cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ileostomy using an interposed ileal segment to function as a 'neocolon'.

A new type of ileostomy was constructed in rats using an interposed ileal (I-I) segment functioning as a neocolon. The effects of this operation in these rats were compared with a control group undergoing conventional ileostomy (I). Rats in the I group lost weight throughout follow-up, whereas rats in the I-I group regained weight and were significantly heavier four weeks after surgery. Transit time from the stomach to the stoma was significantly prolonged in the I-I group (187±29 minutes) when compared with the I group (141±17 minutes,P<0.01). Serum analysis revealed no significant differences in total protein, lipids, electrolytes (Na, Cl, CO2), and osmolarity between the groups. Biliary bile salt concentration, normalized bile flow, and normalized bile acid output in the I-I group were not different from those in unoperated control rats, suggesting unimpaired bile acid metabolism. These data suggest this operative procedure has the beneficial effects of slowing intestinal transit and promoting postoperative recovery without impairing distal ileal function.
Separation of the complementary strands of double-stranded cucumber mosaic virus-associated RNA 5 and peanut stunt virus-associated RNA 5

Summary The double-stranded forms of CARNA 5 and PARNA 5, viral satellites of the cucumovirus group, after denaturation and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under appropriate conditions allow their complementary strands to be separated and fractionated. These fractionated (+) and (-) strands are free of contaminating viral RNA fragments. They serve as templates for the preparation of cDNAs of opposite polarity, which are used to probe the viral RNA-dependent replication of CARNA 5 and PARNA 5.
A POSSIBLE MECHANISM FOR THE ROLE OF N‐RETINYLIDENE PHOSPHATIDYL ETHANOLAMINE IN THE REGENERATION OF RHODOPSIN

— A series of molecular orbital calculations on a model Schiff base comparable to protonated N-retinylidene phosphatidyl ethanolamine isomers has been made. The effect of the charged oxygen atoms of the phosphate moiety on the distribution of positive charge along the polyene chain of these isomers has been calculated. The stabilizing coulombic energy of interaction of these opposite charges and the possibility of free rotation around carbonxarbon double bonds in the electronically excited state has led to the conclusion that an 11-cis Schiff base isomer is the most probable product of the photoisomerization of an all-trans Schiff base. The formation of a stable unprotonated all-trans Schiff base in aqueous detergent dispersion and its subsequent conversion to the protonated form, both with absorption spectra in conformity with the literature, is demonstrated.
Farnesoid X Receptor Agonist Represses Cytochrome P450 2D6 Expression by Upregulating Small Heterodimer Partner.

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) is a major drug-metabolizing enzyme responsible for eliminating approximately 20% of marketed drugs. Studies have shown that differential transcriptional regulation of CYP2D6 may contribute to large interindividual variability in CYP2D6-mediated drug metabolism. However, the factors governing CYP2D6 transcription are largely unknown. We previously demonstrated small heterodimer partner (SHP) as a novel transcriptional repressor of CYP2D6 expression. SHP is a representative target gene of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR). The objective of this study is to investigate whether an agonist of FXR, 3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-4-(3′-carboxy-2-chlorostilben-4-yl)oxymethyl-5-isopropylisoxazole (GW4064), alters CYP2D6 expression and activity. In CYP2D6-humanized transgenic mice, GW4064 decreased hepatic CYP2D6 expression and activity (by 2-fold) while increasing SHP expression (by 2-fold) and SHP recruitment to the CYP2D6 promoter. CYP2D6 repression by GW4064 was abrogated in Shp(−/−);CYP2D6 mice, indicating a critical role of SHP in CYP2D6 regulation by GW4064. Also, GW4064 decreased CYP2D6 expression (by 2-fold) in primary human hepatocytes, suggesting that the results obtained in CYP2D6-humanized transgenic mice can be translated to humans. This proof of concept study provides evidence for CYP2D6 regulation by an inducer of SHP expression, namely, the FXR agonist GW4064.
In Situ Stark Effects with Inverted Bipolar Peaks for Adsorbed CO on Pt Electrodes in 50 °C Direct Methanol Fuel Cells

Adsorbed CO Stark tuning rates have been studied for the first time in direct methanol fuel cells on Pt black catalysts supported only on the polymer electrolyte (Nafion) in membrane electrode assemblies. The bipolar peaks resulting from the Stark shift of CO absorbance peaks are inverted, indicating an anomalous increase in the reflectivity where CO infrared absorption occurs. The vibrational Stark tuning data suggests that CO oxidation occurs on the perimeter of COads islands, which is consistent with the formation of CO within and above Pt double layer potentials as reported by Kunimatsu. This is expected since methanol is continuously delivered to the anode at all potentials in direct methanol fuel cells.
A simple secret key construction system for broadcasting model

This paper considers the problem of generating a secret key from correlated random variables. These correlated random variables result from common BPSK modulated signals added by independent Gaussian noises. We propose a simple practical secret key construction system for this model. The performance of our proposed system is analyzed and some simulation results are provided.
Delineation of climate regions using in-situ and remotely-sensed data for the Carolinas

Abstract Climatologically homogeneous regions in the Carolinas were delineated using a multi-step approach integrating in-situ and remotely-sensed data. We adopted a consensus clustering technique that obtains climate regions for precipitation and temperature separately. Both average linkage hierarchical and k-means non-hierarchical clustering methods were used to create weather station clusters. Using the resulting precipitation and temperature clusters as training data, we performed a machine-learning decision tree classification of remotely-sensed data (i.e., MODIS and TRMM) to map five precipitation classes and seven temperature classes for the Carolinas. These data were intersected to produce 17 consensus clusters for the Carolinas, and 16 climate regions when summarized by counties. The resultant climate regions showed rational climate regionalization reflecting controls on Carolina climate including topography, latitude, storm tracks, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The use of remotely-sensed data effectively helped the delineation between weather station clusters and even detected consensus clusters that were not identified by intersecting weather station clusters grouped using only in-situ data. We compared the regions with the 15 existing National Climatic Data Center climate divisions using within- and between-cluster standard deviations for both in-situ and remotely-sensed data. Climate regions could improve the existing climate divisions in delineating climatologically homogeneous regions and in separating heterogeneous regions.
Online product quality monitoring through in-process measurement

Abstract Online monitoring of product quality is key to automated machine operation and process optimization. This paper demonstrates an in-process sensing technique for online product quality assessment, using injection moulding as an example. The system measures four parameters within the injection mould cavity, which are directly correlated with the part quality: melt pressure, temperature, velocity, and viscosity. Relationship between the sensor data and quality characteristics, e.g., thickness and width of the part, are established by incorporating governing physics for pressure–volume–temperature with other mechanistic models. Good agreement between sensor measurements and experimental results is confirmed from tests performed on a production-grade machine.
Temperature programmed analysis of essential oils using glass capillary columns

The object of the present study was to determine the usefulness of averaging data obtained from repeated analyses in improving reproducibility of the results, both in terms of retention indices and peak area percentages and to find an optimal compromise between reproducibility and total analysis time. All the necessary calculations are performed by an off-line computer system using a digital integrator and punched tape obtained by a teletype. The standard deviation and the 95% tolerance limits for each peak area percentage in a multiple analysis are readily provided. Stray values are eliminated by means of the t-test.
A dose of Dr Darwin

Why We Get Sick: The New Science of Darwinian Medicine *. ByRandolph M. Nesse and George C. Williams. Times Books/Weidenfeld and Nicolson: 1995. Pp. 291. $24, £20.
Conformational properties of the protease from Staphylococcus aureus studied by circular dichroism.

Abstract The conformational properties of the protease from Staphylococcus aureus strain V8 were studied by the CD probe. The CD spectra in the far ultraviolet zone displayed a negative band at 205–207 nm but no positive bands were observed at 191–198 nm. This indicates that the protease was devoid of significant amounts of the α-helix and pleated sheet conformations, i.e., that the polypeptide chain was folded into a unique irregular (aperiodic) conformation. The structure was relatively insensitive to sodium dodecyl sulfate and high concentrations of aliphatic alcohols but it was readily perturbed by acid and alkali. This suggests that the three-dimensional structure of this protein is stabilized chiefly by electrostatic interactions. Significant differences in the tertiary structure of the protease were indicated by the CD spectra at the two enzyme activity maxima (pH 4.1 and pH 7.6–8.2).
Internal hernias through the falciform ligament: a case series and comprehensive literature review of an increasingly common pathology

Purpose Internal hernias remain difficult to diagnose, despite advances in preoperative imaging. The anatomy of internal hernias varies widely, but herniation through the falciform ligament remains a rare entity. Sparse case reports are present, and no review has adequately synthesized all available information within the literature. Two patients presented to our institution with internal hernias through the falciform ligament over the span of 3 months.
Social support and risk of sexual assault revictimization.

Limited research on revictimization has examined the role of social support, which is known to affect sexual assault survivors' psychological recovery. Measuring social support also provides a more ecological approach to understanding revictimization, as it assesses the possible role of those in the survivors' environment. The current study examined how social support and disclosure experiences of 625 community-based survivors related to their revictimization status over a 12-month period. Results showed differences between revictimized and nonrevictimized survivors in terms of who they disclosed to about their assault. In addition, revictimized survivors received less informational and emotional support and more blaming reactions. Implications for future research regarding using an ecological approach to better understand revictimization risk are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diastolic hypertension produced by high fat diets and dietary stresses.

SummaryFour normal adult dogs were subjected to rather intense dietary stresses and irregularities over a prolonged period of time. Basically these dietary manipulations consisted of the following: (1) A prolonged preliminary fast followed by realimentation with diets containing 50 to 70% of the calories from beef suet and butter and fed at a level of from 60 to 120 cal/M2/hr. These “fat episodes” were repeated 6 times in 14 months in the first experimental period and 3 times in 10 months during the second experimental period. (2) The production of marked obesity by a high calory diet. (3) A long period on a low calory diet of raw horse meat which caused marked weight loss. (4) Return to the normal kennel diet. As a result of these dietary manipulations, the animals gradually developed a highly significant diastolic hypertension which is still present while on the normal kennel diet approximately 34 months after the end of the last fat episode of Experimental Period I.
Nonenzymatic polymerization of fibrinogen by protamine sulfate. An electron microscope study.

Abstract The fine structure of polymers resulting from the action of thrombin and protamine sulfate on three specimens of purified human fibrinogen was studied with the electron microscope. The basic pattern of both polymers, “protamine sulfate-fibrin” and “thrombin-fibrin”, was very similar. The average periodicity of thrombin-fibrin was 239 A in shadowed and 228 A in negatively-stained preparations. The average periodicity of protamine sulfate-fibrin was 225 A in shadowed and 223 A in stained preparations. The network of protamine sulfate-fibrin formed from one specimen of fibrinogen (Cutter, Calif.) was extensive and exhibited branching typical of that observed in thrombin-induced clots from all specimens of fibrinogen. The networks of protamine sulfate-fibrin formed from two other specimens of fibrinogen (Kabi, Sweden and Jamieson, Washington, D.C.) were limited and were composed of short, broad strands with bluntly tapered ends. It is postulated that protamine sulfate brings about nonenzymatic polymerization of fibrinogen by neutralizing the negative charge on fibrinopeptides.
Optical alignment of the Far-Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE)

The FUSE, scheduled for a summer 1999 launch, is an astrophysics satellite designed to provide high spectral resolving power over the interval 90.5-118.7 nm. The FUSE optical path consists of four co-aligned, normal incidence, off-axis parabolic primary mirrors which illuminate separate Rowland circle spectrograph channels equipped with holographic gratings and delay line microchannel plate detectors. The spectrograph comprises the upper half of the instrument structure, and was internally aligned prior to delivery to the integration team.
Comprehensive Thermal Solution Procedures for Laser Forming

Comprehensive thermal solution procedures (CTSP) are developed to predict temperature history during laser forming process. The CTSP can provide not only fast and accurate results, but also many useful features, such as convection boundary conditions and distributed water cooling schemes. By means of interface through the virtual fabrication technology (VFT® ) software, the CTSP gives direct temperature results for FEA stress/distortion analysis.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Sequestering of Eu(III) by a GAAA RNA Tetraloop

The site-specific binding of metal ions maintains an important role in the structure, thermal stability, and function of folded RNA structures. RNA tetraloops of the “GNRA” family (where N = any ba...
Using Third-Party Data for Travel Demand Modeling: Comparison of Targeted Marketing, Census, and Household Travel Survey Data

This research investigated how targeted marketing (TM) data could be used as a source for up-to-date demographic and socioeconomic information. TM data provide several advantages over data from the Bureau of the Census, including the ability to incorporate additional behavioral information through lifestyle variables and to conduct longitudinal studies at a low cost. This paper describes TM data and a comparison of an Atlanta, Georgia, sample with census data. The most recent household travel survey conducted by the Atlanta Regional Commission was compared with census data; both weighted and unweighted survey data were used. Results showed that the distributions of sociodemographic variables were similar, particularly for age, gender, household income, and the presence of children. The largest discrepancies between TM data and census data were associated with educational attainment and ethnicity; however, these discrepancies were comparable to those observed in the household travel survey.
Effects of salinity on photosynthetic characteristics in photomixotrophic cell-suspension cultures from Alternanthera philoxeroides

We studied the effect of NaCl salinity on the development of cellular photosynthesis using a green, photomixotrophic, cell-suspension culture of Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. For these cells, increasing the concentration of sucrose in the media produces a rapid drop in net photosynthetic rate, which recovers as sucrose is depleted from the media. This predictable recovery provides a simple system to examine cellular photosynthetic development. Cells, unadapted to high salinity, were transferred to nutrient media with 30 mM sucrose (Control) or nutrient media with 30 mM sucrose and 100 mM NaCl (Salt). A dramatic increase in the dark respiration rate of Control and Salt cells during the first 6 d of the experiment produced net oxygen consumption in the light. The high dark respiration rates during this period were accompanied by a decline in total Chl and the amounts of two photosynthetic proteins, the light harvesting Chl a/b binding protein of photosystem II (LHCP) and the small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rubisco SSU). The dark respiration rate of Salt cells was greater than that of Control cells on days 4–8. After day 4, dark respiration rates decreased and net photosynthesis increased to stable values in both treatments at day 11 after media sucrose concentration reached a minimum. As dark respiration rates decreased and net photosynthetic rates increased, total Chl and the amounts of LHCP and rubisco SSU increased in both Control and Salt cells. The slower development of photosynthetic capacity in salt cells was correlated with a fresh weight that was 20% lower than that of control cells at the end of the experiment.
Biogenic hydrocarbon contribution to the ambient air of selected areas

Abstract In response to suggestions that biogenic emissions are responsible for high hydrocarbon concentrations described in several reports, a short-term sampling program was initiated in the reported areas to test this hypothesis. Limited numbers of whole-air samples were collected in Tedlar bags and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection. Tulsa air was found to contain an average of 0.2% isoprene of the total nonmethane hydrocarbon (TNMHC) load. Rio Blanco County, Colorado, and Smoky Mountain air, respectively, averaged about 2 % and 4 % biogenic hydrocarbon of the total nonmethane hydrocarbon loads. Isoprene appears to be a dominant olefin in rural and remote areas. Although the tests were of short duration, results suggest monoterpenes and isoprene constitute only minor components in these areas relative to anthropogenic hydrocarbons.
Does a Normal Small-Bowel Enteroclysis Exclude Small-Bowel Disease? A Long-Term Follow-Up of Consecutive Normal Studies

The purpose of our study was to determine if a normal small-bowel enteroclysis excludes small-bowel disease in adult patients, using long-term follow-up as the major reference standard. We reviewed 193 consecutive small-bowel enteroclysis (SBE) studies completed during a period from January 1987 to February 1989, of which 83 were judged to be normal at the time of the study. Eight of these latter patients were excluded due to inadequate follow-up. The indications included detection of gastrointestinal bleeding, small-bowel obstruction, Crohn's disease, nonspecific abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, and a miscellaneous group. Each patient was followed for at least 3 years by chart review or until a definite diagnosis was established. Six of the 75 patients whose SBE was originally interpreted as normal were eventually judged to have small-bowel disease. The remaining 69 patients were judged to be free of small-bowel disease by autopsy, surgical laparotomy, endoscopie observation or biopsy, or long-term follow-up for at least 3 years. Therefore, a normal SBE correctly excluded small-bowel disease in 69 of our 75 patients (true negatives) and failed to diagnose disease in six patients (false negatives), for a specificity of.92±.03 (SE). In this experience, SBE was sufficiently specific in most patients to exclude small-bowel disease.
Food habits, energetics, and the reproduction of marsupials

Basal rate of metabolism in marsupials and in eutherian mammals is principally correlated with body mass, food habits and activity. Feeding on fruit, the leaves of woody plants, or invertebrates is associated with low basal rates, especially at large masses, in both groups of mammals. These foods lead to low basal rates because they are seasonally unavailable, are indigestible, or need to be detoxified. The depression in basal rate associated with frugivory and folivory is increased when coupled with sedentary, arboreal habits in both marsupials and eutherians. In contrast, eutherians that feed on vertebrates or herbs generally have high basal rates, while marsupials that eat these foods do not have high basal rates. These foods permit high basal rates, which are exploited by eutherians because high basal rates in these mammals lead to high rates of reproduction. Marsupials have, at best, a limited correlation of reproduction with rate of metabolism, so that feeding on vertebrates or herbs does not lead to high basal rates in these mammals. This difference between marsupials and eutherians in the coupling of reproduction to energetics has at least two ecological consequences. 1) Marsupials generally do not tolerate cold-temperate environments because they do not accelerate growth and development to complete reproduction within a short spring and summer. 2) Marsupials coexist with ecologically similar eutherians as long as marsupials have food habits that are correlated with low rates of metabolism in eutherians (i.e. they feed on fruit, the leaves of woody plants, or invertebrates), but they tend to be displaced by eutherians when marsupials have food habits that are associated with high rates of metabolism in eutherians (i.e. when they feed on vertebrates and, probably, herbs).
RESPONSE COMPETITION AND STIMULUS PREFERENCE IN THE TREATMENT OF AUTOMATICALLY REINFORCED BEHAVIOR: A COMPARISON

Clinicians are particularly challenged by the development of interventions for behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement because reinforcers that maintain the responses often cannot be directly observed or manipulated. Researchers have conducted either preference assessments or competing items assessments when developing effective treatments for behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement. However, interventions based on these assessments have not been directly compared. The current study evaluated procedures to make such a comparison. High-competition items resulted in greater reductions in vocal stereotypy than did high-preference items for a preschool boy with autism.
Using logic programming for formal specification and validation of data models

Abstract Mathematical specifications of data models provide formal means to prove the correctness of the models. Such specifications may be used as prototypes to determined the result of transactions on a database. This paper describes the use of logic programming to mechanize the axiomatization of a proposed extension to the relational data model. The extended model is defined using a many-sorted algebra termed DRE-algebra. The DRE-algebra is then directly implemented in PROLOG. The implementation helps in verifying the correctness of the DRE-algebra and is used as an early prototype to investigate design decisions.
Global environmental crisis: is there a connection with place-based, ecosociocultural education in rural Spain?

Environmental educators are challenged by how to teach children about global environmental crisis such as the Gulf oil spill, which only serves to engender children’s fears and apprehensions about the negative impact of humans on ecosystems. Eduardo Dopico and Eva Garcia-Vazquez’s article presents an interesting context from which to analyze and reflect on the connections between local and global environmental education issues. The authors’ study involves student researchers in actively learning about place-based, sustainable agricultural practices in rural Spain that are passed down through generations. These ecofriendly, culturally mediated farming practices, referred to as “traditional” by the farmers, were contrasted to “modern” practices that are used throughout market-based globalized economy. The connection between local (traditional) and global (modern) practices became very important in the reflections and learning of the student participants about sustainability and ecojustice issues associated with traditional farming. Students learned from the local farmers a positive, non-dualistic approach to sustainable agriculture in which human activity and culture is connected to ecological sustainability. Further, the students’ active research of sustainable and culturally medicated agricultural practices at the local level provided a frame of reference to understand global environmental crises.
Ammonium ion inhibition of Pinus strobus L. callus growth

Abstract Effects of NO 3 − and NH 4 + oons on growth of Pinus strobus L. callus were studied. Callus tissue was obtained from hypocotyl segments of P. strobus seedlings and was maintained on a modified Murashige and Skoog's medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/l α-napthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The tissue could be repeatedly subcultured on a medium containing KNO 3 as the sole nitrogen source in the medium. However, the callus growth was totally inhibited when NH 4 Cl was used as the nitrogen source. The inhibitory effect of NH 4 Cl could be eliminated by providing appropriate amounts of KNO 3 in the medium in addition to NH 4 Cl. The inhibitory effect on callus growth was found to be due to NH 4 + and not Cl − ions; good callus growth occurred on media containing KCl. Experiments suggested that acidification of the medium due to NH 4 + ions was not the cause of growth inhibition. Growth of P. strobus callus seems to be inhibited due to its inability to utilize NH 4 + as a source of nitrogen, which results in accumulation of toxic levels of NH 4 + in the tissue. Experimental evidence also suggests involvement of glutamine synthetase in NH 4 + -induced inhibition of P. Strobus callus growth.
An incremental distributed algorithm for computing biconnected components in dynamic graphs

This paper describes a distributed algorithm for computing the biconnected components of a dynamically changing graph. Our algorithm has a worst-case communication complexity of O(b+c) messages for an edge insertion and O(b'+c) messages for an edge removal, and a worst-case time complexity of O(c) for both operations, where c is the maximum number of biconnected components in any of the connected components during the operation, b is the number of nodes in the biconnected component containing the new edge, and b' is the number of nodes in the biconnected component just before the deletion.
Autoimmune T cells lured to a FASL web of death by MSCs.

Achieving immune tolerance through cell transplantation is a promising approach for treating autoimmune disease. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Akiyama et al. (2012) demonstrate that human and mouse mesenchymal stem cells can induce immune suppression by attracting and killing autoreactive T cells, which stimulates TGFb production by macrophages and generates regulatory T cells.
Ontogeny of somatostatin mRNA-containing perikarya in the rat central nervous system.

The distribution of neuronal perikarya containing somatostatin mRNA in the developing rat brain was investigated with in situ hybridization histochemistry. This study describes the expression of somatostatin mRNA during selected perinatal stages and demonstrates regional changes in somatostatin mRNA expression at the single cell level. The mRNA expression closely parallels previously reported developmental localization of the peptide. As early as embryonic day 13 (E13), somatostatin mRNA was observed in discrete spinal cord and brainstem regions. At birth, densely hybridized somata could be seen primarily in ventral and caudal brain areas with small scattered neurons in the hippocampus and dorsal neocortex. After birth, somatostatin mRNA increased in forebrain regions, such as the hippocampus, dorsal neocortex, and caudate. By postnatal day 14 (P14), the distribution in the telencephalic and diencephalic regions approached that of the adult brain. Several brain regions manifested large changes in the density of somatostatin mRNA hybridization during development. For example, the cerebellar vermis and brainstem contained somatostatin mRNA perikarya during early postnatal development but decreased in these regions in the adult. During perinatal development, increases in somatostatin mRNA content were the results of increases in both the number of neurons containing somatostatin mRNA as well as in themore » amount of this mRNA expressed in each cell. As the brain differentiates, the apparent numbers of somatostatin mRNA containing neurons in certain brain regions are reduced. These data provide evidence for transient somatostatinergic neurons during early development in discrete areas of the occipital cortex, pyriform cortex, cerebellum, and brainstem and suggest that this peptide may play a role in the development of these regions.« less
Convergence behavior of interior-point algorithms

We show that most interior-point algorithms for linear programming generate a solution sequence in which every limit point satisfies the strict complementarity condition. These algorithms include all path-following algorithms and some potential reduction algorithms. The result also holds for the monotone complementarity problem if a strict complementarity solution exists. In general, the limit point is a solution that maximizes the number of its nonzero components among all solutions.
Advancements in a Web-Based Framework in Product Family Optimization and Visualization

Today’s market is becoming increasingly more competitive as companies strive to achieve success by reaching a large number of customers in a mass market while simultaneously treating them as individuals in a customized market. Many companies have begun to appreciate the benefits of using product platforms as they increase the customizability of their offered products, while reducing development costs and time to market. However, product variety is not customization; it is simply an attempt on the part of a company to meet the individual needs of their customers by flooding the market with many variations of the same product. With recent innovations in the field of information technology, web-based product development methodologies provide the capability for advanced customer involvement during the design process, which is a crucial aspect of differentiating customization from variety. Current approaches have provided web-based frameworks where users are offered a limited amount of control in the design process by assembling different configurations of given modules or by choosing a product already available in the company database. The focus in this paper is on advancements to a web-based framework where design parameters are collected from the user by means of a web-based browser interface, optimization is completed using the specified parameters, and a 3D visual representation is dynamically provided based on the results from the optimization. This proposed framework is illustrated using an example from ongoing research involving General Aviation Aircraft design.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
EMISSIONS COMPARISON BETWEEN TRUCK AND RAIL: CASE STUDY OF CALIFORNIA I-40

A comprehensive goods movement study of the California Interstate 40 corridor (from Barstow to Needles) has recently been completed. This study attempted to characterize goods movement in the region, perform a corridor emissions analysis, and make recommendations in terms of capacity and improvements, as well as economic feasibility of using rail in conjunction with trucks for goods movement. The emissions analysis of goods movement along the I-40 corridor is examined, specifically emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter associated with both truck and rail traffic. Heavy-duty diesel truck emissions are estimated using truck activity data recorded along the corridor. A unique methodology is used to calculate these truck emissions, incorporating road grade factors and determining engine load on a link-by-link basis. These emissions are then compared with the emissions associated with freight trains that travel along this I-40 corridor. On the basis of curren...
Inducible endogenous opioids mediate myocardial ischemic protection

Introduction: Opioids have been proposed as ischemic modulators and may regulate ischemic preconditioning. Clearly, exogenous opioids protect against myocardial ischemic injury. However, whether inducible endogenous opioids mediate myocardial ischemic protection has not been shown. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence and activity of constitutive and inducible in-vivo endogenous opioids in response to ischemia. Methods: Thirty-two rabbit hearts were cannulated in the Langendorff mode. Myocytes were isolated before, during and after 2 hours of global hypothermic (32°C) ischemia. These myocytes were examined for the kappa opioid receptor agonists dynorphin and met-enkephalin via radioimmunoassay (RIA). Opioid levels were measured at baseline, end-ischemia, and at 5 and 45 minutes after reperfusion. To further investigate endogenous opioids we also examined myocyte viability in a different cell preparation, as measured by trypan blue exclusion and LDH release. Untreated controls were compared to myocytes treated with 1mM of naltrindole, which blocks any endogenous opioid activity. No cells received any exogenous opioid. Results: The RIA levels of the opioids dynorphin and met-enkephalin are shown. The mean levels are in pg/ml, ± SD. ∗p < 0.05 vs. baseline. Additionally, at baseline myocytes were 82 ± 2% viable which fell to 60 ± 2% after ischemia. However, naltrindole (opioid blocked) myocytes dropped to <1% viable after the same ischemic insult. Also, LDH release was significantly higher in the natrindole myocytes. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the presence of constitutive regulatory endogenous opioids in myocardium. Importantly, ischemia resulted in elevated myocyte levels of kappa agonist peptides, and finally, opioid inhibition significantly decreased viability. This would suggest an inducible opioid modulation of myocyte viability and resistance to ischemia, further illustrating endogenous opioid protection. TABLE—ABSTRACT 1. Dynorphin Met-Enkephalin Baseline 4.8 ± 1.1 3.7 ± 1.6 Ischemia 10.5 ± 1.4∗ 7.7 ± 2.8∗ 5 min reflow 3.5 ± 2.1 6.4 ± 2.0∗ 45 min reflow 0.7 ± 0.4 4.1 ± 1.3
Treatment of colonic obstructions with metallic stents: indications, technique, and complications.

C arcinomas of the colon and recturn are common in the United States; the estimated annual mcidence is more than I 50,000 new cases [1]. The incidence of obstruction in patients with colonic carcinoma ranges from 7% to 29% [1, 2]. Patients with acute obstruction of the left-sided large bowel pose a challenging medical problem. Emergency surgery in a patient with an unprepared colon is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates [3]. The traditional surgical management of leftsided malignant large-bowel obstruction consists of a two-stage operation (Hartmann’s procedure) that includes primary tumor removal and end colostomy with a subsequent colostomy closure [4, 5]. Approximately 25% of patients undergoing the staged surgeries do not undergo colostomy closure because they are unfit for surgery or refuse further operation [4]. Colostomy closure is not a simple procedure; the morbidity is as high as 37% and the mortality rate is around 7% [4]. Recently, some authors have promoted a single-stage procedure that includes either subtotal colectomy or segmental resection with intraoperative irrigation and primary closure [4, 5]. Although primary resection with immediate anastomosis offers the potential advantages of shortening the hospital stay, reducing the morbidity and mortality rates, and avoiding the colostomy, this option has not found widespread acceptance because of the complexity of the on-table irrigation, which significantly prolongs the operation time. Subtotal colectomy imposes technical challenges in the dissection of the whole obstructed colon and carries the risk of diarrhea or fecal incontinence, particularly in elderly patients [4]. The technical aspects of these operations demand considerable experience in colonic surgery [4, 5]. Metallic stents have been recently used in the treatment of acute malignant colonic obstruction [6]. Metallic stent placement is an interesting alternative that can provide an effective, nonsurgical decompression of the obstructed left-sided large bowel to avoid an emergency colostomy [6]. Once the medical condition of the patient is improved after the colonic decompression, disease staging and colonic cleansing may take place in preparation for an elective single-stage surgery. In patients with inoperable tumors, the placement of these metallic stents offers a potentially effective palliation without the need for a permanent colostomy (Fig. 1). The initial experience with this procedure has been encouraging, with a high
THE S29X GENE OF SYMBIOTIC BACTERIA IN AMOEBA PROTEUS WITH A NOVEL PROMOTER

Gram-symbiotic bacteria (called X-bacteria), present in the xD strain of Amoeba proteus as required cell components, synthesize and export a large amount of a 29-kDa protein, S29x. S29x is exported into the host's cytoplasm across the bacterial membranes and the symbiosome membrane. The complete nucleotide (nt) sequence of the s29x gene of X-bacteria has been determined, and the promoter sequence and tsp have also been identified. The gene has a nonconventional promoter with putative nt sequences different from the known consensus sequences. When Escherichia coli cells are transformed with s29x, the gene is expressed and the product is secreted into the culture medium. Functions of S29x are not fully known, but it is suspected that S29x plays an important role in the symbiotic relationship between amoebae and X-bacteria.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation and degree of left ventricular scarring predict survival in patients with severe ischemic cardiomyopathy

Myocardial scar burden, measured by delayed hyperenhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (DHE-CMR), is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. It is unknown if myocardial scar burden impacts the protective benefit of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).
Anacapa Rift, California: ABSTRACT

The Channel Islands, like the Salinian block, have been explained as a granitic spur projecting westward into the Franciscan realm of coastal and offshore California. According to Ralph Reed, this spur was the autochthonous Anacapia, but according to P. B. King, the spur was an allochthonous sliver derived by lateral fault movement. Both interpretations require a boundary fault south of the Channel Islands; actually, the fault picture is more complex. The Malibu Coast fault, arcuate and convex southward in plan, appears to extend from Beverly Hills across the Mugu-Hueneme submarine fan into the eastern Santa Barbara Channel north of Anacapa Island. The Santa Cruz Island fault, also convex southward, continues south of Anacapa. San Onofre Breccia flanks both faults. San Onofre paleocurrent indicators on Santa Cruz Island and limited San Onofre outcrops on the northern tip of Santa Rose Island indicate the blueschist basement source was northeast of the Santa Cruz Island fault, thereby invalidating the Anacapia spur-silver concept. Instead, Anacapia is a microcontinent of granite with a Cretaceous-Eocene sedimentary veneer. The granite tectonically overlies Franciscan and is separated from the mainland by a rift bounded by the Malibu Coast and Santa Cruz Island faults. The pre-Mohnian terrane in the rift is mainly volcanic, and presumably overlies Franciscan basement. This basement was exposed during Miocene time, when the Channel Islands raft drifted westward from the Santa Monica Mountains. At first, the ductile Franciscan welled up in the rift as a tectonic ridge, shedding San Onofre talus on either side. Subsequently, the ridge in the rift sank, and gravity tectonics were produced in the Santa Monica Mountains. Palinspastic restoration of the 80-km lateral offset and the 20-km rift extension brings together similar Cretaceous-Eocene sequences of the Channel Islands and Santa Monica Mountains, and connects Poway Conglomerate clast assemblages of the islands with their mainland source. End_of_Article - Last_Page 460------------
Analysis and optimization of the electron cyclotron resonance plasma for nitride epitaxy

Abstract Mg-doped GaN films are grown on Si(111) substrates using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Plasma diagnosis and analysis predict operating conditions that minimize the ion bombardment during the growth. The ion exposure strongly affects the photoluminescence intensity associated with the Mg acceptor level in GaN. The drift mechanism of the nitrogen ions from the electron cyclotron resonance region is discussed. By minimizing the ion drift during growth, intense photoluminescence is obtained from the films.
Prevalence and predictors of depression and anxiety-related disorders during the year after heart transplantation

This study longitudinally evaluates prevalence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors for DSM-III-R Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), associated Adjustment Disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder related to the transplant (PTSD-T) in a large, representative sample of heart recipients followed during the first year after transplantation. Lifetime pretransplant prevalence as well as 1-year posttransplant rates were determined for the 154 recipients via standardized clinical interview schedules. Major Depression was the most prevalent disorder posttransplant (1-year rate of 17.3%), followed by PTSD-T (13.7%), and Adjustment Disorders (10.0%). There were no cases of GAD. Specific pretransplant and perioperative factors increased recipients' risk for any psychiatric disorder (vs none) posttransplant, including pretransplant psychiatric history; poor social supports from primary family caregiver, other relatives, and friends; the use of avoidance coping strategies for managing health problems; and low self-esteem early posttransplant. Within diagnostic groups, additional risk factors distinguished recipients with anxiety-related vs depressive disorders post-transplant: those at highest relative risk for anxiety had waited more briefly for a donor heart, were more likely to have a family psychiatric history, had the poorest family and friend support of all recipients, utilized the poorest coping skills, and had a poor sense of mastery. The findings have implications for the development of primary and secondary prevention strategies for psychiatric disorder in heart recipient populations.
Control of Aircraft Interior Broadband Noise with Foam-Pvdf Smart Skin

Abstract A foam-PVDF smart skin design for aircraft interior noise control is discussed. The smart skin is designed to reduce sound by the action of the passive absorption of an acoustic foam (which is effective at higher frequencies) and the active input of a PVDF element driven by an oscillating electrical input (which is effective at lower frequencies). For performance testing, the foam-PVDF smart skin is mounted in the cockpit of a Cessna Citation III fuselage. The fuselage crown panels are excited with a speaker located on the outside of the cockpit and driven by a band-limited random excitation. A MIMO feedforward Filtered-x LMS controller is implemented to minimize the error sensor signals provided by microphones in the close proximity of the smart skin elements. Three different reference signals are implemented for the feedforward controller and are compared in terms of the interior noise attenuation achieved. The voltage sent to the disturbance speaker provides an optimal reference signal which is not realistic in practice. Therefore, the use of either a structural sensor (accelerometer directly mounted on the fuselage) or an acoustic sensor (microphone located close to the fuselage) is investigated to supply a practical reference signal. The potential of the smart foam-PVDF skin for reducing interior noise is demonstrated.
Characterization of Copper Surfaces Used in Electronic Circuit Boards by Reflectance FT-IR

Organic and organo-metallic coatings are presently being applied over bare copper as an approach to improve the co-planarity of circuit boards. Conformal organic solderability preservative coatings (OSP) are environmentally and economically advantageous over the more commonly used lead based coatings [1-2]. Problems arise in assessing the solderability of the bare copper and the integrity of the organic coating. Specular reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was utilized to monitor and evaluate the formation of Cu oxides occurring on copper substrates used in the manufacturing of electronic circuit boards. Previous studies reported the utility of this technique[3,4]. By measuring the oxide and protective coating characteristics of these surfaces, their solderability performance can rapidly be evaluated in a manufacturing environment. OSP coated test specimens were subjected to hot-dry and hot-wet environmental conditions using MIL-STD-202F [5] and MIL-STD-883E [6] as guides. The resultant FT-IR spectra provided clear evidence for the formation of various Cu oxides at the Cu/OSP interface over exposure time, for the samples subjected to the hot-dry environment. IR spectral bands consistent with O-Cu-O and Cu202 formation appear, while very minimal deterioration to the OSP coating was observed. The appearance of the Cu oxide layers grew steadily with increased environmental exposure. Specimens subjected to the hot-wet conditions showed no significant signs of deterioration. The IR data can be directly correlated to solderability performance as evaluated by wet balance testing.
Microwave sintering of yttria-containing tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics

Sintering of yttria-containing tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics was performed in a single-mode cylindrical cavity applicator CMPR-250 operating at 2·45 GHz in the TM012 mode. High heating rates at low power levels were achieved. Rapid heating and cooling resulted in a fine-grain microstructure. High-purity submicron Y-TZP powders were sintered from an initial green density of 60% to final sintered density close to the theoretical density. Microwave sintering offers potential for improving microstructural properties through controlled development of uniform microstructure.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Hematologic Diseases, 1986 Update

Prenatal diagnosis has been performed in more than 11,000 fetuses at risk for hematologic diseases. This paper summarizes the data from 30 centers from 1974 to 1985: 70% had fetal blood taken for hemo
Laser-Assisted Etching of Lithium Niobate

Laser-assisted dry etching of lithium niobate, LiNbO 3 , as well as other electro-optic materials could be an industrially important process in the fabrication of optical waveguides. In this investigation, an excimer laser (ArF; 193nm) was used to conduct etching reactions using nitrogen trifluoride, NF 3 . Enhancement of etching was observed by comparing the etch rate for a gas assisted process with that of a purely photoablative process. Chemical analysis of the etched features via Auger electron spectroscopy and correlation of a simple rate equation with the experimental data revealed that lasersurface interactions are responsible for the laser-assisted etching process.