cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The gene for biotin synthase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: cloning, sequencing, and complementation of Escherichia coli strains lacking biotin synthase.

Abstract Biotin synthase catalyzes the insertion of a sulfur atom between two carbon atoms of dethiobiotin to form biotin in the last step of the biotin biosynthesis pathway. In Escherichia coli , biotin synthase is coded for by bioB gene. We report here cloning, sequencing, and initial functional characterization of the yeast gene for biotin synthase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . We have named this gene BIO2 . It consists of a 355-codon open reading frame near the ZUO1 gene. Analysis of the yeast protein encoded by the BIO2 gene reveals that it shares extensive homology with biotin synthases of E. coli and Bacillus sphaericus . The yeast and the two bacterial biotin synthase proteins have similar molecular weights, amino acid compositions, and hydropathies. The plasmid pUCBIO2 containing the yeast BIO2 gene completely complements E. coli bioB − and Δ bio mutants and enables these mutants to grow on dethiobiotin. Although BIO2 is physically linked to ZUO1 , which encodes the putative left-handed Z-DNA binding protein zuotin, it appears to be regulated independently from it. The yeast BIO2 and ZUO1 genes reside near ADE3 gene on chromosome VII. BIO2 is the first eukaryotic gene reported from the biotin biosynthetic pathway.
Buoyancy-Driven Circulation Flow of an Electrical Conductive Liquid in a Rectangular Annulus

A study on the characteristics of a buoyancy-driven flow in a rectangular circulation channel in a solar-energy-harvesting device is presented in this paper. The solar-energy-harvesting device is projected to convert solar radiation into electrical energy. As a first step of the energy conversion in the device, a flow is generated by an imbalance of buoyancy forces in the heating and cooling sections for a liquid in the circulation channel. Whereas solar energy is collected to provide the heat, free convection of ambient air provides the cooling in the device. The fluid used in the circulation channel is electrically conductive and has high thermal expansion coefficient. The present investigation focuses on the effects of channel dimensions on the buoyancy-driven flow field and uniformities of velocities. Both analytical and numerical approaches are applied in the study. Analytical closed-form solution is obtained by assuming uni-direction flow. Steady-state two-dimensional laminar solutions are obtained by numerical computation using QUICK scheme and SIMPLE algorithm.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Non-peptide RGD surrogates which mimic a Gly-Asp beta-turn: potent antagonists of platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa

Cyclic heptapeptide 1, which contains an Arg-Gly-Asp sequence, has good affinity for the platelet receptor GPIIb-IIIa and was chosen for study by 1H NMR techniques. The key RGD sequence of this molecule was found to reside in a conformationally defined type II' Gly-Asp beta-turn, and this information was used in the design of simple non-peptide RGD mimics. Disubstituted isoquinolones, bearing an acidic side chain at position 2 and a basic side chain at position 6, were prepared and were found to have modest affinity for GPIIb-IIIa. Systematic modification of the basic residue contained in these molecules yielded compounds with high affinity for GPIIb-IIIa.
Exploring the Wittig Reaction: A Collaborative Guided-Inquiry Experiment for the Organic Chemistry Laboratory

A two-week guided-inquiry Wittig reaction experiment was developed for the undergraduate organic laboratory. In week one, groups are assigned a research topic to investigate the Wittig reaction, such as the effect that substituents on the carbonyl compound may have on E/Z selectivity. A hypothesis, controlled by a provided chemical list, is developed along with a series of experiments to test predictions. For example, more Z isomer might be expected from a steric effect of methyl substituents on o-, m-, and p-tolualdehydes. In the second week, students perform reactions by adapting a general procedure and obtain E/Z selectivities from 1H NMR. Compiled data are shared online as groups aim to support or refute their hypotheses. As a result of the experiment, students gain insights into the nature of science and the analysis of data as well as a better understanding of the research process.
Effects of repeated administration of chemotherapeutic agents tamoxifen, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil on the acquisition and retention of a learned response in mice

A number of cancer chemotherapeutic agents have been associated with a loss of memory in breast cancer patients although little is known of the causality of this effect. To assess the potential cognitive effects of repeated exposure to chemotherapeutic agents, we administered the selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen or the antimetabolite chemotherapy, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil, alone and in combination to mice and tested them in a learning and memory assay. Swiss-Webster male mice were injected with saline, 32 mg/kg tamoxifen, 3.2 or 32 mg/kg methotrexate, 75 mg/kg 5-fluorouracil, 3.2 or 32 mg/kg methotrexate in combination with 75 mg/kg 5-fluorouracil once per week for 3 weeks. On days 23 and 24, mice were tested for acquisition and retention of a nose-poke response in a learning procedure called autoshaping. In addition, the acute effects of tamoxifen were assessed in additional mice in a similar procedure. The chemotherapeutic agents alone and in combination reduced body weight relative to saline treatment over the course of 4 weeks. Repeated treatment with tamoxifen produced both acquisition and retention effects relative to the saline-treated group although acute tamoxifen was without effect except at a behaviorally toxic dose. Repeated treatment with methotrexate in combination with 5-fluorouracil produced effects on retention, but the magnitude of these changes depended on the methotrexate dose. These data demonstrate that repeated administration of tamoxifen or certain combination of methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil may produce deficits in the acquisition or retention of learned responses which suggest potential strategies for prevention or remediation might be considered in vulnerable patient populations.
Spectroscopic absorption measurements of an iron plasma.

The first quantitative measurement of photoabsorption in the region determining the Rosseland and Planck mean opacities is obtained for a well-characterized, radiatively heated iron plasma using new techniques and instrumentation. The plasma density and temperature are simultaneously constrained with high accuracy, allowing unambiguous comparisons with opacity models used in modeling radiative transfer in equilibrium astrophysical and laboratory plasmas. The experimental Rosseland and Planck group means are constrained to an accuracy of 15%.
Feedback Control of a Flexible Cylindrical Manipulator

Abstract Flexible robotic manipulators have been the subject of numerous studies in the past few years. Past studies, however, have concentrated on flexible manipulators with only revolute joints. This paper considers the case of a structurally flexible manipulator with prismatic and revolute joints; specifically, an algorithm for controlling a structurally flexible three-degree-of-freedom cylindrical manipulator is presented. The control algorithm involves two steps. Using nonlinear feedback, the equations of motion are first decoupled into three subsystems representing the three rigid degrees of freedom together with their associated ‘flexible equations’, if any. Then, using linear optimal control theory, controllers are designed for the three subsystems independently. Computer simulated results for an example system are presented.
The Child PTSD Symptom Scale: psychometric properties in female adolescent sexual assault survivors.

Traumatic experiences are common among youths and can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order to identify traumatized children who need PTSD treatment, instruments that can accurately and efficiently evaluate pediatric PTSD are needed. One such measure is the Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS), which has been found to be a reliable and valid measure of PTSD symptom severity in school-age children exposed to natural disasters (Foa, Johnson, Feeny, & Treadwell, 2001). However, the psychometric properties of the CPSS are not known in youths who have experienced other types of trauma. The current study aims to fill this gap by examining the psychometric properties of the interview (CPSS-I) and self-report (CPSS-SR) administrations of the CPSS in a sample of 91 female youths with sexual abuse-related PTSD, a population that is targeted in many treatment studies. Scores on both the CPSS-I and CPSS-SR demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency. One-week test-retest reliability assessed for CPSS-SR scores was excellent (r = .86); interrater reliability of CPSS-I scores was also excellent (r = .87). Symptom-based diagnostic agreement between the CPSS-SR and CPSS-I was excellent at 85.5%; scores on both the CPSS-SR and CPSS-I also demonstrated good convergent validity (74.5-76.5% agreement) with the PTSD module of The Schedule of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Revised for DSM-IV (K-SADS; Kaufman, Birmaher, Brent, & Rao, 1997). The strong psychometric properties of the CPSS render it a valuable instrument for PTSD screening as well as for assessing symptom severity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Correlation of lower esophageal mucosal ring and lower esophageal sphincter pressure.

We assessed the relationship of lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) to presence and absence of lower esophageal mucosal ring (LEMR) in 66 patients to determine if the LEMR was more likely related to prolonged sphincter hypotension. This potential relationship is of interest because LEMR may be due to reflux esophagitis. Each patient had radiographic and manometric studies, and both examinations were done within one week of each other. The mean LESP in patients with LEMR was 23.8 mm Hg (range 4.2–64 mm Hg) compared to 28.7 mm Hg (range 8–59 mm Hg) in patients without LEMR; the difference was not statistically significant. Patients with LEMR were also divided into three subgroups according to the diameter of the rings (≤13 mm, 14–19 mm, ≥20 mm). There was no significant relationship between the caliber of LEMR and LESP (P>0.05). Presence of LEMR did not affect the amplitude or duration of primary esophageal peristalsis. These results do not support a relationship between LEMR and prolonged LESP hypotension or abnormal esophageal motility. However, other pathogenetic mechanisms involved in producing reflux esophagitis not related to prolonged sphincter hypotension were not studied.
Effects of the amnesic agent flurothyl on EEG and multiple-unit activity in the chick

Abstract Electroencephalographic and reticular multiple unit electrodes were implanted in White Leghorn cockerels (2–3 days old). Twenty-fours hours later their behavior was observed and electrical activity recorded before, during, and after the administration of 0.43, 0.85, or 1.7% v v flurothyl. Within the first 2 min after drug administration the chicks underwent a period of seizure-like tonic extension during which the frequency of multiple-unit activity increased to two to four times the rate observed during normal, alert levels of arousal. After opisthotonos the EEG waned to low-amplitude slow waves, and often became nearly isoelectric with the lowest dose, before the first high-amplitude spikes (200–400 μv) occurred accompanying the slow clonic movements. The cumulative number of spikes exceeding 200 μv in amplitude, and occurring within 2, 3, 5, or 9 min after drug administration reliably differentiated the lowest concentration group from the two higher dosage groups. The degree of retrograde amnesia produced under each of the drug dosages was the same for experimental as for control animals. These results suggest that electrographic events, such as cumulative spike frequency, may prove to be good indicators of modifications in nervous system activity which are related to alterations in memory-storage processes.
The development of structure and mechanical properties in poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibres during heat treatment under stress

Abstract The development of microstructure during the heat treatment of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibres has been investigated. Specimens representing different durations (down to a few milliseconds) of isothermal treatment were prepared through interrupted annealing and rapid quenching. Characterization of the structure and properties of such specimens demonstrated that the transformation occurred in two stages. In the first stage, microfibrillar crystals develop. The shrinkage behaviour of the material is set at this stage. In a second stage, the morphology transforms from fibrillar to lamellar. During this process, crystals become increasingly perfect and the crystallinity increases. The stiffness of the fibre increases continuously through these stages.
Immunocytochemical demonstration of serotonergic cells, terminals and axons in the spinal cord of the stingray, dasyatis sabina

Abstract Serotonin-like immunoreactivity, as demonstrated by the PAP method, was contained within cells as well as fibers and terminals, in the spinal cord of the stingray. Serotonergic spinal neurons were seen on 43% of the sections examined and were restricted to the ventral white matter. Immunoreactive terminals and varicosities were densely distributed over the spinal gray matter at all segmental level, and stained fibers were seen in all portions of the white matter with the exception of the medial anterior and dorsal funiculi.
Post-test analysis for the nonlinear response of an internally pressurized one sixth scale reinforced concrete containment model

Abstract Pretest predictions have been previously made and reported by the Engineering Mechanics Program of the Reactor Analysis and Safety Division for the response of the one sixth scale reinforced concrete model tested by Sandia National Laboratories in July 1987. A series of axisymmetric models were studied with the two-dimensional computer program TEMP-STRESS. This report describes the comparison between the pretest predictions and the experimental results; a post-test analysis with a precracked concrete model is also compared to the pretest predictions and the experimental results. The post-test analysis is in excellent agreement with the experimental results. Explanations are given for the apparent precracked state of the containment vessel.
Are discrimination thresholds a valid measure of variance for judgments of slant from texture

There have been many experiments reported in the literature that have employed discrimination procedures to estimate the variance of observers' slant judgments from texture and binocular disparity, both individually and in combination. The research described in the present article identifies two serious methodological flaws in these studies. Although discrimination thresholds can be influenced by the variance of observers' slant estimates, they can also be affected by systematic biases in observers' judgments, and the presence of 2D cues that are irrelevant to the perception of slant. A series of five experiments is reported to show that: (1) the slants of surfaces specified by texture gradients can be systematically underestimated; (2) surfaces specified by texture gradients appear significantly less slanted than equivalent surfaces specified by binocular disparity; (3) the difference in bias between observers' slant judgments from stereo and texture may be more important than their relative variance in determining how these cues are weighted when presented in combination; (4) observers may be less sensitive to variations in apparent slant from texture than they are to variations in 2D cues that are unrelated to the perception of slant; and (5) these 2D cues may be the primary source of information for discriminating images of textured surfaces. These findings provide strong evidence that the results of prior discrimination studies have been misinterpreted because of the confounding effects of bias and/or 2D cues, and that this has resulted in several questionable conclusions that have been broadly accepted within the field.
Association between Fe(OH2)62+ and trans-[Os(en)2O2]2+

Abstract Aqueous solutions of Fe(OH 2 ) 6 2+ interact producing an intensely blue colored ion of the formula [(OH 2 ) 5 FeOOs(en) 2 O] 4+ which has been isolated in the solid state as the sulfate salt. Oxidation-reduction is not involved and the formation and dissociation are rapid. Equilibrium quotients have been evaluated and it is shown that K 2 ⪢ K 1 .
Interval estimation for the ratio in means of log-normally distributed medical costs with zero values

Abstract We consider the problem of constructing confidence intervals for the ratio in the means of two independent populations which contain both log-normal and zero observations. We propose a maximum likelihood (ML)-based method and a two-stage bootstrap approach. We also conduct an extensive simulation study to evaluate coverage accuracy, interval width, and relative bias of the proposed methods. The simulation results indicate that when the two population skewness coefficients are the same, the ML-based interval has better coverage accuracy but is more biased than the bootstrap-based interval; when the two population skewness coefficients are different, the bootstrap-based interval has better coverage accuracy and is less biased than the ML-based interval. Finally, we analyze the charges for diagnostic tests in a study that assesses the relationship between the excess charges among older patients and the burden of their medical illness, and we find that these two are related.
Visible and infrared optical constants of electrochromic materials for emissivity modulation applications

Abstract Electrochromic materials are being studied for applications involving infrared emissivity modulation. The materials being investigated are amorphous WO3 and poly-crystalline WO3, NiO, and Ta2O5. Hydrogen ions are intercalated into and deintercalated from the films leading to changes in the optical properties of the materials. Visible and infrared ellipsometry are used to measure the optical constants of these materials in various states of ion intercalation and to determine the reversibility of the reactions. The spectral range for the optical constants determination is from 0.3 to 14 μm. Simulations of electrochromic device structures using these optical constants show an emissivity modulation greater than 50% for wavelengths near the peak of the room temperature blackbody curve.
The effects of annealing on the structure and composition of electron-beam-evaporated tin oxide films

Abstract Electron-beam-evaporated films of tin oxide are amorphous with compositions between SnO and SnO 2 . Devitrification of the film in an isochronal anneal (24h) begins to occur at about 350°C with the formation of crystalline SnO. At a higher annealing temperature (about 600°C) the amorphous film transforms to SnO 2 and metallic tin.
Individuals in Relation to Others: Independence and Interdependence in a Kindergarten Classroom

Abstract Based on the position that children are always separate and socially connected when participating in cultural activities with others, this article offers a theoretical framework for discerning how both independence and interdependence are particularized in children's developmental experiences based on the position that children are always separate and socially connected when participating in cultural activities with others. The current approach holds that independence and interdependence are multifaceted and interrelated dimensions of activity that may be structured in culturally distinct ways as children participate with others in varied cultural activities. In support of this theoretical approach, I present a study of how multifaceted and interrelated independence and interdependence dimensions are structured in a kindergarten classroom in the United States. Analyses of the kindergarten activities indicate that varied independence dimensions (e.g., self-direction, individuality) are inseparable from varied interdependence dimensions (e.g., pursuing common goals, "turn-taking"). The current theoretical approach can be used in future research on the complexities of how both independence and interdependence are understood and particularized in diverse cultural contexts.
Understanding Service Convenience

Abstract The subject of service convenience is important in service economies, yet little is known about this topic. The consumer convenience literature—strong in certain respects, underdeveloped in other respects—gives insufficient attention to service convenience. The prevailing pattern is either to treat service convenience generally or to lump services and goods together into an overall convenience construct. The authors seek to stimulate a higher level of research activity and dialogue by proposing a more comprehensive and multidimensional conceptualization of service convenience and a model delineating its antecedents and consequences. The authors build their case by systematically examining the convenience literature, explicating the dimensions and types of service convenience, developing the overall model and related research propositions, and presenting directions for further research.
Kinetics of Thiamin and Riboflavin Loss in Pasta as a Function of Constant and Variable Storage Conditions

The stability of thiamin and riboflavin in enriched pasta humidified to different water activities was measured at 25, 35, 45, and 55°C for periods of up to 1 yr. Riboflavin was shown to be extremely stable (dark reaction) whereas thiamin losses were significant. Thiamin loss increased with temperature (Q10 of 4.5) and water activity. Predictions of thiamin loss for a square wave temperature fluctuation using steady state data were compared to actual losses found in storage for pasta held at equal alternating times at 25/45 and 25/55°C. The Hicks-Schwimmer-Labuza model provided an adequate method for predicting both the amount of loss and the effective temperature from steady state data.
Large-Eddy Simulation of Deep-Cycle Turbulence in an Equatorial Undercurrent Model

AbstractDynamical processes leading to deep-cycle turbulence in the Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC) are investigated using a high-resolution large-eddy simulation (LES) model. Components of the model include a background flow similar to the observed EUC, a steady westward wind stress, and a diurnal surface buoyancy flux. An LES of a 3-night period shows the presence of narrowband isopycnal oscillations near the local buoyancy frequency N as well as nightly bursts of deep-cycle turbulence at depths well below the surface mixed layer, the two phenomena that have been widely noted in observations. The deep cycle of turbulence is initiated when the surface heating in the evening relaxes, allowing a region with enhanced shear and a gradient Richardson number Rig less than 0.2 to form below the surface mixed layer. The region with enhanced shear moves downward into the EUC and is accompanied by shear instabilities and bursts of turbulence. The dissipation rate during the turbulence bursts is elevated by up to thr...
Characterization of luminescent chromophore obtained from silica spheres

Abstract Blue light emitting chromophores have been separated from silica spheres by soaking them into acetone for 120 days. The luminescent chromophores were not obtained from other solvents, including ether, methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, chloroform and tetrahydrofuran. According to the Fourier transform infrared spectrum, the luminescent material is composed of C–OH, –CH 2 , –CH 3 , C=O, and Si–O–Si. UV–visible absorption peak of the chromophore is at 5.17 eV (240 nm). Field emission scanning electron microscope images show small cracks on the surface of aged spheres. The luminescence peak was at 2.81 eV (441 nm) for excitation energy between 3.88 and 3.35 eV and slightly shifted toward lower energy for excitation energy lower than 3.35 eV. The deconvoluted luminescent spectrum shows two emission bands at 3.08 and 2.74 eV, which are well-matched the oxygen deficient center model. Compared to the absorption peak (5.17 eV) and the emission peak (2.81 eV), large Stokes shift (2.36 eV) is observed.
Parallel complexities and computations of cholesky's decomposition and QR factorization

In this paper, it is shown that the parallel arithmetic computational complexities of the Cholesky's and QR factorization of a matrix are upper bounded by 0(log2 n) steps. Also, a new parallel method for QR factorization of a symmetric positive definite tridiagonal matrix is proposed. This method requires only 0(logn) steps using 0(n) processors.
Maximizing the information content in thin calorimeters for space and balloon applications

Features of the hadronic interactions of cosmic ray particles that make it difficult to measure their energies and identities precisely also provide tools by which these limitations can be partially overcome, if the detector in question is properly instrumented. I review a growing body of experimental and theoretical work to demonstrate methods by which calorimetry of cosmic rays using thin calorimeters may be optimized, and performance improved, by the use of multiple methods to read out the energy deposited by the developing shower. Examples are given using scintillating fiber, Cherenkov readout of quartz optical fiber, and silicon dE/dx information.
Getting the Best Out of an Approval Plan

The concept of “approval plan” represents a method of collection development that incorporates the help of vendors, and is built around development of an “approval plan profile” through an agreement between a vendor and the library. Approval plans have been popular at academic libraries, mostly because new books reach the shelves more quickly than in traditional means of acquisition, and also because of budgetary aspects and processing time savings to librarians. This article discusses the experience of an academic medical library with an approval plan and demonstrates that an approval plan incorporating Web-based online slips may prove effective, providing savings in time, effort, and cost. Findings in the literature are considered.
Localization of ATPase activity in dendritic spines of the cerebral cortex.

An ATPase activity has been demonstrated in dendritic spines of the adult rat cerebral cortex using cerium to capture inorganic phosphate that is liberated during the enzymatic hydrolysis of ATP. Small pieces of cerebral cortex were fixed and incubated in a standard incubation medium containing both Ca2+ and Mg2+ at pH 7.2; other modifications of the incubation medium are described below. Electron microscopic examination of the cerium phosphate reaction product showed an electron dense precipitate localized in the cytoplasm of the spine behind the postsynaptic density. Whereas the postsynaptic density, itself, is not reactive, dense reaction product is seen immediately underneath the postsynaptic density and extending into the subsynaptic web. Reaction product is also associated with membranous cisternae within the dendritic spine. The reaction occurred in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ and either of these two ions alone. However, virtually no reaction product is seen when the tissue was incubated in a medium devoid of Ca2+ and Mg2+, or in a medium containing Mg2+ and EGTA, suggesting that trace Ca2+ is necessary, but not sufficient for the reaction. Addition of p-chloromereurobenzoate, which selectively blocks SH groups, inhibited the reaction in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+, or both of these ions. The effect of pH on the reaction was determined using a lead precipitation method. The reaction occurred at pH 9.2 in the presence of Ca2+ alone. In the presence of Mg2+ alone, the reaction product appeared somewhat reduced at this pH. The presence of an ATPase activity, which is dependent upon Ca2+ in dendritic spines where actin and actin-binding proteins have also been localized, suggests that this activity may be involved in the dynamics of cytoskeletal function leading to shape changes in dendritic spines and synapses, as seen with various physiological and behavioral paradigms.
A natural history of mathematics: George Peacock and the making of English algebra.

ABSTRACTIn a series of papers read to the Cambridge Philosophical Society through the 1820s, the Cambridge mathematician George Peacock laid the foundation for a natural history of arithmetic that would tell a story of human progress from counting to modern arithmetic. The trajectory of that history, Peacock argued, established algebraic analysis as a form of universal reasoning that used empirically warranted operations of mind to think with symbols on paper. The science of counting would suggest arithmetic, arithmetic would suggest arithmetical algebra, and, finally, arithmetical algebra would suggest symbolic algebra. This philosophy of suggestion provided the foundation for Peacock's “principle of equivalent forms,” which justified the practice of nineteenth-century English symbolic algebra. Peacock's philosophy of suggestion owed a considerable debt to the early Cambridge Philosophical Society culture of natural history. The aim of this essay is to show how that culture of natural history was constit...
Evidence for Reynolds-stress driven shear flows using bispectral analysis: theory and experiment

Spontaneous shear flow generation in magnetized fusion plasmas is thought to occur by an interaction of the turbulent Reynolds stress with the shear flow. This interaction can be viewed as a transfer of turbulent energy to the shear flow scales via a three-wave coupling process, which suggests that investigations of bispectral quantities may be of interest. In this paper, we discuss the theory of mean flow generation when described via the bispectrum. Simple theoretical analysis is used to demonstrate the connection between the bispectrum and the nonlinear amplification mechanism for zonal shear flows. We also discuss results from analysis of edge fluctuations from DIII-D during an L-H transition. These results indicate a transient rise and fall of three-wave coupling during the transition, which is spatially localized to inside the separatrix. Future efforts to determine the direction and rate of turbulent energy transfer during shear-flow formation will also be discussed.
Facial injury in sport.

Sports are a common cause of facial injury. A wide variety of facial injuries occurs during sports. Severity of these injuries varies greatly. Understanding the diagnosis and treatment of these injuries is important to those participating in the health care of the athlete. Injuries that may threaten
Tablet coatings: cellulosic high polymers.

Hydroxyethyl cellulose and sodium carboxy-methyl cellulose are proposed as alternatives for sugar coating tablets. The coatings offer reduced cost of labor, material, and transportation as well as a protective coating with desirable appearance, which exhibits recessed emblems.
Experiential retailing:an interdisciplinary approach to success in domestic and international retailing

Abstract Experiential retailing is an interdisciplinary and innovative concept that crosses the fields of merchandising and hospitality management. Merchandising and hospitality industries, two of the largest industries worldwide, are merging as a single-source business offering total consumption experiences, as illustrated by many restaurants and soft-goods retailers who capitalize on each other for incremental profit. Experiential retailing is viewed from five key concepts: experiential consumption, symbolic consumption, entertainment retailing, themed retailing, and cross-shopping. Implications are suggested to retailers for successful domestic and international businesses and to academic professionals for nontraditional curriculum development.
Integrating program transformations in the memory-based synthesis of image and video algorithms

In this paper we discuss the interaction and integration of two important program transformations in high-level synthesis—Tree Height Reduction and Redundant Memory-access Elimination. Intuitively, these program transformations do not interfere with one another as they optimize different operations in the program graph and different resources in the synthesized system. However, we demonstrate that integration of the two tasks is necessary to better utilize available resources. Our approach involves the use of a “meta-transformation” to guide transformation application as possibilities arise. Results observed on several image and video benchmarks demonstrate that transformation integration increases performance through better resource utilization.
Flexible charging optimization for electric vehicles considering distribution grid constraints

In this paper, the basic functions of an electric vehicle charging service provider are described with a focus on the associated optimization problems. A novel method of planning the charging of electric drive vehicles including electricity grid constraints, both voltage and power, is shown. The method establishes an individual charging plan for each vehicle and avoids distribution grid congestion while satisfying the requirements of the individual vehicle owners. The concepts proposed in this paper are tested on a simulated electricity grid. It is shown that both power and voltage constraints due to electric vehicle charging can be avoided using the proposed method.
Episodic Patterns of Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Release: Differential Secretory Dynamics and Adrenergic Control in Ovariectomized Rats

Long term (4 weeks) ovariectomized rats were bled sequentially at 5-min intervals for 5 h via indwelling intraatrial cannulas. Plasma LH and FSH secretory patterns were determined from the same plasma samples by RIA. Hormonal profiles were subjected to power spectral analysis to determine periodicities of plasma LH and FSH. Distinct and regular release patterns were observed for LH, with significant periodicities between 20–40 min. In contrast to LH, FSH oscillations were neither as distinct nor as regular. However, significant periodicities in FSH (50–60 min) were often detected. At times, plasma LH and FSH appeared to be synchronized, but there were numerous instances of differential secretion. The effects of intracerebroventricular infusion of norepinephine (NE) and clonidine (an α2-agonist) were tested in another group of animals. After a 2- to 3-h control bleeding period each animal bearing a chronic third ventricle cannula received an intracerebroventricular infusion of 0.3 jimol NE, clonidine, or v...
Intelligent model-based OPC

Optical proximity correction is the technique of pre-distorting mask layouts so that the printed patterns are as close to the desired shapes as possible. For model-based optical proximity correction, a lithographic model to predict the edge position (contour) of patterns on the wafer after lithographic processing is needed. Generally, segmentation of edges is performed prior to the correction. Pattern edges are dissected into several small segments with corresponding target points. During the correction, the edges are moved back and forth from the initial drawn position, assisted by the lithographic model, to finally settle on the proper positions. When the correction converges, the intensity predicted by the model in every target points hits the model-specific threshold value. Several iterations are required to achieve the convergence and the computation time increases with the increase of the required iterations. An artificial neural network is an information-processing paradigm inspired by biological nervous systems, such as how the brain processes information. It is composed of a large number of highly interconnected processing elements (neurons) working in unison to solve specific problems. A neural network can be a powerful data-modeling tool that is able to capture and represent complex input/output relationships. The network can accurately predict the behavior of a system via the learning procedure. A radial basis function network, a variant of artificial neural network, is an efficient function approximator. In this paper, a radial basis function network was used to build a mapping from the segment characteristics to the edge shift from the drawn position. This network can provide a good initial guess for each segment that OPC has carried out. The good initial guess reduces the required iterations. Consequently, cycle time can be shortened effectively. The optimization of the radial basis function network for this system was practiced by genetic algorithm, which is an artificially intelligent optimization method with a high probability to obtain global optimization. From preliminary results, the required iterations were reduced from 5 to 2 for a simple dumbbell-shape layout.
Local-based damage detection of cyclically loaded bridge piers using wireless sensing units

Concrete bridge piers are a common structural element employed in the design of bridges and elevated roadways. In order to ensure adequate behavior under earthquake-induced displacements, extensive reinforcement detailing in the form of closely spaced ties or spirals is necessary, leading to congestion problems and difficulties during concrete casting. Further, costly repairs are often necessary in bridge piers after a major earthquake which in some cases involve the total or partial shutdown of the bridge. In order to increase the damage tolerance while relaxing the transverse reinforcement requirements of bridge piers, the use of high-performance fiber reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCC) in earthquake-resistant bridge piers is explored. HPFRCCs are a relatively new class of cementitious material for civil structures with tensile strain-hardening behavior and high damage tolerance. To monitor the behavior of this new class of material in the field, low-cost wireless monitoring technologies will be adopted to provide HPFRCC structural elements the capability to accurately monitor their performance and health. In particular, the computational core of a wireless sensing unit can be harnessed to screen HPFRCC components for damage in real-time. A seismic damage index initially proposed for flexure dominated reinforced concrete elements is modified to serve as an algorithmic tool for the rapid assessment of damage (due to flexure and shear) in HPFRCC bridge piers subjected to large shear reversals. Traditional and non-traditional sensor strategies of an HPFRCC bridge pier are proposed to optimize the correlation between the proposed damage index model and the damage observed in a circular pier test specimen. Damage index models are shown to be a sufficiently accurate rough measure of the degree of local-area damage that can then be wirelessly communicated to bridge officials.
Calcium-driven changes in S100A11 structure revealed.

Abstract The structure of apo-S100A11 reveals the key role of calcium-induced conformational change in triggering the release of the binding site for phospholipid binding protein annexin I.
Magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of prostate cancer

Advantages of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the study of prostatic disease include a precise anatomical display in multiple planes, superb contrast resolution, and differential physicochemical characteristics that are obtained without known toxicity. In practice, however, MRI has not been shown to differentiate consistently between normal and abnormal prostatic tissue. Although normal prostatic and periprostatic anatomy is clearly defined in T1-weighted images, controversy persists as to the precise differential characteristics of inflammatory and neoplastic disease within the prostate. Thus, MRI is not presently adequate for prostate cancer screening. MRI has been shown to be superior to computerized axial tomography (CAT) for pelvic staging of prostate cancer; however, comparative studies involving other modalities with precise histologic confirmation are limited and the improvement reported is modest. There is some evidence that MRI may be helpful in the detection of prostate cancer metastatic to bone, but, again, information is limited. Substantial advances in MRI techniques such as optimal pulse sequencing, surface coils, and, possibly, paramagnetic contrast agents will be required to secure a role for MRI in prostate cancer evaluation.
Site-specific bimolecular chemistry: the reactivity of Cl atoms and butanes

The reaction of chlorine atoms with selectively-deuterated butanes to form HCl and/or DCl under single-collision conditions has been studied. Photolysis of Cl2 with 351 or 308 nm light produces Cl atoms that subsequently abstract an H or D atom to form the corresponding hydrogen chloride product. HCl and DCl are detected via 2 plus 1 multiphoton ionization. For both n-butane and isobutane when viewed on a per hydrogen atom basis, the 'middle' site is preferred. When viewed on a per carbon site basis, this propensity is still observed in n- butane, but isobutane shows no dominant site specificity. Mechanistically, the data can be interpreted qualitatively in several ways, but currently the most convincing argument suggests that a direct, impulsive encounter is involved.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Character of meteoric leaks in the salt mines of south Louisiana, U.S.A.

Abstract The brine leaks of salt mines of south Louisiana are of two genetic categories: meteoric and non-meteoric (connate/formation water type), as established essentially on the basis of oxygen- and hydrogen-isotope analyses. This paper highlights the hydrochemical aspects of those mine leaks and develops simple non-isotopic criteria to differentiate the meteoric leaks from the non-meteoric. The meteoric leaks of the salt mines generally occur down to a depth level of 214 m (700 ft.) (below mean sea level) below which the leaks are mostly non-meteoric. The meteoric brine is essentially Na1bCl in type, reflecting the mineralogy of almost pure halite (with ∼ 1–2% anhydrite) of the Gulf (of Mexico) Coast dome salt. The meteoric leaks are distinctly different from the non-meteoric leaks on the log-log plots of chloride concentrations vs. those of Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , K + , Sr + and Br − , in all of which the meteoric brines are conspicuously low. This study is potentially useful in the development of a mine or crypt in salt dome(s) under consideration for possible nuclear-waste isolation in the Gulf Coast region.
Coherent control of the gap function in superconductors on the nanoscale

Abstract We propose a nonequilibrium mechanism of the gap function enhancement in nanoscale superconductors. The mechanism is based on coherent control and localization of the spatial distribution of Bogoliubov quasiparticles on the scale much less than the wavelength of the control field.
Managing Pain in Patients with Co-Occurring Addictive Disorders

Inadequate pain management is a major problem in the U.S. The problem of pain management becomes even more complicated when the patient is a person with a history of, or current problem with an add...
Characterization of a renal tubular epithelial cell line which secretes the autologous target antigen of autoimmune experimental interstitial nephritis

Proximal tubular epithelial cells from mice which develop autoimmune interstitial nephritis were found to express the nephritogenic target antigen, 3M-1. Anti-3M-1 mAbs (alpha 3M-1-Ab) were used to positively select for 3M-1-secreting tubular epithelium and, after stabilization in culture, this new cell line (MCT) was examined for the production of several moieties important to either immune interactions or to the development of extracellular matrix. Alkaline phosphatase-staining MCT cells also express epithelial growth factor receptors with a Kd of 0.87 nM and an epithelial growth factor receptor constant (Ro) of 2.1 X 10(4) receptors/cell. MCT culture supernatants contain greater amounts of laminin, and types IV and V procollagens compared to types I and III procollagens, and growing MCT cells on type I collagen matrix causes them to preferentially secrete even more type IV and V procollagen. The 30,000-Mr 3M-1 antigen could be immunoprecipitated from biosynthetically labeled MCT cell supernatants with alpha 3M-1-Ab. An identical-sized moiety was isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography from collagenase-solubilized mouse kidney tubular basement membranes. The 3M-1 antigen can be found on the MCT cell surface by radioimmunoassay, or deposited in a linear array in the extracellular matrix surrounding the MCT cells in culture by immunofluorescence. Mature messenger RNA species for both class I and class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules were detected by Northern hybridization, and their corresponding cell surface gene products were detected by cytofluorography of MCT cells stained with haplotype-specific antibodies. Both the cell surface 3M-1 and the small amounts of detected class II MHC molecules appear to be biologically functional, as MCT cells can support the proliferation of 3M-1-specific, class II MHC-restricted helper T cells in culture. These findings suggest that MCT cells provide all the necessary biological parameters for interfacing both as the target of a nephritogenic immune response, and as a potential source for new extracellular matrix which develops as a fibrogenic response to interstitial nephritis.
Chronic constrictive pericarditis treated with pericardiectomy.

Abstract During the past ten years twenty-six patients have been operated upon at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital for the surgical correction of chronic constrictive pericarditis. There has been considerable variation in technical features of the operation, but with increasing experience the trend is toward one of two basic incisions: (1) the median sternotomy (sternal-splitting) or (2) the transverse sternotomy (sternal transection). Either incision provides excellent exposure of the anterior aspect of the pericardial sac and its contents. Successful decortication is dependent upon the surgical exposure; however, other factors may be of equal significance. The most important of these is the character of the pericardial disease in the patient. The ability to establish a cleavage plane is usually dependent upon the pathologic process itself. Other reasons for failure are myocardial disease and postoperative complications. The cause of chronic constrictive pericarditis is still a matter of interest. Although tuberculous pericarditis was originally presumed to be the responsible cause of constrictive pericarditis, it now appears that this may be comparatively rare. Comparison of a sizable series of patients with acute pcricardial effusion treated during the same time interval suggests a possible relationship between acute hemorrhagic pericarditis and chronic constrictive pericarditis. The investigative problem remains to establish the common cause of acute pericardial hemorrhage and the factors that allow intrapericardial blood to incite a possible constrictive pericarditis.
Focus on "extracellular ATP signaling and P2X nucleotide receptors in monolayers of primary human vascular endothelial cells".

in addition to their roles in intracellular energy metabolism and nucleic acid synthesis, ATP and other nucleotides play important functions as extracellular signaling molecules ([6][1], [15][2]). Burnstock ([3][3]) first proposed that extracellular nucleotides can be used for signal transduction at