cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploiting Structure and Conventions of Movie Scripts for Information Retrieval and Text Mining

Movie scripts are documents that describe the story, stage direction for actors and camera, and dialogue. Script writers, directors, and cinematographers have standardized the format and language that is used in script writing. Scripts contain a wealth of information about narrative patterns, character direction, blocking, and camera control that can be extracted for various applications in interactive storytelling. In this short paper, we propose the creation of an automatically annotated corpus of movie scripts and describe our initial efforts in automating script annotation. We first describe the parts of a movie script that can be automatically annotated and then describe the use of an existing language processing toolkit to automatically annotate specific parts of a movie script.
Computing saddle-node and limit-induced bifurcation manifolds for subtransmission and transmission wind generation

This paper introduces an exact and efficient method for computing and visualizing the power flow feasibility boundary of large networks composed of (1) saddle-node bifurcation manifolds where the Jacobian is singular and (2) limit-induced bifurcation manifolds where the network loses structural stability as the limit is encountered. This method is applied to the DTE/ITC system in Eastern Michigan where significant wind development has taken place at both transmission (120–345kV) and subtransmission (42kV) levels. It is shown that reactive compensation capability of subtransmission wind farms, in voltage control mode, can shrink the feasibility boundary and hence negatively impact the voltage stability margin of the system.
Confirmation of the trials and tribulations of vaping

Responses to our article indicate consensus on the need for expedited scientific and regulatory action related to vaping of cannabis and other substances to curtail untoward public health impact and identify potential benefits. How to speed up science, increase knowledge and enact responsible regulatory policy poses a formidable challenge.
Maternal and Embryonic Response to a “Carbohydrate-Free” Diet Fed to Rats

The effects of a carbohydrate-free, fatty acid (CF) diet on pregnant rats and their progeny were examined. A pregnant pair-fed group was included to compensate for the 40% reduction in food intake of the CF dams. Control and CF dams were killed on days 6, 8, 10, 12, or 14 of gestation. Pair-fed dams were killed on day 14. Maternal CF rats were hypoglycemic and hyperketonemic as compared to pair-fed or control dams. Both CF and pair-fed dams had significantly reduced liver glycogen. Diet had no effect on the number of implantation sites. Conceptuses were classified histologically as normal, retarded, malformed, degenerating or resorbed. Numbers of normal CF embryos were significantly reduced from day 6 and, by day 12, all CF embryos had been resorbed. Control and pair-fed dams showed 5.2% and 43.8% resorptions, respectively, on day 14. These data suggest that approximately half of the embryonic loss can be attributed to the reduction in food intake whereas the remaining embryos succumbed to embryolethal conditions more directly related to the metabolic consequences of carbohydrate deprivation.
Elevated monocyte interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in immunosppressed trauma patients. II. Downregulation by IL-4.

Aberrant monocyte mediator production is pivotal in the development of posttrauma immunosuppression. We have previously shown that immunodepressed trauma patients' monocytes produce elevated interleukin-6, suggesting their in vivo preactivation. This study confirms that preactivated patients' Mo produce greater levels of IL-6 than normals' Mo to the same in the in vitro Fc gamma RI stimulation. We also demonstrate the capacity of interleukin-4 to downregulate the elevated interleukin-6 production of trauma patients' in vivo preactivated monocytes. Monocyte interleukin-6 downregulation by interleukin-4 is dose dependent and occurs whether Fc gamma RI cross-linking, muramyl dipeptide, indomethacin plus muramyl dipeptide, or interferon-gamma plus muramyl dipeptide is the interleukin-6 inducing stimulus. Furthermore, interleukin-4-dependent downregulation of monocyte interleukin-6 expression is confirmed at both the supernatant and the mRNA levels. Simultaneous downregulation of posttrauma elevated monokines implies a possible therapeutic benefit of interleukin-4 for trauma patients.
The sclerotization process by the american cockroach: Contribution of melanin

Abstract Identical experiments using [2-14C]dopa and [2-14C]dopachrome (2-carboxy-5-oxo-6-oxo-indole) show that there is a tenfold increase in the incorporation of dopa into the cuticle after 8 hours. In vitro studies on the synthesis of melanin and the fact that dopachrome is translocated into the cuticle 6–8 hours after ecdysis suggest that indole melanin is at best only a secondary sclerotization agent. Tyrosine and tyramine are converted to melanin at a slow rate while dopa and dopamine conversion is three times as fast. Dopamine is the best substrate. The tanning hormone inhibits the formation of melanin presumably by forcing the dopa towards the synthesis of N-acetyl dopamine. Both the haemolymph and integument are capable of catalysing the reactions involved in the metabolism of dopa to melanin, but a synergistic effect is realized if the two are combined.
NMR Chemical Shift Correlations for Chlorine Containing Groups

In applying high resolution NMR to structural analysis of the various data that can be obtained chemical shift data are the most useful. Proton resonance chemical shift data, compiled from the literature and from Elastomer files, are presented showing the effect of the presence of chlorine on shared and adjacent proton groups in a number of chlorine containing compounds. The data are presented in spectra-structure correlation tables.
Scale-dependent energy fluxes in a rough-wall turbulent channel flow

In this paper, we investigate the characteristics of energy fluxes within rough-wall turbulent boundary layer at different scales in the context of large eddy simulations (LES) utilizing high resolution Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) data obtained in an optically index-matched facility. The rough surface consists of closely-packed pyramidal elements, and the measurement region includes the entire roughness sublayer and lower portion of outer-layer with a vector resolution of ∼9 wall units and 14% of roughness height. Our recent study has demonstrated that the entire boundary layer is flooded with an excessive number of roughness-scale eddies that are generated near the wall and advected away from it by large scale coherent structures present in the outer layer. Following this observation, the original velocity field is spatially filtered using 2D top-hat filter of length scale Δ = 1k, 3k, 6k (k is roughness height) that represent roughness, intermediate and large scale motions, respectively. In these ranges, the subgrid scale (SGS) energy fluxes show substantial increase with scale and with decreasing distance from the wall. The latter trend persists even when fluxes are scaled with the local TKE production rate. When the fluxes are decomposed to local and non-local contributions, they show a scale-dependent near-wall increase of energy transfer which bypasses the typical cascading process. This non-local flux is even larger than the local one near the wall for the [k, 3k] range. These trends are attributed to interactions of large scale turbulence with the wall roughness and the abundant roughness scale eddies near the wall. The paper also examines the behavior of Smagorinsky model coefficients, and show scale-dependence when trends at filter scales of 1k and 3k are compared to those at 6k. Both dissipation based and dynamic model coefficients show very little variation with height as long as the filter scale is in the 1–3k range, but increase with elevation for Δ = 6k.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Fabry disease: diagnosis and management, with emphasis on the renal manifestations.

Purpose of review Interest in the diagnosis and treatment of Fabry disease has been greatly stimulated by the availability of Food and Drug Administration-approved, effective enzyme-replacement therapy. This review will update the progress in this area over the last 18 months that effective enzyme-replacement therapy has become available. Recent findings Fabry disease is often associated with proteinuric chronic kidney disease, and it appears that the treatment paradigms that have proven to be so effective in diabetes mellitus and other forms of proteinuric renal disease are also effective, in conjunction with enzyme-replacement therapy for treating the renal manifestations of Fabry disease. As such, Fabry disease represents an interesting example of progressive proteinuric renal disease in which the usual blood pressure is lower than in other renal diseases. This makes the use of effective anti-proteinuric therapy challenging, especially considering the autonomic dysfunction that appears to be part of the disease. Recent advances are considered in this review, with emphasis on the role of kidney biopsy, effective dosing and maximal comprehensive therapy of Fabry disease. Summary Maximal, comprehensive therapy for Fabry disease includes effective enzyme-replacement therapy and all of the adjunctive therapies that are currently used to treat all forms of proteinuric chronic kidney disease. It is anticipated that this approach will preserve kidney function and also benefit the cardiac and cerebrovascular systems in patients with Fabry disease.
Jointly determined focal parameters along a fault in California's northern coast range

Abstract The authors recently determined seismic parameters of earthquakes located along a lineation of microearthquakes in the Coast Range Province of northern California (Dehlinger and Bolt, 1984). The lineation closely follows the mapped Bartlett Springs fault zone, which is considered to be the source of seismic activity. This fault strikes N40°W for about 40 km and the mapped fault zone consists of a 2–3 km-wide belt of melange. Earthquake hypocenters indicate that this belt dips steeply to the northeast, with shocks occurring along multiple dislocation planes that together extend downward to depths of about 12 km. Focal mechanisms and associated stress fields were determined for 22 of the best recorded recent shocks along the earthquake lineation. Analyses of these shocks provided a comparison between individually and jointly determined focal mechanisms and of the directions of the corresponding stress axes, for identical shocks along the entire fault length. Thirteen of the shocks exhibited right-lateral, San Andreas type of source motions. Average values of these 13 individually determined focal parameters are within the standard deviation of the same set of jointly determined values. It is thus verified that the probability model algorithm for joint parameters determinations developed by Brillinger et al. (1980) yields reliable values of focal parameters. Moreover, the jointly determined parameters appear to be more reliable than the average-determined ones. The focal mechanisms and associated stress fields along the entire length of the Bartlett Springs fault zone are consistent with shearing motions between the North American and Pacific lithospheric plates that produce displacements along the San Andreas transform fault.
Almost budget-balanced VCG mechanisms to assign multiple objects

Abstract Subsidy-free VCG mechanisms assign p identical objects to n agents. The efficiency loss is the largest ratio of budget surplus to efficient surplus, over all profiles of non-negative valuations. The smallest efficiency loss L ˆ ( n , p ) satisfies L ˆ ( n , p ) ⩽ L ˆ ( n , ⌊ n 2 ⌋ ) ⩽ 4 3 n . If p n is bounded away from 1 2 , L ˆ ( n , p ) converges to zero exponentially in n. Participation is voluntary in the optimal mechanism achieving L ˆ ( n , p ) if p = 1 , but not if p ⩾ 2 . Among voluntary mechanisms, the optimal efficiency loss is not significantly larger than L ˆ ( n , p ) if p n ⩽ 1 2 . But it does not converge to zero in n if p n > 1 2 .
Biomechanical interactions of cancer cells with the microvasculature during metastasis

Metastasis is a major, life-threatening complication of cancer. The bloodstream is the most important disseminative route for cancer cells liberated from their parent tumors. Single circulating cancer cells are arrested in the microvasculature, where the vast majority are killed by rapid or slow processes, and the relatively few survivors grow into micrometastases. We review the underlying causes of one type of rapid cancer cell death in the microcirculation, namely, that caused by biomechanical interactions of cancer cells with microvessel walls, which may result in cell surface membrane expansion and lethal rupture. These lethal interactions appear to be important rate-regulators in hematogenous metastasis, and to dictate some aspects of metastatic patterns. Although these are not the only interactions involving cancer cells, in contrast to others involving cellular and humoral defense mechanisms, they have received comparatively little attention.
FKHR binds the insulin response element in the insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 promoter.

The insulin response element (IRE) in the IGFBP-1 promoter, and in other gene promoters, contains a T(A/G)TTT motif essential for insulin inhibition of transcription. Studies presented here test whether FKHR may be the transcription factor that confers insulin inhibition through this IRE motif. Immunoblots using antiserum to the synthetic peptide FKHR413–430, RNase protection, and Northerns blots show that FKHR is expressed in HEP G2 human hepatoma cells. Southwestern blots, electromobility shift assays, and DNase I protection assays show that Escherichia coli-expressed GST-FKHR binds specifically to IREs from the IGFBP-1, PEPCK and TAT genes; however, unlike HNF3β, another protein proposed to be the insulin regulated factor, GST-FKHR does not bind the insulin unresponsive G/C-A/C mutation of the IGFBP-1 IRE. When HEP G2 cells were cotransfected with FKHR expression vectors and with IGFBP-1 promoter plasmids containing either native or mutant IREs, FKHR expression induced a 5-fold increase in activity of ...
Application of nonlinear dynamics in the study of ferroelectric materials

The dielectric nonlinear properties of ferroelectric materials are the main reason for their technical application. There is a wide variety of materials, e.g. liquid crystals, thin layers and even bulk-materials, that have these properties. One problem that must be solved before the technical application is to determine these properties to forecast the dynamical behavior. However, so far these parameters were determined in the case of zero excitation. This is a draw-back, because for the application of ferroelectric materials the large signal behavior is important. We want to solve a new way for determining the dynamical nonlinear properties of ferroelectric materials. We present a simple dynamical system, the dielectric nonlinear series resonance circuit, that can be used for studying the large signal behavior of the mentioned materials. With the help of a macroscopic model which contains the linear and nonlinear material-coefficients and a method that we developed recently, these parameters can be determined from experimentally recorded time-series.
Quick-look techniques for evaluating two-dimensional cross sections in detached contractional settings

For more than 30 yr, geologists and geophysicists have used balancing techniques to constrain their cross-sectional interpretations in detached contractional settings. The quality of the resulting interpretations commonly directly correlates to the quality of the data, the balancing and interpretational experience of the interpreter, and the time allotted for the interpretation. We demystify the balancing process and present quick-look techniques for quickly and effectively detecting and preventing common cross section balancing errors in detached contractional settings. Common balancing problems are highlighted through close scrutiny of hanging-wall and footwall ramps and flats; such analysis helps identify inconsistencies in the numbers of ramps and flats, in the strata and stratal thicknesses in corresponding ramps, and in displacement along the fault. These techniques possess the additional advantages of being useful at any stage of the interpretational process for time or depth sections and being easily comprehensible by students, geologists, geophysicists, and managers alike. The quick-look techniques, however, are not an all-encompassing panacea. They do not guarantee a unique and/or correct cross-sectional interpretation; instead, they serve to focus the interpreter's attention on potentially problematic areas in the cross section that might require explanation and/or reinterpretation.
The Task‐Technique Matrix: An Alternative System for Classifying Research in Mathematics Education

This paper introduces a schema for classifying research in mathematics education that deepens and extends the Romberg/Bourne model. It employs dual hierarchical systems, one relating to the research task and the other to the research technique. The six task categories—descriptive, interpretive, prescriptive, analytic, synthetic, and theoretic—are defined with respect to breadth, depth, and scope of a study. The six technique categories—reflective, referential, evidential, clinical, empirical, and experimental—are defined in terms of utilization of resources and design intentions of the investigator. The pairing of task categories with technique categories permits the creation of a classification matrix for research in mathematics education. By examining the location of studies within this task-technique matrix, both producers and consumers of research in mathematics education can discern historical trends influencing current and future investigations.
AUTONOMOUS REORGANIZATION OF FORAMINIFERAN RETICULOPODIA

Reticulopodia, the diagnostic cytoplasmic appendage of the foraminifera, are complex networks of branched and anastomosed pseudopodia. The instantaneous patterns of these networks are highly variable and are remodeled almost continuously. Real-time light microscopic observations demonstrate that these morphogenetic processes occur autonomously throughout the entire networks, even at their farthest reaches which may be located at great distances from the cell body. Portions of reticulopodia severed from the cell body undergo autonomous and stereotyped morphological rearrangements to form satellites, which are a relatively large cytoplasmic mass located centrally within a radiating pseudopodial network. Pseudopodial movements and structural rearrangements are active energy-requiring processes that depend on intracellular factors such as the formation and reorganization of microtubule cytoskeletal elements. Here we show that that reticulopodia consistently assume a spiral shape when placed on a cationic substrate, indicating that the pseudopodial pattern is also influenced by environmental factors such as interactions with the substratum. Our studies suggest that reticulopodia are self-organizing, and that their instantaneous reticular form is an emergent property continuously recalculated from real-time processing of myriad physiological and environmental imputs. Reticulopodial form at any point or region appears to be the summed behavioral response to these parameters. Our studies indicate that reticulopodial morphology and behavior can be modified by environmental stimuli, like substratum adhesivity, and suggest that processes, such as shell patterning, that depend on pseudopodia could also be modified by environmental factors.
Effects of dietary glycerin inclusion at 0, 5, 10, and 15 percent of dry matter on energy metabolism and nutrient balance in finishing beef steers.

Expansion of the biodiesel industry has increased the glycerin (GLY) supply. Glycerin is an energy-dense feed that can be used in ruminant species; however, the energy value of GLY is not known. Therefore, the effects of GLY inclusion at 0, 5, 10, and 15% on energy balance in finishing cattle diets were evaluated in 8 steers (BW = 503 kg) using a replicated Latin square design. Data were analyzed with the fixed effects of dietary treatment and period, and the random effects of square and steer within square were included in the model. Contrast statements were used to separate linear and quadratic effects of GLY inclusion. Glycerin replaced dry-rolled corn (DRC) at 0, 5, 10, and 15% of dietary DM. Dry matter intake decreased linearly (P = 0.02) as GLY increased in the diet. As a proportion of GE intake, fecal energy loss tended to decrease linearly (P 0.31) as a proportion of GE as GLY increased in the diet. Methane energy loss as a proportion of GE intake tended to respond quadratically (P = 0.10), decreasing from 0 to 10% GLY inclusion and increasing thereafter. As a proportion of GE intake, ME tended to respond quadratically (P = 0.10), increasing from 0 to 10% GLY and then decreasing. As a proportion of GE intake, heat production increased linearly (P = 0.02) as GLY increased in the diet. Additionally, as a proportion of GE intake, retained energy (RE) tended to respond quadratically (P = 0.07), increasing from 0 to 10% GLY inclusion and decreasing thereafter. As a proportion of N intake, urinary and fecal N excretion increased linearly (P < 0.04) as GLY increased in the diet. Furthermore, grams of N retained and N retained as a percent of N intake both decreased linearly (P < 0.02) as GLY increased in the diet. Total DM digestibility tended (P < 0.10) to respond quadratically, increasing at a decreasing rate from 0 to 5% GLY inclusion. Overall, RE tended to decrease as GLY increased in the diet in conjunction with a decrease in N retention, which could indicate an increased metabolic cost to the animal associated with feeding GLY. Based on RE, the feeding value of GLY in high-concentrate diets is greater than DRC at 5 and 10% of DM but less at 15% of DM.
Beam subjected to eccentric longitudinal impact

This paper is concerned with an experimental investigation of the bending stresses in a bar subjected to eccentric longitudinal impact. The test beam was a round steel bar, 1 in. in diam and 8 ft long which was suspended by wires at two points. Strains were measured by SR-4 strain gages at 18 stations along the bar. The signals were fed through an amplifier to an oscilloscope and the trace on the screen was photographed for a permanent record. The impact was obtained by means of a striking bar with a conical end. The striking bar was suspended in a pendulum rig and striking height adjusted so as to impact the test bar at any desired eccentricity. The dimensionless impact durationt/T1 is about 0.02, whereT1 denotes the fundamental period of the beam.
Examination of some factors that control the effects of septal lesions on lordosis behavior

Abstract Various experimental parameters related to the effects of septal lesions on the lordosis behavior of rats have been examined. First, the failure of septal lesions to facilitate lordosis behavior in male rats appears to be related to the degree of exposure to androgens neonatally. The normal facilitation in lordosis behavior associated with septal destruction in adult female rats does not occur if these female rats are treated with 1.0 mg of testosterone propionate (TP) on Day 1 of life. Yet female rats given 270 μg of TP on Day 3 of life respond the same as do normal females to septal lesions. Second, these sexually dimorphic effects of septal lesions can be modified in adult rats by chronic treatment with gonadal hormones following septal destruction. Whereas previous studies indicated that chronic estrogen injections permit a facilitation in lordosis behavior to occur in septal lesioned male rats, the present results showed that chronic injections of TP following a septal lesion attenuates the facilitation in lordosis behavior typically observed in adult female rats following a septal lesion. Third, examination of the time course for the facilitation in lordosis behavior following a septal lesion revealed a four to six day delay before the appearance of heightened female sexual behavior. Fourth, in support of the possibility that modifications in lordosis behavior by septal lesions may be mediated by a depletion or imbalance in brain amines, amphetamine was found to reduce the high levels of lordosis behavior of septal lesioned female rats to control levels. Finally, further evidence of a potential role for brain amines in the effects of septal lesions was provided by the observation of significantly lower content and turnover of dopamine in the amygdala of septal lesioned female rats, relative to sham operated controls.
Ante-hepatic gastrojejunostomy

Surgical treatment of morbid obesity continues to increase in popularity. The evolution of laparoscopic techniques has in part fueled that popularity. A common obstacle in achieving exposure of the angle of His during a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a massively enlarged liver. Exposure of the angle of His is key to successfully creating the gastric pouch and completing the gastrojejunostomy. Several well-described techniques exist to achieve this exposure but suffer from potential draw backs such as bleeding and the need to insert additional trocars. We describe a technique that allows safe, excellent exposure of the gastroesophageal junction during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Haustral Fold Segmentation With Curvature-Guided Level Set Evolution

Human colon has complex structures mostly because of the haustral folds. The folds are thin flat protrusions on the colon wall, which complicate the shape analysis for computer-aided detection (CAD) of colonic polyps. Fold segmentation may help reduce the structural complexity, and the folds can serve as an anatomic reference for computed tomographic colonography (CTC). Therefore, in this study, based on a model of the haustral fold boundaries, we developed a level-set approach to automatically segment the fold surfaces. To evaluate the developed fold segmentation algorithm, we first established the ground truth of haustral fold boundaries by experts' drawing on 15 patient CTC datasets without severe under/over colon distention from two medical centers. The segmentation algorithm successfully detected 92.7% of the folds in the ground truth. In addition to the sensitivity measure, we further developed a merit of segmented-area ratio (SAR), i.e., the ratio between the area of the intersection and union of the expert-drawn folds and the area of the automatically segmented folds, to measure the segmentation accuracy. The segmentation algorithm reached an average value of SAR = 86.2%, showing a good match with the ground truth on the fold surfaces. We believe the automatically segmented fold surfaces have the potential to benefit many postprocedures in CTC, such as CAD, taenia coli extraction, supine-prone registration, etc.
OPTIMAL THERAPY FOR CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA |[lpar]|CAH|[rpar]|

Different treatment regimens based on current knowledge about ACTH rhythms were evaluated for controlling CAM. Circhoral patterns of plasma progestins (progesterone [P], 17-OH-P [17P]) and androgens (androstenedione, testosterone, dehydroepiandros-terone-SO4)were analyzed.
Elastic scattering of photons by bound electrons in hot and dense aluminum plasmas

Abstract We present results of an exploratory calculation of elastic cross sections for forward scattering of photons by bound electrons in hot (500 eV) and dense (1020 and 1023 cm-3) aluminum plasmas. We compare detailed configuration (DC), non-local-thermodynamic-equilibrium average atom (non-LTE-AA), and LTE-AA (Thomas-Fermi) predictions. We study the photon energy region 0.3–5 keV.
Superconductivity in liquid metallic hydrogen

By solving the Eliashberg equations for the gap function, the super-conducting transition temperature of a proposed low-temperature liquid state of metallic hydrogen is found to be comparable to that obtained, with similar approximations, for the solid. This indicates that metallic hydrogen may be a superconducting liquid in the density range 1.6> or =r/sub s/> or =1.3, where the melting point is expected to be fairly low.
The development and behavioral characteristics of the startle response in the zebra fish.

The behavioral responses of developing larvae of the zebra fish (Brachydanio rerio) to vibratory stimulation are described. Larvae begin to respond after 4-5 days from the time of fertilization (the approximate time of hatching). Once this response appears, the characteristic movement, the latency of the response, and the sensitivity of the larva to sound do not change for a period of several days. A number of related behavioral changes are observed at the same time the response to sound appears. The larval startle response is a characteristic pronounced tail flip. It is very similar to the adult startle response which is believed to be mediated via Mauthner's neuron. The data suggest that the usual response may be due to a wave of muscular contractions along one side of the larva, as would be expected to result from an action potential in a Mauthner cell. More complex responses were also observed and are described.
France and the Washington conference

(1993). France and the Washington conference. Diplomacy & Statecraft: Vol. 4, THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE 1921–22, pp. 192-219.
Coupling between Cortical Potentials from Different Areas

At any instant, the electroencephalogram can be classified as to (i) polarity and (ii) direction of change in polarity. This classification provides a way to measure coupling between cortical areas. The technique is simple, yet of wide potential utility for studying functional relationships between cortical areas. The results of applying this technique suggest how the potentials giving rise to the electroencephalogram may play a role in information processing in the central nervous system.
Effect of hypothyroidism on the lipid composition and fluidity of rat colonic apical plasma membranes

Abstract Prior studies have suggested that the lipid composition and lipid fluidity of cellular membranes of various organs are altered in the hypothyroid rat. To date, the effects of hypothyroidism on these parameters have not been examined in rat colonic apical plasma membranes. In the present experiments, male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a pelleted diet (control group) or the same diet containing 0.1% propylthiouracil (hypothyroid group) for 3 weeks. The lipid composition and lipid fluidity of apical plasma membranes prepared from colonocytes of these two groups of animals were then examined and compared. Membranes prepared from the hypothyroid animals were found to possess a higher level of linoleic acid (18:2) and a lower level of arachidonic acid (20:4) than membranes from control animals. The molar ratio of cholesterol/phospholipid was also lower in hypothyroid membranes secondary to a decreased cholesterol content compared to their control counterparts. Moreover, the lipid fluidity of colonic apical plasma membranes, as assessed by (1) the ratio of excimer to monomer fluorescence intensities of the lipid-soluble fluorophore pyrenedecanoic acid and (2) the anisotropy values of the fluorophore dl -12-(9-anthroyloxy)stearic acid using steady-state fluorescence polarization techniques, was greater in hypothyroid animals. These data, therefore, indicate that alterations in the lipid composition and fluidity of colonic apical plasma membranes can be detected in hypothyroid rats.
Niet-westerse immigranten met vitamine-D-gebrek

Wicherts IS, Boeke AJP, Van der Meer IM, Van Schoor NM, Knol DL, Lips P. Niet-westerse immigranten met vitamine-D-gebrek. Huisarts Wet 2012;55(12):554-7. Vitamine-D-gebrek (25-hydroxyvitamine D < 25 nmol/l) komt veel voor bij niet-westerse immigranten. Het is te behandelen met vitamine-D-suppletie of blootstelling aan zonlicht. Is het effect van orale vitamine D3 (dagelijks 800 IE of 100.000 IE/3 maanden) en blootstelling aan zonlicht even effectief voor de verbetering van serum 25-hydroxyvitamine D- en parathyroidhormoonconcentraties? We hebben het onderzoek uitgevoerd als gerandomiseerde klinische trial in 11 huisartsenpraktijken in Nederland. We randomiseerden niet-westerse immigranten van 18-65 jaar (n = 232) en serum 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/l voor vitamine-D-suppletie respectievelijk 800 IE/dag of 100.000 IE/3 maanden of advies voor blootstelling aan zonlicht gedurende 6 maanden (maart tot september). We verkregen bloedmonsters aan het begin, gedurende de behandeling na 3 en 6 maanden, en bij follow-up na behandeling bij 12 maanden. We analyseerden de gegevens met multilevel regressiemodelling. We verrichtten de intention-to-treatanalyse bij 211 personen. De serum 25(OH)D was aan het begin 22,5 ± 11,1 nmol/l. Na 6 maanden nam de serum 25(OH)D toe tot 53 nmol/l bij 800 IE/dag, tot 50,5 nmol/l met 100.000 IE/3 maanden en tot 29,1 nmol/l bij blootstelling aan zonlicht (suppletie versus zonlicht p < 0,001). Na 3 maanden nam het serum-PTH significant af bij alle groepen, meer bij suppletie dan bij blootstelling aan zonlicht (p < 0,05). Vitamine-D-suppletie is effectiever dan een advies voor blootstelling aan zonlicht bij de behandeling van vitamine- D-gebrek bij niet-westerse immigranten.
Flavivirus RNA cap methyltransferase: structure, function, and inhibition

Many flaviviruses are significant human pathogens. The plus-strand RNA genome of a flavivirus contains a 5′ terminal cap 1 structure (m7GpppAmG). The flavivirus encodes one methyltransferase (MTase), located at the N-terminal portion of the NS5 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Here we review recent advances in our understanding of flaviviral capping machinery and the implications for drug development. The NS5 MTase catalyzes both guanine N7 and ribose 2′-OH methylations during viral cap formation. Representative flavivirus MTases, from dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile virus (WNV), sequentially generate GpppA → m7GpppA → m7GpppAm. Despite the existence of two distinct methylation activities, the crystal structures of flavivirus MTases showed a single binding site for S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), the methyl donor. This finding indicates that the substrate GpppA-RNA must be repositioned to accept the N7 and 2′-O methyl groups from SAM during the sequential reactions. Further studies demonstrated that distinct RNA elements are required for the methylations of guanine N7 on the cap and of ribose 2′-OH on the first transcribed nucleotide. Mutant enzymes with different methylation defects can trans complement one another in vitro, demonstrating that separate molecules of the enzyme can independently catalyze the two cap methylations in vitro. In the context of the infectious virus, defects in both methylations, or a defect in the N7 methylation alone, are lethal to WNV. However, viruses defective solely in 2′-O methylation are attenuated and can protect mice from later wild-type WNV challenge. The results demonstrate that the N7 methylation activity is essential for the WNV life cycle and, thus, methyltransferase represents a novel and promising target for flavivirus therapy.
Effect of Competition between Gamma-Ray and Particle Emission on Excitation Functions

A procedure has been devised for calculating cross sections for nuclear reactions within about 2 Mev of threshold, where the effect of competition between gamma-ray and particle emission is often important. The requisite formulas depend upon assumptions embodied in the spin-dependent statistical theory of nuclear reactions, so the treatment is most valid for medium to heavy nuclei at moderate bombarding energies. Input data required by the formulas are (1) the level density parameter $a$, (2) an effective nuclear moment of inertia $\mathcal{I}$, (3) the ratio of radiation width to level spacing ($\frac{{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}}{D}$) evaluated at some convenient energy, spin, and parity in the excited nucleus immediately preceding the product, (4) transmission coefficients ${T}_{l}(\ensuremath{\epsilon})$ for the range of energies and type of particle in the final evaporation step, and (5) the energies, spins, and parities of the first few excited states in the product nucleus. Using reasonable estimates for $\mathcal{I}$, $\frac{{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}}{D}$, and ${T}_{l}(\ensuremath{\epsilon})$, experimental excitation functions near threshold for the reactions ${\mathrm{Bi}}^{209}(p, 2n){\mathrm{Po}}^{208}$ and ${\mathrm{Sm}}^{144}(\ensuremath{\alpha}, 3n){\mathrm{Gd}}^{145}$ were analyzed to find the corresponding values of $a$. The results are consistent with $a\ensuremath{\sim}0.1$ $A$ ${\mathrm{Mev}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ ($A$ is the mass number), but inconsistent with $a\ensuremath{\sim}2 \mathrm{to} 3$ ${\mathrm{Mev}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ (independent of $A$), in contrast to the result often obtained when competition from gamma-ray emission is ignored. Also, a semiqualitative argument is given to suggest that competitive gamma-ray emission often seriously influences excitation functions even several Mev above threshold.
Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on intravascular lipolysis of very-low-density lipoproteins in humans

Very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) are the major carriers of fasting plasma triglyceride (TG). TG-enriched VLDLs become cholesterol (C)-enriched low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) through hydrolysis facilitated by lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) supplementation may increase LDL-C while decreasing plasma TG in hypertriglyceridemic patients. It has been proposed that n-3 FAs increase LDL-C by promoting production of TG-poor VLDL and accelerating conversion of VLDL to LDL. To study the effects of n-3 FA supplementation on in vivo lipolysis of VLDL directly, we treated 11 hypertriglyceridemic subjects with n-3 FA (3.3 g/d). Each participant was studied three times: at baseline, after a 1-month period of run-in olive oil placebo, and after 1 more month of n-3 FA supplementation. Lipolysis was induced by intravenous infusion of heparin for 2 hours. Plasma samples were obtained every 30 minutes for determination of lipids and apoproteins (apos), separation of individual lipoproteins by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), and measurement of LPL and hepatic TG lipase (HTGL) levels. n-3 FA supplementation decreased fasting plasma TG (2.51 +/- 0.23 v 3.97 +/- 0.46 mmol/L), VLDL-TG (1.08 +/- 0.18 v 2.35 +/- 0.35 mmol/L), and VLDL-C (0.39 +/- 0.05 v 0.72 +/- 0.13 mmol/L) while increasing LDL-C (3.59 +/- 0.21 v 3.00 +/- 0.23 mmol/L) and plasma apo B (3.31 +/- 0.19 v 2.90 +/- 0.17 mmol/L). The absolute rate of TG lipolysis correlated with fasting TG (r = .74, P < .005) and was lower after n-3 FA supplementation (0.11 +/- 0.01 mmol/mL/min) as compared with placebo (0.19 +/- 0.01, P < .01), whereas percent decreases from baseline TG levels were similar at entry onto the study (57.4% +/- 2.5%), after placebo (58.8% +/- 2.7%), and after n-3 FA (52% +/- 3.6%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Intestinal absorption of Mn-mesoporphyrin in a small bowel sac system: Effect of oleic acid

Rationale and Objectives. The authors investigated the effect of oleic acid (cis-9-octadecenoic acid) (OA), a lipidic carrier, on the intestinal absorption rate and T1 relaxation time of manganese (III) mesoporphyrin (Mn-mesoporphyrin), a prototype hepatobiliary contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging. Methods. Mn-mesoporphyrin was formulated with OA at various concentrations. Small bowel sacs were created in 36 rats and fdled with complexed and free Mn-mesoporphyrin. Intestinal absorption of Mn-mesoporphyrin was measured with spectrophotometry at 364 nm. T1 relaxation times were measured in samples of Mn-mesoporphyrin solutions, bowel wall, liver, and bile. Results. Absorption rates ranged from 4.2%/cm2/h to 13%/cm2/h. Absorption was greatest (13%/cm2/h) when a combination of 1 mmol/L Mnmesoporphyrin and 26.5 mmol/L OA was used. The T1 of bile decreased from 2,480 to 248 msec (maximum decrease) in rats that received Mnmesoporphyrin. Conclusion. Mn-mesoporphyrin is absorbed from the small bowel in both the lipid-associated and free form, resulting in substantial shortening of the T1 in bile.
A condition for unbiased saddle point strategy pairs

The notion of an unbiased equilibrium value is introduced for the theory of two-person differential games in which multiple equilibrium values occur. In zero-sum games an unbiased saddle point value is simply the mean of the set of saddle point strategy values and an unbiased saddle point strategy pair is one which gives a payoff equal to the mean. A very simple example is given to illustrate the ideas. In nonzero-sum games an unbiased Nash equilibrium value is the convergent point of a sequence of mean values resulting from a nested sequence of sets of Nash equilibrium values.
Improved performance from the NCAR airborne fourier transform spectrometer

The NCAR airborne Fourier transform spectrometer has been upgraded by replacing flat mirrors with cube corners and improving the electronic control and data collection systems. The system is smaller and performance is improved significantly.
Direct communication of a pulmonary artery with the left atrium. An unusual variant of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula.

Direct communication of a pulmonary artery with the left atrium is described and considered a variant of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula. A 3-year-old girl presented with clinical evidence of a lesion of the central nervous system. The history revealed that she had been cyanotic and had had clubbing of the digits and polycythemia. A rounded mass was noted in the region of the right pulmonary hilus in the posteroanterior thoracic roentgenogram. A pulmonary arteriovenous fistula was suspected, but the patient succumbed with a cerebral abscess before definitive diagnostic studies and therapy were undertaken. Anatomic examination revealed an unusual variant of pulmonary arteriovenous fistula, namely, direct communication of the right lower pulmonary artery with the left atrium and absence of the middle and lower lobes of the right lung. It is important that pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas be suspected clinically, since definitive diagnosis and therapy are now possible. While the hemodynamic effects of this t...
Microfluidic etching and oxime-based tailoring of biodegradable polyketoesters.

A straightforward, flexible, and inexpensive method to etch biodegradable poly(1,2,6-hexanetriol α-ketoglutarate) films is reported. Microfluidic delivery of the etchant, a solution of NaOH, can create micron-scale channels through local hydrolysis of the polyester film. In addition, the presence of a ketone in the repeat unit allows for prior or post chemoselective modifications, enabling the design of functionalized microchannels. Delivery of oxyamine tethered ligands react with ketone groups on the polyketoester to generate covalent oxime linkages. By thermally sealing an etched film to a second flat surface, poly(1,2,6-hexanetriol α-ketoglutarate) can be used to create biodegradable microfluidic devices. In order to determine the versatility of the microfluidic etch technique, poly(e-caprolactone) was etched with acetone. This strategy provides a facile method for the direct patterning of biodegradable materials, both through etching and chemoselective ligand immobilization.
Hypothesis: Synthetic aging antigen can be used to manipulate cellular lifespan

Physiologic removal of old and damaged erythrocytes, platelets, and other terminally differentiated cells is initiated by the appearance of an aging antigen that marks them for death by initiating the binding of IgG autoantibody and subsequent removal by phagocytes. We have developed a synthetic aging antigen peptide that blocks binding of IgG to senescent cells in vitro. We hypothesize that the synthetic antigen can be used to prevent cell destruction in diseases such as autoimmune hemolytic anemias and idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, and that the antigen itself can be used to manipulate cellular lifespan in vivo.
Numerical Modeling of the Distributed Electrochemistry and Performance of Solid Oxide Fuels Cells

A cell-level distributed electrochemistry (DEC) modeling tool has been developed to enable prediction of solid oxide fuel cell performance by considering the coupled and spatially varying multi-physics that occur within the tri-layer. The approach calculates the distributed electrochemistry within the electrodes, which includes the charge transfer and electric potential fields, ion transport throughout the tri-layer, and gas distributions within the composite and porous electrodes. The thickness of the electrochemically active regions within the electrodes is calculated along with the distributions of charge transfer. The DEC modeling tool can examine the overall SOFC performance based on electrode microstructural parameters, such as particle size, pore size, porosity factor, electrolyte and electrode phase volume fractions, and triple-phase-boundary length. Recent developments in electrode fabrication methods have lead to increased interest in using graded and nano-structured electrodes to improve the electrochemical performance of SOFCs. This paper demonstrates how the DEC modeling tool can be used to help design novel electrode microstructures by optimizing a graded anode for high electrochemical performance.
Bifurcation analysis for a model of gene expression with delays

Recently applications of mathematical modelings for gene expressions have received much attention. In this paper, we study the following system of gene expressions with delays M˙(t)=αmf(P(t-Tm))-μmM(t),P˙(t)=αpM(t-Tp)-μpP(t), which originated from the pattern mechanism of somites involving oscillating gene expression for zebrafish. The delays on mRNA and protein are due to the time needed for the gene to make the mRNA molecule and for the ribosome to translate mRNA into the protein molecule. The total delay τ = Tm + Tp is used as a bifurcation parameter to show that this system can exhibit Hopf bifurcations at certain critical values of τ. For Tm ≠ Tp and Tm = Tp, the normal form theory for general DDEs developed by Faria and Magalhaes is used to perform center manifold reduction and determine the stability and direction of periodic solutions generated by Hopf bifurcation. The global existence of periodic solutions when Tm = Tp and Tp = 0 is attained by using a result from Wu (1998) [21]. Examples are given to confirm the theoretical results.
Enzymatic synthesis of 2-amino- 3-hydroxy-1,6-hexanedicar☐ylic acid using serinehydroxymethyltransferase

The scale up of earlier work from these laboratories using the enzyme serinehydroxymethyltransferase has resulted in the use of this enzyme for the synthesis of 2-amino-3-hydroxy-1,6-hexanedicar☐ylic acid (7) on a preparative scale. This compound, which has been barely described in the literature, is potentially useful for the synthesis of carbocyclic β-lactams and carbocyclic nucleosides.
A 2.4 kbit/s MELP coder candidate for the new U.S. Federal Standard

This paper describes our enhanced mixed excitation linear prediction (MELP) speech coder which is a candidate for the new U.S. Federal Standard at 2.4 kbits/s. The new coder is based on the MELP model, and it uses a number of enhancements as well as efficient quantization algorithms to improve performance while maintaining a low bit rate. In addition, the coder has been optimized for performance in acoustic background noise and in channel errors, as well as for efficient real-time implementation. Listening tests confirm that the enhanced 2.4 kbit/s MELP coder performs as well as the higher bit rate 4.8 kbit/s FS1016 CELP standard.
Theory of free volume in polymers

A number of theoretical approaches to the problem of free volume in polymers are discussed. Because some questions in the Bueche approach remain unresolved, the lattice-gas model was studied. Inconsistencies in the independent-vacancy approximation led to consideration of a mean-field model and then a precise Pade-approximant solution, neither of which gave satisfactory agreement with experiment. Introduction of an internal pressure parameter to model the effects of the chainlike structure of polymers restores agreement with experiment.