cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Supramolecular metal displacement allows on-fluorescence analysis of manganese(II) in living cells

Due to the importance of Mn2+ ions in biological processes, it is of growing interest to develop protocols for analysis of Mn2+ uptake and distribution in cells. A supramolecular metal displacement assay can provide ratiometric fluorescence detection of Mn2+, allowing for quantitative and longitudinal analysis of Mn2+ uptake in living cells.
Geometric modeling requirements for structural design

Geometric modeling is a central issue in developing a data base to support integrated engineering design. Current approaches to modeling the geometry of structural assemblies have many drawbacks when applied to design. In this paper capabilities of current geometric modeling methods are reviewed and then compared with modeling needs of structural design. The comparison examines the modeling capabilities of engineering drawings, which are the primary means of geometric representation in current practice. It is found that engineering drawings use a concise description of geometry that can be modified much more easily than computer-based descriptions. Engineering drawings also decompose a geometric description in a manner analogous to normalization in data base theory. This decomposition allows for a “top-down” definition of geometry, which is much better suited to design than current computer methods, which use a “bottom-up” approach. An important goal for future research is to develop computer-based geometric modeling techniques that capture these capabilities.
Charged particle transport and extraction studies in the NSCL gas cell for stopping radioactive fragments

The NSCL gas-stopping station thermalizes high-energy projectile fragments for study in the low energy beam and ion trap (LEBIT) facility. The stopping and extraction of fast beams has been studied extensively and the extracted short-lived ions have been used in a series of mass measurements of exotic nuclei. Particle-in-cell simulations of ion drift in the gas cell have been performed. In the present paper calculation results are presented and compared to experimental data obtained with neutron-deficient and neutron-rich As and Se isotopes recently measured at LEBIT. Good agreement between the theoretical and experimental extraction efficiency was found.
A generalized matching law analysis of cocaine vs. food choice in rhesus monkeys: Effects of candidate ‘agonist-based’ medications on sensitivity to reinforcement ☆

Abstract Background We have previously demonstrated reductions in cocaine choice produced by either continuous 14-day phendimetrazine and d -amphetamine treatment or removing cocaine availability under a cocaine vs. food choice procedure in rhesus monkeys. The aim of the present investigation was to apply the concatenated generalized matching law (GML) to cocaine vs. food choice dose-effect functions incorporating sensitivity to both the relative magnitude and price of each reinforcer. Our goal was to determine potential behavioral mechanisms underlying pharmacological treatment efficacy to decrease cocaine choice. Methods A multi-model comparison approach was used to characterize dose- and time-course effects of both pharmacological and environmental manipulations on sensitivity to reinforcement. Results GML models provided an excellent fit of the cocaine choice dose-effect functions in individual monkeys. Reductions in cocaine choice by both pharmacological and environmental manipulations were principally produced by systematic decreases in sensitivity to reinforcer price and non-systematic changes in sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude. Conclusions The modeling approach used provides a theoretical link between the experimental analysis of choice and pharmacological treatments being evaluated as candidate ‘agonist-based’ medications for cocaine addiction. The analysis suggests that monoamine releaser treatment efficacy to decrease cocaine choice was mediated by selectively increasing the relative price of cocaine. Overall, the net behavioral effect of these pharmacological treatments was to increase substitutability of food pellets, a nondrug reinforcer, for cocaine.
The KCNE1 Subunit Modifies S2-S4 Interactions in the KCNQ1 Subunit of the IKs Channel Complex

The IKs channel is formed by the coexpression of KCNE1 with KCNQ1. KCNE1 modifies KCNQ1 to bring about the characteristic IKs current that is essential for terminating ventricular action potentials. The objective of this study is to examine how KCNE1 modifies channel activation by altering the interactions between S2 and S4 in the voltage sensing domain (VSD) of KCNQ1. S2 and S4 contain a series of negatively (E1, E2) and positively (R1, R2, R4) charged residues conserved across all Kv channels, which are essential for voltage-dependent activation. We tested the accessibility of E1C by MTS reagents and found that E1C can be modified by MTSES- only when KCNE1 is present, suggesting that KCNE1 changes the packing of E1C. Likewise, E2 interactions are also altered by KCNE1. E2Q generates constitutively open channels with apparent partial inactivation, a phenotype distinctly different from WT KCNQ1. However, coexpressing E2Q with KCNE1 produces channels that are nearly identical to WT IKs in activation and deactivation, as if the drastic perturbations caused by E2Q in KCNQ1 were inconsequential to the function of IKs. Consistent with this view, in KCNQ1 a secondary mutation R2E can rescue the non-functional E2R. However, this double mutant remains non-functional in the presence of KCNE1. Therefore, E2 and R2 interact in KCNQ1 but not when the channel is coexpressed with KCNE1. Taken together, our data indicate that the association of KCNE1 either directly or allosterically changes the environment around E1 and breaks the interaction between E2 in S2 and R2 in S4. These findings offer new insight into the impact of KCNE1 on the structure of the VSD in KCNQ1, revealing a novel mechanism by which KCNE1 may modulate voltage-dependent activation in KCNQ1.
Response of the Bone Marrow of the Vitamin E-Deficient Rabbit to Coenzyme Q and Vitamin E

The effect of hexahydrocoenzyme Q4 and of α-tocopherol on the haemopoietic tissues of dystrophic rabbits on a vitamin E-deficient diet has been studied. Animals receiving this diet supplemented with α-tocopherol were still significantly subnormal compared with the pellet controls. The diet had a significantly depressive effect on bone marrow cell maturation and on myeloid precursor cell supply as well as on the growth rate. Both hexahydrocoenzyme Q4 and α-tocopherol elicited a limited biological response in the bone marrow at the dose level administered. Neither therapy produced a haematological response corresponding to the cellular levels found in the pellet control group. Animals on the vitamin E-deficient diet disclosed typical muscular lesions. Both hexahydrocoenzyme Q4 and α-tocopherol had a beneficial effect on these muscular lesions. It is considered that the biological activity of α-tocopherol is directly that of an antioxidant protecting the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q10 and that of hexahydrocoenzyme Q4 is essentially substitution for coenzyme Q10.
Fruit Senescence and Decay Simulation

Aging and imperfections provide important visual cues for realism. We present a novel physically-based approach for simulating the biological aging and decay process in fruits. This method simulates interactions between multiple processes. Our biologically-derived, reaction-diffusion model generates growth patterns for areas of fungal and bacterial infection. Fungal colony spread and propagation is affected by both bacterial growth and nutrient depletion. This process changes the physical properties of the surface of the fruit as well as its internal volume substrate. The fruit is physically simulated with parameters such as skin thickness and porosity, water content, flesh rigidity, ambient temperature, humidity, and proximity to other surfaces. Our model produces a simulation that closely mirrors the progression of decay in real fruits under similar parameterized conditions. Additionally, we provide a tool that allows artists to customize the input of the program to produce generalized fruit simulations.
A stable three enzyme creatinine biosensor. 2. Analysis of the impact of silver ions on creatine amidinohydrolase

Abstract The enzyme creatine amidinohydrolase is a clinically important enzyme used in the determination of creatinine in blood and urine. Continuous use biosensors are becoming more important in the clinical setting; however, long-use creatinine biosensors have not been commercialized due to the complexity of the three-enzyme creatinine biosensor and the lack of stability of its components. This paper, the second in a series of three, describes the immobilization and stabilization of creatine amidinohydrolase. Creatine amidinohydrolase modified with poly(ethylene glycol) activated with isocyanate retains significant activity after modification. The enzyme was successfully immobilized into hydrophilic polyurethanes using a reactive prepolymer strategy. The immobilized enzyme retained significant activity over a 30 day period at 37 °C and was irreversibly immobilized into the polymer. Despite being stabilized in the polymer, the enzyme remained highly sensitive to silver ions which were released from the amperometric electrodes. Computational analysis of the structure of the protein using the Gaussian network model suggests that the silver ions bind tightly to a cysteine residue preventing normal enzyme dynamics and catalysis.
Effect of Dietary Amino Acid Level, Folic Acid, Glycine, and Serine on Chick Performance and Blood Parameters

Abstract Studies of the interrelationships between dietary amino acid level, folic acid, glycine, and serine in chicks fed crystalline amino acid diets indicated that a folic acid deficiency exerted a greater detrimental effect on chick growth than did a deficiency of glycine and serine. The increased chick growth observed when a folic acid deficient diet containing normal levels of amino acids was supplemented with glycine and serine suggested that these amino acids were exerting a folic acid sparing effect. A similar sparing effect was not noted when the diet contained a high level of dietary amino acids which resulted in increased uric acid synthesis. Blood hemoglobin levels appeared to be influenced by a combination of factors including dietary folic acid and glycine levels and possibly growth rate of the chicks. Plasma glycine and serine concentrations were closely associated with the presence or absence of these amino acids in the diet and the level of the other amino acids in the diet. Within groups receiving the same level of dietary glycine and serine, lower plasma glycine was associated with higher levels of plasma uric acid.
Variability of ocean circulation

An increasing emphasis in recent years has been given to studies of the variation in ocean currents in terms of processes or mechanisms and their dynamics. Observational studies of variability in the large, named currents, such as the Gulf Stream, continue. However, a growing proportion of effort is being devoted to studies iway from intense currents in relatively quiet regions where, it is hoped, the component mechanisms in the spectrum of variability can be isolated, their properties can be described, and their interaction with other mechanisms can be determined.
Role of intra-islet endothelial cells in islet allo-immunity.

Background.Intra-islet endothelial cells (IECs) express high levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and are pivotal for posttransplant islet revascularization. We postulated that donor-specific sensitization would result in hyperacute rejection of IECs and prevent islet engraftment. Furthe
Phases of the Au(100) surface reconstruction.

The temperature-dependent phase behavior of the reconstructed Au(100) surface is studied using molecular-dynamics simulation based on a well tested many-body force scheme. We present the first theoretical description of the three distinct surface structural phases identified by recent x-ray-scattering measurements. Our calculation predicts critical temperatures of the rotational and surface-disordering transitions in good agreement with experimental results, and sheds light on the nature of these phases.
Characterization and expression of a gene encoding a 30.6-kDa Strongylocentrotus purpuratus spicule matrix protein☆☆☆

We describe here the isolation and characterization of several cDNA clones that encode a single 30.6-kDa Strongylocentrotus purpuratus spicule matrix protein designated SM30. The clones were isolated by screening a lambda gt11 cDNA library with a rabbit polyclonal antiserum raised against S. purpuratus total spicule matrix proteins. DNA sequencing reveals that the SM30 protein is acidic. RNA blot analysis shows that the cDNAs hybridize to a single 1.8-kb transcript and that there is a sharp increase in the SM30 transcript levels at middle to late mesenchyme blastula stage. SM30 transcript levels remain high through the 3-day pluteus stage. In situ hybridization analysis indicates that, within the embryo, SM30 transcript accumulation is restricted to the primary mesenchyme cells. Quantitations of SM30 transcript levels show that by the prism stage there are about 29,000 SM30 transcripts present per embryo, which averages to approximately 480 transcripts per primary mesenchyme cell. Additionally, RNA blot analysis of total RNA isolated from adult tissues shows that SM30 mRNA accumulates exclusively in mineralized tissues. These findings taken together strongly suggest that the gene corresponding to the SM30 cDNAs does in fact encode a spicule matrix protein.
Matrix metalloproteinases: a review of their structure and role in acute coronary syndrome.

Objective To summarize the structure, function, and regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and to review the literature to date on their potential role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes. Methods A recursive strategy starting with a Medline Search for primary articles in the last decade, followed by identification of additional articles of interest among the cited literature in the primary articles, followed by identification of additional articles of interest cited in the secondary articles. Results MMPs play a central role in many fundamental processes in human health and disease. In vitro evidence suggests that MMP activity may facilitate atherosclerosis, plaque destabilization, and platelet aggregation. Limited evidence from clinical studies supports a role of MMPs in the development of acute coronary syndromes. Conclusions MMP activity likely contributes to the development of acute coronary syndromes and may be an important therapeutic target for future drug development.
Optical systems engineering: a tutorial

Optical systems engineering is just beginning to come of age. The combination of new metrology, new manufacturing techniques, computer based analytical tools, and the stimulus of several premier optical programs are leading toward a fuller and more complete exploitation of the systems engineering approach to the design, development, fabrication, and operation of high performance optical systems. Systems engineering which involves an integrated interdisciplinary approach to the development of systems is most appropriate for optics. The very high precision character of optics leads to very complex and subtle effects on optical system performance, resulting from structural, thermal dynamical, control system, and even manufacturing and assembly considerations. The systems engineering approach is thus more important to optical system development than most other types of systems. Optical systems are sufficiently unique that communication problems often occur among users, optical engineers, and the rest of the systems team. It is essential that the optics community provide leadership to resolve communication problems and fully formalize the field of optical systems engineering.
Standardization, Customization and Revenue from Foreign Markets

Abstract This study develops theory and empirically tests the influence of heterogeneity (the degree of standardization or customization) of firm outputs on the globalization entry mode decisions, and receipt of revenues from foreign markets. To insure sufficient variance in the sample while also controlling for extraneous sectoral and national variables, this study obtained and analyzed cross-sectional data from 190 U.S. based firms in the environmental control industry. The findings indicate that the outputs of global firms are significantly less heterogeneous than the outputs of domestic firms, but that heterogeneity is not significantly related to the receipt of foreign revenues, or to the use of a higher control entry mode. These findings suggest that firms with more standardized outputs are more likely to globalize, but that standardization fails to help firms create any additional value in international markets compared to firms with more heterogeneous outputs.
Synthesis of Oligo-β-Alanine-Based Surfactant via Cobalt-Catalyzed Carbonylation and Surface Activity Study

Synthesis of a novel surfactant with an oligo-β -alanine hydrophilic headgroup was achieved via the carbonylative oligomerization of aziridine followed by coupling with n-octylamine in one pot. The chemical structure of the surfactant was confirmed by NMR and MALDI MS. Preliminary studies on its surface properties, including surface tension measurement and its adsorption on polystyrene latex particles, are reported.
Cloning, sequence and characterization of the human AMPD2 gene: evidence for transcriptional regulation by two closely spaced promoters

Abstract AMP deaminase (AMPD) is manifest through a multigene family in higher eukaryotes, including man. The human AMPD1 and AMPD3 genes have been cloned and partially characterized. This study describes the cloning, chromosomal localization, partial-sequence and characterization of the human AMPD2 gene. Composed of nineteen exons and eighteen intervening sequences spanning nearly 14 kb of genomic DNA, the human AMPD2 gene is positioned on the short arm of chromosome 1 near the p13.3 boundary. Two alternative 5′ exons (1A and 1B) are remotely located upstream, whereas the other seventeen are compressed into the 3′ terminal one-half of the gene. Transient transfections of human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells using heterologous constructs containing 5′ flanking and 5′ untranslated sequences cloned upstream of a luciferase reporter gene show that promoter activities are associated with exons 1A and 1B. Inspection of genomic DNA sequence reveals that AMPD2 promoter regions lack readily identifiable TATA boxes and are G + C-rich, particularly in the region of multiple transcription initiation sites in exon 1A. The regulation and evolution of the entire human AMPD multigene family are discussed.
Examining an Improved Pilot Training Program for TCAS

This paper discusses the development and evaluation of a training program intended to train pilots to understand Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) use for collision avoidance in t...
GASTROGASTRIC INTUSSUSCEPTION IN A DOG

A three-year-old, intact male, Rottweiler is presented with a gastrogastric intussusception. This is one of only two known reports of gastrogastric intussusception in the dog. Lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs and ultrasound revealed a gastric mass, however the diagnosis of gastrogastric intussusception was made during surgery. The patient in this report had no associated tumor and the pyloric antrum was the intussusceptum. Cause of the intussusception is unknown.
Correlation effects on ionic motion in framework solid electrolytes

Abstract We investigate the static and dynamic properties of a one-dimensional system composed of Brownian particles subject to a periodic potential by using Langevin dynamics simulation. In addition to different types of interaction between the mobile particles, we study the effect of the coupling of the diffusing particle with the crystalline cage. For each kind of interaction potential, we also discuss how the bulk frequency-dependent conductivity is affected by the correlated motion of the particles.
Inverse optimization with endogenous arrival time constraints to calibrate the household activity pattern problem

A parameter estimation method is proposed for calibrating the household activity pattern problem so that it can be used as a disaggregate, activity-based analog of the traffic assignment problem for activity-based travel forecasting. Inverse optimization is proposed for estimating parameters of the household activity pattern problem such that the observed behavior is optimal, the patterns can be replicated, and the distribution of the parameters is consistent. In order to fit the model to both the sequencing of activities and the arrival times to those activities, an inverse problem is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming problem such that coefficients of the objectives are jointly estimated along with the goal arrival times to the activities. The formulation is designed to be structurally similar to the equivalent problems defined by Ahuja and Orlin and can be solved exactly with a cutting plane algorithm. The concept of a unique invariant common prior is used to regularize the estimation method, and proven to converge using the Method of Successive Averages. The inverse model is tested on sample households from the 2001 California Household Travel Survey and results indicate a significant improvement over the standard inverse problem in the literature as well as baseline prescriptive models that do not make use of sample data for calibration. Although, not unexpectedly, the estimated optimization model by itself is a relatively poor forecasting model, it may be used in determining responses of a population to spatio-temporal scenarios where revealed preference data is absent.
Adsorption and Encapsulation of Fluorescent Probes in Nanoparticles

Silica “nanobubbles” are hollow spheres of silica that can be used as nanometer-sized containers for probe molecules. A method for the encapsulation of a fluorescent molecule into silica “nanobubbles” is reported. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) dye molecules were coadsorbed onto the surface of gold nanoparticles with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. Following silica condensation, and dissolution of the gold core, the fluorescent molecules remain inside the water-filled, but sealed, silica nanoparticle. The plasmon band of the gold particles and the absorption and fluorescence spectra of the dye are affected by adsorption of the molecule on the gold particle. Encapsulation in the silica nanobubble insulates the dye molecule from the external environment. Analogous methods can be applied to a wide range of probes.
Efficacy of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons emissions controls in ozone attainment strategies as predicted by the Urban Airshed Model

The primary object of this paper is to provide a preliminary assessment of the effectiveness of NO x vs Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) emissions control options in improving O3 air quality over the New York metropolitan area. To this end, we have applied the Urban Airshed Model (UAM) with the Carbon Bond IV (CB-IV) chemical mechanism utilizing the results of the Regional Oxidant Model (ROM) for the specification of initial/boundary concentrations and wind fields to the UAM. After examining the sensitivity of the predicted O3 concentrations to initial/boundary conditions and biogenic emissions, we have evaluated the impact of various hypothetical emissions reduction options on O3 air quality. Nested ROM/UAM simulations with an across-the-board reduction of 75% in the NO x and VOC emissions from sources located within the New York metropolitan area indicate that the option of VOC-only control is superior to the NO x -only control in reducing not only peak O3 levels over the entire modeling domain but also population exposure to unhealthy O3 levels. The model predicts that the combined 75% NO x and VOC control option also reduces the peak O3 concentration, but the improvement in O3 air quality is less than that predicted for the 75% VOC-only control strategy. Additional modeling analyses with different mix and levels of emissions control and meteorological conditions are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Soluble monomeric EphrinA1 is released from tumor cells and is a functional ligand for the EphA2 receptor.

The ephrinA1 ligand exerts antioncogenic effects in tumor cells through activation and downregulation of the EphA2 receptor and has been described as a membrane-anchored protein requiring clustering for function. However, while investigating the ephrinA1/EphA2 system in the pathobiology of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), we uncovered that ephrinA1 is released from GBM and breast adenocarcinoma cells as a soluble, monomeric protein and is a functional form of the ligand in this state. Conditioned media containing a soluble monomer of ephrinA1 caused EphA2 internalization and downregulation, dramatic alteration of cell morphology and suppression of the Ras–MAPK pathway. Moreover, soluble monomeric ephrinA1 was functional in a physiological context, eliciting collapse of embryonic neuronal growth cones. We also found that ephrinA1 is cleaved from the plasma membrane of GBM cells, an event which involves the action of a metalloprotease. Thus, the ephrinA1 ligand can, indeed, function as a soluble monomer and may act in a paracrine manner on the EphA2 receptor without the need for juxtacrine interactions. These findings have important implications for further deciphering the function of these proteins in pathology and physiology, as well as for the design of ephrinA1-based EphA2-targeted antitumor therapeutics.
Department Level Information Resource Management: A Theoretical Argument for a Decentralized Approach.

This article asks, «Why would the responsibility for information integration be located in an academic department instead of the centralized information utilities?» It proposes that the costs of locating information resource management tasks in academic departments may be overshadowed by the benefits of reducing agency costs
Immunolocalization of Retinol-binding Protein and Profiles of Its mRNA as Related to Testicular Development in the Beef Bull

A study was conducted to identify the cell types that express retinol-binding protein (RBP) in the bovine testis and to compare relative steady-state levels of RBP mRNA expression at different times of testicular development. At the ages of 10 (n = 3), 20 (n = 8), and 34 (n = 7) wk, Angus bulls were bled three times at 1.5-hr intervals, then surgically castrated. Blood samples were analyzed for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T), by radioimmunoassay and the degree of seminiferous tubule development was evaluated histologically in sections of fixed tissue samples stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Immunolocalization of RBP was based on the biotin-strepavidin-horseradish peroxidase method. Testis weight and concentrations of LH and T increased with age (P 0.05) between 10 and 34 wk. Seminiferous tubules at 10 wk contained immature Sertoli cells and gonocytes whereas, at 20 wk, spermatogonia and few spermatocytes were detected. At 34 wk, Sertoli cells appeared differentiated and spermatids were observed. RBP was immunolocalized in Sertoli, Leydig, and peritubular cells at the ages of 10, 20, and 34 wk. Furthermore, no differences in staining between Sertoli cells from tubules with or without germ cells were detected. Northern hybridization of testicular RNA with an RBP cDNA probe revealed the presence of a 1.4-Kb mRNA, which was similar to previous RBP transcripts found in other bovine tissues. Quantitative slot blot analysis revealed that steady-state RBP mRNA levels were 50% higher at 10 wk (P < 0.05) than at 20 and 34 wk of age.
Dimensional probing of the ATP binding site on firefly luciferase.

—lin-Benzoadenosine 5′-triphosphate has been shown to be an acceptable substrate for light production in the firefly luciferase-luciferin system. This nucleotide analogue displays strong enzyme binding and a reduced rate of enzyme catalysis compared with ATP. Variation in the color of the bioluminescence emission with /in-benzo-ATP compared with ATP suggests that a lateral extension in the purine base induces a change in the conformation of the luciferase and in the environment of the excited light emitter.
What's "this" you say?: the use of local references on distant displays

This study explores how the design of visual display configurations relates to linguistic expressions. Twenty-five participants performed a series of object identification and narrative Description tasks on either a large wall-sized or small desktop display. Results revealed that during the Description tasks, large display users produced significantly greater rates of local deictic references than small display users, but in the identification tasks, the rates were similar for both large and small display users. Implications for the design of interactive technologies are discussed.
Toward more secure software

Two proposals intended to reduce flaws in software use two very different approaches for software security.
Investigation of the specificity of Raman spectroscopy in non-invasive blood glucose measurements

Although several in vivo blood glucose measurement studies have been performed by different research groups using near-infrared (NIR) absorption and Raman spectroscopic techniques, prospective prediction has proven to be a challenging problem. An important issue in this case is the demonstration of causality of glucose concentration to the spectral information, especially as the intrinsic glucose signal is smaller compared with that of the other analytes in the blood-tissue matrix. Furthermore, time-dependent physiological processes make the relation between glucose concentration and spectral data more complex. In this article, chance correlations in Raman spectroscopy-based calibration model for glucose measurements are investigated for both in vitro (physical tissue models) and in vivo (animal model and human subject) cases. Different spurious glucose concentration profiles are assigned to the Raman spectra acquired from physical tissue models, where the glucose concentration is intentionally held constant. Analogous concentration profiles, in addition to the true concentration profile, are also assigned to the datasets acquired from an animal model during a glucose clamping study as well as a human subject during an oral glucose tolerance test. We demonstrate that the spurious concentration profile-based calibration models are unable to provide prospective predictions, in contrast to those based on actual concentration profiles, especially for the physical tissue models. We also show that chance correlations incorporated by the calibration models are significantly less in Raman as compared to NIR absorption spectroscopy, even for the in vivo studies. Finally, our results suggest that the incorporation of chance correlations for in vivo cases can be largely attributed to the uncontrolled physiological sources of variations. Such uncontrolled physiological variations could either be intrinsic to the subject or stem from changes in the measurement conditions.
Characterization of Erosion Mechanisms of Natural Gas Engine Spark Plugs

J-type spark plugs composed of Ni-base alloy electrodes with a pure Ir tip in the center electrode and a Pt-W alloy tip in the ground electrode were examined as-manufactured and after use in natural gas reciprocating engines by spectroscopic and metallurgical techniques. The spectroscopic examination indicated Ni emission from the Ni alloy electrodes in new plugs, but a strong Ca signal in engine used plugs. This was confirmed by metallurgical examination, which showed the presence of Ca containing glassy oxide phase(s) (with the electrode alloy components) in the used spark plug electrodes. Intergranular cracking was observed on the Ir and Pt-W alloy electrode insert tips. The interface between the Pt-W insert and the Ni alloy ground electrode also became a site for extensive cracking and oxidation during service. These oxidation/corrosion and metallurgical issues may represent a significant component of the wear mechanism of these plugs in natural gas engines.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Product and service delivery satisfaction among North American cruise passengers

Abstract Although researchers have, during the past decade, become increasingly interested in customer satisfaction and service quality issues, very little of the research has been devoted to the tourist industry. The cruise line industry, which is among the fastest growing sectors of the leisure market, has hardly received any research attention. This paper discusses the importance of the cruise product and service delivery within the context of some of the unique characteristics of the cruise line industry, and presents the results of an exploratory study which examined passengers' satisfaction with a number of cruise product and service delivery components. The results of the study show that, overall, passengers' expectations were met or exceeded but there were key product and service delivery areas which provided cruise ship guests with the most satisfaction.
JOB ANALYSIS OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES IMPORTANT FOR NEWLY LICENSED (CERTIFIED) SPANISH TEACHERS

ABSTRACT The Educational Testing Service is preparing to introduce a new generation of teacher assessments, the Praxis Series of professional assessments for beginning teachers. Preparatory to test development, a job analysis was conducted to define a knowledge and ability domain important for newly certified Spanish teachers to perform their jobs in a competent manner. An initial draft of knowledge and ability statements was constructed by Educational Testing Service test development staff with subject-matter expertise. The draft domain, which consisted of eight major content areas, was then reviewed by 10 experts in an external review panel, and an advisory test development committee of five teachers, three teacher educators, and two administrators'. A modified version consisting of seven major content areas and 166 knowledge and abilit; statements was then reviewed through a national survey of several hundred Spanish teachers and educators. The 145 knowledge and ability statements that were verified as important by the surveyed educators should be used as the foundation for the development of test specifications. Eight tables present study results. Seven appendixes include supplemental information such as the job analysis survey, respondent demographics, and mean importance ratings of teachers, state administrators, and teacher educators. (Contains nine references.) (SLD)
A chronic stress state in rats: Effects of repeated stress on basal corticosterone and behavior

The chronic stress state has previously been defined as persistent visceral arousal coupled with behavioral abnormalities. To determine the number of stressor exposures necessary to induce a chronic stress state, male rats were given 2 hours of inescapable shock on 10, 7, 4, or 3 consecutive days. The 3-day stress group had the most pervasive changes in the variables measured: persistently elevated basal plasma corticosterone (CORT), continued weight loss in the post-stressor period, and abnormal behavior. More exposures to the stress regimen did not produce higher CORT levels or greater behavioral changes. Acutely stressed rats, exposed to 1 day of inescapable shock, had persistent CORT elevations without the other changes seen in the 3-day stress group. The data suggest that 3 days of our stress regimen are sufficient to produce a state of chronic stress and that some signs of this state begin to appear as early as the first exposure to our inescapable stress regimen.
Filtration and reabsorption of endogenous low-molecular-weight protein in the rat kidney

The proteins of normal mammalian urine are thought to be mainly plasma proteins that have been filtered at the glomerulus and subsequently escaped tubular reabsorption. In human urine, over 20 individual plasma proteins have been identified [1–4]. Indeed, some proteins have first been identified in urine and then were proven to be of plasma origin [5]. Identification of these urinary proteins has been accomplished with increasing accuracy paralleling the refinement of analytic methods. In rats, there is evidence that some proteins are identical to plasma globulins and albumin and that others are derived from the genitourinary tract [6–8]. The magnitude of proteinuria is greater in the male than it is in the female rat [9, 10], and at least one specific sex-dependent protein is present in the male [11–15], Proteinuria in the male rat is also age dependent [16–18], one factor being the increased synthesis and excretion of a male sex-dependent protein at puberty [19]. Urinary protein can be divided arbitrarily into two main groups according to size. One group contains albumin and high molecular weight plasma globulins. The other group consists of low-molecular-weight proteins (LMW) (mol wt We have examined total urinary protein and the fractional contribution of LMW proteins in four strains of male rats common to our laboratory, Brown Norway, Wistar-Kyoto, Okamoto-Aoki Wistar, and Wistar-Rockland. In the latter strain, we have examined the rates of filtration and reabsorption of endogenous LMW proteins isolated from their urine. Isolated fractions were labeled and infused intravenously into rats prepared for micro-puncture of surface proximal tubules. Clearance ratios, sieving coefficients, and fractional excretion of the isolated protein fractions were measured and calculated. This permited an assessment of the relative contribution of filtration and reabsorption to the final excretion of these LMW protein fractions.
Chrome Pyrope: An Inclusion in Natural Diamond

Electron probe analyses of garnets that are rich in magnesium and that occur as inclusions in natural diamonds show that the chrome-garnet end member, Mg3Cr2Si3O12, is a major constituent (30 percent).
Nanoimprint fabrication of wiregrids micro-polarizers in near infrared spectra using SU-8 as an intermediate film

In this paper, we demonstrate a wiregrid polarizer for the near-IR spectrum fabricated by nanoimprint techniques. High resolution grating structures with 215nm in linewidth, 375nm pitch and 235nm total height were patterned on silicon by deep-UV interference lithography followed by reactive ion etching. The grating structures were transferred to a SU-8 thin film by nanoimprint. Then a glancing angle deposition was performed to build the wiregrids. The extinction ratio was measured to be over 90:1 at 1064nm.
Inhibition of T7 RNA Polymerase: Transcription Initiation and Transition from Initiation to Elongation Are Inhibited by T7 Lysozyme via a Ternary Complex with RNA Polymerase and Promoter DNA†

The mechanism of transcription repression of T7 RNA polymerase by T7 lysozyme was investigated using a combination of kinetic and equilibrium methods. HPLC gel-filtration experiments demonstrated complex formation between T7 lysozyme, T7 RNA polymerase, and promoter DNA. The interactions between the two proteins were quantitated by measuring in real time the changes in protein fluorescence upon binary complex formation using stopped-flow kinetics. Complex formation between T7 lysozyme and the RNA polymerase was found to occur by a one-step process, with a bimolecular association rate constant of 38 microM-1 S-1 and a dissociation rate constant of 3.5 S-1. These constants provided an equilibrium dissociation constant, Kd, of 92 nM for the polymerase lysozyme complex. The interactions of the polymerase with the DNA were studied by stopped-flow kinetics and nitrocellulose equilibrium DNA binding experiments in the absence and in the presence of T7 lysozyme. The results showed that T7 lysozyme did not prevent or change the kinetic or thermodynamic interactions of the RNA polymerase with the DNA. T7 lysozyme by itself did not bind to the DNA, but since it bound to the RNA polymerase as well as to the polymerase DNA complex, transcription repression must involve the formation of the ternary complex between T7 lysozyme, T7 RNA polymerase and the promoter DNA. The effect of T7 lysozyme was most striking on runoff product synthesis which was greatly inhibited whereas the steady-state synthesis of abortive products, limited by polymerase cycling or RNA dissociation, was relatively unaffected by the presence of T7 lysozyme. Investigation of the pre-steady-state kinetics of transcription in the presence and absence of T7 lysozyme indicated that the inhibition of runoff product synthesis was largely due to inhibition of transcription initiation and transition from initiation to elongation.
Prospective clinical outcomes of revision fusion surgery in patients with pseudarthrosis after posterior lumbar interbody fusions using stand-alone metallic cages.

Abstract Background context Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a popular method of arthrodesis for surgical treatment of instabilities and degenerative conditions of the spine. With the introduction of threaded titanium cage devices, surgeons began performing PLIF procedures using these cages as stand-alone devices. Complications have been reported, however, including pseudarthrosis with persistent pain. Outcomes after revision surgical treatment for these patients with failed PLIF are not known. Purpose To prospectively evaluate clinical outcomes of revision fusion surgery in patients who previously underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion with stand-alone metallic cages resulting in pseudarthrosis. Study design/setting Prospective case series. Methods Nineteen patients referred to the senior author were evaluated and diagnosed with pseudoarthrosis having previously undergone a PLIF procedure with stand-alone metallic cages. History, physical exam, and imaging studies were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. All underwent revision posterolateral fusion with iliac crest graft and pedicle screw instrumentation. Patient demographics, SF-36, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) data were collected prior to surgery and two years postoperatively. Results Patients undergoing revision fusion surgery were found to have had extensive facetectomies and pseudarthrosis intraoperatively. Outcomes data was collected on eighteen of nineteen patients (95%). Mean clinical follow up was 3.2 years (range 2.5–3.5 years). Seventeen patients (94%) achieved a solid fusion. Improvement was noted in seven of eight SF-36 sub-categories, but was significant only in two (Physical Function and Role Emotional). There was no significant difference in ODI scores. Conclusions Pseudarthrosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis if severe symptoms persist in patients who undergo PLIF with stand-alone metallic cages. Successful revision fusion did not always correlate with improved clinical outcomes in these challenging patients undergoing further surgery. Performing PLIF using stand-alone metallic cages, especially after total resection of the facet joints, is not advocated unless supplemental instrumentation is utilized.
Computing the Optimal Amount of Constellation Distortion in OFDM Systems

The primary disadvantage of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is the high time-domain peak-to-average power ratio (PAR) that severely limits the transmitter power efficiency. The PAR can be globally minimized by distorting the OFDM constellation subject to a constraint on the error vector magnitude (EVM). In this paper, we demonstrate that an optimal amount of EVM exists for minimizing the transmitter power consumption while maintaining a constant bit error rate (BER) at the receiver. Alternatively, the EVM value may be chosen to maximize the channel capacity while maintaining a constant power consumption at the transmitter. Both EVM levels are only a function of the required signal-to-noise ratio at the OFDM receiver.
Fulminant hepatic failure in children.

Fulminant hepatic failure is a clinical syndrome resulting from massive necrosis or severe func­tional impairment of hepatocytes. This paper reviews the etiology, pathogenesis and management of this condition. Orthotopic liver transplantation may achieve very high survival rates (50-70%).
Out of band radiation effects on resist patterning

Our previous work estimated the expected out-of-band (OOB) flare contribution at the wafer level assuming that there is a given amount of OOB at the collector focus. We found that the OOB effects are wavelength, resist, and pattern dependent. In this paper, results from rigorous patterning evaluation of multiple OOB-exposed resists using the SEMATECH Berkeley 0.3-NA MET are presented. A controlled amount of OOB is applied to the resist films before patterning is completed with the MET. LER and process performance above and at the resolution limit and at the resolution limits are evaluated and presented. The results typically show a negative impact on LER and process performance after the OOB exposures except in the case of one resist formulation, performance improvement was observed.
Local wound p38 MAPK inhibition attenuates burn-induced cardiac dysfunction

Background Topical inhibition of activated p38 MAPK within burn wounds attenuates the local and systemic inflammatory response. In this study, we investigated the effects of local activated p38 MAPK inhibition on burn-induced cardiac dysfunction. Methods Using a standardized rat model of scald burn injury, rats were given a 30% total body surface area partial thickness burn or sham injury, and the wounds were treated with an activated p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB) or vehicle. Systemic blood pressure measurements were recorded in vivo followed by in vitro assessment of sarcomere contraction in single-cell suspensions of isolated cardiomyocytes. Results Systolic blood pressure or maximum left ventricular pressures in vivo and peak cardiomyocyte sarcomere contractility in vitro were significantly reduced after burn injury. These functional deficits were abolished 24 h after burn injury following local p38 MAPK inhibition. In vitro incubation of normal cardiomyocytes with homogenate from burned skin or burn serum resulted in a similar pattern of impaired cardiomyocyte contractility. These effects were reversed in normal cardiomyocytes exposed to burn skin homogenates treated topically with a p38 MAPK inhibitor. A Western blot analysis showed that cardiac p38 MAPK activation was not affected by dermal blockade of activated p38 MAPK, arguing against systemic absorption of the inhibitor and indicating the involvement of systemic cytokine signaling. Conclusion Topical activated p38 MAPK inhibition within burned skin attenuates the release of proinflammatory mediators and prevents burn-induced cardiac dysfunction after thermal injury. These results support the inhibition of burn-wound inflammatory signaling as a new therapeutic approach to prevent potential postthermal injury multiorgan dysfunction syndrome.
Racial Differences in Neuropsychiatric Symptoms Among Dementia Patients: A Comparison of African Americans and Whites

Race is a critical sociodemographic variable that may serve as a marker for genetic, clinical, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. There have been several studies that found differences between African Americans and Whites in the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia. There have been fairly consistent findings that psychotic symptoms—hallucinations and delusions—are more prevalent among African American patients with dementia (Cohen & Carlin, 1993; Cooper et al., 1991, Deutsch et al., 1991; Fabrega et al., 1988), and that depression is higher among Whites than among African Americans (Fabrega et al., 1988; Walker et al., 1995). One study by Class and colleagues (1996) also suggested that behavioral disturbances might be higher among White than among African American nursing home patients, a majority of whom had dementia.
Breast Cancer Mortality in Relation to a Measure of Early Childbearing

States with low age-specific breast cancer mortality rates and high proportions of women married in their teens tend to be in the South and Southwest; those with high mortality rates and later marriage (and childbearing) tend to be in the Northeast. The limitations of correlation data are discussedd." (ANNOTATION)