cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stereotactic body radiotherapy versus conventional/moderate fractionated radiation therapy with androgen deprivation therapy for unfavorable risk prostate cancer.

Ultrahypofractionation using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an increasingly utilized technique for men with prostate cancer (PC). The comparative efficacy of SBRT plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) compared to fractionated radiotherapy (EBRT) plus ADT in higher-risk prostate cancer is unknown. Men > 40 years old with localized PC treated with external beam radiation and concomitant ADT for curative intent between 2004 and 2016 were analyzed from the National Cancer Database. Patients who lacked ADT or risk stratification data were excluded. 558 men treated with SBRT versus 40,797 men treated with conventional or moderately hypofractionated EBRT were included. Patients were stratified by unfavorable intermediate (UIR) and high (HR) risk using NCCN criteria. Kaplan Meier and Cox proportional hazards were used to compare overall survival (OS) between RT modality, adjusting for age, race, and comorbidity index. With a median follow up of 74 months, there was no difference in estimated 6-year OS between men treated with SBRT versus EBRT regardless of risk group. On multivariable analysis, there was no difference in risk of death for men treated with SBRT compared to EBRT (UIR: adjusted HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.68–1.74, p = .72; HR: adjusted HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.76–1.14, p = .51). On sensitivity analyses, when confining the cohort to men treated with NCCN-preferred dose fractionations, with no comorbidities, or < 65 years old, there remained no survival difference between treatment groups for both UIR and HR. Within study limitations, we found no difference in survival between SBRT+ADT and standard of care EBRT+ADT for UIR or HR PC. These results support recent NCCN guideline updates, which include SBRT as a non-preferred option for higher risk men. Prospective validation would further strengthen the evidence basis behind these recommendations.
Trimodal shear band nucleation distribution in a Gd-based metallic glass via nanoindentation

Abstract Nucleation of shear bands is of critical importance in the deformation behaviors of metallic glasses, but the detailed examination of nucleation kinetics and the correlation with the structure and relaxation kinetics has been few. Here, based upon instrumented nanoindentation with spherical indenter and a great deal of the observed first pop-in events, one unique trimodal distribution of shear band nucleation events in a Gd-based metallic glass was reported. Four different loading rates were employed to study the evolution of the nucleation distribution with external loading. In the analyses of nucleation kinetics, the site density, nucleation rate and activation barrier for three nucleation events were obtained based on the cooperative deformation model, which clearly display the trimodal character. The discovery of a trimodal shear band nucleation distribution provides new insights for understanding the relationship between the heterogeneous structure, relaxation kinetics and deformation mechanism and opportunities for controlling the ductility of amorphous alloys.
Toward sustainable circular economies: A computational framework for assessment and design

Abstract Numerous directives and strategies in recent times aim to establish a Circular Economy (CE) for retaining the value of consumer discarded products within the technosphere, thereby implicitly reducing the burden on the ecosphere. Many opportunities to recycle, down-cycle or up-cycle products have also been identified for enabling greater circularity. However, to obtain a Sustainable Circular Economy (SCE) there is a need to holistically assess and design entire value chains of the product while considering various alternatives that may be available at each stage of its circular network. Systematic methods are also needed to determine the environmental, economic, and social implications of various value chain pathways and quantify their trade-offs with circularity from the perspective of multiple stakeholders. We propose a systematic and rigorous computational framework to analyze existing circular systems and develop new designs. This framework combines the computational approach of life cycle assessment with optimization-based approaches for process synthesis and network representation. Life-cycle networks are modified to contain multiple alternatives along the value chain and permit circular flows between modules. Four basic types of nodes are identified such that any SCE network may be represented as their combination. The additional degrees of freedom generated in such a superstructure network are determined by using principles of allocation and displacement, material-energy balances and physico-chemical governing equations of modules, thereby permitting integration of fundamental models with data-based LCA methods. Typical cases that may arise in potential circular value chains are formulated and solved to highlight the wide applicability of the framework. Both analysis and synthesis methods are proposed to evaluate candidate pathways within the superstructure network. Application of this framework to illustrative examples highlights its use for systematic design of circular value chains to meet SCE goals by quantifying the trade-offs between objectives. Such a framework is needed to develop general software to study the scope of innovation at different stages of the value chain, and contribute toward optimal closing of the cycles of different materials.
The Avoidance Learning Problem

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the avoidance learning problem. The first form the problem of avoidance learning took was quite unrecognizable. A human S's finger was placed on a metal electrode and after a 2-second conditioned stimulus (CS), or warning stimulus, electricity from an inductorium is applied. The unconditioned response (US) is finger withdrawal. After just a few trials, the finger also withdraws to the CS, prior to the onset of shock. As the CS comes to elicit the response originally elicited by the US, the learning looks like classical conditioning. The first avoidance learning experiment outside the finger withdrawal tradition involved rats, which were trained in a shuttlebox with a brief l-second CS and different interstimulus intervals of 0, 10, 20, or 30 seconds. Shock was withheld if the rat jumped over the hurdle in the shuttlebox during the interstimulus interval. The avoidance contingency in this study was not new, because it had become an accustomed part of the finger-withdrawal studies.
Picornavirus Inhibition of Host Cell Protein Synthesis

Infection of cultured cells with many lytic viruses results in a marked decrease in the rate of cellular protein synthesis. Usually, this decrease is accompanied by increasing rates of viral protein synthesis, marked cytopathic effects, and ultimately cell death. In most cases, it is not known whether the “shut-off” of host cell protein synthesis results from an active process induced by the virus evolved for that (or some other) purpose, or whether it is merely a passive result of another viral function, such as production of large quantities of viral mRNA which compete effectively with their cellular counterparts. In the case of poliovirus, however, three types of studies suggested that the former, active type of mechanism was at work. Kinetic analysis of the rate of protein synthesis in cells synchronously infected with high multiplicities of virus showed that cellular protein synthesis could be virtually completely inhibited prior to the synthesis of significant quantities of viral RNA and protein (Summers et al., 1965). In addition, infection in the presence of 1–3 mM guanidine, which prevents detectable replication of viral RNA, nevertheless results in viral inhibition of host cell protein synthesis (Holland, 1964; Bablanian et al., 1965, Penman and Summers, 1965). Last, infection with a temperature-sensitive mutant of poliovirus that synthesizes no single-stranded RNA at restrictive temperature nevertheless induces normal inhibition of cellular protein synthesis (Hewlett et al., 1982). All of these results argue against a competition between cellular and viral mRNAs for cellular components as an explanation for the selective inhibition of cellular protein synthesis. A large body of experimental work on this subject has been performed with poliovirusinfected cells, and consequently, the major focus of this review is on the inhibiton of protein synthesis by poliovirus.
Molecular biology of nitric oxide synthases

Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent biologic mediator with diverse physiologic and pathophysiologic roles. NO is produced from L-arginine by the family of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes, forming the free radical NO and citrulline as byproduct. Three distinct isoforms of the NOS enzyme have been isolated and represent the products of three different genes. Two of the NOS enzymes are continuously present and are termed constitutive NOS (cNOS). One cNOS enzyme was identified in neurons, and the other in endothelial cells. The two cNOS enzymes are contrasted with the third NOS isoform, inducible NOS, which is not typically expressed in resting cells and must first be induced by certain cytokines, microbial products, or lipopolysaccharide. Since NO production has both beneficial and detrimental consequences, understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate NOS expression is critical to the control of NO release in homeostatic and pathophysiologic conditions. The purpose of this review is to describe the molecular biology of NO synthases, with particular emphasis on the regulation of the human NO synthase genes. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of neuronal and endothelial cNOS genes will be reviewed first, followed by the molecular regulation of the inducible NOS gene.
Influence of gasoline hydrocarbons on methyl tert-butyl ether biotreatment in fluidized bed bioreactors

Fluidized bed bioreactors (FBRs) are frequently used for the treatment of gasoline contaminated groundwater. Due to changes in gasoline formulations in the last decade, gasoline contaminated groundwater may also contain significant quantities of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a recalcitrant gasoline additive. It has been shown that MTBE is biodegradable and there is interest in determining if MTBE contaminated groundwater can be biologically treated using FBR technology. We examined the biodegradation of MTBE in FBRs treating contaminated groundwater and establish that there was an inverse correlation between total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) loading and MTBE treatment efficiency. Follow-up laboratory studies demonstrated that toluene, a component of TPH, is a strong Inhibitor of MTBE biotreatment in FBRs.
Waist circumference measurement site does not affect relationships with visceral adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors in children

SummaryWhat is already known about this subject A number of anatomic sites are used for the measurement of waist circumference. A number of studies have documented differences in the absolute values of waist circumference measurements across these common sites in adults. It is unclear whether waist circumference measurement site alters the relationship with abdominal adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors in children. What this study adds The absolute values of waist circumference at four anatomic locations (minimal, midway, iliac, umbilicus) differed and this affected prevalence of high (≥90th percentile) waist circumference. The relationships between waist circumference values at four anatomic locations and both depot-specific adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors were similar across race and sex groups. Background Different waist circumference (WC) measurement sites are used in clinical and epidemiological settings. Objectives To examine differences in WC measurement at four anatomic sites and how each WC measurement relates to visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and cardiometabolic risk factors in children. Methods A total of 371 white and African–American children aged 5 to 18 years had WC measured at four sites: minimal waist, midpoint between the iliac crest and the lowest rib, superior border of the iliac crest and the umbilicus. Abdominal VAT was measured using magnetic resonance imaging and cardiometabolic risk factors were defined using National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute guidelines. Relationships between WC sites and VAT and risk factors were explored in each race-by-sex group. Results All WC sites were highly correlated (r = 0.97 to 0.99). Differences in absolute mean WC values existed in all race-by-sex groups, and this affected the prevalence of high WC (≥90th percentile). Values were lowest for minimal waist and highest for umbilicus. Age-controlled partial correlations between WC and logVAT VAT were 0.81–0.89 (all P < 0.001) and between WC and cardiometabolic risk factors were −0.24 to -0.41 and 0.19 to 0.52 (all P < 0.05). Conclusions While the absolute values of WC at four anatomic locations differed, the relationships between WC values and both VAT and cardiometabolic risk factors were similar within all race-by-sex groups.
Alanine Substitutions of Polar and Nonpolar Residues in the Amino-Terminal Domain of CCR5 Differently Impair Entry of Macrophage- and Dualtropic Isolates of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

Multiple extracellular domains of the CC-chemokine receptor CCR5 are important for its function as a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) coreceptor. We have recently demonstrated by alanine scanning mutagenesis that the negatively charged residues in the CCR5 amino-terminal domain are essential for gp120 binding and coreceptor function. We have now extended our analysis of this domain to include most polar and nonpolar amino acids. Replacement of alanine with all four tyrosine residues and with serine-17 and cysteine-20 decrease or abolish gp120 binding and CCR5 coreceptor activity. Tyrosine-15 is essential for viral entry irrespective of the test isolate. Substitutions at some of the other positions impair the entry of dualtropic HIV-1 isolates more than that of macrophagetropic ones.
Phase synchronization inside a superradiant laser

Superradiant lasers may soon achieve state-of-the-art frequency purity, with linewidths of 1 mHz or less. In a superradiant (or bad-cavity) laser, coherence is primarily stored in the atomic gain medium instead of the optical field. This phase storage is characterized by spontaneous quantum synchronization of the optical dipole moments of each atom. To observe this synchronization, we create two independent superradiant atomic ensembles lasing in a single optical cavity and observe the dynamics of phase realignment, collective power enhancement, and steady-state frequency locking. This work introduces superradiant ensembles as a testbed for fundamental study of quantum synchronization as well and informs research on narrow linewidth superradiant lasers.
Interference of directed paths in disordered systems.

We consider sums over directed paths, interfering due to quenched random elements controlling either the phase or the sign of each term. The former enter the determination of electronic transport in the localized regime, and the latter that of correlations in the high-temperature phase of the Ising spin-glass. Numerical computations in two dimensions indicate anomalous fluctuations dominated by untypical paths, with scaling behavior similar to that of random but positive impurities. This is argued to follow from a bound state, due to a subtle attraction between pairs, in replica space.
Trapped-hole centers in alkaline-earth oxides

Abstract Alkaline-earth oxides frequently exhibit a visible coloration when stimulated with photons or ionizing radiation. The defects responsible for this coloration are often due to paramagnetic hole centers, which absorb over a broad spectrum in the visible and near-visible region. As a result, the defects can be detrimental to the use of these materials as hosts for tunable lasers. In this article, we present our current understanding of trapped-hole (or V-type) centers in the alkaline-earth oxides with emphasis on experimental research using optical and magnetic resonance techniques. Discussions are focused on the production mechanisms, the structure of both intrinsic and impurity-compensated defects, and their thermal stability.
Evaluation of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A as a prognostic indicator in acute coronary syndrome patients.

Abstract Background: Higher circulating concentrations of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), a potential proatherosclerotic metalloproteinase, have been associated with increased risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Our goal was to determine the ability of circulating concentrations of PAPP-A to predict adverse events in patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with symptoms of ACS. Methods: A total of 346 patients with symptoms of ACS were included in the study. Serum samples obtained immediately after enrollment were analyzed for PAPP-A and cardiac troponin T (cTnT). The occurrence of adverse events during a 30-day follow-up period was recorded, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic characteristics of PAPP-A and cTnT. Results: A total of 33 (9.5 %) patients developed adverse events during the follow up period. At a cut-off concentration of 0.22 mIU/l, PAPP-A was a predictor of adverse events with a sensitivity and specificity (95% C.I.) of 66.7% (48.2–82.0) and 51.1% (45.4–56.8), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of cTnT were 51.5% (33.6–69.2) and 82.1% (77.4–86.2), respectively, using a 0.01-ng/ml cut-off value, which was obtained using ROC analysis. Conclusions: PAPP-A appears to be a modest predictor of adverse events in patients presenting to the ED with ACS symptoms, being inferior to cTnT in predicting adverse events in an ED setting. PAPP-A appears to be as sensitive as cTnT, but it is less specific.
Swallow Characteristics in Patients With Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy

Purpose This prospective investigation evaluates oral weakness and its impact on swallow function, weight, and quality of life in patients with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD). Method Int...
Rheology and stability of whey protein stabilized emulsions with high CaCl2 concentrations

The influence of pH and CaC12 on the rheology and physical stability of emulsions stabilized by whey protein isolate (WPI) has been studied. The particle size, creaming index and shear viscosity of 10 wt% soy bean oil-in-water emulsions (d=0.55 μm) were measured with varying pH (3, 5 and 7) and CaC12 concentration (0–150 mM). In the absence of CaCl2 extensive droplet aggregation occurred around the isoelectic point of the whey proteins (4 3 mM. These effects were much less pronounced in emulsions at pH 3 even at 150 mM CaC12. Droplet aggregation, creaming and viscosity of emulsions at pH 5 were fairly independent of CaC12 concentration. Droplet aggregation was induced by CaC12 probably because of the reduction in electrostatic repulsion between droplets. Re-stabilization of oil-in-water emulsions at high CaC12 concentrations was not observed in this study.
At low doses, harmaline increases forelimb tremor in the rat

Abstract A behavioral preparation especially sensitive to low-dose drug effects on fine motor behavior in rats was used to assess the tremorogenic effects of harmaline, an indole alkaloid and β -carboline derivative. Rats that were trained to press downward on a force transducer for water reinforcement were initially administered harmaline (0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg) in an acute dosing regime. Immediately following the day of initial acute exposure to 1 mg/kg, 3 consecutive days at this dose ensued, providing for a 4-day, repeated-dosing analysis. Harmaline did not significantly suppress task engagement during either acute or repeated dosing. Acute administration of harmaline dose-dependently increased power in the high-frequency (10–25 Hz) band of the power spectrum (tremor) without affecting overall forelimb force output. Upon continued administration, tremor remained significantly elevated above vehicle values. Harmaline also slowed the rats' licking frequency, an effect that did not diminish with repeated dosing. Harmaline increased the durations of individual responses during acute dosing and continued to exert this effect with repeated dosing. The effects reported in the present study may represent low-dose harmaline-induced alterations in the olivo-cerebellar system.
Advanced High-Efficiency NLW Fiber Raman Lasers

We will describe key design issues and related experimental results for achieving high-efficiency high-power (~ 100 W) l 3 GHz narrow linewidth (NLW) 1178 nm fiber Raman lasers for sodium guidestar applications.
Advancing Oxide Materials for Thermochemical Production of Solar Fuels

Abstract Two-step metal-oxide based thermochemical cycles show great promise for the production of the synthetic fuel precursors CO and H 2 from CO 2 and H 2 O, respectively. The basic properties that define an ideal material and key traits of the materials for successful implementation will be established. To the first level, an ideal material is defined by thermodynamic properties. The thermodynamics establish the conditions under which the reaction will proceed, and if it will, also define the upper efficiency limit of the process. The efficiency that is realized in practice is a function of the reaction extent and the reactor in which the process is implemented. The possible reaction extent is also limited by the thermodynamics, e.g. the temperature and oxygen partial pressure, but may also be limited by other factors such as thermal and mass transport. Transport, in turn, is influenced by fundamental material properties as well as by the reactor configuration and material geometry. Beyond these considerations, a suitable thermochemical material will be stable to physical and chemical degradation (e.g. erosion, volatilization, sintering, formation of undesirable phases, etc.) over many thousands of cycles and hours of operation. In light of this discussion possible routes to improved materials will be discussed including chemical modifications to known materials, improved structures, and the discovery of new materials for this application. Finally we will report results for new materials that have higher capacities (reaction extents) and faster reaction kinetics than the accepted state-of-the art materials for two step metal oxide thermochemical cycles evaluated under similar conditions.
Report on absolute value of gravity at Washington

In addition to reporting the progress made during the past year on the determination of the absolute value of gravity at Washington, the author of this paper discussed the desirability of having absolute determinations made in other countries, as outlined in the following proposed item for the agenda of the Edinburgh meeting of the International Association of Geodesy: “It is desirable that the absolute value of gravity be determined in as many places as possible and that adequate gravity-connections between these places be established. “Note—The determination of the absolute value of gravity is of considerable importance to physicists but requires a long series of carefully planned experiments. The most recent determinations fail to agree with one another within desired limits, so that further study of this problem should be encouraged. Geodesists should cooperate with physicists by establishing strong connections by means of relative determinations of gravity at places where absolute determinations have been made, since without such connections the various absolute determinations are not comparable, and for the furtherance of their own science they should strengthen the gravity-net of regional and national base-stations.”
Glucose Metabolism in Cancer EVIDENCE THAT DEMETHYLATION EVENTS PLAY A ROLE IN ACTIVATING TYPE II HEXOKINASE GENE EXPRESSION

One of the "signature" phenotypes of highly malignant, poorly differentiated tumors, including hepatomas, is their remarkable propensity to utilize glucose at a much higher rate than normal cells, a property frequently dependent on the marked overexpression of type II hexokinase (HKII). As the expression of the gene for this enzyme is nearly silent in liver tissue, we tested the possibility that DNA methylation/demethylation events may be involved in its regulation. Initial studies employing methylation restriction endonuclease analysis provided evidence for differential methylation patterns for the HKII gene in normal hepatocytes and hepatoma cells, the latter represented by a highly glycolytic model cell line (AS-30D). Subsequently, sequencing following sodium bisulfite treatment revealed 18 methylated CpG sites within a CpG island (-350 to +781 bp) in the hepatocyte gene but none in that of the hepatoma. In addition, treatment of a hepatocyte cell line with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, 5'-azacytidine and 5'-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, activated basal expression levels of HKII mRNA and protein. Finally, stably transfecting the hepatocyte cell line with DNA demethylase also resulted in activating the basal expression levels of HKII mRNA and protein. These novel observations indicate that one of the initial events in activating the HKII gene during either transformation or tumor progression may reside at the epigenetic level.
Detection of mucosally delivered antibody to Cryptosporidium parvum p23 in infected calves.

: We have developed an assay to detect mucosally delivered antibody to Cryptosporidium parvum sporozoite antigens. We absorbed a recombinant 23-kD sporozoite protein to polystyrene microspheres, and used flow cytometry to detect, titer, and determine the isotype of antibody to p23 that was shed in the feces of experimentally infected calves. Noninoculated calves have low levels of mucosal antibody to p23, with IgG1 as the predominant isotype. Antibody titers rise in inoculated calves as the animals recover from cryptosporidiosis. A calf that was naturally protected from cryptosporidiosis had mucosal IgM and IgG1 isotype anti-p23 antibodies prior to challenge with C. parvum oocysts. Ten days after challenge, the calf had high titers of IgM, IgA, IgG1, and IgG2 anti-p23 antibodies. Together, the data show that this method can be used to assess mucosally delivered antibody to C. parvum.
1422 THE EFFECT OF PERIODIC BREATHING ON TRANSCUTANEOUS - OXYGEN

Periodic breathing (P.B.) is observed in between 30-95% of premature infants during sleep and is thought to be normal. Xanthines are effective in reducing P.B. The effacacy of theophylline (T) on transcutaneous oxygen (TcO2) in the treatment of P.B. has not been studied. To study the physiologic effect of P.B. we have evaluated 10 premature infants before and after xanthine. Premature infants with 20-40% P.B. identified by 12 hours impedance pneumogram were prospectively evaluated at 33-35 weeks post conception. All infants were free of medications, respiratory support and lung disease. Heart rate, respiratory rate, TcO2 and extraocular movements (EOM) were monitored continuously for 4 hours. TcO2 measurements were analyzed in the same infant during the 4 hours of study following - 1) a continuous episode of P.B. of 7-10 minutes duration in the absence of apnea, 2) after 10 minutes of spontaneous regular respirations during quiet sleep, 3) after 10 minutes of P.B. decreased to 0.9 - 8%. TcO2 is significantly lower (P<.001) in premature infants with continuous P.B. for 7-10 minutes as compared with spontaneous as well as theophylline induced regular breathing. Is excessive P.B. harmful for some premature infants?
Human placental cells that regulate lymphocyte function.

ABSTRACT: We examined normal human placenta for an immunologic function by measuring the release of soluble inhibitory factor (SIF). SIF is a product of normal T lymphocytes and of the JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cell line, and blocks proliferative and antibody-producing responses of mononuclear cells. SIF can be further characterized by a noncovalently linked subcomponent, lipid suppressor substance. The villous surfaces of six normal human placentae were digested with collagenase to obtain a population of predominantly multinucleated giant cells. These cells were maintained in standard culture for 5 days after which the cell-free conditioned culture medium was assayed for SIF content by measuring suppression of [3H] thymidine incorporation into lymphocytes stimulated by low-dose phytohemagglutinin. Undiluted placental SIF induced 88% inhibition of this response (p < 0.001). The placental SIF was found to contain lipid suppressor substance, as does SIF from mononuclear cells. We determined this by thin-layer chromatography where a peak of suppressive activity occurred at Rf 0.32 ([3H]thymidine incorporation reduced from 21810 ± 308 to 4121 ± 214 cpm); this is the position on thin-layer chromatography to which mononuclear cell lipid suppressor substance migrates. Ion exchange chromatography comparing the elution patterns of lymphocyte-SIF and placental-SIF indicated that both eluted in the fraction of 40–50 mM POx4 buffer, further suggesting identity between these two substances. SIF from placental and lymphocyte sources functioned by inducing the presence of suppressor cells in culture. Mononuclear cells were incubated for 48 h in SIF; the resultant cell population reduced [H3]thymidine incorporation into phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes from 21170 ± 1721 to 8612 ± 311 cpm (60% inhibition, p < 0.001). Adherent cells were not required for function of these cells and they were not sensitive to mitomycin C. The placenta helps prevent immunologic rejection of the fetus by several mechanisms; it functions as a barrier, it is devoid of human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen markers and it has immunologic functions. The studies presented herein indicate that the placenta releases a substance that induces the formation of suppressor cells. These data support the hypothesis that placental cells have an immunoregulatory function.
Potential Aldost erone Antagonists: Spiro-[androstane-17-yl-5’-oxazolidine] Derivatives and Their NMR Spectra

The synthesis of some spiro-[androstane-17-y1-5′-oxazolidine] derivatives and their NMR spectra are described. Aldosterone antagonistic activity of some of the synthesized compounds is reported.
Isolation and characterization of a rat δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase processed pseudogene

Abstract Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA from different strains of rat indicated that there were multiple copies of the gene encoding the second enzyme of the heme biosynthetic pathway, δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALA-D). Two types of genomic clones were isolated from a Sprague-Dawley rat library. One appears to be the expressed gene, whereas the nucleotide sequence of the other suggests that it contains an ALA-D processed pseudogene because (1) there are no introns, (2) there are multiple mutations that alter the predicted amino acid sequence of ALA-D and cause premature termination, (3) there is a 3′ polyadenylated tract, and (4) there is an 8-bp direct repeat flanking the gene. The rat genome is unusual in this respect since ALA-D pseudogenes have not been detected in Southern blot analyses of other mammals, including human, gorilla, chimpanzee, orangutan, rabbit, mouse, and Chinese hamster.
A Generalized Wang–Landau Algorithm for Monte Carlo Computation

Inference for a complex system with a rough energy landscape is a central topic in Monte Carlo computation. Motivated by the successes of the Wang–Landau algorithm in discrete systems, we generalize the algorithm to continuous systems. The generalized algorithm has some features that conventional Monte Carlo algorithms do not have. First, it provides a new method for Monte Carlo integration based on stochastic approximation; second, it is an excellent tool for Monte Carlo optimization. In an appropriate setting, the algorithm can lead to a random walk in the energy space, and thus it can sample relevant parts of the sample space, even in the presence of many local energy minima. The generalized algorithm can be conveniently used in many problems of Monte Carlo integration and optimization, for example, normalizing constant estimation, model selection, highest posterior density interval construction, and function optimization. Our numerical results show that the algorithm outperforms simulated annealing an...
Sorbents for the removal of airborne heavy metals from incinerator effluent

Abstract The effectiveness of inorganic alumino-silicate sorbents (alumina and kaolinite) to adsorb airborne lead and cadmium from the effluent stream of a simulated waste incinerator was studied. A 20 kW (68,000 BTU/h) flow reactor was used to achieve the temperature and residence times typical of a waste incinerator. Solutions containing lead or cadmium were introduced yielding airborne metals concentrations between 15 and 150 ppm. Gas samples were drawn into a particle impactor that collected the airborne particles and condensed phase metal aerosols, separating them into ten size ranges from 0.2 μm to greater than 10 μm. Metals to sorbent mass ratios between 0.03 and 1.56 were investigated. Scavenging efficiency increased as the ratio of sorbent to injected metal mass was increased. The scavenging efficiencies were as high as 76% for lead scavenged by kaolinite to as low as 14% for cadmium scavenged by alumina.
Blockmodels: Interpretation and evaluation

Abstract Many methods for the description of social network structural properties are concerned with the dual notions of social position and social role. Common goals of these methods are to represent patterns in complex social network data in simplified form, to reveal sets of actors who are similarly embedded in networks of relations, and to describe the associations among relations in multirelational social networks. Often these representations take the form of a blockmodel. In a blockmodel actors are assigned to positions and network relations are presented among positions, rather than among actors. The literature on blockmodels is extensive and is overflowing with computation and applications of blockmodels. However, there is a surprising lack of attention to two very important aspects of blockmodel analyses: the interpretation and evaluation of the results. The purpose of this paper is to focus on these topics, primarily reviewing and synthesizing the approaches to interpretation and evaluation currently in use.
Distribution of Edwardsiella ictaluri in California.

Abstract Wild and domestic populations of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus were examined to determine the distribution of the disease called enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC) in California. The causative agent of ESC, Edwardsiella ictaluri, was isolated from five separate sites in California. Two of these isolations were from rectal swabs of asymptomatic fish, confirming that a carrier state may exist. Normal-appearing fish with serum antibody titer to E. ictaluri were commonly found in domestic channel catfish populations, suggesting that many fish become infected but recover. Wild channel catfish with antibody to E. ictaluri were also found in major reservoirs and water distribution canals. Edwardsiella ictaluri appears to be widely distributed within California.
Enhanced Branching Morphogenesis in Mammary Glands of Mice Lacking Cell Surface β1,4-Galactosyltransferase

Abstract Development of the mammary gland is influenced both by the systemic hormonal environment and locally through cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. We have previously demonstrated aberrant mammary gland morphogenesis in transgenic mice with elevated levels of the long isoform of β1,4-galactosyltransferase 1 (GalT), a proportion of which is targeted to the plasma membrane, where it plays a role in cell–ECM interactions. Here, we show that mammary glands of mice lacking the long GalT isoform exhibit a complementary phenotype. Cell-surface GalT activity was reduced by over 60%, but because the short GalT isoform is intact, total GalT activity was reduced only slightly relative to wild type. Mammary glands from long GalT-null mice were characterized by excess branching, and this phenotype was accompanied by altered expression of laminin chains. Laminin α1 and α3 were reduced 2.4- and 3.0-fold, respectively, while expression of laminin γ2 was elevated 2.3-fold. The expression and cleavage of laminin γ2 have been correlated with branching and cell migration, and Western blotting revealed an altered pattern in γ2 cleavage products in long GalT-null mammary glands. We then examined the expression of metalloproteases that cleave laminins or that have been shown to play a role in mammary gland morphogenesis. Expression of MT1-MMP, a membrane-bound protease that can cleave laminin γ2, was elevated 5.5-fold in the long GalT-nulls. MMP 7 was also elevated 5.1-fold. Our results suggest that expression of surface GalT is important for the proper regulation of matrix expression and deposition, which in turn regulates the proper branching morphogenesis of the mammary epithelial ductal system.
Frontier days in space: are they over?

Abstract The concept of space as a frontier to be conquered remains extremely powerful, especially for the USA. This viewpoint argues that it is outmoded and in urgent need of replacement. In particular, the pursuit of profit, responsible for colonization and damaging exploitation in the past, and which has resulted in the trend for highly expensive space infrastructure projects, some of which may never fly, must be tempered. Space exploration should concentrate rather on promoting learning and intellectual growth.
Design considerations for a multiple tube solar reactor

Abstract A three-dimensional, steady state computational model coupling radiative transfer with fluid flow, heat transfer, mass transfer, and chemical reaction kinetics is utilized to investigate the sensitivity of the solar-to-chemical efficiency of a multiple-tube solar receiver with either a cooled reflective or insulated absorbing cavity wall to various design parameters including both operating conditions and geometric tube configurations. Geometric parameters are defined relative to a base design in which all tubes are arranged in a semicircle around the back cavity wall and allow for variations in cavity size as well as number, radius, and arrangement of tubes. For reflective cavity designs, calculations indicate that maximizing the net absorption efficiency and minimizing emission losses are not an effective means of improving receiver performance; rather, maximizing utilization of absorbed energy via minimization of tube conduction losses is essential. For the parameter ranges examined in this study, the best reflective cavity designs contain three moderately sized tubes placed near the back cavity wall while absorbing cavity designs contain three to five large tubes arranged in a semicircle near the back cavity wall, though all calculations are more sensitive to selection of operating conditions than to geometric parameters. Calculations for the application of steam gasification of acetylene black identified reflective and absorbing cavity receiver designs theoretically capable of achieving, respectively, 8% and 23% solar-to-chemical efficiency when scaled to accept 8 kW of solar power.
Women's voices reflecting changed expectations for pregnancy after perinatal loss.

Purpose: To describe women's experiences of pregnancy after loss and their long-term effects of perinatal loss. Design: Phenomenology. Methods: Three focus groups were conducted in fall 1996 with a total of 21 women. These women varied in their obstetrical and loss histories. The time since their losses ranged from 34 years ago to the previous year. Data analysis was guided by Colaizzi's procedural steps. Findings: Women's stories portrayed perinatal loss as a life-altering event. Women did not feel emotionally safe in their pregnancies after loss and were afraid that those babies too would die. Despite the differences in their obstetrical and loss histories and time since loss, similarities in their responses to pregnancy far outweighed their differences. These commonalities contained in six themes: (a) dealing with uncertainty, (b) wondering if the baby is healthy, (c) waiting to lose the baby, (d) holding back their emotions, (e) acknowledging that loss happened and that it can happen again, and (f) changing self. Conclusions: This study indicated many common concerns and experiences among women in response to perinatal loss and subsequent pregnancies. Variations were not linked to the number or gestational age of the losses. Care providers should acknowledge women's past losses, address their concerns during a current pregnancy, and recognize the potentially life-long effect perinatal loss may have on these women.
Systems of reactively loaded coupled oscillating bodies in wave energy conversion

This paper studies systems of coupled oscillating bodies used in wave energy conversion. The objective is to compare devices using a submerged reaction mass with devices where such a mass is on board. Two-degree-of-freedom frequency-domain models based on regular wave excitation are used for this purpose. The optimal reactive and resistive loads and the corresponding oscillation amplitudes and energy absorption capture width ratios are determined approximately. The optimal loads are compared with exact results. Dynamic coupling is found to produce some distinct advantages over single-degree-of-freedom devices. Further, while the system with the submerged mass appears to perform better overall, both are seen to have features that could be advantageous in applications.
Optical flow cell and apparatus for solubility, salt deposition and Raman spectroscopic studies in aqueous solutions near the water critical point

Abstract A flow cell fitted with large diameter optical ports suitable for visual observation and Raman spectroscopic studies of aqueous solutions to temperatures of 500 °C and pressures to 25 MPa is described. The cell uses commercially available compression fittings that have proven to be reliable and robust to cycles of assembly, temperature exposure, and disassembly. A unique design is given for construction of the optical ports. The design of a heated cylindrical insert for salt solubility, salt deposition and salt nucleation studies in near-critical aqueous solutions is described. A method for in situ detection of the crystalline phase of salt deposited from aqueous solution at near-critical conditions and then surrounded by pure supercritical water is demonstrated for Na 2 SO 4 , using Raman spectroscopic observation.
Bonus symmetry in conformal field theory

Conformal field theories typically have an enlarged symmetry over that of the chiral algebra. These enlarged symmetries simplify the analysis of a theory by linking representations that would appear independent based on considerations of the smaller symmetry of the chiral algebra. It will be shown that this bonus symmetry occurs whenever a primary field g has a fusion rule with only the identity on the r.h.s. It will be seen that the additional symmetry generated by such a field g will be reflected in the fusion rules in the modular transformation properties of the chiral characters. The way in which this enlarged symmetry may be exploited is illustrated in some simple examples. When the field g is of integer conformal dimension, g can be incorporated into an extended chiral algebra; the resulting extended, modular invariant partition function will be constructed. It will also be seen that especially strong simplifications arise when the field g with the mentioned fusion rule is of neither integer nor half-integer conformal dimension.
Is the prefrontal cortex important for fluid intelligence? A neuropsychological study using Matrix Reasoning

Patients with prefrontal damage and severe defects in decision making and emotional regulation often have a remarkable absence of intellectual impairment, as measured by conventional IQ tests such as the WAIS/WAIS-R. This enigma might be explained by shortcomings in the tests, which tend to emphasize measures of "crystallized" (e.g., vocabulary, fund of information) more than "fluid" (e.g., novel problem solving) intelligence. The WAIS-III added the Matrix Reasoning subtest to enhance measurement of fluid reasoning. In a set of four studies, we investigated Matrix Reasoning performances in 80 patients with damage to various sectors of the prefrontal cortex, and contrasted these with the performances of 80 demographically matched patients with damage outside the frontal lobes. The results failed to support the hypothesis that prefrontal damage would disproportionately impair fluid intelligence, and every prefrontal subgroup we studied (dorsolateral, ventromedial, dorsolateral + ventromedial) had Matrix Reasoning scores (as well as IQ scores more generally) that were indistinguishable from those of the brain-damaged comparison groups. Our findings do not support a connection between fluid intelligence and the frontal lobes, although a viable alternative interpretation is that the Matrix Reasoning subtest lacks construct validity as a measure of fluid intelligence.
Grain-boundary segregation in aluminium-doped silicon carbide

Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) was used to examine sintered and hot-pressed aluminium-doped silicon carbide. Grain-boundary segregation of Al was observed in both materials. Semi-quantitative analysis was carried out on the Al-saturated hot-pressed material. An estimated heat of segregation between 116 and 174 kJ mol−1 was calculated from the STEM data and equilibrium segregation theory. Strain energy as a driving force was considered negligible. The data are consistent with a segregation model in which the driving force for segregation is the difference in the nature of bonding between the solute and solvent atoms. Fast grain-boundary diffusion of Al was suggested from a loss of Al during heat treatments.
Speciation of Trace Di- and Triorganotins in Water by Ion-Exchange HPLC-GFAA

Abstract : Based on their behavior as stable cations in saline solutions, direct trace speciation of a broad range of organotins, representing current industrial or environmental interests, was performed by combination of an tin-specific graphite furnace atomic detector with HPLC employing reverse bonded-phase strong cations exchange columns. Column and system performance and detection limits (5-30 ng as tin) vary predictably with individual substituents on organotins, but are easily optimized, for example, for identifying marine antifoulant leachates. (Author)
Effect of scaffold architecture and pore size on smooth muscle cell growth

Tissue engineering has the potential to replace damaged tissues and organs. Diffusion limitation of cell growth in three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds is a significant constraint in most tissue engineering applications. This study describes a scaffold architecture that improves mass transfer. Scaffolds with three different geometries of villi architecture (0.5, 1, 0.5; 0.5, 1, 1; 1, 1, 1 mm; villus diameter, height, intervillus spacing, respectively) were fabricated by indirect 3D printing technique. The ability of these scaffolds to support smooth muscle cell growth was investigated in vitro. Smooth muscle cells attached to the scaffolds uniformly after 1 day of culture, and the cell density in the scaffold with small villi feature (0.5 mm) was significantly higher as compared to that for the scaffold with large villi features (1 mm) after 14 days of culture. To evaluate the effect of scaffold pore size on cell growth, scaffolds with three different pore size ranges (50-100, 100-150, and 150-200 microm) were fabricated by the solvent casting and particulate leaching technique. Scaffold pore size did not significantly affect cell growth after 14 days of culture. Optimization in the architectural design of scaffolds provides an alternative method to improve diffusion limitation in the 3D constructs.