cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distensibility of the Fetal Lung with Fluid in Sheep

Extract: Trachcal ligation was performed in 16 fetal lambs at 74–129 days of gestation (normal term, 138–157 days). Operated lambs were subsequently delivered spontaneously at term. Postmortem procedures were performed on the same day and revealed lungs enormously distended with fluid, weighing approximately 10 times more than those found in normal lambs, and displacing the diaphragm to the point where it was concave downward, bulging into the abdominal cavity. To measure the rate of lung fluid formation in fetal lambs, catheters were placed in the trachea of three fetuses borne by three ewes near term. Periodic aspiration of fluid following the operation revealed rates of lung fluid formation of 0.015, 0.030, and 0.055 ml/kg/min. The day after surgery pressure measurements of lung fluid made via the catheter in two of these animals revealed an initial pressure of 12 and 19 cm saline. This pressure rose only moderately after injecting 150 ml 0.85% NaCl in 20-ml increments into the fetal lung. The injected fluid was readily recoverable, indicating that it had been accommodated by expansion of the fetal lung and had not passed across lung-lining cells into the fetal circulation. Gestation times were within the normal range. Speculation: Fetal lung fluid contains surfactant, which has been biochemically characterized as a phospholipid and as a lecithin. Soya bean phospholipids containing a predominance of lecithins arc capable of sensitizing the rabbit uterus to oxytocin and precipitating premature delivery. The fetus is known to participate in the timing of its own birth, and we speculated whether lung phospholipids formed near term in the fetal lung could reacli the amniotic fluid and precipitate labor. Tracheal occlusion, however, did not alter gestation time in our animals. Other mechanisms of fetal participation in the precipitation of labor must be sought.
Linear discriminant analysis with misallocation in training samples

Abstract Linear discriminant analysis for a two-class case is studied in the presence of misallocation in training samples. A general approach to modeling of misallocation is formulated, and the mean vectors and covariance matrices of the mixture distributions are derived. The asymptotic distribution of the discriminant boundary is obtained, and the asymptotic first two moments of the error rates are given. Certain numerical results for the error rates are presented by considering the random and two nonrandom misallocation models.
Induction of xenobiotic metabolism in rats by short-term administration of brominated diphenyl ethers.

Commercial preparations of fire retardant brominated diphenyl ethers were tested along with bis (p-bromophenyl) ether and diphenyl ether for their ability to alter xenobiotic metabolism. The materials, 0.1 mmol/kg/day, were administered p.o. to male rats for 14 days. Pentabromodiphenyl and octabromodiphenyl ether preparations increased O-ethyl O-p-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonothioate (EPN) detoxification, p-nitroanisole demethylation, NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, cytochrome P-450, liver weight, UDP-glucuronyltransferase and benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase. Diphenyl ether increased only EPN detoxification and decabromodiphenyl ether only liver weight. Bis(p-bromophenyl) ether increased liver weight, cytochrome c reductase and cytochrome P-450. The data indicate that these materials are inducers of xenobiotic metabolism with activity dependent upon degree of bromination.
1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy markers of cognitive and language ability in clinical subtypes of autism spectrum disorders.

This study assessed metabolic functioning of regional brain areas to address whether there is a neurometabolic profile reflecting the underlying neuropathology in individuals with autism spectrum disorders, and if varied profiles correlate with the clinical subtypes. Thirteen children (7-16 years) with autism spectrum disorders and 8 typically developing children were compared on 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy data collected from hippocampus-amygdala and cerebellar regions. The autism spectrum disorder group had significantly lower N-acetyl-aspartate/creatine ratios bilaterally in the hippocampus-amygdala but not cerebellum, whereas myo-inositol/creatine was significantly increased in all measured regions. Choline/creatine was also significantly elevated in the left hippocampus-amygdala and cerebellar regions of children with autism spectrum disorder. Comparisons within the autism spectrum disorder group when clinically subdivided by history of speech delay revealed significant metabolic ratio differe...
Root distribution under seepage-irrigated potatoes in Northeast Florida

Much of commercial potato production in Florida is irrigated using sub-surface seepage irrigation. A perched water table is maintained during the season within 50 cm below the top of the potato ridge. Fertilizer placement is critical in this system to maximize plant uptake and to minimize leaching potential. Optimal placement of fertilizers is dependent on root distribution. The objectives of this study were to develop and test a new methodology to spatially describe potato root distribution as affected by nitrogen rate and irrigation system. Soil slices containing representative samples of the potato root system at full flowering were taken from plots fertilized with ammonium nitrate at 168, 224, and 280 kg N ha−1. The proposed sampling methodology performed satisfactorily. Root length density (cm root cm−3 soil) and specific root length (cm root mg−1 root dry weight) were not affected by nitrogen rate, but were affected by spatial position in the soil profile. The highest root length density value (0.72 average) was observed within 12 to 15 cm of the seedpiece. Low root length density values averaging 0.036 were observed between 24 and 36 cm from the top of the ridge. Specific root length values indicated a relatively homogeneous root system in terms of the quantity of invested biomass by unit of root length except in the two central units below 24 cm from the top of the ridge where thickened roots caused significant lower values averaging 6.47 as compared with the average of 15.87 from the surrounding Units in the slice. Root thickening in deep apical roots suggested aerenchyma formation promoted by a combination of saturated soil conditions in the root zone caused by inappropriate irrigation management and soil compaction. Fertilizer placement under the seedpiece should be a good alternative to increase potato nitrogen uptake under seepage irrigation.
English as an active language

Abstract The attempt is made to show that English is evolving away from tne nominative construction in the direction of G.A. Klimov has called the ‘active’ construction, wherein verbs are not classified for transitivity. A typological classification is proposed opposing languages with verbal classification for transitivity (nominative and ergative constructions) to languages lacking such classification, but having nominal classification for personalities or animateness (languages such as English and Dakota.)
Enhanced secondary ion emission with a bismuth cluster ion source

Abstract We have investigated the mechanism of secondary ion yield enhancement using Bi n + ( n = 1–6) primary ions and three different samples – dl -phenylalanine, Irganox 1010 and polystyrene – adsorbed on Al, Si and Ag substrates. The largest changes in secondary ion yields are observed for Bi 2 + and Bi 3 + primary ions. Smaller increases in secondary ion yield are found using Bi 4 + , Bi 5 + and Bi 6 + projectiles. The secondary ion yield enhancements are generally larger on Si than on Al. Using Bi n + structures obtained from density functional theory (DFT) calculations we demonstrate that the yield enhancements cannot be explained by an increase in the deposited energy density (energy per area) into the substrate. These data show that the mechanism of Bi n + sputtering is very similar to that for Au n + primary ion beams. When a polyatomic primary ion strikes the substrate, its constituent atoms are likely to remain near to each other, and so a substrate atom can be struck simultaneously by multiple atoms. The action of these multiple concerted impacts leads to efficient energy transfer in the near surface region and an increase in the number of secondary ions ejected from the surface. Such concerted impacts involve one, two or three projectile atoms, which explains well the nonlinear yield enhancements observed going from Bi + to Bi 2 + to Bi 3 + .
Complement Fixation by Tuberculopolysaccharide.

Summary1) High complement fixation titers with PPD-S were obtained with BCG antisera which showed high precipitating antibodies to PPD-S and to tuberculo-polysac-charide. 2) Polysaccharide fixed no complement even in these sera when incubation was carried out at 37°C. However, at 4°C fixation did take place. 3) When polysaccharide was mixed with PPD-S the complement-fixation titer was decreased from that obtained with the PPD-S alone, suggesting inhibition of fixation at 37°C. However, this decrease appeared to be due to fixation by polysaccharide in the first stage, followed by a probable release of the complement to the red-blood-cell-amboceptor system in the second stage.
Measurements of Third Sound Attenuation at T=1.35 K

The results of measurements of ordinary third sound attenuation at T=1.35 K are reported. The attenuation is measured by using a continuous wave technique for frequencies up to 40 kHz. We find that for helium film thicknesses in the regime 5.09≤d≤9.90 layers the attenuation of third sound increases both with frequency and film thickness. We discuss our results in the context of previous work in this area.
A multi-element group preconditioned GMRES algorithm for nonsymmetric systems arising in finite element analysis

Abstract A multi-element group, domain decomposition algorithm is presented for solving linear nonsymmetric systems arising in finite element analysis. The iterative strategy employed is based on the generalized minimum residual (GMRES) procedure originally proposed by Saad and Shultz. Two levels of preconditioning are investigated. Coding is presented which fully exploits vector-architectured computers. Applications to problems of high-speed compressible flow illustrate the effectiveness of the scheme.
Hostile High Energy Visible Laser Environment Provitang Destruction Of Optical Signal. In Imaging Systems

In this paper will be described the analytical expressions which will provide the damage thresholds of infrared and visible imaging systems when subjected to high power continuous wave and repetitive pulsed laser devices. The primary optical components that comprise a system are generally optical substrates that have vapor deposited reflective metal films or are diamond turned metallic substrates to maximize reflectivity. Additionally, one will find optical thin films used to enhance reflectivity and transmission through the optical train. For those systems that are designed for the infrared, the materials that have the best reflectivity at 10.6 p.m. 1.06 p,m, etc. are very highly absorbing in the visible portion of the spectrum. This enhanced absorption in the visible portion of the spectrum provides for very low damage thresholds when subjected to visible continuous wave and repetitive pulsed lasers. Thereare, of course, visible optical systems which are very sensitive to the visible portion of the spectrum, i.e., the eyes of a human being. Equations are provided for one and three dimensional analysis of temperature gradients in the optical thin films and slip and melt thresholds for metallic substrates. Further, equations are provided for both the semi-infinite plate boundary condition and for those substrates that have a thickness less than required for semi-infinite plate boundary using the Reverse Thermal Wavemodel. Pictures of in band and out of band damage are provided and curves are plotted for the various coatings on commonly used substrate materials.
New Experimental and Computational Results on the Radical-Controlled Oscillating Belousov−Zhabotinsky Reaction

New experimental results on the oscillatory dynamics of the radical-controlled Belousov−Zhabotinsky reaction (the Racz system) in a batch reactor are reported. The system exhibits oscillations with no induction period, a typical feature of the radical-controlled mechanism. However, in the presence of acetylacetone (CH2(COCH3)2), an induction period is observed before oscillations start, which increases with increasing acetylacetone concentration. There is a critical concentration of acetylacetone at which no oscillations occur. Quenching of radical-controlled oscillations is also observed at low and high malonic acid concentrations as well as at low and high sulfuric acid concentrations. An induction period is observed before the onset of radical-controlled oscillations at sulfuric acid concentrations ≥5.5 M. The duration of radical-controlled oscillations reaches a maximum at an intermediate sulfuric acid concentration. Numerical simulations based on the Radicalator model predict limits of malonic acid a...
Electric-Field-Induced Soft-Mode Hardening in SrTiO 3 Films

We have studied electric-field-induced Raman scattering in ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$ thin films using an $\mathrm{indium}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{tin}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{oxide}/{\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}/{\mathrm{SrRuO}}_{3}$ structure grown by pulsed laser deposition. The soft mode polarized along the field becomes Raman active. Experimental data for electric-field-induced hardening of the soft modes and the tuning of the static dielectric constant are in agreement described by the Lyddane-Sachs-Teller formalism. The markedly different behavior of the soft modes in thin films from that in the bulk is explained by the existence of local polar regions.
Computing Machinery and Emergence: The Aesthetics and Metaphysics of Video Games

We build on some of Daniel Dennett's ideas about predictive indispensability to characterize properties of video games discernable by people as computationally emergent if, and only if: (1) they can be instantiated by a computing machine, and (2) there is no algorithm for detecting instantiations of them. We then use this conception of emergence to provide support to the aesthetic ideas of Stanley Fish and to illuminate some aspects of the Chomskyan program in cognitive science.
Time-resolved spectroscopy of Au(III) porphyrin

The energy relaxation mechanism of Au(III) protoporphyrin IX dimethyl ester in glacial acetic acid was determined by means of time-resolved picosecond spectroscopy. The rate of the absorbance change induced by a 355 nm ps pulse was measured. The kinetics of the ground state repopulation and the formation and decay of the excited states were measured at 425 nm, 547 nm, and 600 nm. Based on these data the kinetics of the transient intermediate states and the relaxation mechanism of Au(III) Protoporphyrin were determined.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Loops of Orderpn+1 with Transitive Automorphism Groups

Abstract It is shown that isotopic loops of orderpn+1,pa prime, which have transitive automorphism groups are in fact isomorphic. The proof uses the Sylow theorems to obtain an isomorphism from an arbitrary isotopism. The result is applied to the additive loops of neofields of orderpn+1.
Indirect Trapping of the Retroconjugate Addition Reaction Intermediate Involved in the Epimerization of Lobeline: Application to the Synthesis of (−)-Sedamine

Alkyl chloroformates induced indirect trapping of the retroconjugate addition reaction intermediate involved in the epimerization of lobeline is described. This strategy was applied to the conversion of (-)-lobeline to (-)-sedamine in high overall yield.
Genetic and Physiological Activation of Osmosensitive Gene Expression Mimics Transcriptional Signatures of Pathogen Infection in C. elegans

The soil-dwelling nematode C. elegans is a powerful system for comparative molecular analyses of environmental stress response mechanisms. Infection of worms with bacterial and fungal pathogens causes the activation of well-characterized innate immune transcriptional programs in pathogen-exposed hypodermal and intestinal tissues. However, the pathophysiological events that drive such transcriptional responses are not understood. Here, we show that infection-activated transcriptional responses are, in large part, recapitulated by either physiological or genetic activation of the osmotic stress response. Microarray profiling of wild type worms exposed to non-lethal hypertonicity identified a suite of genes that were also regulated by infection. Expression profiles of five different osmotic stress resistant (osr) mutants under isotonic conditions reiterated the wild type transcriptional response to osmotic stress and also showed substantial similarity to infection-induced gene expression under isotonic conditions. Computational, transgenic, and functional approaches revealed that two GATA transcription factors previously implicated in infection-induced transcriptional responses, elt-2 and elt-3, are also essential for coordinated tissue-specific activation of osmosensitive gene expression and promote survival under osmotically stressful conditions. Together, our data suggest infection and osmotic adaptation share previously unappreciated transcriptional similarities which might be controlled via regulation of tissue-specific GATA transcription factors.
Globally optimal design and operation of a continuous photocatalytic advanced oxidation process featuring moving bed adsorption and draft-tube transport

In this paper, we present a mathematical model for a continuous, integrated advanced oxidation process consisting of single-component adsorption, UV photocatalytic mineralization, and draft tube transport. The model is developed and employed as part of a strategy to determine optimal values of selected process design parameters and to identify suitable process operating conditions that may lead to an overall robust performance. An optimization-based algorithm is presented and applied to the design of a water purification system utilizing a composite titanium dioxide/activated carbon photocatalyst adsorbent immobilized on a silica substrate for the degradation of reactive red (RR) dye. A sensitivity analysis is performed to identify qualitative trends implicit in the proposed mathematical model and to measure the robustness of the resulting design over a range of process operating conditions.
Alarm call responsivity of mallard ducklings: The inadequacy of learning and genetic explanations of instinctive behavior

Abstract Traditional conceptions of learning do not adequately account for the development of species-typical behavior. Developmental theory, though, can account for learning phenomena, as well as seemingly innate behavior. Developmental theory also focuses on subtle, nonobvious, as well as obvious, forms of experience throughout the life span, including the prenatal period. To illustrate the developmental approach, data on the ontogeny of alarm call responsivity in mallard ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos) are presented. This research, which was conducted both in the field and in the laboratory, identifies the particular acoustic feature of alarm calls to which ducklings are sensitive. Additional experiments have shown that normally occurring perinatal auditory experience is required for the development of behavioral inhibition (i.e., “freezing”). These experiments demonstrate the ability of developmental theory to account for phenomena that elude other, more traditional, theories.
Randomized comparison of intravenous nitroglycerin and magnesium sulfate for treatment of preterm labor.

Abstract Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of high-dose intravenous (IV) nitroglycerin with those of IV magnesium sulfate for acute tocolysis of preterm labor. Methods: Thirty-one women with preterm labor before 35 weeks’ gestation were assigned randomly to IV magnesium sulfate or IV nitroglycerin for tocolysis. Preterm labor was defined as the occurrence of at least two contractions in 10 minutes, with cervical change or ruptured membranes. Acute tocolysis was defined as tocolysis for up to 48 hours. Magnesium sulfate was administered as a 4-g bolus, then at a rate of 2–4 g/h. Nitroglycerin was administered as a 100-μg bolus, then at a rate of 1- to 10-μg/kg/min. The primary outcome measure was achievement of at least 12 hours of successful tocolysis. Results: Thirty patients were available for analysis. There were no significant differences in gestational age, cervical dilation, or incidence of ruptured membranes between groups at the initiation of tocolysis. Successful tocolysis was achieved in six of 16 patients receiving nitroglycerin, compared with 11 of 14 receiving magnesium sulfate (37.5 versus 78.6%, P = .033). Tocolytic failures (nitroglycerin versus magnesium sulfate) were due to persistent contractions with cervical change or rupture of previously intact membranes (five of 16 versus two of 14), persistent hypotension (four of 16 versus none of 14), and other severe side effects (one of 16 versus one of 14). Maternal hemodynamic alterations were more pronounced in patients who received nitroglycerin, and 25% of patients assigned to nitroglycerin treatment had hypotension requiring discontinuation of therapy. Conclusion: Tocolytic failures were more common with nitroglycerin than with magnesium sulfate. The hemodynamic alterations noted in patients receiving nitroglycerin, including a 25% incidence of persistent hypotension, might limit the usefulness of IV nitroglycerin for the acute tocolysis of preterm labor.
Increased contralateral suppression of otoacoustic emissions indicates a hyperresponsive medial olivocochlear system in humans with tinnitus and hyperacusis.

Atypical medial olivocochlear (MOC) feedback from brain stem to cochlea has been proposed to play a role in tinnitus, but even well-constructed tests of this idea have yielded inconsistent results....
STOPP: an approach to CADCAM integration☆

Abstract A sequential and tool oriented process planning (STOPP) methodology which is to serve as a CADCAM link is presented in this paper. It is based on the observation that a 3S workpiece can be decomposed into machined surfaces (or features) which can be described as 2D entities. A set of subfeatures called elementary machined surfaces (EMS) is defined for each type of machined surface. A machined surface (eg hole, slot and packet) is a portion of workpiece that can be generated by a certain mode of metal cutting, while the surface generated by a unit machining operation becomes an EMS whose geometric definition is based on the profile of a cutting tool. The EMSs in a machined surface are sequentially recognized (and removed) by using a set of pattern primitives and syntactic rules. The output process plans are in the form of simple processing cycles which can be postprocessed to produce NC tapes. Implementation examples of the STOPP method are given for the machined surfaces hole and slot.
Acquisition and use of calorimetric data for prediction of the thermodynamics of ligand-binding and folding reactions of proteins

The commercialization of high-precision microcalorimeters has led to a sharp increase in the acquisition and utilization of calorimetric data on the binding and folding reactions of proteins. This thermodynamic database, together with high-resolution structures of proteins and their complexes with ligands, has facilitated the development, calibration, refinement and testing of empirically based and computational methods for predicting the thermodynamics of processes involving macromolecules. Even so, a generally accepted method for assigning structural parameters to the various energetic contributions of protein folding and ligand-binding reactions, much less a method for predicting the changes in thermodynamic parameters of these reactions, has not yet been firmly established.
Toward improved guidelines for reduced activation materials development in the US

Abstract A principal goal of the US fusion materials program is to develop new materials so as to minimize the activation of future fusion reactor structures. The objective is to improve the environmental acceptability of fusion power. The current guideline is that structural materials should meet the requirements of 10CFR61 for near-surface burial as radioactive waste. Analyses of the bases for the concentration limits in 10CFR61, and the trend toward conservatism in radioactive waste disposal, strongly suggest that the criteria in 10CFR61 will not be conservative when applied to fusion reactor waste materials. It is recommended that emphasis be placed on developing a strategy for the controlled recycling of radioactive materials within the nuclear industry. It is also recommended that a systematic sampling of the public perception of fusion power be initiated.
The Retinal Response to Sinusoidal Electrical Stimulation

Rectangular electrical pulses are the primary stimulus waveform used in retinal prosthetics as well as many other neural stimulation applications. Unfortunately, the utility of pulsatile stimuli is limited by the inability to avoid the activation of passing axons, which can result in the distortion of the spatial patterns of elicited neural activity. Because avoiding axons would likely improve clinical outcomes, the examination of alternate stimulus waveforms is warranted. Here, we studied the response of rabbit retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to sinusoidal electrical stimulation applied at frequencies of 5, 10, 25, and 100 Hz. Targeted RGCs were restricted to 4 common types: OFF-Brisk Transient, OFF-Sustained, ON-Brisk Transient, and ON-Sustained. Interestingly, response patterns varied between different types; the most notable difference was the relatively weak response of ON-Sustained cells to low frequencies. Calculation of total spike counts per trial revealed that lower frequencies are more charge efficient than high frequencies. Finally, experiments utilizing synaptic blockers revealed that 5 and 10 Hz activate photoreceptors while 25 and 100 Hz activate RGCs. Taken together, our results suggest that while sinusoidal electrical stimulation may provide a useful research tool, its clinical utility may be limited.
Effect of protein and calorie restriction on the cytochrome P-450 isozyme (P-450 IID6) activity in rats

Abstract Dextromethorphan (DXM) is commonly used as probe for the metabolic activity of the debrisoquine isozyme (P-450 IID6) of the cytochrome P-450 mixed-function oxidase system. Several reports have described changes in P-450 activity with dietary alteration. This study was conducted to determine the effect of protein and calorie restriction on DXM metabolism in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Four- to five-week-old male SD rats were fed one of four dietary regimens: a regular diet containing 22.5% protein ad libitum (REGLIB); a low protein (8%) diet fed ad libitum (PROLIB); a regular protein diet, but only 50% by weight of that consumed by the REGLIB group (REG50); a low protein (8%) diet, but only 50% by weight of that consumed by the PROLIB group (PRO50). The DXM log m molar metabolic ratio (LMR) calculated as the ratio of the urinary DXM to its metabolite dextrorphan concentration was measured at the beginning of the study and after 5 weeks of feeding. Groups REG50, PROLIB, and PRO50 received 49%, 57%, and 29% of the calorie intake and 49%, 24%, and 12% of the protein intake of group REGLIB, respectively. Their weight gain was 24%, 40%, and 3% of that gained by REGLIB. LMR significantly decreased for REGLIB and PROLIB indicating an increase in DXM metabolism. The LMR of REG50 and PRO50 did not change. DXM metabolism continues to develop in these rats during the first 7 to 8 weeks of life. Energy restriction inhibited the maturation of DXM metabolism, while protein restriction did not significantly affect DXM metabolism.
Iterative methods for large convex quadratic programs: a survey

In this paper, we give a state-of-the-art review of many iterative methods for solving large convex quadratic programs. We attempt to classify several of the more basic methods in two categories, within each of which a unified iterative scheme will be introduced and its convergence analyzed. Hybrid iterative methods (such as the proximal point algorithm and a diagonalization scheme) that make use of the more basic schemes will also be described. The results of an extensive computer experimentation which is aimed at comparing the relative performance of the various methods will be reported and discussed. Finally, several important topics which require future research will be highlighted.
Factor Analysis of Sex-Typed Items from the Bem Sex-Role Inventory: A Replication

Based on the responses of 118 male and 79 female college students, a factor analysis of the 40 sex-typed items from the Bem Sex-role Inventory and sex of respondent yielded four factors which were almost identical to those reported by Waters, Waters, and Pincus (1977). One of the factors essentially represented the gender of the respondent. A second factor representing an expressive, affective orientation was defined by feminine sex-typed items. The other two factors were primarily defined by masculine sex-typed items. One stressed independence, self-sufficiency, and individuality while the other stressed leadership, aggressiveness, and forcefulness. These latter factors were interpreted in terms of an “agentic” orientation (Bakan, 1966) and an “instrumental” orientation (Parsons & Bales, 1955).
The structure of cytidilyl(2',5')adenosine when bound to pancreatic ribonuclease S.

Abstract The three-dimensional structure of the RNase S complex with the synthetic dinucleoside monophosphate cytidilyl(2′,5′)adenosine(C2,p5,A) is determined using difference Fourier techniques at 2.0 A resolution in conjunction with computer graphic model-building and energy minimization. The latter has been carried out as a function of the rigid body parameters of the dinucleoside monophosphate and the dihedral angles of the nucleoside portion as well as of relevent amino acids in the active site of the enzyme. The bound dinucleoside monophosphate is found to assume an extended conformation, with the adenine and cytidine bases nearly perpendicular. The bases form specific hydrogen bonds with groups in the active site. Although the atoms involved in the recognition of the pyrimidine base by the enzyme are the same as in the pyrimidine bases of UMP, CMP and UpcA, the details of the binding are different. The adenosine moiety blocks most of the various positions that His119 occupies in the native enzyme and forces it into one well-defined position. One of the His119 ring protons is in contact with O(5′) (the leaving group), O(1′) of the adenine ribose and with a free phosphoryl oxygen. No strong charge contacts with the phosphate group are observed. We show how combining X-ray data with computer graphic model-building, electron density fitting and energy calculations leads to the model we propose and discuss in detail the enzyme-nucleic acid interactions.
Measurement of ethyl methanesulfonate in human plasma and breast milk samples using high-performance liquid chromatography–atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-tandem mass spectrometry ☆

Abstract Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) is a mesylate ester, which is known to be a potent mutagen, teratogen, and possibly carcinogen. Mesylate esters have been found in pharmaceuticals as contaminants formed during the manufacturing process and may potentially pose an exposure hazard to humans. We have developed and validated a method for detection of trace amounts (ng/ml levels) of EMS in human plasma and breast milk. The samples were extracted by matrix solid-phase dispersion with ethyl acetate using Hydromatrix™ and the ASE 200 Accelerated Solvent Extractor. The extracts were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a HILIC column. The detection was performed with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (TSQ Quantum Ultra, Thermo Electron Corporation) using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in negative-ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring. The use of a surrogate internal standard in combination with HPLC–MS/MS provided a high degree of accuracy and precision. The extraction efficiency was greater than 70%. Repeated analyses of plasma and breast milk samples spiked with high (100 ng/ml), medium (50 ng/ml) and low (5 ng/ml) concentrations of the analytes gave relative standard deviations of less than 12%. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.5–0.9 ng/ml for both matrices.
Validating the search, experience, and credence product classification framework

Abstract Prior research identifies the influential factors for patronage intentions as product classes, retailer attributes, and risk perceptions. The Internet's ability to offer easy information search, therefore to reduce certain types of risk for products mandates evaluation of a new product classification framework called Search, Experience, and Credence. To test the nomological validity of the SEC-framework, this study investigates whether the SEC-products influence the (1) level of importance consumers place on retailer attributes, (2) level and types of risks consumers perceive, and (3) consumer patronage intentions for Internet and physical stores. The relationships between the (4) importance consumers place on retailer attributes and their risk perceptions, and (5) risk perceptions and patronage intentions for Internet and physical stores are investigated. The findings indicate while the importance of retailer attributes is equally significant across the four product classes, the SEC-products influence consumer risk perceptions and purchase-intentions for online and physical-stores. The relationship between important retailer attributes and risk perceptions is also significant.
Landing sling use increases data accuracy and sampling opportunities for large marine fishes captured during fishery-independent longline surveys

For fisheries research the lengths and weights of fishes are important data elements used to characterize biological dynamics; however, in order to collect accurate lengths and weights there can be stress and mortality issues due to handling methods. In particular, during coastal and oceanic longline projects, collecting accurate biological data from large animals is often problematic due to associated landing and handling difficulties. To improve the accuracy of biological data collected from large specimens and decrease survey-induced stress and mortalities during longline surveys, a portable landing sling was designed for use with shipboard hydraulic cranes. The landing sling enables researchers to improve biological data quality through increased opportunities to collect accurate lengths and weights, take detailed photographs, and conduct non-invasive biological sampling with minimal physical damage to large fishes captured. Thus, using a landing sling allows researchers to collect essential biological data while being responsibly conservative.
Programmed cell death and survival pathways in prostate cancer cells.

Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is a series of morphologically and biochemically related processes. The extrinsic (death receptor mediated) and intrinsic (mitochondrial-mediated) apoptotic pathways can be triggered by physiological and pharmacological substances. However, other molecular events influence the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to apoptotic stimuli, leading to marked variations in the responsiveness of prostate cancer cell lines to individual stimuli. Modulation of apoptotic responses by over expression of anti-apoptotic proteins (NF-κB, IAPs and Bcl-2), or attenuation of pro-apoptotic proteins (PTEN and Bax) may be responsible for the variations in sensitivity of these cell lines to hormone and chemotherapy. The expression of anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins in some of the widely used in vitro models of prostate cancer is reviewed.
Electron-Beam-Induced Synthesis and Characterization of W18O49 Nanowires

Hierarchical core/shell PbWO4/WO3 microcrystals were subjected to convergent electron beam irradiation in a 300 kV transmission electron microscope, and W18O49 nanowires can be rapidly produced within 5 s irradiation. It was found that the produced W18O49 nanowires are single crystals with monoclinic structure. The lengths of these nanowires rapidly increase with the electron beam irradiation time and decrease with the increase of distance between source microcrystal and the formed nanowires. Our method is a quite simple and efficient way for the rapid synthesis of single-crystalline W18O49 nanowires and may be extended to synthesize other metal oxide nanowires with judicious choice of source materials.
Noninvasive Imaging Technique Predicts Failure Load of the Femur with Simulated Osteolytic Defects

Objective. To determine whether the load-carrying capacity of human proximal femora with simulated lytic defects can be predicted using QCT-derived simplified beam theory. Design. The predicted fracture load of simulated defects were calculated using new technique of QCT combined with engineering beam analysis. Patients. Simulated lytic defects were created using a surgical drill in the intertrochanteric region of twenty human cadaveric femora. QCT scans were conducted before and after creating defects on either AM (Anterior-Medial) or PL (Posterior-Lateral) regions. Results. A linear relation could be used to predict failure load from the proposed engineering analysis based on QCT scan. The coefficient of determination analysis of QCT-derived predicted load vs. the measured failure load was R2=0.73 (p
Cause-To-Effect Operational-Risk Quantification and Management

Operational-risk quantification has recently become important owing to the new Basel II regulations. Current methods based on observation of losses and their magnitudes to quantify operational risk do not preserve the cause-to-effect relationship that shows how operational risk can be reduced, managed, and controlled. We introduce a cause-to-effect operational-risk modeling methodology that enables operational risk to be reduced, managed, and controlled. As part of this methodology, we develop a decomposition algorithm to address the complexity of large-scale models. We demonstrate the use of this methodology with an example inspired by the settlement process of an inter-bank financial clearinghouse.
Influence of temperature on seismic velocities and complex conductivity of heavy oil-bearing sands

ABSTRACTThe joint inversion of seismic and electromagnetic data can be of great use to monitor the steam-assisted production of heavy oils in field conditions. Seismic velocity and complex conductivity laboratory measurements were performed on three heavy oil-bearing sands at confining and pore pressures similar to field conditions. One of the samples (8H) was initially oil-wet and the two other samples (5P-3A and P-1A) were initially water-wet. Low-frequency stress-strain measurements and complex conductivity measurements were performed during two heating cycles (at constant temperature, 10°C steps in the range 20°C–70°C). The temperature was first increased from 20°C–70°C simulating initial stage in a thermal recovery process. During this temperature increase, sample 8H changed to water-wet with a clear irreversible signature on the seismic and electrical data. Then the temperature was decreased and cycled a second time in the temperature range 20°C–70°C. The seismic and complex conductivity responses w...
Packaging Limits and Stability of HIV-1 Sequences in a Coxsackievirus B Vector

Enteroviruses elicit protective mucosal immune responses that could be harnessed as part of a strategy to prevent sexual transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1). We report the construction of replication-competent recombinant vectors of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) that express one or more portions of the HIV-1 Gag protein. Vectors containing the capsid domain of Gag were initially genetically unstable with protein expression lost after brief passage in tissue culture. Codon modification to increase the G/C content of the HIV-1 capsid sequence resulted in enhanced genetic stability of CVB3 vectors during in vitro passage. Cells infected with a vector expressing the matrix (MA) subunit of the HIV-1 Gag protein were susceptible to lysis by CD8 T cell clones specific for the SL9 epitope found within MA. These studies suggest that CVB3 vectors may be useful as vaccine vector candidates, if hurdles in class I antigen presentation and stability can be overcome.
Some observations on spawning of brook trout (Salvelinus Fontinalis, mitchill) in lime neutralized iron hydroxide suspensions

Abstract The long-term effect of lime neutralized suspended iron on brook trout spawning and egg hatchability was assessed in a flow-through environment with a modified proportional diluter. Results of a two year study reveal low survival of maturing fish and a decline in egg production at higher suspended iron concentrations. Brook trout egg hatchability was unaffected in concentrations of lime neutralized iron hydroxide ranging from 0.75 to 12 mg Fe 1−1. A comparison of data on survival, growth, and egg hatchability indicates that the safe level of lime neutralized iron hydroxide suspensions for brook trout in an enclosed, intermittent-flow testing system presumably lies between 7.5 and 12.5 mg Fe 1−1.
Plate-tectonic Regulation of Faunal Diversity and Sea Level: a Model

A GROWING body of evidence and theory supports the idea that processes of plate tectonics have been operating for the past 3 × 109 years1. The hypothesis of ocean-driven plates implies that certain mountain systems represent the remains of former large ocean basins. An important corollary of this notion is that the history of continental assembly and fragmentation can be inferred from the geological record of the various mountain systems. We show here how the diversity of marine fauna and fluctuations in sea level can be related to patterns of continental fragmentation and reassembly. It seems that changes in the diversity of fauna predicted from these patterns can account for a great deal of the variation in the diversification and extinction of marine biota that has long puzzled palaeontologists. The timing of major transgressions and regressions predicted from these patterns also agrees well with the observed record.
Space VLBI observations using the U.S. tracking and data relay satellite

VLBI observations using a satellite in earth orbit and ground antennas in Japan and Australia were conducted in 1986, 1987, and 1988. Sources were detected on space-ground baselines at both observing frequencies: 2.3 and 15 GHz. The coherence on space-ground baselines for 340 s was 90 percent at 2.3 GHz and 76 percent at 15 GHz. Brightness temperatures in the range 1 - 4 x 10 to the 12th K were measured for 10 sources at 2.3 GHz and 6 sources at 15 GHz.
Structural analysis of shallow shells on the cray Y-MP supercomputer

Abstract Structural analysis of shallow shells is performed and relatively accurate displacements and stresses are obtained. An energy method, which is an extension of the Ritz method, is used in the analysis. Algebraic polynomials are used as displacement functions. The numerical problems which resulted in inaccurate stresses in previous publications are improved by making use of symmetry and performing the computations on the CRAY Y-MP supercomputer which has 29-digit double-precision arithmatics. Curvature effects upon deflections and stress resultants of shallow shells with cantilever and ‘semi-cantilever’ boundaries are studied.
Develop once deploy anywhere achieving adaptivity with a runtime linker/loader framework

This paper presents Load and Let Link -- a framework for flexible runtime loading and linking of procedural native code components. LLL has several novel aspects. First, it provides componentization without requiring an object-oriented language. Second, LLL performs linking at runtime, providing arbitrary code expansion, contraction and substitution. This enables (a) adaptive applications that can rewire themselves in response to dynamic conditions, (b) code patching for mission critical systems and (c) automatic overlaying in memory constrained environments. LLL is language neutral and orthogonal to current software development methodologies, thus providing the substrate for the next generation of develop once deploy anywhere software. In this paper, we present the LLL framework, its implementation on 32 bit x86 architectures and two case studies that showcase the capabilities of the framework.
Slow vertical deposition of colloidal crystals: a Langmuir-Blodgett process?

For an evaporating colloidal suspension in which the evaporation velocity exceeds the sedimentation velocity, particles will accumulate at the solvent−air interface. If neither diffusion nor convection can disperse this accumulation, it is expected to grow into a colloidal multilayer several microns thick. We observe that the thickness of colloidal crystals vertically deposited from 1 μm diameter polystyrene latex suspensions of 0.002 ≤ φ ≤ 0.008 increases linearly with distance in the growth direction and that these thickness profiles are consistent with their growth from a horizontal colloidal layer accumulated beneath the solvent−air interface. We describe a means for performing vertical deposition at growth rates slower than the evaporation rate by adding solvent to the bottom of the colloidal suspension and observe that halving the growth rate of vertical deposition increases both the thickness and the reflectivity of the resulting colloidal crystals, effects indistinguishable from those of doubling ...
Vibration dampers for cryogenic turbomachinery

This paper describes the development of effective and reliable minimum-weight and minimum-envelope vibration dampers for cryogenic turbines. To meet this objective, a high speed test rig was designed and fabricated, which is currently used to test a curved beam type damper. The operation, capacity, structural characteristics, measurement system, and safety features of the cryogenic damper test rig are discussed.
Cilostazol Prevents Endothelin-Induced Smooth Muscle Constriction and Proliferation

Cilostazol is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that has been shown to inhibit platelet activation. Endothelin is known to be the most potent endogenous growth promoting and vasoactive peptide. In patients and animal models with stroke, the level of circulating endothelin increases and complicates the recovery progress contributed by vascular constriction (an immediate pathology) and vascular proliferation (a long-term pathology). However, the effects of cilostazol on endothelin have not been explored. To demonstrate the dual-antagonizing effects of cilostazol on vasoconstriction and cell proliferation induced by endothelin, we used primary culture of mouse vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro, mouse femoral artery ex vivo, and intracranial basilar artery ex vivo. We show that the dual-inhibition effects of cilostazol are mediated by blocking endothelin-induced extracellular calcium influx. Although cilostazol does not inhibit endothelin-induced intraorganellar calcium release, blockade of extracellular calcium influx is sufficient to blunt endothelin-induced vasoconstriction. We also show that cilostazol inhibits endothelin-induced cellular proliferation by blocking extracellular calcium influx. Inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) can block anti-proliferation activity of cilostazol, confirming the downstream role of PKA in cellular proliferation. To further demonstrate the selectivity of the dual-antagonizing effects of cilostazol, we used a different phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Interestingly, sildenafil inhibits endothelin-induced vasoconstriction but not cellular proliferation in smooth muscle cells. For the first time, we show selective dual-antagonizing effects of cilostazol on endothelin. We propose that cilostazol is an excellent candidate to treat endothelin-associated diseases, such as stroke.