cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Claustrin, an antiadhesive neural keratan sulfate proteoglycan, is structurally related to MAP1B

Our laboratory has recently identified a keratan sulfate proteoglycan (KSPG), named claustrin, that inhibits neural cell adhesion and neurite outgrowth in the chick nervous system. Antisera prepared against claustrin were used to screen a cDNA expression library from embryonic day 9 chick brain. Initial characterization of positive cDNAs revealed a high degree of homology to the mouse MAP1B gene, although these cDNAs represent a 5' truncated fragment of MAP1B. Protein sequencing of three peptides derived from a tryptic digest of purified, keratanase-treated claustrin also revealed strong homology to MAP1B, and confirmed the authenticity of the 3.4 kb claustrin cDNA. To further determine the relationship between these two proteins, we used antibodies against MAP1B and KSPGs in immunoblotting and immunohistochemical studies. These studies demonstrated cross-reactivity between MAP1B and claustrin antibodies, and that monoclonal antibodies to cartilage keratan sulfate react with MAP1B in rat nervous tissue, and with claustrin in the chick nervous system. In addition, keratanase treatment of a taxol microtubule fraction from chick or rat brain eliminated MAP1B, as detected by immunoblotting with the MAP5 monoclonal antibody. These results suggest that MAP1B and claustrin are highly related, if not identical, proteins.
A method for comparing panel complexity to traditional material and production cost estimating techniques

Abstract In this paper a metric for assessing the producibility of a stiffened grillage structure in the early stage design is presented. This metric is comprised of seven separate producibility drivers that are dependent on the properties of the panel. The new producibility metric is compared with a traditional costing method in a two-objective genetic algorithm to show that there is a competition between the two methods, meaning that the new metric gives a designer additional information at the early design stage. The estimated costs versus producibility scores for several grillage sizes show that large gains in producibility can be made without large increases in estimated costs up until a critical point where a knee in the Pareto front occurs. Furthermore, it was found that the individual producibility elements are highly dependent on the size of the panel tested and the constraints the panel must meet. In general, producibility is a key factor to be considered in structural design and should be accounted for in any structural optimization.
Phospholipase activity in bacteriophage-infected Escherichia coli. I. Demonstration of a T4 bacteriophage-associated phospholipase.

Abstract Phospholipase activity has been found to be associated with T4 phage and T4 ghost particles. The attachment of the phospholipase to the phage persists during purification through cesium chloride gradients and dialysis, indicating that it is firmly bound. The presence of the enzymatic activity on T4 ghosts suggests that it is not normally packaged within the head of the virus. The enzyme has specificity for phosphatidylglycerol and its activity is stimulated by 0.1% Triton X-100 and 20% methanol. It does not have a requirement for Ca2+ and is inactivated at temperatures above 60 C. The association of the phospholipase with T4 phage grown in a phospholipase-deficient host and its absence on unsuppressed T4amtA3 suggests that it may be phage gene specific.
Experimental Investigation of Thermal and Hydrodynamic Development Regions for Drag-Reducing Surfactant Solutions

The reductions in friction and heat transfer exhibited by a surfactant solution in the entry region of a circular pipe were measured and analyzed, with special attention paid to the relationship between the local heat transfer and friction. Two entrance configurations were used, a cone contraction and wire mesh plugs used as a device for velocity profile flattening. Both the simultaneous development of temperature and velocity profiles and the development of temperature profile with hydrodynamically predeveloped flow were studied. Interestingly, the local heat transfer measurements for surfactant solutions matched very well a correlation developed for polymer solutions, but for surfactants the development of the heat transfer and velocity profiles appear coupled, unlike what is thought to happen for polymer solutions. The development patterns appear to be independent of velocity and entrance type at low disturbance levels. At high disturbance levels, however, some striking changes in the fluid itself, likely due to temporary micellar structure degradation by high local shear stress in the inlet region, were observed as well, and quantified.
SV40-transformed human cells fail to grow in zinc concentrations which permit normal human fibroblast proliferation

Zinc is a metal known to be required for normal growth of both cells, and organisms. When normal and SV40-transformed human tumor cells are plated and grown in medium containing zinc sulfate, a significant fraction of the transformed cells fail to grow at zinc concentrations which are relatively nontoxic to the normal fibroblasts. Although cultured cells respond to certain metallic ions by increasing their metallothionein content, no difference in the ability of normal and transformed cells to produce metallothionein in response to zinc exposure could be detected, thus ruling out this mechanism as a basis for the differing abilities of the cells to grow in zinc in vitro. These results suggest that zinc may be capable of differentially regulating the growth of normal and SV40-transformed human fibroblasts.
A STUDY OF THE PATTERN OF POSTEMBRYONIC GROWTH OF M. GRACILIS IN MICE.

Abstract The redistribution of marks of India ink, tantalum wire, or silk sutures placed on M. gracilis of the mouse during postembryonic growth reveals that the muscle increases its length by addition of new materials at its attachments. Correlation of the distribution of muscle nuclei labeled after birth with thymidine-H3 and the arrangement of fiber bundles in serial cross sections of the entire length of the muscle at various intervals indicates that the macroscopic growth patterns depends on that of individual fibers.
Regulation of Heparin-Binding EGF-Like Growth Factor by miR-212 and Acquired Cetuximab-Resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background We hypothesized that chronic inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by cetuximab, a monoclonal anti-EGFR antibody, induces up-regulation of its ligands resulting in resistance and that microRNAs (miRs) play an important role in the ligand regulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Grafts in dermatologic surgery: review and update on full- and split-thickness skin grafts, free cartilage grafts, and composite grafts.

Background. Skin grafting has evolved in the past centuries to encompass numerous well-established reconstruction techniques that are uniquely able to restore structure, function, and cosmesis to a variety of surgical wounds. Objective. To provide a detailed overview of the general principles of skin grafting geared for the dermatologist and the dermatologic surgeon. Methods. Comprehensive review of the literature. Results. A summary of the different applications and techniques of full- and split-thickness skin grafts, free cartilage grafts, and composite grafts is presented. Indications, advantages, disadvantages, techniques, and complications are discussed in depth. Conclusion. Skin grafting is a dynamic and versatile method of cutaneous reconstruction that can be accomplished successfully with a thorough understanding of the principles and techniques of grafting.
Sensitometry At Low X-Ray Energies

Inverse-square sensitometry for low kVp techniques is limited by air attenuation and beam hardening. It is thus difficult to obtain accurate H and D curves for mammographic screen-film combinations at technique factors used clinically. Methods are described for the determination of characteristic curves at low x-ray energies which provide composite intensity-scale curves using small changes in source-to-receptor distance and concomitant changes in either exposure time, beam attenuation or kVp. H and D curves obtained at low kVp's using the various sensitometric approaches are compared with those obtained using inverse-square sensitometry; the relative merits of the different methods are discussed.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Immune Status at Presentation to Care Did Not Improve among Antiretroviral-Naive Persons from 1990 to 2006

Background. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention initiatives to improve access to HIV services have increased over time. Despite this, >250,000 cases of HIV infection in the United States are undiagnosed, and many infected persons do not present for care until their HIV infection is advanced. Late presentation may increase the risk of HIV transmission and make HIV infection more difficult to treat effectively. With more effective HIV therapy, it was hoped that patients might present earlier in their disease course. Methods. To assess immune status and time of HIV diagnosis in patients who newly presented for care, we analyzed data for the period 1990-2006 from patients who were antiretroviral naive at presentation to the Johns Hopkins HIV Clinic in Baltimore, Maryland. We compared CD4 + cell count and time from HIV diagnosis at presentation by demographic characteristics at enrollment. Results. The median presenting CD4 + cell count decreased from 371 cells/mm 3 during 1990-1994 to 276 cells/ mm 3 during 2003-2006 (P<.01) overall and decreased within individual demographic groups. There was also a decrease in the median time from HIV diagnosis to presentation for care (271 days in 1990-1994 to 196 days in 2003-2006; P<.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that, in addition to CD4 + cell count at presentation, male sex was associated with lower CD4 + cell counts (-93 cells/mm 3 ), as was black race (-71 cells/mm 3 ) and older age (-20 cells/mm 3 per 10 years). Conclusions. There has been a decrease in time from diagnosis of HIV infection to presentation for care, coupled with an increase in the severity of immunocompromise at time of presentation, over the past 16 years in Maryland. New strategies to provide earlier HIV testing and referral into care are urgently needed.
Microalbuminuria in a normotensive insulin-treated diabetic population.

Thirty-five insulin-treated diabetics without overt proteinuria or hypertension, and taking no antihypertensive medications were screened at three clinical centers for the presence of microalbuminuria. In addition to the presence of albuminuria, patients were evaluated for duration and type of diabetes, retinopathy, blood pressure, and degree of diabetic control. In these patients, it was possible to examine the degree of microalbuminuria as a function of systolic and diastolic blood pressures, age and sex of the patient, site of recruitment, duration of diabetes, and glycemic control. On multivariate statistical analysis, systolic blood pressure was the only factor that contributed to microalbuminuria. An additional 37 patients had urinary albumin excretion measured, although biochemical and clinical characteristics were incompletely determined. Blood pressures were documented to be normal in 23 of these individuals, while the other fourteen were normal by history. The range of urinary albumin excretion was comparable in the patients with complete data bases and those without. Overall, 22.2% of the normotensive insulin-treated patients screened had microalbuminuria, 5.5% had gross albuminuria, while 72.2% had normal urinary albumin excretion. We agree with previous reports that microalbuminuria is relatively uncommon in the normotensive diabetic population, but further conclude that even in the context of "normal" blood pressure, systolic blood pressure should be carefully observed in diabetic patients. It is possible that these individuals should be considered for more aggressive monitoring programs, e.g., ambulatory blood pressure recording.
Monitoring clinical trials of therapeutic vaccines in HIV infection: role of treatment interruption.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To outline the rationale for testing therapeutic vaccines in HIV infection and to discuss the ways in which the antiviral activities of these vaccination trials can be evaluated. In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy, analytical treatment interruption has served as the gold standard to evaluate therapeutic vaccine strategies. RECENT FINDINGS In the era before the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy, therapeutic vaccine trials showed minimal evidence of antiviral activity. It is not clear whether these failures reflect the immune suppressive effects of HIV replication or the inadequacy of early vaccine constructs and strategies. Recent studies have provided some optimism that therapeutic vaccine strategies may be effective in chronic established infection and perhaps even in chronic HIV infection. Approaches to evaluate the activities of candidate therapeutic vaccine strategies in the era of antiretroviral therapy have included analytical treatment interruptions, but recently the safety of this has been called into question. SUMMARY Although analytical treatment interruption remains the current standard for evaluating the antiviral activities of therapeutic immunization strategies in established HIV infection, other methods and strategies may prove useful and should be evaluated.
When Opioids Cause Pain

A 54-year-old African American man with an 8-month history of hepatocellular carcinoma causing spinal cord compression and status, postradiation therapy of the spine, suffered from back pain accompanied by burning and lancinating pain in both thighs. Pain therapy consisted of oral oxycodone extended release 800 mg every 8 hours and rescue doses of oral oxycodone 200 mg every 1 hour as needed for breakthrough pain. Additional medications included dexamethasone 6 mg every 6 hours, pregabalin 150 mg every 8 hours, and levetiracetam 1,500 mg every 12 hours. Three weeks after completing radiation therapy, the patient complained of increasing, generalized burning pain and an exquisite sensitivity to light touch or any type of clothing in contact with his body. The pain was generalized but most prominent in the lower extremities. The patient rated the pain intensity as a 10/10 on a numerical rating scale (NRS; 0 no pain, 10 worst pain imaginable). Changing the patient’s pain therapy to oral methadone 225 mg every 8 hours and buccal fentanyl 800 g every 1 hour as needed provided some shortterm relief of the burning sensation but the allodynia persisted. Five days later, the patient’s burning pain was back to a 10/10 on a NRS and was accompanied by severe touch-evoked allodynia and myocloni of the lower and upper extremities. The patient was unable to perform daily activities. Turning him in bed or putting blankets on him provoked intolerable pain. Changing the patient’s pain therapy to intravenous methadone 30 mg/h with intravenous methadone 10 mg every 15 minutes as needed for breakthrough pain provided some short-term relief. However, within 2 days the patient suffered again from generalized severe burning pain (10/10 NRS), allodynia, and myocloni while also becoming delirious. A positron emission tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging of the total spine demonstrated no major structural change, and an magnetic resonance imaging scan of the head revealed no brain metastases or other intracranial pathology. Intravenous lorazepam 1 mg as needed and intravenous ketamine 1 mg/h were started to alleviate symptoms. Over the course of 1 week, ketamine was increased to 13 mg/h with partial resolution of the myocloni but persistence of the delirious state. Subsequently, intravenous methadone was reduced over 4 to 5 days to 12 mg/h. This resulted in decreased burning pain (5 to 6 of 10 NRS) and reduced allodynia. An attempt to increase the methadone dose aggravated the burning pain as well as the allodynia. The patient was kept on intravenous methadone 12 mg/h, ketamine 13 mg/h, and lorazepam 1 to 2 mg as needed. He died 3 months later on home hospice. His pain remained at 4 to 5 of 10 (NRS) for the last month of his life with neuropathic pain, but less intense allodynia and myocloni-free intervals were of longer duration. His mental status waxed and waned until he died.
Membrane Surface Dynamics of DNA-Threaded Nanopores Revealed by Simultaneous Single-Molecule Optical and Ensemble Electrical Recording

We describe a method for simultaneous single-molecule optical and electrical characterization of membrane-based sensors that contain ion-channel nanopores. The technique is used to study the specific and nonspecific interactions of streptavidin-capped DNA polymers with lipid bilayers composed of diphytanoyl phosphatidylcholine and diphytanoyl phosphatidylglycerol. Biotinylated DNA that is bound to fluorescently labeled streptavidin is electrophoretically driven into, or away from, the lumen of alpha hemolysin (alphaHL) ion channels by an external electric field. Confocal microscopy simultaneously captures single-molecule fluorescence dynamics from the membrane interface at different applied potentials. Fluorescence correlation analysis is used to determine the surface number density and diffusion constant of membrane-associated complexes. The dual optical and electrical approach can detect membrane-associated species at a surface coverage below 10(-5) monolayers of streptavidin, a sensitivity that surpasses most other in vitro surface analysis techniques. By comparing the change in transmembrane current to the number of fluorescent molecules leaving the bilayer when the electrical potential is reversed, we demonstrate the general utility of the approach within the context of nanopore-based sensing and discuss a mechanism by which DNA-streptavidin complexes can be nonspecifically retained at the membrane interface.
Relationships Between Sensory Attributes and Objective Measurements of Postharvest Quality of Tomatoes

Sensory and objective measures of postharvest quality of fresh market tomatoes were obtained before retail to the consumer. Effects of storage at 10°C and 21°C and differences in sensory quality of “ethylene-treated” versus “vine-ripened” tomatoes were determined. Principal component analyses of 19 variables reduced these to a maximum of six factors which explain 71% of the variance which could allow a reduction in the number of analytical tests. No objective measures other than firmness and color correlated with sensory measures. Except for color, sensory scores of Winter and Spring tomatoes were below the halfway point on the rating scale. Scores improved after storage at 21°C for 7 days. The only difference found in “ethylene-treated” and “vine-ripened” tomatoes was firmness “to the touch.”
Wings in the intershaft space contribute to the Mueller-Lyer illusion.

The interference of the wings of the wings-in part of the Mueller-Lyer figure was examined for the version of the illusion in which one part of the figure is placed above the other. Wings were remo...
Calcium-dependent increase in tyrosine kinase activity stimulated by angiotensin II.

Abstract The cellular effects of numerous hormones and neurotransmitters, including the vasoactive agents angiotensin II (AngII) and [Arg8]vasopressin, are mediated in part by protein-serine threonine kinases activated by increase of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. In this study, we have tested the ability of Ca(2+)-mobilizing agents to activate cellular tyrosine kinases. Treatment of intact GN4 liver epithelial cells with AngII rapidly (less than or equal to 15 sec) increased tyrosine kinase activity measured either in unfractionated cell lysates or in anti-phosphotyrosine immune complexes from detergent-solubilized cells. Increased phosphorylation of the exogenous substrate poly(Glu80Tyr20) (3- to 4-fold over control) by immunoprecipitated kinases closely paralleled the time- and dose-dependence of the appearance of tyrosine phosphoproteins in intact cells. This effect of AngII was mimicked by thapsigargin, a Ca(2+)-elevating tumor promoter. The ability of AngII, but not epidermal growth factor, to increase tyrosine kinase activity was blocked in cells loaded with the Ca2+ chelator bis-(O-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid. Dephosphorylation of immunoprecipitated proteins by tyrosine phosphatase treatment was accompanied by a 60-70% loss in in vitro kinase activity, suggesting that the AngII-sensitive kinase(s) are activated by phosphorylation in intact cells. These findings demonstrate a link between two widely occurring signaling pathways, the tyrosine kinases and the Ca2+ second-messenger system, and suggest the possible involvement of Ca(2+)-activated tyrosine kinases in the endocrine actions of AngII and [Arg8]vasopressin.
The contemporary approach to diagnosis and management of peritonsillar abscess.

Purpose of review Peritonsillar abscess is a common problem, but some aspects of diagnosis and management remain controversial. We review the recent literature on peritonsillar abscess. Recent findings Intraoral ultrasound can be a helpful diagnostic tool for peritonsillar abscess. For management, needle aspiration, incision and drainage, and quinsy tonsillectomy all yield successful results. Recent reviews have still not established that one treatment is consistently preferred. A randomized, placebo-controlled trail found that the use of intravenous steroids seems to reduce many symptoms, when used along with abscess drainage. Summary The use of steroids may be beneficial in the treatment of peritonsillar abscess, and different techniques for abscess drainage are still used around the world, with consistently good results.
Assignment of tools to machines in a flexible manufacturing system

Abstract Subgradient optimization is employed to solve the problem of assigning tools to machines in a flexible manufacturing system (FMS). Machines in the FMS have a limited number of slots in the tool mafazine, and tools may require multiple slots. Tools are grouped based upon a pairwise similarity coefficient that indicates the frequency of successive operations that require both tools. Typical solution strategies have included graph theoretic heuristics. Lagrangian relaxation is utilized in the algorithm developed in this article. The problem is formulated as a linear integer program. After dualizing two sets of constraints, two integer subproblems are formed in which the first is further decomposed into several knapsack subproblems. The second subproblem can be solved by a linear network code. A subgradient algorithm is developed to solve the dual problem. The algorithm is compared to a graph theoretic heuristic that utilizes cluster analysis. For most test problems, the subgradient algorithm is superior, but is sensitive to convergence parameters.
Nonlinear effects of a modal domain optical fiber sensor in a vibration suppression control loop for a flexible structure

Recently, a modal domain optical fiber sensor has been demonstrated as a sensor in a control system for vibration suppression of a flexible cantilevered beam. This sensor responds to strain through a mechanical attachment to the structure. Because this sensor is of the interferometric type, the output of the sensor has a sinusoidal nonlinearity. For small levels of strain, the sensor can be operated in its linear region. For large levels of strain, the detection electronics can be configured to count fringes. In both of these configurations, the sensor nonlinearity imposes some restrictions on the performance of the control system. In this paper we investigate the effects of these sensor nonlinearities on the control system, and identify the region of linear operation in terms of the optical fiber sensor parameters.
An asymmetric total synthesis of vitamin d3 (cholecalciferol)

Abstract The total synthesis of cholecalciferol via an intramolecular Diels-Alder approach is described.
Experimental evidence for quasimelting in small particles.

We present experimental evidence which demonstrates for the first time that small particles on substrates sit in deep potential-energy wells and, once floated out of these, can quasimelt between various local minima on shallow morphological free-energy surfaces. The energy needed to nucleate the quasimolten state is found to be orders of magnitude larger than that needed to sustain the state. The particles retain the unstable state for long intervals of time until they find another well on the substrate in which they can form a stable Wulff polyhedron shape.
METHODS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE KINETIC DIAGRAMS OF FATIGUE FRACTURE FOR STEELS UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF TRАNSVERSE SHEAR WITH REGARD FOR THE FRICTION OF CRACK LIPS

We propose the design of a specimen for the investigation of the fatigue fracture of steels under transverse shear. A formula for the determination of the stress intensity factor with regard for the friction of crack lips is obtained with the use of the finite-element method. The methods aimed at the construction of the kinetic diagrams of fatigue fracture under the conditions of transverse shear are developed and tested on specimens of 65G structural steel. We plot the kinetic diagram of fatigue fracture and approximate its middle segment by a linear dependence in the established parameters.
On tests of uniformity

Let X1,…,Xn be independent observations from a distribution on the interval (a,b). Fur each of three types of nonuniformity, we consider tests of uniformity (a and b known) designed to detect alternatives of that type. The types of nonuniformity are (i) U-shaped, (ii) unimodal symmetric or nearly symmetric, and (iii) nonsymmetric distributions that have decreasing density or that are unimodal with mode close to a. A Monte Carlo power study is given. The application to testing the distributional hypothesis of exponentiality against specific types of nonexponentiality is discussed. An easy extension of tests of uniformity to the case of unknown endpoints is pointed out; and an investigation of power properties, including a Monte Carlo study, is given.
Identification of N-(2-propenal)ethanolamine as a urinary metabolite of malondialdehyde.

Abstract N -(2-propenal)ethanolamine was isolated from rat and human urine using anion exchange, cation exchange, size exclusion and high performance liquid chromatography. Acid hydrolysis of the isolate yielded malondialdehyde (MDA) and ethanolamine (E) in a 1:1 molar ratio. A 1:1 E-MDA adduct was synthesized and found to be chromatographically inseparable from the urinary metabolite. Its NMR and UV spectra and lack of fluorescence were consistent with those of an enaminal formed by a Schiff's base reaction. The identification in urine of an adduct of MDA with ethanolamine, and the previous identification of an adduct with serine, constitutes direct evidence for the oxidative decomposition in vivo of polyunsaturated fatty acids present in the relevant phospholipids. The absence in urine of MDA adducts with other α-amino compounds (at least in comparable amounts) indicates that the ethanolamine and serine derivatives are formed in situ and not as a result of reactions with MDA generated in enzymatic processes.
Monomeric copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes of N,N,N?,N?-tetrakis [(2-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-1,2-cyclohexanediamine], a chelating ligand containing imidazole groups

CuII and NiII coordination compounds with N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis[(2-benzimidazolyl)methyl]-1,2-cyclohexanediamine (CDTB) have been prepared and characterized. The crystal structure of [Cu(CDTB)](ClO4)2 has been determined. The geometry around the Cu atom is highly irregular and can best be described as a cis-distorted octahedron, with four short Cu―N bond distances of 1.988(3) A and 2.028(3) A, and two very long Cu―N bond lengths of 2.543(4) A. The cis N―Cu―N chelate angles in the complex range from 68.8(2)∘ for N(1)―Cu―N(1)′ to 141.03° for N(4)―Cu―N(1). The cyclic voltammogram of the complex shows a fully reversible one-electron redox wave at E1/2 = 0.162V versus standard calomel electrode, corresponding to the CuI/II redox couple. The structure of [Ni(CDTB)](NO3)2 ·EtOH has also been determined. The geometry around the Ni atom in this compound can be described as distorted octahedral, with N(4), N(4)′, N(1), N(1)′ as the ligating atoms in the basal plane, with cis chelate angles ranging from 79.37(10) to 120.9(2)° with the trans N(2)―Ni―N(2)′ angle at 175.1(2)°. The structural differences in these two compounds are undoubtedly electronic rather than steric.
Synthesis of modified PbTiO3 powders and fibers by a liquid mix process

Abstract Modified PbTiO3 powders and fibers were fabricated using a liquid mix process. The processing parameters, such as calcinations temperature, ball milling conditions, and sintering temperature were correlated to the degree of powder aggregation, phase development, density, grain size, and microstructure uniformity. Results indicated that the degree of aggregation was strongly dependent on the calcinations temperature, and less dependent on the milling solvent and pH values. Powder with an extremely small particle size (∼0.1–0.2 μm) and the desired perovskite structure, was obtained by calcining the precursor resin at 450 °C. Powder compacts made from this powder were sintered to nearly full density at 1200 °C with a uniform microstructure. Through proper control of the rheological properties of the precursor by addition of small amount of polyacrylic acid, continuous precursor fibers were drawn. Oxide fibers were synthesized by subjecting the precursor fibers to a two-step heat treatment schedule at 600 °C in N2 and air. Both hollow and solid fibers were pulled from the precursor mixture. The strength of the fibers was high enough to be handled but not high enough to enable the fabrication of a 1–3 composite structure. Further improvement of the control over processing parameters will be required to synthesize fibers for such use. However, the feasibility of using a liquid mix process for fabricating these fibers was established.
A two-layer model of the Gulf Stream

A theory is developed for a two-layer inertial model of the Gulf Stream. Both layers are in motion, but it is assumed that the ratio of the geostrophic drift in the lower layer to that of the upper layer is small. Approximate analytical solutions are obtained under this assumption. In addition, a criterion for the existence of inertial boundary currents is established. An important result is the prediction of deep and surface countercurrents to the east of the high velocity part of the Stream. These are due to the effect of bottom topography. Another important result is that the interface at the coast comes to the surface at a lower latitude if the deep water is in motion, and that the intersection of the interface and the sea surface extends out to sea in a northeasterly direction from the coast. The theory of the flow near the line of zero upper layer depth is as yet incomplete. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1968.tb00391.x
A role for hypothalamic astrocytes in dehydroepiandrosterone and estradiol regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release by GnRH neurons

Molecules of astrocyte origin influence gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release and GnRH neuronal growth and differentiation. Furthermore, type 1 astrocytes express steroid receptors, presenting
A NEW METHOD FOR THE MILD AND SELECTIVE REDUCTION OF ARYL NITRO GROUPS ON SOLID SUPPORT

Abstract An efficient method for the solid-phase reduction of aryl nitro groups to anilines is described. Among the several reagents tried, chromium chloride was found to be most effective for this reaction. For the substrates examined, reduction occurs in high yield regardless of the substitution pattern on the aromatic ring, and without affecting other reducible functionality.
The National Computer Systems Laboratory: an overview of technical activities

Abstract The National Computer Systems Laboratory (NCSL) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) performs computer and related telecommunications research, develops standards and guidelines for computer systems, and provides technical assistance and advisory services to US government agencies. These activities support requirements for interoperable hardware, software and communications systems, for the exchange of information between systems, and for the protection of information from threats of all kinds.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Complications Related to Left Ventricular Function in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Three complications of acute myocardial infarction without myocardial rupture are directly associated to the function of the myocardium: papillary muscle dysfunction, congestive heart failure, and cardiogenic shock. In this article, the pathophysiological mechanism of each complication is discussed, and the contribution of echocardiography to diagnosis and management is reviewed.
Enhancing the resolution of the forward second harmonic imaging using the two-photon laser scanning microscope

Abstract The effect of increasing the numerical aperture and changing the immersion imaging medium of the objective in the forward second harmonic imaging of the grana and intergranal parts of chloroplasts in the leaves of shade moss Plagiomnium affine plant were demonstrated. Also the enhancement of the forward second harmonic generation images and simultaneously records the forward and backward second harmonic signals were demonstrated. The second harmonic signals in the forward and backward directions are generated by a tightly focused linearly polarized femtosecond pulses laser. Conclusions Forward second harmonic signals were successfully enhanced by capturing higher order of diffraction rays from the samples using high numerical aperture water immersion objective.
A nonlinear model for ferromagnetic shape memory alloy actuators

Abstract Ferromagnetic shape memory alloys (FSMAs) such as Ni–Mn–Ga have attracted significant attention over the last few years. As actuators, these materials offer high energy density, large stroke, and high bandwidth. These properties make FSMAs potential candidates for a new generation of actuators. The preliminary dynamic characterization of Ni–Mn–Ga illustrates evident nonlinear behaviors including hysteresis, saturation, first cycle effect, and dead zone. In this paper, in order to precisely control the position of FSMA actuators a mathematical model is developed. The Ni–Mn–Ga actuator model consists of the dynamic model of the actuator, the kinematics of the actuator, the constitutive model of the FSMA material, the reorientation kinetics of the FSMA material, and the electromagnetic model of the actuator. Furthermore, a constitutive model is proposed to take into account the elastic deformation as well as the reorientation. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the dynamic behavior of the actuator.
Comparative Study of Electrically Conductive Thick Films with and without Glass

An air-fireable, glass-free, electrically conductive thick-film material (96.6% Ag, 1.38% Cu, 0.28% Al, 0.35% Ti, and 1.39% Sn by weight) and a conventional glass-containing, electrically conductive thick-film materials (96.6% Ag and 3.4% glass frit by weight), both on alumina substrates, were studied by electrical, mechanical, thermal, and microscopic methods. The volume electrical resistivity of the glass-free thick film (2.5×10−6 Ω·cm, 30-μm thick) is lower than that of the glass-containing thick film (3.9×10−6 Ω·cm, 19-μm thick), with each film processed at its optimum firing temperature. The optimum firing temperature is 930°C and 850°C for glass-free and glass-containing thick films, respectively, as indicated by the criteria of low resistivity and high scratch resistance. The glass-free thick film has a higher scratch resistance than the glass-containing thick film, both fired at their respective optimum temperatures, suggesting that the former has higher bond strength to the alumina substrate. The formation process of the glass-free and glass-containing thick films is similar. The process involves solid-state diffusion of silver, which results in a silver network and grain boundaries. However, the sintering of silver particulates in the glass-containing thick film is enhanced by the viscous flow of glass.
Efficacy of cryosurgery alone for refractory monomorphic sustained ventricular tachycardia due to inferior wall infarction

Abstract The efficacy of cryosurgery alone was evaluated in 15 patients with refractory monomorphic sustained ventricular tachycardias related to inferior wall infarction. Patients were 64 ± 9 (SD) years old and had a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 39.2 ± 11.2%. Thirty different tachycardias were mapped with the origin localized to the septum or inferior wall in 20 (67%), near the mitral valve anulus in 6 (20%) and at the base of the postarior papillary muscle in 4 (13%) tachycardias. Endocardial cryoablation of these sites was performed with 6 to 13 (mean 9.2 ± 1.8) cryolesions per heart. No mitral valve replacement was performed. There was one postoperative death as a result of sepsis. Cryoablation abolished inducible ventricular tachycardia in 11 patients. Of the other three patients, the tachycardia in two was controlled with a single antiarrhythmic agent that had previously failed to suppress inducible ventricular tachycardia. Thus, clinical success was obtained in 13 (93%) of 14 patients. The remaining patient received an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Ejection fraction remained unchanged or improved after surgery in 14 patients (93%). There have been no late deaths, recurrence of sustained ventricular tachycardia or significant mitral regurgitation during a mean follow-up period of 19 ± 7 months. These results compare quite favorably with those previously reported for subendocardial resection alone, and indicate that cryosurgery is highly effective, does not result in deterioration of left ventricular function and preserves mitral valve competence when cryoablation of the posterior papillary muscle is necessary.
Scientists and human rights.

On 10 December 1948, the world's governments made history when they adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and agreed to ensure its "universal and effective recognition and observance." Over the course of six decades, this declaration has generated both tremendous hope and a substantial body of law obliging governments to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights inherent to all human beings. Though reaffirmed at every turn, one lesson of the past 60 years is that governments' commitment to human rights is only as strong as the demands of their citizens. As respected members of society, scientists are vital to securing governments' adherence to human rights.
Comparison of the allotypic combining sites on H-chains of rabbit IgG and IgM☆

Abstract Allotypic markers originally found on rabbit IgG have been shown to reside also on both the heavy and light chains of rabbit IgM. The light chains of IgG and IgM are the same, but the heavy chains of these two immunoglobulins differ extensively. The extent to which the allotypes present on the heavy chains are duplicated on the two immunoglobulins has been investigated by inhibition of phage neutralization and by a radiotracer technique. The inhibition by anti-allotype sera of phage neutralization by IgM antibody was shown to be essentially completely removed by prior absorption of the anti-allotype sera with IgG of the same heavy chain allotype. A preparation of IgM containing allotype a1 exhausted extensively but not completely, the precipitating ability of anti-a1 serum for a1, b4 IgG labeled with I125. It is concluded that in the anti-allotype sera investigated, essentially all of the antibodies directed against the allotypic sites present on IgM react with IgG, but not all the antibodies directed against the allotypic sites present on IgG are capable of reacting with IgM. The implications of these findings with regard to the genetic control of immunoglobulin synthesis and the evolution of the immunoglobulin genome are discussed.
Synthesis of Kojidextrins and Their Protein Conjugates. Incidence of Steric Mismatch in Oligosaccharide Synthesis.

Kojidextrins are biologically important oligosaccharides that are involved in many physiological processes including protein glycosylation and bacterial growth. As part of our project to explore the role kojidextrins may play in bacterial pathogenesis, here we report synthetic routes to kojibiose (54), -triose (58), -tetraose (64), and -pentaose (69) equipped with α-linked (hydrazinocarbonyl)pentyl aglycon, using linear and convergent strategies. In the search for a rapid convergent strategy for the construction of extended kojidextrins, four kojibiose donors (1−4) were synthesized that contain acyl- and ether-type protecting groups in various ratios. These were tested to probe the influence of diverse protecting group assemblies on their glycosyl donor ability. Attempted condensation of these donors with kojitriose and -tetraose acceptors failed to give the desired products apparently because of steric mismatch between the donor and the acceptor moieties. A one-pot procedure was developed for the covalen...
Chemical Changes in Spray-Dried Skimmilk Held Near Dryer Outlet Temperatures

Abstract The hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content and fluorescence of spray-dried powders (2.8 to 5.6% H 2 0) made from pasteurized skimmilk increased during storage at temperatures similar to those encountered in products held in bulk storage without cooling immediately after drying (37 to 60C). Rate of increase was directly-related to the storage at 50C, an increase of HMF in powders containing 2.8% H 2 O could be detected, the amount originally present doubling during 16 hours of storage. The powders exhibited changes in the pattern of fluorescence excited by ultraviolet light having wavelengths of 330, 360, and 390 mµ. More than a fivefold increase in HMF and a doubling of fluorescence activated at 330 mµ was observed before changes in the visible color of the powder became detectable. Since no significant changes were noted in the powders during one week of storage at 37C, it was concluded that chemical changes in milk constituents during spray drying can be further decreased by cooling powder to this temperature immediately after drying.
Estimating Cluster Overlap on Manifolds and its Application to Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Although it is usually assumed in many pattern recognition problems that different patterns are distinguishable, some patterns may have inseparable overlap. For example, some facial expressions involve subtle muscle movements, and are difficult to separate from other expressions or neutral faces. In this paper, we consider such overlapped patterns as "clusters", and present a novel method to quantify cluster overlap based on the Bayes error estimation on manifolds. Our method first applies a manifold learning method, ISOMAP, to discover the intrinsic structure of data, and then measures the overlap of different clusters using the k-NN Bayes error estimation on the learned manifolds. Due to the ISOMAP"s capability of preserving geodesic distances and k-NN's localized estimation, the method can provide an accurate measure of the overlap between clusters, as demonstrated by our simulation experiments. The method is further applied for an analysis of a specific type of facial expression impairment in schizophrenia, i.e.,"flat effect", which refers to a severe reduction in emotional expressiveness. In this study, we capture facial expressions of individuals, and quantify their expression flatness by estimating overlap between different facial expressions. The experimental results show that the patient group has much larger facial expression overlap than the control group, and demonstrate that the flat affect is an important symptom in diagnosing schizophrenia patients.
Standard Diagnostic Services for the ATS framework

The US Navy has been supporting the demonstration of several IEEE standards with the intent of implementing these standards for future automatic test system procurement. In this paper, we discuss the second phase of a demonstration focusing on the IEEE P1232 AI-ESTATE standard. This standard specifies exchange formats and service interfaces for diagnostic reasoners. The first phase successfully demonstrated the ability to exchange diagnostic models through semantically enriched XML files. The second phase is focusing on the services and has been implemented using a web-based, service-oriented architecture. Here, we discuss implementation issues and preliminary results.
Learning object and dynamic e-learning service technologies for simulation-based medical instruction

Simulations are increasingly used for instruction and training purposes in many application areas such as commercial and military aviation, battlefield management, building construction, product manufacturing, medical education and others. However, most simulation systems are monolithic, ad hoc and non-reusable. In this work, we apply learning object and e-learning service technologies to modularize an existing Web-based simulation system called the Virtual Anesthesia Machine (VAM). Instructional materials associated with the components of the simulation system are encapsulated as reusable Atomic Learning Objects, each of which consists of content items, practice items, assessment items, meta-information and constraints. Instructional materials associated with the entire simulation system is modeled as a Composite Learning Object having a structure of activities, which is used by a Learning Process Execution Engine to enact the process of delivering contents, instructing learners to use the simulation system for practice on what they learn, and performing assessment to evaluate the performances of learners in learning the functions and operations of the simulation system and its components. An event-trigger-rule server is used in an event-driven, rule-based execution of a learning process to make the learning process active, adaptive, customizable and flexible.
A note on deciding controllability in pushdown systems

Consider an event alphabet /spl Sigma/. The supervisory control theory of Ramadge and Wonham asks the question, given a plant model G, with language K L/sub M/(G)/spl sube//spl Sigma//sup */ and another language K/spl sube/ L/sub M/(G), is there a supervisor /spl psi/ such that L/sub M/(/spl psi//G)=K. Ramadge and Wonham showed that a necessary condition for this to be true is the so-called controllability of K with respect to L/sub M/(G). They showed that when G is a finite state automaton and K is a regular language (also generated by a finite state automaton), then the controllability property was decidable for K. The class of languages generated by pushdown automata properly includes the regular languages. They are accepted by finite state machines coupled with pushdown stack memory. This makes them interesting candidates as supervisory languages, since the supervisor will have nonfinite memory. In this note, we show the following: i) If S is a specification given by a deterministic pushdown automaton and L is generated by a finite state machine, then there is an algorithm to decide whether K=S/spl cap/L is controllable with respect to L. ii) It is undecidable for an arbitrary specification S generated by a nondeterministic pushdown automaton and plant language L generated by a finite state machine whether K=S/spl cap/L is controllable with respect to L.