cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alternative energy sources could support life on Europa

Energy pervades the solar system in a variety of forms, including electromagnetic and particle radiation, magnetism, heat, kinetic motion, and gravitational interactions. Life on Earth is sustained by the conversion of light and chemical energy into proton gradients across membranes that drive the phosphorylation of high-energy intermediate metabolites. The use of light and reduced chemical bonds as energy sources is not surprising on Earth, where the intensity of light is strong and an oxidizing atmosphere favors energy-yielding chemical reactions. However, any naturally occurring energy gradient that generates charge separation across boundary layers could theoretically yield the free energy needed to sustain life. Using specific, plausible examples from Jupiter's ice-covered satellite Europa, we propose that alternative energy sources could sustain life where neither light nor an oxidizing atmosphere is available.
Laparoscopic surgery in the management of Crohn's disease.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with surgery still frequently necessary in its treatment. Since the 1990’s, laparoscopic surgery has become increasingly common for primary resections in patients with Crohn’s disease and has now become the standard of care. Studies have shown no difference in recurrence rates when compared to open surgery and benefits include shorter hospital stay, lower rates of wound infection and decreased time to bowel function. This review highlights studies comparing the laparoscopic approach to the open approach in specific situations, including cases of complicated Crohn’s disease.
Glutathione Oxidation and Embryotoxicity Elicited by Diamide in the Developing Rat Conceptus in Vitro

This study was performed in the rat whole-embryo culture system to investigate the effects of glutathione oxidation by diamide, a thiol oxidant, in developing rat conceptuses during early organogenesis. The effects of diamide on reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and embryotoxicity were found to be concentration and time dependent. Diamide at concentrations of 75 and 100 microM produced abnormal axial rotation (62-89%), decreased viability (to 69% by 100 microM diamide), and reduced protein and DNA content in the embryo and visceral yolk sac (VYS) when evaluated on Day 11. High concentrations of diamide (250-500 microM) resulted in 100% mortality. GSH and GSSG levels in the conceptuses were not significantly affected during 2 hr following diamide addition at concentrations of 50 to 100 microM. At concentrations of 250 and 500 microM, rapid GSH depletion (50% of control) was seen within 5 min of exposure and was followed at 5-30 min by a significant increase in GSSG relative to control values. Diamide (500 microM) exposure for only 15 min on Gestational Day 10 was sufficient to elicit malformations (53% of exposed conceptuses with abnormal axial rotation) without significant loss of viability. After 30 min of exposure to the high concentration (500 microM), viability was decreased to 71% and defects of axial rotation increased to 87% in surviving conceptuses. This indicates that events associated with initial exposure are critical for expression of toxicity. Inhibition of glutathione disulfide reductase (GSSG reductase) activities in embryo and VYS with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitro-sourea prior to diamide addition potentiated the embryotoxicity of diamide (75 microM) and resulted in corresponding reductions in GSH/GSSG ratios as determined during the first 2 hr of exposure. Inhibition of new GSH synthesis with L-buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine during diamide (75 microM) exposure also exacerbated toxicity compared to diamide treatment alone. These results implicate the involvement of GSH synthesis and GSSG reductase activity in mediating the embryotoxicity of diamide.
The Metabolic Cost of Swimming in Ducks

1. The metabolic cost of swimming was studied in mallard ducks ( Anas platyrhynchos ) which had been trained to swim steadily in a variable-speed water channel. 2. At speeds of from 0.35 to 0.50 m/sec the oxygen consumption remained relatively constant at approximately 2.2 times the resting level. At speeds of 0.55 m/sec and higher the oxygen consumption increased rapidly and reached 4.1 times resting at the maximum sustainable speed of 0.70 m/sec. 3. The maximum sustainable swimming speed of the ducks coincided with the limit predicted from hydrodynamic considerations of the water resistance of a displacement-hulled ship of the same hull length as a duck (0.33 m). 4. The cost of transport (metabolic rate/speed) reached a minimum of 5.77 kcal/kg km at a swimming speed of 0.50 m/sec. Ducks swimming freely on a pond were observed to swim at the speed calculated in experimental trials to give minimum cost of transport. 5. Drag measurements made with model ducks indicated a maximum overall efficiency (power output/power input) for the swimming ducks of about 5%. Ships typically have maximum efficiencies of 20-30%. Because of the difficulty in delimiting the cost of swimming activity alone from the other bodily functions of the duck, overall efficiency may present an incorrect description of the swimming performance of the duck relative to that of a ship. An hydrodynamic parameter such as speed/length ratio [speed/(hull length)½] whereby a duck excels conventional ships may present a more appropriate comparison.
CSM: A Computational Model of Cumulative Learning

This paper presents a description and an empirical evaluation of a rule-based, cumulative learning system called CSM (classifier system with memory), tested in the robot navigation domain. The significance of this research is to augment the current model of classifier systems with analogical problem solving capabilities and chunking mechanisms. The present investigation focuses on knowledge acquisition, learning by analogy, and knowledge retention. Experimental results are presented that exhibit forms of intelligent behavior not yet observed in classified systems and expert systems.
Circular microstrip radiator for localized electromagnetic hyperthermia

A description is given of a microstrip radiator consisting of a circular patch in water and working at 130 MHz. The use of deionized water as a high-permittivity material for the 'substrate' allows the realization of compact, low-weight applicators for direct-contact, medium-depth treatments. The water filling the radiator also provides a good electrical transition between the antenna and the treated tissues and prevents surface overheating. Depths up to 6 cm and maximum cross sections larger than 10 cm diameter can be reached, with surface temperatures of 4-5 degrees C. >
Internal friction studies by resonant ultrasound spectroscopy

Abstract A description is given of the use of resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) to study internal friction in solids. The technique is applicable to a wide range of sample sizes and shapes. A method to extract the internal friction from the RUS spectrum in the presence of a coherent background signal is discussed. RUS has been used to study the internal friction due to hydrogen motion in hydrogen–metal materials. A comparison is made of internal friction due to hydrogen motion in a C15 Laves-phase intermetallic compound with that in a quasicrystalline material. The internal friction peak in the quasicrystalline material is much broader, probably reflecting a distribution of local environments for the hydrogen in this material. A low-temperature, internal friction peak due to deuterium motion in TaV 2 D 0.17 is discussed. This peak was shown previously to result from a rapid local motion of D on a hexagon of interstitial g sites. A novel explanation is proposed for the temperature dependence of this peak.
The trapezius musculocutaneous FLAP in head and neck reconstruction: Potential pitfalls

Defects resulting from bulky tumor resection of the head and neck region represent a reconstructive challenge. The trapezius musculocutaneous paddle flap based on the transverse cervical vessels is a useful tool for the reconstructive surgeon. Failure to recognize the variable anatomy is discussed in relation to other musculocutaneous flaps used for the purpose of head and neck reconstruction. The trapezius muscle has a variably located vasculature and diverse nomenclature. The knowledge of the variance of its anatomical vasculature is essential in the successful use of the trapezius musculocutaneous flap.
A fluctuating charge density formulation of the dielectric behavior of liquids-with applications to equilibrium and nonequilibrium solvation

The usual molecular formulation of the dielectric properties of fluids is based on the equilibrium spatial and temporal fluctuations of the local density of vector dipole moments. In this work we discuss an alternative statistical mechanical theory of the longitudinal dielectric response of liquids comprising molecules with arbitrary shape and charge distribution. The molecules are represented by models comprising interaction sites carrying fluctuating partial charges; in this way the role of the electronic polarizability of the solvent molecules is taken into account. The emphasis of the theory is on the fluctuations of the microscopic charge density at equilibrium. It leads to a compact molecular formulation of the frequency- and wavevector-dependent longitudinal dielectric function of the solvent. It also leads to charge susceptibilities required for the description of the solvent response to a time-varying external charge distribution. The theory provides a simple unified description of the dielectric properties of dipolar as well as “non-dipolar” solvents. In the latter case the solvent molecules lack a permanent dipole moment; the solvent “polarity” originates from the molecular electrical multipoles of higher order that are a consequence of the finite size of the molecular charge distribution. We show that the molecular formulation of the dielectric response is especially useful for the discussion of the energetics and dynamics of the solvation process relevant to electron transfer reactions in solution. Thus we examine the dependence of the solvent reorganization energy on the distance between the donor and acceptor groups in an intramolecular charge transfer reaction in acetonitrile and in benzene. The dynamical theory is illustrated by calculating the solvation time correlation function for Coumarin-153 in acetonitrile.
Comparison of methods for identifying and assessing obese patients with binge eating disorder in primary care settings

Objective—Given the prevalence and health significance of binge eating disorder (BED) it is important to determine if time-efficient self-reports can adequately assess BED and its features in primary care settings. We compared the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and Questionnaire for Eating and Weight Patterns-Revised (QEWP-R), administered to obese patients with BED in primary care to the Eating Disorder Examination interview (EDE). Method—Sixty-six participants completed questionnaires and were interviewed Results—The EDE was significantly correlated with the EDE-Q (binge eating, four subscales, global score) and QEWP-R (binge eating, distress, body image). The EDE-Q yielded significantly lower estimates of binge eating and significantly higher scores on the EDE subscales. The QEWPR yielded significantly higher scores on the behavioral indicators and distress about binge eating and body image variables. Discussion—These findings suggest that these two self-report measures have potential utility for identifying BED in obese patients in primary care.
Data Combinations Accounting for LISA Spacecraft Motion

The laser interferometer space antenna is an array of three spacecraft in an approximately equilateral triangle configuration which will be used as a low-frequency gravitational wave detector. We present here new generalizations of the Michelson- and Sagnac-type time-delay interferometry data combinations. These combinations cancel laser phase noise in the presence of different up and down propagation delays in each arm of the array, and slowly varying systematic motion of the spacecraft. The gravitational wave sensitivities of these generalized combinations are the same as previously computed for the stationary cases, although the combinations are now more complicated. We introduce a diagrammatic representation to illustrate that these combinations are actually synthesized equal-arm interferometers.
Time-Resolved and Nonlinear Optical Imaging for Medical Applicationsa

In this article, we have presented an overview of emerging novel techniques for early-light transillumination imaging as well as nonlinear optical tomography of body organs. The use of light for probing and imaging biomedical media offers the promise for development of safe, noninvasive, and inexpensive clinical imaging modalities with diagnostic ability. The strong scattering of light by biological tissues buries the shadowgram formed by forward-propatating image-bearing photons in the background noise of multiple-scattered light. Several methods for extraction of image-bearing light that capitalize on spatial, temporal and polarization characteristics of transmitted light are reviewed. More recently emerging nonlinear-optical histopathology methods for imaging subsurface structures of tissues in terms of its local spatial symmetry and molecular content are introduced. The progress made so far indicates that some of these techniques are apt to make a transition from laboratory to useful clinical modalities.
Substrate specificity of a nitroalkane-oxidizing enzyme.

Abstract The flavoprotein nitroalkane oxidase from Fusarium oxysporum catalyzes the oxidation of nitroalkanes to aldehydes with production of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite. The substrate specificity of the FAD-containing enzyme has been determined as a probe of the active site structure. Nitroalkane oxidase is active on primary and secondary nitroalkanes, with a marked preference for unbranched primary nitroalkanes. The V/K values for primary nitroalkanes increase with increasing length of the alkyl chain, reaching a maximum with 1-nitrobutane, suggesting a hydrophobic binding site sufficient to accommodate a four carbon chain. Each methylene group of the substrate contributes ∼2.6 kcal mol −1 in binding energy. The V/K values for substrates containing a hydroxyl group are two orders of magnitude smaller than those of the corresponding nitroalkanes, also consistent with a hydrophobic binding site. 3-Nitro-1-propionate is a competitive inhibitor with a K is value of 3.1 ± 0.2 mM.
Simultaneously Increasing the Ductility and Strength of Nanostructured Alloys

In this paper we report a strategy to simultaneously increase the ductility and strength of bulk nanostructured materials. By engineering very small second-phase particles into a nanostructured Al alloy matrix, we were able to more than double its uniform elongation, while further gaining rather than sacrificing its yield strength. The simultaneous enhancement of ductility and strength is due to the increased dislocation accumulation and resistance to dislocation-slip by second-phase particles, respectively. Our strategy is applicable to many nanostructured alloys and composites, and paves a way for their large-scale industrial applications. The material used in this model study is 7075 Al alloy. The alloy was solution-treated to obtain a coarse-grained (CG) solid solution. The CG sample was immediately cryogenically rolled to produce nanostructures with an average grain size of ca. 100 nm (designated as NS sample). The NS sample was then aged at low temperature to introduce very small secondphase particles (designated as NS+P sample). The engineering stress–strain curves of these samples are compared in Figure 1a. The 0.2 % yield strengths (marked by circles) of the CG, NS, and NS+P samples are 145 MPa, 550 MPa, and 615 MPa, respectively. Therefore, the low-temperature aging enhanced the yield strength of the NS sample by 12 %. The uniform elongation (marked by the symbol on the curves in Fig. 1a) was determined by the Considere criterion (Eq. 1) governing the onset of localized deformation [8]
Comparison of numerical modeling and experiments of InGaN quantum wells light-emitting diodes with SiO2 / polystyrene microlens arrays

We demonstrated and analyzed 480-nm emitting III-Nitride LEDs using SiO 2 /polystyrene (PS) microlens arrays, deposited via rapid-convective-deposition. Output power of MOCVD-grown InGaN QW LEDs with SiO 2 /PS microlens exhibited improvement of 219%. Numerical simulation of the light extraction efficiency optimization of III-Nitride LEDs with SiO 2 /PS microlens was carried out using Monte Carlo ray tracing including 3D self-consistent photon-carrier interaction. The light extraction efficiency of the LEDs with microlens array is optimized for the PS layer thickness and the SiO 2 microspheres diameter. The simulations show good agreement with experiments, indicating the use of SiO 2 /PS microlens leads to increased photon escape cone.
Reusable vs. disposable cups revisited: guidance in life cycle comparisons addressing scenario, model, and parameter uncertainties for the US consumer

Despite interest in an environmentally conscious decision between disposable and reusable cups, a comprehensive and current study for US consumers is not yet available. Guidance in favor of single-use cups rely on outdated or non-ISO-compliant results with limited uncertainty information. Such claims are insufficiently generalizable. This article delivers an updated comparative life cycle impact assessment of reusable ceramic cups and single-use expanded polystyrene cups. The ReCiPe midpoint model was selected. Scenario uncertainties are addressed by evaluating compliant standard dishwashing appliance models from 2004 to 2013 used in 26 US subregional utility grids. A utility snapshot from 2009 is applied with extension to recent shifts in generation from increased penetration of natural gas and renewable energy. Parameter uncertainty is quantified through statistical methods. Where there is statistical difference, results almost entirely favor reusable cups in the USA. For climate change, 16 % of users have higher impact for ceramic cups washed in 2013 by minimally compliant dishwashers. Higher climate change impacts for 32 % of reusable cup users is indicated with 2004 average dishwashers, though using a cup twice between washes shifts the impact in favor of the reusable cup. Disposable cup scenarios do not account for film sleeves, lids, printing, and less conservative shipping weights and distances and therefore reflect a best case scenario. Impact for reusable cups is expected to decrease further as the electricity mix becomes less CO2-intensive with replacement of coal-fired generators by natural gas, wind, and solar and as less efficient dishwashers are replaced with new units compliant to current laws.
Prediction of Low Cycle Fatigue Lives of Low Alloy Steels

An assessment of low cycle fatigue data was conducted in this paper with two new life prediction methods. A phenomenological method was developed that accounts for the flow characteristics as a result of loading in terms of dynamic viscosity. The other method is a statistical method known as Diercks equation that has been used as a "first approximation" of low cycle fatigue behavior of steels in the literature. The Diercks equation has been modified in this paper and life prediction analyses were conducted and compared against the other method. The phenomenological method predicted low cycle fatigue lives conservatively under different temperatures and strain rates whereas, modified Diercks equation had several limitations that were identified in this paper. Both the methods were found to correlate the low cycle fatigue data within the acceptable band of ±×2.
10-30 GHz monolithic GaAs travelling-wave divider/combiner

A four-way monolithic GaAs travelling-wave power divider/combiner has been designed, fabricated and evaluated. With a design centre frequency of 20 GHz, a bandwidth of from 10 GHz to 30 GHz has been measured. The insertion loss per dividing or combining action is less than 0.5 dB, with isolation between ports no worse than 20 dB. The input/output VSWRs are better than 2:1 across the same band. This divider/combiner can readily be used with monolithic GaAs power FET amplifiers to produce a several-fold increase in output powers over the 10 to 30 GHz frequency range.
Properties of Permafrost Soils on the Northern Seward Peninsula, Northwest Alaska

Soil processes in permafrost regions differ markedly from those of the mid and low latitudes. Permafrost soils are cold during the short growing season and frozen the rest of the year. This study was conducted to describe permafrost soils on the tundra coastal plain of northern Seward Peninsula with emphasis on soil characteristics below the active layer and cryogenic structures, both aspects which were widely neglected in previous studies of permafrost soils. We used cryogenic structures to determine active layer depths. In describing these soils, we applied the previous soil taxonomy and tested the utility of the new Gelisol order. Seven pedons were excavated and described in different topographic positions. Most pedons are influenced by frost action, as evidenced by irregular and broken horizons and weakly developed soils. Mineral horizons have predominantly reduced colors. Organic horizons of 7- to 50-cm thickness occur in the study area. All soils contain segregated ice and ice wedges. Segregated ice includes ice lenses, ice nets, and ataxitic ice concentrations at the base of the active layer. With the identification of these cryogenic features, it was possible to determine active layer depths independently of thaw season. For describing the properties of permafrost soils, the new Gelisol order is shown to he a significant improvement on the previous soil taxonomy.
Surgery: Laparoscopic prostatectomy: learning curve and cancer control

Greater surgeon experience is associated with lower recurrence rates following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. A new study shows that the learning curve for this procedure is slower than that for open surgery, and highlights the challenges of developing the unique skills that are required to master each technique.
Vortex computation by the method of weighted residuals using exponentials

A method of weighted residuals for the computation of rotationally symmetric quasicylindrical viscous incompressible vortex flow is presented. The method approximates the axial velocity and circulation profiles by series of exponentials having (N + 1) and TV free parameters, respectively. Exponentials are also used as weighting functions. Formal integration results in a set of (2N + 1) ordinary differential equations for the free parameters. The governing equations are shown to have an infinite number of discrete singularities. Sample solutions for different swirl parameters and three typical vortex flows (initially uniform axial flow, leading edge vortex, and trailing vortex) are presented, and the effects of external axial velocity and circulation gradients are investigated. The computations point to the controlling influence of the inner core flow on vortex behavior. They also confirm the existence of two particular critical swirl parameter values: So, which separates vortex flow which decays smoothly from vortex flows which eventually "breaks down," and Si, the first singularity of the quasi-cylindrical system, at which point physical vortex breakdown is thought to occur. The results are close to the inviscid values for S0 and Si[(2)lf2 and 3.8317/2 for initially uniform axial flow].
On the existence of a random solution to a nonlinear perturbed stochastic integral equation

There are two basic classes of random or stochastic integral equations cur ren t ly under s tudy by probabilists and mathemat ical statisticians. Those integral equations involving Ito or Ito-Doob type stochastic integrals and those which can be considered as probabilistic analogues of classical determinist ic integral equations whose formulation involves only the Lebesque integral. I t has been shown [1]-[4], [6]-[11], [13], [14], [16], [17], among others tha t the theory of random integral equations of the l a t t e r ca tegory are ex t remely important in stochastically character izing many physical situations in life sciences and engineering. In this paper we shall be concerned with a stochastic integral equation of the Ito-Doob type. We shall be concerned with a nonlinear stochastic integral equation of the form given by
Challenges in the modeling and prediction of coating of pharmaceutical dosage forms

Abstract A review of different approaches to modeling the coating mass uniformity in fluidized bed and rotating drum (pans) equipment is presented. In order to predict the coefficient of variation (CV) of the coating mass distribution, the models must include the physics of non-uniform particle movement and/or non-uniform spray flux. Descriptive models for the coating process include those based on renewal theory, compartment models with appropriate population balances, and Monte Carlo simulation. These three approaches give reasonable fits to experimental data. However, they require certain model parameters to be adjusted to obtain a good fit with experimental results or, alternatively, parameters must be evaluated using an extensive experimental program. While such models can describe observed results, they generally lack the rigor to make reliable quantitative predictions outside the range for which the parameters were determined or adjusted. Nevertheless, these models are useful for making qualitative predictions about the effects of changing operating parameters. In addition, regardless of the model, they show that the CV changes with the inverse square root of coating time. More rigorous DEM and CFD models are also considered. Most work to date has not focused explicitly on evaluating the coating mass uniformity. However, recent studies show that CV can be evaluated for laboratory scale equipment and that the effects of non-spherical particles, vessel internals, and the formation of liquid bridges due to the application of coating spray can all be modeled.
Speed of nodulation and competitive ability among strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv phaseoli.

This study examines the speed of nodulation of 20 strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv phaseoli, and relates this trait to the competitive performance of these strains with Phaseolus vulgaris L. At 25/20°C day/night temperature, and with 107 cells applied per growth pouch, there was a strong positive correlation between the speed of nodulation and the competitiveness of strains with the nod+ fix− reference strain UMR 1116. Strains UMR 1084, 1125, 1165, 1173 and 1384 combined good competitive performance with extensive nodulation in the uppermost root regions. When inoculant levels in the RTM studies were reduced to 103 cells per pouch no correlation between the apparent competitiveness of strains and their speed in nodulation was evident, presumably because cells had to undergo multiplication before infection. Nodulation was also delayed when growth temperatures were raised to 31/26°C, but a correlation was still evident between competitive performance and nodulation in the region 0.1 to 5.0 mm below the RTM at the time of inoculation. From these results speed of nodulation can be used to estimate the competitive potential of Rhizobium strains, but only under carefully regulated conditions. The effects of inoculation level and temperature on the relationship between speed of nodulation and strain competitiveness could explain the inconsistent results obtained in earlier studies on this topic.
Defining the overlap between sporadic and attenuated familial adenoma risk

Background Mutations in the APC gene lead to Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and an attenuated form of this condition (AFAP). Based on previous work with mutation-verified patients from a large AFAP kindred, we showed that AFAP patients may be under-diagnosed, in the absence of a genetic diagnosis. For example, for patients between 30 and 79 years of age, 28% had fewer than 10 adenomas; 22% had fewer than 6 adenomas, and 7% had no polyps. Therefore, depending on the number of adenomas considered more consistent with sporadic, rather than a familial predisposition, and the availability or lack of known family history, up to ~25% of mutation-carrying AFAP patients may be missed in clinical practice. We sought to address this challenge by profiling mutation-independent adenoma formation among the mutation-negative carriers in this kindred. Methods Careful endoscopic evaluation of the AFAP cases has been previously reported, and these data were used for the mutation-positive individuals. The Utah Population Database (UPDB) includes Utah genealogies linked with medical records serving 85% of the Utah population. The database was queried for all descendents of known mutation-negative branche so f this large kindred who had undergone colonoscopy procedures between 1995 and 2009. The queries collected data on age, gender, polyp type, pathology and cancer diagnoses, and were verified by manual review of randomly selected cases. Multiple logistic regression allowed us to characterize the relative risk of a mutation, based on the adenoma profile of mutation carriers vs. non-carriers and additional covariates. Results A total of 135 colonoscopy records were collected and reviewed for 65 individuals who subsequently tested negative for the family mutation, at a median age of 51 (standard deviation of 16 years) and average pathologyconfirmed adenoma count of 0.25 (mode = 0) at first colonoscopy. For patients between 30 and 79 years of age, 5% had 2 or more adenomas; 17% had a single adenoma, and 79% had no adenomas. Additional comparable data were available on 130 individuals from negative branches of the kindred, who underwent colonoscopy between 1995 and 2009. Conclusions The combination of a long-running study with archived records and a large, electronically searchable medical database with a linked genealogical resource offers a powerful platform for the development of hypothesisdriven research. This resource may be used to address both clinical and research questions whose answers may be used to guide clinical management. Disclosure and funding There are no financial interests to disclose. This research was funded by NIH grants P01CA073992 (RWB); the Utah Population Database and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
Gap junctional conductance: comparison of sensitivities to H and Ca ions.

Abstract One cytoplasmic aspect of the junctional membrane between coupled pairs of Fundulus blastomeres was perfused with solutions of known H and Ca ion concentrations. Conductance of junctional membrane was decreased by either ion. The sensitivity to H ions was about 10,000 times greater than that to Ca ions. The results suggest that junctional conductance can be modulated by changes in H ion concentration near physiological pH, but that unphysiologically high concentrations of Ca ion, such as would be reached only on cell death, are required for comparable changes in junctional conductance.
Special issue dedicated to Spyros Magliveras on the occasion of his 70th birthday

This issue of Designs, Codes and Cryptography honors Spyros S. Magliveras, a colleague and friend who over the last decades has been contributing to all three core areas defining the scope of this journal. The common theme connecting much of his work is the theory of finite groups, an area which soon after completion of his B.S. degree (in electrical engineering) attracted Spyros’s attention, and kept its fascination ever since. The submission deadline for this special issuewas a fewweeks after a conference celebrating his 70th birthday had taken place: at this meeting colleagues, students, and friends came together to present their current research and to celebrate Spyros’s scientific achievements, which includes seminal work like the proof of existence of a non-trivial simple six-design in his 1983 joint paper with David W. Leavitt. We are glad that many conference participants have decided to contribute to this special issue through a paper submission, complementing the submissions from colleagues who did not have the chance to celebrate with Spyros in person. In the call for papers for this special issue we asked for submissions on topics that are connected to the scientific work of Spyros Magliveras. In view of Spyros’s most impressive track record, covering and connecting topics ranging from cryptology to design theory and electrical engineering, it comes to no surprise that the received submissions covered a wide spectrum of topics. All submissions were treated equally and underwent a peer-review process following the usual high standards of Designs, Codes and Cryptography. After a challenging selection process, 13 papers were chosen to be included in this special issue, and we are indebted to the reviewers whose comments, expertise and careful evaluation of
Including overweight or obese students in physical education: a social ecological constraint model

In this review, we propose a social ecological constraint model to study inclusion of overweight or obese students in physical education by integrating key concepts and assumptions from ecological constraint theory in motor development and social ecological models in health promotion and behavior. The social ecological constraint model proposes that constraints exist on five different levels and interact within and across levels to affect overweight students’ engagement, learning, and physical activity in physical education. This model can provide a theoretical framework to guide and organize research on the inclusion of overweight students. It can also guide teachers in manipulating these constraints to create a culture for inclusion and provide instruction to meet the needs of overweight or obese students.
Embedding partial triple systems

Abstract The main result of this paper is that any partial triple system (S, B) of index λ on n points can be embedded in a triple system of any odd λ-admissible order greater than 4n. Furthermore, if the minimum degree, maximum degree and total number of edges in the missing-edge graph of (S, B) satisfy certain bounds, then (S, B) can be embedded in a triple system of order 2n + 1, provided 2n + 1 is λ-admissible. It is also shown that there exists an equitable partial triple system of index λ containing ν triples on n points for any ν ⩽ μ(n, λ).
High-temperature critical behavior of two-dimensional planar models: A series investigation

We have analyzed new twelfth-order high-temperature series for the susceptibility and correlation length of classical planar models on the triangular lattice using an $n$-fit method of analysis tailored to the form of the singularity $A\mathrm{exp}(b{t}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\nu}})$ predicted by Kosterlitz and Thouless. Test-function analysis shows that the $n$-fit method is significantly more reliable in treating a number of possible corrections to the leading singularity than is the $D$ log Pad\'e analysis of the logarithm and logarithmic derivative used in earlier series work on tenth-order series. Our $n$-fit analysis leads to the results $\ensuremath{\nu}=0.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1$ and $\ensuremath{\eta}=0.27\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03$ in good agreement with the Kosterlitz-Thouless predictions $\ensuremath{\nu}=\frac{1}{2}$ and $\ensuremath{\eta}=\frac{1}{4}$.
Toward generalized control theory

Optimization problems in control theory in terms of criterion function, controller, and information available to controller
Relationship of Glycogen Synthase and Glycogen Phosphorylase to Protein Phosphatase 2C and cAMP‐Dependent Protein Kinase in Liver of Obese Rhesus Monkeys

ORTMEYER HK. Relationship of glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase to protein phosphatase 2C and cAMP-dependent protein kinase in liver of obese rhesus monkeys. The regulation of glycogen synthase (GS) and glycogen phosphorylase (GP) activity by phosphorylation/ dephosphorylation has been proposed to be via changes in activities of several different protein (serine/ threonine) phosphatases and kinases, including protein phosphatase (PP) 1/2A, PP2C, and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). In order to determine whether PP1/2A, PP2C, and/or PKA activities are related to GS and/or GP activities, these enzymes were measured in freeze-clamped liver biopsies obtained under basal fasting conditions from 16 obese monkeys. Four monkeys were normoglycemic and normoinsulinemic, five were hyperinsulinemic, and seven had type 2 diabetes (NIDDM). Liver glycogen and glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) contents were also determined. Basal enzyme activities and basal substrate concentrations were not significantly different between the three groups of obese monkeys; however, there were several significant linear relationships observed when the monkeys were treated as one group. Therefore, multiple regression was used to determine the correlation between key variables. GS fractional activity was correlated to GP fractional activity (p<0. 05) and to PP2C activity (p=0. 005) (adjusted R2,53%). GP independent activity was correlated to GS independent activity (p<0. 07) and to PKA fractional activity (p=0. 005) (adjusted R2,64%). PP2C activity was correlated to GS fractional activity (p<0. 0005) and to PP1/2A activity G7<0. 0001) (adjusted R2,83%). PKA fractional activity was correlated to GP total activity (p<0. 0005) and to age (p=0. 001) (adjusted R282%). G6P content was correlated to glycogen content (p<0. 05) and to PP2C activity (p=0. 0005) (adjusted R2,73%). In conclusion, PP2C and PKA are involved in the regulation of GS and GP activity in the basal state in liver of obese monkeys with a wide range of glucose tolerance.
Superconductivity in primitive hexagonal germanium.

We present a first-principles calculation of the electron-phonon coupling constant lambda (mass enchancement parameter) for the primitive hexagonal, high-pressure structural phase of Ge (75 GPaapprox.
Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) Stimulates Expression of Integrin alpha6 in Human Breast Carcinoma Cells: A Downstream Modulator of TSP-1-Induced Cellular Adhesion.

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is involved in a variety of different cellular processes including cell adhesion, tumor progression, and angiogenesis. This paper reports the novel finding that TSP-1 upregulates integrin α6 subunit in human keratinocytes and human breast cancer cells resulting in increased cell adhesion and tumor cell invasion. The effect of TSP-1 on α6 subunit expression was examined in human keratinocytes and breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MDA-MB-231) treated with TSP-1 and in TSP-1 stably transfected breast cancer cells. TSP-1 upregulated α6 message and protein in these cells as revealed by differential display, Northern and Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical localization studies. The increased expression of α6 was shown to mediate adhesion and invasion of these cells to laminin, a major component of the basement membrane and extracellular matrix (ECM). These data suggest that TSP-1 plays an integral role in the attachment of cells to the ECM facilitating cell motility and angiogenesis.
New solutions for laminar boundary layers with cross flow

In some three-dimensional laminar boundary layer problems a coordinate decomposition reduces the governing equations to a primary nonlinear ordinary differential equation describing the streamwise flow in a semi-infinite domain and a secondary linear equation coupled to the primary solution describing the cross flow of infinite spanwise extent. Five new cross-flow problems of this type are investigated within the confines of laminar boundary layer theory. First, the equation for uniform flow transverse to a planar laminar wall jet is found and solved exactly. Second, two solutions for motion transverse to a uniform shear flow along a flat plate are given. A third problem considered is the transverse motion over a flat plate aligned with the uniform mainstream and advancing toward or receding from the mainstream. In the fourth problem, a family of solutions for transverse uniform streams above and below a planar laminar jet is given in closed form. This solution depends on the momentum J of the planar jet and the velocity ratio \(\kappa\\) of the transverse streams. The last problem addresses the motion of transverse uniform streams above and below a planar laminar wake. At leading order the cross flow depends only on the velocity ratio \(\kappa\\) and not on the drag D produced by the body forming the wake. The influence of the drag first appears at \(O(x^{-1} \ln x)\) in the streamwise coordinate expansion of the cross-flow solution.
Sonic IR crack detection of aircraft turbine engine blades with multi-frequency ultrasound excitations

Effectively and accurately detecting cracks or defects in critical engine components, such as turbine engine blades, is very important for aircraft safety. Sonic Infrared (IR) Imaging is such a technology with great potential for these applications. This technology combines ultrasound excitation and IR imaging to identify cracks and flaws in targets. In general, failure of engine components, such as blades, begins with tiny cracks. Since the attenuation of the ultrasound wave propagation in turbine engine blades is small, the efficiency of crack detection in turbine engine blades can be quite high. The authors at Wayne State University have been developing the technology as a reliable tool for the future field use in aircraft engines and engine parts. One part of the development is to use finite element modeling to assist our understanding of effects of different parameters on crack heating while experimentally hard to achieve. The development has been focused with single frequency ultrasound excitation and some results have been presented in a previous conference. We are currently working on multi-frequency excitation models. The study will provide results and insights of the efficiency of different frequency excitation sources to foster the development of the technology for crack detection in aircraft engine components.
Genetic Structure and Aggressiveness of Rhizoctonia solani AG1‐IA, the Cause of Sheath Blight of Rice in Southern China

One hundred and eighty isolates of Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA, the causal agent of rice sheath blight, were obtained from six locations in southern China. The genetic structure of R. solani isolates was investigated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, and a considerable genetic variation among R. solani isolates was observed. Most of the genetic diversity was distributed within populations, rather than among them. The distribution pattern of the genetic variation of R. solani appears to be the result of high gene flow (Nm) and low-genetic differentiation among populations. The aggressiveness of R. solani was visually assessed by rice seedlings of five different cultivars in the glasshouse. All isolates tested were found to induce significantly different levels of disease severity, reflecting considerable variation in aggressiveness. The isolates were divided into highly virulent, moderately virulent and weakly virulent groups, and the moderately virulent isolates were dominant in R. solani population. No significant correlation was observed among the genetic similarity, pathogenic aggressiveness and geographical origins of the isolates. Information obtained from this study may be useful for breeding for improved resistance to sheath blight.
Autoignition response of n-butanol and its blends with primary reference fuel constituents of gasoline

Abstract We study the influence of blending n-butanol on the ignition delay times of n-heptane and iso-octane, the primary reference fuels for gasoline. The ignition delay times are measured using a rapid compression machine, with an emphasis on the low-to-intermediate temperature conditions. The experiments are conducted at equivalence ratios of 0.4 and 1.0, for a compressed pressure of 20 bar, with the temperatures at the end of compression ranging from 613 K to 979 K. The effect of n-butanol addition on the development of the two-stage ignition characteristics for the two primary reference fuels is also examined. The experimental results are compared to predictions obtained using a detailed chemical kinetic mechanism, which has been obtained by a systematic merger of previously reported base models for the combustion of the individual fuel constituents. A sensitivity analysis on the base, and the merged models, is also performed to understand the dependence of autoignition delay times on the model parameters.
Inefficient Processing of an Olfactomedin-Deficient Myocilin Mutant: Potential Physiological Relevance to Glaucoma

Mutations in TIGR/MYOC (myocilin), a secretory protein of unknown function, have been recently linked to glaucoma. Most known mutations map to the C-terminus, an olfactomedin-like domain. We have previously shown that, in contrast to the wild-type, a truncated form of myocilin lacking the olfactomedin domain is not secreted. In this study, we present evidence that the mutant protein is not correctly processed in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and accumulates into insoluble aggregates. In addition, we show that the presence of increasing amounts of mutant protein induces a fraction of the soluble, native myocilin to move to the insoluble fraction. Given the importance of such protein aggregates in the etiology of several aging-related diseases, we propose that olfactomedin-defective mutants might contribute to the pathology of glaucoma through a mechanism involving intracellular accumulation of misfolded proteins.
Self-Clocked All-Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer for Asynchronous CDMA Ring Networks

In this paper, we demonstrate a novel self-clocked code-drop unit for incoherent optical code-division multiple-access (CDMA) networks. The unit is based on an all-optical thresholder with internal wavelength conversion that creates a control signal for the drop gate from the incoming data stream. This architecture does not require an external clock signal for drop operation and can be used in asynchronous ring networks. The proposed unit is experimentally demonstrated for two-dimensional time-wavelength optical CDMA codes at a bit rate of 2.5 Gbit/s with two different types of drop gates: terahertz optical asymmetric multiplexer and nonlinear fiber-based loop mirror. Error-free operation is achieved in both configurations. The development of a self-clocked add/drop multiplexer demonstrates a novel concept of asynchronous node operation in multiple access networks.
Supporting academic success

Formed in the Fall of 1993 in the Schools of Allied Health Professions, Psychology, Social Work, Education, and Nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the Supporting Academic Success Program is an educational, service delivery support model. The program incorporates the University's mission of teaching, research, and service in a collaborative effort with the Milwaukee Center for Independence. The Norris Health Center through Student Affairs is funding this project. The continuation of the program will be provided by grants in 1996.
Hydroxylamine as a mutagenic agent for Nuerospora Crassa

Abstract The mutagenicity of hydroxylamine (HA) has been tested in 8 different adenine-requiring mutants ( ad-3B ) of Nuerospora crassa : 4 mutants of this tester set revert after treatment with nitrous acid and ethyl methanesulfonate indicating that they revert by a base-pair substitution, 2 mutants revert only after treatment with ICR-170 indicating that they revert by a base-pair insertion or deletion, and 2 mutants revert only spontaneously. HA induced reversions in 3 of the 4 mutants which revert by base-pair substitution and in none of the others. The specificity of the action of HA on the mutants in the present tester set is consistent with the hypothesis that the predominant class of genetic alterations induced by HA in Neurospora is base-pair transitions from guanine-cytosine to adenine-thymine. Furthermore, it was found that the reversion frequency after HA treatment increases in proportion to the square of the treatment time.