cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An intelligent specifications extraction interface for structural design

Many descriptions of the design process do not include the specifications as part of the process, but rather as an input to the design. Once the specifications are considered to be the input, the assumption is made that they are in a form that is suitable for the design process to proceed. The need for a design always starts with ill-defined objectives. The process by which this information is transformed into well-defined design objectives is called the design specification extraction process. An attempt to expose the underlying structure of the first step in the design process—the design specifications—is presented in this paper. The extraction of specifications is divided into four major tasks—diagnosis or information gathering, interpretation and assessment, classification and decomposition, and information patching. The conceptual framework for the design specification extraction and synthesis is implemented in the expert system program SEISD (specification extraction interface for structural design) developed in the LISP programming language. A few examples are presented to demonstrate the implementation strategies. These examples are drawn from the specific problem of a beam design.
Mean occupation times of continuous one-dimensional Markov processes

Abstract We give a general method for finding the long-time asymptotic growth rate of mean occupation times of one-dimensional continuous strong Markov processes. The method uses a well-known decomposition of the resolvent, previous work of Kasahara (1975), and some new comparison results. Particular attention is paid to occupation times measured according to a function which is supported on the whole range of the process. We give an extended example concerning isotropic Brownian flows. A companion paper gives several other examples.
Estimation of the biodynamic responses distributed at fingers and palm based on the total response of the hand–arm system

The major objective of this study is to develop a modeling method for estimating the biodynamic responses distributed at the fingers and the palm of the hand based on the total driving-point mechanical impedance of the entire hand–arm system. A five degrees-of-freedom (DOF) model with a set of constraints proposed in this study was used in the estimation. Three sets of mechanical impedance data measured at the fingers and palm of the hand were used to examine the validity of the proposed method. The estimated response distributed at the palm was consistent with the measured data even when the real part of the impedance alone was used in the modeling (coefficient of correlation, r2 ≥ 0.902). Better agreements between the estimated and measured responses were obtained (r2 ≥ 0.929) when the magnitude and phase of the total impedance or the magnitude alone were used in the modeling estimation. In each case, the estimated response distributed at the fingers was also reliably correlated with the experimental data (r2 ≥ 0.726) but it was not as consistent with the experimental data as that distributed at the palm. The applications of the proposed method were also demonstrated using five other sets of reported experimental data. This study also demonstrated that the modeling method may also be used to assess the quality of the experimental data in some cases. As a special application of the acceptable data identified in this study, this study also defined a 2-DOF model for the construction of a hand–arm simulator for tool tests. The results of this study and the proposed modeling method are expected to contribute to the revision of ISO 10068 (1998).
Factors Influencing the Outcome of Paramalleolar Bypass Grafts

Reported patency rates for paramalleolar bypass grafts have varied widely. To determine factors predictive of outcome, we reviewed our experience with 80 consecutive paramalleolar reconstructions in 68 patients performed between December 1986 and May 1995. All procedures were performed for critical limb ischemia defined as nonhealing ulcer or gangrene (n = 72, 90%) and rest pain (n = 8, 10%). Risk factors present were diabetes (n = 52, 65%), hypertension (n = 64, 80%), and history of smoking (n = 57, 71%). Of the 80 bypasses, in situ saphenous vein conduits were used in 39 (49%). In the remainder non-in situ grafts were used including reversed vein (n = 25, 31%), composite vein (n = 11, 14%), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; n = 4, 5%), and composite PTFE/vein (n = 1, 1%). The recipient vessel was the dorsalis pedis artery in 26 procedures (33%), the posterior tibial artery in 32 (40%), the distal anterior tibial artery in 18 (22%), and tarsal or plantar vessels in four (5%). Primary and secondary patency rates were 52% and 68% at 36 months, respectively, by life-table analysis. The limb salvage rate was 86% and patient survival was 56% at 36 months. Secondary patency was significantly higher in diabetic patients than in their nondiabetic counterparts (86% vs. 50% at 36 months, p < 0.03). Similarly, patients undergoing in situ reconstructions had better secondary patency than patients with non-in situ conduits (86% vs. 51% at 36 months, p = 0.03). Diabetic patients tended to be younger (median age 69 years vs. 72 years) and had fewer prior reconstructions (7 [13%] vs. 13 [46%], p < 0.01). Diabetic patients received a higher proportion of in situ reconstructions (54% vs. 39%) but the difference did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.09). We conclude that the long-term patency for paramalleolar bypass is acceptable but inferior to reported figures for more proximal reconstructions. The factors that most influence patency are the quality of the venous conduit and the presence of diabetes. The improved patency seen in diabetic patients is likely related to the fact that these patients require paramalleolar bypass at an earlier age, are less likely to have had previous reconstructions, and are therefore more likely to have a good quality venous conduit.
Psychomotoric changes of handwriting in hypnosis

Vergleicht man die gesamten Einzelergebnisse dieser Untersuchungsreihe, deren 198 Einzelkurven hier nicht vollstandig wiedergegeben werden konnten, so ergibt sich hieraus folgendes: 1. In den Wachbild-Schreibdruckurven konnen die plastischen Bildeinwirkungen Veranderungen hervorrufen, die in ihren Einzelsymptomen einen Zusammenhang mit der bildadaquaten Temperaments- und Erlebnislage erkennen lassen. 2. Die Variabilitat der Wachbildkurvensymptome bleibt im allgemeinen gebundener als die der Hypnosebild-Schreibdruckkurven. 3. In den Hypnosebild-Schreibdruckkurven konnen die in den Wachbildkurven schwach anklingenden psychomotorischen Bildwirkungssymptome bis zur vollen Starke ausgepragt werden. Diesen gesteigerten Ausdrucksgrad in Hypnose finden wir sonst nur auserhalb der normalen konstitutionellen Kurven — Variationsbreite, d. h. im psychopathologischen Bereich. 4. Die unter der bilddynamischen Wirkung ausgelosten Veranderungen der Einzelsymptome der Schreibdruckkurven weisen eine wechselseitige Abgestimmtheit zu charakteristischen psychomotorischen Syndromen auf. Diese Kurvensyndrome lassen sowohl in der Eindrucksanalyse der optischen Verlaufsgestalt, in der exakten Beschreibungsanalyse, wie auch in der meskritischen Zahlenanalyse den integrativen psychomotorischen Funktionszusammenhang mit der bildentsprechenden Tonus- und Temperamentslage erkennen. 5. Ein weiteres Charakteristikum der Hypnosekurven, auserhalb der spezifischen Bildwirkungen, ist das Zuruckgehen, Abschleifen und Fortfallen der Splitter- und Doppelzacken an den Maximal- und Minimalzacken. 6. Der in den Wachbildkurven und Hypnosebildkurven objektivierte psychomotorische Ausdrucks- und Differenzierungsgrad last diagnostische Ruckschlusse auf die noch ansprechbare Erlebnisbreite und Erlebnistiefe zu. 7. Die beruhigende, tonusandernde Wirkung der Hypnose, last sich in den psychomotorischen Schreibtestkurven objektivieren, veranschaulichen, klar beschreiben und exakt mesbar machen. 8. Aus der bild- und affektdynamischen Variabilitat der psychomotorischen Schreibtestkurven ergibt sich im Wachzustand die methodische Notwendigkeit der Verwendung eines affekt- und sinnfreien Testwortes, einer testspezifischen, affekt- und spannungslosenden Einpassungsphase und schreibmotorischen, automatisierenden Einubungsphase; diesen testmethodischen Forderungen wurde bei allen Reihenuntersuchungen mit bildfreien Normalkurven entsprochen, so das die exakte Vergleichbarkeit der Ergebnisse gesichert ist.
Optimization of materials for a user-formed mouthguard.

A mouthguard that can be custom formed by the user at the time of need to achieve optimum fit and protection is required for sports and clinical applications. This study has evaluated two silicone-based polymer systems found sufficiently workable to be molded to the user's mouth. Compositions were optimized for setting time and mechanical properties by varying the proportions of catalyst, cross-linking agent, and filler. Mechanical tests showed the optimized silicones to have lower tensile and tear strengths and higher penetration and rebound than most present mouthguard materials. Detailed measurements of compressive stress-strain, coupled with a stress analysis of conditions in actual mouthguard use, indicate that the optimized silicone polymers possess more than adequate strength and durability for a user-formed mouthguard.
What chemicals will we need to capture CO2

A number of solvents have been proposed for CO2 capture from post-combustion flue gas streams. Currently, the solvents furthest along in development are aqueous amine solutions, stemming from nearly a century of use and know-how developed within the natural gas industry. Of these, monoethanolamine (MEA) is perhaps the most well-known, thoroughly studied, and readily available, yet likely cannot meet the stringent energy and cost limitations required to economically achieve 90% CO2 capture at coal-fired power plants. Also in development are piperazine (PZ) and several hindered and ‘advanced’ amines, which show great potential to improve energy efficiency and stability, but are not yet produced on a scale approaching that of MEA. Many other novel solvents have also been proposed, but few have been taken beyond bench-scale activities. Eventually, as CO2 capture processes are broadly deployed worldwide, the solvent(s) with the most favorable economics and performance will need to be manufactured in annual quantities of 1 Mton or greater, effectively creating at least one new chemical of global industrial importance. With the ultimate goal of deep reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in mind, the processes by which chemicals for CO2 capture are manufactured should also be considered in terms of their energy requirements, efficiencies, waste products, and CO2 emissions. This review begins to address some of these technical and economic questions by examining the manufacture of several amines that have been proposed for post-combustion CO2 capture, as well as the fundamental building block of all amines, ammonia. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
A Series of CGI/Perl Scripts for Web-Based Feedback and Reporting in the General Chemistry Laboratory: Colorimetry

A series of CGI/Perl scripts for a colorimetry laboratory report have been written, implemented and tested. These scripts assist the students by providing feedback on their data handling and analysis. Once the students have learned how to correctly perform the analyses, their results are submitted to their instructor, who can use the output for evaluation. Student assessment of this series of scripts is overwhelming positive. Scripts are included and programming considerations are discussed.
Criteria for selection of components for surrogates of natural gas and transportation fuels

Abstract The present paper addressed the production of soot precursors, acetylene, benzene and higher aromatics, by the paraffinic ( n -, iso -, and cyclo -) and aromatic components in fuels. To this end, a normal heptane mechanism compiled from sub-models in the literature was extended to large normal- , iso -, and cyclo -paraffins by assigning generic rates to reactions involving paraffins, olefins, and alkyl radicals in the same reaction class. Lumping was used to develop other semi-detailed sub-models. The resulting mechanism for components of complex fuels (named the Utah Surrogate Mechanism) includes detailed sub-models of n -butane, n -hexane, n -heptane, n -decane, n -dodecane, n -tetradecane and n -hexadecane, and semi-detailed sub-models of i -butane, i -pentane, n -pentane, 2,4-dimethyl pentane, i -octane, 2,2,3,3-tetramethyl butane, cyclohexane, methyl cyclohexane, tetralin, 2-methyl 1-butene, 3-methyl 2-pentene and aromatics. Generic rates of reaction classes were found adequate to generate reaction mechanisms of large paraffinic components. The predicted maximum concentrations of the fuel, oxidizer, and inert species, major products and important combustion intermediates, which include critical radicals and soot precursors, were in good agreement with the experimental data of three premixed flames of composite fuels under various conditions. The relative importance in benzene formation of each component in the kerosene surrogate was found to follow the trend aromatics > cyclo -paraffins > iso -paraffins > normal -paraffins. In contrast, acetylene formation is not that sensitive to the fuel chemical structure. Therefore, in formulation of surrogate fuels, attention should be focused on selecting components that will yield benzene concentrations comparable to those produced by the fuel, with the assurance that the acetylene concentration will also be well approximated.
An overview of posttraumatic stress disorder in African Americans

While several studies have found high rates of trauma exposure there is limited information on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its relationship to depression in the African American population. The prevalence and/or expression of psychiatric disorders can differ between racial/ethnic groups. The authors review literature addressing trauma exposure, prevalence, and expression of PTSD in the African American population. Risk factors that may be of specific significance to the development of PTSD in African Americans are also reviewed. Additionally, treatment issues and potential directions for future research of PTSD in the African American population are discussed.
Ecchymosis of the lower leg

Four patients with hemarthrosis of the knee, synovial rupture, and ecchymoses are reported. The patients presented with calf pain and swelling and large ecchymoses, which eventually extended to the ankle as a crescent about one or both malleoli. Appreciation of this physical sign, which appears to be characteristic for the hemorrhagic subset of synovial rupture, should alert the physician to the correct diagnosis and steer him away from contraindicated anticoagulant therapy.
On the distribution of lrt for testing the equality of exponential distributions

In this paper, an asymptotic expansion of the distribution' of the likelihood ratio criterion for testing the equality of p one-parameter exponential distributions is obtained for unequal sample sizes. The expansion is obtained up to the order of n-3 with the second term of the order of n-2 so that the first term of this expansion alone should provide an excellent approximation to the distribution for moderately large values of n, where n is the combined sample size.
Motor and cognitive outcomes in children after functional hemispherectomy.

Purpose: Medically intractable epilepsy is a chronic recurrence of seizures that often requires surgery to reduce or eliminate them. Although a reduction of seizures is the primary goal of hemispherectomy, the effect of surgery on motor and cognitive skills is also of importance. This review will provide a discussion of (1) evidence regarding motor and cognitive outcomes, (2) predictors of these outcomes, and (3) neural mechanisms responsible for preservation of function after hemispherectomy. Summary of Key Points: Motor and cognitive outcomes after hemispherectomy are variable and depend on many predictors including etiology and duration of seizure disorder, age at the time of surgery, premorbid status, and postsurgical seizure control. A refined ipsilateral pathway may explain the preservation of motor function in some children. Conclusions: A clear understanding of outcome predictors is important for planning effective rehabilitative programs after surgery.
Comparison of the use of mass spectrometry and methylene unit values in the determination of the stereochemistry of estranediol, the major urinary metabolite of 19-nortestosterone in the horse.

Abstract The stereochemistry of an isomer of 5-estrane-3,17α-diol, the major metabolite of 19-nortestosterone in horse urine has been established by the use of methylene unit (MU) values. The empirical MU values of the bis-trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives of the eight available isomers of 5-androstane-3,17-diol and four isomers of 5-estrane-3,17β-diol were determined by capillary gas chromatography using three different columns. From this data the theoretical MU values for the bis-TMS derivatives of the four 5-estrane-3,17α-diol isomers were predicted. Comparison of the experimentally determined MU value of the urinary metabolite with those of the theoretical values established the correct stereochemistry of the steroid. This method has been compared with the use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the determination of the stereochemistry of unknown metabolites.
Early cold stress and emotional reactivity in balb/c mice, a brief note on schaefer's temperature hypothesis.

BALB/c mice subjected to temperatures of 10–12 deg C during the first week of life showed less emotional reactivity in an open field than did controls. It was found, however, that cold treatment of pups produces changes in maternal behavior which lead to an increase in the general stimulation level of the pups, and that this phenomenon may be confounding the data with regard to reductions in emotional reactivity.
FDR's First Fireside Chat: Public Confidence and the Banking Crisis – By Amos Kiewe

Among the myriad challenges Franklin Roosevelt faced when he assumed the presidency in 1933, none was more pressing than the calamity that had beset America's banks. In the days following the Novem...
An enumerative assay of purine analogue resistant lymphocytes in women heterozygous for the Lesch-Nyhan Mutation.

In females heterozygous for the Lesch-Nyhan (LN) mutation, there is mosaicism of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) with regard to sensitivity to 6-thioguanine (TG) inhibition of tritiated thymidine ([3H]Tdr) incorporation following phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation. That there are two populations of PBLs, normal and mutant (LN-like), has been demonstrated by an autoradiographic enumerative assay. A single three-generation family containing six potentially heterozygous females was studied. Five of the six were mosaics with frequencies of TG-resistant (TGr) PBLs ranging from 1.4×10−3 to 4.2×10−3 when tested at 2×10−4 m TG. The median frequency of TGr PBLs in 63 healthy non-LN individuals between the ages of 11 and 75 years was found to be 1.1×10−4 (mean 1.3×10−4) (10th and 90th percentiles—6.1×10−5 and 2.1×10−4) and was not age related. The sixth potentially heterozygous female in the current family had a TGr PBL frequency of 1.9×10−4. In the five females with elevated TGr PBL frequencies, TGr skin fibroblasts with frequencies ranging from 26% to 100% of the sample tested were found; in the female with the normal TGr PBL frequency, no TGr skin fibroblasts were found. The former group was considered to be LN heterozygous. Four of the five had been previously diagnosed as such. The latter individual is considered to be genotypically normal. Females who are heterozygotes for the LN mutation have two populations of PBLs.
Language-based Measures of Mindfulness: Initial Validity and Clinical Utility

This study examined relationships among language use, mindfulness, and substance-use treatment outcomes in the context of an efficacy trial of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) for adults with alcohol and other drug use (AOD) disorders. An expert panel generated two categories of mindfulness language (ML) describing the mindfulness state and the more encompassing "mindfulness journey," which included words describing challenges of developing a mindfulness practice. MBRP participants (n = 48) completed baseline sociodemographic and AOD measures, and participated in the 8-week MBRP program. AOD data were collected during the 4-month follow-up. A word count program assessed the frequency of ML and other linguistic markers in participants' responses to open-ended questions about their postintervention impressions of mindfulness practice and MBRP. Findings supported concurrent validity of ML categories: ML words appeared more frequently in the MBRP manual compared to the 12-step Big Book. Further, ML categories correlated with other linguistic variables related to the mindfulness construct. Finally, predictive validity was supported: greater use of ML predicted fewer AOD use days during the 4-month follow-up. This study provided initial support for ML as a valid, clinically useful mindfulness measure. If future studies replicate these findings, ML could be used in conjunction with self-report to provide a more complete picture of the mindfulness experience.
Human erythropoietin gene: high level expression in stably transfected mammalian cells and chromosome localization.

Abstract The glycoprotein hormone erythropoietin plays a major role in regulating erythropoiesis and deficiencies of erythropoietin result in anemia. Detailed studies of the hormone and attempts at replacement therapy have been difficult due to the scarcity of purified material. We used a cloned human erythropoietin gene to develop stably transfected mammalian cell lines that secrete large amounts of the hormone with potent biological activity. These cell lines were produced by cotransfection of mammalian cells with a plasmid containing a selectable marker and plasmid constructions containing a cloned human erythropoietin gene inserted next to a strong promoter. The protein secreted by these cells stimulated the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells and, with increased selection, several of these cell lines secrete up to 80 mg of the protein per liter of supernatant. Hybridization analysis of DNA from human chromosomes isolated by high resolution dual laser sorting provides evidence that the gene for human erythropoietin is located on human chromosome 7.
In memoriam: Hirondo Kuki: Apr. 25, 1925 - Dec. 28, 1971

Computer professionals everywhere will have occasion to share with Hirondo's family and friends that sense of grievous loss evoked by his premature death. Almost all of us who do scientific calculations on IBM equipment benefit unknowingly from his craftsmanship, unknowingly because Hirondo was too self-effacing to secure the public recognition his work deserves. Let us mark his passing by acknowledging how much we owe him.
Synthesis and characterization of a family of binuclear non-heme iron monooxygenase model compounds: Evidence for a “phenolate/amide carbonyl (PAC) shift” upon oxidation

Abstract A series of binuclear iron compounds has been synthesized using diamide, bis-phenolate ligands in which the carbon-linker between the amide nitrogen atoms has been varied. Two diferrous compounds in the series, Fe 2 II ( H 2 Hbach ) 2 ( N-MeIM ) 2 and Fe 2 II ( H 2 Hbame ) 2 ( N-MeIM ) 2 along with their two-electron oxidized, di-μ-methoxy-bridged counterparts, Fe III ( H 2 Hbach ) 2 ( OMe ) 2 and Fe III ( H 2 Hbame ) 2 ( OMe ) 2 have been crystallographically characterized, as have the di-μ-methoxy compounds Fe 2 III ( H 2 Hbap ) 2 ( OMe ) 2 , Fe 2 III ( H 2 Hbabn ) 2 ( OMe ) 2 and Fe 2 III ( H 2 Hbapen ) 2 ( OMe ) 2 (H2Hbab = 1,2-bis(2-hydroxybenzamido) benzene, H2Hbach = trans-1,2-bis(2-hydroxybenzamido) cyclohexane, H2Hbame = 1,2-bis(2-hydroxybenzamido) ethane, H2Hbap = 1,3-bis(2-hydroxybenzamido) propane, H2Hbabn = 1,4-bis(2-hydroxybenzamido) butane, H2Hbapen = 1,5-bis(2-hydroxybenzamido) pentane, N-MeIM = N-methylimidazole and OMe = methoxide). Fe 2 II ( H 2 Hbach ) 2 ( N-MeIM ) 2 and Fe 2 II ( H 2 Hbame ) 2 ( N-MeIM ) 2 are structurally very similar to previously reported diferrous compounds of this family of ligands that have been shown to be active as oxygen atom transfer catalysts. Flexibility in the carbon-linker allows some variability in the orientation of the phenolate arms of the ligands in the diferric di-μ-methoxy compounds, but the Fe2O2 core remains largely unchanged across the series. Two-electron oxidation of the ferrous compounds in methanol shows a substantial ligand rearrangement that is consistent with other spectroscopic, electrochemical and kinetic investigations. The loss of both phenolate bridges upon oxidation is reminiscent of the “carboxylate shift” observed in binuclear non-heme enzymes and could provide insight into the driving force behind this family of compounds’ function as a catalyst.
Chloride‐ATPase dephosphorylation in Aplysia gut

The present study was done primarily to compare cation-ATPase dephosphorylation kinetics with a Cl−-ATPase's dephosphorylation kinetics because of the paucity of information in this area. Utilizing a proteoliposomal preparation containing Cl−-ATPase from Aplysia gut, it was demonstrated that dephosphorylation of this P-type ATPase was absolutely dependent upon Cl−. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations directly stimulated dephosphorylation of Cl−-ATPase in the presence of increasing concentrations of Cl−. It was also shown that the calculated rate constant for E1-P disintegration was 20/sec. This rate constant value approximated E1-P rate constant disintegration values for other electrogenic, uniport P-type ATPases. Therefore, it was concluded from these results that the Cl−-ATPase dephosphorylation kinetics did not differ greatly from cation-ATPase dephosphorylation kinetics. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Radiative Heat Fluxes Near Turbulent Buoyant Methane Diffusion Flames

An experimental and theoretical study was made of the effect of the Reynolds number on the radiative heat flux of methane flames. (AIP)
The quest for quality improvement: using Six Sigma at Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

In 2001, Starwood Hotels and Resorts announced that it would be the first hospitality company to embrace Six Sigma, a quality improvement program where the development and adoption of innovative customer-focused solutions were to result in improving the quality and consistency of guests' experiences and lead to enhanced financial performance. The purpose of this article is to illustrate this process improvement program and to document the application of Six Sigma within the hospitality industry. Findings indicated an increased use of cross-functional team approaches, effective use of expanded stakeholder partnerships, and the adoption of objective techniques and statistical testing to solve problems and improve the bottom line.
Wegener's Granulomatosis in the Elderly

Study objective To determine if elderly patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) exhibit distinctive clinical features or outcomes compared with patients whose conditions were diagnosed at younger ages. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting University medical center. Patients Thirty-three patients with WG diagnosed when 60 years old or older and 34 patients with WG diagnosed at age younger than 60 years, identified by record review of all WG patients seen over an 11-year period. Results The prevalence of specific clinical features, progression to end-stage renal disease, mortality rate, and infectious and noninfectious complications of therapy were examined. The prevalence of upper respiratory tract involvement (rhinitis, sinusitis, otitis, epistaxis) and hemoptysis were significantly less common as initial manifestations in the elderly patients, although pulmonary infiltrates were seen more commonly during the course of their disease. Renal insufficiency was more common at the time of diagnosis in the elderly patients (64% vs 35%; p Conclusions Elderly patients with WG present with distinctive clinical features, particularly a relatively low incidence of upper respiratory tract complaints and a high incidence of CNS involvement. The mortality risk from infectious complications of WG is substantially higher in elderly patients, although this cannot be attributed directly to adverse affects of therapy.
Dibutyryl cyclic AMP causes intermediate filament accumulation and actin reorganization in astrocytes.

Abstract We have examined the effects of dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (dBcAMP) on the organization and expression of filamentous proteins in astroglia. The drug produced several effects on astrocytes grown in primary cultures. Cultures ceased to grow, and cells changed shape to a contracted form, displaying thin cytoplasmic processes. Cellular levels of the intermediate filament (IF) proteins, vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and actin, insoluble in Triton X-100, were examined by polycrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis. The cellular content of both of the IF proteins increased concurrently, approximately doubling during a 2-week course of treatment. The content of actin associated with the Triton residue decreased, however, a biochemical alteration which correlated with a loss of stress fibers in treated cells. Treatment with sodium butyrate did not change either cell shape or cytoskeletal protein content. Filament protein expression in astrocytes can, therefore, be modulated via cAMP-dependent mechanisms. The effects do not, however, appear specific for the GFAP-type of intermediate filament.
Differential Effects of Testosterone Metabolites upon the Size of Sexually Dimorphic Motoneurons in Adulthood

This study examined the effect of testosterone and two of its metabolites on the size of motoneurons in the sexually dimorphic spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) in adult male rats. Treatment of castrates with either testosterone or dihydrotestosterone maintained SNB cell size, although testosterone was more effective in this regard. However, estradiol, either alone or in conjunction with dihydrotestosterone treatment, had no effect on the size of the somata or nuclei of SNB motoneurons. These results indicate that testosterone affects SNB cell size by interacting with androgen receptors and that aromatized metabolites of testosterone are not involved in this aspect of motoneuronal plasticity in adulthood. Because the penile reflexes mediated by the SNB neuromuscular system are also sensitive to androgen but not estrogen treatment, morphological changes in SNB cells may contribute to the androgenic modulation of these reflexes.
Polyamine induced changes in the ADP-ribosylation of nuclear proteins from rat liver

Abstract Purified rat liver nuclei were incubated in vitro with [3H]NAD. Altered patterns of ADP-ribosylation of nuclear proteins occurred with 1 mM spermidine or spermine with the latter polyamine causing the greater change. Spermine treated nuclei showed a two-fold increase in ADP-ribose incorporation into H1 histones and a decrease in the other histones. Likewise, the incorporation into the more acidic non-histone nuclear proteins was greater with spermine than spermidine. These results suggest that polyamines may exert a regulatory function by altering the pattern of ADP-ribosylation of both histone and non-histone nuclear proteins.
Severity of amnesia and the effectiveness of reactivation treatment: Evidence for a retrieval process

Reactivation of memory following retrograde amnesia treatment may be based on additional learning (storage model) or on gaining access to previously unavailable information (retrieval model). If further learning at reactivation summates with the residual memory, then the effectiveness of reactivation treatment should be inversely related to the degree of amnesia. The present experiment addressed this issue. Severity of retrograde amnesia was manipulated in adult rats by varying the delay (.5, 5, or 10 min) between punishment training and amnestic treatment (hypothermia). Prior to testing 24 h later, one half of the subjects received reactivation treatment (recooling). Passive avoidance latencies from the nonrecooled subjects showed the typical temporal gradient of amnesia. Recooling significantly improved retention in the strong amnesia group (.5 min), marginally improved retention in the moderate amnesia group, and failed to improve retention in the weak amnesia group. Controls for systemic stress demonstrated that the reactivation effect was not a performance artifact. In addition, test scores from a trained-only group were shown to reliably exceed the reactivation scores, suggesting that the magnitude of reactivation was not constrained by either functional or arbitrary ceiling limits. These findings were interpreted as consistent with a recently proposed “contextual cues” model as well as other retrieval-oriented interpretations of amnesia.
American Revolutionary: A Biography of General Alexander McDougall

A chronicle of McDougall's achievements as a soldier who rose to the highest rank in the Army, as a politician who became a member of the Continental Congress, and as the first and only Minister of the Marine.
Aperture reflection coefficient of TEM and TE 01 mode parallel-plate waveguides

The reflection coefficient of parallel-plate waveguide apertures is analyzed by wedge diffraction theory for the TEM and TE 01 modes. Results are compared with those obtained by other analyses for the special case of the normally truncated guide mounted in a ground plane and for that with thin walls. Measured values of reflection coefficient are used as verification of results for other guide geometries. The method gives accurate results for guide widths as narrow as \lambda/4 .
The Role of Nuclear Factor-κ B in Pulmonary Diseases

Nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB) is a family of DNA-binding protein factors that are required for transcription of most proinflammatory molecules, including adhesion molecules, enzymes, cytokines, and chemokines. NF-κB activation seems to be a key early event in a variety of cell and animal model systems developed to elucidate the pathobiology of lung diseases. The purpose of this short review is to describe what is known about the molecular biology of NF-κB and to review information that implicates NF-κB in the pathogenesis of lung disease, including ARDS, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, asthma, respiratory viral infections, occupational and environmental lung disease, and cystic fibrosis.
Ordering autonomous underwater vehicle inspection locations with a genetic algorithm

This paper describes a genetic algorithm for solving the traveling salesman problem (TSP) for autonomous navigation. The method is applied to autonomous underwater vehicles for efficient path planning during underwater mine inspections, sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. This method is significantly easier to implement and much more extensible to real world variants of TSP, e.g. problems incorporating currents, limited turning radius, limitations in depth changes, etc., than other, more efficient, approaches. A specific case study demonstrates a variation accounting for constant currents. Performance is compared against existing behaviors for path planning implemented in the Mission-Oriented Operating Suite (MOOS). The results show that the genetic algorithm performs significantly better than the approach currently implemented in MOOS and successfully accounts for factors such as currents.
Journal Package Plans: An Update on Complex Considerations

Abstract We are still in the early and dynamic stages of applying new price models to both paper and online journals, and the package plan approach offers new conditions for which we need to develop better understandings, appropriate review and decision trees, and adequate support models. This article will attempt to highlight a few of the recent modifications and situations science libraries are experiencing when considering and maintaining journal package plans.
Expression of zebrafish (Danio rerio) monoamine oxidase (MAO) in Pichia pastoris: purification and comparison with human MAO A and MAO B.

Abstract The expression, purification and characterization of zebrafish monoamine oxidase (zMAO) using the methylotropic yeast Pichia pastoris expression system is described. A 1 L fermentation culture of Pichia pastoris containing the gene encoding zMAO under control of the methanol oxidase promotor expresses ∼200 mg of zMAO exhibiting 300 U of total activity. The enzyme is found in the mitochondrial fraction of the expression host and is purified in a 30% yield as a homogenous species with a Mr of ∼60,000 on SDS–PAGE and a mass of 58,525 ± 40 Da from MALDI-TOF measurements. The zMAO preparation contains one mole of covalent flavin cofactor per mole of enzyme and exhibits >80% functionality. The covalent flavin exhibits fluorescence and EPR spectral properties consistent with known properties of 8α-S-cysteinylFAD. Chemical degradation of the flavin peptide results in the liberation of FAD. zMAO exhibits no immuno-chemical cross-reactivity with polyclonal anti-sera raised against human MAO A. The enzyme preparation exhibits reasonable thermostability up to a temperature of 30 °C. Benzylamine is oxidized with a kcat value of 4.7 ± 0.1 min−1 (Km = 82 ± 9 μM) and the enzyme oxidizes phenylethylamine with a kcat value of 204 min−1 (Km = 86 ± 13 μM). The Km (O2) values determined for zMAO using either benzylamine or phenylethylamine as substrates ranges from 108(±5) to 140(±21) μM. The functional behavior of this teleost MAO relative to human MAO A and MAO B is discussed.
Effects of Community-wide Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin Prophylaxis on Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Admissions † 816

Effects of Community-wide Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immune Globulin Prophylaxis on Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Admissions † 816
Hypertensive disorders in twin versus singleton gestations

Abstract Objective: This study was undertaken to compare rates and severity of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, as well as perinatal outcomes when these complications develop, between women with twin gestations and those with singleton gestations. Study Design: This was a secondary analysis of prospective data from women with twin (n = 684) and singleton (n = 2946) gestations enrolled in two separate multicenter trials of low-dose aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia. End points were rates of gestational hypertension, rates of preeclampsia, and perinatal outcomes among women with hypertensive disorders. Results: Women with twin gestations had higher rates of gestational hypertension (relative risk, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-2.59) and preeclampsia (relative risk, 2.62; 95% confidence interval, 2.03-3.38). In addition, women with gestational hypertension during twin gestations had higher rates of preterm delivery at both P P P = .04). Moreover, when outcomes associated with preeclampsia were compared, women with twin gestations had significantly higher rates of preterm delivery at P P P = .07). In contrast, among women with twin pregnancies, those who remained normotensive had more adverse neonatal outcomes than did those in whom hypertensive complications developed. Conclusions: Rates for both gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are significantly higher among women with twin gestations than among those with singleton gestations. Moreover, women with twin pregnancies and hypertensive complications have higher rates of adverse neonatal outcomes than do those with singleton pregnancies. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:938-42.)
Storage protein accumulation in developing rice (Oryza sativa L.) seeds

Abstract Rice (Oryza sativa L.) panicles were harvested at 2-day intervals from 4–20 days post anthesis (DPA) and labeled with [35S]sulfate. The amount of protein synthesis at each sampling date was estimated by determining the amount of exogenously applied [35S]sulfate incorporated into acid-precipitable material. The largest amount of incorporation occurred at 8 DPA and decreased after 10 DPA. When total seed extracts were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamine gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), the 35–39 and 20 kilodalton (kd) groups of polypeptides appeared as early as 6 DPA. When these polypeptides were compared with those of globulin, prolamin and glutelin fractions sequentially extracted from rice flour, they had the same electrophoretic mobility as glutelin. The largest accumulation of polypeptides occurred between 8 and 10 DPA. When radioactive peptides from seeds labeled in vivo were visualized by fluorography, there was a prominent 56-kd polypeptide but no polypeptides co-migrating with glutelin were evident. A pulse-chase experiment indicated that the 56-kd polypeptide could be chased into the 35–39 and 20 kd groups. Translation in vitro suggests that the 56-kd polypeptide was preferentially synthesized by membrane-bound polysomes.
Typification of Linnaean plant names in Urticaceae

Lectotypes and epitypes are designated for seven previously untypified Linnaean plant names belonging to the family Urticaceae. These newly proposed types support the current usage of the names concerned. Earlier but ineffective or supersedable type statements are discussed.
Aids, orphans, and development in Sub-Saharan Africa: A review of the dilemma of public health and development

HIV/AIDS is having devastating consequences on families, young children, and other vulnerable social groups. In this paper, I review the impact of HIV/AIDS on families and development in sub-Saharan Africa. I begin by showing the magnitude of the problem and the factors that have led to rapid spread of HIV/AIDS in this sub-continent. I discuss gender inequality, poverty, social inequality, and globalization, and show how these facilitate the rapid spread of the epidemic. I show how AIDS is creating a mass of orphans on the one hand, and how it is impacting development and creating new public health contradictions on the other. By orphans I mean all those children who have lost either a mother or father or both parents due to AIDS. I argue that AIDS is destroying families and communities and is also manufacturing a great number of orphaned children who are powerless and vulnerable. In order to solve this problem, I suggest the adoption of appropriate, pragmatic, and realistic short-and long-term strategies...
Finite Element Analysis of the Hip and Spine Based on Quantitative Computed Tomography

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) provides three-dimensional information about bone geometry and the spatial distribution of bone mineral. Images obtained with QCT can be used to create finite element models, which offer the ability to analyze bone strength and the distribution of mechanical stress and physical deformation. This approach can be used to investigate different mechanical loading scenarios (stance and fall configurations at the hip, for example) and to estimate whole bone strength and the relative mechanical contributions of the cortical and trabecular bone compartments. Finite element analyses based on QCT images of the hip and spine have been used to provide important insights into the biomechanical effects of factors such as age, sex, bone loss, pharmaceuticals, and mechanical loading at sites of high clinical importance. Thus, this analysis approach has become an important tool in the study of the etiology and treatment of osteoporosis at the hip and spine.
Texture classification using a polymer-based MEMS tactile sensor

We classify surface textures using a polymer-based microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) tactile sensor array and a robust statistical approach. We demonstrate that a MEMS tactile sensor resembling a flexible sensor 'skin' built using a polyimide substrate can successfully classify textures. Texture classification is achieved by using a maximum likelihood decision rule that optimally classifies patterns in the presence of noisy signal to cope with texture variation and random noise. Using a 4 × 4 sensor array, a variety of simple textures are distinguished despite low sensitivity mechanical strain gauges serving as a transduction element. The final result analyzed using leave-one-out cross validation yields acceptable overall performance of 68% correct classification. Directions for future work to improve identification performance of the system are also presented.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL ASPECTS OF HUMAN CYSTIC DUCT EPITHELIUM AS A RESULT OF CHOLELITHIASIS AND CHOLESTEROLOSIS

Although there is a large body of data on the gallbladder and the importance of the cystic duct in surgical procedures, there is insufficient data regarding the morphology of the human cystic duct. In the present study, transmission electron microscopic (TEM) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) survey of several surgical and autopsy cystic ducts in cholelithiasis and cholesterolosis is reported. In cholelithiasis, similar to gallbladder epithelium, the cystic duct epithelial cells display minor-to-severe alterations of the epithelial surface accompanied by variable erosion of the epithelium. Areas of intact surface epithelium demonstrate microvilli-covered cells coated by a rich glycocalyx and mucous production. In other areas, apical excrescences are associated with mucus hyperproduction and secretory events. Lipoid bodies are also present in many cells and especially in many of the cells' subluminal apical areas. In cholesterolosis, mucous secretory granules appear dilated, fatty deposits are infrequent, and peculiar intracellular cholesterol deposits can be detected in the apical and subapical region of cells and around condensed mitochondria. Following elective cholecystectomies, predominantly in association with cholelithiasis, eroded areas were detected; therefore, it appears that the action of intraluminal calculi may be a principal causative factor in discrete epithelial erosions of the cystic duct. Intraluminal calculi/debris, along with the alteration of mucus, cell sloughing, and a decreased pool of bile acids and motility may participate in the gallstone nucleation process. The peculiar cholesterol inclusions may also play a role in that nucleating process. Microsc. Res. Tech. 39:22–38, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Editorial: surveillance and inequality

Many domains of social life are being transfigured by new technologies of identification, monitoring, tracking, data analysis, and control. The lived experiences of people subjected to surveillance, however, can vary widely along lines of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and nationality. This can be seen with the enforcement of different types of mobilities for different categories of people, whether at borders, on city streets, or on the Internet. It can also be observed with the increasingly invasive monitoring and disciplining of those accessing public services, such as welfare, public education, or healthcare, especially in the U.S. It can be perceived in security-screening and police-profiling practices, which continue to rely upon racial markers of “risk.” Or inequality can be found in the uneven treatment of individuals by insurance providers, credit agencies, service centers, or other commercial entities. Regardless of the domain, new surveillance systems often amplify existing social inequalities and reproduce regimes of control and/or exclusion of marginalized groups in societies.
New Insights into G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling from the Melanocortin Receptor System

For decades, geneticists, as well as breeders of “fancy” pets, have been interested in the interaction of the melanocortin 1 receptor locus ( Mc1r ; also known as melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor, Mshr ) with the Agouti locus because of the array of coat colors that alterations at these