cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circular dichroism of the tyrocidines and gramicidin S-A.

Abstract The cyclic decapeptides gramicidin S-A and tyrocidines A, B, and C provide excellent models for the testing of current notions on the circular dichroism of complex polypeptides. Experimental data utilizing both the naturally occurring peptides and, for the first time, hydrogenated derivatives, are presented. Significant contributions of the aromatic residues to the spectra are noted in the 200 to 230 mµ region. Aggregation of the tyrocidines is shown markedly to affect their spectra. Finally, the results are discussed in terms of the mode of aggregation of the tyrocidines.
The effect of etiocholanolone on the entry of granulocytes into the peripheral blood.

The influence of etiocholanolone on normal granulocyte kinetics was studied in a group of hematologically normal individuals using H3TdR for cell labeling. Following the establishment of the baseline peripheral blood leukokinetic pattern in each individual, a second study was performed in which etiocholanolone was administered at varying times in relation to H3TdR. No influence upon the peripheral leukocyte kinetic patterns was detected when etiocholanolone was given prior to 74 hours. When given at that time, an accelerated release of labeled granulocytes from the bone marrow was produced. The degree of acceleration appeared to be related to the size of bone marrow granulocyte reserves.
Other Desires and Public Recognition: Re-reading Mayo’s Plato’s Aristophanes

Desire is often hailed as a liberating or equalizing force in educational practices; some consider its very presence to be endowed with the power to interrupt oppressive educational practices as well as the social norms that undergird these practices. Cris Mayo reflects this attitude about desire’s potential within dominant educational discourses in her 2007 essay, “Disruptions of Desire: From Androgynes to Genderqueer,” describing desire as “the bridge between what is and what might be, disrupting stale patterns and creating new formations.”
Robust transceiver to combat periodic impulsive noise in narrowband powerline communications

Non-Gaussian noise/interference severely limits communication performance of narrowband powerline communication (PLC) systems. Such noise/interference is dominated by periodic impulsive noise whose statistics varies with the AC cycle. The periodic impulsive noise statistics deviate significantly from that of additive white Gaussian noise, thereby causing dramatic performance degradation in conventional narrowband PLC systems. In this paper, we propose a robust transmission scheme and corresponding receiver methods to combat periodic impulsive noise in OFDM-based narrowband PLC. Towards that end, we propose (1) a time-frequency modulation diversity scheme at the transmitter and a diversity demodulator at the receiver to improve communication reliability without decreasing data rates; and (2) a semi-online algorithm that exploits the sparsity of the noise in the frequency domain to estimate the noise power spectrum for reliable decoding at the diversity demodulator. In the simulations, compared with a narrowband PLC system using Reed-Solomon and convolutional coding, whole-packet interleaving and DBPSK/BPSK modulation, our proposed transceiver methods achieve up to 8 dB gains in E b /N 0 with convolutional coding and a smaller-sized interleaver/deinterleaver.
Fluorescent probe dyes for metabolic-ion sensing under high hydrostatic pressures

Fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy imaging are widely used at ambient pressure for analytical studies on biological systems. Before using fluorescence-based methods at high pressures, biochemical and metabolic probes need to be characterized under pressure to ensure valid quantitative results. In this review, we describe the principles behind the use of fluorescent probe dyes for ion sensing and provide models for interpreting the dye spectrum under pressure. We then review results from three studies using the excited-state emission from probe dyes sensitive to pH and calcium-ion concentration, demonstrating some ways pressure may affect probe operation.
Adjoint analysis and control opportunities in a 2D jet

Model predictive control (via adjoint-based optimization) has already been applied successfully to large nonlinear systems for which the delay between the control actuation and the resulting effect on the metric of interest is large. This method extends naturally to high-dimensional discretizations of infinite-dimensional multiscale PDE systems such as compressible turbulent jet flows, for which the dimension of the system when discretized in space can be on the order of N/spl sim/O(10/sup 7/). Such optimizations involve an expensive iterative procedure; our lab is currently gearing up to perform such supercomputer-based optimizations of 3D compressible turbulent jet systems. As an intermediate result, much may be learned from 2D adjoint calculations in this system to identify the sensitivity of the system to control actuation at various locations. The suitability of different types of control at different locations may be inferred from this sensitivity. It is seen that modification of the high-frequency noise radiated to the far field is possible with low-frequency actuation near the jet nozzle, and that mass sources are more effective than heat sources for modifying the acoustic field via forcing of the hydrodynamic field.
Ethanol augments GABAergic transmission in the central amygdala via CRF1 receptors.

The central amygdala (CeA) plays a role in the relationship among stress, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), and alcohol abuse. In whole-cell recordings, both CRF and ethanol enhanced γ-aminobutyric acid–mediated (GABAergic) neurotransmission in CeA neurons from wild-type and CRF2 receptor knockout mice, but not CRF1 receptor knockout mice. CRF1 (but not CRF2) receptor antagonists blocked both CRF and ethanol effects in wild-type mice. These data indicate that CRF1 receptors mediate ethanol enhancement of GABAergic synaptic transmission in the CeA, and they suggest a cellular mechanism underlying involvement of CRF in ethanol9s behavioral and motivational effects.
Protein-Losing Gastropathy Produced by Sulfhydryl Reagents

The effect of sulfhydryl reagents upon the dog's gastric mucosal barrier was studied by irrigating pouches of the oxyntic glandular area first with 100 MN HCl plus 54 MN NaCl, then with the reagent in neutral or acid solution, and again with the acid test solution. Dithiothreitol (DTT) at 4 mm in neutral or acid solution caused a large output of Na+, fluid, plasma proteins, and histamine from the mucosa. There was no apparent back diffusion of H+ for the reason that H+ secretion stimulated by released histamine balanced H+ loss into the mucosa. Mucosal blood flow measured by aminopyrine clearance increased in proportion to volume output from the mucosa. The effect of DTT occurred after a 10- to 20-min latent period, lasted as long as DTT was in contact with the mucosa, and died out in 60 min after removal of DTT. 2 , 3-Dimercaptopropranol (BAL) had a qualitatively similar effect. Attempts to discover whether the two reagents acted by chelating a component of the barrier were unsuccessful. The mucolytic agent N-acetylcysteine dissolved gastric mucus but had no effect upon Na+ and H+ fluxes or upon volume or plasma outputs at high concentrations. p-Chloromercuribenzoate broke the mucosal barrier but did not cause volume or plasma outputs. Mechanisms of action remain to be discovered.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) compared with conventional identification in culture for detection of Bordetella pertussis in 7153 children

OBJECTIVE: To compare the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results with conventional culture results for the diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis infections. METHODS: PCR and culture were performed in the course of a large vaccine efficacy trial in Germany on specimens taken from 7153 children less-than-or-equal2 years of age with cough illness lasting >6 days, and laboratory results were compared with clinical data also obtained from the patients. Calcium alginate nasopharyngeal swabs were taken for culture and clinical data were obtained from patients. Swabs were inoculated on charcoal horse blood agar plates containing cephalexin, and then discarded. The agar plates were preincubated for 2 days at the physician's office and then shipped to the culture laboratory at the University Children's Hospital in Munich, Germany, for diagnosis of B. pertussis and B. parapertussis infections. In this laboratory, Dacron swabs for PCR were taken from each culture by a wide sweep over the culture. Swabs for PCR were stored in NaCl and sent weekly to the PCR laboratory at the University Children's Hospital in Basel, Switzerland, for PCR diagnosis of B. pertussis infections. RESULTS: B. pertussis was identified by culture in 3% (213/7153) and by PCR in 7.6% (546/7153) of the specimens. Therefore, PCR increased the identification rate of subjects with B. pertussis infection 2.6-fold. Clinical characteristics were considered according to the type of laboratory findings: group 1 consisted of 209 culture-positive and PCR-positive subjects, and group 2 of 337 culture-negative but PCR-positive subjects. Group 2 subjects were significantly more likely to have mild or atypical clinical symptoms of whooping cough than were group 1 subjects. By analyzing the PCR results of group 2 subjects semiquantitatively, it could be shown that the degree of PCR positivity correlated with the severity of the clinical symptoms of whooping cough in the patient. CONCLUSIONS: PCR identified many pertussis cases with mild or atypical clinical symptoms that were not identified by culture. Semiquantification of PCR products revealed that the less positive the PCR result, the higher was the failure rate in diagnosing pertussis by culture, and, in addition, the less typical were the clinical symptoms in the patient.
Effect of Inhibition of Deoxyribonucleic Acid and Protein Synthesis on the Direction of Cell Wall Growth in Streptococcus faecalis

Selective inhibition of protein synthesis in Streptococcus faecalis (ATCC 9790) was accompanied by a rapid and severe inhibition of cell division and a reduction of enlargement of cellular surface area. Continued synthesis of cell wall polymers resulted in rapid thickening of the wall to an extent not seen in exponential-phase populations. Thus, the normal direction of wall growth was changed from a preferential feeding out of new wall surface to that of thickening existing cell surfaces. However, the overall manner in which the wall thickened, from nascent septa toward polar regions, was the same in both exponential-phase and inhibited populations. In contrast, selective inhibition of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis using mitomycin C was accompanied by an increase in cellular surface area and by division of about 80% of the cells in random populations. Little or no wall thickening was observed until the synthesis of macromolecules other than DNA was impaired and further cell division ceased. Concomitant inhibition of both DNA and protein synthesis inhibited cell division but permitted an increase in average cell volume. In such doubly inhibited cells, walls thickened less than in cells inhibited for protein synthesis only. On the basis of the results obtained, a model for cell surface enlargement and cell division is presented. The model proposes that: (i) each wall enlargement site is influenced by an individual chromosome replication cycle; (ii) during chromosome replication peripheral surface enlargement would be favored over thickening (or septation); (iii) a signal associated with chromosome termination would favor thickening (and septation) at the expense of surface enlargement; and (iv) a factor or signal related to protein synthesis would be required for one or more of the near terminal stages of cell division or cell separation, or both. Images
Cloning, Sequencing, Analysis, and Heterologous Expression of the Fredericamycin Biosynthetic Gene Cluster from Streptomyces griseus

Fredericamycin (FDM) A, a pentadecaketide featuring two sets of peri-hydroxy tricyclic aromatic moieties connected through a unique chiral spiro carbon center, exhibits potent cytotoxicity and has ...
A Brief Introduction to Bernard Spilka

Bernard Spilka was born on August 12, 1926, to an Orthodox Jewish family in New York City. His family moved to Long Beach in 1935, where he attended school and began to develop diverse interests su...
Tolvaptan for the treatment of heart failure: a review of the literature

Introduction: It has been > 25 years since it was first discovered that arginine vasopressin levels are elevated in heart failure and this elevation is proportional to the severity of heart failure. Tolvaptan is an oral nonpeptide V2-selective antagonist and has been shown to induce free water excretion without increasing urine sodium, an effect termed ‘aquaresis’. Areas covered: This paper aims to review the physiology, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety of tolvaptan in HF. A PubMed literature search was performed using ‘tolvaptan’ and the MeSH term ‘heart failure’, yielding 89 references. Expert opinion: Clinical trials conducted in ambulatory and hospitalized patients with HF have found treatment with tolvaptan causes rapid and sustained body weight reductions concurrent with increases in urine output, improves and/or normalizes serum sodium in hyponatremic patients, reduces signs and symptoms of congestion and increases thirst. However, tolvaptan has not been shown to decrease H...
Prediction of the far-field jet noise using Kirchhoff's formulation

The Kirchhoff method consists of the calculation of the nonlinear near- and midfields, usually numerically, with the far-field solutions found from a linear Kirchhoff formulation evaluated on a surface D surrounding the nonlinear field. The surface S is assumed to include all the nonlinear flow effects and noise sources
On three-dimensional surface reconstruction methods

A survey is presented of some of the surface reconstruction methods that can be found in the literature; the focus is on a small, recent, and important subset of the published reconstruction techniques. The techniques are classified based on the surface representation used, implicit versus explicit functions. A study is made of the important aspects of the surface reconstruction techniques. One aspect is the viewpoint invariance of the methods. This is an important property if object recognition is the ultimate objective. The robustness of the various methods is examined. It is determined whether the parameter estimates are biased, and the sensitivity to obscuration is addressed. The latter two aspects are particularly important for fitting functions in the implicit form. A detailed description is given of a parametric reconstruction method for three-dimensional object surfaces that involves numeric grid generation techniques and variational principle formulations. This technique is invariant to rigid motion in dimensional space. >
Effect of physical state during the electron irradiation of hydrocarbon polymers. Part I. The influence of physical state on reactions occurring in polyethylene during and following the irradiation

Measurements of crosslinking, trans-vinylene formation, and hydrogen evolution have been made on high- and low-density polyethylenes irradiated at temperatures from about −170 to +240°C. Crosslinking produced during irradiation is mainly in the amorphous areas of the polymer; whereas trans-vinylene unsaturation is produced as readily in the crystalline areas as in the amorphous areas. Radicals are trapped in the crystalline regions. These can react with oxygen to form carbonyl groups, rather than crosslinks. Thus, in Marlex-50 irradiation in the crystalline state at 25°C. followed by a 7 day storage in air prior to the crosslinking measurements, was only about one-sixth as effective in producing crosslinks as irradiation in the amorphous state at 150°C. In the low-density polyethylene where less trapping occurs the factor is about one-half for the same conditions of irradiation and storage. The lifetime of radicals trapped in Marlex-50 when stored in oxygen can be thousands of hours compared with a few hours in low density polyethylene. Both the low-density polyethylene and Marlex-50 irradiated in the crystalline state at 25°C. (in nitrogen) could be further crosslinked by quickheating them to the amorphous state at 150°C.—delayed carbonyl formation does not occur in this case. Delayed crosslinking resulting from the quick-heating of irradiated Marlex-50 gave only about one-half of the crosslinks for the same irradiation as when irradiated in the amorphous state. Hydrogen evolution as a function of irradiation temperature for Marlex-50 is discussed; a satisfactory material balance was obtained in which the radiation yield (G value) for total hydrogen produced nearly equaled the sum of G for crosslinking and G for trans-vinylene formation. Hydrogen yield was found to be nearly constant in the temperature range −170 to +34°C. where crystallinity is also nearly constant, indicating hydrogen production to be nearly independent of temperature. Therefore, the main change in crosslinking yield in the +34 to +150°C. range is considered to be due almost entirely to change in crystallinity. A comparison method for determining relative values of the degree of crosslinking fom the gel measurements is described.
Ramipril prevents impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation in arteries from rabbits fed an atherogenic diet

Abstract Endothelium-dependent relaxation in arteries is attenuated in clinical and experimental atherosclerosis. This study investigates the endothelial preservation properties of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, ramipril, by assessing its ability to restore endothelium-dependent responsiveness in blood vessels from rabbits fed an atherogenic diet (0.25% cholesterol; 3% coconut oil; 12 weeks). Seven rabbits fed the atherogenic diet received ramipril (3 mg/kg mixed into their food daily) and 6 rabbits were maintained on the atherogenic diet alone. Control rabbits ( n = 6) were fed a standard diet and did not receive ramipril. At the end of the dietary intervention, the rabbits were killed and blood was collected for measurement of the lipid profile. The thoracic aorta was isolated and half was frozen for pathologic review while the other half was cut into rings and placed in a muscle bath for measurement of isometric force development. Dose response curves to phenylephrine (10 −9 to 10 −5 M) and angiotensin II (10 −10 to 3 × 10 −7 M) were completed. There was a minimal decrease in responsiveness to phenylephrine in vessels from rabbits eating the atherogenic diet compared with controls and no significant differences in the response to angiotensin II for any of the vessels. Following contraction by phenylephrine, acetylcholine (10 −9 to 10 −5 M) and nitroglycerin (10 −10 to 10 −5 M) dose response curves were completed. Relaxation to acetylcholine in aortic rings from control rabbits was observed, although in arteries from atherogenic rabbits relaxation was attenuated. This effect was prevented in the atherogenic rabbits fed ramipril. Responsiveness to the endothelium-independent vasodilator, nitroglycerin, was similar in arteries from the three rabbit groups. Total cholesterol levels were elevated in the rabbits fed the atherogenic diet and in the rabbits fed the atherogenic diet containing ramipril. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were not affected by the atherogenic diet alone, but when ramipril was added, there was a significant increase in HDL cholesterol levels. The percentage of aortic surface covered with lipid streaks was not significantly different in the three rabbit groups. We conclude that ramipril prevents endothelial dysfunction in arteries from rabbits fed an atherogenic diet. Mechanistically, this effect of ramipril on the endothelium must occur prior to the release of nitric oxide as no alteration in the dose response curve to nitroglycerine could be identified. Additionally, this improvement in endothelial function in rabbits supplemented with ramipril appears to be independent of morphologic changes in response to the atherogenic diet.
Genome Sequencing Identifies a Basis for Everolimus Sensitivity

Cancer drugs often induce dramatic responses in a small minority of patients. We used whole-genome sequencing to investigate the genetic basis of a durable remission of metastatic bladder cancer in a patient treated with everolimus, a drug that inhibits the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling pathway. Among the somatic mutations was a loss-of-function mutation in TSC1 (tuberous sclerosis complex 1), a regulator of mTOR pathway activation. Targeted sequencing revealed TSC1 mutations in about 8% of 109 additional bladder cancers examined, and TSC1 mutation correlated with everolimus sensitivity. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using whole-genome sequencing in the clinical setting to identify previously occult biomarkers of drug sensitivity that can aid in the identification of patients most likely to respond to targeted anticancer drugs.
Optical coherence tomography imaging: Technology and applications

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new imaging modality which generates cross-sectional and 3D images of tissue pathology. OCT utilizes advanced photonics technologies and has clinical applications ranging from ophthalmology to cardiology. This tutorial describes OCT technology and applications.
Transient Microstructure of Low Hard Segment Thermoplastic Polyurethane under Uniaxial Deformation

Microstructure evolution of a low hard segment ( 2) due to strain-induced crystallization. Phase II exhibits a conventional meridional 2-point pattern along the deformation direction with lamellar crystallites aligni...
Nonlinear Behavior of Stimulated Brillouin and Raman Scattering in Laser-Irradiated Plasmas

Both analytic theory and inhomogeneous plasma simulations are presented to show the nonlinear development of the Brillouin and Raman backscatter instabilities. Nonlinear fluid behavior predicts a backscatter energy on the order of the incident laser energy, but particle trapping and heating effects associated with the excited electrostatic wave can significantly reduce this.
Preliminary Development of a Model and Measure of Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) Competence

The rationale for developing a theoretical model of computer-mediated communication (CMC) competence is established through review of social trends in the use of new media technologies. Special attention is paid to the role new media play in the formation and development of personal relationships. A model of CMC competence is then developed along the lines of motivation, knowledge, skills, context, and outcomes as a metaphorical typology for organizing existing CMC research. This research is reviewed as it informs, and is organized by, the model of CMC competence. A sampling of formal propositions resulting from the model is elaborated, and the results of preliminary pilot studies of the model are reviewed. The model is offered as a first step in examining individual differences in the domain of CMC relationships and media choice.
Reactive oxidizing species produced near the plasma membrane induce apoptosis in bovine aorta endothelial cells.

Many cytotoxic agents initiate apoptosis by generating reactive oxidizing species (ROS). The goal of this study was to determine whether apoptosis could be induced by initial reactions of ROS near the plasma membrane. Bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAEC) were illuminated with evanescent wave visible radiation, which has limited penetration into the basal surface of cells, or by trans-radiation. Imaging of fluorescent dyes localizing in the plasma membrane, mitochondria, or nucleus confirmed that evanescent wave radiation excited only dyes in and near the plasma membrane. Singlet oxygen, an ROS generated by photosensitization, has a very short lifetime, ensuring that it oxidizes molecules residing in or very close to the plasma membrane when evanescent wave radiation is used. Cells with condensed nuclei were considered apoptotic and were quantified after treatment with varying doses of light. Annexin V staining without propidium iodide staining confirmed that these cells were apoptotic. The doses required to induce apoptosis using evanescent wave radiation were 10-fold greater than those needed for trans-irradiation. Quantitative analysis of the evanescent wave penetration into cells supports a mechanism in which the singlet oxygen created near the plasma membrane, rather than at intracellular sites, was responsible for initiation of apoptosis.
Exploring hydrogen-bonded structures: Synthesis and X-ray crystallographic screening of a cisoid cyclic dipeptide mini-library

Understanding how and why molecular building blocks assemble into bulk structures is difficult because no unified theory for three-dimensional crystal structure prediction yet exists. Therefore, constructing a mini-library based on systematically modifying a small set of supramolecular building blocks provides an attractive approach for experimentally determining how building block geometry affects bulk structure(s). Here, rigid diamide-containing medium-sized ring systems were used to construct a solid-state hydrogen-bonded mini-library that was structurally screened via X-ray crystallography. Unlike most amides, ring-constrained amides are locked into a cisoid two-point hydrogen-bonding motif reminiscent of a DNA base pair. Three different cisoid-diamide ring systems were investigated: a six-membered diketopiperazine; a seven-membered diketobenzodiazepine; and an eight-membered diketodibenzodiazocine. Five crystal structure determinations were carried out to establish the different possible hydrogen-bo...
Preliminary studies for the development of a second generation granulocytapheresis (G-CAP) column.

The preliminary studies for developing a second generation granulocytapheresis (G-CAP) column were made. In the past, the G-CAP column has been used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, recent clinical studies have revealed that the therapeutic effects of the G-CAP column are not significant compared with those of the sham column. These results were considered to be due to insufficient reduction of granulocytes. Thus, development of a better granulocyte removal column was attempted. Realizing that white cells adhered on small-diameter synthetic fibers of 1–2 μm, small diameter cotton fibers were subjected to the studies of their granulocyte-removing capabilities. Three types of cotton, Pakistani, Australian and Egyptian cottons, were evaluated using normal human blood in vitro. Miniature columns were made of each fiber, and CBC and WBC differentiation was compared between pre- and post-filtered blood. The Egyptian cotton removed leukocytes, especially granulocytes, the most efficiently of the three types of cotton. The Egyptian cotton’s granulocyte adhesion properties were not altered after different chemical treatments. A 4-ml column of packaged Egyptian cotton with a density of more than 0.125 g/ml could remove granulocytes effectively up to 80 ml of blood passages. Based upon these studies, second generation G-CAP could be carried out with Egyptian cotton fibers as a scaled-up clinical module.
Gender differences in adolescent gambling.

Background. Although adolescent gambling has been linked to a wide array of risk behaviors, little is known regarding the correlates of gambling in adolescent girls as compared with adolescent boys.Methods. We examined by logistic regression a nationally representative U.S. sample (n = 534) of 16- and 17-year-olds from the 1998 Gambling Impact and Behavior Study (GIBS) (1) to investigate the influence of gender on: 1) the association between gambling and psychiatric symptomatology; and, 2) gambling attitudes and behaviors.Results. Gambling was associated with elevated rates of alcohol use and abuse/dependence in both boys and girls, and dysphoria/depression in girls only. Boy gamblers reported heavier gambling and higher rates of gambling problems than did girl gamblers.Conclusions. Adolescent gambling may be associated with more severe psychiatric symptoms in girls than in boys, though future research will be needed to replicate and extend these findings. Gender considerations are important in understand...
Quasi-Static Indentation Behavior of Honeycomb Sandwich Materials and Its Application in Impact Simulations

Both the crushing and indentation behaviors of sandwich materials are important aspects in failure analysis and energy absorption. In this paper, the core crushing strength of honeycomb materials from the experiment is briefly introduced, and the indentation of sandwich structures is studied in detail. Using the beam on elastic-plastic foundation models, theoretical formulations for predicting indentation behavior of sandwich materials are proposed, from which the mechanical response of elastic-plastic sandwich beams are obtained. Three stages of failure are clearly depicted by the global stiffness changes in the load versus displacement curve of elastic-plastic beams. The models are compared with the available experimental data and numerical simulation, and relatively close agreements are achieved. The compliance and compliance gradient derived form the indentation models are then incorporated with the equation of motion of the projectile to study impact response of elastic-plastic beams, and the impact ...
Photofission in uranium by nuclear reaction gamma-rays

Abstract The ideal photon source for active interrogation of fissile materials would use monoenergetic photons to minimize radiation dose to surroundings. The photon energy would be high enough to produce relatively large photofission signals, but below the photoneutron threshold for common cargo materials in order to reduce background levels. To develop such a source, we are investigating the use of low-energy, proton-induced nuclear reactions to generate monochromatic, MeV-energy gamma-rays. Of particular interest are the nuclear resonances at 163 keV for the 11 B(p,γ) 12 C reaction producing 11.7 MeV gamma-rays, 340 keV for the 19 F(p,αγ) 16 O reaction producing 6.13 MeV photons, and 441 keV for the 7 Li(p,γ) 8 Be reaction producing 14.8 and 17.7 MeV photons. A 700 keV Van de Graaff ion accelerator was used to test several potential (p,γ) materials and the gamma-ray yields from these targets were measured with a 5″ × 5″ NaI detector. A pulsed proton beam from the accelerator was used to induce prompt (neutron) and delayed (neutron and gamma-ray) photofission signals in uranium which were measured with 3 He and NaI detectors. We show that the accelerator data is in good agreement with Monte Carlo radiation transport calculations and published results.
A Genetic Variant in the Morphology of the Medial Preoptic Area in Mice

Inbred mice of the DBA/2J and C57BL/6J strains are known to differ in physiological and behavioral characteristics that are partially controlled by nuclei in the preoptic area/anterior hypothalamus. We describe a distinguishing nucleus of darkly staining, densely packed cells, which we term the medioventral pars compacta (MVPC), within the medial preoptic nucleus of DBA/2J, but not C57BL/6J mice. The analysis also indicates that this nucleus is nearly 80% larger in volume in females vs males of the DBA/2J strain. The strain difference may be used to define genetic influences on this neuroanatomical and functional property.
The comorbid and individual impacts of maternal depression and substance dependence on parenting and child behavior problems

Maternal depression, substance dependence, and the comorbidity of these conditions are highly prevalent risk factors among families involved with Child Protective Services (CPS). Data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being I (NSCAW I) were analyzed to examine the influence of maternal substance dependence, depression, and comorbidity on parenting and child behavior over 36-months among children reported to CPS who remained in the home at all waves. Although neglect and child behavior problems were highest for mothers with comorbidity at baseline, mothers with substance dependence had the poorest self-reported parenting and child behavior problems over time. Results indicate a need for intensive targeted services to address the complex needs of CPS-involved mothers with substance dependence and their in-home children.
Comparison of schemes for active sub-millimeter wave imaging

Various schemes for active imaging require different allocations of source power and can result in different overall signal to noise ratios. At the University of Memphis we have developed an image-plane scanning device used with a single pixel detector to form video rate images of the scene. Imaging with this device requires flood illumination of the scene. Because sub-millimeter wave sources typically produce low power, it is a common belief that flood illumination results in low detected signal power and therefore low signal to noise ratios (SNR) at the detector. In this work we quantify the SNR at the detector for our system and compare it to conventional imaging systems, conjugate point imaging systems, and focal plane array imaging. Unlike the other two systems, imaging with our device requires an additional pixel formation step; therefore, the SNR at the detector is not the per-pixel SNR. We present the limits of the per-pixel SNR and discuss its dependence on various device components.
On 'toxicity equivalent factors' and 'relative potency' to account for differential toxicity and carcinogenicity : Concerns about uncommon effects of dose in animal experiments and environmental exposures to humans

A number of historical experiments have been conducted to determine whether mixtures of chemical compounds can be treated as if their ingredients act by joint toxicological mechanisms. For mixtures comprised of pairs and combinations of 42 different organic compounds, the LD 50 or LC 50 could be predicted accurately from the Finney harmonic-mean concept which defines joint toxicity as a potency-adjusted concept in which one compound can be substituted for another. This analysis revisits data from those classic experiments that serve as the basis for Threshold Limit Value (TLV) applications to mixtures, to determine whether the potency-adjustment can be based on comparisons of bioassay data as published in the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances instead of requiring the LD 50 (or LC 50 ) for each ingredient as used by the Finney model. This study has found that the toxicity of a mixture can be predicted accurately from a variety of bioassay data for each component of the mix and an LD 50 (or LC 50 ) for only one ingredient of the mixture. Finally, concerns are described about transforming high-dose data from laboratory experiments to low-dose human environmental exposures.
Time reversal and detailed balance in DWBA

Abstract The effect of time reversal odd interactions on detailed balance for direct nuclear reactions is discussed using DWBA theory. Reactions involving well localized interactions beyond the nuclear surface are found to be insensitive to the time odd interactions.
Barium enema utilization within a defined geographic region: a survey.

All 118 hospital-based radiology departments in Indiana (USA) responded to a survey of barium enema (BE) utilization. The percentage of community hospitals in Indiana using barium enema, both single contrast (SCBE) and double contrast (DCBE), for various indications was similar to that reported for major medical centers around the world (RF Thoeni and AR Margulis,Radiology, 167:7–12, 1988). The use of SCBE and DCBE did not differ between small and large hospitals, or between hospitals in small vs large communities. There was, however, wide variation among community hospitals in their overall use of either contrast technique. Barium enema was usually performed without antecedent sigmoidoscopy. However, 60% of Indiana hospitals perform BE on the same day as flexible sigmoidoscopy. The results indicate that the use of BE in community hospitals in Indiana is similar to that reported for major medical centers. Also like major medical centers, there is no consensus regarding many issues in the performance of BE.
Lower bounds for small diagonal Ramsey numbers

Abstract Let p = 4 r + 1 be a prime. Let G be the graph on the p points 0, 1,…, p −1 formed by connecting two points with an edge iff their difference is a quadratic residue mod p . Let k be the size of the largest clique contained in G . Then it is well known that the diagonal Ramsey number R 2 ( k + 1) > p . We show R 2 ( k + 2) > 2 p + 2. We also compute k for all p
Near real time weather and ocean model data access with rNOMADS

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Operational Model Archive and Distribution System (NOMADS) facilitates rapid delivery of real time and archived atmospheric and oceanic model outputs from multiple agencies. These data are free to the scientific community, industry, and the public. The rNOMADS package provides an interface between NOMADS and the R programming language. Like R itself, rNOMADS is open source and cross platform. It utilizes server-side functionality on the NOMADS system to subset model outputs for delivery to client R users. We discuss rNOMADS implementation and usage as well as provide two case studies. Users can download rNOMADS from within the R interpreter or from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN). HighlightsTimely access to weather and ocean model data is crucial in many areas in geoscience.We made an R interface to the NOAA Operational Model Archive and Distribution System.The package facilitates delivery of global and regional model outputs.Fifty-eight near real time and 10 archived weather and ocean model products are available.Models include the Global Forecast System and North American Mesoscale.
Polydeoxynucleotide intermediates in DNA replication in regenerating liver.

OBSERVATIONS made by Okazaki et al.1,2 and Oishi3 support the idea that relatively small polydeoxynucleotides are intermediates in the replication of strands of both bacterial and phage DNA. The polydeoxynucleotides are subsequently joined to each other and to the growing DNA strands. This mechanism would allow a single kind of DNA polymerase to copy both parental DNA strands in the 5′ to 3′ direction.
CROSSING SYMMETRY IN S-MATRIX THEORY

A general method is given to calcuiate the crossing relations for arbitrary processes that is based on the transformation properties of the amplitudes and analytic continuation only. The helicity amplitudes as well as the so called R and M amplitudes are considered and some simple examples are worked out. (auth)
SUB-PICOSECOND INJECTION OF ELECTRONS FROM EXCITED RU(2,2'-BIPY-4,4'-DICARBOXY)2(SCN)2 INTO TIO2 USING TRANSIENT MID-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY

We have used femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy to time resolve the injection of electrons into nanocrystalline TiO2 film electrodes under ambient conditions following photoexcitation of the adsorbed dye, [Ru(4,4'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine)2(NCS)2] (N3). Pumping at one of the metal-to-ligand charge transfer adsorption peaks and probing the absorption of electrons injected into the TiO2 conduction band at 1.52 {micro}m and in the range of 4.1 to 7.0 {micro}m, we have directly observed the arrival of the injected electrons. Our measurements indicate an instrument-limited {approx}50-fs upper limit on the electron injection time under ambient conditions in air. We have compared the infrared transient absorption for noninjecting (blank) systems consisting of N3 in ethanol and N3 adsorbed to films of nanocrystalline Al2O3 and ZrO2, and found no indication of electron injection at probe wavelengths in the mid-IR (4.1 to 7.0 {micro}m). At 1.52 {micro}m interferences exist in the observed transient adsorption signal for the blanks.
Flow of a conducting liquid in an annular gap - A restricted nonexistence proof.

Liquid mercury conductor flow in annular gap electromagnetically accelerated by Lorentz force, showing restricted nonexistence proof for inviscid problem
Assessment of quantitative models for plasmid ColE1copy number control

Abstract Two quantitative models of plasmid ColE1 copy number control arecompared with respect to mathematical logic of derivation and application to experimental observations. Explanatory background material and clarifications are supplied for selected aspects of each model. Contrasting features are emphasized and experiments are suggested to distinguish between predictions of the models.
Temporal Relationship Between Positive Margin Rate After Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy and Surgical Training

Objectives To evaluate the potential impact of the experience of the first assistant on the positive surgical margin rate (PSMR) after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). The impact of training surgical residents and fellows on patient outcomes is difficult to quantify. Methods A single-institution prospective database of 303 patients who underwent LRP between 2003 and 2008 was evaluated. The potential impact of the experience of the first assistant on the PSMR was evaluated by examining the relationship between the PSMR and the time of the academic year. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for patient age, Gleason's sum, tumor density, and pathologic stage. Results Overall positive margin rate was 18.2%. Positive margin rate for July and August (14/45, 31.1%) was significantly higher than for the remaining 10 months (41/258, 15.9%) P = .015. The increased risk of positive margin in July/August remained significant after adjusting for age, Gleason's sum, tumor density, and pathologic stage (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.21–5.79, P = .015) Conclusions LRP performed with the first assistant in the first 2 months of the academic training year have a significantly higher PSMR.
Resistance of Salmonids to Aeromonas salmonicida: Relation between Agglutinins and Neutralizing Activities

Abstract Serum of furunculosis-resistant rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri, when injected into brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, increased resistance of the brook trout to virulent challenges of Aeromonas salmonicida, the furunculosis pathogen. Serum from susceptible Atlantic salmon Salmo salar did not confer passive resistance on brook trout although natural agglutinin titers in Atlantic salmon serum were equal to those in rainbow trout. Further analyses indicated that rainbow trout serum neutralized toxic components produced by A. salmonicida, but that Atlantic salmon serum did not. When 11 strains of rainbow trout were challenged with 109 virulent cells of A. salmonicida, a range of mortality from 0 to 83% resulted. Although no correlation was observed between the natural serum agglutinin level of a particular strain and its relative resistance to experimental pathogen challenge, an inverse relation was apparent between cytotoxic serum-neutralization activity and resistance to furunculosis.
AN 'AIR WALL' INCUBATOR FOR MICROSCOPY.

THE need for maintenance of incubation temperatures while observing tissue cultures under the microscope has led to the development, in this laboratory, of an ‘air wall’ incubator. The method makes use of downward directed, heated air which passes over the microscope stage, thus providing a warm field within which incubation temperatures are maintained. The apparatus was fashioned from inexpensive equipment. It eliminates the need for the customary bulky enclosures, and therefore permits unhindered access to the microscope. It is independent of, and easily adaptable to, any microscope and is now in continuous use in this laboratory on a Cooke, Troughton and Simms inverted microscope. A stage-level temperature of 37° ±0.5°C has been maintained for as long as 6 h. There is no reason why such temperatures cannot be maintained indefinitely.
Biological attributes of age‐0 lake sturgeon in the lower Peshtigo River, Wisconsin

Summary Lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens are imperiled throughout the Laurentian Great Lakes basin. Efforts to restore this species to former population levels have been ineffective due in part to limited information regarding its early life history. The objectives of this study were to characterize the larval drift and biological attributes of age-0 lake sturgeon in the lower Peshtigo River, Wisconsin. Lake sturgeon larvae were captured from May to June 2002 and 2003 using drift nets, while age-0 juveniles were captured from June through October 2002 and 2003 using wading, snorkeling, backpack electrofishing, and haul-seine surveys. Larval drift occurred within 14 days of adult spawning and extended from 1 to 3 weeks in duration, with two peaks in the number of fish drifting downstream each year. Larvae had a median total length (TL) of 19 mm (range: 13–23; N ¼ 159) in 2002 and 18 mm (range: 13–24; N ¼ 652) in 2003. Catch-per-unit-effort for larvae was 0.18 fish h )1 m 2 and 0.94 fish h )1 m 2 in 2002 and 2003, respectively. Age-0 juvenile lake sturgeon exhibited rapid growth (i.e. 2.57 mm day )1 in TL and 0.66 g day )1 in wet weight) throughout summer and fall months; relative condition of fish in both years was approximately 100, indicating good condition. Absolute abundance of age-0 juveniles in 2003 was estimated at 261 fish using the Schnabel estimator. The results from this study indicate that the lower Peshtigo River contains important nursery habitats suitable for age-0 lake sturgeon.
Microscale bending of brittle materials using pulsed and CW lasers

This work demonstrated using pulsed and CW lasers for microscale bending of brittle materials, including glass, ceramic, and silicon. Based on the absorption characteristics of these materials, different types of laser were used for achieving bending. Experimental studies were conducted to find out relations between bending angles and laser operation parameters.
Technical Literature Digest (MAY 1963)

Development of a Solid Rocket Propellant System Capable of Withstanding Extended Storage in a Space Environment. Thiokol Chemical Corp., Elkton Div. Quart. Progr. Rept. 2, Rept. E19462, Dec. 12, 1962, 55 pp. Development of a Hot Gas Valve, W. C. Stone. Rohm & Haas Co., Redstone Arsenal Res. Div. Rept. S-37, Nov. 30, 1962, 14 pp. The Testing and Development of a Ground Muffler for Jet Engine Exhaust Noise, D. Middleton. Gt. Brit. Aeronaut. Res. Council, Current Paper 610, Dec. 1961 (1962), 26 pp. (ARC 23,507). Some Three-Dimensional Effects of Rotating Stall, S. L. Dixon. Gt. Brit. Aeronaut. Res. Council, Current Paper 609, May 1961 (1962), 35 pp. (ARC 22,863). NASA-Industry Conference on the Science and Technology of Space Exploration, Chicago, Nov. 1-3, 1962, NASA SP-11. Vol. 2, 532pp. New Problems Encountered with Pumps and Turbines, M. J. Hartmann and C. L. Ball, pp. 23-36, 22 refs. Current Research and Development on Thrust Chambers, E. R. Jonash and W. A. Tomazic, pp. 43-52, 23 refs. Dynamics and Control of Chemical Rockets, J. C. Sanders and L. M. Wenzel, pp. 53-56. Advances in Astronautical Propulsion (Seminar on Astronomical Propulsion, Milan, 1960), Proceedings, edited by C. Casci (Pergamon Press, New York, 1962), 366 pp. Design and Application of Large SolidPropellant Propulsion Systems, J. Buchanan, pp. 47-62. Physico-Chemical Problems Related to Solid Propellant Propulsion (Abstract), M. Summerfield, pp. 63-70, 27 refs. Design, Development and Operation of Liquid Rocket Vehicles, A. 0. Tischler, pp. 71-106, 220 refs. Horizons in Liquid-Propellant Rocket Propulsion, S. S. Penner and L. L. Bixson, pp. 107-146, 42 refs.