cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Primary Structure of Ovine Luteinizing Hormone I. THE AMINO ACID SEQUENCE OF THE REDUCED AND S-AMINOETHYLATED S-SUBUNIT (LH-α)

Succinylation of ovine luteinizing hormone α subunit (LH-α) and tryptic cleavage at the available arginine residues provided two fractions, only one of which contained disulfide bonds. Reduction and aminoethylation of the disulfide bonds provided two additional fractions. From these three major fractions, whose positional sequence in the original subunit could be established, the amino acid sequence for the 96 amino acid residues in the entire subunit was established. Appropriate use was made of the cyanogen bromide cleavage products and tryptic cleavage at the S-aminoethylcysteine residues, in conjunction with the Edman degradation, to establish this sequence. Determination of the NH2-terminal sequence proved difficult in view of a heterogeneity resulting from an apparent proteolytic degradation involving the first 6 residues. This sequence was ultimately clarified by a study of the cyanogen bromide cleavage peptides released after attack at the methionine in position 8. The sequence of ovine LH-α determined in the present report is identical with that for bovine thyroid-stimulating hormone α-subunit determined by Liao and Pierce (1971) J. Biol. Chem. 246, 850) and differs by a 2 residue inversion from the ovine LH-α sequence presented in a brief communication by Papkoff et. al. ((1971) J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 93, 1531).
Analysis of multirate sigma-delta modulators

The theoretical basis for the linear analysis of multirate /spl Sigma/-/spl Delta/ modulators is presented. Polyphase decomposition is used to analyze the system and derive its transfer functions. Multiple quantization noise sources are introduced to make the polyphase decomposition possible. It is shown that a proper value for the quantizer gain in a linear analysis is essential because a unity gain approximation leads to unstable transfer functions while the real system is stable.
Host tissue response in chronic periodontal disease. 1. The normal periodontium and clinical manifestations of dental and periodontal disease in the marmoset.

Manifestations of inflammatory periodontal disease in a. colony-maintained marmoset were studied. The disease was characterized clinically by an acute inflammatory response including redness, edema, exudation and spontaneous hemorrhage. Histopathologically, the cellular response observed was comprised of neutrophils and mononuclear cells, some of which could be definitively identified as macrophages. The lymphocyte-plasma cell infiltrate which comprises a major feature of the disease in man was not a prominent feature in the marmoset. Indeed, only insignificant numbers of these cells were found even with electron microscopy. Thus, the host tissue response in the marmoset appears to differ significantly from that seen in man, and reservations must be exercised in the use of the marmoset as a model of the human form of the disease. The observation that the important clinical and histopathologic manifestations of chronic periodontal disease can occur in this animal without the presence of an extensive lymphocyte-plasma cell infiltrate suggest that, contrary to current concepts, the activity of these cells at the local site may not be essential to the induction and progress of periodontal disease.
Verification of Cooking Endpoint Temperatures in Beef by Immunoassay of Lactate Dehydrogenase Isozyme 5

: Ground beef Semimembranosus muscle was inoculated with Escherichia coli, and aliquots were left raw or cooked to 1 of 24 time/temperature combinations. Samples were analyzed by aerobic plate counts for surviving bacteria, total extractable protein, and immunoblot quantification of lactate dehydrogenase isozyme 5 (LDH5). Bacterial thermal death curves exhibited a consistent log decline with increasing temperature and cooking times at a given temperature, which were paralleled by decreases in LDH5 at 61 °C and above. Total protein exhibited a linear time/temperature decline. Immunologic analysis of LDH5 may be suitable for development into a rapid assay method for the verification in beef of cooking endpoint temperatures from 61 °C to 69 °C.
A near-threshold ASK demodulator for ultra-low-power implantable biomedical microsystems

This paper presents a CMOS 130nm demodulator to support the multi-megabit data rate for wireless biotelemetry communication. A modulation scheme based on amplitude-shift-keying (ASK) is employed to minimize the complexity of the implant circuit and reduce power transmission requirements. The proposed demodulator operates at near-threshold region for ultra-low-power consumption and dissipates only 105μW, with a 0.5V supply (e.g. 726μW at 1.5V) at a data rate of 2 Mb/s and a carrier frequency of 10MHz.
The elevated plus-maze is not sensitive to the effect of stressor controllability in rats

Abstract The present experiments examined the sensitivity of the elevated plus-maze to the effects of Stressor controllability. Previous work had established that inescapable but not an equal amount of escapable electric tail shock reduced social interaction. The present experiments demonstrate that prior exposure to shock alters elevated plus-maze behavior, but that this effect is not sensitive to the escapability of the shock. These experiments include a replication of the usual pharmacologic effects of benzodiazepine ligands (2 mg/kg diazepam; 0.4 mg/kg methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-β-carboline-3-carboxylate) to demonstrate the sensitivity of the elevated plus-maze procedures used. The results provide additional support for the idea that the social interaction and elevated plus-maze measures of “anxiety” are sensitive to different processes.
7055 Management decision making in esophageal carcinoma: does use of eus obviate the need for ct scanning?

INTRO: Despite greater accuracy with EUS, CT scan is used as the initial staging modality by most physicians.We designed this study to determine whether use of EUS as the primary diagnostic test would change management strategy and impact the utility of information obtained by CT scan. METHODS: Patients with esophageal cancer referred for EUS with concurrent CT scan were studied. EUS TNM stage, determined prospectively, was compared retrospectively to CT scan. Decisions for chemoRx, XRT, and surgery for each stage were determined from our previous survey (Gastro Endo 1996;43:553) by majority of 71 physicians from 4 specialties. Impact of testing sequence was determined by alternating the order of the 2 tests, evaluating change in treatment based on the first test due to information obtained by the second test. Statistical analysis was done by Chi square test. RESULTS: 43 CT and EUS evaluations were done in 42 patients (mean age 61.3 yrs; 93% male) out of 63 referred for EUS. Overall TNM stage by EUS was higher than CT in 29 patients (due to greater T stage in 6, N stage in 10, both T+N stage in 13), lower in 6 patients (lower T stage in 2, missed M stage in 4). With variation between specialties, differences in staging between the 2 tests would not always lead to changes in management. Table below shows % of patients whose therapy determined by the first test would be changed by information from the second test. Performing EUS first would have resulted in significantly fewer changes in management following subsequent CT scan, than if the sequence of tests were reversed (p
Paulo and the Birds: Towards a Magical Realist Approach to Ethnography

This article explores how magical realism can be used as an analytic to study culture. I propose a magical realist epistemology that seeks to dismantle binaristic impulses by allowing for competing notions of reality to co-exist. This displacement of Western notions of “truth” compels Western ethnographers and their readers to imagine an alternative world where the magical and the mundane are mutually sustaining.
Evaluation of the Hilbert-Huang transform for modal-based structural health monitoring applications

A new method for signal processing of non-linear and non-stationary data, the Hilbert Huang Transform (HHT), offers insight into signals that cannot be achieved using conventional methods such as the Fourier transform and wavelet decompositions. This study investigates HHT as a potential tool for damage detection, to be eventually incorporated into a realistic structural health monitoring system. After a review of the method and supporting research, an analytical study begins to offer insight into the behavior of HHT. First, HHT is performed on simple sinusoid signals to see how it separates frequency content, then on the same signal with noise added. Finally HHT is performed on data generated from a numerical 8-degree-of-freedom mass-spring system with random burst excitation, where the stiffness of one spring can be decreased to simulate damage. The study finds that there is considerable variability associated with the implementation of HHT. Many variables, such as sampling frequency and overlapping frequencies, can affect the output of HHT drastically, possibly detracting from the value of the result. The method may, however, automatically separate noise from a signal. Application of HHT to the mass-spring system showed that there was only a noticeable pattern to the effect of damage when that damage became severe. However, the implementation process used may need to be more refined before final assessment can be made. Generally, the variability of HHT needs to be better quantified and understood so that a damage index can be derived based on the unique information that the method provides from signals. If this is possible, HHT could be an important tool for structural damage detection and health monitoring.
The Electoral Connection and the Decline of Partisanship in the 20th Century House of Representatives

In this article we document the decline in party strength in the U.S. House of Representatives from the 19th to the 20th century. The decline holds both at the aggregate levels of party voting and across specific policy dimensions. The demise of party in the U.S. House of Representatives is viewed as a function of several factors, the most important being that political parties lost their sanctions over members. Some policy consequences of the loss of sanctions and the decline of party strength in the House are outlined. The most important consequences are the shifting nature of policy coalitions and the inability of the electorate to hold the House responsible for public policy.
Chromogranin-A secretion from individual parathyroid cells: effects of 1,25-(OH)2vitamin D3 and calcium

Summary Chromogranin-A (CgA) is a 50-kDa protein located in and secreted by most endocrine and neuroendocrine cells along with native hormone. In the parathyroid gland, CgA is cosecreted with parathyroid hormone (PTH). Although these peptides are secreted together, recent evidence has suggested that they are processed differently in response to stimuli, such as 1,25-(OH) 2 vitamin D 3 and calcium. We have validated a reverse hemolytic plaque assay for studying CgA release from parathyroid cells. This assay allows for the detection of quantitative changes in hormone secretion from individual parathyroid cells. Bovine parathyroid cells were mixed with protein-A-linked ovine erythrocytes (oRBC) and plated in a monolayer in the presence of CgA antiserum. After incubation, complement was added to the cells to induce cell lysis. Lysis of oRBC around a parathyroid cell indicated the release of CgA from a cell. Results showed that plaque formation was dependent on assay reagents and that serial dilution of the antibody reduced plaque formation. CgA secretion was inhibited by increasing concentrations of calcium and stimulated by increasing concentrations of 1,25-(OH) 2 vitamin D 3 .
Diffusion weighted fMRI at 1.5 T

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is capable of detecting task-induced blood oxygenation changes using susceptibility sensitive pulse sequences such as gradient-recalled echo-planar imaging (EPI). The local signal increases seen in the time course are believed to be due to an increase in oxygen delivery that is incommensurate with oxygen demands. To help isolate the sources of functional signal changes, the authors have incorporated various forms of diffusion weighting into EPI pulse sequences to characterize the apparent mobility of the functionally modulated protons. Results suggest that the majority of the functional signal at 1.5 T arises from protons that have apparent diffusion coefficients that are approximately four or five times higher than that of brain tissue. This implies that significant functional signal sources are either protons within the vascular space or protons from the perivascular space that is occupied by cerebrospinal fluid.
A fixed-point anomaly in the plane

We define an unusual continuum M with the fixed-point property in the plane R. There is a disk D in R such that M ∩ D is an arc and M ∪ D does not have the fixed-point property. This example answers a question of R. H. Bing. The continuum M is a countable union of arcs.
ROLE OF VORTICES IN THE MUTUAL COUPLING OF SUPERCONDUCTING AND NORMAL-METAL FILMS

I propose a possible explanation to a recently observed ``cross-talk'' effect in metal-insulator-metal trilayers, indicating a sharp peak near a superconducting transition in one of the metal films. Coulomb interactions are excluded as a dominant coupling mechanism, and an alternative is suggested, based on the local fluctuating electric field induced by mobile vortices in the superconducting layer. This scenario is compatible with the magnitude of the peak signal and its shape; most importantly, it addresses the nonreciprocity of the effect in exchanging the roles of the films.
A theoretical study of the 27-day variation of upper-atmospheric temperature.

Upper atmosphere temperature lag behind solar decimeter flux 27 day variation maximum attributed to varying solar EUV heating
Spontaneous Rupture of the Iliac Vein A Case Report

Spontaneous rupture of the iliac vein is exceedingly rare. Only 10 cases have previously been reported in the world literature. Review of these cases revealed a female predomi nance (8/10), in their middle ages or elderly Presenting symptoms were acute abdominal pain, abdominal tenderness and fullness, and hypotension. A case report is presented along with a pertinent review of the world literature.
A neural network model of cortical activity during reaching

A neural network model that produces many of the directional and spatial response properties that have been observed for cortical neurons in monkeys moving toward targets in space is described. These include motor cortex units with broad tuning in a single preferred direction, approximately linear variation in activity for different hold positions, and approximate invariance in preferred direction for different starting points in space. Association cortex units in the model are sometimes irregular and reminiscent of neurons observed in visually responsive brain areas such as the posterior parietal cortex. The model is also compatible with population analyses performed on motor cortical neurons. Across network units, the distribution of preferred directions is uniformly distributed in directional space, and the degree of tuning and response magnitude vary from unit to unit. A population code used to predict accurately the direction of arm movements from a large population of coarsely tuned individual neurons allows predictions using a simulated population of unit responses obtained from the neural network model. This code works for different starting locations in space using the same parameters.
Cloning and expression of a cDNA for a mammalian type III iodothyronine deiodinase.

Abstract The type III iodothyronine deiodinase metabolizes the active thyroid hormones thyroxine and 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine to inactive compounds. Recently, we have characterized a Xenopus laevis cDNA (XL-15) that encodes a selenoprotein with type III deiodinase activity (St. Germain, D. L., Schwartzman, R., Croteau, W., Kanamori, A., Wang, Z., Brown, D. D., and Galton, V. A.(1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 91, 7767-7771). Using the XL-15 as a probe, we screened a rat neonatal skin cDNA library. Among the clones isolated was one (rNS43-1) which contained a 2.1-kilobase pair cDNA insert that manifested significant homology to both the XL-15 and the G21 rat type I deiodinase cDNAs, including the presence of an in-frame TGA codon. Expression studies demonstrated that the rNS43-1 cDNA encodes a protein with 5-, but not 5′-, deiodinase activity that is resistant to inhibition by propylthiouracil and aurothioglucose. Northern analysis demonstrated a pattern of tissue expression in the rat consistent with that of the type III deiodinase and site directed mutagenesis confirmed that the TGA triplet codes for selenocysteine. We conclude that the rNS43-1 cDNA encodes the rat type III deiodinase and that the types I and III deiodinases present in amphibians and mammals constitute a family of conserved selenoproteins important in the metabolism of thyroid hormones.
Crystalline hydrogen-bonded nanocolumns of cyclic thiourea octamers

A bis(thiourea) containing the 1,3-dimethyl-adamantane linker and t-Bu end groups self-assembles in the solid state into crystalline columnar aggregates made of hydrogen-bonded cyclic thiourea octamers with 2 nm in diameter.
Iconographic (Jesuit) Rings at the Utz Site

The large and important Missouri site of Utz has produced six iconographic rings. Reviewing the means of decoration and the decorations themselves may provide a clarification of dates proposed both from radiocarbon assays and from what historic documentation is available. The rings speak of several different points of contact of the Missouris with outside, presumably French, sources; if verifiable, they may serve as another, possibly independent, means of dating.
Decreased cytochrome p450 and increased porphyrin concentrations in the livers of rats on a low iron diet given a single dose of desferrioxamine

Abstract The efficacy of the iron chelator desferrioxamine at a site of action in the liver was investigated. A single dose given to 48 hr starved male rats (1.56 m-moles/kg, i.p.) caused a time dependent decrease in liver ferritin iron concentrations to about 60 per cent of control values 4 to 8 hr after dosing. Concurrently with the decrease in ferritin iron levels, there was a small accumulation of porphyrins in the liver. By keeping male rats on a low iron diet for 10 days followed by 48 hr starvation, liver ferritin iron concentrations were reduced to about 5 per cent of control values. Administration of desferrioxamine to these animals caused a further decrease in liver ferritin iron levels and a marked increase in the accumulation of porphyrins in the liver. After 30 days on a low iron diet, liver ferritin iron could no longer be detected. Blood haematocrits and haemoglobin levels were severely depressed. Liver cytochrome b 5 and P450 values were similar to controls. In these animals desferrioxamine caused a substantial time dependent increase in the porphyrin content of the liver and a decrease in cytochrome P450 levels. Cytochrome b 5 concentrations were not significantly affected. It was suggested that these results were consistent with desferrioxamine blocking hepatic haem synthesis by making iron unavailable for inclusion into protoporphyrin at the ferrochelatase step. Relative to control animals, hepatic mitochondrial 5-aminolevulinic acid synthetase was significantly depressed in rats kept for 10 or 30 days on the low iron diet. Administration of desferrioxamine caused no marked increase in 5-aminolevulinic acid synthetase activities in either group of rats in the 24 hr after dosing. It was concluded that in addition to haem, iron may play a regulatory role in controlling the activity of 5-aminolevulinic acid synthetase.
Models and Reality

In 1922 Skolem delivered an address before the Fifth Congress of Scandinavian Mathematicians in which he pointed out what he called a “relativity of set-theoretic notions”. This “relativity” has frequently been regarded as paradoxical; but today, although one hears the expression “the Lowenheim-Skolem Paradox”, it seems to be thought of as only an apparent paradox, something the cognoscenti enjoy but are not seriously troubled by. Thus van Heijenoort writes, “The existence of such a ‘relativity’ is sometimes referred to as the Lowenheim-Skolem Paradox. But, of course, it is not a paradox in the sense of an antinomy; it is a novel and unexpected feature of formal systems.” In this address I want to take up Skolem's arguments, not with the aim of refuting them but with the aim of extending them in somewhat the direction he seemed to be indicating. It is not my claim that the “Lowenheim-Skolem Paradox” is an antinomy in formal logic; but I shall argue that it is an antinomy, or something close to it, in philosophy of language. Moreover, I shall argue that the resolution of the antinomy—the only resolution that I myself can see as making sense—has profound implications for the great metaphysical dispute about realism which has always been the central dispute in the philosophy of language.The structure of my argument will be as follows: I shall point out that in many different areas there are three main positions on reference and truth: there is the extreme Platonist position, which posits nonnatural mental powers of directly “grasping” forms (it is characteristic of this position that “understanding” or “grasping” is itself an irreducible and unexplicated notion); there is the verificationist position which replaces the classical notion of truth with the notion of verification or proof, at least when it comes to describing how the language is understood; and there is the moderate realist position which seeks to preserve the centrality of the classical notions of truth and reference without postulating nonnatural mental powers.
Can Computed Tomographic Colonography Become a “Good” Screening Test?

When prepless computed tomographic colonography achieves a reasonably high and consistent sensitivity for an appropriate target lesion, we may finally have a good screening test. At the current rat...
Mosasaurs, Limpets or Diagenesis: How Placenticeras Shells Got Punctured

Abstract. Claimed mosasaur bites in Upper Cretaceous Placenticeras shells from the Western United States are reinterpreted as limpetmade pits that became punctured by compactional pressure and beveled during diagenesis. Die von Kauffman & Kesling (1960) als Mosasaurier-Bisse gedeuteten Perforationen in oberkretazischen Ammonitengehausen werden auf die Raspeltatikeit patellider Schnecken zuruckgefuhrt. Diese besiedelten wahrscheinlich nekroplanktonische Gehause und lebten hauptsachlich von schalenbohrenden Algen. Erst diagenetische Prozesse haben das Durchbrechen der ursprunglichen Fressdellen sowie die Bordelung der Bruchrander bewirkt. doi: 10.1002/mmng.19980010107
Nano-Engineered Erythrocyte Ghosts as Inhalational Carriers for Delivery of Fasudil: Preparation and Characterization

Purpose Nanoerythrosomes (NERs), an engineered derivative of erythrocytes, have long been used as drug delivery carriers. These cell based carriers are biocompatible and biodegradable, and they exhibit efficient drug loading, targeting specificity and prolonged biological half-life. In this study, we have evaluated the feasibility of NERs as inhalable carriers for delivery of fasudil, an investigational drug for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Influence of banded fertiliser on the chemical environment surrounding the band: I.—Effect on pH and solution nitrogen

The influence of several banded fertilizers on soil pH, soil solution pH, and concentration of NH4-N, NO2-N and NO3-N at two distances from the band was studied. Treatments consisted of various combinations of monocalcium phosphate (MCP), KCl, NH4-NO3, (NH4)2HPO4 and urea applied on a nutrient element basis of 22.4 or 67.2 kg/ha. Urea treatments produced the highest initial pH, and MCP treatments resulted in the lowest pH values. The greatest pH changes during a 32-day incubation period resulted from treatments that contained urea, (NH4)2 HPO4 or NH4NO3. Changes in pH with time, for treatments containing the N sources, reflected the rate of nitrification of NH4-N to NO3-N which, in turn, controlled the solution concentrations of NH4-N and NO3-N. The NO2-N content near 67.2 kg/ha urea applications increased with time to potentially toxic concentrations (over 500 ppm). Combination of MCP with urea markedly lowered pH and NO2-N content compared to treatments in which MCP was not supplied. Application of (NH4)2HPO4 or urea at 22.4 kg/ha resulted in a rapid increase in NO3-N and decrease in pH with time. The pH decrease and accumulation of NO3-N were much slower when (NH4)2HPO4 or urea was applied at 67.2 kg/ha.
Behind the Mask: The Cultural Definition of the Legal Subject in Colonial Bengal (1715–1911) – By Anindita Mukhopadhyay

Part legal history, part intellectual and cultural history, this book makes an important contribution to understanding the rule of law in colonial Bengal. Introduced by the British in the late eigh...
Oxidation States of Gold in MgO-Supported Complexes and Clusters: Characterization by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and Temperature-Programmed Oxidation and Reduction

X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), and temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO) were used in combination to determine the oxidation states of gold in clusters and complexes supported on MgO. The samples were also characterized by X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy to determine the structure of the supported gold species. The samples were prepared by adsorption of AuIII(CH3)2(C5H7O2) on MgO followed by treatment in He or H2 for 2 h at 573 K and 1 atm. The XANES and TPR results identify Au3+ in supported gold complexes and show that treatment in H2 caused reduction at 480 K to metallic gold, which could be reoxidized to Au3+ at about 490 K by treatment in O2, as shown by TPO and XANES. Treatment of the sample containing supported Au(III) complexes with CO led to the formation of partially reduced gold (Au+, 40 ± 5%) and zerovalent gold (60 ± 5%), as shown by the combination of XANES, TPR, and TPO. The results demonstrate how XAN...
Chemical and Microbial Quality of Irradiated Ground Ginger

Fresh ground ginger was irradiated with a 10-kGy ionizing radiation dose from a Cobalt-60 source. Gamma radiation decreased most of the extractable volatile flavor components. Those known to contribute to typical ginger flavor, e.g., zingiberene, β-sesquiphellandrene, β-bisabolene, farnesene isomers, arcurcumene, and α-cubebene, decreased 27-59% following irradiation. Most odors recognized through gas chromatography/olfactometry produced similar patterns from irradiated and nonirradiated samples. The radiation treatment reduced the aerobic microbial population from 10 8 to 10 1 CFU/g. Sensory qualities of flavor, color and odor of ginger powder were similar for treated and untreated ginger.
Single and multiple dose pharmacokinetics of oral quinidine sulfate and gluconate.

Abstract The pharmacokinetics of oral quinidine sulfate and quinidine gluconate were compared in seven healthy volunteers In a two part pharmacokinetic study. Part I was a single dose crossover trial assessing absorption and elimination of quinidine sulfate (400 mg, equivalent to 331 mg of quinidine base) and quinidine gluconate (495 mg, equivalent to 309 mg of quinidine base). Mean kinetic values for the sulfate and gluconate preparations, respectively, were: peak serum quinidine level 2.07 versus 1.24 μg/ml (P Part II evaluated steady state kinetics of both preparations in a cross-over trial in the same subjects. Maintenance dosing schedules were 200 mg of quinidine sulfate every 6 hours versus 495 mg of quinidine gluconate every 12 hours. Systemic availability of the gluconate at the steady state level was 10 percent less (based upon area under the serum concentration curve) or 7 percent less (based upon urinary excretion of quinidine) than that of the sulfate, but the differences were not significant. Interdose fluctuation in serum quinidine concentrations during the gluconate trial averaged 70 percent, which was not significantly different from the average of 67 percent during the sulfate trial. However, variation within and between subjects in minimal steady state levels with quinidine gluconate (15.6 and 16.0 percent, respectively) was greater than with quinidine sulfate (7.2 and 9.9 percent, respectively). Steady state concentrations during the multiple dose trial were not accurately predicted from single dose pharmacokinetics, either for quinidine sulfate (r = 0.45) or quinidine gluconate (r = −0.12), but deviation of observed from predicted concentrations tended to be greater with quinidine gluconate. The slow absorption of quinidine from the gluconate preparation allows maintenance therapy on a 12 hourly dosage schedule with acceptable interdose fluctuation in serum levels. Variability within and between subjects in absorption kinetics tends to be greater with quinidine gluconate than with the more rapidly absorbed sulfate salt.
Patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus who smoke are less responsive to antimalarial treatment.

Abstract Background: Reports suggest that cigarette smoking might interfere with the effectiveness of antimalarial therapy as first-line treatment for cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Patients refractory to this treatment often must be treated with potentially more toxic regimens. Objective: Our purpose was to examine the effects of cigarette smoking on the therapeutic response to antimalarial agents in patients with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). Methods: A total of 61 patients (47 DLE, 14 SCLE) were selected on the basis of the following criteria: (1) skin biopsy was consistent with cutaneous LE, (2) a smoking history was available, and (3) an adequate trial of antimalarial therapy was completed. Patients were classified as antimalarial responders or nonresponders on the basis of descriptions in their medical records. Two-by-two table analysis was performed comparing response rates in smokers versus nonsmokers. Results: A significant difference ( P Conclusion: These results indicate that patients with cutaneous LE who smoke are significantly less likely to respond to antimalarial therapy. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;42:983–7.)
Satisfaction of intensive care unit nurses with nurse-physician communication.

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine if specific communication elements contribute to nurses' satisfaction with communication.Background:Little research has focused on communication satisfaction, which may be linked to overall communication effectiveness, job satisfaction, and turn
Convective chemical-wave propagation in the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction

We investigate the onset of convection for chemical-wave propagation in the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction based on the two-variable Oregonator model coupled with the fluid dynamic equations. For chemical waves in a vertical slab, two-dimensional convection occurs only for slab widths greater than a critical threshold width. The convective threshold is different for ascending and descending waves. Convectionless waves are flat and propagate with constant speed. Above the onset of convection, the wave velocity increases and the flat wave deforms due to two counterrotating steady rolls. For a horizontal slab, convection is always present and the wave velocity increases with increasing slab width. Our results are compared with experiments.
Returns to Scale and Economies of Scale: Further Observations

Despite discussions about the relationship between returns to scale and economies of scale under assumptions of constant and nonconstant input prices, mistakes continue to be made in textbooks on these issues. This article demonstrates the pointwise relation between returns to scale and economies of scale, with an adaption to a calculus-based intermediate microeconomics class.
AN ANALYSIS OF SOME FACTORS INFLUENCING SEAT COMFORT

Abstract This study presents a re-analysis by correlation and factor analysis of data on the relative comfort of six Air Force pilot and crew seats. On the basis of the results obtained, the following conclusions may be drawn: 1. Seats are rated in the same relative order of comfort after only 5 min of sitting time has elapsed as after 4 or more hours of sitting on the seats. 2. People tend to rate the overall comfort of a seat mainly on the basis of the comfort of their backs and buttocks. The comfort of the neck and shoulders plays a secondary role while thigh und leg comfort seems to have little relationship to judgements of the overall comfort of a seat. It was found that the following seven types of measurements wore measures of the same quantity, Overall Comfort of a, sent: (a) Actual time a subject is willing to sit in a scat (up to a maximum of seven hours). (b) Ratings of overall comfort after 5 min of sitting. (c) Predictions of total time he would be willing to sit in the seat made after 5 min ...
Alkaline phosphatase deficiency in cultured skin fibroblasts from patients with hypophosphatasia: comparison of the infantile, childhood, and adult forms.

Alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity was assayed by a sensitive fluorometric method, using 4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate as substrate, in homogenates of confluent skin fibroblasts from 17 patients with the infantile, childhood, or adult form of hypophosphatasia and compared to the AP activity in 22 sex- and age-matched control cell lines. Statistically significant deficiency of AP activity was found in all 3 types of hypophosphatasia (8.2%, 30.2% and 18.5% of control values, respectively); however, there was considerable variation of enzyme activity, especially in the control groups, and some overlap between patient and control values occurred for the childhood and adult age groups. These fibroblast studies suggest that all clinical forms of hypophosphatasia are characterized by deficient activity of the bone/liver/kidney AP isoenzyme. The clinical severity of the infantile form is reflected by a profound lack of AP activity in cultured skin fibroblasts. Further study will be necessary to determine the mec...
Intermediary agricultural energetics: a case study of solar energy linkage with Chinese working cattle

Abstract The solar energy impinging upon the agricultural fields of a single village in Shandong province of the People's Republic of China was traced through the crop residues to the cattle that were employed to cultivate the crops. The amount of solar energy captured by the total plant biomass at harvest time (expressed as a percentage of the total incident solar insolation) was 0.96% for wheat, 0.94% for corn and 0.70% for cotton. Over a 1-year period cattle consumed 7.42% of the energy contained in the wheat plant, 5.10% of the cotton plant, and 365 of the corn plant. Less than 1% (0.92%) of the total yearly energetic consumption of the cattle was devoted toward providing power for agricultural work. Thirty-one percent of the cattle energy consumption was returned to the soil as dung. Milk and beef were not consumed by humans in this village. Corn provided 67% of the total energy requirements for this cattle population. It is proposed that this more complete analysis of interttrophic energetic exchange offers certain advantages over the more traditional energetic focus of human targeted products. Subtle inter-relationships are revealed that might otherwise be difficult to recognize in cross-cultural analyses.
Using coevolution to understand and validate game balance in continuous games

We attack the problem of game balancing by using a coevolutionary algorithm to explore the space of possible game strategies and counter strategies. We define balanced games as games which have no single dominating strategy. Balanced games are more fun and provide a more interesting strategy space for players to explore. However, proving that a game is balanced mathematically may not be possible and industry commonly uses extensive and expensive human testing to balance games. We show how a coevolutionary algorithm can be used to test game balance and use the publicly available continuous state, capture-the-flag CaST game as our testbed. Our results show that we can use coevolution to highlight game imbalances in CaST and provide intuition towards balancing this game. This aids in eliminating dominating strategies, thus making the game more interesting as players must constantly adapt to opponent strategies.
Population mobility and disease transmission: The example of guinea worm

Abstract Population mobility can bring people into contact with disease agents, and transfer these agents to new populations. This paper suggests ways in which population movements are implicated in the transmission of one communicable disease, guinea worm or dracunculiasis, a parasitic disease affecting 5–15 million people every year in Africa, India and Pakistan. A typology of population mobility which distinguishes between rural and urban sectors, and between circulation and uni-directional permanent migration is used. An understanding of population movements associated with guinea worm, and with other communicable diseases, can also provide useful guidelines for effective disease control strategies.
CIM—the integration of manufacturing and information systems

Abstract The integration of computers within the manufacturing environment has long been a method of enhancing productivity. Their use in many facets of a manufacturing enterprise has given industries the ability to deliver low-cost, high-quality competitive products. As computer technology advances, we find more and more uses for new hardware and software in the enterprise. Over a period of time, we have seen many “islands” of computer integration. Distinct, fully functional hardware and software installations are a common base for many industries. Unfortunately, these islands are just that, separate, distinct and functional but non-integrated. The lack of integration within these information systems make it difficult for end users to see the same manufacturing data. We are finding the need for a “single image” real-time information system to provide the enterprise with the data that is required to plan, justify, design, manufacture and deliver products to the customer. Unfortunately, many industries have a large installed base of hardware and software. Replacement of current systems is not a cost-justified business decision. An alternative would be the migration of current systems to a more integrated solution. The migration to a computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM)-based architecture would provide that single image real-time information system. The effort and skills necessary for the implementation of a CIM-based architecture would require active participation from two key organizations: Manufacturing and information systems (I/S). The manufacturing engineers, process engineers and other manufacturing resource would be the cornerstone for obtaining requirements. The ability to effectively use I/S is a critical success factor in the implementation of CIM. I/S has to be viewed as an equal partner, not just as a service organization. Manufacturing management needs to understand the justification process of integrating computer systems and the “real” cost of integration versus the cost of non-integrated manufacturing systems. The active participation of both organizations during all phases of CIM implementation will result in a effective and useful integrated information system.
Routes to Chaos in the Peroxidase−Oxidase Reaction: Period-Doubling and Period-Adding

Previous investigations of the peroxidase−oxidase reaction indicate the existence of a period-doubling route to chaos at pH 5.2 and a period-adding route at pH 6.3. In the present study, we extend these results in two regards: (i) The reaction was studied at a series of intermediate pH values under otherwise identical conditions. The new experiments suggest that the transition from period-doubling to period-adding takes place at approximately pH 5.4 and is characterized by a loss of dynamical complexity. (ii) A detailed model (Bronnikova, T. V.; Fed'kina, V. R.; Schaffer, W. M.; Olsen, L. F. J. Phys. Chem. 1995, 99, 9309−9312) was shown capable of reproducing the principal experimental results. These include the shift from period-doubling to period-adding, the existence of narrow regions of period-doubling between adjacent mixed-mode oscillations in the period-adding regime and changes in cycle amplitude.
Genomic Footprinting of Retinoic Acid Regulated Promoters in Embryonal Carcinoma Cells

Retinoic acid (RA) treatment of embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells initiates a cascade of alterations in gene regulation, leading to their differentiation into various cell types. In P19 EC cells RA treatment stimulates induction of the RAR beta gene, while it represses Oct3/4 gene expression. Here we present dimethylsulfate-based genomic footprinting analyses of these two genes. We found that the RAR beta promoter is not occupied prior to RA treatment, but following RA treatment all regulatory elements in this promoter become occupied. On the other hand, the Oct3/4 promoter is occupied at all three known elements before RA treatment, but this occupancy is coordinately lost following the treatment. Thus, factor occupancy coincides with expression of the genes. It is likely that the presence of factor binding or its absence revealed here represents a mechanism of the regulated expression of these genes in vivo. Our results demonstrate the power of genomic footprinting for studying regulatory events for transcription in vivo. In contrast, with in vitro protein-DNA binding assay, factors for both promoters are present in these cells regardless of RA treatment. It has been shown that RA receptor (RAR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR), by heterodimerization, mediate the RA action in EC cells. To elucidate the role of RAR/RXR heterodimers in the RAR beta promoter occupancy in vivo, genomic footprinting has been performed in P19 cells stably expressing dominant negative mutants of RXR. Two such mutants, lacking either the DNA binding domain or the C-terminal activation domain, inhibit RA induction of the RAR beta gene in these cells. RA-induced factor occupancy is also markedly inhibited at all elements in the RAR beta promoter in these cells. Our results show that binding of liganded RAR/RXR heterodimers to RARE is required for other factors to gain access to their respective elements in the promoter.
Synthesis of dicyclopenta[a,e]pentalenes via a molybdenum carbonyl mediated tandem allenic Pauson-Khand reaction and the X-ray crystal structure of a planar dicyclopenta[a,e]pentalene.

Two 14 π cross-linked annulenes which belong to the family of dicyclopenta[a,e]pentalenes have been synthesized, 14 π bis enol triflate ester 27 and the 3,7-diisopropylsilyl substituted 14 π dicyclopenta[a,e]pentalene 30. The new allenic tandem Pauson−Khand reaction mediated by Mo(CO)6 was employed as the key process to construct the core of the tetracycles. The two linear dicyclopenta[a,e]pentalenes 27 and 30 underwent significant electronic delocalization, perhaps even aromaticity, as revealed by the X-ray structure of 27. The tetracyclic rings in 27 assumed a flat geometry (Figure 4); the bond lengths of the tetracycle in 27 also fit well into the criteria for aromatic compounds. A comparison of the NMR and UV spectra of both 27 and 30 demonstrated that they both exhibited similar electronic properties, therefore, the purple colored 14 π cross linked annulene 30 is planar as well as delocalized.
Numerical simulation of two-grid ion optics using a 3D code

A three-dimensional ion optics code has been developed under NASA's Project Prometheus to model two grid ion optics systems. The code computes the flow of positive ions from the discharge chamber through the ion optics and into the beam downstream of the thruster. The rate at which beam ions interact with background neutral gas to form charge exchange ions is also computed. Charge exchange ion trajectories are computed to determine where they strike the ion optics grid surfaces and to determine the extent of sputter erosion they cause. The code has been used to compute predictions of the erosion pattern and wear rate on the NSTAR ion optics system; the code predicts the shape of the eroded pattern but overestimates the initial wear rate by about 50%. An example of use of the code to estimate the NEXIS thruster accelerator grid life is also presented.
Brownian Permeability Computation Model Predicts That Differences in the Internal Radii of the Pore are Determinant for Unidirectional and Reversal Fluxes through Gap Junction Channels

Gap junctions are vital in multiple organs’ physiology and are linked to severe genetic diseases. Connexins are the proteins forming these gap junction channels which allow molecular and ionic selective-diffusion amongst neighboring cells. Selectivity is connexin-type dependent. In between HeLa cells expressing distinct connexins (e.g. Cx43 and Cx45), heterotypic channels formed induce a preferential flux of large fluorescent molecules towards the Cx43 side. The independence to molecule's charge, points towards a high relevance of the channel's pore shape. To study the effects of pore shape on particles movement, a 3D-computational channel model was developed, emulating X-ray crystallographic structures from Cx43 and Cx26. The sections of the pore were approximated to standard geometric shapes including a central ellipsoidal vestibule. Ellipsoids were placed on either ends of the pore, representing controlled volumes from coupled cells. Particles were modeled as spheres and Brownian dynamics was used to model particles’ interactions. Simulations for different pore geometries show that against conventional thought, some shapes can explain the direction of the preferential flux data that comply with the electrical resistances measured through electrophysiological recordings. This pore-geometry causes a different intra-pore mechanism that requires an asymmetric vestibule with radii comparable to the particle size. In our simulations when particles were introduced from the side of the pore where the inner mouth is larger, particles reside longer in the vestibule using it as an intermediate stop and forcing the particles to cross faster to the other side of the pore.
Intermittent claudication: importance of etiologic differentiation as an aid in selecting therapy.

Intermittent claudication in the lower extremities is often manifested in either of two treatable forms, i.e., neurogenic or vascular. A thorough history and examination are necessary to distinguish between these two types. The main differential point is whether pain (vascular type) or a neurologic deficit (neurogenic type) develops as the patient exercises.
Transformations of geraniol in aqueous acid solutions

Abstract Geraniol decomposition in aqueous oxalic acid yields twenty-three identified products, most of which retain the oxidation level of geraniol and result from simple hydration and proton-transfer reactions. However, a large quantity of the reduced alcohol, citronellol, is formed along with cymenol, the oxidation product of α-terpineol, indicating that hydride ion transfer reactions play a major role in these terpene alcohol interconversions.
Red Imported Fire Ants: Capability of Queens from Established Colonies and of Newly-mated Queens to Establish Colonies in the Laboratory

Fifty-nine physogastric queens of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, taken from established mounds in the field, and 50 de-alated females taken from a multiple queen colony, did not successfully found colonies in the laboratory when they were held without worker ants. All the physogastric queens were dead by 8 wk, and all the de-alated females were dead by 12 wk after initiation of the tests. When such queens were held with 25 or more worker ants, survival of the queens was enhanced and colonies were established. In contrast, 74% of 150 newly-mated queens did successfully found colonies within 8 wk in the laboratory.