cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paleoshoreline geomorphology of Böön Tsagaan Nuur, Tsagaan Nuur and Orog Nuur: the Valley of Lakes, Mongolia

Abstract We conducted a preliminary study of paleoshoreline features associated with Boon Tsagaan Nuur, Tsagaan Nuur, and Orog Nuur, lakes located in the Gobi–Altai transition zone of the Valley of Lakes (Dolina Ozor) which stretches from central to western Mongolia. The paleoshoreline features were first identified on RADARSAT satellite SAR imagery. We investigated the features during the 1998 field season of the Joint Mongolian–Russian–American Archaeological Expedition to the Gobi–Altai region. We identified paleoshorelines of multiple elevations in the field, which are considered to be relict beach ridges and wave-cut terraces. Other paleolake landforms include spits and Gilbert-type deltas. These landforms are complex, large and well established, implying that the paleolakes were stable for extended periods. The reconstructed paleolakes cover extensive areas of the valley floor, implying that hydrological and climatic conditions were very different in the past. Paleolake expansions may have occurred under a variety of circumstances. One hypothesis is that the high lake stands occurred during the wetter period corresponding to the Oxygen Isotope Stage 3 prior to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), during the warmest early Holocene and the late Holocene, or during all these periods. If low evaporation rates due to lower temperatures, glacier meltwater and possibly increased precipitation are important factors, then the expansions may have occurred during the terminal Late Glacial period after the Last Glacial Maximum. The greatly expanded lakes in the Gobi–Altai could have significantly affected the Quaternary human demography and migration in the region.
Deception effects on standing center of pressure.

Abstract Accurate deception detection is a desirable goal with many applications including credibility assessment, security screening, counter-terrorism, and homeland security. However, many deception detection methodologies involve intrusive sensors or other limitations that preclude their use in a covert manner. Posturography may overcome these limitations by using minimally invasive force platform technology. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that posturography would reveal deception-related increases in postural rigidity similar to those observed with previous methodologies. Participants were randomly assigned to a control (CG) or experimental group (EG), and interviewed about the contents of a backpack in their possession while standing on a force platform. EG participants were asked to conceal the presence of several “prohibited” items in the backpack from the interviewer. Center of pressure (COP) measures from the force platform were used to characterize postural sway during participants’ verbal responses. We observed a significant deception-related increase in sway frequency, an effect primarily occurring during longer responses that is likely related to increased cognitive load. These findings suggest deception-related increases in postural rigidity as reported in previous work, and demonstrate the feasibility of using posturography as a deception detection tool.
The Xs θ spaces and unique continuation for solutions to the semilinear wave equation

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, we initiate a detailed study of the so-called Xs θ spaces attached to a partial differential operator. This include localization, duality, microlocal representation, subelliptic estimates, solvability and Lp (Lq ) estimates. Secondly, we obtain some theorems on the unique continuation of solutions to semilinear second order hyperbolic equations across strongly pseudo-convex surfaces. These results are proved using some new Lp → Lq Carleman estimates, derived using the Xs θ spaces. Our theorems cover the subcritical case; in the critical case, the problem remains open. Similar results hold for higher order partial differential operators, provided that characteristic set satisfies a curvature conditions.
A Modest All-Sky Search for Narrowband Radio Radiation Near the 21-cm Hydrogen Line

Abstract Since 1973 an all-sky, full-time search for narrowband radio radiation (presumably of intelligent origin) near 21 cm has been underway at the Ohio State University Radio Observatory. The search concentrates on a band 380 kHz wide centered on the hydrogen line, corrected to the Galactic Standard of Rest. The search is limited by lack of funding and personnel. It has been found that beam switching is an important technique for reducing terrestrial interference, and that galactic hydrogen emission does not cause significant extraterrestrial interference. A number of small-diameter cold hydrogen clouds have been discovered. No confirmed narrowband extraterrestrial signals have been found between +48° and +14° in declination above the detection limit of 1.5 × 10 −21 W/m 2 .
Hospice and Medicare Benefits Overview, Issues, and Implications

Hospice care is based on a holistic philosophy that considers the physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of care for dying patients and their families. It is a family-centered approach and promotes death with dignity. The rapid growth of the hospice movement was in response to dissatisfaction with the care of the terminally ill and demands for death with dignity. Public support for the hospice was so strong that just 8 years after the first hospice was founded, it became a benefit under Medicare. The Medicare hospice benefit emphasizes home care and has shifted the burden of care to families. The restrictive nature of Medicare hospice rules influences who is eligible for hospice care. The Medicare benefit is not congruent with the holistic philosophy of hospice.
Does the averaged evoked response encode subliminal perception

In a series of studies, Shevrin and his colleagues have reported that the effects of subliminal perception are encoded in the average evoked response. Our experiment was a more stringent test in that we (1) collected both physiological and behavioral data in the same trials, (2) attempted to minimize criterial differences in the employment of physiological and behavioral responses, and (3) behaviorally verified conditions designed to be subliminal. Two stimuli were presented tachistoscopically in a given trial, separated by 1 sec; over blocks of trials, exposure duration for the stimuli was 3, 7, 15, and 30 msec. At 3 msec exposure, all subjects detected the stimuli but could not discriminate between them; discrimination increased with increasing exposure duration. But at no exposure duration did average evoked response measures discriminate between the stimuli-the only changes in evoked response measures were those due to increasing stimulus energy. Thus, there was no evidence for either subliminal or supraliminal discrimination of stimulus content by the AER.
Heterobimetallic bismuth–transition metal coordination complexes as single-source molecular precursors for the formation of advanced oxide materials

Abstract In this manuscript we outline recent results on the synthesis of heterobimetallic coordination complexes involving bismuth and the transition elements using either bifunctional ligands or Lewis acid–base adduct formation as a synthetic strategy. Significant structural features in the molecular heterobimetallic species resulting from these two approaches are highlighted. The ability of these complexes to act as single-source precursors for the formation of advanced oxide nanomaterials has been investigated, and the potential of these complexes versus traditional methods for the formation of advanced ceramics is discussed. To cite this article: T. Ould-Ely et al., C. R. Chimie 8 (2005) .
Observer dependence of quantum states in relativistic quantum field theories

Quantum states can be understood as either (i) describing quantum systems or (ii) representing observers' knowledge about quantum systems. These different meanings are shown to imply different transformation properties in relativistic field theories. The rules for the reduction of quantum states and the transformation properties of quantum states under Lorentz transformations are derived for case (ii). The results obtained are applied to a quantum system recently presented and analyzed by Aharonov and Albert. It is shown that the present results, combined with Aharonov and Albert's, amount to a proof of Bohr's view that quantum states represent observers' knowledge about quantum systems.
Effect of trivalent rare earth dopants in nanocrystalline ceria coatings for high-temperature oxidation resistance

Abstract Nanocrystalline ceria (NC) and La 3+ -doped nanocrystalline ceria (LDN) particles synthesized by the micro-emulsion method were coated onto AISI 304 stainless steel (SS) in order to study their high-temperature oxidation resistance properties at 1243 K in dry air for 24 h. Results were compared with those for micro-ceria (MC) coatings. The coated samples showed 90% improvement in oxidation resistance compared to uncoated and MC coated steels as seen from SEM cross-sectional studies. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the presence of chromia in both NC and 20 LDN (NC doped with 20 at.% La 3+ ) samples which is absent in uncoated steels. From secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) depth profiles, Fe, Ni depletion zones were observed in LDN-coated samples, indicating diffusion through the oxide layer. The role of oxygen vacancies in the nanoceria coatings on the formation of protective chromia layers is discussed.
Whole-tree and forest floor removal from a loblolly pine plantation have no effect on forest floor CO2 efflux 10 years after harvest

Abstract Intensive management of southern pine plantations has yielded multifold increases in productivity over the last half century. The process of harvesting merchantable material and preparing a site for planting can lead to a considerable loss of organic matter. Intensively managed stands may experience more frequent disturbance as rotations decrease in length, exposing the stands to conditions that favor decomposition. To better understand the effects of organic matter removal on forest floor CO2 efflux (Sff), we measured Sff quarterly in 2001 in a 10-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation in eastern North Carolina that received different harvest and site preparation treatments. The treatments examined were removal of merchantable bole (OM0) and whole-tree and forest floor removal (OM2). The organic matter removal treatments did not affect soil moisture or soil temperature, the major variables that control seasonal fluctuations in Sff. Mean Sff ranged from 2.23 to 6.63 μmol m−2 s−1 and there were no significant differences between the treatments, despite higher lateral root mass in OM0 (1552 ± 427 g m−2) versus OM2 (701 ± 86 g m−2). In both treatments, Sff did not correlate to root mass directly beneath each measurement chamber. In OM0, Sff had a negative relationship with distance from the nearest tree, while OM2 showed no effect of tree proximity. Whole-tree and forest floor removal during harvest and site preparation did not result in differences in Sff or soil C, 10 years after establishment. Both treatments resulted in a greater quantity of soil C, indicating that the disturbance associated with harvesting enhanced soil C, at least over the short term. We attribute this increase in soil C to rapid decomposition of previous stands root system.
Stereoselectivities of histidine-catalyzed asymmetric aldol additions and contrasts with proline catalysis: a quantum mechanical analysis.

Quantum mechanical calculations reveal the origin of diastereo- and enantioselectivities of aldol reactions between aldehydes catalyzed by histidine, and differences between related reactions catalyzed by proline. A stereochemical model that explains both the sense and the high levels of the experimentally observed stereoselectivity is proposed. The computations suggest that both the imidazolium and the carboxylic acid functionalities of histidine are viable hydrogen-bond donors that can stabilize the cyclic aldolization transition state. The stereoselectivity is proposed to arise from minimization of gauche interactions around the forming C–C bond.
Attenuation of endotoxin-induced cytotoxicity and prostacyclin production in cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells by phosphodiesterase inhibition.

Exposure of cultured bovine pulmonary endothelial cells to endotoxin (lipopoly-saccharide, LPS) causes cytotoxicity and increased prostacyclin production. Since cyclic nucleotides have been proposed as modulators of inflammation, we wondered whether they were involved in LPS-induced endothelial damage. Bovine pulmonary endothelial cells were exposed for 24 h to LPS and the effects of l-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine (MIX), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, dibutyryl cyclic AMP (db-cAMP), forskolin (an adenylate cyclase activator), and sodium nitroprusside (an agent known to stimulate intracellular cyclic GMP generation) on LPS-induced injury were determined. Injury was assessed by measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (activity) and prostacyclin (6-keto-PGF,J in the bathing medium. Incubation with MIX attenuated LPS-induced endothelial cytotoxicity and prostacyclin production in a dose-dependent manner (ANOVA, p < 0.001). Dibutyryl cyclic AMP also inhibited LPS-stimulated LDH release from the endothelial cel...
Monolithic integration of GaAs optoelectronic devices using thermal oxide isolation (TOI)

A novel integration method is described that relies on the thermal oxidation of AlAs to form a buried current blocking layer. This integration technology, called thermal oxidation isolation (TOI), is an extension of recent work involving oxidized VCSELs. However, in addition to incorporating a conventional thermal oxide current aperture to define VCSEL active regions, a buried oxide layer is also used to provide inter-device isolation. As a demonstration of this concept, a GaAs MESFET and resonant cavity LED are integrated and characterized. The buried oxide layer is situated under the FET channel such that the transistor is effectively stacked on top of the LED. The oxide layer is also used to form a current aperture in the LED and directs current flow vertically through this device. Solid-source MBE is used to grow the device layers on a p-type GaAs substrate. The epitaxial structure consists of a p-type bottom mirror consisting of 24.5 pairs of alternating AlAs and GaAs quarter-wave layers, an undoped one-wave active region containing 3 multiplied by 80 angstrom InGaAs quantum wells and a single n-type AlAs/GaAs top mirror period. The fabrication sequence, described in some detail, is straightforward. A wet etch is used to define one mesa for the LED and a second for the MESFET. The top AlAs layer, exposed at the mesa periphery by this etch, is oxidized at 410 degrees. Celsius in a steam ambient to form the current- guiding regions. A conventional MESFET fabrication sequence is then used to complete the transistor and form the LED cathode (which is connected to the FET drain). A back contact is then deposited to form the LED anode. In all, five mask levels are used to fabricate the integrated FET/LED (or VCSEL) structure. Functionality of these prototype devices is demonstrated by dc and modulation measurements. The MESFET gate length and width are 3 micrometer and 100 micrometer, respectively. The transistor operated in the depletion mode with a typical Idss of 8 mA and a maximum transconductance of 35 mS/mm. The LED wavelength is about 990 nm and has output power in the (mu) W range when driven by the MESFET.
Trigger-specific ion-channel mechanisms, risk factors, and response to therapy in type 1 long QT syndrome

Background Arrhythmic events in long-QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1) may be associated with exercise, acute arousal, or rest/sleep. Objectives We aimed to identify trigger-specific risk factors for cardiac events in patients with LQT1. Methods The study population comprised 721 genetically confirmed patients with LQT1 from the US portion of the International LQTS Registry. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the independent contribution of prespecified clinical and mutation-specific factors to the development of a first reported triggered event, associated with exercise, arousal, or sleep/rest. Results Cardiac events occurred in 221 study patients, of whom 121 (55%) were associated with exercise, 30 (14%) with arousal, 47 (21%) with sleep/rest, and 23 (10%) with other triggers. Multivariate analysis showed that males Conclusions In patients with LQT1, cardiac events triggered by exercise, arousal, or rest/sleep are associated with distinctive risk factors and response to medical therapy. These findings can be used for improved recommendations for lifestyle modifications and therapeutic management in this population.
A new twist on old ideas: how sitting reorients crawlers.

Traditionally, crawling and sitting are considered distinct motor behaviors with different postures and functions. Ten- to 12month-old infants were observed in the laboratory or in their homes while being coaxed to crawl continuously over long, straight walkways (Study 1; N = 20) and during spontaneous crawling during free play (Study 2; N = 20). In every context, infants stopped crawling to sit 3–6 times per minute. Transitions from crawling to sitting frequently turned infants’ bodies away from the direction of heading; subsequent transitions back to crawling were offset by as much as 180° from the original direction of heading. Apparently, body reorientations result from the biomechanics of transitioning between crawling and sitting. Findings indicate that sustained, linear crawling is likely an epiphenomenon of how gait is studied in standard paradigms. Postural transitions between crawling and sitting are ubiquitous and can represent a functional unit of action. These transitions and the accompanying body reorientations likely have cascading effects for infants’ exploration, visual perception, and spatial cognition.
Moisture Drydown in Ultra-High-Purity Oxygen Systems

Semiconductor manufacturing fabs use ultra-high-purity (UHP) oxygen for various process applications such as oxide growth, plasma etch, and chemical vapor deposition. Moisture is identified as one of the key impurities that can affect device production. Moisture drydown in inert gas delivery systems was studied extensively. However, moisture drydown or outgassing characteristics in oxygen were found to be different from those of inert gas systems. Moisture adsorption and desorption in UHP oxygen systems were studied using advanced APIMS techniques for trace-level moisture analysis. To understand moisture reaction pathways, isotopic water was used as an adsorbate on 316L electropolished stainless steel (EPSS) surfaces. Experimental results from moisture drydown in the EPSS tubing were used to validate a theoretical model developed to predict the moisture drydown performance of large-scale, oxygen distribution systems. Both experimental and model results were shown to be useful in UHP oxygen system design, ...
An Eulerian hybrid WENO centered-difference solver for elastic-plastic solids

We present a finite-difference based solver for hyper-elastic and viscoplastic systems using a hybrid of the weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) schemes combined with explicit centered difference to solve the equations of motion expressed in an Eulerian formulation. By construction our approach minimizes both numerical dissipation errors and the creation of curl-constraint violating errors away from discontinuities while avoiding the calculation of hyperbolic characteristics often needed in general finite-volume schemes. As a result of the latter feature, the formulation allows for a wide range of constitutive relations and only an upper-bound on the speed of sound at each time is required to ensure a stable timestep is chosen. Several one- and two-dimensional examples are presented using a range of constitutive laws with and without additional plastic modeling. In addition we extend the reflection technique combined with ghost-cells to enforce fixed boundaries with a zero tangential stress condition (i.e. free-slip).
Effect of tumor immunity on the distribution of labeled lymphoid cells in tumor-challenged mice.

Abstract The distribution of 51 Cr-labeled lymphoid cells from normal mice and mice immunized against a tumor were compared after intravenous inoculation of the labeled cells into normal syngeneic recipients. Spleen cell preparations from immune donors contained increased percentages of spleen and bone marrow-seeking cells, thus suggesting expansion of these cell populations when immunity to a tumor exists. Homing of labeled normal cells in tumor cell-injected normal animals was somewhat different from that seen in tumor cell-inoculated mice that were immunized against the tumor. In the latter case, accumulations of lymph node and spleen cells in recipient lymph nodes and bone marrow were consistently lower. In contrast, lymphoid cells from animals immunized against the tumor were found to accumulate in virtually the same percentages in lymphoid organs of normal and immune recipients. The behavior of lymphoid cell populations from thymus or bone marrow that consist mainly of precursor cells was unaffected by presence of malignancy and/or tumor immunity.
Effect of fillers and rubber structures on tensile behavior of filled, unvulcanized compounds of cis‐1,4‐polybutadienes

The effect of fillers and the structure of matrix rubbers on the tensile stress—strain behavior were examined with unvulcanized compounds of cis-1,4-polybutadiene. The matrix rubbers were CB11, CB22, and VCR412, which had been studied previously. The fillers were two different carbon blacks (N110 and N330) and silica. The tensile modulus was found to be separable into the time-dependent and strain-dependent functions. The time dependence was represented with a universal form, the observed time being reduced with the extension ratio. The strain-dependent function was affected by material variables. The function indicated a strain-softening tendency. The extent of softening is related to the softening or hardening observed with the unfilled matrix rubbers, which are in turn related to the length and degree of branching and to the presence of crystalline particles of 1,2-polybutadiene. However, carbon black evidently accentuates the softening tendency. Also, poorer dispersion results in higher softening. The silica-filled compound had a poor dispersion. With the addition of a coupling agent, the dispersion improved but the compound behaved like it was crosslinked. The strain-induced crystallization previously observed with CB11 and VCR412 gum rubbers (but not with CB22) appears as significant differences of the moduli of the compounds. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 1445–1453, 1997
Circulating Biomarkers in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: Clinical Applications

Advances in understanding the biology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have resulted in treatment strategies based on molecularly targeted agents that have substantially improved the outcomes of patients with metastatic RCC. Agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway and the mammalian target of rapamycin have shown efficacy in randomized clinical trials and received international approval for treating RCC. Multiple candidate biomarkers of the biologic activity of such targeted therapies as well as markers of treatment response and patients' prognosis are being evaluated to improve drug development and to identify patients who may obtain the greatest benefit from the various treatment options. This review summarizes recent developments in identifying circulating biomarkers of targeted therapies for metastatic RCC, including soluble proteins and circulating cells.
TRP Channels: Pain enters through the side door

TRPM3 can permeate ions through two distinct pores—the central pore and a likely alternative 'omega pore'. Entry of ions through the alternative pore of TRPM3 contributes to pain generation, making it an attractive target for the design of new analgesics.
“I Feel More Connected to the Physically Ideal Mini Me than the Mirror-Image Mini Me”: Theoretical Implications of the “Malleable Self” for Speculations on the Effects of Avatar Creation on Avatar–Self Connection in Wii

Abstract What are the impacts of creating an avatar replicating the actual self versus an avatar projecting the ideal self on game players' avatar–self connection? This study leveraged an avatar-creating game (Mii Channel) within a video-game console (Wii) in a controlled, randomized study. The results of a two-group comparison (actual self-priming vs. ideal self-priming) between-subjects study (N = 76) demonstrated the significant main effect of self-priming via avatar (Mii) creation on avatar–self connection. Game players who were primed to create a Mii reflecting the ideal self felt greater avatar–self connection than those primed to create a replica Mii mirroring the actual self. Theoretical values and implications for a burgeoning body of research on the “malleable self” and the multidimensionality of the self-concept in avatar-based interactive media are discussed.
Dimensions of Communication in Urban Science Education: Interactions and Transactions.

This paper is birthed from my lifelong experiences as student, teacher, administrator, and researcher in urban science classrooms. This includes my years as a minority student in biology, chemistry, and physics classrooms, 10 tears as science teacher and high school science department chair, 5-years conducting research on youth experiences in urban science classrooms, and current work in preparing science teachers for teaching in urban schools. These experiences afford me both emic and etic lenses through which to view urban science classrooms and urban youth communities. This paper, both experiential and research based, forms an ethnography of urban youth communication and introduces the science education community to an aspect of science teaching that has been overlooked in traditional science education research. In documenting urban youth communication across social fields, this paper contributes to the research in science education that addresses science talk with urban youth in science classrooms (C. Ballenger, 1997; P. Gee, 1997). More specifically, I utilize the lenses I bring to urban science education research to interrogate the larger research questions of whether urban students' modes of communication are supported in the urban science classroom and the effects of this support or lack thereof on true participation/engagement of urban youth in science. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed95: 1–20, 2011
Ranking Construction Programs: The Academic Debate Begins

The authors propose a methodology for the ranking of Construction programs and to use The Associated Schools of Construction as the forum to debate. Professional organizations, such as ACCE, AGC, NAHB, and ENR, are interested in ranking construction programs. U.S. News has ranked colleges, but not construction. Programs are transforming to more traditional academic programs with graduate education, research, fundraising, and faculty member production. The discipline needs to address these changes, and creation of a ranking system may be a means to discuss common issues. Participating in a ranking process will provide benchmark data for self analysis, identification of shortcomings, and information to justify change. The ranking system must be complicated enough to seem scientific and the results must match, more or less, people's nonscientific prejudices. First, it is necessary to establish a theoretical World Class goal and benchmark program against the standard before comparing rankings between programs...
Refrigerated Versus Fresh Human Red Blood Cells Response to Sheer Stress

By fully calibrating 1064 nm infrared laser traps we have studied the mechanical deformations caused by shear stress on healthy human RBCs. In this study we have investigated how the mechanical deformation of RBCs to such a stress varies when we use fresh and refrigerated RBC (at 4°C for a period of about 2 weeks). Fresh and refrigerated red blood cells from a healthy donor are suspended in the donor's blood plasma. Then the cells are subjected to viscose drag force by translating the microscope stage holding the blood sample while the cells are kept trapped by the laser to cause sheer deformation on the cells. Under these conditions the areal, longitudinal, and transverse deformations of the cells as a function of the sheer stress have been investigated. The results for these deformations have revealed significant difference with a nonlinear behavior as a function of the net force acting on the cells. Moreover, the results indicate the elasticity of the cells drastically decreases due to refrigeration.
Fetal alcohol syndrome: cardiac birth defects in mice and prevention with folate

Objective Alcohol (ethanol) consumption during pregnancy is linked to congenital heart defects that are associated with fetal alcohol syndrome. Recent reports have associated ethanol exposure with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Therefore, we defined whether ethanol affects Wnt/β-catenin signaling during cardiac cell specification. Study Design Pregnant mice on embryonic day 6.75 during gastrulation were exposed by an intraperitoneal injection to a binge-drinking dose of ethanol. Folic acid supplementation of mouse diet was tested for the prevention of ethanol-induced cardiac birth defects. Results Acute ethanol exposure induced myocardial wall changes and atrioventricular and semilunar valve defects, which was determined by echocardiography on embryonic day 15.5. A high folate diet prevented the ethanol-induced cardiac defects. Ethanol exposure in avian embryos suppressed 2 key Wnt-modulated genes that are involved in cardiac induction; folic acid rescued normal gene expression. Conclusion Folic acid supplementation alone or with myoinositol prevented alcohol potentiation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling that allowed normal gene activation and cardiogenesis.
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic maintains its inexorable spread across the globe; approximately 13,000 new infections occur each day, and an estimated 27.9 million people worldwide have been infected [1]. Of these infections, 26 million (~ 93%) have occurred in developing countries, approximately one million in North America, and more than 450,000 in Europe. In the absence of a vaccine or effective prevention efforts, spread of the virus is likely to continue. Efficacious treatments are needed to treat the increasing number of those infected. Since the discovery of AIDS in 1981 and the causative agent, HIV, in 1983, remarkable progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease and in the development of therapeutic agents. The ability to quantitate the level of HIV in blood and other tissues (viral load measurement) has advanced studies in pathogenesis, monitoring of disease progression, and response to therapy in patients. Rece...
A convenient method for the addition of HI to unsaturated hydrocarbons using I2 on Al2O3

Abstract Iodine reacts, under mild conditions, with hydroxyl groups on the surface of alumina to form HI which readily adds to unsaturated hydrocarbons to form alkyl and vinyl iodides.
Taste of sugar at the membrane: thermodynamics and kinetics of the interaction of a disaccharide with lipid bilayers.

Sugar recognition at the membrane is critical in various physiological processes. Many aspects of sugar-membrane interaction are still unknown. We take an integrated approach by combining conventional molecular-dynamics simulations with enhanced sampling methods and analytical models to understand the thermodynamics and kinetics of a di-mannose molecule in a phospholipid bilayer system. We observe that di-mannose has a slight preference to localize at the water-phospholipid interface. Using umbrella sampling, we show the free energy bias for this preferred location to be just −0.42 kcal/mol, which explains the coexistence of attraction and exclusion mechanisms of sugar-membrane interaction. Accurate estimation of absolute entropy change of water molecules with a two-phase model indicates that the small energy bias is the result of a favorable entropy change of water molecules. Then, we incorporate results from molecular-dynamics simulation in two different ways to an analytical diffusion-reaction model to obtain association and dissociation constants for di-mannose interaction with membrane. Finally, we verify our approach by predicting concentration dependence of di-mannose recognition at the membrane that is consistent with experiment. In conclusion, we provide a combined approach for the thermodynamics and kinetics of a weak ligand-binding system, which has broad implications across many different fields.
Determination of the second-order 1H NMR parameters for the aromatic protons in 4-fluoroaniline and application to the analysis of the 1H NMR spectra for the aromatic protons in N4-(4′-fluorophenyl)succinamic acid and in N4-(4′-fluorophenyl)-3,3-difluorosuccinamic acid

Abstract Four studies of the 1 H NMR spectrum for the aromatic protons of 4-fluoroaniline between 1958 and 1974 give three very different solutions to the second-order, AA′BB′X, spectrum. A re-evaluation of the second-order spectrum was done at 300 MHz. Simultaneous simulations of the 1 H NMR spectrum and 19 F NMR spectrum for 4-fluoroaniline were done using WINDNMR-Pro, and a new set of parameters for the six coupling constants was obtained from the optimized simulations. This new set of parameters was used as a basis to evaluate the AA′BB′X spectrum for the aromatic protons in N 4 -(4′-fluorophenyl)succinamic acid and in N 4 -(4′-fluorophenyl)-3,3-difluorosuccinamic acid by simultaneous simulations of the 1 H NMR spectrum and 19 F NMR spectrum for each using WINDNMR-Pro. Formation of the amide bond results in small, but significant, changes in the values for the set of parameters in both molecules. These results confirm that second-order analyses as an AA′BB′X system are required for derivatives of 4-fluoroaniline, rather than first-order analyses that have been used in previous reports.
Adsorption Dynamics of Native and Alkylated Derivatives of Bovine Serum Albumin at Air–Water Interfaces

Abstract The dynamics of adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and its derivatives at the air–water interface were investigated through the measurement of dynamic surface pressure using a Langmuir minitrough. BSA was chemically modified through reductive alkylation to yield methylated and pentylated BSA with different surface hydrophobicities. Adsorption isotherms (Π–A) of native and modified BSAs at pH 7 were measured, and the surface density (Γ) was calculated directly from the area of the spread monolayer produced with Trurnit's method. The areas per molecule for BSA and modified BSAs at sufficiently high surface pressures were found to be much larger than those corresponding to the molecular dimensions, thus indicating unfolding of the molecules at the interface. The modified BSAs were found to occupy much larger areas per molecule than the native BSA, possibly due to more unfolding. The rate of surface pressure increase was higher for higher bulk concentrations, especially at smaller times. The deviation from diffusion-controlled adsorption was found to occur at smaller times for smaller ionic strengths, and for pH 7 rather than for pH 5.5 (at the isoelectric point). The steady-state surface pressures for native BSA ranged from 10 to 17 mN/m for bulk concentrations of 0.5 to 10 ppm and were higher for higher bulk concentrations, higher ionic strengths, and at the isoelectric point. The initial rate of surface pressure increase and the steady-state value were highest for pentylated BSA and lowest for native BSA. A previously developed model (Narsimhan and Uraizee,Biotech. Prog.8,187, 1992) was able to predict well the effects of bulk concentration, pH, ionic strength, and surface hydrophobicity on the dynamics of adsorption. The model predictions of the dynamics of surface pressure agreed fairly well with the experimental data at short times and at longer times. However, the model was found to overpredict the surface pressure at intermediate times, probably because of the use of the simplifying assumption that the surface equation of state during adsorption is given by the steady-state Π–Γ isotherm.
Crystal Structure and Physical Properties of Yb3Co4–xRuxSn13 (x = 0, 0.38)

Single crystals of the phase Yb3Co4–xRuxSn13 (x = 0, 0.38) were grown by the flux growth method and were characterized by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. Magnetic, resistivity, and thermopower measurements were performed on both doped and undoped single crystals of Yb3Co4–xRuxSn13. The Ru-doped compound shows a sign change of the thermopower at approximately 150 K, indicating both electron and hole conductivity, as well as a complete suppression of the ytterbium magnetic moment exhibited by undopedYb3Co4Sn13. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies at 100 K, 298 K, and 375 K were performed, and the results are compared to published theoretical models.
Immunoscintigraphy of colorectal carcinoma utilizing 111 In-labeled monoclonal antibody conjugate CYT-103

Twelve presurgical patients with colorectal carcinoma received a single intravenous infusion of 0.5–20.0 mg of the radiolabeled monoclonal antibody conjugate CYT-103. This product is an immunoconjugate of B72.3 labeled with Indium-111 (111In). Patients underwent preoperative gamma camera imaging and computed tomographic (CT) scanning of the abdomen and pelvis. Fifteen intraabdominal sites of tumor were found at surgery. Monoclonal antibody imaging detected 87% of these lesions, whereas CT of the abdomen and pelvis detected 47%. Monoclonal antibody imaging identified tumor in 27% of the patients in which CT did not identify any sites of tumor. The results of this study indicate that monoclonal antibody imaging using [111In]CYT-103 is useful for the preoperative evaluation of colorectal carcinoma patients and the results are complimentary to CT of the abdomen and the pelvis.
Are trade balance announcements informative

The impact of US trade balance announcements on stock prices and bond interest rates of varying maturities is examined over the period 1980–90. The results indicate that an unexpectedly large trade deficit drives stock prices down. The unanticipated trade deficit has no influence on stock prices and bond interest rates for the sub-period 1980–85. However, it has a negative impact on stock prices and a positive effect on bond interest rates over the sub-period 1986–90.
Suppression of antitumor immunity by macrophages in spleens of mice bearing a large MOPC-315 tumor

We had shown previously that progression of MOPC-315 plasmacytoma growth is associated with an increase in the percentage of macrophages in the spleen as well as a decrease in the ability of tumor-bearer spleen cells to mount an antitumor cytotoxic response upon in vitro immunization. Here we provide evidence that macrophages in the MOPC-315 tumor-bearer spleen are responsible at least in part for the suppression of the generation of antitumor cytotoxicity. Accordingly, removal of most macrophages by depletion of phagocytic cells or Sephadex G-10-adherent cells from spleens of mice bearing a large tumor resulted in augmented antitumor immune potential. Also, Sephadex G-10-adherent spleen cells from tumor-bearing (but not normal) mice drastically suppressed the in vitro generation of antitumor cytotoxicity by normal spleen cells. The suppressive activity of these adherent cells did not reside in contaminating suppressor T cells, since it was not reduced by treatment with monoclonal anti-Thy 1.2 antibody plus complement. The Sephadex G-10-adherent cell population from the tumor-bearer spleen suppressed the in vitro generation of antitumor cytotoxicity against autochthonous tumor cells but not against allogeneic EL4 tumor cells, and hence the suppression was apparently specific. The suppressive activity of the Sephadex G-10-adherent cell population from tumor-bearer spleens was overcome by treatment of the tumor-bearing mice with a low curative dose of cyclophosphamide. This immunomodulatory effect of a low dose of the drug in overcoming the suppression mediated by the Sephadex G-10-adherent cell population enables the effector arm of the immune system of tumor-bearing mice to cooperate effectively with the drug's tumoricidal activity in tumor eradication.
Channel Tracking and Signal Detection for MC-CDMA in Time-Varying Environment

In this paper, a joint channel estimation and multiuser detection method is presented for uplink MC-CDMA systems in time-varying environment. Unlike the conventional channel tracking schemes which generally need to insert pilot bits in every OFDM symbol, in the proposed approach, only one pilot symbol is required at the beginning of each data frame. Based on the fact that the channel coefficients of two successive symbols are highly correlated, subsequent channel tracking and signal detection are carried out iteratively. A major contribution of the proposed approach is that it enables robust error propagation control, and is capable of detecting and tracking abrupt channel changes effectively. Simulation examples demonstrate the robustness of the proposed algorithms.
Comparison of Coriolis and Turbine-Type Flowmeters for Fuel Measurement in Gas Turbine Testing

The Machinery and Engine Technology (MET) Program of the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC) has established a program for the evaluation of sensors to measure gas turbine engine performance accurately. The precise measurement of fuel flow is an essential part of steady-state gas turbine performance assessment. Prompted by an international engine testing and information exchange program, and a mandate to improve all aspects of gas turbine performance evaluation, the MET Laboratory has critically examined two types of fuel flowmeters, Coriolis and turbine. The two flowmeter types are different in that the Coriolis flowmeter measures mass flow directly, while the turbine flowmeter measures volumetric flow, which must be converted to mass flow for conventional performance analysis. The direct measurement of mass flow, using a Coriolis flowmeter, has many advantages in field testing of gas turbines, because it reduces the risk of errors resulting from the conversion process. Turbine flowmeters, on the other hand, have been regarded as an industry standard because they are compact, rugged, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. This paper describes the project objectives, the experimental installation, and the results of the comparison of the Coriolis and turbine-type flowmeters in steady-state performance testing. Discussed are variations between the two types of flowmeters due to fuel characteristics, fuel handling equipment, acoustic and vibration interference, and installation effects. Also included in this paper are estimations of measurement uncertainties for both types of flowmeter. Results indicate that the agreement between Coriolis and turbine-type flowmeters is good over the entire steady-state operating range of a typical gas turbine engine. In some cases the repeatability of the Coriolis flowmeter is better than the manufacturer's specification. Even a significant variation in fuel density (10 percent), and viscosity (300 percent) did not appear to compromise the ability of the Coriolis flowmeter to match the performance of the turbine flowmeter
Structure of active β-arrestin-1 bound to a G-protein-coupled receptor phosphopeptide

The functions of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are primarily mediated and modulated by three families of proteins: the heterotrimeric G proteins, the G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) and the arrestins. G proteins mediate activation of second-messenger-generating enzymes and other effectors, GRKs phosphorylate activated receptors, and arrestins subsequently bind phosphorylated receptors and cause receptor desensitization. Arrestins activated by interaction with phosphorylated receptors can also mediate G-protein-independent signalling by serving as adaptors to link receptors to numerous signalling pathways. Despite their central role in regulation and signalling of GPCRs, a structural understanding of β-arrestin activation and interaction with GPCRs is still lacking. Here we report the crystal structure of β-arrestin-1 (also called arrestin-2) in complex with a fully phosphorylated 29-amino-acid carboxy-terminal peptide derived from the human V2 vasopressin receptor (V2Rpp). This peptide has previously been shown to functionally and conformationally activate β-arrestin-1 (ref. 5). To capture this active conformation, we used a conformationally selective synthetic antibody fragment (Fab30) that recognizes the phosphopeptide-activated state of β-arrestin-1. The structure of the β-arrestin-1-V2Rpp-Fab30 complex shows marked conformational differences in β-arrestin-1 compared to its inactive conformation. These include rotation of the amino- and carboxy-terminal domains relative to each other, and a major reorientation of the 'lariat loop' implicated in maintaining the inactive state of β-arrestin-1. These results reveal, at high resolution, a receptor-interacting interface on β-arrestin, and they indicate a potentially general molecular mechanism for activation of these multifunctional signalling and regulatory proteins.
METABOLIC AND MORPHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE EFFECT OF SURFACE-ACTIVE AGENTS ON LEUKOCYTES

Morphological and metabolic observations have been made on the effects of endotoxin, deoxycholate, and digitonin (at less than 50 µg/ml) on polymorphonuclear leukocytes and mononuclear cells. The agents stimulate the respiration and glucose oxidation of these cells in a manner similar to that seen during phagocytosis. Electron microscopy revealed no morphological changes with the first two agents, but dramatic membrane changes were seen in the case of digitonin. Here tubular projections of characteristic size and shape formed on and split off the membrane. All the agents stimulated uptake of inulin, but efforts to demonstrate increased pinocytosis by electron microscopy have not so far succeeded, probably due to limitations in present experimental techniques.
Effect of Oxalate and Urea upon Ultracentrifugation Properties of Raw and Heated Skimmilk Casein Micelles

Abstract The effect of oxalate and urea treatments upon casein micelles sedimented from raw and heated skimmilk was examined by ultracentrifugation, to determine the relative importance of calcium and hydrogen or hydrophobic bonds in determining their structure. A model was proposed for the native casein micelle which consists of numerous loosely packed calcium caseinate complex units joined in association by a combination of calcium and colloidal calcium phosphatecitrate linkages. The colloidal calcium phosphate-citrate is considered to be distributed throughout the micelle rather than as a layer on its outer surface. The disaggregation of skimmilk casein micelles appears to involve at least a three-stage process: a) dissolution of intercomplex colloidal calcium phosphatecitrate linkages, to produce calcium caseinate complex units of less than ∼ 30-mµ diameter, b) removal of intra-complex calcium to form soluble caseinate complex units, and c) disaggregation of soluble caseinate complex units to monomer units by rupturing hydrogen, hydrophobic, or salt linkages. Hydrogen or hydrophobic bonds appear to be somewhat more important than calcium linkages in stabilizing the individual calcium caseinate complex units of the micelle. Heating to temperatures of 120C or less had only a slight effect upon the ability of 6.6 m urea to disaggregate the casein micelles. However, casein micelles from heated skimmilk were less effectively disaggregated by removal of calcium and colloidal calcium phosphatecitrate linkages than those from raw skimmilk, which is probably due to the heat-induced complex formed between β -lactoglobulin and the κ-casein portion of the micelle.