cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Encephalitogenic Fragment of Myelin Basic Protein AMINO ACID SEQUENCE OF BOVINE, RABBIT, GUINEA PIG, MONKEY, AND HUMAN FRAGMENTS

Abstract The complete amino acid sequence of a low molecular weight encephalitogenic fragment of the basic protein of myelin from bovine spinal cord was determined by standard enzyme and chemical techniques on peptides derived from trypsin, chymotrypsin, thermolysin, and dilute acid hydrolyses. Tryptic peptides of the trinitrophenylated fragment were also used. The following structure was obtained: [see PDF for sequence]. The amino acid sequences of the rabbit, guinea pig, monkey, and human encephalitogen are also reported.
Unmet needs in respiratory diseases : "You can't know where you are going until you know where you have been"--Anonymous.

The care of patients with respiratory diseases has improved vastly in the past 50 years. In spite of that, there are still massive challenges that have not been resolved. Although the incidence of tuberculosis has decreased in the developed world, it is still a significant public health problem in the rest of the world. There are still over 2 million deaths annually from tuberculosis, with most of these occurring in the developing world. Even with the development of new pharmaceuticals to treat tuberculosis, there is no indication that the disease will be eradicated. Respiratory syncytial virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and pertussis are other respiratory infectious diseases with special problems of their own, from vaccine development to vaccine coverage. Asthma, one of the most common chronic diseases in children, still accounts for significant mortality and morbidity, as well as high health care costs worldwide. Even in developed countries such as the USA, there are over 4,000 deaths per year. Severe asthma presents a special problem, but the question is whether there can be one treatment pathway for all patients with severe asthma. Severe asthma is a heterogeneous disease with many phenotypes and endotypes. The gene for cystic fibrosis was discovered over 24 years ago. The promise of gene therapy as a cure for the disease has fizzled out, and while new antimicrobials and other pharmaceuticals promise improved longevity and better quality of life, the average life span of a patient with cystic fibrosis is still at about 35 years. What are the prospects for gene therapy in the twenty-first century? Autoimmune diseases of the lung pose a different set of challenges, including the development of biomarkers to diagnose and monitor the disease and biological modulators to treat the disease.
Angiogenesis and Functional Recovery After Traumatic Brain Injury

Brain injuries caused by trauma remain a major cause of death and serious long-term disability worldwide, especially in children and young adults. However, nearly all Phase III traumatic brain injury (TBI) clinical trials have failed to provide safe and effective treatment for improving functional recovery after TBI. This review discusses recent promising preclinical and clinical data indicating that TBI promotes angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels from preexisting endothelial cells), which couples with neurogenesis (generation of new neurons) and oligodendrogenesis (generation of new oligodendrocytes), in concert, contributing to spontaneous functional recovery. Selected cell-based and pharmacological therapies that can amplify these endogenous neurorestorative effects to enhance cognitive and neurological functional recovery after TBI are discussed. Perspectives for further investigation of angiogenesis after TBI and associated therapeutic treatments are provided.
Joint high-dimensional Bayesian variable and covariance selection with an application to eQTL analysis.

Summary We describe a Bayesian technique to (a) perform a sparse joint selection of significant predictor variables and significant inverse covariance matrix elements of the response variables in a high-dimensional linear Gaussian sparse seemingly unrelated regression (SSUR) setting and (b) perform an association analysis between the high-dimensional sets of predictors and responses in such a setting. To search the high-dimensional model space, where both the number of predictors and the number of possibly correlated responses can be larger than the sample size, we demonstrate that a marginalization-based collapsed Gibbs sampler, in combination with spike and slab type of priors, offers a computationally feasible and efficient solution. As an example, we apply our method to an expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis on publicly available single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and gene expression data for humans where the primary interest lies in finding the significant associations between the sets of SNPs and possibly correlated genetic transcripts. Our method also allows for inference on the sparse interaction network of the transcripts (response variables) after accounting for the effect of the SNPs (predictor variables). We exploit properties of Gaussian graphical models to make statements concerning conditional independence of the responses. Our method compares favorably to existing Bayesian approaches developed for this purpose.
A cis-acting element in the major immediate-early (IE) promoter of human cytomegalovirus is required for negative regulation by IE2.

Abstract The major immediate-early promoter (MIEP) of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) contains a number of different enhancer elements in both repetitive and nonrepetitive sequences that influence the level of downstream transcription. This report describes a cis-acting element in the MIEP that responds to negative regulation by the IE2 gene product. Deletion analysis demonstrated that the cis-acting repressor element is located between the TATA box and the transcription initiation site from -13 to -1. The DNA sequence of the repressor element is 5'-CGTTTAGTGAACC-3'. The sequence is found in both the human and simian CMV MIEPs but not the murine CMV MIEP or in several other enhancer-containing promoters. The repressor element was isolated in a DNA fragment from -13 to +3 and was found to be functional in either orientation. It could be transferred to a heterologous enhancer-containing promoter and was functional when placed between the TATA box and the transcription initiation site. The element did not function when placed downstream of the transcription initiation site. Therefore, the cis-acting repressor element is position dependent. The role of the repressor element and the IE2 gene product in human CMV productive or latent infection is discussed.
Enterprise Architecture and Technical Architecture

Enterprise architecture and technical architecture are related yet different: whereas EA focuses on the architecture of a business that uses software-intensive systems, TA focuses on the architecture of the software-intensive systems that are used by a business to makes its mission manifest.
Lithium-Associated Thyromegaly: An Unusual Cause of Airway Obstruction

Acute upper airway obstruction is a medical emergency and can be caused by many serious conditions such as a foreign body occluding the airway, intrinsic swelling (as in anaphylaxis), or extrinsic compression. Thyromegaly has rarely been reported as a source of airway compromise. We present a patient whose thyromegaly is presumed to have been induced by lithium and was massive enough to cause severe airway compromise.
Surgical Management of Thoracolumbar Fractures: Rationale for Short Fixation

Series of cases from our own practice as a means of reviewing the basic principles for the treatment of thoracolumbar fractures are presented in this article. Although there are no widely accepted evidence-based standards to guide surgeons in choosing treatment approaches, several basic and logical principles may be applied to each case to first decide whether a patient is best managed nonoperatively or with surgical treatment. If operative management is indicated, the surgeon must decide whether decompression and/or stabilization is indicated, whether surgery should be done from an anterior and/or posterior approach, the timing of surgery, the surgical technique, and how extensive the instrumentation should be. Through a series of case example, the authors emphasize the principles of short fixation for most cases to preserve spinal motion. Successful surgery for thoracolumbar fracture can be achieved for most cases with short anterior or posterior fixation.
Identification of a Rapidly Formed Nonnucleosomal Histone-DNA Intermediate that Is Converted into Chromatin by ACF

Chromatin assembly involves the combined action of histone chaperones and ATP-dependent motor proteins. Here, we investigate the mechanism of nucleosome assembly with a purified chromatin assembly system containing the histone chaperone NAP1 and the ATP-dependent motor protein ACF. These studies revealed the rapid formation of a stable nonnucleosomal histone-DNA intermediate that is converted into canonical nucleosomes by ACF. The histone-DNA intermediate does not supercoil DNA like a canonical nucleosome, but has a nucleosome-like appearance by atomic force microscopy. This intermediate contains all four core histones, lacks NAP1, and is formed by the initial deposition of histones H3-H4. Conversion of the intermediate into histone H1-containing chromatin results in increased resistance to micrococcal nuclease digestion. These findings suggest that the histone-DNA intermediate corresponds to nascent nucleosome-like structures, such as those observed at DNA replication forks. Related complexes might be formed during other chromatin-directed processes such as transcription, DNA repair, and histone exchange.
1232 BETA-GLUCURONIDASE DEFICIENCY: A MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDOSIS WITH CHONDROITIN SULFATURIA

Beta-glucuronidase deficiency is an autosomal recessive mucopolysaccharidosis with variable clinical manifestations similar to the other mucopolysaccharidoses. The urinary excretion of acid mucopolysaccharides (AMPS) has not been very clear, with reports suggesting the excretion of dermatan, heparan and chondroitin sulfates. These suggestions were based primarily on electrophoretic mobility. This report deals with the isolation and characterization of the urinary AMPS from three unrelated patients with β-glucuronidase deficiency. Urinary AMPS were isolated using gel chromatography with Sephadex G-25, followed by precipitation of the AMPS fraction with cetylpiridinium chloride. Dermatan sulfate was identified by the formation of a complex with CuSO4, the elution pattern from Dowex 1, X2Cl− and susceptibility to chondroitinases. Heparan sulfate was estimated by the determination of the N-sulfated hexosamine, a reaction specific for this compound. Chondroitin 4 and 6 sulfates were determined by the pattern of elution from Dowex 1 and digestibility with chondroitinase AC. Total AMPS isolated ranged from 18.4mg to 71.0mg/24h. The major fraction (>90%) was chondroitin 4/6 sulfate. Dermatan sulfate comprised <8% and heparan sulfate <2%. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of the uronic acids hydrolyzed from these fractions confirmed these findings. These studies indicate that chondroitin sulfaturia is a characteristic urinary finding of β-glucuronidase deficiency.
Identification and Characterization of Five Intramembrane Metalloproteases in Anabaena variabilis

Regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) involves cleavage of a transmembrane segment of a protein, releasing the active form of a membrane-anchored transcription factor (MTF) or a membrane-tethered signaling protein in response to an extracellular or intracellular signal. RIP is conserved from bacteria to humans and governs many important signaling pathways in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Proteases that carry out these cleavages are named intramembrane cleaving proteases (I-CLips). To date, little is known about I-CLips in cyanobacteria. In this study, five putative site-2 type I-Clips (Ava_1070, Ava_1730, Ava_1797, Ava_3438, and Ava_4785) were identified through a genome-wide survey in Anabaena variabilis. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that these five putative A. variabilis site-2 proteases (S2PsAv) have authentic protease activities toward an artificial substrate pro-σK, a Bacillus subtilis MTF, in our reconstituted Escherichia coli system. The enzymatic activities of processing pro-σK differ among these five S2PsAv. Substitution of glutamic acid (E) by glutamine (Q) in the conserved HEXXH zinc-coordinated motif caused the loss of protease activities in these five S2PsAv, suggesting that they belonged to the metalloprotease family. Further mapping of the cleaved peptides of pro-σK by Ava_4785 and Ava_1797 revealed that Ava_4785 and Ava_1797 recognized the same cleavage site in pro-σK as SpoIVFB, a cognate S2P of pro-σK from B. subtilis. Taking these results together, we report here for the first time the identification of five metallo-intramembrane cleaving proteases in Anabaena variabilis. The experimental system described herein should be applicable to studies of other RIP events and amenable to developing in vitro assays for I-CLips.
Variability of right-sided cardiac oxygen saturations in adults with and without left-to-right intracardiac shunting

In many catheterization laboratories and intensive care units, oxygen saturation of single blood specimens is measured from the superior vena cava (SVC), right atrium (RA) and pulmonary artery (PA) during right-sided catheterization, but variability of such single measurements in adults with and without intracardiac left-to-right shunting has not been assessed. Oxygen saturation of SVC, RA and PA single blood samples were measured in 1,031 adults (524 men, 507 women, aged 50 +/- 13 years [mean +/- standard deviation SD]). In the 980 patients without shunting, differences in saturation between SVC and RA, RA and PA and SVC and PA were 3.9 +/- 2.4%, 2.3 +/- 1.7%, and 4.0 +/- 2.5%, respectively, so that the normal limits of variability (mean +/- 2 standard deviations) for these saturation differences were 8.7%, 5.7% and 9.0%, respectively. Of the 51 patients with left-to-right shunting, these limits of variability of oxygen saturation correctly identified 46 (90%), and the 5 with shunting whose saturation differences were below these limits had small shunts (Qp/Qs ratios of 1.9 or less). Thus, assessment of oxygen saturation from single blood specimens obtained from the SVC, RA and PA offers excellent sensitivity (more than 90%), specificity (94 to 95%) and predictive accuracy (94% or more) in identifying patients with and without intracardiac left-to-right shunting. The sensitivity of these limits is especially high in patients with large shunts (Qp/Qs of 2 or more).
Optical measurement of the elastic moduli and thermal diffusivity of a C–N film

The elastic properties of carbon nitride (CNx) film adhered to a silicon substrate were characterized through impulsive stimulated thermal scattering (ISTS). The lowest-order pseudo-Rayleigh acoustic mode of the film was excited and monitored optically. From the measured acoustic phase velocities, the elastic moduli of the film were determined. The ISTS technique also permits measurements of the CNx thermal diffusivity. The noninvasive optical measurements described can provide a useful guide to refinements in thin film fabrication procedures and for optimization of mechanical and thermal transport properties.
Cool walking: A new Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling method

Effective relaxation processes for difficult systems like proteins or spin glasses require special simulation techniques that permit barrier crossing to ensure ergodic sampling. Numerous adaptations of the venerable Metropolis Monte Carlo (MMC) algorithm have been proposed to improve its sampling efficiency, including various hybrid Monte Carlo (HMC) schemes, and methods designed specifically for overcoming quasi-ergodicity problems such as Jump Walking (J-Walking), Smart Walking (S-Walking), Smart Darting, and Parallel Tempering. We present an alternative to these approaches that we call Cool Walking, or C-Walking. In C-Walking two Markov chains are propagated in tandem, one at a high (ergodic) temperature and the other at a low temperature. Nonlocal trial moves for the low temperature walker are generated by first sampling from the high-temperature distribution, then performing a statistical quenching process on the sampled configuration to generate a C-Walking jump move. C-Walking needs only one high-temperature walker, satisfies detailed balance, and offers the important practical advantage that the high and low-temperature walkers can be run in tandem with minimal degradation of sampling due to the presence of correlations. To make the C-Walking approach more suitable to real problems we decrease the required number of cooling steps by attempting to jump at intermediate temperatures during cooling. We further reduce the number of cooling steps by utilizing "windows" of states when jumping, which improves acceptance ratios and lowers the average number of cooling steps. We present C-Walking results with comparisons to J-Walking, S-Walking, Smart Darting, and Parallel Tempering on a one-dimensional rugged potential energy surface in which the exact normalized probability distribution is known. C-Walking shows superior sampling as judged by two ergodic measures.
Magnetic filtration of particles in laminar flow through a bed of spheres

Abstract We present a theory for the capture of magnetic particles by a bed of spheres in HGMS. The laminar approximation to fluid flow is used in conjunction with the free surface condition (Happel's model) to obtain the fluid velocity profile near a representative collector sphere in the assemblage. An effective medium treatment is used to model the magnetic field, thus taking into account the effects of neighboring spheres. results are reported for the capture of both paramagnetic and diamagnetic particulates by a filter operating either in the longitudinal or transverse design mode.
Parameter Estimation for Fractional Ornstein–Uhlenbeck Processes with Discrete Observations

Consider an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process, \(\mathrm{d}X_{t} = -\theta X_{t}\mathrm{d}t + \sigma \mathrm{d}B_{t}^{H}\), driven by fractional Brownian motion B H with known Hurst parameter \(H \geq\frac{1} {2}\) and known variance σ. But the parameter θ > 0 is unknown. Assume that the process is observed at discrete time instants t = h, 2h, …, nh. We construct an estimator \(\hat{\theta }_{n}\) of θ which is strongly consistent, namely, \(\hat{\theta }_{n}\) converges to θ almost surely as n → ∞. We also obtain a central limit type theorem and a Berry–Esseen type theorem for this estimator \(\hat{\theta }_{n}\) when \(1/2 \leq H < 3/4\). The tool we use is some recent results on central limit theorems for multiple Wiener integrals through Malliavin calculus. It should be pointed out that no condition on the step size h is required, contrary to the existing conventional assumptions.
Buckling of single-crystal silicon nanolines under indentation

Atomic force microscope-(AFM-) based indentation tests were performed to examine mechanical properties of parallel single-crystal silicon nanolines (SiNLs) of sub-100-nm line width, fabricated by a process combining electron-beam lithography and anisotropic wet etching. The SiNLs have straight and nearly atomically flat sidewalls, and the cross-section is almost perfectly rectangular with uniform width and height along the longitudinal direction. The measured load-displacement curves from the indentation tests show an instability with large displacement bursts at a critical load ranging from 480 µN to 700 µN. This phenomenon is attributed to a transition of the buckling mode of the SiNLs under indentation. Using a set of finite element models with postbuckling analyses, we analyze the indentation-induced buckling modes and investigate the effects of tip location, contact friction, and substrate deformation on the critical load of mode transition. The results demonstrate a unique approach for the study of nanomaterials and patterned nanostructures via a combination of experiments and modeling.
Minimally Invasive Surgery Is Associated with Decreased Overall Hospital Costs in Elective Colorectal Procedures

METHODS: Elective colorectal resections from January 2010 to June 2013 were included in a retrospective, single institution study. Chart abstraction was used to assess colectomy type, operative approach, and patient candidacy for MIS among the open procedures (prior surgery, extent of disease, etc.). Matching was performed based on colectomy type, indication (neoplasm, diverticulitis, etc.), and BMI. Outcomes were collected from NSQIP data. Operative and overall hospital costs were obtained from the hospital decision support system.
An experimental apparatus for diffraction-limited soft x-ray nano-focusing

Realizing the experimental potential of high-brightness, next generation synchrotron and free-electron laser light sources requires the development of reflecting x-ray optics capable of wavefront preservation and high-resolution nano-focusing. At the Advanced Light Source (ALS) beamline 5.3.1, we are developing broadly applicable, high-accuracy, in situ, at-wavelength wavefront measurement techniques to surpass 100-nrad slope measurement accuracy for diffraction-limited Kirkpatrick-Baez (KB) mirrors. The at-wavelength methodology we are developing relies on a series of wavefront-sensing tests with increasing accuracy and sensitivity, including scanning-slit Hartmann tests, grating-based lateral shearing interferometry, and quantitative knife-edge testing. We describe the original experimental techniques and alignment methodology that have enabled us to optimally set a bendable KB mirror to achieve a focused, FWHM spot size of 150 nm, with 1 nm (1.24 keV) photons at 3.7 mrad numerical aperture. The predictions of wavefront measurement are confirmed by the knife-edge testing. The side-profiled elliptically bent mirror used in these one-dimensional focusing experiments was originally designed for a much different glancing angle and conjugate distances. Visible-light long-trace profilometry was used to pre-align the mirror before installation at the beamline. This work demonstrates that high-accuracy, at-wavelength wavefront-slope feedback can be used to optimize the pitch, roll, and mirror-bending forces in situ, using procedures that are deterministic and repeatable.
FETI and Neumann--Neumann Iterative Substructuring Methods: Connections and New Results

The FETI and Neumann-Neumann families of algorithms are among the best know and most severely tested domain decomposition methods for elliptic partial differential equations. They are iterative substructuring methods and have many algorithmic components in common but there are also differences. The purpose of this paper is to further unify the theory for these two families of methods and to introduce a new family of FETI algorithms. Bounds on the rate of convergence, which are uniform with respect to the coefficients of a family of elliptic problems with heterogeneous coefficients, are established for these new algorithms. The theory for a variant of the Neumann--Neumann algorithm is also redeveloped stressing similarities to that for the FETI methods.
Oxidational wear modelling: I

Abstract This paper is the first of a series in which increasingly complex oxidational wear models are applied to a tribosystem involving the unlubricated sliding of high chromium ferritic steel pins against austenitic stainless steel discs at speeds between 0.23 and 3.3 m s −1 . The most simple oxidational wear model assumes that there is no significant oxidation of the contacting surfaces at the general surface temperature of the pin nor at the general surface temperature of the disc. The model also assumes that a very small number of dominant large plateaux of contact oxidize (at a contact temperature, which is normally much higher than the general surface temperatures of either the pin or the disc) until they reach critical thicknesses which are related to the Archard K factor. The contact temperature is itself related to the division of heat at the plateaux interfaces, a quantity which can be estimated in terms of a surface model in which N circular contacts (each of radius A) are assumed to occur at each of the contacting plateaux of thickness on the pin and on the disc. Since the simple oxidational wear theory also involves both the number N of contacts and the thicknesses of the oxide film on either the pin or the disc, it can be seen that it should be possible to find suitable values of N that will satisfy both the experimentally measured division of heat and the experimental wear rate coefficient, provided that the oxide thicknesses are known. The main thrust of this paper is to show that, by measuring the critical oxide thicknesses on the pin and on the disc in the scanning electron microscope, it is possible to compute tentative tribological oxidation constants for these particular steels from associated measurements of the wear rate coefficient and the division of heat, using a computer spreadsheet technique which is particularly user friendly. The importance of computer modelling for finding definitive values for the tribological oxidation constants of a tribosystem, and hence for predicting the magnitudes of the contact temperature and the wear rate of a triboelement undergoing oxidational wear in that system, is also discussed.
Efficient interactive image retrieval with multiple seed images

An interactive image query system based on multiple seed images is proposed in this work. With this proposed system, the query can be refined so that the meaning of similarity becomes clear along the query process. A particular way to achieve interactive query is implemented, i.e. adaptive filtering with multiple low-level indexing features based on user's feedback. The proposed query system consists of the following building blocks. First, browsing, image sketching and feature editing are employed for query formation input. The combination of the three methods provides high flexibility for users to get desired query images. In the system, images can also be selected from the candidate image set. By using a query set composed of multiple seed images instead of a single image, we can improve the query performance with more accurate similarity information. Two key procedures, initial guess and further refinement, are utilized to achieve high efficient query. At the initial stage, we try to expand the candidate image set to include as many features as possible. In the refinement process, users are able to initiate a more complex filtering strategy by using the feedback. The relative weighting of different features is further decided. Extensive examples are used to illustrate the proposed interactive query process and the corresponding retrieval performance.
Field optimization of dimethomorph for the control of potato late blight Phytophthora infestans: application rate, interval, and mixtures

Aspects concerning the field use of dimethomorph for the control of foliar and tuber potato late blight were examined. When application rate and interval manipulation for a season-long dimethomorph and mancozeb mixture was performed,the rate increasing through the season and 80% of full rate programs had equal final foliar blight control as the full rate program,regardless of interval. The minimum application rate for control equivalent to the full rate program was 1.34 kg ha � 1 week � 1 . When dimethomorph was tank-mixed with one of three protectant fungicides and integrated into a chlorothalonil-based late blight control program,all programs were as effective as the season-long chlorothalonil program. None of the mixtures were more effective than the others. When tank-mixed with pyraclostrobin and alternated with chlorothalonil applications,rate reduction to 50% of full rate gave foliar blight control equivalent to a full rate,for a dimethomorph and pyraclostrobin mixture and pyraclostrobin alone. r 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Measuring Reading Attitudes: Three Dimensions.

Abstract Scope and Method of Study: This study was designed to construct and validate a reading attitude scale through correlation of manifested and expressed attitude toward reading material. General reading attitude is defined as reading material characteristic of most types of reading; readings which enhance personal growth and self‐fulfillment. Academic attitude toward reading material is defined as reading for the acquisition of knowledge about content areas, correct language usage, and understanding grammar. Vocational attitude toward reading material is defined as reading material which has as its goal the preparation of readers for the world of work; readings directly related to applying for and maintaining a job. One hundred‐eighty students in a reading improvement class at a major university were administered the attitude scale, and three reading selections to identify by definition and selection type as academic, vocational, and general reading. The type of selection chosen by the student repre...
Comparison of Photon-photon and Photon-magnetic Field Pair Production Rates

Neutron stars were proposed as the site of gamma-ray burst activity and the copious supply of MeV photons admits the possibility of electron-positron pair production. If the neutron star magnetic field is sufficiently intense ( 10 to the 12th power G), both photon-photon (2 gamma) and photon-magnetic field ( gamma) pair production should be important mechanisms. Rates for the two processes were calculated using a Maxwellian distribution for the photons. The ratio of 1 gamma to 2 gamma pair production rates was obtained as a function of photon temperature and magnetic field strength.
Direct comparison of the strength of hydrogen bonds formed by H2O and D2O

Abstract The relative strength of hydrogen bonds formed by H2O and D2O was compared directly by measuring the tensile strength of strips of pure cellulose paper immersed in liquid water, heavy water, and a 1:1 mixture. The wet strength of paper was 8% lower in H2O than in D2O and intermediate in the mixture. The cohesion of paper is due to intrafiber and interfiber hydrogen bonds between cellulose chains. Water weakened the paper somewhat more than heavy water did because it forms somewhat stronger hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl and ether groups of cellulose and, therefore, broke more interfiber hydrogen bonds.
Particle Clearance from the Lungs: Assessment of Effects Due to Inhaled Irritants

Abstract Clearance mechanisms remove inhaled deposited particles from the lungs, by mucociliary transport in conducting airways and to a large extent by alveolar macrophages in the respiratory region. This paper describes the effects of acute exposures to sulphuric acid (H2SO4), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), or ozone (O3) on particle clearance in rabbits. Cells recovered by bronchopulmonary lavage from animals exposed in vivo were also examined.
Numerical simulation of a low-emission gas turbine combustor using KIVA-II

A modified version of the KIVA-II code was used to obtain a multidimensional numerical solution for the turbulent two-phase chemically reacting flows inside a staged turbine combustor (STC). The STC under consideration is equipped with an advanced airblast fuel nozzle and encompasses a fuel nozzle (FN), a rich-burn (RB) zone, a converging connecting pipe, a quick-quench (QQ) zone, a diverging connecting pipe, and a lean-combustion (LC) zone. The STC was divided into two subsystems, namely, FN/RB zone and QQ/LC zones, and the numerical solutions were obtained separately for each subsystem. Preliminary data characterize the major features of the flow and temperature fields inside the STC. Information on velocity, temperature, and some critical species in the FN/RB zone is presented. In the QQ/LC zones, formation of the co- and counter-rotating bulk flow and the sandwiched-ring-shaped temperature field can be clearly seen. The calculations of the mass-weighted standard deviation and the pattern factor of temperature indicated that the mixing performance of the STC is very promising.
A quasiclassical trajectory study of the OH+CO reaction

We present a quasiclassical trajectory study of the OH+CO reaction using a potential surface that has been derived from ab initio calculations. Among quantities that have been studied are cross sections for reaction and for HOCO complex formation, cross sections associated with reaction from excited vibrational and rotational states, product energy partitioning and CO2 vibrational‐state distributions, HOCO lifetime distributions, and thermal and state‐resolved rate constants. We also present the results of Rice–Ramsberger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) calculations, using the same potential‐energy surface, of HOCO lifetimes and of reactive and complex formation rate constants. The trajectory results indicate that the dominant mechanism for reaction involves complex formation at low energies. However, a direct reaction mechanism is responsible for half the reactive cross section at higher energies. This leads to a rate constant that is weakly temperature dependent at low temperatures, and becomes strongly temperatur...
Electron Microscope Study of Strain in InGaN Quantum Wells in GaN Nanowires

Strains in GaN nanowires with InGaN quantum wells (QW) were measured from transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. The nanowires, all from a single growth run, are single crystals of the wurtzite structure that grow along the direction, and are approximately 1000 nm long and 60 nm to 130 nm wide with hexagonal cross-sections. The In concentration in the QWs ranges from 12 to 15 at %, as determined by energy dispersive spectroscopy in both the transmission and scanning electron microscopes. Fourier transform (FT) analyses of and $$ $$ lattice images of the QW region show a 4 to 10 % increase of the c-axis lattice spacing, across the full specimen width, and essentially no change in the a-axis value. The magnitude of the changes in the oaxis lattice spacing far exceeds values that would be expected by using a linear Vegard's law for GaN–InN with the measured In concentration. Therefore the increases are considered to represent tensile strains in the direction. Visual representations of the location and extent of the strained regions were produced by constructing inverse FT (IFT) images from selected regions in the FT covering the range of c-axis lattice parameters in and near the QW. The present strain values for InGaN QW in nanowires are larger than any found in the literature to date for other forms of InxGa1−xN (QW)/GaN.
Rotating analyzer magneto-optic spectroscopy

We describe a system for measuring magneto-optical spectra in the 1.5-6-eV photon energy range using a rotating analyzer technique. The measurements are done at a near normal incident angle of less than 2 degrees. A stepping motor with 400 steps per revolution is used to control the analyzer azimuthal angle. After Fourier transformation, the magneto-optical parameter of polar Kerr rotation angle, e is obtained. Magnetic field and spectral scanning, as well as data processing: are totally controlled by a microcomputer. The mechanical and electrical design, alignment, calibration, and error reduction techniques for this sytem are discussed in detail. Application of this system is illustrated for compositionally modulated amorphous (Dy/Co) multi-layer films.
Additive manufacturing of tools for lapping glass

Additive manufacturing technologies have the ability to directly produce parts with complex geometries without the need for secondary processes, tooling or fixtures. This ability was used to produce concave lapping tools with a VFlash 3D printer from 3D Systems. The lapping tools were first designed in Creo Parametric with a defined constant radius and radial groove pattern. The models were converted to stereolithography files which the VFlash used in building the parts, layer by layer, from a UV curable resin. The tools were rotated at 60 rpm and used with 120 grit and 220 grit silicon carbide lapping paste to lap 0.750” diameter fused silica workpieces. The samples developed a matte appearance on the lapped surface that started as a ring at the edge of the workpiece and expanded to the center. This indicated that as material was removed, the workpiece radius was beginning to match the tool radius. The workpieces were then cleaned and lapped on a second tool (with equivalent geometry) using a 3000 grit corundum aluminum oxide lapping paste, until a near specular surface was achieved. By using lapping tools that have been additively manufactured, fused silica workpieces can be lapped to approach a specified convex geometry. This approach may enable more rapid lapping of near net shape workpieces that minimize the material removal required by subsequent polishing. This research may also enable development of new lapping tool geometry and groove patterns for improved loose abrasive finishing.
Potato prices as affected by demand and yearly production

With increased potato production in the past decade, actual price for potatoes given to growers has changed little, which means that inflation-adjusted price has decreased. Since production is the result of acres harvested and yield per acre, these two parameters to price are key to understanding price fluctuation. To quantify the relation between potato price and production, acreage and yield, NASS data from 1980 to 2002 were analyzed using linear regressions. Pricing and production showed an inverse, linear relationship, which is divided into two periods. Between 1980 and 1988, the price of potatoes (US$/cwt1) increased by $ 1.00 with a decrease in production of 15.6 million cwt, and between 1993 and 2002 with a decrease in production of 35.7 million cwt. Prices have become less responsive to changes in production. Harvested acres account for about onethird of the annual variation in prices, while yield per acre accounts for about one-half of the variability in prices. It appears that there was an increase in demand for potatoes from 1989 to 1992 that divides the two periods. There also was an increase in the percentage of the crop being used in the frozen and fry market, and a decrease in the percentage of the crop being used in the table or fresh market during this time period. This market change could explain the difference between 1980-1988 and 1993-2002 relationships.
Representation of actions as an interlingua

We present a Parameterized Action Representation (PAR) that provides a conceptual representation of different types of actions used to animate virtual human agents in a simulated 3D environment. These actions involve changes of state, changes of location (kinematic) and exertion of force (dynamic). PARs are hierarchical, parameterized structures that facilitate both visual and verbal expressions. In order to support the animation of the actions, PARs have tomake explicit many details that are often underspecified in the language. This detailed level of representation also provides a suitable pivot representation for generation in other natural languages, i.e., a form of interlingua. We show examples of how certain divergences in machine translation can be solved by our approach focusing specifically on how verb-framed and satellite-framed languages can use our representation.
Studies in listening comprehension

(1959). Studies in listening comprehension. Speech Monographs: Vol. 26, No. 4, pp. 288-294.
Role of the MET–HGF axis in colorectal cancer: precepts and prospects

SUMMARY Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for 10% of all cancer-related mortality globally. Despite significant therapeutic advances, overall survival is limited. The restricted repertoire of therapies necessitates investigation into novel pathways of colorectal carcinogenesis. The proto-oncogene MET encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase that acts as a receptor for the HGF. Dysregulation of this MET–HGF axis has been implicated in proliferation, survival and metastasis in various tumor types including CRC. Increased MET–HGF expression correlates with tumor progression and adverse survival outcome. The prognostic impact argues in favor of employing inhibition of the MET–HGF axis as a promising new therapeutic strategy. Future investigations should endeavor to assess the potential application of targeted MET–HGF therapy in CRC and towards patient selection.
An existence theorem for non-linear differential systems

Systems of n non-linear, first-order differential equations, whose coefficient functions satisfy the Caratheodory Conditions, are studied. It is proved that, under certain conditions, the boundedness away from zero of a determinant of a type obtained by R. Conti is sufficient to insure the existence of solutions satisfying n boundary conditions assigned at as many as n points.
SOME PREVALENT BIOMOLECULES AS DEFENSES AGAINST SINGLET OXYGEN DAMAGE

— We have compared the relative abilities of some putative biological protectors to block oxidation of 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF)† in illuminated solutions containing the photosensitizer rose bengal and in the separated-surface-sensitizer (S-S-S) system involving pure singlet oxygen (1ΔAgO2). While L-histidine is a well-known quencher of singlet oxygen, free L-histidine is not commonly found in high concentrations in nature. L-Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine), however, is present in the striated muscles of many organisms, most notably mammals, in concentrations up to 40 mM. At neutral pH, carnosine quenched singlet oxygen more effectively than did equimolar histidine, both in solubilized sensitizer studies and in the S-S-S system. In the pure singlet oxygen system, 1 mM carnosine reduced the rate of BHMF oxidation as effectively as 3 mM histidine alone, or a mixture of 3 mM histidine and 3 mMβ-alanine. The fungal product L-ergothioneine (2-thiol-L.-histidine betaine) and its synthetic analogue, 2-thiolhistidine, at 1 mM blocked photosensitized BHMF oxidation using solubilized rose bengal, as did urate at 0.5 mM. All three compounds failed to reduce the rate of BHMF oxidation by singlet oxygen in the S-S-S system, however. Homocarnosine (-γ-aminobutyryl-L-histidine) gave levels of protection against BHMF oxidation identical to histidine, but is present in the central nervous system only at micromolar concentrations. Neither 1 mM imidazole nor 5 mM urea reduced BHMF oxidation in either system. We conclude that some prevalent biomolecules may afford protection either by preventing singlet oxygen production (urate, L-ergothioneine) or by intercepting singlet oxygen once formed (L-carnosine). Such protective devices may be of importance in natural systems.
Enhancement of senescence in low passage human embryonic lung cells by an agent extracted from phase III cells

Abstract The aging of WI-38 cell in vitro appears to constitute a series of complex phenomena including the removal of cells from the total population during the trypsinization process at each passage level and aging within the cell population itself. The use of 0.25% trypsin for the removal of the cells at each passage level was found to be unsatisfactory. When used at 0.25%, trypsin severed the microvilli of the older cells, destroying them. Instead, 0.5% collagenase, supplemented with 0.05% trypsin, minimized the destruction of the cells. There were more cells surviving this treatment that were 28 μm or greater, than cells in cultures treated with trypsin. The results from parabiotic chamber experiments with solubilized membranes of aged cells, suggest that a substance released by the disruption of aged cells enhances aging. The total cellular contents of aged cells or isolated plasma membranes, were fractionated on an acrylamide gel column. The material extracted from one of the acrylamide bands (50 000 mol. wt) enhanced aging of cells from early passage-21 phase II cultures. Preliminary chemical identification of the extractable material from the band indicated that this isolated material is a glycoprotein. The same agent was also present in the fractions separated from metabolically aged cells corresponding to phase III cells and when tested on phase II cells in culture enhanced aging of phase II cells in situ.
Transforming poison into medicine: the role of dualism in psychiatry.

AbstractThis article draws attention to a generalizable phenomenon called “transforming poison into medicine,” illustrating both literal and figurative applications. The purpose of such illustrations is to support a strong philosophical claim, namely the currently incomplete reduction (if not the ultimate irreducibility) of intentional mind-states – e.g., beliefs, desires, volitions – to electro-chemical brain-states. Such incomplete reduction (or irreducibility) holds profound implications for the ineluctable role of dualism in neuroscience and psychiatry alike.
Evolution of micromachined pressure transducers for cardiovascular applications

Abstract Since their inception in the middle of the 20th century, micromachined pressure sensors have downscaled several orders of magnitude. Transducing diaphragms have reduced in length from over 1 cm to less than 100 μm, and have reduced in thickness from hundreds of microns to about 1 μm or less. Here, the evolution of these micromachined pressure sensors is reviewed, with a focus on miniaturization for cardiovascular applications. This paper describes the eras of micromachining which contributed to progressive miniaturization, including early developments, early and late bulk micromachining, and surface micromachining. Characteristic microfabrication techniques and representative sensors per era are detailed. Then, an outlook is given on the future of miniaturization and current strategies to achieve it. Finally, the application of micromachined transducers into the modern repertoire of blood pressure sensing devices is covered, along with key packaging issues which may limit overall device size and function.
Diagnosis and treatment options including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for adrenal metastases

Adrenal metastasis is common in oncology but patients with this diagnosis are usually asymptomatic. The diagnosis can be challenging and delayed. Incidence, presenting symptoms and diagnostic modalities are reviewed. Various treatment options are also discussed, including open and laparoscopic surgery, local ablation (radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, microwave thermal ablation, and chemical ablation) as well as radiation therapy. These treatment modalities were compared and contrasted in regards to their invasiveness, risks, side effects, outcomes, and patients’ tolerance. Radiotherapy including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is the only non-invasive approach, which is important as majority of the patients with adrenal metastases also receive systemic therapy, e.g., chemotherapy. The initial goal of conventional radiotherapy for metastatic adrenal lesion is for palliation which has been shown to be effective. With the advent of technological advances in radiation oncology, e.g., image-guidance during radiation delivery, patient immobilization and patient re-positioning, tumor motion management, sophisticated treatment planning allowing rapid dose fall-off, accurate QA, etc., the clinical implementation of SBRT has been very successful. SBRT is defined as a “treatment method to deliver high dose of radiation to the target, utilizing either a single dose or a small number of fractions with a high degree of precision within the body”. Adrenal metastasis, an example of oligometastases even from radioresistant primary, could be successfully treated with SBRT without significant toxicity as evidenced by various recently reported clinical trials. An additional advantage could be adrenal function preservation when compared to surgical intervention. The optimal total dose and fractionation scheme are yet to be determined. SBRT is an emerging non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment modality, and further research is warranted to define its role in the management of adrenal metastasis.