cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Redox reactivity of animal apoferritins and apoheteropolymers assembled from recombinant heavy and light human chain ferritins

The redox reactivities of air-oxidized apo horse spleen ferritin (HoSF) and apo rat liver ferritin (RaF) were examined by microcoulometry and reductive optical titrations. Microcoulometry on several independent lots of commercial HoSF revealed two distinct types of redox activity: one requiring 3-4 electrons and one requiring 6-7 electrons for full reduction of the protein shell. ApoRaF required 8-9 electrons to fully reduce the oxidized form. Reductive optical titrations confirmed the microcoulometric reduction stoichiometry and, in addition, showed that the spectra of both oxidized and reduced apoHoSF were distinct and possessed absorbances tailing into the visible region. The redox reactivity of both apoRaF and apoHoSF correlated with their H-subunit composition. Identical microcoulometric and optical experiments were conducted with recombinant apo human liver heavy (rHuHF) and light (rHuLF) ferritins, but neither was redox-active. These results suggest that the redox reactivity of native ferritins is due to their heteropolymeric nature. This was confirmed by mixing various proportions of rHuHF and rHuLF, dissociating the 24-mers into individual subunits with guanidine hydrochloride at pH 3.5, and renaturing to form heteropolymeric 24-mers. Microcoulometric measurements of these apoheteropolymers reassembled in vitro showed that they were redox-active like their native apoheteropolymer counterparts. The redox activity of these apoheteropolymers increased with H-subunit composition, reached a maximum near 12 H- and 12 L-subunits, and then declined to zero with increasing L-subunit composition. The decline in redox reactivity at high L-subunit concentrations indicates that both H- and L-subunits are involved in forming the observed redox centers. Apoheteropolymers formed from rHuLF and W93F (an H-chain mutant) were redox-inactive, suggesting that the conserved tryptophan is necessary for redox center formation.
Adrenocortical function in pregnant rats: handling and the 24-hour rhythm.

Abstract The temporal course of the adrenocortical response to handling was determined on Day 16 of pregnancy in previously handled and non-handled rats. Fifteen days of prior handling did not influence the plasma corticosterone response to handling stimulation measured at either the peak or the trough in the 24-hr adrenocortical rhythm. Corticosterone levels in animals sampled at the peak of the 24-hr adrenocortical rhythm were elevated 60 min after handling stimulation which was found to be a function of elevated resting corticosterone levels. In a second experiment the 24-hr adrenocortical rhythm in pregnant animals was characterized by peak values which occurred approximately two hr before darkness but, unlike nonpregnant animals, these peak values were sustained throughout most of the dark period.
Influence of exercise, androgen administration and "atherogenic" diet on hematologic changes in pullets.

SummaryPullets receiving testosterone propionate demonstrated a significant increase in red blood cell count and hematocrit and a decrease in spleen weight.
The mechanism of the radical-anion reduction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene: a theoretical insight

Abstract The results of a computational study to model some aspects of the degradation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), an explosive material, are reported. Experimental work has indicated the presence of reduction products, either 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4-ADNT) or 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2-ADNT), with larger amounts of 4-ADNT found in plant tissue. The reduction mechanism we have studied is of the radical-anion type. In the first step, TNT accepts an electron, which is delocalized over the nitro groups. In the second step, protonation occurs either at the 2- or 4-position. Several further steps, including electron addition, lead to the reduction of a nitro group to an amino group. Depending on the initial protonation position, either 4-ADNT or 2-ADNT is formed. We have calculated the molecular structures and energies of the TNT anion and the different intermediates and products formed using ab initio methods (HF/6-31G∗∗ and density functional theory (DFT) with diffuse functions). The most significant result from the HF/6-31G∗∗ calculations is that the preference of reduction at the 4-position arises from the preferred protonation at this site (a 3.7 kcal mol−1 difference) compared with the 2-position. Once this isomer forms, the site of reduction is controlled, even though the subsequent intermediates leading to 2-ADNT are slightly more stable than their 4-position counterparts; further, 2-ADNT is calculated to be slightly more stable than 4-ADNT. We extended the investigations of the preferred site of protonation by inclusion of electron correlation at the MP2 level and DFT. Model compounds corresponding to the species formed at these crucial steps were also studied with the MP2, DFT, and MP4 approximations.
Impact of Unilateral Common Iliac Vein Occlusion on Trapping Efficacy of the Greenfield Filter

Abstract Rationale and Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of unilateral common iliac vein occlusion on the capturing efficacy of the Greenfield filter in vitro. Materials and Methods A stainless steel over-the-wire Greenfield filter was placed in the Silastic inferior vena cava module of a pulsatile circuit. Three 30-mm blood clots in sets of five were injected through the module's right iliac limb with the circuit in four experimental conditions: vertical position, both iliac limbs patent (VP); vertical position, left iliac limb occluded (VOC); horizontal position, both iliac limbs patent (HP); and horizontal position, left iliac limb occluded (HOC). Each experiment was repeated 15 times, resulting in 75 clots per condition and a total of 300 clot introductions. Results Clot trapping efficacy was 36 of 75 (48%) for VP, 41 of 75 (55%) for VOC, 32 of 75 (43%) for HP, and 26 of 75 (35%) for HOC. Cross comparisons of the four conditions revealed a marginally significant difference ( P = .0138 with a corrected test-wise α = .0125) only between horizontal and vertical positions with unilateral common iliac limb occlusion. Conclusion Unilateral common iliac vein occlusion decreases the capturing efficacy of the Greenfield filter in the horizontal position in vitro. In patients with unilateral common iliac vein occlusion, use of inferior vena cava filters with higher capturing efficacy may be considered.
The temporal evolution of the decomposition of a concentrated multicomponent Fe-Cu-based steel

Abstract The nucleation (to a limited extent), growth and coarsening behavior of Cu-rich precipitates in a concentrated multicomponent Fe–Cu-based steel aged at 500 °C from 0.25 to 1024 h is investigated. The temporal evolution of the precipitates, heterophase interfaces, matrix compositions and precipitate morphologies are presented. With increasing time, Cu partitions to the precipitates, Ni, Al and Mn partition to the interfacial region, whereas Fe and Si partition to the matrix. Coarsening time exponents are determined for the mean radius, 〈 R ( t )〉, number density, N V ( t ), and supersaturations, which are compared to the Lifshitz–Slyzov–Wagner (LSW) model for coarsening, modified for concentrated multicomponent alloys by Umantsev and Olson (UO). The experimental results indicate that the alloy does not strictly follow UO model behavior. Additionally, we delineate the formation of a Ni–Al–Mn shell with a stoichiometric ratio of 0.51:0.41:0.08 at 1024 h, which reduces the interfacial free energy between the precipitates and the matrix.
A CONFORMAL-MAPPING TECHNIQUE FOR TOPOGRAPHIC-WAVE PROBLEMS - SEMI-INFINITE CHANNELS AND ELONGATED BASINS

The basis of the conformal-mapping method for topographic-wave problems of Johnson (1985) is discussed in greater detail by considering the invariance under conformal mapping of the linear, barotropic, potential-vorticity equation, noted in Davis (1983). A method is presented for using this property to construct further solutions for waves propagating over varying topography. Results are given for semi-infinite channels and elongated basins. A coordinate system is constructed that approaches a Cartesian system exponentially fast with distance from end-walls. For exponentially sloping topography the solutions for infinite channels, semi-infinite channels, and basins have the same structure and dispersion relation as waves in an elliptical basin, discussed in Johnson (1987). The structures presented there can thus be considered as in some sense universal for exponentially sloping topography.
Anisotropic adaptive finite element method for modelling blood flow.

In this study, we present an adaptive anisotropic finite element method (FEM) and demonstrate how computational efficiency can be increased when applying the method to the simulation of blood flow in the cardiovascular system. We use the SUPG formulation for the transient 3D incompressible Navier–Stokes equations which are discretised by linear finite elements for both the pressure and the velocity field. Given the pulsatile nature of the flow in blood vessels we have pursued adaptivity based on the average flow over a cardiac cycle. Error indicators are derived to define an anisotropic mesh metric field. Mesh modification algorithms are used to anisotropically adapt the mesh according to the desired size field. We demonstrate the efficiency of the method by first applying it to pulsatile flow in a straight cylindrical vessel and then to a porcine aorta with a stenosis bypassed by a graft. We demonstrate that the use of an anisotropic adaptive FEM can result in an order of magnitude reduction in computin...
AN EXPERT SYSTEM FOR TUNING PARTICLE BEAM ACCELERATORS

An expert system that acts as an intelligent assistant to operators tuning a particle beam accelerator was developed. The system incorporates three approaches to tuning: (1) Duplicating within a software program the reasoning and the procedures used by an operator to tune an accelerator. This approach has been used to steer particle beams through the transport section of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Advanced Test Accelerator and through the injector section of the Experimental Test Accelerator. (2) Using a model to simulate the position of a beam in an accelerator. The simulation is based on data taken directly from the accelerator while it is running. This approach will ultimately be used by operators of the Experimental Test Accelerator to first compare actual and simulated beam performance in real time, then to determine which set of parameters is optimum in terms of centering the beam, and finally to feed those parameters to the accelerator. Operators can also use the model to determine if a component has failed. (3) Using a mouse to manually select and control the magnets that steer the beam. Operators on the Experimental Test Accelerator can also use the mouse to call up windows that display the horizontal and vertical positions of the beam as well as its current.
Cancer-related diseases of the eye: the role of calcium and calcium-binding proteins

The eye provides unique opportunities to study complex biochemical pathways and to describe how components of these pathways contribute to the molecular basis of disease. In this article, the role of calcium-binding proteins in cancer-related diseases of the eye is reviewed. First, paraneoplastic syndromes, or so-called remote effects of cancer, arise from damage to tissues distant from any tumor or its metastases. Many of these syndromes are believed to be immune-mediated. Cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR), a blinding disease due to the degeneration of retinal photoreceptor cells, is one of the best characterized of the paraneoplastic syndromes. The CAR autoantigen has been identified as recoverin, a calcium-binding protein of the EF-hand superfamily. Its features as a calcium-binding protein, along with its function in photoreceptor cells and its role as the CAR autoantigen, are discussed. Next, unlike visual symptoms instigated by a distant tumor, ocular melanoma is the primary malignancy originating in the eye. ALG-2 encodes a pro-apoptotic calcium-binding protein that is down-regulated in ocular melanoma, thus providing these tumor cells with a selective advantage. In addition to background discussion of ALG-2, data describing the expression, cellular localization, and dimerization characteristics of ALG-2 in melanoma cells are presented. Biochemical studies of ALG-2 and its interactions with its target Alix/AIP1 also are presented. Finally, the function of ALG-2 in calcium-induced cell death is discussed. Additional calcium-binding proteins in retina and in ocular tumors are described in relation to different disease entities. Such proteins and their expression in the eye provide valuable examples bridging studies of protein chemistry, cellular function, and human disease.
Methods for enhanced control over the density and electrical properties of SWNT networks

The formation of manufacturable electronic materials that incorporate single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) will most likely involve the use of networks of these molecular wires, due to the enhanced current drive and reproducibility of such films. Therefore, control over the density of SWNTs during the deposition of 2-D networks is of critical importance for the development of numerous enhanced electronic materials. Room temperature deposition methods are of particular interest as they allow separation, purification, and/or chemical modification of SWNTs before deposition. This article reports three iterative liquid-deposition techniques that allow control over the properties of three distinct types of SWNT networks. First, density control was obtained for 2-D networks of unbundled, high-aspect ratio SWNTs. Such networks exhibited semiconductive behavior, with tunable on/off ratios. Second, electrically continuous 2-D clusters of high aspect ratio SWNTs were formed by allowing capillary forces to develop in a sessile suspension droplet. These constructs displayed tunable metallic conductivity, and may have the applications as interconnects in microelectronics. Finally, highly conductive, 3-D networks of bundled SWNTs were formed via an evaporation method. For these three types of networks, the density of SWNTs, and thus the macroscopic conductance, was readily controlled via the number of deposition cycles used in their formation.
Effect of handling and packaging on the quality of frozen whitefish.

Individually frozen, scaled whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) rapidly developed oxidative off-flavors when stored without packaging at −12°C, but both vacuum-packaging in barrier films and ice-glazing significantly suppressed the development of oxidized flavors through 24 wk of storage. Removal of scales prior to freezing significantly enhanced the development of oxidized flavors over unscaled whitefish when both were held unprotected at −12°C. Loose-packaging of individual, well-washed whitefish in closed polyethylene pouches significantly improved oxidative stability compared to those stored unprotected. However, vacuum, barrier-film packaging gave significantly better protection than polyethylene at both −12°C and −25°C through 24 wk and 72 wk, respectively.
Comments On ‘Observations of Two Regions of Charge During Initial Thunderstorm Electrification’ By J. E. Dye, J. J. Jones, A. J. Weinheimer and W. P. Winn (July 1988, 114, 1271‐1290)

Dye et al., in a 1984 thunderstorm study, identified regions containing electric charge in two growing clouds from measurements of the atmospheric electric fields taken, during penetrations of these clouds, by an instrumented aeroplane. There are, however, problems concerning the locations they assigned to these charges relative to the radar echoes from the clouds. In one case the authors identified the pressure altitude reported by the aeroplane pilot with the altitude of the radar echo top; this introduced an error of about 450m. In another case, the location given for the charged region relative to the cloud echoes is not compatible with the pilot's report of an updraught. While the authors measurements add to our knowledge of cloud electrification, some of their interpretation is questionable, and other explanations for the charged regions are possible.
The Principal's Influence on Student Achievement

Factors that affect learning are concisely packaged in this article. The authors then take the subject a step further by pointing out how the school principal as an educational leader can influence the improve ment of learning.
TU-C-224C-10: Transfer-Function Characterization of Heat Conduction in Water Calorimetry

Purpose: To elaborate a transfer‐function approach to characterizing the response of watercalorimeters to abbreviated exposures in radiation beams. Method and Materials: Typical watercalorimeters in use today derive from the original design of Domen, inferring absorbed dose from temperature measurements at a single point in a partially irradiated, extended volume. The success of the approach in deducing locally absorbed dose depends on heat transfer being “sufficiently” slow temporally and broad spatially compared to time‐ and space‐scales of the measurement. In order to address these issues of “sufficiency” more quantitatively, we have undertaken an approach to the problem that assesses the impulse‐response of the calorimeter to spatially and temporally localized radiation. The approach involves simple analytical models of heat conduction and finite‐element methods that yield predictions of single‐point temperature waveforms obtained from thermistors in a calorimeter. Output from the models is compared with experiment over wide variations in shutter period (30s–10,800s) and duty cycle (5%–50%). Results: Our findings show that heat conduction due to typical dose inhomogeneities within watercalorimeters induces systematic variations in estimated dose that traditional data‐analysis techniques ignore. Moreover, these variations do not diminish at smaller duty cycle, suggesting that they are intrinsic to the exposure time of the experiment, and not to the use of periodic exposure techniques. Essential features of the measurements are reproduced by both finite‐element simulations and a simple analytical model. An RC‐circuit analogue derived from the latter suggests that conduction phenomena with a spatially masked beam proceed by a multiplicity of times scales, ranging from seconds to hours, which contribute significantly to systematic variations in estimated dose. Conclusions: The variations of estimated absorbed dose described here suggest that a small systematic error (<1%) may affect existing standards measurements based on watercalorimetry.
Dynamic bulk negative differential conductivity in semiconductors

Abstract The Gunn effect results from the existence of a static negative differential conductivity that is, the real part of the differential conductivity σr′(ω) is negative at zero frequency for a certain range of bias fields; at some high frequency, σr′(ω) passes through zero, and eventually approaches zero from above the axis as ω → ∞. We have investigated the possibility of the existence of a dynamic negative differential conductivity in bulk semiconductors that is, the existence of cases where σr′(ω) is positive at low frequencies, but becomes negative at high frequencies, finally approaching zero from below the axis. The relation of the structure of σr′(ω) to the impulse response of the semiconductor has been analyzed, and two model calculations which show the desired effect are presented.
RNA structure : adding a second dimension

Mutating RNA one nucleotide at a time and measuring the impact of this on its chemical reactivity provides a strategy for determining its three-dimensional structure, and from there, hopefully, its function.
MERTON MILLER'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO MODERN FINANCE

Winner of the 1990 Nobel Prize in Economics, and widely regarded as the “father of modern finance,” the University of Chicago's Merton Miller died last June at age 77. This article attempts to sum up Miller's career in terms of a single governing principle: the role of arbitrage in ensuring the “efficiency” of financial markets and, more generally, the effectiveness of such markets in promoting economic growth and creating social wealth. Starting with the formulation of Proposition I (also known as the capital structure irrelevance proposition) with Franco Modigliani in 1958, Miller's research over the next 40 years is seen as applying—with remarkable clarity and consistency—the principle of arbitrage to the study of many aspects of financial markets. Miller's main accomplishment, according to the author, is to have made arbitrage arguments the cornerstone of modern finance. The arbitrage proof of Proposition I introduced a new standard in finance—namely, that any finding in financial research deserving serious consideration must have the critical property that it cannot represent opportunities for riskless profit by investors. And the article goes on to show that arbitrage is a constant theme in Miller's writings, from his work in corporate finance to his later studies of financial innovation, derivatives markets, and financial crashes and crises. Having started and presided over the transformation of financial studies from a “glorified apprenticeship system” into a scientific discipline, Miller devoted much of the last 15 years of his life to a different, though clearly related undertaking: the defense of financial markets against the attacks of politicians and regulators, as well as businessmen intent on stifling competition (including hostile takeovers). Whether it was the alleged role of the stock index futures markets in the 1987 market crash, the claims of “overleveraging” in the LBOs of the '80s, or the derivatives fiascos in the mid-'90s, Miller was there to provide careful economic analysis of the problems. In the early '90s, he explained why the “myopia” of the U.S. stock market was likely to cause far fewer problems than the “hyperopia” induced by regulatory distortions of the Japanese market. And in one of his last speeches, Miller showed that the primary cause of the recent Asian crisis was not “too much reliance on financial markets,” as claimed by politicians and the popular press, but “too little”—in particular, the heavy dependence on bank financing (particularly state-owned banks) and the failure to develop alternative sources of capital that continue to depress the Japanese economy.
Aminoguanidine prevents diabetes-induced arterial wall protein cross-linking

Age-associated increases in collagen cross-linking and accumulation of advanced glycosylation products are both accelerated by diabetes, suggesting that glucose-derived cross-link formation may contribute to the development of chronic diabetic complications as well as certain physical changes of aging. Aminoguanidine, a nucleophilic hydrazine compound, prevented both the formation of fluorescent advanced nonenzymatic glycosylation products and the formation of glucose-derived collagen cross-links in vitro. Aminoguanidine administration to rats was equally effective in preventing diabetes-induced formation of fluorescent advanced nonenzymatic glycosylation products and cross-linking of arterial wall connective tissue protein in vivo. The identification of aminoguanidine as an inhibitor of advanced nonenzymatic glycosylation product formation now makes possible precise experimental definition of the pathogenetic significance of this process and suggests a potential clinical role for aminoguanidine in the future treatment of chronic diabetic complications.
Majority Gate Networks

This paper presents methods for realizing simple threshold functions of n arguments by networks of k-input majority gates, where k≪n. An optimal network realization of the 5-argument majority function using 3-input majority gates is given, and it is then generalized by steps with realizations for the (2n-l)-argument majority function (where n = 3, 4, ...) using (2n-3)-input majority gates, and then for the (2n-1)-argument majority function using (2k-l)-input majority gates (where k≪n). In a final generalization an array network using (2k-l)-input majority gates introduced for the realization of an (m/n), ``simple,'' threshold function (where m = 1, 2, ...,n). The array network is then applied to the synthesis of arbitrary symmetric functions; in the latter synthesis a realization of ``adjustable logic'' is given where, by simple control of network connections, the same network can be made to compute any symmetric function. The specific networks for ``5 by 3's'' (5-argument majority function realized by a 3-input majority gate), ``7 by 5's'', and ``7 by 3's'' are the best known.
TRANSIENT LOW PRANDTL NUMBER FLUID CONVECTION IN A LID-DRIVEN CAVITY

Transient convective motion and heat transfer in a square cavity driven by combined temperature gradient and imposed lid shear are analyzed. The cavity is filled with a low Prandtl fluid, and the vertical walls are maintained at different but constant temperatures. The horizontal connecting walls are adiabatic. The upper wall is moving and either aids or opposes the buoyancy-driven motion. A control volume method is employed to compute the flow and temperature fields. Numerical results are reported for Pr = 0·005, Gr = 1 × I07, and a range of Reynolds numbers for both aiding and opposing flow situations. The evolution of unsteady flow in a cavity is discussed. For GrIRe2 ≥ 1 the effect of inertia is insignificant. For GrIRe2 ≤ 1 the inertia stabilizes the flow, regardless of the direction of the applied shear force.
Investigation of 0.8-μm InGaAsP-GaAs laser diodes with multiple quantum wells

In this paper, we studied the effects of the active region structure (one, two and three quantum wells with same total thickness) for high-power InGaAsP-GaAs separate confinement heterostructure lasers emitting at 0.8 micrometers wavelength. Experimental results for the lasers grown by low pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition show excellent agreement with the theoretical model. Total output power of 47 W from an uncoated 1 cm-wide laser bar was achieved in quasi-continuous wave operation.
The Numerical Calculation of the Three Dimensional Electrical Field in the Central Region of a Cyclotron

To provide detailed and accurate electric fields in the ion source-puller region and at the dee dummydee gap for a cyclotron, a relaxation method solution of Laplace's equation has been used. A conventional difference equation with variation in mesh size and relaxation factor as well as different schemes for boundary corrections have been developed to achieve roughly 1 percent accuracy for a three-dimensional domain with 106 mesh points. Although the computation requires considerable computer time, it is much less expensive than electrolytic tank analogue methods for measuring field distributions around complex electrode configurations.
Evidence for multiple hydrogen-ion donor systems in rain

An integrated analytical system consisting of combined scanning electron microscopy and x-ray analysis, atomic absorption, colorimetry and coulometry was used to study rain water chemistry. The coulometry facilitated the determination in molarities of strong and non-volatile and volatile weak acids. The pH of individual rains in St. Paul - Minneapolis, Minnesota ranged from 4.0 to 5.65 during the summer of 1974. Samples of a given rain from different sites had different qualitative and quantitative bases for the measured pH. Increase in strong acid concentrations with a decrease in pH was not an exclusive phenomenon. Molarities of weak acids (volatile and/or non-volatile) also increased with an increase in the acidity. Studies conducted on Twin Cities rain samples indicated that the total salt content expressed from the electrical conductivity could not be accounted for by the total concentrations of individual metals quantified (Fe, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ca, Mg, Na, and K). In addition, no correlation could be shown between the contents of SO4-2, NO3-1, Cl2-1, & PO4-1 and the observed changes in pH.
Haploinsufficiency of the Sec7 Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Gea1 Impairs Septation in Fission Yeast

Membrane trafficking is essential to eukaryotic life and is controlled by a complex network of proteins that regulate movement of proteins and lipids between organelles. The GBF1/GEA family of Guanine nucleotide Exchange Factors (GEFs) regulates trafficking between the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi by catalyzing the exchange of GDP for GTP on ADP Ribosylation Factors (Arfs). Activated Arfs recruit coat protein complex 1 (COP-I) to form vesicles that ferry cargo between these organelles. To further explore the function of the GBF1/GEA family, we have characterized a fission yeast mutant lacking one copy of the essential gene gea1 (gea1+/−), the Schizosaccharomyces pombe ortholog of GBF1. The haploinsufficient gea1+/− strain was shown to be sensitive to the GBF1 inhibitor brefeldin A (BFA) and was rescued from BFA sensitivity by gea1p overexpression. No overt defects in localization of arf1p or arf6p were observed in gea1+/− cells, but the fission yeast homolog of the COP-I cargo sac1 was mislocalized, consistent with impaired COP-I trafficking. Although Golgi morphology appeared normal, a slight increase in vacuolar size was observed in the gea1+/− mutant strain. Importantly, gea1+/− cells exhibited dramatic cytokinesis-related defects, including disorganized contractile rings, an increased septation index, and alterations in septum morphology. Septation defects appear to result from altered secretion of enzymes required for septum dynamics, as decreased secretion of eng1p, a β-glucanase required for septum breakdown, was observed in gea1+/− cells, and overexpression of eng1p suppressed the increased septation phenotype. These observations implicate gea1 in regulation of septum breakdown and establish S. pombe as a model system to explore GBF1/GEA function in cytokinesis.
On asynchronously repeated games

Abstract We demonstrate that the classical Folk theorem may not fully characterize the set of subgame perfect equilibrium payoffs in an asynchronously repeated game. The limiting set of equilibrium payoffs crucially depends on players’ asynchronous move structure in the repeated game.
An emended description of and new combinations in Raputia (Cuspariinae, Rutaceae)

All three species of the neotropical genusMyllanthus R. Cowan are transferred toRaputia Aublet, resulting in the following new combinations,R. maroana (R. Cowan) Kallunki,R. neblinensis (R. Cowan) Kallunki, andR. ulei (K. Krause) Kallunki. An emended generic description and a key to the four described species (includingR. aromatica Aublet) are provided.
Mutagenicity of halogenated and oxygenated three‐carbon compounds

Four structurally related three-carbon compounds, known for their antifertility activity in the male, and the brominated derivatives of two of these compounds were tested for mutagenic activity by the Salmonella typhimurium test of Ames et al. In the presence of strain TA-100, a base-pair substituion detector strain, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP), was the most active compound tested but required enzymatic conversion by 59 microsomal preparation to an active mutagen. Three of these compounds containing an epoxide group-epichlorohydrin, epibromohydrin, and glycidol-were highly active direct mutagens, not requiring 59 for activation, alpha-Chlorohydrin was the least active compound tested; alpha-bromohydrin was 40 times more active than its chlorinated analog. Epibromohydrin was only slightly more active than epichlorohydrin, but both were highly active. With both of the halogenated epoxides, 59 preparation caused a substantial decrease in mutagenic activity at every concentration tested. All six compounds showed dose-related responsiveness for the base-pair substitution detector strains used. However, they were relatively inactive against the frameshift detector strain of S. typhimurium, TA-98. Glycerol, propylene glycol, and n-propanol, which are also three-carbon compounds containing one or more hydroxy groups, were inactive when trested at high concentrations with strain TA-100.
Retinol-Binding Protein: Immunolocalization of Protein and Abundance of Messenger Ribonucleic Acid in Conceptus and Maternal Tissues during Pregnancy in Pigs

Retinol-binding protein (RBP) is a major secretory product of liver as well as uterine endometrium and periimplantation conceptuses of pigs. The present study examined distribution of RBP protein and abundance of RBP mRNA in pig maternal and conceptus tissues throughout pregnancy. A porcine liver RBP cDNA clone was isolated and used as probe in these studies. Northern blot analysis detected a 1.0-1.1-kb transcript in conceptus, trophoblast, yolk sac, placenta, endometrium, myometrium, oviduct, and numerous fetal tissues. Slot blot analyses of RBP mRNA abundance in endometrium, myometrium, conceptus, trophoblast, chorioallantoic placenta, and embryo/fetus indicated differential RBP gene expression in each tissue. Immunocytochemical localization studies indicated the presence of immunoreactive RBP in endometrial surface and glandular epithelium, circular and longitudinal muscle of myometrium, parenchymal cells of fetal liver, and proximal convoluted tubules of fetal kidney. Results suggest an integrated system of RBP gene expression and protein secretion that allows for transport of retinol from the uterine endometrium to the periimplantation conceptus during early pregnancy and to the fetal-placental unit throughout pregnancy in pigs.
Element analysis of Pinus rigida intra-annual growth rings by photon-induced X-ray emission

A 3.7 MeV external proton beam was employed to produce X-rays in Pinus rigida Mill /pitch pine/ intra-annual growth rings and several elements were quantitatively determined. The PIXE experimental set-up, rapid sample preparation methods, and some interesting observations are discussed. In addition, statistical analysis of the tree-ring element concentrations revealed that Cl, K and Ca were slightly translocated whereas the other elements detected were not. The concentrations of several elements in the rings were negatively correlated with annual stream water pH which reflected precipitation pH.
Observed correlations, evolution, and environment dependence of 9000 early-type galaxies in the SDSS

A sample of nearly 9000 early-type galaxies, observed in the g *, r *, i *, and z * bands, was selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey using morphological and spectral criteria. The sample spans the redshift range 0 z < 0.3, and was used to study how early-type galaxy observables, including luminosity, effective radius, surface brightness, color, velocity dispersion, and chemical abundances are correlated with one another, how they evolve, and whether they depend on environment. Relative to the population at z ~0.1, the median redshift of the sample, galaxies at lower and higher redshifts have evolved little. The luminosities and colors, the Fundamental Plane, and absorption- line strengths (obtained from co-added spectra of similar objects) suggest that the population is evolving passively, having formed the bulk of its stars about 9 Gyrs ago. While the Fundamental Plane suggests that galaxies in dense regions are slightly different from galaxies in less dense regions, the chemical abundances and color-velocity dispersion relations show no statistically significant environmental dependence. That we are able to measure velocity dispersions at all is a tribute to the quality of the SDSS spectrographs: they exceed the goals for which they were designed.
Effects of chemical alteration in the endolymph on the cochlear potentials.

The scala media of the guinea pig cochlea was perfused with isotonic KC1, Ringer's solution and perilymph. The cochlear potentials were recorded during and subsequent to the perfusion. Our results indicated that in those animals perfused with perilymph the cochlear potentials were more remarkably depressed than in those perfused with KC1 solution. We propose that high potassium concentration in the endolymph is indispensable for maintaining cochlear function, while low potassium or high sodium media cause irreversible functional damage to the cochlea.
The use of improved radiochromic film for in vivo quality assurance of high dose rate brachytherapy

GAFChromic film has become increasingly popular for radiationdosimetry. In this study we explore the use of GAFChromic film as an in vivodosimeter for quality assurance (QA) of fractionated high dose rate 192 Ir treatments. Accuracy of dose distribution is explored for the simple vaginal cylinder geometry for which the dose can be easily calculated for comparison. Source dwell times for several patients were optimized to deliver 500 cGy at 0.5 cm from the surface of the vaginal cylinder applicator using a commercial treatment planning system. GAFChromic film was taped to the vaginal cylinder applicator and was enclosed in a leak proof rubber sleeve prior to its insertion. Optical densities were measured along the film at 2 mm spacing, using a densitometer with filtered red light. Density corrections for transient film darkening effects were made and optical densities were converted to absorbed dose in cGy. In vivo patient dose distribution measured for different patients and different fractions were compared with the calculated values along the applicator surface. The variation between the calculated and measureddose was ±10%. The reproducibility of dosemeasurement for different fractions was within ±5%. This study demonstrates the potential usefulness of the film as an in vivo for brachytherapy QA.
Sun-Relative Pointing for Dual-Axis Solar Trackers Employing Azimuth and Elevation Rotations

Dual axis trackers employing azimuth and elevation rotations are common in the field of photovoltaic (PV) energy generation. Accurate sun-tracking algorithms are widely available. However, a steering algorithm has not been available to accurately point the tracker away from the sun such that a vector projection of the sun beam onto the tracker face falls along a desired path relative to the tracker face. We have developed an algorithm which produces the appropriate azimuth and elevation angles for a dual axis tracker when given the sun position, desired angle of incidence, and the desired projection of the sun beam onto the tracker face. Development of this algorithm was inspired by the need to accurately steer a tracker to desired sun-relative positions in order to better characterize the electro-optical properties of PV and CPV modules.
Relative dispersion from a high-resolution coastal model of the Adriatic Sea

Abstract Synthetic drifter trajectories computed from velocity data produced by a high-resolution NCOM model are used to investigate the scaling of relative dispersion and the distribution of finite-scale Lyapunov exponent (FSLE) fields in the Adriatic Sea. The effects of varying degrees of spatial and temporal filtering of the input Eulerian velocity fields on the Lagrangian statistics are investigated in order to assess the sensitivity of such statistics to model error. It is shown that the relative dispersion in the model Adriatic circulation is generally super-diffusive, scaling nearly ballistically in close agreement with Lagrangian observations from a limited set of drifters. The large-scale dispersion is dominated by persistent separation regions and the controlling influence of the Western Adriatic Current (WAC). Temporal filtering with averaging windows up to monthly time scales only affects the relative dispersion at scales smaller than 20 km without altering the overall scaling regime. In contrast, spatial smoothing at scales as small as 5 km significantly reduces relative dispersion at all scales up to 100 km. While basin-scale dispersion statistics are strongly dependent on spatial resolution of the model WAC, maps of FSLE fields over initial conditions indicate that the detailed geometry of the dispersion is determined to a large extent by the temporal resolution of the model. In addition, the degree of spatial heterogeneity in the flow field implies that the existence, or non-existence, of a distinct exponential regime in the FSLE at small scales is extremely sensitive to the details of particle pair sampling strategies.
Free Direct Summands of Maximal Rank and Rigidity in Projective Dimension Two

ABSTRACT Let M be a finitely generated module of rank r and finite projective dimension over a commutative Noetherian local ring S. We show that M has a free direct summand of rank r if and only if its Buchsbaum–Eisenbud invariant J(M) is a principal ideal. As an application, we consider the problem of finding rigid triples. Recall that the module M is said to be rigid if for each i ≥ 0 and each finitely generated S-module N the condition implies for every j ≥ i. A triple of positive integers b = (b 0, b 1, b 2) is said to be rigid if for every commutative Noetherian local ring S one has that every S-module with minimal free resolution of the form 0 → S b 2 → S b 1 → S b 0 → 0 is rigid. We use our criterion for free direct summands of maximal rank to derive a necessary and sufficient condition for a triple b to be rigid in terms of the rigidity of the universal modules of type b over complete regular local rings. In particular, we exhibit the rigidity of any triple of the form (k, m + 1,m), thus providing...
Demonstrating Structural Adequacy of Nuclear Power Plant Containment Structures for Beyond Design-Basis Pressure Loadings

ABSTRACT Demonstrating the structural integrity of U.S. nuclear power plant (NPP) containment structures, for beyond design-basis internal pressure loadings, is necessary to satisfy Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements and performance goals. This paper discusses methods for demonstrating the structural adequacy of the containment for beyond design-basis pressure loadings. Three distinct evaluations are addressed: (1) estimating the ultimate pressure capacity of the containment structure (10 CFR 50 and US NRC Standard Review Plan, Section 3.8) ; (2) demonstrating the structural adequacy of the containment subjected to pressure loadings associated with combustible gas generation (10 CFR 52 and 10 CFR 50); and (3) demonstrating the containment structural integrity for severe accidents (10 CFR 52 as well as SECY 90-016, SECY 93-087, and related NRC staff requirements memoranda (SRMs)). The paper describes the technical basis for specific aspects of the methods presented. It also presents examples of past issues identified in licensing activities related to these evaluations.
Menstrual cycling and breast cancer: an evolutionary perspective.

This article attempts to bridge the disciplinary gap between evolutionary biology and clinical studies of women's health. The resulting dialogue is predicted to have useful implications for researc...
Health risks and benefits of bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT)

DDT (bis[4-chlorophenyl]-1,1,1-trichloroethane) is a persistent insecticide that was used worldwide from the mid 1940s until its ban in the USA and other countries in the 1970s. When a global ban on DDT was proposed in 2001, several countries in sub-Saharan Africa claimed that DDT was still needed as a cheap and effective means for vector control. Although DDT is generally not toxic to human beings and was banned mainly for ecological reasons, subsequent research has shown that exposure to DDT at amounts that would be needed in malaria control might cause preterm birth and early weaning, abrogating the benefit of reducing infant mortality from malaria. Historically, DDT has had mixed success in Africa; only the countries that are able to find and devote substantial resources towards malaria control have made major advances. DDT might be useful in controlling malaria, but the evidence of its adverse effects on human health needs appropriate research on whether it achieves a favourable balance of risk versus benefit.
Adherens junctions in the ocular lens of various species: ultrastructural analysis with an improved fixation.

The ultrastructure and distribution of adherens junctions in the intact adult lens of human, chicken, dove, rat, and rainbow trout were studied with thin-section electron microscopy, using an improved fixation containing a mixture of glutaraldehyde, lysine, and tannic acid. The nature of adherens junctions in the fiber-cells of the lens was also verified by immunofluorescence and rhodamine-phalloidin labelings for vinculin and actin. Electron microscopy revealed that adherens junctions of the lens were different ultrastructurally from the desmosomes found only between the lateral epithelial cells of the lens. The adherens junctions had the same structural characteristics as the zonulae adherentes, except that they were macular contacts, not belts. However, cross bridges were evident within the interspace of the junctions. Adherens junctions were located between the fiber-cells, between the epithelial cells and fiber-cells, and between the epithelial cells. They had a characteristic distribution in the “intersections” where three hexagonal fiber-cells met, as seen in cross-sections in all species studied. In addition, adherens junctions and associated actin were found distributed randomly along the entire cell membranes of both wide and narrow sides of cortical fiber-cells in the human, chicken, and dove lenses which have good accomodating capability. However, in the poorly-accomodating lenses of rat and fish, these junctions were seen predominantly on the narrow sides and at the regions of the wide sides that were very close to the “intersections”. It is suggested that adherens junctions and associated actin microfilaments are involved in stabilizing the structural integrity of lens cells during accomodation and in preserving a specific lens shape.
The field of clinical psychology: A response to Thorne

This article begins with a retrospective review of the editorial written in 1945 by Frederick C. Thorne at the inauguration of his new publication, the Journal of Clinical Psychology. It first considers the predictions made by Thorne about the future of clinical psychology and which of these turned out to be accurate, partially accurate, or inaccurate. At the time, the editorial caused its author to be accused of anti-Semitism and thus got the journal off to a rather bad start, from which it may have recovered only recently. The article then moves on to consider the past, present, and future of the field of clinical psychology from a contemporary vantage-point.
WhEn SyntaCtiC ErrorS Go UnnotiCEd: an fMri StUdy oF thE EFFECt oF SEMantiCS on SyntaX

In our day to day conversations there are often times whenwe fail to notice syntactic errors. but why? in this study weconducted both a behavioral and an fMri study to address thisquestion. The results showed that participants were more likelyto fail to detect a morphosyntactic violation if the sentenceconstituents were semantically related to each other than if theywere unrelated. in addition, the related anomalous sentenceselicited stronger activation of the left inferior frontal gyrus. Threeseparate clusters of activation were observed encompassing ba44, ba 45/46 and one at the junction of the inferior frontal andprecentral sulci. While previous work has demonstrated thatsemantics information such as plausibility and world knowledgedoes not have a significant impact on comprehension, it doesaffect anomaly detection. one theory of language processing thatfit the results is “good enough” theory which suggests that we failto generate a complete representation of the input, particularlywhen the input describes plausible and/or familiar events.