cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unitary and non-unitary representations of the complex inhomogeneous Lorentz group

We construct unitary and non-unitary representations of the complex inhomogeneous Lorentz group, including all its unitary, irreducible representations. We discuss the decomposition of these representations when they are restricted to the real inhomogeneous Lorentz group. We also discuss the representations of the Poincare group for which the translation subgroup transforms under a not necessarily unitary representation. We summarize briefly the physical motivation for this study.
Early Detection Tool of Intestinal Dysfunction: Impact on Necrotizing Enterocolitis Severity.

Objective The aim of this study is to determine the use of an early clinical signs and symptoms warning tool in early identification of intestinal dysfunction as a clinical strategy to decrease necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) severity. Design Using signs and symptoms of 297 infants, of which 33 infants were diagnosed with stage II and III EC intestinal dysfunction, a five clinical category scoring tool ( Neo natal N ecrotizing E nterocolitis E arly D etection S core [NeoNEEDS]) and strategy with abdominal X-ray alert was developed. The categories included behavior, cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and feeding tolerance. The strategy was tested in a prospective cohort of 72 infants Results The earliest signs and symptoms of intestinal dysfunction (Stage I NEC) were cardiorespiratory baseline changes, p Conclusion Cardiorespiratory symptoms precede gastrointestinal symptoms of intestinal dysfunction. Targeting signs and symptoms in an early warning tool to identify intestinal dysfunction can impact NEC severity progression.
Surface Deformation of Metal Films Under Controlled Pressure for Generating Ultra-flat Metal Surfaces

We present a technique to generate ultra-smooth surfaces and direct pattern imprinting on thin metal films by flattening the bumps and spikes of a freshly vacuum deposited metal film. The technique was implemented by using a small footprint mechanical imprint press that has the capability to vary the applied pressure from 100MPa to 600MPa. The mechanical press was incorporated with a tactile force sensor that enabled direct monitoring of the applied pressure. We demonstrated the feasibility of the technique on an e-beam evaporated silver (Ag) metal film with thickness ranging from 150A (optically thin) to 1000A (optically thick). The film was deposited on double-polished (100)-oriented silicon surface and double-polished borosilicate glass, resulting in a varying degree of film smoothness. The surface morphology of the pressed thin film was then studied using atomic force microscopy and SEM. Our demonstration with the e-beam evaporated silver thin film exhibits the potential for applications in decreasing the scattering-induced losses in optical metamaterials, plasmonic nanodevices and electrical shorts in molecular-scale electronic devices.
Magnetic resonance imaging and neurosphere therapy of stroke in rat

We intracisternally transplanted subventricular zone (SVZ) cells labeled by ferromagnetic particles into stroked rats. Migration of transplanted cells was non-invasively tracked using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We found that transplanted cells selectively migrated towards the ischemic parenchyma at a mean speed of 65 +/- 14.6 microm/hr in living rats. Migration of transplanted cells in the brain was also measured histopathologically. Rats transplanted with SVZ cells exhibited significant improvement of neurological function. Our data suggest that intracisternal transplantation of SVZ cells provides an avenue for cell therapy of stroke and that MRI can be used to track grafted cells in the brain.
Psychosomatic Syndromes, Somatization and Somatoform Disorders

A psychosomatic syndrome is defined as a syndrome in which psychological processes play a substantial role in the etiology of the illness in some of the patients. The main conclusions on the extent of the biological and psychosocial contributions to several psychosomatic syndromes are presented and the relationship of these syndromes to somatization and somatoform disorders is discussed. The syndromes summarized include fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, motility disorders of the esophagus, nonulcer dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, urethral syndrome, behaviors causing disturbances of physiology, and some defined pain syndromes. The findings suggest that the extent of the biological and psychosocial contributions vary among these syndromes as well as among individuals with the same syndrome. In some syndromes the extent and nature of the biological contribution has not been established with certainty. There is evidence to suggest that many of the phenomena of the somatoform disorders are caused by clustering of psychosomatic syndromes or their incomplete or atypical manifestations and a low sensation threshold. The results of the controlled studies of various methods of psychotherapy and drug treatments of the psychosomatic syndromes are listed; these studies have practical implications because the adoption of these methods is likely to enhance the efficacy of the treatment of somatoform disorders.
Excited state solvation dynamics of 2-anilinonaphthalene

Abstract Nanosecond fluorescence spectroscopy has been used to study the interaction of 2-anilinonaphthalene with polar solvent molecules which is shown to result in stoichiometric complex formation at low polar solvent concentrations. This is followed by reorientation of the solvent cage when the concentration of polar solvent is high.
Raman Spectroscopy of Hot Dense Hydrogen

High $P\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}T$ Raman measurements of solid and fluid hydrogen to above 1100 K at 70 GPa and to above 650 K in 150 GPa range, conditions previously inaccessible by static compression experiments, provide new insight into the behavior of the material under extreme conditions. The data give a direct measure of the melting curve that extends previous optical investigations by up to a factor of 4 in pressure. The magnitude of the vibron frequency temperature derivative $(d\ensuremath{\nu}/dT{)}_{P}$ increases by a factor of $\ensuremath{\sim}30$ over the measured pressure range, indicating an increase in intrinsic anharmonicity and weakening of the molecular bond.
Freshwater macrophyte communities in lakes of variable landscape position and development in northern Wisconsin, U.S.A.

Using multivariate analyses, we evaluated the roles of landscape position and human development in the presence, composition, and abundance of freshwater macrophyte communities among 60 study lakes located in Vilas County, Wisconsin. These lakes varied in their position in a drainage network and surrounding land use as well as size, maximum depth, chemistry, and clarity. We used non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination, cluster analyses, and classification tree analyses to assess the multivariate relationships among macrophyte communities and environmental variables including an index of human development. Macrophyte communities in lakes high in the landscape were found to be dominated by isoetids while lakes low in the drainage network were dominated by elodeids due to the difference in bicarbonate concentrations. The presence of the human-introduced crayfish, Orconectes rusticus, had a high and significant correlation with the absence of macrophytes. An increase in human development correlated with a decrease in macrophyte abundance.
Energetics Analysis of Forms I−IV Syndiotactic Polypropylene Crystal Structures

A vibrationally accurate potential energy function, our spectroscopically determined force field (SDFF), is used to calculate the relative zero-point-corrected energies of various forms I−IV syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) crystal structures, both in their unconstrained and room-temperature unit cells. The results confirm the instability of the pure Ibca structure and support suggestions that form I sPP may be a statistical mixture of structures. Form IV is shown to have an energy close to form I structures, making its participation in kink bands possible. The relatively high energy of the form III unit cell makes it understandable that this structure is found only under external tension.
Dynamic behavior of concrete at high strain rates and pressures: I. experimental characterization

Abstract Understanding the behavior of concrete and mortar at very high strain rates is of critical importance in a range of applications. Under highly dynamic conditions, the strain-rate dependence of material response and high levels of hydrostatic pressure cause the material behavior to be significantly different from what is observed under quasistatic conditions. The behavior of concrete and mortar at strain rates of the order of 104 s−1 and pressures up to 1.5 GPa are studied experimentally. The mortar analyzed has the same composition and processing conditions as the matrix phase in the concrete, allowing the effect of concrete microstructure to be delineated. The focus is on the effects of loading rate, hydrostatic pressure and microstructural heterogeneity on the load-carrying capacities of the materials. This experimental investigation uses split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) and plate impact to achieve a range of loading rate and hydrostatic pressure. The SHPB experiments involve strain rates between 250 and 1700 s−1 without lateral confinement and the plate impact experiments subject the materials to deformation at strain rates of the order of 104 s−1 with confining pressures of 1–1.5 GPa. Experiments indicate that the load-carrying capacities of the concrete and mortar increase significantly with strain rate and hydrostatic pressure. The compressive flow stress of mortar at a strain rate of 1700 s−1 is approximately four times its quasistatic strength. Under the conditions of plate impact involving impact velocities of approximately 330 ms−1, the average flow stress is 1.7 GPa for the concrete and 1.3 GPa for the mortar. In contrast, the corresponding unconfined quasistatic compressive strengths are only 30 and 46 MPa, respectively. Due to the composite microstructure of concrete, deformation and stresses are nonuniform in the specimens. The effects of material inhomogeneity on the measurements during the impact experiments are analyzed using a four-beam VISAR laser interferometer system.
Selective inhibition of DNA replicase assembly by a non-natural nucleotide: exploiting the structural diversity of ATP-binding sites.

DNA synthesis is catalyzed by an ensemble of proteins designated the replicase. The efficient assembly of this multiprotein complex is essential for the continuity of DNA replication and is mediated by clamp-loading accessory proteins that use ATP binding and hydrolysis to coordinate these events. As a consequence, the ability to selectively inhibit the activity of these accessory proteins provides a rational approach to regulate DNA synthesis. Toward this goal, we tested the ability of several non-natural nucleotides to inhibit ATP-dependent enzymes associated with DNA replicase assembly. Kinetic and biophysical studies identified 5-nitro-indolyl-2′-deoxyribose-5′-triphosphate as a unique non-natural nucleotide capable of selectively inhibiting the bacteriophage T4 clamp loader versus the homologous enzyme from Escherichia coli. Modeling studies highlight the structural diversity between the ATP-binding site of each enzyme and provide a mechanism accounting for the differences in potencies for various su...
The impact of distributed photovoltaic generation on residential distribution systems

The past few decades have seen a rapid proliferation of distributed generation sources. These sources can be located at or near load centers and provide benefits which traditional generation may lack. However, distribution systems were not designed to accommodate such power generation sources as they might cause bidirectional power flow and other potential problems and unexpected conditions. This paper investigates the impact of two different types of distributed PV generation sources on a test distribution feeder. A realistic test distribution system has been modeled and a comparative study has been done for two different loading scenarios at a moderate level of PV penetration. The paper further studies the effect of high penetration level of PV generation and points out some problems that might be encountered. The effects of distributed PV generation on voltage regulation, voltage unbalance factor and line losses have been analyzed for the different cases discussed.
A synthesis of S-(−)-ipsenol from lactic acid

Abstract A six step synthesis of S-(−)-ipsenol, a constituent of the sex pheromone of the bark beetle, from lactic acid employs an asymmetric aldol condensation and a novel molybdenum catalyzed elimination of an allyl ester as key steps.
South Continental Divide Regional Meeting, Denver, Colorado, June 21–24, 1937, (Addendum to Part II, Transactions of 1937): European hydrologic activities

Introduction—In a live-year period prior to 1933, the author visited many hydrologic bureaus in Central Europe, studying their aims and methods. This paper is a brief summary of the activities of these organizations. Considerable use has been made of an excellent article by Ing. A. Rundo, entitled “Die hydrographischen Institutionen Europas, deren Organisation und Taetigkeit” (In the Wasserkraft-Jahrbuch of 1928–29), to supplement information obtained by the author. Common activities, such as the collection and recording of precipitation, stream-gaging, and evaporation-data, are not mentioned, for most countries procure this kind of hydrologic data. A quantitative tabulation of the extent to which such statistics are gathered in Europe is contained in “Deficiencies in basic hydrologic data” of the National Resources Commission.
Characterization of an Inorganic Cryptomelane Nanomaterial Synthesized by a Novel Process Using Transmission Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction

Layer- and tunnel-structured manganese oxide nanomaterials are important because of their potential applications in industrial catalysis. A novel soft chemistry method was developed for the synthesis of inorganic cryptomelane nanomaterials with high surface area. Bright field transmission electron microscopy (BF-TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques were employed to characterize this nanomaterial. A nanosized material with fibrous texture comprised of 140–160 nm striations was identified by BF-TEM imaging. HRTEM images show multiple atomic morphologies such as “helix-type,” “doughnut-like,” and tunnel structures lying on different crystallographic planes. The crystallographic parameters of this material were analyzed and measured by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) showing that the synthesized nanomaterial is single phased and corresponds to cryptomelane with major diffraction peaks (for 10° < 2θ < 60°) at d-spacing values of 6.99, 4.94, 3.13, 2.40, 2.16, 1.84, 1.65, and 1.54 A. A “doughnut-like” crystal structure was confirmed based on the crystallographic data. Structure and lattice parameters refinement was performed by XRD/Rietveld analysis. Simple simulation of HRTEM images and selected area diffraction patterns were applied to interpret the HRTEM images as observed.
The influence of vicinal SrTiO3 surfaces on the growth and ferroelectric properties of epitaxial Bi4Ti3O12 thin films

Adsorption-controlled growth conditions have been utilized to grow epitaxial, stoichiometric, c-axis oriented Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 thin films by reactive molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). We have studied samples grown on vicinal (miscut) and well-oriented (100) SrTiO 3 substrates. There is a degradation in film properties as a function of step density (degree of miscut) on the SrTiO 3 surface. The greater the degree of miscut of the SrTiO 3 substrate, the less intense the X-ray diffraction peak intensities of the film become, and the wider are the rocking curve widths. The reduced film quality is further confirmed by ferroelectric hysteresis measurements. Films grown on miscut substrates have significant space charge contributions to the polarization, while films grown on well-oriented substrates show symmetric hysteresis loops with remanent polarizations approaching values obtained for bulk single crystals. The degradation of film properties is explained by considering the influence of steps at the SrTiO 3 substrate surface on the electronic and crystallographic continuity in the ab plane of the deposited Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 films.
Transferrin independent serum inhibition of Blastomyces dermatitidis

Human serum has been reported to inhibit the growth of several fungal pathogens. Serum inhibitory activity has predominantly been associated with transferrin-mediated iron binding. We found that serum from several animal species (human, dog, mouse and fetal bovine) inhibited the growth of the dimorphic fungal pathogen, Blastomyces dermatitidisin vitro. In initial studies, we found no correlation between the total iron-binding capacity of various sera and their inhibitory activity against B. dermatitidis yeast. In addition, we were unable to abrogate the inhibitory activity of human serum against B. dermatitidis yeast by the addition of ferric chloride (10-200 microM). We found that apo-transferrin had little or no inhibitory activity against B. dermatitidis yeast. Furthermore, serum from hypotransferrinemic mice (hpx/hpx) had inhibitory activity against B. dermatitidis yeast that was equivalent to that of normal mouse serum. These findings are consistent with our initial findings and suggest that serum inhibitory activity against B. dermatitidis yeast is transferrin independent. Although high concentrations (3.5-5 mg/ml) of lactoferrin did have inhibitory activity against B. dermatitidis yeast, these concentrations were orders of magnitude greater than those found in serum under normal physiological conditions, suggesting that lactoferrin was not likely to contribute to serum inhibitory activity against B. dermatitidis yeast. Our findings suggest that host iron-binding proteins may be relatively ineffective in innate host defense against infection with B. dermatitidis yeast.
The effects of presentation rate and retention interval on memory for items and associations in younger adults: a simulation of older adults' associative memory deficit.

ABSTRACTOlder adults show an associative deficit in episodic memory compared to younger adults. Previous research suggests both strategic and automatic binding deficits contribute to older adults’ poorer memory performance. Using behavioral manipulations designed to affect strategic and automatic binding of associations, three experiments attempted to simulate an associative deficit in younger adults. In these experiments participants learned face-scene pairs and then were given item and associative recognition memory tests. We manipulated the time allotted at encoding and retrieval to simulate strategic deficits, and the length of the retention interval to simulate automatic deficits. Results indicate that both manipulations separately contribute to a differential decline in associative memory, similar to the one shown by older adults, especially as reflected in the differential increase in false alarm rate in the associative memory test more than in the item memory test. Considerations of possible under...
Moment analysis of EEG amplitude histograms and spectral analysis: relative classification of several behavioral tasks.

Previous studies indicate that EEG amplitude probability density functions are Gaussian (normal) during rest and non-Gaussian during performance of mental tasks. In the present study we compared measures of normality, including higher central moments (e.g., skewness, kurtosis) and relative spectral power, to classify data sampled from several different behavioral tasks (resting eyes closed and mental arithmetic). Analysis shows significant classification in 22 of 25 subjects, based upon a total of 46 EEG variables. However, only two of these variables involved Gaussian properties of the amplitude distribution. Relative spectral power, on the other hand, contributed 33 predictor variables in delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands (alpha was the best single predictor). These results lend support to studies demonstrating the robustness of EEG relative spectra but cast doubt upon the utility of Gaussian patterns in EEG amplitude distributions as predictors of behavioral states.
Cotreatment with a novel phosphoinositide analogue inhibitor and carmustine enhances chemotherapeutic efficacy by attenuating AKT activity in gliomas

BACKGROUND. Heightened activity of the AKT signaling pathway is prominent in malignant gliomas and has been suggested to play a role in treatment resistance. Selective targeting of AKT, therefore, may increase chemosensitivity. Recently, a novel class of AKT-selective inhibitors has been described, including SH-6, a phosphatidylinositol analogue. METHODS. The effects of SH-6 on AKT signaling were tested in glioma cells, and the putative role of AKT signaling in chemoresistance was tested by attenuating AKT signaling pharmacologically and genetically. The initial characterization of SH-6 included treatment of glioma cells with increasing doses of SH-6 (0.30–30 μM) and examining the effects on AKT signaling proteins by Western blot analyses and in kinase assays with immunoprecipitated AKT1. Dose-response studies with SH-6 administered to glioma cell lines were performed using a luminescent cell-viability assay (0.1–30 μM). Studies examining the effect of carmustine, either alone or in combination with either the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 or SH-6, were performed by cell viability assays and clonogenic survival assays. The effect of carmustine on AKT activity as a response to treatment also was examined. Caspase assays were used to examine the potential role of apoptosis in SH-6/ carmustine -elicited cell death. Finally, the induction of a dominant-negative AKT1 transgene was used in combination with carmustine to demonstrate the role of AKT1 in carmustine chemoresistance. RESULTS. Serum-stimulated phosphorylation of AKT1 was inhibited by SH-6 at doses ≥10 μM (>70% decrease in Threonine 308 and Serine 473 phosphorylation of AKT1). In adenosine triphosphate assays, 72 hours of treatment with SH-6 led to 50% lethal doses near 10 μM for 2 cell lines tested. SH-6 enhancement of carmustine-mediated cell death led to synergistic increases in Caspase 3/Capsase 7 activity, implicating apoptosis as the cell death mechanism. In clonogenic assays, SH-6 cotreatment with carmustine significantly decreased the number of colonies at 10 μM (P < .05) compared with carmustine alone. No decrease was observed in cells that were treated with SH-6 alone (10 μM). LY294002 (10 μM) was also able to enhance the effects of carmustine significantly in both cell lines. CONCLUSIONS. In the current study, the authors characterized the efficacy of a new class of adjuvant chemotherapeutics that show promise in enhancing the efficacy of standard chemotherapy regimens in gliomas. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Operating experience and improvement opportunities for coal-based IGCC plants

AbstractThe four major coal-based IGCC plants, each of 250–300 MW, commissioned in the 1990s have now either entered or are about to enter full commercial service. These pioneer plants, two in the US (Tampa and Wabash), two in Europe (Buggenum and Puertollano) experienced the usual spate of problems during their initial two or three years of operation. However, these plants are now running at much improved availabilities similar to those of many other solid fueled plants. Furthermore the lessons learned from these pioneer plants suggest several areas where materials development could further improve the availability of IGCC plants as currently commercially offered. Even without the likelihood of carbon emissions related regulation, coal based IGCC technology is very close to being economically competitive with pulverized coal-fired (PC) plants and can meet extremely stringent environmental emission standards. IGCC is already commercially cost competitive in many worldwide locations when using petroleum re...
Viability of human marrow after long-term cryopreservation

Abstract Human bone marrow specimens cryopreserved with dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) and stored in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen for 37 to 121 months were evaluated for viability using the granulocyte—macrophage (CFU-C) and burst-forming (BFU-E) assays. Eighteen marrows were from patients with a variety of malignant diseases and 10 were from patients with chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGL). Twenty-two of the twenty-eight stored marrows showed in vitro colony growth by at least one of the assays. Four of the marrows from patients with malignant diseases and two from patients with CGL showed no growth. All marrows showing no colony growth had been stored at least 8.5 years, although colony growth was seen in marrows stored for up to 10 years.
Rapid growth of rehabilitation services in traditional community-based nursing homes.

Abstract Objective: To describe the changes in rehabilitation therapy services in nursing homes based in the community during a period of rapid escalation of Medicare payments to nursing homes. Setting: All Medicaid-certified nursing homes in Ohio. Subjects: The 52,705 residents newly admitted to nursing homes in 1994 and 1995. Design: Retrospective trend analysis of administrative data. Main Outcome Measures: For newly admitted residents receiving 90 or more minutes of rehabilitation therapy per week, the trends in percentage and in the amount and type of therapy received were determined for eight quarters. Results: Of all newly admitted residents, 50.5% received 90 or more minutes of therapy. When they received such therapy it averaged 412 minutes per week (SD = 259). Those residents who received rehabilitation services increased by 2.2% each quarter ( p p p Conclusions: The traditional nursing home is an important site for the provision of rehabilitation therapy services. Rehabilitation specialists should be aware of these trends as they plan for the future of rehabilitation. The effectiveness of this increased provision of therapy service in terms of measurable outcomes needs to be evaluated.
Characterization of benzodiazepine "combinatorial" chemical libraries by on-line immunoaffinity extraction, coupled column HPLC-ion spray mass spectrometry-tandem mass spectrometry.

To characterize combinatorial chemical libraries of small drug compounds, an automated column switching system incorporating an immunoaffinity extraction (IAE) column and two reversed-phase HPLC columns was coupled to a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. A Protein G column and antibodies to benzodiazepines were used to screen library components. A pH change in the mobile phase eluted the benzodiazepine−antibody complexes onto a C-18 restricted access media (RAM) column, thereby separating the selected benzodiazepines from the antibody. In a final step, backflushing the RAM column eluted the benzodiazepines onto a C-8 analytical reversed-phase column for separation before detection and preliminary structural characterization using ion spray mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). A known 19-component library and an unknown 20-component library were analyzed. Full-scan IAE/LC/LC/MS and IAE/LC/LC/MS/MS chromatograms suggested the feasibility of this combination of techniques, although ...
Casting of products from aqueous acid alumina slips in gypsum molds

An investigation was carried out of the pH of slips of commercial alumina GA85 fired together with 0.1% MgO and 1.5% H3BO3 (on 100%) at 1300°C and ground to particles of 1–3 μ as a factor in the growth rate, density, and moisture content of the castings and in the process of water elimination to the gypsum mold.
Dual-controlled transdermal delivery of levonorgestrel and estradiol: enhanced permeation and modulated delivery

Abstract The feasibility of developing a membrane-controlled reservoir-type dual-controlled transdermal delivery system for the simultaneous transdermal delivery of levonorgestrel (LNG) and estradiol (E2) was studied. The skin permeation profiles were observed to follow a zero-order kinetics throughout the course of 72-h permeation studies in the hydrodynamically well-calibrated Valia-Chien permeation cells. The skin permeation rate of LNG from its aqueous saturated solution was extremely low (0.03 μg cm−2 h−1 ), but was enhanced exponentially by the addition of ethanol. The rate of skin permeation was observed to be first enhanced as increasing the volume fraction of ethanol in the donor solution, which reached the maximal rate of 7.69 μg cm−2h−1 at 70% (v/v) of ethanol, and then declined with the further increase in the volume fraction. The peak permeation rate achieved by 70% (v/v) of ethanol was further increased with the addition of skin permeation enhancers, such as azone and oleic acid. The permeation of LNG through the (ethylene/vinyl acetate) copolymer (EVA) membrane-covered hairless rat skin also showed the same zero-order permeation kinetics, with rate increased as increasing the weight fraction of vinyl acetate in the copolymer, but decreased as increasing the thickness of the membrane. Moreover, the permeation rate of LNG across the membrane-covered rat skin increased linearly with the increase of oleic acid concentration. The skin permeation rate of E2 across both hairless rat and human cadaver skin covered with EVA membrane was found to be controlled by variation in the loading dose of E2 in the reservoir formulation without affecting the permeation rate of LNG. The ratio of the permeation rate of LNG over E2 could be modulated by varying the loading doses of E2 and LNG. Thus, it was possible to achieve the dual-controlled delivery of LNG and E2 at a specific ratio of delivery rate, for contraception or treatment of postmenopausal syndromes, by controlling the composition of reservoir formulation, the weight fraction of vinyl acetate in the EVA membrane and its thickness, as well as the loading doses of LNG and E2.
Highly Conductive, Regioregular Alkoxy-Functionalized Polythiophenes: A New Class of Stable, Low Band Gap Materials

Presented here is the synthesis and unique physical properties for a new class of highly processable regioregular poly(3-alkoxy-functionalized thiophenes). These polymers exhibit high electrical conductivities with very good stabilities (over 3 years) when doped with iodine vapor followed by exposure to ambient conditions.
"Familial hyperpepsinogenemia" and Helicobacter pylori infection.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Pepsinogen 1 (PG1) is a proenzyme precursor to pepsin, a protease secreted by the gastric chief cell. PG1 levels correlate with maximal gastric acid output. In 1979, Rotter et al. reported two pedigrees in which elevated PG1 levels and duodenal ulcers were prevalent. They proposed autosomal dominant inheritance of elevated PG1 and suggested that it was a risk factor for duodenal ulcer disease. In 1982, Helicobacter pylori (Hp) was discovered and was shown to be an important factor in peptic ulcer disease. Hp infection is also associated with increased PGI levels. We tested serum from one of the original pedigrees for Hp antibodies to determine whether Hp infection could explain the ulcers and elevated PG1 levels. METHODS: ELISA tests were performed using the urease fraction of a crushed Hp extract. Banked serum from one of the original families was thawed and tested. RESULTS: Of the subjects, 90% (nine of 10) with elevated PG1 were seropositive for Hp, compared to only 31% (17 of 55) of those with normal PG1 levels ( p p CONCLUSIONS: The etiology of elevated PG1 levels in this pedigree is more likely due to Helicobacter pylori infection than to a genetic predisposition.
Development of chiral β-dicarbonyl equivalents. Enantiodivergent alkylation of aspartic acid.

Abstract L-Aspartic acid has been converted to derivatives which undergo alkylation reaction with stereoselectivities that are enantiomerically complimentary.
Voltammetric recording from neostriatum of behaving rhesus monkey

Abstract Voltammetric (chronoamperometry) recordings were made from the caudate and putamen of an unanesthetized, behaving rhesus monkey. A technique allowing repeated lowering and removal of working and reference electrodes was utilized. Signal amplitude increased during emotional excitation and feeding.
Molybdändisilicid, ein Hochtemperaturwerkstoff für extreme chemische und thermische Beanspruchungen

Der pulvermetallurgisch formbare Werkstoff MoSi2 ist bestandig gegen Sauren, verdunnte Laugen, Salzlosungen sowie verschiedene Salzschmelzen. Auserdem hebt er sich, gegenuber anderen Metallen und Legierungen, durch seine hervorragende Korrosionsbestandigkeit gegen reduzierende wie oxydierende Gase bei Temperaturen von 1350 bis 700°C ab. Wegen dieser Eigenschaften wird das MoSi2 als alterungsbestandiger Heizleiter im kontinuierlichen wie diskontinuierlichen Betrieb eingesetzt. Daruber hinaus sind Ansatze fur seine Verwendung als Konstruktionswerkstoff in der chemischen und elektrischen sowie Glas- und Keramik-Industrie vorhanden. Molybdenum di-silicide, a high-temperature material for extreme chemical and thermal stresses The material known as MoSi2, which can be shaped by powder-metallurgical methods, is resistant to acids, diluted lyes, salt solutions and various salt melts. It is, moreover, distinguished from other metals and alloys by its excellent corrosion resistance to reducing as well as oxidising gases at temperatures from 1350 to 700°C Because of these properties, MoSi2 is used as ageproof heat conductor in continuous as well as discontinuous operation. It is also beginning to be used as a structural material in the chemical and electrical industries as well as in the glass and ceramics industries.
Influences of early and late nitrogen fertilization on yield and nitrogen fixation of cowpea under well-watered and dry field conditions

Abstract Influences of nitrogen fertilization on grain yield and nitrogen fixation of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. cv. ‘California Blackeye No. 5’] were studied under well-watered and dry field conditions. The soil was an Arlington fine sandy loam (coarse-loamy, mixed thermic Haplic Durixeralf). Nitrogen fertilization treatments involved applications to the soil either at sowing or early flowering, and foliar applications during pod filling, of 60 kg N/ha. Similar relative yield responses to fertilizer treatments were observed with cowpea subjected to both well-watered conditions and late drought. Nitrogen application at sowing had little effect on grain yield or N fixation from 45 days to the end of the season, whereas later applications to the soil or foliage substantially increased grain yield (by 300–600 kg/ha). Early-flowering soil application increased the numbers of branches and pods/m2 and reduced N fixation, whereas foliar fertilization delayed leaf senescence and increased seed weight. Applying N fertilizer both to the soil at early flowering (60 kg/ha) and to foliage (60 kg/ha) reduced N fixation, and increased both number of pods/m2 and seed weight. However, grain yield was increased only to the same extent as when fertilizer was applied to either the soil or the foliage alone. Folian, which contained N, P, K, S, and Fe, was a more effective foliar fertilizer than urea alone, although N was probably the major nutrient responsible for the increases in grain yield. Higher concentrations of Folian (33 g N/L) caused leaf burn, and did not increase yield as much as lower concentrations (22 g N/L and 11 g N/L), which did not cause leaf burn and increased yield significantly. Drought reduced both N fixation and the extent to which plants depended on fixed N for their total N supplies.
LES-based Eulerian PDF approach for the simulation of scramjet combustors

Abstract A probability density function (PDF) approach to account for turbulence–chemistry interaction in the context of large eddy simulation (LES) based simulation of scramjets is developed. To solve the high-dimensional joint-composition PDF transport equation robustly, the semi-discrete quadrature method of moments (SeQMOM) is employed. The SeQMOM approach addresses key numerical issues in LES related to the inaccuracies in computing filter-scale gradients, enabling an efficient and numerically consistent solution of the PDF transport equation. The computational tool is used to simulate a cavity-stabilized Mach 2.2 supersonic combustor. The LES–SeQMOM approach captures the pressure profiles qualitatively, in spite of the large uncertainties in the boundary conditions. Further, this flow configuration is found to exhibit low-frequency dynamics that lead to oscillatory motions of the shock-system inside the combustor. Detailed analyses of the LES data are used to describe the physical mechanism leading to these oscillations.
Modes of exchange: Gift and commodity

Abstract In order to understand the differences between gift exchange and commodity exchange, it is useful to consider gift exchange in a formal analytical fashion that permits immediate comparison with the standard formal model of commodity exchange. However, this cannot be done without serious distortion if the neoclassical model of commodity exchange is imposed on the analysis of gifts. Rather, one requires a model of gift exchange to which the specific characteristics of commodity exchange can be appended. Our first task is to disprove the age-old conception that mutually satisfactory (equilibrium) gift exchange relations arise from a balancing of “benefits” between parties; and then we prove that altruism cannot be distinguished from self-interest in an equilibrium exchange relation. We show that if one applies the two forms of exchange, gift and commodity, to a specific exchange process, the resulting exchange ratios may appear to be similar. However, gift exchange differs quite fundamentally from commodity exchange in terms of the rules that characterize equilibrium relations and in terms of the methods by which persons seek to increase their relative gains from trade.
Formation of colloidal silica particles from alkoxides

Abstract The growth of solution-derived monodisperse silica particles was studied by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) in order to provide direct observation of the growth mechanism in colloidal particle formation from alkoxides. The silica particles were grown from tetraethoxysilane solutions using n -propanol and ethanol as solvents with an ammonia catalyst. A range of water concentrations was used. The reacting solutions were cryogenically fast-frozen at various times in the reaction and the samples were directly observed in the TEM. The results indicate that low density particles are seen initially, and these undergo a collapse to form the colloidally stable seed for further growth. Nuclear magnetic resonance was also used to follow the particle formation in order to test this growth model. Continued growth is postulated to occur by addition of small, low density particles to the growing seed, surmised from a lack of dense small particles and no evidence for aggregation of larger particles in the cryo-TEM results.
Changes in HeLa cell proliferation rate and cell surface components.

Retinoids have been shown to inhibit the growth of various untransformed and tumor cells in liquid medium'-4 and reduce the ability of different tumor cells to form colonies in semi-solid medium.5.6 Although the mechanism of retinoid action has yet to be elucidated, several possibilities have been suggested. One of these proposes that they bind to specific cellular retinoid-binding proteins, found in numerous normal and neoplastic cells,? with subsequent translocation of the complex to the nucleus7-9 resulting in alteration of gene expression. Another suggestion is based on the demonstrated involvement of certain retinoids as sugar donors in glycosyl transfer reactions resulting in modification of cellular glycoproteins.lO,lI Thus, retinoids have the potential of altering the structure of cell membrane glycoconjugates in a way that could explain their effects on cell growth. The finding that retinoids restore anchorage-dependent growth control to HeLa cells prompted us to employ this well-characterized cervical carcinoma cell line to investigate biochemical changes induced by retinoic acid and their possible involvement in growth control of epithelial cells. We found that the addition of retinoic acid to cultures of HeLa-S3 cells caused a reduction in cell proliferation rate which became apparent after 72 hr and was linearly dependent on retinoic acid concentration in the range lO-j-lO-5M. After 72 hr of exposure to
Linearization of an interferometric modulator at microwave frequencies by polarization mixing

The linearization of all interferometric modulator by polarization mixing over the suboctave frequency range of 3.6 to 5.6 GHz is reported. A traveling-wave modulator fabricated in X-cut LiNbO/sub 3/ utilizing the r/sub 33/ (TE) and r/sub 13/ (TM) electrooptic coefficients was employed. The effective V/sub pi /s (from a 50- Omega source) were 14 and 43 V for the TE and TM modes, respectively. The modulator response was not optimized for this frequency range. A DC voltage was used to separate bias electrodes to adjust the relative TE and TM phase bias. A polarizer was placed between the diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser source, and the modulator to adjust the relative TE and TM optical power. The modulator output was measured with a high-speed photodetector and spectrum analyzer. >
Turn-Taking Cues in a Human Tutoring Corpus

Most spoken dialogue systems are still lacking in their ability to accurately model the complex process that is human turntaking. This research analyzes a human-human tutoring corpus in order to identify prosodic turn-taking cues, with the hopes that they can be used by intelligent tutoring systems to predict student turn boundaries. Results show that while there was variation between subjects, three features were significant turn-yielding cues overall. In addition, a positive relationship between the number of cues present and the probability of a turn yield was demonstrated.
Analysis of Plankton Dynamics in a Southwestern U.S.A. Reservoir Using ATP Assays

Plankton biomass in size segregated (i.e. 0.45–10 μm, 10–64 μm, 64–165 μm, and > 165 μm) samples was measured using ATP assays for two years in H. H. Moss Reservoir. The presence of variable numbers of microcrustacean zooplankton in the > 165 μ size class introduced significant, and perhaps inaccurate, variance into temporal dynamics of total ATP concentrations. As many as six physiochemical parameters, measured during 1975–76, were required to produce a significant multiple regression against ATP concentrations; a significant correlation between total ATP measured in the photic zone and surface temperature was observed. A large standing crop of nannoplankton (i.e. 0.45–10 μm) existed in the anaerobic and aphotic hypolimnion during summer stratification both years. This suggested that microbial heterotrophy was an especially important primary trophic event in the reservoir. Particulate (POC) and dissolved (DOC) organic carbon were measured in 1976–77. Organic carbon (POC + DOC) regressed significantly against ATP concentration in the 0.45–10 μm size class and microbial biomass (i.e. 0.45–165 μm) averaged 32 per cent of POC. When biomass was monitored over 24-hour periods in the photic zone, significant changes were documented in various size classes, especially nannoplankton; but total microbial biomass remained relatively constant.
Blood Pressure Reduction and Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Release

Hypertension is associated with increased risk of thrombotic events including myocardial infarction and stroke. The endothelium plays an important role in limiting intravascular thrombosis, inhibiting coagulation and platelet aggregation, and promoting fibrinolysis. Hrafnkelsdottir et al1 have previously described impaired vascular tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) release in individuals with essential hypertension. In the current issue of Hypertension ,2 this group reports that treatment with either an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or a calcium channel blocker increases stimulated t-PA release from the forearm vasculature. t-PA is synthesized and stored in small, dense granules in the vascular endothelium and released in response to such stimuli as Factor Xa, thrombin, bradykinin, and catecholamines, as well as substance P, the vasopressin analogue desmopressin, methacholine, tumor necrosis factor α, and adenosine and uridine triphosphates (Figure).3 Although some studies suggest that t-PA colocalizes with von Willebrand factor in Weibel-Palade bodies, the preponderance of evidence suggests that t-PA is stored in distinct granules and that the release of t-PA and von Willebrand factor are differentially regulated.4 Although shear stress induces t-PA release from cultured endothelial cells, t-PA release from the intact vasculature appears to …
Isoform-specific effects of sialic acid on voltage-dependent Na+ channel gating: functional sialic acids are localized to the S5-S6 loop of domain I.

The isoform specific role of sialic acid in human voltage-gated sodium channel gating was investigated through expression and chimeric analysis of two human isoforms, Nav1.4 (hSkM1), and Nav1.5 (hH1) in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines. Immunoblot analyses indicate that both hSkM1 and hH1 are glycosylated and that hSkM1 is more glycosylated than hH1. Four sets of voltage-dependent parameters, the voltage of half-activation (Va), the voltage of half-inactivation (Vi), the time constants for fast inactivation (τh), and the time constants for recovery from inactivation (τrec), were measured for hSkM1 and hH1 expressed in two CHO cell lines, Pro5 and Lec2, to determine the effect of changing sialylation on channel gating under conditions of full (Pro5) or reduced (Lec2) sialylation. For all parameters measured, hSkM1 gating showed a consistent 11–15 mV depolarizing shift under conditions of reduced sialylation, while hH1 showed no significant change in any gating parameter. Shifts in channel Va with changing external [Ca2+] indicated that sialylation of hSkM1, but not hH1, directly contributes to a negative surface potential. Functional analysis of two chimeras, hSkM1P1 and hH1P1, indicated that the responsible sialic acids are localized to the hSkM1 S5-S6 loop of domain I. When hSkM1 IS5-S6 was replaced by the analogous hH1 loop (hSkM1P1), changing sialylation had no significant effect on any voltage-dependent parameter. Conversely, when hSkM1 IS5-S6 was added to hH1 (hH1P1), all four parameters shifted by 6–7 mV in the depolarized direction under conditions of reduced sialylation. In summary, the gating of two human sodium channel isoforms show very different dependencies on sialic acid, with hSkM1 gating uniformly altered by sialic acid levels through an apparent electrostatic mechanism, while hH1 gating is unaffected by changing sialylation. Sialic acid-dependent gating can be removed or created by replacing or inserting hSkM1 IS5-S6, respectively, indicating that the functionally relevant sialic acid residues are localized to the first domain of the channel.