cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nongradient blue native gel analysis of serum proteins and in-gel detection of serum esterase activities

The objective of the present study was to analyze serum protein complexes and detect serum esterase activities using nongradient blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE). For analysis of potential protein complexes, serum from rat was used. Results demonstrate that a total of 8 gel bands could be clearly distinguished after Coomassie blue staining, and serum albumin could be isolated nearly as a pure protein. Moreover, proteins in these bands were identified by electrospray mass spectrometry and low-energy collision induced dissociation (CID)-MS/MS peptide sequencing and the existence of serum dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLDH) was confirmed. For studies of in-gel detection of esterase activities, serum from rat, mouse, and human was used. In-gel staining of esterase activity was achieved by the use of either α-naphthylacetate or β-naphthylacetate in the presence of Fast blue BB salt. There were three bands exhibiting esterase activities in the serum of both rat and mouse. In contrast, there was only one band showing esterase activity staining in the human serum. When serum samples were treated with varying concentrations of urea, esterase activity staining was abolished for all the bands except the one containing esterase 1 (Es1) protein that is known to be a single polypeptide enzyme, indicating that majority of these esterases were protein complexes or multimeric proteins. We also identified the human serum esterase as butyrylcholinesterase following isolation and partial purification using ammonium sulfate fractioning and ion exchange column chromatographies. Where applicable, demonstrations of the gel-based method for measuring serum esterase activities under physiological or pathophysiological conditions were illustrated. Results of the present study demonstrate that nongradient BN-PAGE can serve as a feasible analytical tool for proteomic and enzymatic analysis of serum proteins.
Supernatural QUAD4: A template formulation

Abstract A universal template for a 4-node quadrilateral in plane stress is constructed using a combination of old and new techniques. The use of natural quantities, strongly advocated by J.H. Argyris since his Continua and Discontinua 1965 exposition, is further expanded. The qualifier ‘supernatural’ means that all governing equations: kinematic, constitutive and equilibrium, are expressed in both Cartesian and natural forms. These two sets are used to build different components of the template. With timely help from a computer algebra system, a template that include all possible quadrilateral elements that pass the Individual Element Test of Bergan and Hanssen emerges. It yields an infinite number of hitherto undiscovered instances that may be customized to fit special needs. A striking example is the construction of a two-trapezoid macroelement that is bending exact about one direction, for any amount of distortion. This concludes a five decade search that begins with the formulation of the wing-cover rectangular panel in Argyris’ 1954 seminal serial on Energy Methods and Structural Analysis.
A case for time-dependent shortest path computation in spatial networks

The problem of point-to-point shortest path computation in spatial networks is extensively studied with many approaches proposed to speed-up the computation. Most of the existing approaches make the simplifying assumption that weights (e.g., travel-time) of the network edges are constant. However, with real-world spatial networks the edge travel-times are time-dependent, where the arrival-time to an edge determines the actual travel-time of the edge. With this paper, we study the applicability of existing shortest path algorithms to real-world large time-dependent spatial networks. In addition, we evaluate the importance of considering time-dependent edge travel-times for route planning in spatial networks. We show that time-dependent shortest path computation can reduce the travel-time by 36% on average as compared to the static shortest path computation that assumes constant edge travel-times.
Digital preservation strategies at Colorado State University Libraries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of digital archiving and preservation practices and processes successfully implemented at an academic institution.Design/methodology/approach – This case study chronicles the planning and actions taken to identify, select, package, and archive local digital assets for long‐term access and migration. It includes a literature review and offers selected resources as a starting point for other institutions investigating digital preservation tools and practices.Findings – Digital preservation is a broad, evolving, and important facet of digital asset management, yet often overlooked by library administration and understated in library operations. Collaborative approaches should be considered in implementing digital preservation tools and processes with limited resources.Practical implications – What is successfully in operation at CSUL may be learned by other institutions. An effective preservation plan and established workflows will give an organiza...
Electron-impact ionization of B2+ and O5+: Excitation-autoionization in Li-like ions

New measurements for the total, single ionization of B/sup 2+/ and O/sup 5+/ by electron impact are reported with particular attention directed to the indirect contribution of excitation-autoionization. For B/sup 2+/ these are the first measurements to our knowledge while for O/sup 5+/ the present data improve on previous measurements. In both cases the direct total ionization cross sections are in good agreement with recent distorted-wave predictions of Younger, and the excitation-autoionization contribution is consistent with measurements for other Li-like ions. For O/sup 5+/ an additional small increase in the cross section is observed at an energy well below the excitation-autoionization threshold; this feature may be attributable to resonance recombination followed by auto-double-ionization. For the Li-like ions Be/sup +/, B/sup 2+/, C/sup 3+/, N/sup 4+/, and O/sup 5+/, the ionization theory of Younger is used as a basis to subtract the direct ionization component from the total measured ionization cross sections in order to extract the 1s/sup 2/2s..-->..summation/sub l/1s2s2l excitation cross section. The deduced inner-electron excitation cross sections are quantitatively compared with excitation theory including new close-coupling calculations for Be/sup +/ and B/sup 2+/ presented here. For all cases except Be/sup +/, the close-coupling theory is in agreement with the more » deduced experimental excitation cross sections. These new results and analysis improve confidence in excitation theory for highly charged ions. « less
Elevations in unbound serum estradiol as a possible mechanism for inappropriate gonadotropin secretion in women with PCO.

Twenty-three women considered to have polycystic ovarian disease (PCO) were studied in an effort to better understand the mechanism of inappropriate secretion (IGS) which is so characteristic of these women. Criteria for PCO included oligomenorrhea, infertility, an obesity index (ponderal index, PI) 3. The mean +/- SE weight and PI for this group were 175 +/- 7.5 lbs. and 11.2 +/- 0.2 respectively. Weight was not correlated with steroid levels in PCO or control women. The mean (+/- SE) of serum androgen concentrations (DHEA-S: 2.9 +/- 0.5 micrograms/ml; androstenedione: 2.6 +/- 0.3 ng/ml; and testosterone: 47 +/- 5 ng%) were all significantly higher than those in control women (p < .05). Total serum estradiol (E2) was comparable to those of controls in the follicular phase, while estrone (E1): E2 ratios averaged 2:1. Serum sex hormone binding globulin-binding capacity (SHBG-BC) averaged 56.8 +/- 4.2 nM which was significantly lower than that of controls (p < .05). The percent unbound E2 was significantly elevated in PCO (62% vs 37%). The mass of unbound E2 was also significantly higher in PCO women (40 +/- 3 pg/ml) than in controls (17 +/- 2 pg/ml) (p < .005). Serum LH:FSH ratios had a positive correlation with the relative and absolute concentration of unbound E2. In control women, unbound E2 correlated significantly with LH levels. This suggests that IGS characteristically found in PCO patients and exemplified by elevated LH;FSH ratios, is the result of the feedback response to elevated levels of unbound (i.e., biologically active) E2.
Casimir light: photon pairs.

Abstract Expressions are developed for weak single pair emission probability and strong emission average number of pairs. The water transparency cutoff is closely realized, showing that the fundamental time scale is even shorter.
Dynamical Structure of Radiation-dominated Pulsar Accretion Shocks

The flow of a radiation-dominated ideal fluid through a standing, radiative shock is an important aspect of accretion onto high-luminosity X-ray pulsars. A complete understanding of the shock structure is required in order to analyze the role of Fermi energization in producing the power-law spectra observed from typical X-ray pulsars. The detailed structure of the shock in turn depends on the boundary conditions imposed at the stellar surface, which are dictated by the strong magnetic field. Close to the neutron star, the accreting plasma is constrained to fall along the magnetic field lines, and therefore the flow should stagnate at the stellar surface and the energy flux into the star should vanish. However, previously published models for X-ray pulsar accretion flows generally do not satisfy these conditions. We consider the problem in this paper by obtaining an analytical solution for the velocity profile based on an approximate set of hydrodynamical equations describing the steady, plane-parallel flow of a radiation-dominated ideal fluid along a magnetically confined accretion column, including the escape of radiation through the column walls. The spatial variation of the velocity is parameterized in terms of the energy flux at the sonic point, or equivalently in terms of the upstream Mach number, and the dynamical solution obtained therefore represents a generalization of previous results for radiation-dominated accretion flows. The requirement of downstream stagnation yields an interesting eigenvalue relation involving the accretion rate, the radius of the column, and the energy flux at the sonic point. Flows failing to satisfy this relation cannot be steady and may display a variety of temporal behaviors. The simplicity of the analytical solution makes it a very convenient starting point for calculations of the emergent spectrum, which will be presented in a separate paper.
Phosphatidylethanol as a13C-NMR probe for reporting packing constraints in phospholipid membranes

Abstract 13 CH 2 -ethyl labeled phosphatidylethanol (PEth), a rare naturally occurring anionic phospholipid, was used to probe the interleaflet packing density difference in small and large unilamellar phospholipid vesicles (SUVs and LUVs, respectively). The intrinsically tighter lipid packing in the inner leaflet of the SUVs resulted in the splitting of the CH 2 -ethyl 13 C-resonance into two distinct components originating from PEth molecules residing in the inner and outer leaflets. The splitting of the 13 C-NMR signal from the PEth headgroup appears to be unique among naturally occurring phospholipids. We present data suggesting that the splitting of the PEth signal reports on transleaflet packing density difference modulated by unequal electrostatic interactions and structured water on the inner and outer surfaces of the SUV. The PEth resonance splitting was insensitive to pH changes over the range 5.3–8.6 and cannot be accounted for by differences in the p K a of PEth in the inner and outer monolayers of the SUV. In 13 C-NMR spectra of LUVs, where packing constraints in both monolayers are approximately similar, only a single, narrow symmetrical CH 2 -ethyl signal was observed, which was shifted downfield at higher PEth concentrations. The carbonyl and C 3 -glycerol backbone PEth resonances were shifted upfield compared to those of phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylglycerol, suggesting a more tightly packed/hydrophobic environment for these segments of the PEth molecule in the membrane. We conclude that the unique splitting of the PEth 13 C-resonance reported here can be used to characterize the lipid packing conditions in various membranes and to monitor the transbilayer distribution/movement of PEth.
Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix: Prognostic factors and survival advantage with platinum chemotherapy

Abstract Objective Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix (LCNEC) is a rare cervical neoplasm associated with poor survival. Our objective was to identify treatments associated with improved survival. Methods Relevant data were abstracted from an English literature MEDLINE search, SEER database, and a patient treated at our institution. Multivariate analysis was performed by generating Cox proportional hazard ratios. Results We identified 62 patients with LCNEC: 49 cases from the English literature, 12 patients in the SEER database and our patient. Out of the 62 women, median age was 37 (range, 21–75). FIGO stage was as follows: 58% had stage I disease, 16% had stage II, 2% had stage III, 8% had stage IV disease and 16% had no stage documented. Of all patients, 73% underwent primary surgery, 4.7% underwent primary radiation, 4.7% underwent chemotherapy, 8% had chemoradiation, and 9.6% had no primary treatment. Of all patients, 58% died of disease, 26% had no evidence of disease, 3% were alive with disease, and 13% had no survival data. The overall median survival was 16.5months (0.5–151months). Median overall survival for stage I, II, III, and IV cancers was 19, 17, 3, and 1.5months, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, earlier stage ( p p =0.04) were associated with improved survival. Both platinum agents ( p =0.034) and platinum and etoposide together ( p =0.027) were associated with improved survival. Conclusions Perioperative chemotherapy, in particular platinum with or without etoposide, improves survival in the rare LCNEC.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in llamas (Lama glama) in the northwest USA

Serum samples from 283 llamas (Lama glama) from Oregon, Washington State and Idaho were tested for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii using the modified agglutination test. Antibodies were found in 95 (33.5%) llamas. Percent seropositivity in serum dilutions of 1:25, 1:50, 1:500, and 1:5000 was 9.5%, 18.3%, 4.9%, and 0.7%, respectively.
Managing the costs of modern corrections: Implications of nineteenth-century privatized prison-labor programs

Abstract The increasing use of incarceration during the 1980s has resulted in substantial enlargement of the American prison population. In addition, the costs of providing correctional services to this enlarged population has grown dramatically. One solution proposed to address the issue of escalating correctional costs is privatization. Through an examination of the early nineteenth-century New York experience with private-sector prison industrial programs, this article considers the value of privatization as a remedy to unacceptable correctional costs. Nineteenth-century problems are identified, and the implications of these problems for current privatization initiatives, both related and unrelated to prison industries, are discussed.
Blooms of the toxic dinoflagellate, Alexandrium fundyense in the Casco Bay region of the western Gulf of Maine: Advection from offshore source populations and interactions with the Kennebec River plume

Abstract The Casco Bay region, an embayment adjacent to the Kennebec River, has been suggested as a source region for Alexandrium fundyense bloom development in the western Gulf of Maine (GOM). In this study, shipboard observations were acquired within Casco Bay and the nearby coastal waters during the spring of 1998 and 2000. In the early bloom season, low A. fundyense abundances ( −1 ) were observed within the bay, sometimes isolated from A. fundyense populations observed in adjacent coastal waters. When high abundances of A. fundyense (>500 cells l −1 ) were observed within Casco Bay, they were contiguous with coastal populations observed within the Kennebec/Penobscot river plume and within offshore waters of the western segment of the Maine Coastal Current (WMCC). This general distributional pattern occurred during both study years. Wind directly affected the pathway of the incoming coastal populations. Downwelling-favorable winds generally facilitated bloom formation (and outbreaks of shellfish toxicity) within Casco Bay by enhancing the connection with offshore populations via alongshore and onshore transport of cells from the upstream coastal waters. In contrast, persistent upwelling-favorable winds were associated with low A. fundyense cell abundances (and shellfish toxicity) in Casco Bay by slowing the advance of the coastal population and shifting it offshore with the Kennebec plume front. The striking difference between late season (June) population abundances of the two study years can be explained by a combination of the wind pre-history and interannual differences in large-scale (Gulf-wide) circulation patterns, as evidenced by higher salinities in the coastal waters in 2000 vs. 1998. Advection of A. fundyense cells into Casco Bay and retention, not local growth within the Bay, are likely the dominant processes that typically result in the accumulation of high populations and shellfish toxicity in the Bay. A variety of mechanisms (e.g., circulation underneath or steerage around the Kennebec plume) promote the transfer of cells across the Kennebec/Penobscot plume barrier and into the Bay. These dynamics are complex given the variability of the wind, river inputs, and the Maine Coastal Current structure. Nonetheless, general distributional patterns of A. fundyense and the associated hydrography clearly demonstrate that populations within Casco Bay are not isolated, but instead are part of the large-scale coastal populations that inhabit the western GOM, likely originating from further upstream in the coastal flow. With that knowledge, the ultimate goal of predicting outbreaks of shellfish toxicity in the western GOM based on meteorological and hydrographic conditions may become a reality.
On creating a handbook of software architecture

It is a sign of maturity for any given engineering discipline when we can name, study, and apply the patterns relevant to that domain. In civil engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and now even genomic engineering, there exist libraries of common patterns that have proven themselves useful in practice. Unfortunately, no such architectural reference yet exists for software-intensive systems. Although the patterns community has pioneered the vocabulary of design patterns through the work of the Hillside Group and the Gang of Four, our industry has no parallel to the architecture handbooks found in more mature design disciplines.Following the work of Bruce Anderson, who over a decade ago conducted a series of workshops at OOPSLA, I've begun an effort to fill this void in software engineering by codifying a the architecture of a large collection of interesting software-intensive systems, presenting them in a manner that exposes their essential patterns and that permits comparison across domains and architectural styles.In this presentation, we'll examine the nature of architectural patterns and the process of conducting architectural digs to harvest them, and then examine a few of the systems studied thus far.
Mechanical properties of electroless Ni/Au wire bonded to an Al pad with the effects of chemical activation

Abstract The mechanical properties of electroless nickel (EN) deposited onto pure gold (Au) wire used for the semiconductor industry have been investigated with the effects of the chemical activation, using the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) technique, tensile, torsion and ball shear (BS) tests, and optical microscopy (OM). The combined results of in situ electrogravimetric curves with ex situ cross-sectional views obtained from the EN/Au composite wire clearly showed that EN deposits with the presence of pre-immersion Au were more rapidly formed on Au wire compared to the absence of the pre-immersion Au. This is presumably due to the surface roughness increased by the hydrogen evolution as validated from OM. The load–displacement curves for the pre-immersion Au-coated and uncoated Au wires prior to EN revealed that the elastic modulus value of the EN outer layer, ENi, calculated on the basis of a linear elastic deformation model, was higher for the former than the latter. Moreover, it was found from the torsion and BS tests that the shear modulus of the EN, GNi, and the shear strength of the composite wire bonded to the aluminum (Al) pad with the zincate pretreatment were greater than for wires without this pretreatment; the values increased with increasing zincate immersion time. Consequently, it can be stated that the tensile strength of the EN/Au composite wire and the bonding strength between the wire and the Al pad are effectively increased by the existence of the pre-immersion Au layer and the zincate pretreatment, respectively.
Sums and products of two quadratic matrices

Abstract Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for a complex matrix T to be the sum of an idempotent and a square-zero matrix. These conditions are expressed in terms of (1) the block structure of T under similarity, as well as (2) the elementary-divisor structure of T . This leads to a complete characterization of which complex matrices are a sum of two quadratic matrices. Also, using a similar scheme, we characterize when a matrix is the product of an involution and a unipotent matrix of index 2.
The Gardner Syndrome: Significance of Ocular Features

Gardner syndrome is a dominantly inherited familial cancer syndrome characterized by intestinal polyposis, bony hamartomata, and various soft tissue tumors. The risk of malignancy during adult life is essentially 100%, but as yet no phenotypic marker nor biochemical or serological linkage have been useful to identify the presence of the gene in early life. We studied three families in which multiple and bilateral patches of congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium are related uniquely to other phenotypic features of the Gardner gene. This readily identifiable characteristic may be useful to identify early in life individuals at risk for malignancy. We also suggest that the Gardner syndrome may be genetically heterogeneous.
Intermediates in the biosynthesis of cyanogenic glucosides determined by use of a gas chromatograph coupled with a gas proportional counter

Abstract A method involving the gas chromatographic separation of the trimethylsilyl derivatives of possible intermediates in the biosynthesis of cyanogenic glucosides and the determination of the radioactivity in the individual compounds by use of a gas proportional counter is described. The trimethylsilyl derivatives were prepared by reacting lyophilized assay mixtures with bis-(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide using acetonitrile as a reaction solvent. Gas chromatographic separation was accomplished with a 3% SP-2250 glass column and temperature programming. The organic material in the chromatographic effluent was oxidized to carbon dioxide and water by passing it through an oven containing cupric oxide, and the carbon dioxide was counted in a gas proportional counter. Structures of the trimethylsilyl derivatives were confirmed by combined gas chromatography—mass spectrometry.
Abstract 1877: Involvement of mitochondrial respiratory complexes in capsaicin mediated ROS generation and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Capsaicin (N-vanillyl-8-methyl-nonenamide) is a homovanillic acid derivative and the spicy component of chili pepper. In our previous study, we have shown that capsaicin induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells was associated with the generation of ROS and persistent disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. However, the exact mechanism by which capsaicin causes ROS generation and cell death was not fully clear. We now evaluated the effect of capsaicin on mitochondrial respiratory complexes and ROS generation. The generation of ROS was about 3 fold and as early as 2h after capsaicin treatment in BxPC-3 cells and inhibited by rotenone and antimycin-A but not by 4-nitropropionic acid or sodium azide. Rotenone, 4-nitropropionic acid, antimycin A and sodium azide are the inhibitors of NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex I), succinate ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Complex II), ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase (Complex III) and cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV) respectively. To further delineate the mechanism of ROS generation, effect of capsaicin was evaluated on the enzymatic activities of above-mentioned mitochondrial complexes in BxPC-3 cells. Our results show that capsaicin treatment significantly reduced complex I and complex III enzymatic activities suggesting the involvement of mitochondrial complex I and III in capsaicin mediated ROS generation. Capsaicin however did not affected complex II or complex IV activities. Our results further revealed that about 3 fold apoptosis induced by capsaicin in BxPC-3 cells was inhibited by rotenone and antimycin-A. Moreover, capsaicin mediated release of cytochrome c and AIF and cleavage of caspase-9 and caspase-3 were significantly inhibited by rotenone and antimycin-A. On the other hand, catalase or EUK (a mimetic of catalase) pretreatment block capsaicin-mediated ROS generation and apoptosis. Taken together, our results suggest the involvement of mitochondrial complex I and III in capsaicin mediated ROS generation and apoptosis. [Supported in part by RO1 grants CA 106953 and CA129038 (to SKS) awarded by National Cancer Institute]. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1877.
Triangulating point set surfaces with bounded error

We introduce an algorithm for constructing a high-quality triangulation directly from Point Set Surfaces. Our algorithm requires no intermediate representation and no post-processing of the output, and naturally handles noisy input data, typically in the form of a set of registered range scans. It creates a triangulation where triangle size respects the geometry of the surface rather than the sampling density of the range scans. Our technique does not require normal information, but still produces a consistent orientation of the triangles, assuming the sampled surface is an orientable two-manifold. Our work is based on using Moving Least-Squares (MLS) surfaces as the underlying representation. Our technique is a novel advancing front algorithm, that bounds the Hausdorff distance to within a user-specified limit. Specifically, we introduce a way of augmenting advancing front algorithms with global information, so that triangle size adapts gracefully even when there are large changes in surface curvature. Our results show that our technique generates high-quality triangulations where other techniques fail to reconstruct the correct surface due to irregular sampling on the point cloud, noise, registration artifacts, and underlying geometric features, such as regions with high curvature gradients.
Thermally conductive flows in coronal holes

A treatment of polytropic solar wind flows in non-radial expansion regions, developed by Kopp and Holzer (1976), is extended to include the effect of thermal conduction. Thermal conductive and polytropic flows in the lower corona under specified high-speed stream conditions at 1 AU are compared; the thermally conductive flows more closely model the observed phenomena, though predicted electron density is still too low and the predicted temperature too high. It is suggested that another mechanism (such as wave pressure), in conjunction with thermal conduction, may provide an accurate explanation for solar wind flows originating in coronal holes.
Measurements of the dynamics of structural fires

Experiments in which wood-frame buildings are burned were conducted to determine the dynamic characteristics of one type of structure. The burning rate, as measured by the weight-loss rate, was found to have a pulse shape similar to the pulse of radiant energy emitted during the fire. Radiant-flux levels surrounding the burning structures were well correlated with photographically estimated flame areas, through the Stefan-Boltzmann relationship. Carbon monoxide concentrations and air temperatures reached lethal levels at about the same time in these burning buildings, usually corresponding to a point just prior to flashover of the compartment. The results of this work offer encouragement to attempts at generalizing some of the dynamic characteristics of structural fires.
Cerebral oxygenation and cerebral oxygen extraction in the preterm infant: the impact of respiratory distress syndrome.

Haemodynamic factors play an important role in the etiology of cerebral lesions in preterm infants. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a common problem in preterms, is strongly related with low and fluctuating arterial blood pressure. This study investigated the relation between mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), fractional cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO2) and fractional (cerebral) tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE), a measure of oxygen utilisation of the brain, during the first 72 h of life. Thirty-eight infants (gestational age < 32 week) were included, 18 with and 20 without RDS. Arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), MABP and near infrared spectroscopy-determined ScO2 were continuously measured. FTOE was calculated as a ratio: (SaO2–ScO2)/SaO2. Gestational age and birth weight did not differ between groups, but assisted ventilation and use of inotropic drugs were more common in RDS infants (P<0.01). MABP was lower in RDS patients (P<0.05 from 12 up to 36 h after birth), but increased in both groups over time. ScO2 and FTOE were not different between groups over time, but in RDS infants ScO2 and FTOE had substantial larger variance (P<0.05 at all time points except at 36–48 h for ScO2 and P<0.05 at 12–18, 18–24, 36–48 and 48–60 h for FTOE). During the first 72 h of life, RDS infants showed more periods of positive correlation between MABP and ScO2 (P<0.05 at 18–24, 24–36 36–48 48–60 h) and negative correlation between MABP and FTOE (P<0.05 at 18–24, 36–48 h). Although we found that the patterns of cerebral oxygenation and extraction in RDS infants were not different as compared to infants without RDS, we suggest that the frequent periods with possible lack of cerebral autoregulation in RDS infants may make these infants more vulnerable to cerebral damage.
An enhanced and embedded GNU radio flow

This paper presents a Zynq capable version of GNU Radio - an open-source rapid radio deployment tool - with an enhanced flow that utilizes the processing capability of FPGAs. This work features TFlow - an FPGA back-end compilation accelerator for instant FPGA assembly. The Xilinx Zynq FPGA architecture integrates the FPGA fabric and CPU onto a single chip, which eliminates the need for a controlling host computer; thus, providing a single, portable, low-power, embedded platform. By exploiting the computational advantages of FPGAs in the GNU Radio flow, a larger class of software defined radios can be implemented. Once the FPGA is programmed with a design, modules can be parameterized to realize an even larger class of applications and further solidify the concept of rapid assembly of software defined radios.
Probes for a Regulatory Site on the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor-Channel. Synthesis of (±)-7-Debutylperhydrohistrionicotoxin, (±)-2-Depentyl-7-debutylperhydrohistrionicotoxin, and their Analogues

Reaction of glutarimide with pent-4-enylmagnesium bromide, followed by cyclization of intermediate ketoamide, and hydrolysis of the formates 10 and 13 led to the mixture of the hydroxylactams 11(cis) and 14(trans) which could be separated via their benzenecarbamates. Reduction of cis-hydroxylactam 11 with LiAlH4 yielded 2-depentyl-7-debutylperhydrohistrionicotoxin (6), whereas reduction of trans-isomer 14 gave the epimeric alcohol 9. cis-Hydroxylactam 11 was converted via thiolactam 17 and the methylthio derivative 18 to ketimine 19 which was reduced with NaBH4 yielding a mixture of natural 4 and unnatural 7, analogues of perhydrohistrionicotoxin (2). Reduction of 4 with H2 in the presence of Pd/C yielded (±)-7-debutylperhydrohistrionicotoxin (5).
Non‐traditional explosives: Potential detection problems

Most explosive detection technologies have been focused on nitro‐based military explosives because, indeed, they have figured in international terrorist incidents Not only are they readily available through purchase or theft or from sponsoring states, but methods for home synthesis of TNT, PETN and RDX are widely available. Presently substantial resources are being committed to developing explosive detection technologies to protect commercial aircraft, trains, tunnels, nuclear powerplants, etc. against such terrorist threats. Most of the systems now under development target a specific characteristic of military or commercial explosives (e.g., mass density, nitrogen density). However, as counter‐terrorist measures make traditional explosives more difficult to obtain or more risky to use, we should anticipate terrorists may turn to non‐traditional explosives. There are hundreds of energetic compounds and many common explosives which, while they do not meet exacting military demands, would be effective terro...
NMDA channels control meal size via central vagal afferent terminals

The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) ion channel blocker MK-801 administered systemically or as a nanoliter injection into the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), increases meal size. Furthermore, we h...
Intestinal Ischemia in the Elderly

Mesenteric ischemia in the elderly is an uncommon but often fatal disorder for which the prognosis depends entirely on the speed and accuracy of the diagnosis. A high index of suspicion is required as the early signs and symptoms, at a time when ischemic changes are reversible, are typically nonspecific or absent. This article reviews the clinical spectrum of mesenteric ischemia in the elderly with particular emphasis on the varied presentations, evaluation, and management of ischemic disorders of the intestines.
Large space structures - Fantasies and facts

A review of large space structures activities from 1973 to 1979 is presented. Long-range studies of space colonies, gigantic solar power stations and projected earth applications revived interest in space activities. Studies suggest opportunities for advanced antenna and platform applications. Matching low-thrust propulsion to large flexible vehicles will be a key technology. Current structures technology investigations include deployable and erectable structures and assembly techniques. Based on orbited structures experience, deployment reliability is a critical issue for deployable structures. For erectable structures, concepts for earth-fabricated and space-fabricated memb
Emergence date mediation of rice yield responses to equidistant spacing

Abstract The objectives of this study were to assess the importance and interrelationships of emergence date and equidistant spacing to rice ( Oryza sativa L.) plant and crop yields and yield variation. Field experiments were conducted in microplots at Keiser, Arkansas, in 1988 and 1989. The treatments were equidistant spacings of 40, 50, 60, and 80 mm. Emergence dates were recorded for plants in the center of each plot. Individual plant grain yields ( Y G ) were recorded at maturity. Relative emergence times ( t R , differences in days) were computed between neighboring plants ( t RN and between each plant and the first-emerging plant in the plot ( t RC ). Both expressions of t R revealed that later-emerging plants yielded less than earlier-emerging plants. The negative effect of later emergence was more pronounced at the closer spacings and for t RC than t RN . Thus, t RC was more meaningful than t RN as expression of emergence time. At close spacings, increased t RC decreased to a few days the length of time over which plants could emerge and still produce grain i.e., only the earlier emerging plants were productive. The results also indicated that more uniform crop maturity might result from increasing plant density.
Kerogen chemistry. 8. Hydrous pyrolysis of rundle kerogen : Source of the oxygen in CO2 and mineral catalysis

Rundle shale and rundle kerogen were reacted under hydrous pyrolysis conditions and the formed amounts of CO 2 and carboxylic acids were measured. The amount of CO 2 formed from kerogen when the shale is reacted exceeds that formed when the isolated kerogen is reacted, demonstrating involvement of the mineral phase in the reaction. The chemical composition of the kerogen is known from Siskin's work. It is possible that the CO 2 formed during the reaction of kerogen (no mineral except pyrite) at 325 °C comes entirely from the kerogen. This is not true when the shale is reacted. For the reaction of kerogen at 350 °C, it is unlikely that all of the oxygen in the CO 2 and carboxylic acid products is derived from the kerogen. When the kerogen was further demineralized with CrCl 2 , the amount of CO 2 formed decreased. When a mixture of FeS, FeS 2 , and Fe 2 O 3 was added to the kerogen, CO 2 formation increased. Minerals play a role in hydrous pyrolysis reactions. It cannot be decided from these data whether this role is catalytic or direct involvement as a redox buffer.
CDK9/cyclin complexes modulate endoderm induction by direct interaction with Mix.3/mixer

Mix-related homeodomain proteins are involved in endoderm formation in the early vertebrate embryo. We used a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify proteins that interact with Mix.3/mixer to regulate endoderm induction. We demonstrate that cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) interacts with the carboxyl terminal domain of Mix.3. CDK9 is the catalytic subunit of the PTEF-b transcription elongation complex that phosphorylates the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II to promote efficient elongation of nascent transcripts. Using whole embryo transcription reporter and animal pole explant assays, we show that Mix.3 activity is regulated by CDK9/cyclin complexes. Co-expression of cyclin T2 and cyclin K had different effects on Mix.3 transcriptional activity and endoderm induction. Our data suggest that binding of CDK9, and the recruitment of different cyclin partners, can modulate the endoderm-inducing activity of Mix.3 during embryonic development. Developmental Dynamics 238:1346-1357, 2009. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hydrogen transport behavior of Timetal-21S alloy

Use is made of the thermogravimetric-analysis method to ascertain the hydrogen-transport characteristics of the Timetal-21S beta-Ti alloy, at pressures of up to 50 torr over the 400-800 C temperature range. Hydrogen solubility is found to be high; the equilibrium hydrogen concentration is noted to deviate from Sievert's law at higher pressures. These deviations are likely associated with hydrogen-induced microstructural changes in the alloy, and the kinetics of hydrogen uptake reflect these changes.
BMP‐2 induces the expression of activin βA and follistatin in vitro

Activins are members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily and have been shown to be multifunctional regulators of development and cell differentiation. Increasing evidence suggests activin betaA is involved in skeletal development. Using differential display PCR we have identified activin betaA as a gene associated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) induced differentiation of a mouse limb bud cell line, MLB13MYC clone 17, from a prechondroblastic to an osteoblastic phenotype. The expression of activin betaA peaks at 24 h of rhBMP-2 treatment, before detection of osteocalcin mRNA expression. Cycloheximide treatment inhibits induction of activin betaA, indicating a requirement for new protein synthesis. The induction of the mRNA encoding follistatin, an activin binding protein, was also examined. Follistatin mRNA increases within 18 h of rhBMP-2 treatment, as activin betaA mRNA increases but before it peaks. Treatment of MLB13MYC clone 17 cells with purified activin betaA concomitant with rhBMP-2 does not affect markers of chondrocyte or osteoblast differentiation, nor does treatment with purified activin betaA alone. This suggests that activin betaA exerts its effect via a paracrine mechanism. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrates that activin betaA expression is localized to cells in the developing interphalangeal joints of embryonic mouse limbs. This is consistent with in vivo induction by BMP-2 which is also expressed in the developing joints. Activin betaA, therefore, is downstream from BMP-2 in the cascade of events that result in skeletal development.
Evidence for collective behavior in /sup 128/Ce from lifetime measurements

Lifetimes in the yrast sequence of $^{128}\mathrm{Ce}$ have been measured following the reaction $^{92}\mathrm{Zr}$($^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$,4n) induced by 159-MeV $^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$ ions. A Doppler-shift recoil-distance device was utilized inside a large NaI detector where the latter provided total $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray decay energy selection for these measurements. The $B(E2)$ values deduced for the ${2}^{+}$ through ${14}^{+}$ states indicate that in the ground band $^{128}\mathrm{Ce}$ conforms much more closely to rigid-rotor behavior than do the heavier cerium isotopes, and that in the $s$ band the shape parameters remain in the collective sector $\ensuremath{-}60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}l\ensuremath{\gamma}l0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, as predicted by cranked self-consistent theory.
Relaxation times for nonlinear heat conduction in solid H 2

The temperature distribution in solid crystalline hydrogen has been shown to be governed by the essentially nonlinear diffusion equation $\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}\ensuremath{\Theta}}{\ensuremath{\partial}t}=D{\ensuremath{\Theta}}^{2}{\ensuremath{\nabla}}^{2}\ensuremath{\Theta}$ in which there appears the dimensionless thermal variable $\ensuremath{\Theta}\ensuremath{\equiv}{[1+{(\frac{T}{{T}_{c}})}^{4}]}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ with the constants $D$ and ${T}_{c}$ dependent on the ortho-${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ percentile. In the present communication, generic upper bounds are obtained on the cooling and warming relaxation times for a volume of solid ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ subject to a constant-temperature-surface condition. Valid for ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ solids of unrestricted size and shape, these generic upper bounds on the relaxation times apply for arbitrary initial-temperature distributions.
A possible interpretation of the π1(1400) exotic meson

I will discuss the current theoretical and experimental status of exotic mesons and a possible interpretation of the light, π 1(1400) exotic meson as a final state interaction effect.
Development of Cold Agglutinins in Atypical Pneumonia.

IN addition to the classical iso-agglutinins that delineate the four primary blood groups of man, there exist in many normal sera other substances which may cause clumping of erythrocytes and are called 'cold' agglutinins because in most instances their action appears at low temperatures only. Specific cold agglutinins, concerned with the sub-groups of type A blood, have been distinguished1. The cold agglutinins are, however, otherwise considered to be non-specific inasmuch as they will produce clumping of all human red blood cells irrespective of group. Moreover, since they likewise affect the cells of the individual in whose serum they appear, they are sometimes named auto-agglutinins. The reaction is delicate and usually disappears when the serum is diluted beyond 1: 10. Cold agglutinins of this type have attracted attention from time to time when existing in quantity enough to be manifest even at room temperature and so interfere with the crossmatching of bloods for transfusion. Such occasions are still rare enough to warrant reports of single cases of their occurrence. McCombs and McElroy found in the literature thirty-eight instances2. Among these were represented diseases as varied as cirrhosis of the liver, trypanosomiasis and pneumonia. With the exception of paroxysmal haemoglobinuria, which occupies a unique position, there would seem to be no regularity in the behaviour of cold agglutinins in disease, although it may be pointed out that systematic clinical and serological investigation of the subject has been neglected.
Impact of insomnia on future functioning of adolescents.

Abstract Objective: To examine the impact of insomnia among adolescents on somatic, interpersonal, and psychological functioning using data from a two-wave, prospective study. Methods: Subjects were adolescents 11–17 years of age sampled from managed care enrollment rosters in the United States. The baseline sample was 4175 and the follow-up sample a year later was 3136. Data were collected using computer-assisted personal interviews and self-administered questionnaires. Insomnia was measured using DSM-IV symptom criteria, scored as a summated scale and as separate symptoms. Indicators of somatic functioning were perceived health, limitations due to health problems, and impact of illness on family activities. Indicators of interpersonal functioning were social support, relations with parents, relations with peers and relations at school. Indicators of psychological functioning were self-esteem, perceived mental health, life satisfaction, and depression. Results: Symptoms of insomnia were common, with 17% reporting nonrestorative sleep, 6% difficulty initiating sleep, 7% daytime fatigue, and 5% daytime sleepiness almost every day. Without adjustment for insomnia at follow-up, the odds of dysfunction at follow-up for those with insomnia averaged 2.5 across 11 indicators of functioning. For 9 of 11 indicators, there was a clear dose–response relation such that moderate levels of insomnia increased risk and this risk increased with greater insomnia. Adjusting for insomnia at follow-up eliminated the association with somatic functioning and attenuated associations with interpersonal and psychological functioning. Discussion: These prospective data provide additional evidence that insomnia can have adverse consequences for the functioning of adolescents. Given the growing evidence for a relation between disturbed sleep and impaired adolescent functioning, more attention needs to be directed to identifying causal pathways and possible strategies for intervention.