cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Salicylate on the Rectal Absorption of Lidocaine, Levodopa, and Cefmetazole in Rats

Salicylic acid and sodium salicylate have been found to enhance the absorption of lidocaine, levodopa, and cefmetazole after rectal administration to rats. These drugs represent a base (lidocaine), an acid (cefmetazole), and a substance (levodopa) which exists as a zwitterion in solution. The rectal absorption of each type of drug, as well as theophylline, a neutral compound, was enhanced by salicylate, particularly at pH values where the substances exist primarily in their ionic form. A requirement for the observed enhancement is that salicylate be present in the rectal membrane. The loss of drug from the perfusing solution was greater from solutions having an ionic strength of 0.75 than from those with μ = 0.15.
Magnetospheric dynamics and mass flow during the November 1993 storm

The National Space Weather Program (NSWP) Storm that occurred in November 1993 is examined with the use of plasma and energetic-particle measurements on three satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Geosynchronous orbit affords a powerful perspective on magnetospheric dynamics since both tail and dipole processes can be regularly seen, as well as nightside and dayside processes. The major magnetospheric regions analyzed before, during, and after this storm are the outer plasmasphere, the ion plasma sheet, the electron plasma sheet, and the outer electron radiation belt. Ionospheric outflows into the magnetosphere are also observed, and during the storm the magnetosheath and the low-latitude boundary layer are both seen briefly. The geosynchronous observations indicate that prior to the storm the magnetosphere was very quiet and the outer plasmasphere was filled out to beyond geosynchronous orbit. Extremely large anisotropies were seen in the ion plasma sheet during a compression phase just prior to storm onset. During the storm's main phase the drainage of the outer plasmasphere to the dayside magnetopause was observed, a super dense ion plasma sheet was tracked moving around the dipole, and a superdense electron plasma sheet was seen. The anomalously large plasma pressure on the nightside led to a β > 1 situation at geosynchronous orbit. The β > 1 region spread around the dipole with the super dense ion plasma sheet. The magnetic-field tilt angle at geosynchronous orbit indicated that strong cross-tail currents were present very near the Earth. These currents appear to be associated with plasma diamagnetism. Geosynchronous observations indicate that magnetospheric convection was extremely strong. In the electron plasma sheet, severe spacecraft charging occurred. The density of relativistic electrons was observed to peak very early in the storm, whereas the flux of these relativistic electrons peaked much later in the aftermath of the storm.
A finger protein structurally similar to TFIIIA that binds exclusively to 5S RNA in Xenopus

A 5S RNA binding protein (p43) in Xenopus is a major constituent of oocytes and comprises part of a 42S ribonucleoprotein storage particle. We have cloned and sequenced p43 cDNA from X. laevis and X. borealis as well as the cDNA for X. borealis TFIIIA. Like TFIIIA, p43 has nine zinc fingers, seven of which are exactly the same size as their counterparts in TFIIIA. Amino acid homology between the two proteins is restricted mainly to conserved residues characteristic of zinc fingers. In contrast to TFIIIA, which binds specifically to both 5S RNA and 5S RNA genes, p43 binds exclusively to 5S RNA.
Translocation of sphingoid bases and their 1-phosphates, but not fumonisins, from roots to aerial tissues of maize seedlings watered with fumonisins.

In an earlier study using maize seedlings grown from kernels inoculated with Fusarium verticillioides, fumonisin B1 (FB1) was preferentially accumulated in leaf tissue compared to FB2 and FB3. The present study tested whether maize seedlings preferentially translocate FB1 when plants are watered with FB1 and/or FB2, without the fungus present. The results show that neither FB1 nor FB2 was translocated when administered in the watering solution, and although both FB1 and FB2 were taken up by the roots, the accumulation of FB2 in roots was significantly less than expected, indicating that FB1 was preferentially accumulated. In addition, there was clear evidence of ceramide synthase inhibition in the roots and sphingoid base and sphingoid base 1-phosphates accumulated in leaf tissue presumably due to translocation from the roots. These findings suggest that the fungus−plant interaction is necessary for FB1 translocation in maize seedlings infected with F. verticillioides.
Association schemes based on isotropic subspaces, Part 1

The subspaces of a given dimension in a finite classical polar space form the points of an association scheme. When the dimension is zero, this is the scheme of the collinearity graph of the space. At the other extreme, when the dimension is maximal, it is the scheme of the corresponding dual polar graph. These extreme cases have been thoroughly studied. In this article, the general case is examined and a detailed computation of the intersection numbers of these association schemes is initiated.
Quorum Sensing: Alcohols in a Social Situation

Many microbes use extracellular signals to transmit information about population density and environmental conditions. Recent evidence suggests that the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae exhibits this type of regulation and that the signals are aromatic alcohols.
A computationally efficient target search algorithm for a Monte Carlo ion implantation simulator

Ion implantation is a critical technology in semiconductor Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI). Binary collision approximation (BCA)-based Monte Carlo (MC) ion implantation simulators are commonly used to predict the impurity and damage profiles. A deterministic propagator is needed in these simulators to simulate the propagation of ions in crystalline materials. A search-for-target algorithm is frequently called to determine the collision partners and collision parameters in a deterministic propagator, and this is usually the computational bottleneck of MC ion implantation simulators. The standard search-for-target algorithm has been redesigned for computational efficiency and for economic usage of memory. Instead of searching for collision partners in a standard 29-atom crystal neighborhood identical to all ions, narrowed-down potential target lists are pre-computed based on the ion's relative position to a reference point as well as its direction of motion. The American National Standards Institution (ANSI) C++ standard container class bitset [1] is used to store such potential target lists, and the memory usage is very efficient. Combined with a quasi-simultaneous collision algorithm, the CPU times for MeV P and B implantation simulations are found to be reduced by more than a factor of two, rendering very reasonable computation times for MeV ion implantation simulations on standard workstations.
Determination of the structure of alanine racemase from Bacillus stearothermophilus at 1.9-A resolution.

The molecular structure of alanine racemase from Bacillus stearothermophilus was determined by X-ray crystallography to a resolution of 1.9 A. The alanine racemase monomer is composed of two domains, an eight-stranded α/β barrel at the N-terminus, which includes residues 1−240, and a C-terminal domain essentially composed of β-strand (residues 241−388). In the structure of the dimer the mouth of the α/β barrel of one monomer faces the second domain of the other monomer. The pyridoxal 5‘-phosphate (PLP) cofactor lies in and above the mouth of the α/β barrel and is covalently linked via an aldimine linkage to Lys39, which is at the C-terminus of the first β-strand of the α/β barrel. This is the first example of a PLP cofactor binding in the active site of a α/β barrel. A number of other residues are involved in maintaining the position of the PLP in the protein. Of these, Arg219 is the most interesting, as it forms a hydrogen bond with the pyridine nitrogen of the cofactor. This is the first known occurrenc...
Computing minimal nutrient sets from metabolic networks via linear constraint solving

As more complete genome sequences become available, bioinformatics challenges arise in how to exploit genome sequences to make phenotypic predictions. One type of phenotypic prediction is to determine sets of compounds that will support the growth of a bacterium from the metabolic network inferred from the genome sequence of that organism. We present a method for computationally determining alternative growth media for an organism based on its metabolic network and transporter complement. Our method predicted 787 alternative anaerobic minimal nutrient sets for Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 from the EcoCyc database. The program automatically partitioned the nutrients within these sets into 21 equivalence classes, most of which correspond to compounds serving as sources of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and sulfur, or combinations of these essential elements. The nutrient sets were predicted with 72.5% accuracy as evaluated by comparison with 91 growth experiments. Novel aspects of our approach include (a) exhaustive consideration of all combinations of nutrients rather than assuming that all element sources can substitute for one another(an assumption that can be invalid in general) (b) leveraging the notion of a machinery-duplicating constraint, namely, that all intermediate metabolites used in active reactions must be produced in increasing concentrations to prevent successive dilution from cell division, (c) the use of Satisfiability Modulo Theory solvers rather than Linear Programming solvers, because our approach cannot be formulated as linear programming, (d) the use of Binary Decision Diagrams to produce an efficient implementation. Our method for generating minimal nutrient sets from the metabolic network and transporters of an organism combines linear constraint solving with binary decision diagrams to efficiently produce solution sets to provided growth problems.
Residual benzodiazepine (BZ) binding in the cortex ofpcd mutant cerebella and qualitative BZ binding in the deep cerebellar nuclei of control and mutant mice: an autoradiographic study

Abstract In mutant mice ‘Purkinje cell degeneration’ ( pcd ), there is an almost complete degeneration of Purkinje cells followed subsequently by a partial degeneration of granule cells. Recent neurochemical studies have revealed a 50% decrease in benzodiazepine (BZ) receptors in 45-day-old pcd mutants after degeneration of the Purkinje cells. At 300 days there is an 80% decrease in BZ receptors concomitant with granule cell losses. To determine the histological localization of these receptor changes this autoradiographic analysis was conducted. An in vitro autoradiographic technique was used to explore [ 3 H]flunitrazepam binding. BZ receptors were found to be more concentrated in the molecular than the granular layer of mutant and control cerebellar cortices. There was, nonetheless, no statistically significant difference in grain counts between control and mutant mice in any layer. Substantial atrophy of cerebellar structures, particularly of the molecular layer, occurred in the mutant mice. It began even before 45 days of age but was extreme at 300 days. When the appropriate mathematical correction factor was introduced for the layer atrophy there was a 60% decrease in grain count in 45-day-old mutants in the molecular layer and a 84% decrease in 300-day-old mutants compared to controls. The initial decrease in total BZ receptors in the 45-day-old mutant animals is associated with a selective loss of Purkinje cells. The amount of receptor binding which persists in the 300-day-old mutants in the molecular layer would appear to reflect binding in the remaining parallel fibers from granule cells which remain. Because there is a significant decrease in the granular layer width especially in the 300-day-old mutant animals, it is proposed that other cerebellar elements present in this layer may contain BZ receptors. An unexpected finding was the substantial BZ binding in the deep cerebellar nuclei both of 45- and 300-day-old animals whether mutant or control. The density of such binding is greater in the nuclei of the mutant mice. The possibility that this receptor binding alteration may reflect a supersensitivity phenomenon is raised. Since there is complete interruption of axonal input to the deep nuclei from the Purkinje cells, particularly at 300 days, additional studies must be conducted to identify the structures accounting for the substantial residual binding in these nuclei.
The effects of organization and instructional set on story memory

The goal of this study was to validate a set of predictions about story memory, derived from our story grammar approach to comprehension. The grammar describes the higher order structures regulating the organization and retrieval of incoming story information. These structures, defined by a basic set of rewrite rules, specify the types of information which should occur in stories and the types of logical relations which should connect story components. The results of this study showed that these higher order structures exert a significant influence over the accuracy of story memory, in addition to having a pronounced effect on the reorganization of stories not conforming to the rules generated by our grammar. The implications of the deliberate use of these story structures in retaining incoming information were illustrated and suggestions for future research were discussed.
Preferential first-cousin marriage and inclusive fitness

Abstract If inbreeding involves a risk of deleterious effects, we would expect first-cousin marriage in humans not to be favored; yet certain cultures practice preferential first- cousin marriage. The theory of kin selection can shed light on such marriage practices. Environmental circumstances under which first-cousin marriage may maximize the inclusive fitness of the participants include (1) a shortage of nonrelated partners and (2) limitations on resources that permit an individual to favor only a small number of kin of the text generation.
Semi-Markov Adaptive Critic Heuristics with Application to Airline Revenue Management

The adaptive critic heuristic has been a popular algorithm in reinforcement learning (RL) and approximate dynamic programming (ADP) alike. It is one of the first RL and ADP algorithms. RL and ADP algorithms are particularly useful for solving Markov decision processes (MDPs) that suffer from the curses of dimensionality and modeling. Many real-world problems, however, tend to be semi-Markov decision processes (SMDPs) in which the time spent in each transition of the underlying Markov chains is itself a random variable. Unfortunately for the average reward case, unlike the discounted reward case, the MDP does not have an easy extension to the SMDP. Examples of SMDPs can be found in the area of supply chain management, maintenance management, and airline revenue management. In this paper, we propose an adaptive critic heuristic for the SMDP under the long-run average reward criterion. We present the convergence analysis of the algorithm which shows that under certain mild conditions, which can be ensured within a simulator, the algorithm converges to an optimal solution with probability 1. We test the algorithm extensively on a problem of airline revenue management in which the manager has to set prices for airline tickets over the booking horizon. The problem has a large scale, suffering from the curse of dimensionality, and hence it is difficult to solve it via classical methods of dynamic programming. Our numerical results are encouraging and show that the algorithm outperforms an existing heuristic used widely in the airline industry.
Sigma-point Kalman filtering for battery management systems of LiPB-based HEV battery packs: Part 1: Introduction and state estimation

Abstract We have previously described algorithms for a battery management system (BMS) that uses Kalman filtering (KF) techniques to estimate such quantities as: cell self-discharge rate, state-of-charge (SOC), nominal capacity, resistance, and others. Since the dynamics of electrochemical cells are not linear, we used a non-linear extension to the original KF called the extended Kalman filter (EKF). We were able to achieve very good estimates of SOC and other states and parameters using EKF. However, some applications e.g., that of the battery-management-system (BMS) of a hybrid-electric-vehicle (HEV) can require even more accurate estimates than these. To see how to improve on EKF, we must examine the mathematical foundation of that algorithm in more detail than we presented in the prior work to discover the assumptions that are made in its derivation. Since these suppositions are not met exactly in BMS application, we explore an alternative non-linear Kalman filtering techniques known as “sigma-point Kalman filtering” (SPKF), which has some theoretical advantages that manifest themselves in more accurate predictions. The computational complexity of SPKF is of the same order as EKF, so the gains are made at little or no additional cost. The SPKF method as applied to BMS algorithms is presented here in a series of two papers. This first paper is devoted primarily to deriving the EKF and SPKF algorithms using the framework of sequential probabilistic inference. This is done to show that the two algorithms, which at first may look quite different, are actually very similar in most respects; also, we discover why we might expect the SPKF to outperform EKF in non-linear estimation applications. Results are presented for a battery pack based on a third-generation prototype LiPB cell, and compared with prior results using EKF. As expected, SPKF outperforms EKF, both in its estimate of SOC and in its estimate of the error bounds thereof. The second paper presents some more advanced algorithms for simultaneous state and parameter estimation, and gives results for a fourth-generation prototype LiPB cell.
The Collection, Analysis, and Use of Monitoring and Evaluation Data

This volume focuses on the topics in data collection, analysis, and use that were raised in its companion book, Project Monitoring and Evaluation in Agriculture. It summarizes these topics in the context set by the companion volume, which documented the importance of monitoring and recommended that ambitious evaluations be done only selectively. The book further explains the data collection and analysis techniques referred to in the companion volume. It is selective; it does not provide comprehensive coverage of all methods. Furthermore, for those methods it does cover, the book advocates simplicity and economy. It emphasizes qualitative interviewing methods because most monitoring and evaluation efforts will need to use them for limited, non-random coverage of respondents. Examples of sample theory and sample selection, conversely, are mainly in terms of rates of adoption and similar indicators. In a similar vein, the book advocates greater reliance on farmer estimates when discussing crop production and yield, because the issue of concern in this context is project beneficiary responses rather than aggregate national or regional estimates. The book is meant to be consulted as a particular issue arises rather than read straight through. The subjects covered are qualitative data collection methods; structured surveys and sampling and crop measurement problems; preliminary, exploratory data analysis; formal analysis; and data presentation.
Total protein determinations by particle beam/hollow cathode optical emission spectroscopy (PB/HC-OES) system III: investigation of carrier salts for enhanced particle transport.

Particle beam hollow cathode optical emission spectroscopy (PB/HC-OES) is evaluated as a generic tool for total protein determinations by monitoring the carbon atomic emission (C (I) 193.0 nm) resultant from dissociated analyte species. Previous studies demonstrated the capability of the PB/HC-OES system for total protein determinations with limits of detection for bovine serum albumin (BSA) samples being at the single-nanogram level for 200 μl injections. Non-linear behavior across the concentration range in the calibration curve was observed due to the poor transport of small particles (owing to low analyte concentrations) through the PB interface. The potential use of non-volatile salts as carrier agents is investigated in the determination of protein samples by PB/HC-OES. A range of chloride salts (different cations), potassium salts (different anions), and an organic modifier (ammonium acetate) is investigated here for possible use as carriers upon addition as sample injection matrices for protein samples. The analyte response curves of BSA samples with KCl added as the sample injection matrix show higher sensitivity, better linearity (R2) and subsequently lower detection limits in comparison to those obtained with water, HCl, KNO3 or ammonium acetate as carrier matrices.
Executive conflict management: Keys to excellent decisions and smooth implementation

Effective management at the senior level requires high-quality strategic decisions and reliable implementation of those decisions. In this study of 151 strategic decisions reported by executives at 78 hotel-operating companies, debate, trust, and collaboration in the top-management group all enhanced decision quality, while avoiding confrontation impeded it. Of the four, debate was the most important single factor for high-quality strategic decisions. Trust and collaboration both enhance implementation, and an unwillingness to bring up dissenting views impedes effective implementation. The open expression of difference in an executive group is key to making high-quality strategic decisions, and the resolution of any differences in a way that fully addresses all concerns is key to implementing those decisions.
SURFACE VALENCE CHARGE DISTRIBUTIONS AND SCANNING TUNNELING MICROSCOPY OF WTE2

Abstract We have studied the surface electronic structures of the van der Waals surfaces of tungsten ditelluride (WTe 2 ) with first principles calculations of the spatial distribution of the surface valence charge densities and compared the results to images obtained with the scanning tunneling microscope (STM). The energy- and z (distance from the surface)-dependent calculations show that the valence charge density distribution above the Te surface could be derived from the surface Te layer, as we previously calculated, but the charge density distribution close to but below the Fermi energy has a distortion that coincidentally makes it appear to have a symmetry close to the paired, zig-zag and buckled rows of the W layer. These results dramatically illustrate that in highly covalent compounds, the surface valence charge density distribution does not necessarily follow the surface atomic positions even on ideal, unreconstructed surfaces. An alternative interpretation of the STM images of this surface is proposed in light of this new surface electronic structure. Our calculated and experimental results are also discussed with reference to recent STM results on other transition metal dichalcogenides.
Linear stability analysis of compact toroidal plasmas using particle simulation

A technique is presented for the linear three‐dimensional stability analysis of plasmas in which ion kinetic effects are important. This technique is appropriate for the analysis of compact toroidal plasmas such as spheromaks, field‐reversed mirrors and theta pinches, field‐reversed configurations, and ion rings and layers. The plasma is modeled by the hybrid quasineutral model, in which the ions are represented by particles. An initial value approach is used to find the most rapid instabilities, in conjuction with the numerical integration of the equations. The model is verified against known analytic and numerical results for the linear stability of ion layers and theta pinches. The tilt instability in the spheromak is investigated, and comparison is made to magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability results for an equilibrium with a low ion beta.
Exposure testing of fasteners in preservative treated wood: Gravimetric corrosion rates and corrosion product analyses

Research was conducted to determine the corrosion rates of metals in preservative treated wood and also understand the mechanism of metal corrosion in treated wood. Steel and hot-dip galvanized steel fasteners were embedded in wood treated with one of six preservative treatments and exposed to 27 °C at 100% relative humidity for 1 year. The corrosion rate was determined gravimetrically and the corrosion products were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Although the accepted mechanism of corrosion in treated wood involves the reduction of cupric ions from the wood preservative, no reduced copper was found on the corrosion surfaces. The galvanized corrosion products contained sulfates, whereas the steel corrosion products consisted of iron oxides and hydroxides. The possible implications and limitations of this research on fasteners used in building applications are discussed.
Quantized Space-Time

The operators and commutators of the space-time coordinates and momenta in quantized space-time are formulated. Then the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of the space-time operators are found. Finally, the time spectrum of the plane-wave solution of the Dirac equation is determined and a convergent perturbation analysis is proposed.
Cellular mechanisms of endotoxin-induced myocardial depression in rabbits

We investigated the mechanisms by which endotoxic shock induces intrinsic myocardial depression by studying cardiac myocytes isolated from 10 anesthetized instrumented rabbits given 172 +/- 42 (mean +/- SD) micrograms/kg IV endotoxin. Left ventricular (LV) depression developed 4 +/- 1 hours after endotoxin administration, with a 15 +/- 4% increase in LV internal end-systolic diameter, measured with sonomicrometers at a matched LV end-systolic pressure of 65 +/- 10 mm Hg. Normal LV pressure, arterial PO2, and pH were maintained to minimize confounding effects of ischemia, hypoxia, and acidosis. Cardiac myocytes from endotoxin-exposed rabbits had less unloaded cell shortening and lower peak rates of cell shortening (-dL/dt) and lengthening (+dL/dt) at [Ca2+] levels ranging from 0.5 to 16 mM when compared with myocytes isolated from normal rabbits or rabbits undergoing an identical protocol but without exposure to endotoxin. At 2 mM [Ca2+], cell shortening was depressed by approximately 25% because of a decrease in action potential duration (207 +/- 70 versus 375 +/- 64 milliseconds). In contrast, there was only mild impairment of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) function. When myocytes were restimulated after rest periods of 4 to 480 seconds, the decrement in cell shortening (rest decay), peak -dL/dt and peak +dL/dt, and the recovery from rest decay were similar in myocytes from endotoxin-treated and normal rabbits. There was a greater decrement in cell shortening in the second beat of postrest recovery in myocytes from endotoxin-treated rabbits than in normal myocytes. This was partly due to a 12% decrement in action potential duration with rest decay, which did not occur in normal myocytes. The SR Ca2+ content assessed by contractures in 10 mM caffeine was similar in the two groups. We conclude that endotoxic shock produces a LV depression in vivo that persists in isolated myocytes studied in vitro. This intrinsic myocardial depression is largely related to endotoxin-mediated sarcolemmal alterations, which shorten action potential duration, and is not due to alterations in SR function.
HIV Gene Expression from Intact Proviruses Positioned in Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes at Integration Sites Previously Identified in Latently Infected T cells

HIV integration predominantly occurs in introns of transcriptionally active genes. To study the impact of the integration site on HIV gene expression, a complete HIV-1 provirus (with GFP as a fusion with Nef) was inserted into bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) at three sites previously identified in latent T cells of patients: topoisomerase II (Top2A), DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), or basic leucine transcription factor 2 (BACH2). Transfection of BAC-HIV into 293T cells resulted in a fourfold difference in production of infectious HIV-1. Cell lines were established that contained BAC-Top2A, BAC-DNMT1, or BAC-BACH2, but only BAC-DNMT1 spontaneously produced virus, albeit at a low level. Stimulation with TNF-α resulted in virus production from four of five BAC-Top2A and all BAC-DNMT1 cell lines, but not from the BAC-BACH2 lines. The results of these studies highlight differences between integration sites identified in latent T cells to support virus production and reactivation from latency.
Direct identification of tyrosine sulfation by using ultraviolet photodissociation mass spectrometry

Sulfation is a common post-translational modification of tyrosine residues in eukaryotes; however, detection using traditional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods is challenging based on poor ionization efficiency in the positive ion mode and facile neutral loss upon collisional activation. In the present study, 193 nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) is applied to sulfopeptide anions to generate diagnostic sequence ions, which do not undergo appreciable neutral loss of sulfate even using higher energy photoirradiation parameters. At the same time, neutral loss of SO3 is observed from the precursor and charge-reduced precursor ions, a spectral feature that is useful for differentiating tyrosine sulfation from the nominally isobaric tyrosine phosphorylation. LC-MS detection limits for UVPD analysis in the negative mode were determined to be around 100 fmol for three sulfated peptides, caerulein, cionin, and leu-enkephalin. The LC-UVPD-MS method was applied for analysis of bovine fibrinogen, and its key sulfated peptide was confidently identified.
A model for light adaptation: Producing Weber's law with bleaching-type kinetics

An "adaptation model" having two stages is introduced and its mathematical properties are examined. The two stages are the "adaptive process" (parameter K b), which has bleaching-type kinetics, and the "response function" (parameters K r and n), which incorporates response saturation. In order to study the increment threshold functions generated by the "adaptation model" the concept of a "detector" is required. It is demonstrated that without an adaptive process the compression hypothesis, in the form of the "difference equation", produces increment threshold functions which saturate and do not obey Weber's law. It is then shown that an adaptive process with bleaching-type kinetics can prevent saturation and produce Weber's law behavior provided that the "adaptive strength" of the system exceeds the "detector sensitivity".
Alteration in Estrogen Receptor α mRNA Levels in Frontal Cortex and Hippocampus of Patients with Major Mental Illness

Background Gender differences have been described in major mental illnesses (MMI). The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and hippocampus are estrogen-sensitive brain regions structurally and functionally altered in patients with MMI. We hypothesized that gender-specific alterations in DLPFC and hippocampus estrogen receptor α (ERα) mRNA levels may exist in MMI patients. Methods We used Northern blot analysis to survey the expression of ERα mRNA transcripts in brain and body, detected by our human ERα riboprobe and in situ hybridization, to examine the expression pattern and quantify ERα mRNA levels in DLPFC and anterior hippocampus of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder compared with normal control subjects. Results Northern blotting revealed brain-region-specific differences in expression levels of a 5 kb ERα mRNA transcript. By in situ hybridization, ERα mRNA was detected in all layers of DLPFC and all hippocampal subfields in all subjects. We detected greater DLPFC ERα mRNA expression in male compared with female MDD subjects and reduced ERα mRNA levels in the dentate gyrus of schizophrenics compared with control subjects. Conclusions Our results suggest that alterations in ERα mRNA levels exist in distinct telencephalic regions in male and female MDD patients, and in both genders in schizophrenia.
Origen's Version of Genesis 1:2

Chalcidius attributes to Origen an interpretation of the phrase "thy ybhy" in Genesis 1:2 which personifies the earth: terra autem stupida quadam erat admiratione. This can be explained by noting that Genesis Rabba on Genesis 1:2 supports a similar interpretation of "thy ybhy", probably on the basis of the Aramaic roots "thi" and "bh'", both of which denote amazement or perplexity.
Excitation-emission-lifetime analysis of multicomponent systems—I. Principal component factor analysis

Abstract This paper defines methods and notation for the application of principal component factor analysis (PCFA) to porphyrin excitation-emission-lifetime data obtained from luminescence spectroscopy. We are able to determine non-exponential decay kinetics and the spectra of individual chemical species in impure or mixed samples with this technique. A data array of intensities, I(excitation wavelengths) × J(emission wavelengths) × K(times), is reduced to a P × P × P array by projection onto the principal components. The spectra of the emitting species are obtained by iteration from an initial guess, which is made by reference to the projections of the observed spectra onto a plane in the three-dimensional principal component vector space. It is shown that weighting the data with the variances speeds convergence of the iteration process.
High-mobility copper (I) oxide thin films prepared by reactive dc magnetron sputtering for photovoltaic applications

Copper (I) oxide (Cu 2 O) is considered a promising material for low-cost photovoltaic applications. In this contribution, high-quality Cu 2 O films are prepared by reactive dc magnetron sputtering. We optimize deposition parameters to achieve pure Cu 2 O-phase thin films. We report the control of electrical, optical, and structural properties of the resulting films by varying the substrate temperature during film growth, and carefully controlling other growth parameters. We achieve a columnar grain structure with the large average grain size (884±373 nm) and high-mobility (62 cm2/V·s) at room temperature. All films exhibit an optical bandgap between 1.9 and 2.0 eV, and the samples grown at high temperature show enhanced optical transmission at wavelengths greater than 600 nm.
Inhibition of nitrogen fixation in salt marshes measured by acetylene reduction

Abstract Nitrogen fixation as estimated by acetylene reduction takes place in intertidal sand and mud in salt marshes and is inhibited by additions of nitrogenous compounds such as sewage sludge or urea. Fixers on the marsh use combined nitrogen available from other sources in preference to nitrogen fixation. Marshes can remove substantial amounts of nitrogen from eutrophic waters by this shift in the nitrogen cycle.
Value of additional level sections in the evaluation of lymph nodes for endometrial carcinoma staging.

Objectives: To evaluate the value of deeper sections for conventional (non–sentinel) lymph node dissections in high-risk endometrial carcinoma (EC). Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all ECs with high-grade or serous histology, more than 50% myometrial invasion or International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) pathologic stage greater than 2, and conventional complete pelvic lymph node dissections. No sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsies were performed. Nodes were originally processed entirely in 3-mm slices, with residual fatty tissue submitted separately. When lymph nodes were negative on original H&E sections, paraffin blocks were sectioned to produce 1 additional H&E slide at approximately 0.8 mm deep. With positive nodes, we examined the relationship between micrometastases, staging parameters, and recurrence. Results: Fifty-one high-risk cases were identified, with a median of 15 pelvic lymph nodes per case. Fifteen (29%) cases contained positive nodes. Review of the original slides and additional sections of all blocks from the remaining 36 cases failed to reveal metastases. Statistically significant associations were found between node status and depth of myometrial invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and FIGO stage. We found no significant relationship between lymph node status and serous histology. Conclusions: Our results suggest that enhanced detection of metastasis by SLN biopsies may be related to targeted lymph node selection rather than additional histologic sectioning.
Isolation, culture, and preliminary characterization of mucin‐producing cells from trachea of the domestic fowl

Primary cell cultures enriched in mucin-producing cells and basal cells were established from the trachea of the domestic fowl. Epithelial cells were selectively removed from the trachea after incubation in 0.1% pronase/0.1% EDTA in Moscona's saline. The majority of the ciliated cells were removed during the initial 30 minutes of incubation. After 50 minutes of incubation, aggregates of mucin-producing cells and basal cells were removed in large numbers. The cellular aggregates rapidly attached to a collagen-coated substratum and the cells spread out on the culture surface. The mucin-producing cells retained their AB/PAS-reactive secretory granules. The basal cells replicated and as the culture approached confluency, these cells developed a fine dusting of AB/PAS-reactive material; later, larger secretory granules appeared in the cells. These observations suggest that mucin-producing cells are capable of retaining their AB/PAS-reactive secretory products in primary culture and that basal cells are capable of differentiating into mucin-producing cells in vitro.
Orbital antiferromagnetism in coupled planar systems

A realistic model for the electronic structure of ${\mathrm{SrRuO}}_{3}$ is examined to determine the possibility of orbital antiferromagnetic order in this material. By calculating the susceptibility to orbital and spin antiferromagnetic order, it is shown that the band structure of ${\mathrm{SrRuO}}_{3}$ serves to destabilize the N\'eel ordered state and that the susceptibility to orbital antiferromagnetic order is larger over a range of doping. The resultant orbital antiferromagnetic state consists of coupled two-dimensional planes. The effect of the coupling on the planar system is calculated; the energy shifts of different configurations depend only on the total current in the sample and are linear in this quantity. An orbital antiferromagnetic ground state is found which has no net current flowing along the bonds.
Atomic and molecular parity nonconservation and sum frequency generation solutions to the ozma problem.

Two Ozma problems are defined. Parity nonconservation is necessary for their solutions. Both problems may be solved by β decay or atomic optical activity. Atomic and molecular sum frequency generation is chosen, as it supplies rich methods of effecting “gedanken” solutions to the Ozma problems. A new method of measuring a parameter manifesting molecular parity violations is advanced.
Testing and Interpreting Multi-Lateral Wells

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Manal El Sherif manal.elsherif@qatar.tamu.edu 44230249 The scope of this presentation is to show how pressure transient analysis is used routinely in operation of an offshore field (ldd El Shargi North Dome) with long, multi-lateral horizontal completions. Occidental Petroleum of Qatar Limited (OPQL) has a Production Sharing Agreement with the State of Qatar to operate and develop ISND.OPQL works closely with technical teams from Qatar Petroleum (QP) to conduct these operations
Nuclear Power Station Seismic Hazard Curves in the Eastern United States and the Uniform Building Code

Bernreuter and others (1989) published 50th, 85th, and 15th percentile (median and one standard deviation above and below the mean, respectively) seismic hazard curves for 69 nuclear plants sited on rock and soil in eastern United States. This paper compares Bernreuter9s curves for a subset of 38 nuclear plants sited on rock with seismic hazard curves derived from data provided by the 1988 Uniform Building Code (International Conference of Building Officials,1988), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (1988), and the Applied Technology Council (1978) in order to assess the degree of conservatism represented by the Uniform Building Code (UBC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Applied Technology Council (ATC) data. Without exception seismic hazard curves based on data provided by the 1988 UBC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (1988) are more conservative than the 50th percentile seismic hazard curves of Bernreuter and others (1989). The seismic hazard curves derived from the 1988 UBC are, on average, approximately midway between Bernreuter9s 50th percentile and 85th percentile seismic hazard curves and are somewhat more conservative than those based on Applied Technology Council (1978) guidelines. The 1988 UBC guidelines with respect to seismic design appear to be sufficiently, but not overly, conservative when compared with Bernreuter9s seismic hazard curves.
Conquering the complex world of human septins: implications for health and disease

Septins are highly conserved filamentous proteins first characterized in budding yeast and subsequently identified in must eukaryotes. Septins can bind and hydrolyze GTP, which is intrinsically related to their formation of septin hexamers and functional protein interactions. The human septin family is composed of 14 loci, SEPT1-SEPT14, which encode dozens of different septin proteins. Their central GTPase and polybasic domain regions are highly conserved but they diverge in their N-terminus and/or C-terminus. The mechanism by which the different isoforms are generated is not yet well understood, but one can hypothesize that the use of different promoters and/or alternative splicing could give rise to these variants. Septins perform diverse cellular functions according to tissue expression and their interacting partners. Functions identified to date include cell division, chromosome segregation, protein scaffolding, cellular polarity, motility, membrane dynamics, vesicle trafficking, exocytosis, apoptosis, and DNA damage response. Their expression is tightly regulated to maintain proper filament assembly and normal cellular functions. Alterations of these proteins, by mutation or expression changes, have been associated with a variety of cancers and neurological diseases. The association of septins with cancer results from alterations of expression in solid tumors or translocations in leukemias [mixed lineage leukemia (MLL)]. Expression changes in septins have also been associated with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as retinopathies, hepatitis C, spermatogenesis and Listeria infection. Pathogenic mutations of SEPT9 were identified in the autosomal dominant neurological disorder hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy (HNA). Human septin research over the past decade has established their importance in cell biology and human disease. Further functional characterization of septins is crucial to our understanding of their possible diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ORGANIC NITROGEN AND THE CAROTENOID TO CHLOROPHYLL a RATIO IN FIVE FRESHWATER PHYTOPLANKTON SPECIES1

A linear relationship of positive slope was found between the ratios of organic nitrogen: chlorophyll a and total carotenoids: chlorophyll a in cultures of five freshwater phytoplankters as they recovered from N-deficiency. This differed markedly from information in the literature for a marine diatom under similar conditions. This relationship in cultures of a freshwater diatom was not significantly different from one calculated from data in the literature for a N-deficient natural population of marine diatoms. Therefore it is suggested that, under conditions of limiting nitrogen, the natural ratio of plant pigments can he used in conjunction with the nitrogen: pigment relationship to estimate the quantity of nitrogen in natural phytoplankton as distinct from other sources of particulate nitrogen in surface waters.
The Calculation of Accurate Harmonic Frequencies of Large Molecules: The Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, a Case Study

The vibrational frequencies and infrared intensities of naphthalene neutral and cation are studied at the self-consistent-field (SCF), second-order Moller-Plesset (MP2), and density functional theory (DFT) levels using a variety of one-particle basis sets. Very accurate frequencies can be obtained at the DFT level in conjunction with large basis sets if they are scaled with two factors, one for the C-H stretches and a second for all other modes. We also find remarkably good agreement at the B3LYP/4-31G level using only one scale factor. Unlike the neutral PAHs where all methods do reasonably well for the intensities, only the DFT results are accurate for the PAH cations. The failure of the SCF and MP2 methods is caused by symmetry breaking and an inability to describe charge delocalization. We present several interesting cases of symmetry breaking in this study. An assessment is made as to whether an ensemble of PAH neutrals or cations could account for the unidentified infrared bands observed in many astronomical sources.
Square wave modulation of a mirror lens for ion isolation in a Fourier transform electrostatic linear ion trap mass spectrometer

Abstract Isolation of ions is a critical step in tandem mass spectrometry experiments. In electrostatic linear ion trap mass spectrometers, isolation is typically performed either using a timed ion selector, or by using a periodic electric field orthogonal to the axis of ion motion. In the latter case, the frequency of the field is matched to an ion of interest and the phase is such that the field is zero when the ions of interest are passing through the affected region. The periodic field method has the advantage that it is easier to isolate a single ion from a complex mixture. Here we describe an isolation method that produces essentially identical results to the orthogonal field method, but does not require the addition of any electrodes to the ion path. Instead, the periodic signal (a high voltage square wave) is applied to a lens that is a constituent of one of the ion mirrors. The square wave alters the energy of contaminant ions causing them to be lost from the trap. We demonstrate isolation of ions from a complex mixture using the square wave modulation technique. We also demonstrate an isolation resolution of 200 by isolating isotopes of a small molecule. We also characterize the performance of this method as a function of amplitude and time. An amplitude as low as 200 V applied for 1 ms can result in high-quality isolations using this method. We also discuss important considerations for those wishing to implement the method on other instruments.