cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sum rules for the d(γ, n)p process employing realistic potentials

Abstract Employing the Yale and Hamada-Johnston potentials, the bremsstrahlung-weighted and integrated cross sections have been evaluated for the d(γ, n)p process. The electric polarizability of the deuteron is also calculated. The results are compared with experiments by nemerically integrating the total cross-section curve versus the energy of the γ-ray ( E ) for three moments weighting 1, E −1 and E −2 . The results are found to be quite insensitive to the details of these potentials. A study of the sum rules for the photodisintegration of the deuteron therefore may not provide any important information which may be useful in distinguishing between the various nucleon-nucleon potentials.
Determination of individual layer composition and thickness in multilayer HgCdTe structures

The reproducible molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) growth of dual-band Hg1−xCdxTe (MCT) heterostructures requires routine post-growth wafer analysis for constituent layer thickness and alloy composition, therefore, demanding nondestructive characterization techniques that offer quick data feedback. This paper reports a multilayer structure model, which can be least-square fit directly to either Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) transmission or reflection spectra to provide individual layer thickness, alloy composition, and grading information for various complex structures. The model, we developed, is based on an accurate representation of both the real and imaginary parts of the MCT dielectric function across and above Eg as a function of alloy composition. The parametric, MCT optical-dielectric function for compositions varying between x=0.17 to x=0.5 was developed in the range from 400 cm−1 to 4,000 cm−1, based on a semi-empirical model for the absorption coefficient and extrapolation of the refractive index across Eg. The model parameters were refined through simultaneous fits to multiple reflection and transmission data sets from as-grown, double-layer planar heterostructure (DLPH) structures of variable thickness. The multilayer model was tested on a variety of simple DLPH structures with thick absorber layers (>8 µm) and was compared against traditional FTIR analysis and cross-section optical microscopy and showed good agreement in both composition and thickness. Model fits to dual-color MCT data and subsequent analysis of the internal parameter correlation have demonstrated that error bars on absorber layer composition and thickness could be as low as ∼0.0005 and ∼0.02 µm, correspondingly.
Low Temperature Detectors for Dark Matter Searches

We present an overview of the low temperature detectors being developed for dark matter searches. The important background discrimination techniques are discussed. In addition, we describe recent advances in the athermal phonon detectors being developed by our group at Stanford.
Life-threatening adenovirus pneumonia in an immunocompetent civilian adult

We describe a case of life-threatening adenovirus pneumonia in a previously healthy immunocompetent civilian adult who presented with a rash, leukocytosis, lobar infiltrate, and renal failure. The clinical course was complicated by shock, adult respiratory distress syndrome, and respiratory failure. Adenovirus type 4 was isolated from both sputum and a nasopharyngeal swab.
The essential oil of Mojave Desert rue, Thamnosma montana Torr. et Frem. (Rutaceae), from Arizona.

Abstract The essential oils of two collections Mojave Desert rue, Thamnosma montana Torr. & Frem., from Arizona were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The oils were dominated by β-phellandrene (35.65 ± 3.37% to 42.58 ± 2.84%) and limonene (15.27 ± 1.45% to 21.91 ± 1.46%). Geijerene (0.18 ± 0.27% to 0.30 ± 0.47%) probably contributed to the rue-like fragrance associated with these oils.
Low frequency stimulation of mouse adrenal slices reveals a clathrin-independent, protein kinase C-mediated endocytic mechanism.

Evidence suggests that chromaffin cells employ separate mechanisms for evoked endocytosis and granule recycling when stimulated at basal (∼0.5 Hz) and stress-activated (∼15 Hz) rates. Previous studies have focused mainly on elucidating the cellular mechanisms responsible for membrane recycling under conditions similar to the stress-activated state and indicate a clathrin/dephosphin-mediated retrieval via coated pits. However, the mechanism for membrane internalisation at basal stimulus intensity remains largely unexplored. We electrically stimulated chromaffin cells in adrenal tissue slices at the sympathetic basal firing rate and measured cell capacitance in the perforated voltage clamp configuration. A new method for the separation of non-secretory from secretory cell capacitance signals is presented. Simultaneous catecholamine release was measured electrochemically to isolate the exocytic from endocytic components of the capacitance responses. Using this approach we demonstrate that firing patterns that mimic basal sympathetic input results in rapid and graded membrane retrieval. We show that block of the calcium-mediated protein phosphatase 2B, a common step in clathrin-mediated processes, did not alter endocytosis elicited at basal firing levels. We further blocked clathrin-mediated retrieval with a clathrin/dephosphin-disrupting peptide (PP-19) and found endocytosis to be blocked at 15 Hz stimulation but complete and indistinguishable from control cells at 0.5 Hz stimulation. Lastly, pharmacological treatments show that conventional isoforms of protein kinase C (cPKC) are required for the 0.5 Hz-evoked retrieval mechanism. From these data we conclude that unlike endocytosis evoked under stress conditions, basal firing activity results in a clathrin-independent rapid membrane retrieval mediated through conventional isoforms of PKC.
Mechanisms for the snapping behavior of two alpheid shrimp, Alpheus californiensis and Alpheus heterochelis

1. In the snapping movement ofAlpheus californiensis the opener muscle of the propus is first contracted to cock the dactyl of the snapping cheliped, then the closer muscle is excited by a high frequency train of impulses. This train continues until the force holding together disks on the dactyl and propus is overcome. At this point the dactyl snaps closed and the closer excitatory motoneuron becomes silent. 2. A reflex is demonstrated whereby the opener muscle is excited upon passive opening of the dactyl. This is opposite to typical passive limb reflexes and may be important in setting the cocking mechanism. 3. All of the characteristics of snapping can be found in the small pincer cheliped with the exception of the long duration high frequency train of impulses in the closer muscle. 4. Another alpheid shrimp,Alpheus heterochelis, uses a completely different mechanism to hold the dactyl open while the closer builds tension. Here the closer apodeme is lifted over the pivot point around which the dactyl closes. In this way the dactyl is locked until a second closer muscle contracts to pull the closer apodeme down.
Bicyclic pyrazolidinones, steric and electronic effects on antibacterial activity

Abstract Bicyclic pyrazolidinones were synthesized as γ-lactam analogs of the β-lactam antibiotics. Several of these compounds exhibited broad spectrum in vitro antibacterial activity.
439 ACUTE AND CHRONIC USE OF THE ANGIOTENSIN I CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITOR (CAPTOPRIL) IN CHILDHOOD HYPERTENSION

Three patients, aged 10-18 yrs, with uncontrolled hypertension, have been treated with the angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor (captopril) for 15-29 mos. Their diagnoses are malignant hypertension of unknown etiology, Takayasu's arteritis with renal involvement and single kidney hydronephrosis and renal artery stenosis. Two patients had four test doses of oral captopril in doses of 12.5-50 mg. The changes in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Plasma Renin Activity (PRA) at 90′ were: Serum aldosterone decreased by 90′ in all tests by an average of 81.2%, range 78.1-91.2%. The MAP in two patients on captopril alone, 150-250 mg/day, decreased by 6.4 and 18.8%. The third, with Takayasu's arteritis, is taking prazosin in addition to 400 mg of captopril. His MAP has decreased by 9.6% but he remains severely hypertensive. In all three PRA has remained elevated and serum and urinary aldosterone levels have remained suppressed. Retinal and cardiac hypertensive changes have improved. We conclude captopril can be a useful therapeutic modality in the treatment of uncontrolled childhood hypertension.
Phagocytosis of Erythrocytes on IOLs by Sessile Macrophages

OBJECTIVE: To examine the cellular reaction on an IOL removed because of decentration 9 months following insertion. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical-pathologic case report. RESULTS: The process of phagocytosis of free erythrocytes by epitheliod cells (macrophages) on the surface of the implant is confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of macrophages phagocytizing erythrocytes in the reactive membrane on a lens implant is an indicator of phagocytosis as an important part of the functions of that membrane.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDIES ON THE ACTIVE ACCUMULATION OF SR++ BY RAT-LIVER MITOCHONDRIA

Electron-opaque granules are deposited in isolated rat-liver mitochondria concomitant with the energy-linked accumulation of Sr++ by these organelles. High temperature microincineration (600°C) of thin sections of mitochondria containing different amounts of Sr++ shows that a clear qualitative correlation exists between the number of inorganic residues remaining after incineration and the amount of Sr++ translocated into the mitochondria. By loading the mitochondria with consecutive pulses of small amounts of Sr++ ("multiple-pulse" loading), very early stages of granule formation can be detected; the first detectable deposits are seen closely associated with the cristae. The evidence presented supports the hypothesis that mineral deposition following or during the in vitro accumulation of ions by mitochondria occurs, at least initially, at sites on these membranes and not as nonspecific precipitates in the mitochondrial matrix. The large number of electron-opaque deposits (100 to 200) seen in single thin sections of individual mitochondria having accumulated intermediate levels of Sr++ clearly exceeds the number of normal dense granules in rat-liver mitochondria, indicating that the normal matrix granules per se do not constitute sites essential for deposition. At the highest levels of Sr++ uptake studied in the multiple-pulse loading experiments, needlelike deposits are seen, a result which suggests that the structural form ("crystallinity") of the mineral deposits may be determined by the rate of accumulation.
Nighttime meridional neutral winds near 350 km at low to mid-latitudes

Abstract Nighttime measurements of the ion velocity at Arecibo (18°N, 50° dip) are presented for equinox conditions. The meridional component of the neutral wind is inferred from the ion velocity component along the magnetic field and the simultaneously measured electron density profiles and electron and ion temperatures. Strong equatorward winds are inferred in the 2100–2400 hr sector. The equatorward wind decreases rapidly after midnight and a weak reversal to poleward flow is usually observed near 0200–0300 hr. The latitudinal variation of the wind reversal is investigated using monthly means of F -layer height from stations in the American sector. Possible causes of the wind reversal are discussed.
Solving the stand-off problem for magnetized target fusion : Plasma streams as disposable electrodes, together with a local spherical blanket

In a fusion reactor based on the magnetized target fusion approach, the permanent power supply has to deliver currents up to a few mega-amperes to the target dropped into the reaction chamber. All the structures situated around the target will be destroyed after every pulse and have to be replaced at a frequency of 1–10 Hz. In this paper, an approach based on the use of spherical blanket surrounding the target, and pulsed plasma electrodes connecting the target to the power supply, is discussed. A brief analysis of the processes associated with creation of plasma electrodes is presented.
NMR study of Li in Al-Li-Cu icosahedral alloys

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) results are presented for lithium in several powder samples with a composition near ${\mathrm{Al}}_{6}$${\mathrm{Li}}_{3}$Cu which suggest a strong relationship between the cubic R phase and the icosahedral phase. All NMR spectra show a broad component which arises from a site in R-phase samples as well as what appears to be a similar site in the icosahedral phase. The pure R phase and samples with an appreciable amount of R-phase material exhibit a second very narrow peak attributable to Li atoms undergoing rapid motion at a different and perhaps interstitial site.
Dopamine DRD4 receptor polymorphism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

A polymorphism in the dopamine receptor 4 gene (DRD4) has been related to novelty seeking, Tourette's syndrome, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The variability is in a 48-bp repeat in exon 3 of the gene (a transmembrane region). This study examined the relation of the 7-repeat (i.e., high-risk) allele to questionnaire-based diagnoses of ADHD (both combined type and inattentive type). Several positive findings were obtained for ADHD-inattentive type. In an association test, the 7-repeat allele occurred more frequently in children with ADHD-inattentive type than in control children. In genetically discordant sibling pairs, the sibling with a greater number of 7-repeat alleles displayed more inattentive symptoms than his/her co-sibling with fewer 7-repeat alleles. For ADHD-combined type, the 7-repeat allele frequency was greater than that in the control sample. However, a quantitative transmission disequilibrium test yielded no significant linkage of the 7-repeat allele with hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. A categorical TDT yielded no significant findings, but the number of transmissions was small, especially for ADHD-inattentive type.
Periodicity of sleep states is altered in infants at risk for the sudden infant death syndrome

The normal succession of sleep and waking states through a night is disturbed in infants at risk for the sudden infant death syndrome. Compared with normal infants, siblings of the sudden infant death syndrome victims have longer intervals between active sleep epochs at particular times during the night in the newborn period and a decreased tendency to enter short waking periods at 2 and 3 months of age. The latter finding is interpreted as an increased tendency to remain asleep, or a relative failure to arouse from sleep in infants at risk.
High Risk, High Stakes: Optimizing Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Women

Women worldwide are at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), with CVD mortality accounting for > 50% of deaths in women in the United States. CVD risk stratification in women was traditionally similar to that in men, leading to under-detection of disease in women. Recently women-specific guidelines have raised awareness of female-specific risk factors. Pre-eclampsia has a striking correlation with increased CVD events in women decades after pregnancy. New serum markers of CVD such as C-reactive protein show promise of early detection but have uncertain clinical value since they may not help re-stratify women at intermediate risk. Imaging tests such as coronary artery calcium scoring and carotid intimal medial thickness have been investigated in women. They too may fail to recognize women at long-term increased risk and how to apply these tests clinically is uncertain. This article critically reviews new developments in risk stratification of CVD in women.
Putting menstrual hygiene management on to the school water and sanitation agenda.

The water and sanitation community, in partnership with the educator sector, is long overdue in taking ownership of the menstrual hygiene management agenda for schools in low-income settings. While the global community writ large is implementing numerous interventions aimed at closing the gender gap in education, attention to assuring schools are non-discriminating structural environments where both girls and boys can succeed academically continues to be limited. Engaging schoolgirls in the assessment process to determine the essential water and sanitation interventions needed to enable comfortable school attendance and participation during monthly menses is critical. Solutions can be cost effective, but must be grounded in the local context, and designed according to the recommendations of school-going girls.
Studies on the pathogenesis of tetracycline-induced fatty liver.

The present study assesses the roles of hepatic ATP and of pregnancy in the pathogenesis of tetracycline-induced fatty liver.
Core-wide statistical evaluation of the effect of uncertainties in clad temperature, material property data, and burnup on the probability of LMFBR fuel rod failure due to creep rupture

Abstract Rigorous treatment of the uncertainties inherent in LMFBR core component design requires the development of probabilistic design tools to analyze life-limiting loading mechanisms. One of these tools is a Monte Carlo simulation technique that has been developed to analyze sealed plenum fuel rods subject to fission gas-induced creep rupture. This Monte Carlo technique avoids the need for simplifying the forms of probability distributions and is able to correctly simulate the interaction of many random variables by including all such variables in the analysis. With the use of a biased sampling technique, sufficiently accurate predictions of the number of fission gas pressure-induced failures in the core are obtained in typical calculations for less than $50 ($500 without biasing) on the Honeywell 6000 computer. The application of the biasing technique to core-wide analysis provides a major new capability at a cost that allows routine design use. The PECS (probabilistic evaluation of clad stress) computer code, which employs these techniques, has been applied to study the significance of uncertainties in material properties, temperature, dimensions and burnup. The effect of thermal-hydraulic design optimization is investigated probabilistically to illustrate potential applications of the method.
Fabrication of a miniaturized room temperature ionic liquid gas sensor for human health and safety monitoring

The growing potential impact of airborne pollutants on human health and safety has escalated the demand for sensors to monitor hazardous gases. Room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) gas sensors utilizing electrochemical instrumentation demonstrate promising sensitivity, selectivity, and miniaturization capabilities. This paper introduces a microfabrication process that enables miniaturized, rapid response, gas sensors to be realized using RTIL interfaces on a permeable membrane substrate with planar microfabricated electrodes. An RTIL sensor with a 2mm×2mm sensing area is described, and measured responses to methane, a dangerous residential and occupational gas, and sulfur dioxide, a common environmental pollutant, are shown. The reported sensor structure and fabrication process enable realization of sensor arrays for multi-gas monitoring in a low power, miniaturized, wearable system platform.
Body of revolution comparisons for axial- and surface-singularity distributions

GIVEN axisymmetric body immersed in an incompressible uniform flow can be represented by two different types of singularity methods. The simpler type is the method of axial singularities. This representation is by a distribution of line sources and sinks aligned with the uniform flow to form the closed body shape. The surface of the body is represented by a constant value of stream function, typically taken to be zero. The more complex, but far more versatile, technique is the method of surface-distr ibuted singularities which are typically ring sources and sinks, but can also be ring doublets or vortices. The surface-distribution method is more complex because the method of describing the body involves control points which are also singular. In the following discussion, a comparison of the surface velocities generated by the two different methods will be made. It will be shown that the simplicity of the axialsingularity method is actually its major problem in representing axisymmetric body shapes. It will also be evident that the complexity of the surface-singularity method is its strength in representing axisymmetric body shapes.
Partial widths of feshbach funnel resonances in the Na(3p) · H2 exciplex

We have located five zero-angular-momentum resonance states in the funnel associated with the lowest conical intersection of the Na (3p) · H2 exciplex, and we have characterized the four narrowest of these in terms of total and partial widths. The resonant contributions of the metastable states to state-to-state energy transfer greatly exceed the background contributions. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Circuit Enablement for SiGe BiCMOS and RFCMOS Technologies

This paper reviews the circuit enablement activity conducted inside IBM's SiGe BiCMOS and RFCMOS technology enablement group. Examples of circuit designs are given. Model/hardware correlations on DC, AC, noise and nonlinearity performance are used to evaluate the BSIM3V3 modeling accuracy. Benchmark circuit example of a VCO is given to demonstrate the technology capabilities which can be used as a reference circuit for customer training, technical support or customer design references
Surviving the upcoming data deluge: A systems and control perspective

Arguably, one of the biggest challenges facing the systems and control community stems from the exponential growth in data collection capabilities, made possible by the development of low cost, ultra low power sensors. These developments have rendered feasible a spectrum of new control applications, ranging from zero emission buildings to reconfigurable, self aware environments, that can profoundly impact society. However, realizing this potential, requires endowing controllers with the ability to timely extract actionable information from the very large data streams generated by the sensors, a goal that challenges the capabilities of existing techniques. The goal of this paper is to show the key role that dynamics can play in accomplishing this task. This is accomplished by establishing a connection, largely unexplored until recently, between the problems of information extraction, manifold embedding and identification of switched systems, and showing that this connection allows for recasting the problem of decision making in “data deluged” scenarios into a tractable convex optimization form.
Ultraviolet action spectra in perspective: with special reference to mutation.

Abstract— Problems of determining action spectra are considered as well as various types of action spectra for U.V. action upon cell activities. U.V. is an effective mutagenic agent producing point mutations and chromosomal changes. U.V. is readily absorbed by superficial layers of cells in tissues; therefore, special experimental procedures are necessary for induction of mutations in animals or plants. U.V. is, however, suitable for mutagenesis in microorganisms because their cells are small, permitting the radiation to reach the nuclei. Action spectrum studies reveal that u.v. mutagenesis results from absorption of the radiation by nucleic acid. The most prominent alteration in DNA following absorption of u.v. is dimerization of pyrimidines, chiefly thymine. Such a change not only retards DNA replication but results in errors (mutations). U.V. mutagenesis therefore depends upon the conditions before, during and after irradiation. Thus immediate post-treatment with visible and long u.v. light splits pyrimidine dimers, thereby reversing impending u.v. mutagenesis. For cells kept in the dark, conditions which prevent DNA replication by interfering with the metabolism of the cell provide time for dark repair of the DNA lesion and so for reversal of the impending mutation.
Agricultural Export Subsidies and Intermediate Goods Trade

In this paper I examine the effects of export subsidies when a bulk commodity is an intermediate good which is either exported or processed into a higher-value agricultural good for domestic or export sale. The analysis shows that while the industry producing the subsidized good benefits, the industry producing the other good may not. A bulk commodity export subsidy may lower the price of the higher value agricultural commodity. An export subsidy on the higher-value agricultural commodity may lower the bulk commodity's price. The outcome depends on the relative excess supply and excess demand elasticities and on the market structure.
Autoantigen complementarity and its contributions to hallmarks of autoimmune disease.

Abstract The question considered is, “What causes the autoimmune response to begin and what causes it to worsen into autoimmune disease?” The theory of autoantigen complementarity posits that the initiating immunogen causing disease is a protein complementary (antisense) to the self-antigen, rather than a response to the native protein. The resulting primary antibody elicits an anti-antibody response or anti-idiotype, consequently producing a disease-inciting autoantibody. Yet, not everyone who developes self-reactive autoantibodies will manifest autoimmune disease. What is apparent is that manifestation of disease is governed by the acquisition of multiple immune-compromising traits that increase susceptibility and drive disease. Taking into account current cellular, molecular, and genetic information, six traits, or ‘hallmarks’, of autoimmune disease were proposed: (1) Autoreactive cells evade deletion, (2) Presence of asymptomatic autoantibodies, (3) Hyperactivity of Fc–FcR pathway, (4) Susceptibility to environmental impact, (5) Antigenic modifications of self-proteins, (6) Microbial Infections. Presented here is a discussion on how components delineated in the theory of autoantigen complementarity potentially promote the acquisition of multiple ‘hallmarks’ of disease.
Neglected factors in chronic pain treatment outcome studies--referral patterns, failure to enter treatment, and attrition.

Abstract An increasing number of chronic pain treatment outcome studies have appeared in the literature. In general, these studies support the efficacy of multidisciplinary pain programs, as well as specific treatment modalities such as biofeedback and relaxation. Reviews of this literature have tended to be cautiously optimistic. Some concerns, however, have been raised about the methodological adequacy of these studies, particularly in terms of the lack of control groups, the brief duration of follow-up periods, and the vague criteria used for establishing the success of the therapeutic interventions. Other factors that mitigate conclusions regarding the generalizability of the favorable results reported need to be considered. In this paper 3 rarely discussed topics that are implicit within most treatment outcome studies and that need to be given greater attention are examined. These topics include: 1. (1) referral patterns to pain clinics (who are referred to pain clinics, when, and how representative is the referred sample?); 2. (2) failure to enter treatment (e.g., exclusion criteria, lack of available financial support to cover the cost of treatment, patient's refusal to accept recommendations), and consequently, the representativeness of the treated sample; 3. (3) patient's attrition. In this paper we discuss each of these factors as they underscore important qualifications that have to be made in evaluating treatment outcome studies.
Release of arsenic and other trace elements from poultry litter: Insights from a field experiment on the Delmarva Peninsula, Delaware

A poultry litter application was conducted to examine field scale release and transport of trace elements from poultry litter into the subsurface. Field monitoring before and after litter application demonstrated increases in major ion, nutrient, and trace element concentrations in soil water after application, but concentrations of trace elements were all below regulatory standards. Using laboratory stepwise extractions of litter, calculated leaching rates of trace elements are fastest for As, followed by Cu and Zn. Comparison of the projected (from laboratory extractions) to actual (measured in the field) trace element concentrations in litter show that laboratory-derived rates generally over-predict leaching, but the long-term projections of Cu and Zn concentrations remaining in litter are within 20% of the field measurement. Arsenic leaching from litter was under-predicted by the laboratory leaching model by over 100%, suggesting that other processes (perhaps biological) occurring in the field allowed for additional As to be leached/removed. Mass balance coupled with conservative tracer calculations reveal that the vadose sediment was the main sink for the trace elements, with lesser uptake of Cu and Zn (not As) by orchard grass. Overall, results of this study showed that the fate and transport of trace elements from poultry litter are controlled by their leaching rate from litter, adsorption, uptake in vegetation and dilution. An additional process affecting As is biotransformation.
Proof of the one-hit mechanism of complement-induced lysis.

Abstract A theorem is constructed which does not rely on any assumptions, yet is decisive in evaluating the one-hit theory of complement lysis. By applying this theorem, the data of Rommel and Mayer (1973) J. Immun.110, 637, are used to prove that the one-hit theory is correct. Further assumption of the Poisson distribution of lesions on cells leads to a contradition (in Rommel and Mayer, 1973); hence, this distribution is not an applicable approximation to the particular experiment cited.
Distribution and activity of lactic dehydrogenase isozymes in tissues from a hibernator and a non-hibernator.

1. 1. The total enzyme activity and the electrophoretic distribution of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) isozymes were determined in heart, brain, liver and skeletal muscle from normothermic and hibernating ground squirrels (Citellus tridecemlineatus) and normothermic albino rats. 2. 2. During hibernation, the proportion of M-type subunits increased significantly in cardiac tissue. When measured at 32°C, total and M-type LDH activity was increased markedly in liver, brain and heart tissue from hibernating animals. These differences were not apparent in the heart and brain at 15°C. 3. 3. LDH isozyme distribution and enzyme activity appear to be associated with adaptive metabolic changes during hibernation.
Pharmacology and signaling properties of epidermal growth factor receptor isoforms studied by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer.

We have developed a new assay for measuring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation using the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) technology, which directly measures the recruitment of signaling proteins to activated EGFR. Our results demonstrate that EGFR BRET assays precisely measure the pharmacology and signaling properties of EGFR expressed in human embryonic kidney 293T cells. EGFR BRET assays are highly sensitive to known EGFR ligands [pEC50 of epidermal growth factor (EGF) = 10.1 ± 0.09], consistent with previous pharmacological methods for measuring EGFR activation. We applied EGFR BRET assays to study the characteristics of somatic EGFR mutations that were recently identified in lung cancer. In agreement with recent reports, we detected constitutively active mutant EGFR isoforms, which predominantly signal through the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt pathway. The EGFR inhibitors Iressa or Tarceva are severalfold more potent in inhibiting constitutive activity of mutant EGFR isoforms compared with wild-type EGFR. Notable, our results reveal that most of the mutant EGFR isoforms tested were significantly impaired in their response to EGF. The highest level of constitutive activity and nearly complete loss of epidermal growth factor responsiveness was detected in isoforms that carry the activating mutation L858R and the secondary resistance mutation T790M. In summary, our study reveals that somatic mutations in EGFR quantitatively differ in pharmacology and signaling properties, which suggest the possibility of differential clinical responsiveness to treatment with EGFR inhibitors. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the EGFR BRET assays are a useful tool to study the pharmacology of ligand-induced interaction between EGFR and signaling pathway-specifying adapter proteins.
Adaptation to moderate hypoxia protects cortical neurons against ischemia-reperfusion injury and excitotoxicity independently of HIF-1α.

Abstract Continuous exposure of cultured cortical neurons to moderate hypoxia (1% O 2 ) elevates cellular accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and improves basal survival of cultured cortical neurons. We examined the effects of adaptation to moderate hypoxia on the vulnerability of cultured neurons to the acute injury of simulated ischemia–reperfusion. Cortical neurons cultured continuously in 1% O 2 were markedly protected against simulated ischemia–reperfusion, with protection persisting through 72 h after ischemia. Neurons from 1% O 2 conditions were also highly resistant to glutamate-induced NMDA receptor-dependent excitotoxic injury, despite expression of NMDA receptors at levels not significantly changed from controls. Inhibition of prolyl hydroxylase, mimicking cellular signaling effects of hypoxia including HIF-1α stabilization, also protected neurons against simulated ischemia–reperfusion injury. Nevertheless, genetic deletion of HIF-1α expression did not diminish the protection of neurons adapted to 1% O 2 from excitotoxicity or ischemia–reperfusion injury, nor did it prevent the protective effect of prolyl hydroxylase inhibition. We conclude that chronic exposure to moderate hypoxia, through HIF-1α-independent mechanisms, produces strong protective effects against excitotoxic and ischemia–reperfusion related injury.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide Is Not A Myocardial Depressant In A Porcine Model Of Heart Failure

Abstract Background: Inhaled nitric oxide has been shown to be a potent and selective pulmonary vasodilator. Reports of increases in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and episodes of pulmonary edema during the clinical use of inhaled nitric oxide in patients with preexisting left ventricular dysfunction have raised concerns that this agent may have myocardial depressant effects. We therefore undertook a study of the effects of inhaled nitric oxide on myocardial contractility in a porcine model of ventricular failure and pulmonary hypertension. Methods: After inducing heart failure in 10 pigs by rapid ventricular pacing, hemodynamic measurements and pressure-volume diagrams (by the conductance method) were obtained in six animals at baseline and during administration of inhaled nitric oxide at concentrations of 20 and 40 ppm. Myocardial contractile state was assessed by the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship and preload-recruitable stroke work, whereas diastolic function was measured in terms of the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship and the pressure decay time constant T. Results: Baseline hemodynamics reflected heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, and inhaled nitric oxide induced significant reductions in mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. Although left ventricular end-diastolic pressure increased during administration of inhaled nitric oxide, no changes were observed in measures of systolic or diastolic function. Conclusions: Inhaled nitric oxide reduced pulmonary vascular resistance but did not alter myocardial contractility or diastolic function. Increases in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure during inhaled nitric oxide therapy are therefore not due to myocardial depression and may be related to increases in volume delivery to the left side of the heart resulting from reduced pulmonary vascular resistance. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1998;115:700-8)
Teaching NeuroImages: PET-CT hypermetabolism paralleling muscle hyperactivity in stiff-person syndrome.

A 72-year-old woman with autoimmune hypothyroidism and type 1 diabetes mellitus presented with 1 year of progressively worsening neck, back, and right thigh spasms and leg stiffness. Sudden loud noises would startle her. She ambulated with a walking frame. Serum glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibody was markedly elevated (1,118 nmol/L; normal value ≤0.02 nmol/L). EMG demonstrated poor relaxation in thoracic paraspinal muscles and right quadriceps and failure of the acoustic startle response to habituate consistent with stiff-person syndrome.1,2 Whole-body PET-CT imaging, performed to exclude malignancy, demonstrated increased fluorodeoxyglucose metabolism in axial and proximal lower extremity regions that paralleled the clinically most hyperactive muscle groups (figure, A and B). No malignancy was detected.
‘Green’ composites using cross-linked soy flour and flax yarns

Environment-friendly, fully biodegradable, ‘green’ composites based on plant based fibers and resins are increasingly being developed for various applications as replacements for non-degradable materials derived from petroleum that are currently being used. Unlike petroleum, plant based proteins, starches and fibers are yearly renewable. In addition, these green composites may be easily composted after their life, completing nature's carbon cycle. In this study, soy flour (SF) was modified by cross-linking it with glutaraldehyde (GA). The cross-linked soy flour (CSF) polymer was characterized for its tensile and thermal properties. The effect of glycerol on the mechanical properties of the soy flour was characterized and optimized. CSF polymer showed improved tensile properties and thermal stability, compared to unmodified SF resin, for use as a resin to fabricate composites. Unidirectional green composites using flax yarn and CSF resin were fabricated and characterized for their tensile and flexural properties. The composite specimens exhibited fracture stress and Young's modulus of 259.5 MPa and 3.71 GPa, respectively, and flexural strength of 174 MPa, in the longitudinal direction. These properties seem to be sufficient for considering these green composites for indoor structural applications.
The Combined Effect of Diffusion and Evaporation on the Molecular Distillation of Ideal Binary Liquid Mixtures

Abstract A treatment which takes into account the effects of both diffusion in the liquid film and evaporation on the rate of molecular distillation of binary liquid mixtures in the falling film and rotary cone stills has been developed. The conditions under which the rate of molecular distillation in these stills is determined by either evaporation alone or evaporation together with diffusion have been identified. The interface temperature, film thickness, and concentration profiles were obtained by a numerical solution of the system equations for both cases. For the falling film stills, the limiting case of an evaporation rate controlled process was approached when, at the inlet of the still, the ratio EI = k 1 δ 0/D was less than 0.1 for all the ratios KI = k 2/k 1 greater than 0.086, where k 1 and k 2 are the evaporation rate coefficients of the more and less volatile components of the mixture, respectively, D is the diffusion coefficient of the more volatile component, δ0 is the initial film thicknes...
Applicability of the transfer function approach to forecasting employment levels in small regions

The problem investigated in this paper is that of forecasting employment levels (both raw and seasonally adjusted) in small regions, regions typically lacking data sufficient for the construction of simultaneous equation econometric models. The method employed is transfer function analysis using readily available national variables as drivers. The results suggest that the transfer function approach is capable of providing accurate forecasts of employment levels in small regions, forecast accuracy being measured in terms of mean absolute percentage errors and root mean squared errors. We conclude on the basis of this demonstrated accuracy that this approach is a viable method for forecasting selected variables in a small region context.
Statistical Inference For Mac Arthruy‐Levins Niche Overlap

Methods of statistical inference are presented for an overlap measure suggested first by Mac Arthur and Levins (1967). A general form is derived for normal distributions and for exponential densities. For normal densities, confidence intervals may be obtained. A simulation study revealed that these confidence intervals may be robust for normal densities with one variance no more that two times larger than the other. Maximum—likelihood estimators of overlap when densities are not normal may be obtained, but confidence intervals are not currently available. The methods for normal densities may be extended for multivariate normal densities, using discriminant analysis and principal—components analysis. Often, researchers may collect data that are well approximated by a normal density or some other exponential density, though resource use by the species involved may not follow that density. Researchers should ensure that their data reflect the actual resource use by the species. See full-text article at JSTOR
Experimental study of effect of gas injection on rate of mass transfer from solid to liquid

diameter of pellet, ft ; volumetric flow rate of gas, ft3/h fta; mass transfer factor based on liquid flow in two phase flow, dimensionless ; mass transfer factor in single phase flow, dimensionless; mass transfer coefficients based on water flow in two phase flow, lb/ft8 h; mass transfer coefficients of single phase flow, lb/ft2 h; mass velocity of water, lb/h ft2; volumetric flow rate of water, ft3/h ft2; Sherwood number, dimensionless ; G,/L,, dimensionless; temperature, “F; void fraction, dimensionless; viscosity of liquid.
Effects of phentermine and fenfluramine on alcohol consumption and alcohol withdrawal seizures in rats

The drug combination of phentermine plus fenfluramine has been used clinically in both the treatment of obesity and alcoholism. The aim of the current study was to assess the interaction of the two drugs on consumption of both an alcohol-containing and a nonalcoholic diet. Furthermore, the efficacy of the drug combination on suppression of withdrawal seizures was determined. Animals were either maintained on a 6% alcohol-containing diet, free-fed an isocaloric control, or pair-fed the control diet. It was observed that, with regard to body weight growth curves, alcohol provides about 2.5 kcal/g. Both phentermine and fenfluramine caused a decrease in consumption 1 h after administration; however, during the next 23 h, 4 mg/kg phentermine significantly increased consumption of all diets. At doses of 1 and 2 mg/kg, fenfluramine selectively reduced consumption of the alcohol-containing diet as compared to the isocaloric diets. Lower doses of fenfluramine blocked the increases in consumption induced by phentermine. Furthermore, in animals fed the nonalcoholic diet, the drug combination of 2 mg/kg fenfluramine plus 8 mg/kg phentermine produced a 63-82% reduction in consumption, an effect not seen when either drug was administered alone. This greater than additive effect was also seen in the earlier time periods in animals pair-fed the control diet. Neurochemical analysis from these animals revealed that the alcohol-dependent animals displayed a significant reduction of DOPAC and 5-HIAA levels in the striatum, frontal cortex, and hypothalamus after a 9-h withdrawal period, further implicating the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems in mediation of withdrawal symptoms and alcohol craving. Finally, 8 mg/kg phentermine plus 8 mg/kg fenfluramine completely abolished alcohol withdrawal seizures, compared to a 78% rate in saline treated rats. In conclusion, the coadministration of phentermine plus fenfluramine produced a moderate reduction of alcohol consumption and was completely effective at reducing alcohol withdrawal seizures.
Blood lead level analysis among refugee children resettled in New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Objective To examine the association between refugee status and elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) among children living in two U.S. cities and to assess the effect of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for BLL testing of newly emigrated refugee children for EBLLs. Design and Sample A longitudinal study was conducted of 1,007 refugee children and 953 nonrefugee children living, when blood testing occurred, in the same buildings in Manchester, New Hampshire and Providence, Rhode Island. Measures Surveillance and blood lead data were collected from both sites, including demographic information, BLLs, sample type, refugee status, and age of housing. Results Refugee children living in Manchester were statistically significantly more likely to have an EBLL compared with nonrefugee children even after controlling for potential confounders. We did not find this association in Providence. Compared with before enactment, the mean time of refugee children to fall below 10 μg/dL was significantly shorter after the recommendations to test newly emigrated children were enacted. Conclusions Refugee children living in Manchester were significantly more likely to have an EBLL compared with nonrefugee children. And among refugee children, we found a statistically significant difference in the mean days to BLL decline <10 μg/dL before and after recommendations to test newly emigrated children.
The possibility of ethical expertise

Can we legitimately speak of ethicsexperts? Recent literature in philosophy and medical ethics addresses this important question but does not offer a satisfactory answer. Part of the problem is the absence of an examination of what it means to be an ‘expert’ in general. I therefore begin by reviewing my analysis of expertise which appeared earlier in this journal. We speak of two kinds of experts: persons whose expertise is in virtue of what theyknow (‘epistemic’ expertise), or what theydo (‘performative’ expertise). Applying this analysis to the domain of ethics, I argue that we may speak of ethical expertise in three epistemic senses: a) expertise indescriptive ethics, b) expertise inmetaethics, c) expertise innormative ethics, and in a performative sense: d) expertise inliving a good life. I conclude with a brief description of some social roles of ethics experts.
Rapidly solidified NiAl and FeAl

Melt spinning was used to produce rapidly solidified ribbons of the B2 intermetallics NiAl and FeAl. Both Fe-40Al and Fe-45Al possessed some bend ductility in the as spun condition. The bend ductility of Fe-40Al, Fe-45Al, and equiatomic NiAl increased with subsequent heat treatment. Heat treatment at approximately 0.85 T (sub m) resulted in significant grain growth in equiatomic FeAl and in all the NiAl compositions. Low bend ductility in both FeAl and NiAl generally coincided with intergranular failure, while increased bend ductility was characterized by increasing amounts of transgranular cleavage fracture.