cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonequilibrium sorption and transport of volatile petroleum hydrocarbons in surfactant-modified zeolite

Abstract We characterized the nonequilibrium sorption and transport of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) by surfactant-modified zeolite (SMZ) in batch and column tests. The SMZ was shown in previous studies to be an effective sorbent for removal of BTEX from oilfield wastewaters prior to disposal or reuse. A two-site, first-order chemical nonequilibrium model was used to determine sorption parameters from the batch results. Individual BTEX linear sorption coefficients, K d , ranged from 7.5 to 37 L kg − 1 and were independent of BTEX concentration or competing solutes, suggesting that partitioning was the mechanism of sorption. The K d values were the same whether the zeolite was covered by a monolayer or bilayer of the surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA). Batch rate coefficients and the fraction of “instantaneous” sorption sites decreased with BTEX hydrophobicity and with total BTEX concentration. The fraction of “instantaneous” sites was 3–11 times greater for the monolayer as compared to the bilayer SMZ. These observations are consistent with a conceptual model in which BTEX are rapidly partitioned into hydrophobic monolayer surfaces and more slowly partitioned to hydrophilic bilayer surfaces. Results from the batch experiments were used to predict BTEX transport through columns of SMZ. Batch-derived rate and site-distribution parameters accurately described the transport dynamics, but the batch-derived K d s significantly underestimated BTEX retardation. Excess dissolved HDTMA in the batch experiments likely led to anomalously low K d values for those determinations.
The relationship between the thermoplastic and the dielectric properties of oxide refractories

The interrelationship between the deformation rate and the dielectric properties of Al2O3- and MgO-base refractory materials was investigated. An empirical relationship making it possible to compare the deformation rate of different refractory materials with their dielectric characteristics was obtained.
Transient stability analysis of power system using polynomial Lyapunov function based approach

Transient stability analysis (TSA) of power system is gaining significant importance given the dwindling gap of power generation and demand as well as increasing penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources. Traditional approach to TSA has been primarily based on time-domain analysis or energy-function-based approach or based on common-Lyapunov function-based approach. In this paper, exploration of a polynomial-Lyapunov-function based approach is outlined. It promises to overcome the key weaknesses of the traditional approaches with regard to eliminating the need for extensive time-domain simulation or determining specific energy-function or common-Lyapunov forms which is highly intuitive and in several cases are non-existing or do not conform to the definition of Lyapunov's stability.
An improved bioassay method for thyrotropic hormone using thyroid uptake of radiophosphorus.

ARAPID, accurate, and sensitive method is needed for the bioassay of hypophyseal thyrotropic hormone (TSH). Borell, in 1945, demonstrated an increase in total phosphorus content of the thyroid gland following stimulation with TSH. This observation led Borell and Holmgren in 1949 to the use of radioactive phosphorus (P32) uptake of the thyroid of the guinea pig as an indicator of TSH activity. Later, Crooke and Matthews (1953), and Lamberg (1953), presented bioassay methods utilizing P32 uptake of the one day old chick. This report describes modifications in the radiophosphorus uptake methods which increase the accuracy and sensitivity of the assay and decrease the work required. Abstracts of this work have been reported previously (Greenspan, et al.z, 1954; Kriss and Greenspan, 1954).
Determination of α-amylase activity from cotton leaves with amylopectin-azure

Abstract α-Amylase activity from phenolic-rich plant tissues is successfully determined with an amylopectin-azure substrate. This procedure, due to the substrate's specificity for α-amylase, overcomes the effects of the interfering substances firmly associated with enzyme preparations. The procedure is more sensitive than the assay for activity with iodine solution.
Long-term cell culture of two differentiated cell types from the liver of larval and adult Xenopus laevis.

Two distinct types of cells were derived from organ cultures of liver from adult and larval Xenopus laevis. Each type was isolated in clonal cell culture. Several media were compared with respect to support of epithelioid outgrowths from explants and support of growth of epithelioid colonies in cell culture. Ultracentrifuged embryo extract promotes the growth of all cell types, but the particulate fraction is also required for the maintenance of the epithelioid morphology of larval cells. In these media it was possible to maintain some epithelioid cell cultures for over 6 months. The identity and retention of some specialized functions of both cell types were demonstrated on larval cells. One cell type contained PAS-stainable, amylase-sensitive granules that increased in amount after treatment with glucocorticoids. This same type was shown by histochemical methods to contain phosphorylase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and dexamethasone-inducible tyrosine aminotransferase, and is considered to be a hepatocyte. The second type appears to be a sinusoidal cell, since it phagocytosed trypan blue and stained positively for acid phosphatase.
Synthesis of Acrylate and Methacrylate Block Copolymers Using Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

The synthesis of di- and triblock copolymers, involving methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate, and methyl acrylate, using copper-based atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is reported. It was found that poly(MMA) macroinitiator is able to initiate the ATRP of acrylic monomers. However, for polyacrylates to effectively initiate the ATRP of MMA, the end group should be a bromine atom and the catalyst CuCl; that is, halogen exchange should take place. ABA-type triblock copolymers, where B = poly(butyl acrylate) and A = poly(methyl methacrylate), were synthesized by growing the center block first using a difunctional initiator and then adding MMA to the ends.
Is office use of vaginal ultrasonography feasible

Summary Technical advances involving ultrasonographic equipment in the last years enabled the wide use of the high-resolution, 5.0 to 7.5 MHz transducers as endovaginal probes. The clear images produced are easy to interpret and, if obtained at the same time, can be used effectively to complement a routine bimanual pelvic examination. Formal teaching of the technique is imperative. This should be done by means of incorporating ultrasonography, in general, and transvaginal sonography, in particular, in formal residency training. The reasons for incorporating transvaginal sonographic examination in the standard pelvic examination done in the office or the emergency room are discussed. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1990;162:983-5.)
Expression of toll‐like receptor 2 mRNA in bronchial epithelial cells is not induced in RAO‐affected horses

Summary Reasons for performing study: Airway inflammation in recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) is triggered by housing affected horses in stables. It has been suggested that RAO is an allergic condition, but innate immune mechanisms are also involved. Fungal products activate innate immune mechanisms through toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). In human airway epithelium, TLR2 activation leads to interleukin (IL)-8 production. This pathway is negatively regulated by the zinc finger protein A20. This study was performed to enhance understanding of innate immune mechanisms in RAO. Hypothesis: TLR2 and IL-8 mRNA are elevated in RAO during stabling compared with controls. A20 mRNA is negatively associated with the numbers of airway inflammatory cells. Objectives: To determine TLR2, IL-8 and A20 mRNA expression in lungs of stabled and pastured RAO-affected and control horses. Methods: Airway obstruction and inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage were measured, and TLR2, IL-8 and A20 mRNA expression quantified by qRT-PCR in 6 RAO-affected and 6 control horses, during and after exposure to hay and straw. Results: Airway obstruction and neutrophils were increased in RAO-affected horses during stabling. While stabling increased IL-8, TLR2 and A20 mRNA were unaffected. TLR2 and A20 were significantly correlated (r = 0.83) and A20 mRNA was negatively associated with inflammatory cells. Potential relevance: Stabling does not lead to an increase in TLR2 expression. Other molecules or processes in the TLR2 cascade might be important in fungal-induced airway inflammation. Equine epithelial-derived A20 may be involved in modulation of airway inflammation.
Adsorption of perchlorate and other oxyanions onto magnetic permanently confined micelle arrays (Mag-PCMAs).

Abstract The removal of oxyanions found in drinking water sources -perchlorate, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate- onto magnetic permanently confined micelle arrays (Mag-PCMAs) was studied. We determined the removal efficiency in both competitive and non-competitive environments, as many of these anions are present in these sources. Mag-PCMA removed over 98% of the aqueous perchlorate anions across a concentration range of 60–500 μg/L. Nitrate was absorbed 100% over a concentration range of 10–35 mg/L as nitrate. Removal of phosphate was 95.7% for 0.2–2.45 mg/L as phosphate. Sulfate was 100% absorbed across a concentration range of 5–20 mg/L and an average 75.7% for 5–50 mg/L. The sorption isotherms followed a Freundlich relationship with K f values of 2.00, 2.05, 1.9, and 3.86 mg/g for nitrate, perchlorate, phosphate, and sulfate respectively. Perchlorate and nitrate did not compete significantly for binding on Mag-PCMAs, with almost equal sorption, greater than 90%, for both anions in elevated concentrations. This is a distinguishing feature from ion exchange resins or activated carbon with cationic surfactants, where these anions have been shown to compete for sorption sites. At the concentrations studied, phosphate and sulfate also do not exhibit significant competition. Desorption for reuse was successful at pH 10. This reusable magnetic sorbent can thus be used to rapidly remove target anions such as perchlorate from water in the presence or absence of other oxyanions.
Synthesis and stereochemistry of some new (silylamino)boranes

Abstract The N-silylated bis(amino)boranes, (Me2SiH)2N-B(Ph)NMe2(1) and Me2 SiCH 2 CH 2 SiMe 2 N -B(Ph)NMe2(2), were prepared via the reaction of Me2NB(Ph)Cl with the N-lithium derivatives of the corresponding silylamines. A similar reaction of PhBCl2 afforded the mono(silylamino)borane, Me2 SiCH 2 CH 2 SiMe 2 N -B(Ph)Cl(3), from which the B-methyl, Me2 SiCH 2 CH 2 SiMe 2 N -B(Ph)Me(4), and B-amino, Me2 SiCH 2 CH 2 SiMe 2 N -B(Ph)NH2(5), compounds were prepared by treatment with MeLi and NH3, respectively. Two equivalents of the cyclic N-lithium silylamide reacted with BCl3 to yield the [bis(disilylamino)](chloro)borane, Me2 SiCH 2 CH 2 SiMe 2 N] 2 BCl(6). Rotational barriers ( ΔG c † ) about the BNMe2 bond in compounds 1 and 2 and about the BNSi2 bond in 3 and 4 were determined from variable-temperature 1H NMR data. The results are discussed in terms of the steric and electronic effects of the silyl groups and are compared to previously reported data for the (Me2Si)2N analogues.
Polysaccharides derived from Yamoa™ (Funtumia elastica) prime γδ T cells in vitro and enhance innate immune responses in vivo

Yamoa™ (ground bark of Funtumia elastica tree) is marketed and sold as a dietary supplement with anecdotal therapeutic effects in the treatment of asthma and hay fever. We determined that Yamoa™ and Yamoa™-derived polysaccharides affected innate immunity, in part, by priming γδ T cells. Gene expression patterns in purified bovine γδ T cells and monocytes induced by Yamoa™ were similar to those induced by ultrapure lipopolysaccharide (uLPS). In the presence of accessory cells, Yamoa™ had priming effects that were similar to those of LPS on bovine and murine γδ T cells, but much more potent than LPS on human γδ T cells. The bioactive component of Yamoa™ was delineated to a complex polysaccharide fraction (Yam-I). Intraperitoneal injection of Yamoa™ and Yam-I in mice induced rapid increases in peritoneal neutrophils directed by changes in chemokine expression. In support of a unique agonist found in Yam-I, similar peritonitis responses were also observed in TLR4- and MyD88-deficient mice. Therapeutic treatment with Yam-I resulted in decreased bacterial counts in feces from mice with Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium (ST)-induced enterocolitis. This characterization of the immune stimulatory properties of polysaccharides derived from Yamoa™ suggests mechanisms for the anecdotal positive effects of its ingestion and that these polysaccharides show potential for application in innate protection from disease.
Association Between Adiponectin and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Levels at Eight to Fourteen Weeks Gestation and Maternal Glucose Tolerance: The Parity, Inflammation, and Diabetes Study

Abstract Objective: Inflammation may influence gestational hyperglycemia, but to date, the data from observational studies is largely limited to results from the third trimester of pregnancy. Our objective was to evaluate first trimester adipocytokine levels. We sought to determine whether first trimester adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-alpha concentrations were independently associated and predictive of maternal glucose tolerance, as measured by the 1-hour glucose challenge test (GCT), after adjustment for maternal lifestyle behaviors and body mass index (BMI). Material and Methods: Prospective study of pregnant women (n=211) enrolled in the Parity, Inflammation, and Diabetes Study. Nonfasting serum levels of adiponectin and TNF-r2 were measured at 8–14 weeks of pregnancy. GCT results were abstracted from electronic prenatal records. Multiple linear regression models were developed to determine the association of adiponectin and TNF-r2 levels with response to the GCT, adjusting for demo...
Using Time Series Analysis of Coal Mine Hydrographs to Estimate Mine Storage, Retention Time, and Mine-pool Interconnection

Understanding flow-system dynamics of underground coal mine complexes is essential to designing in-situ remediation. Such complexes can be studied by applying time series analysis to the precipitation series and well and mine discharge hydrographs. The Corning mine complex discharges acid mine drainage into Sunday Creek in Ohio, USA. Analysis of the Corning discharge shows that the aquifer has a short (9 days) response time and has little capacity for long-term storage. A time lag of 3–4 days occurs between precipitation and discharge, which corresponds to pressure pulse propagation displacing stored mine water, rather than actual advective flow of water. A gradual decline in hydraulic head is observed from the unsaturated recharge area to the fully flooded discharge area. All well hydrographs show a similar seasonal trend, with mine water levels peaking in early summer, and reaching their lowest levels in early fall, consistent with seasonal recharge patterns. A relatively isolated and fully saturated portion of the mine is sensitive to diurnal barometric pressure, as is typical of confined aquifers, with well water level declining as pressure increases. Other portions of the mine behave as unconfined aquifers, insensitive to barometric pressures. The results also demonstrate the important spatial heterogeneity of the aquifer and indicate that the mine does not behave as a single pool.
Expression of skeletal but not cardiac Na+ channel isoform preserves normal conduction in a depolarized cardiac syncytium

Aims Reentrant arrhythmias often develop in the setting of myocardial infarction and ensuing slow propagation. Increased Na+ channel expression could prevent or disrupt reentrant circuits by speeding conduction if channel availability is not limited by membrane depolarization within the diseased myocardium. We therefore asked if, in the setting of membrane depolarization, action potential (AP) upstroke and normal conduction can be better preserved by the expression of a Na+ channel isoform with altered biophysical properties compared to the native cardiac Na+ channel isoform, namely having a positively shifted, voltage-dependent inactivation. Methods and results The skeletal Na+ channel isoform (SkM1) and the cardiac Na+ channel isoform (Nav1.5) were expressed in newborn rat ventricular myocyte cultures with a point mutation introduced in Nav1.5 to increase tetrodotoxin (TTX) sensitivity so native and expressed currents could be distinguished. External K+ was increased from 5.4 to 10 mmol/L to induce membrane depolarization. APs, Na+ currents, and conduction velocity (CV) were measured. In control cultures, elevated K+ significantly reduced AP upstroke (∼75%) and CV (∼25%). Expression of Nav1.5 did not protect AP upstroke from K+ depolarization. In contrast, in SkM1 expressing cultures, high K+ reduced AP upstroke <50% and conduction was not significantly reduced. In a simulated anatomical reentry setting (using a void), the angular velocity (AV) of induced reentry was faster and the excitable gap shorter in SkM1 cultures compared to control for both normal and high K+. Conclusion Expression of SkM1 but not Nav1.5 preserves AP upstroke and CV in a K+-depolarized syncytium. The higher AV and shorter excitable gap observed during reentry excitation around a void in SkM1 cultures would be expected to facilitate reentry self-termination. SkM1 Na+ channel expression represents a novel gene therapy for the treatment of reentrant arrhythmias.
The consequences of selective inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) tyrosine705 phosphorylation by phosphopeptide mimetic prodrugs targeting the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain.

Herein we review our progress on the development of phosphopeptide-based prodrugs targeting the SH2 domain of STAT3 to prevent recruitment to cytokine and growth factor receptors, activation, nuclear translocation and transcription of genes involved in cancer. We developed high affinity phosphopeptides (KI = 46–200 nM). Corresponding prodrugs inhibited constitutive and IL-6 induced Tyr705 phosphorylation at 0.5–1 μM in a variety of human cancer cell lines. They were not cytotoxic at 5 μM in vitro but they inhibited tumor growth in a human xenograft breast cancer model in mice, accompanied by reduced VEGF expression and angiogenesis.
Structuralism: Its implications for the performance of prose fiction

Structuralist criticism has important implications for the study and performance of prose fiction. A good, example of contemporary structuralist writing is Roland Barthes’ “Introduction to the Structural Analysis of Narrative.” The present article explicates this essay by first considering structuralism generally and some of the linguistic theory that informs structuralist thought, then explaining Barthes' terms and concepts, using especially Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway for examples.
On Using Intensity Interferometry for Feature Identification and Imaging of Remote Objects

We derive an approximation to the intensity covariance function of two scanning pinhole detectors, facing a distant source (e.g., a star) being occluded partially by an absorptive object (e.g., a planet). We focus on using this technique to identify or image an object that is in the line-of-sight between a well-characterized source and the detectors. We derive the observed perturbation to the intensity covariance map due to the object, showing that under some reasonable approximations it is proportional to the real part of the Fourier transform of the source's photon-flux density times the Fourier transform of the object's intensity absorption. We highlight the key parameters impacting its visibility and discuss the requirements for estimating object-related parameters, e.g., its size, velocity or shape. We consider an application of this result to determining the orbit inclination of an exoplanet orbiting a distant star. Finally, motivated by the intrinsically weak nature of the signature, we study its signal-to-noise ratio and determine the impact of system parameters.
Ivory Lists: Consular diptychs, Christian appropriation and polemics of time in Late Antiquity

This article offers a new interpretation of the function of ivory consular diptychs. An examination of ancient texts and visual sources show that consular diptychs originally held fasti consulares, or consular lists, within their leaves. This function forces us to re-evaluate the significance of the images displayed on diptych covers, and reveals that the consular diptych and even the consulate itself were connected to Late Antiquity’s abiding obsession with time and chronology. The article also considers how this chronological function affected later Christian appropriation of the diptychs to hold lists of saints and bishops, and how the intertwining of Christian and consular chronologies may have affected the iconographic programmes of Christian diptychs, particularly that of the enigmatic Carrand diptych.
Tracking Chemical Processing Pathways in Combinatorial Polymer Libraries via Data Mining

Changes in the molecular structure and composition of interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) can be used to tailor their properties. While the properties of IPNs are typically different than polymer blends, a clear understanding of the impact of changing polymerization sequence on the physical properties and the corresponding molecular bonding is needed. To address this issue, a data mining approach is used to identify the change with polymerization sequence of tensile and rheological properties of acrylate-epoxy IPNs. The experimental approach used to study the molecular structure is high throughput Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Analysis of the FTIR spectra of IPNs synthesized with different polymerization sequences leads to an understanding of the molecular bonding responsible for the tensile and rheological properties. From the interpretation of the wavenumber bands and associated molecular bonds, we find that the polymerization sequence most affects hydrogen bonding and aromatic ri...
On lifetimes influenced by a common environment

Abstract Consider the lifelengths T 1 ,…, T k of k components subjected to a randomly varying environment. They are dependent on each other because of their common dependence of the environment. The parameters of the model are the distribution of the random process which describes the environment and a set of rate functions which determine the probability law of T i ,…, T k as a function of the distribution of the environment. We find conditions on the parameters of the model which imply that T 1 ,…, T k are associated. Other conditions which imply that T 1 ,…, T k have the multivariate aging properties IHR (increasing hazard rate) and NBU (new better than used) are also described. Also two such models are compared. In particular, we characterize the parameters of these models so that stochastic ordering between the two vectors of resulting lifetimes can be obtained.
On the performance of stack filters and vector detection in image restoration

Two techniques for image restoration are compared in this paper. One is a technique based on the theory of optimal adaptive stack filtering; the other is a recently developed vector detection approach to image restoration. The primary difference between these two techniques is that the optimal detection technique exploits multilevela priori information, while the stack filter uses only single level zero crossing information.
Evidence for the presence of a prostaglandin E2-9-keto reductase in rat organs

Antibodies directed toward PGF2α which cross react with PGE2 only slightly were used to detect conversion of PGE2 to PGF2α by homogenates of several rat tissues. This conversion by rat heart homogenates was demonstrated to be reversible, lost after trypsin digestion, and inhibited by several sulfhydryl blocking agents. The activity of the rat heart homogenate was precipitable by ammonium sulphate, was not dialyzable, and was 50% destroyed when the homogenate was incubated at 50° for 5 min. In the rat, the heart had the highest activity, followed by the kidney, brain, and liver. Negligible activity was found in smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, and whole blood of rat.
Mutagenicity of hydroxamic acids for Salmonella typhimurium

Abstract p-Butoxyphenylacethydroxamic acid, benzohydroxamic acid, salicylhydroxamic acid, 2-naphthohydroxamic acid, indole-2-carbohydroxamic acid and benzoylaminoacethydroxamic acid were synthesized, and their mutagenicity for Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 were determined. Except for p-butoxyphenylacethydroxamic acid, all the hydroxamic acids were mutagenic for both strains. The mutagenicity progressed in the following order: 2-naphthohydroxamic acid > benzohydroxamic acid and salicylhydroxamic acid > benzoylaminoacethydroxamic acid and indole-2-carbohydroxamic acid. The starting materials for the synthesis of these acids including hydroxylamine were not in themselves mutagenic for TA98 and TA100. Thus, while the mutagenicity may require the hydroxamic acid as a whole, the acyl group may determine the mutagenic potency.
Isosorbide Dinitrate and Cardiovascular Adaptation to Exercise

Sixteen men with well-documented angina pectoris and without previous myocardial infarction performed a multistage exercise stress test to determine their levels of exercise-induced limitations, characterized by onset of chest discomfort or electrocardiographic ischemic changes, or both. Following a control study, each subject was assigned randomly to either a placebo- or vasodilator-treated group, received chewable medication, and was retested 30 minutes after chewing the medication. Blood pressure, heart rate, and electrocardiographic changes were measured during rest, peak exercise, and recovery. A phonocardiogram, carotid-pulse contour, and single-lead electrocardiogram were recorded simultaneously at supine rest before and immediately after exercise, and systolic time intervals were measured. Results indicated that chewable isosorbide dinitrate reduced systolic Mood pressure and the triple product (systolic Mood pressure × heart rate × ejection time) significantly during rest and reduced the left ventricular ejection time corrected for heart rate both at rest and peak exercise; no significant differences were observed in the placebo group. The ability to achieve an increased workload was observed in both groups, and the threshold for ischemic manifestations occurred at comparable triple-product levels in both during pretreatment and posttreatment studies.
Only your calamity: the beginnings of activism by and for people with AIDS.

The invention of AIDS activism came soon after the AIDS epidemic emerged in gay communities in the United States in the early 1980s. AIDS activism by and for people with AIDS, distinct from gay activism responding to the threat of AIDS on the behalf of the whole community, started as a way of resisting the phenomenon of social death. Social death, in which people are considered “as good as dead” and denied roles in community life, posed a unique threat to people with AIDS. An organized political response to AIDS began among gay men with AIDS in San Francisco, California, and New York, New York, formalized in a foundational document later called the Denver Principles. The ideas and language of these first people with AIDS influenced later AIDS activism movements. They also help to illustrate the importance of considering an epidemic from the point of view of people with the disease.
Treatment with a somatostatin analog decreases pancreatic B-cell and whole body sensitivity to glucose.

To determine the specific alteration in B-cell function caused by a somatostatin analog in man and to determine the effect of the induced insulin deficiency on insulin action, we administered octreotide (SMS 201-995; 50 μg twice daily) to nine healthy male subjects, aged 24–35 yr. B-Cell function was assessed by measuring the acute insulin response (AIR) to glucose (AIRgiucose) at fasting glucose and to arginine (AIRarg) at glucose concentrations of fasting, approximately 14 and more than 28 mm after 2 (n = 7) and 8 days (n = 9) of octreotide. The AIRarg at more than 28 mm glucose (AIR500) is an estimate of B-cell secretory capacity, while the glucose level at which 50% of AIR600 occurs is termed PG50 and can provide an estimate of B-cell glucose sensitivity. Insulin sensitivity and the parameters describing glucose disposal were measured using Bergman's minimal model. Octreotide administration resulted in the development of mild fasting hyperglycemia, marked fasting hypoinsulinemia, as well as a marked r...
Basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor gene family phylogenetics and nomenclature

A phylogenetic analysis of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene superfamily was performed using seven different species (human, mouse, rat, worm, fly, yeast, and plant Arabidopsis) and involving over 600 bHLH genes (Stevens et al., 2008). All bHLH genes were identified in the genomes of the various species, including expressed sequence tags, and the entire coding sequence was used in the analysis. Nearly 15% of the gene family has been updated or added since the original publication. A super-tree involving six clades and all structural relationships was established and is now presented for four of the species. The wealth of functional data available for members of the bHLH gene superfamily provides us with the opportunity to use this exhaustive phylogenetic tree to predict potential functions of uncharacterized members of the family. This phylogenetic and genomic analysis of the bHLH gene family has revealed unique elements of the evolution and functional relationships of the different genes in the bHLH gene family.
Oxygen Isotope Zoning in Garnet

Oxygen isotope zoning was examined within garnet with the use of the stable isotope laser probe. Four metamorphic garnets from the regional metamorphic terrane in Vermont and the skarn deposit at Carr Fork, Utah, were examined and were found to be concentrically zoned in δ18O values. The largest variations in δ18O values were observed in the regional metamorphic garnets, where δ18O values change by 3 per mil from core to rim. These oxygen isotope zoning profiles reflect the changes in the δ18O values of the rocks during garnet growth, which are caused by infiltration of fluids and by dehydration reactions during metamorphism.
Atomistic simulation of the effect of roughness on nanoscale wear

At the macroscale, it is expected that surface roughness decreases adhesive wear and increases abrasive wear, and both increase with load. Here we evaluate whether these trends are also applicable to nanoscale contacts. Molecular dynamics simulation is used to model dry sliding of Si atomic force microscope tips with varying roughness on a Cu substrate at a range of normal loads. Surface wear is quantified as the number of substrate atoms displaced during steady-state sliding and characterized as a function of tip roughness and load. The interaction energy between the tip and substrate and a geometric roughness factor are used to investigate the contributions of adhesive and abrasive wear. By predicting how roughness affects nanoscale wear, and isolating the adhesive and abrasive wear modes, it is possible to describe the relationship between roughness, load and wear and, further, to determine an optimum tip roughness that will minimize wear at a given load.
Metallogenesis in the southeastern Pacific: A progress report on the IDOE Nazca Plate project

Abstract Under the auspices of the International Decade of Ocean Exploration, scientists from Oregon State University and the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, along with representatives from the several South American countries which border the Nazca Plate, are intensively studying the origin and economic importance of metalliferous sediments which form extensive deposits on and near the East Pacific Rise. The sediments, enriched in iron, manganese, copper, nickel, zinc, silver, molybdenum, and lead are mineralogically and chemically similar to deposits cored by the “Glomar Challenger”, implying a common origin. The metalliferous sediments are especially abundant in an extensive basin, the Bauer Deep, which occurs about 800 km east of the East Pacific Rise. Elemental and isotopic data, supported by geologic information provided by cores and by geophysical instrumentation, suggest that the enriched elements in the sediments originate by the interplay of volcanism and sea water, by precipitation from sea water alone, and perhaps by the influence of deep-ocean physical processes acting on detritus transported from the continents or from the basaltic East Pacific Rise. An additional objective of the project is to define the possible relationship between marine metalliferous sediments of the plate to ore deposits of the Andean Cordillera. As pointed out by several writers, much of the earth's economic mineralization occurs along zones of convergence between subducted oceanic crust, including metalliferous sediments if present, and continental margins. Field and geochemical techniques are being applied to determine if sediments are in fact subducted beneath the Andean margin, and if they are remobilized into the continental ore deposits of the Andes. Isotopic tracers may prove most useful in testing this relation. Before the model can be tested rigorously, one must know not only the important chemical parameters of the ocean sediment that may be subducted, but also those of the pertinent rock and ore bodies of the South American Cordillera.
Amplification of complete insect mitochondrial genome in two easy pieces

The entire insect mitochondrial genome has been amplified in just two PCR reactions. ‘Universal’ insect primers and techniques to optimize amplification of long PCR products were used to obtain segments of the mitochondrial genomes of Helicoverpa zea and Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera) ranging in size from 3.7 kb to 14 kb or about 25% to over 85% of a typical 16 kb mtDNA. Overlapping pairs of fragments contain the complete mtDNA sequence.
A supplement to the Brune synthesis

ONE OF the most elegant contributions to electric network theory was made by Brune1 in 1931. On the basis of work by earlier contributors, mainly Foster2, W. Cauer,3?5 and Fry,6 Brune proved a fundamental theorem:
Robust Trimming of Automotive Panels

Small pieces of metal are generated during trimming of automotive body panels. Commonly referred to as slivers, these pieces can be imprinted into the surface of stamped panels. This may require metalfinish of every stamped exterior panel. The objective of the paper is to study the influence of trimming conditions on quality of trimmed surface and to modify the trimming process to eliminate slivers and burrs from the trimmed surface. Suggested solution includes two measures: 1) building an elastic support of the offal eliminating bending of the area of the blank being trimmed off; 2) creating the preference of crack propagation from the lower shearing edge by machining a small radius on the upper shearing edge.
Ultrastructural changes in the secretory cycle of parathyroid cells of winter frogs (Rana pipiens) after pituitary homoimplantation

Parathyroid glands of winter frogs (Rana pipiens) were compared by light and electron microscopy with those of winter frogs homoimplanted with pituitary glands. Serum calcium levels of untreated and pituitary-implanted animals were compared also. Forty-eight hours after pituitary implantation, serum calcium is elevated from a mean winter value of 6.2 mg % to 9.3 mg % and, morphologically, the parathyroid gland appears to be stimulated with respect to secretory activity. Compared with parathyroids of untreated winter frogs, intercellular spaces are diminished after pituitary implantation and glandular parenchyma is composed of cells with closely apposed plasma membranes thrown into interdigitating folds. Dense core vesicles are present in the cytoplasm and, together with microtubules, are encountered near plasma membranes. Golgi lamellae contain electron dense material and exhibit budding of dense core vesicles. Neither myelinated multivesicular bodies, presumably cytolysosomes degrading unneeded parathormone and organelles, nor focal dilatations with myelination of Golgi lamellae are encountered in parathyroid cells of pituitary implanted frogs. Rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria do not undergo marked changes in distribution or abundance after pituitary implantation, indicating that the synthetic aspects of the secretory process are little altered in untreated and treated animals. It is suggested that in addition to Ca++ a pituitary factor is involved in the seasonal changes in amphibian parathyroid structure and function.
Design and evaluation of transdermal flufenamic acid delivery system

AbstractMonolithic-type transdermal flufenamic acid (FA) delivery systems were prepared using an acrylate pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) which contained 3, 6 and 9% (w/w) of FA. The in vitro release profiles of these systems were examined using modified Franz diffusion cells and observed that FA is molecularly dissolved in the acrylate PSA matrix and the drug released via a solution-diffusion mechanism. Permeation studies through excised hairless mouse skin revealed that the system containing 9% of FA showed the highest flux. The 9% system was further evaluated for its anti-inflammatory effect by applying the system on carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice and concluded that significant inhibition of swelling was produced as compared to the placebo system.
Synchronous online exchanges: a study of modification devices on non-native discourse

Abstract This paper reports the types of modification devices the NNSs of Intermediate level of proficiency employed during synchronous online exchanges. A total of 34 students participated in weekly online discussions using the “Virtual Classroom” provided by the Blackboard. The results show that request for help (63 times), clarification check (59 times) and self-correction (55 times) were the most used strategies for negotiation among the students. Data from this study suggest that these modification devices facilitate comprehension of input and output and enhance the negotiation for both meaning and form. The rapid synchronous exchanges among NNSs tend to encourage fluency rather than accuracy. Students in this study appeared to be interested in exchanging ideas rather than trying to correct linguistic mistakes. Despite the importance of promoting communication and fluency, which is the key for SLA, students should be advised of the need to write correctly to maintain a balance between function, content, and accuracy. The current study focused on the types of modification devices used by NNSs through synchronous online communication. A comparison of the negotiation strategies used via synchronous communication with those used via asynchronous discussions is need.
Nutrient effects on seagrass epiphyte community structure in Florida Bay.

A field experiment was employed in Florida Bay investigating the response of seagrass epiphyte communities to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) additions. While most of the variability in epiphyte community structure was related to uncontrolled temporal and spatial environmental heterogeneity, P additions increased the relative abundance of the red algae-cyanobacterial complex and green algae, with a concomitant decrease in diatoms. When N was added along with P, the observed changes to the diatoms and the red algae-cyanobacterial complex were in the same direction as P-only treatments, but the responses were decreased in magnitude. Within the diatom community, species relative abundances, species richness, and diversity responded weakly to nutrient addition. P additions produced changes in diatom community structure that were limited to summer and were stronger in eastern Florida Bay than in the western bay. These changes were consistent with well-established temporal and spatial patterns of P limitation. Despite the significant change in community structure resulting from P addition, diatom communities from the same site and time, regardless of nutrient treatment, remained more similar to one another than to the diatom communities subject to identical nutrient treatments from different sites and times. Overall, epiphyte communities exhibited responses to P addition that were most evident at the division level.
Psychosynthesis as System and Therapy

(1968). Psychosynthesis as System and Therapy. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis: Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 231-235.
Affinity gel electrophoresis of polynucleotides.

Abstract Polyacrylamide gels prepared by polymerization in the presence of poly(1-vinyluracil) or poly(9-vinyladenine) can be used for the selective electrophoretic separation of polynucleotides. With gels containing poly(1-vinyluracil) selectivity is determined by base-pairing; with gels containing poly(9-vinyladenine) both base-pairing and the weaker co-stacking interactions are involved.
Recognition of flexible peptides in water by transition metal complexes.

This paper describes the design, synthesis, and evaluation of transition metal complexes capable of recognizing flexible histidine-containing peptides in aqueous medium (25 mM HEPES buffer, pH = 7.0, 25 °C). When the pattern of metal ions on a complex matches with the pattern of histidine moieties on the peptide, strong interaction (K = 1.2 × 106 M-1) can be achieved. The complex was highly selective (>200:1) in discriminating similar flexible peptides differing only by one glycine unit.
Time-varying images: the effect of finite resolution on uniqueness

Abstract A classical paper by R. Y. Tsai and T. S. Huang (IEEE Trans. Pattern Anal. Mach. IntelligencePAMI-6, 1984 ) establishes the result about the uniqueness of motion parameters in image sequences: “Given the image correspondences of eight points in general position, the motion parameters are unique.” In this correspondence, we use examples to illustrate that the theorem does not hold if finite resolution is taken into account. We also bring out the robustness issue for any possible algorithm. In fact, we show that, given the image correspondence of eight points in two views, if 10% error in the motion parameters is not acceptable, then no robust algorithm that uses slant, tilt, or Eulerian angles can be found under the worst case analysis. Furthermore, we suggest that a rotational matrix should be used to test the robustness of any potential motion algorithm.
PatternStudio: a tool for design pattern management

The use of design patterns in mainstream have been suffered from the lack of an open and flexible supporting tool. To alleviate the problem, we have developed a tool called the PatternStudio. It is entirely based on open technologies, uses a standard serialization format, and can be extended to make further enhancement.
Birefringent prism couplers for thin-film optical waveguides

The coupling from a laser to a thin-film optical waveguide by a prism coupler composed of a birefringent material can be strongly dependent on the orientation of the optic axis. It is shown that when the effective index of the wave guided by the film lies between the ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices of the prism, the coupling depends strongly on the orientation of the optic axis. Differences in orientation of only a few degrees separate ranges of orientation in which strong coupling occurs from ranges in which there is no coupling. The orientation dependence of the coupling is considered both for the pure mode case wherein the optic axis lies in the plane of incidence and for the case when the optic axis is rotated out of the plane of incidence, so that mode coupling occurs. When the effective refractive index of the guided wave is less than both the ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices of the prism, the coupling properties are found to be similar to those obtained with an isotropic prism.
The Taylor principle fights back, Part II

Abstract The existing literature holds that the Taylor principle often leads to indeterminacy in New Keynesian models that allow for capital accumulation and limited asset market participation. This conclusion is special, however, to the case of continuous full employment. When the assumption of perfect wage flexibility is relaxed very slightly so that the labor market clears quickly but not instantaneously, determinacy is the norm. The threat of indeterminacy is limited to a tiny, irrelevant corner of the parameter space where the elasticity of labor supply is unusually high and real wage adjustment is unbelievably fast. Everywhere else, the Taylor principle guarantees a unique rational expectations equilibrium. The dramatic difference in results reflects the sensitivity of the monetary transmission mechanism to the speed of adjustment in the labor market.
REPORT FREQUENCY AND MANAGEMENT DECISIONS

There is no theory to prescribe how frequently accounting reports should be issued for management decisions; indeed, one research study could not find evidence that frequency of reports is a variable in the decision process. Accounting reports are discrete aggregations from continuous processes, and frequency affects information content of reports. If frequency affects information, it therefore must be a variable in the decision process. This research investigated the question of whether the report frequency had any effect on evaluations made from accounting reports issued on different intervals. Evidence is presented to support the conclusion that frequency is a factor in the decision process and that decision behavior is affected by the frequency of reports. This report merely demonstrates the existence of the report frequency variable; much more research is necessary to control the variable for optimal system design.
Nucleotide als Zwischenprodukte bei der Biosynthese von Polysacchariden. I. Einleitung und sulfatierte Polysaccharide

Nucleotide spielen im Stoffwechsel nicht nur als Vorstufen der Nucleinsauren eine Rolle. Viele niedermolekulare Verbindungen (Sauren, Alkohole, Zucker) werden fur anschliesende Biosynthesen aktiviert, indem sie Anhydride oder Ester mit Nucleotiden bilden. Diese Nucleotid-Derivate wirken als Ubertrager der mit ihnen verbundenen Reste. Haufig werden diese Reste chemisch abgewandelt, wahrend sie sich am Nucleotid befinden, und erst dann in einer biosynthetischen Reaktion ubertragen. Nach einer Ubersicht der Nucleotid-Typen und ihrer Reaktionen wird uber Untersuchungen zur Biosynthese sulfatierter Polysaccharide berichtet.
Decentralized adaptive control

It is shown that in strictly decentralized adaptive control systems, it is theoretically possible to asymptotically track desired states (outputs) with zero error. The controller of each subsystem needs to know only the desired states (or outputs) of the other subsystems i.e. all the controllers share their prior information and cooperate implicitly.