cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of oxonium ion and carbenium ion stabilities on the Alcohol/H-ZSM-5 interaction☆

Abstract We have examined the adsorption of methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-propanol, and 2-methyl-2-propanol on H-ZSM-5 using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and thermogravimetrie analysis (TGA). For each of the alcohols except 1-butanol, there exists a clearly defined desorption state corresponding to one alcohol molecule per Al atom in the zeolite. For 2-methyl-2-propanol and 2-propanol, this molecule at the Al site completely reacts to olefin products and water; however, reaction occurs at 295 K for 2-methyl-2-propanol, while 2-propanol does not react until 360 K. Most of the methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol adsorbed at the Al sites at this coverage desorbs unreacted. A substantial amount of the 1-butanol adsorbed near the Al sites reacts, but differs from the other alcohols in that it reacts through a dibutyl ether intermediate. These results can be understood in terms of the stabilities of the carbenium ion intermediates which can be formed during reaction. A potential energy scheme, based on gas-phase proton affinity, is developed. This scheme provides a formalism for explaining relative reactivities of alcohols on H-ZSM-5 in TPD.
A comprehensive approach to zinc-finger recombinase customization enables genomic targeting in human cells

Zinc-finger recombinases (ZFRs) represent a potentially powerful class of tools for targeted genetic engineering. These chimeric enzymes are composed of an activated catalytic domain derived from the resolvase/invertase family of serine recombinases and a custom-designed zinc-finger DNA-binding domain. The use of ZFRs, however, has been restricted by sequence requirements imposed by the recombinase catalytic domain. Here, we combine substrate specificity analysis and directed evolution to develop a diverse collection of Gin recombinase catalytic domains capable of recognizing an estimated 3.77 × 107 unique DNA sequences. We show that ZFRs assembled from these engineered catalytic domains recombine user-defined DNA targets with high specificity, and that designed ZFRs integrate DNA into targeted endogenous loci in human cells. This study demonstrates the feasibility of generating customized ZFRs and the potential of ZFR technology for a diverse range of applications, including genome engineering, synthetic biology and gene therapy.
Identification of epitope recognized by an anti-c-myc monoclonal antibody that cross-reacts with E. coli sigma factor using phage display libraries.

Abstract Background: During the epitope mapping of monoclonal antibodies specific for myc proteins, two E. coli proteins cross-reactive with an anti-c-myc monoclonal antibody (MYC-X-5/1) were identified. One of the proteins is approximately 90 kDa and the other is over 150 kDa in apparent molecular mass. The molecular masses of these cross-reactive proteins suggested that they may be subunits of E. coli RNA polymerase. Objectives: We have investigated whether or not the proteins cross-reactive with MYC-X-5/1 are subunits of E. coli RNA polymerase. In addition, we have attempted to determine the epitope of MYC-X-5/1. Study design: The reactivity of MYC-X-5/1 antibody was tested against highly purified E. coli RNA polymerase halo-enzyme preparations and the cell lysate made from E. coli carrying a multi-copy plasmid with an insert of the rpoD gene, the structural gene for the E. coli sigma subunit. The epitope of MYC-X-5/1 was determined by use of phage display of random peptide libraries. Results: On immunoblotting assays, MYC-X-5/1 reacted with the 90-kDa protein in the E. coli RNA polymerase preparations and with the 90-kDa protein over-expressed in E. coli carrying the plasmid with the rpoD insert. In addition, we have deduced the epitope of the MYC-X-5/1 antibody to be residues 235–245 of the human c-myc protein. A highly similar sequence to this was also identified in residues 62–72 of the sigma subunit of E. coli RNA polymerase. Conclusion: These data demonstrated that the 90-kDa protein cross-reactive with MYC-X-5/1 is the sigma subunit of E. coli RNA polymerase. Furthermore, this study shows that random peptide libraries displayed on filamentous phage are useful tools for epitope mapping and defining cross-reactivities of monoclonal antibodies.
Electron transfer. 143. Reductions of benzopyrazine derivatives with indium(I)

Abstract Solutions of In(I)(aq) in 0.03–0.20 M H + reduce quinoxaline (Q), phenazine (P), and the N -methylphenazonium cation (MP + ) in kinetically separable steps, yielding first a colored radical, then a colorless dihydro compound. The initial stage of these reductions yields 2 equiv. of the radical, and the much slower second stage likewise entails loss of nearly 2 mol of radical per mol of In(I). Individual kinetic profiles exhibit no irregularities attributable to the intervention of In(II). Reactions of phenazine and its N -methylated cation are exceptionally photosensitive. Reductions of phenazine and quinoxaline to their radicals are favored by N -protonation, but reduction of the N -methyl cation is independent of [H + ], as are the further reductions of both phenazonium radicals. Reduction of the quinoxalinium radical utilizes paths at two protonation levels (QH and QH 2 + ). Although oxidants and reductant alike have access to 2 e − paths, observations in all three systems are consistent with reactions via successive 1 e − steps.
Study protocol for Women of Color and Asthma Control: a randomized controlled trial of an asthma-management intervention for African American women.

Background Among adults in the United States, asthma prevalence is disproportionately high among African American women; this group also experiences the highest levels of asthma-linked mortality and asthma-related health care utilization. Factors linked to biological sex (e.g., hormonal fluctuations), gender roles (e.g., exposure to certain triggers) and race (e.g., inadequate access to care) all contribute to the excess asthma burden in this group, and also shape the context within which African American women manage their condition. No prior interventions for improving asthma self-management have specifically targeted this vulnerable group of asthma patients. The current study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a culturally- and gender-relevant asthma-management intervention among African American women.
Responsabilidad, inclusión y gobernanza global: Una crítica de la concepción estatista de los derechos humanos

In this essay I analyze some conceptual difficulties associated with the demand that global institutions be made more democratically accountable. In the absence of a world state, it may seem inconsistent to insist that global institutions be accountable to all those subject to their decisions while also insisting that the members of these institutions, as representatives of states, simultaneously remain accountable to the citizens of their own countries for the special responsibilities they have towards them. This difficulty seems insurmountable in light of the widespread acceptance of a state-centric conception of human rights, according to which states and only states bear primary responsibility for the protection of their citizens’ rights. Against this conception, I defend an alternative, pluralist conception of human rights obligations. I argue that, once the distinctions between the obligations to respect, protect and fulfill human rights are taken into account, no conceptual difficulty remains in holding states and non-state actors accoun table for their respective human rights obligations.
Understanding Mass School Shootings: Links between Personhood and Power in the Competitive School Environment

This paper explores perspectives about certain individual and social characteristics that may contribute to school shootings by students. It begins with perspectives on individual/environment fit, arguing first that persons marginalized by their caregivers during their upbringing, and by their peers, are lacking in the social interactions that help develop ethical behavior. Our argument contends that lacking such interactions may result in the failure to develop a sound moral philosophy. Further, we argue that when such persons enter the highly competitive environment found in some suburban and rural schools, some will be continually and consistently marginalized, finding their means of self-expression and sense of significance subdued. Their need for self-expression and a sense of significance as persons will surface, but without the benefit of a moral philosophy to guide that expression, this may result in deviant means of expression, such as violence--even extraordinary violence. We do not attempt to identify a list of specific traits of school shooters, which might lead to the development of a profile of school shooters. Rather, we are concerned with the characteristics of the environment in which shootings might occur, and how students not fully prepared for that environment might react. Thus, this paper is an overview of how seeds of the neglect of the basic needs of personhood, when sown early in life, and nurtured by peers, might come to fruition in the fertile field of the competitive school environment.
Critical care management of the adult patient with congenital heart disease: focus on postoperative management and outcomes

Advances in surgical techniques and in the medical management of children with congenital heart disease has increased survival into adulthood, resulting in a population of adults with congenital heart disease now surpassing the pediatric population in numbers. Furthermore, many of the patients will require repeat surgical, catheter-based, procedures and/or obstetrical care in their adult lives, and understanding the specific cardiopulmonary physiology and the involvement of other organ systems is critical to successful intervention. A team approach, with consultants from medical specialties in the setting of an established adult congenital heart center, is the optimal setting for superior outcomes. In this review, we discuss critical care management of the adult congenital heart disease patient in the perioperative period.
Isolation and Characterization of Stanols from the Green River Shale

WE have recently reported the isolation of a triterpenoid alcohol, tetrahymanol, from the Green River Shale (60×106 yr old)1 together with a complex mixture of unidentified polycyclic alcohols. Further investigation of this mixture has revealed the presence of a series of stanols and saturated triterpenoid alcohols in the carbon number range C27–C30. We now report the characterization of several of the stanols from this extract.
Acid-Base Management for Open-Heart Surgery

An important part of managing patients during open-heart surgery is continuous monitoring of the acid-base status prior to, during, and following cardiopulmonary bypass. The use of a thermostatically controlled triple electrode system whereby arterial pH, pCO2, and pO2 can be measured and base excess or base deficit quantitated by special application of the Astrup-Andersen nomogram is enthusiastically endorsed. In the opinion of the authors, respiratory alkalosis is to be avoided throughout the entire operation and postoperatively, as this appears to result in a base deficit, which is subsequently revealed as a metabolic acidosis. Particular consideration is given to the bypass phase when hypothermia is employed, since "optimal" pH appears to vary with temperature. Continued maintenance of good acid-base status with buffers is advocated. It is considered that buffer administration should be on a "titration" principle with frequent arterial blood gas analyses. Possible reasons are presented for the improved postoperative morbidity when optimal acid-base status is maintained throughout the operation and postoperatively.
Differences in quinpirole-induced local cerebral glucose utilization between naive and sensitized rats.

Abstract Dopaminergic psychostimulants produce behavioral responses of greater magnitude with repeated, intermittent administration, than a single, acute dose, a phenomenon known as ‘sensitization’. Alterations in regional neuronal activity produced by quinpirole, a D 2 /D 3 agonist, in quinpirole-naive and quinpirole-sensitized rats were assessed on the basis of local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) using the [ 14 C]2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) method. Adult, male Long-Evans rats (180–200 g, n =7–9/group) were subjected to ten injections of quinpirole (0.5 mg/kg, s.c.) administered every 3rd day; controls and quinpirole-naive rats received saline. Locomotor activity was quantitated after injections one and ten to confirm sensitization. The 2-DG procedure was initiated 60 min after an 11th injection in freely moving rats. LCGU was determined in 43 brain regions by quantitative autoradiography. In quinpirole-naive rats, quinpirole decreased LCGU in the caudate/putamen (84% of control), lateral habenula (80% of control), and motor cortex (79% of control). In sensitized rats, quinpirole decreased LCGU in the nucleus accumbens core and shell (77 and 83% of control, respectively) and ventral pallidum (82% of control) as well as in the caudate/putamen (86% of control), lateral habenula (77% of control), and motor cortex (79% of control). This suggests that decreased neuronal activity in the nucleus accumbens and ventral pallidum may underlie the augmented behavioral response to quinpirole in sensitized animals.
Graphical method for determining the flat band voltage for silicon on sapphire

Abstract A method based on the graphical solution of equations for the standard high frequency C - V curve and its first derivative yields the flat-band voltage directly. Since only the accumulation section of the C - V curve is employed, errors due to the surface states are small. The method is particularly suitable for thin film structures such as SOS where substantial depletion of the silicon layer is now eliminated.
Revascularization of the severely ischemic lower extremity by aortoprofunda femoris bypass

Summary Emphasis is placed on utilization of the profunda femoris artery for revascularization of the lower extremity in patients with advanced aortoiliac, femoropoliteal, and popliteal arteriosclerotic occlusive disease. The profunda femoris artery is usually spared from atherosclerotic disease except at its orifice from the posterior wall of the common femoral artery. It seems to be the last vessel to occlude with progressive atherosclerotic disease of the lower extremity. Increase in flow from aorta to the profunda femoris artery by bypass grafting has resulted in an extremely high rate of limb salvage in patients with far advanced arteriosclerotic obstructive disease. It is worth considering in those patients with severe symptoms and poor runoff who are usually refused any surgical therapy at all.
Drought-induced changes in photosynthetic membranes of two wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars

Two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars contrasting in architectonics and differing in drought resistance, Azamatli-95 (short stature, vertically oriented small leaves, drought-tolerant) and Giymatli-2/17 (short stature, broad and drooping leaves, drought-sensitive), were studied. It was found that the content of CP I (115 kDa) and 63-kDa apoprotein P700 and also LHC II polypeptides increases slightly in the drought-resistant cv. Azamatli-95 under extreme water supply limitation, while their content decreases in drought-sensitive cv. Giymatli-2/17. The intensity of synthesis of α- and β-subunits of CF1 (55 and 53.5 kDa) and 33–30.5 kDa proteins also decreases in the sensitive genotype. The intensity of short wavelength peaks at 687 and 695 nm sharply increases in the fluorescence spectra (77K) of chloroplasts from Giymatli-2/17 under water deficiency, and there is a stimulation of the ratio of fluorescence band intensity F687/F740. After exposure to drought, cv. Giymatli-2/17 shows a larger reduction in the actual PS II photochemical efficiency of chloroplasts than cv. Azamatli-95.
An unusual intramolecular Diels–Alder approach toward maoecrystal V

Abstract Intramolecular Diels–Alder reactions are commonly employed for the synthesis of polycyclic natural products, but the use of aldehydes as dienophiles is an underexplored facet of the intramolecular cycloaddition. The intramolecular nature of this reaction allowed the use of aldehydes as dienophiles without the use of highly activated dienes, as is often necessary for intermolecular Diels–Alder reactions with aldehydes. A synthetic route to maoecrystal V is explored utilizing this new chemistry.
Enamel Matrix Protein Interactions

The recognized structural proteins of the enamel matrix are amelogenin, ameloblastin, and enamelin. While a large volume of data exists showing that amelogenin self-assembles into multimeric units referred to as nanospheres, other reports of enamel matrix protein-protein interactions are scant. We believe that each of these enamel matrix proteins must interact with other organic components of ameloblasts and the enamel matrix. Likely protein partners would include integral membrane proteins and additional secreted proteins. Introduction: The purpose of this study was to identify and catalog additional proteins that play a significant role in enamel formation. Materials and Methods: We used the yeast two-hybrid assay to identify protein partners for amelogenin, ameloblastin, and enamelin. Once identified, RT-PCR was used to assess gene transcription of these newly identified and potential “enamel” proteins in ameloblast-like LS8 cells. Results: In the context of this yeast assay, we identified a number of secreted proteins and integral membrane proteins that interact with amelogenin, ameloblastin, and enamelin. Additionally, proteins whose functions range from the inhibition of soft tissue mineralization, calcium ion transport, and phosphorylation events have been identified as protein partners to these enamel matrix proteins. For each protein identified using this screening strategy, future studies are planned to confirm this physiological relationship to biomineralization in vivo. Conclusion: Identifying integral membrane proteins of the secretory surface of ameloblast cells (Tomes' processes) and additional enamel matrix proteins, based on their abilities to interact with the most abundant enamel matrix proteins, will better define the molecular mechanisms of enamel formation at its most rudimentary level.
High-resolution quantization theory and the vector quantizer advantage

The authors consider how much performance advantage a fixed-dimensional vector quantizer can gain over a scalar quantizer. They collect several results from high-resolution or asymptotic (in rate) quantization theory and use them to identify source and system characteristics that contribute to the vector quantizer advantage. One well-known advantage is due to improvement in the space-filling properties of polytopes as the dimension increases. Others depend on the source's memory and marginal density shape. The advantages are used to gain insight into product, transform, lattice, predictive, pyramid, and universal quantizers. Although numerical prediction consistently overestimated gains in low rate (1 bit/sample) experiments, the theoretical insights may be useful even at these rates. >
Ocular manifestations of meningeal carcinomatosis: a case report and literature review.

Abstract Background Meningeal carcinomatosis (MC) is a devastating and frequently fatal complication of cancer, affecting approximately 5% of patients with systemic malignancies. The disease is characterized by diffuse infiltration of the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid by metastatic tumor cells. The disease affects all levels of the central nervous system, with the most common symptoms of the disease being headache, change in mental status, diplopia, hearing loss, facial numbness, and vision loss. Ocular or visual symptoms have been reported in 91% of patients with MC and may progress to total blindness. Case report This report presents a case of MC with multiple ocular manifestations and a review of the literature regarding diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Conclusion Eye care professionals can play a critical role in directing care and achieving an early diagnosis of MC and should be educated about this rare condition.
Luchino Visconti's La Terra Trema

La terra trema was Visconti's second feature film. His first, Ossessione, was made in 1943. La terra trema was made in 1948. It was presented at the Venice Film Festival in the same year and awarde...
The impact of obesity on primary care visits.

Objective: To investigate the influence of patient obesity on primary care physician practice style. Research Methods and Procedures: This was a randomized, prospective study of 509 patients assigned for care by 105 primary care resident physicians. Patient data collected included sociodemographic information, self-reported health status (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36), evaluation for depression (Beck Depression Index), and satisfaction. Height and weight were measured to calculate the BMI. Videotapes of the visits were analyzed using the Davis Observation Code (DOC). Results: Regression equations were estimated relating obesity to visit length, each of the 20 individual DOC codes, and the six DOC Physician Practice Behavior Clusters, controlling for patient health status and sociodemographics. Obesity was not significantly associated with the length of the visit, but influenced what happened during the visit. Physicians spent less time educating obese patients about their health (p = 0.0062) and more time discussing exercise (p = 0.0075). Obesity was not related to discussions regarding nutrition. Physicians spent a greater portion of the visit on technical tasks when the patient was obese (p = 0.0528). Mean pre-visit general satisfaction for obese patients was significantly lower than for non-obese patients (p = 0.0069); however, there was no difference in post-visit patient satisfaction. Discussion: Patient obesity impacts the medical visit. Further research can promote a greater understanding of the relationships between obese patients and their physicians.
Feature point tracking in time-varying images

Abstract This paper examines the problem of tracking feature points in dynamic imagery. Two types of imaging geometries are examined: orthographic projection and perspective projection. In each case, the goal is to perform the feature point tracking with a minimal number of images. The feature point tracking problem is shown to be intractable and a grddey heuristic is presented.
Rates and severity of perforation from implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads: A 4-year study

Although recent case reports and one small single-year observational study report a substantially increased rate of perforation with the St. Jude Riata series defibrillator lead, these results have not been externally validated. From 2004 to 2007, 593 implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implants were performed by six faculty and 13 fellows at four University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA and affiliate hospitals. An electronic medical records system was systematically searched to identify clinically significant cases of ICD lead dislodgment or perforation. Of 307 (56%) St. Jude leads (all Riata series 6.3- and 7.3-French leads), 188 (29%) Medtronic leads (including 99 Sprint Fidelis 6.6 French leads), and 98 (15%) Guidant/Boston Scientific leads, there were three perforations in 593 cases (0.51%). One perforation occurred with a Medtronic Sprint Fidelis 6949 lead (0.53%), and two with a St. Jude Riata 1581 lead (0.65%). There were no statistically significant differences in perforation or dislodgement rates between manufacturers or lead models (p = NS for all). In both cases of perforation with the St. Jude Riata leads, the lead tip perforated through the pericardium into the pleural space. In our 4-year series of ICD implants, perforation and dislodgement rates were low, similar across all lead makes and models, and well below published and accepted complication rates. Our findings contradict previously-reported higher rates of perforation with the Riata lead. Registry and product performance reports should also classify complications by severity and outcome to provide a more complete assessment of product safety.
Chemistry of hydrothermal solutions from Pele's Vents, Loihi Seamount, Hawaii

Abstract Hydrothermal fluids were sampled from Pele's Vents on the summit of Loihi Seamount, an intraplate, hotspot volcano, on four occasions from February 1987 to September 1990. The warm (≤ 31°C) vent solutions are enriched in dissolved Si, CO 2 , H 2 S, alkalinity, K + , Li + , Rb + , Ca 2+ , Sr 2+ , Ba 2+ , Fe 2+ , Mn 2+ , NH 4 + , and possibly Ni 2+ , and depleted in SO 4 2− , O 2 , Mg 2+ , 87 Sr 86 Sr , NO 3 − , and sometimes Cl − and Na + (calculated), relative to ambient seawater. Dissolved Si correlates linearly with sample temperature, suggesting that the solutions sampled from numerous vents in the ~ 20 m diameter field have a common source and that Si can be used as a conservative tracer for mixing of the vent fluids with ambient seawater. There are general similarities of the vent waters with ridge-axis warm springs on the Galapagos Rift and Axial Seamount, but also striking differences: very high total dissolved CO 2 (> 200 mmol/kg), high alkalinity (> 8 meq/kg) and dissolved Fe 2+ (almost 1 mmol/kg), and relatively low pH (~ 4.2–4.4 estimated, in situ, sws) and dissolved H 2 S (several μmol/kg). The Mg 2+ and SO 4 2− data are inconsistent with the “Galapagos model” proposed for the warm springs at 86°W, Galapagos Rift, whereby the warm fluids result from sub-seafloor mixing of a high-temperature (~ 350°C) hydrothermal endmember with essentially unaltered seawater. The variable Cl − depletions in the vent fluids, however, suggest that the warm vent fluids do contain a high-temperature (> 200°C) component. The fluid history can be qualitatively described by a modified “Galapagos model” which includes the overprint of reactions resulting from the addition of juvenile CO 2 and SO 2 to the circulating fluids; the CO 2 attacks the basalt releasing metal cations, HCO 3 − and possibly Si into solution, and the SO 2 is hydrolyzed to SO 4 2− . These juvenile inputs likely reflect the shallow, hotspot setting of this hydrothermal system. A simple quantitative fluidhistory model is considered and shown to be consistent with mass-balance constraints and saturationstate calculations, which suggest that the Si concentration of the fluids may be controlled by amorphous silica saturation at ~ 31°C. Observed temporal variations in fluid composition between expeditions—specifically, in Cl − , A T , C T , Na + (calculated), Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , Sr 2+ , 87 Sr 86 Sr , Fe 2+ , Mn 2+ and perhaps NH 4 + , relative to Si—are, excepting Mg 2+ , 87 Sr 86 Sr , and Mn 2+ , consistent with the effects of variable phase segregation at the proposed high-temperature endmember.
Tall Fescue Photomorphogenesis as Influenced by Changes in the Spectral Composition and Light Intensity

The influence of deciduous foliage shade on turfgrass development has not been fully investigated. Previous research neglects changes in spectral distribution, e.g., red:far-red light (R:FR) ratios common of foliage shade. Turfgrass plants may respond simultaneously but in different ways to changes in light intensity and spectral composition. A field study was conducted in 2001-2002 at the Ohio Turfgrass Research and Educational Fadlity, Columbus, OH. Two tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) cultivars of differing shade tolerance were established under low photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) in approximately 8% of full sunlight with high (>1) and low (<1) R:FR ratios to distinguish between developmental effects of R:FR ratio (spectral composition) and PPF (light intensity) on turfgrass photomorphogenesis. Few morphological differences in shade tolerance between the two cultivars were observed during the 2-yr study. However, under low PPF, high R:FR ratios led to increased tillering, leaf blade width and thickness, and chlorophyll contents. Root mass declined under reduced PPF regardless of R:FR ratio. Results suggest that while turfgrass photomorphogenesis in shade is influenced by changes in PPF, many characters are further influenced by changes in the R:FR ratio.
Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: review of the literature and report of a case.

A case of primary signet-ring carcinoma of the urinary bladder treated with total cystectomy and clinically disease-free three years and nine months after surgery is described. The signet-ring cell carcinoma of the bladder is a rare neoplasm; among the five cases found in the literature, the neoplasms pursued a fulminant course, diffusely invaded the bladder wall without forming intraluminal growths, and could not be controlled by segmental resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy alone or im combinations. The pathogenesis of mucus-producing signet-ring cell carcinoma in the urinary bladder, an organ that normally contains no mucogenic elements, is discussed. The histologic evidence for the origin of this neoplasm from the totipotent urothelium is illustrated.
Valence force model for phonons in graphene and carbon nanotubes

Many calculations require a simple classical model for the interactions between sp 2 -bonded carbon atoms, as in graphene or carbon nanotubes. Here we present a valence force model to describe these interactions. The calculated phonon spectrum of graphene and the nanotube breathing-mode energy agree well with experimental measurements and with ab initio calculations. The model does not assume an underlying lattice, so it can also be directly applied to distorted structures. The characteristics and limitations of the model are discussed.
Integrating computers and telephones: problems and possible solutions

Abstract Increasingly businesses and organizations are handling incoming calls with the assistance of a computer system that routes the calls to the appropriate destination. Automation provides some benefits to the companies including reduced labor cost and more efficient telephone use, but callers are not always satisfied with the new technology. Good design of the human-computer interaction is essential in order to satisfy the needs of users and callers. This paper focuses on the problems involved in designing for computer-answered telephone systems. Possible solutions for improvement are offered along with guidelines for setting up a computer-answered system.
Microstructure and magnetic properties of melt-spun Sm2Fe15 -xCOxCr2C2 (x = 0-4) nanocomposite magnets

Abstract The amorphous formation ability, crystallization behavior, microstructure and magnetic properties of melt-spun and heat treated Sm 2 Fe 15 Cr 2 C 2 magnets have been systematically studied using XRD, DSC, TEM and magnetic measurements. It has been found that the as-spun ribbons are comprised of a mixture of α-Fe, a small amount of 2 : 17 phase and an amorphous phase when the wheel speed is 17 m/s and become pure amorphous when the wheel speed is increased up to 61 m/s. The coercivity is dramatically increased by subsequent annealing. A higher annealing temperature combined with a shorter annealing time leads to a higher coercivity and annealing at 900°C for 1 min was found to give the highest coercivity of 12.1 kOe. XRD and TEM studies reveal that the microstructure of the annealed ribbon is composed of 2 : 17 carbide as the majority phase and a small amount of α-Fe as the minority phase. The average grain size at the optimum annealing was found to be about 35 nm for the 2 : 17 and 60 nm for α-Fe. It is further found that a small amount of Co substitution for Fe not only increases the Curie temperature of the 2 : 17 carbides, but also significantly reduces the grain size of α-Fe to about 20 nm, leading to a much smoother hysteresis loop and a better temperature dependence of coercivity.
Activity of citrate synthase in situ in isolated toluenized cells of sea anemone.

Abstract 1. 1. Suspensions of isolated cells of sea anemone Bunedosoma cavernata were prepared by mincing the tissue in artificial sea water in the presence of lysozyme followed by gentle centrifugation. 2. 2. The cells were incubated at 37°C in 0.05 ml of an 8:1 mixture of ETOH-toluene (v:v) added per ml of suspension, usually containing about 1000 cells. 3. 3. The toluenized cells were used as a source of citrate synthase activity which was measured spectrophotometrically by use of DTNB, Ellman's reagent. 4. 4. Citrate synthase activity in situ was not inhibited by ATP but it was inhibited by NADH. 5. 5. The use of toluene-treated cells for study of effects of the microenvironment on activity of citrate synthase within the confines of the cell membrane is discussed.
Nuclear changes induced in rat liver cells by thioacetamide.

Abstract The observation by Rather (1) that thioacetamide induces a stepwise increase in hepatic nuclear volumes, in powers of two, accompanied by great increases in nucleolar and cytoplasmic volumes, suggested the possibility that this drug might be useful for the study of nuclear physiology. In the present study it has been demonstrated that the changes in nuclear volume induced by thioacetamide under the present conditions are not due to polyploidy, since the desoxyribonucleic acid content of the average nucleus did not change from the normal control level. However, great increases in both protein and ribonucleic acid of the average nucleus do accompany the administration of the drug.
Loosening and reorganization of fluid phospholipid bilayers by chloroform.

The mixing behavior of an exchangeable phospholipid (A) with an exchangeable sterol (B) has been examined in host bilayers made from 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), containing varying concentrations of cholesterol, via the nearest-neighbor recognition (NNR) method. At low sterol concentrations (i.e., 2.5 mol%), the mixing between A and B is close to ideal. Incremental increases in sterol concentrations to 40 mol% led to net increases in the affinity between A and B. Similar mixing experiments that were carried out in the presence of chloroform showed a leveling effect, where moderate sterol-phospholipid affinity was observed in all cases. These results, together with the fact that the number of chloroform molecules that are absorbed per phospholipid is essentially constant and independent of the sterol content, supports a model in which chloroform favors solvation of the phospholipids and a common membrane state is produced. Fluorescence measurements and Raman spectra have also shown that chloroform significantly loosens both cholesterol-poor and cholesterol-rich membranes made from DPPC. In a broader context, these results suggest a fundamentally new mechanim of anesthesia, where the anesthetic, by solvating the lipid components, profoundly changes the lateral organization of the lipid framework.
Magnitude and distribution of muscle blood flow in conscious animals during locomotory exercise.

ARMSTRONG, R. B. Magnitude and distribution of muscle blood flow in conscious animals during locomotory exercise. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc, Vol. 20, No. 5 (Supplement), pp. SI 19-S123, 1988. A large number of papers in the literature have reported peak blood flows in electrically stimulated isolated skeletal muscles in the range of 40-140 ml·min-1·lOO g-1. Peak muscle blood flows of similar magnitude have been measured in human subjects with '133Xe clearance and plethysmography. In contrast, measurements of average blood flow in conscious animals at VO2max with radiolabeled microspheres have ranged from about 150-250 ml·min-1·100 g-1. Furthermore, flows in active high oxidative muscles in conscious animals during maximal exercise may attain 500 ml·min-1·100 g-1. Reasons for these apparent discrepancies are unknown, but possible explanations including technical artifacts and differences in mechanical influences on contracting muscles in isolated preparations and exercising conscious animals are discussed. It is concluded that the primary reason for the differences in magnitude of muscle blood flow is the efficient muscle pumping action that occurs in vivo during locomotory exercise.
The experimental use of ethylene disulfonate (allergosil brand) in the prevention of anaphylaxis in guinea pigs

Abstract Under the conditions of the foregoing experiments, ethylene disulfonate (allergosil) did not produce a significant degree of protection against anaphylactic shock.
Review of liquid-cooled aircraft engine installation aerodynamics

The aerodynamic behavior of liquid-cooled aircraft engine cooling installations is reviewed. Design considerations for inlets, diffusers, and exists are discussed. It is shown that the design of an efficient liquid-cooled installation is a techically sophisticated problem. This problem should not be underestimated in the development program of liquid-cooled aircraft engines. Questions are raised concerning the availability of suitable radiators for aircraft installations.
Energetics of superhelicity and of B-Z transitions in superhelical DNA.

The linking difference, α, imposed upon a superhelically constrained DNA molecule must be partitioned between twisting and bending deformations. Transitions to alternative secondary structures can occur at susceptible sites, altering the local molecular twist by an amount ΔTw trans. That part of the linking difference not accommodated in this way, the residual linking difference αres, must be manifested as smooth torsional and flexural deformations of secondary structure. The competition among the alternative ways of accommodating the imposed linking difference α determines a stressed equilibrium state. The superhelical free energy,G(α), is the excess free energy of the equilibrium state at linking difference α above that of the relaxed state under identical conditions. In this paper a method is described by which the free energies associated both to linking,G(α), and to residual linking differences can be determined from data on superhelical conformational transitions. The application of this approach to previously published experimental data on the B-Z transition suggests that the free energy associated with αres is about 30% larger at substantial superhelicities than it is near the relaxed state. At the onset of transition the functional form ofG(α) is shown to change in a manner dependent upon the length of the Z-susceptible site.
Association of human NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) polymorphism with development of acute lung injury.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a syndrome with significant morbidity and mortality, but its genetic susceptibility is not clearly understood. In the present study, we characterized functional promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the phase II antioxidant gene NQO1 (NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase1) to evaluate its role in susceptibility to ALI. Three previously uncharacterized SNPs in the NQO1 promoter were selected for investigation. Luciferase assays were performed using constructs of each promoter polymorphism to evaluate function. Functional SNPs were genotyped in a prospective cohort of major trauma patients (N= 264) and assessed for association with development of ALI. The A/C SNP at −1221 decreased in vitro transcription of NQO1 at baseline and after exposure to hyperoxia and other oxidant stressors. Patients heterozygous for the −1221 C allele were at significantly lesser risk of ALI after major trauma compared with patients with wild-type alleles, even after adjustment for APACHE III score, and mechanism of trauma [OR, 0.46 (95% CI 0.23, 0.90); P= 0.024]. This study demonstrated that the AC genotype at position −1221 in the NQO1 gene caused decreased transcription and was associated with a lower incidence of ALI following major trauma. These novel findings may have important implications in diseases with oxidant stress aetiologies.
Could natural selection account for molecular evolution and polymorphism

A model of molecular evolution is presented that is based on the combined action of natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation. The mathematical description of the model uses strong-selection, ...
Enhancement of colony‐stimulating activity (CSA) on murine CFU‐gm by the H‐4‐II‐E2 (H4) tumor cell line of the rat

The effect of the H-4-II-E2 (H4) rat tumor cell line on murine granulocyte/macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-gm) was studied in vitro using a bilayer (agar/methylcellulose) culture system over the tumor cell feeder and 10% colony-stimulating activity (CSA). The H4 cells demonstrated an amplification of CSA from several sources and of CFU-gm growth of murine marrow, including the CSA present in L-cell-conditioned medium (L-CSA; 200% of control). The amplification did not result from CSA produced by the H4 cell line, nor was cell-to-cell contact necessary for enhanced CFU-gm growth. Amplification of L-CSA was not mediated by endogenous or exogenous prostaglandin E concentrations in the in vitro system. Furthermore, incubation of the non-adherent marrow cell population with H4 tumor cells for 24 h prior to assaying for CFU-gm resulted in more colonies, independent of the continued presence of H4 tumor cells. The data suggest that the H4 tumor cells produce a readily diffusable, soluble factor that may amplify the effect of L-CSA on CFU-gm by stimulating a more primitive progenitor cell that expands the CFU-gm population.
Spillover of the diffuse double layer on montmorillonite particles

Abstract The Poisson-Boltzmann equation is solved exactly for a thin, cylindrical disk with a positive edge charge and a negative face charge. Surface charge densities and particle dimensions are representative of montmorillonite clay. For low indifferent electrolyte concentrations the negative electrostatic field emanating from the particle face spills over into the edge region. Accordingly, the positively charged edge exhibits a negative electrostatic field. This results in a repulsive electrostatic potential for interparticle edge-face interactions and for solution anion-particle edge interactions.
Demo III Collaborative workflows in earth science data mining

A small but growing number of scientists and researchers are beginning to harness Web 2.0 technologies as a transformative way of doing science. Since communication is at the heart of science, these technologies provide researchers easy mechanisms to share ideas, data and algorithms. These technologies complement formal means of sharing knowledge via conferences and published papers, where it is impossible to share all the research details, and where negative results are rarely included. Meanwhile, science software developers are converting data processing, analysis, mining and visualization algorithms into publicly available web services, allowing researchers access to large suites of algorithms for data processing and science analysis. This model of chaining services to create analysis workflows provides the research community unprecedented opportunity to collaborate, sharing their workflows, reproducing and analyzing research results, and leveraging colleagues' expertise to expedite the process of scientific knowledge discovery. In many cases, the output of one workflow can be an input to others, leading to chained workflows with components shared by two or more researchers. A crucial component to foster this unprecedented cooperation within the research community is a reusable, extensible and customizable environment for building collaborative “open science” portals to manage these shared analysis workflows. Current collaborative portals are often one- time development efforts for specific science domains that cannot be easily extended beyond their initial features or reused by other science domains. As part of a current NASA project, we are developing “Talkoot” (Finnish analogue to a barn raising): a customizable “software appliance” to build collaborative portals for Earth Science services and analysis workflows. Talkoot will allow researchers (not just information technologists) to build collaborative sites around service workflows within a few hours. Talkoot leverages Drupal, an open architecture Content Management System, as the framework for an online collaborative portal. Drupal also has a number of specialized modules developed by its user community to provide additional features. Talkoot adds Earth-science-specific modules to provide data searching, processing, analysis and mining capabilities. We will demonstrate the current prototype of Talkoot, which allows users to: create research experiments; select data sets; create data processing/analysis/mining workflows; execute these workflows on remote compute resources; and share both the results and the workflows with other users. Additional Talkoot features that are being developed or are planned will also be presented.
Acrylate polymer colloids: Kinetics of autocatalyzed hydrolysis

Abstract The kinetics of the hydrolysis of alkyl polyacrylate latexes, in which the alkyl groups were methyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, and β-naphthyl, and of polymethyl methacrylate latexes have been studied. The reaction is catalyzed by surface strong acid groups—sulfate and sulfonate—derived from the initiator. By varying the surface acid concentration it was found that the reaction is first order with respect to acid. Since the activation energies were found to be similar to those of analogous reactions in homogeneous media, it was concluded that it follows an A AC 2 mechanism. Two constant-rate intervals are generally observed, the first rate being faster than the second. The constant rate is explained by a surface reaction zone model in which a steady-state concentration of the polymeric ester is maintained.
A two-dimensional domain decomposition technique for the simulation of quantum-scale devices

The simulation of realistically sized devices under the Non-Equilibrium Greens Function (NEGF) formalism typically requires prohibitive amounts of memory and computation time. In order to meet the rising computational challenges associated with quantum-scale device simulation we offer a 2-D domain decomposition technique. This technique is applicable to a large class of atomistic and spatial simulation problems. Considering a decomposition along both the cross section and length of the device, the framework presented in this work ensures efficient distribution of both memory and computation based upon the underlying device structure. As an illustration we stably generate the density of states and transmission, under the NEGF formalism, for the atomistic-based simulation of square 5nm cross section silicon nanowires consisting of over one million atomic orbitals.
Abnormal prorenin processing in growth hormone deficiency

Abstract Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is associated with increased premature cardiovascular (CV) mortality. Abnormal cardiac structure and function, including autonomic adrenergic dysfunction as detected by heart rate variability analysis, have been described in GHD. Abnormal prorenin processing resulting in a reduced renin/prorenin ratio has been correlated with cardiac autonomic dysfunction, an established risk factor for CV mortality, in diabetic patients. We investigated renin/prorenin ratios in untreated GHD patients ( n = 31) and in a group of GHD patients treated with GH ( n = 23) and compared both groups to a group of 59 normal control subjects. The treated GHD group was replaced with GH for a mean duration of 49.4 ± 6.7 months. The mean renin/prorenin ratios were 0.0765 ± 0.0089 in the untreated GHD group, 0.113 ± 0.018 in the treated GHD group, and 0.304 ± 0.029 in the control group ( P P = NS, untreated GHD vs. treated GHD). These results demonstrate that GHD is characterized by abnormal prorenin processing implicating concomitant cardiac autonomic adrenergic dysfunction, a risk factor for increased CV mortality. GH treatment resulted in a non-significant trend towards normalizing this defect.
Assessment Needed: Coeducational Physical Education: For Better or for Worse?.

The intent of Title IX and of coeducational physical education programs has been to eliminate the treatment of students as "prints" of their gender. Edu cators ensure that such programs are indeed for better.