cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concrete bridge deck assessment: Relationship between GPR data and concrete removal depth measurements collected after hydrodemolition

Abstract A ground-coupled ground penetrating radar (GPR) system was used to assess the condition of two reinforced concrete bridge decks. After each GPR assessment was completed, the bridge deck was rehabilitated using a hydrodemolition process to remove deteriorated concrete from upper surface of the deck. LiDAR technology was used to create maps depicting the deck surface before and after the concrete removal. The objective of this work was to corroborate the GPR condition assessments by comparing the spatial distribution of the GPR and LiDAR mappings. This work illustrates that GPR data have the potential to predict concrete repair estimates.
Psychological dysregulation, white matter disorganization and substance use disorders in adolescence.

Aims Adolescents with substance use disorders (SUD) have difficulties with cognitive, behavioral and affective regulation. White matter (WM) disorganization has been observed in adolescents with SUD and may be related to psychological dysregulation. This study compared adolescents with SUD and control adolescents to investigate relationships among psychological dysregulation, WM disorganization, and SUD symptoms.
Cyclopentadienyl-metal complexes III. The intramolecular 1,5-transfer and the equilibrium between the positional isomers of σ-(trimethylsilyl)cyclopentadiene

Abstract In the course of a series of thermochemical studies on gaseous cyclopentadienyl-metal complexes we have investigated the intramolecular 1,5-transfer of hydrogen and the Si(CH3)3 group and the composition of equilibrated mixtures of thex-(trimethylsilyl)cyclopentadiene (=x-TSCP) isomers. For the equilibria 5 − TSCP ⇄ 2 1 1 − TSCP ⇄ 4 3 2 − TSCP the following Van 't Hoff relationships have been derived: logK1.2=(0.193±0.014)−(1.56±0.03)/θ and logK3.4=(0.09±0.03)−(0.84±0.05)/θ where θ equals 4.58·10−3T (°K). In contrast to the carbon analogues, the 5-isomer is thermodynamically the most stable isomer. The data are used to derive intrinsic differences in incremental data for entropy and enthalpy contributions in specific carbon-silicon compounds. Vapour pressure measurements on equilibrated isomer mixtures yielded logp(mm)=(7.79±0.10) − (2029±31)/T(°K) resulting in a heat of vaporization ΔHv of 9.28±0.14 kcal/mode.
Regulated intramembrane proteolysis of megalin: linking urinary protein and gene regulation in proximal tubule?

Regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) represents an evolutionarily conserved process linking receptor function with transcriptional regulation. Best characterized by the Notch signaling pathway, RIP involves regulated ectodomain shedding followed by γ -secretase-mediated release of the C-terminal, cytosolic domain. The C-terminus in turn translocates to the nucleus where it interacts with other proteins to regulate expression of specific genes. Recent studies in our laboratory have shown that megalin, a scavenger receptor in proximal tubule, is subjected to RIP in a manner very similar to that of Notch. We showed that megalin in subjected to protein kinase C-regulated, metalloprotease-mediated ectodomain shedding producing a membrane-associated C-terminal fragment (MCTF). The MCTF in turn forms the substrate for γ -secretase. These data implicate megalin as a central element of a Notch-like signaling pathway linking protein reabsorption and gene regulation in proximal tubule. The likelihood that megalin processing plays an important role in the progression of proteinuric kidney disease is discussed.
Differences in behavioral perceptions between young adult burn survivors and cross-informants

The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the level of agreement, in terms of personal problems, between burn survivors and an informant with whom they have a close personal relationship. Participants in the study were 72 young adult burn survivors between the ages of 18 and 28 with a mean age of 20.9 +/- 2.6 years. There were 37 males and 35 females in the group. The mean total burn surface area was 55.34 +/- 19.9% with injuries occurring before the age of 18, a minimum of 2 years prior to the study with a mean of 14.3 +/- 4.9 years since burned. To assess this issue the participants completed The Young Adult Self-Report (YASR), and the informants completed The Young Adult Behavior Checklist (YABCL). In relationship to burn survivors, the informant group comprised 67% mothers, 3% fathers, and 30% domestic partners. Paired t-test and Pearson Correlations Coefficients were calculated to compare the differences and variance of the Total Problems Scale, Internalizing Scale and Externalizing Scale for the YABCL and YASR results. The family members of burn survivors reported more problems for their young adult relatives than did the informants of the reference population. In general, the YACBL scores were higher than and highly correlated to the YASR scores. Although there were not ethic differences in the YABCL and the YASR measures, the correlation between the YABCL and the YASR was excellent for Caucasian families but not good for Black and Hispanic families. This study supports concerns about the need for routine follow-up into adulthood for those individuals who were burned as children. This would seem to be especially critical for the female population.
Nature of rabbit phosphoglucose isomerase isozymes

Abstract Crystalline phosphoglucose isomerase ( d -glucose-6-phosphate ketol-isomerase, EC 5.3.1.9) from rabbit was separated into two major (isomerase I and II) and one minor (isomerase III) isoenzyme fractions by column chromatography on carboxymethyl Sephadex. Rechromatography of these isozymes revealed that isomerase I and II were not artificial products of the chromatographic procedure, while isomerase III was derived from isomerase II during the manipulation. The three isomerase isozymes had approximately the same molecular weight and subunit molecular size (mol. wt. 130 000; subunit mol. wt. 60 000–70 000), indicating dimeric form of all three iso-enzymes. Electrophoretic patterns of the subunits from these isoenzymes, following dissociation in the presence of 8 M urea, were examined. A single protein band was found in isomerase II and III, while two bands were observed in isomerase I; one of these is electrophoretically indistinguishable from the subunit of isomerase II and III. This implies that isomerase II and III consist of one type of subunit and isomerase I consists of two types of subunits. Amino acid composition and fingerprint patterns of isomerase I and II were not identical, indicating that the primary structure of the two isoenzymess were different. Starch-gel electrophoretic patterns of crude tissue extracts were altered by aging, particularly in the presence of plasma. The conversion factor of plasma was found to be heat stable and protein in nature. β-Mercaptoethanol protected against conversion and reversed the zymogram patterns. The five electrophoretic enzyme bands found in hemolysates and tissue extracts could be explained by secondary modification of isomerase I and II.
Evaluation of the tribological behavior of nano-onions in Krytox 143AB

Nanoparticles have been widely developed over the past ten years and have found several applications. This work presents the use of carbon nano-onions, i.e., nanoparticles, as a potential additive in an oil for aerospace application. The lifetimes were tested in ambient air and ultrahigh vacuum. Tribochemical products were characterized by micro Raman and FT-IR spectroscopies. It was shown that these particles can provide adequate lubrication very similar to graphitic material only when run in air.
Modeling and control of a wind fuel cell hybrid energy system

This paper describes a hybrid energy system consisting of a 5 kW wind turbine and a fuel cell system. Such a system is expected to be a more efficient, zero emission alternative to wind diesel system. Dynamic modeling of various components of this isolated system is presented. Selection of control strategies and design of controllers for the system is described. Simnon is used for the simulation of this highly nonlinear system. Transient responses of the system for a step change in the electrical load and wind speed are presented. System simulation results for a pre-recorded wind speed data indicates the transients expected in such a system. Design, modeling, control and limitations of a wind fuel cell hybrid energy system are discussed.
Immunoglobulin M deficiency in the immune response of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The specific antibody production in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in response to three antigens—sheep cell stroma, Brucellin and Limulus polyphemus hemocyanin—was examined. Several antigens were used in expectation that an abnormality in antibody production might be selective and not uniform for all antigens. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis were deficient in their IgM response to sheep cell stroma and Brucellin, especially the latter. This deficiency was limited to the primary response and to secondary responses characterized by only slight increases in antibody levels. More intensive stimulation resulted in equal production of IgM antibody in both groups. Antigenic competition may explain the deficiency in IgM antibody production. Levels of rheumatoid factor increased after repeated stimulation paralleling, in general, the specific antibody responses.
Remarks on nonlinear planar control systems which are linearizable by feedback

Abstract The possibility that certain nonlinear systems can be linearized by the nonlinear feedback group has recently attracted a great deal of attention in the literature. At least for mechanical systems, the apparent ubiquity of linearizable systems is often accounted for by the claim that scalar control systems defined on R 2 are generically linearizable. Since there are several possible interpretations of the term ‘generic’ and since, until now, no rigorous proof of genericity for any use of the term has been offered, I thought it worthwhile to investigate in what sense, if any, this ‘folklore theorem’ is valid. Contrary to the prevailing intuition, linearizable systems fail to be dense in any topology for which evaluation of vector fields at points is a continous operation. This includes, for example, both the weak and strong C ∞ -topologies. What, then, are the global properties of the class of linearizable systems? In this note, it is also shown that this class has no interior points in any reasonable, complete topology making feedback operations continuous. In particular, linearizable systems in R 2 are far from being structurally stable in the weak C ∞ -topology. In the other hand, one of the main results presented here is that globally linearizable systems are open in the strong, or Whitney, topology. Thus, globally linearizable planar systems are structurally stable. If the well-known local conditions actually implied global linearizability, this result would be trivial. Recent work of Boothby shows, however, that global linearization is far more subtle. For this reason, in the course of the proof it is necessary to modify the existing global linearization criteria. In particular, a ‘nonvanishing’ criterion for irjectivity of smooth maps on R ″, sharpening the so-called ‘ratio condition’, is presented. This result appears to be of independent interest and leads to improvements of the global linearization condition in R ″, due to Hunt, Su and Meyer, and of the global non-linear observability conditions in R ″, due to Kou, Elliott and Tarn.
Use of thin layer chromatography for detection and high performance liquid chromatography for quantitating gliotoxin from rice cultures of Aspergillus fumigatus fresenius.

Gliotoxin, a mycotoxin with antimicrobial and immunosuppressive capabilities, is produced by several genera of fungi including the pathogenic fungusAspergillus fumigatus. The ability of selected isolates ofA. fumigatus to produce gliotoxin on three different media was tested and a thin layer chromatographic and high performance liquid chromatographic method for quantitation of gliotoxin from rice culture was developed and is described. Rice cultures were extracted with chloroform and the resulting extract was partially purified by precipitation with petroleum ether and cleanup by gel permeation chromatography. Gliotoxin was detected by thin layer chromatography and quantitated by high performance liquid chromatography using a U.V. absorbance detector with a 254 nm filter and a mobile phase of methanol-water 43∶57 (V/V) with a flow rate of 2.0 ml/min. The retention time for gliotoxin was approximately 4.8 min. From rice samples spiked with gliotoxin concentrations of 0.67, 1.33, 2.67, 4.00 and 5.33μg/g the average recovery was 83.8%.
Asymmetric distribution of left ventricular asynergy in coronary artery disease and its relation to coronary stenoses

Abstract In 100 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), the prevalence and severity of asynergy was determined for 9 left ventricular (LV) segments by both radionuclide and contrast anglography. The anterior, septal and lateral LV walls had significantly more prevalent and more severe asynergy in the medial segments than in the basal segments. In contrast, the inferior LV wall exhibited equally severe asynergy in both the medial and basal segments. In general, asynergy was most severe in the apical, medial septal, medial inferior and basal inferior LV segments. This asymmetric distribution of LV asynergy could not be explained by the distribution of occlusions or significant stenoses in the arterial tree, which were relatively uniformly distributed among the left anterior descending (32%), left circumflex (29%) and right (26%) coronary arteries. It is postulated instead that the asymmetric distribution of LV asynergy results from asymmetry of the coronary arterial tree supplying the left ventricle and that the prevalence of asynergy in an LV segment is directly related to its vascular distance from the coronary ostia. Unlike the relatively direct supply of the left anterior descending and circumflex arteries to the basal segments of the anterior, septal and lateral LV walls, the arterial supply to the basal inferior wall begins only after the right or dominant circumflex artery has traversed the length of the atrioventricular groove, significantly increasing its susceptibility to the pressure attenuation and occlusive jeopardy of more proximal stenoses.
Frequency-Based Analysis of Diastolic Function: The Early Rapid Filling Phase Generates Negative Intraventricular Wave Reflections

To assess global diastolic function (DF), both invasive and noninvasive methods have been utilized. Except for the end-diastolic pressure–volume relationship, currently all proposed parameters for diastolic function are derived purely from pressure or flow. To characterize the physiology of diastole in the context of atrioventricular pressure gradient generated transmitral flow, and in analogy to frequency-based characterization of ventricular–vascular coupling, we subjected the simultaneously recorded transmitral flow (E-wave) and micromanometric intraventricular pressure (LVP) waveforms to Fourier analysis in 20 subjects. This permitted computation of input impedance, characteristic impedance, the phase angle φ relating pressure to flow, and the complex reflection coefficient R * during the E-wave. We found that the magnitudes of input impedance were 32± 12, 13.9± 4.4, 37± 13, and 53± 23 mmHg s/m for DC, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd harmonics, respectively. The characteristic impedance was 30± 15 mmHg s/m. The magnitude and phase angle of complex reflection coefficient R * were 0.43± 0.11 and 3.58± 0.52 rad, respectively. The magnitude of the input impedance carrying most oscillatory power (1st harmonic) is lower than the characteristic impedance, verifying our finding that the real portion of R * was negative. We also found that E waves with prolonged deceleration time (DT > 180 ms—“delayed relaxation” pattern) manifest increased phase differences between pressure and flow, voiding an optimal pressure–flow relationship. These findings elucidate the frequency-based (amplitude/phase) mechanisms by which early diastolic mechanical ventricular suction (dP/dV < 0) achieves left ventricular filling.
Non-random reassortment in human influenza A viruses.

Background The influenza A virus has two basic modes of evolution. Because of a high error rate in the process of replication by RNA polymerase, the viral genome drifts via accumulated mutations. The second mode of evolution is termed a shift, which results from the reassortment of the eight segments of this virus. When two different influenza viruses co-infect the same host cell, new virions can be released that contain segments from both parental strains. This type of shift has been the source of at least two of the influenza pandemics in the 20th century (H2N2 in 1957 and H3N2 in 1968). Objectives The methods to measure these genetic shifts have not yet provided a quantitative answer to questions such as: what is the rate of genetic reassortment during a local epidemic? Are all possible reassortments equally likely or are there preferred patterns? Methods To answer these questions and provide a quantitative way to measure genetic shifts, a new method for detecting reassortments from nucleotide sequence data was created that does not rely upon phylogenetic analysis. Two different sequence databases were used: human H3N2 viruses isolated in New York State between 1995 and 2006, and human H3N2 viruses isolated in New Zealand between 2000 and 2005. Results Using this new method, we were able to reproduce all the reassortments found in earlier works, as well as detect, with very high confidence, many reassortments that were not detected by previous authors. We obtain a lower bound on the reassortment rate of 2–3 events per year, and find a clear preference for reassortments involving only one segment, most often hemagglutinin or neuraminidase. At a lower frequency several segments appear to reassort in vivo in defined groups as has been suggested previously in vitro. Conclusions Our results strongly suggest that the patterns of reassortment in the viral population are not random. Deciphering these patterns can be a useful tool in attempting to understand and predict possible influenza pandemics.
A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial comparing parenteral normal saline with and without dextrose on the course of labor in nulliparas.

Objective The objective of the study was to compare intravenous normal saline with and without dextrose on the course of labor in nulliparae. Study Design In a double-blinded, controlled trial, term, nulliparae with singletons in active labor were randomized into 1 of 3 groups receiving either normal saline (NS), NS with 5% dextrose (D5NS), or NS with 10% dextrose (D10NS) at 125 mL/h. The primary outcome was total length of labor from onset of study fluid in vaginally delivered subjects. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were also analyzed. Results Of 300 subjects enrolled, 289 met inclusion criteria and completed the study. In vaginally delivered subjects, significant differences were noted in the second stage ( P = .01) and total length of labor ( P = .02). No significant differences were observed in the cesarean section rates between the groups ( P = .21). No differences were noted in maternal or neonatal secondary outcomes. Conclusion Administration of a dextrose solution, regardless of concentration, was associated with a shortened labor course in term vaginally delivered nulliparae subjects in active labor.
The effects of atropine, benactyzine, and physostigmine on a repeated acquisition baseline in monkeys

A repeated acquisition procedure was used with cynomolgus monkeys to test the effects of one anticholinesterase (physostigmine) and two anticholinergic (atropine and benactyzine) compounds on learning and performance. Learning was defined as the number of response chains (trials) required to meet a criterion of three consecutive chains at 90% accuracy or better. Measures were the number of trials to criterion and the number of errors made. Following learning, behavior was analyzed as performance. Measures were total errors after learning and errors per trial. Time-out minutes (i.e., periods of enforced no responding after errors) were analyzed separately from total session time. Atropine (0.014, 0.044, 0.14, and 0.44 mg/kg) produced large learning disruptions and performance decrements at the highest dose. Learning decrements due to benactyzine (0.057, 0.18, 0.57, and 1.82 mg/kg) were not significant and produced little effect on performance. The effect of physostigmine (0.025, 0.050, and 0.075 mg/kg on learning was not consistent. The anticholinergics increased performance errors per trial, while the anticholinesterase had little effect. Session times showed dose-related increases for all drugs and were significantly increased by the highest doses of each. The session time increases observed after the anticholinergics were interpreted to be due to both an effect on learning and an effect on response rate, whereas the anticholinesterase effect was due primarily to response suppression.
Antenna control systems: from PI to H/sub /spl infin//

This paper discusses the compensation of antenna-pointing errors following the analysis and retrofit of the NASA Deep Space Network antenna control systems. The desired high-frequency communications with spacecraft (at Ka-band) require improved pointing precision over lower-frequency communications (at X-band). The quality of the antenna drives (hardware), the control algorithm (software), and the physical structure of the antenna (in terms of thermal deformations, gravity distortions, encoder mounting, and wind gusts) all influence pointing precision, and create the challenging task of remaining within the required pointing-error budget. Three control algorithms-PI (proportional-and-integral), LQG (linear-quadratic-Gaussian), and H/sub /spl infin//-are discussed, and their basic properties, tracking precision, and limitations as applied to antenna tracking are addressed. The paper shows that the PI algorithm is simple and reliable, but its performance is limited. It also explains how significant improvements in tracking precision are achieved when implementing the LQG control algorithm or the H/sub /spl infin// control algorithm. Still, pointing precision attributable to software modification is limited. It is pointed out that an additional increase of tracking precision requires concurrent improvements in the antenna drives.
POVERTY IN LATIN AMERICA: TRENDS (1986-1998) AND DETERMINANTS

Este trabajo analiza la evolucion de la pobreza en America Latina. En 1998, alrededor de un tercio de la poblacion era pobre, y un sexto extremadamente pobre. Esto representa 179 millones de pobres, de los cuales 89 millones viven en la extrema pobreza. La proporcion de la poblacion pobre ha descendido en los anos 90, y esta ahora de nuevo en sus niveles de mediados de los 80. Pero debido al crecimiento de la poblacion, el numero de pobres ha aumentado durante los ultimos quince anos. Este trabajo tambien investiga el impacto de las caracteristicas de los hogares pobres, incluyendo demografia, educacion, empleo, ubicacion geografica, migracion y etnia. Muchas de estas caracteristicas tienen gran impacto en el ingreso per capita y, por tanto, en la probabilidad de ser pobres o extremadamente pobres
Transcription and temporal cascade in Chilo iridescent virus infected cells

Chilo iridescent virus (CIV) is the type species for genus Iridovirus, and belongs to the family Iridoviridae. Members of this family are large, isometric, cytoplasmic DNA viruses. Our laboratory has established that CIV replicates productively in the cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis. Given the economic importance of this host and the dearth of knowledge on this virus, we have initiated host-virus interaction and molecular studies on CIV. This report focuses on regulation of transcription in CIV infections. We carried out northern analyses on total cellular RNA from infections of IPRI-CF-124T cells, using a complete genomic library of CIV and several putative gene-specific probes. Our data show a temporal cascade based on analysis of 137 detectable transcripts comprising 38 immediate-early (IE), 34 delayed-early (DE), and 65 late (L) transcripts. Analysis with gene-specific probes supported the cascade pattern. Both helicase and RNA polymerase were immediate-early; major capsid protein was late. The CIV gene expression cascade appears to operate primarily at the transcriptional level. Temporal classes observed are consistent with earlier studies at the polypeptide level and with transcriptional patterns in frog virus 3, genus Ranavirus in the Iridoviridae. Our results provide an important basis for understanding mechanisms driving the CIV temporal cascade.
Inductive electron-withdrawal from ammonium ion headgroups of cationic lipids and the influence on DNA transfection

We have prepared a panel of lipidic ammonium tetrafluoroborate salts that contain trifluoromethyl, trichloromethyl, and methyl groups attached to the headgroup. 19F-NMR analyses of the cationic lipid panel revealed that the differences in electron-withdrawal from the ammonium ion headgroup accounted for differences in ion-pairing. Exchange of the tetrafluoroborate counterion by complexation to DNA-phosphate of a reporter gene enabled us to probe the influence of inductive electron-withdrawal in cationic lipid-mediated DNA transfection. We tested the lipid panel for transfection activity in two cell lines. The results indicate that the inductive effects of electron-withdrawing functionality diminish transfection activity in modest (2-4-fold) increments. The present study suggests that the mechanism whereby poly(alcohol)- or poly(ether)-substituted headgroups improve DNA transfection is not based on electronic activation of the ammonium ion.
CORRECTION FOR: AVIAN MORTALITY DURING FALL 2001 MIGRATION AT COMMUNICATION TOWERS ALONG THE RIO GRANDE CORRIDOR IN SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO

Subsequent to publication, the authors discovered an error in their table in the note ‘‘Avian mortality during fall 2001 migration at communication towers along the Rio Grande corridor in southern New Mexico’’ published in the September 2004 issue of The Southwestern Naturalist (49:414–417). The authors arranged to reprint the corrected table, listing the unit of measure as feet instead of meters.
Resolving university landlord-tenant disputes

The housing arbitration system used by Brigham Young University's Housing Arbitration Board (HAB) has been widely used at the school for many years. It has not worked perfectly. Some landlords are critical of the school's laxness in enforcing arbitral awards.
An effective heuristic for flow shop problems with total flow time as criterion

Abstract This research studies on application of genetic algorithms for flow shop problems with total flowtime as the criterion. There is still very little research focusing on total flow time for flow shop problems. We develop a genetic algorithm based heuristic for the problems, and use an integer programming model and an existing heuristic to evaluate the efficiency of the genetic algorithm based heuristic. We generate a set of problems with different numbers of machines, different numbers of jobs, and solve ten of each of the problems using the integer programming model, the existing heuristic, and the genetic algorithm based heuristic, respectively. The results are very encouraging and appear to indicate the genetic algorithms are efficient approaches for flow shop problems.
Intermediate filaments connect Z‐discs in adult chicken muscle

When adult chicken skeletal myofibrils are treated with a myosin-extracting solution, the Z-discs with attached actin filaments retain their linear connections with one another in the extracted myofibril. The sarcomere length increases in the extracted myofibrils from a control lenght of 2.5 micrometer up to 6 micrometer. In a sarcomere, eight to fifty 10 nm filaments can be seen in parallel array in the H-zone. The 10 nm-wide filaments do not bind heavy meromyosin and are two to four micrometers in length. These intermediate filaments are postulated to be an integral part of the sarcomere, connecting Z-bands along the length of the myofibril.
Assessment of range of motion and contact zones with commonly performed physical exam manoeuvers for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): What do these tests mean?

Recognition of the magnitude and location of mechanical conflicts is critical to reliably and reproducibly improve functional range of motion and outcomes after surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The purpose of this study was to assess the ROM and location of intra-articular and extra-articular mechanical conflict with seven commonly performed physical exam manoeuvers in a cohort of hips with symptomatic FAI. Internal rotation in flexion results in mechanical contact between the anterolateral and anterior femoral head-neck junction with the acetabulum, most commonly at a 1:15 o'clock position. Associated adduction, however, significantly reduces the available internal rotation secondary to contact in the same locations. Straight abduction results in mechanical conflict between the superior femoral head-neck junction and the 12:00 o'clock position of the acetabulum. With external rotation of the hip in various degrees of hip flexion, the potential mechanical impingement is extra-articular between the greater trochanter and ischium or pubic ramus. The zones of proximal femoral and acetabular contact are not intuitive, and may extend significantly more laterally and distally on the femoral head-neck junction than previously appreciated.
EFFECT OF AMINO ACID AND SUGAR CONCENTRATIONS ON THE FOOD UPTAKE OF THE APHID MYZUS PERSICAE

A difference weighing method applied to sachets of diet on which groups of 40–50 larval Myzus persicae (Sulzer) were allowed to feed for 24 hours gave information on the absolute and relative uptake of different diets in terms of the fluid volume of diet and the amounts of nutrients taken up per aphid per day. The diets tested were in a sucrose concentration series ranging from 0–40% with a 2.4% amino acid level common to the series, and in an amino acid series ranging from 0–4.8% total amino acids with 15% sucrose common to the series. Uptake was found to be markedly affected both by the level of sucrose and by the overall level of the 20 dietary amino acids. Fluid uptake was poor or non-existent on diets having low sucrose (< 5%) or low total amino acid (< 1%) concentrations. For sucrose, an optimal range of 10–20% was indicated with a progressive decline in fluid uptake with concentrations above 20%. For amino acids, fluid uptake increased with dietary concentrations up to 3% and then decreased slightly. The results are related to growth rates of M. persicae larvae on diets of similar composition, and the ecological significance of the findings is discussed. Zusammenfassung DIE WIRKUNG VON AMINOSAURE- UND ZUCKERKONZENTRATIONEN AUF DIE NAHRUNGSAUFNAHME DER BLATTLAUS MYZUS PERSICAE Durch Gewichtsverlustbestimmung von Nahrlosungssackchen, an denen Gruppen von 40–50 Myzus persicae-Larven 24 Stunden lang saugen konnten, lies sich die absolute und relative Aufnahme verschiedener Diaten feststellen, ausgedruckt in dem Betrag des Flussig-keitsvolumens der Nahrung und damit der Menge an Nahrstoffen, die pro Tag und Blattlaus aufgenommen wurden. Die gepruften Diaten enthielten in der einen Serie bei gleichbleibendem Aminosaurespiegel von 2, 4% Rohrzuckerkonzentrationen zwischen 0 und 40%, in einer anderen Serie bei konstantem Rohrzuckergehalt von 15% Gesamtaminosaurekonzentrationen von 0 bis 4, 8%. Die Nahrungsaufnahme erwies sich als merklich beeinflust sowohl von der Rohrzuckerkonzentration wie von der Gesamtkonzentration der 20 diatischen Aminosauren. Die Flussigkeitsaufnahme war gering oder unterblieb vollig bei Diaten mit niedrigen Rohrzucker- (< 5%) oder Gesamtaminosaurekonzentrationen (< 1%). Fur Rohrzucker zeigte sich ein Optimalgehalt von 10–20% und ein fortschreitendes Absinken der Flussigkeitsaufnahme bei Konzentrationen uber 20%. Bei den Aminosauren stieg die Flussigkeitsaufnahme mit der Konzentration an Nahrstoffen bis zu 3% und verringerte sich dann schwach. Die Ergebnisse werden in Beziehung gesetzt zu Wachstumsraten von M. persicae-Larven auf Diaten ahnlicher Zusammensetzung. Die okologische Bedeutung der Befunde wird erortert.
Wireless sensing and vibration control of civil structures

This paper describes a set of preliminary laboratory experiments to demonstrate the different centralized/decentralized wireless sensing and control architectures. The results have demonstrated the viability and potential of wireless sensing and control devices for large scale decentralized structural control applications. Other robust and dynamic control strategies utilizing wireless sensing network are currently being investigated.
Large Variations in the Winds of Single Cool Giants: λ Velorum and γ Crucis*

UV spectra of the "noncoronal" single K supergiant λ Vel and of the single M giant γ Cru obtained with IUE and the Hubble Space Telescope at various epochs indicate that the profiles of many lines formed in the wind exhibit striking alterations in shape with time. We parameterize the wind profiles in terms of an empirical optical depth τemp by reflecting the red wing about line center and comparing the reflected intensity with that of the blue wing. In the λ Vel wind the terminal velocity v∞ was found to be close to 40 km s-1 in 1978, 1982, and 1994, but was at least 20 km s-1 greater in 1990. The faster wind in 1990 also had a total optical depth that was a factor of 2-6 times greater than at the other epochs.
Indirect estimation of botanical composition of alfalfa-smooth bromegrass mixtures.

(...) The methods were the constituent differential method using either neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration or crude protein (CP) concentration as variables, a modified constituent differential method where NDF and CP concentrations were used simutaneously as variables, and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). Mean deviations of predicted alfalfa percentages from known values were lowest for NIRS at all stages of maturity and averaged 1.5 percentage units. Of the constituent differential procedures, NDF was the most reliable variable for predicting alfalfa percentage over all maturities with deviations averaging 2.9 percentage units. (...)
Chronic seizures and collateral sprouting of dentate mossy fibers after kainic acid treatment in rats

Kainic acid (KA) injections destroy hippocampal pyramidal cells, induce recurrent collateral sprouting of the hilar mossy fibers (MFs), and lead to chronic seizures. In the present study, rats were injected systemically with KA (14 mg/kg) to determine whether the subsequent occurrence of seizures was correlated with MF sprouting, as indicated by Timm's staining of proximal dendrites. At 4 weeks, 56% of the KA-treated rats had MF sprouting in the temporal (ventral) hippocampus, and 52% had shown seizures between 10 and 28 days. Both seizures and sprouting were seen in 32% of the treated animals. While Timm's staining of MFs in the inner molecular layer was not directly correlated with seizure scores, animals which exhibited chronic seizures had significantly more sprouting than animals which did not have seizures.
Host Iron Withholding Demands Siderophore Utilization for Candida glabrata to Survive Macrophage Killing

The fungal pathogen Candida glabrata has risen from an innocuous commensal to a major human pathogen that causes life-threatening infections with an associated mortality rate of up to 50%. The dramatic rise in the number of immunocompromised individuals from HIV infection, tuberculosis, and as a result of immunosuppressive regimens in cancer treatment and transplant interventions have created a new and hitherto unchartered niche for the proliferation of C. glabrata. Iron acquisition is a known microbial virulence determinant and human diseases of iron overload have been found to correlate with increased bacterial burden. Given that more than 2 billion people worldwide suffer from iron deficiency and that iron overload is one of the most common single-gene inherited diseases, it is important to understand whether host iron status may influence C. glabrata infectious disease progression. Here we identify Sit1 as the sole siderophore-iron transporter in C. glabrata and demonstrate that siderophore-mediated iron acquisition is critical for enhancing C. glabrata survival to the microbicidal activities of macrophages. Within the Sit1 transporter, we identify a conserved extracellular SIderophore Transporter Domain (SITD) that is critical for siderophore-mediated ability of C. glabrata to resist macrophage killing. Using macrophage models of human iron overload disease, we demonstrate that C. glabrata senses altered iron levels within the phagosomal compartment. Moreover, Sit1 functions as a determinant for C. glabrata to survive macrophage killing in a manner that is dependent on macrophage iron status. These studies suggest that host iron status is a modifier of infectious disease that modulates the dependence on distinct mechanisms of microbial Fe acquisition.
Quantifying the Capacity Value and Economics of Distributed Energy Storage for PV

Photovoltaic (PV) systems achieve peak production before the grid demand peak. To increase the grid capacity value of decentralized PV, we analyze their economic value-change by dispatching energy from an added storage unit during peak demand.
Using liquid-crystal TVs in Vander Lugt optical correlators

Implementation of a liquid crystal television (LCTV) for a binary phase only converging beam Vander Lugt correlator system is described. The peculiar pixel array structure of the LCTV characterized by diffraction, scaling, and sampling is presented in a generalized form that can be easily adapted to any pixelated spatial light modulator. It is concluded that twisted nematic LCTV has a potential for becoming an effective and inexpensive spatial light modulator. The twisted nematic LCTV is capable of providing both continuous amplitude and phase modulation and can be used for a variety of real-time optical pattern recognition applications.
Polymer shrinkage of hot embossed microstructures for higher aspect ratio and smaller size

Abstract In this paper, a facile polymer fabrication approach by combination of hot embossing and polymer shrinking is presented to reduce the feature size and dramatically increase the aspect ratio of imprinted microstructures. Pre-pattern is hot embossed on a heat shrinkable polymer at low temperature to reserve a good shrinkage and recovery. The projected structures are removed by a polishing process. Finally, new microstructures derive from the pre-pattern at the absence of removed materials after baking process. Through this way, both two- and three-dimensional hot embossed structures were successfully shrunk into a smaller scale. The width along two lateral directions reduced to two-fifths, and the height along vertical direction increased by 6 times. Detailed features at different layers exhibit clearly three-dimensional shrunk microstructures. This polymer-shrinking process brings a new way to extend the fabrication capability of hot embossing process.
Factor VIII antibody in a patient with mild haemophilia

We present the rare occurrence of an inhibitor of factor VIII procoagulant arising in a patient with mild haemophilia A and rheumatoid arthritis. The inhibitor was transient and behaved like a low titre, type II factor VIII procoagulant inhibitor similar to previously reported cases (Biggs et al, 1972b). In vitro studies confirmed the type II-like interaction of this inhibitor with the factor VIII procoagulant molecule. Factor VIII procoagulant antigen level was equal to the factor VIII procoagulant activity, which excluded dysproteinaemia as the cause. This patient's HLA type has no known association with abnormal immune responsiveness or autoimmune disease, and his clinical course as well as in vitro studies were similar to the eight previously reported cases of factor VIII procoagulant inhibitors arising in mild haemophilia A.
Comparison of outcomes between bare metal stents and drug-eluting stents for percutaneous revascularization of internal mammary grafts.

Drug-eluting stents (DESs) decrease the need for repeat revascularization in native coronary arteries and vein grafts. This study examined the safety and efficacy of DESs for the treatment of lesions in the internal mammary artery (IMA) conduits and compared the outcomes with those from bare metal stents (BMSs). Records of 69 consecutive patients who underwent stenting of the IMA from 2001 to 2004 were reviewed and analyzed. Of these, 30 patients were treated with DESs (sirolimus- or paclitaxel-eluting stents) and 39 patients with BMSs. In-hospital and 6-month clinical outcomes were recorded and compared. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the 2 groups. Lesion location and characteristics were also similar, except for a trend toward longer stent lengths in the DES group (DES 20.2 ± 7.7 mm vs BMS 14.8 ± 3.5 mm, p = 0.255). There was no late thrombosis in either group. There were no significant differences in in-hospital and 1- and 6-month outcomes between the 2 groups, including target lesion revascularization with DESs (DESs 3.33% vs BMSs 10%, p = 0.38). In conclusion, DES implantation into IMAs appears safe and is associated with low rates of recurrences. These results may support expansion of use of DESs for the management of IMA stenotic lesions.
Developmental regulation of glycosyltransferases involved in biosynthesis of asparagine‐linked glycoproteins in mouse mammary gland

Three glycosyltransferases, namely N-acetylglucosaminyl-1-phosphotransferase, mannosyltransferase and glucosyltransferase, involved in the biosynthesis of asparagine-linked glycoproteins in the mouse mammary gland, were identified by characterization of the products formed by these enzymes. The tissue capacities of the glycosyltransferases, measured as pmol product formed g tissue−1 min−1, increase during developmental cycle of the gland until, at late lactational stage, they reach more than 34, 14 and 60 times, respectively, the basal level found in the tissue of virgin animals. Among the three enzymes at late lactational stage the specific activities of glucosyltransferase and N-acetylglucosaminyl-1-phosphotransferase increase 7-fold and 4-fold respectively, whereas mannosyltransferase shows a mere 1.4-fold increase during tissue development. All of the enzymes, both in terms of tissue capacity and specific activity, return to the basal levels of the virgin gland one month after the end of lactation. The activities of the three enzymes in the lactating gland decrease precipitously following treatment of mice with bromocriptine, a drug that interferes with the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland and thereby inhibits milk synthesis and secretion. These results indicate that the three glycosyltransferases are developmentally regulated during the growth and differentiation of the mouse mammary gland.
The effects of naloxone and interstimulation interval on post-ictal depression in kindled seizures

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of naloxone hydrochloride on seizure thresholds seizure afterdischarges (thresholds and durations) and on post-ictal depression. Experiment 1 examined the effects of naloxone dosage and interstimulation interval (ISI) on kindled seizures. Eight male hooded rats were exposed to a factorial combination of two ISIs (30 and 60 s) and 3 naloxone doses (2, 10 mg/kg and a saline control) during a threshold testing procedure. Naloxone was found to significantly shorten motor seizure duration and post-ictal depression. Experiment 2 examined the effects of naloxone on a subsequent suprathreshold-stimulation-induced seizure following an initial suprathreshold stimulation. A factorial combination of 3 naloxone doses (2, 5 and 10 mg/kg) and a saline control and two ISIs (2 and 6 min) separating the two stimulations was employed. While no main effects for either naloxone or ISI were found in the subsequent seizure activity, there was a significant interaction between naloxone and ISI for the subsequent motor seizure duration. It was concluded from the results of the present experiments that the direction and consistency of naloxone's effects on kindled seizures were present but not very strong. However, the effects of ISI on seizure activity were found to be consistent with the previous literature.
Vlasov simulations of very-large-amplitude-wave generation in the plasma wake-field accelerator

Simulations of the plasma wake-field accelerator are carried out by following the time evolution of the plasma distribution function in one dimension via the Vlasov-Maxwell equations. Simulation results are compared to numerical solutions of the nonlinear relativistic cold plasma equations and to previous theoretical estimations of trapping and thermal effects on plasma waves. It is found that highly nonlinear wakes are obtainable in the vicinity of the driving beam, where the thermal velocity spread of the plasma is reduced. In this region, wake amplitudes can significantly exceed the expectations of relativistic warm plasma models and agree closely with cold fluid theory. In all cases, however, particle trapping and thermalization due to particle scattering from the large-amplitude plasma wave reduce the wake to below the nonrelativistic wave-breaking limit after the initial accelerating peak.
Effectiveness of centralized bilge water treatment — a field study

Abstract Instrumentation and procedures were developed for gross and detailed characterization of oily wastewaters. The methodology was applied to the assessment of effectiveness of a centralized oily waste treatment facility. Generated data included total, dissolved, and suspended organic content and detailed chemical characteristics of oily water samples. The usefulness of the methodology was demonstrated in a real-life field study involving operation of a centralized oily waste treatment facility operated by the U.S. Army at Fort Eustis, Virginia, in 1976. It was found that the concentration of suspended organics ranged between 5 and 335 ppm and dissolved organics between 14 and 156 ppm in untreated bilge water. Treated bilge waste effluents contained essentially no suspended oil, but rather high (769–1262 ppm) amounts of dissolved organic matter. It was determined that physical methods of waste treatment based on gravity separation and coalescence are effective in removal of suspended petroleum, and that prolonged contact between an oil film and water results in water solubilization of petroleum, leading to very high concentrations of dissolved organic material in the treated effluent.
Role of functionalized transition-metal coated W tips in STM imaging: Application to epitaxial graphene on SiC(0001)

Scanning tunneling microscopy using W tips functionalized with transition-metal (Cr, Fe) coatings is demonstrated to facilitate the imaging of states within a few millielectron volts (meV) of the Fermi level for epitaxial graphene on SiC(0001), which are not accessible with bare W tips. First-principles modeling of these probe tips as pyramidal structures on W(110) indicates that an apex atom is stable for the Cr/W(110) tip but not for the Fe/W(110) or W/W(110) tips. This difference in their atomic structures, together with the variation in the extent of the 3d and 5d orbitals, is found to be responsible for the capability of Cr and Fe functionalized tips to selectively image the complex electronic properties of epitaxial graphene on SiC(0001).