cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Structure of a Clostridial Flavodoxin: I. CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE OXIDIZED AND SEMIQUINONE FORMS

We describe some properties of crystals of both the fully oxidized and free-radical (semiquinone) forms of a clostridial flavodoxin. This flavodoxin crystallizes in the trigonal space group P3121 (or P3221) with 6 molecules per unit cell. The diffraction pattern extends to a resolution of the order of 2 A. While crystals of the oxidized and semiquinone forms are essentially isomorphous as regards their cell dimensions, addition of 1 electron to the oxidized flavin results in significant changes in the diffracted intensities, implying that on reduction there is some alteration of the structure in the crystal. The observed changes may result from a displacement of the whole molecule in the unit cell, from a conformational change in the protein, or from a combination of both inter- and intramolecular rearrangements.
Phototaxis in Euglena. IV. Effect of inhibitors of oxidative and photophosphorylation on the rate of phototaxis.

Abstract The effect of a number of inhibitors of oxidative and photosynthetic phosphorylation on the rate of Euglena phototaxis has been determined. Compounds which prevent oxidative phosphorylation (cyanide, azide, rotenone, 2,4-dinitrophenol, dichlorophenol indophenol) affect motility and positive topophototaxis equally. Of the compounds which prevent photophosphorylation, some (salicylaldoxime, tetramethyl thiuram disulfide) inhibit both motility and phototaxis, whereas others (ethanol, dichlorophenyl dimethylurea, methyl octanoate, carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone) specifically inhibit positive topophototaxis. Recovery from the inhibition is found to occur after about 48 hours of exposure to the inhibitors. At least with the dichlorophenyl dimethylurea, this is probably due to a by-passing of the metabolic block. In the case of two of these compounds (dichlorophenyl dimethylurea, methyl octanoate), simultaneous exposure of the organisms to reduced dichlorophenol indophenol completely reverses the inhibition of phototaxis. Antimycin A is relatively ineffective as an inhibitor of either motility or phototaxis. However, it is found to accentuate what appears to be a manifestation of a “memory” in the phototactic response. It is concluded that the main energy source for positive topophototaxis is the photophosphorylation system of photosynthesis, that a reservoir of high-energy compounds exists, and that the primary light event in phototaxis in some way triggers the release and utilization of the material in this reservoir.
Magnetic field in the outer heliosphere.

Observed properties of the magnetic field in the outer heliosphere are generally well described by the Parker model but evidence has accumulated of significant departures in the components and field magnitude. The radial component is independent of solar latitude at both solar minimum and maximum implying non‐radial solar wind flow near the Sun driven by differential magnetic pressure. The azimuthal component deviates from the Parker values at high latitudes as a result of the non‐radial flow near the Sun that causes fields to originate at higher latitudes than those at which they are observed far from the Sun. A turning of the spiral angle toward the radial direction by tens of degrees is often observed inside co‐rotating rarefaction regions (dwells). A recent model attributes this effect to a motion of the field across polar coronal hole boundaries that results in different solar wind speeds along parts of the field line. The north‐south component can depart from zero for many days as a result of the tilting of the interface between fast and slow streams. Recent Voyager observations show that, during solar minimum, the field magnitude is smaller than extrapolations outward from 1 AU. This “flux deficit,” seen earlier in Pioneer data, may be explained by any of several physical models.
Recent Trends in Stimulant Usage.

Objective: In the last decade, dramatic changes have occurred in stimulant medication prevalence and in patterns of stimulant treatment. The resultant trends merit analysis. Method: Usage patterns of stimulant medication, specifically amphetamine and methylphenidate, were analyzed for trends. The data were obtained from datasets including pharmacy claims, aggregate production quotas, bulk distribution to counties, pharmacy prescription sales, parent surveys, and physician visit surveys. Stimulant medication trends were organized by drug subclass, year, age group, gender, country, prescriber specialty, diagnosis, and expenditures. Results: Major recent trends are as follows: amphetamine medication usage has prominently surpassed methylphenidate, total stimulant prescription sales to adults have surpassed those for youth, and more adult women are prescribed stimulants than adult men. Conclusion: Stimulant medication treatment—particularly of amphetamines—is rapidly expanding in the United States. Off-label ...
An analytical approach for solid oxide cell electrode geometric design

Abstract An analytical model for gas distributions in porous solid oxide cell electrodes is applied to develop dimensionless metrics that describe electrode performance. These metrics include two forms of a dimensionless reactant depletion current density and a geometry sensitive Damkohler number used to assess electrode catalytic effectiveness. The first dimensionless depletion current density defines when reducing electrode thickness no longer benefits mass transfer performance for a given cell geometry. The second dimensionless depletion current density provides a gage of deviation from the limiting current behavior predicted using button-cell experimental and modeling approaches. The Damkohler number and related catalytic effectiveness quantify two-dimensional transport effects under non-depleted operating conditions, providing a means of generalizing insights from reactant depletion behavior for typical cell operating conditions. A finite element solution for gas transport based on the dusty-gas model is used as a benchmark for the analytical model and dimensionless metrics. Estimates of concentration polarization based on analytical and numerical models compare well to published experimental data. Analytical performance predictions provide clear demonstration of the influence of two-dimensional electrode geometry on solid oxide cell performance. These results agree with finite element predictions and suggest that reduction of electrode thickness does not exclusively benefit cell performance.
Outcomes and worsening renal function in patients hospitalized with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has been described as a disease of elderly subjects with female predominance and hypertension. Our clinical experience suggests patients with HFpEF from an urban population are far more heterogenous, with greater co-morbidities and significant inhospital morbidity. There are limited data on the hospitalization course and outcomes in acute decompensated HFpEF. Hospitalizations for acute heart failure at our institution from July 2011 to June 2012 were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes and physician review for left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% and were reviewed for patient characteristics and clinical outcomes. Worsening renal function (WRF) was defined as creatinine increase of ≥0.3 mg/dl by 72 hours after admission. Hospital readmission and mortality data were captured from electronic medical records and the Social Security Death Index. Of 434 heart failure admissions, 206 patients (47%) with HFpEF were identified. WRF developed in 40%, the highest reported in HFpEF to date, and was associated with higher blood pressure and lower volume of diuresis. Compared to previous reports, hospitalized patients with HFpEF were younger (mean age 63.2 ± 13.6 years), predominantly black (74%), and had more frequent and severe co-morbidities: hypertension (89%), diabetes (56%), and chronic kidney disease (55%). There were no significant differences in 1- and 12-month outcomes by gender, race, or WRF. In conclusion, we found hospitalized patients with HFpEF from an urban population develop a high rate of WRF are younger than previous cohorts, often black, and have greater co-morbidities than previously described.
The First Large-Scale Use of Synthetic Insecticide for Malaria Control in Tropical Africa: Lessons from Liberia, 1945–1962

In 1945, a United States Public Health Service team in Monrovia, Liberia, began the use of synthetic insecticides for indoor residual spraying (IRS) and as a larvicide, with the goal of controlling malaria in the Liberian capital. In the early 1950s, the project was "scaled up" to reach the surrounding areas, and in 1953, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched an antimalaria program in the upcountry region of Central Province, Liberia. It was initially based solely upon IRS, as it was one of a series of pilot projects whose goal was to determine the feasibility of malaria eradication in tropical Africa. The malaria control project in Monrovia constituted the first large-scale use of synthetic insecticide to combat malaria in tropical Africa, and the WHO pilot project in Central Province was one of a first cluster of projects initiated to explore the efficacy of IRS in a variety of African ecological zones. These projects encountered a spate of difficulties that foreshadowed the general retreat from malaria eradication efforts across tropical Africa by the mid-1960s.
Stress and residual stress distributions in plane strain bending

Stress and residual stress distributions in bending are important in calculating springback and loading capacity of a sheet-metal bending part. Great differences have been found in springback prediction with the same input (benchmark problems) among different researchers. In order to find out the root cause of these differences, stress and residual stress calculation methods in plane strain bending are briefly reviewed or developed. The influence of deformation theory and incremental theory, repeating bending, unbending and re-bending, cyclic material models and springback calculation methods on the stress or residual stress distributions are examined and shown to be large. This emphasizes the importance of careful selection of these variables in a simulation model in addition to other general input variables, such as material properties, tool geometry and friction condition. This fact also helps to explain the great differences among different research results, and presents a challenge to both the programmers and the users of finite element packages.
Three dimensional simulations of Richtmyer-Meshkov instabilities in shock-tube experiments

In the large eddy simulation (LES) approach large-scale energy-containing structures are resolved, smaller (presumably) more isotropic structures are filtered out, and unresolved subgrid effects are modeled. Extensive recent work has demonstrated that predictive simulations of turbulent velocity fields are possible based on subgrid scale modeling implicitly provided by a class of high-resolution finite-volume algorithms. This strategy is called implicit LES. The extension of the approach to the substantially more difficult problem of material mixing IS addressed, and progress in representative shock-driven turbulent mixing studies is reported.
The temperature-cycling deformation of particle reinforced metal matrix composites — A finite element study

Utilisation de la methode des elements finis pour simuler l'effet d'un cyclage thermique sur un composite a matrice metallique renforcee par des particules de ceramique
Cognitive and interactional motivations for the intonation unit

While the intonation unit (IU) has been characterized as a cognitive unit in earlier research, recent studies have revealed its interactional aspects as well. Using data from spoken Korean, this study presents evidence which shows that the IU is motivated both cognitively and interactionally, and proposes an interpretation of the IU that incorporates both of these bases, arguing that the IU serves as an interactional resource that speakers and listeners may rely on in organizing their talk, while it is the cognitive nature of the IU itself that allows the IU to serve as such a resource.
Early Deletion of Fillers In Processing Conversational Speech

This paper evaluates the benefit of deleting fillers (e.g. you know, like) early in parsing conversational speech. Readability studies have shown that disfluencies (fillers and speech repairs) may be deleted from transcripts without compromising meaning (Jones et al., 2003), and deleting repairs prior to parsing has been shown to improve its accuracy (Charniak and Johnson, 2001). We explore whether this strategy of early deletion is also beneficial with regard to fillers. Reported experiments measure the effect of early deletion under in-domain and out-of-domain parser training conditions using a state-of-the-art parser (Charniak, 2000). While early deletion is found to yield only modest benefit for in-domain parsing, significant improvement is achieved for out-of-domain adaptation. This suggests a potentially broader role for disfluency modeling in adapting text-based tools for processing conversational speech.
Quantitative Analysis of the Isolated GAAA Tetraloop/Receptor Interaction in Solution: A Site-Directed Spin Labeling Study†

The GNRA (N: any nucleotide; R: purine) tetraloop/receptor interaction is believed to be one of the most frequently occurring tertiary interaction motifs in RNAs, but an isolated tetraloop/receptor complex has not been identified in solution. In the present work, site-directed spin labeling is applied to detect tetraloop/receptor complex formation and estimate the free energy of interaction. For this purpose, the GAAA tetraloop/receptor interaction was chosen as a model system. A method was developed to place nitroxide labels at specific backbone locations in an RNA hairpin containing the GAAA tetraloop. Formation of the tetraloop/receptor complex was monitored through changes in the rotational correlation time of the tetraloop and the attached nitroxide. Results show that a hairpin containing the GAAA tetraloop forms a complex with an RNA containing the 11-nucleotide GAAA tetraloop receptor motif with an apparent Kd that is strongly dependent on Mg2+. At 125 mM MgCl2, Kd = 0.40 +/- 0.05 mM. The corresponding standard free energy of complex formation is -4.6 kcal/mol, representing the energetics of the tetraloop/receptor interaction in the absence of other tertiary constraints. The experimental strategy presented here should have broad utility in quantifying weak interactions that would otherwise be undetectable, for both nucleic acids and nucleic acid-protein complexes.
Reassessment of the Clinical Significance of Periodic Lateralized Epileptiform Discharges in Pediatric Patients

A review of clinical data from 18 pediatric patients with periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges and bilateral independent periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs and BIPLEDs) showed 2 with chronic neurologic illness, 6 with a history of prior seizures, 14 with depressed sensorium at the time of EEG, 5 deaths, and 8 of 13 survivors with neurologic deficits. These findings are similar to the combined data from reports involving adult patients only. Separating pediatric patients with PLEDs from those with BIPLEDs shows some influence from patients with BIPLEDs. Overall, our data do not suggest significant clinical differences for PLEDs between children and adults.
Selective Apoptosis Within the Rat Subependymal Zone: A Plausible Mechanism for Determining Which Lineages Develop from Neural Stem Cells

During development, the output of the subventricular zone (SZ) becomes increasingly restricted, yet it still harbors multipotential progenitors. The output of the SZ could be gated by selectively eliminating inappropriately specified progenitors. Using in situ end-labeling (ISEL) to identify apoptotic cells, nearly 60% of the ISEL+ cells in the juvenile forebrain were localized to the SZ. Of these dying cells, at least 9% could be identified as neurons, 4% as astrocytes, and 12% as oligodendrocytes. The remainder were negative for the stem cell marker nestin, as well as other markers evaluated. To test the hypothesis that committed progenitors were under selective pressures, neural stem/progenitor cells were allowed to differentiate in vitro in the presence or absence of the caspase 3 inhibitor z-DEVD-fmk. DEVD increased neuronal production 10-fold over control cultures. By contrast, the development of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes was not affected. Altogether, these data support the hypothesis that selective forces within the postnatal rat forebrain control the types of precursors that emerge from the germinal matrix. Furthermore, they suggest that different mechanisms control neuronal versus glial cell numbers.
Systematic Study of Planned Variations: The Essential Focus of Teacher Education Reform

Systematic study of planned variations should be the focus in teacher education reform rather than development of a common model. A review of research comparing professional and academic education is presented to illustrate the lack of support for a specific teacher edu cation model.
Decolonizing researcher authenticity

This article examines the ways in which researcher authenticity is negotiated along three axes of difference, ethno‐linguistic affiliation, sexual orientation and race/skin color. Ultimately, it analyzes how researcher authenticity is produced and played out within research, via interactions between participants, researchers and others who influence the research project, especially when researchers and research are transnational. Yoshino's Covering, a new addition to critical legal studies, provides a theoretical framework for analysis. Namely, what society comes to imagine as ‘normal’ and ‘mainstream’ are myths that limit us by forcing us to play‐up favored traits and downplay disfavored ones. In order to be considered authentic, researchers often are pressed into playing roles – fitting norms – produced by narratives that limit and give way to how the researcher can be imagined. The analysis suggests that researcher authenticity, however, is not completely fixed, but discursively shaped during research....
Some Design Considerations For A Synthetic Aperture Optical Telescope Array

In the course of the design of a laboratory proof-of-concept demonstration of a synthetic aperture optical telescope array for a multi-wavelength laser transmitter, a number of design considerations have become apparent which will be important in full-scale systems and other synthetic aperture experiments. These considerations, discussed here, include polarization effects, beam rotation, packaging, lateral beam translation due to OPD adjustment, matching of transmissive components, and mechanical and thermal stability. An approach is given for dealing with each potential problem discussed.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Morphological errors in casual conversation.

Occasionally, listeners' strategies for dealing with casual speech lead them into an erroneous perception of the intended message-a slip of the ear. When such errors occur, listeners report hearing, as clearly and distinctly as any correctly perceived stretch of speech, something that does not correspond to the speakers' utterance. From a collection of almost 1000 examples of misperceptions in English conversation, perceptual errors involving morphology suggest that listeners expect monomorphemic forms and treat phonological information as primary. Listeners are not particularly attentive to morphological information and may supply inflectional morphemes as needed by context.
Morphology of Widmanstätten precipitates at early stages of development

Abstract Widmanstatten microstructures in Cu-Zn beta brass alloys have been studied via transmission electron microscopy. Morphological and substructural details are revealed at very early stages in the precipitation reaction. The Widmanstatten alpha particles are observed to attain a regular and faceted shape at a very early stage of growth. Grain boundary-nucleated particles are seen to immediately produce sympathetic grain boundary rotation as a result of crystallographic demands.
Solar powered light emitting diode distribution in developing countries: An assessment of potential distribution sites in rural Cambodia using network analyses

Abstract The objective of this research is to use geographic information systems and spatial analyses to create a template for distributing lighting, particularly light emitting diodes, in developing countries. Approximately 1.6 billion people do not have access to traditional electrical systems; therefore, a significant number of people do not have access to safe, efficient, and inexpensive lighting technologies. This research addresses the need for lighting in one developing country. As an introductory case study area for the distribution of lighting products, Cambodia has a population that is considerable, rural, and without electricity. In addition, a significant percentage of Cambodia’s population will not have access to grid-quality electricity by 2030. To help alleviate this lighting deficiency, eliminate inappropriate distribution areas, and create a list of potential locations, the authors use geographic information system techniques to address four site-specific characteristics (grid electricity access, water inundation potential, hazardous landmine locations, and extreme poverty levels). To select among potential locations, the authors combine spatial analyses, service area delineations, and origin-destination cost matrices into a heuristic method for determining one location. These analyses identify the commune of Kantreang as the most appropriate location for lighting distribution.
Hayfever in the United Kingdom.

In the U.K. allergy to grass pollen is the single most important cause of seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (hayfever). The prevalence of the disease appears to be increasing, although the precise reasons for this are at present unknown. The introduction of non-sedating H1-selective antihistamine drugs and local corticosteroids has been an important therapeutic advance. Immunotherapy (desensitization) has a part to play in the treatment of hayfever unresponsive to anti-allergic medication but because of the danger of systemic reactions its use is limited to specialized centres.
Endocytosis precedes dissolution of basic calcium phosphate crystals by murine macrophages.

Murine peritoneal macrophages were incubated with45Ca-labeled basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals in the presence or absence of cytochalasin B. Untreated macrophages solubilized 30–50% of45Ca-BCP in 24 hours. Dissolution began within 3 hours and was linear thereafter. Twenty-three percent of BCP was cell-associated by 3 hours. Endocytosis of crystal occurred continuously throughout the incubation. Endocytosis of crystal did not affect the migration of macrophages through Percoll density gradients. Addition of cytochalasin B did not prevent cell-association of BCP, but inhibited solubilization in a dose-dependent manner. Virtually all cell-associated BCP was removed when cytochalasin B-treated cells were washed with EDTA, suggesting that the crystals were only bound to the surface. In contrast, cellassociated BCP in untreated cells was only partially removed by EDTA, suggesting that endocytosis of crystal had occurred. We conclude that cell association of BCP is not sufficient for its dissolution, and that endocytosis precedes solubilization of BCP crystals by macrophages.
Black–White Differences in Severity of Coronary Artery Disease Among Individuals with Acute Coronary Syndromes

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the extent of coronary obstructive disease is similar among black and white patients with acute coronary syndromes. DESIGN Retrospective chart review. PATIENTS We used administrative discharge data to identify white and black male patients, 30 years of age or older, who were discharged between October 1, 1989 and September 30, 1995 from 1 of 6 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals with a primary diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or unstable angina (UnA) and who underwent coronary angiography during the admission. We excluded patients if they did not meet standard clinical criteria for AMI or UnA or if they had had prior percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Physician reviewers classified the degree of coronary obstruction from blinded coronary angiography reports. Obstruction was considered significant if there was at least 50% obstruction of the left main coronary artery, or if there was 70% obstruction in 1 of the 3 major epicardial vessels or their main branches. Of the 628 eligible patients, 300 (48%) had AMI. Among patients with AMI, blacks were more likely than whites to have no significant coronary obstructions (28/145, or 19%, vs 10/155 or 7%, P = .001). Similarly, among patients with UnA, 33% (56/168) of blacks but just 17% (27/160) of whites had no significant stenoses (P = .012). There were no racial differences in severity of coronary disease among veterans with at least 1 significant obstruction. Racial differences in coronary obstructions remained after correcting for coronary disease risk factors and characteristics of the AMI. CONCLUSIONS Black veterans who present with acute coronary insufficiency are less likely than whites to have significant coronary obstruction. Current understanding of coronary disease does not provide an explanation for these differences.
An alternative description of hydrogen diffusion in the b.c.c. metals

Abstract A so-called triangular interstitial site in body-centered cubic materials provides a shortened diffusion path between tetrahedral sites, and it contributes to the concept of random location of cations in certain systems. The importance of the triangular site to metal-hydrogen systems is emphasized. Dirichlet cells are used to better illustrate the interrelationships of interstitial and atomic locations in cubic lattices.
Research of palmprint identification method using Zernike moment and neural network

Having thoroughly researched the existing palm print identification technology, in this paper, we propose a hierarchical multi-feature scheme to facilitate coarse-to-fine matching for efficient and effective palm print recognition. In our approach, first of all, we define two levels of feature: geometry feature based on distance (level-1 feature) and texture feature based on Zernike moment (level- 2 feature). Then we adopt two different kinds of neural network for different features, and then combine the two into one recognition system effectively. Finally, the experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed system.
A Compact, Flexible, High Channel Count DAQ Built From Off-the-Shelf Components

Medium to large channel count detectors are usually faced with a few unattractive options for data acquisition (DAQ). Small to medium-sized TPC experiments, for example, are too small to justify the expense and development time of application specific integrated circuits (ASIC). Commercial rack mounted electronics are too bulky and expensive for large channel counts. The combination of commercial high-speed high-density FPGAs, ADCs, and small discrete components provides another option that scales to tens of thousands of channels and is only slightly larger than ASICs using off-the-shelf components. A working example of this alternative solution is presented.
RECOVERY OF THERMALLY INJURED Saccharomyces cerevisiae: EFFECTS OF MEDIA AND STORAGE CONDITIONS

Resting cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y25 were heated at 56°C for 0–5 mm. Viability and thermal injury were evaluated using various media. Delayed plating after storage in water at 22°C resulted in increased counts primarily due to repair of thermal injury. Repair of injured cells was prevented by storage at 4°C or in the presence of 2,4-dinitrophenol, but was not affected by storage in the presence of actinomycin D, chloramphenicol, cycloheximide or hydroxyurea. Recovery of injured cells was inversely related to glucose concentration in autoclaved media. However, counts on a yeast nitrogen base-glucose medium were considerably higher when glucose was filter-sterilized rather than autoclaved.
Evidence that insulin-like growth factor-1 requires protein kinase C-ɛ, PI3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways to protect human vascular smooth muscle cells from apoptosis

Evidence that insulin-like growth factor-1 requires protein kinase C-ɛ, PI3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways to protect human vascular smooth muscle cells from apoptosis
The effect of pancreatectomy on fatty acid synthesis in liver of fasted rats.

Abstract 1. 1. Synthesis of long-chain fatty acids from sodium [I- 14 C]acetate was markedly impaired in liver slices and soluble enzyme preparations from rats deprived of food for 40 h. Synthesis of long-chain fatty acids was also reduced in slices from fasted pancreatectomized rats, whereas synthesis in soluble enzyme preparations of livers from these rats was only slightly less than that from normal fed rats. 2. 2. Addition of glucose 6-phosphate accelerated long-chain fatty acid synthesis in enzyme preparations from all three groups of rats. Maximal synthesis in the presence of glucose 6-phosphate was 3–4 times higher in preparations from fasted diabetic than from fasted normal rats. 3. 3. Administration of dexamethasone in vivo increased long-chain fatty acid synthesis in soluble enzyme preparations of liver, but not in liver slices, from fasted normal rats.
Extracellular domains, transmembrane segments, and intracellular domains interact to determine the cation selectivity of Na,K- and gastric H,K-ATPase.

We have previously reported that three residues of the fourth transmembrane segment (TM4) of the Na,K- and gastric H,K-ATPase α-subunits appear to play a major role in the distinct cation selectivities of these pumps [Mense, M., et al. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 1749−1756]. Substituting these three residues in the Na,K-ATPase sequence with their H,K-ATPase counterparts (L319F, N326Y, T340S) and replacing the TM3−TM4 ectodomain sequence with that of the H,K-ATPase α-subunit result in a pump that exhibits 50% of its maximal ATPase activity in the absence of Na+ when the assay is performed at pH 6.0. This effect is not seen when the ectodomain alone is replaced. To gain more insight into the contributions of the three residues to establishing the selectivity of these pumps for Na+ ions versus protons, we generated Na,K-ATPase constructs in which these residues are replaced by their H,K-ATPase counterparts either singly or in combinations. Surprisingly, none of the point mutants nor even the triple mutant was...
Analysis of the optical properties and structure of serial bi-deposited TiO2 chiral sculptured thin films using Mueller matrix ellipsometry

A titanium dioxide (TiO2) chiral sculptured thin film (STF) fabricated using a serial bi-deposition (SBD) method based on electron beam evaporation has been studied using spectroscopic Mueller matrix ellipsometry (MME). Complete Mueller matrices for the SBD TiO2 chiral STF have been measured using a dual-rotating compensator spectroscopic ellipsometer over the spectral range from 250 to 825 nm in transmission mode, both at normal incidence (i = 0°) and over a range of oblique angles (5° i 60°). A multilayer structurally-graded optical model has been applied to deduce spectra in the three principal indices of refraction that characterize the locally biaxial structure, using as input the complex amplitude transmission ratios deduced from the Mueller matrix measured at normal incidence. A Bragg resonance feature has been observed, and this feature blue-shifts with increasing angle of incidence. Predictions of the transmittance for circularly polarized light normally incident upon the SBD TiO2 chiral STF can be obtained simply by multiplying the unnormalized Mueller matrix by the appropriate Stokes vector, and the results are in excellent agreement with direct measurements.
Sonography of scrotal masses in healed meconium peritonitis

Although sonography is the procedure of choice in evaluating testicular masses in infants, x-ray examination can confirm the diagnosis of healed meconium peritonitis by showing scattered intra-abdominal as well as intrascrotal calcifications. Failure to include an abdominal radiograph early in the evaluation of 2 infants admitted with hard scrotal masses resulted in delayed diagnosis of healed meconium peritonitis. The clinical progression of meconium peritonitis involving the scrotum starts with soft hydroceles at birth and progresses, as the meconium calcifies, to hard “tumor-like” masses at age 4–5 weeks. This paper stresses the sonographic characteristics of meconium peritonitis in the scrotum and the need for confirming radiographs of the abdomen.
Vehicle and personnel detection using seismic sensors

Three axis seismometers, buried up to 3 feet below the surface, have been used to detect and classify a variety of vehicles. Automated vehicle classification algorithms have been developed to categorize the vehicle by the number of cylinders in the engine, number of axles, engine type (gas or diesel), and its relative weight. With additional information on the propagation in the environment, and the location of the sensor relative to the path of the vehicle, absolute vehicle weight determination may be possible. Detection of personnel walking, digging activity, and dumping, have also been demonstrated. Standalone software to detect and classify the vehicle, running on a Pentium- based PC clone, has been written. Details on the standalone system, a discussion of the algorithms, and description of the performance of the system, are presented. Possible applications of such a system include unattended perimeter monitoring, vehicle counting, as well as surveillance applications.
A toxicologic comparison of the potency and activity of 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) and 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) in mice and rats

Abstract Toxicity resulting from po administration of single doses of BCNU and CCNU in corn oil to mice and rats was studied over a 30-day observation period. Comparison of mortality levels on a mg/kg, mg/m 2 or mmole/kg basis and evaluation of body weight changes revealed that BCNU was twice as toxic as CCNU. Species and sex mortality studies showed that both compounds were significantly more potent in mice than in rats, but neither agent exhibited a sex-related potency difference. Temporal mortality patterns indicated that the time of death was similar for equitoxic doses of the 2 compounds in either species, but mice died more quickly after treatment than did rats. Prolongation of the observation period for rats treated with BCNU affected % mortality. Consequently, all BCNU doses, except the 30-day LD1, ultimately caused 100% mortality when the observation time was extended sufficiently beyond 30 days. The peak time for mortalities was inversely related to the dose. Low doses of BCNU produced deaths as late as 100 days post treatment, though rat deaths never occurred earlier than 4 days post treatment for either compound even at doses 5 times the 30-day LD50. No consistent alterations of the mortality rate for either agent resulted from changing the vehicle, route of administration or sex of the animals. The apparently similar mechanisms of action and the significant potency differences of these compounds emphasize the importance of determining metabolic derivatives of these agents and the biologic activity of each metabolite.
Immunocytochemical and enzymatic detection of lysozyme in human colon carcinoma cell lines.

Six of a total of 14 human colon carcinoma cell lines produce and secrete lysozyme in vitro. Three also produce the enzyme when propagated in vivo in athymic mice. None of the lysozyme positive cells stained in a manner typical of Paneth cells. Additionally, lysozymes from all six colon lines possess identical molecular weights (∼14,000 daltons).
Nutrient limitation and algal blooms in urbanizing tidal creeks

Abstract Tidal creeks are commonly found in low energy systems on the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States, and are often subject to intense watershed human development. Many of these creeks are receiving urban and suburban runoff containing nutrients, among other pollutants. During the period 1993–2001, we studied three tidal creeks located in southeastern North Carolina, a rapidly urbanizing area. All three creeks received anthropogenic nutrient loading. Oligohaline to mesohaline stations in upper tidal creek regions had much higher nutrient (especially nitrate–N) concentrations than lower creek areas, and hosted spring and summer phytoplankton blooms that at times exceeded 200 μg chlorophyll a l −1 . Phytoplankton biomass during winter was low at all stations in all three creeks. Spring and summer nutrient addition bioassay experiments were conducted to characterize the nutrients limiting phytoplankton growth. Water from high salinity stations in all three creeks always showed significant positive responses to nitrate–N inputs, even at concentrations as low as 50 μg N l −1 . Low salinity stations in upper creek areas often showed significant responses to nitrate–N inputs, but on occasion showed sensitivity to phosphorus inputs as well, indicating the influence of anthropogenic nitrate loading. During several experiments, one of the upper stations showed no positive response to nutrient inputs, indicating that these stretches were nutrient replete, and further phytoplankton growth appeared to be light-limited either by phytoplankton self-shading or turbidity. Water from upper creek areas yielded much higher chlorophyll a concentrations in bioassay experiments than did lower creek water. In general, these urbanizing tidal creeks were shown to be very sensitive to nitrogen loading, and provide a physical environment conducive to phytoplankton bloom formation in nutrient-enriched areas. Tidal creeks are important ecological resources in that they are considered to be nursery areas for many species of fish and shellfish. To protect the ecological function of these small, but very abundant estuarine systems, management efforts should recognize their susceptibility to algal blooms and focus on control of nonpoint source nutrient inputs, especially nitrogen.
Endocrine Changes Associated with Germ Cell Loss during Vitamin A-Induced Recovery of Spermatogenesis

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) causes progressive male germ cell depletion which is rapidly reversed by vitamin A replacement. The time course of the associated endocrine changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis was studied. Retro-orbital sinus blood samples were obtained at 10-day intervals from rats on a vitamin A-deficient (VAD) diet from 50–140 days of age and for 60 days at 2-day intervals from deficient rats given vitamin A replacement at age 130 days. Serum testosterone levels in rats fed a vitamin A-deficient diet from 20–140 days of age were within the normal range, although consistently lower than those of age-matched controls. Serum FSH and LH levels in VAD rats were comparable to those of controls until 60 days of age; thereafter, FSH levels increased and by 90 days of age were significantly higher than those of controls. At 65 days of age, complete spermatogenesis was present in VAD animals. By 110 days of age, most tubules contained only Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and, in some tu...
Study of grown-in defects and effect of thermal annealing in Al0.3Ga0.7As and GaAs LPE layers

Studies of the grown-in deep-level defects in the undoped n-AlxGa1-xAs (x = 0.3) and GaAs epitaxial layers prepared by the liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) techniques have been made, using DLTS, I-V and C-V measurements. The effect of 300 °C thermal annealing on the grown-in defects was investigated as a function of annealing time. The results showed that significant reduction in these grown-in defects can be achieved via low temperature thermal annealing process. The main electron and hole traps observed in the Al0.3Ga0.7As LPE layer were due to the Ec-0.31 eV and Ev+0.18 eV level, respectively, while for the GaAs LPE layer, the electron traps were due to the Ec-0.42 and 0.60 eV levels, and the hole traps were due to Ev+0.40 and 0.71 eV levels.
Demand response for industrial-scale energy users in Midwest ISO: A dynamic programming approach for curtailing energy use

This paper investigates demand response implementation in Midwest ISO from the perspective of large energy consumers. Acknowledging uncertain electricity prices, we develop a dynamic programming-based model using real-options theory to identify a profitability threshold for demand response (DR) schemes. Our model is tailored to energy-intensive industries, and the cement industry is used as illustrative example in the case study. Simulation results demonstrate season-dependent profitability threshold for a representative cement manufacturing plant.
A comparative electrodissolution and localized corrosion study of 2024Al in halide media

Abstract Electrodissolution and pitting characteristics of 2024Al-T4 rotating disks in different halide solutions have been investigated by impedance spectroscopy and other electrochemical techniques. In 1 M halide solutions and saturated AlCl 3 , the pitting potential (vs. SCE), increased as follows: sat. AlCl 3 (−0.75 V) − (−0.60 V) − (−0.48 V) − (−0.30 V). Potentiodynamic measurements from −1.0 to 1.5 V show that above 0.0 V the electrodissolution rate increased in the order: sat. AlCl 3 − − − ; at the end of each experiment the 2024Al-T4 surface was covered with a black film. The addition of nitrilotrismethylenetriphosphonic acid (NTMP) to chloride solutions had only a small effect on the pitting potential, but alloy dissolution at high anodic potentials was significantly diminished. Anodic potential step experiments above the pitting potential ( E np ) of 2024Al-T4 in Cl − , Br − and I − for a time duration of 15 min showed that pits were initiated at the periphery of the disk and contained black films; the number of pits increased as the anodic potential increased. In sat. AlCl 3 , there was extensive pitting and a black film covered the entire disk surface. This black film is possibly an Al–Cu-oxyhalide mixed salt since analysis indicated the presence of Cu(II). Black film was not observed in pits on pure AI in these electrolytes under similar conditions. The presence of tolyltriazole in 1 M NaCl sharply reduced the size and density of pits on 2024Al-T4. The impedance spectra of 2024Al-T4 in the four electrolytes at anodic potentials above E np indicate two capacitive loops in the complex plane plots and two maxima at high frequencies in the corresponding phase angle Bode plots when pits, which contained black films, were clearly visible. For pure Al and below E np for 2024Al-T4, the capacitive loop in the highest frequency region was not perceived. Electrical circuit analogs have been utilized to simulate the impedance data and satisfactory fits were obtained.
Growth kinetics of passive films on Fe, FeNi, FeCr, FeCrNi alloys

Abstract The growth kinetics of passive films on Fe, Fe-10, Ni, Fe-10 Cr, Fe-10 Ni-10 Cr have been determined in pH 8·4 borate buffer solution at 25°C using ellipsometer and coulometric techniques. Films found on the alloys were progressively thinner as the alloy concentration was increased. The correlations with potential dependence suggest that the inverse logarithmic law may be applicable. The optical constants of the alloys in the film-free condition were similar but different from those of the films. The optical constants of the films on the alloys were similar.
The Blackwell Companion to Religion and Violence

This book is divided into five parts. Part I focuses on defining ‘religion’ and ‘violence’. Part II focuses primarily on how religious violence has been analyzed from various theoretical perspectiv...
2l–3l ′ and 2l–4l ′ transitions in heliumlike and hydrogenlike silicon

Wavelengths are reported for the n = 2–n = 3 and n = 2–n = 4 transitions of Si xiii and Si xiv, as observed in a laser-heated plasma. The wavelength range of the observations is 24–40 A.
Tunable ultrafast infrared/visible laser to probe vibrational dynamics.

A tunable, ultrafast (~100 fs-~1 ps) laser system generating mid-IR (3-10 µm) and UV/visible (392-417 nm, 785-835 nm) radiation is described and its output characterized. The system is designed to explore vibrational dynamics in the condensed phase in a direct, two-pulse, time-resolved manner, using Raman spectroscopy as the probe. To produce vibrational resolution, probe pulses are spectrally narrowed by use of a long doubling crystal. Frequency-resolved optical gating is used to evaluate beam characteristics. An effective method for determining the temporal overlap of the pump and probe pulses for a one-color, 400 nm configuration is illustrated. Representative results from studies of heme and para-nitroaniline vibrational dynamics illustrate the effectiveness of the visible pump-visible probe portion of the system in illuminating fast structure and energy dynamics.
In vivo activation of the intracrine vitamin D pathway in innate immune cells and mammary tissue during a bacterial infection.

Numerous in vitro studies have shown that toll-like receptor signaling induces 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 1α-hydroxylase (1α-OHase; CYP27B1) expression in macrophages from various species. 1α-OHase is the primary enzyme that converts 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). Subsequently, synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 by 1α-OHase in macrophages has been shown to modulate innate immune responses of macrophages. Despite the numerous in vitro studies that have shown 1α-OHase expression is induced in macrophages, however, evidence that 1α-OHase expression is induced by pathogens in vivo is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate 1α-OHase gene expression in macrophages and mammary tissue during an in vivo bacterial infection with Streptococcus uberis. In tissue and secreted cells from the infected mammary glands, 1α-OHase gene expression was significantly increased compared to expression in tissue and cells from the healthy mammary tissue. Separation of the cells by FACS9 revealed that 1α-OHase was predominantly expressed in the CD14+ cells isolated from the infected mammary tissue. The 24-hydroxylase gene, a gene that is highly upregulated by 1,25(OH)2D3, was significantly more expressed in tissue and cells from the infected mammary tissue than from the healthy uninfected mammary tissue thus indicating significant local 1,25(OH)2D3 production at the infection site. In conclusion, this study provides the first in vivo evidence that 1α-OHase expression is upregulated in macrophages in response to bacterial infection and that 1α-OHase at the site of infection provides 1,25(OH)2D3 for local regulation of vitamin D responsive genes.
Universal scaling of fluid permeability for sphere packings

Results from the numerical simulation of Stokes flow through random packings of nonoverlapping or overlapping sphers and a [ital scaling] [ital ansatz] are used to obtain universal curves for the fluid permeability. The scaling ansatz is motivated by previous analysis of rigorous bounds on the permeability. Excellent agreement was found for a variety of model microstructures of porous media in the low and high porosity regimes. Experimentally obtained permeabilities of several sandstones were found to agree well with our universal curve.