cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ORTHOBARIC LIQUID DENSITIES AND DIELECTRIC CONSTANTS OF (METHANE + 2-METHYLPROPANE) AND (METHANE + N-BUTANE) AT LOW TEMPERATURES

Abstract Measurements of the orthobaric liquid densities and dielectric constants of methane-rich (methane+2-methylpropane) and (methane+n-butane) have been obtained at temperatures between 110 and 140 K. Densities were determined with a magnetic-suspension densimeter, while a concentric-cylinder capacitor was used for simultaneous measurements of dielectric constant. These measurements were part of an experimental program that has provided a consistent and comprehensive set of densities for the major components of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and their mixtures, which was used to develop mathematical models for the calculation or prediction of LNG densities. Along with the (methane+2-methylpropane) and (methane+n-butane) experimental densities and dielectric constants, are presented experimental vapor pressures, as well as excess volumes, Clausius-Mossotti functions, and excess Clausius-Mossotti functions, derived from the densities and dielectric constants. Comparisons are shown between the excess volumes of the present work and those from independent measurement using an extended corresponding-states model that had been optimized to the results from this work. The total uncertainty of a single density measurement is approximately 0.1 per cent with a precision of a few parts in 104. Dielectric constants are estimated to be accurate to approximately 0.05 per cent. A brief description of the apparatus, experimental method, and procedures is also presented.
Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of catheter-based myocardial gene transfer for therapeutic angiogenesis using left ventricular electromechanical mapping in patients with chronic myocardial ischemia.

Background—Catheter-based myocardial gene transfer (GTx) has not been previously tested in human subjects. Accordingly, we performed a pilot study to investigate the feasibility and safety of catheter-based myocardial GTx of naked plasmid DNA encoding vascular endothelial growth factor-2 (phVEGF-2) in patients with chronic myocardial ischemia. Methods and Results—A steerable, deflectable 8F catheter incorporating a 27-guage needle was advanced percutaneously to the left ventricular myocardium of 6 patients with chronic myocardial ischemia. Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive phVEGF-2 (total dose, 200 μg), which was administered as 6 injections into ischemic myocardium (total, 6.0 mL), or placebo (mock procedure). Injections were guided by NOGA left ventricular electromechanical mapping. Patients initially randomized to placebo became eligible for phVEGF-2 GTx if they had no clinical improvement 90 days after their initial procedure. Catheter injections (n=36) caused no changes in heart rate or blood...
Blue ice areas and their topographical properties in the Lambert glacier, Amery Iceshelf system using Landsat ETM+, ICESat laser altimetry and ASTER GDEM data

Blue ice extent and its geographical distribution during the three years from December 1999–January 2003 have been mapped together with rock exposure areas for the entire Lambert-Amery glacial basin at an unprecedented level of spatial detail using Landsat ETM+ images. Various geometric and shape attributes for each blue ice patch have been derived. The total area of blue ice is estimated to be 20 422 km2, accounting for 1.48% of the glacial basin. We also found that the image texture information is helpful for distinguishing different types of blue ice: rough blue ice, smooth blue ice, and level blue ice. Rough blue ice areas are mostly associated with glacial dynamics and located in relatively low elevation regions, smooth blue ice areas are often related to nunataks and mountains, steep slopes and wind blows, and level blue ice areas are formed by melt-induced lakes in the margin of the ice shelf and melt-induced ponds on the ice shelf in low elevations. The elevation and surface slope properties of different types of blue ice area are characterized through regional topographical analysis with ICESat laser altimetry data. The effect of mountain height on the blue ice extent is also examined with local topographic profile analysis based on the ASTER global digital elevation model. The wide variation of the ratio of blue ice area length to mountain height indicates that the factors controlling the formation and extent of blue ice are more complicated than we previously thought.
Origin of Coloration in Upper Devonian Catskill Facies, New York: ABSTRACT

Mineralogic and chemical studies of interbedded red and greenish-gray sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone from the Upper Devonian Catskill facies in New York indicate that the red coloration is a result of the presence of diagenetic red hematite pigment. Thin sections of red sandstones show hematite partly replacing rock fragments composed of fine-grained mica and chlorite, as well as coating sand grains and forming patchy interstitial matrix material. Hematite is absent at many sand-grain contacts in red rocks. X-ray diffraction studies of powdered rock samples and oriented clay aggregates show that the greenish-gray rocks are illite poor and chlorite rich relative to interbedded red rocks. X-ray diffraction intensity data indicate that chlorite is more iron rich in green or drab rocks. There is no significant difference in the total iron content of interbedded red and greenish-gray rocks; however, small green patches in otherwise red rocks have significantly lower amounts of total iron than do the surrounding redbeds. Iron-bearing opaque minerals are present in very small amounts in both red and greenish-gray rocks suggesting that iron precipitated as hematite was not derived from these minerals. These results suggest that hematite in these redbeds has formed diagenetically under near-surface oxidizing conditions, largely controlled by the level of the groundwater table. Chlorite is believed to be the major source of the iron that has been precipitated as hematite. Except for localized green patches where reducing conditions prevailed because of the presence of organic matter, the greenish gray rocks are believed to be composed of detrital sediments that have undergone little alteration. End_of_Article - Last_Page 360------------
Clinically meaningful change in stair negotiation performance in older adults

Stair negotiation is a key marker for independence among older adults; however, clinically meaningful change has not been established. Our objective was to establish the values of clinically meaningful change in stair negotiation time using distribution- and anchor-based approaches. Study participants were 371 community residing older adults (age ≥ 70) in the Einstein Aging Study with time to ascend and descend 3 steps measured at baseline and at one-year follow-up. Anchor-based estimates were obtained using functional decline (defined as one-point increment in disability score) and change in self-reported walking ability over the one-year follow-up period. Small, moderate, and large meaningful change estimates were 0.28, 0.71, and 1.15 s for stair ascent time (0.31, 0.78, and 1.25 s for stair descent time) using the distribution-based approach of effect size. The estimates of meaningful decline range from 0.47 to 0.53 s for stair ascent time (0.33–0.53 s for stair descent time) using the anchor-based approach. The estimates of meaningful improvement were smaller (0.13–0.18 s for stair ascent, 0.06–0.15 for stair descent) compared to those for decline. Based on general consistency between distribution- and anchor-based approaches, preliminary criteria suggested for stair negotiation time is 0.5 s for meaningful decline and 0.2 s for meaningful improvement.
“Bumpy moments” in teaching: Reflections from practicing teachers

Abstract During the complex teaching act, there are moments that require teachers to engage in reflection to make critical decisions about how to respond to particular problems in practice. The present investigation provides a stimulus for capturing these reflections as four elementary practicing teachers are asked to describe their “bumpy moments” in teaching. Analysis of the 19 “bumpy moments” identified offers insights into the thoughts, knowledge, and beliefs that these teachers are considering during their practice. Results have implications for capturing reflection during teaching, ongoing practicing teacher professional development, and preservice teacher education.
Kolmogorov complexity, statistical regularization of inverse problems, and Birkhoff's formalization of beauty

Most practical applications of statistical methods are based on the implicit assumption that if an event has a very small probability, then it cannot occur. For example, the probability that a kettle placed on a cold stove would start boiling by itself is not 0, it is positive, but it is so small, that physicists conclude that such an event is simply impossible. This assumption is difficult to formalize in traditional probability theory, because this theory only describes measures on sets and does not allow us to divide functions into 'random' and non-random ones. This distinction was made possible by the idea of algorithmic randomness, introduce by Kolmogorov and his student Martin- Loef in the 1960s. We show that this idea can also be used for inverse problems. In particular, we prove that for every probability measure, the corresponding set of random functions is compact, and, therefore, the corresponding restricted inverse problem is well-defined. The resulting techniques turns out to be interestingly related with the qualitative esthetic measure introduced by G. Birkhoff as order/complexity.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Solubilization of human erythrocyte membrane glycoproteins and separation of the MN glycoprotein from a glycoprotein with I, S, and A activity.

Abstract Human erythrocyte membrane glycoproteins are recovered in high yields in the aqueous phase after extraction of the membranes with a mixture of chloroform-methanol. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-acrylamide gel electrophoresis of the aqueous phase reveals the presence of three main glycoprotein components, glycoproteins I, II, and III, and one additional periodic acid-Schiff positive component, without contamination by other membrane proteins. Their apparent molecular weights correspond to 58 000, 37 000, 24 000, and 50 000, respectively. The blood group antigens I, Ss, and MN are recovered in the aqueous phase in high yields and with marked increase in their specific activities. The aqueous phase also contains moderate amounts of A and B and small amounts of H antigenic activities. Further separation of the glycoproteins of the aqueous phase was achieved by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 columns in the presence of 1% dodecyl sulfate. The M and N antigenic activities were found in glycoprotein I. N activity as tested with a rabbit antiserum was also observed in glycoprotein III. The highest activities for A, I, and S antigens were found in glycoprotein III. The chloroform-methanol phase does not contain glycoproteins; only the blood group antigens A, B, and H are found in this phase. The interphase, which contains most of the membrane proteins except the main glycoproteins, shows only weak ABH, I, Ss, and MN activities. The data indicate that the major glycoprotein of the human erythrocyte membrane, glycoprotein I, is the so-called MN glycoprotein, and that the I and S antigenic activities are associated with glycoprotein III, a minor glycoprotein with an apparent molecular weight of 24 000. Glycoprotein III is also associated with the A antigenic activity.
Relaxation by calcitonin gene-related peptide may involve activation of K+ channels in the human uterine artery.

The vasodilatory role of calcitonin gene-related peptide in activating K+ channels was examined in isolated, suffused human uterine arteries. Calcitonin gene-related peptide produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of norepinephrine (1 μM)-induced contractions. Calcitonin gene-related peptide was antagonized by glybenclamide (1–100 μM), an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive K+ channels, but not by tetraethylammonium (1 mM), an inhibitor of calcium2+-activated K+ channels. Glybenclamide (10 μM) produced a 6.7 fold and an 11-fold shift to the right of calcitonin gene-related peptide (0.1 to 100 nM) in uterine arteries from pregnant patients (n = 3) and nonpregnant patients (n = 6), respectively. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (10 nM) less effectively (P < 0.05) relaxed contractions produced by KCl (50 mM) (29.4 ± 1.6%) than by norepinephrine and glybenclamide (10 μM) did not reverse this relaxation (22.2 ± 6.8%, n = 4 nonpregnant patients). Pinacidil (1 μM), an ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener, relaxed norepinephrine-induced contractions of uterine arteries. Glybenclamide (10 μM) also antagonized pinacidil. These results suggest that calcitonin gene-related peptide relaxes norepinephrine-contracted human uterine arteries, at least in part, by activation of a K+ channel, perhaps of the ATP-sensitive type.
Achieving long time scale simulations of glass-forming systems

Abstract Glass-forming systems have posed an especial challenge for atomistic simualtions given their complicated non-crystalline structure and the long time scales involved with glass transition and relaxation phenomena. In this article, we review two recent techniques for extending the time scales of these simulations. First, we describe the enthalpy landscape approach, which uses inherent structure and transition point mapping to develop a set of coarse-grained master equations for computing long time dynamics. Accounting for the broken ergodic nature of glass, these master equations can be solved on any arbitrary time scale. Second, we discuss the Kinetic Monte Carlo method and its application to glassy systems. Kinetic Monte Carlo provides an effective means of sampling rare events without losing the detailed atomistic description of the glass structure.
PROVEAN web server: a tool to predict the functional effect of amino acid substitutions and indels

Summary: We present a web server to predict the functional effect of single or multiple amino acid substitutions, insertions and deletions using the prediction tool PROVEAN. The server provides rapid analysis of protein variants from any organisms, and also supports high-throughput analysis for human and mouse variants at both the genomic and protein levels. Availability and implementation: The web server is freely available and open to all users with no login requirements at http://provean.jcvi.org. Contact: gro.ivcj@nahca Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Ideal class semigroups of overrings

Abstract Let R be an integral domain an let T be an overring of R. There is a canonical semigroup homomorphism between the ideal class semigroup of R and the ideal class semigroup of T. We investigate conditions under which this semigroup homomorphism is surjective and we apply the results we obtain to the study of overrings of Clifford regular domains. We recover some known results of Bazzoni and we prove in certain more general situations that the Clifford regular property is inherited by an overring. In particular, we prove that if R is a Clifford regular domain such that the integral closure of R is a fractional overring, then every overring of R is Clifford regular. We also characterize among Clifford regular domains the ones that are stable.
Laser Ultrasonics on Moving Paper

Abstract The propagation velocities of laser-generated ultrasonic plate waves were measured on paper moving at 10 m s −1 using a Mach–Zender interferometer and scanning mirror. Fast- and slow-propagating plate wave vibrational modes were detected. Velocity measurements were made on four types of paper, perpendicular to and in the direction of paper motion. Laser-ultrasonic measurements of phase velocities for the fast-propagating vibrational mode were compared with contact transducer-based measurements. The effect on signal amplitude of (1) distance from the detection point to the ultrasound generation point and (2) the pulse energy of the ultrasound generation laser was studied using stationary paper.
New Type of Multicritical Behavior in a Triangular Lattice Gas Model

A Monte Carlo study of a triangular lattice gas model appropriate to ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ monolayers adsorbed on the basal plane of graphite reveals a rich variety of critical and multicritical points including a new, special type of "bicritical" point.
Chromosome numbers, polyploidy, and hybridization in castilleja (scrophulariaceae ) of the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains

Chromosome numbers are reported for 190 collections ofCastilleja of the Great Basin-Rocky Mountains and adjacent regions in western North America. Polyploidy has played a major role in evolu tion of this genus. Of the 35 taxa represented, 14 are exclusively diploid (n =12). The remaining 21 taxa exhibit polyploidy: eight are tetraploid only, two are octopIoid only, while 11 of the more wide-ranging species have two or more levels of polyploidy. BothC. rhexifolia andC. sulphured have diploid, tetraploid, and octoploid races while the widespreadC. miniata has four (2x, 4x, 8x, and 10x). Where appropriate, the role of polyploidy and hybridization inCastilleja evolution and their relevance to taxonomy are discussed for individual species.
14-3-3σ controls corneal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation through the Notch signaling pathway

14-3-3σ (also called stratifin) is specifically expressed in the stratified squamous epithelium and its function was recently shown to be linked to epidermal stratification and differentiation in the skin. In this study, we investigated its role in corneal epithelium cell proliferation and differentiation. We showed that the 14-3-3σ mutation in repeated epilation (Er) mutant mice results in a dominant negative truncated protein. Primary corneal epithelial cells expressing the dominant negative protein failed to undergo high calcium-induced cell cycle arrest and differentiation. We further demonstrated that blocking endogenous 14-3-3σ activity in corneal epithelial cells by overexpressing dominative negative 14-3-3σ led to reduced Notch activity and Notch1/2 transcription. Significantly, expression of the active Notch intracellular domain overcame the block in epithelial cell differentiation in 14-3-3σ mutant-expressing corneal epithelial cells. We conclude that 14-3-3σ is critical for regulating corneal epithelial proliferation and differentiation by regulating Notch signaling activity.
Using a Mobile Dichotomous Key iPad application as a scaffolding tool in a museum setting

This study tested an iPad application using a dichotomous key as a scaffolding tool to help students make more detailed observations as they identified various species of birds on display in a museum of natural science. The Mobile Dichotomous Key (MDK) iPad application was used by groups of fifth- and seventh-grade students. Analysis of the findings suggests that the MDK was equally as effective and in some ways more effective than the educator-led intervention at improving students' scientific observation skills. In general, the scaffolding key in both mobile and educator-led form was found to be more effective for fifth-grade students than for seventh-grade students. In addition, it was found to be effective at improving the level of detail students provided and the number of scientific terms they used, but not at improving the number of valid inferences students made.
Tax Professionals Belief Revision: The Effects of Information Presentation Sequence, Client Preference, and Domain Experience

Based on a belief revision model recently proposed by Hogarth and Einhorn [35], the present research investigates the effects of information presentation orders on tax professionals’ belief revisions about ambiguous tax treatments. Also examined in the study are the impacts of the tax professionals’ experience and the client's tax preference on the belief revision. The results show that the experienced tax professionals’ belief revisions are affected by the presentation order manipulations, but unaffected by the client preference manipulations. In contrast, the inexperienced tax professionals’ belief revisions display a reverse pattern.
A gas-gap thermal switch for cryogenic applications

Abstract In spaceborne cryogenic systems the lifetime and efficiency of a system can be increased by reducing the heat load to the dewar during non-operational periods. To achieve this a helium actuated gas-gap switching device has been developed.
The place of pluriactivity in Brazil's agrarian reform institutions

Abstract Livelihood diversification by Brazil's peasantry has intensified as rural areas have become more integrated with the country's urban fabric and as landlessness and poverty have increased. Despite the growing awareness of pluriactivity by rural households, key agrarian institutions have not addressed this key feature of life of the people they intend to help or mobilize. This review looks at how two main agrarian institutions – the government agrarian reform institute (INCRA) and the Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST) – avoid or are even hostile to notions of pluriactivity in their affiliated rural settlements. The paper concludes by suggesting that agrarian institutions adopt a territorial rather than sectoral approach to rural livelihoods.
Angiotensin II Inhibits Insulin-Induced egr-1 Expression in Mesangial Cells

The gene early growth response gene-1 (egr-1) encodes a zinc transcription factor involved in cell proliferation. Increased expression of egr-1 has been linked to heart and kidney disease. In mouse mesangial cells, insulin stimulated egr-1 expression more than angiotensin II, suggesting that insulin may play an important role in stimulating cell proliferation, leading to glomerulonephritis and diabetic nephropathy. Angiotensin II inhibited insulin-induced egr-1 expression but not c-fos expression, and the decrease in egr-1 expression was concurrent with a decrease in insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) tyrosine phosphorylation. These results suggest that insulin-induced egr-1 expression in mouse mesangial cells is downstream of tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and activation of the MAP kinase pathway and that crosstalk between angiotensin II and insulin signaling pathways led to an inhibition of IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation and egr-1 expression.
High efficiency of meiotic gynogenesis in sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus.

Induction of androgenesis and gynogenesis by applying a pressure (PS) or heat shock (HS) to double the haploid chromosomal set results in progenies possessing only chromosomes from a single parent. This has never been accomplished in representatives of Agnatha. The objective of this study was to induce gynogenesis and androgenesis in sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus. For gynogenesis experiments, ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated sperm was used to activate sea lamprey eggs and HS or PS were applied to inhibit the second meiotic division and consequently induce diploidy in the embryos. The UV irradiation of immobilized sperm was performed for 1 min at 1,719 J m−2. HS of 35±1°C for 2 min and PS of 9,000 psi for 4 min were applied at different times after egg activation (8, 12, 20, and 24 min or 8, 16, and 24 min for HS or PS, respectively). Regardless of the induction time of the HS, survivals at pre-hatching stage were similar. In contrast, PS applied 8 min after activation appears to increase survival rate of pre-hatched embryos in comparison to 16 and 24 min after activation. In control groups, without shock treatment (no diploidization), there were no survivors. All deformed, gynogenetic embryos were confirmed to be haploids and died prior to burying themselves in the sand. We confirmed by flow cytometry that progenies produced using both shock methods surviving to the next stage, burying in the substrate, were diploid gynogenetic. For the androgenesis experiments, UV-irradiated eggs (1,719 J m−2 for 1 min) were fertilized with non-treated sperm and HS was applied to restore diploidy of the eggs. Several attempts have been made to optimize the parameters used. HS of 35±1°C was applied 110, 140, 170, 200, and 230 min after activation for 2 min. Low yields of androgens were obtained and all animals died within a week after hatching. These techniques will allow to establish meiotic gynogenetic lines of sea lamprey for determining sex differentiation in this species and to analyze its hormonal and environmental regulation. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 306B, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Benzodiazepine-induced impairment of matching-to-sample performance in humans

Abstract The effects of benzodiazepines on a visual pattern matching-to-sample (MTS) task were examined in nine healthy male volunteers. The MTS task employed randomly generated checkerboard-like stimuli presented on a video display. The sample and two comparison stimuli were simultaneously presented. Nonmatching comparison stimuli were randomly generated to be 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25.0, 37.5, or 50.0 percent different from the sample. Subjects responded on left or right button manipulanda to identify the matching comparison stimulus. The nonmatching stimulus condition was maintained constant for a 60-sec component and the percentage difference of the nonmatching stimuli was systematically varied across multiple components. The effects of triazolam (2.25–9.0 μg/kg) and lorazepam (7.5–45 μg/kg) were examined in a within-subjects, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Under placebo conditions, response rates and accuracy were a positive function of the nonmatching stimulus discriminability. Triazolam produced dose-related decreases in response rate at nonmatching stimulus conditions ⩾25%. Only the 9.0 μ/kg dose of triazolam decreased accuracy and this occured across all nonmatching stimulus conditions. Lorazepam effects were qualitatively similar but less robust than those of triazolam.
Earthquakes in the Eastern Great Lakes Basin from a regional perspective

Abstract This paper presents a summary of the seismicity and its relation to stress and geologic structures in the Eastern Great Lakes Basin (EGLB) and compares it with that of other regions in the central and eastern North America (CENA). The earthquakes scattered throughout the EGLB are occurring at a rate somewhat less than that of the Appalachians and along the Atlantic Seaboard. Paleoseismology studies suggest that the lower seismicity rate may be characteristic of the EGLB since the Late Wisconsin. North of the EGLB, earthquakes have primarily thrust mechanisms, while to the south of the EGLB, most earthquakes are strike-slip. Throughout the region, including the EGLB, the average P axes of the earthquakes are oriented NE–SW and are aligned with the direction of the current plate driving stress. On a regional basis, earthquakes are centered primarily in the Precambrian basement beneath the Paleozoic cover. Many of the earthquakes in the EGLB have occurred in areas of preexisting faults, at least some of which may have been active during past episodes of continental rifting. For individual faults that have been studied in some detail, however, it is not clear whether earthquakes represent reactivations of local preexisting structures or nucleation of new ruptures in or near the old fault zones.
Treatment of Cutaneous Lymphoid Hyperplasia with the Monoclonal Anti-CD20 Antibody Rituximab

Abstract B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders are a continuum from benign cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia (CLH) or "pseudolymphoma" to primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (PCBCL). Historically, CLH was treated with a combination of antibiotics, topical or intralesional corticosteroids, and/or localized radiotherapy. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 marker on B cells, is an effective and well-reported treatment for PCBCL. We review the pathogenesis and current treatments of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders and assess the role of rituximab for potential therapy in the setting of refractory CLH. We describe a case of CLH that was treated with intralesional rituximab. The patient had notable clinical improvement over the treatment period with rituximab. Because of some persistent and recurrent erythematous areas, topical tacrolimus was initiated, with significant clinical improvement. There were no reported side effects. Management of CLH with intralesional rituximab has been described. The treatment presented in this report substantiates rituximab as a reasonable therapeutic option for refractory CLH after failure of several other widely accepted treatments. Treatment with intralesional rituximab should be reserved for patients with documented CD20 + lesions.
Foot and Ankle Problems in Dancers

The dancer's foot and ankle are subjected to high forces and unusual stresses in training and performance. Injuries are common in dancers, and the foot and ankle are particularly vulnerable. Ankle sprains, ankle impingement syndromes, flexor hallucis longus tendonitis, cuboid subluxation, stress fractures, midfoot injuries, heel pain, and first metatarsophalangeal joint problems including hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, and sesamoid injuries will be reviewed. This article will discuss these common foot and ankle problems in dancers and give typical clinical presentation and diagnostic and treatment recommendations.
Voltages induced on overhead multiconductor lines by lightning strokes

The voltages on an untransposed multiconductor line over a perfect earth, induced by the return stroke of lightning, are analysed. The magnitude of the induced voltage on a multiconductor line is higher than that on a single-conductor line of the same height above earth. Earth wires reduce this magnitude somewhat, but not enough to consider them as an effective means of protection. Shielding against induced overvoltages caused by lightning may be accomplished by other means, such as protector tubes and automatic reclosers.
The need for equipment to test aircraft electric motors

This is a discussion of one manufacturer's program to provide a test facility for evaluating rotating electric equipment not exceeding 100 pounds in weight and over-all dimensions of 30 by 10 by 15 inches, and having d-c or a-c power dissipation of five kw. The program required two years to complete at an expenditure of more than $160,000.
ECHOING IN AUTISTIC CHILDREN: A CHRONOMETRIC STUDY OF SEMANTIC PROCESSING

SUMMARY The time required to produce a verbal response has been used extensively as an index of the complexity of the mental operations that underlie the comprehension and production of language. An analysis of the discourse of five autistic children with an adult demonstrates that echoic speech depends on simpler, more limited decoding of adult utterances than the child's creative original speech. By contrast, two normal children show no significant difference in reaction times between imitative and spontaneous productions using the same measure. This finding lends support to the notion that autistic children rely on two strategies for their language production made necessary by a cognitive deficit.
Purification of rat adrenocortical actin and its use in an immunoprecipitation assay to quantitate cellular actin

Abstract In an earlier study on the long-term effects of the pituitary hormone corticotropin (adrenocorticotropin, ACTH), we reported that ACTH promotes the loss of 20–25% of the total actin in isolated rat adrenocortical cells [1]. In a continuation of this work, we report here the purification to near homogeneity of rat adrenal actin. We demonstrate that the protein purified is adrenal actin, and use this actin in the DNAase immunoprecipitation assay of Snabes et al. [2] to confirm our earlier observation of the effect of ACTH on adrenocortical actin. Finally, we describe several changes made in the original protocol of this immunoassay which we believe significantly improve the accuracy of the assay in estimating actin contents in tissue and cell samples.
Evidence Supporting a Role for Microfilaments in Regulating the Coupling between Poorly Dissociable IgE−FcεRI Aggregates and Downstream Signaling Pathways†

Aggregation of FceRI, the high-affinity receptor for IgE, on RBL-2H3 mast cells caused by reversible ligands such as multivalent antigen causes cellular responses that can be halted by subsequent addition of excess monovalent ligand. In contrast, Ca2+ and degranulation responses elicited by effectively irreversible streptavidin cross-linking of biotinylated IgE−FceRI are not stopped by addition of excess biotin after stimulation is initiated. These results support previous conclusions based on studies with covalent oligomers of IgE that stable cross-links can continue to deliver stimulatory signals for extended periods of time. Dissociation measured in the presence of monovalent hapten reveals two populations of IgE−FceRI cross-linked by multivalent antigen that differ in functional effectiveness. Aggregates with readily dissociable cross-links are normally responsible for triggering essentially all of the degranulation response, whereas aggregates with poorly dissociable cross-links apparently do not tri...
The Presence of Cyclosporine in Body Tissues and Fluids During Pregnancy

A term pregnancy, labor, and delivery is reported in a cyclosporine- and prednisone-treated female cadaveric renal allograft recipient. A male child, small for gestational age at 2370 g, was born at 38 weeks of gestation with neither congenital anomalies nor nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity. Cyclosporine (CSA) concentrations as determined by a radioimmunoassay are reported in maternal and fetal tissues. CSA is present in the fetal circulation during gestation at similar concentrations to those in the mother. Fetal serum at birth displayed 25% suppression of a third-party mixed lymphocyte culture (IVILC) compared with control incubations. CSA was present in maternal breast milk; therefore, breastfeeding of children by CSA-treated mothers should be avoided.
Fluorinated Microemulsions: A Study of the Phase Behavior and Structure

Fluorinated surfactants have been studied for their peculiar property to form micellar aggregates in water and oils (hydrocarbons or fluorocarbons) and to produce stable microemulsions. Because of their capacity to dissolve large amounts of gases (such as oxygen and carbon dioxide) and for their characteristic physicochemical properties, fluorocarbons have been tested for specific medical purposes, and their microemulsions are among the most promising candidates for the production of suitable blood substitutes and other biocompatible fluids. We have synthesized a new partially fluorinated nonionic surfactant, namely, F(CF2)7−CO−(OCH2CH2)7.2OCH3 (I), that forms stable microemulsions with water and perfluorocarbons such as perfluorooctane (PFO). In this paper we describe for the first time the phase behaviors of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in water/PFH and in water/PFO, and that of ester I in water/PFO. Small-angle neutron-scattering (SANS) experiments provide a detailed description of the microstructure ...
Plasma levels of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic factor increase during supraventricular tachycardia

A significant diuretic and natriuretic response occurs during paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Although the diuresis may be secondary to suppression of vasopressin secretion, the etiology of the natriuresis remains unexplained. To determine if atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) could contribute to the polyuric response during SVT, 10 patients were studied: five during spontaneous SVT and five during simulated SVT produced by rapid simultaneous atrial and ventricular pacing. Plasma immunoreactive ANF (IR-ANF) levels measured by radioimmunoassay were obtained at baseline (before and/or 24 to 48 hours after SVT) and after at least 15 minutes of SVT in all patients. During spontaneous and simulated SVT, IR-ANF was significantly elevated (mean +/- SE; 275 +/- 68 pmol/L) compared to baseline (28 +/- 7 pmol/L; p = 0.0036). Similar increases in IR-ANF were noted during both simulated and spontaneous SVT. To determine if this IR-ANF release was related to the increase in heart rate or the rise in right atrial pressure during SVT, IR-ANF levels were also measured in five patients with sinus tachycardia and in six patients with congestive heart failure. IR-ANF was significantly related to right atrial pressure (r = 0.93; p = 0.0009) but not to heart rate (r = 0.46). Thus, IR-ANF is elevated during SVT and may contribute to the natriuretic response. The stimulus to IR-ANF secretion during SVT appears to be related to the rise in right atrial pressure rather than to the increase in heart rate.
A biologically based model of spatial cognition and wayfinding

Abstract A variety of metaphors have been used to explain the processes of spatial cognition. The choice of metaphor influences the development of the theory, and the description of the mechanisms of cognition. This paper examines the dominant ‘computer’ and ‘biological’ metaphors underlying theories of spatial cognition, and develops criteria used to analyze two exemplar theories. Computational models implement psychological processes through rules that act on symbolic representations of spatial information. The mechanisms of these models are based on psychological theories of information processing and spatial learning, and empirical observations of human behavior. The biological approach does not utilize a heuristic based solely on psychological processes to model spatial cognition. Instead, this approach employs a physiologically plausible mechanism for representing spatial knowledge. Central to this mechanism is a representation that is isomorphic to the structure of the actual environment. Building upon the biological approach, a physiologically plausible model of the cognitive map was implemented in the form of a computer simulation. This paper presents two experiments that vary an environmental variable (floor plan configuration) and a personal variable (level of experience in the environment) and attempt to evaluate the usefulness of this approach as a means of modeling spatial cognition. The experiments compare the performance of the simulation against actual human wayfinding and cognitive mapping in functionally equivalent real world settings. Within the limited settings utilized, no significant difference in decision making was found between the model and human wayfinding and sketchmap performance. The final discussion reconsiders the differences between the computational and biological approaches and proposes directions for future research.
Falls are associated with decreased renal function and insufficient calcitriol production by the kidney.

In a double blind placebo controlled 3-year osteoporosis study in elderly women, we collected prospective data on falls. The study population comprised 489 normal elderly women aged 65-77 years randomized to four groups: placebo, calcitriol 0.25 mcg b.i.d., conjugated equine estrogens (0.625 mg/day) and calcitriol+estrogen. Falls occurred in 57% of all women. Using a Poisson regression model, the placebo group with low GFR-creatinine clearance (CrCl or =60 ml/min. Further sub group analyses showed that there is no increased risk of falls with CrCl 60-70, 70-80 and >90 ml/min. Calcitriol treatment significantly reduced the number of falls by 50% (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9, p=0.010) compared to placebo in the low CrCl group. The group with lower CrCl had lower calcium absorption (p<0.001), lower serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D) (p<0.001) and normal serum 25OHD suggesting that there is decreased conversion of 25OHD to 1,25(OH)(2)D by the aging kidney. It is postulated that the decrease in falls on calcitriol therapy is related to an increase in serum 1,25(OH)(2)D, upregulation of VDR and improvement in muscle strength although one cannot exclude an effect on the central nervous system.
FLUTTER PREDICTION BY A CARTESIAN MESH EULER METHOD WITH SMALL PERTURBATION GRIDLESS BOUNDARY CONDITIONS

A method for the prediction of transonic flutter by the Euler equations on a Cartesian mesh is presented. Surface boundary conditions are applied using a perturbation of a gridless treatment in such a manner that solutions are obtained on a stationary mesh. For steady problems, the gridless method applies surface boundary conditions using a weighted average of the flow properties within a cloud of nodes in the vicinity of the surface. Weight functions are derived based on a least squares fitting of the surrounding cloud of nodes. For unsteady calculations, a perturbation of the weight functions is incorporated to account for a fluctuating surface normal direction. Additionally, a varying surface normal velocity is introduced into the boundary treatment. The nature of the method provides for efficient and accurate solution of transient problems in which surface deflections are small (i.e. flutter calculations) without the need for a deforming mesh. Problem setup also requires minimal effort due to the use of patched embedded Cartesian grids. Although deviations in the airfoil angle of attack are small, the mean angle of attack can be large, being prescribed by the far field boundary condition. Results show good agreement with available experimental data and wing flutter computations using traditional moving mesh algorithms considering a two-degree of freedom structural wing model.
The roles of personality and class size in student attitudes toward individual response technology

The use of individual response technology (IRT) in college classrooms is becoming increasingly common. In order to understand why some students enjoy IRT use whereas others do not, we examined the relationship between personality and attitudes towards IRT use in large and small classrooms. In addition, we investigated the relationship between IRT use and classroom learning. We collected data from 452 undergraduate students (209 males and 243 females). The results show that students who are more extraverted and conscientious report more positive ratings of IRT. Furthermore, students who earn higher grades enjoy IRT use more than other students. Implications for the effective use of IRT in the classroom are discussed and future directions for research are suggested.
Vitamin D Induces Innate Antibacterial Responses in Human Trophoblasts via an Intracrine Pathway

The active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)(2)D), is a potent inducer of the antimicrobial protein cathelicidin, CAMP (LL37). In macrophages this response is dependent on intracrine synthesis of 1,25(OH)(2)D from precursor 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), catalyzed by the enzyme 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1alpha-hydroxylase (CYP27B1). In view of the fact that trophoblastic cells also express abundant CYP27B1, we postulated a similar intracrine pathway for induction of CAMP in the placenta. Analysis of placenta explants, primary cultures of human trophoblast, and the 3A trophoblastic cell line treated with 1,25(OH)(2)D (1-100 nM) revealed dose-dependent induction of CAMP similar to that observed with primary cultures of human macrophages. Also consistent with macrophages, induction of trophoblastic CAMP was enhanced via intracrine conversion of 25OHD to 1,25(OH)(2)D. However, in contrast to macrophages, induction of CAMP by vitamin D in trophoblasts was not enhanced by costimulation with Toll-like receptor ligands, such as lipopolysaccharide. Despite this, exposure to vitamin D metabolites significantly enhanced antibacterial responses in trophoblastic cells: 3A cells infected with Escherichia coli showed decreased numbers of bacterial colony-forming units compared with vehicle-treated controls when treated with 25OHD (49.6% +/- 10.9%) or 1,25(OH)(2)D (45.4% +/- 9.2%), both P < 0.001. Treatment with 25OHD (1-100 nM) or 1,25(OH)(2)D (0.1-10 nM) also protected 3A cells against cell death following infection with E. coli (13.6%-26.9% and 22.3%-40.2% protection, respectively). These observations indicate that 1,25(OH)(2)D can function as an intracrine regulator of CAMP in trophoblasts, and may thus provide a novel mechanism for activation of innate immune responses in the placenta.
Inhibition of Caco-2 colon, MCF-7 and Hs578T breast, and DU 145 prostatic cancer cell proliferation by water-soluble black bean condensed tannins

The potential anti-angiogenic activities of water-soluble condensed tannins isolated from black beans were evaluated using HEL 299 normal human fibroblast lung cells, Caco-2 colon, MCF-7 and Hs578T breast, and DU 145 human prostatic cancer cells. Condensed tannins at 0.24-24 microM did not affect the growth of normal cells, but dose-dependently induced cancer cell death by apoptosis as shown by a concentration-dependent decrease in ATP and cell gross morphology. After 24h exposure to Caco-2, MCF-7, Hs578T, and DU 145 cancer cells, water-soluble black bean condensed tannins at 24 microM suppressed fetal bovine serum stimulated cell migration, the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2 or gelatinase A), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9 or gelatinase B), and vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF(165) receptor expression by the cancer cells in the conditioned media. The potential health enhancing properties of condensed tannins from black beans as inhibitors of angiogenesis is discussed.
Enhanced room-temperature phosphorescence of anthracene on cyclodextrin-treated filter paper

This study investigates the enhancement of room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) for anthracene when the compound is adsorbed on cyclodextrin (CD)-treated filter paper. The results show that β-CD treatment induces a significant increase in anthracene RTP emission, which is normally extremely weak. The α-CD does not produce any strong RTP enhancement, while γ-CD produces relatively lower enhancement than does β-CD. The CD treatment procedure is very simple and improves the analytical usefulness of the RTP method. The binding constants of anthracene to cyclodextrin were measured with the use of thin-layer chromatographic retention values. Anthracene has a higher binding constant with β-CD than with γ-CD, in agreement with the RTP enhancement results.
Isolation of microsatellite markers in a chaparral species endemic to southern California, Ceanothus megacarpus (Rhamnaceae).

Premise of the study: Microsatellite (simple sequence repeat [SSR]) markers were developed for Ceanothus megacarpus, a chaparral species endemic to coastal southern California, to investigate potential processes (e.g., fragmentation, genetic drift, and interspecific hybridization) responsible for the genetic structure within and among populations distributed throughout mainland and island populations. Methods and Results: Four SSR-enriched libraries were used to develop and optimize 10 primer sets of microsatellite loci containing either di-, tri-, or tetranucleotide repeats. Levels of variation at these loci were assessed for two populations of C. megacarpus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.250 to 0.885, and number of alleles ranged between four and 21 per locus. Eight to nine loci also successfully amplified in three other species of Ceanothus. Conclusions: These markers should prove useful for evaluating the influence of recent and historical processes on genetic variation in C. megacarpus and re...