cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rat small intestinal mucin: isolation and characterization of a water-soluble mucin fraction.

Abstract A water-soluble fraction of sialoglycoprotein containing sulfate was isolated from the mucosal scrapings of the rat small intestine without prior treatment with proteolytic enzymes. Chromatography of the water-soluble mucin on a DEAE-cellulose column gave three main fractions: a major carbohydrate-rich fraction containing sulfate (IGP-A), one high in protein content, and a third with a composition similar to the starting material. Fraction IGP-A was resolved into two components by ultracentrifugation and disc-gel electrophoresis. The higher molecular-weight species of IGP-A was separated from the second component by Sepharose-4B chromatography. These two glycoprotein fractions designated IGP-A 1 and IGP-A 2 had the same chemical composition as IGP-A. The carbohydrate component of IGP-A consisted of galactosamine, glucosamine, fucose, galactose, and sialic acid. The molar ratio of glucosamine to galactosamine was 1.1 and that of sulfate to hexosamine was 0.18. The sulfate content was 2.4%, 40% of which was acid labile. Both sialic acid and fucose were rapidly released by acid hydrolysis suggesting that they occupy terminal positions. The monosaccharide components of the isolated glycoprotein were removed by acid hydrolysis in the following order: sialic acid > fucose > glucosamine > galactose > galactosamine. Threonine, serine, and proline made up 69% of the total amino acid residues. The destruction of serine, threonine, and galactosamine with alkaline borohydride treatment was concomitant with the production of alanine, α-amino-butyric acid, and galactosaminitol, respectively. This finding strongly suggests that galactosamine is bound to the mucin through serine and threonine residues involving O -glycosidic linkages.
Promising antimicrobial agents designed from natural peptide templates

Treatment of infectious diseases is a paramount healthcare issue as the number of multidrug resistant pathogens rise rendering our aging small-molecule antibiotics ineffective. Innovation and discovery in new molecular species that are active against novel targets is vital to meet the challenges of resistance development. The ability of host-defense, or antimicrobial, peptides (AMPs) to selectively target the harmful microbial membrane over that of a host’s is a unique characteristic making these innate immune effectors promising candidates to fill the growing therapeutic void. Despite nearly two decades of active research into their selective mechanism against pathogens, few peptides have been found suitable for pharmaceutical applications. Fundamental structure–activity principles underlying the physiochemical properties of AMPs have guided the development and design of synthetic alternatives to peptide-based drugs. Here we first review work in understanding the mechanism and membrane selectivity of AMPs as it provides a good basis for the interpretation of other membrane-active agents as the same physical and chemical driving forces are at work. Recent advances in the rational design of synthetic mimics of antimicrobial peptides (SMAMPs) will also be discussed. Emphasis is placed on the paradigm shift that a rigid secondary structure is not required for the membrane-disruptive ability of SMAMPs.
Numerical solution of a nonlinear hyperbolic equation by the random choice method

Abstract The numerical solution of a nonlinear hyperbolic equation not fulfilling the strict non-linearity condition is considered. A solution procedure is developed based on the random choice method, which permits the sharp tracking of discontinuities. As an illustration, an application to the two-phase flow of petroleum in underground reservoirs is presented.
The influence of in vivo exposure to tributyltin on reactive oxygen formation in oyster toadfish macrophages

The influence ofin vivo tributyltin (TBT) exposure on macrophage activation was compared to previously reported responses resulting fromin vitro exposure. Oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau) were treated weekly for six weeks with either sham, vehicle, 0.250, 0.750, or 2.5 mg/kg TBT. Resident peritoneal macrophages were isolated and chemiluminescence (CL) stimulated by TBT (50 μg/L) and synergistic combinations of the tumor promoter myristate acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore (A23187) was compared between treatment groups. Chemiluminescence was reduced in a dose-dependent manner in response to both PMA + A23187- and TBT (50 μg/L)-stimulation.
Circularly polarized composite right/left-handed leaky-wave antenna

In this paper a circular polarized (CP) composite right/left-handed (CRLH) leaky-wave antenna (LWA) is presented. This CP CRLH LWA consists of two 25-cell conventional CRLH LWAs oriented orthogonal to each other which are connected to a quadrature hybrid coupler for 90° phase difference feeding purpose. This antenna maintains its CP characteristic while performing continuous frequency beam scanning from backward direction to forward direction including broadside radiation. To illustrate the scanning CP characteristics of this CRLH LWA, axial ratio and radiation patterns are obtained and shown for three frequencies of 3.4GHz (backward), 3.7GHz (broadside) and 4.3GHz (forward).
Standardized Method to Minimize Variability in a Functional P2X7 Flow Cytometric Assay for a Multi-Center Clinical Trial

Background Flow cytometric analysis of human P2X7 pore activity segregates variant from common P2RX7 genotypes and may serve as a biomarker for cancer, pain, inflammation, and immune responses to infection. Standardization is needed to accommodate variable sample age and instrumentation differences in a multicenter clinical trial. Methods CD14-PE-stained whole blood samples were treated with YO-PRO-1 combined with a P2X7 agonist (BzATP) or control, followed by the addition of PI after closure of the P2X7 pore. Recalled instrument settings from previous publications were used to adapt a standardized fluorescent particle-adjusted set-up method. Experiments were performed to compare the two methods while evaluating components of systematic variability and facilitating reliable processing of samples with varied ages. Results The median YO-PRO-1 fluorescence of BzATP-treated samples had less variability when collected by the bead-adjusted method and was less influenced by the compensation strategy used. The average day-to-day coefficient of variance for assessments of P2X7 pore activity by this method was 0.11 ± 0.04, and the exclusion of nonviable cells was found to accommodate samples aged up to 4 days after phlebotomy. The bead-adjusted set-up method produced measurements differing by only 2.0% ± 1.5% on two analog cytometers, and within similar decades when comparing analog to digital instruments. Conclusions These results provide a standardized method for quantitative flow cytometric analysis of P2X7 receptor phenotypes in blood monocytes with minimal intralaboratory variation and potential for interlaboratory comparisons that can greatly facilitate multicenter functional genomic clinical studies. © 2008 Clinical Cytometry Society
Recipient bone marrow engraftment in donor tissue after long-term tolerance to a composite tissue allograft.

Background. An important component of a composite tissue limb allograft (CTA) is the vascularized bone marrow and bone marrow stroma, which when transplanted could create immediate marrow space and engraftment. We have previously demonstrated that tolerance to musculoskeletal allografts can be achieved with a 12-day course of cyclosporine without the presence of long-term peripheral donor cell chimerism. The objective of this study was to determine the fate of the donor bone marrow after transplantation of a limb allograft in a miniature swine model. Methods. CTAs from donor swine were heterotopically transplanted into six MHC-matched, minor-antigen-mismatched recipients, and a 12-day course of cyclosporine was given. Previous animals transplanted without cyclosporine rejected their grafts in less than 42 days. A non-MHC-linked marker, pig allelic antigen (PAA), was used to distinguish host and donor cells, Three PAA- animals received PAA+ CTAs, and three PAA+ animals received PAA- CTAs. Bone marrow was harvested from the donor limb grafts and the recipient and analyzed by flow cytometry and histology. Thymus, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes were also harvested from the recipient swine and evaluated for the presence of donor cells by flow cytometry. Results. All animals receiving cyclosporine demonstrated permanent tolerance to their allografts. Donor bone marrow cells were present in all grafts at the time of transplantation and during the immediate postoperative period. By 48 weeks, donor cells were no longer detectable within the marrow space of the allograft. In long-term animals host bone marrow cells replaced donor cells in the graft marrow space. No evidence of donor cell engraftment was found in recipient animals. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that in long-term tolerant recipients of musculoskeletal allografts there is no evidence of persistent donor bone marrow cells in the hematopoietic tissues of the graft or the host Rather, the recipient's bone marrow cells and lymphocytes repopulate the donor marrow space of the graft.
Predicting the Rate of Shale Undercutting Along Highway Cuts

Undercutting of highway cuts due to differential weathering is a common occurrence in many states. Progressive undercutting can result in frequent rock falls and dangerously unstable conditions. For timely implementation of remedial measures required to prevent undercutting-induced failures, it is essential to be able to predict the rate at which different shales weather and undercut. In order to devise a method that could be used to predict the rate of shale undercutting, fourteen sites, located in three different states, were evaluated. The sites consisted of road cuts that displayed significant amounts of undercutting. Essential to the selection of these sites was the presence of pre-split blast hole markings on the resistant undercut units. The presence of pre-split markings ensured that the exposed face of the undercut unit was the original surface exposed to weathering since the time of excavation. The amount of undercutting at each site was carefully measured at many points along the entire length of the cut. Information regarding the date of excavation of the selected road cuts was obtained from highway department records. The measured amount of undercutting at each road cut and the age of the cut were used to estimate the rate of shale undercutting since excavation. Samples of the undercutting shales were obtained from each site and tested for slake durability, Atterberg limits, clay mineralogy, and rock fabric. Correlation of laboratory test results with estimated rates of undercutting indicates that the slake durability index can be used successfully to predict the rate of shale undercutting. The rate of undercutting at the sites studied does not appear to be related to Atterberg limits or clay mineralogy, as determined by x-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy suggests fabric and degree of cementation may be important factors governing the rate of shale undercutting.
Rare-earth element distribution in Lake Tyrrell groundwaters, Victoria, Australia

Abstract The rare-earth element (REE) geochemistry of the saline to hypersaline, acidic brines of Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia, were analyzed in order to determine the relative importance of concentration and modification processes in the lake system. Several types of brines were identified on the basis of different REE patterns and concentrations. Regional groundwater flowing into Lake Tyrrell yields the highest concentrations of REE, while a transitional water group is identified on the basis of lower REE concentrations. A third water group, the reflux brine, is characterized by extremely low REE concentrations. The REE patterns suggest that REE are introduced to the Lake Tyrrell system by the regional groundwater which has concentrated REE from the aquifer material in its acidic waters. Eventually, REE are removed from the evolving water mass as higher levels of pH are reached. The data of the study strongly suggest that REE are scavenged from solution by Fe-oxyhydroxide phases which precipitate as the pH of the system rises. Water-rock interactions probably control pH in the lake system and, therefore, ultimately control the concentration of REE in solution in this system. Our results are directly correlated with studies of hydrothermal vents and geothermal solutions which have shown the concentration of REE in solution to be dominantly controlled by pH.
Bifurcations and postbuckling behavior of vibrating of the nonhomogeneous, nonlinear elastic system with multiple independent bifurcation parameters☆

Abstract The asymptotic approach presupposing the use of the WKB method is employed to bifurcations and postbuckling behavior of vibrating of the nonhomogeneous elastic system with two independent bifurcation parameters. The extension to the more independent bifurcation parameters is a trivial matter. Guided by the principle of the WKB method devised originally for the linear problem of beams, plates and shells, the solution of some nonlinear problem of non-homogeneous structures is considered.
Bones, stones, moans and groans: hypercalcaemia revisited

Disorders of calcium homeostasis are uncommon but important because of the broad spectrum of potential underlying causes that lie on a spectrum from the benign to the life-threatening. Paediatricians may find them challenging because they do not arise often enough for the investigative approach to be second nature. We report a 4-year-old with acute onset profound hypercalcaemia. We focus on an approach to the clinical problem that is based on the potential organ systems affected, namely the gut, bone and kidney. Key biochemical parameters that may help the paediatric team to reach a diagnosis are discussed, as well as important components of acute management.
The Volume-Outcome Relationship: Don’t Believe Everything You See

This paper investigates methodological limitations of the volume-outcome relationship. A brief overview of quality measurement is followed by a discussion of two important aspects of the relationship.
Functional localization of the auditory thalamus in individual human subjects

Abstract Here we describe an easily implemented protocol based on sparse MR acquisition and a scrambled ‘music’ auditory stimulus that allows for reliable measurement of functional activity within the medial geniculate body (MGB, the primary auditory thalamic nucleus) in individual subjects. We find that our method is equally accurate and reliable as previously developed structural methods, and offers significantly more accuracy in identifying the MGB than group based methods. We also find that lateralization and binaural summation within the MGB resemble those found in the auditory cortex.
Effect of gravitational lenses on the microwave background, and 1146 + 111B,C

A simple check of the proposal by Turner et al. (1986) that the pair of quasars 1146+111B,C are, in fact, two images of the same object lensed by an intervening object is suggested. If the lens is a cluster, either of normal galaxies or of dark matter, the microwave background seen through the cluster will be distorted by the Zeldovich-Sunyaev effect at the 0.001 level. The effects on the proposed check of the cluster not having the shape of an isothermal sphere, of containing no gas or only cold gas, and of having a low ratio of baryonic mass to total mass are considered.
Determination of growth rates by tetracycline-labelling in guinea pig maxillas.

A surface planimeter was used to assess tetracycline-labelled areas of undecalcified sections of the maxillas of 16 male guinea pigs. In three different molar regions studied, highest values were found in the last-molar region, followed by the first-molar and second-molar region. In the 32–42 day old animals the values in the incisal region were higher than in the first-and-second-molar region, but lower than in the last-molar region. In the age groups of 47–57 and 62–67 days, proportions of labelled bone in the incisal regions were lower than those found in the first-molar and last-molar regions, but approached the level of those found in the second-molar region. There were statistically significant age-associated differences and varying amounts of labelled bone in different areas.
Efficient polarization beam splitter pixels based on a dielectric metasurface

The polarization dependence of the reflection, refraction, and diffraction of electromagnetic waves from materials is measured in applications that extend from small (e.g., ellipsometry of semiconductor chips) to large scales (e.g., remote sensing for planetary science and weather radar). Such applications employ polarimeters that are in turn based on devices with polarization-selective absorption or reflection/refraction properties (e.g., prisms). The latter devices are generally bulky, thereby limiting their integration into compact systems. The former devices are inherently lossy, as they function by absorbing the unwanted polarization. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a conceptually novel method for pixel-level polarimetry. Each pixel contains amorphous-silicon nanoridges and deflects incident light in a polarization-dependent manner. As photons are sorted by polarization rather than filtered, the approach permits high efficiency. A high transmission efficiency of 90% and a high extinction ratio of 15 times are demonstrated.
The relationships of calculated percent body fat, sports participation, age, and place of residence on menstrual patterns in healthy adolescent girls at an independent new England high school

A prospective study was undertaken to determine normal menstrual patterns in healthy girls in an independent high school and assess the effects of exercise (type and hours per day), age (chronologic and gynecologic), calculated estimate of body fat, and place of residence (boarding and day students) on menstrual function. Three hundred twenty-seven girls (x age 15.5 ± 1.1 years) answered a questionnaire on menstrual history; 306 (93.6%) were postmenarchal and 21 (6.4%) premenarchal. Calculated estimate of percent body fat was significantly lower in premenarchal than postmenarchal girls (22.4% versus 27.3% p
Turbidimetric Estimation of Alcohol Concentration in Aqueous–Alcohol Mixtures

A concept of the turbidimetric method for determining the concentration of ethanol in water�ethanol mixtures is described. A closed sample cell containing the analyte was heated to achieve vapor saturation and subsequent condensation. As the condensation occurred, the decrease in percentage transmittance with time due to light scattering was measured at 540 nm. Measurements of a single sample were performed for a period of 300 s. The rate of decrease of percentage transmittance versus the concentration of water�ethanol standard solutions was used to generate a calibration curve. The technique demonstrates the use of light scattering for analytical applications and provides an opportunity to teach basic nucleation concepts.
Pathological and biochemical effects of dimethyl hydrogen phosphite in Fischer 344 rats.

Abstract In a chronic study by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), dimethyl hydrogen phosphite (DMHP) caused neoplastic and nonneoplastic changes in the lungs and forestomach of F344 N rats following gavage administration for 2 years. The current investigation was designed to study the effect of a short-term exposure on a series of biochemical systems in target and nontarget tissues which may be involved in the metabolism and/or the manifestation of DMHP toxicity. Rats were treated daily with a dose similar to that used in the NTP study (200 mg/kg) for 4, 5, or 6 weeks. Two groups of animals were also treated for 4 weeks and then treatment was discontinued and the rats were allowed to recover for 1 or 2 weeks. An equal number of animals was treated similarly with the vehicle and used as control. The microsomal and soluble fractions were separated from liver, lungs, kidneys, forestomach, and glandular stomach from the 6-week treatment group. Another group of rats treated for 6 weeks was prepared for pathology examination of the lungs, forestomach, and glandular stomach. There was a significant increase in the weight of the forestomach of rats treated for 4, 5, or 6 weeks relative to control animals, while no significant difference was observed in the weight of liver, lungs, kidneys, and glandular stomach. The forestomach weight of rats treated for 4 weeks returned to the control value after 1 week of recovery. Microscopic examination of the forestomach of rats treated for 6 weeks revealed a thickened stratified squamous epithelium characterized by hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, and subepithelial inflammation and edema. There were no microscopic changes in the lungs or glandular stomach of animals treated for 6 weeks. The activity of angiotensin converting enzyme in the serum of rats treated for 4, 5, or 6 weeks was significantly increased over that of control animals. The activity of this enzyme returned to near levels seen in the control animals after 1 week of recovery following 4 weeks of treatment. No treatment-related effect was observed in the activities of the microsomal p -nitroanisole demethylase, soluble glutathione S -transferase, and soluble superoxide dismutase in the five tissues studied. There was a significant increase in the level of nonprotein soluble sulfhydryls in the forestomach but in no other tissue of rats treated for 6 weeks. Also the activity of soluble carboxylesterase was significantly reduced in the lungs and forestomach, but not in any other tissue of the 6-week-treated rats. Results of this study indicate that early pathological and biochemical changes are detected in target tissues of rats exposed to DMHP.
Sex pheromones and plasmid transfer in Enterococcus faecalis.

Abstract Plasmid-free Enterococcus faecalis excrete peptides (sex pheromones) which specifically induce a mating response in strains harboring certain conjugative plasmids. The response is characterized by the synthesis of a “fuzzy” surface material, visible by electron microscopy, which is believed to facilitate the aggregation of donors and recipients. Transconjugants which receive a specific plasmid shut down the production of endogenous pheromone; however, they continue to produce pheromones specific for donors harboring different classes of plasmids. In this review, we summarize what is known about the biochemistry and genetics of this phenomenon. Some emphasis is given to the hemolysin plasmid pAD1 and the regulation of its conjugal transfer.
Endoscopic placement of the capsule endoscope in children

Background Capsule endoscopy provides a minimally invasive examination of the entire small bowel. However, some children and disabled adults may be unable to independently ingest the capsule. A new method for endoscopic placement of the capsule endoscope is described. Methods Consecutive children who required capsule endoscopy of the small bowel and who were unable to independently ingest the capsule were selected for endoscopic placement. A net retrieval catheter and a translucent ligation adaptor were used to hold and stabilize alignment of the capsule during endoscopic insertion into the distal duodenum. Results Eleven pediatric patients underwent successful endoscopic placement of a capsule endoscope in the duodenum without complication. One capsule migrated back into the stomach, where it remained for the life of the battery. Conclusions Endoscopic placement of the capsule endoscope by using the described technique appears to be effective and safe. It facilitates capsule endoscopy in patients who are unable to independently ingest the capsule.
Dietary pretreatment with green tea polyphenol, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate reduces the bioavailability and hepatotoxicity of subsequent oral bolus doses of (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate

Abstract Human case-studies have reported an association between green tea-based dietary supplements and hepatotoxicity. Studies have demonstrated the hepatotoxicity of high-dose oral bolus dosing with the tea polyphenol (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in mice and dogs. We examined the effect of pretreatment with dietary EGCG on the hepatotoxicity and bioavailability of acute oral bolus dosing with EGCG in CF-1 mice. EGCG (750 mg/kg, i.g., once daily for 3 days) increased plasma alanine aminotransferase by 80-fold, decreased both reduced (by 59%) and total (by 33%) hepatic glutathione, and increased hepatic levels of phosphorylated histone 2AX. Pretreatment with dietary EGCG (3.2 mg/g diet) for 2 weeks mitigated hepatotoxicity. Acute oral EGCG also decreased mRNA expression of glutathione reductase. Dietary pretreatment prevented these decreased and increased glutathione peroxidase (Gpx)2, Gpx3, Gpx5, and Gpx7 expression. We found that dietary EGCG reduced the plasma (57% reduction) and hepatic (71% reduction) EGCG exposure following oral bolus dosing compared to mice that were not pre-treated. Overall, it appears that EGCG can modulate its own bioavailability and that dietary treatment may reduce the toxic potential of acute high oral bolus doses of EGCG. These data may partly explain the observed variation in hepatotoxic response to green tea-containing dietary supplements.
A High Performance ASIC for Cellular Automata (CA) Applications

CA are useful tools in modeling and simulation. However, the more complex a CA is, the longer it takes to run in typical environments. A dedicated CA machine solves this problem by allowing all cells to be computed in parallel. In this paper we present simple yet useful hardware that can perform the required computations in constant time complexity, O(1).
Segregation distortion at the transferrin locus in Macaca mulatta

The transferrin phenotypes of 256 rhesus monkeys and their parents were identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The segregation ratio for phenotypes involving only alleles of high electrophoretic mobility was statistically significantly higher than expected and suggests that selection favors these more negatively charged transferrins. Electrostatic-dependent processes associated with the binding and transportation of iron might be responsible for this outcome.
Short-Term Persistence in Mutual Fund Performance

We estimate parameters of standard stock selection and market timing models using daily mutual fund returns and quarterly measurement periods. We then rank funds quarterly by abnormal return and measure the performance of each decile the following quarter. The average abnormal return of the top decile in the post-ranking quarter is 39 basis points. The post-ranking abnormal return disappears when funds are evaluated over longer periods. These results suggest that superior performance is a short-lived phenomenon that is observable only when funds are evaluated several times a year. The net new cash flow invested in U.S. mutual funds in 2000 was $229.2 billion, which exceeded the 2000 gross domestic product of all but 19 countries. 1 Not surprisingly, a large industry exists to provide investors with information to help them choose from among the thousands of available mutual funds. The existence of the mutual fund selection industry is predicated on the assumptions that some mutual fund managers possess significant ability and that this ability persists, allowing the astute investor to predict future performance based on past results. From an academic perspective, assessing the existence and persistence of mutual fund managerial ability is an important test of the efficient market hypothesis; evidence of persistent ability would support a rejection of its semi-strong form. What should we expect in equilibrium? Grossman and Stiglitz (1980) argue that we should not expect that security prices fully reflect the information of informed individuals; otherwise, there would be no reward for the costly endeavor of seeking new information. In the context of mutual fund performance, we should expect some fund
GRÜNEISEN PARAMETER OF NaCl AT HIGH COMPRESSIONS

A new method of determining the pressure dependence of the Gruneisen parameter is described. The measurements were carried out on NaCl to 33 kbar at room temperature using an end-loaded piston-cylinder apparatus. A fluid cell arrangement with Bridgman unsupported area seals was used. Changes of sample temperature associated with small adiabatic pressure changes were measured and the Gruneisen parameter could be calculated from the thermodynamic relationship γ = (KsT)(∂T∂P)s where Ks is the adiabatic bulk modulus. Our results are in excellent agreement with those reported by Roberts and Ruppin [1] who calculated the pressure dependence of γ from thermodynamic and ultrasonic data and in excellent agreement with those reported by Hardy and Karo [2] who carried out a lattice-dynamical calculation.
Observing the Moon at Microwave Frequencies Using a Large-Diameter Deep Space Network Antenna

The Moon radiates energy at infrared and microwave wavelengths, in addition to reflecting sunlight at optical wavelengths. As a result, an antenna pointed at or near the Moon will result in an increase in system operating noise temperature, which needs to be accounted for in RF telecommunications, radio science or radiometric link calculations. The NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) may use its large-diameter antennas in future lunar robotic or human missions, and thus it is important to understand the nature of this temperature increase as a function of observing frequency, lunar phase, and angular position of the antenna beam on the lunar disk. This paper reports on a comprehensive lunar noise temperature measurement campaign and associated theoretical treatment for a 34-m diameter Deep Space Network antenna observing an extended source such as the Moon. A set of measurements over a wide range of lunar phase angles was acquired at DSS-13, a 34-m diameter beam waveguide antenna (BWG) located at Goldstone, California at 2.3 GHz (S-band), 8.4 GHz (X-band) and 32 GHz (Ka-band). For validation purposes, independent predictions of noise temperature increase were derived using a physical optics characterization of the 34-m diameter antenna gain patterns and Apollo model-based brightness temperature maps of the Moon as input. The model-based predictions of noise temperature increase were compared with the measurements at all three frequencies. In addition, a methodology is presented that relates noise temperature increase due to the Moon to disk-centered or disk-averaged brightness temperature of the Moon at the microwave frequencies of interest. Comparisons were made between the measurements and models in the domain of lunar disk-centered and disk-averaged brightness temperatures. It is anticipated that the measurements and associated theoretical development will be useful in developing telecommunications strategies for future high-rate Ka-band communications where large diameter DSN antennas will be required.
The Threefold Cord: Marital Commitment in Religious Couples

This study reports results from in-depth interviews with 57 highly religious middle-aged married couples representing the major Abrahamic faiths (Christianity, Judaism, Islam) and residing in New England and Northern California. The study uses grounded theory methods to create themes that describe the ways that religiosity influences marital commitment. Couples reported that religious beliefs and practices helped them include God as the third partner in their marriage, believe in marriage as a religious institution that lasts, and find meaning in committing to marriage.
Resource Abundance and Insect Herbivore Diversity on Woody Fabaceous Desert Plants

This study addresses four hypotheses that may account for differences in the number of insect herbivore species among plant species. These hypotheses are based on the assumption that insect diversity is a function of the number, quantity, and distribution of plant resources used by herbivores. The study investigated predictions that herbivore species richness will increase as a function of increasing the following: (1) host plant distribution over the landscape (host plant geographical distribution hypothesis), (2) host plant density within a habitat (resource concentration hypothesis), (3) size of individual plants (plant size hypothesis), or (4) abundance of resources (resource abundance hypothesis). We tested predictions from these hypotheses by examining the species richness of insect herbivores on five sympatric species of fabaceous plants that varied in their local dispersion of individual plants and plant architecture. Among these five species, plant geographical distribution varied threefold, density varied 38-fold, plant size and food resources available to insect herbivores varied ≈100-fold. Plant geographical distribution, plant size, and the resource concentration hypotheses were not corroborated in this study. Resource abundance, measured as plant dry weight, accounted for the differences in number and abundance of insect species between host plant species. Leaf biomass accounted for 44.15% of the variation in number of insect herbivore species and 51.76% of the variation in abundance of insect herbivores using leaves as resources. Flower biomass accounted for 32.86% of the variation in the number of insect herbivore species using flowers. Therefore, plants that offered a greater quantity of resources, especially leaves and flowers, had greater species richness and abundance in insect herbivores.
Large-scale array of miniaturized microdonut resonators for high resolution on-chip spectroscopy

84-channel, high resolution ( 25,000) enable on-chip spectroscopy with low insertion loss.
SEARCHING FOR SUPERANTIGENS

Superantigens comprise a large group of viral and bacterial proteins that stimulate T lymphocyte proliferation without regard for the antigenic specificity of the T cells but dependent on the composition of the variable part of the beta chain of the T cell receptor. Superantigens induce T cell proliferation dependent on class II MHC molecules on antigen presenting cells but do not require processing. Major subfamilies of superantigens include the viral superantigens, the bacterial pyrogenic toxin superantigens, and other bacterial superantigens. Two major approaches have been taken to identify superantigen association with human diseases: a) assessing V beta T cell receptor skewing in peripheral blood or tissues of patients with illnesses, b) recognition of toxic shock syndrome and related illnesses which are likely to be caused by superantigens.
INTRALUMINAL PNEUMATIC LITHOTRIPSY FOR THE REMOVAL OF ENCRUSTED URINARY CATHETERS

Purpose:: Urologists frequently treat patients requiring long-term urinary drainage with a percutaneous nephrostomy tube or ureteral stent. When such tubes are neglected and become encrusted, removal challenges even experienced urologists. We describe a new, minimally invasive technique for safely and rapidly removing encrusted, occluded tubes using the Swiss Lithoclast † †Microvasive Urology, Natick, Massachusetts. pneumatic lithotriptor.Materials and Methods:: Patients presenting with an encrusted urinary catheter were evaluated by excretory urography for renal function and obstruction. Gentle manual extraction of the tube was attempted, followed by traditional extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and/or ureteroscopy. When the tube was not extracted, patients were then treated with intraluminal insertion of a pneumatic lithotripsy probe.Results:: One patient presented with an encrusted, occluded nephrostomy tube and 2 had an encrusted, occluded, indwelling ureteral stent. None was removed by manual tra...
CONSTRAINING EXPLOSION TYPE OF YOUNG SUPERNOVA REMNANTS USING 24 μm EMISSION MORPHOLOGY

Determination of the explosion type of supernova remnants (SNRs) can be challenging, as SNRs are hundreds to thousands of years old and supernovae are classified based on spectral properties days after explosion. Previous studies of thermal X-ray emission from Milky Way and Large Magellanic Cloud SNRs have shown that Type Ia and core-collapse (CC) SNRs have statistically different symmetries, and thus these sources can be typed based on their X-ray morphologies. In this Letter, we extend the same technique, a multipole expansion technique using power ratios, to infrared (IR) images of SNRs to test whether they can be typed using the symmetry of their warm dust emission as well. We analyzed archival Spitzer Space Telescope Multiband Imaging Photometer 24 μm observations of the previously used X-ray sample, and we find that the two classes of SNRs separate according to their IR morphologies. The Type Ia SNRs are statistically more circular and mirror symmetric than the CC SNRs, likely due to the different circumstellar environments and explosion geometries of the progenitors. Broadly, our work indicates that the IR emission retains information of the explosive origins of the SNR and offers a new method to type SNRs based on IR morphology.
Ultrafast Transient Absorption Studies of Hematite Nanoparticles: The Effect of Particle Shape on Exciton Dynamics

Much progress has been made in using hematite (α-Fe2O3) as a potentially practical and sustainable material for applications such as solar-energy conversion and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting; however, recent studies have shown that the performance can be limited by a very short charge-carrier diffusion length or exciton lifetime. In this study, we performed ultrafast studies on hematite nanoparticles of different shapes to determine the possible influence of particle shape on the exciton dynamics. Nanorice, multifaceted spheroidal nanoparticles, faceted nanocubes, and faceted nanorhombohedra were synthesized and characterized by using SEM and XRD techniques. Their exciton dynamics were investigated by using femtosecond transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy. Although the TA spectral features differ for the four samples studied, their decay profiles are similar, which can be fitted with time constants of 1–3 ps, approximately 25 ps, and a slow nanosecond component extending beyond the experimental time window that was measured (2 ns). The results indicate that the overall exciton lifetime is weakly dependent on the shape of the hematite nanoparticles, even though the overall optical absorption and scattering are influenced by the particle shape. This study suggests that other strategies need to be developed to increase the exciton lifetime or to lengthen the exciton diffusion length in hematite nanostructures.
Mouse Mutagenesis Using N-Ethyl- N-Nitrosourea (ENU)

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes chemical mutagenesis of male mice using N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU), which is the most efficient method for obtaining mouse mutations in phenotype-driven screens. A fractionated dose of ENU, an alkylating agent, can produce a mutation rate as high as 1.5 × 10(-3) in male mouse spermatogonial stem cells. Treatment with ENU produces point mutations that provide a unique mutant resource: They reflect the consequences of single gene changes independent of position effects, provide a fine structure dissection of protein function, display a range of mutant effects from complete or partial loss of function to exaggerated function, and discover gene functions in an unbiased manner. After treatment with ENU, mice are mated in genetic screens designed to uncover mutations of interest. Screens for dominant, recessive, and modifying mutations can be performed.
Holography by Scanning

In this study we investigate holography by scanning the receiver, the source, the object, or both source and receiver. We show that by scanning source and receiver we obtain increased resolution, an image closer to the hologram and the possibility of undistorted magnification. We present an analysis giving image position, magnification, and aberrations. We also present experimental evidence in support of the theory.
Hierarchical Phenotypic and Epigenetic Variation in Cloned Swine

Cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer can result in the birth of animals with phenotypic and gene expression abnormalities. We compared adult cloned pigs and adult pigs from naturally bred control females using a series of physiological and genetic parameters, including detailed methylation profiles of selected genomic regions. Phenotypic and genetic analyses indicated that there are two classes of traits, one in which the cloned pigs have less variation than controls and another characterized by variation that is equally high in cloned and control pigs. Although cloning creates animals within the normal phenotypic range, it increases the variability associated with some traits. This finding is contrary to the expectation that cloning can be used to reduce the size of groups involved in animal experimentation and to reproduce an animal, including a pet, with a homogenous set of desired traits.
Tobacco Use and Outcomes in Gynecologic Malignancy

Tobacco use remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Tobacco contains many carcinogens as well as nicotine, which contributes to the development of multiple malignancies. In addition to malignancies of the head and neck, several gynecologic malignancies have been associated with tobacco use including cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. Additionally, tobacco is associated with worse prognosis and increased rate of complications in gynecologic cancer patients of all disease sites. Recent literature in the area of tobacco use and gynecologic malignancy is highlighted in this review including tobacco’s association with treatment complications, secondary malignancy, and surgical complications. A focus is placed on tobacco cessation as a means to improve these outcomes. The use of automated referrals to reduce provider burden and targeting of the preoperative window are valuable strategies. Smoking cessation should be encouraged by oncologists and survivorship programs as a means to improve the health of women with gynecologic malignancy and reduce healthcare costs.
High diversity of vegetative compatibility types in Cryphonectria parasitica in Japan and China.

We found high diversity of vegetative compatibility (vc) types in native populations of the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica, in Japan and China; almost every isolate was in a unique vc type. In Japan we found 71 vc types in a sample of 79 isolates pooled from six populations. Within two populations in China, all isolates (n = 28 and 11) had unique vc types; we found 15 vc types among 25 isolates in a third Chinese population where multiple isolates were collected from some trees. None of the isolates from China and only three isolates in the 71 vc types from Japan were compatible with any of 64 vc type testers from Europe, which have known vegetative incompatibility genotypes. To our knowledge this is the first report of vc type diversity for C. parasitica in Japan or of any comparisons of vc types between Asia and Europe. The most significant result of this survey is the identification fungal isolates for expanding knowledge of the genetics of vegetative incompatibility.
Alternatives for gold wire electrodes in electronic measurement systems for studying insect probing behaviour

SUMMARY Single stranded materials including individual silk fibres and human hair were gold plated with a sputter coater and used in place of gold wire electrodes in electronic systems for monitoring insect feeding behaviour.
TURBULENT DISPERSION IN DRAG REDUCING FLUIDS

Turbulent pipe flow was examined by measuring the radial dispersion of dyed fluid introduced at an axial point source within the flow. From the classical theoretical results of G.I. Taylor it was possible thereby to calculate various parameters that characterize the structure of the turbulent flow field. A comparison was made between water, and aqueous solutions of polyethylene oxide (Polyox) at concentrations up to 50 ppm (by weight). Results indicate that Polyox affects the turbulence in the following ways: (1) intensity is reduced, (2) the energy spectrum is shifted toward low frequency, (3) dispersion occurs largely through large scale motion, and intermittency is increased. Indication is also seen that a simple exponential form for the Lagrangian correlation coefficient is superior to other recommended models.
The Measurement of Oscillator Strengths for Copper Lines Involving Autoionizing Levels

The relative oscillator strengths of lines involving levels subject to autoionization have been measured in an exploding wire. In this high electron density environment the depletion of the line strength due to autoionization is saturated. The relative oscillator strengths therefore approximate predicted values.
Linear algebraic properties of the realization matrix with applications to principal axis realizations

Examines the realization matrix R=(A b; c d) defined by a state variable model of a linear, shift invariant, discrete time, scalar system. Several properties concerning the eigenvalues and singular values are derived, which are used to obtain tests for the minimality of the state variable model. An inequality is derived between the spectral norm of R and the L/sub Omega /-norm of its frequency response. The realization matrices of principal axis realizations are characterized in terms of their eigenvalues and singular values. qr-factorizations and bounds for the spectral norms of such realization matrices are derived. >
HISTORY, MORPHOLOGY AND PERFECT PROPORTIONS OF MUGHAL TOMBS: THE SECRET TO CREATION OF TAJ MAHAL

This study investigates the language of architecture of the east. Traditional Islamic architecture, especially Mughal architecture and its influence on India is examined through developmental growth and linage of Mughal tombs. This paper basically presents research with emphasis on clarity of spatial characteristics on four Mughal tombs in India, two of which are world heritage sites including the world renowned Taj Mahal. A strong context of methodological approach in unfolding the codex of architecture at Taj and influences of its predecessors in creating this magnificent monument is examined. A key to some of the unknown mysteries of architecture in India, this paper can be of reference to historians, architects and the general reader alike in understanding what makes Taj the pinnacle of architecture in India. It lays emphasis on how western architectural students can get a better understanding of the paradigms of architecture in east. With methods like comparative understanding of ordering principles, proportional analysis and studies of composition and approach, this paper explains the process of systematically understanding the ground rules of architectural composition of non-western culture, especially Mughal architecture as developed through the renaissance phase in the east (AD 1508 to 1707).
"American angels of mercy" and the Russo-Japanese War.

The Russo-Japanese War was a clash between two expanding empires. In some ways, it was a very 20th century war, with large armies using automatic weapons; in other ways, it reflected the values of the 19th century, with Russian citizens donating money to the Japanese Red Cross in appreciation for the care of their soldiers. It was onto this battlefield that Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee brought an American mission to observe military medical practices of the conflict. McGee received her medical degree from Columbian College (now The George Washington University) in 1892 and at the outbreak of the Spanish–American War in April 1898, McGee organized volunteer nurses for the Daughters of the American Revolution. McGee’s organizing ability led to her appointment as the only woman Acting Assistant Surgeon in the U.S. Army, in charge of the Army’s nurses. After this brief war ended, McGee pursued the establishment of a permanent nurse corps, and is known now as the founder of the Army Nurse Corps. With the threat of war between Russia and Japan looming, McGee led a group of nine volunteer nurses to Japan in 1904. She returned the following year as an official U.S. Army observer and later lectured and wrote on her experiences in the war.