cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on the role of amino acids 38-45 in the expression of a functional thyrotropin receptor.

We previously reported that deletion or substitution of a unique eight-amino acid tract (residues 38-45) in the extracellular domain of the human TSH receptor led to the loss of specific ligand binding to the surface of transfected cells. In the present study we analyzed this region in more detail. Using site-directed mutagenesis of the TSH receptor cDNA, we substituted amino acid residues 38-45, either in three overlapping groups of four amino acids each or individually. The resultant TSH receptor mutant cDNAs were stably transfected into Chinese hamster ovary cells, and the cells were tested for their TSH-binding ability. Our data demonstrate that amino acid residues 38-40 and 42-45 in this region of the human TSH receptor can be substituted without alteration in receptor function and are, therefore, not critical in forming or maintaining the TSH-binding site. However, substitution of Cys41, either alone or together with adjacent amino acids, leads to the loss of TSH binding to its receptor. These data ...
Survival advantage in Asian American end-stage renal disease patients.

Survival advantage in Asian American end-stage renal disease patients. Background An earlier study documented a lower mortality risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in Japan compared with the United States. We compared the mortality of Caucasian (white) and Asian American dialysis patients in the United States to evaluate whether Asian ancestry was associated with lower mortality in the United States. Methods The study sample from the U.S. Renal Data System census of ESRD patients treated in the United States included 84,192 white or Asian patients starting dialysis during May 1995 to April 1997, of whom 18,435 died by April 30, 1997. Patient characteristics were described by race. Relative mortality risks (RRs) for Asian Americans relative to whites were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusting for characteristics and comorbidities. Population death rates were derived from vital statistics for the United States and Japan by age and sex. Results Adjusting for demographics, diabetes, comorbidities, and nutritional factors, the RR for Asian Americans was 0.75 ( P = 0.0001). Race-specific background population death rates accounted for over half of the race-related mortality difference. For whites, mortality decreased as the body mass index (BMI) increased. For Asians, the relationship between BMI and survival was u-shaped. The ratio of Asian American/white dialysis death rates and the ratio of Asian American/white general population death rates both varied by age in a similar pattern. The population death rates of Asian American and Japanese were also similar. Conclusion Among dialysis patients, Asian Americans had a markedly lower adjusted RR than whites. The effect of BMI on survival differed by race. Compared with the respective general population, dialysis patients had the same relative increase in death rates for both races. The difference in death rates between the United States and Japan does not appear to be primarily treatment related, but rather is related to background death rates.
Impulsivity, Compulsivity, and Habit: The Role of Orbitofrontal Cortex Revisited

Humans suffering damage to the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) are often described as impulsive. The most famous example is Phineas Gage, a railway worker, who in 1848 suffered extreme frontal lobe damage when a long iron rod was projected through his skull after an accidental explosion. Gage survived, but was reported to have an extreme change in personality, including increased inappropriate behavior (impulsiveness) [1–2]. People with OFC lesions are more impulsive compared to both normal controls and people with non-OFC frontal cortex damage, as measured by self-report and by cognitive/behavioral tasks [3]. But, how is impulsivity defined and how can it be measured? Impulsivity involves behaviors that are inappropriate for the context, premature, poorly planned and often resulting in adverse consequences. Impulsive behaviors have been described as having three dimensions: 1) an inability to use available information to reflect on the consequences of actions; 2) an inability to forego an immediate small reward in favor of a delayed larger reward; 3) a deficit in suppressing prepotent motor responses [4]. Taken together, these three dimensions of impulsivity reflect an inability to evaluate and subsequently respond flexibly in search of a specific goal or outcome under changing environmental conditions. In this commentary, we reflect on the similarities between impulsive, compulsive and habitual behavior and hypothesize a common neurobiological circuit that depends critically on the function of the OFC.
Determination of Surface Viscosities by Surfactant Concentration and Velocity Field Measurements for an Insoluble Monolayer

A new technique has been developed to determine the sum of the surface (excess) shear viscosity and surface dilatational viscosity for insoluble monolayers on a gas−liquid interface. The flow on the interface is produced by the rise and the subsequent spread of a laminar vortex pair which dilates the interface. The terms in the tangential component of the stress boundary condition equation for the interface are directly evaluated through measurements of the velocity in the liquid and on the interface, obtained through digital particle image velocimetry, and measurements of the unsteady surfactant concentration on the interface, made with the nonlinear optical technique of second-harmonic generation. For the experiments, the water surface was initially covered by a uniform monolayer of hemicyanine dye, 4-[4-(dimethylamino)styryl]-1-docosylpyridinium bromide, which was chosen for its strong nonlinear optical response. The sum of the surface viscosities for hemicyanine was found to be 1.2 (±0.5) sp at a conc...
Lunar resource utilization: Implications for commerce and exploration

Abstract Propellant derived from ice located in permanently shadowed craters near the Moon's poles has been proposed as a commercial venture for the Moon. A detailed analysis of the possibilities associated with lunar propellants has been carried out with an integrated technical-financial tool. The analysis shows that, with current understanding of the available technology for propellant production, transportation systems, and the market for launch of vehicles between LEO-GEO, it is difficult to demonstrate that a viable commercial opportunity exists to serve that market with lunar propellant. Improvements in technology, the location of higher concentrations of ice on the Moon, the availability of a space infrastructure, and a larger market each could significantly improve the prospects for commercial viability. A government-sponsored human exploration program, using the Earth-Moon L-1 point as a hub, could address many of these issues while avoiding program costs and could open commercial opportunities in space transportation.
The significance of antepartum variable decelerations

A total of 4886 nonstress tests were reviewed to establish the relationship between antepartum variable decelerations and perinatal outcome. The association between various fetal heart rate components and variable decelerations was also studied. The incidence of variable decelerations, defined as three or more decelerations ≥15 bpm lasting at least 15 seconds in a 20-minute period, was 1.3%. The results suggest that in the presence of variable decelerations: (1) there is a higher incidence of fetal distress in labor, low Apgar scores, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and nuchal cord involvement; (2) the presence of accelerations and normal variability is associated with good neonatal outcome, whereas their absence is associated with adverse outcome; (3) the presence of accelerations or good variability is not independently correlated with neonatal outcome.
Cell-Derived Polymer/Extracellular Matrix Composite Scaffolds for Cartilage Regeneration, Part 2: Construct Devitalization and Determination of Chondroinductive Capacity

This work examined the chondrogenic potential of chondrocyte and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) coculture generated poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL)/extracellular matrix (ECM) hybrid scaffolds. Five different ratios of chondrocytes and MSCs were cocultured to generate cartilage-like ECM within electrospun fibrous scaffolds for 7, 14, and 21 days. These constructs were then devitalized to isolate the chondrogenic effects of the ECM alone. Devitalization was successful at removing cellular matter from the scaffolds, yet did reduce the amount of matrix present in the scaffolds. Following devitalization, the PCL/ECM scaffolds were then cultured with MSCs in serum-free conditions with or without TGF-β3 treatment for 21 days. TGF-β3 supplemented culture caused an induction of chondrogenesis in each scaffold type, but also somewhat masked the subtle differences of the different ECM coatings. Without TGF-β3, the cartilaginous matrix generated by 1:1 cocultures of chondrocytes to MSCs for 14 days supported similar chondrog...
Energy band alignment and interface states in AlGaN/4H SiC vertical heterojunction diodes

Abstract The effects of AlxGa1−xN aluminum fraction x and SiC surface pre-treatment on AlGaN/4H–SiC heterojunction interfaces are experimentally investigated. From capacitance vs. voltage measurements, the conduction band offsets are found to be ΔEC ≈ 0.30 for x ≈ 0.3 and ΔEC ≈ 0.56 for x ≈ 0.5. Forward bias ideality factors are reasonable at 3.3 for Al0.3Ga0.7N diodes, but >9 for Al0.5Ga0.5N diodes, suggesting a higher level of interface charge related to the higher aluminum fraction. Reverse bias leakage is acceptably low, with breakdown occurring at VA > 200 V reverse bias for all tested devices. The effect of 1500 °C hydrogen etching of the SiC substrate prior to AlxGa1−xN growth is also investigated, and found to have little effect for x = 0.3 but a beneficial effect for x = 0.5.
Effects of mutations in apolipoprotein C-1 on the reconstitution and kinetic stability of discoidal lipoproteins.

To probe the role of protein conformation in the formation and kinetic stability of discoidal lipoproteins, thermal unfolding and refolding studies were carried out using model lipoproteins reconstituted from dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and selected mutants of human apolipoprotein C-1 (apoC-1). Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and electron microscopy show that the Q31P mutant, which has alpha-helical content in solution (33%) and on DMPC disks (67%) similar to that of the wild type (WT), forms disks of smaller diameter, = 13 nm, compared to 17 nm of the WT-DMPC disks. The L34P mutant, which is largely unfolded in solution, forms disks with alpha-helix content and diameter similar to those of the WT. The R23P mutant, which is fully unfolded in solution, forms disks that have similar diameter but reduced alpha-helix content (40%) compared to the WT-DMPC disks (65%). Remarkably, despite large variations in the alpha-helix content or the disk diameter among different mutant-DMPC complexes, the mutations have no significant effect on the unfolding rates or the Arrhenius activation energy of the disk denaturation, E(a) = 25-29 kcal/mol. This suggests that the kinetic stability of the discoidal complexes is dominated by the lipid-lipid rather than the protein-lipid interactions. In contrast to the heat denaturation, the lipoprotein reconstitution upon cooling monitored by CD and light scattering is significantly affected by mutations, with Q31P forming disks in the broadest and R23P in the narrowest temperature range. Our results suggest that the apolipoprotein helical structure in solution facilitates reconstitution of discoidal lipoproteins but has no significant effect on their kinetic stability.
Topology optimization with design-dependent loads

This paper presents a generalization of topology optimization of a linearly elastic structure subject to design-dependent loads. The direction and location of the design-dependent loads may change as the shape of the structure changes. A new approach based on applying a fictitious thermal loading to simulate this dependent load is proposed. The optimization of the structural topology is transformed to a three-phase material distribution problem within the design domain in which the solid, void, and hydrostatic fluid phases are optimally distributed. Examples of both internally and externally pressurized structures are presented.
A delay line discriminator for IFM using a left-handed delay line

Recent developments in left-handed metamaterials and left-handed transmission lines have led to new approaches to the design of radio frequency components such as branch line couplers. In this paper, the design of a delay line discriminator for instantaneous frequency measurement (IFM) is investigated, where the delay line section is replaced by a composite right/left-hand (CRLH) transmission line. To demonstrate the CRLH design approach, experimental measurements and simulation results are compared for a 100 MHz delay line discriminator. The inherent phase advance of the CRLH transmission line structure is shown to reverse the slope of the frequency discriminator when compared to a right-handed transmission line structure.
Truncal Valve Abnormalities in Infants with Persistent Truncus Arteriosus A Clinicopathologic Study

Clinical data on 12 patients under 6 months of age are presented together with the necropsy evidence of truncus arteriosus. Five patients had normal truncal valves and seven had markedly deformed and incompetent valves. Among the group of infants with truncal valve insufficiency, the cause of death was refractory congestive heart failure in each instance, whereas the patients with normal truncal valves succumbed from other causes. Pathologic examination of the abnormal truncal valves revealed cusps which were thickened by fibrous nodules. Combined heart-lung weight in patients with deformed truncal valves had a mean increase of 85% above normal values, while in the group of patients with normal truncal valves the mean increase was 17%. Similar results were observed when liver weights were compared. The major clinical findings among the group of patients with truncal insufficiency were bounding peripheral arterial pulses, early diastolic decrescendo murmurs, and congestive heart failure which was refractor...
Dialogic Self-address in Shakespeare's Plays

In many soliloquies in Shakespeare's plays a character gives voice to two or more distinct emotions. In some of these cases the emotions are merely different, while in other cases they are diametrically opposed. In extreme cases the character gives voice to an emotional conflict that is tearing the character's mind apart. In still other cases, the speaker gives voice to only one emotion, but another, unexpressed emotion of nearly equal, equal, or greater strength is nevertheless implied. Many soliloquies depict characters engaged in the process of self-deception. Characters frequently attempt to talk themselves into an emotion or convince themselves they are feeling an emotion when the context implies that they do not genuinely feel the emotion. In all of these cases the character is of two minds and is engaged in a dialogue with him- or herself.
A new technique for preparation of thin single crystal films of copper

Abstract A new technique has been developed for the preparation of continuous thin single crystal films of copper of 180–250 a thick. The technique employs two stages of evaporation. During the first stage of evaporation copper nuclei approximately 800 A thick are formed on a preheated mica substrate. These nuclei are then used to influence the lateral growth of subsequently deposited copper layers and thus to enhance the formation of a continuous single crystal film during the second stage of evaporation.
Expression of a group II phospholipase A2 from the venom of Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus in Escherichia coli: Recovery and renaturation from bacterial inclusion bodies

Abstract A synthetic gene encoding the Group 11 phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) from the venom of Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus has been constructed and expressed with high efficiency in Escherichia coli . No enzymatic activity was recovered when the polypeptide contained the initiator Met residue. Replacement of an Asn residue penultimate to the initiator Met with Ser or Gly permitted removal of the initiator Met by the endogenous methionine aminopeptidase. The amino-terminal serine (N-Ser) and amino-terminal glycine PLA 2 's were isolated from intracellular inclusion bodies and were renatured with 25% recovery. Automated Edman degradation confirmed the removal of the initiator Met and confirmed the sequence of the first 40 residues of N-Ser PLA 2 . The recombinant proteins were purified to apparent homogeneity and showed the same specific activity as the wild-type protein. N-Ser PLA 2 demonstrated the same kinetics of activation as the wild type enzyme on large vesicles of zwitterionic lipid.
Mechanical Analysis on the Splicing Form of Cross-Section Multiple Angle Steel for Transmission Line

The stress inside and outside the traditional cross-section angle steel in transmission lines are uneven, resulting in the deviation of the actual carrying capacity and the theoretical design value. This paper proposes the use of improved splicing form of the cross-section angle steel to improve the structure’s mechanical properties. Two spliced forms of cross-section multiple angle steel are analyzed by finite element simulation analysis, so as to compare two different forms’ coordination of component displacement, uniform of force, and stress status on the maximum stress control section. It is pointed out that double angle splicing forms’ displacement compatibility and bearing capacity are better than single angle splicing forms. Especially for towers with different height legs, the maximum stress of the main members of the two splicing forms in the control section is respectively 4.7% and 13.7%.
Banking crisis in east asia: A micro/macro perspective

This paper examines interactions between micro and macro variables in explaining the risk positions adopted by East Asian banks. The analysis shows that macroeconomic policies impacted the micro-economic decision making of banks in the period from 1989 to 1999. Considering the macroeconomic perspective side by side with the microeconomic perspective and including interactions between the two levels increases the explanatory power of the model and exposes ways in which macro conditions and government policies influenced banks’ reactions to their microeconomic variables and the level of risk they take.
Work-Related Consequences of Influence, Respect, and Solidarity in Two Law Enforcement Agencies

The members of two law enforcement agencies (n's = 78 and 159) participated in an organizational survey that linked perceptions of social exchange processes to subjective evaluations of work. It was found that members' evaluations of the distributions of influence, respect, and solidarity, all measured by a modified control graph technique, leave definite traces in measures ofjob satisfaction and work strain. However, predictions about how these relationships would differ with rank and from one organization to the other were not always clearly confirmed. A surprise in the analysis was the evidence of a bias among the rank andfile in favor ofparticipatory decision-making.
The electrochemical hydrogenation of edible oils in a solid polymer electrolyte reactor. II. Hydrogenation selectivity studies

Soybean oil has been hydrogenated electrochemically in a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) reactor at 60°C and 1 atm pressure. These experiments focused on identifying cathode designs and reactor operation conditions that improved fatty acid hydrogenation selectivities. Increasing oil mass transfer into and out of the Pd-black cathode catalyst layer (by increasing the porosity of the cathode carbon paper/cloth backing material, increasing the oil feed flow rate, and inserting a turbulence promoter into the oil feed flow channel) decreased the concentrations of stearic acid and linolenic acid in oil products [for example, an iodine value (IV) 98 oil contained 12.2% C18:0 and 2.3% C18:3]. When a second metal (Ni, Cd, Zn, Pb, Cr, Fe, Ag, Cu, or Co) was electrodeposited on a Pd-black powder cathode, substantial increases in the linolenate, linoleate, and oleate selectivities were observed. For example, a Pd/Co cathode was used to synthesize an IV 113 soybean oil with 5.3% stearic acid and 2.3% linolenic acid. The trans isomer content of soybean oil products was in the range of 6–9.5% (corresponding to specific isomerization indices of 0.15–0.40, depending on the product IV) and did not increase significantly for high fatty acid hydrogenation selectivity conditions.
Resonant panting in pigeons.

Abstract 1. 1. The panting frequency and resonant frequency of the thoraco-abdominal complex were determined in nine domestic pigeons, Columba livia. 2. 2. When artificially ventilated with a constant driving force at frequencies from 2 to 19 c/s, maximum tracheal air flow occurred at the resonant frequency of the respiratory system. 3. 3. No significant difference was found between normal panting rates (10·2 c/s ± 0·22 S.E.) and the resonant frequency of the thoraco-abdominal complex (9·4 c/s ±0·45 S.E.). 4. 4. These data suggest that pigeons pant at the resonant frequency of the respiratory system, utilizing the mechanical-acoustical properties of the system to provide maximum air flow with least effort.
Nuclear Localization of Flavonoid Enzymes in Arabidopsis

Flavonoids represent one of the oldest, largest, and most diverse families of plant secondary metabolites. These compounds serve a wide range of functions in plants, from pigmentation and UV protection to the regulation of hormone transport. Flavonoids also have interesting pharmacological activities in animals that are increasingly being characterized in terms of effects on specific proteins or other macromolecules. Although flavonoids are found in many different locations both inside and outside the cell, biosynthesis has long been believed to take place exclusively in the cytoplasm. Recent reports from a number of different plant species have documented the presence of flavonoids in nuclei, raising the possibility of novel mechanisms of action for these compounds. Here we present evidence that not only flavonoids, but also at least two of the biosynthetic enzymes, are located in the nucleus in several cell types in Arabidopsis. This is the first indication that differential targeting of the biosynthetic machinery may be used to regulate the deposition of plant secondary products at diverse sites of action within the cell.
Morphological evolution of diamonds in combustion synthesis

This research investigates the morphological evolution of diamond films in combustion synthesis as a basis for understanding the nucleation and growth mechanisms of the diamond phase. Various diamond films were synthesized from an oxyacetylene flame on a molybdenum substrate under atmospheric conditions. To identify their morphological characteristics, the films were studied by scanning electron microscopy and were characterized by μ‐Raman spectroscopy. These investigations suggest that initial diamond growth resembles a ball‐like structure consisting of a mixture of graphite and diamond crystallites. As growth progresses, varying the gas ratio and substrate temperature conditions can cause the diamond crystallites to evolve from the cauliflower‐like, to octahedral, and cubic structures. The nucleation and growth mechanisms of the diamond phase are discussed at the atomic, lattice, and macroscopic levels. The research concludes that morphological evolution varies with the rate of deposition and etching on...
Delay-Constrained, Low-Cost Multicast Routing in Multimedia Networks

Support for multimedia applications is a major objective of future high speed networks. Multimedia applications are usually resource intensive, have stringent quality of service (QoS) requirements, and in many cases involve large multicast groups. Multicasting enables these applications to scale to a large number of users without overloading the network and server resources. This paper focuses on developing low-cost, delay-bounded multicast trees to support the QoS requirements of multimedia applications. The approach taken in the development of the multicast trees is to decouple the cost optimization from bounding the delay by first building a low-cost tree and then handling any delay violations that may occur in the tree. Three new heuristics are proposed. The first two heuristics, delay-constrained low-cost inexpensive multicasting (SLIM) and SLIM+, use the least-cost path between the multicast nodes to incrementally build a multicast tree that satisfies the delay requirements of the multicast nodes. Their complexity is O(n3), where n is the number of nodes in the network. The third heuristic, K-SLIM, builds a set of k shortest paths and uses these paths in an attempt to further reduce the cost of the multicast tree without violating the delay requirements of the multicast nodes. Its time complexity is O(kn3log(n)), where k, a user-defined parameter, denotes the number of shortest paths to be considered. Our simulation results show that K-SLIM on average outperforms other well-known heuristics. The results also show that SLIM+ produces low-cost, delay-bounded trees with an average cost close to the average cost of the trees produced by K-SLIM but with much lower processing overhead.
The pastoral role of Contemporary Christian Music: the spiritualization of everyday life in a suburban evangelical megachurch

Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), popular music featuring evangelical Christian lyrics, is one of the most widely consumed forms of commercial entertainment for America's 70–80 million white evangelical Christians. CCM is an excellent lens through which to examine the complex interactions of religious faith, community sentiment, and popular music practices in the contemporary US. I explain how CCM performs the ‘pastoral’ task of reinforcing Christian faith in an evangelical megachurch in the suburbs of Sacramento, California. I argue that a monthly concert series not only guides evangelical Christians in their ‘walk’, but also helps constitute the flock by building a sense of community. I suggest three spatial analytics to understand CCM's pastoral role: the place of the suburb, the sacred space of the church coffeehouse, and the body. At all three scales of analysis, the musical and religious practices of CCM at one suburban church spiritualize the everyday lives of the participants.
A computational examination of orthogonal distance regression

Abstract Ordinary least squares (OLS) is one of the most commonly used criteria for fitting data to models and for estimating parameters. Orthogonal distance regression (ODR) extends least squares data fitting to problems with independent variables that are not known exactly. In this paper, we present the results of an empirical study designed to compare OLS to ODR for fitting both linear and non-linear models when there are errors in the independent variables. The results indicate that, for the data and performance criteria considered, ODR never performs appreciably worse than OLS and often performs considerably better.
Single-system models and interference in category learning: commentary on Waldron and Ashby (2001).

In a recent article, Waldron and Ashby (2001) observed that performing a concurrent task caused greater interference in learning a simple one-dimensional categorization rule than in learning a complex three-dimensional one. They argued that this result was incompatible with all existing single-system models of category learning but was as predicted by the multiple-system COVIS model (Ashby, Alfonso-Reese, Turken, & Waldron, 1998). In contrast to Waldron and Ashby’s argument, we demonstrate that the single-system ALCOVE model (Kruschke, 1992) naturally predicts the result by assuming that its selectiveattention learning process is disrupted by the concurrent task.
Electrostatic fringing-field actuation for pull-in free RF-MEMS analogue tunable resonators

This paper presents the design, fabrication and measurement of the first pull-in free tunable evanescent-mode microwave resonator based on arrays of electrostatically actuated fringing-field RF-MEMS tuners. Electrostatic fringing-field actuation (EFFA) is the key on achieving a wide tunable frequency range that is not limited by the conventional pull-in instability. Furthermore, total lack of dielectric layers and no overlap between the pull-down electrode and movable beams significantly enhance the robustness of our proposed tuning mechanism by making it devoid of dielectric charging and stiction and amenable to high-yield manufacturing. The proposed electrostatic fringing-field tuners are demonstrated in a highly loaded evanescent-mode cavity-based resonator. The measured unloaded quality factor is 280?515 from 12.5 to 15.5?GHz. In addition, a 10? improvement in switching time is demonstrated for the first time for EFFA tuners in a tunable microwave component by employing dc-dynamic biasing waveforms. With dynamic biasing, the measured up-to-down and down-to-up switching times of the resonator are 190 and 148 ?s, respectively. On the other hand, conventional step biasing results in switching times of 5.2 and 8?ms for up-to-down and down-to-up states, respectively.
Linearity of Modified Uni-Traveling Carrier Photodiodes

The third-order intermodulation distortions of an InGaAs/InP charge compensated modified uni-traveling carrier (UTC) photodiode are characterized using a two-tone setup. At 0.3-GHz modulation frequency and photocurrents above 40 mA, the third-order local intercept point (IP3) reaches a record-high of 52 dBm and remains above 35 dBm up to the photodiode's 3-dB bandwidth. A simple equivalent circuit model with a voltage-dependent responsivity and a voltage- and photocurrent-dependent junction capacitance is used to explain the frequency characteristics of the intermodulation distortions.
Coprophagy as a Source of Vitamin B (B1)

Conclusions(1) Eleven rats receiving the Sherman and Chase basal ration deficient in vitamin B(B1,) and containing 53% of raw cornstarch, when fed 66 to 97% of their own feces as addenda were benefited as compared with littermate controls on the same ration without addenda. (2) The greatest growth resulting from feeding the rats 66 to 97% of their own feces was 4 gm. per week; most of the animals grew much less or declined steadily but more slowly than the control animals. (3) It would seem that vitamin B(B1) studies, using the assay method outlined by Sherman and Chase, were not seriously encumbered with disturbing influences of coprophagy since the small amounts of feces ordinarily consumed by the animals are not sufficient to influence their growth rates appreciably.
Endocrine and genetic characterization of cousins with male pseudohermaphroditism: evidence that the Lubs pheno‐type can result from a mutation that alters the structure of the androgen receptor

Impaired virilization of genetic males with testes (male pseudohermaphroditism) can result either from deficiency in androgen production or defects in androgen action, the latter most commonly involving an abnormal androgen receptor. We report here two maternal cousins with male pseudohermaphroditism and clinical features characteristic of the Lubs phenotype, namely apparent females with sufficient fusion of the labioscrotal folds so that a single urogenital sinus orifice is present. Testosterone levels in these genetic males rose appropriately after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin. The amount (maximal binding capacity of 24 to 30 fmol/mg protein) and hormone binding affinity (half-maximal saturation of 0.2 nM) of the androgen receptor in cultured skin fibroblasts was normal, but the receptor was qualitatively abnormal as evidenced by instability on sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The pattern of inheritance in this family is compatible with X-linkage. These findings, together with previous studies, indicate that the spectrum of abnormalities that result from defects of the androgen receptor in genetic men can encompass the entire spectrum between male and female phenotypes.
Dynamic response of dolos armor units to pendulum impact loads

Abstract Design methods for concrete armor units have come under scrutiny because of several recent breakwater failures. The catastrophic failure of the Sines breakwater in Portugal and other less spectacular failures such as the one at Cresent City, California have kindled doubts as to the structural integrity of the large dolos concrete armor unit. A major difficulty encountered in rationally designing dolosse (or any other armor unit) is the specification of the loads. The complexity of the in situ loading conditions preclude an exact solution. Therefore, the pendulum test was developed to simulate the impact of broken units that are thrown around by the waves. This paper summarizes the results of a comprehensive numerical analysis to determine the states of stress in dolosse, with varying dimensions and concrete properties, subject to pendulum impact loads. A three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) analysis of pendulum impact tests was conducted through implementation of the ADINA finite element computer programs. The results of the FEM analyses are used to develop an analytical procedure which accurately predicts the peak tensile stresses in the shank and fluke of dolosse subject to pendulum impacts.
VM/ESA: a single system for centralized and distributed computing

The rapid evolution of distributed and personal systems in recent years has not diminished the importance of centralized computing. Today, systems at all levels need to operate in networked configuration to allow users and applications to access and manipulate data from anywhere with full integrity and optimal performance. Virtual Machine/Enterprise Systems Architecture™ (VM/ESA™) satisfies this requirement as a single VM product that has been designed for both centralized and distributed computing. This essay describes how VM/ESA builds on IBM's reputation for virtual machine performance, function, and flexibility to form an ideal solution base for the 1990s.
ATR studies of evaporated silver films and molecular overlayers

Abstract Using the Kretschmann geometry consisting of a hemicylindrical glass prism and an evaporated film of Ag on a flat surface, we have studied the attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectra of the Ag film by itself and with molecular overlayers of pyridine and water. The entire experiment including Ag evaporation was carried out in an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chamber. The surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) in a “cold evaporated” Ag film are heavily damped, and annealing of the film decreases the damping appreciably. When the annealing temperature exceeds 220 K the optical properties of the film change irreversibly. A fraction of a monolayer of pyridine or water on the Ag film can be easily detected by changes in the ATR spectrum. Both pyridine and water are adsorbed in a smooth monolayer. Above the first monolayer the pyridine film develops surface roughness, while the water film grows with a smooth surface. The implications of these findings on the mechanism of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) are discussed.
Measurements of combustion efficiency in nonequilibrium RF plasma-ignited flows

Abstract The paper presents results of combustion efficiency measurements using Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy in premixed hydrocarbon–air and CO–air flows excited by a low-temperature transverse radiofrequency (RF) discharge plasma. The results demonstrate that significant fractions of these fuels are burned in RF plasma-generated and -stabilized flames (up to 100% of ethylene, 70% of methane, and 40% of CO). The results also show that fuel oxidation in the RF plasma-excited flows is most efficient in lean mixtures. Measurements of reaction product concentrations in hydrocarbon–air and CO–air mixtures show that significant amounts of fuel react under conditions when there is no flame detected in the test section. Under these conditions, fuel species oxidation occurs in plasma chemical reactions, without producing ignition. Also, experiments in CO–air flows demonstrated ignition and combustion at the equivalence ratios well below the lean flammability limit for CO. Finally, experiments in higher power RF discharges (500 W) showed that nonequilibrium plasma ignition occurs at flow velocities up to at least u = 60 m / s and at flow residence times exceeding ∼ 1 s . The effect of significant fuel oxidation, which is observed for lean fuel–air mixtures outside the flammable range, before the ignition occurs, provides additional evidence for the nonthermal fuel oxidation triggered by plasma-generated radicals. The present results, combined with previous experiments in which RF plasma ignition was demonstrated to occur in a low-temperature plasma, suggest the following nonequilibrium plasma ignition mechanism: (i) active radical species generation by the nonequilibrium plasma, (ii) plasma chemical reactions of fuel species oxidation with participation of these radicals, (iii) flow heating due to net exothermal plasma chemical fuel oxidation process, and (iv) subsequent thermal ignition and combustion.
ALTERATIONS IN PERIPHERAL BLOOD FLOW CONSEQUENT TO MAXIMAL EXERCISE.

Abstract Recovery patterns of blood flow were studied after an exhaustive maximal exercise on a bicycle ergometer at 1,500 Kg.M. per minute under conditions of (a) unrestricted circulation, and (b) occluded circulation of the lower limbs. In addition, electrocardiograms were recorded before, during, and after exercise. Exercising with the circulation to the lower limbs occluded reduced the mean work capacity of each of the 6 subjects to one third to one sixth of his work capacity with unrestricted circulation. The mean maximum heart rates under both conditions were similar. The recovery of the heart rate after the exercise of shorter duration, when the circulation had been occluded, was much faster than after the longer exercise with unrestricted circulation. The mean blood flow recovery curves after both conditions of exercise indicated that (a) there was no statistical difference between the mean recovery rates after the two conditions, despite the time differential needed to reach the same level of fatigue, and (b) the recovery curves after both exercises were characterized by two distinctly different rates of recovery, which followed independent, exponentially linear equations. Although blood flow in the calf had returned to approximately its pre-exercise resting level by the completion of each experiment, the heart rates were still elevated 9 to 20 beats per minute above their pre-exercise level.
Puf3p, a Pumilio family RNA binding protein, localizes to mitochondria and regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and motility in budding yeast

Puf3p binds preferentially to messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins. We find that Puf3p localizes to the cytosolic face of the mitochondrial outer membrane. Overexpression of PUF3 results in reduced mitochondrial respiratory activity and reduced levels of Pet123p, a protein encoded by a Puf3p-binding mRNA. Puf3p levels are reduced during the diauxic shift and growth on a nonfermentable carbon source, conditions that stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis. These findings support a role for Puf3p in mitochondrial biogenesis through effects on mRNA interactions. In addition, Puf3p links the mitochore, a complex required for mitochondrial–cytoskeletal interactions, to the Arp2/3 complex, the force generator for actin-dependent, bud-directed mitochondrial movement. Puf3p, the mitochore, and the Arp2/3 complex coimmunoprecipitate and have two-hybrid interactions. Moreover, deletion of PUF3 results in reduced interaction between the mitochore and the Arp2/3 complex and defects in mitochondrial morphology and motility similar to those observed in Arp2/3 complex mutants. Thus, Puf3p is a mitochondrial protein that contributes to the biogenesis and motility of the organelle.
Virus-Receptor Mediated Transduction of Dendritic Cells by Lentiviruses Enveloped with Glycoproteins Derived from Semliki Forest Virus

Lentiviruses have recently attracted considerable interest for their potential as a genetic modification tool for dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we explore the ability of lentiviruses enveloped with alphaviral envelope glycoproteins derived from Semliki Forest virus (SFV) to mediate transduction of DCs. We found that SFV glycoprotein (SFV-G)-pseudotyped lentiviruses use C-type lectins (DC-SIGN and L-SIGN) as attachment factors for transduction of DCs. Importantly, SFV-G pseudotypes appear to have enhanced transduction towards C-type lectin-expressing cells when produced under conditions limiting glycosylation to simple high-mannose, N-linked glycans. These results, in addition to the natural DC tropism of SFV-G, offer evidence to support the use of SFV-G-bearing lentiviruses to genetically modify DCs for the study of DC biology and DC-based immunotherapy.
Optimal Sliding Correlator Channel Sounder Design

The sliding correlator technique remains one of the most versatile and effective methods for sounding the radio propagation channel in next-generation wireless systems. Despite their utility, there has never been a comprehensive set of metrics and rules for the design of a sliding correlator channel sounder. This paper presents quantitative guidelines for balancing the many system parameters to achieve optimal levels of temporal resolution, dynamic range, processing gain, and Doppler resolution. The design procedure presented at the end of the paper will allow researchers to probe the new radioscapes that result as wireless systems are pushed to higher carrier frequencies, wider bandwidths, multiple antennas, and ubiquitous operation.
Design of Quiet Rotorcraft Approach Trajectories: Verification Phase

Flight testing that is planned for October 2010 will provide an opportunity to evaluate rotorcraft trajectory optimization techniques. The flight test will involve a fully instrumented MD-902 helicopter, which will be flown over an array of microphones. In this work, the helicopter approach trajectory is optimized via a multiobjective genetic algorithm to improve community noise, passenger comfort, and pilot acceptance. Previously developed optimization strategies are modified to accommodate new helicopter data and to increase pilot acceptance. This paper describes the MD-902 trajectory optimization plus general optimization strategies and modifications that are needed to reduce the uncertainty in noise predictions. The constraints that are imposed by the flight test conditions and characteristics of the MD-902 helicopter limit the testing possibilities. However, the insights that will be gained through this research will prove highly valuable.
Analytical and micromagnetic modeling for detection of a single magnetic microbead or nanobead by spin valve sensors

We present a simple analytical model based on the Stoner-Wohlfarth model for the detection of a single magnetic microbead or nanobead by spin valve sensors. Two-dimensional micromagnetic simulations were also performed for the spin valve sensors. It is found that the analytical model fits well with the micromagnetic simulations in the case of the microbead, although it underestimates the effect of a nanobead. Experiments were carried out to detect a single superparamagnetic microbead (Dynabeads/spl reg/ M-280, 2.8 /spl mu/m in diameter) on the fabricated spin valve sensors. The experimental results were found to be consistent with the analytical and micromagnetic models.
Spectral sensitivity of color-blind observers and the cone photopigments.

ONE OF the most powerful tools in the analysis of human color vision is the data obtained from color mixture experiments. The requirements of a color match are that the quanta1 catch for each pigment be identical for both sides of the match. Thus color mixture data must be linear transforms of the absorption curves of the visual pigments. However, hypothesized visual pigments conforming to Dartnall’s standard shape for visual pigments cannot be expressed as transformations of the CIE color mixture data (BRINDLEY. 1960; LE GRAND, 1969). Further, many estimates of the chromatic receptor mechanisms, independent of the color mixture data, do not conform to the standard shape proposed by Dartnall.2 For example, DARTNALL (1962) has remarked that the action spectra of pigments measured from protanopic and deuteranopic eyes by reflection densitometry (RUSHTON, 1963a, 1965), are both too narrow to fit the standard shape. STILES (1959) has demonstrated that the rhodopsin absorption curve fits the Stiles’ r1 mechanism. The r1 mechanism also provides a good fit to the short-wave cone mechanism observed in blue monocone monochromats (ALPERN, LEE and SPIVEY, 1965). STILES (1959) found that the rhodopsin absorption curve gave an adequate fit to the 7~~ mechanism, although small but systematic deviations of the n, function from the rhodopsin absorption curve are evident in the data. The 7~~ mechanism does not fit a rhodopsin absorption curve, showing large deviations on the long-wavelength side of the maximum. STILES (1959) recognized that the n5 mechanism did not represent the sensitivity of a single rhodopsin-type pigment or a simple mixture of two rhodopsin-type pigments. INGLING (1969) has also noted that the rhodopsin absorption curve fits the n1 function better than the R, and 2r5 functions. BOYNTON (1963) has compared the n4 and ns mechanisms with data from protanopes and deuteranopes, using his own (BOYNTON, KANDEL and ONLEY, 1959), and HSIA and GRAHAM’S (1957) data. He found that the protanopic sensitivity curve was narrower than the Stiles n, mechanism. The major deviations were on the long-wavelength side of the maximum. The deuteranopic sensitivity curve fitted the Stiles x5 mechanism on its longwavelength side, but deviated on the short-wavelength side of its maximum. BOYNTON (1963) concluded that neither 7r4 nor rs represented a pigment absorption curve. The analysis also suggests that the protanopic and deuteranopic sensitivity curves would not fit Dartnall’s standard shape for visual pigments.
Replication of prostate cancer risk loci on 8q24, 11q13, 17q12, 19q33, and Xp11 in African Americans.

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (Pca) is a common malignancy that disproportionately affects African American men (AA). Recently there have been several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) implicating new prostate cancer risk loci along chromosomes 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 17, 19, and X in populations of European ancestry. Given the higher incidence and mortality for AAs, and differences in allele frequencies and haplotype structures between African and European descent populations, it is important to assess the impact of these candidate risk loci in AAs. METHODS Here we evaluated 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with prostate cancer risk in recent GWAS studies, in AA prostate cancer cases and controls. RESULTS We replicated five of the SNPs in our AA population, rs10896449 on 11q13.2 (P = 0.009), rs2735839 on 19q33.33 region, (P = 0.04), rs443076 on chromosome 17q12 (P = 0.008), rs5945572 on Xp11.22 (P = 0.05), as well as the rare variant specific to west African ancestry, bd11934905 in region 2 of 8q24 (P = 1 × 10−4). CONCLUSIONS While we were able to replicate a few of the previous GWAS SNPs, we were not able to confirm the vast majority of these associations in our AA population. This finding further supports the need to perform GWAS and additional fine mapping in AAs to locate additional susceptibility loci. Prostate 70: 270–275, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.