cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the effect of peak shifts on the performance of the Kalman filter in multicomponent analyses

The effect of peak shifts on the performance of a Kalman filter multicomponent analysis algorithm has been investigated. A series of Gaussian test systems were employed to characterize the concentration estimation errors and the morphology of the on-line residuals (the innovations sequence). Both forward and reverse filters were used in the generation of the innovations sequences. It was found that the difference between the forward and reverse innovations sequences gave an accurate indication of the direction and magnitude of the peak shift. A series of overlapped two-component systems were also investigated. Again, a correlation between the difference innovations and the degree of the response shift was observed. The behavior of the Kalman filter in fitting the shifted fluorescence emission spectrum of benzo[a]pyrene was also examined. The response for benzo[a]pyrene in cyclohexane solution was compared to that obtained on the surface surface of a reversed phase thin layer chromatography plate. A red shift of 4 nm was detected for the surface spectrum by observing the difference innovations sequence. This approach holds promise for correction of response shifts in multicomponent systems.
Decrease in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse frequency with aging in postmenopausal women.

Increasing evidence suggests that aging is associated with dynamic changes in the hypothalamic and pituitary components of the reproductive axis that are independent of changes in gonadal hormone secretion. This study was designed to determine the effect of age on GnRH pulse frequency in women in the absence of gonadal feedback using gonadotropin free α-subunit (FAS) and LH as neuroendocrine markers of endogenous GnRH secretion. All studies were performed in healthy, euthyroid postmenopausal women (PMW) during daytime hours. The impact of sampling interval and duration on assessment of pulse frequency in PMW was first examined in 10 women with a mean age of 61.6 ± 8 yr (mean ± sd), in whom blood was sampled every 5 min for 12 h. Each 5-min series was then reduced to simulate a 10-min series and then a 15-min series for pulse analysis, and the effect of 8 h compared with 12 h of sampling was determined. To define the changes in the frequency and amplitude of pulsatile hormone secretion with aging, 11 young...
Immunofluorescent localization of rat luteinizing hormone.

SummaryAnti-HCG cross-reacted with rat pituitary LH resulting in the formation of soluble complexes which were biologically active as measured by the OAAD bioassay. Pituitary glands from castrated rats, presumably containing elevated levels of LH, showed an increased number of hypertrophic fluorescent positive cells. Conversely, pituitary glands from rats which had received either diethylstibestrol or testosterone cy-clopentylpropionate for 1 month, treatments expected to result in lowering of pituitary LH content, showed minimal fluorescence. These observations strongly suggest that the immunofluorescent-positive cells contain rat LH.
Characteristics of bombesin-induced inhibition of intake of ethanol.

Abstract The temporal and neural dependencies of the inhibitory effect of the administration of bombesin tetradecapeptide (BBS) on the intake of ethanol were assessed in the water-deprived rat. Variation of the intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of neuropeptide—5% ethanol access interval (0–20 min), revealed that suppression induced by bombesin (0.5–4.0 μ/g/kg) was significantly greater and more potent at shorter intervals. The intake of ethanol was less in rats with subdiaphragmatic vagotomies, but bombesin equivalently suppressed the intake. Intracerebroventricular injection of bombesin more potently and completely inhibited the intake of ethanol but bombesin injected intraventricularly, unlike that given intraperitoneally, elicited excessive grooming and scratching behavior. The suppressant effect of bombesin, given intraperitoneally, requires close temporal contiguity of administration and caloric solution access, which is consistent with a satiety action of a neuropeptide. This satiation effect to ethanol of peripherally administered bombesin appears to reflect a non-vagal, extra-ventricular neural action.
Cattle, the Catalyst of Culture

The Cattle of the Sun: Cows and Culture in the World of the Ancient Greeks. By Jeremy McInerney (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2010), xvii + 340 pp. $29.95/£20.95 cloth; $29.95 ebook. ...
PATTERNS OF BOWHEAD WHALE DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE NEAR BARROW, ALASKA, IN FALL 1982‐1989

Although the distribution and relative abundance of bowhead whales varied annually within the fall whaling area near Barrow, Alaska, the distance of whales from shore was not significantly different among years 1982-1989 (ANOVA, F= 0.5, P > 0.5). The minimum detectable distance for the ANOVA was 12 km (α= 0.05, β= 0.1). Annual median distance of random bowhead sightings from shore ranged from 23 to 39 km, with an eight-year median of 32 km. Highest annual bowhead sighting rates were positively associated with the proportion of feeding whales, indicating that whale feeding opportunities may affect the availability of whales within hunting range each fall.
Pulse field-sweep EPR. A method of extracting hyperfine information from inhomogeneously broadened EPR lines of bioinorganic systems

Abstract A low power microwave pulse technique has been developed for the purpose of resolving underlying hyperfine couplings from inhomogeneously broadened EPR lines of paramagnetic bioinorganic complexes. The technique has primarily been applied to bisimidazole ferric porphyrin systems and preliminarily to the Cu A signal of cytochrome c oxidase. Saturating, hole-burning microwave pulses were followed by a field sweep to monitor the spread of saturation away from the original hole. Satellite holes were observed whose splittings have been assigned to hyperfine-coupled nitrogens, protons, and deuterons. Hyperfine splittings for the Fe-liganding nitrogen-14 atoms of imidazole and pyrrole have been observed. Evidence for strong involvement of near protons on the imidazole was found. Detailed dependence of the spectral features on experimental parameters such as microwave power, pulse time, field sweep, 100 kHz modulation, and magnetic field has been investigated. The sensitivity was an order of magnitude greater than CW ENDOR and an order of magnitude less than CW EPR. The spectral resolution was of the order 1.0 MHz.
Male Genital Morphology and Function: An Evolutionary Perspective

Purpose: The genitals are at the forefront of evolution. Advantageous features of genital form and function determine which individuals pass their genes to future generations. The male genitalia are primarily for sperm deposition but additional functions of the penis and its accessory structures are being identified.Materials and Methods: The literature regarding genital evolution was reviewed.Results: This review explains key theories regarding the mechanisms of genital evolution. Also discussed are the anatomical and functional adaptations among different species that have evolved to optimize fertilization success. Finally, these evolutionary influences are discussed in the context of clinically relevant human genital morphology and function.Conclusions: The function of the genitalia extends beyond simple sperm transfer. Genital morphology evolves to provide the primary and secondary functionality that is critical for successful mating. By considering the form and function of human genital morphology in...
A structural study of premixed hydrogen-air cellular tubular flames

Abstract Two dimensionally spatially resolved structural measurements are reported for cellular phenomena in lean laminar premixed hydrogen-air tubular flames. Laser-induced Raman scattering and chemiluminescence imaging are combined to investigate low Lewis number lean hydrogen-air flames. The strong effect of thermal-diffusive imbalance is observed in radial profiles interpolated through the centers of reaction and extinction zones. In the flame cell, the equivalence ratio is ∼80% higher than the inlet mixture, resulting in a peak flame temperature of 1600 K that is 550 K above the adiabatic flame temperature of the inlet mixture (1055 K). In the adjacent extinction zone, the temperatures are ∼900 K lower than the peak flame temperature and the equivalence ratio is similar to the inlet mixture. Despite doubling the global stretch rate from 200 s −1 to 400 s −1 , the enhancement of local equivalence ratio and peak temperature in the flame cell remain similar. This enhancement seems dependent on the local cellular flame curvature, that is similar between both cases. With strong preferential diffusion effects, cellular flames offer unique validation data to improve the accuracy of current molecular transport modeling techniques.
Distribution of Microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase and Glutathione S-transferase in the Rat Olfactory Mucosa: Relevance to Distribution of Lesions Caused by Systemically-administered Olfactory Toxicants

This study represents part an of ongoing effort to understand the mechanism underlying the distribution of the olfactory mucosal lesion resulting from the systemic administration of compounds such as 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (dichlobenil) and β,β'-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN). Immunohistochemistry was performed to localize the microsomal form of epoxide hydrolase (mEH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozymes α, μ and π in the rodent olfactory mucosa. GST-π was found in abundance in the Bowman's glands of the mucosa lining the dorsal medial meatus (DMM) of the nasal cavity and in the nuclei of basal and sustentacular cells of the dorsal and lateral nasal cavity. Liver and olfactory mucosal levels of mEH are equivalent by Western blot analysis. mEH appeared to be localized in the apical cytoplasm of sustentacular cells in all regions of the olfactory mucosa except for the epithelium lining the DMM. These observations, coupled with the known profile of metabolites for dichlobenil, suggest that systemically-administered compounds causing site-specific lesions in the epithelium lining the DMM of the nasal cavity may do so by the in situ production of reactive epoxide metabolites which are then poorly capable of being detoxified. Thus, the distribution of metabolic enzymes, rather than the absolute level of an enzyme in a tissue, may dictate lesion distribution in the case of toxicants which are bioactivated in target tissues. Chem. Senses 20 : 385-392, 1995.
Management of Thygeson's Superficial Punctate Keratitis

Four patients had Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis of one to 16 years' duration. One patient was completely unresponsive to topical corticosteroids, and the remaining three patients had only partial resolution of signs or symptoms while using topical corticosteroids. In all cases, rapid resolution of the epithelial lesions occurred with symptomatic relief after patching for 24 hours or after the use of therapeutic soft contact lenses. Three of the four patients have tolerated daily or extended wear of soft contact lenses accompanied by relief of both signs and symptoms. The use of therapeutic soft contact lenses may provide an alternative to topical corticosteroids in the treatment of Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis.
Managing knowledge in technical demonstration plans: a template

Successful technical demonstrations require the marshalling and coordination of all aspects of business knowledge – technical, marketing, communications, and personnel. Many technical demonstrations fail, however, due to leaving out one or more of these elements. This paper describes a Technical Demonstration Plan Template used to plan, develop, execute, and evaluate a technical demonstration and reduce its inherent risks, especially for one-shot demonstrations that allow for only one chance to get it right. Drawing on his 25 years of experience, the author describes the key components of a technical demonstration and presents a template for a business to follow to ensure all of the essential parts of a technical demonstration come together, including back-up and contingency elements within the plan in case something goes wrong. The paper uses real-world applications and lessons learned to describe the benefits of a Technical Demonstration Plan and the problems encountered when not using one.
Hepatocyte growth factor induces rat ovarian surface epithelial cell mitosis or apoptosis depending on the presence or absence of an extracellular matrix.

The present studies showed that sequential treatment with equine CG (eCG) and hCG not only induced an increase in ovarian weight, but also caused an estimated 4.6-fold increase in the number of ovarian surface epithelial cells. In addition, eCG-hCG treatment increased ovarian hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) messenger RNA levels. These studies also demonstrated that rat primary ovarian surface epithelial cells as well as a cell line derived from rat ovarian surface epithelium (i.e. ROSE-179 cells) do not express the LH (hCG) receptor. Both of these cells express c-Met, the receptor for HGF. To assess the effects of hCG and HGF on ovarian surface epithelial cell mitosis, ROSE-179 cells were cultured for 24 h in serum-supplemented medium on either glass or the synthetic fibronectin-like extracellular matrix protein, pronectin (RGD). The cells were then cultured for 24 h in serum-free medium in the presence or absence of hCG or HGF. The numbers of cells at 2, 24, and 48 h of culture were determined. The percentage of apoptotic cells was assessed by in situ DNA staining at 48 h of culture. In the serum-supplemented medium in the presence or absence of RGD, the number of ROSE-179 cells doubled. In serum-free medium, cell proliferation was reduced, and the percentage of apoptotic nuclei ranged between 10-15% regardless of the substrate. Neither mitosis nor apoptosis was influenced by hCG in the presence or absence of RGD. For ROSE-179 cells cultured in serum-free medium on RGD, HGF induced mitosis, resulting in a 2.8 +/- 0.2-fold increase in cell number compared with the 24 h control values. On a glass substrate in serum-free medium, HGF did not induce mitosis, but increased the percentage of apoptotic nuclei. Time-lapse photographic analysis revealed that on RGD, cells undergoing HGF-induced mitosis showed a transient reduction in cell contact. On glass, HGF caused many cells to completely lose contact and separate from each other. Collectively, these data suggest that in vivo gonadotropins stimulate HGF expression and ovarian surface epithelial cell proliferation. Based on in vitro studies, it is likely that the mitogenic action of hCG is mediated by HGF. However, HGF only induces mitosis in the presence of an extracellular matrix.
Evidence that the anterior cingulate and supplementary somatosensory cortices generate the pain-related negative difference potential.

Abstract Objective: The pain-related negative difference potential (NDP) is derived by subtracting sural nerve-evoked somatosensory evoked potentials elicited at the pain threshold level from those elicited at supra-pain threshold levels. This experiment evaluated a hypothesis derived from our earlier work, namely that the NDP is generated by pain-related activity in the primary somatosensory (SI) cortex. Methods: The dipole source localization method was applied to NDPs evoked by electrical stimulation of the finger and of the sural nerve in 20 subjects. Results: Comparison of several one-, two- and three-source configurations demonstrated that both the finger-evoked NDP and the sural nerve-evoked NDP are best-fit by two sources, with one located in or near the anterior cingulate cortex and the other in or near the supplementary somatosensory area. Conclusions: Both the anterior cingulate cortex and the supplementary somatosensory area receive afferent projections from medial thalamic nuclei that receive nociceptive inputs, and both have been shown to respond to noxious stimulation. Hence, although the results of this experiment did not confirm our hypothesis that the NDP is generated in SI, they are consistent with the hypothesis that the NDP is generated in the supraspinal pain pathways.
Phosphophloretin sensitivity of rabbit renal NaPi-IIa and NaPi-Ia.

The effect of phosphorylated phloretins on Na+-dependent phosphate uptake into rabbit renal brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) was examined. Na+-dependent phosphate uptake into isolated rabbit cortex BBMV was sensitive to 2′-phosphophloretin (2′-PP) and 2′-phospho-4′,4,6′-trimethoxy phloretin (PTMP) in a dose-dependent and pH-dependent manner. PTMP inhibition of Na+-dependent phosphate uptake was maximum at alkali pH, and 2′-PP inhibition of Na+-dependent phosphate uptake was maximum at acidic pH. Increasing Na+ concentrations did not increase PTMP inhibition of renal cortex BBMV Na+-dependent phosphate uptake at pH 6. The effect of phosphophloretins on Na+-dependent phosphate uptake was examined in BBMV isolated from purified proximal tubules and distal tubules. 2′-PP and PTMP inhibition of Na+-dependent phosphate uptake into BBMV isolated from purified proximal tubules was similar to the inhibition seen with BBMV from renal cortex. 2′-PP, but not PTMP, inhibited Na+-dependent phosphate uptake into BB...
Unique Expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Proteins in the Absence of Glucose Trimming and Calnexin Association

Recent evidence indicates that efficient expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) complexes requires their interaction with the resident endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone calnexin, which for certain proteins functions as a lectin specific for monoglucosylated glycans. In the current report, we studied the expression of MHC class I proteins in BW wild type thymoma cells (BW WT) and glucosidase II-deficient BW PHAR2.7 cells. Consistent with a requirement for glucose (Glc) trimming for interaction of class I proteins with calnexin, we found that nascent H-2Kk proteins associated with calnexin in untreated BW WT cells, but not in BW WT cells treated with the glucosidase inhibitor castanospermine (cas), or in untreated glucosidase II-deficient BW PHAR2.7 cells. Suprisingly, we found that H-2Kk expression occurred with similar efficiency in BW PHAR2.7 cells as in BW WT cells and that formation of nascent H-2Kk complexes was perturbed by cas treatment in BW WT cells but not in BW PHAR2.7 cells. Finally, it was noted that expression of the molecular chaperone Bip was markedly increased in BW PHAR2.7 cells relative to BW WT cells, which is suggested to play a role in regulating the expression of H-2Kk complexes in BW PHAR2.7 cells. The current study demonstrates that Glc trimming is required for efficient interaction of nascent H-2Kk proteins with calnexin; that expression of MHC class I proteins can, under certain conditions, proceed effectively in the absence of Glc trimming and calnexin association; and that Bip expression is markedly increased under conditions where diglucosylated glycans persist on nascent glycoproteins within the ER. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that alternative oligomerization pathways exist for class I proteins within the quality control system of the ER that have differential requirements for removal of Glc residues from nascent glycan chains.
Border collie comprehends sentences containing a prepositional object, verb, and direct object

Abstract This study tested the ability of a Border Collie, Chaser, to learn the syntax and semantics of sentences consisting of three elements of grammar, a prepositional object, verb, and direct object. Understanding of the syntax of the sentences required that Chaser emit responses consistent with three elements of grammar sentences, such as to ball take Frisbee. Understanding of the semantics of the sentences required that Chaser respond correctly when the meanings of the sentences were changed by reversing positions of the prepositional object and the direct object in the sentence, such as to Frisbee take ball. Chaser's understanding of the sentences was tested in three different scenarios: (a) when multiple and familiar objects were used in the syntax command sentence, (b) when novel objects were used in the syntax command sentence (novel in the sense that objects had not been used during training), and (c) when vision of objects was not possible at the time the syntax command was verbalized. Findings were statistically significant in all three scenarios. Successful findings were attributed to Chaser's intensive training in her first three years of life. Analysis of the data revealed that Chaser's successful understanding of the syntax sentences required the processing and retention of two sound-object mappings (names-objects) into memory, along with simultaneous judgments concerning which object to take to the other – that is, working memory. These two types of cognitive abilities, memory storage and working memory, raise the bar in terms of our expectations of a dog's potential ability to understand verbal communications. We propose that Chaser's understanding of our three elements of grammar sentences represents a giant leap in her referential understanding of language.
Excess molar Gibbs free energies of pairs of n-alkanes, the two n-alkanes differing by one or two carbon atoms

Excess molar Gibbs free energies of some n-alkane solutions (hexane in pentane or heptane as solvent, heptane in hexane or octane, octane in heptane, and nonane in heptane or octane) were determined at 323.15 K using a continuous-dilution differential vapor-pressure apparatus. Separate experiments focused on regions of low (x n(solvent) are internally consistent but the correlation with n is significantly different from that for n(solute) < n(solvent).
A ToolBook computer program to develop course objectives and assessment measures

College courses are generally developed because of current fashion in the field and/or student and faculty interest in some topic without reference to departmental or programmatic goals. Current calls and needs for accountability in higher education demand a more organized approach. A computer program, ToolBook 1.53, which provides information to the instructor about systematic development of courses and assessment of student outcomes, is described. The program supports the construction of outcome-oriented learning objectives and corresponding assessment techniques. Instructors who used this program to learn about how to construct such objectives showed an increase in knowledge and evaluated the program positively. Using the information provided in this program leads to an integrated approach to course design and development in which course objectives are linked to the college mission statement through departmental or program objectives.
America's urban challenge: fiscal crisis or entrepreneurial opportunity

Abstract This paper briefly discusses the new urban ‘entrepreneurial’ dynamics occurring in city arenas across the USA. These new urban dynamics are already changing the way US cities are addressing their urban demands. In this process they are having far reaching consequences on the future shape and condition of urban America.
Prediction of in vivo drug performance using in vitro dissolution coupled with STELLA: a study with selected drug products

Prediction of the in vivo performance of the drug product from the in vitro studies is the major challenging job for the pharmaceutical industries. From the current regulatory perspective, biorelevant dissolution media should now be considered as quality control media in order to avoid the risk associated. Physiological based pharmacokinetic models (PBPK) coupled with biorelevant dissolution medium is widely used in simulation and prediction of the plasma drug concentration and in vivo drug performance. The present investigation deals with the evaluation of biorelevant dissolution media as well as in vivo drug performance by PBPK modelling using STELLA® simulation software. The PBPK model was developed using STELLA® using dissolution kinetics, solubility, standard gastrointestinal parameters and post-absorptive disposition parameters. The drug product selected for the present study includes Linezolid film-coated immediate-release tablets (Zyvox), Tacrolimus prolonged-release capsules (Advagraf), Valganciclovir tablets (Valcyte) and Mesalamine controlled-release capsules (Pentasa) each belonging to different biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS). The simulated plasma drug concentration was analyzed and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and compared with the reported values. The result from the present investigation indicates that STELLA® when coupled with biorelevant dissolution media can predict the in vivo performance of the drug product with prediction error less than 20% irrespective of the dosage form (immediate release versus modified release) and BCS Classification. Thus, STELLA® can be used for in vivo drug prediction which will be helpful in generic drug development.
Relationship between Mediterranean Diet Score and atherothrombotic risk: findings from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 1988-1994

Abstract Background Mediterranean diet has been promoted as the preferred dietary model for cardiovascular disease prevention in the United States. Objective We sought to evaluate the degree to which the Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced levels of atherothrombotic biomarkers in a population-based sample in the U.S. Design Data from 13,197 adults between the ages of 18 and 90 were collected and atherothrombotic risk factors assessed as part of the NHANES III, 1988–1994. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using food frequency questionnaires, supplemented by the 24-h dietary recall data, to develop Mediterranean Diet Scores (MedDietScore) that were analyzed in tertiles. The cross-sectional relationship of MedDietScore to atherothrombotic factors were analyzed using multiple variable regression analysis adjusted for complex sampling design using SUDAAN. Results The components of the Mediterranean diet and the dietary pattern's associations with atherothrombotic risk factors differed by age and gender. For men p =0.0390), serum insulin ( p =0.0414), and white blood cell (WBC) ( p =0.0246) decreased. For men ≥45 years as MedDietScore increased: TC/HDL ratio ( p =0.0008), Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) ( p =0.0001), HOMA index ( p =0.0486), C-reactive protein ( p =0.0034), fibrinogen ( p =0.0028) decreased and HDL cholesterol (HDL-c) levels ( p p p =0.0012), apolipoprotein B ( p =0.0112), HgbA1c ( p =0.0001), decreased and HDL-c levels ( p p =0.0005), Triglycerides ( p p =0.0062), HOMA index ( p =0.0063) and Homocysteine (Hcy) (0.0046) levels decreased and HDL-c levels ( p =0.0005) increased. Conclusions Mediterranean diet appears to be associated with selective measures of cardioprotective lipid profiles, glucose metabolism, and inflammation and coagulation levels.
Silica- and L-zeolite-supported Pt, Pt/Sn and Pt/Sn/K catalysts for isobutane dehydrogenation

Abstract Reaction kinetics measurements, temperature programmed oxidation (TPO), transmission electron microscopy, and chemisorption measurements were used to study silica- and L-zeolite-supported Pt catalysts for isobutane dehydrogenation at 798 K in pure isobutane and at 873 K with a 2 : 1 hydrogen : isobutane feed. Highly selective dehydrogenation catalysts were prepared by depositing Pt and Sn on K-L-zeolite, as well as by depositing Pt, Sn, and K on silica. At 873 K and in the presence of hydrogen, the Pt/Sn/K-L catalysts exhibited significantly higher rates of isobutene production compared to the Pt/Sn/K/silica catalyst. Addition of Sn and K to Pt decreased the extent of carbon deposition on the catalysts by reducing the size of the Pt surface ensembles, thereby inhibiting the formation of highly dehydrogenated surface species that lead to coke and other undesirable products (e.g. hydrogenolysis). The presence of Sn may also facilitate the transport of the carbon deposits from the active sites to the support. In the absence of hydrogen, the pores of Pt/K-L-zeolite become blocked by carbonaceous deposits during isobutane dehydrogenation at 798 K. At 873 K and in the presence of hydrogen, the Pt/Sn/K-L catalysts exhibit deactivation due to coking, enrichment of the surface with tin, and/or sintering of the metal particles.
Identification of heterozygotes with phenylketonuria on basis of blood tyrosine responses.

The differences in the responses of the tyrosine concentration in the serum to a two dose oral loading test with l -phenylalanine provided good separation of heterozygotes with phenylketonuria from control subjects. Determination of a discriminating factor by a combination of either the fasting, one, and two hour tyrosine values, or only the one and two hour values, permitted separation of the two groups with approximately a 5 per cent error. The discriminating values so derived gave an expression of differences in the rate of formation of tyrosine from l -phenylalanine within the two hour period and appeared to be a critical method of measuring the presence of a partial gene-enzyme deficiency.
From the authors

We appreciate the important concern raised by M. Thomeer and agree that following a standardised diagnostic criteria is important for both the investigator as well as the clinician taking care of the patients in the community. While the general pulmonologist may not be as “accurate” in diagnosing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) as expert clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of IPF and other subgroups of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP) in tertiary centres enrolling patients in clinical trials, the clinical knowledge of IPF has evolved significantly with new data and clarifications during the last few years. Recent international consensus statements by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) have increased the awareness of the different entities of IIP and IPF 1, 2. Thus, the current generation of general pulmonologists, as well as experienced pulmonologists, involved in active care of patients with pulmonary diseases are becoming quite familiar with the diagnostic criteria for these entities. In fact, all of the recent and ongoing clinical trials have utilised well-defined criteria based on set guidelines to enrol the most appropriate patients. The striking similarity of the baseline demographics in the patient populations enrolled in two recent separate multicentre clinical trials in …
Negative affect and job search: Further examination of the reverse causation hypothesis

Abstract The present study examined a longitudinal model of state and trait negative affect as predictors of job-search success. Job-search self-efficacy and job-search intensity were also examined as mediators of the negative affect—job-search success relation. Overall the model offered mixed support for Kasl’s (1982) Reverse Causation Hypothesis. Results suggested that trait negative affectivity had a direct negative relationship with subsequent job-search success (i.e., number of offers and job status). Results also suggested that trait negative affectivity related indirectly to interview success through job-search self-efficacy and job search intensity. Contrary to the Reverse Causation Hypothesis, positive relationships were found between distress (state negative affect) and job search outcomes.
Rationally triangulable automorphisms

Abstract This paper provides a necessary and sufficient condition for the rational triangulability of actions of the algebraic group G a on affine space. The criterion is used to demonstrate the rational triangulability of all G a actions on A 3 k ), as well as to prove, for arbitrary n , that all G a actions are stably rationally triangulable.
Shrinkage of latex-modified and microsilica concrete overlays

Shrinkage performance was examined of Virginia Department of Transportation-approved latex-modified and microsilica concrete overlay mixtures. Research was conducted on both field-sampled and laboratory-fabricated restrained and unrestrained specimens. From crack and delamination surveys of sampled bridge decks and laboratory test results, a shrinkage performance-based specification for the Virginia Department of Transportation was developed. There was no significant difference between the unrestrained shrinkage values of latex-modified and microsilica concrete overlay mixtures for the specified time periods. Restrained microsilica concrete specimens generally cracked earlier and more frequently than restrained latex-modified concrete specimens. However, the bridge deck crack and delamination surveys show that conditions and quality of construction and type and frequency of traffic may have a greater effect on cracking than the overlay material.
Rehabilitation with calvarial bone grafts and osseointegrated implants after partial maxillary resection: A clinical report

Osseointegrated implants can be positioned on the nondefect side of a midline maxillary resection if there is sufficient residual bone. Axial loading of the implants is difficult because the axis of rotation for an obturator prosthesis is located along the palatal margin of the defect. Rotation of the prosthesis due to a class I lever will encourage stresses within the implants and the bone surrounding the implants on the nondefect side, and this may be detrimental. Placement of implants within the defect will prevent rotation of the prosthesis and encourage axial loading of the implants.
A Mathematical Model for Microwave-Assisted Chemical Vapor Infiltration

A model for microwave heating of a ceramic preform is presented. Microwave power and external cooling are manipulated to obtain desired temperature profiles for effective chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) of the preform. A mass transport and chemical reaction model is developed to demonstrate preform densification. Conditions affecting matrix deposition are evaluated.
Maps for brittle and brittle-like failure in ice

Abstract The strain rate and stress required for faulting in ice under low to moderate confinement are well understood and can be quantified in terms of independently measured materials parameters. Under high confinement, defined as confinement sufficient to suppress frictional sliding, brittle-like failure is still observed, even at pressure well below that required for faulting associated with phase transformations. While previous work has qualitatively suggested that high-confinement faults not associated with phase transformations, here termed P-faults, are likely associated with adiabatic instabilities, the failure map for P-faulting remains incomplete because of the lack of a quantitative understanding of the P-faulting terminal failure stress. Here we develop a new quantitative model for the P-faulting terminal failure stress that is consistent with recent experimental observations and then use this model to complete the failure map for compressive brittle and brittle-like failure of freshwater ice.
Arginine flux and nitric oxide production during human pregnancy and postpartum.

To compare second-trimester, third-trimester, and postpartum arginine flux and nitric oxide production using infusions of the stable isotope L-[15N2]-arginine in normal human gestation. Kinetic measurements were made in pregnant volunteers with uncomplicated singleton gestations in mid gestation, late gestation, and more than 8 weeks postpartum. A bolus of 4.95 μmol/kg of labeled arginine was administered, followed by an infusion at 4.95 μmol/kg per hour for 6 hours. The isotopic enrichment of plasma arginine and nitrite or nitrate (NOx) was determined by gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, or both. We used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for normality, repeated-measures analysis of variance, and Newman-Keuls test. P < .05 denoted statistical significance. The rate of turnover of the intravascular NOx pool was significantly higher in midgestation compared with late gestation and almost reached statistical significance when compared with postpartum values (6.2 ± 0.9 versus 4.3 ± 0.8 [P < .02] versus 3.7 ± 2.1% pool/hour; P = .08). Arginine flux was significantly higher in early compared with late gestation and postpartum (107.8 ± 13.9 versus 72.5 ± 16.1 versus 82 ± 8.8 μmol/kg per hour, respectively; P <.01). Arginine and nitric oxide production is higher in mid gestation. This suggests a role for nitric oxide in early cardiovascular adaptation in human gestations.
An Electrically Switchable Optical Ultrawideband Pulse Generator

A novel electrically switchable optical ultrawideband (UWB) pulse generator that is capable of generating both Gaussian monocycle and Gaussian doublet pulses by using a polarization modulator (PolM) and a fiber Bragg grating is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The polarity and the shape of the generated UWB pulses can be electrically switched by adjusting the voltages applied to two arbitrary wave plates (AWPs), which are incorporated at the input and the output of the PolM to adjust the polarization state of the lightwaves. The key component in the UWB pulse generator is the PolM, which is a special phase modulator that can support both transverse electric and transverse magnetic modes but with opposite phase modulation indexes. Depending on the polarization state of the incident lightwave to the PolM that is linearly polarized and aligned to one principle axis of the PolM or circularly polarized, UWB monocycle or doublet pulses are generated. The polarity of the UWB pulses can be electrically switched by adjusting the voltages applied to the AWPs. The proposed system is implemented, and the generation of UWB monocycle and doublet pulses is experimentally demonstrated. Gaussian monocycle and doublet pulses with a fractional bandwidth of about 150% and 160% are experimentally generated. The proposed electrically switchable optical UWB pulse generator has the potential for applications in UWB communications and radar systems that employ pulse polarity modulation and pulse shape modulation schemes.
Varieties and Consequences of Medieval Literacy and Illiteracy

Une definition assez ample du degre d'aptitude a lire et ecrire ne doit pas se limiter au latin mais inclure aussi les relations complexes du latin et des langues vernaculaires. L'A. denonce un certain nombre d'hypotheses trompeuses concernant la litterature vernaculaire fondees sur une combinaison de la fictionalite du texte ecrit avec la structure isotopique (non metaphorique et concrete) qui caracterise les litteratures vernaculaires. L'acces a l'ecrit est determine par le besoin d'acceder a la tradition ecrite pour exercer une fontion sociale, et par l'usage des moyens permettant cet acces, que ce soit sa propre capacite a lire ou celle d'un autre. Position et fonction du narrateur, de l'auteur et du public dans la litterature narrative vernaculaire. Avec l'evolution de l'erudition vernaculaire, le recit du texte comme celui des arts figuratifs change sa fonction de communication: de commentaire sur la "realite" il devient constitutif d'une "realite".
Throughput analysis of fading sensor networks with regular and random topologies

We present closed-form expressions of the average link throughput for sensor networks with a slotted ALOHA MAC protocol in Rayleigh fading channels. We compare networks with three regular topologies in terms of throughput, transmit efficiency, and transport capacity. In particular, for square lattice networks, we present a sensitivity analysis of the maximum throughput and the optimum transmit probability with respect to the signal-to-interference ratio threshold. For random networks with nodes distributed according to a two-dimensional Poisson point process, the average throughput is analytically characterized and numerically evaluated. It turns out that although regular networks have an only slightly higher average link throughput than random networks for the same link distance, regular topologies have a significant benefit when the end-to-end throughput in multihop connections is considered.
Localized Hierarchical Graph Cuts

We describe a low memory, parallelizable implementation of graph cut based MRF energy minimization that solves pixel labeling problems. We first solve the problem on a low resolution version of the image and make use of the technique of hierarchical graph cuts to obtain a narrow band of uncertainty in the high resolution image within which the labeling needs to be solved. We then sub-divide the narrow band into overlapping regions and solve the labeling problem for each of the regions separately. The overlapping regions are used to provide boundary conditions that force the labeling to be continuous. The key advantages of the method are low memory usage, cache friendliness and the potential for parallel execution. The solutions obtained are close to the global optimum. We demonstrate our method on the bi-label image segmentation and the multi-label image stitching problems.
Right heart catheterization and other venous cardiovascular procedures from the arm

Right heart catheterization using peripheral venous access is an approach initially used by pioneers of cardiovascular exploration, but subsequently almost forgotten with the popularization of direct puncture techniques of central veins for diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic needs. Improved equipment and the recognition of the complications of direct central (femoral) artery puncture resulted in the development of transradial techniques and, subsequently, invasive peripheral venous techniques for right heart catheterization. Case series and comparisons have been published on these newer peripheral venous techniques and the results have been very favorable in support of these newer approaches, although randomized data are not available. Further refinements in equipment and techniques offer the potential for further growth in invasive peripheral venous access.
An International Perspective on the Rights of Juvenile Offenders or "Children Living in Exceptionally Difficult Conditions"

Substance user treatment providers, researchers, policy makers, and educators working in the juvenile justice field may be unaware of international policies governing the protection of youthful offenders. This presentation reviews the international rights of detained and incarcerated youth outlined in a variety of United Nations documents. Adolescents in contact with criminal justice systems have the right to the "highest attainable standard of health, both physical and mental." When substance abuse is involved they have the right to receive appropriate community-based treatment. Periods of contact with the criminal justice system may be one among very few opportunities to provide services for youth and these opportunities should not be wasted.
A high-speed synthetic aperture radar processor

The architecture and features of a 3.9-billion-operation 10-Msample/s synthetic aperture radar (SAR) processor which has been developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory are described. The processor serves as the primary means of correlating SAR data from the Alaska SAR Facility at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. The processor takes data at approximately one-third real time, performs a two-dimensional correlation with geometric corrections, and then outputs high resolution image data to a high-speed digital recorder. Because of its generalized SAR processing functions and programmability, this processor is a powerful tool for near real-time SAR applications. >
Mechanism and Mechanism-Based Inactivation of 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase

Abstract Six substrate analogs of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate, specifically pentafluorophenylpyruvate, 4-hydroxytetrafluorophenylpyruvate,2-thienylpyruvate, 3-thienylpyruvate, thiophenol oxalate, and p -thiocresoloxalate were synthesized and their interactions with porcine liver 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase investigated. Both pentafluorophenylpyruvate and thiophenol oxalate are competitive inhibitors of the enzyme with K I values of 14 and 150 μM, respectively, but p -thiocresol oxalate has no effect on the enzymic activity. The other three substrate analogs are both substrates and mechanism-based inactivators of the enzyme with the following kinetic characteristics (compound, K m , V max , k inact , K ′, partition ratio) at pH 6.0, 37°C, and an air atmosphere: 4-hydroxytetrafluorophenylpyruvate, 50 μM, 1.9 mkat/kg, 1.5/min, 70 μM 4.2; 2-thienylpyruvate, 500 μM, 7.8 mkat/kg, 0.6/min, 400 μM, 41; 3-thienylpymvate, 250 μM, 2 9 mkat/kg, 0.6/min, 300 μM, 22. When inactivated, the dioxygenase was found to contain per mole of active enzyme, 0.78 mol of label from 3-thienyl-3[ 3 H]pyruvate and 0.85 mol of label from 4-hydroxytetrafluorophenyl-3 [ 3 H]pyruvate. The product formed from the enzyme-catalyzed oxidation of 3-thienylpyruvate was determined to be 3-carboxymethyl-3-thiolene-2-one. The implication of these results to the mechanism of the dioxygenase is considered,
Using Malmquist Indexes to measure changes in the productivity and efficiency of US accounting firms before and after the Sarbanes–Oxley Act

Abstract There have been many criticisms of the Sarbanes–Oxley (SOX) Act passed in July of 2002 to correct business accountability and performance practices. The act has a major emphasis on accounting and its practices. This paper attempts a response to these criticisms by investigating changes in productive efficiency for 62 of the largest US public accounting firms between the periods (2000–2001) and (2003–2004)—the periods before and after enactment of SOX in July of 2002. DEA is used to calculate Malmquist indexes of productivity and efficiency changes. This index is used because it can distinguish between changes in technical efficiency, which limit the possibilities, and changes in the performance efficiencies for each firm. Contrary to many of the criticisms, results indicate that accounting firms have exhibited significant post SOX growth in productive efficiency which is better than pre-SOX performances.
Empirical Processes and p-variation

Remainder bounds in Frechet differentiability of functionals for p-variation norms are found for empirical distribution functions. For \( 1 \leqslant p \leqslant 2\) the p-variation of the empirical process n1/2(Fn — F) is of order n1-p/2 in probability up to a factor (log log n) p /2. For \( \left( {F,G} \right) \mapsto \int {FdG}\) and for \( \left( {F,G} \right) \mapsto F \circ {{G}^{{ - 1}}}\) this yields nearly optimal remainder bounds. Also, p-variation gives new proofs for the asymptotic distributions of the Cramer-von Mises-Rosenblatt and Watson two-sample statistics when the two sample sizes m, n go to infinity arbitarily.
884 EFFECTS OF THE CONCEPTUS ON GLUCOSE KINETICS DURING FASTING IN PREGNANCY

Although hypoglycemia during maternal fasting in late pregnancy has been ascribed to continuing glucose loss to the conceptus, documentation in non-ruminants has not been secured. Therefore, glucose kinetics after one-day fast were measured in conscious, unrestrained pregnant rats (day 18 and 19 gestation) and age-matched virgin controls. Equilibrium infusions with glucose-6-14C and glucose-6-3H were instituted to assess recycling as well as total glucose turnover. As judged by gluc-6-3H, total glucose turnover was augmented 42 % in fasted gravid animals (20.3 ± 2.2 vs. 14.3 ± 1.7 μmoles/min; p < 0.001). This was not attended by disparate recycling since net glucose utilization (as tested with gluc-6-14C) was increased 49 % (15.2 ± 1.2 vs. 10.2 ± 1.4 μmoles/min; p< 0.001) and paired ratios for 14C/3H glucose turnover were similar in pregnant and control rats (0.78 vs. 0.80). Glucose turnover did not correlate with blood sugar, nor total body weight in non-gravid or extrauterine body weight in gravid animals. However, net glucose utilization correlated significantly with the mass of the whole conceptus (r=0.744; p < 0.001). These data indicate that glucose utilization is enhanced during dietary deprivation in late pregnancy in non-ruminants despite prevailing hyperlipacidemia. The phenomenon appears to be linked to the potential for glucose removal by the conceptus and thus represents an ever-increasing stimulus to extrauterine glucose conservation.