about these matters the other day when browsing a fantastic puzzle book by Peter Winkler, entitled Mathematical Puzzles: a Connoisseur’s Collection (Winkler 2004). The book is a gem, and (among the relatively simpler challenges) it includes the following:
Oligonucleotide N-alkylphosphoramidates: synthesis and binding to polynucleotides

A few different methods for the preparation of oligonucleotide N-alkylphosphoramidates were compared directly. One of these, involving the use of protected nucleoside phosphites as building blocks, provided the requisite N-alkylphosphoramidates via oxidation of the intermediate dinucleoside methyl phosphites with iodine in the presence of the appropriate alkylamine. This method was found to have several attractive features, including the use of building blocks identical with those employed for the synthesis of DNA and compatibility with procedures and instruments employed for the stepwise synthesis of oligonucleotides by solution and solid-phase methods. This procedure was used to make several di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide N-alkylphosphoramidates derived from deoxyadenosine and thymidine; alkyl substituents included N,N-dimethyl, N-butyl, N-octyl, N-dodecyl, and N-(5-aminopentyl). The aminoalkyl derivative of d(TpT) (24) was used to demonstrate the feasibility of introducing an intercalative agent to the alkylphosphoramidate moiety of such derivatives. The oligonucleotide N-alkylphosphoramidates were separated into their component diastereomers and characterized structurally by a number of techniques including circular dichroism, high-field 1H NMR spectroscopy, FAB mass spectrometry, and enzymatic digestion to authentic nucleosides and nucleotides. Physicochemical characterization of several di- and trinucleotide alkyl-phosphoramidates revealed that the adenine nucleotide analogues formed stable complexes with poly-(thymidylic acid). The stabilities of these complexes were found to increase with increasing chain length of the N-alkylphosphoramidate substituents. The finding that N-alkylphosphoramidate substituents can enhance the binding of certain oligonucleotides to their complementary polynucleotides suggests the existence of a novel source of polynucleotide affinity.
A review of crust and upper mantle structure studies of the Snake River Plain-Yellowstone volcanic system: A major lithospheric anomaly in the western U.S.A.

Abstract The Snake River Plain-Yellowstone volcanic system is one of the largest, basaltic, volcanic field in the world. Here, there is clear evidence for northeasterly progression of rhyolitic volcanism with its present position in Yellowstone. Many theories have been advanced for the origin of the Snake River Plain-Yellowstone system. Yellowstone and Eastern Snake River Plain have been studied intensively using various geophysical techniques. Some sparse geophysical data are available for the Western Snake River Plain as well. Teleseismic data show the presence of a large anomalous body with low P- and S-wave velocities in the crust and upper mantle under the Yellowstone caldera. A similar body in which compressional wave velocity is lower than in the surrounding rock is present under the Eastern Snake River Plain. No data on upper mantle anomalies are available for the Western Snake River Plain. Detailed seismic refraction data for the Eastern Snake River Plain show strong lateral heterogeneities and suggest thinning of the granitic crust from below by mafic intrusion. Available data for the Western Snake River Plain also show similar thinning of the upper crust and its replacement by mafic material. The seismic refraction results in Yellowstone show no evidence of the low-velocity anomalies in the lower crust suggested by teleseismic P-delay data and interpreted as due to extensive partial melting. However, the seismic refraction models indicate lower-than-normal velocities and strong lateral inhomogeneities in the upper crust. Particularly obvious in the refraction data are two regions of very low seismic velocities near the Mallard Eake and Sour Creek resurgent domes in the Yellowstone caldera. The low-velocity body near the Sour Creek resurgent dome is intepreted as partially molten rock. Together with other geophysical and thermal data, the seismic results indicate that a sub-lithospheric thermal anomaly is responsible for the time-progressive volcanism along the Eastern Snake River Plain. However, the exact mechanism responsible for the volcanism and details of magma storage and migration are not yet fully understood.
Words, Objects, and Actions in Early Lexical Acquisition

The influences of referent type (Objects vs. Actions) and within-category referent relationships (functionally similar vs. perceptually similar) upon children's acquisition of lexical concepts were...
Photooxidation of Co-thiolato complexes in protic and aprotic solvents

Protic solvents decrease the susceptibility of the thiolate ligand in Co(III) thiolato complexes toward attack by singlet oxygen, but greatly increase the conversion of the peroxidic intermediate to the sulfenato product.
CD5+ B cells are decreased in peripheral blood of patients with Crohn's disease.

B cells bearing the CD5 surface marker comprise a substantial minority of the circulating lymphocyte population in healthy individuals. These recently described cells have been implicated in T-independent humoral responses, immunoregulation, and autoimmunity. We undertook to enumerate circulating CD5+ B cells by three-color fluorescence activated flow cytometry in 28 patients with Crohn's disease (CD). None of the CD patients were using immunosuppressive medication. The CD patients were subdivided into “inactive” and “active” groups based upon their Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI). Thirty-two normal subjects served as a control population. The percentage of CD19+ B cells was significantly reduced in both active and inactive CD patients as compared with normal controls (P≤0.01). CD5+ B cells were likewise found to be significantly decreased in both inactive and active CD patients (P≤0.01) as compared with normal controls. The proportion of CD5+ B cells was significantly lower in the peripheral blood of active as compared with inactive CD patients (P≤0.05). The finding that CD5+ B cells are reduced in CD may provide an important clue to immunological dysfunction in inflammatory bowel disease and merits further study.
Discrete Simulations of Laboratory Loading Conditions

It is well known that all three principal stresses play a role in the stress-strain-strength-volume response of solids and granular materials, yet conventional triaxial compression tests and direct shear tests are typically used for the determination of design parameters for granular materials, even when field conditions may be plane strain (e.g., behind a long retaining wall). The effects of loading conditions on the macroscale response of granular materials have been studied extensively using experimental methods and it is relatively straightforward to quantify the variations in material macroresponse using continuum constitutive equations. However, these methods provide relatively little insight into the driving micromechanics that govern macroscale behavior, particularly in soils that fail via regions of high localized strain (e.g., shear banding). Thus, it is desirable to develop a set of models that reproduce the expected macroscopic behavior and allow insight into the governing microscale mechanics...
Test of a self‐efficacy model of interpersonal communication competence

Self‐efficacy is the belief or confidence people have in their ability to achieve their goals. This study tested a path model involving past communicative experience, situation difficulty, self‐efficacy, interpersonal communication competence, and interpersonal communication outcomes. We found that self‐efficacy mediated the effect of past experience and situation difficulty on interpersonal communication outcomes. Interpersonal communication competence directly effected rewarding, satisfying communication. The study also provided concurrent validity information on the Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale, a skills measure of competence that taps 10 dimensions of the construct.
Two-dimensional Fourier transform profilometry for the automatic measurement of three-dimensional object shapes

Two-dimensional Fourier transform profilometry (2-D FTP) for the automatic measurement of three-dimensional (3-D) object shapes is presented and verified by the experiment in this paper. In some applications, in which there are specklelike structures and discontinuity in the observed fringe pattern, 2-D FTP provides a better separation of the height information from noise.
Saving the Planet: The American Response to the Environment in the Twentieth Century

Part 1 INTRODUCTION: THE TWENTIETH CENTURY AND ITS MANY VISIONS 3 Chapter 2 From conservation to environmentalism-continuities and contradictions. Part 3 SETTING THE STAGE: THE DIVERSE CURRENTS OF THE 1890s 11 Chapter 4 Industrialization and reform. John Muir, the Sierra Club, and the preservation of nature. Federal legislation. Part 5 PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATION 34 Chapter 6 Theodore Roosevelt and the new approach to conservation. Addressing water pollution. Gifford Pinchot and scientific forestry. Implementing Progressive conservation. The Hetch-Hetchy controversy. Part 7 CONSERVATION AS BUSINESS AND LABOR POLICY 60 Chapter 8 Jazz Age values. Water in the West. New Deal projects. Effects of the Great Depression. Part 9 THE DEMOCRATIZATION OF CONSERVATION 85 Chapter 10 Post-World War II social changes. The problems of growth. Conservation revived. The Echo Park Dam battle. Part 11 THE RISE OF AESTHETIC ENVIRONMENTALISM 108 Chapter 12 The mood of the 1960s. Calls to action. Perils of atomic testing. Rachel Carson's Silent Spring. Paul Ehrlich's The Population Bomb. Environmentalism as a new center of consensus. The Santa Barbara oil spill. Part 13 THE LIMITS OF QUALITY OF LIFE 131 Chapter 14 The dangerous bargain between industry and its workers. A legal revolution. The federal response to environmental concerns. Environmental Impact Statements. The Alaska Pipeline. Earth Day. Toxic wastes. Part 15 BACKLASH: FULL STOMACHS AND EMPTY POCKETS 158 Chapter 16 Impact of the oil crisis and the Vietnam War. The Sagebrush Rebellion. James Watt. Swelling ranks of environmental groups. Reagan administration policies. The Wise Use movement. Part 17 A NEW ENVIRONMENTALISM 184 Chapter 18 Three Mile Island. Hazardous waste and Love Canal. New grassroots activism. Dumping in Nevada. Part 19 A Note on Sources 206 Part 20 Index 210