cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use of fractals to quantify the morphology of cluster microforms

The emphasis of this paper is on the fractal-analysis of irregular objects like particle clusters that fill the two-dimensional Euclidean space R2. A common fractal descriptor of such objects is DL (1 5, pseudo-triangle, and -rhomboid. The analysis for this study is performed by applying the box-counting method for analyzing cluster planview images from four groups of cluster morphologies derived from synthetic, laboratory, and field data sets. The DAT is determined via Richardson plots by estimating the slope of the best-fit line over the entire range of box sizes. Doing so, provides a single aggregate dimension that includes the embedded effects from the objects projected area and perimeter. The results show that the average DAT¯ and its standard deviation can effectively discriminate the four cluster morphologic groups. The DAT¯ provides a clear demarcation between the nonlinear morphologies and the in-line morphology with ER > 5. The analysis also shows that the in-line clusters with ER < 5 change between pseudo-linear and pseudo-nonlinear morphologies. Moreover, it is found that most morphologies in the field are statistically well represented by the corresponding laboratory and synthetic morphologies. Finally, the analysis of the laboratory cluster data reveals the utility of DAT¯ for portraying the correspondence between cluster morphology and physical processes responsible for cluster formation and morphologic evolution, such as flow and sediment supply. Future research should build on the knowledge gained on this topic and further examine the links between the fractal dimension of different cluster morphologies and the physical processes that produce the characteristic scale captured by DAT¯.
Lateral Diffusion in Planar Lipid Bilayers

Direct measurements by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy of lateral diffusion coefficients of fluorescent lipid analogs in lipid bilaryer membranes indicate self-diffusion coefficients D greater than 10(-7) square centimeters per second for various lipid systems above their reported transition temperatures. Cholesterol in egg lecithin at mole ratio of 1 : 2 reduces D by about twofold, while retained hydrocarbon solvent can increase it by two- to threefold.
The Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Nutrition and Physical Activity Measures among School-Aged Children

Background:Alabama is ranked among the top six states in the nation for rates of obesity and overweight in children. Low levels of physical activity and poor eating habits result in overweight and obesity which increases risk for poor academic performance. Healthy EatingActive Living (HEAL) is a school based PE curriculum that combines nutrition and physical activity to improve the health of children. This study was designed to determine the differences in nutrition and fitness measures based on SES status.
Transient photoconductivity in a-Si:H

Abstract Experimental evidence is presented that the photoconductivity decay in a-Si:H can be dominated by contact effects rather than bulk properties. Two decay times are observed, one of which is the RC time constant associated with the contact depletion layer. The second, longer, decay is related to electron injection at the contact.
Reaction synthesis of Ni-Al based particle composite coatings

Electrodeposited metal matrix/metal particle composite (EMMC) coatings were produced with a nickel matrix and aluminum particles. By optimizing the process parameters, coatings were deposited with 20 volume percent aluminum particles. Coating morphology and composition were characterized using light optical microscopy (LOM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was employed to study reactive phase formation. The effect of heat treatment on coating phase formation was studied in the temperature range 415 to 1,000 C. Long-time exposure at low temperature results in the formation of several intermetallic phases at the Ni matrix/Al particle interfaces and concentrically around the original Al particles. Upon heating to the 500--600 C range, the aluminum particles react with the nickel matrix to form NiAl islands within the Ni matrix. When exposed to higher temperatures (600--1,000 C), diffusional reaction between NiAl and nickel produces ({gamma})Ni{sub 3}Al. The final equilibrium microstructure consists of blocks of ({gamma}{prime})Ni{sub 3}Al in a {gamma}(Ni) solid solution matrix, with small pores also present. Pore formation is explained based on local density changes during intermetallic phase formation and microstructural development is discussed with reference to reaction synthesis of bulk nickel aluminides.
Cusptron: A Compact High-Power Microwave Tube

Cusptrons produce microwave radiation at the fundamental and harmonic electron cyclotron frequencies by the negative mass instability. A low-energy, axis-rotating beam of 28-30 kV, 0.8-3.5 A, 4 us, and 60 pps is used to generate a single RF-mode both in a circular cavity and in a six-vane circuit. In fundamental and second harmonic frequency generation with a circular circuit, the independently excited modes are TEll's and TE21's with radiation power of more than 1.8 kW and an electronic efficiency of approximately 7.5%. In high-harmonic frequency generation with a six-vane circuit, microwave radiation at 6.0 GHz (sixth harmonic) and 3.9 GHz (fourth harmonic) is also independently generated with more than 10.4 kW and 4.0 kW, respectively. In this case, corresponding electronic efficiencies are approximately 10.0 and 9.5%.
Vagus nerve participates in CCK-induced Fos expression in hindbrain but not myenteric plexus

CCK activates neurons in rat hindbrain and small intestinal myenteric ganglia. Activation of neurons at both sites is mediated through type A CCK receptors. CCK-induced activation of hindbrain neurons is mediated by capsaicin-sensitive vagal fibers. Therefore, it is possible that CCK-induced activation of myenteric neurons also depends upon vagal activation. To test this hypothesis, we examined hindbrain and myenteric neuronal expression of Fos immunoreactivity following CCK injection in rats that had undergone bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy or systemic treatment with capsaicin, a neurotoxin that destroys small unmyelinated primary sensory neurons in the vagus, as well as in other peripheral nerves. We found that CCK (2 or 10 μg/kg) significantly increased Fos expression in both the brains and small intestinal myenteric plexuses of control rats. CCK-induced Fos expression was abolished or attenuated in the brains of vagotomized or capsaicin-treated animals. However, vagotomy or capsaicin treatment did not diminish CCK-induced Fos expression in the small intestinal myenteric plexus. We conclude that CCK-induced activation of intestinal myenteric neurons does not depend on activation of vagal sensory or motor neurons, while activation of neurons in the dorsal hindbrain is mediated, at least in part by CCK-induced activity of small unmyelinated vagal sensory neurons.
cAMP regulation of early gene expression in signal transduction mutants of Dictyostelium

We have examined the regulation of three early developmentally regulated genes in Dictyostelium. Two of these genes (D2 and M3) are induced by pulses of cAMP and the other (K5) is repressed. Expression of these genes has been examined in a number of developmental mutants that are specifically blocked in various aspects of the signal transduction/cAMP relay system involved in aggregation and control of early development. The mutant strains include Synag mutants, which are blocked in receptor-mediated activation of adenylate cyclase and do not relay cAMP pulses; FrigidA mutants, which are blocked in receptor-mediated activation of both adenylate cyclase and the putative phosphoinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) turnover pathway and appear to be mutations in the gene encoding one of the G alpha protein subunits; and a StreamerF allele, which lacks cGMP-specific cGMP phosphodiesterase. From the analysis of the developmental expression of these genes under a variety of conditions in these mutant strains, we have drawn a number of conclusions concerning the modes of regulation of these genes. Full induction of D2 and M3 genes requires cAMP interaction with the cell surface receptor and an "oscillation" of the receptor between active and adapted forms. Induction of these genes does not require activation of the signal transduction pathway that leads to adenylate cyclase activation and cAMP relay, but does require activation of other receptor-mediated intracellular signal transduction pathways, possibly that involving PIP2 turnover. Likewise, repression of the K5 gene requires pulses of cAMP. Expression of this gene is insensitive to cAMP pulses in FrigidA mutants, suggesting that a signal transduction pathway is necessary for its repression. Results using the StreamerF mutant suggest that the rise in cGMP in response to cAMP/receptor interactions may not be directly related to control of the pulse-induced genes. In addition, we have examined the effect of caffeine, which M. Brenner and S.D. Thomas (1984, Dev. Biol., 101, 136-146) showed preferentially blocks the cAMP relay system by blocking receptor-mediated activation of adenylate cyclase. We show that in many of the mutants and in an axenic wild-type strain, caffeine causes the induction of pulse-induced gene expression to almost wild-type levels or in some cases to higher than wild-type levels. Our data suggest that caffeine works by activating some step in the signal transduction pathway that must lie downstream from both the receptor and at least one of the G proteins and thus has effects other than simply blocking the receptor-mediated cAMP relay system.
Identification and characterization of retinoid-active short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases in Drosophila melanogaster

Background In chordates, retinoid metabolism is an important target of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs). It is not known whether SDRs play a role in retinoid metabolism of protostomes, such as Drosophila melanogaster.
Helicopter Pilot Performance: Inadvertent Flight into Instrument Meteorological Conditions

The problem of inadvertent VFR flight into IMC has been well documented as a major cause of general aviation accidents. The performance limits of fixed wing pilots under these circumstances have also been investigated with alarming results. However this problem has not yet been studied sufficiently in civilian helicopter pilots. In general helicopter operations are more complex than those of fixed wing aircraft for several reasons including increased control difficulty and the ability to operate in a variety of flight regimes such as slow flight, hover, low level, and high speeds. Each of the different helicopter flight regimes has different operational and control demands. The present study is aimed at quantifying helicopter pilot performance after inadvertent VFR into IMC at different speeds and altitudes of operation. We report here on data collected from instrument rated commercial helicopter pilots in simulated flight from VFR conditions to IMC. Data were collected on the aircraft attitude and performance as well as pilot control inputs. In addition an objective analysis was performed on the pilot input data that provided information regarding the amount of corrections that the pilots were using during flight. This analysis treated pilot inputs as a time series and quantified variability in the control inputs by calculating power in the Fourier spectrum of the digitized control position data stream. This analysis is valuable in that it provides an objective measure of pilot effort. The analysis was also applied to aircraft performance metrics. An "error" analysis was also conducted on the aircraft attitude data which enumerated the rate at which the aircraft was judged to be in a attitude that would reduce safety as predetermined by helicopter pilot experts. Both analyses revealed important information regarding the relationships between visibility, altitude, airspeed, aircraft performance, and pilot effort. In particular, while pilots quickly improved performance such that safe attitudes were maintained, the amount of effort required to maintain proper attitude remained high for longer periods of time. Pilot effort eventually decreases with repeated practice. Language: en
Monetary co-operation as a source of development finance: the asean case☆

Abstract The role of monetary co-operation among developing countries in offsetting seasonal and cyclical fluctuations in the balance of payments is discussed. Potential benefits and drawbacks are assessed in the context of the ASEAN countries.
Whither Ideology? Toward a Different Take on Enjoyment as a Political Factor

The problem with signifiers is not that they float. The problem with signifiers is that for some of us they do not float enough. —Stuart Hall, Lecture at the University of Pittsburgh, circa 1988 Cy...
The prediction of temperature distribution of a subassembly including intersubassembly heat transfer

Abstract A three-dimensional thermal hydraulic code, CLUSTER, has been developed in order to predict the temperature profile in a cluster of seven subassemblies during steady state conditions. The subassemblies under consideration include both pinbundle and reflector types of subassemblies. An implicit finite difference representation of the governing energy equation is employed. Good agreement was obtained between the analytical results and the measured data.
Importance of Tumor Location in Patients With High Preoperative Prostate Specific Antigen Levels (Greater Than 20 ng/ml) Treated With Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose: We investigated the effect of tumor location (anterior vs posterior) on pathological characteristics and biochemical-free survival in patients with a preoperative prostate specific antigen level of greater than 20 ng/ml undergoing radical prostatectomy since transition zone tumors are known to present with higher prostate specific antigen levels.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied the records of 265 patients treated with radical prostatectomy between 1984 and 2005 who had preoperative prostate specific antigen levels greater than 20 ng/ml. Review of pathology reports was performed and tumor location (anterior vs posterior) was defined. Differences in clinicopathological characteristics and prostate specific antigen recurrence rates were examined.Results: Of 265 patients with a preoperative prostate specific antigen level of greater than 20 ng/ml who underwent radical prostatectomy 50 (19%) had anterior tumors and 215 (81%) had posterior tumors. Patients with anterior tumors had lowe...
Arousal, Personality, and Assortative Mating in Marriage.

Abstract It is known that there is significant assortative mating for intelligence. However, where personality is concerned, the picture is less clear, and where physiologically referenced individual differences are concerned, there is a negligible body of available research. A compound major individual difference variable having a putative physiological basis–arousal and the stimulation-seeking motive, which has not heretofore been investigated in studies of assortative mating–was the focus of the present study. In addition, three major personality dimensions–extraversion-introversion, neuroticism and psychoticism–were included for study. One hundred and two married couples in the housing complex of a large American midwestern university were tested on the arousal/ stimulation-seeking and personality measures. Significant assortative mating (p <.01) was found only for arousal/stimulation-seeking. The results for the other personality dimensions failed to confirm significant but slight assortative mating ...
Comparison of mouse embryo development in open and microdrop co-culture systems

Co-culture with numerous cell lines has been shown to improve in-vitro embryo development. It is usually performed in open culture without an oil overlay, or in relatively large volumes of medium (e.g. 0.5 ml) under oil. We compared the efficacy of open and microdrop co-culture systems using human endometrial and tubal cell lines and mouse zygotes. Although the mean pH values of the media from the tubal cell cultures (both open and oil-covered) decreased significantly over 5 days of culture, this did not appear to impair embryo development. Both co-culture and microdrop culture significantly improved blastocyst and hatching blastocyst formation rates. The combination of the two techniques (microdrop and co-culture) demonstrated the highest blastocyst formation and hatching blastocyst formation rates, as well as the highest mean cell numbers in hatching blastocysts. Co-culture in a microdrop is a superior system for mouse embryo culture.
A structural investigation of praseodymium potassium hexacyanoferrate (II) tetrahydrate, PrKFe(CN)6 · 4H2O

Abstract Single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction data, thermal gravimetric analysis, and infrared spectral data are present for PrKFe(CN)6 · 4H2O. The crystal structure has been determined by single-crystal diffractometry and refined by the least-squares method to yield R = 0.0149 and Rw = 0.0155. The praseodymium ions are linked nonlinearly to the FeC6 octahedra by cyanide bridges. Cavities within the structure are occupied by potassium ions and zeolitic water molecules which are within hydrogen bonding distance to the water molecules which are bonded to the nine-coordinated praseodymium ions, PrN6(H2O)3. The powder diffraction data obtained by employing a Siemens Debye-Scherrer camera have yielded cell parameters of a = 7.374(2) and c = 13.816(3)A. The compound is hexagonal, P6 3 m (No. 176), DM = 2.34(3) Mg m−3, and DX = 2.368 Mg m−3. The powder diffraction data have been evaluated and the resultant quantitative figures of merit are F30 = 30(0.021, 48) and M20 = 29.7. Important bond lengths are: PrN = 2.540(3); FeC = 1.908(3); PrO = 2.704(4); and CN = 1.159(4) A.
A New Ion Channel Blooms at the Synapse

A new study by Yao et al. in the current issue of Cell proposes that a novel vesicular protein, dubbed Flower, regulates endocytosis by controlling presynaptic Ca 2+ levels. This finding is intriguing not only for its implications for vesicle cycling, but also for the multitude of Ca 2+ -dependent processes at play in presynaptic nerve terminals.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone maintains redox activity when bound to a DNA aptamer

We have identified by in vitro selection DNA aptamers for the redox cofactor pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ). Using a spectroscopic assay, we determined PQQ maintains its redox properties when bound to the DNA aptamers. These complexes could find potential use as biocatalysts when direct electrical communication with electrode surfaces is desirable.
Deformation zones under square footings supported by clayey soils

Abstract Footing settlements depend not only on physical and mechanical properties of base soils, but also on applied load intensities and their distributions with depth, as well as on footing rigidity, shape and dimensions. An analytical expression relating rigid bearing plate and/or footing settlements to thicknesses of deformation (active) zones, which form below footing bottoms, has been previously offered by the author. The results of tests performed with 0.5, 1.0 and 4.0 m2-area square footings, constructed on undisturbed clayey soils and containing data describing active zone development, were collected from literature and analyzed. This paper presents graphical relationships between square footing settlements, active zone thicknesses and footing dimensions, which are verified by published test results performed with experimental square footings, having areas different than the ones selected for statistical analyses.
Factors Affecting Activity of Grandlure, the Pheromone of the Boll Weevil, in Laboratory Biossays

In laboratory studies with Grandlure mixture, the synthetic pheromone of Anthonomus grandis Boheman, firebrick was the most effective carrier tested. Grandlure was attractive to females at amounts as low as 5×10-6 µg but was most attractive at amounts ranging from 2.5 to 50 µg. Grandlure remained attractive longer at a given temperature when evaporation was reduced by placing a stopper or cover on the holding container. When a cotton plant extract was added to grandlure, its attractiveness was increased markedly.
Turbulence Measurements in a Compressible Boundary Layer

The rms intensities of fluctuating mass flux and total temperature and their correlation coefficients are given for the case of an adiabatic, Mach 4, axisymmetric shock-wave boundary-layer interaction. Data were obtained upstream, within, and downstream of the interaction by the use of constant temperature hot-wire anemometer. Turbulence spectra are shown at selected locations. The measurements indicate that certain frequencies of the turbulence are increased as a result of the interaction and that the mass flux and total temperature fluctuations remain highly correlated over most of the boundary layer throughout the interaction. The present data are also transformed to rms intensities of fluctuating static temperature and velocity and compared with existing data obtained in adiabatic flows.
The unfolding pathway for Apo Escherichia coli aspartate aminotransferase is dependent on the choice of denaturant.

The guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) mediated denaturation pathway for the apo form of homodimeric Escherichia coli aspartate aminotransferase (eAATase) (molecular mass = 43.5 kDa/monomer) includes...
A reexamination of the early career of Robert J. Flaherty 1

(1980). A reexamination of the early career of Robert J. Flaherty. Quarterly Review of Film Studies: Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 431-457.
Immunization of Normal Mouse Spleen Cell Suspensions in vitro

Dissociated cells from the spleens of unimmunized mice were cultured with and without various mammalian erythrocytes. Spleen cell suspensions cultured with heterologous red cells developed levels of hemolytic plaque-forming cells only one log2 less than those seen in vivo. The reaction is specific for the in vitro immunizing erythrocytes. Antibody was demonstrated in the culture fluids.
Sampled-data control of LPV systems using input delay approach

In this paper, we address the problem of sampled-data control design for continuous-time linear parameter varying (LPV) systems. The state-feedback control design method we develop in this paper relies on the information from the sampled states. Due to the combination of the system continuous-time dynamics and the controller discrete-time dynamics connected through A/D and D/A converter devices, the closed-loop system is a hybrid one. In order to analyze this hybrid system from both stability and performance perspectives, we employ the so-called input delay approach to map the closed-loop system into the continuous-time domain. This would help in the design of a sampled-data controller in a direct way without actually discretizing the continuous-time system. Due to the state-delay representation of the transformed closed-loop system imposed by the sampled-data controller, we further develop a delay-dependent approach for control synthesis purposes. The simulation results demonstrate the viability of the proposed control design method to satisfy the stability and performance objectives even for the varying sampling case.
Characterization of Recombinant Phosphatidylinositol 4-Kinase β Reveals Auto- and Heterophosphorylation of the Enzyme

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 4-kinases catalyze the synthesis of PI 4-phosphate, an important intermediate for the synthesis of membrane polyphosphoinositides, regulators of multiple cellular functions. Two mammalian PI 4-kinases have been cloned, a 230-kDa enzyme (alpha-form) and a 110-kDa (beta-form), both of which are inhibited by >0.1 microm concentrations of the PI 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin (WT). In the present study, we created a glutathione S-transferase-PI4Kbeta fusion protein for expression in Escherichia coli. The purified protein was biologically active and phosphorylated PI in its 4-position with WT sensitivity and kinetic parameters that were identical to those of purified bovine brain PI4Kbeta. In addition to its lipid kinase activity, the enzyme exhibited autophosphorylation that was enhanced by Mn(2+) ions and inhibited by WT and another PI 3-kinase inhibitor, LY 294002. The recombinant protein was unable to transphosphorylate, but its isolated C-terminal catalytic domain still displayed autophosphorylation, suggesting that the autophosphorylation site resides within the C-terminal catalytic domain of the protein and is held in position by intramolecular interactions. Autophosphorylation inhibited subsequent lipid kinase activity, which was reversed upon dephosphorylation, by protein phosphatases, PP1 and PP2A(1), suggesting that it may represent a regulatory mechanism for the enzyme. Phosphorylation of endogenous or overexpressed PI4Kbeta was also observed in COS-7 cells; however, the in vivo phosphorylation of the expressed protein was only partially inhibited by WT and also occurred in a catalytically inactive form of the enzyme, indicating the presence of additional phosphorylation site(s). Successful bacterial expression of PI4Kbeta should aid research on the structure-function relationships of this protein as well as of other, structurally related enzymes.
Identification of [3H] histamine binding sites on gastric mucosal cells unrelated to histamine H2-receptors.

Abstract Binding of 3H-histamine to guinea pig gastric mucosal cells was inhibited by various imidazole and indole derivatives as well as by histamine and its H2-receptor agonists and antagonists. In contrast to the H2-agonists or H2-antagonists, these derivatives (e.g. imidazole, 4-hydroxymethyl imidazole, tryptamine, serotonin), neither increased cellular cyclic AMP nor altered the increase in cyclic AMP caused by histamine. The imidazole derivatives were more potent in inhibiting [3H]histamine binding than the corresponding indole derivatives. These results confirm our earlier observations suggesting that gastric cells posses a class of binding sites for 3H-histamine that is not linked to adenylate cyclase and is unrelated to the histamine H2-receptor.
Inference from Grouped Continuous Data: A Review

"Grouped" data are defined to be the result of observing continuous variables only up to the nearest interval, rectangle or triangle. This paper traces the development of statistical methods for grouped data, focusing on the major results and their interpretations. It emphasizes the impact of likelihood and Bayesian ideas on the analysis of grouped data, particularly as they influence current work.
DOS‐tips: Stocking Stuffers

If you have an M300 Workstation and a serial printer, you may have noticed that WordStar version 3.3 will not print through the COM2 port even after you have issued the appropriate MODE commands. The reason for this is that WordStar bypasses DOS for printing, preferring to handle printing on its own. Unfortunately, WordStar assumes that a serial printer is connected to COM1. If your serial printer is on COM2, you may want to make the following modification (patch) to WordStar. This patch changes the serial printer port from COM1 to COM2.
An immunological approach to quantify consumption of protein-tagged Lygus hesperus by the entire cotton predator assemblage

Abstract A new method for post-mortem quantification of predation on prey items marked with protein antigens is described. First, short-term protein marking retention tests were conducted on the targeted prey, immature Lygus hesperus Knight (Heteroptera: Miridae). Chicken IgG, rabbit IgG, or soy milk proteins were readily detectable by a suite of protein specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) on the L. hesperus . Then, predator gut content assays were conducted on chewing and piercing–sucking type predators that consumed a 3rd instar L. hesperus marked with rabbit IgG. The rabbit IgG gut content ELISA detected the marked prey in the vast majority of both types of predators for up to 24 h after feeding. Finally, field cage studies were conducted to quantify predation rates of the natural cotton predator assemblage on protein marked L. hesperus nymphs. Each 4th instar L. hesperus marked with rabbit IgG, chicken IgG, and soy milk was released into one of 360 field cages containing a cotton plant and the natural population of predators. After 7 h, each caged plant was pulled from the field, the number of predaceous arthropods in each cage were tallied, and each individual predator was assayed for the presence of marked prey by a suite of protein-specific ELISAs. A procedural error with the soy mark application negated the anti-soy ELISA data, but the anti-rabbit IgG and anti-chicken IgG ELISAs pinpointed exactly which predators preyed on the IgG marked nymphs. The protein-specific gut ELISAs revealed that various members of Araneae, Heteroptera, and Coleoptera were the most common predators of the marked prey items. In all, 74 predation events were recorded in the guts of the 556 predators encountered in the field cages. Of these 26, 23, and 14 marked individuals were eaten by various members of Araneae, Heteroptera, and Coleoptera, respectively. This study verifies that prey immunomarking is a simple, versatile, and effective method for quantifying predation rates on L. hesperus .
On the importance of identifying, characterizing, and predicting fundamental phenomena towards microbial electrochemistry applications

The development of microbial electrochemistry research toward technological applications has increased significantly in the past years, leading to many process configurations. This short review focuses on the need to identify and characterize the fundamental phenomena that control the performance of microbial electrochemical cells (MXCs). Specifically, it discusses the importance of recent efforts to discover and characterize novel microorganisms for MXC applications, as well as recent developments to understand transport limitations in MXCs. As we increase our understanding of how MXCs operate, it is imperative to continue modeling efforts in order to effectively predict their performance, design efficient MXC technologies, and implement them commercially. Thus, the success of MXC technologies largely depends on the path of identifying, understanding, and predicting fundamental phenomena that determine MXC performance.
Empirical Bayesian estimation of mean life from an accelerated life test

Abstract In accelerated life testing, the time to failure of an item is observed under a high stress level, and the estimates are needed for the normal stress levels. This paper is concerned with empirical Bayes estimation of the hazard rate constant for exponentially distributed life times. We have assumed that the effect of acceleration is to scale up the hazard rate, and that the hazard rate has the natural conjugate prior with a known mean and unknown variance. We have considered two smooth empirical Bayes estimates of the hazard rate, and computed their Bayes risks by simulation.
Knowledge of illness and medicine among Cokwe of Zaire

Abstract This paper analyses the structure of Cokwe medical knowledge in the context of the occurrence of illness. Their knowledge of illness and medicine grows out of several centuries of contact with neighboring peoples, and, most recently, with Europeans. The paper makes four main points. First, that Cokwe classification of disease can best be understood as based upon a series of principles by which diseases are identified. Second, that the ascription of causation is more important in the choice of treatment than in the diagnosis of disease. Third, that causal explanations change when illnesses are unresponsive to treatment. And fourth, that one can best understand the importance of the various categories of medical knowledge when those categories are placed within specific episodes of illness.
Optimal Configuration of Structural Systems for Tall Buildings

Structural systems for tall buildings have evolved to produce higher lateral stiffness more efficiently, and the efficiency of a structural system is significantly influenced by its geometric configuration. Therefore, once a particular structural system is selected for a tall building, it should be configured very carefully to maximize its structural efficiency and, at the same time, satisfy other non-structural design requirements integratively. This paper investigates optimal configurations of today’s prevalent structural systems for tall buildings. Among various structural systems developed for tall buildings, the systems with diagonals are generally more efficient because they carry lateral loads by their primary structural members’ axial actions. When the primary lateral load resisting system is located over the building perimeter, the system’s efficiency can be maximized. Tall building structural systems with perimeter diagonals include braced tubes and more recently developed diagrids. Braced tubes of various column spacing and diagonal configurations are comparatively studied. Diagrid structures of various uniform and varying angle diagonals are studied to determine more efficient configurations. Another structural system widely used for today’s tall buildings is outriggers structures. Optimal stiffness distribution between the building core and perimeter mega-columns, connected to the core through outrigger trusses, is investigated for outrigger structures.
Corporate debt, corporate taxes and leasing

This paper utilizes recent developments in capital lease modeling to develop a new specification of the relationship between the expected returns to debt, levered equity and unlevered equity for firms that lease a portion of their assets. Accounting explicitly for leases is shown to be important when the difference between equity and debt risk is large, when the risk of leased assets differs from the firm's other assets and when salvage value is a significant portion of the capitalized value of the firm's lease obligations. This new specification yields improved estimates of firms' unlevered cost of capital, thereby facilitating improved capital budgeting decisions in those that lease a significant portion of their assets.
Formation and stability of phase slip centers in nonuniform wires with currents

The problem of phase slip centers in superconducting wires with forced current is studied. It is shown that when the wire is uniform and the temperature and current are in a certain regime in the parameter plane, phase slip centers appear periodically in time at the center of the wire. When the wire is not uniform, the phase slip centers are not stationary, but rather they move through convection by the thickness variation.
Modulation of yeast plasma membrane composition of a yeast sterol auxotroph as a function of exogenous sterol.

Abstract Plasma membranes isolated from a yeast sterol auxotroph (RD5-R) grown on 1, 5, and 15 μg ml −1 exogenous concentrations of sterol showed no discontinuity in plots of steady-state fluorescence anisotropy. Liposomes constructed from phospholipid and sterol extracted from RD5-R grown on different sterols indicated that exogenously supplied sterol modulated cellular phospholipids such that lipid-phase transitions were avoided. Liposomes derived from sterol and phospholipid extracted from the same culture exhibited no lipid-phase transitions. However, when phospholipid extracted from a culture grown on a specific sterol was mixed with sterol extracted from a heterologous culture grown on a different sterol to form liposomes, discontinuities were detected in the anisotropy measurements of the liposomes produced. Quantitative analyses revealed that the exogenously supplied sterol coordinately regulated specific phospholipid species, fatty acid composition, and sterol to phospholipid ratios in yeast auxotrophs.
Antinuclear antibodies and nuclear antigens in rheumatoid synovial fluids

Abstract Soluble nucleoprotein (sNP) antigen was extracted from calf thymus nuclei and labeled with 125iodide. The labeled antigen (125I-sNP) was used in a sensitive radioimmunoassay to detect either sNP antigen or sNP antibody. Synovial fluids from 54 patients with various rheumatic diseases were examined by this technique. sNP antigen was detected in 18 of 31 (58%) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 14 of 23 (61%) in non-RA patients. The important finding was that 8 of 31 (26%) RA patients' synovial fluids contained antibody whereas with only one exception, antibody could not be detected in 23 non-RA patients. Presence of free sNP antigen or homologous antibody in synovial fluids of RA patients suggests that at certain times immune complexes might form and contribute to synovial injury.
Continuous production of lactic acid in a cell recycle reactor

The production of lactic acid from glucose has been demonstrated using a CSTR (continuous stirred-tank reactor) with cell recycle. Studies were conducted withLactobacillus delbrueckii at a fermentation temperature of 42°C and a pH of 6.25. A cell density of 140 g dry weight/L and a volumetric productivity of 150 g/L.h, with complete glucose consumption, were obtained. It was not possible to obtain a lactic acid concentration above 60 g/L because of product inhibition. A cell purge was not necessary to maintain high viability bacteria culture or to obtain a steady state. At steady state the net cell growth appeared to be negligible. The specific glucose consumption for cell maintenance was 0.33 g glucose/g cells-h.
Inhibition of bacterial adherence to rat bladder epithelial cells by human immune serum globulin

The ability of commerical human immune serum globulin (HISG) to inhibit the adherence of urinary tract infection isolates to rat bladder epithelial cells was investigated utilizing an in vitro adherence system. Significant decreases in adherence were noted when strains ofEscherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, andEnterobacter cloacae were tested against five HISG preparations. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indicated that all five HISG preparations also contained antibodies against type-1 pili isolated fromKlebsiella pneumoniae. The presence of antibodies directed against a bacterial adhesin and the effectiveness of HISG in inhibiting the attachment of a wide range of urinary pathogens to bladder cells suggest that HISG may have practical therapeutic values in the prophylaxis of diseases where bacterial adherence is a prerequisite for the initiation of infection.
A new method for measuring the kinetics of transmembrane calcium-45 efflux in the smooth muscle of the guinea pig tanea coli.

Abstract A simple technique has been developed for resolving cellular 45 Ca efflux from intestinal smooth muscle into two exponential components. Strips of taenia coli from guinea pig are labeled with 45 Ca for three hours and then washed in an ice-cold, oxygenated medium containing 5 mM CaEGTA and 1.5 mM excess Ca 2+ for 40 minutes in order to remove extracellularly bound label. Tissues subsequently placed in a control physiological solution at 37°C exhibit an efflux profile of 45 Ca which can be resolved into two exponential components. The apparent magnitudes and rate constants of these components are sensitive to ionic alterations of the medium and to biochemical manipulation of the Ca 2+ compartmentalization within the cells.
Measurement of colloidal forces with TIRM

Abstract During the last 10 years, we have developed a new experimental technique called Total Internal Reflection Microscopy. Using TIRM we can monitor the separation distance between a single microscopic sphere immersed in an aqueous solution and a transparent plate. Because the distance is calculated from the intensity of light scattered by the sphere (3–30 μm in diameter) when illuminated by an evanescent wave, this technique provides a sensitive, non-intrusive, and instantaneous measure of the distance between the sphere and the plate. Changes in distance as small as 1 nm can be detected. From the equilibrium distribution of separation distances sampled by Brownian motion, we determine the potential energy profile in the vicinity of the minimum formed by gravitational attraction and double-layer repulsion or steric repulsion caused by an adsorbed soluble polymer. Forces as small as 0.01 pN can be detected. We have also measured van der Waals attraction, the radiation pressure exerted by a focused laser beam, receptor-mediated interaction between antigen and antibodies, and steric repulsion due to adsorbed polymer layers. From the autocorrelation of the temporal fluctuations in scattering intensity, we have inferred the value of the normal component of the diffusion coefficient, which is approximately two orders of magnitude smaller than the bulk value owing to the close proximity of the sphere to the wall. This provides the first experimental test of Einstein’s equation (relating mobility and diffusion coefficient) in a colloidal force field.
Psychometric Assessment of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) Among Chinese Adolescents

The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) has the longest empirical track record as a valid measure of trait mindfulness. Most of what is understood about trait mindfulness comes from administering the MAAS to relatively homogenous samples of Caucasian adults. This study rigorously evaluates the psychometric properties of the MAAS among Chinese adolescents attending high school in Chengdu, China. Classrooms from 24 schools were randomly selected to participate in the study. Three waves of longitudinal data (N = 5,287 students) were analyzed. MAAS construct, nomological, and incremental validity were evaluated as well as its measurement invariance across gender using latent factor analyses. Participants’ mean age was 16.2 years (SD = 0.7), and 51% were male. The 15-item MAAS had adequate fit to the one-dimensional factor structure at Wave 1, and this factor structure was replicated at Wave 2. A 6-item short scale of the MAAS fit well to the data at Wave 3. The MAAS maintained reliability (Cronbach’s α =...
FLAGELLATES FROM BRACKISH WATERS IN THE VICINITY OF WOODS HOLE, MASSACHUSETTS1

SUMMARY The following marine chrysomonads, originally described by Carter, are redescribed: Pseudopedinella pyriforme, Ochromonas oblonga, and Pyrmnesium parvum. Parachrysiclalis n.g. is set up for P. estuariale, with a flattened body and 2 equal flagella inserted in the middle of one side. Redescribed Xanthophy-cean species include Nephrochloris salina and Olis-thocliscus luteus. Olisthodiscus carterae and O. magnus are new species, the first distinguished by the position of the flagella and large number of chromatophores, O. magnus by its size (30-18 μ X 15-25 μ) and anteriorly inserted but posteriorly trailing flagellum. Among Cryptophyceae, Chroomonas vectensis Carter, Rhodomonas amphioxeia Conrad, and Cryptomonas salina and C. stigmatica Wislouch are redescribed along with Rhodomonas minuta v. apyrenoidosa var. nov. Redescribed Chlorophyta are Bipedinomonas pyriformis Carter, Pyramimonas obovata Carter, P. amylifera Conrad, and what may be Tetra-selmis suecica (Kylin) Butcher. The loricate, probably colorless Calycomonas gracilis (Lohmann) Wulff is redescribed.
A review of physiological and behavioral changes during pregnancy and lactation: Potential exposure factors and data gaps

Exposures to environmental contaminants can pose risks to pregnant women's health, their developing fetuses, children, and adults later in their lives. Assessing risks to this potentially susceptible population requires a sound understanding of the physiological and behavioral changes that occur during pregnancy and lactation. Many physiological and anatomical changes occur in a woman's organ systems during the course of pregnancy and lactation. For example, blood volume and cardiac output increase during pregnancy, and other metabolic functions are altered to provide for the demands of the fetus. During lactation, nutritional demands are greater than during pregnancy. There are also changes in behavior during both pregnancy and lactation. For example, water consumption during pregnancy and lactation increases. These behavioral and physiological changes can lead to different environmental exposures than these women might otherwise experience in the absence of pregnancy or lactation. This paper provides a summary of information from the published literature related to behavioral and physiological changes in pregnant and lactating women that may affect their exposure or susceptibility to environmental contaminants, provides potentially useful exposure factor data for this population of women, and highlights data gaps.
Mucosal and enterocyte IL-6 production during sepsis and endotoxemia--role of transcription factors and regulation by the stress response.

Abstract Background: Sepsis and endotoxemia are associated with increased production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in gut mucosa. Mucosal IL-6 may regulate enterocyte acute phase protein synthesis and intestinal IgA production. In addition, increased IL-6 has been proposed to be a mechanism of loss of mucosal integrity in critical illness. The purpose of this review is to describe current knowledge of the regulation of IL-6 production in the enterocyte/mucosa during inflammation caused by sepsis and endotoxemia. Data sources: Recent publications describing the influence of sepsis, endotoxemia, and proinflammatory cytokines on mucosal/enterocyte IL-6 production. Conclusions: IL-6 production is increased in gut mucosa during sepsis and endotoxemia and in cultured enterocytes after treatment with endotoxin or proinflammatory cytokines. The IL-6 gene is regulated by multiple transcription factors, including NF-κB, AP-1, and C/EBP. Because of the multiple important biological roles of IL-6, understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of mucosal/enterocyte IL-6 production as well as methods to modulate IL-6 production is of clinical importance in the setting of sepsis and other critical illness.
Crithidia fasciculata: Appearance kinetics of intermediates and regulation of aerobic fermentation

In vivo studies of aerobic fermentation in the protozoan, Crithidia fasciculata, were performed using gas-liquid chromatography, mass spectroscopy, and ion-selective electrodes. Findings are consistent with an hypothesis derived from in vitro data: (1) Fermentation proceeds from the triose via the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase to oxanacetic acid and then by reversal of the tricarboxylic acid cycle to permit the formation of succinic acid; (2) amino acids serve as the principal substrate for early growth; and (3) as amino acid metabolism declines in midlog phase of growth, the organism begins to ferment carbohydrate. Aerobic fermentation of carbohydrate is of secondary importance to this organism and probably also to other hemoflagellates.
Hospital variations in adverse patient outcomes.

Careful review of the literature suggests that the conceptual problem in analyzing hospitals' quality of care is the difficulty of identifying problem domains of hospital care. An appropriate measurement model using multiple indicators of hospital quality problems is developed and evaluated. Adverse patient outcomes reflecting the quality problems are compiled from a peer review organization's generic screen indicators for 85 acute care hospitals. Predictor variables of adverse outcomes include bed size, number of high- technology services offered, case mix, severity of pa tients treated, ownership, net profit, market share, efficiency, teaching status, and metropolitan size. The findings show that hospital characteristics exert lim ited effects on adverse outcomes. Efficiency and av erage length of stay are the only statistically signifi cant factors that explain the variation in adverse outcomes.