cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen-bond formation of the residue in H-loop of the nucleotide binding domain 2 with the ATP in this site and/or other residues of multidrug resistance protein MRP1 plays a crucial role during ATP-dependent solute transport.

MRP1 couples ATP binding/hydrolysis to solute transport. We have shown that ATP binding to nucleotide-binding-domain 1 (NBD1) plays a regulatory role whereas ATP hydrolysis at NBD2 plays a crucial role in ATP-dependent solute transport. However, how ATP is hydrolyzed at NBD2 is not well elucidated. To partially address this question, we have mutated the histidine residue in H-loop of MRP1 to either a residue that prevents the formation of hydrogen-bonds with ATP and other residues in MRP1 or a residue that may potentially form these hydrogen-bonds. Interestingly, substitution of H827 in NBD1 with residues that prevented formation of these hydrogen-bonds had no effect on the ATP-dependent solute transport whereas corresponding mutations in NBD2 almost abolished the ATP-dependent solute transport completely. In contrast, substitutions of H1486 in H-loop of NBD2 with residues that might potentially form these hydrogen-bonds exerted either full function or partial function, implying that hydrogen-bond formation between the residue at 1486 and the γ-phosphate of the bound ATP and/or other residues, such as putative catalytic base E1455, together with S769, G771, T1329 and K1333, etc., holds all the components necessary for ATP binding/hydrolysis firmly so that the activated water molecule can efficiently hydrolyze the bound ATP at NBD2.
Comparison of microstructure of N-polar GaN/AlGaN/GaN heterostructures grown on different substrates

Abstract Several N-polar GaN/AlGaN/GaN heterostructures intended for high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) devices were grown by molecular beam epitaxy using either SiC or freestanding GaN substrates. The microstructure of these heterostructures has been compared using transmission electron microscopy and associated analytical techniques. Considerable 1:1 ordering was observed within the Al x Ga 1− x N layers (where x ∼0.34–0.37) for both substrate types. Threading dislocations were the most common defects observed in structures grown on SiC substrates, whereas interfacial misfit dislocations and surface pits were the primary defects observed in samples grown on the freestanding GaN substrates.
Plate bending stresses at axial highs, and implications for faulting behavior

Abstract We develop flexural models of axial high topography which include the effects of plastic yielding, and use the results to examine the contribution of plate bending stresses and strains to fault patterns at the East Pacific Rise (EPR). The lithosphere responds to buoyancy near the ridge axis created by the presence of elevated temperatures and melt within the crust. Parameterizing these quantities, we find topography at wide axial highs can be fit assuming the crust cools to lithosphere temperatures to 3–4 km depth within ∼2 km from the axis, and the presence of 20–30% melt in the lower crust. A trade-off in buoyancy implies the greater the amount of crustal cooling, the less melt is required. Significant crustal cooling leads to lithospheric strengthening, but plastic bending effects allow the plate to deflect over the distance needed to fit the observed axial relief. The plate develops at the axis with non-zero curvature, and ‘unbends’ as it moves away from the axis, placing a section of the upper surface or seafloor into extension. Seafloor stresses are extensional beginning a few kilometers from the axis, and continuing up to distances of ∼35 km from the axis for models that fit wide axial high topography. A compilation of previous faulting studies at the EPR reveals that distance from the axis over which fault slip remains active appears to depend on the width of the axial high: for narrow highs, this region is confined to at most 15 km from the axis; but at wider axial highs it reaches distances of 20–45 km, comparable to regions of extension predicted by the flexural models. The model strain can be as large as 1.9%, amounting to half the observed strain assuming a fault slip angle of 45°, but most strain assuming a slip angle of 60°. These results strongly suggest that bending stresses contribute significantly to normal faulting on the flanks of fast-spreading ridges, and may have a strong influence on faulting patterns there.
AIDS: Confidentiality and the social worker

The AIDS epidemic presents a number of ethical dilemmas to those working with AIDS victims and their families. This article discusses the dilemma a social worker faces with a client susceptible to the AIDS virus. Should a therapist maintain the ethical principle of confidentiality or should she breach that confidentiality in order to protect a third party from harm? A model of ethical resolution is utilized in this article which considers professional ethics, values, relevant information, and ethical options in the development of a resolution to an ethical dilemma.
Extraction, quantification, and antioxidant activities of phenolics from pericarp and seeds of bitter melons (Momordica charantia) harvested at three maturity stages (immature, mature, and ripe).

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is an exotic vegetable used for consumption and medicinal purposes mainly throughout Asia. Phenolics were extracted from pericarp (fleshy portion) and seeds of bitter melons harvested at three maturation stages (immature, mature, and ripe) using ethanol and water solvent systems. Total phenolic assessment demonstrated 80% of ethanol to be the optimal solvent level to extract phenolics either from pericarp or seed. Main phenolic constituents in the extracts were catechin, gallic acid, gentisic acid, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin. Free radical scavenging assay using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) demonstrated the bitter melon extracts as slow rate free radical scavenging agents. There were low correlations between the total phenolic contents and antiradical power values of the extracts, suggesting a possible interaction among the phenolic constituents occurred. Bitter melon phenolic extracts contain natural antioxidant substances, and could be used as antioxidant...
Predicting RNA secondary structure by free energy minimization

RNA structure is hierarchical. Secondary structure contacts, i.e. the canonical base pair contacts, are generally stronger and form faster than the tertiary structure. Therefore, RNA secondary structures can be predicted independently of tertiary structure prediction. Furthermore, the stability of a given RNA secondary structure can be quantified using nearest neighbor free energy parameters. These parameters are the basis of a number of free energy minimization algorithms that predict RNA secondary structure for either a single sequence or multiple sequences. This article reviews the progress of RNA secondary structure prediction by free energy minimization and describes many of the algorithms that have been developed.
Open Access Data Sharing in Genomic Research

The current emphasis on broad sharing of human genomic data generated in research in order to maximize utility and public benefit is a significant legacy of the Human Genome Project. Concerns about privacy and discrimination have led to policy responses that restrict access to genomic data as the means for protecting research participants. Our research and experience show, however, that a considerable number of research participants agree to open access sharing of their genomic data when given the choice. General policies that limit access to all genomic data fail to respect the autonomy of these participants and, at the same time, unnecessarily limit the utility of the data. We advocate instead a more balanced approach that allows for individual choice and encourages informed decision making, while protecting against the misuse of genomic data through enhanced legislation.
A systematic study in CIEF: Defining and optimizing experimental parameters critical to method reproducibility and robustness

A systematic study of two-step CIEF analysis was completed to identify key components that could be optimized to enhance the performance of mAb analysis by CIEF. Resolution between mAb isoforms was increased by selecting a narrow detector aperture, utilizing chemical rather than pressure mobilization, and improving protein solubility by incorporating urea into the carrier ampholyte (CA) solutions. Loss of the extreme pI CAs and sample components by the bidirectional ITP inherent to IEF was avoided by setting the concentration of the phosphoric acid anolyte to 200 mM and sodium hydroxide catholyte to 300 mM and by adding sufficient amounts of an acidic (pI<3) and basic (10<pI) sacrificial ampholyte to the CIEF sample solution. Optimization of the concentrations of the sacrificial ampholytes, iminodiacetic acid and arginine to 1.7 and 40 mM, respectively, yielded a stable focused CA train that spanned the 4<pH<10 range without sacrificing either mAb isoform resolution or sample throughput. Intermediate precision studies performed on the CIEF method with three basic mAbs yielded 0.04 to 0.09% CVs for the estimated pI values and 0.6-3% CVs for isoform group percent composition, indicating that the two-step CIEF method developed meets the rigorous demands of therapeutic mAb analysis.
Youth leaders' perceptions of commitment to a responsibility-based physical activity program.

This study extended Schilling's (2001) study by investigating program commitment among a larger (N = 12), older (M = 16.7 years), and more experienced (M = 5.96 years) sample of participants in the Project Effort Youth Leader Corps. Individual interviews elicited a greater number and specificity of themes. Program-related barriers included logistics, structure, and relationships, and personal-related barriers included perceived alternatives, personal characteristics, and “real-life” responsibilities. Similar to Schilling's (2001) earlier study, antecedents grouped under program environment, program structure, relationships, and personal characteristics. Participants also described outcomes in terms of behavior and emotional involvement but reported more themes related to leadership. Results are discussed in terms of consistencies and changes over time and implications for program development, expansion, and evaluation.
A Green Picture is Worth A Thousand Words?: Effects of Visual and Textual Environmental Appeals in Advertising and the Moderating Role of Product Involvement

This study examined the main effects and interaction effects of textual environmental claims and green visuals on attitude-toward-the-ad (Aad), attitude-toward-the-brand (Ab), purchase intention (PI), and green brand associations. In general, the use of textual environmental claims and green visuals lead to more positive advertising responses and more favorable perception of the brand's environmental effort. Textual environmental claims had stronger impact, but if no textual information was available, the use of green visuals could also generate positive perception of the brand's environmental effort. In addition, when textual claims or green visuals are present, participants perceived high involvement products as more environmentally friendly than low involvement products.
Fundamentals of fluid transport through cartilage in compression

This paper describes the flow patterns and related viscoelastic behaviors of articular cartilage under four different loading configurations: 1) confined compression, 2) unconfined compression, 3) translating parabolic surface traction of constant loading span over a cartilage layer, and 4) spreading parabolic surface traction of periodically varying span on a cartilage layer. Brief summaries of formulations and solutions of these problems are given and discussed. For the first two cases, emphasis is given to the differences in the flow mechanisms giving rise to the observed compressive viscoelastic behavior of the tissue. These two fundamental solutions can provide a basis for interpreting the results of the deformation and flow patterns obtained from more complicated loading configurations. The last two cases simulate two main geometric features of joint articulations. Fluid efflux patterns at the articulating surface depend on the kinematics of loading as well as the intrinsic material properties of the tissue: the moduli and permeability of the solid matrix. The predominant mechanism controlling the viscoelastic behavior of the tissue in compression is determined by the relative magnitude of the fluid drag and the intrinsic stiffness of the organic solid matrix.
Peptides: Pharmacological evidence for three forms of chemical excitability in cultured mouse spinal neurons

Intracellular recordings from mouse spinal neurons growing in monolayer culture were used to study the effects of opioid peptides and substance P on neuronal excitability. Three actions were observed: 1) transmitter-like actions, including a presumptive increase in Cl− conductance and a rapidly desensitizing excitation; 2) modulation of amino acid responses in the absence of, or independent of any other membrane effects; and 3) alteration in spike threshold in the absence of, or independent of any other membrane effects. All three types of effect were observed on the same cell. The same general classes of chemical excitability have been observed with a variety of non-peptide substances, indicating that the multiple effects of peptides are superficially not unique.
Rapid reversion of a deletion mutation in moloney murine leukemia virus by recombination with a closely related endogenous provirus

Abstract During abortive infection of mouse cells, defective retroviruses carrying deletions in essential functions can recombine with endogenous retroviral sequences to form viable, replication-competent viruses. We have examined the reversion of a mutant Moloney murine leukemia virus with a deletion in the protease domain of the pol gene after infection of NIH/3T3 cells. In this system revenants arise quickly, only 2 weeks after infection. Analysis of DNA clones of the revertant viral genomes showed that they were derived by recombination with a long sequence of gag and pol exhibiting 95% sequence identity to Moloney virus. One such cloned recombinant was fully infectious, indicating that the repertoire of viral sequences in the NIH/3T3 genome must include substantial stretches of functional viral genes. Examination of the viral DNAs very early in the infection revealed the presence of defective genomes, formed by nonhomologous crossovers between the two parental sequences. We suggest that these may serve as intermediates in the eventual formation of the viable revertant genomes.
Perspectives and Challenges on Climate Change and its Effects on Water Quality and Health

Climate change and its effects on water quality and health are an important problem which is challenging different aspects of our present day society. In this special issue, we have approached this problem area by gathering the perspectives of the leading scientists in this field of research. In this editorial, this subject is introduced from a dynamic system analysis perspective as a unifying point of view which is expanded on in several papers that are included in the special issue.
Constructing chains of primes in power series rings

Abstract For an integral domain D of dimension n, the dimension of the polynomial ring D [ x ] is known to be bounded by n + 1 and 2 n + 1 . While n + 1 is a lower bound for the dimension of the power series ring D [ [ x ] ] , it often happens that D [ [ x ] ] has infinite chains of primes. For example, such chains exist if D is either an almost Dedekind domain that is not Dedekind or a rank one nondiscrete valuation domain. One concern here is developing schemes by which such chains can be constructed in D [ [ x ] ] when D is an almost Dedekind domain. A consequence of these constructions is that there are chains of primes similar to the set of ω 1 transfinite sequences of 0ʼs and 1ʼs ordered lexicographically.
Effects of different dosages and modes of sodium bicarbonate administration during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Systemic acidosis occurs during cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The present study investigated the effect of different modes of sodium bicarbonate administration on blood gas parameters during CPR. Arterial and venous blood gases were obtained during 10 minutes of CPR which was preceded by 3 minutes of unassisted ventricular fibrillation in 36 dogs. Following 1 minute of CPR, the animals received one of four treatments in a randomized and blinded manner: normal saline (NS), sodium bicarbonate bolus dose 1 mEq/kg (B), sodium bicarbonate continuous infusion 0.1 mEq/kg/min (I), and sodium bicarbonate bolus dose (0.5 mEq/kg) plus continuous infusion 0.1 mEq/kg/min (L+I). Eleven dogs completed NS, 8 B, 8 I, and 9 L+I protocol. Following NS infusion, both arterial and venous pH declined consistently over time. Significant differences compared with NS treatment in venous pH were observed at 12 minutes of ventricular fibrillation (L+I, 7.27 +/- 0.05; NS, 7.15 +/- 0.05; B, 7.20 +/- 0.05; I, 7.24 +/- 0.04, each bicarbonate treatment versus NS, and L+I versus B, (P 7.45) at 12 minutes of ventricular fibrillation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Comparing the Reliability of PLA and Custom Logic Implementations of a QCA Adder

Assuming that nanoelectronic systems will face a large number of defective devices resulting in numerous computational faults, defect and/or fault tolerance will be necessary in these systems. However, multiple methods exist for providing this tolerance; in particular, many nanoelectronic systems are considering the use of reprogrammable logic or circuit redundancy. One decision point that may aid in determining which approach should be favored is whether the circuits to be implemented are more reliable when they are implemented in custom logic or in a regular logic array such as a PLA. In this paper, we consider the simple case of an adder circuit implemented in both logic types. We consider the use of QCA devices since both regular and custom logic designs are possible with QCA. We show that, when the components used to build each circuit are faulty, custom logic is preferable to regular logic since the component requirements are significantly smaller for custom logic.
Experimental study of the kinetic energy budget in a wind turbine streamtube

The classical streamtube analysis for a wind turbine couples the Bernoulli equation with the actuator-disk model to obtain the maximum possible power extraction at the wind turbine based on the difference between inlet and outlet fluxes of kinetic energy. However, the classical analysis neglects turbulence, which can play a crucial role in the various interactions of the streamtube with the turbulent Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL). The present study aims at examining the fluxes of kinetic energy on a wind turbine streamtube including the effects of turbulence, based on an existing Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data set obtained previously in a wind tunnel study of a model wind farm. The data are used to evaluate the most relevant fluxes of kinetic energy through the various parts of the control surface bounding the stream tube. It is found that the flux due to mean axial velocity, the turbulence-induced flux across the periphery of the streamtube, and the power extracted at the wind turbine are all o...
Isolation and partial characterization of a fragment corresponding to the dimeric form of the CH2 domain of rabbit IgG

A fragment corresponding to the intact dimeric form of the CH2 domain of rabbit IgG, including the hinge region disulfide linkage, was obtained by plasmin digestion of crystalline Fc derived from IgG by the action of papain. Identification and assessment of purity of the fragment was established by SDS-PAGE, amino acid composition analysis, N-terminus sequence and C-terminus amino acid analysis and SDS-urea-PAGE of the reduced fragment. The fragment retains serologic reactivity with anti-Fc specific antisera. Comparison of deglycosylation by endoglycosidase F indicates a more open special relationship between the two CH2 domains in the fragment than in Fc.
Remarks on metadata management

Purpose – As digital resources proliferate, libraries plan to grant easy access to a distributed set of resources from one single entry point inside and outside the OPAC. The quest to manage the metadata about these resources becomes more important than ever. Thus, the term, “metadata management” is being used by various communities creating spatial data, enterprise applications, data warehouses, legacy environments, and bibliographic data. Unfortunately, metadata management is sparsely mentioned in the traditional information technology journals, grey literature, information technology company web sites, and the library science literature. The purpose of this viewpoint is to examine the limited use of the term metadata management in the library community and to introduce a new definition of it.Design/methodology/approach – This viewpoint examines the limited use of the term metadata management in the library community and introduces a new definition of it.Findings – Although the proposed definition captu...
Radiation damage effects on liquid scintillating fibers

Abstract The effects of radiation on liquid scintillating fibers composed of borosilicate glass (Pyrex) tubing in combination with a high refractive index liquid scintillator are investigated. The fiber components (tubes, liquids and liquids in tubes), were irradiated in a nuclear reactor with doses exceeding 100 megarads. It was found that the discoloration of the glass tubing does not degrade the optical properties of the fibers - in fact, the attenuation length of fibers using irradiated tubes are longer than those using non irradiated tubes. The attenuation lengths of the liquids in this study appeared to be shortened by the radiation. However, it was found that no deposits or other surface damage occurred on the surfaces of the tubes containing the liquids so the irradiated fibers could be rejuvenated by simply adding fresh liquid.
Distributed state estimation in multi-agent networks

In this paper, we consider the problem of state estimation of a dynamical system in a multi-agent network. The agents are sparsely connected and each of them observes a strict subset of the state vector. The distributed algorithm that we propose enables each agent to estimate any arbitrary linear dynamical system with bounded mean-squared error. To achieve this, the ratio of the algebraic connectivity and the largest eigenvalue of the graph Laplacian has to be larger than a lower bound determined by the spectral radius of the system's dynamics matrix. This extends the notion of Network Tracking Capacity introduced by other authors in prior work. We accomplish this by introducing a new class of estimation algorithm of dynamical systems that, besides a (consensus + innovations) term, also includes consensus on the innovations.
Culture and psychotherapy: Toward a hermeneutic approach.

Despite the growing awareness of cultural differences and the challenges of multicultural counseling, critics have noted that understandings of culture within psychology remain largely cursory. Philosophical hermeneutics help to remedy this situation by offering a comprehensive theory of culture that (a) details how the self is embedded in culture, (b) highlights culture's inherently moral nature, and (c) shows how cultural conflict be can be mediated through dialogue. Hermeneutics provides a means of thinking interpretively about cultural meanings and discerning their specific manifestations. It can be utilized by psychotherapists not only to help understand clients from different cultural backgrounds but also to better recognize how the dominant Western cultural outlook—individualism—influences psychotherapy theory, research, and practice.
Characterization of the low-temperature ash component of the herrin 6 coal seam (southwestern illinois) by thermal methods of analysis

A low-temperature ash (LTA) specimen of the Herrin No. 6 Seam (Southwestern Illinois) was analyzed using the computerized thermal analysis techniques of differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetry (TG), and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG). The major features of the thermal curves were dominated by a large pyrite (FeS2) and hydrated iron sulfate component, illite and illite-smectite mixed-layer clays, and a small calcite component. The presence of hydrated iron(II) sulfates was observed to catalyze the decomposition of pyrite in inert atmospheres. The presence of large amounts of iron oxides, generated from studies in dynamic air (oxidizing) atmospheres, was observed to interact or change the nature of the calcite decomposition relative to that normally obtained by DTA and DTG techniques. The use of multiple atmosphere techniques allowed the recognition of pyrite in DTA as both an endothermic event in flowing nitrogen and carbon dioxide and as a multi-step exothermic event in dynamic air atmosphere. Due to the fact that ferrous sulfate heptahydrate exhibits a different mechanism for the loss of the final water of hydration in inert atmospheres than in oxidizing atmospheres, recognition of ferrous sulfate monohydrate was possible by both DTA and DTG thermal curves. The amount of calcite present in the LTA specimen was quantified in dynamic carbon dioxide atmosphere by thermogravimetry. This value was compared to that found by X-ray diffractometry. Sulfur analysis and X-ray diffraction data were also obtained for this LTA specimen.
Synthesis of Angular Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Via Ti(IV)-Promoted Aldol-Type Condensation of Silyl Enol Ethers with 2-Arylacetaldehydes

Abstract A novel one-pot synthesis of angular polycyclic hydrocarbon ring systems is described. The method involves Ti(IV)-promoted aldol-type condensation of silyl enol ethers with 2-arylacetaldehydes with concurrent cyclization and double dehydration of the adducts. Dehydrogenation of the partially saturated polyarene products either catalytically over palladium or with quinone oxidants, such as DDQ, affords fully aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons. Examples of the synthesis of various phenanthrene, chrysene, benz[a]anthracene, and benz[j]acephenanthrylene derivatives via this route are presented.
The vanishing lung syndrome associated with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Abstract Two patients are reported with ‘vanishing lungs’ associated with sarcoidosis or necrotizing sarcoid granulomatosis. This syndrome is a rare outcome of sarcoidosis, but sarcoidosis may be an underlying cause of giant bullous emphysema. If bullectomy is undertaken, tissue should be removed from relatively normal lungs and mediastinal nodes to demonstrate the presence and nature of any granulomas.
The Three Voyages of Edmond Halley in the Paramore: 1698–1701

On Thursday, October 20, 1698, a three-masted ship, captained by Edmond Halley with orders “to improve the knowledge of the Longitude and variations of the Compasse,” which he was to observe “with all the accuracy you can,” set sail from Deptford, England, on the first leg of the first voyage ever commissioned for strictly scientific purposes. Halley is now best known as an astronomer and for the comet that bears his name. However, his interests ranged over so many specialties that he is better described now by the 17th century title of “natural philosopher.” Among his various areas of study, the study of the earth took a major place, as shown by his many papers on the trade winds, the tides, and especially the magnetic field. This last interest led him to propose to the Royal Society that he make a voyage around the world “to discover what may be learnt … [of] the variations of the Magneticall Needle.” This ambitious undertaking was later scaled down to cover only the Atlantic Ocean, Halley made two voyages from 1698 to 1700, at one point reaching 52°S in his 52-foot vessel. As a tailpiece he made a third voyage in the summer and fall of 1701 to study the tides and tidal currents of the English Channel.
Influence of Brief Vagal and Stellate Nerve Stimulation on Pacemaker Activity and Conduction within the Atrioventricular Conduction System of the Dog

Experiments were performed on open-chest anesthetized dogs to determine the quantitative effects of autonomic nerve stimulation on pacemaker activity and conduction. The lead II electrocardiogram together with bipolar electrograms were recorded from the atria, the His bundles, and the ventricles. The vagi or the stellate ganglia were stimulated in dogs which exhibited either sinus rhythm, ectopic atrial rhythm, junctional rhythm, or ectopic ventricular rhythm. The time courses of the change in heart rate in response to vagal or stellate stimulation were characteristic for each type of rhythm. The characteristic responses of different cardiac pacemaker sites to autonomic influence were demonstrated to be important factors in the production of wandering pacemakers and in the emergence of ectopic beats. Sinus pacemaker activity was more sensitive to modification by autonomic stimulation than was atrioventricular (AV) conduction. However, subliminal autonomic effects on AV transmission were brought out during...
Prospective, long-term study of fat-soluble vitamin status in children with cystic fibrosis identified by newborn screen

Abstract Objective: To prospectively evaluate the biochemical status of vitamins A, D, and E in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Subjects: A total of 127 infants identified by the Colorado CF newborn screening program. Design: Vitamin status (serum retinol, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, ratio of alpha-tocopherol/total lipids) and serum albumin were assessed at diagnosis (4 to 8 weeks), ages 6 months, 12 months, and yearly thereafter, to age 10 years. Results: Deficiency of 1 or more vitamins was present in 44 (45.8%) of 96 patients at age 4 to 8 weeks as follows: vitamin A 29.0%, vitamin D 22.5%, and vitamin E 22.8%. Of these patients with initial deficiency, the percent that was deficient at 1 or more subsequent time points, despite supplementation, was vitamin A 11.1%, vitamin D 12.5%, and vitamin E 57.1%. Of the initial patients with vitamin sufficiency, the percent who became deficient at any time during the 10-year period was as follows: vitamin A 4.5%, vitamin D 14.4%, and vitamin E 11.8%. The percent of patients deficient for 1 or more vitamins ranged from 4% to 45% for any given year. Conclusions: Despite supplementation with standard multivitamins and pancreatic enzymes, the sporadic occurrence of fat-soluble vitamin deficiency and persistent deficiency is relatively common. Frequent and serial monitoring of the serum concentrations of these vitamins is therefore essential in children with CF. (J Pediatr 1999;135:601-10)
Ultrastructural examination of chamber morphogenesis and biomineralization in the planktonic foraminiferOrbulina universa

Pre-sphere, trochospiralOrbulina universa (d'Orbigny) were hand-collected between June and September, 1982 to 1984, from surface waters of the Pacific Ocean ca. 2 km off Santa Catalina Island, California, USA. The formation of a spherical chamber by this planktonic foraminifer was studied with light and electron microscopy. Chamber morphogenesis is preceded by the secretion of a cytoplasmic layer rich in mitochondria. The layer expands away from the pre-existing foraminiferal shell surface in a spherical pattern. Full cytoplasm expansion is followed by the secretion of an organic matrix (OM) approximately 200 μm above the original shell surface. Cytoplasm, mitochondria and/or vesicles may play a role in OM secretion. Calcification and chamber thickening, new spine growth and pore development are documented and continue for a period of 1–7 d. Approximately 24 h prior to gamete release, the foraminiferal spines are resorbed and a veneer of calcite is deposited on the shell surface. An extensive intracellular organelle unique to foraminifera, the fibrillar system, is examined and is hypothesized to play a role in the biomineralization process. The taxonomic and functional significance of theO. universa spherical chamber is discussed with respect to other foraminiferal species.
Broadband, high-resolution spatial heterodyne spectrometer

Design and performance parameters for a broadband, high-resolution spatial heterodyne spectrometer (SHS) are reported. The Mark 1 SHS achieves more than a factor of 5 in continuous wavenumber coverage with a design resolving power in the hundreds of thousands.
Implications of "reciprocal" ST segment depression associated with acute myocardial infarction identified by positron tomography.

This study was performed to determine whether patients with myocardial infarction with apparently reciprocal ST segment depression exhibit abnormal metabolism in zones distant from the primary zone of infarction. Positron emission tomography was performed after the intravenous injection of carbon-11 palmitate in 20 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Infarction was anterior in 7 patients and inferior in 13. Patients with anterior infarction did not show ST segment depression in the inferior leads and all of the patients exhibited normal homogeneous accumulation of palmitate in the inferior and posterior walls. Nine patients with inferior infarction (69%) exhibited ST segment depression (apparently reciprocal or due to anterior wall ischemia) in the anterior precordial leads. Myocardial injury tended to be greater in the primary zone of necrosis among patients with inferior infarction and "reciprocal" ST segment depression compared with those without anterior ST segment depression. This was reflected by the greater total inferior ST segment elevation (0.48 ± 0.35 versus 0.07 ± 0.19 mV [± standard deviation], p Three of the nine patients with inferior infarction and precordial ST depression exhibited anterior tomographic defects underlying the ST segment depression. Thus, although most of the patients with inferior infarction and precordial lead ST segment depression had no anterior wall metabolic compromise (67%) indicating that the anterior ST segment changes were truly reciprocal phenomena, in some the precordial electrocardiographic abnormalities reflected impaired metabolism in the anterior wall indicative of ischemia.
Byzantine Sources for the Iconography of Duccio's Maestà

The narrative of Christ's life on the back of Duccio's Maesta accounts in large measure for the fame of the altarpiece. Its range and scope—forty-four scenes — is so great as to be without precedent in Italian panel painting; it should raise the question of what source Duccio could have had.1 By and large, critics have been content to consider the episodes one by one, culling their origins from a vast art-historial landscape, from Early Christian and Ottonian art in the West to Byzantine art in the East. Such a discussion of the Maesta iconography as the lengthy one by Van Marie in his Recherches sur l'iconographie de Giotto et de Duccio seems largely unproductive;2 the very profusion of the comparative examples he adduces — ivories, manuscripts, frescoes, mosaics, and panel paintings from geographically scattered areas and from different centuries — is so great as to preclude any sense of pattern. I believe that the program has as a guide a single, comprehensive prototype, that is, an extensive cycle ill...
Instantiation of dynamic goals based on situation information in sensor management systems

Valued situation information is introduced as a measure which can be used to determine which information to obtain with a heterogeneous sensor system in a non-stationary, dynamic environment. Situation information is based on the change in the total Kullback-Leibler divergence of a particular type of influence diagram which we call a situation information expected value network (SIEV Net). The SIEV Net weights situation chance nodes by their dynamic mission goal values as expressed in the topmost goals of a mission goal lattice and computes the valued expected information which will result if a particular information request is selected. The sensor information request which yields the largest valued expected information is then instantiated. The result is the greatest reduction in uncertainty of our situation estimate while constrained to maximize the mission value of the information obtained.
Orbital transfer with minimum fuel

Abstract : An extension is made of the problem of scheduling the direction p of constant momentum thrust of a rocket, which loses mass at a constant rate, so that it transfers to a known earth satellite orbit in minimum time T after launching. A numerical solution was obtained, using rectangular coordinates, for the case of fixed launching conditions. The method is extended to solve the problem of orbital transfer of such a rocket with minimum fuel consumption.
Radiographic Factors and Effect of Fifth Metatarsal Jones and Diaphyseal Stress Fractures on Participation in the NFL

Introduction:Jones fracture and proximal diaphyseal stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal have been associated with prolonged healing times and nonunions. We hypothesized that the Jones fracture ...
Dual Color STED Microscopy with Ultrafast Photon Counting

To more precisely quantify association between cardiac proteins, we built a dual-channel super-resolution stimulation emission depletion (STED) microscope with an ultrafast photon-counting acquisition system. STED microscopy is unique among super-resolution technologies due to its capability of optical sectioning and fast imaging speed. A major limitation of STED is the aggravated photobleahching, to which fast scanning speed is an excellent solution. In order to keep up with fast scanning speed and to reduce counting nonlinearity, we invented a photon counting acquisition system based on ultra-fast analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), pushing the readout rate to the gigahertz range. Incorporated into a resonant scanning confocal microscope, this system can acquire images at 16,000 lines per second and 58,000 pixels per line. By adding a continuous wave (CW) depletion laser and photon arrival time control elements, the confocal microscope was converted to a time-gated STED microscope. A second STED channel was built with picosecond depletion pulses. The dual-channel STED microscope is able to achieve a resolution of ∼40 nm in biological samples which allows a more stringent analysis of colocalization in native systems.
Fate of the proximal aortic cuff: implications for endovascular aneurysm repair.

Abstract Purpose: Long-term success of endoluminally placed grafts for exclusion of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) relies on secure fixation at the proximal and distal cuffs and, as such, assumes that the fixation sites will not dilate over time. Data regarding this issue, however, are not yet available. This study was performed to evaluate the region of the proximal anastomosis in patients many years after having undergone conventional AAA repair to determine the potential for late dilatation after placement of an endoluminal device. Methods: Three hundred forty-six patients underwent repair of an infrarenal AAA at our institution between January 1985 and December 1990. Of 97 eligible living patients, 33 both had their original CT scans available and underwent repeat scanning at a mean of 88.6 ± 23.8 months (mean ± SD; range, 40 to 134 months) after repair. Results: The overall 5-year survival rate was 73%. The mean preoperative infrarenal aortic cuff diameter by CT scan was 24.5 ± 3.7 mm (range, 19 to 33 mm). At an average of 89 months after repair, the mean infrarenal aortic diameter increased 4.3 mm to 28.8 ± 7.7 mm (range, 20 to 52 mm; p = 0.0004 by t test). The proximal cuff at this time measured 30 mm or more in 11 patients (33%), and as early as 6 years after operation three of the seven patients (43%) scanned within this time period had cuffs that were dilated to 30 mm or more. Late dilatation to 30 mm or more was rare (16%) in patients who had preoperative cuffs that measured 27 mm or less. The mean late iliac artery size was 16.9 ± 8.9 mm (range, 10 to 52 mm), and 30% (10 of 33) measured 20 mm or more. Conclusions: One third of all patients who survive AAA repair experience significant dilatation of their proximal aortic cuff over time. Proximal dilatation is rare but not absent in patients who have smaller initial aortic cuff diameters. This dilatation rarely causes problems after conventional suture fixation, but the long-term implications of cuff dilatation after endoluminal repair are unclear. Our findings suggest that endovascular aortic prostheses that have the ability to continue to self-expand many years after implantation may be required and that endovascular prostheses may not be the best option for patients who have a long life expectancy or for those who have preoperative proximal cuffs greater than 27 mm.
Absorption of iron from recombinant human lactoferrin in young US women

Lactoferrin is a major protein component of human milk and it binds iron with high affinity. Because the human small intestine has receptors for lactoferrin a role for it in iron absorption has been suggested. The objective was to study the absorption of iron from extrinsically labeled purified recombinant human lactoferrin produced in rice and to compare it with the absorption of iron from ferrous sulfate. On 2 occasions 4 wk apart healthy young women (n = 20) were fed a standardized meal supplemented in randomized order with 59/Fe as lactoferrin or as ferrous sulfate. Ten subjects received lactoferrin that had been heat-treated and 10 subjects received untreated lactoferrin. Iron absorption was measured in a whole-body counter after 14 and 28 d and also was measured by red blood cell incorporation after 28 d. The difference in whole-body iron absorption between heat-treated (24.6 ± 20.8%; n = 10) and untreated (16.2 ± 4.4%; n = 10) lactoferrin was not significant. The difference in whole-body iron absorption between the groups given lactoferrin (20.4 ± 15.3%; n = 20) or ferrous sulfate (18.8 ± 13.2%; n = 20) also was not significant. Serum ferritin and iron absorption were inversely correlated in subjects when they received either lactoferrin or ferrous sulfate which suggested that iron is absorbed from the 2 sources by a similar mechanism. Iron is equally well absorbed from lactoferrin (whether heat-treated or untreated) and ferrous sulfate. Thus iron provided by dietary lactoferrin is likely to be well utilized in human adults. (authors)
Technology and the Changing Face of Teacher Preparation

However, 'The education industry is the only 'knowledge business' still debating the utility of technology' (The Milken Foundation, 2001b). Reed Hunt, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, added 'There are thousands of buildings in this country with millions of people in them who have no telephones, no cable television, and no reasonable prospect of broadband services. They're called schools' (The Milken Foundation, 2001b).
Phencyclidine and analogues: effects on brain protein synthesis

Phencyclidine and four analogues were tested for their capacity to inhibit total protein synthesis in a brain homogenate. At 1.0 mM they were all found to be potent inhibitors with values ranging from 36% to 96% inhibition. At this high concentration two of the analogues were equal to or more effective than the classic protein synthesis inhibitors cycloheximide and emetine. At lower concentrations the inhibition dropped off sharply to 18% at 1.0 X 10(-4) M and 9% at 1.0 X 10(-5) M for phencyclidine. If the inhibition observed in the brain homogenate occurs in vivo it may account for the high incidence of memory loss reported with phencyclidine use.
Analysis of a rate-based access control mechanism for high-speed networks

The authors present an analysis of a rate-based access control mechanism for high-speed networks that is based on the buffered leaky bucket scheme. The analysis assumes a discrete time environment representative of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks and a batch arrival process that captures cell arrivals generated by segmentation of large user packets or superposition of a number of arrival streams. The solution method is based on matrix analytic techniques, but the particular structure of the system allowed for a number of important improvements. It is shown that the problem can be partitioned and that the matrix G, central to the matrix analytic technique, can be computed using exact recursive procedures instead of the traditional iterative approach. These improvements not only extend the range of systems that can be handled, but also eliminate computational issues such as convergence rate and stopping criterion. >
A modeling methodology for real-time/multimedia operating systems

Real-time scheduling theory attempts to guarantee that a real-time task set always meets its deadlines. Historically, there has existed a wide gap between real-time scheduling theory and the reality of applying the theory to task sets implemented via real-time operating systems (RTOSs). The paper provides a framework to account for implementation costs in real-time scheduling theory. In addition, an engineering methodology that allows users and developers to accurately model and evaluate RTOSs is presented. We use this methodology to model three different commercial real-time operating systems that are being used in multimedia applications. We show how to use the RTOS scheduling models to evaluate the performance and design of RTOSs.
Thermoelastic coefficients of alpha quartz

Experimental measurements of alpha quartz thermal expansion as reported in the literature have been critically analyzed. A recommended set of best measured values over the temperature range -50 degrees C to +150 degrees C have been determined, as have values for the coefficient of thermal linear expansion (CTE) and the thermoelastic coefficients. The impact of using the coefficients on determinations of quartz material temperature coefficients and on the calculation of temperature coefficients of frequency for the case of the AT-cut is discussed. >
An Empirical Examination Of Pension Rate Estimates: A Benchmark Approach

In this paper, we analyze pension rate choices for a sample of 495 firms over the thirteen-year period from 1994-2006. In recent years, articles have appeared in business publications alleging abuse of the discretion afforded to management in setting pension rates, particularly the pension discount rate and expected rate of return on plan assets. We find that pension discount rate estimates and expected rate of return estimates generally comply with the authoritative requirements, although there appears to be a smoothing effect in setting pension discount rates as well as a lag in fully reflecting economic conditions. We find evidence consistent with discount rate choice being influenced by deteriorating economic conditions, and possibly passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We also find that, in general, firms’ expected rate of return assumptions tend to reflect their long-run internal rates of return on pension assets, although the recessionary influences in the early 2000s were not fully reflected in the expected rates of return toward the end of our test period. There is also a sizeable minority of firms (approximately 27%) for which their expected rates of return on plan assets consistently overstate their actual, long-run returns.