cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-performance liquid chromatographic separation and determination of 2-(diethylamino)ethyl diphenylpropylacetate and its metabolites from biological samples

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of 2-(diethylamino)ethyl diphenylpropylacetate (SKF 525-A; Proadifen), its two deethylated metabolites and a hydrolytic metabolite in biological samples has been developed. From many solvent systems investigated the compounds are best separated on an ODS/Sil-X column using an acetonitrile—phosphate buffer system containing 0.2% decylamine. The use of acetonitrile overcomes limitations associated with previously published methods for separating basic compounds where decylamine was used in a methanolic eluent. With the sampling procedures used, overall recoveries from biological tissues were around 80%. The chromatographic system also separates three tricyclic antidepressants which can be used as internal standards.
Ethical Issues Inherent to Jehovah's Witnesses

The refusal of a lifesaving blood transfusion by a competent adult Jehovah's Witness, resulting in the death of a patient whose life could have been saved, is an example of a true ethical dilemma. If Jehovah's Witness patients are forced to accept a blood transfusion that is contrary to their beliefs, their autonomy as patients is clearly violated. If patients die as a result of refusing this therapy, there is a sense that "harm" has been done and that a medical "benefit," commonly available to others, was not available for these patients. The author examines the belief system that gives rise to the conflict as well as past and current efforts to resolve this ethical conflict.
State-of-the-Art Review: Gamma Knife Radio Isurgery Treatment of Cerebral AVMs

Gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery has been shown to be a relatively safe, cost-effective, and less invasive neurosurgical intervention for the treatment of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Total AVM obliteration rates at 3 years postradiosurgery approach 90%, with minimal morbidity and no mortality.
Exiting energy distribution in honeydew melon irradiated with a near infrared beam.

Emitted intensity was measured at 15° increments from the incident beam and around the equator of a honeydew melon which was irradiated with a near infrared beam. Signal strength was adequate up to 75° to provide a usable spectrum for NIR analysis of internal tissue. A noisy but recognizable spectrum was obtained at 180°.
Fungal cannons: explosive spore discharge in the Ascomycota

The ascomycetous fungi produce prodigious amounts of spores through both asexual and sexual reproduction. Their sexual spores (ascospores) develop within tubular sacs called asci that act as small water cannons and expel the spores into the air. Dispersal of spores by forcible discharge is important for dissemination of many fungal plant diseases and for the dispersal of many saprophytic fungi. The mechanism has long been thought to be driven by turgor pressure within the extending ascus; however, relatively little genetic and physiological work has been carried out on the mechanism. Recent studies have measured the pressures within the ascus and quantified the components of the ascus epiplasmic fluid that contribute to the osmotic potential. Few species have been examined in detail, but the results indicate diversity in ascus function that reflects ascus size, fruiting body type, and the niche of the particular species.
Single and multiple dose pharmacokinetics of tenidap sodium in healthy subjects.

Abstract 1 The absorption, protein binding, clearance and absolute bioavailability of tenidap sodium were studied after single and multiple dosing. 2 Thirteen healthy male volunteers received a single 120 mg oral dose of tenidap sodium and a 20 mg intravenous infusion of deuterated tenidap ([D3]-tenidap) on day 1. This was followed by a 6-day washout period (days 2-7) and then further daily doses of oral tenidap sodium 120 mg for 21 consecutive days (days 8-28) with an additional 20 mg intravenous infusion of [D3]-tenidap on day 28. Twelve subjects were eligible for pharmacokinetic evaluation. 3 Following multiple oral doses, the half-life of tenidap is approximately 23 h. 4 Following single and multiple dose administration, the absolute bioavailability is 85%. 5 Systemic clearance of [D3]-tenidap was 29% greater on day 28 than on day 1 indicating a significant increase in intrinsic clearance (CLint) of tenidap since protein binding of tenidap in plasma did not change during the study. Consistent with the increase in systemic clearance, the half-life of [D3]-tenidap decreased and the ratio of AUC(0,24h) day 28/AUC day 1 following oral dosing was less than one. Tenidap is subject to extensive hepatic metabolism, so the increase in CLint may indicate that tenidap induces its own metabolism. 6 Steady-state was achieved by the eleventh day of dosing. Since numerous studies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis have shown that multiple dosing with tenidap is clinically efficacious, this suggests that the pharmacokinetic differences observed between the first and twenty-first day of multiple tenidap dosing do not influence the clinical response.
Oxygen Consumption by Portal-Drained Viscera of Cattle: Comparison of Analytical Methods and Relationship to Whole Body Oxygen Consumption

Two experiments were conducted to compare methods of determining oxygen consumption by portal-drained viscera and to relate this consumption to total oxygen consumption by lactating dairy cows. Oxygen consumption was the product of portal blood flow (determined by dilution of dye infused into a mesenteric vein) and portal-arterial concentration differences of oxygen. In Experiment 1, portal-arterial concentrations of oxygen were determined in samples from three cows using equations based on blood pH, hemoglobin, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and partial pressure of oxygen (method 1) or by direct oxygen determination with an oximeter (method 2). Overall, there were no differences in oxygen concentrations or oxygen consumption by portal-drained viscera between methods. In Experiment 2, oxygen consumption by portal-drained viscera (method 2) and total oxygen consumption were measured in two lactating cows. Oxygen consumption by portal-drained viscera accounted for 18% of total oxygen consumption.
Frequency-domain image errors

Abstract Recent advances in digital-computer and optical techniques have made frequency-domain image processing both practical and advantageous. Errors can be introduced in processed images that are peculiar to frequency-domain processing. We present some expressions describing the quantitative effects on processed images of different types of frequency-domain errors. The situations in which these errors arise are discussed. The various error situations were simulated on a digital computer and the resulting corrupted images are presented so that an appreciation of the subjective effects of the errors on image quality may be obtained.
Numerical stability in regular BEM schemes for elastostatic problems

The regular boundary element method is employed for the static analysis of boundary value problems of elasticity. This method allows one to reduce a given boundary value problem to a system of regular integral equations of the first kind with respect to source functions not located on the boundary. This paper is concerned with the numerical stability analysis of regular boundary element methods. In particular, the existence and stability of approximate solutions for integral equations of the first kind with continuous kernels are discussed. The special regularization technique for treating such a class of integral equations is developed. Numerical examples illustrate proposed algorithms and demonstrate their advantages.
Comparative Susceptibility of Wild and Domestic Birds and Animals to the Western Virus of Equine Encephalomyelitis (Br. Strain) in California

Since the discovery that both the eastern' and the western2 types of the virus of equine encephalomyelitis may affect man, interest has been aroused over the possibility that there may be a reservoir for the disease other than the horse. In California only in rare instances have connections been established between human and equine cases; the former often in towns or in rural areas without horses. Mosquitoes, however, have been widely prevalent throughout all the districts involved during the past few years and it may be possible that this insect had the opportunity to feed on some other animal than an infected horse. Because of the recovery of the eastern virus from pigeons by Fothergill and Dingle3 and from pheasants by Tyzzer, Sellards and Bennett4 and later by Van Roekel and Clarke5 and by Beaudette," one may suspect that migratory or domestic birds may be implicated. Besides the usual types of laboratory animals, many others have already been reported as being susceptible to the American strains of the equine virus.
Sprouting in the hippocampus is accompanied by an increase in coated vesicles.

Abstract Coated vesicles within dentate gyrus granule cell dendrites were found free in the cytoplasm and also attached to the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and plasmalemma. Coated vesicles began increasing in number 40–48 h following partial dendritic deafferentation. This increase continued up to 15–30 days postlesion, after which the population steadily declined to control values. These results combined with the findings of previous studies suggest an involvement of coated vesicles in synaptic reinnervation.
The effects of extra credit opportunities on student procrastination

Many techniques have been attempted to encourage students to exercise better time management on class projects, such as staging an assignment into multiple deliverables, requiring students to keep records of the time they spend, and offering extra credit for early completion. This paper reports on a study of the effects of offering extra credit for early completion. Students in an introductory course completed four programming assignments throughout the term. For two assignments, no extra credit was offered. For the other two, students were offered a 10% bonus if they finished at least three days before the deadline. While one might expect this incentive to encourage students to shift their work habits, we found that there was no positive change in their time management. In fact, students started on the assignments where extra credit was offered later than on those where it was not offered. This leads us to believe that there were other pressures or concerns that outweigh the possibility of earning a bonus on an assignment, so that this kind of incentive only helps students who already manage their time well.
Some Placental Considerations Related to Neurodevelopmental and Other Disorders

Many newborns who appear normal at birth later manifest substantial neurologic and other disease. Pathologists are able to explain some of that sad enigma. Placental pathology frequently reveals the pathogenesis of cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. This requires recognition of gross placental abnormalities and insightful light microscopic examination. Chorioamnionitis is now proven to be the major cause of premature onset of labor and prematurity. There is important need for investigation of pathogenetic processes associated with ascending intrauterine infection. Major complications therein include bacterially mediated fetal hypoperfusion resulting from placental and umbilical vasocontraction. Placentas of 10% of newborns have villitis of unknown etiology. The importance of villitis is incompletely known. The fetus may discharge meconium on more than one occasion, particularly so when the fetus is postmature. Clinicians may not recognize that fetal discharge has occurred if the event occurred 4 days or more prior to delivery. Intra-amniotic meconium associated with oligohydramnios probably causes placental and umbilical vasocontraction. Meconium probably thus contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary vasoconstriction, persistent fetal circulation, necrotizing enterocolitis, and damage of the fetal brain, liver, and kidneys. Fetal hypoxia and asphyxia may be acutely or chronically acquired. Major placental lesions associated with neonatal asphyxia include chronic ischemic change, nucleated red blood cells, intravillous hemorrhages, intimal vascular fibrin cushions, meconium staining, and intervillous fibrin.
Implementation of a non-equilibrium heat transfer model in stage-stacking scheme to investigate overspray fog cooling in compressors

Abstract The inlet fog cooling scheme has been considered as an economic and effective means to augment gas turbine output power on hot or dry days. A previous paper developed a stage-by-stage wet-compression theory for overspray and interstage fogging using the equilibrium droplet evaporation model with given compressor and blade configurations. This paper extends the previous work by including the non-equilibrium droplet heat transfer model. The equilibrium model assumes that water evaporates to saturation according to psychrometry at each stage without considering water evaporation rates, whereas the non-equilibrium model considers water evaporation rates according to heat and mass transfer of droplets. The non-equilibrium model can predict the different evaporation from different droplet sizes, but equilibrium model can't. An 8-stage, 2-D compressor airfoil geometry and stage settings at the mean radii are employed. Eight different cases including saturated fogging, overspray with different droplet sizes with both equilibrium and non-equilibrium heat transfer models have been investigated and compared. The results show saturated fogging increases the pressure ratio and reduces the compressor power consumption; however, overspray actually increases both the specific and total compressor power consumption. For small droplet size of 10 μm, the droplet evaporation rate is fast, so the non-equilibrium method predicts results close to the equilibrium method. Larger droplets lead to slower evaporation, reduction of pressure ratio, and less effective compressor performance than the smaller droplets. The equilibrium method predicts that wet compression increases axial velocity, blade inlet velocity, incidence angle, and tangential component of velocity. The non-equilibrium methods predict a similar trend except with lesser increments as the droplet size increases. In the present study, the equilibrium method predicts that all the water droplets evaporate completely at the end of stage 3, while the non-equilibrium approach predicts that the completion of evaporation delays, but all droplets completely evaporate in the compressor except the biggest droplets (30 μm). Saturated fogging increases air density; however, both equilibrium and non-equilibrium methods predict that overspray wet compression actually reduces air density in the earlier 70% of the compressor. The non-equilibrium model predicts that small droplets relax the load in the earlier stages but increase the load in the later stages. Larger droplets show less load changes. Detailed stage-to-stage performance and property value changes are analyzed and discussed in this study.
(1)H relaxation times of metabolites in biological samples obtained with nondestructive ex-vivo slow-MAS NMR.

Methods suitable for measuring 1H relaxation times such as T1, T2 and T1p, in small sized biological objects including live cells, excised organs and tissues, oil seeds etc., were developed in this work. This was achieved by combining inversion-recovery, spin-echo, or spin lock segment with the phase-adjusted spinning sideband (PASS) technique that was applied at slow sample spinning rate. Here, 2D-PASS was used to produce a high-resolution 1H spectrum free from the magnetic susceptibility broadening so that the relaxation parameters of individual metabolite can be determined. Because of the slow spinning employed, tissue and cell damage due to sample spinning is minimized. The methodologies were demonstrated by measuring 1H T1, T2 and T1p of metabolites in excised rat livers and sesame seeds at spinning rates of as low as 40 Hz.
Translational repression as a conserved mechanism for the regulation of embryonic polarity.

The mechanisms used to establish embryonic polarity are still largely unknown. A recent paper(1) describes the expression pattern of the gene glp-1, which is required for induction events during development of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Although glp-1 RNA is found throughout the early embryo, Glp-1 protein is only expressed in anterior cells. This negative translational regulation in posterior cells is shown to be mediated through sequences in the glp-1 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR). Thus in nematodes, as in Drosophila, translational repression is one mechanism used to establish the embryonic anterior-posterior axis.
Ligninolytic enzyme production by Phanerochaete chrysosporium in plastic composite support biofilm stirred tank bioreactors

Phanerochaete chrysosporium (ATCC 24725) produced lignin peroxidase (LiP) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) in defined medium in plastic composite support (PCS) biofilm stirred tank reactors. Laccase was not detected. The formation of the Ph. chrysosporium biofilm on the PCS was essential for the production of MnP and LiP. The bioreactor was operated as a repeat batch, and no reinoculation was required between batches. Peroxidase production was influenced by 5 min purging of the bioreactor with pure oxygen or continuous aerating with a mixture of air and oxygen at a flow rate of 0.005 vvm. Continuous aeration and 300 rpm agitation with 3 mM veratryl alcohol addition on days 0 and 3 demonstrated the highest lignin peroxidase production on day 6 with means of 50.0 and 47.0 U/L. Addition of veratryl alcohol and MnSO4 on day 0 with 300 rpm agitation and continuous aeration at 0.005 vvm (air flow rate in L/min divided by the reactor working volume in liters) hastens the production of MnP with final yield of 63.0 ...
The Induction of Self‐Reliance: An Experimental Study of Independence in the Face of Failure*

The development of dependency, rather than autonomy, in professional and paraprofessional helping relationships represents a practical and theoretical problem. In the present research an attempt is made experimentally to examine this issue from the viewpoint of the self-perception hypothesis. From this perspective, immersion in the successful helping dyad was expected to foster an increased belief in self as other-reliant, and, through cognitive balance, a lessened belief in self as self-reliant. The fiidings indicate that such different dimensions of help as intensity, duration, and choice variously affect these attributions to self, and that these attributions in turn affect the strength of behavioral independence when failure is encountered outside the helping dyad. Some practical and theoretical implications are discussed concerning the role of induction from self-performance in mapping self-related beliefs.
The potential for utilizing inter-limb coupling in the rehabilitation of upper limb motor disability due to unilateral brain injury.

Purpose. Symmetry tendencies in human movement have generally been regarded as a constraint to upper limb motor performance. However, several recent studies have suggested that this phenomenon might be utilized in the rehabilitation of individuals with motor disability due to unilateral brain injury. In this paper the efficacy of such a rehabilitative approach is explored by reviewing: (i) examples of symmetry tendencies in healthy individuals, (ii) the potential neurophysiological mechanisms responsible for inter-limb coupling, and (iii) recent studies which have directly assessed the effects of inter-limb coupling on individuals with unilateral brain injury.Method. A thorough review of current published evidence was conducted utilizing various electronic search engines (Medline, PreMedline, Embase and Cinahl). Studies included those that focused on symmetry tendencies and/or inter-limb coupling in the upper limbs with a particular emphasis placed on studies of individuals with unilateral brain injury.Re...
The Persistence of Early Childhood Maturity: International Evidence of Long-Run Age Effects

A continuum of ages exists within each starting class due to the use of a single school cut-off date – making the “oldest” children approximately twenty percent older than the “youngest” children at school entry. We provide substantial evidence that these initial maturity differences have long lasting effects on student performance across OECD countries. In particular, the youngest members of each cohort score 4-12 percentiles lower than the oldest members in grade four, and 2-9 percentiles lower in grade eight, depending upon the country. In fact, data from Canada and the United States shows that the youngest members of a cohort are even less likely to enroll in pre-university academic track courses and high-end academic universities. Taken together, these findings point to important early relative maturity effects that propagate themselves into adulthood through the structure of education systems.
Genetic Evidence That Phosphatidylserine Synthase II Catalyzes the Conversion of Phosphatidylethanolamine to Phosphatidylserine in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells

Abstract Phosphatidylserine (PS) in mammalian cells is synthesized through the exchange of freel-serine with the base moiety of phosphatidylcholine or phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The serine base exchange in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells is catalyzed by at least two enzymes, PS synthase (PSS) I and II. A PSS I-lacking mutant of CHO-K1 cells, PSA-3, which exhibits ∼2-fold lower serine base exchange activity than CHO-K1, is defective in the conversion of phosphatidylcholine to PS but has the ability to convert PE to PS. The PSA-3 mutant requires exogenous PS or PE for cell growth. In the present study, from PSA-3 mutant cells, we isolated a mutant, named PSB-2, with a further decrease in the serine base exchange activity. The activity in the homogenate of PSB-2 mutant cells was ∼10% that of PSA-3 mutant cells and ∼5% that of CHO-K1 cells. The PSB-2 mutant exhibited an ∼80% reduction in the PSS II mRNA level relative to that in PSA-3 mutant and CHO-K1 cells. These results showed that the PSB-2 mutant is defective in PSS II. Like the PSA-3 mutant, the PSB-2 mutant grew well in medium supplemented with PS. However, in the medium supplemented with PE, the PSB-2 mutant was incapable of growth, in contrast to the PSA-3 mutant. In the medium with exogenous PE, the PSB-2 mutant was defective in PS biosynthesis, whereas the PSA-3 mutant synthesized a normal amount of PS. A metabolic labeling experiment with exogenous [32P]PE revealed that the PSB-2 mutant was defective in the conversion of exogenous PE to PS. This defect and the growth and PS biosynthetic defects of the PSB-2 mutant cultivated with exogenous PE were complemented by the PSS II cDNA. In addition, the cDNA of the other PS synthase, PSS I, was shown not to complement the defect in the conversion of exogenous PE to PS of the PSB-2 mutant, implying that PSS I negligibly contributes to the conversion of PE to PS in CHO-K1 cells. These results indicated that PSS II is critical for the growth and PS biosynthesis of PSA-3 mutant cells cultivated with exogenous PE and suggested that most of the PS formation from PE in CHO-K1 cells is catalyzed by PSS II.
Effect of prolactin on the prostate

We propose that: 1. Prolactin is a trophic hormone required for normal development and growth of prostate as well as other tissues. 2. Citrate production, the major function of prostate, is directly regulated by prolactin. 3. The mechanisms of prolactin regulation of citrate production by prostate epithelial cells include a. Regulation of the pmAAT gene, which results in an increase in the biosynthesis of mAAT and, ultimately, an increase in citrate synthesis (the prolactin regulation of gene transcription is mediated via PKC). b. Inhibition of citrate oxidation, possibly via zinc inhibition of m-aconitase. c. Stimulation of aspartate transport, possibly via regulation of the biosynthesis of the high-affinity aspartate transporter. 4. These relationships apply to normal human prostate, and might have important implications in the pathogenesis of prostate neoplasms. 5. The regulation of prostate citrate production is the reproductive function of prolactin in males.
Preparing monolayers of non-adherent mammalian cells

Abstract A simple method is described for preparing monolayers of non-adherent cells, using concanavalian A to bind the cells to wells of plastic microtest plates. The method was used successfully with all 202 human cell types tested, which included 23 tissue culture lines, 165 fresh specimens of all major histological types of leukemia and lymphoma, 20 fresh myelomas, 2 fresh thymomas, normal spleen and lymph node cells, fractionated T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes from peripheral blood, and cultured fetal amniotic cells. All cell types attached firmly, and were not detached by subsequent vigorous washing. In contrast, attempted attachment of cells in serum free medium, or with poly- L -lysine or glutaraldehyde, was ineffective with many cell types. We used the monolayers as target cells for antibodies to cell surface antigens, utilizing immune rosetting or complement-mediated cytotoxicity. This procedure should simplify most assays involving non-adherent target cells.
Convergent Validity of the ASAM Patient Placement Criteria Using a Standardized Computer Algorithm

The study examined the convergent validity of the ASAM Patient Placement Criteria (PPC) by comparing Level of Care (LOC) recommendations produced by two alternative methods: a computerdriven algorithm and a "standard" clinical assessment. A cohort of 248 applicants for alcoholism treatment were evaluated at a multi-modality treatment center. The two methods disagreed (58% of cases) more often than they agreed (42%). The algorithm recommended a more intense LOC than the clinician protocol in 81% of the discrepant cases. Four categories of disagreement accounted for 97% of the discrepant cases. Several major sources of disagreement were identified and examined in detail: clinicians' reasoned departures from the PPC rules, conservatism in algorithm LOC recommendations, and measurement overlap between two specific dimensions. In order for the ASAM PPC and its associated algorithm to be embraced by treatment programs, the observed differences in LOC recommendations between the algorithm and "standard" clinical assessment should be resolved.
Critical point measurements on nearly polydisperse fluids

The critical temperatures, pressures and volumes of several mixtures containing CO/sub 2/, C/sub 2/H/sub 6/, C/sub 3/H/sub 8/, and C/sub 4/H/sub 10/ have been measured using a heavy walled, variable volume, cylindrical glass vessel. In each mixture the relative proportions of the three hydrocarbon solutes to one another were changed; total solute mole fraction never exceeded 0.1. A detailed study of the mixture CO/sub 2/ + C/sub 3/H/sub 8/ shows that the critical temperature exhibits a minimum at a C/sub 3/H/sub 8/ mole fraction of 0.0265. Our mixture data are analyzed using a polydisperse model of dilute solutions.
Laser photocoagulation of prostate: Influence of dosimetry

Background and Objective: Recently, increasing enthusiasm has been shown for application of lasers for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). However, little is known about the thermodynamics of prostatic tissue response during laser irradiation and how the treatment outcome can be optimized. Our objective was to conduct a systematic study of the influence of exposure parameters on the extent of tissue coagulation and to determine the effects of rate of tissue heating on lesion size by comparing the tissue response to high laser power rapid heating vs. low laser power slow heating. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Nd: YAG laser irradiation of prostate was performed in 15 mongrel canines, using an incident power of 15, 30, or 50 Watts (at the fiber tip) and an exposure time varying from 30 to 300 seconds. The laser beam was delivered via a Urolase side-emitting catheter. The tissue response was compared based on gross as well as histological evaluations of thermal lesions. Results: The depth of coagulation necrosis increased as the laser power was reduced from 50 W to 30 W and further to 15 W while the total delivered energy was kept constant at 2,700 J by adjusting the exposure time. The difference between the three heating rates was more dramatic when the estimated volume of coagulated tissue was considered. Increasing the irradiation tune for the low power (15 W) from 180 to 300 seconds resulted in enlarging the coagulated volume by a factor of 1.6. However, for high power (50 W), increasing the exposure time from 54 to 90 seconds resulted in increasing the coagulated volume by a factor of 1.2. Conclusion: This study suggests that a slow heating regimen yields larger volumes of coagulation necrosis than the currently used rapid heating approach. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Bioactivation of aflatoxin B1 by human liver microsomes : role of cytochrome P450 IIIA enzymes

Based on our previous observations (H. S. Ramsdell and D. L. Eaton, 1990, Cancer Res. 50, 615-620) that the proportion of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) converted to the highly reactive AFB1-8,9-epoxide in microsomal incubations varies with substrate concentration, we have examined the hypothesis of T. Shimada and F. P. Guengerich (1989, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86, 462-465) that cytochrome P450 IIIA4 is principally responsible for the activation (epoxidation) of AFB1 by human liver microsomes. The initial rates of formation of AFB1-8,9-epoxide and hydroxylated AFB1 metabolites were determined in microsomes prepared from livers of organ donors (n = 14) at AFB1 concentrations of 124 and 16 microM. Microsomal oxidation of nifedipine, catalyzed primarily by P450 IIIA enzymes, was also determined by HPLC. Rates of formation of AFB1 metabolites and nifedipine oxidation were poorly correlated at either AFB1 concentration (r2 = 0.13-0.41). A somewhat better correlation between AFB1 epoxidation and nifedipine oxidation was observed at 124 microM AFB1 (r2 = 0.41) than at 16 microM AFB1 (r2 = 0.26). Treatment of pooled microsomes with troleandomycin, an apparently specific inhibitor of P450 IIIA enzymes, resulted in 35% inhibition of AFB1-8,9-epoxide formation at the high AFB1 level but had little effect at 16 microM AFB1. An antibody against rat cytochrome P450 IIIA1 significantly inhibited AFB1 epoxidation at high, but not low, AFB1 concentrations, whereas AFQ1 formation was strongly inhibited at all substrate levels examined. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that cytochrome P450 IIIA enzyme(s) can form AFB1-8,9-epoxide, but are effective at only relatively high substrate concentrations. Another P450 enzyme(s) appears to be principally responsible for AFB1-8,9-epoxide formation at the low AFB1 levels that would be typical for dietary exposures.
Seasonal grounding resistance variations on distribution systems

The authors present the results of a 16-month study focused on seasonal variations in distribution system grounding resistance and their effect on neutral-to-earth voltage. The earth resistivity, grounding resistance parameters, and neutral-to-earth voltages measured in this study exhibit seasonal fluctuations. Precipitation seemed to affect the measured values only nominally, and then only after large amounts. The freezing of the surface soil and temperature variations over the period of the study had a major effect on values for those soil types in which the upper layer of soil is more conductive than lower layers. Conversely, if the upper layer of soil has poor conductivity compared to lower layers, freezing of the surface layer results in smaller seasonal fluctuations of the resistance parameters. Neutral-to-earth voltages are highly dependent on primary and secondary distribution system grounding parameters. These parameters can fluctuate considerably with climatic seasons in northern latitudes. The magnitude of the seasonal fluctuations depends on the relative conductivities of the upper and lower layers of soil. >
Predictive Usage Mining for Sustainability of Complex Systems Design

A new perspective of dynamic LCA (life cycle assessment) is proposed with the predictive usage mining for sustainability (PUMS) algorithm. By defining usage patterns as trend, seasonality, and level from a time series of usage information, predictive LCA can be conducted in a real time horizon. Large-scale sensor data of product operation is analyzed in order to mine usage patterns and build a usage model for LCA. The PUMS algorithm consists of handling missing and abnormal values, seasonal period analysis, segmentation analysis, time series analysis, and predictive LCA. A newly developed segmentation algorithm can distinguish low activity periods and help to capture patterns more clearly. Furthermore, a predictive LCA method is formulated using a time series usage model. Finally, generated data is used to do predictive LCA of agricultural machinery as a case study.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Tunable highly efficient crystal analyzer based on active optics

A crystal-optic x-ray fluorescence analyzer has been designed and tested, which combines the features of electron-Volt energy resolution, large solid angle coverage, and tunability over several thousand electron-Volts. Dependent on experimental requirements the crystal shape can be chosen within the elasticity limits of the crystal. This allows the use of the device not only for high resolution X-ray spectroscopy, but also for imaging purposes. We present the basic design, a self-alignment algorithm, and a basic discussion about the principal feasibilities and limitations of this concept. Additionally, first experimental results on ultra dilute systems and other applications will be presented.
Colorblind Racism and Institutional Actors’ Explanations of Korean Immigrant Entrepreneurship

This article critically interrogates how colorblind racial ideology and the disadvantage thesis, a common explanation for immigrant entrepreneurship, rhetorically inform one another. I interview 81 representatives of Korean banks and seven US federal government institutions to determine how they explain the concentration of Korean immigrants in USA-based entrepreneurship. Consistent with the sociological literature, I find that respondents cite disadvantage as the main reason for Korean immigrants’ over-representation in small business ownership. Also consistent with the literature are respondents’ emphases on Koreans’ group-level characteristics as mediating factors against disadvantage. I analyze how three dimensions of colorblind racial ideology are embedded in respondents’ discourse; these three dimensions include the minimization of the role of racial ideologies and major institutions in shaping socioeconomic patterns, the promotion of cultural racism, and the incorporation of Asian Americans into a ...
Gompertzian Mortality Originates in the Winding-down of the Mitotic Clock

Gompertz' age-related exponential increase in mortality rate and the abdurately flat mortality trajectory ofDrosophilaare paradoxical notions for metazoan aging theory. A multiclonal model of Gompertzian organisms provides a resolution by assuming that (a) conception initiated a stochastic process producing a train of replications of fixed length (the Hayflick limit); (b) unique stem cells arise early on to generate multiple vital clones; (c) life continues until one such clone critically depletes its replicative potential. Lifespan is thus governed by the time it takes to reach the terminal branches of the mitotic tree. Although these times are not independent,asymptoticindependence can be justified. This clears the way for asymptotic extreme-value theory to guarantee: (1) a non-increasing failure rate, under unlimited replicability; (2) an exponentially increasing failure rate, under limited replicability. However, to obtain an exact fit to the human force-of mortality function also requires the inclusion of the phenomenon of mitotic deceleration (implemented with a lognormal model of replication). Conclusion: thesine qua nonof Gompertzian mortality is cellular aging, expressed through these two mitotic phenomena. Conversely, those metazoa with unlimited cellular replicability, by staving off clonal failure would succumb only to catastrophic, age-independent events, yielding a constant mortality rate, the signature of a mitotic clock that does not run down.
Asymptotics for tests on mean profiles, additional information and dimensionality under non-normality

Abstract We consider the comparison of mean vectors for k groups when k is large and sample size per group is fixed. The asymptotic null and non-null distributions of the normal theory likelihood ratio, Lawley–Hotelling and Bartlett–Nanda–Pillai statistics are derived under general conditions. We extend the results to tests on the profiles of the mean vectors, tests for additional information (provided by a sub-vector of the responses over and beyond the remaining sub-vector of responses in separating the groups) and tests on the dimension of the hyperplane formed by the mean vectors. Our techniques are based on perturbation expansions and limit theorems applied to independent but non-identically distributed sequences of quadratic forms in random matrices. In all these four MANOVA problems, the asymptotic null and non-null distributions are normal. Both the null and non-null distributions are asymptotically invariant to non-normality when the group sample sizes are equal. In the unbalanced case, a slight modification of the test statistics will lead to asymptotically robust tests. Based on the robustness results, some approaches for finite approximation are introduced. The numerical results provide strong support for the asymptotic results and finiteness approximations.
Long-term comparisons between two-way satellite and geodetic time transfer systems

Global Positioning System (GPS) observations recorded in the United States and Europe were used to evaluate time transfer capabilities of GETT (geodetic time transfer). Timing estimates were compared with two-way satellite time and frequency transfer (TWSTFT) systems. A comparison of calibrated links at the U.S. Naval Observatory, Washington, D.C., and Colorado Springs, CO, yielded agreement of 2.17 ns over 6 months with a standard deviation of 0.73 ns. An uncalibrated link between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Braunschweig, Germany, has a standard deviation of 0.79 ns over the same time period.
Home Ranges of Two Populations of Urban-Nesting White-Winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica) in Texas

Abstract Our objective was to use the 50%-core-area estimation to measure size of home range of urban-breeding white-winged doves (Zenaida asiatica) from two ecoregions in Texas. We collected data on locations using subcutaneously implanted radiotransmitters on 40 white-winged doves in Kingsville, Kleberg County, during 2000, and 40 and 39 white-winged doves in Waco, McLellan County, during 2002 and 2003, respectively. We calculated size of home ranges using bivariate-normal methods. We compared size of home range from 50%-core-area estimations within and between sites, and by sex, using two-sample t-tests following log10 transformation of data to meet the assumptions of normality and homoscedasticity. Generally, estimated size of 50%-core-areas differed significantly between sites but not within sites.
Two sides to attitudinal commitment: The effect of calculative and loyalty commitment on enforcement mechanisms in distribution channels

Previous conceptualizations of attitudinal commitment are extended by considering two very different components of a manufacturer’s attachment to an independent channel intermediary. Relying on commitment theory, a model is developed that describes how attitudinal commitment may reside in either the instrumental or the social strain of a manufacturer’s relationship with its distributor. For each strain, the developmental role played by key facets of the channel setting—relative dependence, pledges, and trust—are shown. Furthermore, the nature of the attachment bond is posited to motivate very different governance mechanisms as the distribution agreement is enforced by either social or contractual means. Empirical support for the model demonstrates that an expanded view of attitudinal commitment is important in understanding the complex nature of attachment in channel relationships.
Regioselective rhodium-catalyzed allylic alkylation with a modified Wilkinson's catalyst

Abstract Treatment of the secondary and tertiary allylic carbonates 1 with the sodium salt of dimethyl malonate and a amount of Wilkinson's catalyst modified with a triorganophosphite, furnished the tertiary and quaternary carbon stereogenic centers 2 in high yield with excellent regioselectivity.
Optimal HVAC building control with occupancy prediction

Buildings account for about 41% of primary energy consumption and 75% of the electricity. Space heating, space cooling, and ventilation are the dominant end uses, accounting for 41% of all energy consumed in the buildings sector. Growing interest in sustainability has resulted in research efforts to reduce energy consumption while providing adequate comfort to users. In this work, we present a Model Predictive Control (MPC) framework for optimal HVAC control that minimizes energy consumption while staying within the comfort bounds of the occupants. The novelty of our approach lies in the use of prediction occupancy models derived from data traces and incorporating those models within the MPC framework. We use a Blended Markov Chain (BMC) occupancy prediction model in order to predict thermal load and occupancy of each zone in the building. We test our approach in simulation and compare it with occupancy schedules and control rules currently use in our university buildings. Our preliminary results show that 15.5% savings in cooling in the summer, and 9.4% savings in heating in the winter are achievable when conditioning the building using our MPC/BMC control framework.
Short paper: ACE: authenticating the channel estimation process in wireless communication systems

Accurate channel estimation is essential to modern wireless communication. Pilot waveforms are susceptible to attacks that can severely degrade performance. Thus, it is important to protect channel estimation. Related research focuses on transmitter authentication rather than channel estimate authentication, and results rely heavily upon correlated estimates that occur within the channel coherence time in multipath-rich environments and/or sacrifice system throughput. We propose a methodology to authenticate channel estimation by leveraging physical layer properties of the wireless channel without any coherence time dependence or overhead. Our methods inherently provide data authentication, work in any environment, and provide error inference. We focus on general multi-antenna, multicarrier communication schemes and relate our results to existing protocols such as 802.11g/n and WiMAX.
Effect of a Computerized Insulin Dose Calculator on the Process of Glycemic Control

BACKGROUND: Glycemic control is important to patients' outcomes. However, the process of maintaining glycemic control is risk laden and labor intensive for nurses. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of using a computerized insulin dose calculator to facilitate management of glycemic control for critically ill cardiac patients. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with a sample of 300 intensive care patients, 141 randomized to the calculator group and 159 in the control (paper protocol) group. A convenience sample of 44 intensive care nurses responded to a nurse satisfaction survey. RESULTS: A significantly higher percentage of glucose measurements were in the target range in the calculator group than in the control group (70.4% [SD, 15.2%] vs 61.6% [SD, 17.9%], Z = -4.423, P < .001), and glucose variance was significantly less in the calculator group (35.5 [SD, 18.3] mg/dL vs 42.3 [SD, 21.2] mg/dL, Z = -3.845, P < .001). Fewer hypoglycemic events occurred in the calculator group (7 vs 18), although this difference was not statistically significant. Nurse satisfaction was higher for the calculator group than for the control group (8.4 [SD, 1.4] vs 4.8 [SD, 2.4], Z = -5.055, P < .001). Nurses' deviation from the protocol was also less in the calculator group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Management of glycemic control and nurse satisfaction were improved with use of the dose calculator. Improving nurses' processes of care may improve nurses' use of time and patient care overall. Studies with larger sample sizes over time are needed to determine these relationships.
Fluid–solid interaction problems with thermal convection using the immersed element-free Galerkin method

In this work, the immersed element-free Galerkin method (IEFGM) is proposed for the solution of fluid–structure interaction (FSI) problems. In this technique, the FSI is represented as a volumetric force in the momentum equations. In IEFGM, a Lagrangian solid domain moves on top of an Eulerian fluid domain that spans over the entire computational region. The fluid domain is modeled using the finite element method and the solid domain is modeled using the element-free Galerkin method. The continuity between the solid and fluid domains is satisfied by means of a local approximation, in the vicinity of the solid domain, of the velocity field and the FSI force. Such an approximation is achieved using the moving least-squares technique. The method was applied to simulate the motion of a deformable disk moving in a viscous fluid due to the action of the gravitational force and the thermal convection of the fluid. An analysis of the main factors affecting the shape and trajectory of the solid body is presented. The method shows a distinct advantage for simulating FSI problems with highly deformable solids. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Residual air persists in the renal collecting system following percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Objectives: To determine the presence or absence of air in the renal collecting system 48 hours following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Methods: The study was based on a review of the record...
Flightless I homolog negatively modulates the TLR pathway.

To date, much of our knowledge about the signaling networks involved in the innate immune response has come from studies using nonphysiologic model systems rather than actual immune cells. In this study, we used a dual-tagging proteomic strategy to identify the components of the MyD88 signalosome in murine macrophages stimulated with lipid A. This systems approach revealed 16 potential MyD88-interacting partners, one of which, flightless I homolog (Fliih) was verified to interact with MyD88 and was further characterized as a negative regulator of the TLR4-MyD88 pathway. Conversely, a reduction in endogenous Fliih by small-interfering RNA enhanced the activation of NF-κB, as well as cytokine production by LPS. Results from immunoprecipitation and a two-hybrid assay further indicated that Fliih directly interfered with the formation of the TLR4-MyD88 signaling complex. These results in turn suggest a new basis for the regulation of the TLR pathway by Fliih.