cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Schwartz Space: Tools for Quantum Mechanics and Infinite Dimensional Analysis

An account of the Schwartz space of rapidly decreasing functions as a topological vector space with additional special structures is presented in a manner that provides all the essential background ideas for some areas of quantum mechanics along with infinite-dimensional distribution theory.
Dictionary-type data compression for gray-scale images

We explore modifications of the LZ77 type dictionary compression algorithm so that it can compress gray-scale images efficiently. We consider the following modifications to the LZ77 compression: (1) Limiting the positions to start the pattern match in the search window to four neighboring pixels of the first pixel in the lookahead buffer. (2) Using an approximate matching. (3) Adaptively changing the lookahead buffer size. (4) Combination of approximate matching and exact matching using a non-greedy parsing algorithm. Our method is better than the UNIX compress and worst JPEG, and sometimes better than the best JPEG.
Shear strength of high-strength bolts

Double shear tests of single 7/8-in. and 1-in. high-strength bolts are reported. Altogether, ninety-six A325 bolts were tested in A7 steel jigs or in A440 steel jigs. Eighty-four A354BC, A354BD, and A490 bolts were tested in jigs made of A440 or constructional alloy steel. The effect of a number of variables on the shear strength and deformation at ultimate load was studied. The study showed that bolts tested in tension jigs had shear strengths 10% lower than bolts tested in compression jigs. Initial preload, faying surface condition, and type of connected material had no significant influence on shear strength. The shear resistance of a bolt was directly reflected by the available shear area. Also, it was found that the ultimate shear stress was approximately 73% of the tensile strength for A325 bolts tested in compression jigs and approximately 68% when these bolts were tested in tension jigs. For A354BC, A354BD, and A490 bolts, the corresponding values were 69% and 62%.
A Framework for Considering Business Models

Information technology (IT) such as computerized physician order entry, computer-based decision support and alerting systems, and electronic prescribing can reduce medical errors and improve the quality of health care. However, the business value of these systems is frequently questioned. At present a number of barriers exist to realizing the potential of IT to improve quality of care. Some of these barriers are: the ineffectiveness of existing error reporting systems, low investment in IT infrastructure, legal impediments to reforms, and the difficulty in demonstrating a sufficient return on investment to justify expenditures for quality improvement. This paper provides an overview of these issues, a framework for considering business models, and examples of successful implementations of IT to improve quality of patient care.
Coupling of adenosine triphosphate formation in mitochondria to the formation of nucleoside triphosphates. Involvement of nucleoside diphosphokinase.

Abstract Addition of the nucleoside diphosphates CDP, UDP, TDP, and IDP to intact, respiring, rat liver mitochondria immediately following ATP formation results in a marked stimulation of respiration at all concentrations of nucleotide tested. Addition of GDP stimulates respiration when added at concentrations below 150 µm, whereas at higher concentrations this nucleotide has much less effect on respiration and prevents stimulation given by other nucleoside diphosphates. Half-maximal stimulation of respiration is provided by less than 150 µm of each nucleotide. Nucleoside triphosphate formation is associated directly with stimulation of respiration by nucleoside diphosphates. CTP, UTP, TTP, and ITP are formed in good yield at all concentrations of nucleoside diphosphate tested, whereas GTP is formed in best yield at concentrations of GDP below 150 µm. Concentrations of nucleoside diphosphates which give half-maximal rates of nucleoside triphosphate formation correlate well with concentrations necessary to give half-maximal stimulation of respiration. Concentrations of GDP higher than 150 µm inhibit both the formation of GTP and the formation of other nucleoside triphosphates. Oligomycin and 2,4-dinitrophenol, inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation, also inhibit nucleoside triphosphate formation. Partial removal of nucleoside diphosphokinase localized in the outer mitochondrial compartment markedly reduces both nucleoside diphosphate stimulation of respiration and nucleoside triphosphate formation. Kinetic analysis of the solubilized preparation reveals typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics for the substrate pairs ATP-CDP, ATP-UDP, and ATP-TDP, a slight deviation from normal kinetic behavior for the substrate pair ATP-IDP, and a marked deviation from normal behavior for the substrate pair ATP-GDP. GDP is a potent inhibitor of the enzyme at concentrations exceeding 150 µm and, as a result, biphasic kinetic response curves are obtained when the substrate pair is ATP-GDP. Taken together these results show that ATP formation in intact rat liver mitochondria can be readily coupled to nucleoside triphosphate formation when nucleoside diphosphates are supplied exogenously, that nucleoside diphosphokinase localized in the outer mitochondrial compartment is intimately associated with the coupling process, and that GDP via its action on nucleoside diphosphokinase is a potent inhibitor of nucleoside triphosphate formation.
A Case Study in Forensic Meteorology: Investigating the 3 April 1956 Tornadoes in Western Lower Michigan

An investigation into a historic tornado outbreak in western Lower Michigan yielded several significant findings and provided details about path length, duration, and intensity of each tornado. These findings are presented here, along with discrepancies that were found with the National Climatic Data Center’s storm event database for the number of tornadoes and fatalities that occurred in this event. Potential strategies in forensic meteorology for future studies of historic tornado events also are presented, including suggestions for gathering and synthesizing data. Finally, strategies are discussed for using anniversary events to increase public awareness of severe weather.
Linking channel hydrology with riparian wetland accretion in tidal rivers

[1] The hydrologic processes by which tide affects river channel and riparian morphology within the tidal freshwater zone are poorly understood yet are fundamental to predicting the fate of coastal rivers and wetlands as sea level rises. We investigated patterns of sediment accretion in riparian wetlands along the nontidal through oligohaline portion of two coastal plain rivers in Maryland, U.S., and how flow velocity, water level, and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in the channel may have contributed to those patterns. Sediment accretion was measured over a 1 year period using artificial marker horizons, channel hydrology was measured over a 1 month period using acoustic Doppler current profilers, and SSC was predicted from acoustic backscatter. Riparian sediment accretion was lowest at the nontidal sites (mean and standard deviation = 8 ± 8 mm yr−1), highest at the upstream tidal freshwater forested wetlands (TFFW) (33 ± 28 mm yr−1), low at the midstream TFFW (12 ± 9 mm yr−1), and high at the oligohaline (fresh-to-brackish) marshes (19 ± 8 mm yr−1). Channel maximum flood and ebb velocity was twofold faster at the oligohaline than tidal freshwater zone on both tidal rivers, corresponding with the differences in in-channel SSC: The oligohaline zone's SSC was more than double the tidal freshwater zone's and was greater than historical SSC at the nontidal gages. The tidal wave characteristics differed between rivers, leading to significantly greater in-channel SSC during floodplain inundation in the weakly convergent than the strongly convergent tidal river. High sediment accretion at the upstream TFFW was likely due to high river discharge following a hurricane.
The Effects Of Extraterrestrial Environments On High Voltage Distribution

The problems encountered in the transmission of high-power (kilowatts to megawatts) in extraterrestrial environments are reviewed. A summary of the work at Auburn University in the study of these problems is presented. These studies include high-voltage breakdown in the space environment as influenced by gas contamination and thermal stress, the modeling of lunar transmission lines, particle contamination, and material degradation by the hypervelocity impact of microparticles.
Feasibility Testing of Biofiltration Technology for Remediating Air Contaminated by a Boat Manufacturing Facility.

This research investigated and compared the use of both bench- and pilot-scale biofilters to determine the effectiveness of controlling styrene, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and acetone emissions from an industrial gas waste stream. Critical operating parameters, including contaminant loading rate, temperature, and empty bed contact time, were manipulated in both the laboratory and field. At steady-state conditions, the bench and pilot-scale biofilters showed a 99% removal efficiency for styrene when the contaminant loading rate was less than 50 g m-3hr-1 and 40 g m-3hr-1, respectively. Although few data points were collected in the pilot-scale reactor where the styrene load was greater than 40 g m-3hr-1, the total organic contaminant load including both MEK and acetone typically ranged between 50 g m-3hr-1 and 80 g m-3hr-1. Greater than 99% removal efficiencies were observed for acetone and MEK in the pilot-scale biofilter at all evaluated loading rates. Also studied were biofilter acclimation and re-acclimation periods. In inoculated bench and pilot biofilter systems, microbial acclimation to styrene was achieved in less than five days. In comparison, no MEK degrading microbial inoculum was added, so during the first months of pilot-scale biofilter operation, MEK removal efficiencies lagged behind those noted with styrene.
Biofilm Formation by Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Non-O157 Strains and Their Tolerance to Sanitizers Commonly Used in the Food Processing Environment†

Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are important foodborne pathogens. Among these, E. coli O157:H7 is the most frequently isolated STEC serotype responsible for foodborne diseases. However, the non-O157 serotypes have been associated with serious outbreaks and sporadic diseases as well. It has been shown that various STEC serotypes are capable of forming biofilms on different food or food contact surfaces that, when detached, may lead to cross-contamination. Bacterial cells at biofilm stage also are more tolerant to sanitizers compared with their planktonic counterparts, which makes STEC biofilms a serious food safety concern. In the present study, we evaluated the potency of biofilm formation by a variety of STEC strains from serotypes O157:H7, O26:H11, and O111:H8; we also compared biofilm tolerance with two types of common sanitizers, a quaternary ammonium chloride–based sanitizer and chlorine. Our results demonstrated that biofilm formation by various STEC serotypes on a polystyrene...
Three or more routes for leukocyte migration into the central nervous system

Leukocyte migration into and through tissues is fundamental to normal physiology, immunopathology and host defence. Leukocyte entry into the central nervous system (CNS) is restricted, in part, because of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). During the past decade, crucial components that are involved in the process of leukocyte migration have been identified and progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of neuroinflammatory reactions. In this review, present knowledge of the trafficking determinants that guide the migration of leukocytes is superimposed onto the vascular and compartmental anatomy of the CNS. We discuss three distinct routes for leukocytes to enter the CNS and consider how different populations of leukocytes use trafficking signals to gain entry.
Neoplasms in the rat associated with administration of urethan and aflatoxin.

Abstract Tumor induction associated with administration of aflatoxin and urethan in rats was studied. Choline deficiency was superimposed in some experiments. Aflatoxin at the levels fed was associated only with liver tumors and induced a higher incidence alone than in combination with urethan. Administration of urethan was associated with vascular tumors and malignant lymphomas. There was no evidence of syncarcinogenesis between aflatoxin and urethan. Choline deficiency did not in itself induce liver tumors nor did it appear to increase urethan-induced tumors.
Collaboration and dissemination efforts related to pre-university power lessons

This panel session will highlight collaboration between power systems and education researchers to produce interactive power and energy curriculum materials for upper elementary and middle school students and teachers. The materials are being developed as part of the NSF-funded Trustworthy Cyber Infrastructure for the Power Grid project. We will discuss how the knowledge and expertise of power researchers, curriculum specialists, classroom teachers, and students have been utilized to produce lessons that are both technically and pedagogically sound. Methods of dissemination will also be discussed, such as direct involvement with students and teachers in their classrooms, presentations at conferences for teachers of mathematics and science, and implementation of the materials through teacher workshops.
The interior schwartzschild solution in (2+1) dimensions in the presence of a cosmological constant

The interior Schwartzschild solution in (2+1) dimensions is derived in the presence of the cosmological constant. We demonstrate that for a large positive cosmological constant the pressure is always negative (tension star) and for a large negative cosmological constant, the pressure is always positive. We also calculate the binding energy for both positive and negative pressure and demonstrate that the configuration posseses a domain of positive binding energy for both positive and negative cosmological constants and can be stabilized for both of these cases.
Glued-on, Rigid Gas-permeable Contact Lens for Severe Radiation-induced Keratitis

A 68-year-old woman with severe radiation-induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca became progressively unresponsive to conventional medical treatment. Her left eye deteriorated rapidly and required total tarsorrhaphy. In an attempt to stabilize the right eye and preserve some functional vision, we glued a high-Dk rigid, gas-permeable contact lens with tissue-grade cyanoacrylate adhesive to Bowman's membrane. This glued-on contact lens induced rapid and dramatic improvement of the patient's comfort and sight. Recent developments in high-permeability, rigid, contact-lens materials now make artificial replacement of the epithelium a potentially useful treatment for severe ocular surface disease when conventional treatment has failed.
Multiple-site DNA vaccination enhances immune responses in mice

Intramuscular delivery of plasmid DNA encoding vaccine antigens induces systemic immune responses in small animals but is less effective in inducing strong responses in larger animals species. We investigated if anatomic distribution of DNA could enhance responses to decreasing DNA doses. We show that anatomic distribution of low-dose DNA improves cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in mice. Anatomic distribution of low-dose DNA provided a dose-sparing effect for both cell-mediated immunity and humoral responses. Enhanced systemic responses correlate directly with recruitment of antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells in the regional lymph nodes. These results have implications for DNA vaccination in humans.
Aryl radical-initiated cyclizations: Effect of aryl substituents on ring-size

Abstract The presence of a radical stabilizing group on the aryl ring can lead to ring-expanded products.
The effect of pulse oximetry on emergency medical technician decision making.

Abstract Objective Relatively little is known about the use of pulse oximetry in the prehospital setting. The purpose of this study was to determine how emergency medical technicians (EMTs) use pulse oximetry information to influence their decisions regarding the involvement of advanced life support (ALS) personnel in a two-tiered emergency medical services (EMS) system. Methods EMTs were trained and authorized to use pulse oximetry in predefined clinical situations. The EMTs completed a questionnaire describing the influence of the oximetry information on their decision making regarding the involvement of ALS units. Results The EMTs reported an influence on their decisions whether to involve ALS care in 35 (12%) of 302 cases. The addition of the pulse oximetry information caused the EMTs to request ALS dispatch in 11 cases, to cancel a previously dispatched ALS response in eight cases, and not to request an ALS response from the scene when they otherwise would have requested it in 16 cases. Conclusion Prehospital pulse oximetry has a measurable influence on EMT decisions concerning ALS involvement in a two-tiered EMS system. It improves system efficiency by helping to match patients to an appropriate level of care.
Destabilized secondary structure of newly replicated HeLa DNA.

Abstract DNA, extracted by a variety of methods from intact HeLa cells pulsed with [3H]thymidine and also from the washed nuclei and dispersed nucleoprotein derived from them, was examined for the presence of single- and double-stranded forms by hydroxyapatite chromatography, zonal electrophoresis and susceptibility to exonuclease I. A substantial portion of the newly replicated DNA can be extracted from intact cells or nuclei in a single-stranded form by certain of the procedures, while DNA extracted from the dispersed nucleoprotein by the same procedures is entirely double-stranded. DNA extracted from whole cells by various other procedures is also almost entirely double-stranded. These results suggest that a portion of the newly replicated DNA is present in the nucleus not as free single strands but in a “destabilized” state and that, depending on the conditions of extraction, it can be converted to either the single- or double-stranded form. The results further suggest the possibility that factors operative in the intact nucleus but not in the nuclear lysate maintain the newly replicated DNA in this destabilized state.
The Application of Lightwave Technology to Microwaves

This paper concerns with the application of lightwave technology to microwave systems. In particular, the performance of fiberoptic links and their use in phased array antenna feeds and recirculating memory loops is discussed.
Clinical outcome of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who have recurrence after initial radioactive iodine therapy.

BACKGROUND. Among patients with well differentiated papillary thyroid carcinoma who generally have an excellent prognosis and a near-normal lifespan, there exist subsets of patients who have significant risk for morbidity and mortality from this disease. It is important to define the patterns of disease progression and the clinical outcome of such patients to develop effective surveillance and treatment strategies. Patients with recurrence after surgery and therapeutic administration of radioactive iodine (RAI) for papillary thyroid carcinoma represent one such subset of high-risk patients. METHODS. At The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 65 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma were diagnosed between 1970 and 1990. Their medical records were reviewed with particular attention to disease recurrence and outcome as well as RAI imaging and treatment. RESULTS. Following diagnosis and initial therapy, 19 patients died from thyroid carcinoma after a median of 64 months ; 34 had no evidence of disease for a median of 112 months of available follow-up ; and 7 are alive with disease 61 to 153 months after diagnosis. Cervical lymph node metastases were present in 41 patients and extrathyroidal or extranodal tumor invasion was seen in 25 patients at the time of initial surgery ; distant metastases (lung, bone, brain, liver, and adrenal) developed later in 18 patients. RAI uptake by recurrent tumor deposits in the neck was seen most frequently in patients with no direct invasion of adjacent tissues but with recurrence limited to cervical lymphadenopathy ; this group of patients was the most likely to become clinically and radiologically disease free. RAI generally did not concentrate in invasive cancers with extrathyroidal or extranodal extension in the neck ; patients with this type of invasive carcinoma were also more likely to die from the disease. CONCLUSIONS. We suggest that among patients with recurrent papillary thyroid carcinoma, invasive cancers are less likely to concentrate RAI, whereas patients with disease confined to lymph nodes are more likely to have RAI-avid tumors and to benefit from RAI therapy. .
Oxidative stress as a causal factor in differentiation and aging: a unifying hypothesis

In this article, the authors have pointed out flaws in the current version of the free radical hypothesis of aging and have advanced a new hypothesis that reconciles and encapsulates existing information. The main premise of this hypothesis is that aging is a continuation of development and is thus influenced by genetically programmed phenomena. Completion of various genetic programs and the duration of life are linked to a metabolic potential which is itself a genetically determined sum of energy expenditure. Nevertheless, the rate at which metabolic potential is reached is linked to the rate of metabolism and the level of oxidative stress both of which are influenced by epigenetic stimuli. The current version of the free radical hypothesis postulates that partially reduced oxygen species are produced in aerobic cells in an uncontrolled fashion and do not play any useful physiological function. The principle tenet of the free radical hypothesis is that molecular damage is the underlying cause of aging and that O2- radicals and derivatives induce most of the damage sustained by cells during aging. The authors regard this hypothesis as flawed because it fails to explain either low randomly occurring damage can lead to age-associated changes that are species-specific, or the sequential nature of the changes that occur in aging organisms. In contrast to the free radical hypothesis, our hypothesis can explain the specific and sequential nature of aging-related changes because they are postulated to be neither dependent upon uncontrolled damage nor the cellular capacity to prevent it. Instead, the authors suggest that the damage accumulated during aging is a secondary effect rather than a direct cause of senescence. The authors have shown that cells exert control not only on their level of antioxidant defense but also on their rate of oxidant production. The authors postulate that aging is the terminal stage of development, and as such is influenced genetically. The authors also postulate that a definite sum of energy is required to complete the genetic programs associated with aging. Thus, the rate of aging is linked to the level of oxidative stress; the rate of energy utilization is postulated to determine the level of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the factors which appears to govern changes in gene expression during differentiation and we suggest that it causes alterations in gene expression during aging. In the authors revised hypothesis, free radicals promote aging by affecting specific genetic programs and the incidental damage they inflict in cells is only a by-product of this process.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
NOP receptor antagonist, JTC-801, blocks cannabinoid-evoked hypothermia in rats

Abstract The present study used the endpoint of hypothermia to investigate cannabinoid and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) interactions in conscious animals. Prior work has established that cannabinoids produce hypothermia by activating central cannabinoid CB 1 receptors. The administration of N/OFQ into the brain also causes significant hypothermia. Those data suggest a link between cannabinoid CB 1 receptors and N/OFQ peptide (NOP) receptors in the production of hypothermia. Therefore, we determined if NOP receptor activation is required for cannabinoid-evoked hypothermia and if cannabinoid CB 1 receptor activation is necessary for N/OFQ-induced hypothermia. In actual experiments, a cannabinoid agonist, WIN 55212-2 (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.), caused significant hypothermia in male Sprague-Dawley rats (200–225 g). A NOP receptor antagonist, JTC-801 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), did not affect body temperature. For combined administration, JTC-801 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) blocked a significant proportion of the hypothermia caused by each dose of WIN 55212-2 (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.). JTC-801 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) also blocked the hypothermia caused by another cannabinoid agonist, CP-55, 940 (1 mg/kg, i.p.). In separate experiments, the direct administration of N/OFQ (9 μg/rat, i.c.v.) into the brain produced significant hypothermia. The hypothermic effect of N/OFQ was blocked by JTC-801 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) but not by a selective cannabinoid CB 1 antagonist, SR 141716A (5 mg/kg, i.m.). The finding that a NOP receptor antagonist abolishes a significant percentage of cannabinoid-induced hypothermia suggests that NOP receptor activation is required for cannabinoids to produce hypothermia. This interaction, quantitated in the present study, is the first evidence that NOP receptors mediate a cannabinoid-induced effect in conscious animals.
Growth and yield of wheat and sorghum after sequential exposures to hydrogen fluoride

Abstract Wheat Triticum aestivum L. cv. Chris and two sorghum hybrids (Sorghum sp. DeKalb C44C (DK) and Northrup King 222A (NK)) were exposed to hydrogen fluoride (HF) during three successive 3-day periods. The average concentrations of HF in each period were about 1·6 or 3·3 μgFm−3, and eight permutations of these levels were used in addition to a control (no HF). Measures of growth and yield and of fluoride (F) in the plant were taken immediately after the exposure period and again at harvest maturity to determine whether successive exposures to HF acted independently. Accumulation of F was related to the average concentration of HF over the entire exposure period by a second degree equation for wheat and the DK sorghum hybrid and a first degree equation for the NK hybrid. Growth and yield of wheat were not related to the mean concentration of HF in all exposures but to a weighted contrast between the first period and later two periods. Yield of the DK hybrid (the more resistant with reference to foliar injury) was not affected by HF, but yield of the NK hybrid was related to concentration of HF by a weighted mean of the second and third exposures. Exposures during anthesis were most effective with respect to HF-induced effects on yield. Anthesis occurred during the first exposure period in wheat and during the third exposure period in sorghum. The concentrations of HF during these periods, for the respective species, were most heavily weighted with reference to effects on yield.
Nano- and Microporous Layer-by-Layer Assemblies Containing Linear Poly(ethylenimine) and Poly(acrylic acid)

The structure and morphology as well as the mechanism of formation of porous polyelectrolyte multilayers consisting of linear poly(ethylenimine) (LPEI) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) have been systematically investigated as a function of pH. The structures obtained exhibit dramatic differences with small changes in the pH of multilayer assembly and pH of postassembly treatment, yielding an observed range of pore sizes from tens of nanometers to micrometers and pore volume fractions from 0 to 77%. The porous phase transition is quite rapid (<20 min), and structures observed include asymmetric membranes and isolated craters. It is thought that asymmetric membranes are achieved due to the high mobility of LPEI, which can exhibit interdiffusion when layered with PAA. To further understand the nature of the porous LbL multilayers, the pores were filled with liquid electrolyte and the impedance response of electrolyte-filled porous multilayers was examined; two time constants or two dry-state room temperature con...
Microstructural and environmental effects on fretting fatigue

Abstract Fretting fatigue characteristics of two microstructures of a .40 .50 carbon steel are discussed in terms of the relative effects of mechanical and corrosive damage. Comparison of vacuum and laboratory air fretting fatigue data of each microstructure verifies the hypothesis that the mechanical damage incurred during the fretting process is of more consequence than the chemical damage due to oxide formation. A microstructural effect is evidenced in that the region of data over which decreases in life become significant is different for each microstructure. The microstructures investigated were a ferrite-pearlite structure in the as-received sheet form and a tempered martensite structure of higher strength.
Induction of redox instability of bovine myoglobin by adduction with 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal.

The redox stability of myoglobin (Mb) is compromised by many factors, including lipid oxidation and its products. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) is an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde derived from the oxidation of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and is highly reactive and cytotoxic. Our objective was to study potential binding of HNE to Mb and determine how it affects redox stability. OxyMb (0.15 mM) was incubated with HNE (1 mM) at 4, 25, and 37 °C at pH 7.4 or 5.6. Samples were analyzed for MetMb formation and by Western blot analyses, LC−MS, LC−MS−MS, circular dichroism (CD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). MetMb formation increased with increasing temperature and was greater at pH 5.6 than at pH 7.4 (P < 0.05). At 37 °C, HNE accelerated oxidation at pH 7.4 but not at pH 5.6 (P < 0.05). At both 25 and 4 °C, HNE accelerated oxidation at pH 7.4 and 5.6 (P < 0.05). LC−MS revealed the covalent binding of HNE to Mb at both pH values via Michael addition, while Western blot analysis indicated that HNE was bo...
The influence of body coloration on shoaling preferences in fish.

Shoaling behaviour provides antipredator benefits that rely, to some extent, on a high degree of phenotypic homogeneity between individuals within the shoal. Therefore, fish should have the ability to discriminate between potential shoalmates, choosing to associate with individuals of similar appearance to themselves. We studied the effects of a single phenotypic character, body coloration, on association choices made by black and white mollies (Poecilia latipinna). When given a choice between a group of mollies of similar coloration and an empty compartment, individual test fish (black or white) spent significantly more time near the fish group. When given a choice between a group of black mollies and a group of white mollies, individual fish (black or white) spent significantly more time near the group of mollies of similar coloration to their own. When given a choice between a group of mollies of dissimilar coloration and an empty compartment, black and white mollies reacted differently. Black mollies spent significantly more time on the side of the central compartment closest to the white mollies, while there was no significant difference between the time spent by white mollies on either side of the test tank. Our results indicate that fish can use visual cues to discriminate actively between potential shoalmates on the basis of body coloration.
Toward mapping the biology of the genome

This issue of Genome Research presents new results, methods, and tools from The ENCODE Project (ENCyclopedia of DNA Elements), which collectively represents an important step in moving beyond a parts list of the genome and promises to shape the future of genomic research. This collection sheds light on basic biological questions and frames the current debate over the optimization of tools and methodological challenges necessary to compare and interpret large complex data sets focused on how the genome is organized and regulated. In a number of instances, the authors have highlighted the strengths and limitations of current computational and technical approaches, providing the community with useful standards, which should stimulate development of new tools. In many ways, these papers will ripple through the scientific community, as those in pursuit of understanding the “regulatory genome” will heavily traverse the maps and tools. Similarly, the work should have a substantive impact on how genetic variation contributes to specific diseases and traits by providing a compendium of functional elements for follow-up study. The success of these papers should not only be measured by the scope of the scientific insights and tools but also by their ability to attract new talent to mine existing and future data.
Compton-suppression tests on Ge and BGO prototype detectors for GAMMASPHERE

During the last decade the application of arrays of 10--30 Compton Suppressed germanium (CSG) detectors in the field of {gamma}-ray spectroscopy has led to a number of significant advances in studies of nuclear structure. Despite the success of these instruments, most of them are limited to detecting two-fold (and in a few cases three-fold) coincidences from highmultiplicity cascades. To increase the detection sensitivity for weak cascades, proposals have recently emerged for construction of much larger arrays. In the USA, the proposed array, called GAMMASPHERE, is to have 110 large CSG detectors which will subtend a solid angle of almost 2{pi} steradians, sufficient to permit routine acquisition of up to 5-fold coincidences from high-multiplicity cascades. This together with other improvements, will yield a resolving power several orders of magnitude greater than currents arrays. In Europe, an array of similar size and power, called EUROGAM, is currently being constructed. In this paper, we report on measurements of the Compton suppression and overall P/T ratio of two Ge detectors in a BGO shield of the honeycomb pattern. These were the first prototype CSG detector assemblies for GAMMASPHERE
Behavioral and emotional self-control: Relations to substance use in samples of middle and high school students.

The authors tested how behavioral and emotional self-control are related to adolescent substance (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) use. Data were obtained from 489 middle school students and 602 high school students. Multiple indicators were developed for each domain of self-control, and confirmatory analyses were used to test the measurement structure of latent constructs. Results showed that the domains of behavioral self-control and emotional self-control were statistically distinct, and both were related to adolescent substance use. Structural modeling analyses indicated indirect effects for self-control constructs primarily through pathways to competence and recent events. In addition, poor behavioral control had a direct effect to deviant peer affiliations, and poor emotional control had a direct effect to coping motives for substance use. The results indicate that both types of self-regulation are relevant for adolescent substance use. Implications for prevention and treatment research are discussed.
Study of palladium metal particle deposition on the conductive diamond surface by XRD, XPS and electrochemistry

Abstract The spontaneous deposition of Pd metal particles on a conductive boron-doped diamond film supported on silicon substrate was achieved by immersing the diamond/silicon in solutions of 100 ppm Pd 2+ with various HF concentrations (0.0049–4.9%). Scanning electron microscopy showed that HF strength affects the deposition morphology (size and density) of Pd particles on polycrystalline diamond surfaces. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the zero valence of Pd particles. X-ray diffraction characterization of Pd particles prepared from 0.0049% HF showed significant lattice strain (| ɛ | ≥ 1.4%) compared to those from [HF] ≥ 0.049%. The unstrained Pd showed similar electrocatalytic behavior as a Pd disk. While a tensile strain along 〈1 1 1〉 and the consequent increase in the Pd interatomic spacing (to ∼2.79 A) could explain the enhanced hydrogen evolution electrocatalytic behavior of Pd metal particles prepared from 0.0049%, the same strained Pd on diamond exhibit no electrocatalytic activity toward HCHO oxidation.
Dielectric measurements of water sorbed on ovalbumin and lysozyme

Abstract A cell is described which makes it possible to measure the capacitance increments of water adsorbed on solid protein powders. The results demonstrate different forms of binding for successive increments of water sorbed by the protein. A capacitance isotherm shows two or more distinct segments. The first of these segments, with very small slope, is assigned to water bound by two hydrogen bonds to the protein. The second segment corresponds to the completion of a coverage of one molecule of water for each side-chain polar group. The capability of a sample to bind water tightly is found to be related to the extent to which the protein retains its native structure. For ovalbumin, the denatured material can adsorb more water and bind it more tightly than the native material, indicating that denaturation permits binding sites to approach one another in such a way that multiple bonds can be formed to the water molecules. Successive isotherms on the denatured material are superimposable, and cycles of adsorption and desorption of water on a given native sample change the shape of the isotherm toward that of the denatured material, indicating that the adsorption-desorption process itself has a denaturing effect. In contrast, changes in the capacitance isotherm of water on lysozyme indicate that the adsorption-desorption cycle renatures that material in terms of water-binding capability.
Differential gene silencing induced by short interfering RNA in cultured pine cells associates with the cell cycle phase

The double-stranded short interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules can silence targeted genes through sequence-specific cleavage of the cognate RNA transcript. The rapid adoption of technologies based on this siRNA interference mechanism has been a widely used method to analyze gene function in plants, invertebrates, and mammalian systems. In order to understand the dynamics of siRNA-mediated gene inactivation during cell division, we have investigated the relationship between the cell cycle phase and the post-transcriptional gene silencing mediated by siRNA in gfp transgenic Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana Mill.) cells. Among the different phases of the cell cycle, transgenic cells at the M phase gave 2–3 times lower gfp silencing than those at the G1, S, and G2 phases. The similar results of the siRNA-mediated gfp silencing were obtained in three transgenic cell lines. Differential gfp silencing induced by siRNA has been confirmed by northern blot, laser scanning microscopy, and siRNA analysis. These data suggested that siRNA-mediated gene inactivation is associated with the cell cycle phase in Virginia pine.
Size-resolved aerosol chemical concentrations at rural and urban sites in Central California, USA

Aerosol size distributions were measured with Micro Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor (MOUDI) cascade impactors at the rural Angiola and urban Fresno Supersites in California's San Joaquin Valley during the California Regional PM10/PM2.5 Air Quality Study (CRPAQS) winter campaign from December 15, 2000 to February 3, 2001. PM2.5 filter samples were collected concurrently at both sites with Sequential Filter Samplers (SFS). MOUDI nitrate (NO3−) concentrations reached 66 μg/m3 on January 6, 2001 during the 1000–1600 PST (GMT-8) period. Pair-wise comparisons between PM2.5 MOUDI and SFS concentrations revealed high correlations at the Angiola site (r > 0.93) but more variability (r 0.87) than at Angiola (r < 0.7) for organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and total carbon (TC). NO3− and SO4= size distributions in Fresno were multi-modal and wider than the uni-modal distributions observed at Angiola. Geometric mean diameters (GMD) were smaller for OC and EC than for NO3− and SO4= at both sites. OC and EC were more concentrated on the lowest MOUDI stage (0.056 µm) at Angiola than at Fresno. The NO3− GMD increased from 0.97 to 1.02 µm as the NO3− concentration at Angiola increased from 43 to 66 µg m− 3 during a PM2.5 episode from January 4–7, 2001. There was a direct relationship between GMD and NO3− and SO4= concentrations at Angiola but no such relationships for OC or EC. This demonstrates that secondary aerosol formation increases both concentration and particle size for the rural California environment.
Population density and regulation of cell division in 3T3 cells. I. Inorganic phosphate levels, uptake and release.

Triggering mechanisms for initiating density dependent inhibition of cell division in 3T3 cell monolayers are activated approximately two to three population doublings prior to cessation of cell division at monolayer confluency. This activation occurs at a critical contact cell density of approximately 8 × 103 cells/cm2. During this period there are selective controls on transport and storage of required low molecular weight nutrients. A possible correlation between orthophosphate and rates of cell division has been investigated. We have demonstrated a relationship between cellular concentrations of orthophosphate and initiation of density dependent inhibition of cell division. Prior to critical intercellular contact, the [Pi] in 3T3 cells is 10 mM. During critical contact, this concentration is quickly reduced to approximately 2 mM and remains at this concentration to confluency. Similar alterations do not occur in Py 3T3 cells, which maintain a concentration of approximately 2 mM Pi regardless of cell density. After confluent 3T3 cells are released from inhibition of cell division the [Pi] must increase several-fold before DNA synthesis commences. These are physiological changes in 3T3 cellular [Pi] as a function of cell density, and cannot be attributed to nutrient depletion, altered transport of Pi into the cell, increased [ATP], or increased [PPi] levels. The controlled modulation of [Pi] may regulate glycolysis and coordinate counter-ion changes (Ca++) may regulate mitochondrial activity.
Effects of histamine receptor antagonism on adrenaline-induced changes in blood pressure in intact dogs

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that histamine may contribute to the vasodepressor response which occurs in response to physiologic increments in adrenaline concentration in intact animals. Accordingly, following a control period of 30 min, adrenaline was infused intravenously for 45 min at a rate of 250 ng/kg per min in 14 anaesthetized dogs (Group I). A second group of eight dogs received an identical adrenaline infusion following complete H1- and H2-histamine receptor antagonism with tripelennamine plus cimetidine (Group II). A time control group of experiments, in which no drugs were infused, as well as groups receiving adrenaline plus either tripelennamine or cimetidine, were also performed. In Group I, adrenaline infusion increased heart rate and reduced mean arterial blood pressure by 10 mmHg (P less than 0.01). Following combined H1- and H2-histamine receptor antagonism (Group II), adrenaline infusion failed to reduce mean arterial blood pressure. However, mean arterial blood pressure was reduced significantly in the groups receiving adrenaline plus only one of the histamine receptor blocking agents. Since only the combined histamine receptor blockade completely eliminated the vasodepressor response to adrenaline, the data suggest that histamine may play a physiological role in the vasodepressor response to circulating adrenaline in the intact animal, and that both H1- and H2-histamine receptors may be involved.
GAbAA Receptor Subunit Rare Variants Identified in Patients with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy Alter Receptor Gating and Assembly

Exome sequencing of ion channel genes from cases with well characterized idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs) has identified many rare, nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphysms (nSNPs) in the human non-epilepsy genes GABRA4, GABRA5, GABRA6, GABRB1, GABRB2, GABRG1 and GABRG3. Structural homology modeling predicts that the rare variants are mainly localized between the agonist-binding domain (N-terminus) and the channel gate (transmembrane domain, TM) of GABAA receptor subunits. We sought to investigate the effects of the rare nSNPs on assembly and function of GABAA receptors containing one of seven separate IGE-associated rare variants identified in α5 and β2 subunits (α5V204I, W280R, S402A, P453L, A459T; β2R293W, R354C), which are located within the well-defined structural GABAA receptor domains. We studied gating properties and surface expression of wild-type (wt) α5β3γ2, α1β2γ2 and mutant (mut) α5(mut)β3γ2, α1β2(mut)γ2 receptors expressed in HEK293T cells. We found that variants located within the N-terminal domain and in the juxtamembrane interface displayed gating or mixed gating and trafficking defects. Furthermore, variants within TMs displayed trafficking defects, but those within the cytoplasmic loop had no defect. Thus, variant subunits α5V204I and β2R293W displayed a mixed profile, causing both gating and trafficking defects of α5β3γ2 and α1β2γ2 receptors, whereas variant α5W280R subunit caused primarily impaired trafficking of α5β3γ2 receptors. Interestingly, homology modeling predicted that α5W280R and β2R293W variants stabilize new hydrogen bonds across the β/α subunit interface, which seems to be essential for inter-subunit interactions in assembled receptors. These findings suggest that gating and/or trafficking defects might suggest that a specific variant may be a susceptibility gene and may help to predict functional risk for loss of GABAergic function in individual IGE cases.NIH funding NS33300 to Robert Macdonald.
Detection and measurement of nuclear radiation

Methods of measuring nuclear radiation have been described meticulously in technical literature as they were developed. This summation should provide a good basis for the understanding of current and future literature describing specific instruments, newer refinements of the measurement technique, and nucleonics research. This is the fourth in a series of articles developed by the AIEE nucleonics committee.
Integration in response timing: The functional time requirement

Two procedures involving differential reinforcement of the duration of fixed-ratio sequences required pigeons to choose between simultaneously available duration requirements. One variation demanded only that the ratio durations exceed a lower limit; the second entailed an upper limit as well. In the no-upper-bound conditions, ratio duration was influenced by the other choice option. The larger the difference between the two duration requirements, the more ratio duration in one component shifted in the direction of the other requirement. The upper-bound procedure weakened this interaction. The temporal differentiation equation—an equation that has successfully described the effects of single time requirements on a variety of species and response units—fit the present results when the functional time requirement was viewed as the weighted average of the component requirements. The weighting parameter determining the functional requirement was influenced by the presence or absence of the upper bound. As has proven generally the case in temporal differentiation experiments, behavior did not conform to Weber’s law. Instead, sensitivity decreased as time taken to complete the ratio increased.