cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CYCLIC AMP IN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF) OF ASPHYXIATED HUMAN NEWBORNS.† 1419

We previously found that in newborn pigs, prolonged asphyxia results in significant decreases in cerebral periarachnoid CSF cAMP during the recovery. The decreases in cAMP were well correlated with reduced dilator responses to stimuli that use cAMP as a second messenger. We hypothesize that prolonged asphyxia can also inhibit cAMP accumulation in human newborn CSF, suggesting inhibition of cerebral adenylyl cyclase. The normal range of CSF cAMP in newborn babies was determined via CSF of neonates requiring a spinal tap during infection work-up. Babies who had no findings indicative of CNS pathology including negative CSF culture were considered to be the control group (n= 23). The asphyxiated group consisted of babies with known perinatal asphyxia based on fulfillment of the asphyxia criteria (intrapartum distress, abnormal blood pH, Apgar score, and related clinical findings). These babies required spinal taps as part of septicemia work-ups, but subsequently were found to have no CNS infection. CSF cAMP was markedly reduced in asphyxiated neonates as compared to non-asphyxiated controls (6750±2000 vs. 23800±2200 fmol/ml).
Critical notes on some problems involving the clinical application of neurophysiological principles

In a recent addressA. Sturm discussed the physiological basis of autonomic disturbances in two patients by assuming that a “feed-back” mechanism is involved. This interpretation is criticized. 1. The first case concerns a patient with an adenoma of the pancreas. The tumor induced a hypersecretion of insulin, periods of hypoglycemia associated with coma and convulsions as well as diencephalic symptoms. It is suggested that these symptoms are the result of a release of the diencephalon due to lessened activity of the cerebral cortex. 2. The second example concerns a case ofRaynaud's disease in which bradycardia and circulatory collapse and periods of hypoglycemia are observed after extensive removal of the sympathetic chains. It is suggested that the basic disturbance in this case was an increased discharge over the vago-insulin as well as the sympathetico-adrenal systems with predominance of the latter. Numerous factors induce such effects experimentally. With the removal of the sympathetic the previously obscured vago-insulin discharges become manifest. 3. It is believed that no “feed-back” is involved in either case.
A probabilistic stress-strength model and its application to fatigue failure in gun barrels

Abstract A general approach to stress-strength problems assuming cumulative damage under Cramer's ‘proportionate growth’ model is first described. This approach is then applied to a model for critical crack size estimation in the fatigue failure of gun barrels. A consistent discrete estimate of the distribution of critical crack size is obtained using the theory of mixtures of probability distributions. Estimates of mean barrel life and other parameters can be found from the estimated critical crack size distribution.
On p-creative sets and p-completely creative sets

Abstract We study p-creative sets and p-completely creative sets. We first prove that for recursively enumerable sets, p-creativeness is equivalent to p-complete creativeness and Myhill's theorem still holds in the polynomial setting. We then consider p-creativity and p-complete creativity for time complexity classes. We prove that for P, p-creativeness is equivalent to p-complete creativeness. Moreover, we prove that a set A is p-m-complete for DEXT iff A is p-creative for P in DEXT. Since every p-m-complete set for DEXT is p-1-complete (Berman, 1977), we know that Myhill's theorem still holds for P in DEXT. These results can also be proved for NP in NEXT. k -creative sets and k -completely creative sets in NP are next studied. ( k,l )-creative sets and ( k,l )-completely creative sets in a more general setting are defined and shown to exist. It is known that k -completely creative sets are NP-complete (Joseph and Young, 1985), but it is not known whether the converse is true. We approach this problem based on our “double diagonalization” technique of showing that every p-m-complete set for DEXT is p-creative for P. A new class of k -completely creative sets is constructed as well.
An immunoglobulin promoter displays cell-type specificity independently of the enhancer.

Recent studies in which cloned immunoglobulin genes were introduced into cultured cells have produced two significant findings. First, the genes are expressed after transfection into lymphoid cells but not non-lymphoid cells1–3. Second, transcription of an immunoglobulin gene requires, in addition to the promoter region, an enhancer element located downstream of the transcription start site4–10. These findings raise the question of whether it is the promoter or the enhancer region that is responsible for the observed cell-type specificity. It has, in fact, been shown that immunoglobulin enhancers function only in lymphoid cells6,8,9. We show here that the promoter for an immunoglobulin κ light-chain gene also is strongly specific for lymphoid cells. Our result re-emphasizes the importance of promoters relative to enhancers in determining which cells express which genes.
Maltreated Infants Reported Eligibility for Part C and Later School-Age Special Education Services

National estimates of characteristics of maltreated infants and report of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) 54 months later are presented. The ...
The intersection of information behavior and coping among women undergoing breast lump diagnosis

Few studies have examined the intersection of information behavior and coping of women during the time period between the discovery of a breast lump and receiving a diagnosis. Those that do look at particular segments of this time without taking the full period into consideration, leaving a gap as to the range of behaviors that may occur throughout the waiting period. This study sought to understand how information behavior interacts with the coping strategies of women who undergo the potentially stressful experience of waiting for a breast lump diagnosis.
Construction of a probe for the aminoglycoside 3-V-acetyltransferase gene and detection of the gene among endemic clinical isolates.

A recent surveillance study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center indicated that 8.5% of the gram-negative bacilli isolated were resistant to gentamicin. To determine what proportion of current gentamicin-resistant isolates elaborated aminoglycoside 3-V-acetyltransferase [AAC(3)-V], a probe for this gene was constructed from a 975-base-pair PstI-SalI fragment of the nonconjugative R plasmid pCER954b. This plasmid was first isolated at Vanderbilt University Medical Center from epidemic strains of Serratia marcescens. Nineteen isolates determined to produce AAC(3)-V by MIC profile all reacted with the probe. The probe did not hybridize with DNA from organisms producing 10 other aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme types. With this probe, 30 (36%) of 84 gentamicin-resistant, gram-negative bacilli elaborated AAC(3)-V. Of these 30 isolates, 25 contained a conjugative plasmid that transferred gentamicin resistance. In contrast to other medical centers, at Vanderbilt a sizable number of gentamicin-resistant, gram-negative bacilli produced AAC(3)-V. This resistance determinant, initially identified in an epidemic Serratia strain, has persisted and become incorporated into currently isolated endemic strains of gram-negative bacilli. Images
The pathophysiology of under nutrition in the child with cancer

The physiologic consequences of malnutrition in children with cancer are reviewed. It is stressed that the child with cancer has a nutritional state that is no different from the average population from which the child comes. What little malnutrition is seen is calorie malnutrition. The physiologic consequences are those seen in any malnourished patient. Once the patient is being treated for cancer and the cancer course has progressed, the complications of chemotherapy and radiotherapy add to the difficulty in interpretation. However, the problem of decreased resistance to infection is one of the major problems that result from this malnutrition. The one nutrient found deficient in children with cancer is iron. Because transferrin is sensitive to prolonged protein malnutrition and because of the high level of ferritin in children with certain cancers, interpretation of laboratory values defining iron deficiency is difficult and iron homeostasis may well be very deranged.
Copper chelation by tetrathiomolybdate inhibits vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic lesion development in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

Endothelial activation, which is characterized by upregulation of cellular adhesion molecules and pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, and consequent monocyte recruitment to the arterial intima are etiologic factors in atherosclerosis. Redox-active transition metal ions, such as copper and iron, may play an important role in endothelial activation by stimulating redox-sensitive cell signaling pathways. We have shown previously that copper chelation by tetrathiomolybdate (TTM) inhibits LPS-induced acute inflammatory responses in vivo. Here, we investigated whether TTM can inhibit atherosclerotic lesion development in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE−/−) mice. We found that 10-week treatment of apoE−/− mice with TTM (33–66 ppm in the diet) reduced serum levels of the copper-containing protein, ceruloplasmin, by 47%, and serum iron by 26%. Tissue levels of “bioavailable” copper, assessed by the copper-to-molybdenum ratio, decreased by 80% in aorta and heart, whereas iron levels of these tissues were not affected by TTM treatment. Furthermore, TTM significantly attenuated atherosclerotic lesion development in whole aorta by 25% and descending aorta by 45% compared to non-TTM treated apoE−/− mice. This anti-atherogenic effect of TTM was accompanied by several anti-inflammatory effects, i.e., significantly decreased serum levels of soluble vascular cell and intercellular adhesion molecules (VCAM-1 and ICAM-1); reduced aortic gene expression of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokines; and significantly less aortic accumulation of M1 type macrophages. In contrast, serum levels of oxidized LDL were not reduced by TTM. These data indicate that TTM inhibits atherosclerosis in apoE−/− mice by reducing bioavailable copper and vascular inflammation, not by altering iron homeostasis or reducing oxidative stress.
Coupled piezoelectric vibrations of quartz plates

Abstract The contributions of coupling with the electric field and mass of electrode coatings are taken into account in solutions of equations governing coupled thickness-shear, flexure and face-shear vibrational modes in rotated- Y -cut quartz plates.
The management of alcohol withdrawal in pregnancy — case report, literature review and preliminary recommendations

Pregnant women are advised to stop drinking alcohol, but there is very little evidence-based guidance on the management of alcohol withdrawal. We describe a case of alcohol withdrawal during pregnancy and summarize available information on treatment.
Optic Nerve Sheath Decompression

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To review the surgical technique, indication and results of optic nerve sheath decompression. STUDY DESIGN: Review of medical literature and the author's personal experience with optic nerve sheath decompression. SETTING: Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing optic nerve sheath decompression, primarily for pseudotumor cerebri and anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, visual field, surgical complication. RESULTS: A retrospective review of the author's surgical cases indicated that 75% of patients undergoing optic nerve sheath decompression for pseudotumor cerebri achieved long-term improvement of visual function. Sixty-seven percent of patients undergoing this procedure for anterior ischemic optic neuropathy achieved a partial return of visual field or acuity. CONCLUSION: Optic nerve sheath decompression is generally successful in relieving papilloedema in pseudotumor cerebri. Additional controlled studies are necessary to determine this procedure's effectiveness in anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.
Long-Term Results Of Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation For Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma: The Stanford Experience

Abstract The peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCL) carry a worse prognosis compared to B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. There is no uniform standard therapy for PTCL, and autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (AHCT) is often offered as consolidation in first remission or at relapse because of the poor outcomes with conventional therapy. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent AHCT for PTCL from 1989 to 2006. Fifty-three cases were identified consisting of systemic anaplastic large cell (n = 18), PTCL unspecified (n = 17), angioimmunoblastic (n = 9), nasal type extranodal NK/T (n = 7), hepatosplenic (n = 2), and adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (n = 1). Fifteen patients were transplanted in first complete or partial response (CR1/PR1), 32 in second or beyond CR or PR (CR2/PR2+), and 11 with primary refractory disease (REF). With a median follow-up was 5 years (range: 1.0-11.5), the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 25% and 48%, respectively. Disease status at AHCT had a significant impact on PFS and OS. The 5-year PFS for patients in CR1/PR1, CR2/PR2+, and REF was 51%, 12%, and 0%, respectively, and the corresponding figures for OS were 76%, 40%, and 30%, respectively. The pretransplant factors that impacted survival were disease status and the number of prior regimens. Histology, age, sex, stage, B symptoms, bone marrow involvement, and duration of first response did not significantly affect PFS or OS. Based on these results, AHCT as consolidation therapy in first complete or partial response may offer a durable survival benefit. However, AHCT with conventional salvage chemotherapy has minimal durable benefit in patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL, and thus novel strategies and/or allogeneic HCT should be more aggressively explored in lieu of AHCT for relapsed/ refractory PTCL.
Phenomenology of D-brane inflation with general speed of sound

A characteristic of D-brane inflation is that fluctuations in the inflaton field can propagate at a speed significantly less than the speed of light. This yields observable effects that are distinct from those of single-field slow-roll inflation, such as a modification of the inflationary consistency relation and a potentially large level of non-Gaussianities. We present a numerical algorithm that extends the inflationary flow formalism to models with general speed of sound. For an ensemble of D-brane-inflation models parametrized by the Hubble parameter and the speed of sound as polynomial functions of the inflaton field, we give qualitative predictions for the key inflationary observables. We discuss various consistency relations for D-brane inflation, and compare the qualitative shapes of the warp factors we derive from the numerical models with analytical warp factors considered in the literature. Finally, we derive and apply a generalized microphysical bound on the inflaton field variation during brane inflation. While a large number of models are consistent with current cosmological constraints, almost all of these models violate the compactification constraint on the field range in four-dimensional Planck units. If the field range bound is to hold, then models with a detectable level of non-Gaussianity predict a blue scalar spectral index, and a tensor component that is far below the detection limit of any future experiment.
Phylogenomics: Gene Duplication, Unrecognized Paralogy and Outgroup Choice

Comparative genomics has revealed the ubiquity of gene and genome duplication and subsequent gene loss. In the case of gene duplication and subsequent loss, gene trees can differ from species trees, thus frequent gene duplication poses a challenge for reconstruction of species relationships. Here I address the case of multi-gene sets of putative orthologs that include some unrecognized paralogs due to ancestral gene duplication, and ask how outgroups should best be chosen to reduce the degree of non-species tree (NST) signal. Consideration of expected internal branch lengths supports several conclusions: (i) when a single outgroup is used, the degree of NST signal arising from gene duplication is either independent of outgroup choice, or is minimized by use of a maximally closely related post-duplication (MCRPD) outgroup; (ii) when two outgroups are used, NST signal is minimized by using one MCRPD outgroup, while the position of the second outgroup is of lesser importance; and (iii) when two outgroups are used, the ability to detect gene trees that are inconsistent with known aspects of the species tree is maximized by use of one MCRPD, and is either independent of the position of the second outgroup, or is maximized for a more distantly related second outgroup. Overall, these results generalize the utility of closely-related outgroups for phylogenetic analysis.
A transparent boundary technique for numerical modeling of elastic waves

In numerical modeling of wave motions, strong reflections from artificial model boundaries may contaminate or mask true reflections from the interior model interfaces. Hence, developing a kind of exterior model boundary transparent to the outgoing waves is of critical importance. Among proposed solutions, e.g., Smith (1974), Kausel and Tassoulas (1981), and Higdon (1991), the most widely used may be the Clayton and Engquist (1977) method of absorbing boundary conditions, based on paraxial approximations for acoustic and elastic‐wave equations. However, absorbing boundary conditions make the reflection coefficients zero only for normal incidence, and suppression of reflected S-waves (Clayton and Engquist, 1977) becomes poorer as the ratio of P- to S-wave velocity (Vp/Vs) becomes larger.
Phase equilibria for aqueous protein/polyelectrolyte gel systems

A molecular-thermodynamic analysis is directed toward predicting the partitioning of aqueous proteins into charged hydrogels. This analysis takes into account size exclusion by the network, electrostatic interactions, and the osmotic-pressure difference between a hydrogel and its surrounding solution. Electrostatic interactions in the polyelectrolyte gel can be described by Debye – Huckel theory, or the Mean Spherical Approximation, or Katchalsky's cell model for polyelectrolyte solutions. The cell model gives best agreement with experimental partition coefficients for cytochrome c. The quasi-electrostatic potential difference between a gel and its surrounding solution demonstrates how the electrostatic contribution to the protein partition coefficient depends on protein charge, gel-charge density, and solution ionic strength. Finally, a qualitative guide is presented for design of a polyelectrolyte gel such that it exhibits specified swelling and partitioning properties.
A comparison of the cationic ring-opening polymerizations of 3-oxetanol and glycidol

The technologically important polymers poly(3-oxetanol) and polyglycidol (sometimes referred to as polyglycerol) were both synthesized in high yield by a one-pot BF3-catalyzed cationic ring-opening polymerization of the respective monomers in dichloromethane at ambient temperature. The polymerization reactions and the resulting polymers were compared. The polymerization of 3-oxetanol was less exothermic than the polymerization of glycidol under identical reaction conditions, because of the lower ring strain in 3-oxetanol than in glycidol, confirmed by semi-empirical calculations. The resulting polymers were similar, i.e., they had similar Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, molecular weights, thermal properties and physical characteristics. However, the poly(3-oxetanol) had a higher ratio of secondary to primary alcohols than did polyglycidol. Open image in new window
Correlations between leadership styles as measured by the Least Preferred Co-Worker scale and adults' attachment styles.

A measure of attachment styles and the Least Preferred Co-Worker Scale were administered to 117 male and 82 female undergraduates. Analyses indicated that scores on two of the attachment styles wer...
The scourge of sarcoptes: oral ivermectin for scabies.

Objective To review the use of the oral antiparasitic ivermectin in the treatment of scabies, with an emphasis on its use in the elderly and in long-term care settings. Data source A MEDLINE/PUBMED search was conducted to identify pertinent studies, case reports, letters, and reviews in the English language. All articles published from 1980 to October 2003 were reviewed. Additional references were obtained from the bibliographies of these articles. Study selection All studies evaluating ivermectin in the context of scabies mite infestation. Data synthesis The semisynthetic macrocyclic lactone ivermectin has been available since the early 1980s as a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent in animals and humans. This agent, which works by suppressing motor nerve conduction leading to parasite paralysis and death, was first used in ectoparasitic diseases (i.e., those caused by lice and mites) shortly after commercial introduction. A large body of literature, mainly uncontrolled case reports and series, has since evolved. However, these reports and results of the small number of placebo- and/or active-controlled studies have demonstrated the favorable response of both classic and crusted scabies to single- and multiple-dose oral ivermectin. Adverse reactions to the drug are uncommon, with the exception of a transient, new onset, or mild increase in existing pruritus soon after drug ingestion, which is thought to be a hypersensitivity reaction to dead mites and/or their products. Conclusion Oral ivermectin may prove to be a time- and labor-saving alternative to topical scabicide treatments, especially in the institutional setting where labor shortages make the management of scabies outbreaks a true challenge. However, the use of this agent does not change the need to decontaminate the environment (clothing, bedding, bed clothes, and, in selected cases, floors and walls) in order to truncate an outbreak and prevent reinfestation.
The effect of liquid nitrogen submersion on cryopreserved human heart valves.

Cryopreservation and storage of human heart valves have become an accepted means of maintaining a usable supply of heart valves for outflow track reconstructive surgery. Valves are typically stored at the vapor phase temperature of liquid nitrogen, -130 degrees C and below, to reduce the chance of recrystallization within the tissues. Concern over the effects of submersion of the valves in liquid nitrogen, i.e., plunging to -196 degrees C, prompted this study. Cryopreserved valves were plunged into liquid nitrogen, held for 5 min, and then processed (thawed) by standardized protocols. The thawed valves were then assessed using scanning electron microscopy and the more traditional histology at the light microscope level. Cuspal tissues plunged into liquid nitrogen appear to have numerous microfractures over both surfaces of the tissue, penetrating into the collagen/proteoglycan matrix. Control cryopreserved valves do not exhibit these microfractures. Histologically, the submerged valves appear normal. The clinical use of valves which have been submerged in liquid nitrogen is discussed.
Uptake and degradation of low density lipoprotein by swine arterial smooth muscle cells with inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis

Abstract We have previously proposed on the basis of studies in hepatectomized animals that low density lipoproteins are degraded at a significant rate by peripheral tissues. To test the capacity of one peripheral cell type to catabolize low density lipoprotein, cultures of swine aortic smooth muscle cells were incubated with homologous 125I-labeled low density lipoprotein and uptake and degradation measured. Degradation of 125I-labeled low density lipoprotein to products soluble in trichloroacetic acid showed an initial lag period of 1–2 h after which the rate increased and remained linear for the following 15 h. Rates of degradation increased sharply with low density lipoprotein concentration over the lower range (from 0–25μg protein/ml) and then more slowly up to the highest concentration tested, 300 μg protein/ml. Even at very low concentrations, 1 μg low density lipoprotein protein/ml (less than 10% of the plasma low density lipoprotein concentration), the in vitro degradation rate (per kg of smooth muscle cells) exceeded the in vivo degradation rate (per kg of total body weight). To the extent that smooth muscle cells are representative of other peripheral cells, the results support the proposal that peripheral degradation of low density lipoprotein apoprotein may be quantitatively important. The rate of incorporation of labeled acetate into sterols was suppressed in cells incubated with whole serum, low density and very low density lipoproteins, or suspensions of free cholesterol. In this respect, the results were similar to those observed in human skin fibroblasts studied concurrently. However, high density lipoprotein inhibited sterol synthesis by about 25% in swine smooth muscle cells while it had no effect in human skin fibroblasts. Cells incubated overnight in lipoprotein-deficient medium showed a net decrease in cholesterol content which could be restored by incubating with low density lipoprotein but not with high density lipoprotein. At high concentrations of low density lipoprotein, when uptake and degradation proceed at very high rates, the amount of cholesterol delivered to the cell is in excess of observed net changes in cell cholesterol content. These findings suggest that there may be a very active “reverse cholesterol transport” in vivo carrying cholesterol from peripheral cells (in which low density lipoprotein is being degraded) back to the liver for ultimate metabolism and excretion.
Comment on “Primary production of algae growing on natural and artificial aquatic plants: A study of interactions between epiphytes and their substrate” (Cattaneo and Kalff)1

In an attempt to determine if macrophytes affect their aufwuchs through mechanisms unrelated to host morphology, Cattaneo and Kalff (Primary production of algae growing on natural and artificial aquatic plants: a study of interactions between epiphytes and their substrate, 1979, Limnology and Oceanography 24: 1031-1037) compared epiphytic production on Potamogenton richardsonii and plastic surrogate. They found no statistically significant differences (P less than 0.05) between the types of substrate and observed similar production values on a control macrophyte. A third species, however, did have a higher biomass of epiphytes, and it was considered probably to be an anomaly due to the morphological disparity of the third host of its distance from other plants. The authors of this comment contend that Cattaneo and Kalff proposed conclusions concerning their study that imply broader applicability than is warranted, and contend that, although some macrophytes may be neutral hosts to their epiphytes, others may profoundly affect production; in either case, the community composition may vary greatly from host to host.
Composite Materials Design Database and Data Retrieval System Requirements

Abstract : The emergence and use of composite materials in engineering applications have increased considerably. A need, therefore, exists to make information available about composite materials, their derivation, their properties, and their use, to researchers and material engineers. To do so requires a greater understanding of the problems and solutions that emerge when integrating composite materials data with computer database technology. Gaining such an understanding will facilitate the eventual development and operation of utilitarian composite materials databases (CMDB) designed to support a collection of analysis and design software. The objective of this report is to establish the requirements for creating a composite materials design database and data retrieval system for use in ballistic applications. The target database is fundamentally an engineering properties database that is designed to support the needs of the analysis, design, and data retrieval software. Of particular concern are the representation of material property data in terms of a data model, interfaces to application software, data retrieval applications, and the role of expert systems in composite material design. Each of these needs is discussed in this report. The eventual objective is to develop a prototype database environment to support these needs. To do so requires a combination of the fields of materials engineering and computer science.
The effects of varying dietary fat on performance and metabolism in trained male and female runners.

Objectives: Low dietary fat intake has become the diet of choice for many athletes. Recent studies in animals and humans suggest that a high fat diet may increase Vo2 max and endurance. We studied the effects of a low, medium and high fat diet on performance and metabolism in runners.Methods: Twelve male and 13 female runners (42 miles/week) ate diets of 16% and 31% fat for four weeks. Six males and six females increased their fat intakes to 44%. All diets were designed to be isocaloric. Endurance and Vo2 max were tested at the end of each diet. Plasma levels of lactate, pyruvate, glucose, glycerol, and triglycerides were measured before and after the Vo2 max and endurance runs. Free fatty acids were measured during the Vo2 max and endurance runs.Results: Runners on the low fat diet ate 19% fewer calories than on the medium or high fat diets. Body weight, percent body fat (males=71 kg and 16%; females=57 kg and 19%), Vo2 max and anaerobic power were not affected by the level of dietary fat. Endurance...
Cross-Axis Synchronous Flow-Through Coil Planet Centrifuge Free of Rotary Seals for Preparative Countercurrent Chromatography. Part II. Studies on Phase Distribution and Partition Efficiency in Coaxial Coils

Abstract Potential capability of the apparatus in performing countercurrent chroma-tography has been examined with three different types of coiled columns, all coaxially mounted around the holder. In single-layer coils, typical solvent systems display characteristic hydrodynamic distribution which ensures a stable retention of the stationary phase against heavy sample loading in preparative separations. Direct observation of the hydrodynamic motion in the rotating spiral column revealed vigorous mixing of the two solvent phases throughout the area which promises a high partition efficiency of the present method. Gram-quantity preparative separations were performed in the multilayer coil with two different sets of test samples: Isocratic elution of dinitrophenyl amino acids yielded high partition efficiency of 1600 theoretical plates while the versatility of the method was demonstrated on gradient elution of dipeptides including two pairs of sequential isomers.
An atom trap system for practical 81Kr dating

81Kr (t1/2=2.3×105 yr, 81Kr/Kr∼6×10−13) is a long-lived cosmogenic isotope, which is ideal for dating old groundwater and ice in the age range of 50,000 years to 1 million years. Here, we describe the apparatus and performance of an atom-counting system for practical 81Kr dating. This system is based upon the atom trap trace analysis method that was first demonstrated in 1999. Since then, significant improvements have been made to increase the system efficiency and to reduce the required krypton sample size. For a modern krypton gas sample of 100 μl STP, which contains 1.2×106 81Kr atoms, the system can accumulate approximately 240 81Kr counts in 20 h, thereby reaching a counting efficiency of 2×10−4. Detailed studies have been conducted to characterize the performance of this system. This system has been calibrated with a low-level counting method and has been used for 81Kr dating of ancient groundwater from the Nubian Aquifer (Egypt). It can also be used to measure the isotopic abundance of a fission-pr...
TAIG: textually accessible information graphics

Information graphics (such as bar charts and line graphs) are an important component of many documents. Unfortunately, these representations present serious access challenges for individuals with sight impairments. This paper describes our ongoing research on the TAIG system which is a part of a larger system whose long term goal is to enable visually impaired users to gain access to the content of information graphics and therefore benefit from these valuable resources. TAIG first provides the user with a brief textual summary of the graphic with the inferred overall message as the core content, and then will respond to follow-up questions which may request further detail about the graphic.
Selecting expatriates for increasingly complex global assignments

As organizations globalize their operations, there is a heightened need to identify and select qualified managers for overseas assignments. The increased complexity of these foreign assignments necessitates a recalibration of the traditional selection procedures and processes used in the past. In particular, there is some evidence that expatriation becomes strategic as organizations increasingly grow and compete globally. Therefore, the critical issues, which arise as expatriates’ assignments evolve into a global assignment scope, must be viewed in a systematic manner. This paper develops a unique theory‐based expatriation selection process based upon a systemic assessment of potential expatriate candidates’ multiple IQs, learning styles, thinking styles, and the nature of the expatriate assignment. In addition, a practical step‐by‐step managerial process is developed that can be used in the selection of expatriate managers for global assignments.
Annexin A7 and SNAP23 interactions in alveolar type II cells and in vitro: A role for Ca2+ and PKC

Lung surfactant secretion involves lamellar body docking and fusion with the plasma membrane in alveolar type II cells. Annexin A7 (A7) is postulated to play a role in membrane fusion during exocytosis. Our recent studies demonstrated increased co-localization of A7 with ABCA3 in lamellar bodies in type II cells stimulated with established secretagogues of lung surfactant. In this study, we investigated in vivo and in vitro interactions of A7 with the t-SNARE protein, SNAP23. Immuno-fluorescence studies showed time-dependent increases in co-localization of A7 with SNAP23 in PMA- and in A23187-stimulated cells. PMA and A23187 also caused a time-dependent increase in co-localization of ABCA3 with SNAP23. The relocation of A7 to SNAP23 domains was inhibited in the presence of PKC inhibitor, similar to that previously reported for co-localization of A7 with ABCA3. The interaction of A7 and SNAP23 was confirmed by affinity binding and by in vitro interaction of recombinant A7 and SNAP23 proteins. The in vitro binding of recombinant A7 (rA7) to GST-SNAP23 fusion protein was calcium-dependent. Phosphorylation of rA7 with PKC increased its in vitro binding to SNAP23 suggesting that a similar mechanism may operate during A7 relocation to t-SNARE domains. Thus, our studies demonstrate that annexin A7 may function in co-ordination with SNARE proteins and that protein kinase activation may be required for annexin A7 trafficking to the interacting membranes (lamellar bodies and plasma membrane) to facilitate membrane fusion during surfactant secretion.
Laser electron acceleration in vacuum

Abstract This scheme involves pairs of intersecting linearly-polarized Gaussian-profile laser beams that are focused at crossover in vacuum and phased such that transverse field components cancel. The E z components accelerate properly-phased z -axis relativistic electrons throughout a half-wave slip distance centered at crossover. The slip length is approximately 90λ for the case considered. The E z components vanish rapidly before and after this slip region, thus providing conditions for a special case that is not included in Palmer's general acceleration theorem. Electron energy-gain gradients of several GeV/m appear to be possible.
EFFECT OF INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID ON GROWTH OF CODIUM FRAGILE SUBSP. TOMENTOSOIDES (CHLOROPHYCEAE) IN CULTURE1

Growth of Codium fragile subsp. tomentosoides (van Goor) Silva in culture depends upon the season of seawater collection. One factor responsible for this variation in growth may be indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). When 10−9 to 10−4 M IAA is added to cultures of Codium fragile, optimum growth is at 10−6 M. The response to exogenous IAA depends upon the time of year when the sea-water is collected. The growth in a range of known IAA concentrations allows the prediction of a seasonal cycle of IAA, or its physiological equivalent, in Rhode Island coastal waters. Such a compound may be an important ecological factor for some algal species.
Exacting predictions by cybernetic model confirmed experimentally: steady state multiplicity in the chemostat.

We demonstrate strong experimental support for the cybernetic model based on maximizing carbon uptake rate in describing the microorganism's regulatory behavior by verifying exacting predictions of steady state multiplicity in a chemostat. Experiments with a feed mixture of glucose and pyruvate show multiple steady state behavior as predicted by the cybernetic model. When multiplicity occurs at a dilution (growth) rate, it results in hysteretic behavior following switches in dilution rate from above and below. This phenomenon is caused by transient paths leading to different steady states through dynamic maximization of the carbon uptake rate. Thus steady state multiplicity is a manifestation of the nonlinearity arising from cybernetic mechanisms rather than of the nonlinear kinetics. The predicted metabolic multiplicity would extend to intracellular states such as enzyme levels and fluxes to be verified in future experiments. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Disjunctive illusory inferences and how to eliminate them

The mental model theory of reasoning postulates that individuals construct mental models of the possibilities in which the premises of an inference hold and that these models represent what is true but not what is false. An unexpected consequence of this assumption is that certain premises should yield systematically invalid inferences. This prediction is unique among current theories of reasoning, because no alternative theory, whether based on formal rules of inference or on probabilistic considerations, predicts these illusory inferences. We report three studies of novel illusory inferences that depend on embedded disjunctions—for example, premises of this sort: A or else (B or else C). The theory distinguishes between those embedded disjunctions that should yield illusions and those that should not. In Experiment 1, we corroborated this distinction. In Experiment 2, we extended the illusory inferences to a more stringently controlled set of problems. In Experiment 3, we established a novel method for reducing illusions by calling for participants to make auxiliary inferences.
Analysis of competing topologies of linear induction machines for high speed material transport systems

The authors investigate longitudinal and transverse flux linear motor topologies for very high acceleration rate (3-4 g) and high speed (120 km/hr) material transport systems which have significant technical and economic potential in flexible manufacturing environments. The general topology under consideration is a double-sided, short moving-secondary/long-fixed-primary, linear induction motor (LIM). The transport system requirements place severe demands on the machinery topology. In addition to efficient thrust production, the linear machine must be capable of generating large unbalanced normal (i.e., lateral) forces in order to achieve electromagnetic (mechanically passive) steering of vehicles with both straight and curvilinear primaries. Air gap chording and short secondary effects are two additional design complications. Particular emphasis is placed on the orientation of the magnetic flux (i.e., longitudinal vs. transverse). A hybrid system topology consisting of a longitudinal-flux orientation within straight sections and a transverse-flux orientation within curvilinear sections appears to offer the best of both topologies. >
Behavioural constraints and conservation biology: Conspecific attraction and recruitment

Wildlife managers have devoted considerable time and research to determine how animals judge the suitability and quality of their habitat. These analyses typically center on habitat characteristics and often produce equivocal results. An additional method of habitat assessment is to examine the extent to which animals, and particularly birds, use conspecifics as cues to establishing breeding and feeding territories. Conspecifics can be indicators of habitat quality, or they might intrinsically affect reproductive success. Here we discuss the implications of conspecific attraction for biologists who wish to conserve endangered species that are living in fragmented habitats.
Optimal data partitioning of MPEG-2 coded video

We analyze the problem of optimal data partitioning of MPEG-2 coded video in an operational rate-distortion context. The optimal algorithm is characterized and shown to have high complexity and delay. A causally optimal algorithm based on Lagrangian optimization is proposed, that optimally solves the problem for intra (I) pictures, while it provides an optimal solution for predicted/interpolated (P/B) pictures when the additional constrains of causal operation and/or low-delay are imposed. A memoryless version of the algorithm, theoretically optimal for intra-pictures only, is shown to perform almost identically but with significantly less computational complexity. Finally, a fast, suboptimal algorithm using slice-based optimization is also proposed, and is shown to perform quite close (within 1 dB) to the causally optimal one. >
Modeling Cracks and Cracking Models: Structures, Mechanisms, Boundary Conditions, Constraints, Inconsistencies and The Proper Domains of Natural Laws

The emphasis on models hasn’t completely eliminated laws from scientific discourse and philosophical discussion. Instead, I want to argue that much of physics lies beyond the strict domain of laws. I shall argue that in important cases the physics, or physical understanding, does not lie either in laws or in their properties, such as universality, consistency and symmetry. I shall argue that the domain of application commonly attributed to laws is too narrow. That is, laws can still play an important, though peculiar, role outside their strict domain of validity. I shall argue also that, by way of a trade-off, while the actual domain of application of laws should be seen as much broader. At the same time, what I call ‘anomic’ representational elements reveal themselves as central to the descriptive and explanatory power of theories and model: boundary conditions, state descriptions, structures, constraints, limits and mechanisms. I conclude with a brief consideration of how my discussion has consequences for discussion of understanding, unification, approximation and dispositional properties. I focus on examples from physics, macroscopic and microscopic, phenomenological and fundametal: shock waves, propagation of cracks, symmetry breaking, and others. This law-eccentric kind of knowledge is central to both modeling the world and intervening in it.
Phenyl-Substituted Siloxane Hybrid Gels that Soften Below 140°C

A characteristic of so-called melting gels is that the gels, which are rigid at room temperature, are able to soften and resoften at temperatures around 110°C. However, after consolidation at temperatures higher than 150°C, the gels no longer resoften. Two systems of melting gels were investigated: phenyltrimethoxysilane (PhTMS)–diphenyldimethoxysilane (DPhDMS) and phenyltriethoxysilane (PhTES)–diphenyldiethoxysilane (DPhDES). The influence of disubstituted versus monosubstituted alkoxide on the softening behavior and the temperature of decomposition was studied. The consolidation temperature increased as the amount of disubstituted alkoxide increased, while the decomposition temperature increased only slightly. In general, the ethoxy-containing gels (maximum at 150°C) consolidated at lower temperatures than the methoxy-containing gels (maximum at 180°C).
60 GHz Silicon-Based Tunable Amplifier

This paper presents, for the first time, 60 GHz silicon-based tunable amplifier development. A tunable transmission line is demonstrated to produce phase shift by using an on-chip multi-metal-layer structure with diode switch topology. A metal trace, below the transmission line, is connected to a pair of diode switches, to be grounded or left floating depending on whether the switch is on or off, respectively. A base-collector shorted npn HBT is used as diode switch, and a phase difference of 20 is measured in the two different states of the tunable transmission line over 35 GHz ~ 65 GHz frequency range. A tunable multi-band amplifier is developed by using this tunable transmission line in the output-matching network. Measured results of the amplifier indicate 3 dB bandwidth of operation can be achieved over the entire frequency range of 40 GHz to 65 GHz with a maximum gain of 8 dB by switching the diode on or off. This is the first demonstration of fully monolithic millimeter-wave tunable amplifiers on silicon-based IC processes.
Relationship of source and sink in determining kernel composition of maize

The relative role of the maternal source and the filial sink in controlling the composition of maize (Zea mays L.) kernels is unclear and may be influenced by the genotype and the N supply. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of assimilate supply from the vegetative source and utilization of assimilates by the grain sink on the final composition of maize kernels. Intermated B733Mo17 recombinant inbred lines (IBM RILs) which displayed contrasting concentrations of endosperm starch were grown in the field with deficient or sufficient N, and the source supply altered by ear truncation (45% reduction) at 15 d after pollination (DAP). The assimilate supply into the kernels was determined at 19 DAP using the agar trap technique, and the final kernel composition was measured. The influence of N supply and kernel ear position on final kernel composition was also determined for a commercial hybrid. Concentrations of kernel protein and starch could be altered by genotype or the N supply, but remained fairly constant along the length of the ear. Ear truncation also produced a range of variation in endosperm starch and protein concentrations. The C/N ratio of the assimilate supply at 19 DAP was directly related to the final kernel composition, with an inverse relationship between the concentrations of starch and protein in the mature endosperm. The accumulation of kernel starch and protein in maize is uniform along the ear, yet adaptable within genotypic limits, suggesting that kernel composition is source limited in maize.