cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preliminary results from an experimental investigation of nozzle wall boundary layer at Mach numbers ranging from 27 to 47.

Pressure and temperature surveys of Mach 27-47 nozzle boundary layer at Ames M-50 He tunnel, determining velocity profiles, wall friction coefficient, etc
A restriction map and analysis of the terminal redundancy in the group a streptococcal bacteriophage SP24

The DNA isolated from the group A streptococcal bacteriophage SP24 is a linear double-stranded molecule 42.0 kb in length. The DNA has been characterized by electron microscopy, and by agarose gel electrophoresis after cleavage with the restriction endonucleases Sall, BglII, XbaI, PvuI, HindIII, and BamHI. Analysis of SalI digests indicates that two fragments are present in submolar amounts and exist as a subset of sequences present in another SalI fragment. Moreover, overlapping endonuclease fragments suggested that the physical map is circular. This was confirmed when homoduplex phage DNA revealed circular structures with single-stranded tails that were 7.7% of the circumference of the genome length molecule. Tails were observed to be separated by as much as 42% of the circular homoduplex structure. These results indicate that the phage SP24 genome is terminally redundant and circularly permuted; and the data are consistent with a model in which DNA packaging into phage heads is initiated at a specific site on concatemeric DNA and proceeds sequentially to package up to five “headfuls” of DNA per concatemer.
The human and bovine 14-3-3η protein mRNAs are highly conserved in both their translated and untranslated regions

Abstract 14-3-3 proteins form a highly conserved protein family whose members have been shown to activate tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylases, inhibit protein kinase C and possess phospholipase A2 activity in vitro. We have isolated and analyzed a 14-3-3 protein cDNA clone (H14-3-3) from a human fetal brain cDNA library and found it to possess a high level of sequence identity with the bovine 14-3-3η protein cDNA in both the translated and untranslated regions, suggesting the presence of cis-regulatory elements in the untranslated regions of these mRNAs. The proteins encoded by these two cDNAs are 98.4% identical. Two different sized RNA species, approx. 1.9 and 3.5 kb in size that are expressed in a variety of tissues hybridize with this cDNA. However, only the 1.9 kb RNA is detected in the fetal brain. Northern blot analysis of poly(A)+ RNA isolated from eight different human tissues shows that 14-3-3 protein mRNAs are expressed in many tissues in the body. In agreement with previous reports, the highest abundance of RNA hybridizing with this cDNA is seen in the brain.
Low-Intensity Laser Light-Induced Closure of a Chronic Wound in a Dog

Objective— To describe the application of low-intensity laser light for treatment of a chronic, full-thickness skin wound in a dog. Study Design— Case report. Animals— An 8-year old, castrated Whippet. Methods— The wound was irradiated on the awake patient with 630 nM wavelength, nonthermal red light once daily for 4 consecutive days. Changes in wound surface area were measured by computer analysis of digital images of the wound. Results— The wound diminished in size during the course of laser treatments and was completely healed by day 21. No post-treatment complications occurred. Conclusions— Low-intensity laser light may be useful for treatment of chronic skin wounds in dogs.
Air pollution and allergy: you are what you breathe.

How does air pollution affect asthma and allergic rhinitis? Particulate and gaseous pollution drive proallergic inflammation through the generation of oxidative stress, which is regulated by individual genetic susceptibility.
The psychological impact of sexual abuse: Content analysis of interviews with male survivors

Autobiographical interviews with 26 adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and content analyzed to identify common psychological themes. Approximately equal numbers of men were abused by male and female perpetrators, almost half came from disrupted or violent homes and a majority had a history of substance abuse. Fifteen psychological themes were identified: Anger, Betrayal, Fear, Homosexuality Issues, Helplessness, Isolation and Alienation, Legitimacy, Loss, Masculinity Issues, Negative Childhood Peer Relations, Negative Schemas about People, Negative Schemas about the Self, Problems with Sexuality, Self Blame/Guilt and Shame/Humiliation. The themes are discussed and illustrated with examples drawn from the transcripts.
Lipid Metabolism, Apoptosis and Cancer Therapy

Lipid metabolism is regulated by multiple signaling pathways, and generates a variety of bioactive lipid molecules. These bioactive lipid molecules known as signaling molecules, such as fatty acid, eicosanoids, diacylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, lysophophatidic acid, ceramide, sphingosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate, phosphatidylinositol-3 phosphate, and cholesterol, are involved in the activation or regulation of different signaling pathways. Lipid metabolism participates in the regulation of many cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, survival, apoptosis, inflammation, motility, membrane homeostasis, chemotherapy response, and drug resistance. Bioactive lipid molecules promote apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway by modulating mitochondrial membrane permeability and activating different enzymes including caspases. In this review, we discuss recent data in the fields of lipid metabolism, lipid-mediated apoptosis, and cancer therapy. In conclusion, understanding the underlying molecular mechanism of lipid metabolism and the function of different lipid molecules could provide the basis for cancer cell death rationale, discover novel and potential targets, and develop new anticancer drugs for cancer therapy.
Determination of Calcium, Strontium, Barium and Yitrium Spectropolarimetric Analysis

Abstract A spectropolarimetric method of analysis was developed for calcium(II), strontium(II), barium(II) and yttrium(III) utilizing the stereospecific ligand, D-(-)-1,2-propylenediaminetetraacetic acid (D(-)PDTA). The optical rotation of the solution was monitored with a photoelectric polarimeter to determine the end point of the titration. The metal complexes and titrant are optically active and serve as self-indicators. Since D(-)PDTA is stereospecific in its reaction with these metals, maximum utilization of the optical rotation of these complexes is achieved. The observed optical rotation is linear with respect to concentration of the metal complexes; consequently, it is possible to perform straight line extrapolations to the end point. The effects of some parameters were investigated and optimum conditions were established. The range of the average deviations from visual chelometry for the four metals determined was 0.00 to 0.50%.
A Method for Determination of Oil-Spray Residue on Citrus Foliage

A rapid and simplified method for the determination of the oil-depositing properties of oil sprays has recently been described (Ebeling 1940). This method involved the spraying of the upper surfaces of large citrus leaves by means of a laboratory precision sprayer, from a distance of 3.5 feet, the leaves being held in place against a metal plate by means of a steel spring clamp. The spray was applied at 450 pounds pressure, with a three sixty-fourth-inch disk in the nozzle. Each leaf was exposed to the spray for 5 seconds, and 50 leaves were sprayed in each test lot. After the leaves were sprayed, they were fastened to Celotex boards with thumbtacks and were dried for a period of 2 to 4 hours in a cool basement with the aid of an electric fan. The portions of the leaves which had been held by the clamp during the spraying operation were then cut off, and the oil was removed from the remaining portions by washing with petroleum ether. After the washings were filtered, the ether was evaporated and the oil was weighed.
Reproductive success of male Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) revealed by noninvasive genetic analysis of paternity

Cetaceans are known to frequently engage in sexual behavior; however, the lack of male parental investment in offspring makes assessment of male reproductive success difficult. We assessed paternity in a small population (mean indi- viduals sighted per year = 93) of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis (G. Cuvier, 1829)) utilizing noninvasively collected fecal material. Samples (n = 88) were collected from dolphins from four social clusters. Of the 29 offspring tested, 34.5% were assigned paternity, resulting in 10 paternities assigned to seven males. Our study indicates that achiev- ing a certain age is a potential precursor for males to mate successfully, as 18 years was the youngest estimated age of a male at the time of calf conception. In all pairings but one, the males were older than the female (mean age difference = 7.7+ years). Successful males were from two of the four social clusters and males most often mated within their social group or with females from the next geographically closest group. The study combines genetic data with known maternal pedigree information and reveals patterns in the overall mating system in a cetacean species where reproductive success of males was previously unknown. Resume´ : Les cetaces participent frequemment ades comportements sexuels, cependant l'absence d'investissement pater- nel envers les jeunes rend difficile l'evaluation du succes reproductif des males. Nous avons determineles paternites dans une petite population (nombre moyen d'individus apercus par annee = 93) de dauphins tachetes de l'Atlantique (Stenella frontalis (G. Cuvier, 1829)) par des recoltes de materiel fecal, une technique non invasive. Les echantillons (n = 88) pro- viennent de quatre regroupements sociaux. Nous avons determinela paternitede 34,5 % des 29 jeunes testes, obtenant ainsi dix paternites attribuees a sept males. Notre etude revele que l'atteinte d'un certain age est une condition potentielle pour l'accouplement reussi chez les males, puisque l'age estimele plus jeune d'un male a la conception d'un petit est de 18 ans. Dans tous les accouplements sauf un, le male est plus ageque la femelle (difference d'age moyenne = 7,7+ ans). Les males qui ont reussi appartiennent adeux des quatre regroupements sociaux et les males s'accouplement le plus sou- vent au sein de leur groupe social ou avec des femelles du groupe le plus rapprochegeographiquement. Notre etude com- bine des donnees genetiques et des donnees d'ascendance maternelle et met en lumiere des patrons dans le systeme global d'accouplement chez une espece de cetacedont le succes reproductif des males etait encore inconnu. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Enhancer function in viral and cellular gene regulation

Revue generale traitant des connaissances accumulees sur les sequences «enhancer» intervenant au niveau de la regulation transcriptionnelle des genomes cellulaires et viraux. Mise en evidence de leur propre induction (proteines de choc thermique, metallothioneines, interferon γ, gene c-Fos), de leur implication dans les phenomenes de differenciation, de developpement cellulaire, de leur expression tissus specifiques, de certaines pathologies (contribution a la cancerinogenese). Description de modeles hypothetiques presentant les mecanismes d'action des «enhancers» et de leur domaine de liaison pour certaines proteines
Fusion welding of nickel–titanium and 304 stainless steel tubes: Part II: tungsten inert gas welding

Shape memory nickel–titanium is attractive for lightweight actuators as it can generate large blocking stresses and high recovery strains through solid-state operation. A key challenge is the integration of the nickel–titanium components into systems; this alloy is difficult and expensive to machine and challenging to weld to itself and other materials. In this research, we join nickel–titanium and 304 stainless steel tubes of 9.53 mm (0.375 in) in diameter through tungsten inert gas welding. By joining nickel–titanium to a common structural material that is easily machined and readily welded to other materials, the system integration challenges are greatly reduced. The joints prepared in this study were subjected to optical microscopic inspection, hardness mapping, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, mechanical testing, and failure surface analysis via scanning electron microscopy. The affected zone from welding is approximately 125 µm (0.005 in) wide including partially mixed zones with a maximum hard...
Structural basis for stem cell factor–KIT signaling and activation of class III receptor tyrosine kinases

Stem cell factor (SCF) binds to and activates the KIT receptor, a class III receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), to stimulate diverse processes including melanogenesis, gametogenesis and hematopoeisis. Dysregulation of KIT activation is associated with many cancers. We report a 2.5 A crystal structure of the functional core of SCF bound to the extracellular ligand‐binding domains of KIT. The structure reveals a ‘wrapping’ SCF‐recognition mode by KIT, in which KIT adopts a bent conformation to facilitate each of its first three immunoglobulin (Ig)‐like domains to interact with SCF. Three surface epitopes on SCF, an extended loop, the B and C helices, and the N‐terminal segment, contact distinct KIT domains, with two of the epitopes undergoing large conformational changes upon receptor binding. The SCF/KIT complex reveals a unique RTK dimerization assembly, and a novel recognition mode between four‐helix bundle cytokines and Ig‐family receptors. It serves as a framework for understanding the activation mechanisms of class III RTKs.
Effect of Noble Metal Addition on Electrochemical Polarization Behavior of Hydrogen Oxidation and Oxygen Reduction on Type 304 Stainless Steel in High-Temperature Water

Abstract The effect of noble metal addition on polarization behavior of hydrogen (H2) oxidation and oxygen (O2) reduction on type 304 stainless steel (SS, UNS S30400) in high-temperature, high-purity water was studied. Incorporation of small amounts of noble metals dramatically improved H2 oxidation kinetics and, thus, enhanced the catalytic recombination efficiency of H2 to O2 to form H2O. Enhancement in the catalytic nature on the type 304 SS surface doped with noble metals resulted in the thermodynamically lowest electrochemical corrosion potential (< −500 mVSHE) when a stoichiometric or higher amount of hydrogen was present in the water.
Effects of intravenous butorphanol on cardiopulmonary function in isoflurane-anesthetized alpacas.

Abstract Objective To determine the effects of intravenous (IV) butorphanol on the cardiopulmonary system and on the bispectral index (BIS) in isoflurane-anesthetized alpacas. Study design Randomized, blinded cross-over experimental trial. Animals Eight healthy, young (3 ± 1 SD years) adult female alpacas weighing 64 ± 9 SD kg. Methods Alpacas were anesthetized with isoflurane by mask followed by tracheal intubation and maintenance of anesthesia with isoflurane in oxygen and intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Animals were assigned to two treatments, butorphanol (0.1 mg kg −1 , IV) and saline (0.01 mL kg −1 , IV) in a randomized manner allowing a 2-week interval between treatments. Cardiovascular variables included systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary arterial occlusion pressure (PAOP), central venous pressure, cardiac output, and pulmonary temperature (TEMP). Cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance (SVR), and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were calculated. Bispectral index was also measured. Arterial and mixed venous blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis. All variables were recorded at baseline (time 0) and at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes following injection and were analyzed by using repeated-measures anova ( p t -tests. Results Butorphanol decreased SVR at all times when compared with the baseline, but no difference was detected between treatments. TEMP decreased with time in both treatments, but they were not different from each other. Other cardiovascular, BIS, and blood gas variables were not different between groups. Conclusion and clinical relevance We conclude that butorphanol had minimal effects on the cardiovascular system of the alpacas, causing a mild decrease in SVR.
Prosthetic replacement in rotator cuff—deficient shoulders

We reviewed a series of 30 shoulders in 25 patients who had glenohumeral arthritis and rotator cuff deficiency and who underwent prosthetic replacement. Nineteen shoulders underwent humeral head replacement, and 11 shoulders had total shoulder arthroplasty. Meticulous mobilization and reconstruction of the deficiencies in the thin atrophic rotator cuff tissues were attempted in all shoulders. Emphasis was placed on anteroposterior stability, and this was achieved in all shoulders; superior coverage was fully achieved in 15 shoulders and was partially achieved in 11. All shoulders had less pain after surgery, and 93% achieved satisfactory pain relief. Total shoulder arthroplasty and humeral hemiarthroplasty were found to provide similar results with respect to pain relief, functional improvement, and patient satisfaction. Shoulders with hemiarthroplasty gained significantly more active elevation (+52° vs + 2°) after surgery. Cuff repair was easier when a humeral head prosthesis alone was used because less lateralization of the humerus occurred. Also, operative time, anesthesia time, and blood loss were decreased with hemiarthroplasty. Because the lack of glenoid resurfacing did not adversely affect pain relief or function and avoided the potential problem of glenoid loosening, we favor humeral hemiarthroplasty as a treatment for glenohumeral arthritis in the rotator cuff-deficient shoulder.
Assessing microbiology test orders and specimen quality

Abstract The clinical utility of microbiology culture results is directly related to the types of specimens submitted for culture and theirquality. The identification and handling of clinically irrelevant or sub-optimal test orders, assessment of specimen quality, and direct Gram stain interpretation and reporting of microorganisms are reviewed. Test requests that can generate clinically misleading information are outlined.
Photorefractive polymer-dispersed liquid crystals

We report observation of the photorefractive effect in functionalized polymer-dispersed liquid crystals. The photoconductive properties are provided by the polymer matrix, and the field-dependent refractive-index changes are generated by the dispersed nematic liquid-crystal droplets. A high diffraction efficiency (8%) and a high refractive-index modulation amplitude (Dn = 2 x 10(-3)) are obtained in 53- microm-thick samples with an applied field of 22 V/microm.
Efficacy, feasibility, and pitfalls of transseptal approach in beating-heart mitral valve surgery.

Abstract Background: Mitral valve surgery can be performed through the trans-atrial or the trans-septal approach. Although the trans-atrial is the preferred method, the trans-septal approach has also been used recently and has a particular value in beating-heart mitral valve surgery. Herein we report our experience with beating-heart mitral valve surgery via trans-septal approach, and discuss its advantages and pitfalls. Methods: Between 2000 and 2007, 214 patients underwent mitral valve procedures using the beating-heart surgical approach. Results: One hundred and forty-three patients (66.8%) had mitral valve replacement, 68 patients (31.7%) mitral valve repair, and 82 patients (38.3%) concomitant valve procedures. Coronary artery bypass grafting was simultaneously performed in 30 (14%) patients. Thirty-day mortality was 7.4%, reoperation for bleeding 7%, stroke 0.4%, and myocardial infarction 0.4%, and failed mitral valve repair 0.9%. Conclusion: Our experience suggests that beating-heart mitral valve surgery is facilitated by using the trans-septal approach.
Lincoln Legends: Myths, Hoaxes, and Confabulations Associated With Our Greatest President – By Edward Steers Jr.

In this book, one of America's leading assassination experts turns his attention to some of the major myths surrounding the sixteenth president. It is hardly surprising that an assassination schola...
Regeneration of synapses in vitro.

Abstract Silver impregnation of juxtaposed pairs of newborn mouse cerebellum explants maintained as long-term, organotypic cultures revealed the first morphological demonstration of the development (regeneration) of synaptic contacts between neurons of the contiguous pairs. These observations provide anatomic confirmation of the bioelectric evidence for functional synaptic transmission between paired CNS explants.
Characterization of reversible permeability in advanced USC steel during thermal aging

The effects of microstructure on reversible permeability (μ rev ) are discussed for thermally aged ultra-supercritical (USC) steel, which is required for the next generation of power plants. Thermal aging was observed to coarsen the tempered carbide (Cr 23 C 6 ), generate the Laves (Fe 2 W) phase and decrease the dislocation density. The peak position of the μ rev decreased drastically during the initial 1000h aging period, and was thereafter observed to decrease only slightly. The variation in peak position of μ rev is closely related to the decrease in the number of pinning sites, such as dislocations, fine precipitates, and the martensite lath.
Vanishing of whitehead torsion in dimension four

IN TOPOLOGY and geometry it is often useful or important to recognize n-dimensional manifolds that are isomorphic to products X x [0, l] of a compact manifold X with the unit interval. The s-cobordism theorem of Barden, Mazur and Stallings (see [13, 171) states that a compact (n + 1)-manifold W of dimension n + 1 2 6 with boundary 8 W = M,, u Ml is a product M0 x [0, l] if and only if W is an h-cobordism (i.e., W is homotopically a product) and a certain algebraic invariant z( W; M,,) called the Whitehead torsion is trivial (for n = 4 the results of [8,9] yield a topological version of the s-cobordism theorem for a large class of the fundamental groups). The Whitehead torsion invariant takes values in an abelian group called the Whitehead group of M that depends only on the fundamental group and is denoted by Wh(n,( W)). The vanishing condition on Z( W; M,-,) is essential because the Whitehead group is nonzero in many cases and every element can be realized as the torsion of some h-cobordism ( W”+l; M”,, My) for n 2 4; a proof in the case n 2 5 appears in [13], and the case n = 4 is treated in [2]. In fact, it is possible to choose the h-cobordisms so that M,-, ?z Ml (compare [2, Prop. 3.3 and the first sentence in the paragraph on p. 515 before Prop. 3.21). On the other hand, our understanding of the case n = 3 is still quite limited. For example, the following realization question from [16, Problem 4.91 is still open.
Hydration of Gas-Phase Gramicidin S (M + 2H)2+ Ions Formed by Electrospray: The Transition From Solution to Gas-Phase Structure

The hydration of doubly protonated gas-phase ions of gramicidin S formed by electrospray ionization was investigated. Under “gentle” electrospray conditions, a near Gaussian distribution of (M + 2H + nH2O)2+ ions with n up to 50 can be readily formed. These extensively hydrated gas-phase ions should have structures similar to those in solution. For intermediate extents of hydration, the “naked” or unsolvated ion is present in unusually high abundance. This is attributed to a competition between solvation of the charges by water vs intramolecular self-solvation via hydrogen bonding. In addition, “magic” numbers of attached water molecules are observed for n = 8, 11, and 14. These magic numbers are attributed to favorable arrangements of water molecules surrounding the charge and surface of the peptide in the gas phase. These results are indicative of a gentle stepwise transformation from the solution-phase structure of the ion to the preferred gas-phase structure as solvent evaporates from the hydrated ions.
SU-E-T-107: Uncertainty Estimate of a Practical EBT-2 Film Dosimetry Approach: Transpose-And-Scan Technique.

Purpose: To estimate the uncertainty of a practical EBT2 film dosimetry approach that has been established at our institution and used for routine patient‐specific plan verifications, particularly for SBRT and RapidArc, as well as planning system commissioning. Our technique is unique from other common dosimetry protocols with respect to calibration, irradiation and scanning. Methods: Film dosimetry for patient‐specific quality assurance of 29 patient plans were retrospectively reviewed. For each case, four films were irradiated; two for calibration and two for treatment plan. Each pair of two films were irradiated together in a phantom with one film transposed (rotated 180 degrees relative to the other) to compensate for asymmetric film response. After a minimum of 12 hrs post‐irradiation, each film was scanned in four different orientations to mitigate non‐uniform response of the scanner light and detector elements. The scanned 8 calibration and 8 plan images were averaged into one calibration and one plan film image, respectively. Each color channel of the calibration film was correlated to the reference dose matrix to produce a 3rd order polynomialcalibration curve. Finally, each color channel of the plan film was converted to a dose map using the corresponding calibration curve. Average dose maps of the red and green channels were correlated to the treatment planning dose matrix, and the mean dose differences at the center of dose distributions (5×5mm2 area) as well as a gamma analysis were evaluated. Results: The absolute dose differences were −0.8±1.7% (range=−4.5–3.0%). The gamma pass‐rates (3%/3mm) were 94±7% (min.=74%). The pass rate increased to 99±3%(min.=87%) with the film scaled relatively to the plan doses. Conclusions: Based on a large number of cases, our approach appears to be robust to non‐uniform film and scanner responses, and is shown to have an uncertainty (1SD) of less than 2% for absolute film dosimetry.
Autonomic control of heart rate in the adult, aquatic Notophthalmus viridescens viridescens.

Abstract 1. We investigated the role of the autonomic nervous system in the control of the heart rate using an isolated heart preparation. 2. Addition of the parasympathetic blocker, atropine, to the organ bath resulted in an increase in heart rate as expected. 3. Addition of the sympathetic blocker, ergotamine, to the organ bath showed no change in the heart rate. 4. Addition of the sympathtic blocker, propranolol, to the organ bath resulted in the expected decrease in heart rate. 5. Both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems appear to play a role in the control of the heart rate.
Design and Construction of Deformable Mirrors for the University of Chicago Adaptive Optics System

This paper details the design, construction, and performance of the deformable mirrors and their driving electronics built for the Chicago Adaptive Optics System (ChAOS). Both the mirrors and the drivers are constructed at the University of Chicago using a combination of commercially available and custom-built components. Mirrors ranging in size from 7 to 201 actuators have been constructed and several of these mirrors have been in use on the Apache Point 3.5 m telescope since April of 1995. I discuss some theoretical design issues involved in building deformable mirrors and I demonstrate the functionality of these mirrors by presenting some images obtained with ChAOS.
Teaching popular economics to less‐educated adults: principles and examples for teaching heterodox and critical economics

Purpose – This paper aims to describe how to teach economics to adult learners, many of whom are women, immigrants and do not hold college degrees, but who feel the effects of mainstream economics — and the brunt of economic policies and the ensuing lack of services that are provided — in their everyday lives.Design/methodology/approach – The article reviews popular education pedagogy and discusses and illustrates these in teaching lay audiences economics. Because they are lower‐educated adult learners, different pedagogy and curriculum are needed, which involve participatory methods that clearly illustrate how different economic policies affect different economic players and how these have and can affect their lives. Many examples of these principles are discussed. Discussing alternative policies is key, and these are also illustrated. Because they discuss alternative policies, this pedagogy naturally encompasses heterodox approaches, which is also illustrated. Impediments to teaching popular economics a...
A crack in the Standard Model

The Standard Model of particle physics has it that quarks are fundamental particles. But an experiment that echoes two past revolutions in our understanding of matter might hint instead at an even smaller level of structure.
Playing Chicken: Technologies of Domestication, Food, and Self

To engage the mediating and enabling aspects of food technology, I reflect in this essay on my (rueful) attempts at raising chickens. As an incompetent chicken-raising hobbyist and an STS-trained s...
Analysis of ovarian follicular development and thymidine incorporation in the cyclic golden hamster.

To quantify thymidine incorporation into DNA in the ovary of the intact, cyclic hamster, hamsters were injected at different times throughout the four-day estrous cycle (day 1 = day of ovulation; day 4 = proestrus). Animals were killed one hour after injection. One ovary was prepared for liquid scintillation counting of DNA and the other for autoradiographic analysis. Ovarian thymidine incorporation was elevated on days 1 and 4. The peak of thymidine incorporation on day 1 resulted from uptake by small follicles (12 or fewer layers of follicle cells), and coincided with a peak in serum FSH. Stromal and luteal uptake on day 1 was negligible. The peak of thymidine incorporation on day 4 occurred in the morning and was the result of incorporation into small follicles (seven layers of follicle cells and smaller) and antral follicles. This peak occurs when gonadotropin levels are reported to be low, but circulating levels of estradiol are high. The mean number of follicles at stages 1 and 2 (2–5 granulosa cells) was relatively constant throughout the estrous cycle. Larger follicles were present only at specific times. Small follicles (stages 1 and 2) were most active in thymidine uptake during the latter half of the cycle; stage-3 follicles were most active on day 4. Follicles of stages 4 and 5 were present only on days 1 and 2, respectively; no measurements of thymidine incorporation were made. Stage-6 follicles, present on days 3 and 4, showed virtually no variation in activity, as measured by thymidine uptake. A wave of follicular development was evidenced in larger follicles. Stage-3 follicles (6 to 7 layers of follicle cells), present on day 4, had developed to stage 4 (eight or more layers of follicle cells) by day 1; stage-4 follicles had developed to stage 5 (early antral) by day 2. Stage-5 follicles had developed to stage 6 (antral follicles) by day 3. Antral follicles consistently incorporated thymidine label (except at 1600 hours and 2400 hours on day 4), especially in the cumulus oophorus and in the granulosa cells bordering the antrum. Despite sudden changes in serum gonadotropins on day 4, stage-6 follicles showed no discernible differences in labeling. Thymidine uptake by the corpus luteum (CL) was low on day 1, but higher on day 2 (after the CL was fully developed). Sinuosoidal endothelial cells in the CL were heavily labeled on day 2, but the reason for the late proliferation of these cells and their fate is unknown.
Effect of Embrittlement Trend Curve Model on the Reference Temperature Based Screening Limits for Pressurized Thermal Shock

Recently, the USNRC has proposed a voluntary alternative to the pressurized thermal shock (PTS) rule (10CFR50.61(a)) that may be used instead of the existing PTS rule (10CFR50.61) by power reactor licensees to demonstrate the safety of their RPVs. The reference temperature (RT) screening limits in 10CFR50.61(a) are less restrictive than those of 10CFR50.61; this relaxation being justified by the much more realistic models that underlie the technical basis of the revised rule. One of the many models that constitute this technical basis is used to estimate the effect of irradiation damage on the fracture toughness transition temperature. This relationship, which is called the embrittlement trend curve, or ETC, can change as time goes on due to the continued development of new knowledge (e.g., from on-going reactor vessel surveillance programs, from test reactor studies aimed at better understanding the physical mechanisms of irradiation damage, etc.). In this paper we present information that quantifies the effect of different ETCs on the through wall cracking frequencies that are calculated using the probabilistic fracture mechanics computer code that was used to establish the RT limits that have been proposed in 10CFR50.61(a).Copyright © 2008 by ASME and U.S. Government
DNA repair synthesis after x-irradiation in E. coli.

Nachweis, dass bei einerE. coli-Mutante mit fehlender DNS-Polymerase eine DNS-«Repair»-Synthese moglicherweise ein notwendiger Schritt vor dem Schliessen der von Rontgenstrahlen verursachten Chromosomenbruche ist.
American Academy of Pain Medicine: Up and to the Right

As I prepare to take the reins as President of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, I feel a tremendous sense of admiration for those who have served in this position before me. The Academy's former presidents are physicians who are visionaries, pioneers, advocates, and great leaders. They gave unselfishly of themselves through years of service to the Academy. They birthed our field and shaped its identity. Their “patient first” example has made our Academy significant and meaningful to society and to our profession. For 20 years our Academy has enjoyed rich and robust leadership; they have each left large shoes to fill. The task is humbling and exciting. Through the foresight of our leaders, the Academy today embodies our field. We are the umbrella that covers a diverse and multi-faceted spectrum of our medical specialty. Our efforts have gained us prominence and recognition as the organization that represents the broad view and the entirety of the medical specialty of Pain Medicine. While groups of sub-specialists focus on pain issues from their specialty perspective, we are the place where all the parts become assembled to make …
Interaction of Antimicrobial Oligomers with Lipids Studied by Solid-State NMR

A family of synthetic mimic of antimicrobial peptides (SMAMP), amphiphilic meta-phenylene ethynylene (mPE) molecules show a wide range of antimicrobial activity and specificity. The interaction of a specifically active mPE molecule (AMO-2) with mixed DOPE/DOPG lipid was studied by solid-state NMR. The AMO-2 molecules do not preferentially interact more strongly with either lipid component, but rather are well dispersed in the lipid matrix. AMO-2 intimately interacts with all parts of lipid molecules, including head groups. Magic-angle spinning sideband analysis indicated that in samples with co-existing lamellar and inversed hexagonal phases (HII), neither lipid component aggregate in either phase. The presence of AMO-2 molecules causes dynamic disorder in lipid head groups, as evidenced by the broadening of both static and MAS 31P spectra. AMO-2 molecules do not massively transform the lamellar lipid into HII phase.
Uptake of Iron from N‐Terminal Half‐Transferrin by Isolated Rat Hepatocytes Evidence of Transferrin‐Receptor‐Independent Iron Uptake

The aim of the present study was to determine if human N-terminal half-transferrin (N- fragment), prepared by thermolysin cleavage of diferric transferrin, would bind to the rat hepatocyte transferrin receptor and donate iron to the cell. Competition experiments between 125I-labelled N-fragment and diferric transferrin revealed no receptor binding of the half-transferrin. Still, the N-fragment delivered iron to the cells in amounts approximately 30-fold above what could be accounted for by uptake of the fragment itself. The rate of cellular iron uptake from the fragment was comparable to what is seen with the intact transferrin. The uptake of 125I-labelled N-fragment was not inhibited by excess non-radioactive diferric transferrin. By comparison, the uptake of 59Fe from the N-fragment was inhibited 70% by excess nonradioactive diferric transferrin. This suggests that iron derived from diferric transferrin competes with the iron derived from the N-fragment for a common transport pathway. Although some cellular degradation of the N-fragment occurred, the extent of degradation was too low to explain the amount of iron accumulated by the cells. The results show that the hepatocyte has an effective transferrin-receptor-independent mechanism for accumulation of iron from transferrin.
A hierarchical framework for the analysis of scale

Landscapes are complex ecological systems that operate over broad spatiotemporal scales. Hierarchy theory conceptualizes such systems as composed of relatively isolated levels, each operating at a distinct time and space scale. This paper explores some basic properties of scaled systems with a view toward taking advantage of the scaled structure in predicting system dynamics. Three basic properties are explored: (1) hierarchical structuring, (2) disequilibrium, and (3) metastability. These three properties lead to three conclusions about complex ecological systems. First, predictions about landscape dynamics can often be based on constraints that directly result from scaled structure. Biotic potential and environmental limits form a constraint envelope, analogous to a niche hypervolume, within which the landscape system must operate. Second, within the constraint envelope, thermodynamic and other limiting factors may produce attractors toward which individual landscapes will tend to move. Third, because of changes in biotic potential and environmental conditions, both the constraint envelope and the local attractors change through time. Changes in the constraint structure may involve critical thresholds that result in radical changes in the state of the system. An attempt is made to define measurements to predict whether a specific landscape is approaching a critical threshold.
Clinical Manifestations and Long-Term Follow-Up in Pediatric Patients Living at Altitude With Isolated Pulmonary Artery of Ductal Origin

This study’s aim was to define the clinical manifestations and long-term outcome of pediatric patients living at altitude with isolated pulmonary artery (PA) of ductal origin (IPADO). This was a retrospective cohort study of 17 consecutive cases of IPADO at a single center. All patients lived at modest altitude (median 2050 m [range 1700 m to 3050 m]). Fifteen children (88%) were symptomatic at presentation. High-altitude pulmonary edema was present in 2 patients (12%) at diagnosis, and only 1 patient had episodes of hemoptysis during follow-up. Fourteen patients (82%) demonstrated evidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Among 14 patients with PAH, 11 patients had surgical interventions. PAH resolved in 5 of 11 patients (45%) undergoing surgical rehabilitation. One patient died during follow-up, and 7 patients are receiving oral vasodilator therapies due to residual PAH; 14 patients remained asymptomatic. Our study showed that early intervention in patients with IPADO at modest altitude can potentially rehabilitate the isolated PA and reverse PAH. Whether surgery is indicated for patients with this disorder in the absence of PAH is unknown.
Development of a 21-inch a-Si TFT-LCD

The world largest display size (21-inch diagonal) full-color a-Si TFT-LCD has been developed. The key technologies and performances required to realize large area direct-view TFT-LCDs are discussed.
Semantic aspects of asynchronous RMI: the RMIX approach

Summary form only given. Remote method invocation is one of the most popular communication paradigms in distributed computing. However, its synchronous nature may affect application performance. Asynchronous, or nonblocking, RMI addresses the issue by implicitly introducing concurrency into an application and allowing it to interleave computations with communications. We analyze certain semantic issues raised by asynchronous RMI, such as execution order, exception handling, cancellation, data consistency, and more. Solutions are proposed, and a realization of asynchronous RMI within our multiprotocol, extensible communication framework for Java (termed RMIX), is presented.
`Real' Boys? Manufacturing Masculinity and Erasing Privilege in Popular Books on Raising Boys

In recent years an analysis of gender that includes understanding the condition of men and boys in society has garnered considerable attention. We examine four highly promoted pop-psychology books about raising boys. Although such an endeavor could help critically inspect false universalities about gender and examine the ways in which boys and men both benefit from and are constrained by gender polarization and male privilege, we find that these books suffer from three limitations. First, they subscribe to essentializing and universalizing assumptions about gender and parenting that make for a faulty foundation from which to examine gender. Next, these books build their arguments on the unsubstantiated assertion that boys are disadvantaged. Finally, these arguments rest on a fundamental failure to address the institutions and social arenas in which gender is acquired and expressed. These authors fail to examine the forces of privilege and power informing gender identity.
Proteomic analysis of seed filling in Brassica napus. Developmental characterization of metabolic isozymes using high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

Brassica napus (cultivar Reston) seed proteins were analyzed at 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks after flowering in biological quadruplicate using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Developmental expression profiles for 794 protein spot groups were established and hierarchical cluster analysis revealed 12 different expression trends. Tryptic peptides from each spot group were analyzed in duplicate using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The identity of 517 spot groups was determined, representing 289 nonredundant proteins. These proteins were classified into 14 functional categories based upon the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome classification scheme. Energy and metabolism related proteins were highly represented in developing seed, accounting for 24.3% and 16.8% of the total proteins, respectively. Analysis of subclasses within the metabolism group revealed coordinated expression during seed filling. The influence of prominently expressed seed storage proteins on relative quantification data is discussed and an in silico subtraction method is presented. The preponderance of energy and metabolic proteins detected in this study provides an in-depth proteomic view on carbon assimilation in B. napus seed. These data suggest that sugar mobilization from glucose to coenzyme A and its acyl derivative is a collaboration between the cytosol and plastids and that temporal control of enzymes and pathways extends beyond transcription. This study provides a systematic analysis of metabolic processes operating in developing B. napus seed from the perspective of protein expression. Data generated from this study have been deposited into a web database (http://oilseedproteomics.missouri.edu) that is accessible to the public domain.
Impact of a Mixed Strength and Endurance Exercise Intervention on Insulin Levels in Breast Cancer Survivors

Purpose Accumulating data suggest that exercise may affect breast cancer risk and outcomes. Studies have demonstrated that high levels of insulin, often seen in sedentary individuals, are associated with increased risk of breast cancer recurrence and death. We sought to analyze whether exercise lowered insulin concentrations in breast cancer survivors. Methods One hundred one sedentary, overweight breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned either to a 16-week cardiovascular and strength training exercise intervention or to a usual care control group. Fasting insulin and glucose levels, weight, body composition, and circumference at the waist and hip were collected at baseline and 16 weeks. Results Baseline and 16-week measurements were available for 82 patients. Fasting insulin concentrations decreased by an average of 2.86 μU/mL in the exercise group (P = .03), with no significant change in the control group (decrease of 0.27 μU/mL, P = .65). The change in insulin levels in the exercise group seemed ...
Concept of linewidth enhancement factor in semiconductor lasers: its usefulness and limitations

The usefulness and the limitations of the concept of the linewidth enhancement factor alpha in semiconductor lasers are examined by considering the laser dynamics without the rate-equation approximation. The rate equations with a constant value of alpha can be used for semiconductor lasers operating continuously or modulated directly such that the carrier density does not change significantly during each modulation cycle. A new set of generalized Bloch equations should be used whenever subpicosecond optical pulses are involved. >
Phase II trial of methylglyoxal bis-guanylhydrazone (MGBG) in refractory small cell lung cancer.

Methylglyoxal bis-guanylhydrazone (MGBG), a potent inhibitor of polyamine synthesis, has demonstrated single agent activity against a number of tumor types including malignant lymphomas and head and neck, esophageal and non-small cell lung cancers. The growth of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines can be arrested by polyamine inhibition. Therefore a phase II trial was conducted in twenty-four patients with refractory SCLC. MGBG was administered by intravenous infusion at a dose of 500 mg/m2 per week for four cycles and then every two weeks thereafter. The dose was escalated by 100 mg/m2 every two weeks in the absence of toxicity ⩾ grade 2. One patient achieved a partial response of objectively measurable lung disease and supraclavicular adenopathy. Three patients had stable disease. Dose limiting toxicity consisted primarily of mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, stomatitis and/or diarrhea. Myelosuppression was uncommon and rarely dose limiting. We conclude that MGBG in the dose and schedule used does not have significant activity as a single agent in previously treated small cell lung cancer.
Helium release and microstructural changes in Er(D,T)2-x3Hex films).

Er(D,T){sub 2-x} {sup 3}He{sub x}, erbium di-tritide, films of thicknesses 500 nm, 400 nm, 300 nm, 200 nm, and 100 nm were grown and analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and Ion Beam Analysis to determine variations in film microstructure as a function of film thickness and age, due to the time-dependent build-up of {sup 3}He in the film from the radioactive decay of tritium. Several interesting features were observed: One, the amount of helium released as a function of film thickness is relatively constant. This suggests that the helium is being released only from the near surface region and that the helium is not diffusing to the surface from the bulk of the film. Two, lenticular helium bubbles are observed as a result of the radioactive decay of tritium into {sup 3}He. These bubbles grow along the [111] crystallographic direction. Three, a helium bubble free zone, or 'denuded zone' is observed near the surface. The size of this region is independent of film thickness. Four, an analysis of secondary diffraction spots in the Transmission Electron Microscopy study indicate that small erbium oxide precipitates, 5-10 nm in size, exist throughout the film. Further, all of the films had large erbium oxide inclusions, in many cases these inclusions span the depth of the film.
Identification of transcriptional targets during pancreatic growth after partial pancreatectomy and exendin-4 treatment

After partial pancreatectomy (Ppx), substantial regeneration of the endocrine and exocrine pancreatic compartments has been shown in adult rodents. Exendin-4 (Ex-4) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 rec...