cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct enzymatic hydrolysis and patterning of a chemisorbed peptide thin film

We have demonstrated that covalently immobilized enzyme can be used to chemically modify and pattern a chemisorbed peptide film on a solid substrate. The enzyme, alpha- chymotrypsin, was covalently attached to silica and latex spherical beads by glutaraldehyde crosslinking to an amino surface functionality. The fluorescent peptide, suc-ala-ala- phe-AMC (SAAP-AMC) was immobilized to an aminosilane- modified flat silica surface by forming an amide bond to its free carboxylic acid group. SAAP-AMC surfaces were characterized using water wetability, fluorescence spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Upon attack by alpha-chymotrypsin coated beads, the fluorescent AMC group (325 nm ex, 395 nm em) is cleaved from the SAAP- AMC peptide surface and a red-shift occurs in the AMC fluorescence providing a standard marker for enzymatic activity (345 nm ex, 440 nm em). Thus, the signature for alpha-chymotrypsin bead activity against the surface is a reduction in fluorescence intensity from the peptide surface (at 395 nm) and a concomitant increase in fluorescence in the solution above the surface (at 440 nm). Treatment of the SAAP-AMC silica surfaces with alpha-chymotrypsin-beads showed a reduction of the surface fluorescence to background in less than 24 hours, with a corresponding increase of free AMC fluorescence in solution. By restricting the contact region of the beads with the peptide surface we were able to demonstrate chemical patterning of the peptide surfaces.
An image motion compensation system for the multi-object double spectrograph

We describe progress on a closed-loop image motion compensation system (IMCS) for the Multi-Object Double Spectrograph (MODS). The IMCS actively compensates for image motion in the focal plane within the instrument caused by temperature fluctuation, mechanism flexure, and large scale structural bending due to gravity. The system utilizes an infrared laser as a reference beam that shares a light path with the science beam and is detected by an infrared reference detector adjacent to the science detector. The reference detector is read out frequently and detects any image motion in the focal plane. The IMCS compensates for this motion during a science exposure by adjusting the tip and tilt angles of the collimator mirror. A working lab prototype meets specifications and is described.
Development and evaluation of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire: a new health status measure for heart failure

Abstract OBJECTIVES To create a valid, sensitive, disease-specific health status measure for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). BACKGROUND Quantifying health status is becoming increasingly important for CHF. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) is a new, self-administered, 23-item questionnaire that quantifies physical limitations, symptoms, self-efficacy, social interference and quality of life. METHODS To establish the performance characteristics of the KCCQ, two distinct patient cohorts were recruited: 70 stable and 59 decompensated CHF patients with ejection fractions of RESULTS Convergent validity of each KCCQ domain was documented by comparison with available criterion standards (r = 0.46 to 0.74; p CONCLUSIONS The KCCQ is a valid, reliable and responsive health status measure for patients with CHF and may serve as a clinically meaningful outcome in cardiovascular research, patient management and quality assessment.
Mixing signs and bones: John Deely's case for global semiosis

The article develops a critique of John Deely’s ontological realism, specifically in its relevance for the project of global semiotics. Deely, whose theorizations rely heavily on the pre-modern philosophical systems of Thomas Aquinas and the Latin scholastics, has made the most sustained attempt to give philosophical grounding to Charles Peirce’s famous intuition that “all this universe is perfused with signs, if it is not composed exclusively of signs”. The critique develops along two main lines. Firstly, I contend that Deely’s account of ontological relations is unsatisfactory, for it assumes the very fact it promises to demonstrate: the identity between patterns of physical events, on one hand, and patterns of thought, on the other. As it is never adequately explained what it means for the former to be identical with the latter, the mediating term – “ontological relation” – remains highly problematic. Secondly, I argue that even if this ontological paradigm is allowed to stand as proposed, it still fails to bridge the gap between the so-called “natural” signs and human-specific, language-based signification; for, as it posits a unity between the stipulable and the non-stipulable sign, the argument falls into a performative contradiction.
Estimation of Product Response: The Empirical Similitude Method and Technique of Conformal Mapping

Functional testing of representative prototypes is an important phase in the evolution of most products. Layer Fabrication methods, importantly the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process allow for quick fabrication of test prototypes such that the experimental data derived from them can be used to predict the response of a hypothetical product for a desired variable of interest. Traditional Similitude Method (TSM) or Buckingham π theorem has been used conventionally for dimensional analysis to correlate the similarity between different structures. Some of its inherent limitations have prompted researchers to include the effects of non-linear material variations and geometric distortions during the scaling process. Thus, the development of the Empirical Similitude Method (ESM) is largely based on the hypothesis that these non-linear variations and distortions can be captured mathematically by using intermediate test specimens. In an effort to improve ESM, conformal mapping has been hypothesized to be an important technique for scaling and analysis. This paper explores the technique of Conformal Mapping as a potential equivalence procedure based on the principle of ESM. The methodology is elucidated along with a heat transfer example.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Feedthrough of the Magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability in the presence of a shock

The success of the Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) campaign requires successful mitigation of the Magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability (MRT). Initially, the exterior of the liner is MRT unstable; as the accelerated liner compresses a fill gas, it is eventually decelerated by the back pressure of the fill gas causing the inner surface to become MRT unstable. It is thought that feedthrough of MRT from the outer to inner surface can provide a seed for disruptive growth in the deceleration phase. A common method of studying MRT is by machining sinusoidal ripples on the exterior of metal targets (Al, Be in particular). This seeding provides a known wavelength for MRT whose growth can then be compared with linear theory. For the exterior of Al liners, linear MRT theory works quite well [1] and thus, feedthrough theory should apply equally well to the inner surface for an unshocked seeded liner. However, in most shots on the Z-machine a shock is driven through the liner. 2D HYDRA simulations show the shock is rippled with the seeded wavelength and imprints this ripple on the inner surface as it breaks-out. The amplitude of this ripple could be much larger than what would be expected from the feedthrough of MRT theory [2]. Thus, to study feedthrough directly either isentropic compression is required, or we must include the effect of the shock on feedthrough. We propose a simple model to determine the imprinted ripple amplitude from a shock and then calculate the evolution of the inner surface ripple using traditional MRT [2] and Richtmyer-Meshkov theory and then compare to 2D HYDRA results. This model allows for simultaneous study of outer/inner surface growth from an exterior seeded perturbation and includes the effect of feedthrough. We also examine the impact of axial magnetic fields and fill gases (cool and pre-heated) on feedthrough and shock imprinting by applying our model and compare with 2D simulations.
The nature of the oxide barrier in inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy

We have investigated the insulating barrier of A1-oxidized A1Pb tunnel junctions. This study was effected by measuring the inelastic electron tunneling (IET) spectra of various junctions in which the insulator was formed by oxidizing the aluminum either in an O2 H2O or D2O plasma discharge at various temperatures between room temperature and 250°C. We found that those insulators formed at all temperatures in 02 and those formed at high temperatures (≳150°C) in H2O and D2O are aluminum oxide with no evidence for any appreciable bulk hydroxide. The surfaces of these insulators do have adsorbed hydroxyl groups present, however. The insulators made at lower temperatures (<100°C) are also primarily aluminum oxide, but there is evidence for some bulk hydroxide. These “oxides” have a high concentration of surface hydroxy1 groups with indications of two types of surface hydroxyls.
RON, a Tyrosine Kinase Receptor Involved in Tumor Progression and Metastasis

Tyrosine kinase receptors mediate many critical cellular functions that contribute to tumor progression and metastasis and thus are potential targets for molecular-based cancer therapy. As has been found for many receptor tyrosine kinases, RON (recepteur d’origine nantais) and its ligand, macrophage-stimulating protein, have recently been implicated in the progression and metastasis of tumors. In in vitro experiments using colon and breast cancer cell lines, overexpression of RON led to increased invasion and migration of cancer cells and prevented apoptosis and anoikis. In addition, transgenic mice engineered to overexpress RON in the lung epithelium developed multiple pulmonary tumors, suggesting a role for RON in tumorigenesis. In human cancer specimens, increased RON expression has been demonstrated in colon, breast, ovarian, and lung tumors. Therefore, therapies designed to inhibit RON activation may hinder critical tumor survival mechanisms and play a role in the treatment of advanced disease.
Saddle node bifurcation at a nonhyperbolic limit cycle in a phase locked loop

Abstract New results are given on the phenomenon of false lock in second-order, Type I phase locked loops (PLLs) with a constant frequency reference of ω i and a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) quiescent frequency of ω 0 . This loop has only one false lock state whose frequency error approaches ω i -ω 0 as loop gain δ approaches zero, and this false lock state is stable. This false lock state corresponds to a stable, hyperbolic limit cycle X s (t;δ) of the nonlinear equation describing the loop. As gain δ is increased from a value of zero, it is shown that a value δ 1 can be reached where X s becomes semi-stable and nonhyperbolic. Furthermore, saddle node bifurcation occurs at δ 1 , and a second limit cycle X u (t;δ) branches from this bifurcation point. Limit cycle X u is unstable, and it corresponds to an unstable false lock state of the PLL. Furthermore, X u can be continued as a function of gain on an interval δ 2 1 , for some δ 2 >0. Finally, X s and X u do not exist for δ>δ 1 . Two numerical algorithms are given to analyse the false locked PLL under consideration. The first is useful for computing the above-mentioned limit cycles and the bifurcation point δ 1 . The second algorithm can calculate a Poincare map and its derivative which are useful in studying the saddle node bifurcation which occurs at δ 1 . Also given is a detailed description of a laboratory experiment which was used to substantiate the theory and numerical techniques. The qualitative theory, numerical method and laboratory procedure are applied to a simple example. The numerical and empirical results are shown to be in close agreement.
Two different murine sarcoma virus isolates have homologous genome sequences: implication for their origin.

Abstract Fingerprints and base compositions of large RNase T1-resistant oligonucleoticfes of two isolates of mouse sarcoma viruses (Moloney-MSV clone 124; and MSV clone 1712) have been compared. The data indicate that the genomes of the two MS%' RNAs share at least 14 large oligonucleotides, an observation suggesting that the viruses are closely related. These results are discussed in regard to the origin of the two MSV isolates.
Concomitant renal cell carcinoma and chronic myelogenous leukemia: use of a targeted approach

Numerous therapeutic options have been introduced for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mrcc) in recent years, including monoclonal antibodies such as bevacizumab and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as sunitinib and sorafenib. Similarly, several other small-molecule inhibitors—including imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib—have been approved for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (cml). The combination of these targeted agents is an area of intense clinical investigation. Here, we describe a patient diagnosed with mrcc while on imatinib therapy for cml. Treatment of this patient with the combination of bevacizumab and imatinib led to a 6-month period of stable disease, with no treatment-related adverse events. More extensive clinical exploration of this combination of agents may therefore be warranted.
Review And Status Report On Laser Tissue Fusion

In an attempt to overcome some of the problems associated with conventional wound closure, i.e. suture or mechanical device closure, the laser has been used for "tissue welding" ,(sealing and fusion), of wound edges. Early attempts at laser tissue fusion were centered on microvascular anastomosis and recent studies have extended to include most soft tissues. It has been demonstrated in animal studies, that the process of healing after laser wound closure is very similar in most tissues. Within the past year alone, the experimental work in this area has progressed rapidly; limited clinical trials are now under way. Based on detailed animal studies and limited clinical experience, laser tissue fusion may soon replace many conventional techniques of wound repair.
Effects of acute x-irradiation upon growth of Parthenocissus tricuspidata axillary buds-II. Anatomical damage and recovery*

Axillary buds of different developmental stages of Boston ivy seedlings were exposed to acute X-irradiation or injured mechanically. Both types of treatment to the buds could result in shoot growth with missing or displaced organs or a defunct apical meristem (blind shoot). Only ionizing radiation could produce adventitious organs or bifurcations. Mechanical injury to the buds damaged only organs on the shoots which had been present in the bud at treatment time, while radiation damage appeared in organs yet unformed in the bud at the time of exposure. Histological studies of the buds showed that in the apex there was equal radiation damage to surface and subsurface layers with the central zone more sensitive than the flanks. Damaged cells were scattered through young primordia. Recovery was defined as the ability of a shoot to resume normal growth, and occurred earlier in time in apices and shoots of buds treated in later developmental stages than in younger-treated ones. Deviations from normal growth on recovered shoots occurred for only portions of the stem and were attributed to morphological alterations and not induced somatic mutations. Radioresistance of the bud was measured by its ability to produce a shoot with a viable meristem; either the original apex or a substitute. Buds treated at older stages were less sensitive than younger-treated ones. This difference was attributed to a larger cell population, greater apical size during recovery, and faster growth. Nuclear or chromosome volume was apparently not a factor.
Estrogen-dependent transcriptional activation and vitellogenin gene memory.

The concept of hepatic memory suggests that a gene responds more rapidly to a second exposure of an inducer than it does during the initial activation. To determine how soon estrogen-dependent DNA/protein interactions occur during the primary response, in vivo dimethylsulfate footprinting was carried out using genomic DNA amplified by ligation-mediated PCR. When estrogen was added to disrupted cells from a hormone-naive liver, changes within and around the estrogen response elements occurred within seconds, indicating a direct and rapid effect on this estrogen-responsive promoter that had never before been activated. Because this effect was so rapid relative to the delayed onset of mRNA accumulation during the primary response, run-on transcription assays were used to determine the transcription profiles for four of the yolk protein genes during the primary and secondary responses to estrogen. As with the accumulation of mRNA, the onset of transcription was delayed for all of these genes after a primary e...
Are Jews Smarter Than Everyone Else

The debate about "race" and "intelligence" seems to be never ending. The "special nature" of the intelligence ascribed to "Jews" has recently reappeared in an essay by one of the authors of the notorious study of race and intelligence - The Bell Curve . How this debate is constructed and what its implications are for the reappearance of "race" as a category in medical and biological science is at the core of this present essay.
Current Management of Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Ventricular Insufficiency

Pulmonary hypertension is a pathologic condition characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressures and an associated vasculopathy. Primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) is a rare condition with a sporadic occurrence and a familial form of the disorder. Abnormal vasomotor tone in the pulmonary vasculature results from an imbalance of the action of various vasoconstrictors/ vascular proliferative agents (endothelin and thromboxane) versus vasodilators /anti-proliferative agents (prostacyclin and nitric oxide). The mainstay of outpatient therapy has been the use of digitalis, diuretics, oxygen, and coumadin and the judicious use of vasodilator therapy. Calcium channel blockers in a select group and intravenous prostacyclin have dramatically improved survival for those with primary pulmonary hypertension. Use of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) in other forms of chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension is not as clear, although evidence of initial beneficial response is promising. Importantly, over the next few years both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment modalities for pulmonary hypertension may rapidly change as we focus more on the abnormal pulmonary vascular biology and concomitant hemodynamic and neurohormonal milieu.
Data mining approach to bipolar cognitive map development and decision analysis

A data mining approach to cognitive mapping is presented based on bipolar logic, bipolar relations, and bipolar clustering. It is shown that a correlation network derived from a database can be converted to a bipolar cognitive map (or bipolar relation). A transitive, symmetric, and reflexive bipolar relation (equilibrium relation) can be used to identify focal links in decision analysis. It can also be used to cluster a set of events or itemsets into three different clusters: coalition sets, conflict sets, and harmony sets. The coalition sets are positively correlated events or itemsets; each conflict set is a negatively correlated set of two coalition subsets; and a harmony set consists of events that are both negatively and positively correlated. A cognitive map and the clusters can then be used for online decision analysis. This approach combines knowledge discovery with the views of decision makers and provides an effective means for online analytical processing (OLAP) and online analytical mining (OLAM).
The evolution and formation of amicus curiae networks

Abstract This paper sheds light on two age-old questions of interest group behavior: how have interest group coalition strategies changed over time and which factors determine whether interest groups work together? Through the creation of a new network measure of interest group coalitions based on cosigner status to United States Supreme Court amicus curiae briefs, we illuminate the central players and overall characteristics of this dynamic network from 1930 to 2009. We present evidence of an increasingly transitive network resembling a host of tightly grouped factions and leadership hub organizations employing mixed coalition strategies. We also model the attribute homophily and structure of the present-day network. We find assortative mixing of interest groups based on industry area, budget, sales and membership.
Pulsed laser annealing of aluminum

Pulsed ruby laser irradiation of unimplanted single crystal and implanted polycrystalline Al has been studied with ion beam analysis and TEM. Results show that Al is melted to a depth of approx. 0.9 ..mu..m with a 4.2 J/cm/sup 2/, 15 ns pulse, and that vacancies are quenched into Al during resolidification. Diffusion of Zn in liquid Al is observed, and a melt time of approx. 65 ns is estimated for a 3.8 J/cm/sup 2/, 30 ns pulse. The observations are in reasonable agreement with calculations of sample temperature and melt times. We observe no precipitation of AlSb in liquid Al for Sb-implanted Al, and conclude that the nucleation time satisfies 50 ns less than or equal to t/sub nuc/ less than or equal to 200 ns. We find no evidence for amorphous Al after irradiation of single crystal Al with energies greater than or equal to 1.5 J/cm/sup 2/.
Poly(Adenylate) Polymerase Activity of Rat Brain

The poly(adenylate)[poly(A)] polymerase of rat brain, as in rat liver, is located primarily in the nuclear sap when nuclei are prepared under hypertonic conditions. The enzyme can be released from nuclei in two forms. Form I is prepared by gentle incubation of nuclei at 0 degrees C in hypotonic buffer. It has a Mn optimum of 0.6 mM and a pH optimum between 8 and 9. The ATP concentration curve plateaus at 0.2 mM. The optimal poly(A) primer concentration is 600 micrograms/ml, which is three times higher than that for the enzyme similarly prepared from liver. The time course of the reaction for the form I enzyme is increasing over the first 40 min and becomes nearly linear thereafter. Form I is not stimulated by either calcium or cyclic nucleotides, but is inhibited by polyamines, pyrophosphate, and high concentrations of GTP. Form II enzyme is prepared by homogenization of nuclei in hypotonic buffer. It has the same ATP and poly(A) optima as the form I enzyme but displays linear kinetics over a 60-min time course. It is slightly stimulated by cGMP and cAMP and strongly inhibited by spermine, sodium pyrophosphate, and high concentrations of GTP.
Disposition of ceftazidime in surgical patients with intra-abdominal infection

The disposition of ceftazidime was assessed in 11 surgical patients with suspected intra-abdominal infection. All patients had normal hepatic function, and creatinine clearances ranged from 43 to 186 ml/min. Patients received 2 g of ceftazidime intravenously every 8 h. Trough and peak concentrations in serum were measured on day 2, and trough and postdose concentrations in serum were determined on 10 samples collected during a dosage interval between days 3 and 6 of therapy. Ceftazidime peak and trough concentrations in serum at steady state determined by high-performance liquid chromatography were 257.4 +/- 122.0 (mean +/- standard deviation) and 13.1 +/- 20.6 mg/liter. The serum-concentration-versus-time profile was multiexponential. The elimination half-life, steady-state volume of distribution, and total body clearance were 2.52 +/- 1.39 h, 0.31 +/- 0.12 liter/kg, and 0.11 +/- 0.05 liter/h per kg, respectively. Total predicted body clearance significantly correlated with the measured values (r = 0.868; P = 0.001). The disposition of ceftazidime is dependent on creatinine clearance and is not significantly altered by surgery or acute infectious processes.
Cooperation and Cognitive Radio

Cooperation is increasingly regarded as a key technology for tackling the challenges of a practical implementation of cognitive radio. In this paper, we first give a brief overview of the envisioned applications of cooperative technology to cognitive radio, distinguishing among cooperative sensing for detection of the primary activity, cooperative transmission between secondary nodes and cooperative transmission of primary traffic by secondary users (cognitive relaying). Then, we focus on the latter scenario and investigate a simple wireless network, where one secondary transmitter has the option to relay traffic of the primary. Assuming that the primary is oblivious to the presence of the secondary (thus excluding the possibility of spectrum leasing), the secondary transmitter optimizes transmission/ relaying parameters towards the goal of maximizing the rate towards the secondary receiver. Numerical results are provided in order to discuss the advantage and limits of cognitive relaying.
Deconvolution of impulse response in event-related BOLD fMRI.

The temporal characteristics of the BOLD response in sensorimotor and auditory cortices were measured in subjects performing finger tapping while listening to metronome pacing tones. A repeated trial paradigm was used with stimulus durations of 167 ms to 16 s and intertrial times of 30 s. Both cortical systems were found to be nonlinear in that the response to a long stimulus could not be predicted by convolving the 1-s response with a rectangular function. In the short-time regime, the amplitude of the response varied only slowly with stimulus duration. It was found that this character was predicted with a modification to Buxton's balloon model. Wiener deconvolution was used to deblur the response to concatenated short episodes of finger tapping at different temporal separations and at rates from 1 to 4 Hz. While the measured response curves were distorted by overlap between the individual episodes, the deconvolved response at each rate was found to agree well with separate scans at each of the individual rates. Thus, although the impulse response cannot predict the response to fully overlapping stimuli, linear deconvolution is effective when the stimuli are separated by at least 4 s. The deconvolution filter must be measured for each subject using a short-stimulus paradigm. It is concluded that deconvolution may be effective in diminishing the hemodynamically imposed temporal blurring and may have potential applications in quantitating responses in eventrelated fMRI.
The Tinsley LCR Databridge Model 6401 and electrical impedance measurements to evaluate skin integrity in vitro

Electrical impedance is used to confirm skin integrity for in vitro dermal regulatory testing and as a tool to evaluate skin condition to determine the irritation and corrosion potential of various chemicals and personal care products. In this experiment, samples of dermatomed human skin were mounted onto static diffusion cells (0.64 cm2) maintained at 32 degrees C. Following equilibration with 0.9% saline in the donor and receptor chambers, an impedance measurement was taken with a Tinsley LCR Databridge Model 6401 set in the resistance mode (R) and in (a) the serial-equivalent mode (SER) with an alternating current (AC) frequency of 100 hertz (Hz), (b) SER and 1000 Hz, (c) parallel-equivalent mode (PAR) and 100 Hz, and (d) PAR and 1000 Hz. With the databridge set in the SER-equivalent mode and an AC frequency of 1000 Hz, the minimum (7.2 kOmega), maximum (10.0 kOmega), and median (8.6 kOmega) impedance values exhibited a limited response range (2.8 kOmega). However, when the Tinsley 6401 was set in the PAR-equivalent mode at the lower AC frequency of 100 Hz the minimum (16.7 kOmega), maximum (134.6 kOmega), median (83.2 kOmega), and range (117.9 kOmega) of values were the highest obtained. The results confirm that the operator-selected settings on the Tinsley LCR Databridge Model 6401 affect the impedance measurement and the dynamic range of values observed for dermatomed human skin in vitro.
Tunable intersubband Raman laser in GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells

A new tunable source of infrared radiation based on intersubband electron Raman scattering in semiconductor quantum wells is studied theoretically. The structure consisting of three levels in two coupled GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells is optimized for a maximum Raman gain at zero bias. Raman gain as large as 400/cm can be achieved according to our calculations. Lasing wavelengths are tuned when an external dc bias field is applied along the growth direction. An infrared tuning range of 8–12 μm with moderate Raman gain is predicted as the electric field is varied from -40 to 40 kV/cm.
Design and development of an anthropocentric negotiation model

The experience of a traditional marketplace was enhanced by the fact that it constituted more than just a place of economic transaction, which was often secondary to the opportunities for social contact by Kontolemakis G., Kanellis P., Martakos D., (2004). In this vein, research continuously defines new ways aiming to offer 'real life-like' representations of products and services within electronic marketplaces along with the procedures that accommodate transactions between buyers and sellers. This paper aims in defining an anthropocentric negotiation model.
Negative co-operativity in the EGF receptor.

Scatchard analyses of the binding of EGF (epidermal growth factor) to its receptor (EGFR) yield concaveup Scatchard plots, indicative of some type of heterogenity in ligand-binding affinity. This was typically interpreted as being due to the presence of two independent binding sites: one of high affinity representing 10% of the receptor population, and one of low affinity making up the bulk of the receptors. However, the concept of two independent binding sites is difficult to reconcile with the X-ray structures of the dimerized EGFR that show symmetrical binding of the two ligands. A new approach to the analysis of 125 IEGF-binding data combined with the structure of the singly-occupied Drosophila EGFR have now shown that this heterogeneity is due to the presence of negative co-operativity in the EGFR. Concerns that negative co-operativity precludes ligand-induced dimerization of the EGFR confuse the concepts of linkage and cooperativity. Linkage refers to the effect of ligand on the assembly of dimers, whereas co-operativity refers to the effect of ligand binding to one subunit on ligand binding to the other subunit within a preassembled dimer. Binding of EGF to its receptor is positively linked with dimer assembly, but shows negative cooperativity within the dimer.
Analysis of potential yield per recruit for striped bass produced in Chesapeake Bay

Abstract The yield of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in biomass and numbers was estimated for constant recruitment of young fish into the population on the basis of vital statistics of the Maryland stock. Separate computations were performed for males, females, and sexes combined. Yield in biomass per individual entering the population was highest when the minimum legal length was in the range of 80-90 cm fork length and no upper size limits were imposed. The yield would increase at these size limits in both the Bay and Coastal fisheries, although the Coastal fishery would gain a slight relative advantage because the escapement of immature females from the Bay would increase. The most significant negative effect associated with an increase in the size limits would be the elimination of the traditional fisheries that focus on panfish (male and immature female striped bass 28-40 cm long). Although the length limits recommended in an existing Interstate Fisheries Management Plan for Striped Bass will increa...
Accelerated deacylation of acyl salicylates and neighboring group effects in derivatives of poly(ethylenimine)

The deacylation of acetylsalicylate and of adipoyldisalicylate in the presence of modified and unmodified poly(ethylenimine)s has been investigated. The kinetics of these reactions have been analyzed in terms of an initial binding step followed by one or two aminolysis steps, and the relevant kinetic parameters have been evaluated. The polymers markedly accelerate the rate of deacylation. Second-order rate constants based on total primary amine concentration for aminolysis by the polymers are 103–105 times larger than those for methylamine. The most striking effect of the polymer has been observed in the two successive aminolysis steps of adipolydisalicylate where the second rate constant is approximately 20-fold greater than the first, presumably because of local proximity factors.
Egg production of pullets fed only during the cooler part of the day.

Abstract THE data of Heywang (1944) show that no increase in their egg production or feed consumption, or better maintenance of their weight, resulted from subjecting laying pullets to artificial light, either from midnight to daylight or all night, during hot weather. These pullets could eat during both the hotter and the cooler parts of the day, for there is quite a difference between day and night air temperatures in the region where the data were obtained. It seemed to the writer, however, that both the slow growth of young chickens and the low egg production of laying chickens that usually occur during hot weather might be stimulated to some extent if their feeding time were restricted to the cooler part of the day. Consequently, experiments were conducted at the Southwest Poultry Experiment Station, Glendale, Arizona, in which the feeding time of young chickens and of laying pullets was so restricted. . . .
The cost-effectiveness of low-dose CT screening for lung cancer: preliminary results of baseline screening.

Background: Low-dose CT scan screening greatly improves the likelihood of detecting small nodules and, thus, of detecting lung cancer at a potentially more curable stage. Methods: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a single baseline low-dose CT scan for lung cancer screening in high-risk individuals, data from the Early Lung Cancer Action Project (ELCAP) was incorporated into a decision analysis model comparing low-dose CT scan screening of high-risk individuals (ie, those > 60 years with at least 10 pack-years of cigarette smoking and no other malignancies) to observation without screening. Cost-effectiveness was expressed as the incremental cost per year of life saved. The analysis adopted the perspectives of the health-care system. The probability of the different outcomes following the decision either to screen or not to screen an individual at risk was based on data from ELCAP and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Registry or published data, respectively. The cost of the screening and treatment of patients with lung cancer was established based on data from the New York Presbyterian Hospital’s financial system. The base-case analysis was conducted under the assumption of similar aggressiveness of screen-detected and incidentally discovered lung cancers and then was followed by multiple sensitivity analyses to relax these assumptions. Results: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of a single baseline low-dose CT scan was $2,500 per year of life saved. The base-case analysis showed that screening would be expected to increase survival by 0.1 year at an incremental cost of approximately $230. Only when the likelihood of overdiagnosis was > 50% did the cost effectiveness ratio exceed $50,000 per year of life saved. The cost-effectiveness ratios were also relatively insensitive to estimates of the potential lead-time bias. Conclusions: A baseline low-dose CT scan for lung cancer screening is potentially highly cost-effective and compares favorably to the cost-effectiveness ratios of other screening programs. (CHEST 2003; 124:614 – 621)
Phase separation of 2D meso-scale Coulombic crystals from meso-scale polarizable "solvent"

This paper describes the phase separation of millimetre-scale spheres based on electrostatic charge. Initially, polymeric (Teflon, T; Nylon-6,6, N) and metallic (gold-coated Nylon-6,6, AuN) spheres are uniformly mixed in a two-dimensional (2D) monolayer on a gold-coated plate. Oscillating the plate vertically caused the spheres to charge by contact electrification (tribocharging). Positively charged N and negatively charged T spheres attracted each other more strongly than they attracted the capacitively charged, AuN spheres. The T and N spheres formed 2D Coulombic crystals, and these crystals separated from the AuN spheres. The extent and rate of separation increased with increasing amplitude of agitation during tribocharging, and with decreasing density of spheres on the surface. At high surface density, the T and N spheres did not separate from the AuN spheres. This system models the 2D nucleation of an ionic crystal from a polarizable liquid.
Influence of Ascorbic Acid on Broiler Shrink and Processing Yields

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) supplied in the water for 24 h prior to catching on live shrink, processing yields, and meat quality of broiler chickens. In each experiment, 480 broilers were randomly assigned to 24 pens and were given either tap water or tap water supplemented with 973 ppm ascorbic acid for 24 h. Both treatment groups were then cooped, held for 8 h, and slaughtered using conventional methods. Birds were processed for measurement of yield, chill water uptake, drip, breast meat yield, breast meat moisture, and texture. In Experiment 1, the ascorbic acid treatment resulted in a significant increase in dry yield (prechill) with and without giblets and in chilled yield without giblets when calculated as a percentage of New York dressed weight. In Experiment 2, the weight of gastrointestinal waste was significantly lower for the birds treated with ascorbic acid. Of the 76 total measurements in the two trials, only four were significant, with three having some degree of autocorrelation. It was concluded that ascorbic acid had no effect on five shrink, normal processing yield, breast meat yield, breast meat moisture content, or breast meat cooked texture.
Detection of Massachusetts and Arkansas Serotypes of Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Broilers

The objective of this study was to compare the presence of the Arkansas (Ark) and Massachusetts (Mass) serotypes of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in the tracheas and cecal tonsils of commercial broilers after vaccination at 1 day of age by coarse spray. When given as a single serotype vaccine, the Mass strain was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) only in the tracheas, whereas the Ark strain was detected in both the tracheas and cecal tonsils. By in situ hybridization, the Mass and Ark nucleocapsid (Nc) genes were detected only at 7 days in the tracheas. When both strains were given in the mixed vaccine, the Mass strain was more consistently detected by RT-PCR-RFLP in the tracheas and cecal tonsils at early stages of infection (up to 14 days) and the Arkansas strain was more consistently detected at late stages of infection (21 and 28 days). By in situ hybridization, the IBV Nc gene was more consistently detected in the trachea at early stages of infection (7, 14, and 21 days) and in the cecal tonsils at late stages of infection (21, 28, and 35 days). In general, the Mass strain was more frequently recovered from the tracheal and cecal tonsil tissues at earlier stages of infection and the Ark strain was recovered at later stages of infection.
Prevention of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) and House Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) from Entering Simulated Aircraft with Commercial Air Curtain Units

Commercially available air curtain units were used to create air barriers to prevent mosquitoes and house flies from entering a simulated aircraft doorway together with passengers. Two assemblies of simulated passenger bridge and aircraft were constructed, and airflow measurements were recorded to confirm airflow characteristics for several combinations of commercial units. Three mosquito species were selected for different host-seeking characteristics, and house flies were selected to represent a large, strong-flying insect. Batches of 20 or 200 insects of four species were released into the passenger bridge just before 25 persons passed through the assembly, then insects that entered the aircraft cabin were recovered. Results showed that horizontal plus vertical or vertical-mounted air curtain units with the airflow directed at a 45 degrees angle into the passenger bridge excluded 95-99% of the mosquitoes and 95-100% of the house flies, respectively. Airflows were measured and estimated to be effective if the mean was > 4 m/s in the critical area in the center of the converging airflows. The study validates the concept that air barriers can effectively prevent the passage of flying insects into an aircraft.
Comments on Kurtosis of Military Vehicle Vibration Data

Road vibration tests were recently conducted on a series of shelters on dolly sets and on a series of prototype trucks at the U.S. Army Combat Systems Test Activity (USACSTA) at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Data from histogram or amplitude distribution tables were plotted in the normal probability domain to provide a graphic representation. When examining these probability plot data, a divergence of the actual distribution from the normal distribution at the tails was noticed. Of the 104 trials compared, the normal distribution was exceeded by 30 trials at the 90 percent level, 87 trials at the 99 percent level, and 88 trials at the 99.9 percent level. This indicates that the actual measured values at the extreme ends of the distribution (beyond the 90 percent occurrence levels) are larger in magnitude (acceleration) than would be predicted by the assumption of a normal distribution.This same trend was noticed during examination of the kurtosis values for the same data sets. The values generally exceeded a va...
Lessons from the Rise of Legal Conservatism

Steven Teles's, "The Rise of the Conservative Legal Movement", is the best and most thorough attempt to document the spectacular growth of conservative efforts to influence the law since the 1970s. Both scholars and legal activists have much to learn from his careful account of this important episode in legal history. Teles's most important finding is that effective institutionalization of legal change requires not only a demand for reform by voters or interest groups, but also a supply of trained advocates, public interest law firms, and judges willing and able to influence the law in the direction desired by an insurgent political movement. As Teles effectively demonstrates, public demand for legal change does not in itself generate the needed supply of institutional resources. Through his analysis of the growth of conservative and libertarian organizations such as the Federalist Society, the Institute for Justice, the Center for Individual Rights, and others, Teles chronicles the difficulties faced by the legal right in their attempts to create the cadre of lawyers and institutions they needed to challenge liberal dominance over the law. The successes and failures of this effort are instructive. Teles's work has a few limitations. Perhaps the most important shortcoming is his neglect of social conservatives' efforts at law reform. Most of Teles's account focuses on libertarian organizations that sought to use judicial review to limit the power of government. Social conservatives, by contrast, sought to undo judicial constraints on government power for the purpose of using the state to advance social conservative ends, most notably, banning abortion and pornography. Fuller consideration of the social conservative experience is needed to test the generalizability of Teles's conclusions. Finally, Teles's account contains important lessons for libertarians and conservatives who wish to strengthen judicial limits on government intervention in the economy. To succeed, pro-market public interest organizations must keep their distance from business interests. In addition, Teles shows that pro-market legal activists have not done enough to promote follow-up litigation to exploit and enforce major precedential victories. On this point, as on others, legal activists of the right can learn from their left-of-center counterparts.
Study of the Structural, Morphological and Electrical Properties of WO3 Nanopowders which Use as Gas Sensors

Nano-powders of tungsten oxide (WO3) have been prepared by high energy ball- milling for various spans of mill time (1-18 h). The crystal structure, surface morphology of the prepared WO3 nano powder were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Thick films of WO3 Nano-powders were prepared by printing painting chemical method to use them as gas sensors for methanol vapor at different operating temperatures, Their I-V characteristics were studied by using devices KEITHLEY 237. The effect of the milling time on the crystal structure, surface morphology, and electrical properties are reported.
Reduced Longitudinal Function in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation

BACKGROUND Chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) patients demonstrate left ventricular (LV) remodeling with increased LV mass and volume but may have a preserved LV ejection fraction (EF). We hypothesize that in chronic AR, global longitudinal systolic and diastolic function will be reduced despite a preserved LV EF. METHODS We studied with Doppler echocardiography 27 normal subjects, 87 patients with chronic AR with a LV EF > 50% (AR + PEF), 66 patients with an EF < 50% [AR + reduced LV ejection fraction (REF)] and 82 patients with hypertensive heart disease. LV volume, transmitral spectral and tissue Doppler were obtained. Myocardial velocities and their timing and longitudinal strain of the proximal and mid wall of each of the 3 apical views were obtained. RESULTS As compared to normals, global longitudinal strain was reduced in AR + PEF (13.8 ± 4.0%) and AR + REF (11.4 ± 4.7%) vs. normals (18.4 ± 3.6%, both p < 0.001). As an additional comparison group for AR + PEF, global longitudinal strain was reduced as compared to patients with hypertensive heart disease (p = 0.032). The average peak diastolic annular velocity (e') was decreased in AR + PEF (6.9 ± 3.3 cm/s vs. 13.4 ± 2.6 cm/s, p < 0.001) and AR + REF (4.8 ± 2.1 cm/s, p < 0.001). Peak rapid filling velocity/e' (E/e') was increased in both AR + PEF (14.4 ± 6.2 vs. 6.2 ± 1.3, p < 0.001) and AR + REF (18.8 ± 6.4, p < 0.001 vs. normals). Independent correlates of global longitudinal strain (r = 0.6416, p < 0.001) included EF (p < 0.0001), E/e' (p < 0.0001), and tricuspid regurgitation velocity (p = 0.0176). CONCLUSION With chronic AR, there is impaired longitudinal function despite preserved EF. Moreover, global longitudinal strain was well correlated with noninvasive estimated LV filling pressures and pulmonary systolic arterial pressures.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Current and Future Uses

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and often disabling neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood with limited treatments. Deep brain stimulation surgery (DBS) was recently reported to benefit self-injurious behavior in some patients with low functioning ASD. Currently understood involvement of frontal-basal ganglia circuits in the inhibitory control of movement, thoughts, perceptions, emotions and other functions suggest an important disturbance of this system in ASD. This, in turn, suggests that DBS has potential benefits for higher functioning ASD patients with disabling repetitive motor and non-motor aspects. Experience with DBS for related conditions Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder provides insights into potential benefits and potential DBS targets for ASD. It appears to be rational to pursue systematic research studies of DBS as a treatment for aspects of ASD beyond SIB, particularly other disabling repetitive motor and non-motor features.