cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shape design sensitivity analysis and optimization of spatially rotating objects

Shape design sensitivity analysis (DSA) and optimization of spatially rotating objects is presented in this paper. Design sensitivity expressions are derived using a continuum DSA method for spatial objects rotating with angular velocity and angular acceleration, based on three definitions of the finite element mass matrix: consistent, lumped, and diagonalized. The design sensitivity expression derived using a diagonalized element mass matrix, which is consistent with the finite element analysis (FEA) method used in ANSYS, is implemented, although the method can work with other FEA codes, such as MSC/NASTRAN or ABAQUS. Since the continuum DSA method is used, sensitivity information can be computed outside the FEA codes by postprocessing finite element data. Rotating block and turbine blade examples are presented to validate the proposed DSA method. The turbine blade example is optimized using an integrated optimization module of the Design Sensitivity Analysis and Optimization (DSO) tool developed at the University of Iowa. The integrated module consists of ANSYS, MSC/NASTRAN, or ABAQUS for FEA; Design Optimization Tool (DOT) for nonlinear programming; and DSA and design model update programs developed in DSO.
Density alterations associated with transducing ability in the bacteriophage lambda

The transducing variant of the bacteriophage λ is thought to arise by a double crossover in which a section of the normal chromosome is exchanged for a region of the bacterial chromosome containing galactose fermentation markers. If the exchange were unequal, the resulting transducing phages should have an altered DNA content which might be detected as a modification of the density of the phage particle. An examination of ten independently arising populations of transducing phages showed that each had a different but essentially uniform density. In contrast, the non transducing phage contained in these lysates possessed a constant density. The density of a transducing phage was stable to a cycle of lysogenization, prophage replication and multiplication following induction, as well as to genetic interactions with normal A and with the bacterial chromosome. Assuming the observed density changes to be due to changes in DNA content, it was calculated that the maximum change corresponded to 107 mol wt units, or 1·5 × 104 nucleotide pairs, and the smallest to 800 nucleotide pairs. It is proposed that the unequal exchanges giving rise to the density alterations are the result of poor homology and incomplete pairing between the Gal region of the bacterial chromosome and the region of λ which is deleted.
Identification of Amino Acid Residues of gp130 Signal Transducer and gp80 α Receptor Subunit That Are Involved in Ligand Binding and Signaling by Human Herpesvirus 8-Encoded Interleukin-6

Human herpesvirus 8-encoded interleukin-6 (vIL-6) signals through the gp130 signal transducer but is not dependent on the IL-6 receptor alpha subunit (IL-6R, gp80) that is required for signaling by endogenous IL-6 proteins; however, IL-6R can enhance vIL-6 activity and can enable signaling through a gp130 variant, gp130.PM5, that is itself unable to support vIL-6 signaling. These findings suggest that the vIL-6-gp130 interactions are qualitatively different from those of human IL-6 (hIL-6) and that vIL-6 signaling may be more promiscuous than that of hIL-6 but that IL-6R may play a role in vIL-6 signaling in vivo. To examine the receptor binding requirements of vIL-6, we have undertaken mutational analyses of regions of gp130 and IL-6R potentially involved in interactions with ligand or in functional complex formation and used these variants in functional, ligand-binding, and receptor dimerization assays. The data presented identify positions within two interstrand loops of the gp130 cytokine-receptor homology domain that are important for vIL-6 signaling and vIL-6-induced receptor dimerization and show that vIL-6, like hIL-6, can form complexes with IL-6R and gp130 but that the roles of putative cytokine-binding residues of IL-6R in ligand-induced functional complex formation are qualitatively different in the case of vIL-6 and hIL-6.
Partial difference sets and partially balanced weighing designs for calibration and tournaments

Starting from an initial block which consists of all the quadratic residues of the GF(4k + 1), all the v blocks of a partially balanced weighing design on v = 4k + 1 elements can be generated cyclically. In this design, every block consists of two half-blocks of k elements each and every pair of elements which are i-th associates occur together in the same half-block of λ1i blocks and in complementary half-blocks of λ2i blocks, i = 1, 2. These designs are generalizations of balanced weighing designs of Bose and Cameron [1, 2] and will have use in calibration, taste testing experiments, and tournament scheduling.
Comparison of the behavioral and cardiovascular effects of mephedrone with other drugs of abuse in rats.

Rationale Exceedingly little experimental research exists on the popular recreational drug mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) despite clinical reports concerning its behavioral and cardiovascular toxicity.
“Revenge” and “Rescue”: Workplace Deviance in the Taxicab Industry

This study explores taxicab drivers' acts of "revenge" and "rescue," some of which are expressive acts, while others are more instrumental. This article builds on earlier theories of workplace deviance, demonstrating how deviance can serve different purposes and expanding the concept of "deviance admiration" (Heckert and Heckert 2004). It examines deviance in a circumstance-the taxicab industry-which introduces a tension between mandated conformity and necessary deviance: employees must conform to the employers' rules and yet, to accomplish their jobs well, they need to abandon those rules occasionally. In addition to its theoretical contributions, this work has important practical applications for managers.
Oxalate Nephropathy After Continuous Infusion of High-dose Vitamin C as an Adjunct to Burn Resuscitation

Fluid resuscitation is the foundation of management in burn patients and is the topic of considerable research. One adjunct in burn resuscitation is continuous, high-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid) infusion, which may reduce fluid requirements and thus decrease the risk for over resuscitation. Research in preclinical studies and clinical trials has shown continuous infusions of high-dose vitamin C to be beneficial with decrease in resuscitative volumes and limited adverse effects. However, high-dose and low-dose vitamin C supplementation has been shown to cause secondary calcium oxalate nephropathy, worsen acute kidney injury, and delay renal recovery in non-burn patients. To the best of our knowledge, the authors present the first case series in burn patients in whom calcium oxalate nephropathy has been identified after high-dose vitamin C therapy.
Enhanced permeabilities of cationized-bovine serum albumins at the blood-nerve and blood-brain barriers in awake rats.

Permeability-surface area products (PAs) of the blood-nerve barrier (BNB) and blood-brain barrier (BBB) to 125I-labeled native bovine serum albumin (nBSA, pI approximately 4), and to 2 cationized albumins (cBSA) of differing pI (pI approximately 8 and 11), were quantitatively determined in awake rats, using an i.v. bolus injection technique. Mean PAs of the BNB and BBB to 125I-nBSA, after a circulation time of up to 120 min, were (0.17 +/- 0.23) and (0.09 +/- 0.05) x 10(-5) ml/s.g. wet wt, respectively (n = 12 rats), and were not significantly different from 0 (P greater than 0.05). Mean PAs of the BNB and BBB to 125I-cBSA (pI approximately 8), after circulation time of 12 min, were (1.9 +/- 0.1) and (1.7 +/- 0.1) x 10(-5) ml/s.g wet wt, respectively (n = 8). Significant greater PAs, at both the BNB and BBB to 125I-cBSA (pI approximately 11) [(8.2 +/- 1.8) and (3.0 +/- 0.6) x 10(-5) ml/s.g wet wt, respectively (n = 12)], than both PA's of nBSA and cBSA (pI approximately 8) were found. The accumulation of 125I-cBSA in epi-perineurial tissues also was higher than that of 125I-nBSA, and was related to the degree of cationization. Our results indicate that, as at the BBB, the transfer of cationized serum albumin is enhanced over that of native albumin at the BNB of the mammalian peripheral nerve.
A Continuum Solvation Model Including Electrostriction: Application to the Anisole Hydrolysis Reaction in Supercritical Water

We present a simple and efficient method for calculating the effect of electrostriction on the solvation of molecular species. This new method introduces solvent compressibility into the standard continuum dielectric description of the solvent. It is based on a numerical grid-based algorithm for solving Poisson's equation and is therefore applicable to arbitrary charge distributions in cavities of arbitrary shape. Application to the anisole hydrolysis reaction in supercritical water shows that the effects of solvent compression can be large; for example, compression is observed to lower the free energy barrier to reaction by as much as 14 kcal/mol. Additionally, compression effects are found to qualitatively alter the pressure dependence of the reactivity. Finally, the inclusion of compression effects is shown to bring the calculated pressure dependence of the activation barrier into significantly better agreement with experiment.
Neural network architectures for vector prediction

A vector predictor is an integral part of the predictive vector quantization (PVQ) scheme. The performance of a predictor deteriorates as the vector dimension (block size) is increased. This makes it necessary to investigate new design techniques in order to design a vector predictor which gives better performance when compared to a conventional vector predictor. This paper investigates several neural network configurations which can be employed in order to design a vector predictor. The first neural network investigated in order to design the vector predictor is the multi-layer perceptron. The problem with multi-layer perceptron is the long convergence time which is undesirable when the on-line training of the neural network is required. Another neural network called functional link neural network has been shown to have fast convergence. The use of this network as a vector predictor is also investigated. The third neural network investigated is a recurrent type neural net. It is similar to the multi-layer perceptron except that a part of the predicted output is fed back to the hidden layer/layers in an attempt to further improve the current prediction. Finally, the use of a radial-basis function (RBF) network is also investigated for designing the vector predictor. The performances of the above mentioned neural network vector predictors are evaluated and compared with that of a conventional linear vector predictor.
Models for Multiparty Engagement in Open-World Dialog

We present computational models that allow spoken dialog systems to handle multi-participant engagement in open, dynamic environments, where multiple people may enter and leave conversations, and interact with the system and with others in a natural manner. The models for managing the engagement process include components for (1) sensing the engagement state, actions and intentions of multiple agents in the scene, (2) making engagement decisions (i.e. whom to engage with, and when) and (3) rendering these decisions in a set of coordinated low-level behaviors in an embodied conversational agent. We review results from a study of interactions "in the wild" with a system that implements such a model.
URINARY THYROTROPIC HORMONE1

The determination of thyrotropic activity in the urine allows some measure of pituitary thyrotropic function. Aron and Klein (1) in 1930 first reported the presence of thyrotropic hormone in the urine. Untreated urine from patients with hyperthyroidism and from normals was injected into guinea pigs with resultant histologic changes in the thyroids interpreted as meaning increased activity. Hellwig (2), Nielson (3), and Giedosz (4) in 1933 and 1934 injected urine from various sources into rabbits with frequently positive, but inconstant, results, due possibly to the unsuitability of the rabbit as a test animal. There have since been several reports failing to confirm these authors and suggesting that the criteria of thyroid activity used by the earlier workers were not sufficiently strict. Krogh and Okkels (5), in 1933, using guinea pigs as the test animals, found no thyrotropic activity in the urine of normals, or in 10 of 11 patients with hyperthyroidism, even after concentrating the urine, the 11th bein...
Using Automated Flight Mills to Manipulate Fat Reserves in Douglas-fir Beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract Because current techniques for quantifying fat, the main fuel used for flight in insects, are destructive, researchers are limited to only one direct measure of fat per specimen. This limitation is problematic for studies aimed at assessing whether fat loss through flight influences subsequent behavioral activity. To overcome this problem, we used body volume, body mass, emergence day, and brood density as parameters in a multiple regression model to predict initial fat levels in female Douglas-fir beetles, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopkins, on emergence from the host. The model explained 54% of the variation in fat reserves as determined by Soxhlet extraction with petroleum ether. Treatments of 30–1,380 min of flight on rotary flight mills were used to establish the relationship between flight and fat reserves. Using a model that incorporated estimated initial fat levels, as well as time spent in flight and time in nonflight activities on the flight mills, we found that 6 h of flight decreased f...
A Review of “Marxism, Fascism and Totalitarianism: Chapters in the Intellectual History of Radicalism”

A. James Gregor (a professor of political science at the University of California, Berkeley) has written many scholarly books analyzing the ideologies of Marxism and fascism. He has often attempted...
Tyrosine, phenylalanine, and disulfide contributions to the circular dichroism of proteins: circular dichroism spectra of wild-type and mutant bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor.

Improved descriptions of the lowest energy excited states of tyrosine and phenylalanine side chains have been developed in order to extend the capabilities of calculating the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of proteins. Four transitions (Lb, La, Bb, and Ba) for each of the side-chain chromophores were considered, and the transition monopole charges were obtained from a CNDO/S calculation on models representing the individual groups. Monopole charges at midpoints of the bonds, corresponding to the maximum transition charge densities in the Lb band, and monopole charges representing the vibronic coupling with the B transitions for the La transition were also included. The aromatic transitions were combined with the peptide transitions (nπ*, π0π* n‘π*, and π+π*) and disulfide transitions (n1σ* and n4σ*) in the framework of the origin-independent matrix method to compute the CD spectra of different crystal forms and Y → L and F → L mutants of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI). The structures of the m...
Varying effects of connectivity and dispersal on interacting species dynamics

Abstract Increased landscape fragmentation can have deleterious effects on terrestrial biodiversity. The use of protected areas, as islands of conservation, has limits to the extent of biodiversity conservation due to isolation and scale. As a result, there is a push to transition from solely developing protected areas to policies that also support corridor management. Given the complexities of multi-species interaction on a fragmented landscape, managers need additional tools to aid in decision-making and policy development. We develop an agent-based model (ABM) of a two-patch metapopulation with local predator–prey dynamics and variable, density-dependent species dispersal. The goal is to assess how connectivity between patches, given a variety of dispersal schema for the targeted interacting populations, promotes coexistence among predators and prey. The experiment conducted suggests that connectivity levels at both extremes, representing very little risk and high risk of species mortality, do not augment the likelihood of coexistence while intermediate levels do. Furthermore, the probability of coexistence increases and spans a wide range of connectivity levels when movement is less probabilistic and more dependent on population feedback. Knowledge of these connectivity tradeoffs is essential for assessing the value of habitat corridors, and can be further elucidated under the agent-based framework.
Role of hippocampus in alcohol-induced memory impairment: implications from behavioral and immediate early gene studies

Acute alcohol intoxication disrupts memory acquisition in humans and laboratory animals. This review summarizes recent behavioral and immediate early gene expression studies addressing the mechanisms of this phenomenon. Most behavioral investigations agree that the amnestic effect of alcohol is due to its preferential detrimental effect on hippocampus-dependent than on hippocampus-independent forms of learning. However, some hippocampal lesion studies contradict these results. Learning in behavioral paradigms is accompanied by induction of c-fos and other immediate early genes in many brain regions of the animal. In contrast, studies on alcohol-mediated changes in expression of this gene confirm selective hippocampal suppression of basal and experience-induced expression of c-fos after acute and repeated administration of alcohol. This hippocampal suppression is in marked contrast with alcohol-mediated induction of c-fos expression in other brain areas. However, the selective suppression of hippocampal gene expression and memory by alcohol is most likely mediated by a number of interacting neurotransmitter systems. Thus, effects of lower doses of alcohol (0.5 g/kg or lower in rats) seem to be preferentially mediated through GABAergic systems. At intermediate doses (0.75-2 g/kg), several other neurotransmitter systems are affected besides GABA. Higher doses lead to none-specific effects, probably involving even more neurotransmitter systems. Elucidation of these neurotransmitter systems will be highly important for developing rational approaches for correction of alcohol-related cognitive disorders.
Structure of Nickel Oxide

THE development of modern X-ray powder photographic methods has opened up now possibilities for the examination of the fine structure of crystalline substances. The high resolution and definition of the reflexions, particularly in the high-order lines, which is obtainable with such circular cameras as that described by Bradley, Lipson and Fetch1, has not only meant an increase in accuracy of lattice parameter measurements, but has also enabled interesting phenomena in alloys to be observed2. The detection of extra reflexions in powder photographs of graphite3 has led to the description of a second crystalline form4, which apparently co-exists with the structure established by Bernal.
A double-blind study of prophylactic effect of misoprostol on lesions of gastric and duodenal mucosa induced by oral administration of tolmetin in healthy subjects

Tolmetin, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, is known to induce edema, submucosal hemorrhage, and erosions of the gastrointestinal tract when administered at recommended doses. The purpose of our study was to determine whether misoprostol prevented or reduced the severity of duodenal and gastric mucosal injury induced by tolmetin. Following endoscopic screening, 60 healthy male and female subjects were assigned at random to one of two treatment groups. One group was treated with tolmetin (2000 mg/day, in four divided doses) and misoprostol (200 μg four times daily); the other with tolmetin and placebo. Both drugs were administered for six and a quarter days. On the seventh day, 2 hr after the last dose, an endoscopic examination of the gastric and duodenal mucosa was repeated, and the results graded. Subjects with 10 or fewer hemorrhages or erosions were considered treatment successes; those with 11 or more erosions, plus any other lesions, were considered treatment failures. A total of 59 subjects completed the study. One withdrew because of an unsuspected pregnancy. In regard to the gastric mucosa, seven of 29 (24%) placebo subjects were considered treatment successes. In the misoprostol group, 27 of 30 (90%) were treatment successes. This difference is statistically significant at theP<0.0001 level. The overall damage to the duodenal mucosa caused by tolmetin is less than that to the gastric mucosa, with the misoprostol-treated subjects having significantly less damage than the placebo subjects (P<0.001). Side effects were common in both groups, but almost all were mild, gastrointestinal in origin, and did not require treatment or withdrawal from the study. In conclusion, misoprostol is effective in preventing gastric and duodenal mucosal injury induced by tolmetin and, perhaps, by other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs as well.
A simplified method for antegrade ureteral stent placement.

Percutaneous placement of antegrade ureteral stents has become a common interventional uroradiologic procedure. Advances in stent materials and design have led to longer patency rates and improved patient tolerance [1 -3]. The most recent delivery systems use either peel-away sheaths [1 , 4] or coaxial stent-pusher combinations [3]. We recently adopted a simplified technique that eliminates the need for a radiologic ureteral stent set and positioning of suture loops. We describe our approach, which uses retrograde ureteral stents that are readily available in multiple lengths from any hospital urology department.
The kinetics of the oxidation of hydroquinone by Pu(VI) and by Pu(IV) in aqueous perchlorate solutions

Abstract The reduction of Pu(VI) and Pu(IV) has been studied in aqueous perchlorate solutions. The reactions go to completion with the reduction of two moles of plutonium for each mole of hydroquinone oxidized. The kinetics are quite complicated: the rate laws show inhibition by the reduced plutonium species, but not by quinone, and for Pu(VI) is approximated by: - d[hydroquinone] d t = k 1 [ Pu(VI)][hydroquinone] (l + a[ Pu(V) ] [Pu(VI)] + b([ Pu(V) ] [ Pu(VI) ]) 2 ) . The same form, with different values for the parameters, is observed for Pu(IV). For Pu(VI), k1 is 1·6 × 103 M−1 sec−1 at 25° in 1 M HClO4, depends inversely on [H+], and has an activation energy of 15·7 ± 0·1 kcal/mole. For Pu(IV), k1 is about 9·6 × 104 under the same conditions, is essentially independent of [H+], and has an activation energy of 12 ± 1 kcal/mole. The results are compared with those for other metal ion oxidizing agents.
Feedforward Model Predictive Control for Dual-Stage Fast Tool Servo With Realistic Constraints

This paper presents a model predictive control based optimal feedforward tracking integrated with a robust repetitive feedback control aimed for generating complex engine piston profiles in non-circular engine piston turning using dual-stage long stroke linear motor/high bandwidth piezoelectric actuators. By formulating and solving receding horizon optimization, which explicitly takes into account practical constraints and specific dynamic capabilities of the dual-stage actuators integrated with repetitive feedback control, the methodology is demonstrated in simulation to precisely track fast oscillating but non-periodic reference signals derived from an industrial engine piston profile. In comparison, linear repetitive feedback control alone would violate dual-stage actuator constraints and as a result generate tracking errors 50 times larger than the proposed approach.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The TSC Complex Is Required for the Benefits of Dietary Protein Restriction on Stress Resistance In Vivo

Protein restriction (PR) is important for the benefits of dietary restriction on longevity and stress resistance, but relevant nutrient sensors and downstream effectors in mammals remain poorly defined. We used PR-mediated protection from hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury to probe genetic requirements for the evolutionarily conserved nutrient sensors GCN2 and mTORC1 in stress resistance. One week of PR reduced free amino acids and circulating growth factors, activating GCN2 and mTORC1 repressor tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). However, although GCN2 was dispensable for PR-induced protection, hepatic TSC1 was required. PR improved hepatic insulin sensitivity in a TSC1-dependent manner prior to ischemia, facilitating increased prosurvival signaling and reduced apoptosis after reperfusion. These benefits were partially abrogated by pharmacological PI3K inhibition or genetic deletion of the insulin receptor in hepatocytes. In conclusion, improved insulin sensitivity upon short-term PR required TSC1, facilitated increased prosurvival signaling after injury, and contributed partially to PR-mediated resistance to clinically relevant ischemia reperfusion injury.
Are cardiovascular benefits in statin lipid effects dependent on baseline lipid levels

Statins reduce coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality over a wide range of patients. The Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) in subjects with elevated C-reactive protein, without vascular disease and below average low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) showed a 50% reduction in LDL-C with 20 mg/d of rosuvastatin and a reduction in cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 0.56 [95% CI, 0.46–0.69]; P < 0.00001), and a reduction in total mortality (20%;P < 0.02). Recent commentary has criticized perceived JUPITER design flaws and inappropriate influence. However, the Canadian 2009 guidelines cite JUPITER as class I evidence for statin benefit. Although the Cholesterol Treatment Trialists’ (CTT) Collaborators showed that, regardless of pre-treatment levels, statins can significantly reduce CHD, major vascular events, and overall mortality, a recent primary prevention meta-analysis showed no decrease in all-cause mortality. Preconceived notions on statin benefit or harm do not enhance patient care and clinicians should individualize long-term statin therapy.
Localization of plutonium-241 in the testis. An interspecies comparison using light and electron microscope autoradiography.

SummaryThe distribution and localization of 241Pu in the testes of rats, guinea-pigs and a dog were determined using light and electron microscope autoradiography. These species were used because of the variation in the morphology and ultrastructure exhibited in their testicular tissues. In all animals the 241Pu was localized in testicular interstitial tissue and little was evident in the seminiferous tubules. There were marked species differences in the percentage of interstitial tissue cells labelled with 241Pu; 18 per cent of the cells labelled in rats, 9 per cent in guinea-pigs and 6 per cent in the dog. Electron microscope autoradiography demonstrates that 241Pu is localized in macrophages of the interstitial tissue in all species and appears to be concentrated in the lysosomal system of the cell. Based on differences in the histology and microstructure of testicular interstitial tissues and the patterns of 241Pu incorporation in these species, implications for predicting plutonium localization in hu...
Translation of PVX RNA in vitro by wheat germ I. Characterization of the reaction and product size

Abstract Potato virus X (PVX) RNA was an efficient mRNA for in vitro translation by the wheat germ system. Optimal incorporation of labeled amino acids occurred in reaction mixtures (50 μl) containing 3 m M Mg 2+ , 70 m M K + , and 3–4 μg of RNA. The presence of PVX RNA stimulated amino acid incorporation up to 40 times over background levels. Addition of spermine or spermidine further stimulated amino acid incorporation nearly twofold. PVX RNA translation was not inhibited by adding double-stranded RNA from Penicillium stoloniferum . The largest of several polypeptides obtained from PVX RNA translation reaction mixtures had an apparent molecular mass of 110,000 daltons. No polypeptide that coelectrophoresed with native PVX coat protein subunits was observed even when heat-treated PVX RNA was used, or when the products from spermine-stimulated reactions were analyzed.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Elongate Hemlock Scale Induce Changes in Foliar and Twig Volatiles of Eastern Hemlock

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is in rapid decline because of infestation by the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae; ‘HWA’) and, to a lesser extent, the invasive elongate hemlock scale (Fiorinia externa; ‘EHS’). For many conifers, induced oleoresin-based defenses play a central role in their response to herbivorous insects; however, it is unknown whether eastern hemlock mobilizes these inducible defenses. We conducted a study to determine if feeding by HWA or EHS induced changes in the volatile resin compounds of eastern hemlock. Young trees were experimentally infested for 3 years with HWA, EHS, or neither insect. Twig and needle resin volatiles were identified and quantified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. We observed a suite of changes in eastern hemlock’s volatile profile markedly different from the largely terpenoid-based defense response of similar conifers. Overall, both insects produced a similar effect: most twig volatiles decreased slightly, while most needle volatiles increased slightly. Only HWA feeding led to elevated levels of methyl salicylate, a signal for systemic acquired resistance in many plants, and benzyl alcohol, a strong antimicrobial and aphid deterrent. Green leaf volatiles, often induced in wounded plants, were increased by both insects, but more strongly by EHS. The array of phytochemical changes we observed may reflect manipulation of the tree’s biochemistry by HWA, or simply the absence of functional defenses against piercing-sucking insects due to the lack of evolutionary contact with these species. Our findings verify that HWA and EHS both induce changes in eastern hemlock’s resin chemistry, and represent the first important step toward understanding the effects of inducible chemical defenses on hemlock susceptibility to these exotic pests.
Quantitative analysis of alkyl phosphates using automated cool on‐column aqueous injection

A gas-chromatographic method of analysis for trimethyl and triethyl phosphates was developed that used direct aqueous injection. Automated, cool, on-column injection was investigated because of the large number of samples to be analyzed and the realization that the best inlet system for quantitative high resolution gas chromatography is the nonvaporizing, cool, on-column technique. Automated injection would increase not only sample throughput, but also precision and accuracy. Anticipated problems in the method development were the buildup of salts in the column system from injection of the buffered samples and the loss of flame in the flame-ionization detector during the passage of water through the instrument. The trimethyl (TMP) and triethyl (TEP) phosphates are often contaminants or impurities carried over from the synthesis of more complex phosphates. TEP has been identified in the ground water adjacent to a landfill site.
The Effect of Age of Bird and Method of Chilling on Composition of Broiler Skin

Abstract Hubbard chicks were raised on the Kansas State University poultry farm and processed at 3, 5, 7, or 9 weeks of age. Half of the birds in each age group were chilled 24 hr in slush ice, and the other half were hot packed. Immediately after processing, skin was removed from the legs and the composite sample analyzed for moisture, protein, fat, ash, and elemental composition. Moisture in broiler skin decreased with age of the bird, while fat content increased. Nonchilled skin also had a higher moisture and ash content than chilled skin. Percent protein remained rather constant as the birds increased in age. Calcium, potassium, and sulfur contents were not affected by age or chill method, but nonchilled skin had higher magnesium and sodium levels. The 3-weekold broilers had significantly greater phosphorus than broilers of other ages.
Sentinel node biopsy for cutaneous melanoma in the head and neck.

Background: Selective sentinel lymphadenectomy has gained widespread acceptance for staging of melanomas arising in the trunk and extremities, but the complex lymphatic drainage of the head and neck area has limited its application in this area. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent selective sentinel lymphadenectomy for cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck at the University of Alabama at Birmingham from 1997 through 2000, by using a standard technique of preoperative lymphoscintigram and biopsy guided with blue dye injection and a handheld gamma probe. Complete lymph node dissection was recommended only for tumor-positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). Survival curves were constructed with the Kaplan-Meier method. Fisher’s exact test was used for comparisons. Significance was defined as P < .05. Results: Thirty-eight patients underwent selective sentinel lymphadenectomy with the standard technique during the study period. A majority (82%) of patients were men with a median age of 55 years. The most common site of the primary tumor was the face (44%), followed by the scalp (24%). Mean tumor thickness was 2.5 mm. The sentinel node was identified during surgery in 35 patients (92%). Before the use of the handheld gamma probe, the identification rate of the SLN was only 56%. A single SLN was identified in 53% of cases. The incidence of metastases in SLN was 11.4%. With a mean follow-up of 17 months, the actuarial 3-year overall survival was 92%. The accuracy of the selective sentinel lymphadenectomy in this series was 80%. Conclusions: Selective sentinel lymphadenectomy in the head and neck region is a technically demanding procedure, but the combined use of blue dye and gamma-probe radiolocalization can be a reliable method of staging regional lymph nodes and determining the need for elective lymphadenectomy.
Use of serum C-reactive protein in differentiating septicfrom aseptic meningitis in children

LABORATORY STUDIES used with variable success ~ in the differentiation of aseptic from septic meningitis include serum and CSF white blood cell counts and differentials; CSF determinations of glucose, protein, and lactic acid 2.3; pH2; anion gap4; enzymesS; counterimmunoelectrophoresis for identification of common pathogenic bacterial antigens6; nitroblue tetrazolium dye testT; and the limulus lysate test. 8 McCarthy et al. 9 showed serum C-reactive protein to be useful in separating bacterial from viral pneumonia. Since publication of their study, rate immunonephelometry has provided a more sensitive and rapid method of quantifying CRP than the qualitative latex agglutination slide test used in their study. We studied this quantitative CRP method in patients with meningitis. PATIENTS From August to November 1980, 35 consecutive children admitted to Children's Hospital, Louisville, Ky., with more than 10 WBC/mm 3 in their CSF, were defined as having meningitis, There were 19 girls and 16 boys, ranging in age from 8 days to 12 years (mean 1.9 years).
Racial differences in epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome alone, uninvestigated dyspepsia alone, and overlap syndrome among african americans compared to caucasians : A population-based study

There is A paucity of data on racial differences in epidemiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) alone and uninvestigated dyspepsia (UD) alone compared to “overlap syndrome” (OS). We conducted a random survey (n = 990). Subjects completed a questionnaire which included Rome II criteria for IBS and functional dyspepsia (FD). Among African Americans, the prevalence of IBS alone, UD alone, and OS was 0.6%, 17%, and 7.3%, respectively. It was 0%, 13%, and 13% among Caucasian Americans. All but four patients with IBS had UD. Among patients with UD, OS was seen in 30% of African Americans, compared to 50% among Caucasian Americans. Among African Americans, UD patients were younger compared to OS patients. African Americans with UD were more likely than OS patients to have children. Marital status, education, and household income were not a factor among Caucasians. African Americans patients below poverty level were more likely to have UD than OS (22% vs 10%). Considering patients with UD alone, race, age, sex, marital status, number of children, education, and income level were not different between African Americans and Caucasians. Compared to African Americans, Caucasians with OS were likely to be married and live in an urban area. There was a higher prevalence of OS among Caucasians with lower education. OS is 2.5 times more likely to occur among Caucasians compared to African Americans. We conclude that OS is more common among Caucasians than African Americans. IBS and OS are virtually synonymous.
Brute New World: The Rediscovery of Latin America in the Early Nineteenth Century

Introduction the united provinces of the River Plate Chile Peru and Bolivia Gran Colombia Mexico Brazil conclusion.
Mitochondrial DNA in yeast recombination and subsequent modification following mating between a grande and a suppressive petite

The fate of mitochondrial DNA, following mating between a grande and suppressive petite of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been followed for up to 60 generations. The buoyant density of the mitochondrial DNA was seen to change in a manner explicable by a combination of recombination and subsequent modification phenomena whilst the suppressivity of the petite zygotic clones always remained high. These findings are consistent with current models of mitochondrial DNA metabolism in which petite strains have been observed to undergo deletion and reamplification of certain parts of their genomes.
Techniques for calculating currents and voltages in VLSI power supply networks

Analysis of power distribution in VLSI circuits requires the solution of a large network of resistors and current sources. Fortunately, these resistor networks have certain characteristic properties that permit partitioning into smaller, easier to solve sections. The authors present a set of techniques that can be used to identify and quickly solve three characteristic network configurations: trees, simple loops, and series resistors with interspersed current sources. Methods for efficiently solving other sections of the network are also explored. System performance of several designs is reported. >
The effect of chronic nitric oxide synthesis inhibition on blood pressure and angiotensin II responsiveness in the pregnant rat

Abstract OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to determine whether blockade of inducible or endothelial nitric oxide synthesis prevents maternal vasodilation and blunting of angiotensin II responsiveness in the pregnant rat. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant and nonpregnant rats were given (1) drinking water alone (untreated), (2) drinking water containing the inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor aminoguanidine (0.5 gm/L), or (3) drinking water containing the nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N ω -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (0.5 gm/L) from postmating days 5 to 21. On days 7, 14, and 20, 24-hour urinary nitrate-nitrite excretion, urine protein concentration, hematocrit, mean arterial blood pressure, and pressor responses to angiotensin II (12.5 to 200 ng/kg) were measured. On day 21 litter size, fetal weight, and fetal mortality were determined. RESULTS: Urinary nitrate-nitrite excretion was increased, and hematocrit and blood pressure were decreased by day 20 of pregnancy. Angiotensin II pressor responses were decreased on days 14 and 20 of pregnancy. Aminoguanidine slightly decreased nitrate-nitrite excretion in pregnant, but not nonpregnant rats, and abolished the late pregnancy increase. Aminoguanidine did not affect hematocrit, blood pressure, or angiotensin II responsiveness in either pregnant or nonpregnant rats. N ω -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester greatly reduced nitrate-nitrite excretion and induced hypertension in both nonpregnant and pregnant rats, but on day 20 blood pressure of the pregnant rats was significantly lower than that of the nonpregnant rats. N ω -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester increased angiotensin II responsiveness on days 14 and 20 only in the pregnant rats. N ω -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, but not aminoguanidine, increased fetal mortality and decreased fetal weight. CONCLUSIONS: Inducible nitric oxide synthesis accounts for increased nitrate-nitrite excretion during pregnancy. Endothelium-derived nitric oxide may attenuate angiotensin II responsiveness but does not cause vasodilation and the fall in blood pressure during the last week of gestation. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;176:1069-76.)
Distributed Piezoelectric-Polymer Active Vibration Control of a Cantilever Beam

An active vibration damper for a cantilever beam was designed using a distributed-parameter actuator and distributed-parameter control theory. The distributed-parameter actuator was a piezoelectric polymer, poly (vinylidene fluoride). Lyapunov's second method for distributed-parameter systems was used to design a control algorithm for the damper. If the angular velocity of the tip of the beam is known, all modes of the beam can be controlled simultaneously. Preliminary testing of the damper was performed on the first mode of the cantilever beam. A linear constant-gain controller and a nonlinear constant-amplitude controller were compared. The baseline loss factor of the first mode was 0.003 for large-amplitude vibrations (± 2 cm tip displacement) decreasing to 0.001 for small vibrations (±0.5 mm tip displacement). The constant-gain controller provided more than a factor of two increase in the modal damping with a feedback voltage limit of 200 V rms. With the same voltage limit, the constant-amplitude controller achieved the same damping as the constant-gain controller for large vibrations, but increased the modal loss factor by more than an order of magnitude to at least 0.040 for small vibration levels.
The determination of third order linear models from a seventh order nonlinear jet engine model

Results are presented that demonstrate how good reduced-order models can be obtained directly by recursive parameter identification using input/output (I/O) data of high-order nonlinear systems. Three different methods of obtaining a third-order linear model from a seventh-order nonlinear turbojet engine model are compared. The first method is to obtain a linear model from the original model and then reduce the linear model by standard reduction techniques such as residualization and balancing. The second method is to identify directly a third-order linear model by recursive least-squares parameter estimation using I/O data of the original model. The third method is to obtain a reduced-order model from the original model and then linearize the reduced model. Frequency responses are used as the performance measure to evaluate the reduced models. The reduced-order models along with their Bode plots are presented for comparison purposes. >
Ablation of Whirlin Long Isoform Disrupts the USH2 Protein Complex and Causes Vision and Hearing Loss

Mutations in whirlin cause either Usher syndrome type II (USH2), a deafness-blindness disorder, or nonsyndromic deafness. The molecular basis for the variable disease expression is unknown. We show here that only the whirlin long isoform, distinct from a short isoform by virtue of having two N-terminal PDZ domains, is expressed in the retina. Both long and short isoforms are expressed in the inner ear. The N-terminal PDZ domains of the long whirlin isoform mediates the formation of a multi-protein complex that includes usherin and VLGR1, both of which are also implicated in USH2. We localized this USH2 protein complex to the periciliary membrane complex (PMC) in mouse photoreceptors that appears analogous to the frog periciliary ridge complex. The latter is proposed to play a role in photoreceptor protein trafficking through the connecting cilium. Mice carrying a targeted disruption near the N-terminus of whirlin manifest retinal and inner ear defects, reproducing the clinical features of human USH2 disease. This is in contrast to mice with mutations affecting the C-terminal portion of whirlin in which the phenotype is restricted to the inner ear. In mice lacking any one of the USH2 proteins, the normal localization of all USH2 proteins is disrupted, and there is evidence of protein destabilization. Taken together, our findings provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanism of Usher syndrome. First, the three USH2 proteins exist as an obligatory functional complex in vivo, and loss of one USH2 protein is functionally close to loss of all three. Second, defects in the three USH2 proteins share a common pathogenic process, i.e., disruption of the PMC. Third, whirlin mutations that ablate the N-terminal PDZ domains lead to Usher syndrome, but non-syndromic hearing loss will result if they are spared.
Remifentanil pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics a preliminary appraisal

Remifentanil is a novel, short-acting mu-receptor opioid agonist currently in the late stages of development. A member of the 4-anilidopiperidine class, it is unique among the currently marketed agents because of its ester structure. Remifentanil undergoes widespread extrahepatic metabolism by blood and tissue nonspecific esterases, resulting in an extremely rapid clearance of approximately 3 L/min (180 L/h). Like the other members of this class of drugs, remifentanil is lipophilic and is widely distributed in body tissues with a steady-state volume of distribution of approximately 30L. Because of its unique metabolic pathway (among this group of drugs) and rapid clearance, remifentanil represents a new pharmacokinetic class of opioid. Unlike the other fentanyl congeners, termination of the therapeutic effect of remifentanil mostly depends on metabolic clearance rather than on redistribution. The context-sensitive half-time [defined as the time necessary to achieve a 50% decrease in blood (or plasma) concentration after termination of a variable-length, continuous infusion targeted to maintain a steady-state concentration, where the 'context' is the duration of the infusion] is strikingly short for remifentanil, and this is perhaps the most compelling evidence of the pharmacokinetic singularity of the drug. Determined by computer simulation, the context-sensitive half-time of remifentanil is approximately 3 minutes, and is independent of infusion duration. Pharmacodynamically, remifentanil is similar to the other fentanyl congeners. The drug produces physiological changes consistent with potent mu-receptor agonist activity, including analgesia and sedation. Its adverse effect profile (like that of the other drugs of this class) includes ventilatory depression, nausea, vomiting, muscular rigidity, bradycardia and pruritus. Because it does not release histamine upon injection, remifentanil has fewer haemodynamic adverse effects than morphine. The therapeutic potency of remifentanil is somewhat less than that of fentanyl, with an effective concentration (producing 50% of maximal effect, as measured by electroencephalography) of approximately 15 to 20 micrograms/L. Speed of onset of effect is very rapid and is similar to that of alfentanil, which is reflected in a t1/2ke0 (a parameter used to characterise the delay between peak blood drug concentration and peak pharmacodynamic effect utilising a theoretical effect compartment) of approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Remifentanil is likely to be a welcome addition to the anaesthesia drug formulary. Anaesthetists have long recognised the need for a short-acting opioid with a predictable pharmacokinetic profile.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)