cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ion-exchange membrane assisted transdermal iontophoretic delivery of salicylate and acyclovir

The presence of endogenous competing counterions is a main reason for the generally low efficiency of transdermal iontophoretic drug delivery. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the incorporation of an ion-exchange membrane (Ionac) in an iontophoresis system to hinder transdermal transport of these counterions can enhance iontophoretic delivery. The properties of Ionac were characterized in passive and iontophoretic transport experiments. Iontophoretic transport across human epidermal membrane (HEM) and across HEM in series with Ionac was then studied. To assess the effect of HEM electrical resistance upon Ionac-assisted iontophoresis, HEM resistance was reduced in the iontophoresis experiments with alternating current (AC). Salicylate (SA) was the negatively charged permeant first tested in this study. Mannitol was the model permeant to examine the effects of electroosmosis. At the completion of the SA study, experiments were performed with acyclovir (ACV), an antiviral drug with limited water solubility. When Ionac was used to enhance SA transdermal fluxes, higher SA fluxes were observed with HEM of lower resistances in Ionac-assisted iontophoresis. Up to a four-fold flux enhancement was achieved when the electrical resistance of HEM was reduced using an AC iontophoresis method. For ACV, two-fold flux enhancement was observed in Ionac-assisted iontophoresis compared with the conventional iontophoresis baseline. In all experiments, the contribution of electroosmosis to drug transport was less than 10%. The present study has demonstrated the potential of a new approach using a positively charged ion-exchange membrane to enhance transdermal iontophoretic transport of negatively charged drugs.
Banded cucumber beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) resistance in romaine lettuce: understanding latex chemistry

Many plants subjected to herbivore damage exude latex, a rich source of biochemicals, which plays important roles in host plant resistance. Our previous studies showed that fresh latex from Valmaine, a resistant cultivar of romaine lettuce Lactuca sativa L., applied to artificial diet is highly deterrent to feeding by banded cucumber beetle, Diabrotica balteata LeConte, compared to the latex of a closely related susceptible cultivar Tall Guzmaine. The deterrent factor(s) could be extracted from Valmaine latex with water–methanol (20:80). In this study, further fractionation of the methanolic crude extract of Valmaine latex was performed using reverse-phase and ion-exchange solid-phase extraction to isolate the deterrent compounds. Retention of deterrent compounds on anion and cation exchange resin suggested the presence of highly polar compounds with both carboxylic and amine groups in Valmaine latex. Further bioassay-directed fractionation of cation exchange extract using LC/MS indicated the presence of at least 3 major and an unknown number of minor compounds in the bioactive fraction between 3 and 4 min. The m/z 210 out of the 3 major compounds showed strong amino acid characteristics (glutamine and/or glutamic acid) when subjected to further MS n degradation. Our studies suggest that nitrogenous ingredients of latex play a key role in Valmaine resistance to D. balteata, and latex may be a source of bioactive compounds with a potential use in pest management.
Context Effects in Performance Appraisals: Influence of Target Value, Context Polarity, and Individual Differences1

Undergraduate students (N = 207) completed 3 individual difference measures and then evaluated 3 instructors based on scripts depicting interactions between the instructors and students. The first 2 scripts established a context and the third script served as the target stimulus. Comparison ratings were provided by a random context control condition. Contrast effects occurred in ratings of the average target stimulus, and the negative context had a larger impact than did the positive context. Both of these context effects were moderated by the rater's belief in the variability of human nature, but not by the rater's cognitive ability or field independence. Contrast effects also occurred in ratings of the positive target stimulus but not in ratings of the negative target stimulus, and in neither case was the context effect moderated by any of the individual difference variables.
Fabric speciality stores: travel behaviour of female customers

This consumer travel behaviour study examined (i) the distance female customers travel from their home to the fabric speciality store they most often shop in, and (ii) the effects of selected factors on the travel behaviour of these customers. The procedure was to select 10 fabric speciality stores at random in the Phoenix (Arizona) metropolitan area and have 25 female customers complete the questionnaire at each store. The 250 questionnaires were analysed by examining the distances the respondents travelled in various situations and by chi-square tests to determine the relationships among the variables. The results indicated that the majority of respondents travelled 3 miles or less (oneway) from their home to the fabric speciality store they most often shopped in; however, the actual number of miles travelled in this situation was found to be dependent on the respondents' level of education. It was also found that many respondents were willing to travel farther than the distance from their home to the fabric speciality store they most often shopped in to (i) purchase a specific fabric; or (ii) seek a greater variety of fabrics and related items, lower fabric prices and helpful/knowledgeable salespeople.
E-cigarettes: Considerations for the otolaryngologist

Abstract Purpose To review the literature regarding electronic cigarettes and discuss potential implications and need for advocacy for the pediatric otolaryngologist. Background Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-operated devices that deliver nicotine-containing vapors via inhalation. Research on the health related consequences of e-cigarettes is ongoing and safety has yet to be established. E-cigarettes are not presently under the regulation of any national governing body with wide accessibility to minors. Use of these products has substantially increased since arrival to the market, particularly within the adolescent population. These products are marketed via various platforms including television, Internet and social media. Hundreds of flavors are offered and e-cigarettes are packaged in various colors. Not only are the ill health effects and addictive quality of nicotine concerning, these products have the potential to serve as a gateway for minors to tobacco use. Applications The relationship between tobacco use, secondhand smoke exposure and otolaryngology specific diseases has well been defined. As use of electronic cigarettes increases, pediatric otolaryngologists should be aware of the ongoing literature regarding these products and to be prepared to counsel families accordingly. Conclusions The use of e-cigarettes among teenagers, potential implications of secondhand vapor exposure from parents and friends, and concerns this may encourage adolescents to utilize conventional tobacco products needs to be considered.
Users' schemata of hypermedia: what is so ‘spatial’ about a website?

Abstract This study examined users' schemata of hypermedia. It is frequently assumed that users' schemata contain spatial information about how the pages of a website are interconnected. However, it is not clear how these schemata could contain such information when none is presented to the user while he/she is exploring the website. Unfortunately, there has been little research addressing this assumption. Toward that end, the reported study examined the mental representations (i.e. schemata) acquired when using hypermedia by systematically varying the interconnections within a website while holding the information that the website contained constant. Analyses of 40 participants' drawings of the website's organization indicate that drawings largely reflected conceptual (i.e. semantic) relationships, and not the true nature of the website's interconnections. In light of this research, it is suggested that we reevaluate the conjecture that hypermedia is mentally represented in ways similar to the physical world.
Monitoring the process of curing of epoxy/graphite fiber composites with a recurrent neural network as a soft sensor

Abstract Controlling the curing of fiber-reinforced composites involves an on-line evaluation of their properties such as viscosity, resin content, and degree of cure (DOC). Infrared spectroscopic and dielectric sensors have commonly been considered for monitoring these properties. Nevertheless, they are expensive, and yet do not yield a precise cure history during the entire process. Artificial neural networks have successfully been adopted for the dynamic modeling of nonlinear systems. Inasmuch as the actual DOC of a composite cannot readily be measured in situ during the cure, long-term prediction of the DOC is critical. In the present study, a unique integrated sensor has been constructed that comprises a dual heat-flux sensor serving as a hard sensor for determining the Damkohler number (Da) and a recurrent neural network (RNN) serving as a soft sensor for evaluating and predicting the DOC on the basis of the Da obtained. At the outset, the prototype soft sensor, i.e., RNN, was configured through a series of repeated and rapid simulations of an analogous model system with known performance equations for learning and testing. Subsequently, this prototype RNN was tuned and validated through a minimum number of laborious experiments, so that the resultant soft sensor is capable of effectively monitoring on-line the DOC of the prepreg of a commercial epoxy/graphite fiber composite in a bag-molding process.
Climate and sea level in isotope stage 5: an East Antarctic ice surge at ∼95,000 BP ?

Six high-resolution records correlated with marine isotope stage 5 suggest that substage 5c was essentially interglacial, and was terminated by a catastrophic cooling. Over sixty 230Th dates indicate that the sea level in substage 5c rose to at least −2 m. Amino acid ratios, archaeology, pollen and lithostratigraphy suggest that the sea later jumped to about +16 m. The combination of the cooling and the large jump points to an East Antarctic ice surge, at ∼95 kyr BP.
What motivates organizational citizenship behaviours? Exploring the role of regulatory focus theory.

We develop a theoretical rationale and research propositions describing the relationship between employee self-regulation and the likelihood of performing organizational citizenship behaviours. Regulatory Focus Theory is used to describe the underlying motivation for the exhibition of these behaviours. Specifically, we contend that the exhibition of organizational citizenship behaviours is influenced by the employee's regulatory state, the type of behaviour being considered, and the match or lack thereof between employee regulatory focus and how the behaviour is perceived (i.e., whether or not regulatory focus is consistent with employee perceptions of the behaviour). We close by considering several implications of Regulatory Focus Theory for future research on organizational citizenship behaviours.
Pentamidine transport and sensitivity in brucei-group trypanosomes.

SYNOPSIS. Sensitivity to pentamidine of bloodstream forms and culture forms of Trypanosoma brucei brucei, strains of this subspecies, and strains of T. brucei rhodesiense characteristically differs in vitro. Analyses of transport parameters for pentamidine uptake in these organisms show differences that correspond with drug sensitivity. Long slender bloodstream forms of T. b. brucei have a high affinity for the drug and high rates of uptake as indicated by Km and Vmax values for [3H]pentamidine transport. Although pentamidine and stilbamidine resistance is associated with dyskinetoplasty. this condition does not itself confer resistance to pentamidine nor does it affect pentamidine transport. However, drug-resistant strains show lower rates for pentamidine transport as does T. b. rhodesiense, which is characteristically less sensitive to the drug. Of all the forms and strains studied, procyclic trypomastigotes were least sensitive to pentamidine and had a remarkable ability to exclude the drug.
Increased osteoblastic c-fos expression by parathyroid hormone requires protein kinase A phosphorylation of the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate response element-binding protein at serine 133

PTH induces c-fos expression rapidly and transiently in osteoblastic cells and requires the activity of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Here we provide evidence that protein kinase A (PKA) is the enzyme responsible for phosphorylating CREB at serine 133 (S133) and that this event is required for PTH-induced c-fos expression. PTH increases the level of phosphorylation of CREB at S133 in a time- and dose-dependent manner, correlating with the time and level of activation of PKA in response to PTH. PTH-(1-34) and -(1-31), each known to activate the cAMP pathway, induced the phosphorylation of CREB and increased the levels of c-fos messenger RNA, whereas PTH-(3-34), -(13-34), and -(28-48) could not. Specific inhibitors of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases and protein kinase C could not inhibit CREB phosphorylation or c-fos expression in response to PTH; however, H-89, a specific inhibitor of PKA, could do so in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, PTH-induced c-fos promoter activity was completely inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by transfection of the heat-stable inhibitor of PKA. Taken together, these data provide strong evidence that PKA is the enzyme responsible for phosphorylating CREB at S133 in response to PTH and that PKA activity is required for PTH-induced c-fos expression.
Brain dysfunction in an adolescent with the neuromuscular form of hexosaminidase deficiency.

SUMMARY A 14-year-old girl of Ashkenazi Jewish background is described who has severe deficiency of hexosaminidase A. She presented with slowly progressive motor neuron degeneration and was found to have subtle deficiencies on neuropsychological testing, abnormal cortical evoked potentials and structural abnormalities of the cerebellum on CT scan. This patient extends the reported clinical findings for adolescents and suggests the possibility of similar abnormalities in others with neuromuscular deterioration. RESUME L'article rapporte le cas ďune jeune juive de 14 ans, de famille juive Askenasim, ayant une deficience grave en hexosaminidase A. Elle presentait une degenerescence progressive des neurones moteurs avec des deficiences minimes aux tests neuropsychologiques, des potentiels evoques corticaux anormaux et des anomalies structurelles du cervelet au scanner. Ce cas etend les donnees cliniques rapportees aux adolescents et suggere la possibility ďanomalies semblables aux autres dans la forme neuromusculaire. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Es wird ein 14-jahriges judisches Madchen mit einem schweren Hexosaminidase-A-Mangel beschrieben. Sie zeigte eine langsam progressive Degeneration der Motorneurone und man fand leichte Abweichungen bei der neuropsychologischen Untersuchung, abnorme cortical evozierte Potentiale und strukturelle Veranderungen des Cerebellums im Computertomogramm. Die bisher beschriebenen Befunde bei Heranwachsenden werden durch die dieser Patientin ubertroffen und man sollte daran denken, das auch andere Patienten mit der neuromuskularen Form ahnliche Anomalien haben konnen. RESUMEN Se describe el caso de una muchacha judia Askenasi de 14 anos con una grave deficiencia de hexosaminidasa A. Presentaba una degenerateon lenta progresiva de la neurona motora y se vio que tenia deficiencias sutiles en los tests neuropsicologicos, potenciales corticles anomalos y anomalias estructurales cerebelosas en la exploracion con scanner. Esta paciente amplia los hallazgos clinicos en adolescentes y sugiere la posibilidad de anomalias similares en otros casos con la forma neuromuscular de la enfermedad.
Molecular imprinting of mesoporous SBA-15 with chiral ruthenium complexes

Abstract A novel strategy for imprinting mesoporous SBA-15 using chiral ruthenium complexes is reported. This imprinting strategy combines the triblock copolymer (PEO) 20 (PPO) 70 (PEO) 20 template and the chiral dichlorotris(1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II) complex. A chiral PEO helix is formed by interaction of the chiral ruthenium complex with the block copolymer during the templated synthesis of the mesoporous SBA-15 molecular sieves. Upon removal of the chiral ruthenium complex, a stereospecific cavity is created. Preliminary results indicate that stereoselective absorption of either Δ or Λ -Ru(phen) 3 2+ isomers from a racemic mixture can be achieved depending on the chirality of the PEO chain.
Cellular mechanisms of Cnidarian bleaching: stress causes the collapse of symbiosis

Cnidarian bleaching is a breakdown in the mutualistic symbiosis between host Cnidarians, such as reef building corals, and their unicellular photosynthetic dinoflagellate symbionts. Bleaching is caused by a variety of environmental stressors, most notably elevated temperatures associated with global climate change in conjunction with high solar radiation, and it is a major contributor to coral death and reef degradation. This review examines the underlying cellular events that lead to symbiosis dysfunction and cause bleaching, emphasizing that, to date, we have only some pieces of a complex cellular jigsaw puzzle. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated by damage to both photosynthetic and mitochondrial membranes, is shown to play a central role in both injury to the partners and to inter-partner communication of a stress response. Evidence is presented that suggests that bleaching is a host innate immune response to a compromised symbiont, much like innate immune responses in other host-microbe interactions. Finally, the elimination or exit of the symbiont from host tissues is described through a variety of mechanisms including exocytosis, host cell detachment and host cell apoptosis.
Characterization of the Specific Solid–Water Interfacial Area–Water Saturation Relationship and Its Import to Reactive Transport

A modified rate equation for the dissolution of minerals in the unsaturated zone was proposed using a specific solid–water interfacial area ( a sw) varying as a function of water saturation ( S w). Vadose zone phenomena, such as infiltration, were discussed as example scenarios where such reformulation may be useful. A constitutive relationship for the a sw– S w was derived, and used to formulate an approximate model of the proposed rate equation. Implementation of this new model in the reactive transport code CRUNCH was used to evaluate the influence of a changing a sw on reactive transport behavior of silica in the vadose zone. These simulations clearly demonstrate that a changing a sw can have a significant impact on the silica distribution profiles in the vadose zone. This is to be expected because changes in a sw are substantial in the dry S w range, whereas they are only moderate in the relatively wet region. These findings have significant implications for contaminant transport in the vadose zone, especially in arid regions. Ignoring the effect of a changing a sw is likely to result in an overestimation of the net contaminant fluxes in these cases, which leads to highly conservative risk assessments. In case of nutrient flux calculations coupled with dissolution phenomena, it may lead to an overestimation of nutrient availability. Additional theoretical and experimental verification of the proposed models would be valuable.
Teachers’Choice of Storybooks: What Messages do Children Hear?

An important dimension to the teaching of literacy must be the quality of the texts provided for children to read. The features of reading texts in schools have only recently become the object of sustained inquiry but it appears there are some interesting issues in the different perceptions children and teachers may have of these texts. Phil Kirby explores some of these issues in this article and provides excellent evidence that choice of story books is not the simple issue it might appear.
A conventional preclinical schedule of cisplatin is more effective than a metronomic frequent bolus schedule for urothelial carcinoma

Abstract Objectives Given the frequent inability to administer a conventional 3-weekly schedule of cisplatin to human subjects with urothelial carcinoma, we evaluated a frequent bolus metronomic schedule in a preclinical system of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urothelium. We hypothesized that the anti-angiogenic and anti-cell-migratory activity of lower concentrations of cisplatin may confer similar anti-tumor activity and demonstrate less nephrotoxicity than conventional cytotoxic concentrations. Materials and methods We evaluated the activity of cisplatin in vitro against human urothelial carcinoma (5637) and endothelial cells (human umbilical vein endothelial cells, HUVECs). The MTT assay was employed to assess viability, and flow cytometry with Annexin-FITC labeling was employed to assess apoptosis. Cell migration in monolayer culture was assessed by scratch assay. Murine xenografts (n = 12 per group) bearing measurable subcutaneous tumors of 5637 cells were administered either no therapy, cisplatin 2 mg/kg/3 days a week (metronomic) or 6 mg/kg/ once a week (standard) intraperitoneal (i.p.) for 4 weeks. Blood was collected from 5 mice per group at baseline and at the end of therapy to measure changes in serum creatinine. Results Significant antiproliferative activity, but poor pro-apoptotic activity, was observed against 5637 urothelial carcinoma cells in vitro by MTT assay with cisplatin at concentrations lower than those attainable in vivo. Anti-proliferative activity against HUVECs required higher concentrations than attainable in vivo. Anti-migratory activity was observed against 5637 and HUVECs at earlier time points and with concentrations lower than anti-proliferative concentrations. In murine 5637 xenografts, standard cisplatin was significantly better at inhibiting tumor growth than the no treatment control (P = 0.005), while metronomic therapy was not better than control (P = 0.22). Standard cisplatin was also significantly nephrotoxic (P = 0.016), while metronomic cisplatin (P = 0.374) or no therapy (P = 0.178) did not demonstrate significant nephrotoxicity compared with baseline. Conclusions Cisplatin exhibited anti-cell-migratory activity against urothelial carcinoma and endothelial cells at lower than cytotoxic concentrations. However, a standard preclinical schedule was better than control in vivo for inhibiting tumor growth, while a metronomic schedule was not better. Despite the lower nephrotoxicity of the metronomic schedule, its lower anti-tumor activity suggests that a standard clinical schedule of cisplatin should not be routinely substituted by a split schedule without definitive clinical data.
Myocardial metabolic and hemodynamic effects of dichloroacetate in coronary artery disease

Dichloroacetate (DCA), which activates pyruvate dehydrogenase, has the potential to enhance carbohydrate and lactate utilization in animals, but data from patients with coronary artery disease are lacking. Accordingly, 9 patients (ages 49 to 72 years) with angina and coronary artery disease undergoing catheterization were studied. Systemic and coronary hemodynamic and metabolic measurements were made before and during DCA administration (mean dose 35 mg/kg, intravenously). DCA increased left ventricular (LV) stroke volume from 77 +/- 7 to 87 +/- 7 ml and decreased systemic vascular resistance from 1,573 +/- 199 to 1,319 +/- 180 dynes.s.cm-5 (both, p less than 0.01). There were no significant changes in heart rate, mean aortic pressure, LV end-diastolic pressure, LV dP/dt max, coronary sinus flow, coronary resistance or myocardial oxygen consumption, but myocardial efficiency index (LV work/myocardial oxygen consumption) improved from 24 to 32% (p less than 0.05). Myocardial lactate consumption was maintained (21 +/- 8 vs 19 +/- 11 X 10(-3) mEq/min, p is not significant at p less than or equal to 0.05 level) at a lower arterial lactate concentration (0.72 +/- 0.09 to 0.47 +/- 0.08 mEq/liter, p less than 0.05). DCA appears to stimulate myocardial lactate utilization at a lower arterial concentration, cause peripheral vasodilation, augment stroke volume and enhance myocardial efficiency in patients with coronary artery disease.
Morphological operations for color image processing

In this paper operations based on mathematical morphology which have been developed for binary and grayscale images are extended to color images. We investigate two approaches for ‘‘color morphology’’—a vector approach and a component-wise approach. New vector morphological filtering operations are defined, and a set-theoretic analysis of these vector operations is presented. We also present experimental results comparing the performance of the vector approach and the component-wise approach for multiscale color image analysis and for noise suppression in color images.
Social Poetics as Management Inquiry A Dialogical Approach

The author’s position in this article is that we create our social realities, meaning, and selves in embodied and situated dialogue. Given the premise that language is metaphorical and sense making a multiply constructed, dynamic embodied practice, then what are the implications for research? The author suggests social poetics is one research practice that offers a way of exploring how, in the flow of our embodied dialogical activity, we relate to our surroundings and make sense of our experiences. Embracing a radically reflexive stance, social poetics elevates everyday, imaginative ways of talking, for example, metaphors, storytelling, and gestural statements. Using excerpts from research conversations, the author explores the practice of social poetics as a form of management inquiry.
Di-μ-bromo-bis­[bis­(1,2-diamino­ethane-κ2N,N)nickel(II)] dibromide

The title complex, [Ni2Br2(C2H8N2)4]Br2, consists of two bromide anions and a complex dication. The dication is a centrosymmetric unit of two Ni atoms bridged unsymmetrically by two Br atoms. The Ni atoms are pseudo-octa­hedral, six-coordinate, with four N atoms from two 1,2-diamino­ethane ligands completing the coordination environment.
Aminoethylphosphonic acid‐containing glycoproteins: The acid mucopolysaccharide‐like components in mucus from Metridium senile (L.)

The sea anemone, Metridium senile, is covered with a sticky mucus which facilitates the trapping of plankton from the sea water. Histochemical procedures indicate that this acid mucopolysaccharide-like (AMPS-like) mucus is secreted by the columnar epithelial cells of the body surface. High Pressure Liquid Chromatography resolves the mucus into two high molecular weight acidic glycoproteins, neither of which contains any of the typical AMPS substituents of higher organisms (sulfate esters, glucuronic acid and sialic acid). Both of these glycoprotein fractions do, however, contain 2-aminoethylphosphonic acid (AEP). Histochemical procedures carried out in conjunction with wet chemical analyses indicate that these AEP-glycoprotein complexes not only account for the AMPS-like staining material on the surface (mucus) of these animals, but also may have some function in the intracellular matrix.
Discovery of Optical Emission in the Hot Spots of Three 3CR Quasars: High-Energy Particle Acceleration in Powerful Radio Hot Spots

Archival Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 images were used to search for optical emission associated with the radio jets of a number of luminous quasars. From this search, we report new optical hot spot detections in the well-known blazar 3C 454.3 and the lobe-dominated quasars 3C 275.1 and 3C 336. We also find optical emission in the vicinity of the hot spot in 3C 208 but believe this is a chance alignment. Optical emission from the arcsecond-scale jet in 3C 454.3 is also detected. Multifrequency archival radio data from the VLA and MERLIN are analyzed, and the synchrotron spectra of these high-power hot spots are presented. We estimate that their break frequencies are in the range of 1010-1011 Hz, with large uncertainties due to the wide gap in frequency coverage between the radio and optical bands. We also calculate their equipartition magnetic fields and find that the anticorrelation between break frequency and magnetic field found by Brunetti et al. for lower power hot spots extends to these high-power hot spots. This supports their model of hot spots based on shock acceleration and synchrotron losses.
Finite settling time stabilisation for multivariable discrete-time systems: a polynomial equation approach

The multivariable case of Finite Settling Time Stabilisation (FSTS) of linear discrete-time systems is considered in this paper. An algebraic approach is adopted which leads to the solution of a polynomial matrix Diophantine equation. This gives rise to the parametrisation of all FSTS controllers in a Kucera–Youla–Bonjiorno sense and the FSTS problem is further reduced to a linear algebra problem over the real numbers. Subsequently, the family of all causal FSTS controllers is parametrised, and necessary and sufficient conditions for strong FSTS (stable controllers) are derived. The minimal McMillan degree solution and minimal complexity controllers are examined and new bounds are given. The analysis provides the means for the parametrisation of families of FSTS controllers with certain complexity. Finally the problems of tracking, disturbance rejection and partially assigned dynamics in FST sense are considered and conditions for their solvability are given.
An efficient approximation scheme for variable-sized bin packing

In the classical bin packing problem one is required to pack a given list of items into the smallest possible number of unit-sized bins. Because this problem is NP-complete, researchers have tried to find efficient approximation algorithms that solve this problem in a reasonable amount of time. If we let $A(I)$ be the number of bins used by algorithm A to pack a list of items I, and ${\textit{OPT}}(I)$ be the minimum number of bins necessary to pack I, one defines the asymptotic performance ratio of A to be ${{A(I)} / {{\textit{OPT}}(I)}}$, as ${\textit{OPT}}(I)$ tends to infinity. De la Vega and Lueker presented an approximation scheme, which for any $ \in > 0$, yields an approximation algorithm with performance ratio $1 + \varepsilon $. This scheme has time complexity polynomial in n, the number of items, but exponential in ${1 / \varepsilon }$. Karmarkar and Karp extended this scheme to one that has time complexity polynomial in n and ${1 / \varepsilon }$. In the variable-sized bin packing problem, one...
Streptomycin in experimental plague.

SummaryStreptomycin in the amounts of 0.4 to 4.0 μ/cc is bactericidal for different strains of P. pestis in 5 days. Advanced experimental bubonic plague in mice is completely cured with 500 μ/3 hours for 3 days, or a total of 120 mg. Between SO to 90% of the mice in a state of septicemic plague may be saved with a total of 1,200 to 1,600 μg. The remarkable bactericidal action of streptomycin is best demonstrated on experimental pneumonic plague; 5 mg of the antibiotic sterilize lungs and lymph nodes within 100 hours after treatment has been instituted. It is recommended that human plague be treated as soon as diagnosed with 2 to 4 g of streptomycin daily depending on the state of infection.
Seven-year survival of child with rhabdomyosarcoma of prostate

A case is reported of a twenty-two-month-old child who has survived for seven years without recurrence after multimodal therapy of a rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate. The patient was treated with preoperative irradiation, radical surgery, and intraoperative and postoperative actinomycin D.
721-1 Percutaneous Balloon Dilation as Initial Treatment for Critical Aortic Stenosis. Results Up to 8.3 Years Follow-up In 46 Consecutives Neonates

The purpose of this study is to report our results with balloon dilation (BD) of critical aortic stenosis (AS) in neonates. From 1985 to ‘91, 46 consecutive babies l 33 days of age had BD for critical AS. The median age was 5 days, and the mean weight was 3.2 kg; 41 (89%) was in congestive heart failure (CHF) or shock, 33 (80%) intubated. Associated cardiac abnormalities were present in 42 (91%). The BD, performed retrograde in 43 (umbilical artery 23, femoral artery 20), was completed in all, and with success in 41 (89%). The final balloon to aortic annulus ratio was 0.91 ± 0.05. The overall mortality was 35% (11 early and 5 late deaths 1.6 to 17 mos of follow-up). Of these 16, 4 were considered related to BD, and 12 to associated left-sided lesions. All babies who had BD via femoral artery had pulse loss, and anti-thrombotic therapy restored pulses in 7 (35%). Significant aortic regurgitation (AR) post-BD was observed in 5 (11%) babies. An anatomic risk factor score for two-ventricle repair(Rhodes et al, 1991) was retrospectively measured, and 13 (38%) babies had a score ≥ 2 (critical AS with 2 or more associated left-sided obstructive lesions; high mortality). No neonate with an anatomic score ≥ 2 survived longer than 4 mos, except 1 who underwent successful Norwood operation. In univariante analysis, an age of l 3 days, a presentation in CHF or shock, and an anatomic score ≥2 were found to be related to mortality, but in a multivariante analysis, only the anatomic score was significant (p = 0.001). Reintervention was undertaken by 1 month in 22%, by 4 mos in 30%, and by 88 mos in 41%; the main indication was AS. At follow-up of 1.4 to 83 yrs (4.3 ± 1.8yrs), 30 (65%) were alive, and the clinical status was considered excellent or good in 90%. No child had leg length discrepancy. At Doppler study, a maximum gradient g50 mmHg was found in 10 (33%), and significant AR was present in 4 (13%). In conclusion when no more than 1 associated left-sided obstructive lesion is present. BD for critical AS is effective; at 8.3 yrs of follow-up, the probability of being alive is 88%, and of being free from reintervention is 59%.
Hematotoxicity and Carcinogenicity of Inhaled Benzene

CBA/Ca male mice have been exposed to benzene in air at 10, 25, 100, 300, 400, and 3000 ppm for variable intervals 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for up to 16 weeks. Two weeks of inhaling 10 ppm produced no...
Development of and student reactions to an international consolidation case problem

Abstract Use of case problems is a well established pedagogy for enhancing student learning. This paper describes development of an international consolidation case problem and reports how students responded to its assignment. The case problem could be effectively used in accounting classes such as international accounting and advanced accounting. Further, the case could be used to introduce professional accountants, who may not have previously faced this issue, with a basic overview of the international consolidation process. The issue of consolidation is typically covered in advanced accounting courses, and international financial reporting is covered in international accounting or intermediate accounting courses. The international consolidation case described in this paper makes a unique contribution by incorporating both consolidation accounting and international financial reporting (specifically, foreign currency translated financial statements) into one comprehensive case problem. When a subsidiary corporation is located in a different country from the parent corporation, the difficulty of consolidating the financial statements becomes more complex than for a strictly domestic company, as a result of different GAAPs and different currencies. The case problem has been used in two southwestern US universities. Student feedback indicates that the problem was well received and benefited student learning.
IDENTIFICATION OF TWO NOVEL DICTYOSTELIUM DISCOIDEUM CYSTEINE PROTEINASES THAT CARRY N-ACETYLGLUCOSAMINE-1-P MODIFICATION

Dictyostelium discoideum makes multiple developmentally regulated lysosomal cysteine proteinases. One of these, a lysosomal enzyme called proteinase I, contains a cluster of GlcNAc-α-1-P-Ser residues. We call this phosphoglycosylation. To study its function, a cDNA library from vegetative cells was screened, and two novel cysteine proteinase clones were characterized (cprD and cprE). Each of them has highly conserved regions expected for cysteine proteinases, but unlike any other, each has a serine-rich domain containing three distinct motifs, poly-S, SGSQ, and SGSG. cprD and cprE cDNAs were overexpressed in Dictyostelium and the active enzymes identified. cprD codes for a protein of approximately 36 kDa (CP4), which is recognized by monoclonal antibodies against GlcNAc-1-P and fucose. cprE corresponds to a 29-kDa protein, which is recognized by antibodies against GlcNAc-1-P. mRNA for both enzymes is present in the vegetative phase and increases during growth on bacteria but decreases throughout development. When the formation of the fruiting body is complete the mRNA for both messages is detected again but in very low levels. Having cloned cDNAs for proteins that carry GlcNAc-1-P should allow us to probe the function of the carbohydrate in these putative lysosomal enzymes.
Special issue on the workshop on MAthematical performance Modeling And Analysis (MAMA 2005): guest editor's foreword

The complexity of computer systems, networks and applications, as well as the advancements in computer technology, continue to grow at a rapid pace. Mathematical analysis, modeling and optimization have been playing, and continue to play, an important role in research studies to investigate fundamental issues and tradeoffs at the core of performance problems in the design and implementation of complex computer systems, networks and applications.
A novel focussing element for increasing the flux in the Fermilab electron beam

Abstract A desire to increase the flux in the Fermilab electron beam has led us to consider a beam element which, under rather special circumsances, focusses in one plane only. This element, called MQ for brevity, depends for its operation on the fact that the Fermilab beam, unlike most others, transforms neutral flux into charged flux.
Toughening of glassy polymers by prepackaged deformation-activated diluents

The use of low molecular weight liquid rubber diluents in concentrations of ∼ 1%, dispersed finely in the form of submicron-sized pools, had been demonstrated in the past by Gebizlioglu and colleagues (Macromolecules 1990, 23, 3968) to be an effective source of toughening of brittle glassy polystyrene through deformation-accentuated plasticization effects of craze matter during the development of craze plasticity. Herein, we present results of a study extending the range of this plasticization effect through the development of a new “precipitation-molding” process that can routinely incorporate diluent pools of up to 4–5% by volume and can increase the tensile toughness by about a factor of 3 over what was achieved before. The experiments demonstrate that the toughening mechanism operates primarily through a substantial reduction of the craze flow stress that promotes an increase in craze plasticity that renders inactive adventitious inclusions that normally initiate fracture. Experiments with all blends at different temperatures and strain rates indicate that the fracture response can be represented by a universal behavior pattern of a single thermally assisted process of fracture of craze matter where the diluent merely modulates the plastic resistance. However, the experimental results show that the sorption of the diluent that controls the plasticization effect during straining competes against the time-dependent fracture process and that the toughening effect decreases monotonically with increasing strain rate and decreasing temperature that limits the effectiveness of the process to a range considerably below what is required for impact response. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 71: 1469–1490, 1999
On the relationship of amino acid composition to silver staining of proteins in electrophoresis gels. II, Peptide sequence analysis

The quantification of proteins in silver-stained electrophoresis gels has been limited by the differences in "stainability" of different proteins. Despite efforts by many researchers, the precise basis of the reaction between silver reagents and polypeptides is still unclear, and, depending on the formulation, may even differ. We have tested the hypothesis that differences in stainability among proteins can be attributed to differences in di- or tripeptide composition. The results indicate that some order of protein structure other than short peptides accounts for the staining differences observed.
General characteristics of private academe and public U.S. federal depository libraries

Abstract Do public federal depository libraries located in private colleges have paradoxical characteristics? Private academe may have an aura of exclusivity, but federal depository library status ensures that the public has access to government materials. In the first segment of this two-part study, general depository and institutional characteristics are profiled. Comparisons are made between public and private academic depositories and depositories as a whole. Most private academic depositories are located in religiously affiliated small colleges with higher than average tuitions. Due to the small size of many private academic depositories, many may rely on the larger public institutions. Although the average GPO item selection for private academe is far less than the average public academic counterpart, if item selection is compared to student enrollment, private depositories select more than their share. Depository promotion and issues of public access will be further explored in the second article in this study.
Classification of nonproduct states with maximum stabilizer dimension

Nonproduct n-qubit pure states with maximum dimensional stabilizer subgroups of the group of local unitary transformations are precisely the generalized n-qubit Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states and their local unitary equivalents, for n{>=}3, n{ne}4. We characterize the Lie algebra of the stabilizer subgroup for these states. For n=4, there is an additional maximal stabilizer subalgebra, not local unitary equivalent to the former. We give a canonical form for states with this stabilizer as well.
Lattice Boltzmann simulations of drops colliding with solid surfaces

Video images of drops colliding with solid surfaces shown by Rioboo et al. (2002) reveal that, for large drop velocities, the drops flatten and form a ring structure before receding and, in some cases, rebounding from the surface. They described the sequence of events in terms of four distinct regimes. During the initial kinematic phase, the dimensionless wetting radius of the drop follows a universal form if the drop Weber and Reynolds numbers are sufficiently large. In the second phase, the drop becomes highly flattened and the values of the Weber and Reynolds numbers influence the time evolution of the dimensionless wetting radius and its maximum value. This is followed by a third phase in which the wetting radius begins to decrease with time and the wettability of the surface influences the dynamics. This paper presents simulation results for the early stages of drop impact and spreading on a partially wetting solid surface. The simulations were performed with a modified version of the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) developed by Inamuro et al. (2004) for a liquid-gas density ratio of 1000. The Inamuro et al. version of the LBM was modified by incorporating rigid, no-slip boundary conditions and incorporating a boundary condition on the normal derivative of the order parameter to impose the desired equilibrium contact angle.
Scanning chimeragenesis: the approach used to change the substrate selectivity of fatty acid monooxygenase CYP102A1 to that of terpene ω-hydroxylase CYP4C7

CYP102A1 is a highly active, water-soluble, bacterial monooxygenase enzyme that contains both substrate-binding heme and diflavin reductase subunits, both in a single polypeptide. Recently we developed a procedure which uses the known structure of the substrate-bound heme domain of CYP102A1 and its sequence homology with a cytochrome P450 of unknown structure, both of which react with a common substrate but produce different products, to create recombinant enzymes which have substrate selectivity different from that of CYP102A1, and produce the product of the enzyme of unknown structure. Insect CYP4C7, a terpene hydroxylase from the cockroach, was chosen as the cytochrome P450 of unknown structure, and farnesol was chosen as the substrate. CYP102A1 oxidizes farnesol to three products (2,3-epoxyfarnesol, 10,11-epoxyfarnesol, and 9-hydroxyfarnesol), whereas CYP4C7 produces 12-hydroxyfarnesol as the major product. In earlier work it was found that the chimera C(78-82,F87L) showed a change in substrate selectivity from fatty acids to farnesol, and was approximately sixfold more active than wild-type CYP102A1 (Chen et al. in J Biol Inorg Chem 13:813–824, 2008), but neither it nor any other earlier chimera produced 12-hydroxyfarnesol. In this work we added amino acid residues 327–332, to create six new full-length, functional chimeric proteins. Four of these, the most active of which was C(78-82,F87L,328-330), produce 12-hydroxyfarnesol as the major product, with approximately twofold increase in turnover number as compared with wild-type CYP102A1 toward farnesol. Methylfarnesoate was metabolized to 12-hydroxymethylfarnesoate (70%) and 10,11-epoxymethylfarnesoate (juvenile hormone III) (30%). The latter is metabolized to 65% 12-hydroxy-10,11-epoxymethylfarnesoate and 35% 15-hydroxy-10,11-epoxymethylfarnesoate. Substitution of residues 328–330, APA, by VPL was crucial to accomplishing this change in product.
Removal of time-varying errors in network analyser measurements: system design

A new approach to network-analyser measurements has been developed, which uses a dynamic-error suppression technique to remove time-varying component-drift errors (such as amplifier- and filter-response changes) and physical-device errors (such as response changes due to cable flexure). This dynamic-error suppression technique is combined with a conventional static-error suppression technique, such as ‘short/open/load/thru’ (SOLT) or ‘thru/reflection/line’ (TRL), to remove all types of errors. This procedure is referred to as the accurate real-time total-error-suppression technique (ARTTEST). Frequency-offsetting mixers are used to produce the normalisation signals that are required for the dynamic-error suppression. The ARTTEST method allows for the simultaneous measurement of data and normalisation signals that reside at unique, but closely spaced frequencies. These simultaneous normalisation signals are used to greatly improve the measurement accuracy of the system. The ARTTEST method is applicable to a wide variety of measurement problems where high-accuracy results are required. The application of this method to a network-analyser application is demonstrated.
A Common-Source Outbreak of Callitrichid Hepatitis in Captive Tamarins and Marmosets

Callitrichid hepatitis (CH) is a highly fatal, emerging arenavirus disease of captive South American marmosets and tamarins (Callitrichidae), including the endangered golden lion tamarin. A common-source outbreak of CH in golden lion tamarins and pygmy marmosets at a US zoo resulted from a single feeding of the primates with newborn mice in apparently infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Isolates from livers of mice and primates were related to isolates from previous CH outbreaks and to laboratory strains of LCMV by serology and nucleic acid hybridization, and 2 surviving animals developed antibody to other LCMVCH isolates and to laboratory strains of LCMV. Thus, LCMV, an arenavirus prevalent in wild mice in the US, can cause sporadic fatal hepatic disease in primates. Exposure of humans to wild or laboratory mice or to marmosets and tamarins that are infected with wild-type strains of LCMV poses the danger of serious disease.