cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automatic generation and maintenance of correct spreadsheets

Existing spreadsheet systems allow users to change cells arbitrarily, which is a major source of spreadsheet errors. We propose a system that prevents errors in spreadsheets by restricting spreadsheet updates to only those that are logically and technically correct. The system is based on the concept of templates that describe the principal structure of the initial spreadsheet and all of its future versions. We have developed a program generator that translates a template into an initial spreadsheet together with customized update operations for changing cells and inserting/deleting rows and columns for this particular template. We have designed a type system for templates that ensures the following form of "spreadsheet maintenance safety": Update operations that are generated from a type-correct template are proved to transform the spreadsheet only according to the template and to never produce any omission, reference, or type errors. Finally, we have developed a prototype as an extension to Excel, which has been shown by a preliminary usability study to be well accepted by end users.
Effect of Novel Iron Fortificants on the Sensory Qualities and Lipid Peroxidation of Maize-Meal Porridge

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To evaluate effects of iron fortification on sensory qualities and lipid peroxidation of maize for infant nutrition. Iron fortification of maize could remedy the high prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in countries where diets are maize-based. However, soluble-iron fortificants can have detrimental effects on the sensory quality of whole maize, which contains lipids susceptible to peroxidation. Traditional iron fortificants are also poorly absorbed from whole maize due to its high phytate content. Therefore, we evaluated the sensory quality and storage stability of whole maize fortified with novel iron compounds by sensory descriptive analysis and measurement of hexanal production (lipid peroxidation). Porridge was prepared from unfortified whole maize (CTRL), or maize fortified with 30 or 60mg iron/kg as ferrous sulfate (FS), ferrous bisglycinate (BIS), ferric trisglycinate (TRIS), or sodium iron EDTA (EDTA), then stored at 30, 40 or 50°C for 20 days. A panel of 15 judges trained in descriptive analysis techniques rated the intensity of 20 sensory attributes of the samples in duplicate. Hexanal production was measured by headspace gas chromatography. Fortified samples had significantly duller color than unfortified, with EDTA scoring worst. BIS produced significantly more rancidity, and was lower in "milky" character. In addition, only BIS samples contained hexanal, which was formed in increasing amounts with level of iron and temperature of storage. No rancidity was found with TRIS. We conclude that fortification with BIS compromises the sensory quality and oxidative stability of maize porridge. Because BIS is well absorbed from this high phytate food, alternative strategies need to be considered for minimizing its rancidity. TRIS did not impair the sensory qualities of whole maize and may be a more suitable fortificant, if future studies confirm good bioavailability of its iron content.
Development of an Improved Radiant Heat Source for Fire Testing

The development, construction, and testing of a gas-fired radiant heat source for use as part of a fire test method is described. The unit has been shown capable of operation over extended periods at surface temperatures yielding radiance corresponding to that of a black body at 935 °C. This permits a 60% increase of specimen irradiance over that possible with a burner previously used, without modifying the specimen–burner configuration factor. One such application of this burner allows operation with specimen irradiance levels at 5 W cm−2 or for short periods at levels approaching 7 W cm−2 at higher temperatures. This performance is achieved while maintaining effective spatial separation between specimen and heat source. This assists in avoiding imposition of vitiated air near the surface of a burning specimen. Some performance data are provided on its behavior when supplied with natural gas. The unit can burn propane but only with a significant reduction of thermal output.
Analysis of vascularity of human neurofibromas

Abstract Background: A common misperception is that the vascularity of a tumor can be determined by its gross appearance. Neurofibromas are grossly white in appearance. The degree of vascularity of neurofibromas has not been determined. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of neovascularization of neurofibromas. Methods: Neurofibromas from patients with neurofibromatosis-1 or spontaneous neurofibromas were stained with antibodies against von Willebrand factor (factor VIII–related antigen) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Results: Neurofibromas, both spontaneous and congenital, exhibit a high degree of vascularity. In addition, perivascular cells in neurofibromas stain with antibodies to VEGF, an angiogenic factor. Conclusion: Neurofibromas, despite their gross appearance, are highly vascular. Their vascularity may be mediated, in part, through the angiogenic factor VEGF. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:950-4.)
Cross tolerance between mescaline and LSD-25, with a comparison of the mescaline and LSD reactions.

1. The reactions caused by intramuscular administration of 0.75 mcg/ kg and 1.5 meg/kg of LSD-25 have been compared in the same 10 subjects with those induced by 2.5 mg/kg and 5.0 mg/kg of mescaline. 2. Both LSD and mescaline caused dilatation of the pupils, increase in body temperature, elevation of pulse rate and increase in systolic blood pressure. Both drugs decreased the threshold for elicitation of the kneejerk. 3. After both drugs, similar abnormal mental states characterized by anxiety, difficulty in thinking, alteration in mood (generally euphoric), altered sensory perception (particularly visual), elementary and true visual hallucinations and alterations of body image were reported by the subjects. 4. The effects of mescaline appeared more slowly and persisted somewhat longer than did the effects of LSD. 5. LSD tartrate is 2400–4900 times as potent as mescaline hydrochloride. On a molecular basis, LSD is 4500 to 9275 times as potent as mescaline. 6. Patients receiving LSD daily developed direct tolerance to LSD; such patients were also cross tolerant to mescaline. Likewise patients receiving mescaline daily became tolerant to mescaline and cross tolerant to LSD. 7. It was inferred that LSD, psilocybin and mescaline probably share common mechanisms of action or some common final pathway.
Fatigue performance of carbon fibre/vinyl ester composites: the effect of two dissimilar polymeric sizing agents

Abstract Carbon fibre/vinyl ester composites were made from sized carbon fibres. The carbon fibres were sized with an in-house sizing process and then formed into a unidirectional fabric. This fabric was processed into composite panels by a resin film infusion (RFI) technique. The effects of two dissimilar sizing agents—a brittle thermoplastic K-17 poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and a ductile thermoplastic polyhydroxyether (phenoxy resin)—on notched fatigue, short-beam shear, transverse flexure properties and compression properties were studied. The fatigue properties of carbon fibre/vinyl ester composites were influenced drastically by the type of sizing agent used. A 20-fold increase in lifetime was demonstrated at a loading level of 207 MPa for the ductile phenoxy-sized composite compared with the unsized composite. The brittle PVP-sized composite panel showed a sixfold increase in lifetime compared with the unisized case. The phenoxy-sized composite panel showed a 40% increase in flexural modulus and the PVP-sized panel showed a 20% increase compared with the unsized composite panels. Negligible differences in the shear strength, flexural strength and static compressive strength were observed for the different interphase agents. The implications of these results for tailoring polymeric interphases in vinyl-ester-matrix composites are discussed.
Shot noise in diffusive conductors: A quantitative analysis of electron-phonon interaction effects

Using the {open_quotes}drift-diffusion-Langevin{close_quotes} equation, we have quantitatively analyzed the effects of electron energy relaxation via their interaction with phonons, generally in presence of electron-electron interaction, on shot noise in diffusive conductors. We have found that the noise power S{sub I}({omega}) (both at low and high observation frequencies {omega}) drops to half of its {open_quotes}mesoscopic{close_quotes} value only at {beta}{approx_gt}100, where {beta} is the ratio of the sample length {ital L} to the energy relaxation length l{sub ph} (the latter may be much larger then the dephasing length). It means in particular that at low temperatures the shot noise may be substantial even when L{approximately}10{sup {minus}2}{endash}10{sup {minus}1}thinspcm, and the conductor is {open_quotes}macroscopic{close_quotes} in any other respect. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Formation of lithiated adducts of glycerophosphocholine lipids facilitates their identification by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS) has simplified analysis of phospholipid mixtures, and, in negative ion mode, permits structural identification of picomole amounts of phospholipid species. Collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) of phospholipid anions yields negative ion tandem mass spectra that contain fragment ions representing the fatty acid substituents as carboxylate anions. Glycerophosphocholine (GPC) lipids contain a quaternary nitrogen moiety and more readily form cationic adducts than anionic species, and positive ion tandem mass spectra of protonated GPC species contain no abundant ions that identify fatty acid substituents. We report here that lithiated adducts of GPC species are readily formed by adding lithium hydroxide to the solution in which phospholipid mixtures are infused into the ESI source. CAD of [MLi+] ions of GPC species yields tandem mass spectra that contain prominent ions representing losses of the fatty acid substituents. These ions and their relative abundances can be used to assign the identities and positions of the fatty acid substituents of GPC species. Tandem mass spectrometric scans monitoring neutral losses of the head-group or of fatty acid substituents from lithiated adducts can be used to identify GPC species in tissue phospholipid mixtures. Similar scans monitoring parents of specific product ions can also be used to identify the fatty acid substituents of GPC species, and this facilitates identification of distinct isobaric contributors to ions observed in the ESI/MS total ion current.
First order optical matching in the final focus section of the SLAC Linear Collider

Abstract The procedures used for dispersion and betatron matching in the first order optical tuning of the SLC final focus are described. Associated modelling and fitting algorithms are presented. A straightforward method for extending uncoupled optical models to incorporate cross-plane coupling is explained.
Erythropoietin in the central nervous system, and its use to prevent hypoxic-ischemic brain damage

A new field of clinical and scientific interest has recently developed based on the discovery that the hematopoietic cytokine erythropoietin (Epo) has important non-hematopoietic functions in the brain and other organs, particularly during development. The biological effects of Epo in the central nervous system (CNS) involve activation of its specific receptor and corresponding signal transduction pathways. Epo receptor expression is abundant in the developing mammalian brain, and decreases as term approaches. Epo has been identified as a neurotrophic and neuroprotective agent in a wide variety of experimental paradigms, from neuronal cell culture to in vivo models of brain injury. Several mechanisms by which Epo produces neuroprotection are recognized. Epo (i) decreases glutamate toxicity, (ii) induces the generation of neuronal anti-apoptotic factors, (iii) reduces inflammation, (iv) decreases nitric oxide-mediated injury, and (v) has direct antioxidant effects. Conclusion: Collectively, the evidence suggests that Epo may provide a new approach to the treatment of a variety of CNS disorders in adults and children, especially as a possible therapy for perinatal asphyxia. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the neurotrophic and neuroprotective functions of Epo in the developing and injured brain.
Production of Turbulence in the Vicinity of Critical Levels for Internal Gravity Waves

Abstract Calculations demonstrating that Internal gravity waves become unstable in the vicinity of critical levels are reported in this paper. An analytic linear inviscid model is used to look at the geometry of these unstable regions using parameters appropriate to the atmosphere. A nonlinear model is used to establish the usefulness of our simple analytic model. It is argued that turbulence should occur in regions of instability that are tens to hundreds of meters thick in the vertical. It is shown, in a fluid with a sufficiently large kinematic viscosity, that turbulence should no longer occur near critical levels. This condition indicates that turbulence will no longer be produced at critical levels above the altitude of the turbopause, about 100 km. Observational evidence is cited indicating that this production of turbulence near critical levels might be of importance in the planetary boundary layer, in the upper troposphere and stratosphere, in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, and even in the...
Effects of environmental changes on the incorporation of carbon atoms of d-glucose into mouse brain and other tissues.

Abstract Radioactive carbon atoms of subcutaneously-administered U- 14 C-D-glucose entered the brain to a much greater extent in “aggregated” than in “isolated” mice. Increased radioactivity of the injected glucose was also incorporated into spinal cord, adipose tissue and large intesting of aggregated mice. Studies on the time course of this effect indicated that changes in cerebral metabolism occur in both isolated and aggregated mice and that these changes tend to oppose one another.
UV finite brane decay

The decay of an unstable D-brane via closed string emission and open string pair production is considered in subcritical string theory with a spacelike linear dilaton. The decay rate is given by the imaginary part of the annulus, which has ambiguities corresponding to the choices of incoming closed and open string vacua. An exact expression for the full annulus diagram is computed with a natural choice of incoming vacua. It is found that the ultraviolet divergences present in critical string theory in both of these processes are absent for any nonzero spacelike dilaton. Implications for the vexing issue of the tachyon dust are discussed.
Exact Confidence Bounds, Based on One Order Statistic, for the Parameter of an Exponential Population

For a one-parameter negative exponential population, reasonably good interval estimates of the parameter σ may be obtained from one suitably chosen order statistic. The coefficients of the mth order statistic xm in exact confidence bounds for σ are found by taking the negative reciprocals of the natural logarithms of percentage points of the Beta distribution. The interval between exact lower and upper confidence bounds, each associated with confidence 1 – P, is, of course, an exact central confidence interval (confidence 1 – 2P). Results have been computed for several values of m, clustered about the value which yields the most efficient point estimator, for sample size n = 1(1)20(2)40 and P = .0001, .0005, .001, .005, .01, .025, .05, .1(.1).5. The definition of efficiency commonly used for point estimators is extended to confidence bounds and confidence intervals. The following tables are included, together with a description of the method of computation and a brief discussion of possible uses: (1) a ta...
Aldosterone synthase deficiency and related disorders

Aldosterone's main actions are to regulate intravascular volume and serum electrolytes by controlling sodium absorbtion and potassium excretion in the distal nephron. Inherited defects in aldosterone biosynthesis thus cause hypovolemia, hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. Defective aldosterone biosynthesis may be caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase (CYP21) deficiency, in which case cortisol biosynthesis is also affected, or as an isolated defect termed aldosterone synthase (corticosterone methyloxidase, CYP11B2) deficiency. Many mutations have been documented in each of these genes; in general enzymatic activity must be reduced to <1% of normal for aldosterone biosynthesis to be impaired. An additional form of familial hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism has been described that is not due to mutations in CYP11B2, but its etiology remains to be elucidated.
Cholesterol Supplementation Effect on Cholesterol Synthesis Rates (FSR) In Infants. ▴ 679

Background: We have shown previously in infants that type of milk affects FSR. There was a 2.6 fold increase in FSR of infants fed a cow milk based formula (low cholesterl (chol), 1-3 mg/dl) vs. human milk (HUM, high chol, 9-12 mg/dl) (Pediatr Res, 35:135). The effect of chol supplementation of cow milk based formula has not been studied. Hypothesis: 1) FSR in 4 mos. old infants fed modified formula (MF) (with amounts of chol similar to that found in HUM, 13 mg/dl) will be similar to FSR of infants fed HUM, and lower than those fed regular cow milk based formula (RF). 2) There will be “imprinting” effect of lipid intake early in life on FSR later in life. Design and method: Prospective cross over study in 90 infants; recruited in first wk of life, followed until 4 mos. of age (Arm one), or until 1 yr. of age (Arm two). We report arm one data. We followed 27 infants: HUM (n=13), RF (n=7), or MF (n=7). FSR is measured on 3 consecutive days as the rate of incorporation of deuterium oxide into red cell membrane chol (J Lipid Res, 32: 1049). Serum total chol, triglyceride (trig), and high density (HDL-c), and low density lipoprotein-chol (LDL-c) were measured.Results: Data (mean ± SEM) were analyzed using ANOVA.Table Conclusions: FSR was 3.8 fold higher in cow milk based formula (RF and MF) groups vs HUM, but not different between RF and MF infants. Thus, cholesterol supplement of one cow milk based formulation to HUM levels, did not significantly reduce fractional synthesis rate of cholesterol at 4 months of age. (support by Am. Heart Assoc. and Wyeth Labs)
Acute-phase hypoferremic response to lipopolysaccharide in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Abstract 1. 1. Iron concentrations in the plasma of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, decreased after the fish were injected i.p. with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from smooth and rough strains of two species of Gram-negative bacteria. The total iron-binding capacity of the blood was unchanged after LPS injection. 2. 2. Transferrin saturation (estimated as plasma iron × 100/total iron-binding capacity) was 20–38% in uninjected and saline-injected fish, decreasing to 8–18% 24 hr after injection of 1 mg/kg LPS. 3. 3. Plasma iron concentrations were lowest at 48–72 hr after i.v. LPS administration, returning to normal concentrations by 96–120 hr. 4. 4. The minimum LPS dose inducing significant hypoferremia in rainbow trout was 10 μg/kg. This is a lower dose than is required for induction of hypoferremia in some endothermic species.
Mechanism Reduction and Generation Using Analysis of Major Fuel Consumption Pathways for n-Heptane in Premixed and Diffusion Flames

Reaction pathway analyses were conducted for three mechanisms (designated as the Pitsch, Utah, and Lawrence Livermore National Lab) for a normal heptane premixed flame (Φ = 1.9) and a normal heptane opposed diffusion flame, in order to identify the relative importance of the major fuel consumption pathways in the two flame classes. In premixed flames, hydrogen abstraction is found to be the major fuel consumption route although it is surpassed by thermal decomposition when the flame temperature exceeds 1400-1500 K. At the higher temperatures, however, little fuel remains in a premixed flame so that thermal decomposition provides a minor pathway for overall fuel decomposition. The principal abstractor is the hydrogen radical in all three mechanisms with the hydroxyl radical having a secondary role. In opposed diffusion flames, thermal decomposition competes with hydrogen abstraction in providing the major pathway for fuel consumption. Thermal decomposition becomes important when a large fraction of the fuel reaches the high-temperature zone in a flame. By understanding the relative importance of competing fuel consumption pathways, mechanisms can be tailored to each specific application by eliminating or lumping insignificant reactions. The results obtained in this study for n-heptane may be used to guide the reduction of existing mechanisms for a particular application or the generation of mechanisms for the combustion of larger paraffins that are major components of liquid aviation and transportation fuels.
On radial weighting effects in gaussian expansions of self-consistent field atomic orbitals

Gaussian expansions of the SCF functions for the first row atoms, boron through fluorine, in ground and low-lying electronic states have been generated under a wide range of radial weighting conditions by a full least-squares procedure. Typical results are presented and the quality of the wavefunctions obtained are analyzed in terms of regional electron densities and a variety of expectation values including energies. A novel method for recursive evaluation of repeated integrals of the error function, F l (α,ζ), is adopted and analyzed. These integrals are central quantities in the least-squares procedure employed.
What do we know? Process analysis and the search for a better understanding of project match's anger-by-treatment matching effect

Objective: A consistent matching result from Project MATCH was the impact of patient trait anger on the effectiveness of alcohol treatments. Despite that finding, subsequent work failed to identify mechanisms underlying the effect. The present study examined a potential mediator, therapist directiveness, to determine its relationship with patient anger, treatment modality and drinking outcomes. Method: Observers rated therapist directiveness for 140 patients (70% men) at one MATCH aftercare site. ANOVA was used to test for the interaction between directiveness and patient anger, treatment differences in level of directiveness, the interaction between treatment modality and anger, and directiveness as a mediator of treatment modality effects. Results: A disordinal interaction was found between patient anger and therapist directiveness. Directiveness was associated with worse drinking outcomes among high anger patients and associated with less frequent drinking among low anger patients. Patient anger also i...
Respiratory carbon dioxide response curve computer

A special purpose analog computer which automatically plots the alveolar ventilation-alveolar PCo 2 response curve is described. The two inputs to the computer are a differential strain-gauge manometer output voltage which is proportional to the expiratory air flow in the rebreathing system and an infra-red carbon dioxide gas analyser output voltage corresponding to the carbon dioxide concentration in exhaled air. During each respiratory cycle, voltages representing the end-expiratory (alveolar) carbon dioxide and alveolar ventilation for the preceding cycle are fed to the X- and Y-axes respectively of an X-Y plotter. A typical response curve before and after 10 mg morphine is shown.
Genetic Complementation between Mutant b Subunits in F1F0 ATP Synthase

In Escherichia coli, a parallel homodimer of identical b subunits constitutes the peripheral stalk of F1F0 ATP synthase. Although the two b subunits have long been viewed as a single functional unit, the asymmetric nature of the enzyme complex suggested that the functional roles of each b subunit should not necessarily be considered equivalent. Previous mutagenesis studies of the peripheral stalk suffered from the fact that mutations in the uncF(b) gene affected both of the b subunits. We developed a system to express and study F1F0 ATP synthase complexes containing two different b subunits. Two mutations already known to inactivate the F1F0 ATP synthase complex have been studied using this experimental system. An evolutionarily conserved arginine, bArg-36, was known to be crucial for F1F0 ATP synthase function, and the last four C-terminal amino acids had been shown to be important for enzyme assembly. Experiments expressing one of the mutants with a wild type b subunit demonstrated the presence of heterodimers in F1F0 ATP synthase complexes. Activity assays suggested that the heterodimeric F1F0 complexes were functional. When the two defective b subunits were expressed together and in the absence of any wild type b subunit, an active F1F0 ATP synthase complex was assembled. This mutual complementation between fully defective b subunits indicated that each of the two b subunits makes a unique contribution to the functions of the peripheral stalk, such that one mutant b subunit is making up for what the other is lacking.
Harmonic distortion in intracochlear pressure and its analysis to explore the cochlear amplifier

Intracochlear pressure was measured close to the basal basilar membrane in gerbil with pure-tone stimulation. This report describes harmonic distortion in the pressure. The harmonic components were tuned in frequency and physiologically vulnerable, implying that they were related to the cell-derived force that sharpens tuning at low levels in healthy cochleae. For stimulus frequencies in the vicinity of the best frequency the harmonic distortion appeared to be produced locally, at the place of measurement. Therefore, it could be explored with a local nonlinear model. The combined model and observations demonstrate two specific points: First, the harmonics in the cell-based force were likely similar in size to the harmonics in pressure (multiplied by area) close to the basilar membrane. This is distinctly different than the situation for the fundamental component, where the cell-based force is apparently much smaller than the pressure (times area). Second, although the fundamental component of the measured pressure was much larger than its harmonic components, the harmonic and fundamental components of the active force were likely much more similar in size. This allows the harmonic components in the pressure to be used as an indirect measure of the active force.
Diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants.

Preterm infants are exposed to a host of therapeutic agents, and drug therapy for presumed gastroesophageal reflux (GER) ranks high on any list. It was documented recently that 25% of all extremely low birth weight (<1 kg) infants are discharged on promotility and/or antacid therapy.1 The most common indications for these drugs comprise feeding intolerance and recurrent episodes of apnea/bradycardia/desaturation.2 Unfortunately, there is little evidence to support this widely practiced approach. The article by Lopez-Alonso et al3 (in this month's issue of Pediatrics Electronic Pages ) provides revealing new data to help us characterize GER in preterm infants. Traditionally, GER has been quantified by measurement of esophageal pH. However, because … Address correspondence to Richard J. Martin, MD, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Division of Neonatology, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106-6010. E-mail: rxm6{at}case.edu
Spin-Orbit Coupling in Semiclassical Approximation

Abstract The spin-orbit coupling in a deformed system is studied by approximating the Schrodinger equation semiclassically. The discrete character of spin is preserved and WKB techniques are used for the coupled two-component wave equations. Thus, contrary to other approaches, spin is not treated similar to a classical angular momentum. Information about the periodic orbits is extracted from Fourier transform of the quantum mechanical spectra and compared to classical calculations. Planar motion exhibiting mode conversion and non-planar motion, for which Berry′s phase is important, are investigated. For planar orbits, the semiclassical method is successfully corrected for mode conversion.
Polymodal information processing via temporal cortex Area 37 modeling

A model of biological information processing is presented that consists of auditory and visual subsystems linked to temporal cortex and limbic processing. An biologically based algorithm is presented for the fusing of information sources of fundamentally different modalities. Proof of this concept is outlined by a system which combines auditory input (musical sequences) and visual input (illustrations such as paintings) via a model of cortex processing for Area 37 of the temporal cortex. The training data can be used to construct a connectionist model whose biological relevance is suspect yet is still useful and a biologically based model which achieves the same input to output map through biologically relevant means. The constructed models are able to create from a set of auditory and visual clues a combined musical/ illustration output which shares many of the properties of the original training data. These algorithms are not dependent on these particular auditory/ visual modalities and hence are of general use in the intelligent computation of outputs that require sensor fusion.
Effect of hydrophobic structure on the catalysis of nitric oxide release from zwitterionic diazeniumdiolates in surfactant and liposome media

The effect of phospholipid liposomes and surfactant micelles on the rate of nitric oxide release from zwitterionic diazeniumdiolates, R1R2N[N(O)NO]-, with significant hydrophobic structure, has been explored. The acid-catalyzed dissociation of NO has been examined in phosphate-buffered solutions of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) micelles and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-(1-glycerol)] sodium salt (DPPG) phospholipid liposomes. The reaction behavior of dibenzylamine-, monobenzylamine-, and dibutylamine-derived substrates [1]: R1 = C6H5CH2, R2 = C6H5CH2 NH2+(CH2)2, 2: R1 = C6H5CH2, R2 = NH3+(CH2)2, and 3: R1 = n-butyl, R2 = n-butyl-NH2+(CH2)6] has been compared with that of SPER/NO, 4: R1 = H2N(CH2)3, R2 = H2N(CH2) 3NH2+(CH2)4]. Catalysis of NO release is observed in both micellar and liposome media. Hydrophobic interactions contribute to micellar binding for 1-3 and appear to be the main factor facilitating catalysis by charge neutral DPPC liposomes. Binding constants for the association of 1 and 3 with SDS micelles were 3-fold larger than those previously obtained with comparable zwitterionic substrates lacking their hydrophobic structure. Anionic DPPG liposomes were much more effective in catalyzing NO release than either DPPC liposomes or SDS micelles. DPPG liposomes (at 10 mM total lipid) induced a 30-fold increase in the NO dissociation rate of SPER/NO compared to 12- and 14-fold increases in that of 1 and 3.
Simultaneous determination of bulk isotropic and surface-induced anisotropic complex dielectric functions of semiconductors from high speed Mueller matrix ellipsometry

We have measured spectra from ∼2 to 5 eV in all 15 elements of the normalized Mueller matrix for (110) Si at an angle of incidence of θ a ∼70°, as an initial demanding performance test of a novel dual rotating-compensator multichannel ellipsometer. The Mueller matrix spectra, deduced from 36 waveform integrals collected over a single optical cycle of 0.25 s, can be analyzed to extract the bulk isotropic dielectric function e b = e 1b - ie 2b and the surface-induced dielectric function anisotropy Δe s = Δe 1s -iΔe 2s . Starting from the 15 Mueller matrix elements, six sample parameters are determined, namely the real and imaginary parts of the complex amplitude reflection ratios ρ pp , ρ ps , and ρ sp . The surface-induced anisotropic response (Δe s ) d = [e s (110)-e s (001)]d is deduced from an average of four independent spectra, two in ρ sp and two in ρ ps = - ρ sp using the first order term in d/λ from an expansion of the partial transfer matrix. Here d is the surface anisotropic layer thickness and λ is the vacuum wavelength. Because both the real and imaginary parts of (Δe s )d are now accessible, the results can be fit using a Kramers-Kronig (K-K) consistent oscillator model. The key advantage of the newly-developed instrument is the ability to perform spectroscopic measurements in real time that simultaneously provide bulk isotropic and surface- or interface-induced anisotropic optical responses.
Characteristics of Adult and Foetal Myoglobin in the Visible Light Spectrums

A MYOGLOBIN which differed from adult myoglobin (MbA) was found in the urine1 of a 28-year-old woman during an episode of idiopathic rhabdomyolysis with myoglobinuria. The same haem protein was later demonstrated in the patient's skeletal muscle2 where it comprised the bulk of the benzidine positive protein after haemoglobin and cytochrome c had been separated from the myoglobin by column chromatography. This distinct chromoprotein was similar in its solubility in ammonium sulphate, spectroscopic characteristics and on cellulose acetate electrophoresis to foetal skeletal myoglobin (MbF) prepared in the same manner from the psoas muscle of infants stillborn at term. It was concluded that myoglobin, like haemoglobin, can present molecular variations which express themselves as disease syndromes, for example, rhabdomyolysis, under certain conditions. Although these clinical and biochemical findings have been supported by one investigator3, other reports do not regard MbF as an entity but rather as an artefact produced by the method used in preparing the myoglobin for analysis. The evidence against MbF has recently been summarized4. The present report examines the spectroscopic characteristics of MbA and MbF, adult and foetal haemoglobin (HbA and HbF, respectively) derived from muscle and blood of the human, dog and pig. The methods were designed to study the various pigments under optimum and standard conditions to minimize the effects of changing pH, salt concentrations, temperature, state of haem oxidation, crystallizations and other manipulations.
PLASMA AND UTERINE CORTISOL, PROGESTERONE AND PROTEIN CHANGES IN PSEUDOPREGNANT GILTS TREATED WITH HYDROCORTISONE ACETATE

Abstract To determine the effects of cortisol concentrations during pregnancy, gilts, made pseudopregnant through twice daily administration of 5 mg estradiol benzoate on Days 11 to 15 (Day 0 = first day of estrus), received either 5 mg/kg body weight of hydrocortisone acetate (HA) in sesame oil (n=5) or sesame oil alone (n=6) twice daily on Days 21 to 30. Blood samples (20 ml) were collected on Days 11, 21 and 31. Uterine flushings were obtained surgically on Day 31. The HA-treated gilts had higher (P
Fire ant venom alkaloid, isosolenopsin A, a potent and selective inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase.

Massive, multiple fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, stings are often treated aggressively, particularly in the elderly, despite limited evidence of systemic toxicity due to the venom. Over 95% of the S...
Recovery of Image after Distortion by Atmospheric Turbulence Using Phase-Conjugate Beam through Difference Frequency Generation

Using phase-conjugate beam generated by second-order nonlinear process, blurred images caused by atmospheric turbulence were fully recovered. Due to instantaneous response, it is perhaps the only scheme for efficiently recovering image distorted by atmospheric turbulence.
Expression of inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase (ITPK1) and its role in neural tube defects.

ITPK1 is the rate limiting enzyme in the pathway leading to formation of the highly phosphorylated inositol phosphates including IP6 and the inositol pyrophosphates. One or more of these metabolites are essential for life as deletion of either of the kinases that form IP5 or IP6 in mice results in embryonic lethality. We have produced mice harboring a hypomorphic allele for Itpk1, and mice homozygous for this gene trap allele produce low but detectable levels of active enzyme. We have studied the expression of Itpk1 in various tissues and found that the enzyme is highly expressed in smooth muscle of vessels and other tissues. In addition, these mice have neural tube defects in 12% of homozygous embryos. Since the levels of enzyme expression vary greatly in homozygous animals, we speculate that relative deficiency of one or more inositol phosphates accounts for these defects. We plan to feed an inositol deficient diet or one with supplemental inositol to animals to demonstrate altered prevalence of neural tube defects.
Three bis-ortho-diynylarenes (BODA)

The molecule of 3,3′,4,4′-tetrakis­(phenyl­ethynyl)­bi­phenyl, C44H26, is approximately planar and is located on a crystallographic inversion center. Bis­[3,4-bis­(phenyl­ethynyl)­phenyl] ether, C44H26O, has mol­ecules located on twofold symmetry axes, whereas the molecule of 2,2-bis­[3,4-bis­(phenyl­ethynyl)­phenyl]­propane, C47H32, does not exhibit any molecular symmetry.
Functional characterization of the murine Tnk1 promoter

Tnk1/Kos1 is a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase found to be a tumor suppressor. It negatively regulates cell growth by indirectly suppressing Ras activity. We identified and characterized the critical cis-elements required for Tnk1/Kos1's promoter activity. Results indicate that the murine Tnk1 promoter lacks a conventional TATA, CAAT or initiator element (Inr) but contains multiple transcription start sites. Transcription is initiated by a TATA-like element composed of an AT rich sequence at -30 (30 bp upstream) from the major transcription start site and an Inr-like element that overlaps the multiple start sites. Deletion analysis of the m-Tnk1 promoter reveals the presence of both positive (-25 to -151) and negative (-151 to -1201) regulatory regions. The three GC boxes which bind Sp1 and Sp3 with high affinity, an AP2 site (that overlaps with an AML1 site) and a MED1 site comprise the necessary cis-elements of the proximal promoter required for both constitutive and inducible Tnk1/Kos1 expression. Importantly, results reveal that cellular stress reverses the repression of Tnk1/Kos1 and induces its expression through increased high affinity interactions between nuclear proteins Sp1, Sp3, AP2 and MED1 for the m-Tnk1 promoter. These findings provide a mechanism by which the m-Tnk1 promoter can be dynamically regulated during normal growth.
Unbiased estimation of odds ratio by using negative binomial plans

The use of the negative binomial distribution in both the numerator and denominator in prospective studies leads to an unbiased estimate of the odds ratio and an exact expression for its variance. Sample sizes that minimize the variance of odds ratio estimates are specified. The variance of the odds ratio estimate is shown to be close to the Cramer-Rao lower bound.
Messenger RNA encoding basic chromosomal proteins of mouse testis

Abstract Considerable knowledge has accumulated concerning histones and other basic chromosomal proteins which appear in mammalian male germ cells during spermatogenesis. The best characterized of these proteins are testis protein (TP) and protamine. Both are small and highly basic, TP being present in early spermatids while two molecular species of mouse protamine may be detected in spermatids in the later stages of differentiation and in sperm. The amino acid sequence of TP from rat and of a single species of protamine from bull have been reported. In contrast to this detailed information related to protein structure, relatively little is known of the mechanisms involved in synthesis of the proteins or of the controls which regulate their synthesis during spermatogenesis. In the study reported here, messenger RNA (mRNA) from mouse testis was examined for its ability to act as a template for in vitro synthesis of TP and protamine. Three polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis systems were developed to distinguish TP and the two species of mouse protamine among in vitro translation products synthesized by a cell-free wheat germ extract. A 6 S RNA encoding TP was identified by translation of sucrose gradient fractions. RNA encoding TP was also found among the testis RNAs which were bound to oligo(dT)-cellulose during affinity chromatography. These physical properties and apparent abundance of this TP mRNA suggest that it may be a useful probe for further studies of RNA metabolism and gene regulation. In no case was an in vitro translation product comigrating with the two protamine species observed, suggesting the possibility that protamine may be synthesized as a precursor and later processed to the species which are found in sperm.
Optimal filtering in linear distributed parameter systems with multiple time delays

This paper considers the problem of state estimation in a noisy medium of a process described by a linear partial differential equation subject to multiple time delays in the system model as well as in the observation process. The filter equations for the optimal estimate and variance are obtained in the form of partial integro-differential equations, the complexity of which depends on the system.
SoNavNet: a framework for social navigation networks

Location-Based Services (LBSs) and Social Networks (SN) have been developed independently with different technologies and for different purposes. However, due to their success with respect to the demand for them and for the reason that they overlap in utilizing "location" information in some applications and services, location-based social networks (LBSNs) are emerging. In this paper, we present a LBSN which is focused on navigation experience and sharing called Social Navigation Network (SoNavNet). Starting with an ontology, the details of SoNavNet, including architecture and functions, are provided and a prototype SoNavNet to demonstrate the capabilities and features of LBSNs is presented.
Real Time Imaging of Clathrin Coat Formation with Molecular-Scale Resolution

This talk will focus on the use of cutting-edge high resolution structural visualization combined with dynamic live cell and single-molecule fluorescence imaging techniques to understand clathrin mediated endocytic processes involved in communication of cells with its environment, in pathogen invasion and viral infection, in cell growth control and cancer, and in the biogenesis of organelles. The goal is to generate molecular-resolution movies describing the function of machineries responsible for the control of these types of carefully choreographed interactions in cells. We will explore the regulation of the clathrin machinery engaged in classical endocytosis by presenting an integrated view based on recent data from snapshots (cryoEM tomography and 3-D single-particle reconstruction, x-ray crystallography) and from dynamic imaging (live cell and single molecule fluorescence microscopy) and show how they are used to inform cell, biochemical and mechanistic studies.
Maximum ice force on the Molikpaq during the April 12, 1986 event

Abstract On April 12, 1986, the Molikpaq, a caisson-type offshore drilling structure, experienced a series of loading events when second-year and multi-year ice moved against the structure. The highest loads that the Molikpaq experienced during the 1985–86 season were during this day. Extensive ice thickness measurements had been taken in the ice around the Molikpaq prior to April 12. Thickness of up to 6 m were measured and 8 to 12 m estimated for a multi-year hummock. MEDOF panels on the outer face of the caisson and strain gauges on inner bulkheads of the structure were the primary instrumentation used to calculate forces on the faces. Detailed analysis of strain gauge and extensometer data indicated that the maximum global force on the Molikpaq was no more than 420 MN and most likely was 380 MN. This is in contrast to higher and lower values quoted in the literature for the April 12th event. Other loading events during the day when multiple strain gauges and MEDOF panels were being recorded produced global loads of the order 250 MN. Global ice pressures for the 8 to 12 m thick multi-year hummock crushing on the 59 m long east face were not greater than 0.8 MPa.
Effects of 2 Concentrations of Sodium Citrate on Coagulation Test Results, von Willebrand Factor Concentration, and Platelet Function in Dogs

Background:Blood collection tubes containing 3.2% (0.109 M) sodium citrate, instead of 3.8% (0.129 M) sodium citrate, have recently become available in the United States. These tubes are visually indistinguishable from the traditional 3.8% sodium citrate tubes, except for wording on the label. Consequently, samples for hemostatic evaluation are frequently collected in tubes containing the lower concentration of sodium citrate. Hypothesis:Results of hemostasis assays are different in samples collected in 3.2% versus 3.8% sodium citrate. Animals:Twenty healthy dogs. Methods:This study aimed at determining whether results of standard coagulation tests, von Willebrand factor concentration (vWF:Ag), and platelet function with the platelet function analyzer PFA-100a were affected by the different concentrations of sodium citrate. Blood samples were collected in tubes containing either 3.2% or 3.8% sodium citrate concentrations and processed routinely for coagulation assays (one-stage prothrombin time [OSPT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], fibrinogen concentration, and platelet count), vWF:Ag, and platelet function assays with a PFA-100. Results:There was no significant difference between samples collected in 3.2% versus those collected in 3.8% sodium citrate for OSPT, aPTT, fibrinogen concentration, platelet count, or vWF:Ag. The closure times with collagen/adenosine diphosphate were significantly shorter (66 ± 8.1 versus 74.8 ± 9.7 seconds; P < .0001) with the 3.2% than with 3.8% sodium citrate concentration, and the hematocrit was significantly higher (47.9 ± 5.6 versus 46.0 ± 4.7 seconds; P= .03) in samples collected in 3.2% than in those collected in 3.8% sodium citrate. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: There is no clinically relevant effect of collection of blood into 3.2% or 3.8% sodium citrate.