cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finite Element Differential–Algebraic Systems for Eddy Current Problems

Finite element discretization of some time-dependent eddy current problems yields ordinary differential–algebraic systems with large sparse matrices. Properties and stability of these systems are analyzed for two classes of eddy current problems: (i) two-dimensional coupled field-circuit problems with arbitrary external circuit connections between conductors; (ii) “2.5-dimensional” problems characterized by axisymmetric geometry and non-axisymmetric excitation. Extension of the analysis to many other formulations of eddy current problems in 2D and 3D is straightforward.
Elliptic curve cryptography in Java

The strength of public key cryptography utilizing Elliptic Curves relies on the difficulty of computing discrete logarithms in a finite field. Other public key cryptographic algorithms, such as RSA, rely on the difficulty of integer factorization. We will describe how we can implement several cryptographic ECC algorithms in java, such as digital signatures, encryption/decryption and key-exchange. We will show implementation details that would help students, practitioners, and researchers implement and experiment with such algorithms.
Expert critiquing systems

Over the past 25 years, computers have brought major changes to medicine. These changes are most evident in the administrative side of medical practice. The use of computers has become well established in hospital financial record keeping, and also in more patient-oriented administrative functions such as admitting, bed allocation, etc. In addition, the computer is being used increas-ingly to store clinical data, for instance, for laboratory test reporting, and in pathology and radiology information systems.
Inventing an arsenal: adaptive evolution and neofunctionalization of snake venom phospholipase A2 genes

Gene duplication followed by functional divergence has long been hypothesized to be the main source of molecular novelty. Convincing examples of neofunctionalization, however, remain rare. Snake venom phospholipase A2 genes are members of large multigene families with many diverse functions, thus they are excellent models to study the emergence of novel functions after gene duplications. Here, I show that positive Darwinian selection and neofunctionalization is common in snake venom phospholipase A2 genes. The pattern of gene duplication and positive selection indicates that adaptive molecular evolution occurs immediately after duplication events as novel functions emerge and continues as gene families diversify and are refined. Surprisingly, adaptive evolution of group-I phospholipases in elapids is also associated with speciation events, suggesting adaptation of the phospholipase arsenal to novel prey species after niche shifts. Mapping the location of sites under positive selection onto the crystal structure of phospholipase A2 identified regions evolving under diversifying selection are located on the molecular surface and are likely protein-protein interactions sites essential for toxin functions. These data show that increases in genomic complexity (through gene duplications) can lead to phenotypic complexity (venom composition) and that positive Darwinian selection is a common evolutionary force in snake venoms. Finally, regions identified under selection on the surface of phospholipase A2 enzymes are potential candidate sites for structure based antivenin design.
Upper thermospheric temperatures at South Pole

Abstract Six years of upper thermospheric temperatures measured using 630 nm emission in the vicinity of South Pole Station (75° geomagnetic latitude) have been analyzed both on a daily and hourly averaged basis to compare observed behavior with that predicted using the MSIS86 semi-empirical atmospheric model. Daily averaged temperatures are in good general agreement, but the response of the model to geomagnetic activity appears to be too weak to match the observed changes near the peak of the solar cycle. Observations at time of low solar activity showed that temperatures tend to be lower than predicted; on the other hand, temperatures were higher than predicted at high activity. Observed diurnal temperature variations are very similar in amplitude and phase compared to those predicted by MSIS86. Observed mean temperature gradients indicated that the maximum temperature in the polar cap could well be 200K higher than the maximum seen at South Pole Station and at a position geomagnetically higher in latitude. The highest observed temperatures are found on the geomagnetic nightside associated with the exit of the cross-polar thermospheric jet towards lower latitudes and the lowest temperatures are observed on the geomagnetic dayside in the region of inflow to the polar cap. No signature of cusp heating was found.
Preliminary Results of the Trespass Prevention Research Study in West Palm Beach, Florida

The United States Department of Transportation’s (US DOT) Research and Innovative Technology Administration’s John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center), under the direction of the US DOT Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Research and Development (R&D), is conducting a Trespass Prevention Research Study (TPRS) in the city of West Palm Beach, Florida. The main objective of this research is to demonstrate potential benefits, including documenting best practices and lessons learned, of implementation and evaluation of trespass prevention strategies on the rail network in West Palm Beach, Florida and all of its rights-of-way. This technical paper will describe and provide the most up-to-date results from this study, which is beginning its second year of a three year study period. The cumulative results of the trespass prevention strategies will be analyzed to better inform the determination of areas of potential risk, develop solutions to prevent and minimize risk exposure and implement successful countermeasures in the future. Preliminary analysis from the WPB corridor trespass prevention activities are described in this technical paper. The ultimate objective of the research is to aid in the development of national recommendations or guidelines for reducing trespass-related incidents and fatalities.
PERSISTENCE OF PRE-IRRADIATION IMMUNITY TO HYMENOLEPIS NANA IN SYNGENEIC CHIMAERAS: INFLUENCE OF RADIATION DOSE AND TIME OF MARROW INJECTION.

SummaryMice immunized to Hymenolepis nana were exposed to 950, 1150, 1350 or 1450 R x-radiation, then injected with syngeneic marrow from non-immune donors. Other immunized mice were exposed to 700 R but were not given marrow. To test for persistence of immunity, the mice were challenged with H. nana eggs. Parasite larvae (cysticercoids) developed in only 3 (1 or 2 cysticercoids each) of 40 immunized-unirradiated control mice challenged with eggs. Cysticercoids developed on egg challenge in all unimmunized control mice.There was no difference in cysticercoid counts between immunized-un-irradiated controls and either the 700 R group or the mice exposed to 1150 R and given 40 × 106 marrow cells 1 day later. A small number of cysticercoids developed in most of the mice exposed to 1350 or 1450 R and given 40 × 106 marrow cells 1 day after irradiation. Cysticercoids also developed in most of a 950 R group given 0·5 × 106 marrow cells 1 day after irradiation and 40 × 106 cells 20 days later; the cysticercoid co...
Use of amiodarone after major lung resection.

Background We evaluated the association of respiratory complications and amiodarone use in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after major lung resection. Methods Outcomes of patients who had postoperative AF treated with or without amiodarone after lobectomy, bilobectomy, or pneumonectomy at a single institution between 2003 and 2010 were evaluated using multivariable logistic modeling. Results Of 1,412 patients who underwent lobectomy, bilobectomy, or pneumonectomy, AF occurred in 232 (16%). Atrial fibrillation developed after a respiratory complication in 31 patients, who were excluded from subsequent analysis. The remaining 201 patients who had AF without an antecedent respiratory complication had similar mortality (3.0% [6 of 201] vs 2.5% [30 of 1,180], p = 0.6) and respiratory morbidity (10% [20 of 201] vs 9% [101 of 1,180], p = 0.5) but longer hospital stays (5 [4 to 7] vs 4 days [3 to 6], p p = 0.5). Conclusions Atrial fibrillation that occurs without an antecedent respiratory complication in patients after major lung resection results in longer hospital stay but not increased mortality or respiratory morbidity. Using amiodarone to treat atrial fibrillation after major lung resection is not associated with an increased incidence of respiratory complications.
Heterogeneity of circulating growth hormone

Abstract Human growth hormone (GH) represents a family of related proteins arising from two genes, alternative mRNA splicing, and several post-translational modifications. In addition, postsecretory events occur when GH enters the circulation. The full scale of GH heterogeneity is only beginning to be appreciated, and new GH forms or related proteins may be discovered in the future. GH measurements are affected by GH heterogeneity. Immunoassays are influenced by the mixture of GH variants, but are not sensitive to GH binding proteins (GHBPs). In contrast, radioreceptor assays are sensitive to both GH variant mixtures and to the high affinity GHBP. It is hoped that in the future, these problems can be minimized by rigorous characterization of existing antibodies with respect to epitope recognition on various GH forms, and ultimately, by production of GH variant-specific antibodies that permit direct and individual assessment of the circulating members of the GH family.
Multi-keyword sponsored search

We investigate search engines' mechanism for allocating impressions generated from different search terms. This mechanism is equivalent to running an independent GSP auction for each search term only when the number of search terms is small. In practice, the number of search terms is so large that an advertiser cannot possibly communicate to the search engine all the GSP auctions that he wishes to participate in. For example, a travel agency is interested in all search terms pertaining to flight, including "flight to boston", "ticket to SFO", "cheap airfare", etc. Therefore, the search engine introduces broad match keywords as a bidding language that allows an advertiser to submit a bid for multiple GSP auctions at once. However, with broad match keywords, the GSP auctions are no longer independent, i.e. an advertiser's bid in one auction may depend on his bid in another auction.We propose the broad match mechanism as a model that captures this aspect of the multi-keyword sponsored search mechanism. We study the performance of this mechanism under the price of anarchy (POA) framework. We identify two properties of broad match keywords, namely expressiveness and homogeneity, that characterize the POA and we prove almost tight bounds on the POA. The bounds allow us to explore trade-offs between the two properties. We introduce the exact-match-only mechanism whose performance, when compared to that of broad match mechanisms, gives us an insight into the net benefit of broad match keywords. The broad match mechanism can also be viewed as a mechanism that copes with severe communication constraint i.e. the valuation of an advertiser is described by many more numbers than the search engine can solicit.
The Intersection of Social Circles: A New Measure of Social Proximity in Networks

A common methodological approach to the study of networks is to define a measure of proximity or social distance from the network data. Generally, the definition of such a measure rests on some representation of the flow of communication between individuals in the network. This paper proposes a different basis for such a measure-patterns of loyalty and affiliation-and presents and describes such an appropriate measure, based on the overlap of interpersonal environments. The new measure is intended for application to the network study of social differentiation-for example, to the study of political elites-and is illustratively applied to data concerning networks of intellectuals.
Application Of Internal Drum Film Recorder Architecture

The configuration of several different film recorder architectures is discussed with a review of attributes and applications for each. The use of Internal Drum Film Recorder Architecture in three specific areas, Remote Sensing, Printed Circuit Board Photoplotting, and Graphic Arts, is described in detail with specifications and key functional requirements of actual machines. It is shown that installation of a film recorder often requires substantial system design and integration activity to be successful.
Quantization and phase-space methods for slowly varying optical fields in a dispersive nonlinear medium.

We consider the quantization of slowly varying optical fields in a dispersive nonlinear medium and the application of phase-space methods to the resulting quantum field equations. A pragmatic approach to the quantization of the electromagnetic field is adopted whereby we apply canonical quantization to the Hamiltonian expressed in terms of the slowly varying electric field envelope, all approximations (quasimonochromatic and paraxial) having been made at the classical level. This approach allows us to include material dispersion, diffraction, and nonlinearity. Using phase-space methods we then develop a c-number functional Fokker-Planck equation from which the quantum statistical properties of propagating optical fields can be deduced.
Extrusion blow molding of long fiber reinforced polyolefins

A 58% (by weight) long glass fiber reinforced (LGF)-HDPE master batch was blended with a typical blow molding HDPE grade. HDPE composites having between 5% and 20% (by weight) long fiber content were extruded at different processing conditions (extrusion speed, die gap, hang time). The parison swell (diameter and thickness) decreased with increasing fiber content. Although the HDPE exhibited significant shear rate dependence, the LGF/HDPE composites were shear rate insensitive. Both the diameter and weight swell results also indicated very different sagging behavior. The LGF/HDPE parisons did sag as a solid-body (equal speed at different axial locations) governed by the orientation caused by the flow in the die. Samples taken from blown bottles showed that fiber lengths decreased to 1-3 mm, from the original 11 mm fiber length fed to the extruder. No significant difference in fiber length distribution was found when samples for different regions of the bottle were analyzed. SEM micrographs corroborate the absence of fiber segregation and clustering or the occurrence of fiber bundles (homogeneous spatial fiber distribution) as well as a preferential fiber orientation with the direction of flow. The blowing step did not change the orientation of the fibers. Five-percent (5%) and 10% LGF/HDPE composites could be blown with very slight variations to the neat HDPE inflation conditions. However, 20% LGF/HDPE composites could not be consistently inflated. Problems related to blowouts and incomplete weldlines were the major source of problems.
Negative Poisson’s ratio structures produced from zirconia and nickel using co-extrusion

Objects with a complex structure designed to display negative Poisson’s ratio were produced from zirconia ceramic and from metallic nickel. The objects were arrays of repeat units with designed elastic behavior. The technique of microfabrication by coextrusion, based on oxide powders blended with thermoplastics, was used to replicate and miniaturize single 38 mm repeat unit to obtain an array of 64 units, 400 μm in size. The metallic nickel objects were produced fabricating nickel oxide, followed by sintering in a reducing atmosphere to yield dense metallic nickel. Poisson’s ratio of the nickel structure was −0.3.
Quantitative autoradiography of [3H]forskolin binding sites in the rat brain

The binding sites for a radiolabeled form of the potent activator of adenylate cyclase, forskolin, have been localized in the rat brain, pituitary and spinal cord. Using the quantitative technique of in vitro autoradiography, a high density of [3H]forskolin binding was detected in brain structures such as the caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle, globus pallidus, substantia nigra and the hilus of the area dentata. A comparison of the distribution of [3H] forskolin binding sites with those reported for several neurotransmitter receptor types indicated that forskolin identified adenylate cyclase was probably not linked to any single type of neurotransmitter receptor. These results also presented several new brain areas in which to investigate the neuronal role of adenylate cyclase.
An empirical investigation of gully widening rates in upland concentrated flows

Abstract Soil erosion, in its myriad forms, devastates arable land and infrastructure. As an integral landscape feature, gully erosion is a complex system as its evolution is controlled by upstream migration of a gully head (headcut face), incision of the gully bed (plunge pool) and gravitational mass-movement (widening) on gully channel sidewalls. Bed incision is often limited by the presence of a less erodible soil layer. When erosion reaches such a layer, the gully typically widens, creating a wide shallow cross section. Once a gully is initiated, transport and deposition of the eroded soil and widening of the channel further govern its evolution. Our knowledge of these processes within agricultural regions, however, is still quite limited with theory largely borrowed from river hydraulics. Experiments were conducted to examine gully expansion (widening) as a function of channel slope and overland flow discharge. Packed soil beds were subjected to simulated rainstorms followed by clear-water overland flow. As bed slope and discharge increased, channel widening increased. An empirical equation, based upon measured channel width from constant discharge experiments, was developed in terms of slope and discharge. By further quantifying key aspects of gully erosion processes, results from this experimental campaign will significantly improve soil erosion prediction technology for use in agricultural regions.
Auditor size and audit quality

Abstract Regulators and small audit firms allege that audit firm size does not affect audit quality and therefore should be irrelevant in the selection of an auditor. Contrary to this view, the current paper argues that audit quality is not independent of audit firm size, even when auditors initially possesses identical technological capabilities. In particular, when incumbent auditors earn client-specific quasi-rents, auditors with a greater number of clients have ‘more to lose’ by failing to report a discovered breach in a particular client's records. This collateral aspect increases the audit quality supplied by larger audit firms. The implications for some recent recommendations of the AICPA Special Committee on Small and Medium Sized Firms are developed.
Delayed Endovascular Coil Extrusion following Internal Carotid Artery Embolization

Internal carotid artery injury is a rare and devastating complication of endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery that has an associated mortality rate of 15%. This case describes a patient who developed massive epistaxis following routine sinus surgery and was eventually diagnosed with a pseudoaneurysm of the cavernous internal carotid artery. Endovascular coiling and Onyx (Covidien, Irvine, California, United States) liquid embolization were ultimately used to completely occlude the internal carotid artery with resolution of bleeding; however, the patient had an unexpected late complication of coil extrusion through the pseudoaneurysm sac into the sphenoid sinus and nasal cavity. The endoscopic skull base team safely excised the coils endoscopically without recurrent bleeding. We describe the multidisciplinary operative management of this case of endovascular coil extrusion to increase awareness of this potentially life-threatening complication.
Synthesis and characterization of chromocenes containing bulky cyclopentadienyl ligands

Abstract Two equivalents of K[Cp′] (Cp′=C5(i-Pr)3H2, C5(i-Pr)4H, C5(t-Bu)2H3) react with CrCl2 in THF to give the corresponding chromocenes, Cp′2Cr, in good yield. Despite the presence of bulky substituents on the rings that could affect their properties, the complexes are extremely air- and moisture-sensitive, and possess a low-spin ground state. The low-spin paramagnetic nature of each chromocene was confirmed by magnetic susceptibility measurements. The solid-state structure of [C5(i-Pr)3H2]2Cr was obtained using single crystal X-ray analysis. It displays rigorously parallel rings, with an average Cr–C(ring) distance of 2.17(1)A; the chromium resides on a crystallographically imposed inversion center. The orientation of the isopropyl groups minimizes unfavorable steric interactions between the rings.
Smad3 mediates immediate early induction of Id1 by TGF-β

Id1 is a member of the inhibitor of differentiation (Id) protein family that regulates a wide range of cell functions. Previous studies have shown that expression of the Id1 gene is down-regulated by TGF-β in epithelial cells, whereas it is up-regulated by BMP in a variety of cell types. During our study of the biological function of TGF-β1, we found that Id1 can be strongly up-regulated by TGF-β1 in the human mammary gland epithelial cell line MCF10A. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR has revealed as high as 7.5-fold induction of Id1 mRNA by TGF-β1 in MCF10A cells after 1 h of TGF-β1 stimulation, and this induction does not require de novo protein synthesis. Using Smad knockdown and knockout approaches, we have identified Smad3 as the responsible R-Smad for mediating transcriptional activation of the Id1 gene. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay confirms that Smad3 and Smad4 bind to the upstream region of the Id1 gene. Our results demonstrate that Smad3, but not Smad2, mediates TGF-β1-dependent early transcriptional induction of Id1.
407-2 Characterization of a Recombination Event Excluding the Harvey-ras-1 (H-ras-1) Locus in a Romano-Ward Long QT Syndrome Family Linked to Chromosome 11p15 and Isolation of a Polymorphic Repeat Telomeric to H-ras-1

The Romano-Ward Long QT Syndrome (RWLQTS) has been linked to chromosome 11 p15.5 in several large families but demonstrates genetic heterogeniety. To date, there has been no published recombination between the Harvey- ras -1 (H- ras -1) locus and the RWLQTS in families linked to 11p15. The one LOD confidence interval for the RWLQTS gene is 3 cM from H- ras -1 (Keating et al, 1992). In a large multigenerational family, we demonstrate linkage of the RWLQTS to marker D11S932 on 11p15 with a LOD score of 3.14 at a theta of 0. The family was genotyped for the following 11p markers: H- ras -1 (2 markers), insulin growth factor II, tyrosine hydroxylase(TH), β-hemoglobin, D11S860, D11-S1363, D11S902, D11S1318, D11S1331, D11 S1323, D11S1338, D11S909, D11S932, and Dl1S922. An unaffected individual and her two unaffected offspring carry the affected haplo-type for the H- ras -1 region, spanning from H- ras -1 to TH. All three individuals had a QTc ≤ 0.40 seconds and no history of syncope making the diagnosis of RWLQTS extremely unlikely. This suggests that, although the gene for the RWLQTS is linked to chromosome 11 p15 in this family, a recombination event may have occurred that separated the RWLQTS gene from the affected H- ras -1 region haplotype, Multipoint analysis indicates the most likely location for the RWLQTS gene in this family is near D11S932. To investigate a possible telomeric recombination event, cosmids telomeric to H- ras -1 were isolated. From one of these cosmids, a CA/CT repeat marker (78% heterozygosity) was characterized and its location telomeric to H- ras -1 was verified by interphase FISH. Genotyping of the family demonstrated that the same three unaffected individuals had the affected allele for this marker as well. However, due to the genotypes in the family, we could not exclude a telomeric recombination event. Based on its degree of heterozygosity, this marker will be extremely useful in the physical and genetic mapping of the 11 p telomere. The recombination event in this family should aid the localization of the RWLQTS gene linked to chromosome 11 p15. This is the first report of recombination between the H- ras -1 locus and the RWLQTS phenotype in a family in which RWLQTS is linked to 11 p15.
Pulmonary and systemic immune responses of rhesus monkeys to intrabronchial administration of trimellitic anhydride

Abstract Trimellitic anhydride (TMA) used as a bonding agent in plastic industries has been shown to produce several industrial inhalational pulmonary and systemic diseases, at least three of which have probable or possible immunopathogenetic mechanisms. TMA reacts rapidly with proteins or cells to produce trimellityl (TM)-proteins or TM-cells which serve as hapten-protein or hapten-cell complexes. The complex human TMA diseases require animal models for controlled studies of immune mechanisms in relation to pulmonary and systemic responses to TMA. This report demonstrates that intrabronchial TMA results in a systemic and pulmonary immune response against TM-protein and TM-erythrocytes (TM-E) in rhesus monkeys. Using radiolabeled TM-protein, the sequential immune response was studied and using direct, hemolytic, and indirect immunologic reactions against TM-E, the antibody levels in serum and bronchoalveolar fluid were compared. The local pulmonary antibody response against TM-E was predominantly IgA and IgM antibody. Hemolytic antibody titers may have relevance to the anemia of certain TMA human diseases. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from monkeys which had received intrabronchial TMA reacted to TM-protein. The changes in lymphocyte reactivity after TMA challenge did not parallel the serum and bronchoalveolar fluid antibody responses. These immunologic studies suggest that suitable animal models of TMA diseases can be developed.
Earth-To-Satellite Microwave Beams: Innovative Approach To Space Power

A new space power concept incorporating earth-to-satellite microwave power beams coupled to onboard regenerative electrochemical energy storage is proposed for energizing defensive satellite constellations. The system addresses housekeeping, orbital maneuvering and burst mode power requirements, and offers an attractive alternative to the nuclear and solar space power systems currently envisioned for this application. This energy-conversion system incorporates six steps: (1) generate primary DC power at surface stations along the satellite ground-track, (2) convert to microwave (RF) frequencies, (3) transmit in a narrow beam to spacecraft using phased-array antennas which track and lock-on to satellite receivers as they pass in range during a fraction of their orbit, (4) receive the energy and convert to DC in space using lightweight and inexpensive rectennas; (5) store the energy onboard as chemical energy by electrolysis of water to oxygen and hydrogen and (6) recover free energy onboard the spacecraft during the balance of the orbit continuously or on demand as pulsed power with a high power-density fuel cell. Component and overall systems considerations of this scheme are discussed in comparison with alternatives, outstanding research problems are defined and preliminary analyses are described. These include orbital mechanics and ground tracks of satellites, accessibility of orbiters to microwave beams, transmission efficiencies, electronic and mechanical designs of the transmitter and rectenna, regenerative fuel cell energy storage, power conditioning and thermal management. The development of readily space-deployable rectennae, their supporting structures, and high specific power solid oxide monolithic fuels cells are the main pacing technologies leading to a wholly non-nuclear space power system capable of supporting all defensive satellite power requirements.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Systems of recall broadcast

In a system of recall broadcast, each message contains a set of message identifiers called its recall set. The recall set of a message identifies all previously received messages upon which the message is based. When a message is received by a process and displayed to an external user, all messages in its recall set are also displayed to the user. Our recall broadcast system is efficient in three ways. First, each message is broadcasted only once. Second, each process stores a small number of previously received messages because these messages may be recalled in future messages. Third, processes exchange additional messages to delete previously received messages that can no longer be recalled. The additional messages have the same format as regular messages, and are handled exactly as regular messages.
CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase in intestinal mucosa

CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase is thought to be a rate-limiting enzyme in phosphatidylcholine synthesis. This enzyme has not been well studied in intestine. We found that activity was greater in the non-lipid stimulated state (cytosolic form of the enzyme) than any previous tissue investigated (2.7 nM/min per mg protein). On addition of lysophosphatidylethanolamine, the enzyme only increased in activity 2.4-fold which is less than any previously reported tissue on lipid stimulation. As compared to liver, the enzyme was resistant to inhibition by chlorpromazine (gut, 100% activity remaining at 80 μM; 14% in liver). Tetracaine and propranolol were found to be impotent as inhibitors of the intestinal enzyme. Octanol-water partitioning showed that both chlorpromazine and tetracaine were hydrophobic, propranolol was not. pKa studies demonstrated that at the reaction pH, chlorpromazine would be uncharged. Physiologic experiments in which de novo phosphatidylcholine synthesis was either stimulated by bile duct fistulization and triacylglycerol infusion or suppressed by including phosphatidylcholine in a lipid infusion demonstrated that the enzyme (cytosolic enzyme) responsed by decreasing Vmax but that the Km remained the same. In sum, these studies suggest that CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase in intestine is unique as compared to other tissues and that its response to a physiological stimulus is counter to that which would be adaptive.
Development and Validation of the Six-Factor Self-Concept Scale for Adults:

The Six-Factor Self-Concept Scale is a multidimensional measure of adult self-concept that was designed to have broad applicability across life settings, roles, and activities. Developed through a series of exploratory factor analytic studies, the measure consists of six subscales: Likability, Morality, Task Accomplishment, Giftedness, Power, and Vulnerability. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the 36-item, six-factor structure provided a reasonably good fit for data derived from a sample of 365 noncollege adults. Factor structures of correlation matrixes for men and women and for undergraduates and noncollege adults were highly similar. The subscales were tested for distinctiveness, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and divergent validity. Evidence for all five qualities is reported. The subscales differentially predicted childhood memories, recent behaviors and events, and ratings by knowledgeable observers.
Amifostine prior to lethal irradiation prevents allogeneic bone marrow engraftment in mice

We and others have demonstrated that the milieu created by ionizing radiation (IR) used for conditioning plays a major role in the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). We reasoned that antioxidants that could inhibit IR induction of inflammatory cytokines and/or apoptosis might reduce the incidence or severity of aGVHD. Therefore, BALB/c mice were treated with amifostine, n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) prior to transplantation with allogeneic C57Bl/6 bone marrow and spleen cells. None of 30 amifostine-pretreated mice developed weight loss or other signs of aGVHD and they rejected their allogeneic transplants. However, pretreatment to groups of five mice each with molar equivalent doses of NAC or PDTC accelerated death, and lower doses did not prevent aGVHD. In vitro tests demonstrated that PDTC and NAC acted as pro-oxidants when incubated with isolated normal mouse lymphocytes, whereas amifostine and its active metabolite WR-1065 did not. The conclusion that amifostine protected immune function from IR in vivo was further supported by the fact that amifostine and WR-1065 preserved the response of radiated normal lymphocytes to respond to PHA and both stimulated growth of non-radiated, non-PHA-treated normal lymphocytes in vitro. Taken together, these data caution the use of amifostine in allogeneic transplantation.
New chemistry of amethyrin

Abstract As a first step towards studying the metallation chemistry of amethyrin, a previously reported hexapyrrolic expanded porphyrin [Chem. Eur. J. 1 (1995) 56], a simpler and higher-yielding synthesis of the macrocycle has been developed. The single crystal X-ray crystallographic structure of the free-base form of this easily protonated product has also been determined. The non-planar macrocycle is coordinated to two methanol molecules through hydrogen bonding interactions. The 1H NMR spectrum of this methanol complex, combined with disorder observed in the solid-state structure, supports the contention that the two pyrrolic protons and the two hydroxyl protons of the methanol may be involved in a fast exchange process. Exploration of the metal-coordination chemistry of amethyrin has led to the conclusion that new metal complexes such as the bis-Ni(II) complex reported here are best obtained under non-protic conditions. UV–Vis spectral analysis of the bis-Ni(II) complex lends credence to the conclusion that coordination of metals may lead to oxidation of the macrocycle thereby yielding aromatic metal complexes.
Detection of early changes in cockroach hemocytes during coagulation with 8-Anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid

Gewisse Hamozyten vonBlatta orientalis L. zeigten in Gegenwart fluoreszierender 8-Anilin-1-Naphthalensulfonsaure im Lebendpraparat zytoplasmische Fluoreszenz, wahrend die Entwicklung dieser Fluoreszenz in anderen Hamozyten betrachtlich variiert und bis zu 7 min benotigt. Es besteht die Moglichkeit, mit dieser Fluoreszenzprobe Membranveranderungen in Hamatozyten zu erfassen.
1375 TRANSPLACENTAL STIMULATION OF FUNCTIONAL AND MORPHOLOGIC FETAL (F) LUNG (L) MATURATION: CONCENTRATION DEPENDENT EFFECT OF THYROID HORMONES (TH)

TH influence F L maturation. However, it is not known if in vivo administration of TH enhance functional F L maturation. T4 (150 or 250μg/kg) or vehicle were injected IM to the rabbit doe on d 25 & 26. Functional & morphologic F L maturation was assessed on d 27 by pressure(P)-volume curve & histology. F plasma free T4 & T3 were measured by RIA. All data X+SEM (*P <0.05 vs con.) n=No. of does. UD=undetectable. F wt & mortality were similar in all groups. Morphologic maturation was enhanced in T3-175 or 225 group only. In the T3-175 ♂ & ♀ F had more mature L. Conclusion: Functional & morphologic acceleration of F L development from TH stimulation is concentration dependent & can be achieved transplacentally in ♂ & ♀ without affecting F growth or mortality.
Intersection Design Tool to Aid Alternative Evaluation

The goal of this project is to develop a structured and objective evaluation process to compare alternative design concepts and evaluate them based on operations, safety, access management, and pedestrian/bicycle accommodations. This approach permits a more objective comparison of all alternatives, since all options target the same operational service level. The Intersection Design Alternative Tool (IDAT) developed through this effort is capable of evaluating 13 different intersection alternatives and it would be invaluable in evaluating alternative designs that could enhance access management and implementing innovative intersection treatments such as alternative left-turn treatments.
Cellulose–hydrazine complexes

Cellulose–hydrazine complexes have been prepared by soaking cellulose fibers in anhydrous hydrazine, and their structures have been investigated by x-ray diffraction. The unit cells for the complexes formed by native ramie (cellulose I) and by Mercerized ramie and Fortisan (both cellulose II) have different dimensions, but all contain sections of four chains; and the x-ray patterns suggest significant changes in the chain stagger, as compared with the uncomplexed structures. The differences between the Mercerized ramie and Fortisan complexes may reflect the differences in morphology and crystallinity of these materials. Reconversion to cellulose is effected by soaking in water. For the cellulose II complexes a hydrate intermediate is observed in this process. The hydrate is a two-chain unit cell and contains approximately one water molecule per glucose residue.
mRx: Negotiating collaborative decisions

In this paper, we present the architecture for a working prototype of a decision tool, the mR x . The goal of this prototype was to develop a simple, yet valid, tool to help members of the forestry community to collaboratively negotiate decisions for prescribed burns. The architecture of the mR x has been designed by mapping key learning strategies to pedagogical models. Technological affordances are then leveraged to support these strategies and models.
Spatial and luminance factors determining visual excitability.

Excitability functions were determined by measuring the threshold luminance of a circular test flash (43′, 5 msec) at various temporal intervals before and after the onset of a larger concentric 25-msec conditioning flash. The paired stimuli were presented in maxwellian view to the right eye, either centrally, or 7° or 15° in the nasal field. The conditioning flash was either 57′, 1°50′, 2°43′, or 3°30′ in diameter, and was either scotopic, or one of two photopic luminances. The results show that (1) luminance is the most powerful nontemporal determinant of the increment threshold, (2) as the conditioning diameter increases, test threshold decreases with central or 7° photopic stimuli, but with scotopic peripheral stimuli, the test threshold increases and then decreases. For photopic stimuli at 15°, increasing the CF diameter generally raises the increment threshold. In general, the diameter for maximal increment threshold becomes progressively larger as luminance is decreased or as stimulation occurs farther in the periphery. These results are discussed in terms of the neural organization under different conditions of luminance and retinal position.
Theory of neutral atom scattering at long range from metal surfaces

We examine possible interactions between neutral atoms and metal surfaces at separations greater than 500 \AA{}, treating the Lifshitz dispersion force, dynamic forces, and fringe fields due to surface roughness. Using the derived interaction energies we compute the classical trajectories of atoms passing over metal cylinders and compare them with the results of a recent series of experiments. There is a significant discrepancy between theory and experiment, with theory predicting more scattering than is observed.
Influenza A Virus Coding Regions Exhibit Host-Specific Global Ordered RNA Structure

Influenza A is a significant public health threat, partially because of its capacity to readily exchange gene segments between different host species to form novel pandemic strains. An understanding of the fundamental factors providing species barriers between different influenza hosts would facilitate identification of strains capable of leading to pandemic outbreaks and could also inform vaccine development. Here, we describe the difference in predicted RNA secondary structure stability that exists between avian, swine and human coding regions. The results predict that global ordered RNA structure exists in influenza A segments 1, 5, 7 and 8, and that ranges of free energies for secondary structure formation differ between host strains. The predicted free energy distributions for strains from avian, swine, and human species suggest criteria for segment reassortment and strains that might be ideal candidates for viral attenuation and vaccine development.
Characteristic function for the stationary state of a one-dimensional dynamical system with Lévy noise

We develop a practical method for calculating the characteristic function of diffusion processes driven by Levy white noise. The method is based on the Ito formula for semimartingales, a differential equation developed for the characteristic function of diffusion processes driven by Poisson white noise with jumps that may not have finite moments, and on approximate representations of the Levy white noise process. Numerical results show that the proposed method is very accurate and is consistent with previous theoretical findings.
Design of an oscillating flow apparatus for the study of low Reynolds number particle dynamics

An apparatus was designed and built to explore the effects of transient flow fluctuations on the dynamic behavior of particles in low Reynolds number (LRN) flows. While many experiments have been performed on LRN particle flows, relatively few have investigated periodic oscillations on the flow dynamics. The apparatus was oscillated at a frequency of 10 Hz with peak-to-peak displacements on the order of 10 mm. Particles of varying densities and diameters were placed into the oscillating flow. Video images of the particle dynamics were captured with both a personal video camcorder and high-speed digital camera. In parallel, computations were performed for the particle system in order to validate the experimental method and apparatus.
Effect of carbonic anhydrase inhibition on the DC potential difference between cerebrospinal fluid and blood.

Abstract The effect of cerebral carbonic anhydrase inhibition on the DC potential difference between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood (PD) was studied in anesthetized dogs by perfusing the ventriculocisternal system with artificial CSF containing the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, acetazolamide. The slope of the PD vs. arterial blood p H ( ΔPD Δ p Ha ) was calculated from PD and p Ha values obtained during room-air breathing, respiratory acidosis, and respiratory alkalosis. ΔPD Δ p Ha decreased from −26.3 ± 1.9 millivolts per p H unit ( mV U ) before acetazolamide administration to 17.6 ± 2.1 after acetazolamide ( P p H 7.4 (PD 7.4 ) increased slightly from 2.9 ± 0.5 mV before acetazolamide treatment to 3.9 ± 0.6 after acetazolamide ( P
Motor debilitation, short- and long-term shuttlebox deficits, and brain monoamine changes following footshock pretreatment in rats

Male hooded rat triplets, each consisting of an unshocked control (C), an animal that could escape from the shock by leverpressing (LE), and a yoked animal that received noncontingent shock (NC), were pretreated with either short-duration, high-intensity (Hi) or long- duration, low-intensity (Lo) footshock. Varying degrees of motor debilitation not offset by the escape contingency were apparent immediately following the Hi pretreatment. Only the rats showing motor debilitation had short-term deficits in FR-1 and FR-2 escape-avoidance performance that were related to lowered diencephalic norepinephrine (NE) levels. The Lo pretreatment, which utilized shocks ⩾5.0 sec in duration, had no significant long-term effects on escape-avoidance behavior under the conditions of this study. Only nondebilitated NC rats from the Hi pretreatment condition showed a reliable deficit in FR-2 shuttlebox performance at 72 h. This occurred in spite of the fact that their pretreatment shocks were shorter than 5.0 sec in duration and that they showed no signs of motor debilitation and essentially normal brain NE levels at 30 min.
Synthetic peptides corresponding to sequences of snake venom neurotoxins and rabies virus glycoprotein bind to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

Peptides corresponding to portions of loop 2 of snake venom curare-mimetic neurotoxins and to a structurally similar region of rabies virus glycoprotein were synthesized. Interaction of these peptides with purified Torpedo electric organ acetylcholine receptor was tested by measuring their ability to block the binding of 125I-labeled alpha-bungarotoxin to the receptor. In addition, inhibition of alpha-bungarotoxin binding to a 32-residue synthetic peptide corresponding to positions 173-204 of the alpha-subunit was determined. Neurotoxin and glycoprotein peptides corresponding to toxin loop 2 inhibited labeled toxin binding to the receptor with IC50 values comparable to those of nicotine and the competitive antagonist d-tubocurarine and to the alpha-subunit peptides with apparent affinities between those of d-tubocurarine and alpha-cobratoxin. Substitution of neurotoxin residue Arg37, the proposed counterpart of the quaternary ammonium of acetylcholine, with a negatively charged Glu residue reduced the apparent affinity about 10-fold. Peptides containing the neurotoxin invariant residue Trp29 and 10- to 100-fold higher affinities than peptides lacking this residue. These results demonstrate that relatively short synthetic peptides retain some of the binding ability of the native protein from which they are derived, indicating that such peptides are useful in the study of protein-protein interactions. The ability of the peptides to compete alpha-bungarotoxin binding to the receptor with apparent affinities comparable to those of other cholinergic ligands indicates that loop 2 of the neurotoxins and the structurally similar segment of the rabies virus glycoprotein act as recognition sites for the acetylcholine receptor. Invariant toxin residues Arg37 and Trp29 and their viral homologs play important, although not essential, roles in binding, possibly by interaction with complementary anionic and hydrophobic subsites on the acetylcholine receptor. The alpha-subunit peptide most likely contains all of the determinants for binding of the toxin and glycoprotein peptides present on the alpha-subunit, because these peptides bind to the 32-residue alpha-subunit peptide with the same or greater affinity as to the intact subunit.
Intrinsic equations for a relaxed elastic line on an oriented surface

Hilbert and Cohn-Vossen [2, p. 221] incorrectly suggested a flexible knitting needle, constrained to conform to a surface, as one model for a geodesic on a surface. This model actually gives a relaxed elastic line on the surface, and is not generally a geodesic unless the surface lies in a plane or on a sphere. In this paper we derive the intrinsic equations for a relaxed elastic line on an oriented surface. This formulation should give a more direct and more geometric approach to questions concerning relaxed elastic lines on a surface. We apply this formulation to give alternate proofs of some results of [3] found by the less direct method of Lagrange multipliers and to give additional results about relaxed elastic lines on various surfaces. For further considerations of a relaxed elastic line on a surface as a model of the DNA molecule, see [3].
Proportional-plus-multiintegral stabilizing compensators for a class of MIMO feedback systems with infinite-dimensional plants

A method is presented for designing proportional-plus-multiintegral stabilizing compensators for a class of feedback systems with exponentially stable infinite-dimensional plants. These compensators enable the feedback system to asymptotically track polynomial inputs and suppress polynomial disturbances of corresponding order. When used in design, the effectiveness of the construction procedure presented can be increased considerably by combining it with the computational stability criterion and semiinfinite optimization. In this manner, the coefficient matrices of a compensator designed by the method can be further modified to ensure better feedback-system performance with respect to various performance requirements, without destroying stability, tracking, and disturbance-rejection properties. >