cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic basis for estrogenic effects in fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) following exposure to the androgen 17α-methyltestosterone: conversion of 17α-methyltestosterone to 17α-methylestradiol

Exposure of adult fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) to the androgen 17alpha-methyltestosterone (MT) produces both androgenic and estrogenic effects, manifested as nuptial tubercle formation in females, and vitellogenin production in males and females, respectively. The present study was conducted to determine if the unanticipated estrogenic effects are produced by conversion of MT via aromatase activity to 17alpha-methylestradiol (ME2). Aromatase activity at the end of a 7-day waterborne MT exposure (20, 200microg/l) was significantly decreased in ovarian microsomes and brain homogenates from exposed fish, to about 30-50% of control activity. Although aromatase activity was decreased by 7 days, it is possible that the conversion of MT to ME2 occurred soon after initial exposure. In support of this, ME2 was detected in plasma samples of the fish following the 7-day exposure, confirming their ability convert the androgen MT to the estrogen ME2. The concentration of ME2 in plasma was within the range of plasma 17ss-estradiol (E2) found in control female fathead minnows (4-5ng/ml). These results, in conjunction with competitive binding assays that indicate ME2 binds to the fathead minnow estrogen receptor with a relative binding affinity of 68.3% of E2, support the hypothesis that aromatization of MT to ME2 contributes to the estrogenic effects in fathead minnows following exposure to this androgen.
The invariance of domain theorem for countably 1-set-contractive mappings

The purpose of this paper is to extend the invariance of domain theorem to a large class of countably 1-γ-contractive maps, by using homotopy theory and degree theory for countably 1-γ-contractive maps.
Scalar properties in the overfire region of sooting turbulent diffusion flames

The scalar structure of the overfire (fuel-lean) region of sooting turbulent diffusion flames was investigated, considering ethylene and acetylene burning in air. Measurements and predictions are reported of the mean concentrations of major gas species and mean soot volume fractions. Predictions were based on the conserved-scalar formalism in conjunction with the laminar flamelet approximation. The comparison between predictions and measurements was encouraging, suggesting that state relationships for major gas species, found in laminar diffusion flames, were preserved in the overfire region of the turbulent flames. Measurements also indicated nearly constant soot generation efficiencies from point to point in the overfire region for sufficiently long characteristic residence times to yield nearly universal soot volume fraction state relationships at the same conditions. However, effects attributed to finite-rate chemistry were observed at shorter characteristic residence times, causing spatial variations of soot generation efficiencies in the overfire region, with associated loss of universal soot volume fraction state relationships.
FRD3, a Member of the Multidrug and Toxin Efflux Family, Controls Iron Deficiency Responses in Arabidopsis

We present the cloning and characterization of an Arabidopsis gene, FRD3, involved in iron homeostasis. Plants carrying any of the three alleles of frd3 constitutively express three strategy I iron deficiency responses and misexpress a number of iron deficiency-regulated genes. Mutant plants also accumulate approximately twofold excess iron, fourfold excess manganese, and twofold excess zinc in their shoots. frd3-3 was first identified as man1. The FRD3 gene is expressed at detectable levels in roots but not in shoots and is predicted to encode a membrane protein belonging to the multidrug and toxin efflux family. Other members of this family have been implicated in a variety of processes and are likely to transport small organic molecules. The phenotypes of frd3 mutant plants, which are consistent with a defect in either iron deficiency signaling or iron distribution, indicate that FRD3 is an important component of iron homeostasis in Arabidopsis.
Geometrical Origin of a Cosmological Term

Nonmetricity derived from a scalar field is shown to exist as a cosmic field, without direct coupling to matter. It leads to a variable cosmological term, a term that dominates the expansion in the early universe but dies away at later times.
Making Academic Work Advocacy Work Technologies of Power in the Public Arena

Through interviews and courtroom observations in a case study done in collaboration with a community partner in two judicial districts in Minnesota, the authors extend the scholarly conversation about critical, activist research in business and technical communication and make pedagogical suggestions by studying two groups who contribute to the discourse about victim rights: judges who accept plea negotiations and make sentencing decisions and advocates who help victims contribute, through victim impact statements, their reactions as crime victims and their requests for certain punishments and conditions for the crime perpetrators. The authors identify the technologies of power used by each group to assert their disciplinary authority and trace how these assertions play out in the courtroom. They conclude that by capitalizing on the normative structures of impact statements, advocates may actually give victims more power. Such activist research might benefit research participants and enhance research methods.
Effects of nimodipine on the discriminative stimulus properties of d-amphetamine in rats.

The discriminative stimulus (DS) properties ofd-amphetamine (AMP) are thought to be mediated by enhanced release of catecholamines, which may involve neuronal calcium influx through voltage sensitive channels. The present study examined the influence of nimodipine, a calcium channel blocker, on the DS properties of AMP. Rats (N=8) were trained to discriminate AMP (0.5 mg/kg, IP) from saline in a two-lever, food-reinforced, drug discrimination paradigm. Nimodipine alone (2.0–5.6 mg/kg, IP) did not substitute for AMP. When given in combination with AMP, 2.0 mg/kg nimodipine increased by less than 2-fold the AMP dose necessary to induce AMP-appropriate responses. Higher doses of nimodipine combined with AMP did not increase the magnitude of this effect. Nimodipine enhanced the effects of AMP on response rate. Haloperidol (0.125 mg/kg) increased by approximately 4-fold, whereas diazepam (0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg) and morphine (5.0 mg/kg) increased by approximately 2-fold the AMP dose necessary to induce AMP-appropriate responses. The interaction with AMP was associated with enhanced reduction of response rate in the tests with diazepam and morphine but not haloperidol. These results suggest that nimodipine attenuates the DS properties of AMP, probably in a non-specific way, due to the ability of nimodipine itself to induce a discriminable internal state.
An effective medium theory study of Au islands on the Au(100) surface: reconstruction, adatom diffusion, and island formation

Abstract We have used the effective medium theory to examine two kinetics phenomena related to the aggregation of the Au atoms deposited on a hex-reconstructed Au(100) surface. The island density can be analyzed by using scaling arguments derived from kinetic equations based on an assumed growth mechanism. The correct mechanism is still uncertain. The calculations reported here suggest that the diffusion of an isolated adsorbed atom is two-dimensional, the dimer is mobile, and the critical nucleus size is one. The scanning tunneling microscope experiments of Gunther, Kopatzki, Bartelt, Evans, and Behm have shown that the islands formed by the Au atoms are elongated rectangles and their widths are likely to be “quantized”. Since the second surface layer has square symmetry and the top layer is hexagonal, the rectangular shape of the islands is not obvious. We suggest that this form appears because the atoms in the surface layer below the island are unreconstructed (i.e., revert to a square symmetry during island formation), while the atoms in the island have a hexagonal structure. Kinetics favors a six-atom-wide island: the diffusion of an atom along the long side of such an island is much faster than when the island width differs from six; the atoms sticking to the long side of a six-atom-wide island are rapidly transported to its short side, adding to the length and not to the width of the island. This transport is inefficient when the width differs from six.
Mass and Urban Ecotourism: New Manifestations of an Old Concept

Ecotourism emerged as a nature-based manifestation of alternative tourism, which is still regarded by some academics and practitioners as the most legitimate manifestation of this sector. While an analysis of the three core criteria of ecotourism points to the suitability of high order protected areas as ecotourism venues, modified spaces also have potential with regard to the latter, and may have distinct environmental advantages. Urban places, in particular, accommodate at least five types of ecotourism product, suggesting that urban ecotourism is a complex and high carrying capacity phenomenon that can be focused around the themes of restoration and enhancement, while diverting some visitation away from vulnerable natural areas. The idea of mass ecotourism also remains somewhat contentious in light of ecotourism's origins, yet like urban ecotourism is an increasingly recognized phenomenon that has the potential to produce positive environmental impacts because of its economies of scale and tendency to he confined into manageable restricted spaces. However, for these advantages to be realized, it is essential that mass ecotourism be implemented in conformance with a comprehensive model of ecotourism that emphasizes ecosystems-based attractions, transformational education, and sustainable management that enhances the environment at a global scale.
Teacher learning as work and at work: exploring the content and contexts of teacher professional development

Abstract Increasingly, teacher professional development is being used as a policy tool to effect change in educational practices and their outcomes. The article argues for reconceptualising teacher learning as legitimate professional work. Teacher learning during the school day, when students are in attendance or when they are gone is ‘time on’, not ‘time off’. Secondly, the article presents a framework for examining the design, delivery, content, context and outcomes of professional development in schools. Thirdly, using the example of school-to-work programmes, the article suggests that views of teacher learning at work need to be expanded beyond the walls of traditional schools to other sectors in the community. New technologies have, for example, dramatically changed what it means to be ‘at work’. Finally, the article uses findings from the Schools and Staffing Survey to describe teachers' experiences and impact of various professional development activities on their professional work.
Growth inhibition by L-phenylalanine in Agmenellum quadruplicatum. A clue to some amino acid interrelationships.

L-Phenylalanine is a potent inhibitor of growth in a marine species of blue-green bacteria, Agmenellum quadruplicatum. The growth inhibition is reversed by many amino acids when added to the culture medium simultaneously with L-phenylalanine. The most effective L-phenylalanine antagonists are L-tyrosine, L-alanine, L-leucine, L-methionine, L-tryptophan, and L-isoleucine. However, L-tyrosine is the only effective L-phenylalanine antagonist when growth is inhibited by L-phenylalanine for two or more hours prior to addition of an equimolar concentration of the compound tested as an antagonist. Various explanations that could account for inhibition of growth by L-phenylalanine are discussed. Inhibition of growth by L-phenylalanine is not a feature peculiar to the general physiology of blue-green bacteria. For example, the growth of Anacystis nidulans, a fresh water species, was not inhibited by L-phenylalanine, although a different pattern of metabolite sensitivity was found.
Profiling Sustainability of Data Centers

Today's data centers consume vast amounts of energy, leading to high operational costs, excessive water consumption, and significant greenhouse gas emissions. With the approach of micro grids, an opportunity exists to reduce the environmental impact and cost of power in data centers. To realize this, demand side power consumption needs to be understood and co-managed from the perspectives of both supply and demand. We present an approach to achieve this via data center power profiling and demonstrate its applicability for an enterprise data center.
Identification of anti-PP1Pk in a blood donor and her family: A case report following her pregnancy and review

Abstract Anti-PP1P k is a rare, biphasic antibody with the ability to cause immediate hemolytic transfusion reactions and early spontaneous abortions. The antibody is formed by individuals with the p phenotype. A blood donor with anti-PP1P k and the p phenotype was identified through routine donor screening. A sister was found to also be p phenotype. At that time, the sister was 24weeks pregnant. Subsequently, the original blood donor became pregnant. Both individuals were followed throughout their pregnancies and delivered infants without complications from anti-PP1P k antibodies. The literature regarding anti-PP1P k , the p phenotype, and recurrent pregnancy loss in this setting is reviewed.
Interpretations of the EOLE experiment. II - Spatial variation of transient and stationary modes

An upper tropospheric and hemispheric scale data set, resulting from the EOLE constant density balloon experiment (conducted between August 1971 and July 1972) is used to study the spatial variation of various measured and derived fields. The quality and density of the data set is shown to be sufficient for such a study during the Southern Hemisphere spring, summer and autumn of the data period but inadequate during winter. The stationary modes of the Southern Hemisphere are shown to be relatively weak compared to their Northern Hemisphere counterparts and possess distinct seasonal phase shifts. The transient fields, on the other hand, show definite longitudinal anomalies in their seasonal mean properties with magnitudes up to thrice the zonal average. The transient fields show little seasonal variability in position. Furthermore, it appears that most of their magnitude results from the contribution of a relatively few but extremely intense disturbances which appear to possess a fairly regular variability in the 18-23 day range.
The Dynamics of Immigration Coverage in Comparative Perspective

This comment focuses both on issues related to comparative analysis of media systems, and to issues related to immigration, specifically. It explores the implication of findings on the prevalence o...
An Iterative Technique for Determining the Minimal Number of Variables for a Totally Symmetric Function with Repeated Variables

Several analytic procedures exist for transforming a partially symmetric switching function to a totally symmetric switching function by judiciously repeating certain variables. Presumably the best totally symmetric representation for a given function would be the one having the fewest variables. This note presents an iterative technique for finding the totally symmetric realization for a given function that has the absolute minimum number of variables.
Noise increment detection in children 1 to 3 years of age.

Studies using burst comparison procedures to examine age-related changes in intensity discrimination have reported that the ability to discriminate differences in intensity does not reach maturity until late childhood. In the present study, developmental changes in intensity discrimination were examined in 1- to 3-year-old children, using an increment detection paradigm. Children and adults detected increments in a continuous standard presented at three levels ranging from 35 to 55 dB SPL. Adults were also tested at lower levels of the standard in order to permit age comparisons at equivalent sensation levels. Standard stimuli were two-octave bands of noise centered at either 400 or 4000 Hz, and increments were 200 msec in duration. Discrimination performance improved significantly with both age and level of the standard. For all age groups, performance was significantly better for high- than for lowfrequency stimuli, but frequency-dependent differences in increment thresholds did not vary reliably with age. Age differences were largest at low levels of the standard. At the highest level (approximately 30 dB nHL), children’s difference limens for both low- and high-frequency noise bands were adultlike by 3 years of age. These results suggest that the developmental time course of increment detection is more rapid than that previously reported in burst comparison studies.
Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Pure Cubic CoO Nanocrystals and Nanoaggregates

Cubic (fcc) CoO nanoparticles and nanoaggregates in the sub-15 nm range have been prepared by the decomposition of Co(NO3)2 in polyethylene-glycol (PEG-600) at 250 °C. The particles have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and cognate techniques. The particles are very stable in nonpolar organic solvents because of the organic coating that occurs in situ. Anomalous magnetic properties, such as ferromagnetic features and shifted magnetic hysteresis loops, are observed indicating the presence of both rotatable and fixed uncompensated surface spins with high local anisotropy.
The contemporary lay meditation movement and lay gurus in Sri Lanka

Abstract This article examines the lay meditation movement occurring in contemporary Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The lay meditation movement represents a different perspective from the nationalistic Sinhala Buddhism that has dominated the discourse in the wake of the intractable ethnic conflict in the country. The lay meditation movement reflects the contemporary ferment in Buddhist discourse among the laity. One of the key themes in this movement is the privileging of experience because it gives the lay groups authority to challenge contemporary orthodoxy and it has empowered a new class of spiritual leaders, the lay gurus. Paraphrasing Stirrat, we can say that these lay gurus are leading the lay meditation movement towards ‘a series of different interpretations of what it means’ to be a Buddhist today. In its overall effect the lay meditation movement not only reconstructs what it means to be a Buddhist today but also points in the direction of establishing new forms of sectarianism that could be considered to be ‘new religious movements’ under the umbrella of Buddhism.
New extraction procedure and high-performance liquid chromatographic method for analyzing polyethylene glycol-400 in urine.

We describe a new, highly efficient method for extracting polyethylene glycol-400 from urine and for its analysis by isocratic reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. This method is an improvement over previously published methods in that it does not require the use of ion-exchange resins and lyophilization prior to extraction, nor does it require the separation and analysis of the individual polymers of polyethylene glycol. The procedure described in this report entails extraction with a salt—solvent combination of ammonium sulfate and dichloromethane and analysis by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The lower limit of detection was approximately 0.25 g/l with a 2-ml urine sample. Analytical recoveries of polyethylene glycol-400 added to urine at 2.5 and 5.0 g/l averaged 97 and 96%, respectively (n = 10). Within- and between-day coefficients of variation were less than 5% at 2.5 and 5.0 g/l. Studies of various urine samples from patients receiving polyethylene glycol-400 revealed no interferences from other urine substances.
Models for protein–zinc ion binding sites. II. The catalytic sites*

The first and selected members of the second coordination shells for four model protein–Zn(II) ion catalytic sites have been studied using ab initio computational methodology. The influence of deprotonation on the structure and relative energetics of model complexes was examined. Significant lengthening of the Zn(II)–S, Zn(II)–O, and Zn(II)–N ionic distance is observed as the negative charge about the Zn(II) ion increases. In a model Escheridia coli cytidine deaminase site, we find a substantial lengthening of the Zn–SH2 ionic distance in the active site, which corresponds to the lengthening found for transition state analogs in X-ray crystal structures. The lowest energy complex of a sulfur-containing ligand was found to be singly deprotonated, with the complex having an overall charge of +1. The deprotonation of any ligand in a model complex for thermolysin, on the other hand, was found to be endothermic. The influence of other ligands of the metal ion, along with second-shell ligands, on the energy requirement for deprotonation was also examined for other model systems. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 83: 150–165, 2001
Upper limit for the UV absorption cross sections of H2SO4

An upper limit for the gas phase absorption cross sections for H2SO4 over the wavelength range 195 to 330 nm has been determined. Absorption measurements were made using a diode array spectrometer and a 100 cm long heated absorption cell. Gas phase H2SO4 was generated in a gas flow by titrating (equilibrating) known amounts of SO3 via the reaction at elevated temperatures, ∼ 500 K. Upper limits to the H2SO4 absorption cross sections were obtained, <1 × 10−21 cm² molecule−1, and provide an upper limit to the atmospheric photolysis rate of H2SO4. The implications of this cross section limit to stratospheric sulfur chemistry are discussed.
Proton Magnetic Resonance Studies at 220 MHz of the Histidine Residues of Staphylococcal Nuclease

Proton Magnetic Resonance Studies at 220 MHz of the Histidine Residues of Staphylococcal Nuclease
Elucidation of structure and biosynthesis of acacipetalin

Abstract The structure of acacipetalin isolated from Acacia sieberiana var. woodii has been revised, primarily on the basis of NMR spectra. Biosynthetic studies on the compound show that l -leucine is the most effective precursor of the aglycone. The isolation of a second cyanogenic glycoside closely related to acacipetalin is reported.
The Transport of Cosmic Rays across a Turbulent Magnetic Field

We present a new analysis of the transport of cosmic rays in a turbulent magnetic field that varies in all three spatial dimensions. The analysis utilizes a numerical simulation that integrates the trajectories of an ensemble of test particles from which we obtain diffusion coefficients based on the particle motions. We find that the diffusion coefficient parallel to the mean magnetic field is consistent with values deduced from quasi-linear theory, in agreement with earlier work. The more interesting and less understood transport perpendicular to the average magnetic field is found to be enhanced (above the classical scattering result) by the random walk, or braiding, of the magnetic field. The value of κ⊥ obtained is generally larger than the classical scattering value but smaller than the quasi-linear value. The computed values of κ⊥/κ∥, for a representation of the interplanetary magnetic field, are 0.02-0.04; these values are of the same general magnitude as those assumed in recent numerical simulations of cosmic-ray modulation and transport in the heliosphere, and give reasonable agreement with spacecraft observations of cosmic rays. Some consequences of these results for the interpretation of heliospheric observations are discussed.
Hot nights on extrasolar planets: mid‐infrared phase variations of hot Jupiters

We present results from Spitzer Space Telescope observations of the mid-infrared phase variations of three short-period extrasolar planetary systems: HD 209458, HD 179949 and 51 Peg. We gathered Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) images in multiple wavebands (3.6 or 4.5 and 8 μm) at eight phases of each planet's orbit. We find the uncertainty in relative photometry from one epoch to the next to be significantly larger than the photon counting error at 3.6 and 4.5 μm. We are able to place 2σ upper limits of only ∼2 per cent on the phase variations at these wavelengths. At 8 μm, the epoch-to-epoch systematic uncertainty is comparable to the photon counting noise and we detect a phase function for HD 179949 which is in phase with the planet's orbit and with a relative peak-to-trough amplitude of 0.001 41 (33). Assuming that HD 179949b has a radius R j < R p < 1.2R j , it must recirculate less than 21 per cent of incident stellar energy to its night side at the 1 σ level (less than 26 per cent at the 2σ level, where 50 per cent signifies full recirculation). If the planet has a small Bond albedo, it must have a mass less than 2.4M j (1σ). We do not detect phase variations for the other two systems but we do place the following 2σ upper limits: 0.0007 for 51 Peg and 0.0015 for HD 209458. Due to its edge-on configuration, the upper limit for HD 209458 translates, with appropriate assumptions about Bond albedo, into a lower limit on the recirculation occuring in the planet's atmosphere. HD 209458b must recirculate at least 32 per cent of incident stellar energy to its night side, at the 1σ level (at least 16 per cent at the 2σ level), which is consistent with other constraints on recirculation from the depth of secondary eclipse depth at 8 μm and the low optical albedo. These data indicate that different hot Jupiter planets may experience different recirculation efficiencies.
Active Flow Control on Low-Pressure Turbine Blades Using Synthetic Jets

The operating Reynolds numbers (Re) for a low-pressure turbine (LPT) in an aircraft engine can drop below 25,000 during high-altitude cruise conditions. At these low Reynolds numbers, the boundary layer on the LPT blade is largely laminar, and is susceptible to separation on the aft portion of the blade suction surface. This separation is detrimental and causes a significant loss in the engine efficiency. The objective of the current research is to control this separation, and minimize the associated losses by numerically implementing an active flow control strategy. Unlike passive flow control techniques, active flow control (AFC) techniques can be turned on and off depending on the requirement for flow control. In the present paper, we numerically investigate the flow through an LPT cascade at a chord inlet Reynolds number of 25,000 with active separation control using synthetic jets and synthetic vortex-generator jets (VGJ’s). Synthetic jets hold an advantage over steady or pulsed jets in that they require no net mass flow, i.e., synthetic jets are formed entirely from the working fluid of the flow system in which they are deployed and, thus, can transfer linear momentum to the flow system without net mass injection across the flow boundary. In the LPT environment, this means that no compressor bleed air is required. While LPT separation control using steady and pulsed VGJs has been numerically investigated before, AFC on an LPT blade by synthetic jets and synthetic VGJs has not yet been numerically investigated. The geometrical difference between a synthetic jet and synthetic VGJ is the angle at which the jet enters the main flow. A synthetic jet enters the main flow normal to the surface, and on the other hand, a synthetic VGJ enters at a certain angle to the wall (pitch angle) and at a certain angle to the main flow (skew angle). For the present case, the VGJs are oriented at 30° to the surface and 90° to the main flow. In addition to the angle at which these two jets enter the main flow, these flow control mechanisms differ in the way they delay or avoid separation. Synthetic jets generate turbulent spots which energize the flow, whereas synthetic VGJ’s generate streamwise vortices which enhance mixing. The relative magnitudes of the effects of turbulence and streamwise vortices in enhancing mixing are being investigated. The results for both control mechanisms will be compared to each other, and with experimental data. An MPI-based higher-order accurate, Chimera version of the FDL3DI flow solver developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, is extended for the present turbomachinery application.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Protein-protein docking with simultaneous optimization of rigid-body displacement and side-chain conformations.

Protein –protein docking algorithms provide a means to elucidate structural details for presently unknown complexes. Here, we present and evaluate a new method to predict protein –protein complexes from the coordinates of the unbound monomer components. The method employs a low-resolution, rigid-body, Monte Carlo search followed by simultaneous optimization of backbone displacement and side-chain conformations using Monte Carlo minimization. Up to 10 5 independent simulations are carried out, and the resulting “decoys” are ranked using an energy function dominated by van der Waals interactions, an implicit solvation model, and an orientation-dependent hydrogen bonding potential. Top-ranking decoys are clustered to select the final predictions. Small-perturbation studies reveal the formation of binding funnels in 42 of 54 cases using coordinates derived from the bound complexes and in 32 of 54 cases using independently determined coordinates of one or both monomers. Experimental binding affinities correlate with the calculated score function and explain the predictive success or failure of many targets. Global searches using one or both unbound components predict at least 25% of the native residue –residue contacts in 28 of the 32 cases where binding funnels exist. The results suggest that the method may soon be useful for generating models of biologically important complexes from the structures of the isolated components, but they also highlight the challenges that must be met to achieve consistent and accurate prediction of protein –protein interactions. q 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Quantitative Detection of Low Energy Impact Damage in a Sandwich Composite Wing

This work describes damage detection in a foam core composite wing (1320 mm × 152.4 mm × 13.4 mm) following a series of low energy impacts. Thirteen impacts (6—8 J deposited energy) were applied at adjacent locations approximately 1/4 of the way out from the wing center. Following every one or two impacts, the wing was tested using static tip deflection and dynamic vibrational excitation. Static and dynamic strains were measured using eight fiber Bragg grating sensors. Dynamic acceleration was also monitored using three conventional accelerometers. The estimated bicoherence was used to detect the presence of damage-induced non-linearity in time-series data recorded from each sensor. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for each sensor based on 15 or more dynamic measurements made for each damage case. The ROC curves provide a quantitative, statistical approach to evaluating the damage detection capabilities of the various sensors.
Updated Galileo probe mass spectrometer measurements of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur on Jupiter

The in situ measurements of the Galileo Probe Mass Spectrometer (GPMS) were expected to constrain the abundances of the cloudforming condensible volatile gases: H2O, H2S, and NH3. However, since the probe entry site (PES) was an unusually dry meteorological system—a 5-µm hotspot—the measured condensible volatile abundances did not follow the canonical condensation-limited vertical profiles of equilibrium cloud condensation models (ECCMs) such as Weidenschilling and Lewis (1973, Icarus 20, 465–476). Instead, the mixing ratios of H2 Sa nd NH 3 increased with depth, finally reaching we ll-mixed equilibration levels at pressures far greater than the lifting condensation levels, whereas the mixing ratio of H2O in the deep well-mixed atmosphere could not be measured. The deep NH3 mixing ratio (with respect to H2 )o f(6.64 ± 2.54) × 10 −4 from 8.9–11.7 bar GPMS data is consistent with the NH3 profile from probe-to-orbiter signal attenuation (Folkner et al., 1998, J. Geophys. Res. 103, 22847–22856), which had an equilibration level of about 8 bar. The GPMS deep atmosphere H2S mixing ratio of (8.9 ± 2.1) × 10 −5 is the only measurement of Jupiter’s sulfur abundance, with a PES equilibration level somewhere between 12 and 15.5 bar. The deepest water mixing ratio measurement is (4.9 ± 1.6) × 10 −4 (corresponding to only about 30% of the solar abundance) at 17.6–20.9 bar, a value that is probably much smaller than Jupiter’s bulk water abundance. The 15 N/ 14 N ratio in jovian NH3 was measured at (2.3 ± 0.3) × 10 −3 and may provide the best estimate of the protosolar nitrogen isotopic ratio. The GPMS methane mixing ratio is (2.37 ± 0.57) × 10 −3 ; although methane does not condense on Jupiter, we include its updated analysis in this report because like
Optimality conditions for maximizing a function over a polyhedron

We present new first and second-order optimality conditions for maximizing a function over a polyhedron. These conditions are expressed in terms of the first and second-order directional derivatives along the edges of the polyhedron, and an edge description of the polyhedron. If the objective function is quadratic and edge-convex, and the constraint polyhedron includes a box constraint, then local optimality can be checked in polynomial time. The theory is applied to continuous formulations of the vertex and edge separator problems. It is seen that the necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for these problems are related to the existence of edges at specific locations in the graph.
Analysis of Product Flexibility for Future Evolution Based on Design Guidelines and a High-Definition Design Structure Matrix

The design of a product determines the flexibility of that product for future evolutions, which may arise from a variety of change modes such as new market needs or technological change. The energy, material, and information exchanged between components of a product along with the spatial relationships and movement between those components all influence the ability of that product’s design to be evolved to meet the new requirements of a future generation. Previous work has produced a set of guidelines for product flexibility for future evolution that have been shown to improve the ability of a design to be adapted when new needs arise. Although these guidelines are conceptually easy to understand, it is difficult to assess the extent to which a product follows the guidelines. This paper presents a systematic method to analyze the flexibility for future evolution of products based on selected guidelines. The High-Definition Design Structure Matrix is presented as a product representation model which captures sufficient interaction information to highlight potential design improvements based on the aforementioned guidelines. An interaction basis is used to facilitate the consistency and comparison of HD-DSM models created by different examiners and/or for different systems. The selected guidelines are interpreted in terms of the HD-DSM by creating analysis processes that relate to the characteristics described by the guideline. Two similar power screwdrivers are compared for flexibility for future evolution based on a quantitative analysis of their respective HD-DSMs.
Status of X-band standing wave structure studies at SLAC

Accelerating gradient is one of the major parameters of a linear accelerator. It determines the length of the accelerator and its power consumption. The SLAC two-mile linear accelerator uses 3 meter long S-band traveling wave (TW) accelerating structures. The average gradient in the linac is about 20 MV/m. This gradient corresponds to a maximum surface electric field of about 40 MV/m. An operational gradient of 40 MV/m was reported for a 1.5 m constant impedance TW structure for the SLC positron injector. This corresponds to a maximum surface field of 80 MV/m. A typical operational gradient for standing wave (SW) structures of a medical linear accelerator is 30 MV/m, with surface electric fields of 130 MV/m at a pulse width of several microseconds (longer than the working pulse width for SLAC TW structures). SW structures for S-band rf guns routinely operate at maximum surface fields of 130 MV/m (/spl sim/2 /spl mu/s pulse width). We emphasize an operational gradient with a very low fault rate in comparison to much higher gradients obtained in dedicated high gradient test structures. The operational surface fields in the above mentioned SW structures are obviously higher than in TW, S-band structures. Design considerations, results of high power tests and future plans are discussed in this paper.
RBa2Cu3O7−δ (R = rare earth) high-Tc magnetic superconductors

Electrical resistivity p, magnetization M, and specific heat C measurements have been made on polycrystalline RBa2Cu3O7–δ compounds (R = Y or a rare earth element) which, except for R = Ce, Pr and Tb, exhibit superconductivity with TC ≈ 90K. Measurements of C(T) below Tc reveal (1) a contribution linear in T and Debye and Einstein lattice contributions for R = Y, and (2) electronic Schottky anomalies due to crystalline electric field effects and magnetic ordering for many R ions with partially-filled 4f electron shells. Measurements of ρ(T, H) and M(T, H) yield upper critical field slopes near Tc of ≥ 3T/K and critical current densities ≥3.5 × 104 A/cm2 at 4.2 K in zero field.
Preferential Repair of the Transcribed DNA Strand in Plants

UV-induced pyrimidine dimers block the progression of both DNA and RNA polymerases. In order to reduce the disruptive effect of these lesions on gene expression, bacteria, yeasts, and animals preferentially repair the transcribed strand of actively expressed genes, essentially employing the stalled polymerase as a detector for bulky lesions. It has been assumed, but not demonstrated, that this prioritization of repair also occurs in plants. Here we demonstrate that in the constitutively expressed gene encoding the RNA polymerase II large subunit cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers are removed from the transcribed strand more rapidly than from the non-transcribed strand.
Sampling theory for process detection with applications to surveillance and tracking

In this paper, we investigate the link between the rate at which events are observed by a monitoring system and the ability of the system to effectively perform its tracking and surveillance tasks. In general, higher sampling rates provide better performance, but they also require more resources, both computationally and from the sensing infrastructure. We have used Hidden Markov Models to describe the dynamic processes to be monitored and (alpha,beta)-currency as a performance measure for the monitoring system. Our ultimate goal is to be able to determine the minimum sampling rate at which we can still fulfill the performance requirements of our system. Along with the theoretical work, we have performed simulation-based tests to examine the validity of our approach; we compare performance results obtained by simulation with the theoretical value obtained a priori from the scenario parameters and illustrate with a simple example a technique for estimating the required sampling rate to achieve a given level of performance.
Sorption and metabolism of metolachlor by a bacterial community.

A stable bacterial community absorbed and transformed the herbicide metolachlor [2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl- 6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)-acetamide] from a liquid medium. About 80% of the added ring-[U-14C]metolachlor (50 μg/ml) disappeared from the medium and accumulated inside the cells. The ratio of cellular 14C to 14C in 1 mg of supernatant reached a value of 1.1 × 104 in a 10-day-old culture. 14C remaining in the medium consisted primarily of two dechlorinated products of metolachlor with m/z 233 and 263 as determined by mass spectrometry. The 14C-labeled material absorbed by the cells was strongly bound; only 2% of the 14C was released into deionized water after shaking for 3 h. Approximately 96% of the 14C associated with the biomass was extracted with acetone, and high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of this fraction showed six peaks containing radioactivity. Since no metolachlor was detected by chromatographic analysis, it was concluded that the radioactivity recovered from the cells represented transformed products of metolachlor. Pure cultures isolated from the bacterial mixed culture were less effective in transforming and accumulating metolachlor. These results suggest that it may be advantageous to seed an aquatic environment with a mixture of microorganisms, rather than individual microbial species, as a method for removal or detoxification of metolachlor.
Radiometric Characterization and Absolute Calibration of the Marine Optical System (MOS) Bench Unit

Abstract The Marine Optical System (MOS) is a dual charge-coupled device (CCD)-based spectrograph system developed for in-water measurements of downwelling solar irradiance Ed and upwelling radiance Lu. These measurements are currently used in the calibration and validation of satellite ocean color measurement instruments such as the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS). MOS was designed to be deployed from a ship for single measurements and also integrated into the Marine Optical Buoy (MOBY) for longer time series datasets. Measurements with the two spectrographs in the MOS systems can be compared in the spectral interval from about 580 to 630 nm. In this spectral range, they give different values for Lu or Ed at a common wavelength. To better understand the origin of this observation and the sources of uncertainty in the calibration of MOBY, an MOS bench unit was developed for detailed radiometric characterization and calibration m...
Quantitative studies of cell types in the rat hypophysis following unilateral adrenalectomy.

The interrelationship between hypophysis and adrenal cortex has been established conclusively by extensive experimentation with hypophysectomized animals, through the use of pituitary implants and by means of injections of extracts into both intact and hypophysectomized animals. Reduction of adrenal cortical hormone concentration in the blood is believed to increase hypophyseal adrenotrophic secretion, resulting in hypertrophy and hypersecretion of the adrenal cortex (Tepperman, Engel and Long, 1943). Nevertheless, in spite of remarkable agreement among present investigators concerning the relationship between pituitary gland and adrenal cortex, there is lack of agreement regarding the specific type of cell in the anterior hypophysis which is responsible for secretion of the adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Until recently, most studies of this problem had been limited to observations on the histology of the pituitary gland following death from Addison’s disease (Kraus, 1927), or in the terminal stages of com...
Left Atrial Appendage Remodeling After Lariat Left Atrial Appendage Ligation.

Background— Left atrial appendage (LAA) ligation with the Lariat device is being used for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Residual leaks into the LAA are commonly reported after the procedure. Little is known about the anatomic LAA remodeling after Lariat ligation. Methods and Results— In an exploratory study, we evaluated LAA 3-dimensional geometry via computed tomographic scan in 31 consecutive patients before Lariat closure and after a minimum of 30 days post procedure. Thirteen patients were classified as unfavorable cases based on anatomic criteria. Our population had an average age of 70±12 years, a mean CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age>75, diabetes mellitus, history of stroke) score of 3.2±1.2, a mean CHADS2VASC (CHADS2 in addition to female sex, ages 65–75, as well as double impact of age >75, vascular disease) of 4.2±1.5, and a mean HASBLED (hypertension, abnormal renal/liver function, stroke, bleeding predisposition/history, labile international normalized ratio, elderly, drugs/alcohol) bleeding score of 4.0±1.1. Successful suture deployment was achieved in all cases, but 3 patients had intraprocedural residual flow into the LAA (leak). On follow-up, 10 patients (32%) had recanalized residual LAA cavities, which were morphologically similar to the original LAA, albeit significantly smaller in volume (22.5±13.3% of the original volume). Recanalization was not associated with age, sex, comorbid conditions, stroke or bleeding risk scores, follow-up interval, baseline LAA volume, or morphology. Unfavorable cases had anatomic outcomes comparable with those of the anatomically favorable population. No patients have exhibited thromboembolism after 842±338 days post ligation. Conclusions— Incomplete LAA ligation after Lariat is common. However, the remodeled LAA cavity is dramatically reduced. Diminished cavity size and tightening of the LAA orifice may play a role in the reduction of thrombus formation.
Lipid Metabolism and Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients: Role of Factors Modulating Cytosolic Calcium.

Animal studies indicate that insulin resistance and glucose intolerance leading to dyslipidemia in uremic rats are associated with increased cytosolic calcium ([Ca++ i]). The resistance and intolerance are reversed with verapamil, but recur after its discontinuation. This finding suggests that hyperparathyroid-induced [Ca ++ i] increase is responsible for the metabolic derangement. We retrospectively examined, over a 12-year period, the effects of factors that lower [Ca ++ i] on total serum cholesterol and triglycerides in 332 hemodialysis (HD) patients. Because the study was retrospective, detailed lipid profiles were not available. We therefore relied on morbidity and mortality outcomes related to atherosclerotic vascular disease. Patients with diabetes mellitus were excluded, because their dyslipidemia and vascular disease are mediated via a different mechanism. Four groups emerged: group I [high parathormone (PTH) in the absence of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), n = 107], representing the highest [Ca++ i]; group II (high PTH in the presence of CCBs, n = 76) and group III (lower PTH in the absence of CCBs, n = 66), representing intermediate [Ca ++ i]; and group IV (lower PTH in the presence of CCBs, n = 83) representing the lowest [Ca ++ i]. The theoretically lower [Ca ++ i] was achieved via CCB therapy or lower PTH, or both. The mean serum cholesterol in group I was 322 ± 24 mg/dL and the level of triglycerides was 398 ± 34 mg/dL. Group II had mean serum cholesterol of 196 ± 16 mg/dL and triglycerides of 157 ± 17 mg/dL. Group III had a mean serum cholesterol of 202 ± 19 mg/dL and triglycerides of 160 ± 15 mg/dL. Group IV had a mean serum cholesterol of 183 ± 9 mg/dL and triglycerides of 94 ± 6 mg/dL. The differences in cholesterol and triglyceride levels among four groups were significant (p < 0.001) by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality events was 61% in group I, 24% in group II, 28% in group III, and 18% in group IV (χ 2 = 47.7, p < 0.001). We conclude that, in non diabetic HD patients, hyperparathyroidism, especially in the absence of CCBs, is associated with severe dyslipidemia and increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Dyslipidemia may be related to a hyperparathyroid-induced increase in cytosolic calcium [Ca++ i]. Lowering [Ca++ i] by decreasing PTH or by blocking calcium entry into cells (via CCBs), or both, is associated with less dyslipidemia and improved long-term cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Prospective randomized studies, with actual measurement of [Ca ++ i], are needed to verify the results of this study.