cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tolyporphins A–R, unusual tetrapyrrole macrocycles in a cyanobacterium from Micronesia, assessed quantitatively from the culture HT-58-2

The ‘pigments of life’ family has been enlarged by the discovery of the tetrapyrrole macrocycles dubbed tolyporphins, which are present in a cyanobacterial culture (HT-58-2). Of the 18 known tolyporphins, fourteen (A–J and L–O) are dioxobacteriochlorins, three (K, Q and R) are oxochlorins, and one (P) is a porphyrin. The members with a given chromophore absorb similarly but not identically with each other, presenting the problem of absorption spectral aliasing. Tolyporphins G and H are isomers, as are tolyporphins L–O, given the nature of the peripheral (C-glycoside, –OH, or –OAc) substituents, presenting the (isobaric) problem of mass spectrometric analysis. The distribution of tolyporphin members is known to change over time and under different growth conditions, yet the complexity of the tolyporphins mixture presents challenges toward characterization of the underlying factors that alter such distributions. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with dynamic multiple reaction monitoring (LC-MS-dMRM) was employed to characterize the distribution of tolyporphins under distinct growth media, using two semisynthetic standards, tolyporphin A O,O-dibutyrate and tolyporphin D O,O,O,O-tetrabutyrate. Growth in media containing both ammonium and nitrate salts versus nitrate alone affords increased production of tolyporphins. The absorption spectra of tolyporphins A–R have been reevaluated with regards to molar absorption coefficients, are compared with those of selected tetrapyrrole macrocycles to better understand the effects of chromophores and substituents, and are made available here in print and digital forms for comparison with isolated tolyporphins and mixtures thereof. Together, the work provides the foundation for quantitative assessment of these unusual natural products.
STOCK PRICES AND INFLATION

Numerous empirical studies establish that inflation has a negative short-run effect on stock returns but few studies report a positive, long-run Fisher effect for stock returns. Using stock price and goods price data from six industrial countries, we show that long-run Fisher elasticities of stock prices with respect to goods prices exceed unity and range from 1.04 to 1.65, which tends to support the Fisher effect. We also find that the time path of the response of stock prices to a shock in goods prices exhibits an initial negative response, which turns positive over longer horizons. These results help reconcile previous short-run and long-run empirical evidence on stock returns and inflation. Also, they reveal that stock prices have a long memory with respect to inflation shocks, such that investors should expect stocks to be a good inflation hedge over a long holding period. JEL Classification: G12
Exploration of hereditary cancer and feasibility of genetic services at the end of life

9578 Background: For families, optimal hereditary cancer assessment begins with an affected relative. End of life could be the last chance for testing or DNA banking. Many palliative care oncologists do not feel qualified to offer genetic services and are rarely doing so (NSGC, 2008). The genetic burden of cancer in palliative care is unknown. Methods: We investigated prevalence of hereditary cancer among dying cancer patients, previous genetic testing or DNA banking, and awareness and intentions regarding these services. In spring/summer 2008 we recruited and interviewed patients (or surrogate decision makers) from the VCUHS Palliative Care Unit. Genetic risk was characterized as “strong” using classification criteria developed by Scheuner et al. (1997) or other consensus diagnostic criteria. Statistics were assessed using SAS 9.1.3. Results: 43 (47%) patients (including 9 surrogates) agreed to participate. The most common diagnoses were leukemias/lymphomas (n=9), and cancers of the lung (n=8), colon (n=...
Heat, mass, and momentum transfer in a multifluid bubbling pool

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the available literature applicable to heat, mass, and momentum transfer in multifluid bubbling pools. It discusses a series of seven separate experimental investigations conducted to develop a comprehensive set of models for incorporation in the CORCON computer code, which models molten core-concrete interactions. The results of these seven separate investigations along with the mathematical models for each of the processes are also presented. The chapter concludes with a discussion of major uncertainties and areas in need of further investigation and model development. It is observed that the study of bubbling heat transfer to vertical boundaries has an impressive database, covering a range of Prandtl numbers from 2.5 to 7500. Under certain circumstances, the rising bubbles can drive mass transport across the interface. If the rate of mass entrainment can be balanced by the rate of settling of the entrained droplets, the upper layer can become a heterogeneous mixture layer.
1. Origins of the Fast Fluid Bed

Publisher Summary The M. W. Kellogg Company had collaborated in studies of Kellogg's “Synthol” process, an American version of Germany's wartime Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, converting synthesis gas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide) to gasoline. Indiana and Kellogg had exchanged data from pilot plant Synthol reactors, “stationary” fluid beds operating in the bubbling regime: Stanolind, an Indiana subsidiary, had a unit 8 inches in diameter in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Kellogg had a 2-inch unit at its laboratory in Jersey City, New Jersey. In early fluid crackers, regeneration had produced more heat than the cracking bed could use, and catalyst undergoing regeneration was circulated through a catalyst cooler and back to the regeneration bed. Kellogg's fast-bed reactors for Sasol received negligible attention in the European or U.S. engineering literature, and Sasol's engineering achievements in implementing Kellogg's concept attracted little notice. A major difference between the Lurgi and Sasol fast-bed designs is that the former displays a large gradient in solid density, while the Sasol design is capable of achieving something much closer to uniform catalyst density throughout its height. This chapter reports the contributions of the Institute of Chemical Metallurgy fluidization research team toward understanding and applying the fast fluid bed.
Invertebrate cell culture considerations: insects, ticks, shellfish, and worms

Establishment of cell lines from insect and arachnid invertebrates has become routine, whereas other invertebrate taxa have been frustratingly unproductive of cell lines. None is available for any marine invertebrate, despite a strong and well-recognized need for cell lines from species that are important in aquaculture, from parasite vectors and intermediate hosts of parasites, from parasites themselves, from certain biomedical models, and from other species that are pests. Drawing on experiences gained attempting to establish cell lines from molluscs and trematodes and on published and ongoing research with diverse invertebrates, this chapter attempts to anticipate the problems that are likely to be encountered in such endeavors and discusses possible solutions. Criteria to be considered in the selection of basic culture media, temperature, pH, and media additives; approaches that have been developed to yield sterile primary cultures; and factors to consider in decisions about feeding schedules, retention of tissue fragments and nonadherent cells, use of heterologous feeder layers, and other variables are described. Suggestions are made concerning means to objectively score the success of tested variables and means to induce cell replication. The chapter ends with notes on conventional means to characterize cell lines and an account of contemporary efforts to immortalize cells by means of genome manipulation. Enduring success with a single molluscan cell line, transient successes with crustacean and helminth cell lines, and promising developments in transgenesis with invertebrates all lead to the hopeful conclusion that the invisible barrier to cell propagation in historically refractory species will soon be a thing of the past.
Ontology of a Cyberenvironment for Malaria Surveillance

This paper presents an ontology of a cyberenvironment for malaria surveillance. The ontology encapsulates a comprehensive natural language enumeration of the requirements of the cyberenvironment using a structured terminology. It can be used to systematically analyze and prioritize the functions of the cyberenvironment. It will help the medical, individual, environmental, and strategic management of malaria.
Creating a Domestic Terror Court

President Barack Obama has stated that among his initial priorities as commander-in-chief is closing the United States detention facility in Guantanamo Bay. One of his first actions after taking office was to suspend all legal proceedings in Guantanamo so that the newly inaugurated president and his administration [can] review the military commission's process, generally, and the cases currently pending before military commissions, specifically. To that end, on January 22, 2009, President Obama signed an executive order requiring the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility within one year. This Order raises numerous, highly problematic questions including: What do we do with the current detainees? Where will they go? How will they be tried? Will they be tried? What shall be done with future terrorism suspects?Although President Obama has made his intentions clear, he has not, as of yet - according to media reports - determined what is the most effective manner to go forth with this enormously complex issue. Therefore, now is clearly the time to develop a working strategy to resolve the fundamental questions of where and how thousands of post-9/11 detainees are tried. For the reasons articulated below, I recommend establishing a domestic terror court (DTC) in the United States.This article will detail the specific processes and procedures of such a court and seek to answer many of these difficult questions. In doing so, it is my hope that this article will act as a guide for policy makers in articulating, developing, and implementing a process from detention to trial of individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism. A lawful civilian process, subject to independent judicial review, is the constitutional, intellectual, and philosophical underpinning of this proposal. In detailing the nuts and bolts of the proposed DTC. Though I will briefly address why the DTC proposal should be adopted, the primary emphasis in this article is to fill in the blanks as to the workings of the court.
Acute and Chronic Endothelial Dysfunction: Implications for the Development of Heart Failure

Heart failure has been characterized by a reduction in cardiac contractile function resulting in reduced cardiac output. The clinical symptoms including mild tachycardia, reduced arterial pressure, increased venous or filling pressure and exercise intolerance have conceptually, to a large degree, been attributed to cardiac myocyte dysfunction. More recently, a vascular component has been recognized to contribute to heart failure. Among the most studied vascular mechanisms that might contribute to the development of heart failure has been the reduced production of nitric oxide or the reduced bioactivity of NO associated with both basic models of heart failure and disease in patients. The still evolving concept that heart failure is a cytokine activated state has, in addition, focused attention on the possibility that the cytokine driven isoform of NO synthase (NOS), iNOS, may produce sufficient quantities of NO to actually suppress cardiac myocyte function contributing to the reduced inotropic state in the failing heart. Thus, our view of the role of NO in the development of heart failure has evolved from simply a reduction in production of NO in blood vessels, to altered substrate availability (i.e. L-arginine), to increased scavenging of NO by superoxide anion, to increased production of NO from iNOS. As these concepts develop, our approach to the therapeutics of heart failure has also progressed with the recognition of the need to develop treatments directed towards addressing one or more of these etiologies. This review will focus on these aspects of the involvement of NO in the development of heart failure and some of the treatments that have developed from our understanding of the basic biology of NO to address these pathohysiologic states.
Octahedral metal carbonyls: XL. Rates of olefin coordination via chelate ring-closure in cis-[(η1-4-pentenyldiphenylphosphine)tetracarbonyltungsten(0)] created through flash photolysis☆

Abstract Ring-closure via olefin coordination in coordinatively-unsaturated cis -[(η 1 -pdpp)W(CO) 4 ], (pdpp = CH 2 CH(CH 2 ) 3 P(C 6 H 5 ) 2 , 4-pentenyldiphenylphosphine) produced via pulsed laser flash photolysis of cis -(pip)(η 1 -pdpp)W(CO) 4 (pip = piperidine) in chlorobenzene has been identified unequivocally. Rates and activation parameters for this pathway and for competitive bimolecular interaction of pip at the solvated coordination site have been measured.
Drilled-Shaft Integrity by Wave Propagation Method

Compression wave propagation methods provide an economical and rapid nondestructive means of assessing the structural integrity of drilled shafts shortly after construction. Several source-receiver configurations can be employed. The most successful configuration used involved a mechanical hammer with which a vertical impulse was applied at the top of the shaft and vertical velocity transducers which were cast in place in the shaft at preselected depths. Successful application of this configuration required identification of reflected compression wave arrivals with transducers allowing travel times of reflected waves to be used with propagation velocity to determine elevations of reflection points. Examples of the results for tests with sound shafts and for shafts with known defects of different sizes are presented.
Accelerated Testing of Silicon Dioxide Wearout

Oxide lifetime extrapolation using log(tBD) or better log(QBD) against 1/ Eox plot is more accurate and has a theoretical basis. Highly accelerated oxide test completed in seconds appears to be feasible. The acceleration factor is also a function of the severity of the oxide defect. Extrapolation of defect-related break-down lifetime can be performed assuming an effective oxide thinning for defects.
Fabrication of composite silver electrodes for secondary batteries by AgNO/sub 3/ decomposition

A novel method of producing composite silver electrodes by silver nitrate decomposition is proposed. Preliminary study indicates the possibility of good active material utilization and reduced fabrication steps over traditional methods. The method of Ag electrode fabrication is a potential further application of the silver deposition process being used in research on high temperature superconductors. As such, the procedure, cell data and micrographs that are presented should be regarded as representing a first attempt. The process is presented without a claim to its ultimate practicality. >
Beyond JAAD July 2015: Articles of interest from the nondermatologic literature.

CHARACTERIZATION OF PD-L1 EXPRESSION AND ASSOCIATED T-CELL INFILTRATES IN METASTATIC MELANOMA SAMPLES FROM VARIABLE ANATOMIC SITES Targeted anti-PD-1 therapy is a promising new alternative for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. These authors looked at the expression of the ligand for PD-1/PD-L1 in 95 tissue microarrays of stage IV metastatic melanomas. They also quantified the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and CD4 and CD8 expression in these tumors. The authors found that increased PD-L1 expression on the tumor cells was associated with improved survival, and this was even more associated with presence of tumorinfiltrating lymphocytes, and particularly, CD8 lymphocytes. This was partially also reflected in sites of metastases: brain metastases had less PD-L1 expression and fewer tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The use of these methodologies may be able to predict which patients will respond to this new therapy.
Surgery Suite Etiquette

Demosthenes was a powerful orator of ancient Greece who captivated his audience despite a speech impediment. He taught himself to speak distinctly by talking with pebbles in his mouth. To strengthen his voice, he spoke over the roar of the waves at the seashore. Demosthenes had a “great enterprise” but a “small opportunity” to improve his speech impediment and achieve success. One great enterprise in surgery is to improve working relationships so that the operating suite can run more effectively. In this chapter, we will discuss scheduling procedures, preoperative activities, conduct in the operating room, and postoperative activities.
Spectrum efficiency potential of 25 kHz offset channel assignments in the 821-824/866-869 MHz public safety bands

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently allocated the paired bands of 821-824 MHz and 866-869 MHz to the Public Safety Radio Services and solicited comment on service rules and technical standards (Docket 87-112). The author examines the spectrum efficiency attainable through the use of 25-kHz offset channel assignments and contrasts it with that attainable via 12.5-kHz split channel assignments. It is concluded that due to the limited and well-defined coverage requirements typical of public safety applications, the offset approach can offer nearly as much spectrum efficiency as the split channel approach, while avoiding problems with timeliness of application, expansion of existing systems, high-speed data and encrypted voice needs, and mutual aid communication. >
Swirling motion in a system of vibrated elongated particles

Large-scale collective motion emerging in a monolayer of vertically vibrated elongated particles is studied. The motion is characterized by recurring swirls, with the characteristic scale exceeding several times the size of an individual particle. Our experiments identified a small horizontal component of the oscillatory acceleration of the vibrating plate in combination with orientation-dependent bottom friction (with respect to horizontal acceleration) as a source for the swirl formation. We developed a continuum model operating with the velocity field and local alignment tensor, which is in qualitative agreement with the experiment.
Crawling is difficult in clouds

Sensor rich mobile communication devices combined with cloud infrastructure are resulting in novel applications that merge physical and cyber spaces and start providing real time information for many important applications. One of the most common approaches to find information on the Web has been crawling to identify and index data sources. Crawling has been a key component of traditional search engines.The convergence of mobile devices, cloud based systems, and the Web brings in several new challenges. One of the most important new challenges is to detect events, trends, and situations in real time. Crawling to perform real time tasks is not possible because of the latency issues in most real time applications. Filtering oriented approaches are emerging as a solution in such applications. We adopt a perspective that mobile devices and sensors produce data in the form of micro-events, which should be analyzed to detect events, trends, and situations. We are developing abstractions and techniques to aggregate and analyze spatio-temporal micro-events and implement real time search for actionable information. We developed an approach for aggregating social interest around any particular theme from any particular location into 'social pixels'. Aggregating social pixels spatiotemporally allows creation of images and videos, which represent meaningful information about events and situations. One could use these images for visualization. More importantly, however, various media processing techniques (like segmentation, convolution) can be used to derive semantic situation information from these image and video representations, which in turn provide situation information in real world. By developing a declarative set of operators we are building an environment for users to formulate queries to visualize, characterize, and analyze such data. In this presentation, we will discuss our approach and present results of this approach for emerging applications
Hobbes’s Demanding Consequentialism: Comments on Bernard Gert’s Hobbes: Prince of Peace

I take issue with Bernard Gert’s interpretation of Hobbes on two main points. First, I argue that Hobbes’s moral theory reduces to a sophisticated form of consequentialism. Second, I argue that Hobbes’s moral theory is more demanding than Gert’s interpretation, and some of Hobbes’s own remarks, make it appear. I focus on Gert’s reading of Hobbes’s second law of nature, and argue that the law presents us with a Hobson’s choice—that is, the appearance of a choice of how much liberty to relinquish when really there is none.
Studies Towards Paraherquamides E & F and Related C-labeled Putative Biosynthetic Intermediates: Stereocontrolled Synthesis of the α-Alkyl-β-Methylproline Ring System.

Abstract A substituted 2R-allyl-3S-methylproline ethyl ester suitable for elaboration to paraherquamides E, F and related 13C-labeled putative biosynthesis intermediates have been prepared efficiently in six steps and 24% overall yield. The key steps are a 5-exo-trig cyclization of a zinc enolate on an unactivated alkene and a stereocontrolled alkylation of the enolate formed from 3S-methyl-pyrrolidine-1,2R-dicarboxylic acid 1-tert-butyl ester 2-ethyl ester.
Class I and class II restriction pattern polymorphisms associated with independently derived RT1 haplotypes in inbred rats

This communication reports the DNA level identification of class I and class II sequences associated with 20 RT1 haplotypes which have been assigned previously to eight RT1 groups. Sixteen to 22 bands in genomic blots hybridized with the mouse pH-2III class I cDNA probe. Only the three RT1khaplotypes associated with identical class I restriction fragment patterns. Differences in restriction bands between putatively identical RT1 haplotypes were either less than or equal to 6%, or greater than 50%, suggesting a relatively high level of recombination between serologically identified RT1.A genes and the majority of class I sequences. Restriction fragment patterns associated with three RT1uhaplotypes differed by less than 6%. However, intra-RT1a,intra-RT1b,and intra-RT1lrestriction fragment differences were between 50 and 64%. In specific cases, different RT1 haplotypes associated with identical class I restriction patterns, e.g., RT1m(MNR) and RT1d(MR); higher resolution confirmed the difference (two bands) between RT1mand RT1d.Results of hybridization with the human DC1βprobe confirmed that the AVN RT1aand NSD RT1bhaplotypes were generated by recombinations within the vicinity of the RT1.B : RT1.D regions. These results demonstrate that a previous classification of RT1 haplotypes was incomplete and did not include the majority of class I and class II sequences which distinguish RT1 haplotypes.
On the origin of lunar soil 12033

Lunar soil 12033 bulk chemical analysis, suggesting mixture of exotic component with local soil in 41/59 proportion
Structure of (η5-C5H5) 2Ru2Fe2(CO) 8(μ2-CO)(μ4-η6-C6H6): an unusual mixed-metal compound containing a bridging diallyl ligand derived by unsymmetrical coupling of two allenyl groups☆

Abstract The heteronuclear compound (η5-C5H5)2Ru2Fe2(CO)8(μ2-CO)(μ4-η6-C6H6) (1), obtained by reaction of (η5-C5H5)(CO)2RuCH=C=CH2 with Fe2(CO)9, displays unusually complex 1H and 13C NMR spectra. All nine CO ligands, as well as all six carbon and hydrogen atoms of C6H6, afford separate resonance signals. The structure of 1 was determined by X-ray diffraction techniques. The complex crystallizes from hexane (as a 3:1 cluster: solvate complex) in the centrosymmetric triclinic space group P 1 with a = 7.852(1) A , b = 23.487(5) A , c = 24.144(4) A , α = 74.47(2)°, β = 84.79(1)°, γ=86.69(1)°, V=4269.8(14) A 3 . The unit cell contains six polynuclear Ru2Fe2-containing molecules and two molecules of hexane. X-ray diffraction data (Mo K α, 2σ = 7.0–40.0°) were collected with a Siemens R3m/V diffractometer and the structure was refined to R = 6.56% for all 7987 independent reflections (R = 2.90% for those 4844 reflections with ¦ o ¦ > 6σ (¦ o ¦)) . The organometallic molecule is based upon an unusual ∗CH-C(CH2)-CH-C∗-CH2 fragment which is derived from a β-γ coupling of two allenyl moieties and which forms π-allyl linkages to the two iron atoms and σ-bonds (via the starred carbon atoms) to (η5-C5H5)Ru moieties. The metal atoms are arranged as a linear Ru(1)-Fe(2)-Fe(3) system and a lone Ru(4) atom. Dimensions in the three independent molecules are internally consistent, with carbonyl-bridged Ru(1)-Fe(2) distances of 2.687(1), 2.679(1) and 2.687(1) A and Fe(2)-Fe(3) distances of 2.895(2), 2.871(2) and 2.906(2) A.
Metabolism of the carcinogen N-hydroxy-N-2-fluorenylacetamide by rat peritoneal neutrophils

The in vitro metabolism of a locally carcinogenic N-hydroxy-N-2-fluorenylacetamide (N-OH-2-FAA) by rat peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL), chiefly neutrophils, elicited with intraperitoneal injections of proteose peptone, was examined. At 10(6) PMNL/ml in media containing halide (X-), 0.14 M Cl- +/- 0.1 mM Br- (without Ca++ and Mg++), addition of 10 nM phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) resulted in generation of superoxide anion and H2O2. Subsequent cetyltrimethylammonium Cl- (Cetac) addition at 0.002% effected myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity release. PMNL treated with PMA and/or Cetac did not metabolize N-OH-2-FAA (30 microM). However, 1-2 pulses of H2O2 (50 microM) after Cetac addition resulted in oxidation of N-OH-2-FAA to N-acetoxy-2-FAA (< 0.5 microM) and 2-nitrosofluorene (2-NOF) (1-2 microM). In the presence of Br- 2-NOF was increased (3-5 microM). The results are consistent with oxidation of N-OH-2-FAA by MPO/H2O2 and MPO/H2O2/X- via two pathways: one electron oxidation leading to N-acetoxy-2-FAA and 2-NOF, and X(-)-dependent oxidation to 2-NOF. N-Acetoxy-2-FAA (10 microM) incubated with PMNL under similar conditions was converted non-enzymatically to 4-OH-2-FAA (< or = 5 microM) and enzymatically to N-OH-2-FAA (< or = 3 microM). In the presence of H2O2, smaller amounts of these products were formed. Formation of N-OH-2-FAA was prevented by paraoxon (0.1 mM) suggesting O-deacetylase activity. However, accountability for N-acetoxy-2-FAA decreased with time, presumably because of binding to cellular macromolecules. With H2O2 addition, 2-NOF (10 microM) was converted to 0.5 or 0.25 microM 2-nitrofluorene by active PMNL or heat-inactivated cell lysates, respectively. Low recoveries of 2-NOF were also attributed to binding. The results suggest that PMNL may be involved in activation of the carcinogenic N-arylhydroxamic acids in vivo.
Rapid modification of the pET-28 expression vector for ligation independent cloning using homologous recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The ability to rapidly customize an expression vector of choice is a valuable tool for any researcher involved in high-throughput molecular cloning for protein overexpression. Unfortunately, it is common practice to amend or neglect protein targets if the gene that encodes the protein of interest is incompatible with the multiple-cloning region of a preferred expression vector. To address this issue, a method was developed to quickly exchange the multiple-cloning region of the popular expression plasmid pET-28 with a ligation-independent cloning cassette, generating pGAY-28. This cassette contains dual inverted restriction sites that reduce false positive clones by generating a linearized plasmid incapable of self-annealing after a single restriction-enzyme digest. We also establish that progressively cooling the vector and insert leads to a significant increase in ligation-independent transformation efficiency, demonstrated by the incorporation of a 10.3 kb insert into the vector. The method reported to accomplish plasmid reconstruction is uniquely versatile yet simple, relying on the strategic placement of primers combined with homologous recombination of PCR products in yeast.
High Speed Matrix Preprocessing On Analog Optical Associative Processors

The accuracy of matrix computations performed on analog optical associative processors is limited by noise and spatial wavefront errors. Earlier studies show that the rate of convergence and accuracy of analog optical matrix data processing can be improved by lowering the condition number of the data matrix. In this paper, we describe a new preprocessing technique, the split-step polynomial preconditioning algorithm, that can reduce the condition number of a matrix efficiently. With a few additional steps, this algorithm can be used to calculate the inverse or to estimate the condition number of a matrix. A realization of this preprocessing algorithm on optical associative processors is considered, and its performance and complexity are analyzed. The results of numerical experiments on case studies with ill-conditioned matrices show that this new preprocessing algorithm is a practicable tool for improving the perfor-mance of analog optical processors. Preliminary analyses of the new preconditioning algorithm demonstrate its robustness with regard to the spatial errors and random noise present in most analog optical computing systems.
The use of complementary and alternative fertility treatment in couples seeking fertility care: data from a prospective cohort in the United States

Objective To determine the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among couples seeking fertility care and to identify the predictors of CAM use in this population. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Eight community and academic infertility practices. Patient(s) A total of 428 couples presenting for an infertility evaluation. Intervention(s) Interviews and questionnaires. Main Outcome Measure(s) Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine therapy. Result(s) After 18 months of observation, 29% of the couples had utilized a CAM modality for treatment of infertility; 22% had tried acupuncture, 17% herbal therapy, 5% a form of body work, and 1% meditation. An annual household income of ≥$200,000 (odds ratio 2.8, relative to couples earning Conclusion(s) A substantial minority of infertile couples use CAM treatments. CAM was chosen most commonly by wealthier couples, those not achieving a pregnancy, and those with a baseline belief in the effectiveness of CAM treatments.
Tectonic implications of a late Mesozoic fold and thrust belt in northwestern Nevada

The Luning-Fencemaker fold and thrust belt of northwestern Nevada formed east of the Mesozoic Sierran arc in a back-arc setting where noncontinental crust localized marine deposition and subsequent deformation. The fold-thrust belt was active in Middle or Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous time and evolved during major northwest-southeast contraction. Comparable shortening was not developed in the Sierran arc, and for much of the Mesozoic the arc and the back-arc regions were at least partially decoupled and separated by the regionally extensive Pine Nut fault system, which underwent substantial left-lateral displacement. Development of the fold-thrust belt and associated strike-slip fault is attributed to oblique subduction. The shortening axis of the fold-thrust belt and inferred displacement of the strike-slip fault are incompatible with right-oblique subduction and call for an interval of left-oblique convergence during part of Jurassic-Cretaceous time.
Probabilistic Analysis of Finite Strain Consolidation with Stochastic Soil Compression Index and Hydraulic Conductivity

A probabilistic analysis of the effects of stochastic soil compression index and hydraulic conductivity on one-dimensional finite strain consolidation is presented. Random field simulation and finite strain consolidation are combined to perform Monte Carlo simulations. Parametric study on the effect of the standard deviation of the stochastic soil properties on output statistics relating to total settlement and consolidation time is conducted.
Multiple biotin-dependent carboxylase deficiencies associated with defects in T-cell and B-cell immunity

Three siblings presented in early childhood with central-nervous-system (CNS) dysfunction, candida dermatitis, keratoconjunctivitis, and alopecia. Two were studied immunologically and had absent delayed-hypersensitivity skin-test responses and absent in-vitro lymphocyte responses to candida antigen. One of them had selective IgA deficiency and no antibody response to pneumococcal polysaccharide immunisation, and the other had a subnormal percentage of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood. The first two siblings died with progressive CNS deterioration and overwhelming infection. The third child, who presented with a periorificial candida dermatitis, alopecia, keratoconjunctivitis, and intermittent ataxia at eighteen months of age, had intermittent lactic acidosis and raised excretion of beta-hydroxyproprionate, methylcitrate, beta-methylcrotonylglycine, and beta-hydroxyisovalerate in urine. After four days of oral biotin, 10 mg/per day, the metabolites in her urine were significantly reduced, suggesting a biotin-responsive multiple carboxylase deficiency. These findings, taken with previous reports of immune defects in patients with disorders of branched-chain aminoacid catabolism, suggest a new biochemical basis for primary immunodeficiency disease.
Interferogram Evaluation Program For The HP-9825A Calculator

A method has been developed for evaluating interferograms using portable, inexpensive equipment. The method involves least square fitting the Zernike polynomials to interferogram data. An interferogram Can be data reduced typically within 15 minutes, yielding information about the optical aberrations present.
Instabilities of convection rolls in a fluid of moderate Prandtl number

The instabilities of two-dimensional convection rolls in a horizontal fluid layer heated from below are investigated in the case when the Prandtl number is seven or lower. Two new mechanisms of instability are described theoretically as well as experimentally. The knot instability causes the transition to spoke-pattern convection at higher Rayleigh numbers while the skewed varicose instability accomplishes a change to larger horizontal wavelengths of the convection rolls. Both instabilities disappear in the limits of small and large Prandtl number. Although the experimental methods fail in realizing closely the infinitely conducting boundaries assumed in the theory, the observations agree in all qualitative aspects with the theoretical predictions.
Hypocrisy, Misattribution, and Dissonance Reduction

Recent experiments involving hypocrisy have been theorized to be a form of cognitive dissonance induction. As such, hypocrisy would constitute a new experimental paradigm for dissonance induction. However, these hypocrisy studies are open to alternative explanations. The present study attempts to rule out these alternative explanations by providing independent evidence that hypocrisy is a form of cognitive dissonance arousal. In the present study, a 2×2 design manipulates whether hypocrisy is induced and whether subjects are given an opportunity to misattribute their arousal to external factors. If hypocrisy is a form of dissonance, the misattribution manipulation should reduce behavior changes brought on by the induction of hypocrisy. The results support the predictions.
Colony‐stimulating activity in murine mixed leukocyte cultures

Mixed leukocyte cultures (MLC) were prepared utilizing mouse spleen cells from strains with: (1) major histocompatibility complex (MHC) differences, (2) many non-MHC gene differences, and (3) only a few non-MHC gene differences. After 4 days, the conditioned media (CM) of MLC from (1) and (2) above were found to contain high granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating activity (CSA) when assayed in methylcellulose clonal cultures. Also the stimulation index (SI) of CSA was elevated on day 4 of incubation, even though 3H-Thymidine (3HTdR) incorporation and SI as measured by 3HTdR increased at 4 and 6 days, respectively. However, MLC-CM from mouse strains with only a few non-MHC gene differences contained low titers of CSA after 4 days in culture, and this was paralleled by a low SI. For MLC with MHC differences, and with many non-MHC gene differences, the response detected by an increase in CSA production appeared more promptly and was perhaps more sensitive when compared with 3HTdR incorporation in the mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR). From these results, we conclude that the presence of CSA in MLC-CM at 4 days of culture represents a good marker for the degree of MLR, and we postulate that the CSA titer in MLC-CM may be relevant for the prediction of graft-versus-host reactions (GvHR).
Solutions for the Cell Cycle in Cell Lines Derived from Human Tumors

The goal of the paper is to compute efficiently solutions for model equations that have the potential to describe the growth of human tumor cells and their responses to radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The mathematical model involves four unknown functions of two independent variables: the time variable t and dimensionless relative DNA content x. The unknown functions can be thought of as the number density of cells and are solutions of a system of four partial differential equations. We construct solutions of the system, which allow us to observe the number density of cells for different t and x values. We present results of our experiments which simulate population kinetics of human cancer cells in vitro. Our results show a correspondence between predicted and experimental data.
Gambogic acid covalently modifies IκB kinase-β subunit to mediate suppression of lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of NF-κB in macrophages

GA (gambogic acid) is a polyprenylated xanthone abundant in the resin of Garcinia morella and Garcinia hanburyi with a long history of use as a complementary and alternative medicine. The antitumour activity of GA has been well demonstrated and is thought to arise partly from the associated anti-inflammatory activity. Recent studies have indicated that the antitumour activity of GA is mediated by its ligation of TfR1 (transferrin receptor-1). Since the cellular expression of TfR1 is down-regulated by LPS (lipopolysaccharide), we hypothesized that an alternative pathway exists in immune cells, such as macrophages, where GA could mitigate the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. Here we demonstrate that GA inhibits the LPS-dependent expression of NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB) target pro-inflammatory genes in macrophages. Western immunoblot, NF-kappaB-luciferase reporter and gel-shift analyses revealed that GA strongly blocked the activation of NF-kappaB induced by LPS, whereas 9,10-dihydro-GA, which lacks the reactive alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl group, was ineffective. Moreover, GA was able to decrease nuclear p65 levels in RAW264.7 macrophages, where the expression of TfR1 was down-regulated by RNA interference. in vitro kinase assays coupled with interaction studies using biotinylated GA as well as proteomic analysis demonstrated that IKKbeta [IkappaB (inhibitory kappaB) kinase-beta], a key kinase of the NF-kappaB signalling axis, was covalently modified by GA at Cys-179, causing significant inhibition of its kinase activity. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potent anti-inflammatory activity of GA.
High and low affinity binding sites for basic fibroblast growth factor on cultured cells: Absence of a role for low affinity binding in the stimulation of plasminogen activator production by bovine capillary endothelial cells

Scatchard analysis of binding of 125I-basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) to baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells revealed the presence of two binding sites: a high affinity site with KD of 20 pM and 80,000 sites per cell and a low affinity site with KD of about 2 nM and 600,000 sites per cell. The binding to the two sites could be separated by first washing the cells with 2 M NaCl at pH 7.5 which released the low affinity binding and then extracting the cells with 0.5% Triton X-100 to recover the 125I-basic FGF bound to high affinity sites. The binding to the high affinity site was acid sensitive, suggesting that it represented binding to the receptor. Binding to the low affinity site could be competed strongly by heparin and less strongly by heparan sulfate but not by chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, or keratan sulfate. Treatment of BHK cells with heparinase abolished 62% of the low affinity binding, suggesting that the low affinity binding represented binding to cell-associated, heparin-like molecules. A variety of other cell types, including bovine capillary endothelial (BCE) cells, also demonstrated both low and high affinity binding sites. To test whether the low affinity binding might play a role in the basic FGF stimulation of plasminogen activator (PA) production by BCE cells, heparin was added to BCE cultures at concentrations which totally blocked binding of 125I-basic FGF to the low affinity sites. Addition of the heparin did not diminish the increased PA production induced by basic FGF. This suggests that the low affinity binding has no direct role in the stimulation of PA production in BCE cells.
Using Historical Dna to Characterize Hybridization Between Baltimore Orioles (Icterus galbula) and Bullock's Orioles (I. bullockii)

ABSTRACT. Studies of genetic variation across hybrid zones have demonstrated that the evolutionary dynamics within them are often complicated. Using DNA extracted from toe pads of 701 individuals collected by Sibley and Short (1964) about 50 years ago from across the Icterus bullockii—I. galbula hybrid zone, we calculated mitochondrial cline shape parameters and compared them with plumage-based inferences of the hybrid-zone structure. Genetic and hybrid index score dines, estimated from populations collected along the Platte River in Nebraska, were both concordant (equal widths) and coincident (same center). More generally, the proportion of I. bullockii haplotypes within a sampling locality was strongly and significantly correlated with mean hybrid index scores across Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. The relatively narrow width of the mitochondrial cline (328 km) indicates selection against hybridization, which may be mediated through differences in either molt and migration schedu...
Simulation of the eddy current sensing of gallium arsenide Czochralski crystal growth

Abstract The feasibility of eddy current sensing of (1) the melt surface position and (2) the liquid-solid interface shape of 3-inch gallium arsenide crystals being grown by the Czochralski technique has been investigated using an axisymmetric finite element method. The results show clearly that differential sensor designs operating at high frequency ( ≈ 1 MHz) are very sensitive to the distance between the sensor and the surface of the melt providing the opportunity to precisely monitor and control this important variable of the growth process. The calculations also show a weaker effect of interface shape upon the imaginary impedance component at lower frequencies (1–10 kHz). Its physical basis is due to the different skin depths of solid and liquid GaAs. We show that a sensor's response to this interface effect can be enhanced by appropriate design of the differential sensor's pick-up coils.
A proposed model for ion emission from Si and Ge surfaces under low fluence of UV laser irradiation

Abstract A model is proposed to explain the recent observations of ion emission from Si and Ge surfaces under low fluence of UV laser irradiation. The model is based on two concepts: Phillips' bond charge model and internal Auger process (hole stimulated desorption).
The Commodity Composition of Export Portfolios

Abstract We construct measures of export similarity among seventeen Latin American countries over the period 1962-1991, and use cluster analyses to identify groups of countries with similar comparative advantage based mainly on their principal primary products. While exports of primary products have declined in importance for Latin America, they still play a significantly large role. There is a long-run trend toward increasing export similarity among Latin American countries, which consists of convergence between clusters and divergence within clusters. This result suggests that the increased export similarity is due primarily to an increase in exports of differentiated manufactures relative to primary products. The convergence in the export patterns of the largest economies (Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico) provides further support for this hypothesis.
Correlation of sequence hydrophobicities measures similarity in three-dimensional protein structure

The degree of similarity in the three-dimensional structures of two proteins can be examined by comparing the patterns of hydrophobicity found in their amino acid sequences. Each type of amino acid residue is assigned a numerical hydrophobicity, and the correlation coefficient rH is computed between all pairs of residues in the two sequences. In tests on sequences from two properly aligned proteins of similar three-dimensional structures, rH is found in the range 0.3 to 0.7. Improperly aligned sequences or unrelated sequences give rH near zero. By considering the observed frequency of amino acid replacements among related structures, a set of optimal matching hydrophobicities (OMHs) was derived. With this set of OMHs, significant correlation coefficients are calculated for similar three-dimensional structures, even though the two sequences contain few identical residues. An example is the two similar folding domains of rhodanese (rH = 0.5). Predictions are made of similar three-dimensional structures for the alpha and beta chains of the various phycobiliproteins, and for delta hemolysin and melittin.
Bifurcation and the universal sequence for first-sound subharmonic generation in superfluid helium-4

Abstract Measurements show that below the superfluid transition, the generation of first-sound subharmonics in the low-megahertz range quantatively follows the Feigenbaum universal convergence for period doubling and qualitatively includes frequencies which correspond to the universal sequence. In addition, by using ion-trapping techniques the physical nature of the onset of the first bifurcation is identified as the threshold for the generation of quantum vortex line, not the threshold for the production of macroscopic classical turbulence, i.e., acoustic cavitation.
Feedback control of hemispheric EEG alpha.

Summary.-Feedback control of alpha activity has made minimal use of controls for disinhibition, oculomotor activity, and non-contingent feedback in the evaluation of alpha-feedback contingencies. The present experiment employed extended alpha training with eyes closed in assessing the contributions of disinhibition and operant contingencies to feedback control of integrated alpha activity. A yoked-cortex control design, in which the cerebral hemisphere generating feedback signals was compared to the contralaternl hemisphere, was employed. 7 subjects were given auditory feedback contingent on alpha activity in the left or right hemisphere during five daily training sessions. Changes from respective baseline levels were a function of both disinhibition and contingent feedback stimulation, A significant functional relationship between feedback and aIpha activity upon which it was contingent was established for right hemisphere alpha. Results were discussed in terms of feedbad-induced activation of the EEG in the contralateral hemisphere during contingent stimulation. It may be easier for subjects to learn control of alpha in the nondominant hemisphere.