cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of spallation of electron beam physical vapor deposited thermal barrier coatings with and without platinum aluminide bond coat ridges

Abstract Grain boundary ridges, that form on the surface of platinum aluminide [(Ni,Pt)Al] bond coats prior to the deposition of the yttria stabilized zirconia ceramic layer by the electron beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) process, were shown to be the sites for spallation damage initiation in (Ni,Pt)Al/EB-PVD thermal barrier coatings. When these ridges are removed prior to deposition of the ceramic layer, a 3× life improvement is achieved. This study compares the spallation mechanisms in specimens with and without bond coat ridges, in order to explain the improvement in spallation life.
Role of Late Winter–Spring Wind Influencing Summer Hypoxia in Chesapeake Bay

We examined the processes influencing summer hypoxia in the mainstem portion of Chesapeake Bay. The analysis was based on the Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Program data collected between 1985 and 2007. Self-organizing map (SOM) analysis indicates that bottom water dissolved oxygen (DO) starts to be depleted in the upper mesohaline area during late spring, and hypoxia expands down-estuary by early summer. The seasonal hypoxia in the bay appears to be related to multiple variables, (e.g., river discharge, nutrient loading, stratification, phytoplankton biomass, and wind condition), but most of them are intercorrelated. The winter–spring Susquehanna River flow contributes to not only spring–summer buoyancy effects on estuarine circulation dynamics but also nutrient loading from the land-promoting phytoplankton growth. In addition, we found that summer hypoxia is significantly correlated with the late winter–spring (February–April) northeasterly–southwesterly (NE–SW) wind. Based on winter–spring (January–May) conditions, a predictive tool was developed to forecast summer (June–August) hypoxia using river discharge and NE–SW wind. We hypothesized that the late winter–spring wind pattern may affect the transport of spring bloom biomass to the western shoal or the deep channel of the bay that either alleviates or increases the summer hypoxic volume in the midbay region, respectively. To examine this hypothesis, residual flow fields were analyzed using a hydrodynamic ocean model (Regional Ocean Modeling System; ROMS) between 2000 and 2003, two hydrologically similar years but years with different wind conditions during the spring bloom period. Simulation model results suggest that relatively larger amounts of organic matter could be transported into the deep channel in 2003 (severe hypoxia; frequent northeasterly wind) than 2000 (moderate hypoxia; frequent southwesterly wind).
A Set of Measures of Centrality Based on Betweenness

A family of new measures of point and graph centrality based on early intuitions of Bavelas (1948) is introduced. These measures define centrality in terms of the degree to which a point falls on the shortest path between others and there fore has a potential for control of communication. They may be used to index centrality in any large or small network of symmetrical relations, whether connected or unconnected.
Asymptotically optimal algorithms for job shop scheduling and packet routing

Abstract We propose asymptotically optimal algorithms for the job shop scheduling and packet routing problems. We propose a fluid relaxation for the job shop scheduling problem in which we replace discrete jobs with the flow of a continuous fluid. We compute an optimal solution of the fluid relaxation in closed form, obtain a lower bound C max to the job shop scheduling problem, and construct a feasible schedule from the fluid relaxation with objective value at most C max + O( C max ), where the constant in the O ( · ) notation is independent of the number of jobs, but it depends on the processing time of the jobs, thus producing an asymptotically optimal schedule as the total number of jobs tends to infinity. If the initially present jobs increase proportionally, then our algorithm produces a schedule with value at most C max + O (1). For the packet routing problem with fixed paths the previous algorithm applies directly. For the general packet routing problem we propose a linear programming relaxation that provides a lower bound C max and an asymptotically optimal algorithm that uses the optimal solution of the relaxation with objective value at most C max + O( C max ). Unlike asymptotically optimal algorithms that rely on probabilistic assumptions, our proposed algorithms make no probabilistic assumptions and they are asymptotically optimal for all instances with a large number of jobs (packets). In computational experiments our algorithms produce schedules which are within 1% of optimality even for moderately sized problems.
Efficient ordering and parameterization of multi-linked negotiation

Multi-linked negotiation deals with multiple negotiations when these negotiations are interconnected. In a multi-task, resource sharing environment, an agent may need to deal with multiple related negotiations about multiple subjects. The potential relationships among multiple negotiations can be classified as two types. One type of relationship is the directly-linked relationship: negotiation 2 affects negotiation 1 directly because the subject in negotiation 2 is a necessary resource (or a subtask) of the subject in negotiation 1. The characteristics (such as cost, duration and quality) of subject 2 directly affect the characteristics of subject 1. Another type of relationship is the indirectly-linked relationship: negotiation 1 relates to negotiation 2 because the subjects in these negotiations compete for use of a common resource. How can the agent deal with these multiple related negotiations? Two questions need to be answered here. The first question is in what order should these negotiations be performed. How should the agent orders multiple related
Comparative antigenic analysis of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) isolates from AIDS patients.

Abstract Sonicates of several Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) strains isolated from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients were characterized in order to study the prominent antigens of these strains. Sonicates of 6-week-old cultures were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting. A major 12 kDa glycoprotein antigen was observed in all the sonicates along with other proteins ranging up to 100 kDa. Western blotting, using the 12 kDa M. leprae ‘specific' murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) MLO6, indicated the presence of a determinant in the 12 kDa antigen (in all the MAC isolates studied) which was immunologically cross-reactive with the 12 kDa antigen of M. leprae . The transparent variant of MAC 101 also demonstrated MLO6 reactivity while the opaque variant did not. Polyclonal antiserum raised against MAC 101 sonicate reacted with all the MAC isolates in immunodiffusion. These observations point to the cross-reactivity between these strains and suggest that they possess a M. leprae ‘specific' determinant on a cross-reacting component which could be involved in virulence.
Effects of a surfactant monolayer on the measurement of equilibrium interfacial tension of a drop in extensional flow

Abstract The effect of surfactant monolayer concentration on the measurement of interfacial surface tension using transient drop deformation methods is studied using the Boundary Integral Method. Emulsion droplets with a surfactant monolayer modeled with the Langmuir equation of state initially in equilibrium are suddenly subjected to axisymmetric extensional flows until a steady state deformation is reached. The external flow is then removed and the retraction of the drops to a spherical equilibrium shape in a quiescent state is simulated. The transient response of the drop to the imposed flow is analyzed to obtain a characteristic response time, τ s ∗ . Neglecting the initial and final stages, the retraction process can be closely approximated by an exponential decay with a characteristic time, τ r ∗ . The strength of the external flow on each model drop is increased in order to investigate the coupled effect of deformation and surfactant distribution on the characteristic relaxation time. Different model drops are considered by varying the internal viscosity and the equilibrium surfactant concentrations from a surfactant free state (clean) to high concentrations approaching the maximum packing limit. The characteristic times obtained from the simulated drop dynamics both in extension and retraction are used to determine an apparent surface tension employing linear theory. In extension the apparent surface tension under predicts the prescribed equilibrium surface tension. The error increases monotonically with the equilibrium surfactant concentration and diverges as the maximum packing limit is approached. In retraction the apparent surface tension under predicts the prescribed equilibrium surface tension depends non-monotonically on the equilibrium surfactant concentration. The error is highest for moderate surfactant concentrations and decreases as the maximum packing limit is approached. It was found that the difference between the prescribed surface tension and the apparent surface tension increased as the viscosity ratio decreased. Differences as large as 40% were seen between the prescribed surface tension and the apparent surface tension predicted by the linear theory.
One Hundred Thirty Resections for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor: Evaluating the Impact of Minimally Invasive and Parenchyma-Sparing Techniques

Increasingly, surgeons apply minimally invasive and parenchyma-sparing techniques to the management of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of these approaches on patient outcomes. We retrospectively collected data on patients with PNET and compared perioperative and pathologic variables. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Factors influencing survival were evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model. One hundred thirty patients underwent resection for PNET. Traditional resections included 43 pancreaticoduodenectomies (PD), 38 open distal pancreatectomies (DP), and four total pancreatectomies. Minimally invasive and parenchyma-sparing resections included 25 laparoscopic DP, 11 central pancreatectomies, five enucleations, three partial pancreatectomies, and one laparoscopic-assisted PD. Compared to traditional resections, the minimally invasive and parenchyma-sparing resections had shorter hospital stays. By univariate analysis of neuroendocrine carcinoma, liver metastases and positive resection margins correlated with poor survival. There was an increase in minimally invasive or parenchyma-sparing resections over the study period with no differences in morbidity, mortality, or survival. In this series, there has been a significant increase in minimally invasive and parenchyma-sparing techniques for PNET. This shift did not increase morbidity or compromise survival. In addition, minimally invasive and parenchyma-sparing operations yielded shorter hospital stays.
Surface diffusion of hydrogen on Ni(100) studied using laser-induced thermal disorption

Abstract The surface diffusion coefficient for hydrogen on Ni(100) at low coverage has been measured between 223 and 283 K. A pulsed laser is used to desorb hydrogen from a small, well defined, region on the surface without perturbing the ambient surface temperature. Hydrogen from nearby regions on the surface migrates into the vacant area and the time required to refill that area is determined by subsequent laser-induced-desorption measurements. The diffusion coefficient is obtained using an equation derived from Fick's Second law with non-stationary boundary conditions. The temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficients yields a value of 4.0 ± 0.5 kcal/mol for the energy barrier to diffusion. A value of roughly 3 × 10 13 s −1 for the site-to-site hopping frequency is derived when the pre-exponential for diffusion is fit to a random-walk mechanism.
Privacy-Preserving and Truthful Detection of Packet Dropping Attacks in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

Link error and malicious packet dropping are two sources for packet losses in multi-hop wireless ad hoc network. In this paper, while observing a sequence of packet losses in the network, we are interested in determining whether the losses are caused by link errors only, or by the combined effect of link errors and malicious drop. We are especially interested in the insider-attack case, whereby malicious nodes that are part of the route exploit their knowledge of the communication context to selectively drop a small amount of packets critical to the network performance. Because the packet dropping rate in this case is comparable to the channel error rate, conventional algorithms that are based on detecting the packet loss rate cannot achieve satisfactory detection accuracy. To improve the detection accuracy, we propose to exploit the correlations between lost packets. Furthermore, to ensure truthful calculation of these correlations, we develop a homomorphic linear authenticator (HLA) based public auditing architecture that allows the detector to verify the truthfulness of the packet loss information reported by nodes. This construction is privacy preserving, collusion proof, and incurs low communication and storage overheads. To reduce the computation overhead of the baseline scheme, a packet-block-based mechanism is also proposed, which allows one to trade detection accuracy for lower computation complexity. Through extensive simulations, we verify that the proposed mechanisms achieve significantly better detection accuracy than conventional methods such as a maximum-likelihood based detection.
On diagrams for abelian groups

Abstract Let ɒ be the ring of integers of an algebraic number field and p a prime ideal. Then if n is a positive integer, ɒ/ p n is a primary ring with prime ideal p = p / p n and the pi/pi+1 (0 ≤ i R N , N N 2 , …, N k N k+1 are isomorphic and Nk+1 = 0. In determining the structure of the group of units of such a ring it became necessary to consider abelian groups with a certain type of series. The results in this paper are purely group-theoretic. We study groups which possess a particular type of series—this type of series we call a j-diagram. The structure of such groups is completely determined.
Early Death Due to Severe Organophosphate Poisoning Is a Centrally Mediated Process

Objective: To distinguish whether early death from severe organophosphate (OP) poisoning with dichlorvos is mediated through peripheral or central nervous system (CNS) actions. Methods: Wistar rats (n= 72) were randomized to pretreatment with either: normal saline (controls), peripheral anticholinergics (glycopyrrolate [low, medium, or high dose] or nebulized ipratropium bromide), or CNS + peripherally acting anticholinergics (diphenhydramine, nebulized atropine, or injected atropine). All treatments were given prior to a subcutaneous injection of 25 mg/kg dichlorvos (n= 8 per group). Survival was assessed at 10 minutes (early death) and 24 hours (delayed death). Kaplan-Meier (95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]) and chi-squared analysis was then performed to determine differences between treatments. Results: Regardless of treatment, all animals exhibited profound nicotinic effects (fasciculations) without obvious seizures within 2 minutes of poisoning. In rats pretreated with peripherally acting agents, the fasciculations were rapidly followed by reduced motor activity, sedation, and death. Mortality at 10 minutes for saline controls, glycopyrrolate, and ipratropium was 88%, 96%, and 100%, respectively. The single control animal surviving beyond 10 minutes went on to develop peripheral cholinergic manifestations, including hypersalivation, urination, and defecation. Only one of 24 animals treated with injected atropine, nebulized atropine, or diphenhydramine died during the early phase of poisoning; all others survived to 24 hours (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Death in acute, severe OP poisoning is prevented by pretreatment with anticholinergic agents that cross the blood–brain barrier, but not by agents with only peripheral actions. Early death due to OP poisoning appears to be a centrally mediated process.
Regulation of translation elongation and phosphorylation of eEF2 in rat pancreatic acini.

Abstract While pancreatic protein synthesis and the initiation of translation are regulated by hormones and neurotransmiters, whether the elongation process is also regulated is unknown. Stimulatory doses of cholecystokinin (CCK) (100 pM), bombesin (10 nM), and carbachol (10 μM) increased elongation rates (measured as ribosomal half-transit time) in pancreatic acini in vitro. At the same time these secretagogues reduced elongation factor 2 (eEF2) phosphorylation, the main factor known to regulate elongation, and increased the phosphorylation of the eEF2 kinase. The mTOR inhibitor rapamycin reversed the dephosphorylation of eEF2 induced by CCK, as did treatment with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190, the MEK inhibitor PD98059, and the phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A. Neither rapamycin, SB202190, PD98059 nor calyculin A had an effect on CCK mediated eEF2 kinase phosphorylation. Translation elongation in pancreatic acinar cells is likely regulated by eEF2 through the mTOR, p38, and MEK pathways, and modulated through PP2A.
Rebuttal to Drs. Morris, Halperin, and Spadinger

Dr. Morris and coworkers very nicely summarize all of the uncertainties and issues involved in assigning a dose value to a given brachytherapy treatment. I agree with them that inaccuracies inherent in contouring the prostate volume as well as differences in target volumes and timing of postimplant dosimetry cloud the issue of defining an accurate prostate dose. In addition, I also agree that variation in implantation technique can result in markedly different dose distribution patterns, all of which can further confound our ability to generalize dose recommendations for prostate brachytherapy. The overwhelming evidence from both the external beam and brachytherapy literature clearly demonstrate a doseeresponse relationship for prostate cancer. The exact prostate brachytherapy dose cutoff point, which separates a good from a bad implant, is less easy to define and, to a certain degree, depends on the aforementioned issues. I strongly believe that reasonable changes in prostate volume contouring cannot make a good implant look bad and cannot make a bad implant look good. We, as brachytherapists, can all recognize a high-quality implant and a suboptimal implant when we see one. Although I agree that the D90 is not always useful in helping us determine the good from the bad implant, at the current moment it is one of the best surrogates for implant quality that we possess. Although Dr. Morris may not have been able to demonstrate a doseeresponse relationship in his dataset, the overwhelming evidence in the medical literature supports its existence. Perhaps the most compelling evidence comes from a multi-institutional dataset involving patients treated at Mount Sinai Medical Center; New York Prostate
Behaviour of tetrahydroquinoline in temperature-staged liquefaction of subbituminous coal

Abstract Tetrahydroquinoline (THQ) is well known as a solvent and hydrogen donor in coal liquefaction. The separate roles of dissolution and hydrogen donation have been demonstrated by comparing the liquefaction behaviour of Deitz (Montana, USA) subbituminous coal in naphthalene — THQ mixtures as the solvent with two impregnated hydrogenation catalysts, sulphided ammonium molybdate and a novel catalyst in which THQ is incorporated. The addition of THQ to the solvent results in increased conversion and increased oil to asphaltene (O:A) ratios relative to otherwise similar experiments without THQ. The addition of THQ which is ‘locked’ into the catalyst provides no increase in total conversion, but gives a significant improvement in the O:A ratio. The increased conversion and O:A ratio with free THQ in the solvent is a result of the THQ attacking the macromolecular structure of the coal and solvating small fragments. THQ locked in the catalyst cannot participate in the attack and dissolution of the coal structure and thus provides no increase in conversion, but functions very effectively as a hydrogen donor on the catalyst surface, resulting in an improved O:A ratio. This work suggests that in liquefaction using impregnated catalysts, but in the absence of good hydrogen donor solvents (as, for example, in dry liquefaction), liquids formed by the breakdown of the coal structure must migrate to the catalyst particles, where they are then hydrogenated, effecting the conversion of asphaltenes to oils.
ESTROGEN REPLACEMENT INCREASED THE CITRATE AND CALCIUM EXCRETION RATES IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH RECURRENT UROLITHIASIS

Purpose: Epidemiological data indicate a sharp increase in urinary calcium stone formation after menopause. We investigated the role of menopausal estrogen replacement therapy on the urinary constituents and characteristics that may influence recurrent calcium oxalate stone disease.Materials and Methods: Urinary constituents in 28 postmenopausal women on estrogen replacement therapy for more than 6 months were compared with those in 41 women who had never been exposed to estrogen after menopause. These 2 groups had a history of recurrent calcium oxalate urolithiasis. A group of age matched, nonstone forming volunteers who were and were not on estrogen served as controls.Results: The 24-hour urine collection revealed significantly higher mean calcium plus or minus standard deviation (188.8 ± 101.5 versus 129.2 ± 80.9 mg./24 hours, p <0.01), citrate (576.6 ± 237.9 versus 306.2 ± 209.9 mg./24 hours, p <0.001) and agglomeration inhibition (203 ± 106 versus 159 ± 81 minutes, p <0.05) in stone forming women who...
Using high-resolution multibeam bathymetry to identify seafloor surface rupture along the Palos Verdes fault complex in offshore southern California

Recently acquired high-resolution multibeam bathymetric data reveal several linear traces that are the surficial expressions of seafloor rupture of Holocene faults on the upper continental slope southeast of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. High-resolution multichannel and boomer seismic-reflection profiles show that these linear ruptures are the surficial expressions of Holocene faults with vertical to steep dips. The most prominent fault on the multibeam bathymetry is about 10 km to the west of the mapped trace of the Palos Verdes fault and extends for at least 14 km between the shelf edge and the base of the continental slope. This fault is informally called the Avalon Knoll fault for the nearby geographic feature of that name. Seismic-reflection profiles show that the Avalon Knoll fault is part of a northwest-trending complex of faults and anticlinal uplifts that are evident as scarps and bathymetric highs on the multibeam bathymetry. This fault complex may extend onshore and contribute to the missing balance of Quaternary uplift determined for the Palos Verdes Hills and not accounted for by vertical uplift along the onshore Palos Verdes fault. We investigate the extent of the newly located offshore Avalon Knoll fault and use this mapped fault length to estimate likely minimum magnitudes for events along this fault.
Hemostatic properties of the FVIIa analog NN1731

Recombinant activated coagulation factor VII (rFVIIa) has proven to be a useful prohemostatic agent in patients with hemophilia and antibody inhibitors. It has also been used off-label in other settings. A major mechanism of its hemostatic efficacy is its ability to activate factor X on the surface of activated platelets in a tissue factor (TF)-independent manner. Novel analogs of FVIIa have been designed to have greater platelet-surface activity in the hope that these will be more active and reliable hemostatic agents. The analog NN1731 (vatreptacog alfa) was designed to have greater activity in the absence of TF, with the same substrate specificity as FVIIa. Surprisingly, it also binds to a greater number of sites on activated platelets by an, as yet, unknown mechanism. This molecule exhibits greater potency than FVIIa in biochemical assays, in vitro and animal models, and in early phase clinical trials.
Many moving parts: : Factors influencing the effectiveness of HRM practices designed to improve knowledge transfer within MNCs

Minbaeva, Pedersen, Bjorkman, Fey and Park’s (2003) award-winning article highlights the importance of human resource management (HRM) practices for enhancing employees’ ability and motivation to transfer knowledge – practices that, in turn, affect knowledge transfer to subsidiaries within multinational corporations (MNCs). In the decade since their laudable article was published, some contributions have been made highlighting the contingencies related to the effectiveness of HRM practices in MNCs, especially those affecting an organizations’ absorptive capacity. These contingencies – the “moving parts” – include country-level differences in HR systems, cross-cultural differences in acceptance of HR practices and individual-level factors affecting the effectiveness of HRM practices. With an eye toward the future, I discuss these contingencies, paying closest attention to the effect of the individual differences affecting employees’ willingness to engage in knowledge sharing. From the perspective of HRM, this year's Decade Award article opened some significant doors for future research; my goal for this commentary is to highlight them and the many that remain relatively unexplored.
Bacteriochlorophyll c formation via the C5 pathway of 5-aminolevulinic acid synthesis in Chloroflexus aurantiacus.

Biosynthesis of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in Chloroflexus aurantiacus, a thermophilic bacterium forming bacterioclorophyll c, is shown to proceed via the C5 pathway by demonstrating (1) the specific labeling of its chlorin ring with [1-13C] glutamate and (2) the enzyme activity to produce ALA from glutamate in a cell-free extract. From the phylogenetic distribution it is suggested that ALA synthase distributed in some aerobic eubacteria could be monophyletic in origin.
DOTS: Detection of Off-Topic Search via Result Clustering

Often document dissemination is limited to a "need to know" basis so as to better maintain organizational trade secrets. Retrieving documents that are off-topic to a user's predefined area of information need (task) via a search engine is potentially a violation of access rights and is a concern to every private, commercial, and governmental organization. Such misuse, defined as "off-topic access to sensitive data by an authorized user", is the second most prevalent form of computer crime after viruses per a recent Computer Security Institute/Federal Bureau of Investigation study. We present a content-based off-topic detection approach that uses query result clustering to detect off-topic searches. This approach supports higher detection precision than the state of the art. Multiple methods for picking the "good" clusters are proposed, and their effect on the detection rate and precision is evaluated. A high detection precision is critical as a false access violation accusation unfairly and inappropriately subjects the user to scrutiny. Our empirical results show that using clustering query results can significantly reduce such false positives.
Older siblings and adolescent risky behavior: does parenting play a role?

Children with older siblings are more likely to engage in risky behavior than their firstborn counterparts. Although the relationship between birth order and risky behavior may reflect the influence of older siblings, it is also possible that parents supervise later-born children less than firstborns. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we examine whether the association between birth order and risky adolescent behavior is driven by differences in the level of parental supervision. Firstborns are supervised more than their later-born siblings, but this difference does not explain the relationship between having an older sibling and risky behavior.
The Effects of Booker on Inter-Judge Sentencing Disparity

104 Federal Sentencing Reporter, Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 104–108, ISSN 1053-9867 electronic ISSN 1533-8363. ©2010 Vera Institute of Justice. All rights reserved. Please direct requests for permission to photocopy or reproduce article content through the University of California Press’s Rights and Permissions website, http://www.ucpressjournals.com/reprintInfo.asp. DOI: 10.1525/fsr.2009.22.2.104. The Effects of Booker on Inter-Judge Sentencing Disparity
The application of high-performance liquid chromatography for the resolution of proteins encoded by the human adenovirus type 2 cell transformation region

Abstract The human adenovirus 2 (Ad2) transformation genes are located in early region E1a (map position (mp) 1.3–4.5) and E1b (mp 4.6–11.2) on the linear duplex Ad2 DNA genome of M r 23 × 10 6 (viral DNA is divided into 100 map units). E1b codes for three major proteins of apparent molecular weights 53,000 (53K), 19K, and 20K; smaller quantities of 21K, 22K, and 23K proteins that are related to 53K are also synthesized in Ad2-infected cells. Because the resolution and purification of these Ad2 candidate transformation proteins proved very difficult by conventional protein purification methods, the applicability of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methodology was examined. Starting with a crude cytoplasmic S100 fraction of Ad2-infected human cells, the resolution of the Ad2 E1b-coded 19K, 20K, 21K, 22K, and 23K proteins by reverse-phase HPLC using a C 8 column and a linear 0–60% 1-propanol gradient in 0.5 m pyridine formate was achieved, E1b proteins purified under these conditions retained their immunological reactivity. By anion-exchange HPLC using a linear 10 m m to 1 m NaCl gradient in 10 m m 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid buffer, pH 7.6, the same five Ad2 E1b-coded 19K–23K proteins were separated, with improved resolution of the 19K protein. Based on these findings, protocols for the extensive purification of the E1b-19K and E1b-20K proteins have been developed. These results illustrate the potential of HPLC methodology for the rapid purification of biologically interesting proteins from complex cellular mixtures of proteins.
Pharmacologic Correction of Dominant-Negative GH1 Deficiency Causing Mutations

Purpose: Dominant-negative growth hormone gene (GH1) mutations cause familial isolated growth hormone deficiency type II (IGHD II), which is characterized by GH deficiency, occasional multiple anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies, and anterior pituitary hypoplasia. We have previously shown that 17.5-/22-kDa GH1 transcript ratios correlate with the severity of the IGHD II phenotype. We hypothesized that different pharmaceutical agents could affect the GH1 transcript ratio by modulating alternative splicing. Methods: We exposed peripheral blood mononuclear cells from IGHD II patients and unaffected family members to different pharmacologic agents and then determined the 17.5-/22-kDa transcript ratios by real-time PCR. Results: Dexamethasone and digoxin significantly increased the 17.5-/22-kDa transcript ratio, while sodium butyrate and 5-iodotubericidin significantly decreased the ratio. Conclusion: Since we have previously shown that the ratio of the 17.5-/22-kDa GH1 transcripts correlates with severity of the IGHD II phenotype, our findings here suggest that selected previously unconsidered agents could possibly reduce the severity of IGHD II, while other agents could possibly exacerbate the disease phenotype. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 175–179
Subcellular localization and some properties of the enzymes hydrolysing inositol polyphosphates in rat liver.

The hydrolysis of inositol [32P]trisphosphate (IP3) and inositol [32P]bisphosphate (IP2) has been examined in subcellular fractions of rat liver. IP3 was degraded by an enzyme located in the plasma membrane which did not degrade IP2. Cytosolic fractions were found to degrade both IP3 and IP3. The IP3 phosphatase activity of liver plasma membranes displayed a neutral pH optimum, was Mg2+ dependent and was not inhibited by high concentrations of Li+. Half-maximal activity of the enzymes hydrolysing IP3 and IP2 was obtained with substrate concentrations in the range 1–2μM. The significance of these observations to the proposed Ca2+ -mobilizing role of IP3 is discussed.
Magnesium Sulfate Reduces Seizures Induced by Central Administration of the Excitatory Amino Acid N-Methyl-D-Aspartate in Rats

A'-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) has been implicated in a number of pathophysiologic conditions, including seizures. Magnesium is a physiologic blocker of the NMDA receptor. As magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is currently used as a treatment for eclamptic seizures in North America, we examined the anticonvulsant effects of MgSO4 on central NMDA-induced seizures. Forty-one female rats were surgically anesthetized and a bipolar recording electrode was stereotaxically implanted into the dorsal hippocampus, while a cannula was implanted into the lateral cerebral ventricle for drug injection. Following 1-week recovery, baseline behavior and electrical activity were recorded. Two treatment protocols were examined: (a) chronic–intraperitoneal injection of 270 mg/kg MgSO4, followed every 20 min with 27 mg/kg MgSO4 for a total of 2 h; and (b) acute—intravenous injection of MgSO4 (30, 60, or 90 mg/kg) in a volume of 1.5 mL/kg via the tail vein. Following either treatment protocol, rats received 1 µ;L of 20 mg/mL NMDA via the...
Ontogeny of chick behavior: a tool for monitoring the growth and development of lesser adjutant storks

We studied the behavioral development of seven lesser adjutant stork (Leptoptilos javanicus) chicks from hatching to fledging over three breeding seasons at the Bronx Zoo. We developed an ethogram and compared the rate at which behaviors appeared in relation to brood size, sex, and the conditions in which the chicks were raised by their parents. Although sample sizes were small, there seem to be sex-related differences in the rate at which behaviors develop, with females developing more rapidly than males. Larger clutch size may be associated with slower growth rate because the single male developed faster than the two males in 2004. The slowest growth rate, observed in a single male chick in 1999, was most likely owing to nutritional deficiencies and other health complications. More research is needed, but these results can be used to help evaluate the age and health of lesser adjutant stork chicks in captivity and in the wild. Zoo Biol 26:533-538, 2007. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Single high dose intraoperative electrons for advanced stage pancreatic cancer: Phase I pilot study

Abstract Phase I toxicity studies with intraoperative radiotherapy proved to be a feasible adjunct to surgery for unresectable malignancies of the pancreas at Howard University Hospital. There have been minimal side effects or complications related to the combination of limited surgical decompression and intraoperative radiotherapy alone. The procedure has now become a standard operation for the surgical radiotherapeutic team as well as the other support members, including anesthesiology, nursing and housekeeping. The toxic effects of intraoperative radiotherapy on normal tissues is being assessed on a dose volume basis. Doses of 2000–2500 rad in a single exposure to include the pancreas, regional nodes and duodenum are acceptable if the total treatment volume is less than or equal to 100 cm 3 The tumoricidal effects on the cancer are demonstratable when one reviews the pathological specimens that illustrate massive tumor necrosis and fibros replacement, but in all cases reviewed, viable cancer was noted. Intraoperative radiotherapy, therefore, represents a significant "boost" dose for resectable, partially resectable or non-resectable tumors when added to conventional external beam irradiation and/or chemotherapy. Preliminary clinical data and minimal toxicity justifies further investigation.
Integration of interdigital transducers, MEMS, and antennas for smart structures

In this paper, the integration of interdigital transducers, MEMS and smart electronics is presented with examples including systems for (1) noise suppression in buildings, aircraft cabin, etc. using `smart wall paper', (2) drag sensing and reduction in aircraft, (3) early warning from collapsing bridges, overhead highways, etc., due to earthquakes, flooding, etc., to the approaching vehicles and automatically stopping the vehicles before the damage location, (4) automatic impedance matching for cellular phone communication thus avoiding any interference from other unwanted signals, magnetic fields from the power lines, etc., (5) diesel fuel pollution sensing and control, (6) drip irrigation and (7) deflection and strain measurement of flex beam structure in helicopters. A theoretical analysis and an experiment relating to the later is presented in detail.
ATP-dependent DNA renaturation and DNA-dependent ATPase reactions catalyzed by the Ustilago maydis homologous pairing protein

Purification of the ATP-dependent homologous pairing activity from Ustilago maydis yields a protein preparation that is enriched for a 70-kDa polypeptide as determined by SDS-gel electrophoresis. The protein responsible for the ATP-dependent pairing activity, using renaturation of complementary single strands of DNA as an assay, has a Stokes radius of 3.6 nm and a sedimentation coefficient of 4.3 S consistent with the interpretation that the activity arises from a monomeric globular protein of 70 kDa. Including heparin–agarose and FPLC gel filtration chromatography steps in the previously published protocol improves the purification of the protein. ATP and Mg2+ are necessary cofactors for optimal DNA renaturation activity. ADP inhibits the reaction. Analysis of the ATP-dependent renaturation kinetics indicates the reaction proceeds through a first-order mechanism. The protein has an associated DNA-dependent ATPase as indicated by co-chromatography with the purified ATP-dependent renaturation activity through an FPLC gel-filtration column. Single-stranded DNA and Mg2+ are required for optimal ATP hydrolytic activity, although a number of other polynucleotides and divalent cations can substitute to varying degrees. Hydrolysis of ATP is activated in a sigmoidal manner with increasing amounts of the protein. At ATP concentrations below 0.1 mM the ATPase activity exhibits positive cooperativity as indicated from the Hill coefficient of 1.8 determined by steady-state kinetic analysis of the reaction. ADP and adenosine 5′-[β,γ-imido]triphosphate are inhibitors of the ATPase activity although they appear to exert their inhibitory effects through different modes. These results are interpreted as evidence for protein–protein interactions.
Planning and scheduling teams of skilled workers

Solving problems that mix planning and scheduling are often seen as a challenge. Discrete time-based scheduling, along with complex side constraints, does not mix well with the more flexible nature of the planning model. This is demonstrated in our experiments when trying to solve a problem where we must assemble teams of skilled workers to perform jobs that require these skills, break up these teams and then assemble new ones to perform more jobs. The mixing of the planning part (grouping workers into teams) and the scheduling part (creating a schedule for each worker), along with some difficult side constraints and a large problem size (800 workers, 2,000 jobs over one month) combine to contribute to the challenge of finding good solutions for this problem.
Limits of endoscopic visualization and instrumentation in the frontal sinus.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic limitations in the frontal sinus are poorly defined. We set out to define these limits.METHODS: Fifteen cadaveric heads underwent endoscopic frontal sinusotomies (Draf IIA, I...
The effects of FMRFamide, serotonin, and acetylcholine on the isolated crop-gizzard of the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris

Abstract We examined the effects of FMRFamide, serotonin, and acetylcholine on the isolated crop-gizzard of the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris. FMRFamide caused a decrease in contraction amplitude with a threshold between 10−9 and 10−8 M and a biphasic change in contraction rate. The contraction rate increased with a threshold between 10−8 and 10−7 M and decreased with a threshold between 10−6 and 10−5 M. Serotonin decreased the contraction rate with a threshold between 10−8 and 10−7 M and the amplitude with a threshold between 10−8 and 10−7 M. Acetylcholine increased the contraction rate with a threshold between 10−8 and 10−7 M and caused a biphasic change in contraction amplitude. Amplitude rose with a threshold between 10−9 and 10−8 M and decreased with a threshold between 10−6 and 10−5 M. These results suggest that all three neurotransmitters may play a role in controlling the movement of the digestive tract in L. terrestris.
A constitutive model for powder-processed nanocrystalline metals

Significant developments in the processing of nanocrystalline metals from powder precursors have occurred in recent years, and materials are beginning to be produced which exhibit not only high strength, but also a reasonable amount of ductility. In order to develop a simulation capability for the engineering design of structural components made from such materials, it is necessary to formulate continuum-level constitutive equations which faithfully model the complicated experimentally observed pressure- and strain-rate-sensitive response of these materials. From a macroscopic point of view, powder-consolidated nanocrystalline metals are similar to cohesive granular materials. Guided by this similarity, we have developed a phenomenological large-deformation, isotropic, rate-dependent plasticity model, in which the plastic flow is taken to be pressure-dependent, plastically dilatant and non-normal. We have implemented this model in a finite-element program. We have conducted compression, tension and notched-bar tension experiments on a nanocrystalline magnesium-based alloy (nc-Mg), and the constitutive parameters for this material appearing in the model are estimated from these experiments. Using our numerical finite-element-based capability, we show that our constitutive model may be used with reasonable accuracy to simulate the response of the nc-Mg in some representative boundary-value problems, which include micro-indentation and three-point bending. Based on data available in the literature, we have also explored the applicability of the model to powder-consolidated nc-Cu.
Caspase 3 expression is altered in a coculture model of neuroblastoma.

Abstract Background. Previously, we demonstrated that neuroblastoma cells cocultured with hepatocytes are protected from apoptosis, while apoptosis is upregulated in the hepatocytes. The mechanisms responsible for these findings are unknown. We hypothesize that caspase 3, a cysteine protease central to the apoptotic pathway, will be altered in this coculture model that simulates metastatic neuroblastoma. Methods. Control human neuroblastoma cells and liver cells are plated in standard media. For the study group, a noncontact, coculture system is used. Hepatocytes are plated on cell culture inserts, placed above a growing layer of neuroblastoma cells, and incubated. Activated caspase 3 is measured after 1, 2, 3, or 4 days. Results. Activated caspase 3 levels are significantly decreased in the cocultured neuroblastoma cells on days 2, 3, and 4. Conversely, cocultured hepatocytes have a significant increase in caspase 3 activation at all time periods, with the largest difference seen after 1 day in coculture. Conclusions. The capacity for neuroblastoma to differentially alter caspase 3 activation may provide a significant survival advantage for the neuroblastoma cells in metastatic environments. Understanding the mechanisms for this altered regulation may lead to improved and better targeted therapy for this malignancy.
Induction of Fibrosarcoma in the Primate Tamarinds nigricollis

ATTEMPTS to induce malignant neoplasms in monkeys have not met with the success that has been achieved in other species. The rarity of spontaneous neoplasms in monkeys suggests that these animals are more resistant to the development of malignant disease than man and other species. There have been no specific references, however, to the use of the South American marmoset, Tamarinus nigricollis, in the experimental induction of neoplasms. A recent review by Kent1 indicates that attempts at the production of malignant disease by the application of polycyclic hydrocarbons in monkeys have failed.
PROGESTERONE-LIKE EFFECT OF ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C) ON THE ENDOMETRIUM

EVIDENCE has accumulated in the past few years to indicate that the corpus luteum contains other active substances besides progesterone and an estrogen (1, 2). One of these alleged additional principles is ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It has been shown by several investigators that the corpus luteum has a high content of ascorbic acid, the quantity of which parallels the degree of luteal development (3–8). The remarkable correlation between the concentration of ascorbic acid and the growth of the corpus luteum is best exemplified in the difference between the nonpregnant and the pregnant animal. The corpus luteum of pregnancy contains twice as much ascorbic acid as that found in the mature corpus luteum of non-pregnancy (6, 8). These findings suggested to some investigators the possible existence of a causal relationship between the rate of growth of the corpus luteum and its content of ascorbic acid.
Fabrication of high-surface nanoporous gold microelectrode

Abstract A nanoporous gold (NP-Au) microelectrode is successfully prepared by applying potential cycling to a conventional microdisk electrode in nonaqueous electrolyte of ZnCl 2 in benzyl alcohol at 120 °C. During the cathodic process, Zn is electrodeposited and alloyed with the Au microdisk substrate to form AuZn alloy phase. During the anodic process, Zn is selectively dissolved from the alloy phase, leading to the formation of the NP-Au microelectrode. Continuous potential cycling enriches the nanostructures of the microelectrode. Scanning-electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) microscope measurements show that the NP-Au microelectrode possesses nanoporous structures whose pore sizes are ranging from around 100 to 500 nm, and chemically contains a certain amount of Zn. The NP-Au microelectrode exhibits highly improved electrochemical responses compared to the polycrystalline Au microdisk electrode, largely due to its high surface area. The electrochemical oxygen reduction study provides an example for indicating that the NP-Au microelectrode is a promising technique for electrocatalysis and electroanalysis investigations. Therefore, the potential cycling tuned electrochemical alloying/dealloying will be an effective and convenient technique for the preparation of nanoporous microelectrodes with high surface areas.
A High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Determination of the Amount of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Applied to Tablets During an Aqueous Film Coating Operation

AbstractA method for determination of the amount of polymer film coat actually applied to tablets as a result of aqueous film coating was developed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). A styrene-based GPC column (Ultrastyrage]R 100A) was found to provide good separation of a commercially available polymer film coat (OpadryR) from other tablet constituents. The assay method is simple, rapid and reproducible with coefficients of variation less than 2.6% in all cases. The assay is sensitive enough to discriminate between tablets containing different levels of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) when coated simultaneously. The assay was conducted on polymer extracted from the tablets with a solution of 50/50 methanol/methylene chloride. The addition of MCC to tablet formulations was found to increase the amount of film applied, in a competitive coating operation, when all other factors were held constant.