cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Large Amplitude Aeroelastic Behavior of Composite Rotor Blades

An investigation is made of the nonlinear, large amplitude aeroelastic behavior of hingeless composite rotor blades during hover. The aeroelastic model is capable of dealing with large vibration amplitudes as well as large static deflections including transverse shear and warping deformation and is based on an Euler angle formulation of the basic large deflection equations together with a harmonic balance, finite difference, and NewtonRaphson technique. Nonlinear stall aerodynamics is included by use of the ONERA airforces model. Analysis of large amplitude limit cycles that evolve from linear flutter solutions is performed on a [0/90]35 graphite/ epoxy composite blade model. Numerical results indicate that the nonlinear stall is dominant at moderate amplitudes, but that nonlinear static-dynamic couplings in the structure, which bring a softening effect into the general aeroelastic behavior, could be equally important at large amplitudes.
Substrate specificity of ascorbate oxidase: unexpected similarity to the reduction site of dopamine beta-monooxygenase.

Abstract A series of ascorbate derivatives has been used to examine the specificity of the reduction site of ascorbate oxidase. Replacement of the 6-OH group of ascorbic acid with either hydrogen or bromine does not alter the substrate activity significantly. 6-Amino-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid is a weak substrate for the enzyme, suggesting that positively charged groups at the 6-position are not well tolerated by the enzyme. The modification of the 5-OH reduces the effective interaction with the enzyme and the replacement of 6-OH with 6-S-phenyl- or 6-O-phenyl groups significantly increases the affinity for the enzyme. Both 2-Amino-6-S-phenyl-L-ascorbic acid and imino-D-glucoascorbic acid are not substrates for the enzyme. The stereoelectronic properties and alternate binding modes of these molecules are being considered to explain these observations. The substrate specificity of the enzyme is compared to the specificity of the reduction site of dopamine β-monooxygenase.
Response of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to elevated atmospheric CO2 in the North American Subarctic

Abstract The response of potato (Solanum tuberosum L., cv. Shepody) to elevated CO2 was studied in 1994 at Fairbanks, Alaska using open-top chambers (OTC). Three CO2 exposure levels were used in OTC: ambient (A); A + 175 μmol mol−1 CO2 (A + 175); A + 350 μmol mol−1 CO2 (A + 350). Plots were also established outside chambers (ANC) to test chamber affects. Potato leaf appearance rate and canopy development did not differ between CO2 treatments. Six plants in each plot were harvested in late July and August. At the first harvest, the number of stems, total stem weight, number of flowers, and total flower dry weight decreased with increasing CO2. Biomass allocated to stems and leaves declined while allocation to tubers increased with elevated CO2. Root:shoot ratio was larger and percent leaf nitrogen declined 12.6% with increased CO2. At the final harvest, total tuber dry weight in A + 350 chambers was 36% higher than in the A treatment, but yields in open-top chamber plots were lower than the no-chamber plots possibly due to 7–14% less photosynthetic active radiation in chambers. Net photosynthesis measurements made on July 13 showed no differences due to CO2 treatment; however, on August 5, net photosynthesis of leaves grown at A + 350 was 53% greater than at ambient CO2. Tuber initiation and growth began between the two photosynthesis measurements. Before tuber initiation, photosynthetic rates may have been down-regulated by insufficient carbon sink capacity.
Electrocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy by the time-voltage integral of the QRS complex

Abstract Objectives. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that the time-voltage integral of the QRS complex can improve the electrocardiographic (ECG) identification of left ventricular hypertrophy. Background. Standard ECG criteria have exhibited poor sensitivity for left ventricular hypertrophy at acceptable levels of specificity. However, left ventricular mass may be more closely related to the time-voltage integral of the summed left ventricular dipole than to QRS duration or voltages used in standard ECG criteria. Methods. Standard 12-lead ECGs, orthogonal lead signal-averaged ECGs and echocardiograms were obtained in 62 male control subjects without left ventricular hypertrophy and 51 men with left ventricular hypertrophy defined by echocardiographic criteria (indexed left ventricular mass >125 g/m2). Voltage of the QRS complex was integrated over the total QRS duration in leads X, Y and Z to calculate the time-voltage integral of each orthogonal lead, of the maximal spatial vector complex and of the horizontal, frontal and sagittal plane vector complexes. Results. At matched specificity of 99%, the 73% (37 of 51) sensitivity of the time-voltage integral of the vector QMS complex in the horizontal plane was significantly greater than the 10% sensitivity of the Romhilt-Estes point score, the 16% sensitivity of QRS duration alone, the 22% sensitivity of Cornell voltage, the 33% sensitivity of the 12-lead sum of QRS voltage and the 37% sensitivity of Sokolow-Lyon voltage (each p Conclusions. These findings suggest that use of the time-voltage integral of the QRS complex, a method that can be readily implemented on commercially available computerized ECG systems, can improve the accuracy of ECG methods for the identification of left ventricular hypertrophy.
Transcription of brain creatine kinase in U87-MG glioblastoma is modulated by factor AP2

Our previous studies established in U87-MG glioblastoma cells that elevated cAMP increased transcription of the endogenous as well as a transiently-transfected brain creatine kinase (CKB) gene, despite the absence of a cAMP response element (CRE) in the CKB proximal promoter. This report employed transfection to show that the transcription of CKB in U87 cells is induced by transcription factor AP2alpha, which is known to be activated by cAMP. Dominant-negative forms of AP2alpha not only prevented the AP2alpha-mediated activation of CKB but also blocked the cAMP-mediated increase in CKB transcription caused by forskolin treatment. The mutation of the four potential AP2 elements within the CKB proximal promoter showed that induction of CKB by AP2 was mediated principally through the AP2 element located at -50 bp in the promoter. Electromobility shift assays revealed a protein in U87 nuclear extracts that bound to a consensus AP2alpha element as well as to the (-50) AP2 element in CKB. Interestingly, the CKB (-50) AP2 element contains GCCAATGGG which also bound NF-Y, the CCAAT-binding protein, suggesting that interplay between AP2 and NF-Y may modulate CKB transcription. This is the first report of a role for AP2 in the regulation of CKB transcription and of an AP2 element within which an NF-Y site is located.
Is NASA an expensive failure

The debacle of the US space programme is the consequence of the insecure, publicity-seeking policies of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The role of calcium in the regulation of free radical reduction by thioredoxin reductase at the surface of the skin

Membrane associated thioredoxin reductase has been previously shown to reduce free radicals on the outer plasma membranes of human keratinocytes and melanocytes to provide a possible first line of defense against free radical damage at the surface of the skin [1]. Preliminary experiments with cell cultures of human keratinocytes and melanocytes grown in serum-free medium showed that the enzyme activity depends on extracellular calcium concentration in the medium. Thioredoxin reductase activity at the surface of the skin, at the surface of human keratinocytes and melanocytes, and purified thioredoxin reductase from E. coli and adult human keratinocytes all exhibited calcium-dependent allosteric control. Since thioredoxin reductase contains two extremely reactive thiolate groups at the active site with pK values close to neutrality, both of these anions can form covalent complexes with N-ethylmaleimide by nucleophilic attack on the double bond. In our experiments we used spin-labeled maleimide [4-maleimido-tempo] to examine the local environment in the active site of thioredoxin reductase in the presence and absence of calcium. Both spin-labeled thioethers are distinguishable by EPR spectroscopy, with one site being significantly more immobilized than the other. Hence, it has been possible to observe direct evidence for active site closure by calcium. These results suggest that extracellular calcium may play an important role in regulation of thioredoxin reductase activity for the defense mechanism against UV-mediated free radical damage at the surface of human skin.
Messenger ribonucleic acid expression for growth hormone receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor, and steroidogenic enzymes during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in porcine and bovine corpora lutea.

Growth hormone (GH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are pituitary hormones involved in steroidogenesis in the corpus luteum (CL). The objectives of Experiment 1 were to determine mRNA expression for GH receptor (GHR) and LH receptor (LHR) in porcine luteal tissues during the estrous cycle and pregnancy and to relate changes in these receptor mRNA with changes in steroidogenic enzyme mRNA for cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450ssc) and 3s-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3[3-HSD). Ovaries were collected from gilts during the estrous cycle (day 10 [n = 3] and Day 19 [n = 3], regressed CL]) and pregnancy (Day 25 [n=3] and Day 44 [n = 3]). Tissues were frozen in liquid nitrogen and sectioned. Messenger RNA was detected by in situ hybridization, and relative mRNA amounts were determined by image analysis. The mRNA for GHR, LHR, P450scc, and 3s-HSD were detected in the CL on Day 10 of the estrous cycle. None of these mRNA were specific to either large luteal cells (LLC) or small luteal cells (SLC). On Day 19 of the estrous cycle (regressed CL), mRNA for GHR, P450scc and 3s-HSD were decreased (P < 0.01) whereas LHR mRNA disappeared (P < 0.01). During pregnancy, mRNA expression increased 2.1-, 1.4-, 1.4-, and 1.2-fold for GHR, LHR, P450scc and 3s-HSD, respectively (P < 0.05). The luteal location of GHR mRNA in the pig did not agree with that found in our previous studies of GHR mRNA or protein in cattle. Therefore, the objective of Experiment 2 was to measure GHR mRNA by the use of in situ hybridization in bovine CL during the estrous cycle (Day 14; n = 2) and pregnancy (Day 25; n = 2). In situ hybridization demonstrated specific expression of GHR mRNA in the LLC of cattle. Furthermore, GHR mRNA increased 1.8-fold in CL on Day 25 of pregnancy compared with GHR mRNA on Day 14 of the estrous cycle (P < 0.01). In adjacent sections, the LHR mRNA was most highly expressed in clusters of SLC with 1.6-fold more mRNA on Day 25 of pregnancy compared with Day 14 of the estrous cycle (P < 0.01). These results suggest that: 1) mRNA for LHR, GHR, P450scc and 3s-HSD are differentially regulated during the estrous cycle and pregnancy and 2) the cellular location of GHR differs for pigs and cattle, with highly specific expression of GHR in bovine LLC but not porcine LLC. This may suggest different functions for GH in the CL of these species.
Characterization of the operative mechanism in potassium fluoborate activated pack boriding of steels

Abstract A mechanism that describes potassium fluoborate activated pack boriding of steels is proposed and validated with thermodynamic and empirical evidence. The process occurs via three distinct steps: release of boron trifluoride gas from the potassium fluoborate activator, formation of a thin layer of iron boride on the steel's surface accompanied by the release of carbon tetrafluoride and graphite, and finally, growth of the iron boride layer by direct reaction of iron with boron carbide. The presence of oxygen in the system inhibits the boriding process by converting the potassium fluoborate into oxygenyl boron fluoride prior to the release of boron trifluoride gas. In addition to characterizing the underlying mechanism for forming iron boride, the role of each of the ingredients of the potassium fluoborate pack is defined and the factors that determine the stoichiometry of the resultant boride layer are identified.
EMG/NCS in the evaluation of spine trauma with radicular symptoms

In the management of spine trauma with radicular symptoms (STRS), EMG/nerve conduction studies (NCS) often have low combined sensitivity and specificity in confirming root injury. The anatomic level of injury may not correspond to the root level. Paraspinal studies are nonlocalizing and can be falsely positive and negative. Unlike MRI and CT imaging, EMG/NCS do not reveal the biological morphology of the lesion. There are no studies that confirm the efficacy of EMG/NCS in the management of STRS. EMG/NCS may be indicated if there is a differential diagnosis between a root and distal neuropathic/myopathic lesion. Otherwise, as shown in this series of cases typically referred for outpatient EMG/NCS testing, there is limited evidence to support the use of often uncomfortable and costly EMG/NCS in STRS.
Factors involved in antibody formation.

tions has steadily increased during the past several decades with the pendulum of interest ever widening until it now encompasses many branches of medicine, biology and the physical sciences. Immune mechanisms still occupy an important position in the control of infectious disease, but there is also more attention being given to their role as causative agents of diseases. Many basic fields of biology are now concerned with immune mechanisms with
Tobacco abstinence, smoking cues, and the reinforcing value of smoking

One definition of the reinforcing value of a drug is the degree to which an organism will work to obtain it. Male and female smokers (n = 8 each) engaged in a task involving concurrent schedules of reinforcement for responding to receive cigarette puffs versus money on four occasions, following overnight abstinence versus no abstinence and in the presence of a lit cigarette (smoking "cue") or with no cigarette (2 x 2 design). Reinforcement schedule for puffs ranged from variable ratio 4 (VR4) to VR32, with schedule order during the first five trials (VR4 first, VR32 first) counterbalanced and repeated in reverse sequence during the second five trials. Schedule for money remained at VR4 during all trials. Results indicated significantly greater responding for puffs after overnight abstinence and in the presence of the smoking cue, although effect of the cue was specific to the "leaner" VR schedules (VR16, VR32). Unexpectedly, not only was reinforcement schedule for puffs a significant determinant of responding, but the order of these schedules (i.e., VR4 first vs. VR32 first) produced a significant overall difference in responding for puffs, especially in the presence of the cue. There was no difference in responding between males and females. These findings indicate that the reinforcing value of smoking is increased by overnight abstinence, the presence of a lit cigarette under lean reinforcement conditions, and the order in which reinforcement schedules are presented.
Computability and implementability issues in abstract data types

In a strongly typed system supporting user-defined data abstractions, the designer of a data abstraction ought to be careful in choosing the operations for the abstraction. If the operation set chosen is not expressive enough, it might be impossible or inconvenient to implement certain useful functions on the values of the data abstraction. In this paper, two properties of the operation set of a data abstraction, expressive completeness and expressive richness, are defined to formally characterize the expressive power of the operation set.For an expressively complete data abstraction, the operation set is powerful enough to implement in principle all computable properties of the values, whereas for an expressively rich data abstraction, the operation set can be used to implement the properties in a `simple and natural? fashion. It is shown that if the equality predicate on the values of a data abstraction can be implemented in terms of its operations, then the data abstraction is expressively complete.For expressive richness, we identify a finite set of functions that represent certain basic kinds of manipulations of the values, and require them to be implemented in terms of the operation set as `straight line? programs. The relation between these formal properties and the intuitive notions are considered. We argue that it is important to consider both expressive completeness and expressive richness while designing the operation set of a data abstraction. Practical applications of the properties of expressiveness introduced are also discussed.
Middle School Students' Mathematical Problem Solving: An Analysis of Think-Aloud Protocols.

Using a cognitive-metacognitive theoretical framework, this study examined the verbalizations of middle school students as they thought aloud while solving three mathematical word problems. Middle ...
Synthesis and characterization of arylene ether imide reactive oligomers and polymers containing diaryl alkyl phosphine oxide groups

The diamine monomer bis(m-aminophenyl) methyl phosphine oxide (DAMPO) was synthesized via nitration and reduction of diphenyl methyl phosphine oxide. Rigorous purification of this monomer enabled its utilization in the synthesis of high molecular weight poly(ether imide)s. Both thermoplastic materials and thermosetting systems, endcapped with either phthalic or phenylethynylphthalic anhydride, respectively, have been produced. Major emphasis has been placed on polyimides derived from 2,2′-bis(4-(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) phenyl) propane dian- hydride, also known as bisphenol-A dianhydride, or BPADA. High molecular weight homo- and copolyimides based on BPADA/DAMPO had glass transition temperature values in the range of 215–223°C, and were totally amorphous. They displayed higher modulus and tensile strength values than the polyetherimide control based on meta-phenylene diamine and also generated high TGA char yields in air. Phenylethynyl crosslinkable materials were effectively cured at 380°C to produce networks that are ductile, very solvent resistant and also generate high char yields, which suggest their possible utilization in fire resistant matrix systems. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Social Economics of Work Time: Introduction

How do social economists conceptualize and analyze time, particularly time spent in paid employment? In this symposium regarding this quite “timely”" issue, it is evident that social economics views work time as something more than its presentation in neoclassical economics. For neoclassical economists, time is a scarce resource that, when commodified as labor, serves as a factor of production and means to the end of consumption for optimizing firms, individuals, and families. It is also more than the radical political economics understanding of time as the yardstick measuring the value created by labor. Instead, time spent on the job is all at once a source of income, personal identity, and relative status within society, the workplace and household, and a constraint on individuals' ability to pursue self-directed activities and social reproduction. Work time is determined within a complex web of evolving culture and social relations, as well as traditionally conceived market, technological, and macroeco...
English or Nothing: The Impact of Rigid Language Policies on the Inclusion of Humanizing Practices in a High School ESL Program

This article discusses the results of a qualitative case study that examined how school district language policies impact humanizing practices in a high school ESL program. The theoretical framework builds on Paulo Freire's concept of humanizing pedagogy to explore policy and instruction in a secondary ESL program. Participants of this study include school district officials and high school ESL teachers. Findings indicate that when ESL teachers adhere to rigid language policies, they fail to create humanizing practices in their classrooms. In contrast, when teachers do not hold themselves strictly accountable to the institutionalized discourse of ESL, they are able to enact humanizing practices where students' linguistic and cultural resources are validated as essential for the development of academic resiliency. Paradoxically, even teachers who enact humanizing practices fail to question district language policies that render students cultural and linguistic resources invalid.
Optical mapping of repolarization and refractoriness from intact hearts

BACKGROUNDHeterogeneities of repolarization (R) across the myocardium have been invoked to explain most reentrant arrhythmias. The measurement of refractory periods (RPs) has been widely used to assess R, but conventional electrode and extrastimulus mapping techniques have not provided reliable maps of RPs.METHODS AND RESULTSGuinea pig hearts were stained with a voltage-sensitive dye to measure fluorescence (F) action potentials (APs) from 124 sites with a photodiode array. AP duration (APD) was defined as the time between depolarization (dF/dt)max and R time points (ie, the time when AP returns to baseline or some percent thereof). However, R time points are difficult to determine because AP downstrokes are often encumbered by drifting baselines and motion artifacts, which make this definition ambiguous. In optical and microelectrode recordings, the second derivative of AP downstrokes is shown to contain an easily detected, unique local maximum. The correlation between the position of this maximum (d2F/d...
Aristotle’s dilemma

In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle appears to use an elegant short argument to attack Plato’s doctrine of the good, which argument equally appears to attack Aristotle’s own doctrine of the good. I consider these two questions: First: Why does Aristotle reverse the judgment of Socrates/Plato on the issue: Which is better – things that are (only) good in themselves, or things that are both good in themselves and good for their consequences? Second: Why does Aristotle attack Plato’s doctrine that the Form of the Good is the chief good, with an argument that appears to threaten his own view that eudaimonia is the chief good? I think the answers to these two questions are related. The elegant short argument in question I call “Aristotle’s Fast Argument.”After apologizing for criticizing views held by friends of his, Aristotle deploys the Fast Argument as a clincher to cap off his refutation of Plato’s view that the Form of the Good is the chief good: “And one might ask the question, what in the world they mean by ‘a thing itself’, if in man himself and in a particular man the account of man is one and the same. For in so far as they are men, they will in no respect differ; and if this is so, neither will there be a difference in so far as they are good. But again it will not be good any the more for being eternal, since that which lasts long is no whiter than that which perishes in a day.” (Aristotle, Nichomachean Ethics, 1096 a34–b4). I explore this sketchily presented Fast Argument. I consider why Aristotle may think it is valid and why he does not seem to realize that, on readings that make it effective against Plato’s view, his Fast Argument also seems to apply to his own view that eudaimonia is the chief good. This is what I will call “Aristotle’s Dilemma.” If the Fast Argument is interpreted too narrowly, its point about the whiteness of a white thing being independent of its duration will not apply to the goodness of the Form of the Good. If it is interpreted broadly enough to undermine the claim of the Form of the Good to be the chief good, it will equally undermine that claim for eudaimonia. Finally, I discuss some of the things Plato and Aristotle say about the chief good, and comparable things Immanuel Kant says about the good will. I draw some speculative conclusions that focus on the importance for Aristotle of the goodness of the chief good not being at risk.
THE RESERVOIR CYTOSKELETON AND A POSSIBLE CYTOSTOMAL HOMOLOGUE IN COLACIUM (EUGLENOPHYCEAE)1

The reservoir cytoskeleton of Colacium Ehrenberg is formed of three bands of microtubules. The microtubules of the dorsal band (DMT) become doublets and are continuous with the longitudinal microtubules of the canal and, therefore, of the pellicle. A band of para-reservoir microtubules (PMT) acts as a linkage between the edges of the dorsal band at the formation of the canal. The third band of microtubules (MTR), more ventral, branches away from the reservoir-canal transition region and forms a supportive band for a pocket formed from the reservoir membrane. The outer part of the pocket membrane is closely invested with a fibrillar mesh. The pocket of Colacium, a green euglenoid, resembles structurally the cytopharynx of the colorless phagotrophic euglenoids, Isonema papillatum and the bodonid flagellates. The homologies support the hypothesis of euglenoid derivation from the kinetoplastid flagellates.
Myopic regression after laser in situ keratomileusis: a medical alternative to surgical enhancement.

ved aocu has b o, it w rnal fl tive e e t een r sion b SIK s ring b opic r eor the t rsed t . H isual a phy b was 2 corn ical t aphy n OP r rneal e tes i ps to d g. T kyo, J tients t d ot a n the U s a pot fera six t was c i t D u a HE PROBLEM OF MYOPIC REGRESSION HAS VEX refractive surgeons from the era of radial keratoto to the initial use of excimer laser to current iques of surface ablation and laser in situ keratomil LASIK). In 1996, 82% of patients who underwent LA or myopia ranging from 6 to 29 diopters (D) wer eported to have regression of 2 D or less. 1 A decade later espite improvement in nomograms and ablation param ers as well as advances in excimer laser technolog ignificant percentage of our patients continue to exp nce myopic regression. A recent publication reported he rate of myopic regression was 21% in average yes. The risk for myopic regression lasted six months ASIK, with a rapid increase in the first month, slowi yopic regression between one to six months, and a s mount of regression after six months, regardless of risk g Current surgical treatment for visually significant m ic regression after LASIK includes repeat LASIK ifting the flap or cutting a new flap or by surface ab ach of these procedures has potential risks. Flap relift ncrease risk of epithelial ingrowth. Recutting a flap rior LASIK can result in a so-called filleting of the ASIK flap. Surface ablation with laser-assisted subepit ial keratoplasty may result in increased corneal h articularly if a spherical equivalent of more than 2 D is eing treated. Refractive surgeons always have been interested onsurgical approaches to treating small amounts of m ic regression. However, finding an effective med reatment hinges on better understanding of the caus f regression. Significant predictors for myopic regress fter LASIK include preoperative spherical equivale ean preoperative central corneal curvature, size of o one, postoperative under correction, and patient ag 2
A trimmed translation-invariant denoising estimator

A popular wavelet method for estimating jumps in functions is through the use of the translation-invariant (TI) estimator. The TI estimator addresses a particular problem, the susceptibility of the wavelet estimates to the location of the features in a function with respect to the support of the wavelet basis functions. The TI estimator reduces this reliance by cycling the data through a set of shifts, thus changing the relation between the wavelet support and the jump location. However, a drawback of the TI estimator is that it includes every shifted analysis in the reconstruction, even those that may reduce, rather than improve, the effectiveness of the method. In this paper, we propose a method that modifies the TI estimator to improve the jump reconstruction in terms of the mean squared errors of the reconstructions and visual performance. Information from the set of shifted data sets is used to mimic the performance of an oracle which knows exactly which are the best TI shifts to retain in the recons...
Growth and properties of thin films of the doped infinite-layer compounds Ca1−xLnxCuO2 (Ln=Sm, Nd, Y)

The pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique has been utilized for thin film synthesis of lanthanide-doped infinite-layer compounds Ca1−xLnxCuO2 (Ln=Sm, Nd, and Y). The films are grown epitaxially on (100)-oriented SrTiO3 substrates in a low pressure oxygen ambient with in situ monitoring using reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED). For Sm3+ and Nd3+ substitutions, the infinite-layer structure of CaCuO2 is retained for x≤0.15, with a small but systematic decrease in the c-axis parameter of the films being observed with increasing dopant concentration. For higher substitution levels, a defect structure analogous to Sr14Cu24O41 is stabilized. Doping of the infinite-layer phase has also been achieved with Y3+ substitution, however the phase transformation to the defect structure occurs at lower concentrations (x<0.10). A significant decrease in the room-temperature resistivity, with metallic temperature dependence, is observed for optimally doped CaCuO2 films after they are post-annealed in vacuum. Nevertheless, no evidence of superconductivity has been detected in any of the films down to 5 K. Possible reasons for the absence of superconductivity in the Ca1-xLnxCuO2 films are discussed.
The concrete cylinder: stress analysis and failure modes

The rationale for using the circular cylindrical specimen for determining the tensile strength of concrete is reviewed, and the stress fields and fracture modes associated with the familiar splitting test and a pressurized cylinder test are discussed. Special attention is paid to contradictory reports and unresolved issues in the literature as to exactly how the fracture of a concrete cylinder develops and progresses under increasing load.
An efficient new hybrid cascaded H-bridge inverter for photovoltaic system

This paper deals with electricity from photovoltaic system for cascaded multilevel inverter. The general function of multilevel inverter is to synthesis desired voltage from solar source. This inverter has advantageous of industrial applications. The use of converters will increase losses and cost in conventional methods. The proposed nine level multilevel inverter with solar energy using Pulse Width Modulation Technique (PWM) of providing high switching frequency will highly reduce harmonics.
Vitamin D2 from light-exposed edible mushrooms is safe, bioavailable and effectively supports bone growth in rats

Widespread poor vitamin D status, a health risk for bone disease, increases the need for new food sources of vitamin D. Light-exposed edible mushrooms synthesize vitamin D2. Bioavailability, safety, and efficacy of high levels of vitamin D2 from mushrooms to support bone health was established in chronically fed growing rats. Poor vitamin D status from reduced sun exposure is made worse by limited access to vitamin D-containing foods. Exposing white button mushrooms to ultraviolet B (UVB) light markedly increases their vitamin D2 content, creating a new food source of vitamin D. We used a growing rat model to determine safety, bioavailability, and efficacy in support of bone growth by vitamin D2 from UVB-exposed mushrooms. We fed 150 weanling female rats one of five diets for 10 weeks, all formulated on AIN-93 G. Control diets contained no mushrooms either with or without vitamin D3. Other diets contained 2.5% and 5.0% of UVB-exposed or -unexposed mushrooms. Safety of the high levels of vitamin D2 from mushrooms was assessed by animal growth and by Von Kossa staining for soft tissue calcification. Bioavailability was determined from changes in circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Efficacy in support of bone growth was determined from measures of femur bending properties, size, mineralization, and microarchitecture. Diets containing 2.5% and 5.0% light-exposed mushrooms significantly raised 25(OH)D and suppressed PTH levels compared to control-fed rats or rats fed 5.0% mushroom unexposed to light. Microarchitecture and trabecular mineralization were only modestly higher in the light-treated mushroom-fed rats compared to the controls. Von Kossa staining revealed no soft tissue calcification despite very high plasma 25(OH)D. Vitamin D2 from UVB-exposed mushrooms is bioavailable, safe, and functional in supporting bone growth and mineralization in a growing rat model without evidence of toxicity.
Nevanlinna–Pick meromorphic interpolation: The degenerate case and minimal norm solutions

Abstract The Nevanlinna–Pick interpolation problem is studied in the class S κ of meromorphic functions f with κ poles inside the unit disk D and with ‖ f ‖ L ∞ ( T ) ⩽ 1 . In the indeterminate case, the parametrization of all solutions is given in terms of a family of linear fractional transformations with disjoint ranges. A necessary and sufficient condition for the problem being determinate is given in terms of the Pick matrix of the problem. The result is then applied to obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a meromorphic function with a given pole multiplicity which satisfies Nevanlinna–Pick interpolation conditions and has the minimal possible L ∞ -norm on the unit circle T .
Facet formation in strained Si1−x Gex films

Abstract The surface morphology of epitaxial (001) Si1−x Gex films, subject to biaxial strain, is studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Distinct facets are observed, oriented on {105}, {311}, and {518} crystal faces. The tiled arrangement of facets resembles a mosaic. We find that the growth sequence begins with the shallow {105} facets, followed by the appearance of steeper facets. After strain relaxation, the morphology coarsens and facets become less distinct. The existence of discrete facets produces a kinetic barrier to strain-induced roughening; and we show that increasing this barrier (by growing at reduced strain or reduced temperature) leads to a flatter surface morphology.
Energy variation trends in the fatigue growth of surface cracks under tension and bending

Abstract There is a dramatic change in the shape of the semi-elliptical surface cracks, growing due to combined cyclic bending and tensile loading of plates. It is possible to predict the change of aspect ratio ( a c ) during the propagation of the crack. The growing cracks change their shapes such that they follow preferred propagation patterns (PPPs). Some of the important characteristics during crack propagation are determined. In particular, strain energy release rate (G) variation during crack growth is presented and discussed. It is shown that the shape of any growing crack changes such that G for the crack tries to converge to the preferred propagation trend. Also, some of the geometrical variations during the propagation of the cracks are discussed.
Use of vitamin E deficient red cells to detect a dialyzable hemolytic factor produced by peroxidizing rat liver microsomes.

Abstract The tendency of rat red blood cells to hemolyze in the presence of peroxidizing rat liver microsomes is greatly increased if the red cells are obtained from vitamin E deficient rats. Adequate dietary vitamin E supplementation imparts resistance against hemolysis. Dietary butylated hydroxytoluene or the level of erythrocyte glutathione or total thiols are relatively unimportant factors in determining red cell sensitivity to hemolysis induced by perixiziding microsomes. When separated from peroxidizing microsomes by a dialysis membrane, vitamin E deficient cells are completely hemolyzed. Hemolytically active material can be separated from peroxidized microsomes by dialysis at 0°C.
PIP: A database system for great and small expectations

Estimation via sampling out of highly selective join queries is well known to be problematic, most notably in online aggregation. Without goal-directed sampling strategies, samples falling outside of the selection constraints lower estimation efficiency at best, and cause inaccurate estimates at worst. This problem appears in general probabilistic database systems, where query processing is tightly coupled with sampling. By committing to a set of samples before evaluating the query, the engine wastes effort on samples that will be discarded, query processing that may need to be repeated, or unnecessarily large numbers of samples.
High light intensity effects on nanoscale open-circuit voltage for three common donor materials in bulk heterojunction solar cells

White light photoconductive atomic force microscopy (pc-AFM) was employed to evaluate nanoscale open circuit (Voc) at high light intensities (up to 200 sun) of three donor:acceptor blends comprising two widely studied polymers and one small molecule donor material. By varying the work function of electron extraction contacts, the Voc observed in nanoscale measurements reveals a unified dependence on the electrode work functions regardless of the blend materials; in line with earlier macroscopic measurements at 1 sun. At high light intensities, an agreement between the nanoscale and bulk Voc is observed. Nonetheless, light intensity dependent Voc measurements suggest that under high light intensities, the Voc obtained by pc-AFM exhibits contact-limited behavior.
Cutaneous Gene Expression by DNA Microarray in Murine Sclerodermatous Graft-Versus-Host Disease, a Model for Human Scleroderma

The molecular mechanisms governing skin fibrosis in murine sclerodermatous graft-versus-host disease (Scl GVHD) are not known. We used Affymetrix DNA microarrays representing >14,000 mouse genes to characterize global gene expression in skin during development of Scl GVHD in lethally irradiated BALB/c (H-2d) mice transplanted with B10.D2 (H-2d) bone marrow and spleen cells. These mice develop skin thickening, whereas control mice transplanted with syngeneic BALB/c (H-2d) bone marrow and spleen cells do not develop disease. We found consistent differences between mice with Scl GVHD and controls in cytokine messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for both Th1-like (IFN-gamma) and Th2-like (IL-6, Il-10, and IL-13) inflammatory patterns. mRNAs for chemokines CCL2, CCL5, CCL17, IFN-gamma inducible chemokines (CXCL9/Mig, CXCL10/IP-10, and CXCL11/I-TAC), and for growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor-c, connective tissue growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 1, epidermal growth factor, nerve growth factor-beta, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-alpha, and VEGF-beta were elevated, similar to human scleroderma. mRNAs for cell adhesion molecules, such as L-selectin (selectin lymphocyte), P-selectin (selectin platelet), E-selectin (selectin endothelium), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, were also upregulated. In separate experiments, we confirmed the increased synthesis of IFN-gamma and IL-2, unchanged IL-10, and absence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and IL-4 proteins by flow cytometry of isolated skin T cells. These constellations of immunologic changes provide a "fingerprint" for fibrosing autoimmune disease. They are useful to understand the pathogenesis of Scl GVHD, to identify markers for early diagnosis of disease, and to devise more effective strategies for intervention in early scleroderma and Scl GVHD.
The effects of edge sharpness and exposure duration on detection threshold.

Abstract The detection threshold for a target has been previously shown to be affected by the physical sharpness of the target's edge. The present study confirmed that the detection threshold is higher for blurred targets if the exposure duration is long. But it was shown that with short exposure durations the blurred and sharp targets had identical thresholds. The difference in the percepts of long and short exposure duration stimuli is also considered. The results are discussed in the framework of models based on inhibitory interactions.
Formylated polyamines as peptidomimetics

A new construct for imitating a natural peptide ligand using a modified retro-inverso sequence is described. It is demonstrated through the synthesis of a peptidomimetic derived from the endogenous sequence of leucine enkephalin. The product was active at 400 nM and selective for μ-opioid receptors.
Simultaneous Use of Break-Even and Demand Analysis for Pricing Decisions: A Teaching Method

Abstract Pricing decisions are one of the most important aspects of the process of developing a successful marketing mix. Unfortunately, many students have a difficult time understanding the economics of pricing decisions. This article proposes a method that makes simultaneous use of break-even analysis and demand analysis for teaching about pricing decisions. The strategy has been used in the classroom to provide students with a better understanding of the dynamics of pricing as well as a framework allowing better decisions regarding price in the marketing mix.
Coumarins VI. A Revised Structure of Columbianin and Pertinent Mass spectral studies

The previous erroneous assignment of the structure of columbianin as a D-glucoside of columbianetin has been revised to indicate that it is a β -D-gentiobioside. The mass spectral characteristics of columbianin, its acetate, the true β -D-gluco-pyranoside of columbianetin, and its acetate have been examined and probable fragmentation pathways proposed.
A polarity‐activation strategy for the high incorporation of 1‐alkenes into functional copolymers via RAFT copolymerization

A new synthetic methodology for the preparation of copolymers having high incorporation of 1-alkene together with multifunctionalities has been developed by polarity-activated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization. This approach provides well-defined alternating poly(1-decene-alt-maleic anhydride), expanding the monomer types for living copolymerizations. Although neither 1-decene (DE) nor maleic anhydride (MAn) has significant reactivity in RAFT homopolymerization, their copolymers have been synthesized by RAFT copolymerizations. The controlled characteristics of DE-MAn copolymerizations were verified by increased copolymer molecular weights during the copolymerization process. Ternary copolymers of DE and MAn, with high conversion of DE, could be obtained by using additive amounts (5 mol %) of vinyl acetate or styrene (ST), demonstrating further enhanced monomer reactivities and complex chain structures. When ST was selected as the third monomer, copolymers with block structures were obtained, because of fast consumption of ST in the copolymerization. Moreover, a wide variety of well-defined multifunctional copolymers were prepared by RAFT copolymerizations of various functional 1-alkenes with MAn. For each copolymerization, gel permeation chromatography analysis showed that the resulting copolymer had well-controlled Mn values and fairly low polydispersities (PDI = 1.3–1.4), and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies indicated strong alternating tendency during copolymerization with high incorporation of 1-alkene units, up to 50 mol %. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3488–3498, 2008
Conductance changes during bath application of β-alanine and taurine in giant interneurons of the isolated lamprey spinal cord

Abstract (1) Input conductances of giant interneurons in the isolated spinal cord of lampreys were measured with two separate intracellular electrodes. Bath applications of 0.1–3 mM β-alanine and taurine produced large, reversible conductance increases which were Cl−-dependent. (2) Strychnine at 1–2.5 μM might be a competitive antagonist of both amino acids, but had a stronger effect on taurine. Bicuculline and picrotoxin were weak antagonists of β-alanine and taurine in some cells. (3) A few giant interneurons desensitized after repeated application of the amino acids, but most became more sensitive. Responces to the amino acids also increased at low temperatures and in Na-free fluid, suggesting effect of uptake mechanisms.
Determinants of Subnuclear Organization of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Characterized through Analysis of Wild Type and Mutant Receptors

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a hormone-dependent regulator of gene transcription that in the absence of ligand resides both in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Agonists but not antagonists increase the number of MRs residing in the nucleus and cause aggregation of MRs into distinct clusters. To identify the functional determinants of MR nuclear organization, we examined the localization pattern of wild type MR and a series of mutants in the presence and absence of ligands using fluorescent protein chimeras in living cells. Our data show that although MR DNA binding is not necessary to mediate nuclear localization, it is absolutely required for wild type cluster formation as is an intact N-terminal or C-terminal activation function. In contrast, destabilization of a dimerization motif within the DNA-binding domain has no effect on subnuclear receptor architecture. These data suggest that normal MR cluster formation is dependent on both DNA binding and intact transcriptional activation functions but not on DNA-dependent receptor dimerization. Because dimer mutants bind with high affinity to hormone response element DNA multimers but not to single palindromic DNA sites, we suggest that clusters represent MR aggregates bound to DNA response element multimers in the vicinity of regulated genes.
Clinical syndromes of transformation in clonal hematologic disorders

The majority of clonal hematologic syndromes, including lymphoproliferative, myeloproliferative, and myelodysplastic disorders, tend to undergo transformation. However, the frequency of transformation varies widely. For example, transformation is almost invariable in chronic myelogenous leukemia, but it is infrequent in other myeloproliferative disorders. Similarly, transformation occurs in approximately 33% of follicular lymphomas but less commonly in other lower-grade lymphomas. At a genetic level, although some secondary lesions are seen across the spectrum of transformation syndromes (such as loss of function of p53 and p15/p16), there is considerable intra- and interdisease variability, with no common denominator. This review of the literature will discuss these transformations, noting their frequency, pathologic changes observed, clinical syndromes described, underlying genetic correlates, and prognostic and therapeutic implications.
EFFECT OF PLANT FIBER ON LIPASE, TRYPSIN AND CHYMOTRYPSIN ACTIVITY

Wheat bran, whole alfalfa, rice bran, safflower meal, cellulose acetate, xylan, Solka-Floc and pectin were tested for their ability to affect lipase, trypsin and chymotrypsin activity in vitro. Almost all of the fibers tested, excluding pectin, caused a significant loss of lipase activity. Incubation with Solka-Floc and xylan resulted in some loss of chymotrypsin activity. Alfalfa and safflower meal exerted the most potent effect on trypsin activity and Solka-Floc had a slight effect. With all the fibers tested, a part of the enzyme solution was absorbed into the fiber matrix thereby decreasing the availability of total filterable enzyme activity in vitro.
An airborne sensor for the avoidance of clear air turbulence

This paper describes an airborne microwave radiometer that may be able to provide altitude guidance away from layers containing clear air turbulence, CAT. The sensor may also be able to predict upper limits for the severity of upcoming CAT. The 55 GHz radiometer is passive, not radar, and it measures the temperature of oxygen molecules in the viewing direction (averaged along a several-kilometer path). A small computer directs the viewing direction through elevation angle scans, and converts observed quantities to an 'altitude temperature profile'. The principle for CAT avoidance is that CAT is found statistically more often within inversion layers and at the tropopause, both of which are easily located from sensor-generated altitude temperature profiles.