cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shape of Taylor bubbles in vertical tubes

Abstract The shape of a Taylor bubble in a vertical downward slug flow in a pipe is studied. The phase distribution in the Taylor bubble region is investigated by still pictures and video film. The shape of the Taylor bubble is reported for different condition. These experimental results consists of the position of the interface x(r) obtained using image processing and represents the new view to the shape of the Taylor Bubble and gives some light on the basic phenomena for the hydrodynamics of the two-phase slug flow.
Nonlinear viscoelastic deformation of polypropylene threads under finite strains

An approach to the concretization of governing equations of state describing long-term deformation processes in multifilament polypropylene structures is proposed. Models of linear and nonlinear viscoelastic deformation of materials under finite strains are considered. The range of the applicability of the theory which uses the hypothesis of small strains has been determined, and the effectiveness of the proposed defining relations in the description of creep processes has been analyzed.
Fire and sword in the Caucasus: The 19th century resistance of the north Caucasian mountaineers

(1983). Fire and sword in the Caucasus: The 19th century resistance of the north Caucasian mountaineers. Central Asian Survey: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 5-44.
A monoclonal antibody which inhibits the biological activity of rat prolactin, but not prolactin from other species.

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies generated to ovine prolactin were screened for their ability to neutralize the biological activity of prolactin from several species. By Western blot analysis, antibody 6F11 cross-reacted strongly with prolactin in homogenates of anterior pituitary glands from squirrel monkey, sheep and rat. In addition, this antibody (1 μg IgG/ml) completely inhibited the lactogenic activity of serum or purified prolactin (0.5 ng/ml) from rat, but not prolactin from any other source, in the Nb2 lymphoma bioassay. 6F11 cross-reacted with purified ovine and rat prolactin by enzyme-linked immunosorbentassay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis with similar affinities, suggesting that the 6F11 epitope was common to these peptides. Another monoclonal antibody (17D9, 35 ng IgG/ml) showed the opposite selectivity, completely inhibiting the activity of 0.3 ng/ml ovine prolactin, but not 0.5 ng/ml rat prolactin, in the Nb2 assay. Thus, we have identified monoclonal antibodies which cross-react with both ovine and rat prolactin, but selectively neutralize the lactogenic activity of prolactin from only one species.
Susceptibility of aluminum alloys to corrosion in simulated fuel blends containing ethanol

Abstract The compatibility of aluminum and aluminum alloys with synthetic fuel blends comprised of ethanol and reference fuel C (a 50/50 mix of toluene and iso-octane) was examined as a function of water content and temperature. Temperatures examined ranged between 20 °C and 200 °C and water content ranged between sub 50 ppm and 10% by volume. Commercially pure wrought aluminum and several cast aluminum alloys were observed to be similarly susceptible to substantial corrosion in dry (
Uptake and modification of 125I‐lipopolysaccharide by isolated rat Kupffer cells

While it is generally believed that hepatic clearance of lipopolysaccharide involves Kupffer cells, the mechanism involved has not been fully elucidated. This study assesses this phenomenon in terms of in vitro uptake and post-uptake modification experiments with an 125I-labeled Salmonella minnesota lipopolysaccharide. 125I-Lipopolysaccharide was added to Kupffer cells in suspension cultures under a variety of conditions. In vitro uptake of 125I-Lipopolysaccharide was not saturable up to concentrations of 33.33 micrograms per ml. Kinetics experiments performed at 16.67 micrograms per ml demonstrated that Kupffer cells were unsaturable after 60 min of incubation. The kinetics of uptake could be inhibited, however, by incubation in the presence of a 10-fold excess of unlabeled lipopolysaccharide, indicating that a component of the uptake process may be limited. Energy dependence in this process was demonstrated by incubation in the presence of 1 mM 2-deoxyglucose which inhibited 125I-lipopolysaccharide uptake by approximately 30%. Pretreatment with 7.5 x 10(-5) M colchicine had no effect on kinetics, implying no role for the cell cytoskeleton in lipopolysaccharide uptake. These results are inconsistent with a receptor-mediated process as previously suggested. Modification of internalized label has been demonstrated by changes in buoyant density in CsCl isopyknic density gradients following overnight incubation with Kupffer cells. These results indicate that Kupffer cells clear bacterial endotoxin in vitro and post-uptake degradation occurs within 20 hr of incubation.
Structure Of Aqueous Liquid Monopropellants By Isotopic Uncoupling FTIR Spectroscopy

Isotopic uncoupling vibrational spectroscopy is being used to study inter-species hydrogen bonding in aqueous hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) as a function of concentration (9.5-17 Molar) and temperature (-170 to 70°C).
Surgical options for the treatment of heart failure.

Abstract This article will examine the role of specific surgical interventions for congestive heart failure (CHF). The most definitive surgical option for severe end-stage heart failure is cardiac transplantation. In general, patients considered for heart transplant should have severe heart disease despite all other therapies with a high risk of death within I year. Noncardiac conditions that would by themselves shorten life expectancy or increase the risks of rejection, infection, or other fatal complication, should not be present. However, in light of the limited donor pool, complications associated with long-term immunosuppressive therapy, and the ever-increasing number of CHF patients, the role of cardiac transplantation for CHF will continue to be limited. The conduct of and evaluation for cardiac transplantation has been well described previously and therefore will not be evaluated in this review (1); however, there has been recent progress in the genetic modification of animal organs for potential use in transplantation (xenografts) (2). If these developments come to fruition, then cardiac transplantation/organ replacement may become a surgical option for a much greater number of CHF patients. One alternative approach to complete cardiac transplantation is the surgical placement of transformed cells into the diseased myocardium, briefly discussed under “Future Directions.” This article will examine surgical options that are currently being used for CHF patients, surgical modalities that are currently under clinical evaluation, and finally, potential future therapies with respect to surgical options for heart failure.
A new version of Bayes' equation—applications to plausible reasoning

Abstract A new version of Bayes' equation is presented which expresses the linear relationship between the posterior probability values of two propositions. This formulation is made possible by the introduction of a new kind of relevance, a relevance of one proposition to another which is defined as the difference between conditionals. The new Bayesian equations are used to analyze Polya's heuristics of plausible reasoning applied to the cases of “examining a consequence,” “examining a possible ground,” “rival or conflicting conjectures,” and “circumstantial evidence.” The analysis is a simple one because of the linearities and, in contrast to Polya's heuristics, both terse and quantitative.
Near infrared spectroscopic analysis of forage samples digested in situ (nylon bag).

Abstract The objective was to investigate the feasibility of using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy to determine the composition of samples generated in situ. Five alfalfa and five orchardgrass hays of differing maturities were incubated for 0, 6, 24, 48, and 72h (Experiment 1) or for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 96h (Experiment 2) in rumen-fistulated, lactating cows, using nylon bags. After washing to remove rumen contents, samples were analyzed using a nonrotating circular cell in a scanning monochromator. All samples then were dried at 55°C and analyzed for CP and ADF by wet chemistry and rescanned in the dry state. The degree of DM digestion of the original sample was calculated from duplicate bags. Results for spectral analysis of dried samples (Experiment 1), with one-half the samples for validation, were typical of results found for dry forages. The results for scanning wet samples were less accurate than for dry ones. Analysis of samples from Experiment 2 by equations developed in Experiment 1 often resulted in extremely large biases, but these were corrected by including six samples of each forage from Experiment 2 in the calibration set (from Experiment 1) and redeveloping the equations. Although it is possible to use near infrared reflectance spectroscopy to determine the composition of wet samples generated in situ, results are more accurate if the samples are scanned after drying.
Reproduction and genetic detection of veligers in changing Dreissena populations in the Great Lakes

Dreissenid bivalves, Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) and Dreissena bugensis (quagga mussel) are biofouling species that invaded the Great Lakes region of North America from source populations in Europe in the 1980s. Initially, D. polymorpha spread faster and farther; however, D. bugensis have recently displaced D. polymorpha in many areas of the Great Lakes and was the first to be found west of the Continental Divide. Early detection of dreissenids is important in anticipating and preventing potentially high economic impacts. To study population dynamics and to enhance detection methods, we assessed “spawnability” using a serotonin bioassay and developed a new, sensitive, multiplex PCR method to identify veligers and verify adult species. Contrasting riverine populations were identified in the Saginaw River (100% D. polymorpha) and the Detroit River at Belle Isle (100% D. bugensis in 2010), and mixed populations of mussels (10% to ∼50% D. polymorpha) were found in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. In 1994, when the Detroit River population at Belle Isle was virtually all D. polymorpha (Ram et al. 1996), spawning could not be induced by serotonin until late May, and peak spawnability did not occur until early June. In 2010, D. bugensis at the same site could be induced to spawn in the first week of April, and reached near maximal spawning intensity by mid-May. In 2010, Detroit River veligers were first observed in April and, by PCR species-specific detection, were 100% D. bugensis. Veligers changed to a mixed population of both species later in May and rose to a peak, mixed population in early June. These experiments demonstrate a quantitative, species-specific detection of dreissenid veligers, and lay the groundwork for determining the role of early reproduction and other mechanisms in mediating the displacement of one species by a closely related “cousin.”
Social cognition in infants: Attention to the human face

This study investigated infant attention to the human face. A set of stimuli consisting of M other, a S tranger, a manne Q uin, a schematic F ace, and a G eometric stimulus was presented to one-, three-, and five-month-old infants in paired comparison trials in order to examine the influence of familiarity, animation, complexity, and facial configuration on infants' attention. There were several exemplars of each stimulus so that the results generalize beyond specific stimuli. Across several analyses of looking behavior, infants ranked the stimuli, S-M-Q-F-G, indicating that a particular combination of characteristics makes the human face interesting to infants. Infants' ordering of the stimuli was dependent on two factors relating to animation and complexity. Infants at all ages preferred the complex animated faces. The preference for complex and unfamiliar faces increased with age. Relative to other characteristics, facial configuration was not of special importance to infants' attention.
Rapid Tyrosine Phosphorylation of HS1 in the Response of Mouse Lymphoma L5178Y-R Cells to Photodynamic Treatment Sensitized by the Phthalocyanine Pc 4

The ability of photodynamic treatment (PDT) with the phthalocyanine Pc 4 to activate cellular signal transduction pathways in murine lymphoma L5178Y-R cells has been assessed by observing increases in protein tyrosine phosphorylation at early times post-PDT. Western blot analysis with an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody revealed a dramatic increase in phosphorylation of two major protein bands of Mr approximately 80,000 and approximately 55,000 in response to PDT. The increase was PDT dose-dependent, occurred as early as 20 s after initiation of light exposure of Pc 4-preloaded cells and was amplified by the presence of the protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, sodium orthovanadate (NaVO4). By immunoprecipitation, one of the Mr approximately 80,000 phosphorylated proteins has been identified as HS1, a substrate of nonreceptor-type protein tyrosine kinases. Although vanadate greatly enhanced the level and extent of PDT-induced phosphorylation, it had no influence on overall photocytotoxicity or on the rate of apoptotic DNA fragmentation. Genistein, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases, diminished tyrosine phosphorylation of the Mr approximately 80,000 and other proteins and dramatically potentiated cell killing induced by PDT but did not significantly affect PDT-induced apoptosis. The results suggest that PDT rapidly activates a membrane-associated src family kinase(s) in L5178Y-R cells, one substrate of which is HS1, and that protein tyrosine phosphorylation is part of a stress response, protecting a portion of the cells from the lethal effects of PDT but not altering the mechanism by which they die.
Mixing dynamics in the SMX static mixer as a function of injection location and flow ratio

A detailed Lagrangian analysis of partially mixed structures in an SMX static mixer is presented, with emphasis on laminar flows with Reynolds numbers between 1 and 100. The distribution of a small amount of equal-viscosity additive is examined based on computing the trajectories of passive tracer particles through the mixer. Three radial positions (one centerline and two off-center) are chosen for injection and the mixing patterns are compared in order to investigate the effect of injection location on mixing. Mixing measures, such as the decrease in the variation coefficient with axial distance, and the increase in the average rate of stretching, are discussed in order to quantify mixing performance. It is found that mixing rates for the centerline injections are larger than for the off-center injection positions investigated. The presence of self-similarity in the stretching field and the mixing patterns, and the exponential decrease in variation coefficient with increasing axial distance provides evidence for chaotic mixing behavior in this device.
Three-dimensional reconstruction of the membranous vestibular labyrinth in the toadfish, Opsanus tau

Membranous vestibular labyrinths from the oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau, were fixed, dissected from the animal, stained, and embedded in rectangular blocks of clear histological resin. Photomicrographs of complete embedded labyrinths were taken from six orthogonal directions and used to construct three-dimensional (3D) geometrical models of the semicircular canals, ampullae, utricular vestibule and common crus. Membraneous ducts and ampullae were modeled using a set of cross-sectional elliptical curves laced together to generate curved tubular models of each structure. The ensemble of these curved tubes was used to generate a complete 3D reconstruction of the outside surface of the membranous labyrinth. When viewed from six orthogonal directions, reconstructions closely matched the embedded tissue. Dimensions of the reconstruction and histological sections were compared to measurements of fresh tissue taken from the same animals prior to fixation and used to correct the reconstructions for tissue shrinkage. Results provide estimates of the endolymphatic volumes, local cross-sectional areas and elliptical eccentricities as well as 3D orientations of the geometric canal planes relative to the skull. Ten micrometer histological sections of the material were also prepared to measure wall thickness in various regions of the labyrinth.
Silver on Pt(1 0 0)--room temperature growth and high temperature alloying

Growth of submonolayer to monolayer silver films on the reconstructed Pt(1 0 0) surface at 300 K and evolution of the structure with increasing temperature was studied primarily by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES).At 300 K, formation of elongated 2D-adislands with a composition of Ag 80Pt20 was observed.This island stoichiometry is dictated by the amount of Pt expelled due to removal of the hex-reconstruction of the clean Pt(1 0 0) surface by the growing Ag adislands.The island shape can be explained by an anisotropic stability of the reconstruction, with the row pattern of the reconstruction acting as a template for island growth.Annealing of the sample above 600 K causes more extensive alloying starting at the perimeter of the Ag adislands by Ag–Pt exchange and formation of a nanophasic Ag–Pt alloy confined to the surface layer.With sufficient Ag, this alloy spreads across the surface until a uniform stoichiometry is established over the entire surface.Temperature-dependent AES studies indicate that there is some mixing of Ag with bulk Pt at elevated temperatures. � 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The determination of ephedrine in various medicinal combinations

Alternate methods for the determination of ephedrine in U. S. P. XIII and N. F. VIII preparations are suggested. Procedures for the separation and determination of ephedrine when found in combination with other medicinals such as barbiturates, acetylsalicylic acid, phenacetin, and aminophylline are described in detail.
Incorporation of Noncanonical Amino Acids into Rosetta and Use in Computational Protein-Peptide Interface Design

Noncanonical amino acids (NCAAs) can be used in a variety of protein design contexts. For example, they can be used in place of the canonical amino acids (CAAs) to improve the biophysical properties of peptides that target protein interfaces. We describe the incorporation of 114 NCAAs into the protein-modeling suite Rosetta. We describe our methods for building backbone dependent rotamer libraries and the parameterization and construction of a scoring function that can be used to score NCAA containing peptides and proteins. We validate these additions to Rosetta and our NCAA-rotamer libraries by showing that we can improve the binding of a calpastatin derived peptides to calpain-1 by substituting NCAAs for native amino acids using Rosetta. Rosetta (executables and source), auxiliary scripts and code, and documentation can be found at (http://www.rosettacommons.org/).
The Tropical Water and Energy Cycles in a Cumulus Ensemble Model. Part I: Equilibrium Climate

Abstract A cumulus ensemble model is used to study the tropical water and energy cycles and their role in the climate system. The model includes cloud dynamics, radiative processes, and microphysics that incorporate all important production and conversion processes among water vapor and five species of hydrometeors. Radiative transfer in clouds is parameterized based on cloud contents and size distributions of each bulk hydrometeor. Several model integrations have been carried out under a variety of imposed boundary and large-scale conditions. In Part I of this paper, the primary focus is on the water and heat budgets of the control experiment, which is designed to simulate the convective–radiative equilibrium response of the model to an imposed vertical velocity and a fixed sea surface temperature at 28°C. The simulated atmosphere is conditionally unstable below the freezing level and close to neutral above the freezing level. The equilibrium water budget shows that the total moisture source, Ms, which i...
CT and MR imaging of malignant germ cell tumor of the undescended testis

Preoperative localization of the impalpable undescended testis is necessary to facilitate proper surgical planning. There is an increased incidence of malignant change in the undescended testis; demonstration of malignancy before surgery will significantly alter the treatment. We describe the computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) findings in 2 patients with malignant change in an intraabdominal testis. The CT scan revealed lesions with areas of low density, 1 of which had focal calcifications; MR revealed lesions of predominantly low or intermediate signal intensity on both long and short TR/TE images, with some areas of very high signal on both sequences. After initial management with chemotherapy, the residual tumor was surgically resected. In neither instance was residual normal testis demonstrated. Both CT and MR are ideal methods of examining malignant transformation of the undescended testis, because of their ability to characterize the internal structure of the organ and, in the case of MR, its capacity for multiplanar imaging. They are almost of equal value except for the ability of CT to identify calcification and of MR to diagnose hemorrhage.
Studies of human locomotion via optimal programming

Abstract Research to date toward an understanding of human biped locomotion has been primarily experimental in nature, largely due to the complexity of the process. In view of the new, exciting possibilities of programmed electrostimulation of paralyzed extremities to restore locomotion, a critical study at the theoretical level is greatly warranted. Optimal programming and modern control theory offer a new approach to the study. First, it is proposed that normal walking obeys a certain “principle of optimality.” Next, at the dynamic level, modern control theory is used to derive the optimal moment profiles that actuate the locomotor elements to synthesize the observed patterns of the normal gait. Development of the problem structure relies closely on the functional characteristic of the biped gait, particularly the ideas of distinct phasic activities and the associated temporal patterns of a walking cycle. The result is a multiarc programming problem with three stages. Each stage involves dynamic constraints that reflect the particular nature of the phasic activity. Activity in the stance phase is described by equality constraints on the “states,” whereas the swing phase is characterized by inequality state constraints. A novelty of the approach is that the theory could be used to study walking behavior under different environmental conditions, such as walking upstairs or over a hole. Joining of the arcs is arranged in such a way as to maintain continuity of certain trajectories as well as repeatability of motion. A distinct feature of the present approach that differs from other studies is the presence of a minimizing performance criterion. Based on external characteristics of muscles and certain assumptions regarding normal locomotion, a simple quadratic type of performance index is proposed. This performance criterion is meaningful in that it is shown to be proportional to the mechanical work done during normal walking. Invoking the necessary conditions of optimal control theory, a multipoint boundary value problem is obtained. A penalty function technique is then employed for iterative numerical solution on a digital computer. Using the parameters available in the literature, simulation results are obtained that agree well with the experimental studies performed by Eberhart and his associates. Furthermore, certain refined features are obtained that are not available in previous studies. Success in applying optimal programming techniques to human locomotion could yield better design procedures for prostheses and could allow eventual realization of the dream of programmed stimulation of many paralyzed persons.
Existence and comparison theorems for nonlinear diffusion systems

In this paper we prove existence, uniqueness, and regularity results for systems of nonlinear second order parabolic equations with boundary conditions of the Dirichlet, Neumann, and regular oblique derivative types. Let K(t) consist of all functions (v1(x), v2(x),…, vm(x)) from Ω ⊂ Rn into Rm which satisfy ψi(x, t) ⩽ vi(x) ⩽ θi(x, t) for all x ϵ Ω and 1 ⩽ i ⩽ m, where ψiand θi are extended real-valued functions on \gW × [0, T). We find conditions which will ensure that a solution U(x, t) ≡ (u1(x, t), u2(x, t),…, um(x, t)) which satisfies U(x, 0) ϵ K(0) will also satisfy U(x, t) ϵ K(t) for all 0 ⩽ t < T. This result, which has some similarity to the Gronwall Inequality, is then used to prove a global existence theorem.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Surface Deformation and Stresses in an Elastic-Plastic Layered Medium Subjected to Indentation and Sliding Contact Loading

Three-dimensional finite element simulations of the indentation and sliding ofa rigid sphere on a half-space with a harder and stiffer layer are presented. The sphere is modeled by contact elements, thereby avoiding a priori assumptions for the pressure profile. Indentations are performed to normal loads of 100 and 200 times the initial yield load of the substrate material and subsequent sliding is performed at a constant normal load to distances of approximately twice the indentation contact radius. Two complete load cycles are performed in selected cases to assess the effect of repeated sliding on the surface displacements and contact stresses. The effects of layer material properties, interface friction, and normal load on the sliding and residual contact stresses and forward plastic flow are examined. Emphasis is given to the sliding and residual tensile stresses at the surface in order to assess the consequences for crack initiation and subsequent failure as a function of the layer material properties, the coefficient offriction, and normal load. The finite element results are shown to be in good agreement with the results of analytical and experimental studies.
Understanding Adolescent Property Crime using a Delinquent Events Perspective

This qualitative research employed an integrated symbolic interactionist/cultural studies framework to guide its focus on 24 male adolescent offenders' perceptions of their involvement in delinquent events characterized by the commission of property crimes. Adolescents were asked to describe the situations within which their crimes were embedded, including what they were thinking and feeling throughout the course of the delinquent event. Results indicated that adolescents committed property crimes for thrills, to cope with stressors, to defend their gang, and for economic gain. In particular, each motive was associated with a certain set of interactions and conditions, which served as cues to guide the adolescents' interpretive process and eventual meaning construction. The relation between this process and the larger culture is discussed.
The impact of the parameterization of heterogeneous vegetation on the modeled large‐scale circulation in CCM3‐BATS

This letter reports evidence of an unexpected large change in the planetary-scale circulation as a consequence of modifying the land cover within the Community Climate Model (CCM3). Three 10-year simulations were analyzed using (i) default land cover, i.e., a single dominant vegetation in each land grid cell; (ii) aggregate land cover that includes a representation of subpixel heterogeneity; and (iii) aggregate land cover for aerodynamic properties, but default land cover otherwise. Simulations (ii) and (iii) were similar, indicating that aerodynamic properties are influential at the planetary scale. Comparing these two runs with (i), there are significant differences in the boreal summer. These include a northward shift of the Northern Hemisphere jet that relates to a decrease in the zonally averaged aerodynamic roughness around 60°N, and a perturbation of the Southern Hemisphere jet. Field significance tests suggest these changes are likely a remote influence of the Northern Hemisphere perturbation, not a sampling fluctuation.
Computational Studies of the Relative Rates for Migratory Insertions of Alkenes into Square-Planar, Methyl, −Amido, and −Hydroxo Complexes of Rhodium

The relative rates of the migratory insertions of alkenes into the M−X bonds of (PMe3)2Rh(η2-CH2═CHR)(X) (R = H, Me; X = CH3, NH2, OH) have been analyzed by DFT calculations. These insertions are computed to form metallacycles containing a metal−carbon bond and either an agostic interaction, a dative metal−nitrogen bond, or a dative metal−oxygen bond. The computed barriers for migratory insertion into the metal−hydroxo and metal−amido bonds are lower than those for insertion into the metal−methyl bond. Application of Bader’s atoms-in-molecules analysis and natural localized molecular orbital analysis implies that the barriers for alkene insertion into M−X bonds are controlled by the degree of M−X bonding in the transition state, which correlates with the degree of M−X bonding in the initial product. The Rh−X bond orders in the transition states for migratory insertion of ethylene into the Rh−NH2 and Rh−OH bonds in (PH3)2Rh(η2-C2H4)(NH2) and (PH3)2Rh(η2-C2H4)(OH) are much larger than that in the transition...
Comparison of Probabilistic Chain Graphical Model-Based and Gaussian Process-Based Observation Selections for Wireless Sensor Scheduling

The constrained power source given by batteries has become one of the biggest hurdles for wireless sensor networks to prevail. A common technique to reduce energy consumption is to put sensors to sleep between duties. It leads to a tradeoff between making a fewer number of observations for saving energy while obtaining sufficient and more valuable sensing information. In this paper, we employ two model-based approaches for tackling the sensor scheduling problem. The first approach is to apply our corrected VoIDP algorithm on a chain graphical model for selecting a subset of observations that minimizes the overall uncertainty. The second approach is to find a selection of observations based on Gaussian process model that maximizes the entropy and the mutual information criteria, respectively. We compare their performances in terms of predictive accuracies for the unobserved time points based on their selections of observations. Experimental results show that the Gaussian process model-based method achieves higher predictive accuracy if sensor data are accurate. However, when observations have errors, its performance degrades quickly. In contrast, the graphical model-based approach is more robust and error tolerant.
Ethanol-sensitive Sites on the Human Dopamine Transporter

Previous studies have shown that ethanol enhanced [3H]dopamine uptake in Xenopus oocytes expressing the dopamine transporter (DAT). This increase in DAT activity was mirrored by an increase in the number of transporters expressed at the cell surface. In the present study, ethanol potentiated the function of DAT expressed in HeLa cells but inhibited the function of the related norepinephrine transporter (NET). Chimeras generated between DAT and NET were examined for ethanol sensitivity and demonstrated that a 76-amino acid region spanning transmembrane domains (TMD) 2 and 3 was essential for ethanol potentiation of DAT function. The second intracellular loop between TMD 2 and 3 of DAT, which differs from that of NET by four amino acids, was explored for possible sites of ethanol action. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to replace each of these residues in DAT with the corresponding residue in NET, and the resulting cRNA were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We found that mutations G130T or I137F abolished ethanol potentiation of DAT function, whereas the mutations F123Y and L138F had no significant effect. These results identify novel sites in the second intracellular loop that are important for ethanol modulation of DAT activity.
Analysis of the hotfoot (ho) locus by creation of an insertional mutation in a transgenic mouse

Hotfoot (ho) mutation is a recessive trait in mice, characterized by motor disorder and male sterility, that maps to chromosome 6. We have identified a transgenic mouse pedigree with a similar trait. Using genetic and molecular approaches, we have demonstrated that the foreign DNA element is located in or near the ho locus. This new allele, designated hoJwg and presumably created by insertional mutagenesis, should make it possible to clone the ho gene. Male infertility in hoJwg male homozygotes was determined to be due to inability of sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida. This was demonstrated by rescuing mutant males by a new technique of gamete micromanipulation, zona pellucida drilling. These findings show that zona drilling is useful both for analysis and preservation of animals with reduced male fertility.
Intravenous Endotoxin Triggers Pulmonary Vasoconstriction and Pulmonary Hypertension in Broiler Chickens

Abstract Bacterial endotoxins stimulate endothelin-mediated, thromboxane-dependent increases in pulmonary vascular resistance in mammals, and thromboxane has been shown to cause an immediate but transient pulmonary vasoconstriction in broiler chickens. In the present study, i.v. injections of 1 mg endotoxin into anesthetized male broilers caused a pulmonary vasoconstrictive response that was delayed in onset by 15 min and that elevated the pulmonary arterial pressure by 10 mm Hg within 25 min postinjection. Thereafter, pulmonary hemodynamic variables gradually (≥15 min) returned toward pre-injection levels, and supplemental injections of 4 mg endotoxin during this recovery period failed to reinitiate pulmonary hypertension. In contrast, injecting the thromboxane A2 mimetic U44069 during the endotoxin recovery period triggered pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension similar in magnitude to the responses triggered by U44069 before endotoxin had been administered. The time course and magnitude of the pulmonary hemodynamic responses to endotoxin were highly variable among individual broilers, whereas the individual responses to U44069 were more consistent. Unanesthetized broilers resembled anesthetized broilers in the time course, magnitude, and variability of their pulmonary hemodynamic responses to endotoxin. Overall, these observations are consistent with the hypothesis that endotoxin initiates a biochemical cascade, culminating in the delayed onset of pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension within 20 min postinjection. Subsequently, the pulmonary vasculature remains responsive to large bolus injections of exogenous thromboxane mimetic; however depletion of endogenous vasoconstrictive components of the endotoxin-mediated cascade, a compensatory increase in endogenous vasodilators, or the induction of a transient cellular tolerance to endotoxin prevented fourfold higher doses of endotoxin from reversing the return toward a normal pulmonary vascular tone. Individual differences among broilers in their susceptibility to pulmonary hypertension syndrome (ascites) may be related to innate or acquired variability in their pulmonary vascular responsiveness to vasoactive mediators.
Utilizing targeted gene therapy with nanoparticles binding alpha v beta 3 for imaging and treating choroidal neovascularization.

Purpose The integrin αvβ3 is differentially expressed on neovascular endothelial cells. We investigated whether a novel intravenously injectable αvβ3 integrin-ligand coupled nanoparticle (NP) can target choroidal neovascular membranes (CNV) for imaging and targeted gene therapy. Methods CNV lesions were induced in rats using laser photocoagulation. The utility of NP for in vivo imaging and gene delivery was evaluated by coupling the NP with a green fluorescing protein plasmid (NP-GFPg). Rhodamine labeling (Rd-NP) was used to localize NP in choroidal flatmounts. Rd-NP-GFPg particles were injected intravenously on weeks 1, 2, or 3. In the treatment arm, rats received NP containing a dominant negative Raf mutant gene (NP-ATPμ-Raf) on days 1, 3, and 5. The change in CNV size and leakage, and TUNEL positive cells were quantified. Results GFP plasmid expression was seen in vivo up to 3 days after injection of Rd-NP-GFPg. Choroidal flatmounts confirmed the localization of the NP and the expression of GFP plasmid in the CNV. Treating the CNV with NP-ATPμ-Raf decreased the CNV size by 42% (P<0.001). OCT analysis revealed that the reduction of CNV size started on day 5 and reached statistical significance by day 7. Fluorescein angiography grading showed significantly less leakage in the treated CNV (P<0.001). There were significantly more apoptotic (TUNEL-positive) nuclei in the treated CNV. Conclusion Systemic administration of αvβ3 targeted NP can be used to label the abnormal blood vessels of CNV for imaging. Targeted gene delivery with NP-ATPμ-Raf leads to a reduction in size and leakage of the CNV by induction of apoptosis in the CNV.
Are there emotion perception deficits in young autistic children

Abstract Two studies were conducted to test the hypothesis that young autistic children are selectively impaired on emotion perception tasks. Results supporting the hypothesis were found on two of the four measures when the controls used were matched on nonverbal mental age; performance on the other tasks was consistent with global deficits across affective and non-affective domains, rather than specific deficits in emotion perception. When the autistic group was compared with controls matched on verbal mental age, no group differences were found. These results suggest that emotion perception impairment is not likely to be the primary underlying deficit in autism. Additional areas for further investigation were suggested.
Clinical Outcomes for 3-Dimensional High-Dose-Rate Vaginal Brachytherapy Using an Intravaginal Multichannel Cylinder: Improving Dosimetry to Decrease Toxicity for Primary and Recurrent Vaginal Cancers

(range: 74.4% to 85.2%) of the prescribed dose for the optimal versus the 2cm cylinder cases, respectively. This corresponds with an average increase of approximately 17% for D2cc of the bladder and rectum for the optimal cylinder cases when compared to the 2cm cylinder. Conclusions: The presence of air gaps in vaginal brachytherapy results in a reduced dose to the vaginal mucosa due to the increased distance between the cylinder and tissue. Larger discrepancies were observed between heterogeneity and non-heterogeneity corrected dose calculations for the larger cylinders due to greater applicator attenuation.
Enantioselective total synthesis of avrainvillamide and the stephacidins.

In this article, full details regarding our total synthesis of avrainvillamide and the stephacidins are presented. After an introduction and summary of prior synthetic studies in this family of structurally complex anticancer natural products, the evolution of a final synthetic approach is described. Thus, a thorough description of three separate model studies is provided for construction of the characteristic bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane ring system common to these alkaloids. The first and second approaches sought to build the core using formal Diels−Alder and vinyl radical pathways, respectively. Although these strategies failed in their primary objective, they fostered the development of a new and mechanistically intriguing method for the synthesis of indolic enamides such as those found in numerous bioactive natural products. The scope and generality of this simple method for the direct dehydrogenation of tryptophan derivatives is described. Finally, details of a third and successful route to the core of...
The abundance of pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs in the root zone of plant species in invaded coastal sage scrub habitat.

Pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophic bacteria (PPFMs) are associated with the roots, leaves and seeds of most terrestrial plants and utilize volatile C1 compounds such as methanol generated by growing plants during cell division. PPFMs have been well studied in agricultural systems due to their importance in crop seed germination, yield, pathogen resistance and drought stress tolerance. In contrast, little is known about the PPFM abundance and diversity in natural ecosystems, let alone their interactions with non-crop species. Here we surveyed PPFM abundance in the root zone soil of 5 native and 5 invasive plant species along ten invasion gradients in Southern California coastal sage scrub habitat. PPFMs were present in every soil sample and ranged in abundance from 102 to 105 CFU/g dry soil. This abundance varied significantly among plant species. PPFM abundance was 50% higher in the root zones of annual or biennial species (many invasives) than perennial species (all natives). Further, PPFM abundance appears to be influenced by the plant community beyond the root zone; pure stands of either native or invasive species had 50% more PPFMs than mixed species stands. In sum, PPFM abundance in the root zone of coastal sage scrub plants is influenced by both the immediate and surrounding plant communities. The results also suggest that PPFMs are a good target for future work on plant-microorganism feedbacks in natural ecosystems.
Generators and irreducible polynomials over finite fields

Weil's character sum estimate is used to study the problem of constructing generators for the multiplicative group of a finite field. An application to the distribution of irreducible polynomials is given, which confirms an asymptotic version of a conjecture of Hansen-Mullen.
A biliverdin-like pigment in the skull and vertebrae of the ocean skipjack, Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus).

Im Skelett vonKatsuwonus pelamis kommt vereinzelt ein blaugrunes Pigment vor, dessen Verteilung im Endoskelett beschrieben wird. Das Pigment kann mit saurem Methanol extrahiert und in Chloroform ubergefuhrt werden. Die saure Methanollosung des Pigments zeigt Absorptionsmaxima bei 680–690 und 370 mµ, die Chloroformlosung bei 660 und 380 mµ. Sowohl trockene Filme des Pigments als auch die Chloroformlosung geben eine positive Gmelinsche Reaktion, und der oxydierte, in ammoniakalischem Athanol geloste Zinkkomplex des Pigments zeigt im ultravioletten Licht eine intensive rote Fluoreszens und Absorptionsmaxima bei 590 und 640 mµ. Das Pigment besitzt somit die Eigenschaften eines Bilitrientetrapyrrol und ahnelt weitgehend dem Biliverdin.
Highly basic 30- and 32-kilodalton proteins associated with synapse formation on polylysine-coated beads in enriched neuronal cell cultures.

: Neuronal proteins involved in axonal outgrowth and synapse formation were examined in an enriched neuronal cell culture system of the cerebellum. In rat cerebellar cell cultures, 98.9% of the cells are neurons and the remaining 1.1% of the cells are flat nonneuronal cells. These enriched neuronal cultures, examined with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, showed protein patterns similar to those of neonatal cerebellum, but very different patterns from glial enriched cultures. High levels of a neuronal membrane acidic 29-kilodalton (kD) protein were found. It has been shown previously that neuronal cultures incubated with polylysinecoated beads will develop numerous presynaptic elements on the bead surface. We report here that isolation of the beads from enriched neuronal cell cultures incubated with [35S]methionine showed, with two-dimensional nonequilibrium pH gradient gel electrophoresis (2D-NEPHGE), levels of a basic 32-kD protein (pI 8) not detected in cultures alone, and increased levels of a 30-kD protein (pI 10). When culture medium was examined with 2D-NEPHGE, three acidic proteins were identified that were secreted by the cultured neurons. In summary, a neuronal enriched cell culture system was used with isolated polylysine-coated beads to identify basic 30-kD and 32-kD proteins that may be involved in synapse formation.
Maternal periconceptional alcohol consumption and risk for conotruncal heart defects.

BACKGROUND In this study we investigated whether the risk of delivering infants with conotruncal heart defects was increased among mothers who consumed alcohol during the periconceptional period (i.e., 1 month before conception to 3 months after conception). METHODS Data were obtained from a population-based case-control study of California births from 1987–1988. Information concerning alcohol consumption was obtained via telephone interviews with mothers of 207 (87% of eligibles) case infants and 481 (76%) nonmalformed control infants. RESULTS Bivariate results indicated that relative to nonconsumers, women who consumed alcohol less than once a week had a 1.3-fold increased risk of delivering infants with a conotruncal heart defect (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0, 1.9), and women who consumed alcohol once a week or more had a 1.9-fold increased risk (95% CI 1.0, 3.4). The risks associated with consuming five or more drinks per drinking occasion were 1.6 (95% CI 0.8, 3.2) for less than once a week, and 2.4 for once a week or more (95% CI 0.6, 9.7). The results for the phenotypic subgroups were similar to those for all cases. Adjustment for potential covariates resulted in somewhat weaker, but still elevated, risks. CONCLUSIONS This study found that the risk of conotruncal heart defects in offspring was moderately elevated among women who consumed alcoholic beverages during the periconceptional period, and that risk was higher with increased frequency of drinking or increased number of drinks consumed per occasion. Most of the risk estimates were imprecise, and chance could not be ruled out as an explanation for the observed findings. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Beta-decay half-lives of isotopes produced in projectile fragmentation

Beta-decay half-lives have been measured for eight neutron-rich isotopes produced in the fragmentation of 11.4-GeV /sup 40/Ar on /sup 9/Be. The experiment used a new measurement technique designed to observe very short half-lives. The previously unknown half-lives of /sup 22/O (910 +- 350 ms) and /sup 32/Al (35 +- 5) have been obtained, as well as six known half-lives to provide a check of the procedure.
Direct connect device core: design and applications

In this paper, we present the design and synthesis of "Direct Connected Device Core" (DCD-Core) as a low cost and low power consumption embedded system, which includes an electrical erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) controller for configurable address assignments. The main function of DCD-embedded system is to eliminate the operating system processing of network protocol stack running by personal computers CPU and simplifying network connection requirements. Not only the hardware solution requires connection simplification, but also it improves network performance. Our DCD-Core utilizes the concept of network channels, where Ethernet frames are delivered through a custom multicast addressing scheme. After validating DCD-Core embedded system simulation outputs, we synthesize the design in FPGA chip using Verilog Hardware Description Language (HDL). Performance measures like power consumption and area utilization are computed using Verilog HDL synthesis tools. Initial performance measures had shown that the DCD-Core reduces the power consumption. Thus, network devices may be powered through the network cable and eliminate the process of regular electrical power outlet installations and maintenance. This way, DCD-Core reduces the connection complexity in terms of device installations, especially for large number of devices (e.g. surveillance system cameras).
Comments on “pseudocationic polymerization after 24 years” by P. H. Plesch

Discussion par l'auteur des resultats cites par P.H. Plesch qui seraient en faveur du mecanisme pseudo-cationique: ces resultats demontreraient indirectement l'existence d'especes covalentes actives et d'un equilibre entre ions et esters. Reponse de Plesch
NON-LINEAR COUPLING OF PLASMA OSCILLATIONS TO TRANSVERSE WAVES

The energy transfer rate from longitudinal oscillations into electromagnetic energy due to non-linear effects in a collisionless, homogeneous, isotropic plasma is calculated. It is found that the radiation is peaked around 2ωp and the energy transfer for systems having either a thermal or a mild two-stream instability `equilibrium' spectrum of longitudinal oscillations is estimated.