cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Free composite myo-osseous flap with serratus anterior and rib: indications in head and neck reconstruction.

Background Although the microvascular transfer of the serratus/rib myo-osseous composite flap has been previously described, the indications for its use in head and neck reconstruction have not been fully explored. Slender and easily contoured, rib bone offers reconstructive advantages over other bone sources under certain circumstances. The serratus/rib myo-osseous flap can provide vascularized muscle, bone, and cartilage; in combination with the latissimus dorsi muscle, the serratus/rib flap provides additional soft-tissue bulk on a single thoracodorsal vascular pedicle unrestricted by orientation requirements of the bone. Many orientations of bone and soft tissue are possible. Methods We describe, through three illustrative cases, the indications for this flap, which might include bony, cartilaginous, and soft-tissue requirements in the retromolar trigone region, large calvarial defects, and large composite full-thickness cheek and mandibular defects. Conclusions The serratus/rib composite myo-osseous flap reliably provides vascularized bone of relatively delicate composition which offers advantages in certain reconstructive circumstances. In addition, when combined with latissimus dorsi muscle on a single vascular pedicle, it supplies additional soft-tissue bulk which can be positioned without being constrained by the bone placement. Finally, this is a useful “backup” supply of vascularized bone when other sources cannot be used due to, for example, inability to use fibula in the face of severe peripheral vascular disease and inability to use iliac crest if this has been previously used as a donor site for nonvascularized free grafts (as in secondary reconstructions). © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck20: 106–112, 1998.
Some further Results on Convective Currents

An earlier theory of steady state, saturated convective currents is modified to include the drag of the condensed liquid water on the rising air. The system of equations is numerically integrated for several cases in which the entrainment is allowed to assume negative values. Results appear to indicate improvement over the earlier model. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1960.tb01326.x
Comment on “the growth of Fe overlayers on Ag(100)” by G.C. Smith, H.A. Padmore and C. Norris

Abstract Smith, Padmore and Norris have claimed that the first three monolayers of Fe grown at room temperature on Ag(100) form a strained fcc γ-Fe layer for which the mismatch to the substrate is 11%. We point out a simple error in their calculations of mismatch, and suggest instead that such growth produces a bcc α-Fe(100) film, for which the mismatch to the substrate is only 0.8%.
Waveform encoding of voiceband data signals

This is a tutorial paper on encoding the waveform of voiceband data signals into digital form for digital transmission. The encoding algorithms covered are PCM, DPCM, and DM with and without quantizer adaptation. Coder bit rates from 16 to 64 kb/s are considered. Most digital Codec's on voiceband channels are designed primarily for speech and their performance with speech is well known. However, since many voiceband channels may contain other signals such as voiceband data, adequate performance with such signals is a necessity. Much of the paper is a summary and an interpretation of previous work in encoding data signals. Some new perspectives and material are presented, especially for DPCM. Topics covered include the sampling phase effect, fast and slow acting quantizer adaptation algorithms, comparison between speech and data performance, dual-mode coders, network considerations, and the effect of quantizing noise on the phase integrity of data signals.
THE OXYGEN ENHANCEMENT RATIO FOR NEGATIVE PI MESONS

Abstract Experiments were performed at the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) to determine the oxygen enhancement ratio (OER) for the clinically used beam of negative pi mesons. V79 Chinese hamster cells, cultured in vitro , were used as the biological test system; hypoxia was produced by metabolic depletion as a result of sealing 2 million cells in 1 ml glass ampules. The Bragg peak of the pion depth dose curve was spread out to cover 10 cm by using a dynamic range shifter. Cells were irradiated at the center of the spread out Bragg peak, where the dose/rate was 0.1 Gy/min over a 6 × 6 cm field. The OER obtained was 2.2, compared with 3.8 obtained for γ-rays under the same conditions.
Cataracts as an epidemiologic problem.

Abstract Cataracts are an enormous medical, financial, and social burden. At least 300,000 to 400,000 new, visually disabling cataracts occur yearly in the United States, and 5 to 10 million worldwide. Complications of modern surgical techniques alone probably result in at least 7,000 irreversibly blind eyes annulally in the United States, and a potential 100,000 to 200,000 worldwide. These figures must be refined through well-standardized prevalence surveys and careful monitoring of indications and results of surgery. Senile cataracts probably result from many, possibly compound, obscure causes. Race, altitude, dietary habits, and deranged carbohydrate metabolism are some that have been suggested. There is little basis for the common belief that senile cataracts are more prevalent, or mature more rapidly, in diabetics. Carefully conducted case control and long-term studies are needed to assess the importance of each of these factors and to identify additional ones. The rapid increase of intraocular lens implantation raises serious questions of safety and efficacy. Implantation increases the risk of corneal and macular edema, iritis, and reoperation for lens dislocation and membrane formation, while complicating the treatment of retinal detachments and retinovascular disease. They require controlled clinical evaluation.
Guidelines for a curriculum in scientific visualization

Abstract Over the last 5 years, scientific visualization has found a multitude of new applications that confirm its necessity and power. Therefore, education in scientific visualization becomes important in all areas that use scientific visualization to gain a better understanding of their data (e.g., medicine, sciences, business, geosciences, computer science, and engineering) as well as in areas that are crucial to better understanding the concepts of scientific visualization or provide tools for its application (e.g., computer graphics, psychology, user interface design). This report discusses the results of a workshop group on “An Agenda for Education in Scientific Visualization” held during Visualization '92, and presents a survey on current visualization courses in the United States.
Remission of Cushing's syndrome during pregnancy

We present the first report of pregnancy with Cushing's syndrome due to an adrenal cortical adenoma, in which the hypercortisolemia disappeared during the third trimester of pregnancy, but recurred following the delivery of a normal male infant at 38 weeks by Cesarean section. The case is also unique because plasma ACTH levels were elevated during gestation and postpartum. Also, urinary estriol excretion was very low during the third trimester of pregnancy. The relationship of Cushing's syndrome and pregnancy are reviewed. This study points up some of the limitations of the routinely used dynamic tests of pituitary-adrenal function in Cushing's syndrome, and emphasizes the importance of various radiologic procedures in evaluation of patients with Cushing's syndrome.
EXPRESSION AND INFLAMMATORY REGULATION OF HAPTOGLOBIN GENE IN ADIPOCYTES

Abstract Haptoglobin (HP) is the major hemoglobin binding protein which is synthesized mainly in the liver. It functions to prevent iron loss and kidney damage in human and other mammals. Recently, HP has been shown to possess antioxidant and angiogenic properties. As one of the major acute phase reactants, HP′s levels in plasma increase significantly during inflammation, infection and malignancy. In this study, high levels of HP mRNA were found to be transcribed by adipocytes in addition to liver cells in mice. After inflammation had been induced in vivo , expression of the haptoglobin gene rose six-fold in adipose tissue, an increase compatible with that observed in the normal mouse liver. The expression of HP by adipocytes presents new directions in which HP′s role as an antioxidant or as an angiogenic factor can be investigated.
Rebound and jet formation of a fluid-filled sphere

This study investigates the impact dynamics of hollow elastic spheres partially filled with fluid. Unlike an empty sphere, the internal fluid mitigates some of the rebound through an impulse driven exchange of energy wherein the fluid forms a jet inside the sphere. Surprisingly, this occurs on the second rebound or when the free surface is initially perturbed. Images gathered through experimentation show that the fluid reacts more quickly to the impact than the sphere, which decouples the two masses (fluid and sphere), imparts energy to the fluid, and removes rebound energy from the sphere. The experimental results are analyzed in terms of acceleration, momentum and an energy method suggesting an optimal fill volume in the neighborhood of 30%. While the characteristics of the fluid (i.e., density, viscosity, etc.) affect the fluid motion (i.e., type and size of jet formation), the rebound characteristics remain similar for a given fluid volume independent of fluid type. Implications of this work are a potential use of similar passive damping systems in sports technology and marine engineering.
The Alternatively Spliced Kunitz Protease Inhibitor Domain Alters Amyloid β Protein Precursor Processing and Amyloid β Protein Production in Cultured Cells

The insoluble amyloid deposited extracellularly in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is composed of amyloid β protein, a ∼4-kDa secreted protein that is derived from a set of large proteins collectively referred to as the amyloid β protein precursor (βAPP). During normal processing the βAPP is cleaved by β secretase, producing a large NH2-terminal secreted derivative (sAPPβ) and a COOH-terminal fragment beginning at Aβ1, which is subsequently cleaved by γ secretase releasing secreted Aβ. Most secreted Aβ is Aβ1-40, but ∼10% of secreted Aβ is Aβ1-42. Alternative βAPP cleavage by α secretase produces a slightly longer NH2-terminal secreted derivative (sAPPα) and a COOH-terminal fragment beginning at Aβ17, which is subsequently cleaved by γ secretase releasing a ∼3-kDa secreted form of Aβ (P3). Several of the βAPP isoforms that are produced by alternative splicing contain a 56-amino acid Kunitz protease inhibitor (KPI) domain known to inhibit proteases such as trypsin and chymotrypsin. To determine whether the KPI domain influences the proteolytic cleavages that generate Aβ, we compared Aβ production in transfected cells expressing human KPI-containing βAPP751 or KPI-free βAPP695. We focused on Aβs ending at Aβ42 because these forms appear to be most relevant to AD. Using specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we analyzed full-length Aβ1-42 and total Aβ ending at Aβ42 (Aβ1-42 + P3(42)). In addition, we analyzed the large secreted derivatives produced by α secretase (sAPPα) and β secretase (sAPPβ). In mouse teratocarcinoma (P19) cells expressing βAPP695 or βAPP751, expression of the KPI-containing βAPP751 resulted in the secretion of a lower percentage of P3(42) and sAPPα and a correspondingly higher percentage of Aβ1-42 and sAPPβ. Similar results were obtained in human embryonic kidney (293) cells. These results indicate that expression of the KPI domain reduces α secretase cleavage so that less P3 and relatively more full-length Aβ are produced. Thus, in human brain and in animal models of AD, the amount of KPI-containing βAPP produced may be an important factor influencing Aβ deposition.
Nonlinear Steklov problems on nonsymmetric domains

Abstract A way of formulating nonlinear Steklov problems on nonsymmetric domains as an operator equation u = μPu , where P is completely continuous, is given. Local and global existence theorems then follow from standard techniques; these results extend earlier results for symmetric domains and equations with symmetric coefficients. Some miscellaneous results are given concerning the nature of the solution branches.
A "Wavelength Shifter" for the University of Wisconsin Electron Storage Ring

In order to enhance the synchrotron radiation experimental program at the University of Wisconsin Physical Sciences Laboratory, a series of three magnets is being designed to be inserted in a long straight section of the 240 MeV electron storage ring. Two of these magnets (each with a 12.5 kG peak field for a 4° bend) will be inverted so as to deflect the equilibrium orbit 1 cm radially away from the ring center. The central magnet will have a maximum field of about 25 kG and will turn the beam through 8°. The synchrotron radiation power spectrum from this central high field magnet will peak at 40 A. Using the Courant and Snyder formalism, tune shifts of ??x = 0.028 and ??z=0.024 have been calculated for an optimum design -- all magnets are to be wedge shaped for normal beam entry and exit at full excitation and each of the magnets will have a constant field gradient of n = 1/3. Stopband widths at nearby resonances have been calculated to be ?0.057 and are considered to be quite tolerable. Calculations have also been carried out to insure that the "wavelength shifter" does not adverseley affect the synchrotron radiation damping rates. For the optimum design, the maximum change to the damping rates will be less than 10%.
Electrical properties of silicon dioxide films fabricated at 700°C. I: Pyroltsis of tetraethoxysilane

We have studied the effects of different deposition and annealing ambients on silicon dioxide films produced via the pyrolytic decomposition of tetraethoxysilane at 700° C. The oxide and interface charge characteristics of capacitors incorporating these oxides were measured. The results of these studies were as follows. (1) Films deposited in nitrogen exhibited very poor electrical properties. This was due to the poor quality of both the LPCVD oxide bulk (manifest as a hysteretic instability exceeding one Volt in 20 nm films) and the LPCVD oxide-silicon interface (interface trap charge and fixed charge exceeding 1012 cm−2). These characteristics were not improved by post-deposition annealing in nitrogen at 700° C. (2) As much as an order-of-magnitude reduction in interface traps and/or bias-induced drifts was obtained by exposure of the silicon substrate to 700°C oxygen ambients before, during, or after pyrolysis. The maximum improvement also required both post-deposition and post-metallization annealing treatments in nitrogen.
Casimir microsphere diclusters and three-body effects in fluids

Our previous paper [Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 060401 (2010)] predicted that Casimir forces induced by the material-dispersion properties of certain dielectrics can give rise to stable configurations of objects. This phenomenon was illustrated via a dicluster configuration of nontouching objects consisting of two spheres immersed in a fluid and suspended against gravity above a plate. Here, we examine these predictions from the perspective of a practical experiment and consider the influence of nonadditive, three-body, and nonzero-temperature effects on the stability of the two spheres. We conclude that the presence of Brownian motion reduces the set of experimentally realizable silicon-teflon spherical diclusters to those consisting of layered microspheres, such as the hollow core (spherical shells) considered here.
Thromboembolic Prophylaxis in Total Joint Replacement

A 74-year-old woman was scheduled for an elective total hip replacement for degenerative joint disease. She had always enjoyed good health. At the age of 45, she underwent an elective hysterectomy with salpingo-oopharectomy, without complication or excessive bleeding. Since that time, she has been using oral estrogen replacement therapy, which has been well tolerated. There was no prior history of vascular disease, venous varicosities, or thromboembolism. Evaluation of the patient’s blood at the time of admission to the hospital disclosed a normal hemogram, with normal platelets and normal blood chemistry values, including fasting blood sugar and urea nitrogen. Lipid profile, chest roentgenogram, and ECG were also normal.
Detection of complex intimal flaps in aortic dissection by transesophageal echocardiography

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is of proven benefit for the diagnosis of aortic dissections.1 TEE provides excellent imaging of the thoracic aorta, allowing for the detection of intimal flaps, determination of false and true lumina, and evaluation of other cardiac anatomic structures.1 Although aortography has traditionally been considered the procedure of choice in defining the anatomy of aortic dissections, recent studies showed equal or superior sensitivity and specificity of TEE in defining these lesions.1 Thus, TEE may prove to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of aortic dissections. To maintain a high degree of accuracy, varied and unusual forms of dissection must be recognized. Of 22 patients who underwent TEE for suspected or known aortic dissection, complex intimal flaps were detected in 3. In all cases, the morphology defined by biplane TEE was confirmed by surgery or magnetic resonance imaging. The 3 cases (Table I) comprised an intimo-intimal intussusception, a tripartite intimal spit and an unusual cylindrical thrombus adherent only to the false lumen side of the intimal flap.
Effect of Various Direct Ultra-High Temperature Heat Treatments on Flavor of Commercially Prepared Milks

Abstract Grae A milk (3.25% fat) was direct UHT processed at 132.2, 143.3, and 137.2°C with 2 min preheating and at 137.2°C without preheating for 12 s and aseptically packaged in 246-ml Brik Pak cartons in a commercial plant. Samples from each treatment were stored at 25 and 2°C for 24 wk. Changes in acid degree value paralleled the development of stale flavor most closely with a correlation coefficient higher than any of the other tests. Dissolved oxygen might have affected rate of flavor change for UHT milks stored at room temperature. Increases in acidity were slightly greater in UHT samples stored at room temperature than under refrigeration. A combination of acid degree value, dissolved oxygen, and titratable acidity correlated most closely to stale flavor. There was little difference in flavor and concentration of volatile compounds among various heat treatments. Concentrations of acetaldehyde, propanal, n-hexanal, 2-pentanone, 2-hexanone, and 2-heptanone increased more at room temperature than in refrigerated storage; in general, these increases paralleled the stale flavor. Concentrations of the carbonyl compounds measured were far below flavor threshold values when UHT milks were criticized as stale. However, a combination of acetaldehyde, acetone, 2-pentanone, and 2-heptanone were related most closely to stale flavor and could have had an effect on the flavor when all were present.
What Goes Around Comes Around: Improving Faculty Retention Through More Effective Mentoring

In the midst of a nursing faculty shortage, recruitment and retention of new faculty are of utmost importance if the country is to educate and graduate a sufficient number of nurses to fill the health care demands. The pressure of horizontal hostility combined with lack of support, guidance, and knowledge about the educational system makes the novice nurse faculty members vulnerable to burnout and early resignations. Mentorship is the single most influential way to successfully develop new nursing faculty, reaping the benefits of recruitment, retention, and long-term maturation of future nurse mentors. Mentoring is a developmental process designed to support and navigate the novice nurse educator through the tasks and experiences of nursing education. The essential elements of an effective mentorship program include the following: socialization, collaboration, operations, validation/evaluation, expectations, transformation, reputation, documentation, generation, and perfection. The mentoring process can lead to an upward spiral of success. If negative, the new faculty experience is at risk for a downward spiral. In this spiral, the final outcome will ultimately be the creation of productive faculty (and future nurse mentors), along with improved faculty group dynamics and teamwork, or just another vacant position.
Species differences in the substrate specificity of hepatic cytochrome P-448 from polycyclic hydrocarbon-treated animals.

Abstract The in vitro effects of α-naphthoflavone on four hepatic mono-oxygenase activities associated with aromatic hydrocarbon responsiveness in the mouse (aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, 2-acetylamino-fluorene N -hydroxylase, biphenyl 2-hydroxylase, and biphenyl 4-hydroxylase) were investigated before and after methylcholanthrene treatment of C57BL/6N and DBA/2N mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits. The electrophoretic pattern of cytochrome P-450 subunits and reduced CO-hemoprotein difference spectra of the microsomal fractions were also studied. Pretreatment of animals with methylcholanthrene caused: (1) a 1.5 to 2 mm hypsochromic shift in the Soret peak of the reduced hemoprotein-CO complexes in liver microsomes from a C57BL/6N mouse, rat, hamster and rabbit; a 0.5-nm hypsochromic shift in the guinea pig and no shift in the DBA/2N mouse; and (2) an increase in cytochrome P-450 apoproteins of the following molecular weights on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyaerylamide gel electrophoresis: 54,000 and 55,000 in the C57BL/6N mouse; 48,000, 54,000 and 55,000 in the rat; 49,000 and 54,000 in the hamster; and 54,000 and 57,000 in the rabbit; a small increase in the 54,000 band was seen in the DBA/2N mouse and no increase in the guinea pig. In vitro addition of α-naphthoflavone selectively inhibited all four mono-oxygenase activities from the methylcholanthrene-treated C57BL/6N mouse, rat and hamster; 2-acetylaminofluorene N -hydroxylase and biphenyl 4-hydroxylase activities in the rabbit; and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, 2-acetylaminofluorene N -hydroxylase and biphenyl 4-hydroxylase activities in the guinea pig. The addition of α-naphthoflavone enhanced the activities of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and biphenyl 2-hydroxylase in liver microsomes from both control and methylcholanthrenetreated rabbits, but only biphenyl 2-hydroxylase activity was increased in the guinea pig: the activitity of 2-acetylaminofluorene N -hydroxylase was increased in both control and methylcholan-threne-treated DBA/2M mice, but only in the control C57BL/6N mouse. These data indicate that hepatic cytochrome P-448 is composed of multiple cytochromes, which differ among animal species, each catalyzing different mono-oxygenase activities.
A cytological study on the liver of the rat, with special reference to the ‘intracellular blood canaliculi,’ inter‐ and intracellular bile canaliculi, mitochondria and Golgi apparatus

In sections from livers injected through the vascular system with Carter's carminegelatin or Berlin-blue gelatin masses at known, constant pressures, many cells were observed to contain ovoid or spherical bodies of the colored injection masses, similar to those described by Schafer and his students, Herring and Simpson, as intracellular blood canaliculi.' In these livers practically all the cells were vacuolated. However, with livers injected with Berlin-blue gelatin mass dissolved in Locke's solution instead of distilled water, there were no intracellular masses and the cells appeared normal, though the sinusoids were completely filled with injection mass. The so-called ‘intracellular blood canaliculi’ described by Schafer are interpreted as artefacts produced by a combination of factors, the most important of which is the difference in osmotic pressure. This is produced by the hypotonicity of the injection masses that are usually used, augmented perhaps by the effect of mechanical pressure used in administering the injection mass. Following impregnation of liver tissue by Golgi's rapid method, the usual network of intercellular bile canaliculi was revealed, but the presence of a permanent system of intracellular canaliculi was not observed. A few short, knobbed intracellular projections from the intercellular bile canaliculi were noticed; these probably represent the passage of secretion material into the intercellular bile canaliculi at the moment of excretion.
Software-Defined Network Exchanges (SDXs): Architecture, services, capabilities, and foundation technologies

Software Defined Networks (SDNs), primarily based on OpenFlow, are being deployed in single domain networks around the world. The popularity of SDNs has given rise to multiple considerations about designing, implementing, and operating Software-Defined Network Exchanges (SDXs), to enable SDNs to interconnect SDN islands and to extend SDNs across multiple domains. These goals can be accomplished only by developing new techniques that extend the single domain orientation of current SDN/OpenFlow approaches to include capabilities for multidomain control, including those for resource discovery, signaling, and dynamic provisioning. Several networking research communities have begun to investigate these concepts. Early architectural models of SDXs have been designed and implemented as prototypes. These SDXs are being used to conduct experiments and to demonstrate the potentials of SDXs.
Effect of unequal functional group reactivity and monomer masses on the polydispersity index in linear step polymerization

The Macosko-Miller approach is used to obtain an expression for the polydispersity index for AA, BB, CC linear step polymerization system in which B and C are the same type of functional group. The dependence of the polydispersity index, as a function of the extent of reaction, on the monomer masses and on the relative reactivities of B and C groups toward A, is examined in detail.
Beyond Section 508: The Spectrum of Legal Requirements for Accessible e-Government Web Sites in the United States.

Abstract In the United States, a number of federal laws establish requirements that electronic government (e-government) information and services be accessible to individuals with disabilities. These laws affect e-government Web sites at the federal, state, and local levels. To this point, research about the accessibility of e-government Web sites has tended to focus on compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Though Section 508 has the most specific guidelines regarding Web site accessibility, it is hardly the only law establishing accessibility requirements for e-government Web sites, and Section 508 does not apply to many sites that may be required to be accessible by other laws. Until assessment of the accessibility of e-government Web sites accounts for all of the relevant laws, the understanding of levels of accessibility and compliance will be incomplete. This article examines the entire spectrum of federal laws that create legal requirements for accessible e-government Web sites, analyzing the accessibility requirements that the laws establish and the ways in which each of the laws applies to an e-government Web site. This article also suggests research areas that should be included in future assessments to address the entire range of laws related to the accessibility of e-government Web sites. The issues raised in this article have significant relevance to the design and development of e-government, to the assessment of e-government information and services, and to the inclusion in e-government of the 54 million individuals in the United States with disabilities.
The development of an incompressible boundary-layer theory valid to second order

A set of incompressible boundary-layer equations is derived which include second-order curvature effects. These equations are used to analyze flows past spheres and ellipsoids without surface suction or injection to determine the effect of the curvature terms on boundary-layer properties near separation. Finally the suction velocity necessary to maintain a particular value of constant displacement thickness on a sphere is determined. It appears that infinite suction is required as the rear stagnation point of the sphere is approached.
Adsorption of copper(II) ions by keratin/PA6 blend nanofibres

Abstract Mats of randomly oriented nanosized filaments, prepared by electrospinning wool keratin/polyamide 6 blends in formic acid, were evaluated as adsorbents of Cu 2+ ions. The adsorption capacity was evaluated as a function of the nanofibre composition, specific surface area, initial metal ion concentration, contact time and pH of the solution. The adsorption tests revealed that keratin-based nanofibres highly adsorb Cu 2+ ions and the adsorption capacity increases with increasing the specific surface area of the nanofibre mats. The maximum adsorption capacities for nanofibre mats containing 50%, 70% and 90% (wt.%) of keratin were found to be 61.7 (mg/g), 90 (mg/g) and 103.5 (mg/g), respectively. The Cu 2+ adsorption onto the keratin rich nanofibres is highly pH-dependent and the optimum pH was found above the isoelectric point of keratin. The experimental data fit the pseudo second-order kinetic model. Infrared analysis demonstrated the formation of complexes between Cu 2+ ions and keratin that involve terminal free carboxyl groups of the protein.
Role of the Transcriptional Coactivator CBP/p300 in Linking Basic Helix-Loop-Helix and CREB Responses for Follicle-Stimulating Hormone-Mediated Activation of the Transferrin Promoter in Sertoli Cells

Sertoli cells are the epithelial cells responsible for the onset of pubertal development and the maintenance of spermatogenesis in the adult. Transferrin is one of the major secretory products expressed by differentiated Sertoli cells. Investigation of the transcriptional control of transferrin gene expression provides insight regarding the regulation of Sertoli cell differentiation. The optimal activation of the mouse transferrin promoter (mTf) by FSH requires the synergistic actions of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) binding to the cAMP response element-like proximal region II (PRII) and the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) binding to the E-box. Proximal region II alone is sufficient for cAMP-mediated activation. The proximity of the PRII and E-box (220 base pairs apart) suggests the possibility of interaction between CREB and bHLH proteins. Such an interaction can be mediated by transcriptional integrators such as CREB-binding protein (CBP) and/or p300 and may stabilize the binding of trans-acting factors to their respective cis-elements. Such an interaction may also provide a mechanism for cell-specific promoter activation. The hypothesis tested in this study was that CBP/p300 is required for the synergistic activation of the transferrin promoter involving PRII and E-box through the formation of a ternary complex. In the Sertoli cells, both CBP and p300 proteins are expressed. The effect of CBP/p300 on transferrin promoter activation and, hence, Sertoli cell function was studied by using antisense oligonucleotides (AS-oligo). In the presence of CBP/p300 AS-oligo, activity of the FSH-induced mTf-chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) was significantly lower as compared to the respective controls. Interestingly, AS-oligo had no effect on cAMP-induced activation of the transferrin promoter reporter construct (mTf-CAT). Mutations in the E-box (EB*) significantly reduced the FSH response. The presence of AS-oligo had no further effect on the FSH-mediated activation of the EB*-mTf-CAT construct but reduced cAMP-mediated activation. Mutations in the CRE-like PRII (PRII*) also significantly reduced the FSH response. Activation of the PRII*-mTf-CAT in response to cAMP was completely abolished. The presence of AS-oligo had no further effect on the FSH- or cAMP-mediated activation of the PRII*-mTf-CAT construct. In Sertoli cells, CBP/p300 was coimmunoprecipitated with CREB and the bHLH protein E47. These observations suggest that CBP/p300 appears to be involved in regulating FSH-mediated activation of the transferrin promoter by linking bHLH and CREB activities.
One-way/one-return boundary-element method and salt internal multiples

Surface-related multiples or internal multiples can produce artifacts in migrated images using one-way wave-equation methods. Salt-body-related internal-multiple removal remains a challenging problem for this approach. To investigate the effects of salt-body-related internal multiples on subsalt imaging, the boundary-element method is implemented in a one-way/one-return scheme to separate the primary transmission/reflection arrivals at the salt boundaries from the internal multiples. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method is effective for modeling primary transmission/reflection arrivals through/from irregular interfaces between strong-velocity-contrast media. Internal multiples are obtained through straight subtraction of primary reflection arrivals from full reflected-wave data. The image from prestack depth migration of these pure internal multiples using one-way propagators is compatible with some strong artifacts in the subsalt region from migration of full-wave data using the same one-way propagators. Results suggest that a significant part of artifacts in the subsalt region in the prestack image for the 2D SEG-EAGE salt model using one-way propagators might be caused by salt internal multiples.
Tidal currents and residual currents at Norderney, Elbe 1, and Aussen-Eider lightships and their variation under the influence of prevailing winds

Four hourly current-and wind observations during the years 1924–1927 at the German lightvessels Norderney, Elbe 1, and Aussen-Eider were subjected to harmonic analysis with emphasis on the influence of the wind on the residual as well as on the tidal current. The tidal current is strongest at Elbe 1 and weakest at Aussen-Eider. The half-monthly inequality of the current is strongly influenced by a μ2 tidal component. Wind influences the velocity, phase and duration of ebb-and flow current in a systematic way at Norderney and Elbe 1. Deviations from the mean tidal current are caused mainly by the change in wind direction rather than by wind velocity. The mean residual current is weak at the three stations. But wind driven currents have a velocity up to 5 times as great as the mean residual current and reverse their direction with the wind. The annual variation of the mean residual current, however, is caused only to a small part by the annual wind variation.
A low velocity approximation for the relativistic Vlasov-Maxwell system

Abstract : The Relativistic Vlasov-Maxwell (RVM) system is a nonlinear system of first order partial differential equations that models the time evolution of a collisionless plasma, e.g. a high temperature, low density ionized gas. Numerical computation of solutions of this system is prohibitively expensive in part because of the six-dimensional phase space for the Vlasov density function. For computational feasibility, we consider a version (RVM) in which the Vlasov density f depends on one spatial variable, x, and two momentum variables, v sub 1 and v sub 2. This is the simplest version of the problem which retains the hyperbolic structure of Maxwell's Equations and for which there is a nontrivial magnetic field.
A new clarification method to visualize biliary degeneration during liver metamorphosis in sea lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus )

Biliary atresia is a rare disease of infancy, with an estimated 1 in 15,000 frequency in the southeast United States, but more common in East Asian countries, with a reported frequency of 1 in 5,000 in Taiwan. Although much is known about the management of biliary atresia, its pathogenesis is still elusive. The sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) provides a unique opportunity to examine the mechanism and progression of biliary degeneration. Sea lamprey develop through three distinct life stages: larval, parasitic, and adult. During the transition from larvae to parasitic juvenile, sea lamprey undergo metamorphosis with dramatic reorganization and remodeling in external morphology and internal organs. In the liver, the entire biliary system is lost, including the gall bladder and the biliary tree. A newly-developed method called “CLARITY” was modified to clarify the entire liver and the junction with the intestine in metamorphic sea lamprey. The process of biliary degeneration was visualized and discerned during sea lamprey metamorphosis by using laser scanning confocal microscopy. This method provides a powerful tool to study biliary atresia in a unique animal model.
Influence of point mutations on the flexibility of cytochrome b5 : molecular dynamics simulations of holoproteins

Two membrane-bound isoforms of cytochrome b5 have been identified in mammals, one associated with the outer mitochondrial membrane (OM b5) and the other with the endoplasmic reticulum (microsomal, or Mc b5). The soluble heme binding domains of OM and Mc b5 have highly similar three-dimensional structures but differ significantly in physical properties, with OM b5 exhibiting higher stability due to stronger heme association. In this study, we present results of 8.5-ns length molecular dynamics simulations for rat Mc b5, bovine Mc b5, and rat OM b5, as well as for two rat OM b5 mutants that were anticipated to exhibit properties intermediate between those of rat OM b5 and the two Mc proteins: the A18S/I32L/L47R triple mutant (OM3M) and the A18S/I25L/I32L/L47R/L71S quintuple mutant (OM5M). Analysis of the structure, fluctuations, and interactions showed that the five b5 variants used in this study differed in organization of their molecular surfaces and heme binding cores in a way that could be used to explain certain experimentally observed physical differences. Overall, our simulations provided qualitative microscopic explanations of many of the differences in physical properties between OM and Mc b5 and two mutants in terms of localized changes in structure and flexibility. They also reveal that opening of a surface cleft between hydrophobic cores 1 and 2 in bovine Mc b5, observed in two previously reported simulations (E. M. Storch and V. Daggett, Biochemistry, 1995, Vol. 34, pp. 9682–9693; A. Altuve, Biochemistry, 2001, Vol. 40, pp. 9469–9483), probably resulted from removal of crystal contacts and likely does not occur on the nanosecond time scale. Finally, the MD simulations of OM5M b5 verify that stability and dynamic properties of cytochrome b5 are remarkably resistant to mutations that dramatically alter the stability and structure of the apoprotein. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83:297–312, 2006 This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
A comparison of vaginally administered misoprostol with extra-amniotic saline solution infusion for cervical ripening and labor induction.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare intravaginal misoprostol with extra-amniotic saline solution infusion with concomitant oxytocin for cervical ripening and labor induction in viable pregnancies. Study Design: Two hundred women with indications for labor induction and unfavorable cervices were assigned randomly to vaginal misoprostol or extra-amniotic saline solution infusion. Twenty-five micrograms of misoprostol was administered every 4 hours up to six doses, followed by intravenous oxytocin administration. Patients who had received extra-amniotic saline solution infusion also received intravenous oxytocin along with a maximum 12-hour saline solution infusion through Foley catheters that were placed above the internal cervical os. Results: One hundred women were randomly assigned to misoprostol, and 100 women were assigned randomly to extra-amniotic saline solution infusion. The average interval from start of induction to vaginal delivery was longer in the misoprostol group (1323.3 ± 700.3 minutes) than in the extra-amniotic saline solution infusion group (970.4 ± 502.7 minutes; P =.006, log transformed data). Abnormal fetal heart rate tracings were found in 30% of the patients who received misoprostol and in 19% of the patients who received extra-amniotic saline solution infusion (relative risk, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.4; P =.05). There was more tachysystole in the misoprostol group (8%) than in the extra-amniotic saline solution infusion group (1%; P =.02). There were no differences in the routes of deliveries or neonatal outcomes between groups. Conclusion: Extra-amniotic saline solution infusion with oxytocin administration appears more effective and is associated with fewer maternal complications than misoprostol for cervical ripening and labor induction. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:847-52.)
Menopause used to be considered normal.

Abstract Mishell's Textbook of Infertility, Contraception, and Reproductive Endocrinology. Fourth Edition Edited by Rogerio A. Lobo, Daniel R. Mishell, Jr, Richard J. Paulson and Donna Shoupe. Malden, MA, Blackwell Science, 1997, $175.00 (884 pages), ISBN 0-86542-385-7 .
Nuclear activation methods for the characterization of fossil fuels

A review is presented on the use of neutron activation analysis (NAA) for the analyses of coal, oil shale, tar sands and petroleum. Fast NAA has been widely used for the determination of oxygen, and to a limited extent, of other elements such as nitrogen and silicon. Reactor NAA followed by instrumental counting, and in specific cases, after radiochemical separations is discussed. Thermal and epithermal neutrons are both used. Limited use of the252Cf source has been made in fuel analysis. A complementary technique to NAA is the photon-activation analysis with linear accelerator. It can determine over thirty elements, many of them not possible to do by NAA. Round-robin analyses of standard coal, fly ash, or oil shale samples indicate nuclear activation methods are comparable in accuracy and precision to X-ray fluorescence or atomic spectrometric methods for most elements.
Dynamics of the arch-type reconfigurable machine tool

Abstract Reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS) address challenges in modern manufacturing systems arising from product variety and from rapid changes in product demand. This paper considers an arch-type reconfigurable machine tool (RMT) that has been built to demonstrate the basic concepts of RMT design. The arch-type RMT was designed to achieve customized flexibility and includes a passive degree-of-freedom, which allows it to be reconfigured to machine a family of parts. The kinematic and dynamic capabilities of the machine are presented, including the experimental frequency response functions (FRFs) and computed stability lobes of the machine in different configurations. A comparison of FRFs and stability lobes of the arch-type RMT reveals almost similar dynamic characteristics at different reconfiguration positions. These similar characteristics arise because the dominant mode where chatter occurs is due to the spindle–tool–tool holder assembly. Consequently, to ensure consistent dynamic behavior regardless of reconfiguration, a desirable dynamic design feature for RMTs is that the machine's structural frequencies are less dominant than the structural frequencies of the spindle, tool and tool holder.
The steric stabilization of small unilamellar vesicles

Abstract Steric stabilization of small unilamellar vesicles composed of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) is achieved by the incorporation of nonylphenol poly(ethylene oxide) ethers at varying mol%. Nonylphenol poly(ethylene oxide) ethers with an average of either 10.8 (NP 10 or 50 (NP 50 ethylene oxide groups are incorporated into vesicles at between 2.5 and 10 mol%. Vesicle aggregation is induced by the addition of either NaCl or CaCl 2 with the effective diameter of the vesicle dispersion measured as a function of time using photon correlation spectroscopy. The addition of between 5 and 20 mol% NP 10 to DPPG vesicles increases dispersion stability 10-fold in the presence of NaCl but only 2-fold in the presence of CaCl 2 . Dispersion stability is increased 100-fold with the addition of 10–20 mol% NP 50 in NaCl and 1000-fold in the presence of CaCl 2 . Vesicle aggregation is found to be reversible with 5 mol% added NP 50 in NaCl but only partially reversible in the presence of CaCl 2 . The hydrophobic nonylphenol moiety of NP 50 is found to be critical for imparting dispersion stability when compared to the addition of pure poly(ethylene oxide) to vesicles.
Lineal masculinity: Gendered memory within patriliny

In this article, we present a model of gender within patrilineal descent for a broad region covering Asia, Europe, and North Africa. We develop the concept of “lineal masculinity,” a perceived ontological essence that flows to and through men over the generations. It is especially expressed through people's notions of the past, present, and future of their patrilineages. We elaborate lineal masculinity in terms of male achievement, lineage founders, lineage segmentation, and male reproduction. Our model offers cross-cultural analysis and so provides an alternative to the position of strong cultural relativism in kinship and gender studies. [patriliny, masculinity, lineage theory, kinship, gender, identity, memory]
A 94 GHz multi-casting data-link based on 3-D printing compatible dielectric ribbon interconnects

This paper presents a dielectric-ribbon based data-link which offers both multi-cast network capability (single transmitter broadcasting to multiple receivers) and robustness as it does not rely on electrical contact to support interconnection. The link was developed specifically for aircraft & spacecraft applications where interconnect reliability and lightweight cabling is more critical than high data rates.
Information-theoretic treatment of sensor measurements in network systems

In a distributed network system, data collection devices (e.g., sensors) may operate on fuzzy inputs, thereby generating results that possibly deviate from the reference datum in physical world being sensed. The extent of deviation and the time it takes to compute an output result (i.e., inaccuracy and timeliness of event notification) depend on the number of orthogonal information elements, i.e., modes, processed from the sensed inputs. A major issue is the large dimensionality of input data and the resource-constrained system components (i.e., limited amount of processing cycles and network bandwidths). So, there is a tradeoff between the resources expended by a device algorithm to process its input data and the timeliness and accuracy of its output result. Exercising this tradeoff requires a layered construction of sensor algorithms, where each layer processes a subset of modes in the input data and the results are fused to generate a composite output event. The paper provides an information-theoretic model of such layered algorithm designs. The goal is to evaluate the tradeoff between the quality of event detection and the processing/network resources expended, so that the device algorithms can adapt their operations based on resource availability. The paper provides a case study of network topology measurements to corroborate our model.
A model of a pneumatic jackhammer system

A complete model of a pneumatic jackhammer system has been developed. Application of this model requires that two preliminary experiments be performed. The first experiment produces the relationship between piston impact velocity and the pressures acting on the top and bottom surfaces of the piston, while the second determines the force-indentation behavior for the bit/target system. The model analysis leads to the prediction of the jackhammer efficiency and target response, including target penetration and crack propagation. This model is not dependent on the jackhammer type or size, and may be applied to any such system.