cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paraelectric (Ba/sub 0.6/Sr/sub 0.4/)TiO/sub 3/ thick films by direct-write

MicroPen/spl trade/ direct-write technique has been used to fabricate polycrystalline paraelectric BST 60/40 11-140 /spl mu/m thick films on alumina substrates. The dielectric properties of the thick films were studied as a function of film thickness, microstructure, and the state of residual stresses. Sin/sup 2//spl Psi/ X-ray analyses indicated a compressive state of stress in the films which decreased from /spl sim/40 MPa at 36 /spl mu/m to /spl sim/15 MPa at 140 /spl mu/m. The cubic/spl rarr/tetragonal transition temperature was found to be -10/spl deg/C. No thickness dependence of the transition temperature was observed. Field induced polarization curves also indicate no apparent nonlinear behavior up to 4 kV/mm.
Dependence of diffusive permeation rates on upstream and downstream pressures

Abstract Permeation rates and permeate compositions were determined for hexane/heptane mixtures permeating through polyethylene film. With vapor at the downstream face, the ratio of hexane to heptane in the permeate increased significantly (up to a factor of two) with increased downstream pressure. With liquid at the downstream face, the composition of the permeate was approximately equal to the composition of the permeant charged to the membrane, and was substantially unaffected by downstream pressure. Permeate concentrations for a given downstream pressure were substantially unaffected by changes in the upstream pressure. Permeation rates increased with increases in the upstream pressure, but the effect was small when the downstream pressure was low. The experimental results were in agreement with the predictions of a semi-empirical model. Both the upstream and downstream pressures appear to be important variables in selecting optimal conditions for diffusive membrane separation processes.
Reconstitution of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ transport in erythrocyte membrane vesicles requires a cytoplasmic protein

We have demonstrated that calcium-dependent potassium transport in erythrocytes requires the participation of a cytoplasmic protein. Activation of calcium-dependent potassium transport causes an increase in the membrane-bound levels of this protein which is dependent on the calcium concentration and which is highly correlated (r = 0.791, p less than 0.0001) with the loss of potassium. Reconstitution of this transport pathway in sonicated erythrocyte membrane vesicles was achieved only in vesicles containing the cytoplasmic protein indicating a causal relationship in this transport system. The protein is found in high levels within the cytoplasm of erythrocytes (5.6 mg/ml red blood cells) and yet less than 1% of the protein located in the cytoplasm is required to bind to the membrane in order to initiate the potassium efflux. The analysis of rat organ homogenates demonstrated that this protein is located in most tissues with particular enrichment in adrenal glands, brain, lung, and blood. These results demonstrate that there is a cytoplasmic protein, herein named calpromotin, which is a necessary and sufficient cytoplasmic component of calcium-dependent potassium transport in erythrocytes and perhaps other tissues.
The spin-peierls transition and other aspects of the magnetic behavior of the compounds TTF · MS 4 C 4 (CF 3 ) 4 (M = Pt, Cu, Au)

This paper reviews work on the isostructural TTF·MS4C4(CF3)4 (M = Pt, Cu, Au) and TTF-CuSe4C (CF )4 compounds, members of a new class of quasi-one dimensional (1-D magnetic systems. These materials (with M = Cu and Au) have provided the first unambiguous experimental demonstration of the spin-Peierls transition, the magnetic analog of the Peierls transition in the 1-D metals. The current status of the experimental work on these compounds is summarized and used to derive information regarding the magnetic exchange interactions occurring in the solid state.
Larva migrans cutânea - Um caso de apresentação típica no viajante

LARVA MIGRANS - A CUTANEOUS PRESENTATION IN A TOURIST Cutaneous larva migrans is the most common dermatosis diagnosed among tourists returning from tropical areas to tem- perate regions. In most developed countries, cases are imported. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman who visited her family doctor because of an erythematous, serpiginous, prurit- ic lesion on the dorsum of her foot, that began three months previously, after returning from a visit to Jamaica. These clinical and epidemiologic features facilitated the diagnosis of cutaneous larva migrans infection. The patient was treated with alben- dazole, with complete recovery of the lesion. Although rarely diagnosed in primary health care in Portugal, this disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous lesions found in tourists, given the increase in travel to tropical regions.
A Convex Exemplar-based Approach to MAD-Bayes Dirichlet Process Mixture Models

MAD-Bayes (MAP-based Asymptotic Derivations) has been recently proposed as a general technique to derive scalable algorithm for Bayesian Nonparametric models. However, the combinatorial nature of objective functions derived from MAD-Bayes results in hard optimization problem, for which current practice employs heuristic algorithms analogous to k-means to find local minimum. In this paper, we consider the exemplar-based version of MAD-Bayes formulation for DP and Hierarchical DP (HDP) mixture model. We show that an exemplarbased MAD-Bayes formulation can be relaxed to a convex structural-regularized program that, under cluster-separation conditions, shares the same optimal solution to its combinatorial counterpart. An algorithm based on Alternating Direction Method of Multiplier (ADMM) is then proposed to solve such program. In our experiments on several benchmark data sets, the proposed method finds optimal solution of the combinatorial problem and significantly improves existing methods in terms of the exemplar-based objective.
Statistical properties of the Mueller matrix of distributed targets

Attention is given to the statistical properties of the Mueller matrix of distributed targets, with emphasis on the copolarized phase angle phi sub c. The latter is shown to exhibit a pdf that is characterized completely by two parameters alpha and zeta, both of which are related to the elements of the Mueller matrix of the target. The parameter alpha governs the width of the pdf, and zeta governs the mean value of phi sub c. It is shown that the magnitudes S sub vv, S sub hh, and S sub hv, and the parameters alpha and zeta completely specify the Mueller matrix, and therefore contain all the statistical information available from the polarimetric backscatter response of the target. These results are verified with experimental observations that show that alpha and zeta are related to the physical and dielectric properties of soil and vegetation targets.
The Lesbian Internalized Homophobia Scale: A Rational/Theoretical Approach

This article reports the development and psychometric properties of a new scale that measures internalized homophobia in lesbians: the Lesbian Internalized Homophobia Scale (LIHS). This 52-item measure was developed using a rational/theoretical approach of test construction and includes five subscales. Research findings, based on a sample of 303 female participants, supported the reliability and validity of the LIHS in assessing internalized homophobia in lesbians. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Further evaluation of the high‐probability instructional sequence with and without programmed reinforcement

In 2 experiments, we examined the effects of programmed reinforcement for compliance with high-probability (high-p) instructions on compliance with low-probability (low-p) instructions. In Experiment 1, we compared the high-p sequence with and without programmed reinforcement (i.e., edible items) for compliance with high-p instructions. Results showed that the high-p sequence increased compliance with low-p instructions only when compliance with high-p instructions was followed by reinforcement. In Experiment 2, we examined the role of reinforcer quality by delivering a lower quality reinforcer (praise) for compliance with high-p instructions. Results of Experiment 2 showed that the high-p sequence with lower quality reinforcement did not improve compliance with low-p instructions; the addition of a higher quality reinforcer (i.e., edible items) contingent on compliance with high-p instructions did increase compliance with low-p instructions.
Predicting 1-RM isotonic knee extension strength utilizing isokinetic dynamometry

The purpose of this study was twofold: determine which isokinetic determinants correlated best with an isotonic one-repetition maximum (1-RM) and to generate, based on these determinants a formula that will allow clinicians to utilize isokinetic testing to predict an isotonic 1-RM. Fifty female subjects, ranging from 18-35 years of age, participated in this study. Strength measurements using a Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer (peak torque, average peak torque, peak torque:body weight, work per repetition, and total work) and a Cybex isotonic knee extension machine were performed. The subject's height and body weight were recorded. Through linear regression analysis the variables peak torque and body weight were determined to be the best predictors of an isotonic 1-RM. These variables were incorporated in the following formula: Predicted 1-RM = 21.38 + (0.24 × Peak Torque) + (0.18 × Body Weight) which may used utilized by clinicians to predict an isotonic 1-RM.
Position and parallax of the γ-ray burst of 8 May 1997

γ-ray bursts (GRBs) have puzzled astronomers for almost three decades, primarily owing to the lack of identifications at other wavelengths. The detection of a radio counterpart enables application of the powerful technique of very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) to this intriguing class of objects. Here we present VLBI monitoring of VLA J065349.4 + 791619 obtained between 8 and 25 days after the initial γ-ray burst. The radio emission is found to be very compact, with an angular extent of less than 1 milliarcsecond. We derive a position for the radio counterpart accurate to 200 microarcseconds, and constrain the proper motion of VLA J065349.4 + 791619 be less than 50 milliarcseconds per year. We place an upper limit on the annual parallax of 1 milliarcsecond. These results are entirely consistent with the expectations of cosmological models.
Partial Employees and Consumers A Postmodern, Meta-Theoretical Perspective for services Marketing

This analysis aims to highlight the impact of both ‘partial employees’ and ‘partial consumers’ on the service delivery process. Effective service delivery often requires the participation of the cu...
Planned home birth: benefits, risks, and opportunities

While the number of women in developed countries who plan a home birth is low, the number has increased over the past decade in the US, and there is evidence that more women would choose this option if it were readily available. Rates of planned home birth range from 0.1% in Sweden to 20% in the Netherlands, where home birth has always been an integrated part of the maternity system. Benefits of planned home birth include lower rates of maternal morbidity, such as postpartum hemorrhage, and perineal lacerations, and lower rates of interventions such as episiotomy, instrumental vaginal birth, and cesarean birth. Women who have a planned home birth have high rates of satisfaction related to home being a more comfortable environment and feeling more in control of the experience. While maternal outcomes related to planned birth at home have been consistently positive within the literature, reported neonatal outcomes during planned home birth are more variable. While the majority of investigations of planned home birth compared with hospital birth have found no difference in intrapartum fetal deaths, neonatal deaths, low Apgar scores, or admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, there have been reports in the US, as well as a meta-analysis, that indicated more adverse neonatal outcomes associated with home birth. There are multiple challenges associated with research designs focused on planned home birth, in part because conducting randomized controlled trials is not feasible. This report will review current research studies published between 2004 and 2014 related to maternal and neonatal outcomes of planned home birth, and discuss strengths, limitations, and opportunities regarding planned home birth.
Effect of soil applications of magnesium sulfate and dolomite on the quality of potato tubers

The effect of two different sources of magnesium fertilization, Epsom salt (MgSO4·7H2O) or dolomite (MgCO3·CaCO3), on enzymatic discoloration, phenolic, crude lipid, phospholipid and Mg content, of Katahdin potatoes was studied over a 3 yr. period. Tubers grown in soils receiving either Epsom salt, or dolomite, were compared with control tubers receiving no added magnesium. Tubers from plants receiving Epsom salt discolored the least, were lowest in phenols and highest in crude lipid, phospholipid and Mg contents. However, when dolomite was the source of Mg the tubers discolored more, were higher in phenols, and were lower in Mg content than control tubers. The source of Mg fertilizer was very important in determining the quality of tubers.
THE INFLUENCE OF SOME SULFUR-CONTAINING COMPOUNDS ON THE TOXICITY OF NITROGEN MUSTARDS.

Abstract Measurements of the effect of nitrogen mustards on the cholinesterase activity of the small intestine of rats indicated that HN1 and HN2 cause a decrease in enzyme activity of the intestine that is maximal at 2–4 days after administration and is reversible after sublethal doses of the nitrogen mustards. Modification of nitrogen mustard-induced changes in the adenosine triphosphatase activity of the spleens and the cholinesterase activity of the small intestines of rats was employed as a means of evaluating protective activity provided by sulfur-containing compounds against injury by nitrogen mustards to these tissues. Cysteine, dimethylammonium dimethyldithiocarbamate, and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, when given before the nitrogen mustards, were more effective than mercaptoethylamine or reduced glutathione in reducing the biological effects of HN1 and HN2 on the spleen and intestine of rats. Acute toxicity studies showed that the enzyme assays were valid indicators of the degree of protection provided by these compounds. Combinations of cysteine with mercaptoethylamine or glutathione were more effective in preventing HN2-induced mortality than when these sulfur-containing compounds were administered alone. Most of the animals given combinations of cysteine or glutathione with the derivatives of dithiocarbamic acid were able to survive after doses of HN1 as great as 10 times the normal LD 50 . The results of this study demonstrated the applicability of enzyme assays on tissues known to be damaged by a particular toxic agent as valuable tools in the search for chemical protective agents.
CASK regulates SAP97 conformation and its interactions with AMPA and NMDA receptors.

SAP97 interacts with AMPA receptors (AMPARs) and NMDA receptors (NMDARs) during sorting and trafficking to synapses. Here we addressed how SAP97 distinguishes between AMPARs and NMDARs and what role the adaptor/scaffold protein, CASK, plays in the process. Using intramolecular SAP97 Forster resonance energy transfer sensors, we demonstrated that SAP97 is in “extended” or “compact” conformations in vivo. SAP97 conformation was regulated by a direct interaction between SAP97 and CASK through L27 protein-interaction domains on each protein. Unbound SAP97 was mostly in the compact conformation, while CASK binding stabilized it in an extended conformation. In HEK cells and rat hippocampal neurons, SAP97 in the compact conformation preferentially associated and colocalized with GluA1-containing AMPARs, and in the extended conformation colocalized with GluN2B-containing NMDARs. Altogether, our findings suggest a molecular mechanism by which CASK binding regulates SAP97 conformation and its subsequent sorting and synaptic targeting of AMPARs and NMDARs during trafficking to synapses.
LONGITUDINAL RESTRAINT RESPONSE OF EXISTING BRIDGE BEARINGS

Fifteen rocker bridge bearings were cyclically tested to determine their bearing response to simulated seismic longitudinal loads. The objective of the tests was to examine the load-deformation characteristics and energy dissipation capabilities of bearings that have been in service for many years. The results are to be used to determine if existing in-place bearings may be utilized in seismic retrofitting of earthquake-susceptible bridges. The bearings were cycled within working ranges in each direction in the as-received state. The desired friction force hysteretic loops were determined from the net horizontal force-deformation test results. The cycles were applied in a sinusoidal manner in deflection control with a 4-s period to simulate dynamic demand on the bearing. An equivalent friction coefficient was calculated for each bearing. Four of the bearings were tested statically to failure to examine the limit state response. The ultimate limit tests produced horizontal load-deformation data. The horizo...
Functional complementation by wheat eIF2alpha in the yeast GCN2-mediated pathway.

Translational control by specific eIF2alpha phosphorylation on serine 51 has been characterized in all eukaryotes with the significant exception of plants. In order to evaluate the capability of plant eIF2alpha to functionally control translation, the wild type (51S) and a nonphosphorylatable mutant (51A) of wheat eIF2alpha were expressed in a yeast genetic system. Expression of either wheat protein did not handicap growth under conditions that repress the eIF2alpha phosphorylation pathway. However, under conditions that induce specific eIF2alpha phosphorylation only strains expressing wheat 51S were able to grow between 2 and 4 days. Growth was dependent upon activity of yeast eIF2alpha kinase GCN2 and resulted in the increased translation of GCN4. The association between plant eIF2alpha and yeast eIF2B is supported by their specific coimmunoprecipitation from transgenic yeast cells. These data support the similarity among eukaryotic translational initiation processes and strengthen the concept that plants may contain an eIF2alpha phosphorylation pathway.
Translating research into evidence-based practice with potential for population-wide impact.

Kansagra and Farley argue compellingly that a more flexible and relevant research design is needed to evaluate the population-wide impact of public health interventions—particularly when it relates to research that supports policy and environmental change.1 The use of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-led Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) as a proof point in their argument, however, is both unfortunate and inaccurate. Since the publication of the DPP trial results in 2003, at least 26 separate translation studies have been conducted, and a meta-analysis has concluded that clinically significant one-year weight reduction is achievable in DPP-lifestyle intervention adaptations delivered by well-trained community workers.2 One evidence-based translation of the DPP—the YMCA of the USA’s (the Y’s) DPP— is currently being scaled nationally with support from numerous public and private sector organizations including the Centers for Disease Control, the UnitedHealth Group, and the Y. Over the past two years, the Y’s DPP has expanded from just two Ys in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky, to 207 sites spread throughout 47 Ys in 23 states. By the end of 2012, the program is expected to be available at more than 75 Ys in 30 states. In fact, it is the very challenge described in the article—how to go about providing the expertise, quality control, business process infrastructure, and scalability that allow public health initiatives like the DPP to enter into and thrive in the current health care environment—that was the rationale behind the creation of the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance (DPCA). Launched in April 2010 by UnitedHealth Group, the Y, and retail pharmacies, the DPCA enables multiple insurers, retail, government, and community-based non-profit partners to work together to bring the DPP-based intervention program to the market and have a population-wide impact. In short, while the authors’ premise is sound, it is premature to discount the population-wide impact and proven scalability of the NIH-led DPP given the emerging evidence of successful translations.
Synthesis and Analysis of Control Laws for Swarm of Mobile Robots Emulating Ant Foraging Behavior

Ant foraging behavior has inspired research in a number of areas including distributed problem solving such as optimization and task allocation and mobile robot navigation. In the area of swarm robotic systems, ant foraging behavior has been largely modeled via behavior based techniques and analyzed using cellular automata. Development of continuous time models for ant foraging can potentially provide insights into new mechanisms and behaviors used by ants that provide self-organizing capabilities to the ant colony. This paper presents a distributed control law in continuous time that combines gradient following for pheromone concentration as well as food scent with random motion seen in ants. The paper also provides a continuous time model for pheromone laying in a 2D environment and carries out a preliminary numerical stability analysis of the solutions. Extensive simulation studies confirm emergent behaviors seen in ant systems such as trail formation and convergence to single food site. In addition, the paper examines the effect of randomness on robustness of convergence to a single food site.© 2010 ASME
Transcriptome analysis of rice root responses to potassium deficiency

Potassium (K+) is an important nutrient ion in plant cells and plays crucial roles in many plant physiological and developmental processes. In the natural environment, K+ deficiency is a common abiotic stress that inhibits plant growth and reduces crop productivity. Several microarray studies have been conducted on genome-wide gene expression profiles of rice during its responses to various stresses. However, little is known about the transcriptional changes in rice genes under low-K+ conditions. We analyzed the transcriptomic profiles of rice roots in response to low-K+ stress. The roots of rice seedlings with or without low-K+ treatment were harvested after 6 h, and 3 and 5 d, and used for microarray analysis. The microarray data showed that many genes (2,896) were up-regulated or down-regulated more than 1.2-fold during low-K+ treatment. GO analysis indicated that the genes showing transcriptional changes were mainly in the following categories: metabolic process, membrane, cation binding, kinase activity, transport, and so on. We conducted a comparative analysis of transcriptomic changes between Arabidopsis and rice under low-K+ stress. Generally, the genes showing changes in transcription in rice and Arabidopsis in response to low-K+ stress displayed similar GO distribution patterns. However, there were more genes related to stress responses and development in Arabidopsis than in rice. Many auxin-related genes responded to K+ deficiency in rice, whereas jasmonic acid-related enzymes may play more important roles in K+ nutrient signaling in Arabidopsis. According to the microarray data, fewer rice genes showed transcriptional changes in response to K+ deficiency than to phosphorus (P) or nitrogen (N) deficiency. Thus, transcriptional regulation is probably more important in responses to low-P and -N stress than to low-K+ stress. However, many genes in some categories (protein kinase and ion transporter families) were markedly up-regulated, suggesting that they play important roles during K+ deficiency. Comparative analysis of transcriptomic changes between Arabidopsis and rice showed that monocots and dicots share many similar mechanisms in response to K+ deficiency, despite some differences. Further research is required to clarify the differences in transcriptional regulation between monocots and dicots.
Coronary obstruction secondary to direct cannulation.

Abstract Four patients are reported with obstruction of the proximal left main coronary artery that developed following prosthetic replacement of the aortic valve. Angina pectoris and ventricular arrhythmias were the presenting clinical manifestations. Anterior descending coronary artery bypass was used in 3 of the patients and vein patch angioplasty in the fourth. One patient died in the hospital. The 3 survivors achieved relief from angina and ventricular arrhythmias. One patient died from nephropathy 2 1/2 years later. Two patients remained asymptomatic 1 1/2 and 3 years later, respectively. This review emphasizes the need for prompt coronary angiography in patients experiencing angina pectoris after aortic valve replacement, and it shows that coronary revascularization can be performed with satisfactory results.
Ferric Oxalate with Nitric Acid as a Conditioner in an Adhesive Bonding System

Abstract Stron adhesive bonding of composite resins to dentin and enamel is obtained by conditioning the surface and applying adhesion-promoting compounds. This study examines tensile adhesive bond strengths and effects of the conditioners having various concentrations of ferric oxalate (FO) and nitric acid. In the first part of this study, the average tensile bond strengths increased with concentrations of commercial FO as received up to about 6.8% and averaged no higher with higher concentrations. After this part of the testing had been completed, it was discovered that the FO as received contained a small amount of nitric acid. Use of solutions having from 6.8% to 20% ferric oxalate as received yielded bonds with strengths that averaged about 13 MPa psi) to dentin and 16 MPa (2,400 psi) to enamel. In the second part of this study, the FO was stripped of the fortuitous nitric acid and, based on results from the first part of this study, solutions were made up to contain a fixed concentration of purified...
Avicel RC-591/Chitosan Beads by Extrusion-Spheronization Technology

AbstractBeads were successfully prepared using the combination of Avicel RC-591 and chitosan using extrusion and spheronization technology. The effects of different viscosity grades of chitosan (SEACURE 142, 242, 342 and 442) on bead formation and on release profiles were examined using acetaminophen as a model drug. Incorporation of higher viscosity grades of chitosan yielded beads with rough surfaces and slower release characteristics. Seacure 342 was chosen for further studies using acetaminophen and theophylline as model drugs of different solubilities. Beads were prepared with varying proportions of Seacure 342 and Avicel RC-591 (20% drug loading). Drug release from the beads varied with the dissolution method used. Beads were swollen in 0.1 N HC1 while the bead structure remained intact. In water, the beads exhibited gel-like structures.
Systems Analysis Approach to Computer-Based Counseling (SCNRCO) for Addiction Treatment

The idea on which the present program rests is that an person informed with pertinent data is in a better position to make important decisions than is an uninformed person. Being informed with pertinent data involves a critical examination of usual hazards that are associated with select choices, and a comparative assessment of their likely consequences. Of course, at the moment of “truth,” the precise time of decision, it remains the individual alone who makes the choice.
Post-depositional metal enrichment processes inside manganese nodules from the north equatorial Pacific

Abstract Interiors of manganese nodules from siliceous ooze beneath the Pacific equatorial high-productivity region, when examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron microprobe, display post-depositional recrystallization textures and metalliferous oxide bands (diameter 1–10 μm, 30–40 wt.% Mn, 4–5% Ni, 3–4% Cu). SEM has revealed biogenic siliceous matter in all stages of degradation and dissolution within nodule interiors, creating cavities and voids. Often these miniature vugs contain authigenic phillipsite crystallites which are coated with delicate clusters of crystalline Mn-Fe oxides (todorokite) containing significant amounts of Ni and Cu. We postulate the following diagenetic processes and mechanism of uptake of transition metals inside manganese nodules: (1) palagonite + biogenic silica + pelagic clay → phillipsite + montmorillonite; (2) biogenic matter + amorphous FeOOH or δ-MnO2 → Feaq2+ and/or MnIIMnIV oxide (todorokite); (3) aerated seawater or δ-MnO2 + Feaq2+ → FeOOH and/or todorokite (deposited on phillipsite); (4) (NiII and CuII) organic chelates (adsorbed on clays, etc.) + amorphous FeOOH or δ-MnO2 → Ni-Cu-todorokite + phillipsite, etc. This mechanism explains the well-known positive Mn-Ni-Cu and negative Fe-Ni, Fe-Cu correlations in nodules. By analogy with terrestrial todorokites, which require about 8 wt.% Mn to be in the divalent state to stabilize the crystal structure, as much as 8 wt.% (Ni + Cu) could be accommodated in todorokite-bearing deep-sea manganese nodules. However, although such nodules beneficiate Ni and Cu with respect to marine sediments and seawater, they remain undersaturated in these divalent cations.
Electron removal from molecular hydrogen by fully stripped ions at intermediate energies.

A classical phase-space model of the hydrogen molecule is presented and applied to the study of the electron-capture and -ionization processes in collisions of fully stripped ions with ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ at intermediate impact energies and charge states from 1 to 10. The model is based on the independent-electron and the impact-parameter approximations. The electron--impinging-ion and electron--target-nuclei interactions are exactly taken into account. The interaction between the electrons is approximated by model potentials. The calculated total cross sections for production of free electrons and capture of one electron are in good agreement with different experimental data. The ratio between the capture cross sections from molecular and atomic hydrogen targets is also analyzed and compared with available empirical scalings. It is found that this ratio varies from a value less than 1 at low impact energy to 4 at higher energies. The reasons for these differences are discussed. A comparison is made between the capture cross sections for different orientations of the hydrogen molecule.
Characterization of RFLP probe sequences for gene discovery and SSR development in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.

In this study, we collected and analyzed DNA sequence data for 789 previously mapped RFLP probes from Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. DNA sequences, comprising 894 non-redundant contigs and end sequences, were searched against three GenBank databases, nucleotide (nt), protein (nr) and EST (dbEST), using BLAST algorithms. Matching ESTs were also searched against nt and nr. Translated DNA sequences were then searched against the conserved domain database (CDD) to determine if functional domains/motifs were congruent with the proteins identified in previous searches. More than half (500/894 or 56%) of the query sequences had significant matches in at least one of the GenBank searches. Overall, proteins identified for 148 sequences (17%) were consistent among all searches, of which 66 sequences (7%) contained congruent coding domains. The RFLP probe sequences were also evaluated for the presence of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 60 SSRs were developed and assayed in an array of sorghum germplasm comprising inbreds, landraces and wild relatives. Overall, these SSR loci had lower levels of polymorphism (D = 0.46, averaged over 51 polymorphic loci) compared with sorghum SSRs that were isolated by library hybridization screens (D = 0.69, averaged over 38 polymorphic loci). This result was probably due to the relatively small proportion of di-nucleotide repeat-containing markers (42% of the total SSR loci) obtained from the DNA sequence data. These di-nucleotide markers also contained shorter repeat motifs than those isolated from genomic libraries. Based on BLAST results, 24 SSRs (40%) were located within, or near, previously annotated or hypothetical genes. We determined the location of 19 of these SSRs relative to putative coding regions. In general, SSRs located in coding regions were less polymorphic (D = 0.07, averaged over three loci) than those from gene flanking regions, UTRs and introns (D = 0.49, averaged over 16 loci). The sequence information and SSR loci generated through this study will be valuable for application to sorghum genetics and improvement, including gene discovery, marker-assisted selection, diversity and pedigree analyses, comparative mapping and evolutionary genetic studies.
On Supersymmetric Extended Conformal Algebras and Super KP Hierarchy

We consider a possible supersymmetric generalization of the extended conformal algebra with a Z3 symmetry. By drawing analogy from the connection of the KdV hierachy and the conformal algebra, which is a particular case of KP hierachy, we approach the problem in a superspace formalism of the super KP hierachy. A generalization of the Miura transformation and accompanying factorization of the Lax operator is examined. We conclude that the nontrivial factorization of the Lax operator is impossible and thus a nontrivial supersymmetric version of the extended conformal algebra cannot be constructed. We argue that the impossibility is due to the incompatibility of the Z2 grading and Z3 symmetry of the system.
Controlling photoreactions with confinement: Photochemistry of benzoin alkyl ethers within water soluble p-sulfonato calix[n]arenes

Abstract This publication pertains to the exploration of supramolecular assemblies to control excited state chemistry. One of our long-range scientific goals is to develop, on the basis of well-established rules of molecular organic photochemistry and supramolecular chemistry, a model to predict the photobehavior of organic molecules in restricted spaces, in general. We present the results of our studies on the photochemistry of benzoin alkyl ethers included within calixarenes in water. While in isotropic solution benzoin alkyl ethers yield products of Norrish Type I reaction, as guest–host complex with calixarenes they preferentially yield products of Norrish Type II reaction. The current observation suggests that rules of physical organic chemistry and photochemistry developed based on solution chemistry cannot be simply extended to supramolecular assemblies.
Reliability of Q-wave formation and QRS score in predicting regional and global left ventricular performance in acute myocardial infarction with successful reperfusion

Abstract The frequency of electrocardiographic Q-wave formation and the relation of Q wave and QRS score to regional and global left ventricular (LV) performance were determined in 131 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) receiving thrombolytic therapy. Thrombolytic therapy was successful in reperfusing the occluded infarct artery in 100 patients and was unsuccessful in 31. The number of patients who had 1 or more Q waves (88 vs 87%) and 2 or more Q waves (70 vs 74%) was similar. In contrast, normal wall motion was significantly more common in the infarct area in patients in whom reperfusion was successful (42 vs 15%, p
A Reversible Switch on Two-Dimensional Small Interfering RNA Condensation

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are short (19-29bp) double stranded nucleic acids that efficiently mediate gene silencing in mammalian cells by directing the degradation of complementary target mRNA sequences. This has justified the recent development of technologies for siRNA transport into a host cell. Synthetic cationic lipid (CL) assemblies can efficiently be used to deliver siRNA, leading to highly specific gene silencing [1].The ability of CL-siRNA constructs to efficiently knockdown genes is strongly correlated with the packing of the nucleic acid molecules within the lipid bilayer. We used Synchrotron X-ray diffraction to show that CL-siRNA self-assembly may lead to the formation of distinct 2D phases. This includes condensed 2D smetic and isotropic phases with reversible transitions between them mediated by a combination of electrostatic and thermal fluctuations effects.Funding provided by NIH GM-59288, DOE-DE-FG02-06ER46314, and NSF DMR-0803103. Cecilia Leal is funded by the Swedish Research Council and in part by DOE.[1] Bouxsein et al. Biochemistry (2007) 46, 4785.
A study of some potential energy functions for diatomic molecules

A detailed study of the performance of the Morse, the Hulburt--Hirschfelder and the Lippincott potential energy functions has been carried out by comparing them with the Rydberg–Klein–Rees potential energy curves for a number of electronic states of various diatomic molecules. Further, by employing the above potential energy functions, the radial Schrodinger equation has been solved for the vibrational energy levels, G(v), and the vibrational wave functions, ψv. The latter have been employed to determine the rotational constants, Bv, for the individual vibrational energy levels. Then the molecular constants, we, wexe, weye, Be, αe and γe for the various electronic states, have been computed by using the values of G(v) and Bv. A comparison of the molecular constants derived in this manner with the experimental ones reveals better agreement, in most cases, than that reported by previous workers.
Spectroscopic and kinetic studies of the reactions of iron(III) porphyrins with alkyl thiols

Abstract The reaction of toluene solutions of FeTPPCl with RSH (R = CH 3 or (CH 3 ) 3 C) in the presence of pyridine has been studied by epr and electronic spectra. The reaction results in the reduction of FeTPPCl to FeTPP(Py) 2 and the oxidation of RSH to R 2 S 2 . Kinetic data obtained for the reaction shows the observed rate law to be: −d[ Fe TTPCl]/I d t = k[ Fe TPPCl][ R SH][ Py ] 3 Epr studies show the involvement of two paramagnetic, S = 1/2, intermediates. The first intermediate is assigned as FeTPP(Py)(SR), while the second intermediate is postulated as FeTPP(Py) 2 (RS). Possible structures for this second intermediate are discussed. A mechanism is proposed which it consistant with the observed data. The intocatalytic nature of this system is also described.
Severe Blunt Chest Trauma: Studies of Pulmonary Mechanics and Blood Gases

here has been considerable interest in the past few years in the clinical management of severe closed thoracic trauma, comT monly called crushed chest. This interest is justified by the increasing number of automobile accidents, bringing more of these patients to the hospitals, and by the high mortality and morbidity associated with these injuries. Emphasis has been placed on the extent of the bony injury, paradoxical respiration of the flail chest, and control of the deleterious effects of paradoxical respiration by traction, internal fixation, tracheostomy, and positive pressure ventilation [l, 2, 6, 10-121. The prognosis after blunt trauma to the chest has been greatly improved with this type of management. However, little attention had been paid to the traumatized lungs and the effect of lung injury upon the respiratory
Bounds on elastic moduli of composites

General computable bounds are developed for the stored elastic energy of a finite-sized sample of heterogeneous material which consists of a matrix containing disconnected inclusions which may themselves be heterogeneous. These bounds also apply to the limiting cases of elastic solids with disconnected cavities or rigid inclusions. The lower bounds for solids with cavities are nonzero, and the upper bounds for solids with rigid inclusions are finite. As an illustration, closed-form bounds are obtained for the overall elastic parameters of fiber reinforced composites. The fiber packing may be triangular, square, or hexagonal. Though the results are presented for fibers with hexagonal cross sections, the closed-form expressions also apply to arbitrarily shaped cross sections. The general procedure also applies to nonlinear heterogeneous solids which possess convex strain and stress potentials.
Status of hemodialysis adequacy in the United States: Does it account for improved patient survival?

Abstract Certain analyses have suggested that the United States has lower patient survival than other comparable industrialized nations, but it remains to be determined whether this is due to the "adequacy" of dialysis in the United States. Substantial evidence exists that the doses of hemodialysis delivered in the United States have increased over the last 6 years. Databases from Fresenius Medical Care and the National Core Indicators Project from the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) have shown that as dialysis dose has increased, mortality has decreased. However, commensurate with this has been the introduction of other technologies and practices, such as anemia control and others. Discerning the relative role of these independent factors on outcome remains complicated. While awaiting the results of the National Institutes of Health HEMO study, this article discusses the merits and contributions of the increasing doses of dialysis on outcome. (Am J Kidney Dis 1998 Dec;32(6 Suppl 4):S39-43)
Optically Accessible Pressurized Research Combustor for Computational Fluid Dynamics Model Validation

The development of, and results from, the operation of an optically accessible industrial-scale research combustor, designed to provide comprehensive data sets to assist the development of large eddy simulation codes for turbulent combustion applications is discussed. The combustor can be operated at elevated pressure and inlet air temperature, with precisely determined thermal, acoustic, and flow boundary conditions. The effect of fuel composition is investigated by augmenting the natural gas baseline fuel with hydrogen using a lean-premixed combustor configuration. A detailed description of the research combustor and test facility is provided, and recent data on the effects of hydrogen content and combustor heat losses on lean extinction limits, dynamic stability, and pollutant emissions are included. Analysis of the results confirm that heat losses in the combustor play an important role in pollutant formation and that characterization of the thermal boundary conditions is crucial in providing explicit data sets for model validation.
Validation of a global pelvic floor symptom bother questionnaire

This study aimed to validate a symptom questionnaire to assess presence and patient bother as related to common pelvic floor disorders. The validation of the Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire (PFBQ) included evaluation of internal reliability, test-retest reliability, and validity of the items. A total of 141 patients with mean age of 61.8 ± 13.2 were included in the study. Twenty-four percent of patients complained of stress urinary incontinence, 14.9% mixed incontinence, 14.9% urge incontinence, 10% fecal incontinence, 5.7% obstructed defecation, 28.4% pelvic organ prolapse, and 2.1% dyspareunia. The PFBQ demonstrated good reliability (α = 0.61-0.74; ICC = 0.94). There was a strong agreement beyond chance observed for each question (k = 0.77-0.91). PFBQ correlated with stage of prolapse (ρ = 0.73, p < 0.0001), number of urinary and fecal incontinence episodes (ρ = 0.81, p < 0.0001; ρ = 0.54, p < 0.0001), and obstructed defecation (ρ = 0.55, p < 0.0001). The PFBQ is a useful tool that can be easily used for identification and severity or bother assessment of various pelvic floor symptoms.
A new MVA-based approximation for closed queueing networks with a preemptive priority server

Abstract We propose a new MVA-based noniterative algorithm for solving closed queueing network models of computer systems with a preemptive priority server. The algorithm attempts to capture synchronization error, delay error, and the effect of preemption on the interarrival time variability of lower priority jobs at FCFS servers. The principal feature of our approximation is that it attempts to capture the effects of preemption not only at the priority server, but also at other servers in the system. Numerical results indicate that the algorithm predicts the performance measures of low priority jobs more accurately than previously developed MVA-based algorithms.
Overexpression of an archaeal protein in yeast: secretion bottleneck at the ER.

Archaeal enzymes have great potential for industrial use; however, expressing them in their natural hosts has proven challenging. Growth conditions for many archaea are beyond typical fermentation capabilities, and to compound the problem, archaea generally achieve much lower biomass yields than Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To determine whether a eukaryotic host, S. cerevisiae, would be a suitable alternative for archaeal protein production, we examined the expression of the tetrameric beta-glucosidase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus. We engineered the beta-glucosidase to facilitate secretion into the culture medium and have demonstrated the beta-glucosidase's secretion and activity. We determined the dependence of beta-glucosidase secretion on gene copy number and obtained a transformant capable of secreting approximately 10 mg/L in batch culture. All transformants retained large intracellular fractions of beta-glucosidase, indicative of an intracellular bottleneck. Cell fractionation by sucrose density centrifugation and immunofluorescence identified the endoplasmic reticulum as the secretion bottleneck. Preliminary evidence indicates that the cause of this bottleneck is misfolding of the monomeric beta-glucosidase, rather than tetrameric association. Expression at moderately elevated temperatures (between 30 and 40 degrees C) improved beta-glucosidase yields, suggesting that higher temperature expression may improve folding and secretion yields.
Knockdown of Hnrnpa0, a del(5q) gene, alters myeloid cell fate in murine cells through regulation of AU-rich transcripts

The control of mRNA stability plays a central role in orchestrating gene-regulatory networks in hematopoietic cell growth, differentiation and tumorigenesis. HNRNPA0, which encodes an RNA-binding protein shown to regulate transcript stability via binding to the AU-rich elements of mRNAs, is located within the commonly deleted segment of 5q31.2 in myeloid neoplasms with a del(5q), and is expressed at haploinsufficient levels in these patients. We show that HNRNPA0 is normally highly expressed in hematopoietic stem cells and exhibits dynamic changes in expression during the course of differentiation. To model HNRNPA0 haploinsufficiency, we used RNAi interference in primary murine cells and an experimental cell system, and found that reduced Hnrnpa0 expression leads to a shift from monocytic towards granulocytic differentiation. Microarray-based global expression profiling revealed that Hnrnpa0 knockdown disproportionally impacts AU-rich containing transcripts and alters expression of myeloid specification genes. In therapy-related myeloid neoplasms with a del(5q), AU-rich containing mRNAs are enriched in transcripts that encode proteins associated with increased growth and proliferation. Our findings implicate haploinsufficiency of HNRNPA0 as one of the key initiating mutations in the pathogenesis of myeloid neoplasms with a del(5q), and suggest that therapies that target AU-rich elements warrant consideration in efforts to develop new mechanism-based treatment strategies.