cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Equivalent uptake of organic and inorganic zinc by monkey kidney fibroblasts, human intestinal epithelial cells, or perfused mouse intestine

Zinc (Zn) is recognized as an essential nutrient, and is added as a supplement to animal and human diets. There are claims that zinc methionine (ZnMet) forms a stable complex that is preferentially transported into tissues, and this has contributed to uncertainty about conflicting reports on the bioavailability of various Zn compounds. This study evaluated the cellular and intestinal uptake of inorganic and organic forms of Zn. Steady-state uptake of 65Zn by human intestine epithelial cells, and monkey kidney fibroblasts was not significantly different with zinc chloride (ZnCl2), ZnMet, or zinc propionate (ZnProp) (P > 0.05). Uptake of 65Zn from zinc chelated with EDTA was significantly lower (P 10% protein did give a higher-mol-wt form of 65Zn. Results of this study show equivalent uptake of Zn from inorganic and organic compounds, and support recent feed trials on Zn bioavailability.
Does public investment enhance labor productivity growth in Chile? A cointegration analysis

Abstract This paper examines the important question of whether government investment spending, rather than overall public expenditures, exerts a positive effect on the rate of productivity growth in a small and rapidly growing developing economy. Using time-series data for Chile during the 1960–1993 period, this paper estimates a linear growth model derived from a modified neoclassical production function that incorporates a number of relevant quantitative and qualitative variables for the country. The results suggest that increases in both public and private investment spending, as well as positive movements in the terms-of-trade, have a positive and highly significant effect on the rate of productivity growth. In addition, the results suggest that increases in government consumption expenditures may have a negative, albeit weak effect on the rate of productivity growth, thus suggesting that the composition of government spending may also play an important role in determining the rate of economic growth. Finally, the findings call into question the current trend among Latin American countries of indiscriminately reducing government spending because they fall disproportionately on capital expenditures—the region's future source of income and employment growth.
Anderson localization of ultrasound

Abstract Incoherent transport of ultrasound is studied in two dimensions in the sub-MegaHertz range in an inhomogeneous 30 centimeter square aluminum plate. The spectral energy density associated with the higher frequencies is found to be governed by a diffusion equation, in accordance with classical predictions. The elastodynamic energy at the lower frequencies, however, where wavelengths are comparable to microscale, is observed to be transported with greatly diminished efficiency. This absence of transport is ascribed to Anderson localization of the normal modes of vibration. Localization lengths at least as short as 10 cm, or about 20 times larger than the microscale are observed. An anomalous very slow transport over length scales beyond the localization length is also observed.
EXPLORING THE CONTINUUM OF EMERGENT TO CONVENTIONAL LITERACY: TRANSITIONING SPECIAL LEARNERS

There is currently an intense focus across our nation on reading and literacy, particularly an increased focus on preventing reading difficulties. This attention comes from diverse constituencies, ...
Diurnal rhythms in cardiorespiratory function of the fetal baboon

Diurnal periodicities of cardiorespiratory function were monitored between 144 and 156 days of gestation (term = 175 days) in six chronically instrumented fetal baboons. For each fetus, 5–11 days of electrocardiographic and tracheal fluid pressure data were summarized as hourly means of fetal heart rate (FHR), standard deviation of FHR, breath-to-breath interval (BBi) and percent time spent in fetal breathing activity (PFB). Summaries were evaluated by cosinor analysis to determine the least squares fit to a 24-h cycle. For all fetuses, FHR had a significant (P < 0.001) diurnal rhythm with peak to nadir fluctuations of 17.4 beats/min around a 24-h mean of 163,2 beats/min. The time of the peak FHR was similar across animals occurring in the mid-day between 10:49 h and 14:45 h. For each fetus, standard deviation of FHR also had a significant (P < 0.01) diurnal periodicity with highest values at night between 20:15 h and 02:04 h. The times of the acrophase for these heart rate parameters were correlated (R = 0.88, P < 0.02) across fetuses. Significant (P < 0.001) 24-h rhythms were found in four of six fetuses for BBi and five of six for PFB. These PFB rhythms accounted for a fluctuation of 14.4% around a mean of 36.9 ± 4.5%. In contrast to heart rate, the acrophases of fetal breathing parameters were distributed throughout the entire 24-h cycle and not significantly correlated across fetuses. It is concluded that diurnal rhythms of fetal heart rate, which are synchronized with light/dark conditions in the environment, are evidence for a passive response or entrainment of fetal systems to maternal circadian influences. Alternately, the absence of synchronization across fetuses in daily rhythms of fetal breathing activity provides evidence for a functioning fetal pacemaker, and not simply the imposition of maternal rhythms on her fetus. This differential in the cardiac and breathing activity of the developing primate indicates that pathways for entrainment of fetal pacemaker function are subject to important maturational influences during late gestation.
Globalization of intui tionistic set theory

On presente une theorie intuitionniste des ensembles dans laquelle les concepts globaux sont exprimables
Evaluation of emissivity and temperature profile of laparoscopic ultrasonic devices (blades and passive jaws)

We examined the emissivity and temperature profile of passive and active jaws of various laparoscopic ultrasonic devices during cutting, coagulation, and cooling time. The Harmonic ACE™ (ACE), Covidien Sonicision™ (SNC), and Olympus SonoSurg™ (SS) were applied using pre-set factory cutting and coagulation settings to Bovine mesentery and Lamb renal veins, respectively. The maximum temperature and cooling time to reach 60 °C were recorded using an infrared Fluke Ti55 thermal imager. Histological examination was evaluated after application of energy. The ACE, Sonicision, and SonoSurg had emissivity measurements of 0.49 ± 0.01, 0.40 ± 0.00, and 0.39 ± 0.01, respectively. Maximum cutting temperatures were: ACE = 191.1°, SNC = 227.1°, and SNS 184.8° * (*p < 0.001). Maximum coagulation temperatures did not differ significantly among devices (p = 0.490). The cooling time to reach 60 °C after activation were 35.7 s (ACE), 38.7 s (SNC), and 27.4 s* (SS) (*p < 0.001). The cooling time of passive jaws to reach 60 °C after activation were 25.4 s* (ACE), 5.7 s (SNC), and 15.4 s (SS) (*p < 0.001). Laparoscopic ultrasonic instruments obtain the same cutting and coagulation objectives but in different manners. The Sonicision improves cutting by getting the blade hotter while the SonoSurg has more precise coagulation effects by heating slower. Emissivity values varied among instruments, providing equally varied results. Depending on the purpose of the devices, a certain device may be more appropriate. Based on emissivity, more studies are needed to identify the ideal material that can predictably and effectively perform in clinical settings. Although different blade geometry is apparent between instruments, the jaws are also designed differently between the generations of instruments.
Molecular packing in steroid-lecithin monolayers, part I: Pure films of cholesterol, 3-doxyl-cholestane, 3-doxyl-17-hydroxyl-androstane, tetradecanoic acid and dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine

Abstract A detailed study has been carried out of pure films of cholesterol, 3-doxyl cholestane (3-DC), 3-doxyl 17-hydroxyl androstane (3-DA), tetradecanoic acid and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), in the 20–45°C temperature range. The resemblence between pure films of cholesterol and the β-epimer of 3-DC is quite striking. Where molecular packing and hydrophobic interactions are concerned, the two molecules behave in a similar way. Where surface potentials or dipole moments are concerned the differences are consistent with the differing polar groups. In contrast, 3-DA differs substantially in its film behavior from that of either cholesterol or 3-DC. The differences can be ascribed both to the bipolar nature of 3-DA and its lack of an alkane chain at the C 17 steroid position. Based on these differences we ascribe the bulk of cholesterol's small coefficient of thermal expansion to its possessing an alkane chain.
Kinetic Study of the Reactions of Chlorosilanes with Porous Vycor Glass

The alternating reactions of SiCl_4 and H_2O with the surface of Vycor glass have been studied by thermogravimetric analysis at 400-600°C. The results are interpreted by postulating two types of silanol groups (Si-OH) on the Vycor surface, paired and isolated. Reaction of SiCl_4 with paired silanols proceeds by competing steps which control the total extent of silylation. Upon reaction with H_2O, all surface Si-Cl groups are hydrolyzed, reproducing Si-OH. Simultaneous silanol-silanol and silanol-surface chloride condensations eliminate H_2O or HCl to form new Si-O-Si bridges with final product silica. A kinetic model incorporating the silylation, hydrolysis, and condensation steps describes well the TGA data.
Thiol−Ene Photopolymer Grafts on Functionalized Glass and Silicon Surfaces

A simple and straightforward method for forming polymer grafts on glass and silicon surfaces using thiol−ene photopolymerizations is presented. A linear thiol−ene system composed of 1,6-hexanedithiol and triethylene glycol divinyl ether was photopolymerized over a silicon surface functionalized with a thiol-terminated self-assembled monolayer (SAM). Although the grafted thiol−ene films are thin, ranging from 0.1 to 9.6 nm, the thickness is linearly related to the molecular weight of the polymer formed in the bulk. Thus, the thickness is tunable simply by controlling the polymerization conversion or the stoichiometric excess of one component. By lithographically patterning the SAM chemistry on the surface prior to polymerization, 5 μm wide lines of grafted thiol−ene polymer were created. Thin, grafted acrylic films, from 0.5 to 1.7 nm in thickness, were formed by photopolymerizing tert-butyl acrylate with a small amount of thiol chain transfer agent to control chain length and facilitate radical transfer t...
Turbulence filter and POD analysis for velocity fields in lifted CH4-Air diffusion flames

The turbulence filter and the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD)methods are applied to PIV measurements of lifted CH4-air diffusionflames at three different Reynolds numbers. Properties such as vorticityand strain rate distributions of the decomposed fields are analyzed inorder to assess the physical behavior. The turbulence filter can userelatively less data than the POD method while still providingsignificant insight about the flow field. The energy activation ratesshow the first modes (mean flow) account for 85% of the total energy.Reconstruction of the POD modes reveals that the combination of modesyields a complex fluctuating behavior. The averaged Reynolds stress ofthe mean flow removed parts shows interesting correlation with the meanflow vorticity and strain rate distributions. Selected turbulentproperties are calculated and discussed.
Chromosome movement and spindle birefringence in locally heated cells: Interaction versus local control

A microheater was used to produce a temperature gradient within the mitotic spindle of living cells. The slope of the temperature gradient was estimated from thermal conductivity calculations and confirmed by measurements of spindle birefringence and by experiments on striated muscle. When the microheater was placed at one spindle pole or at one group of kinetochores, the gradient was steep enough to cause a large difference in birefringence between the two half-spindles, but the velocity of chromosome movement in anaphase was nearly the same in the warmer and cooler half-spindles. When the heater was shifted from the pole toward the interzone, the average velocity of chromosome movement increased approximately two-fold but was, again, nearly uniform in the two half-spindles. The rate of spindle elongation was especially sensitive to the site of heating, increasing ten-fold when the heater was shifted from the pole to the interzone. Regardless of heater position, the rate of chromosome movement was determined largely by the temperature of the coolest spindle region —chromosomes in the warmer half-spindle moved more slowly than expected from estimates of the temperature in that region. Since the microheater produces a substantial temperature gradient within the spindle, the near uniformity of chromosome velocity in both half-spindles must be due to some biological property of the spindle. Two very different explanations for the results are considered the most likely. According to one explanation, the near uniformity of velocity in both half-spindles is determined by the structure of the interpolar spindle, while changes in velocity involve force producers located both in the half-spindles and in the interzone. On the other explanation, the velocity is nearly the same in both half-spindles because the force producers are located exclusively in the interzone (Margolis et al., 1978).
Corona charge selective micelle degradation catalyzed by P. cepacia lipase isoforms.

Micelles derived from poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) diblock copolymers (HO-PCLn-b-PEG32-RX, R = –O(CH2)3S(CH2)2–; X = –CO2−, –SO3−, –NH3+) show corona charge selective degradation catalyzed by P. cepacia lipase isoforms.
Long-term outcomes of reintervention for failed fundoplication: redo fundoplication versus Roux-en-Y reconstruction.

Background Redo fundoplication (RF) is the mainstay of treatment for failed fundoplication. A subset of patients with failed fundoplication requires Roux-en-Y reconstruction (RNY) for symptom relief. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term subjective outcomes between RF and RNY in patients with failed fundoplication.
Optical waveguide sensors in analytical chemistry: today’s instrumentation, applications and trends for future development

Current concepts for chemical and biochemical sensing based on detection with optical waveguides are reviewed. The goals are to provide a framework for classifying such sensors and to assist a designer in selecting the most suitable detection techniques and waveguide arrangements. Sensor designs are categorized on the basis of the five parameters that completely describe a light wave: its amplitude, wavelength, phase, polarization state and time-dependent waveform. In the fabrication of a successful sensor, the physical or chemical property of the determined species and the particular light wave parameter to detect it should be selected with care since they jointly dictate the sensitivity, stability, selectivity and accuracy of the eventual measurement. The principle of operation, the nature or the detected optical signal, instrumental requirements for practical applications, and associated problems are analyzed for each category of sensors. Two sorts of sensors are considered: those based on direct spectroscopic detection of the analyte, and those in which the analyte is determined indirectly through use of an analyte-sensitive reagent. Key areas of recent study, useful practical applications, and trends in future development of optical waveguide chemical and biochemical sensors are considered.
The seasonal variation of the thermal structure of the atmosphere of Uranus

Abstract A series of time-dependent radiative/convective models are presented for the atmosphere of Uranus. The effects of atmospheric dynamics have been omitted from the models. The inclination of the pole of rotation to the pole of the orbit, approximately 90°, produces large seasonal changes in the insolation. Because of the relatively small flow of heat from the interior, these seasonal changes cause the effective temperature, which is about 60°K, to vary through the 84-year orbital period by ∼5°K at the poles, ∼4°K at ±60° latitude, ∼2°K at ±30° latitude, and ∼0.5°K at the equator. For a particular latitude, the minimum effective temperature and the maximum convective flow of heat from the interior occur near the end of the period when the sun remains below the horizon during the Uranian day. If the methane mixing ratio is not limited by its saturated vapor pressure (SVP) in the convective region, the maximum convective flow would be a few times the orbital average convective flow and persist for an interval of several years. On the other hand, if the methane mixing ratio is limited by its SVP in the convective regions, the maximum convective flow could be orders of magnitude greater than the orbital average and could persist for less than an hour. If the orbital mean internal heat flow is negligible, the difference in effective temperatures between 30 and 60° latitude would be in the range 2 to 4°K. If the internal heat is taken to be about the maximum allowable and is assumed to be redistributed in the interior in a manner to compensate for the minimum in insolation at low latitudes, the corresponding temperature difference would be in the range 1 2 to 2°K. In either case, the existing theory of atmospheric dynamics for the outer planets indicates that such large temperature differences will drive large-scale motions which would in turn reduce these temperature differences.
Finite element analysis of six endosseous implants

Stress magnitudes and contours in bone surrounding six endosteal post-type dental implants were calculated by using the finite element method. Comparisons were made by using Branemark, Core-Vent, Denar, Miter, Stryker, and experimental implant designs. Although certain assumptions were made that could be considered controversial, this study concluded that apical "punching stresses" with all of the implants were probably not clinically significant. Saucerization resulting from biomechanical overloads could be a possibility for three of the implants. Problems related to combinations of overloads and underloads at the same time were suggested for several more popular implants in the United States. Additional research, combining 3-D finite element models and clinical studies, was recommended for all commercially available dental implants.
Associations Among Measures of Economic Efficiency

Abstract First lactation production, feed consumption, and body weights of 425 Holstein cows were studied to evaluate associations among several measures of economic efficiency, 4% fat-corrected milk yield, income over feed cost, feed efficiency, and feed cost per 100 pounds milk. Two milk prices ($4 and $6 per 100 pounds) and one milk fat price differential (8¢ per .1%) were employed. Four feed price combinations between high and low prices of grain and forage were used to compute feed cost, feed cost per 100 pounds milk, and income over feed cost. High and low grain prices were $85 and $50 per ton (2,000 pounds). High and low forage prices were ($50, $60, $13) and ($30, $40, $9) where dollars within the parentheses represent prices per ton of alfalfa hay, alfalfa pellets, and corn silage. Mean income over feed cost, averaged over feed prices, was $232 per cow greater for high milk price than for low. High grain price was less detrimental to income over feed cost than was high forage price. Body weight was related positively to feed cost and feed cost per 100 pounds milk, but negatively related to income over feed cost. The regression of income over feed cost on body weight was curvilinear with a maximum at about 530 kg body weight or 50 kg below the herd average. Heifers may be bred to calve earlier and at smaller body size than is the practice in this herd. Milk price, feed price, and milk yield were the most important factors affecting income over feed cost, accounting for 60.0, 12.3, and 19.1% of the variation. Feed price and fat-corrected milk yield accounted for 76.7 and 9.0% of the variation in feed cost. Cows calving in January to March had both the highest feed cost and income over feed cost per cow whereas calving in July to September was marked by the lowest feed cost and income over feed cost. Within price-group correlations among the different measures of efficiency were high, indicating that the various methods of utilizing feed consumption data give about the same results in comparing different cows.
The Equation of State of Dense Argon; A Comparison of Shock and Static Studies

In the present paper we report static high-pressure measurements for room temperature solid argon to 800 kbars. This isotherm is in excellent agreement with one predicted from a theoretical analysis of shockwave data.
Enhancement of T cell immunity to osteosarcoma through modulation of PD-1/PD-L1 interactions

Meeting abstracts Osteosarcomas remain one of the most commonly occurring bone cancers in adolescents, accounting for approximately 3% of all diagnosed childhood malignancies. Approximately 30% of osteosarcoma patients develop pulmonary metastatic disease, which is associated with poor prognosis,
Global evaluation of the Collection 5 MODIS dark-target aerosol products over land

Abstract. NASA's MODIS sensors have been observing the Earth from polar orbit, from Terra since early 2000 and from Aqua since mid 2002. We have applied a consistent retrieval and processing algorithm to both sensors to derive the Collection 5 (C005) dark-target aerosol products over land. Here, we validate the MODIS along-orbit Level 2 products by comparing to quality assured Level 2 AERONET sunphotometer measurements at over 300 sites. From 85 463 collocations, representing mutually cloud-free conditions, we find that >66% (one standard deviation) of MODIS-retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) values compare to AERONET-observed values within an expected error (EE) envelope of ±(0.05 + 15%), with high correlation (R = 0.9). Thus, the MODIS AOD product is validated and quantitative. However, even though we can define EEs for MODIS-reported Angstrom exponent and fine AOD over land, these products do not have similar physical validity. Although validated globally, MODIS-retrieved AOD does not fall within the EE envelope everywhere. We characterize some of the residual biases that are related to specific aerosol conditions, observation geometry, and/or surface properties, and relate them to situations where particular MODIS algorithm assumptions are violated. Both Terra's and Aqua's–retrieved AOD are similarly comparable to AERONET, however, Terra's global AOD bias changes with time, overestimating (by ~0.005) before 2004, and underestimating by similar magnitude after. This suggests how small calibration uncertainties of
Determination of the effective dose of pregabalin on human experimental pain using the sequential up-down method.

Abstract The intradermal capsaicin pain model has been used to evaluate analgesic effects of a variety of drugs. Using the sequential up-down method, we examined the analgesic effects of pregabalin on intradermal capsaicin pain. Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, healthy adult men were randomized to oral pregabalin or placebo on the first visit and returned for the opposite treatment after a washout period. Dosing was set by the Dixon sequential up-down method; that is, a greater or less than 30% reduction in capsaicin pain decreased or increased the dose, respectively, by a fixed interval for the next subject. The median effective dose (ED50) was derived once 7 changes in dose direction occurred. Secondary outcome measures included secondary hyperalgesia and tactile and thermal allodynia, and their respective areas (cm 2 ). Thirteen subjects were required to derive the pregabalin ED50: 252 mg (95% confidence interval 194, 310 mg). Most common side effects were drowsiness (46%), euphoria (31%), and dizziness (7%). Those with ≥30% pain reduction as compared to placebo also had similar reductions in secondary outcome measures. The intradermal capsaicin pain model can be used to efficiently derive the pregabalin ED50, but well-powered dose-response curve studies are needed for comparison and validation. Perspective Using the Dixon sequential up-down method, the ED50 of pregabalin on intradermal capsaicin induced pain was successfully calculated (252 mg) using only 13 subjects.
A modified least-failures sampling procedure for bernoulli subset selection

We restrict attention to a class of Bernoulli subset selection procedures which take observations one-at-a-time and can be compared directly to the Gupta-Sobel single-stage procedure. For the criterion of minimizing the expected total number of observations required to terminate experimentation, we show that optimal sampling rules within this class are not of practical interest. We thus turn to procedures which, although not optimal, exhibit desirable behavior with regard to this criterion. A procedure which employs a modification of the so-called least-failures sampling rule is proposed, and is shown to possess many desirable properties among a restricted class of Bernoulli subset selection procedures. Within this class, it is optimal for minimizing the number of observations taken from populations excluded from consideration following a subset selection experiment, and asymptotically optimal for minimizing the expected total number of observations required. In addition, it can result in substantial savi...
Dissociation of acetyl bromide: an experimental and theoretical study

Abstract We examine the ground state dissociation pathways of acetyl bromide, CH 3 C(O)Br, using infrared multiphoton dissociation and ab initio molecular orbital theory. Experiments reveal stable products C 2 H 6 , CH 3 Br, and CO which are consistent with the CBr bond fission pathway. However, production of C 2 H 4 is consistent with ketene (CH 2 CO) formation, which has been a suggested intermediate in the dissociation of CH 3 C(O)Br. Calculations indicate that the activation energy for the molecular dissociation of CH 3 C(O)Br into ketene and HBr exceeds the CBr bond energy of 64 kcal mol −1 by about 30 kcal mol −1 , implying that ketene may be formed by secondary chemistry rather than by molecular dissociation of acetyl bromide.
The existence of lipophosphoglycanlike molecules in Trichomonads

The trichomonods, Trichomonas vaginalis and Tritrichomonas foetus, appear to express novel lipophosphoglycon (LPG) like glycoconjugates on their cell surface, which are structurally distinct from Leishmania LPGs'. In this article, Bibhuti Singh discusses the structural and cellular aspects o f these molecules, and speculates on their biological significance.
Regulation of serotonin-2C receptor G-protein coupling by RNA editing

The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) elicits a wide array of physiological effects by binding to several receptor subtypes. The 5-HT2 family of receptors belongs to a large group of seven-transmembrane-spanning G-protein-coupled receptors and includes three receptor subtypes (5-HT2A, 5-HT(2B) and 5-HT(2C)) which are linked to phospholipase C, promoting the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids and a subsequent increase in the intracellular levels of inositol phosphates and diacylglycerol. Here we show that transcripts encoding the 2C subtype of serotonin receptor (5-HT(2C)R) undergo RNA editing events in which genomically encoded adenosine residues are converted to inosines by the action of double-stranded RNA adenosine deaminase(s). Sequence analysis of complementary DNA isolates from dissected brain regions have indicated the tissue-specific expression of seven major 5-HT(2C) receptor isoforms encoded by eleven distinct RNA species. Editing of 5-HT(2C)R messenger RNAs alters the amino-acid coding potential of the predicted second intracellular loop of the receptor and can lead to a 10-15-fold reduction in the efficacy of the interaction between receptors and their G proteins. These observations indicate that RNA editing is a new mechanism for regulating serotonergic signal transduction and suggest that this post-transcriptional modification may be critical for modulating the different cellular functions that are mediated by other members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily.
A novel elastic suspension system for wind tunnel section model studies

Abstract A novel three-degree-of-freedom (DOF) suspension system has been developed for the wind-tunnel section model study of wind-excited vibrations of flexible structures. This system enables simultaneous vertical, horizontal, and torsional motion of the suspended model and captures the effect of coupling between different degrees of freedom of a flexible structure immersed in a dynamic flow field. It utilizes pneumatic bushings that glide along polished steel shafts in the vertical and horizontal directions of motion. Torsional assemblies are used to generate torsional motion of the model. Force measurement is accomplished with compact strain-gage type force transducers that allow precise placement for accurate measurements. Static measurements are also possible by restraining the desired DOF. Vibration frequencies of the system are tuned with combinations of springs. System damping is low due to the low-friction pneumatic bushings, restriction of coil spring wire to small diameters, and highly polished stainless steel guide shafts. Relatively large displacements can be generated by the suspension system, if required. Results from two experiments on aeroelastic studies are presented to demonstrate the functioning of the suspension system. The effect of including the lateral motion on the coupled-mode response is illustrated.
Clinic-Based Versus Outsourced Implementation of a Diabetes Health Literacy Intervention

BACKGROUND We compared two implementation approaches for a health literacy diabetes intervention designed for community health centers.
Cerebrovascular effects of substance P after experimental subarachnoid haemorrhage.

The vasoactive effects of substance P (SP), as well as the content of cyclic guanine monophosphate (cGMP), were determined in the rabbit basilar artery after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Out of 47 rabbits, 24 were subjected to a SAH, induced by injecting 5ml of autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magna; 23 were used as controls. In 20 animals (10 SAH and 10 controls), isometric tension recording of isolated rings of the basilar artery — dissected 2 days after SAH — was employed to assess the dosedependent vasodilatation to SP (10−10 to 10−6M) after precontraction with serotonin (10−8 to 10−5M). In 15 animals (8 SAH and 7 controls), the basal cGMP content was measured in the basilar artery 2 days after SAH. In the other 12 animals (6 SAH and 6 controls), the increase in cGMP content was measured in the basilar artery after a 10-minute incubation with SP (10−6M). SP caused significantly less dilatation in animals subjected to SAH than in controls, especially for concentrations between 10−9 and 10−6M (p < 0.001). The cGMP content in the arteries 2 days after SAH was significantly lower than in control arteries (31.5 ± 7.3 against 57.3 ± 4.3 pmoles/g tissue). In the preparations incubated with SP, the increase of cGMP was 440 ± 115% in the control arteries, and only 97 ± 30% in the arteries after SAH. It is concluded that the vasodilator activity of SP is significantly impaired after SAH. Moreover, the changes in cGMP content after SAH suggest a link between impaired vasoactive response to SP and decreased production of cGMP after SAH.
Structural features promoting dioxygen production by Dechloromonas aromatica chlorite dismutase.

Chlorite dismutase (Cld) is a heme enzyme capable of rapidly and selectively decomposing chlorite (ClO2−) to Cl− and O2. The ability of Cld to promote O2 formation from ClO2− is unusual. Heme enzymes generally utilize ClO2− as an oxidant for reactions such as oxygen atom transfer to, or halogenation of, a second substrate. The X-ray crystal structure of Dechloromonas aromatica Cld co-crystallized with the substrate analogue nitrite (NO2−) was determined to investigate features responsible for this novel reactivity. The enzyme active site contains a single b-type heme coordinated by a proximal histidine residue. Structural analysis identified a glutamate residue hydrogen-bonded to the heme proximal histidine that may stabilize reactive heme species. A solvent-exposed arginine residue likely gates substrate entry to a tightly confined distal pocket. On the basis of the proposed mechanism of Cld, initial reaction of ClO2− within the distal pocket generates hypochlorite (ClO−) and a compound I intermediate. The sterically restrictive distal pocket probably facilitates the rapid rebound of ClO− with compound I forming the Cl− and O2 products. Common to other heme enzymes, Cld is inactivated after a finite number of turnovers, potentially via the observed formation of an off-pathway tryptophanyl radical species through electron migration to compound I. Three tryptophan residues of Cld have been identified as candidates for this off-pathway radical. Finally, a juxtaposition of hydrophobic residues between the distal pocket and the enzyme surface suggests O2 may have a preferential direction for exiting the active site.
Gender and Migration: West Indians in Comparative Perspective

This article explores gender issues in West Indian migration by taking a comparative -cross-national -perspective. The focus is on the three major West Indian migration movements of the mid- and late-twentieth and early twenty-first centuries -to the United States Britain and Canada. A comparative approach has a number of benefits for the study of West Indian migration. It not only points to similarities and contrasts in gender-related patterns among West Indian migrants in the United States Britain and Canada but also forces us to try to account for them. It brings out in an especially dramatic way the role of the context of reception and the receiving countrys immigration policies in shaping male-female differences in West Indian migration flows as well as immigrant adaptation. The comparative analysis of the three migrations in this article explores the reasons for and patterns of West Indian migration as they relate to gender including the practice of leaving children behind in the Caribbean as well as aspects of the labour market incorporation of West Indian men and women when they have arrived and settled in the migrant destination. More specifically the comparisons raise some intriguing questions. Why for example did West Indian women comprise a greater proportion of the migrations to the United States and Canada than to Britain? Why were West Indian women more likely to work in caregiving jobs in private homes in the United States and Canada than in Britain? And have the dynamics of transnational motherhood differed in the North American and British contexts?
A family of genes that codes for ELH, a neuropeptide eliciting a stereotyped pattern of behavior in Aplysia

We describe a particularly advantageous experimental system for studying gene structure, expression and modulation in the nervous system. In the marine mollusc Aplysia, the bag cells, two discrete clusters of neurons, secrete a peptide of known behavioral function. This neuroactive peptide, egg-laying hormone (ELH), produces a characteristic and stereotypic behavioral repertoire, consisting first of a cessation of walking and inhibition of feeding, followed by head waving and egg laying. We have cloned the genes encoding ELH and characterized their organization and expression. At least five distinct genes for ELH exist within the chromosome. Sequence analysis of one recombinant clone unambiguously identifies a contiguous stretch of nucleotides that encodes the 36 amino acids of ELH. Transcription of this small multigene family results in the expression of at least five distinct RNA transcripts encoding ELH. The pattern of transcripts differs strikingly in different tissues: bag cells express three distinct mRNA species, whereas the atrial gland, a secretory reproductive gland, expresses two distinct mRNAs. Several other neuronal and nonneuronal tissues do not express ELH RNA. In vitro these mRNAs produce a series of long polypeptide precursors that must be processed to generate the active ELH peptide. This processing event is likely to generate several additional neuroactive peptides. Thus the same peptide, ELH, may be released in association with different combinations of other neuroactive peptides. The concept of combinatorial sets of neuropeptides, each bearing one overlapping peptide ELH, and each directing a differing pattern of behavior, greatly expands the information potential of a small set of genes.
Strategic role of satellites in 21st century information highways

The planning of advanced broadband digital networks, or the information highways, gives rise to a host of problems in terms of the public versus private roles, computer versus telecommunications applications, research versus educational objectives, and political versus technical goals. Among these dangers is the possibility that a form of `technological determinism' will be used to create an all fiber based network that is one-dimensional in concept, rather inflexible in design, and ill-suited to accommodate rural and remote locations in the form of isolated research centers, hospitals, or universities. There is a serious need to consider the assymetrical nature of research networks, variable restoration needs, mobile access links to research networks, and the diversity of requirements for educational, medical and other user communities.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Distributed Scheme to Manage The Dynamic Coexistence of IEEE 802.15.4-Based Health-Monitoring WBANs

The overlap of transmission ranges between wireless networks as a result of mobility is referred to as dynamic coexistence. The interference caused by coexistence may significantly affect the performance of wireless body area networks (WBANs) where reliability is particularly critical for health monitoring applications. In this paper, we analytically study the effects of dynamic coexistence on the operation of IEEE 802.15.4-based health monitoring WBANs. The current IEEE 802.15.4 standard lacks mechanisms for effectively managing the coexistence of mobile WBANs. Considering the specific characteristics and requirements of health monitoring WBANs, we propose the dynamic coexistence management (DCM) mechanism to make IEEE 802.15.4-based WBANs able to detect and mitigate the harmful effects of coexistence. We assess the effectiveness of this scheme using extensive OPNET simulations. Our results indicate that DCM improves the successful transmission rates of dynamically coexisting WBANs by 20%-25% for typical medical monitoring applications.
The inhibition of melanin biosynthetic reactions in Pyricularia oryzae by compounds that prevent rice blast disease

Abstract Nine compounds, known to prevent melanin biosynthesis in appressoria of Pyricularia oryzae and penetration of rice plants via appressoria, inhibited the enzymatic reduction of 1, 3, 6, 8-tetrahydroxynaphthalene and 1, 3, 8-trihydroxynaphthalene to scytalone and vermelone, respectively; they did not inhibit enzymatic reactions that dehydrate scytalone and vermelone, to 1, 3, 8-trihydroxynaphthalene and 1, 8-dihydroxynaphthalene, respectively. The compounds had the same order of effect in inhibiting reductase reactions as previously reported for preventing penetration of leaf surfaces and inhibiting melanin biosynthesis. Three of the four strongest reductase inhibitors (tricyclazole, fthalide, and pyroquilon) are used commercially to prevent rice blast disease. The fourth, chlobenthiazone, is also an extremely effective agent against the disease. Extracts from buff mutants of P. oryzae that lack the ability to penetrate leaf surfaces and cause rice blast disease had minimal reductase activity, but carried out normal dehydratase reactions. The buff extracts behaved similarly to those of the wild type treated with strong melanin inhibitors, e.g., tricyclazole. The current in vitro results with cell-free extracts and HPLC techniques complement earlier in vivo results with inhibition of melanin biosynthesis and penetration via appressoria and suggest that the effect of melanin inhibitors on reductase activity can be used to predict their efficacy in preventing rice blast disease.
The stomach and/or upper duodenum contain sites of action that control meal size and intermeal interval length by exogenous rat gastrin releasing peptide

Abstract The site(s) of action that control the reduction of food intake in response to the amphibian skin peptide bombesin (Bn) has been determined to be the area supplied by the celiac artery (CA), i.e., the stomach and the upper duodenum. Here, we investigated the gastrointestinal site(s) of action which controls meal size (MS) (normal rat chow) and intermeal interval length (IMI) by the mammalian homologues of Bn gastrin releasing peptides (GRP-10, GRP-27 and GRP-29, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 nmol/kg) infused in the CA, the cranial mesenteric artery (CMA, supplying the small and large intestine), the femoral artery (FA, control) and the portal vein (PV, draining the gastrointestinal tract, control) in freely fed rats immediately prior to the onset of the dark cycle. We found that (1) GRP-29 (0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 nmol/kg) and GRP-27 (0.2 and 0.5 nmol/kg) in the CA and GRP-29 (0.5 nmol/kg) in the CMA reduced the MS relative to saline, (2) GRP-29 (0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 nmol/kg) and GRP-27 (0.2 and 0.5 nmol/kg) in the CA prolonged the IMI, (3) GRP-29 (0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 nmol/kg) in the CA and GRP-29 (0.5 nmol/kg) in the CMA increased the satiety ratio (SR, IMI/MS – the amount of food consumed per a given unit of time) and (4) neither peptide nor route showed any effect on the second MS. These results support an upper gastrointestinal site of action for MS and IMI length by GRP-27 and GRP-29, which is most likely the stomach and/or the duodenum.
A generalized procedure for constructing an upwind-based TVD scheme

A generalized formulation for constructing second- and higher-order accurate TVD (total variation diminishing) schemes is presented. A given scheme is made TVD by limiting antidiffusive flux differences with some linear functions, so-called limiters. The general idea of the formulation and its mathematical proof of Harten's TVD conditions is shown by applying the Lax-Wendroff method to scalar nonlinear equations and a constant-coefficient system of conservation laws. For the system of equations, several definitions are derived for the argument used in the limiter function and present their performance in numerical experiments. The formulation is extended to the nonlinear system. It is demonstrated that the present procedure can easily convert existing central or upwind, and second- or higher-order differencing schemes to preserve monotonicity and yield physically admissible solutions. The formulation is simple mathematically as well as numerically; both matrix-vector multiplication and Riemann solver are avoided. Although the notion of TVD is based on the initial value problem, application to the steady Euler equations of the formulation is also made.
Identification of bovine viral diarrhea virus nonstructural polypeptide NS4B/P38.

Abstract The bovine pestivirus polyprotein is processed into at least 11 mature polypeptides. Previous studies with polyprotein region-specific antiserum raised against β-galactosidase fusion proteins or synthetic peptides allowed the assignment of viral non-structural proteins to specific segments of the BVDV genome. However, the gene product from the NS4B/P38 region of the viral genome remained to be demonstrated directly. BVDV cDNA fragments predicted to encode part of NS4B/P38 (from codon 2521 to 2838 of the BVDV open reading frame) and a portion of NS5A/P58 (from codon 3008 to 3340) were expressed as glutathione S -transferase (GST) fusion proteins in Escherichia coli . Polyclonal rabbit antibodies prepared against each of the purified fusion proteins, GST-2521–2838 and GST-3008–3340, were used to immunoprecipitate viral polypeptides present in BVDV-infected cell lysates. Rabbit antiserum to GST-2521–2838 bound a polypeptide of 38 kDa identified as the mature NS4B/P38 polypeptide; while anti GST-3008–3340 lacked this specificity and bound NS5A/P58. Moreover, both antisera recognized a 96 kDa polypeptide, previously identified as a NS4B-NS5A/PP96 precursor. The function of the newly identified and highly conserved NS4B/P38 protein in viral replication remains to be determined.
Peripheral Cannabinoid-1 Receptor Inverse Agonism Reduces Obesity by Reversing Leptin Resistance

Obesity-related leptin resistance manifests in loss of leptin's ability to reduce appetite and increase energy expenditure. Obesity is also associated with increased activity of the endocannabinoid system, and CB(1) receptor (CB(1)R) inverse agonists reduce body weight and the associated metabolic complications, although adverse neuropsychiatric effects halted their therapeutic development. Here we show that in mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO), the peripherally restricted CB(1)R inverse agonist JD5037 is equieffective with its brain-penetrant parent compound in reducing appetite, body weight, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance, even though it does not occupy central CB(1)R or induce related behaviors. Appetite and weight reduction by JD5037 are mediated by resensitizing DIO mice to endogenous leptin through reversing the hyperleptinemia by decreasing leptin expression and secretion by adipocytes and increasing leptin clearance via the kidney. Thus, inverse agonism at peripheral CB(1)R not only improves cardiometabolic risk in obesity but has antiobesity effects by reversing leptin resistance.
Composite Titanate-Graphite Negative Electrode for Improved State-of-Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries

We have constructed a negative-electrode material system that provides an abrupt voltage change near the end of discharge, providing a clear marker for the voltage vs state of charge (SOC) relationship. Distinctive voltage features during the operation of a battery enable an accurate state estimation of the cell, and thus efficient energy and power management as well as health assessment. The approach we have developed should be useful for lithium-ion batteries with cell voltages remaining nearly constant over a large SOC range such as cells constructed with graphite negative electrodes and iron phosphate positive electrodes. Specifically, we describe the incorporation of a lithium titanate (LTO) material into a substantially graphitic negative electrode so as to provide a distinctive voltage change at a preselected SOC. A simple analytic procedure based on juxtaposing open-circuit potential curves is shown to represent well the combined system open-circuit potential, thereby confirming the efficacy of the approach. Fabricated full cells comprising lithium iron phosphate positive and carbon-LTO negative electrodes are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the concept in a battery.
A fuzzy stop criterion for genetic algorithms using performance estimation

This article presents a new approach for analyzing the solution performance of genetic algorithms (GAs). An adaptive filtering algorithm is combined with a predicting algorithm and memory data from previous GA iterations to estimate the value of the GA's "optimal" solution. If the current GA iteration value is above a certain user-defined acceptance level, the iteration process is stopped and the GA calculates a belief and uncertainty estimations of the found solution. Results indicate this new approach is preferable to the traditional GA iteration approach, in terms of cost/performance and in decreasing the amount of time the GA searches for acceptable solutions. >