cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analyzing longitudinal clinical trial data with nonignorable missingness and unknown missingness reasons

Longitudinal clinical trials are often plagued by nonmonotone missingness due to both patient dropout and intermittent missingness. Standard analysis assumes that missingness is ignorable. Because the assumption can be questionable, the sensitivity of inferences to alternative assumptions about missingness needs to be evaluated. This need arises in the analysis of a longitudinal prostate cancer quality-of-life (QoL) clinical trial dataset, in which nonmonotone missingness occurs. The choice of the missing data model is studied in the analysis. A local sensitivity analysis method is then applied to analyze the dataset and to investigate the changes in parameter estimates in the neighborhood of the ignorable model. One advantage of the method is that it surmounts computational difficulty and completely avoids evaluating the high-dimensional integrals in the likelihood due to nonmonotone missingness. Another is that it can be implemented using the standard software without excessive additional computation. The method is especially advantageous for large clinical datasets for which alternative approaches can become computationally prohibitive. In addition, the analysis demonstrates the importance of exploiting information on reasons for missingness. When such information is unavailable for some missingness and therefore the missingness types (i.e., dropout versus intermittent missingness) are unknown, a bound analysis is proposed, combined with genetic algorithms, to account for unknown missingness types. The analysis demonstrates the usefulness of the method as a general approach to evaluating the sensitivity of standard analysis to nonignorable nonmonotone missingness in clinical trials.
Active Spatiotemporal Control of Electrochemical Reactions by Coupling to In−Plane Potential Gradients†

Active spatiotemporal control of electrochemical reactions through dynamic electrochemical potential gradients was explored by investigating three different types of reactions on Au: alkanethiol SAM electrosorption, Cu deposition and stripping, and O2 evolution from H2O2 oxidation. Counterpropagating gradients composed of two different thiols differing either in terminal functionality or in chain length were prepared, and their kinetic and environmental stability was inferred from spatially resolved contact angle measurements for samples stored under varying environmental conditions for periods up to one month. Chain length was found to correlate strongly with stabilitya requirement for stability being that at least one of the chains be at least C8 or longer. Spatially directed Cu deposition on Au was demonstrated by forming Cu stripes on Au, establishing that a sequence of different potential gradients could be used to define an area of deposition in the center of a working electrode. Dynamic spatiotemp...
Trypanosoma cruzi: stage expression of calmodulin-binding proteins.

The subcellular distribution of calmodulin-binding proteins in three life stages of Trypanosoma cruzi was analyzed by a [125I]calmodulin gel overlay procedure under conditions where proteolysis was kept to a minimum. It was found that T. cruzi contains a complex profile of calcium-dependent calmodulin-binding proteins and that several of these polypeptides were differentially expressed at specific stages of development. The majority of these stage-specific polypeptides was found in the particulate fractions of the replicative stages of the parasite, i.e., epimastigote and amastigote. These studies suggest that calcium and calmodulin may play an important central role in the growth and differentiation of this parasite. We have also assessed the calmodulin content of the various life stages by immunoblot analysis. These studies identified a 14-kDa immunoreactive peptide present at equivalent levels in epi-, trypo-, and amastigote stages (extracellular).
Methods to Reduce Outpatient Non-attendance

Non-attendance reduces clinic and provider productivity and efficiency, compromises access and increases cost of health care. This systematic review of the English language literature (November 1999-November 2009) compares telephone, mail, text/short message service, electronic mail and open-access scheduling to determine which is best at reducing outpatient non-attendance and providing net financial benefit. Telephone, mail and text/short message service interventions all improved attendance modestly but at varying costs. Text messaging was the most cost-effective of the 3, but its applicability may be limited. Few data are available regarding electronic mail reminders, whereas open-access scheduling is an area of active research.
An analysis of path recovery schemes in GMPLS optical networks with various levels of pre-provisioning

The amount of resource provisioning prior to failure events to support optical path recovery has a significant impact on network performance, and so designing recovery mechanisms for any large network necessitates balancing multiple (in some cases, competing) requirements. The Common Control and Measurement Plane (CCAMP) working group's Protection and Restoration Design Team conducted a qualitative analysis of path protection schemes using different degrees of backup resource pre-provisioning. The resulting analysis grid highlights some of the trade-offs between the different approaches. In this paper, we describe the results of a simulation study that we conducted using the NIST GMPLS/Lightwave Agile Switching Simulator (GLASS) simulation tool. By measuring network performance with respect to the metrics used by the design team, we were able to produce quantitative results that confirm the design team's qualitative analysis and provide additional information for carriers and service providers who are designing optical networks.
Interparticle collisions driven by ultrasound

Ultrasound has become an important synthetic tool in liquid-solid chemical reactions, but the origins of the observed enhancements remained unknown. The effects of high-intensity ultrasound on solid-liquid slurries were examined. Turbulent flow and shock waves produced by acoustic cavitation were found to drive metal particles together at sufficiently high velocities to induce melting upon collision. A series of transition-metal powders were used to probe the maximum temperatures and speeds reached during such interparticle collisions. Metal particles that were irradiated in hydrocarbon liquids with ultrasound underwent collisions at roughly half the speed of sound and generated localized effective temperatures between 2600 degrees C and 3400 degrees C at the point of impact for particles with an average diameter of approximately 10 microns.
Easing Congestion with Pedestrian Crossing at Midblock

Signalized arterials that support heavy commercial and business activities such as 34th and 42nd streets in Manhattan, New York City and heavy tourist activities such as South Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas attract a large volume of pedestrians along with heavy vehicular traffic. Thus, some signalized intersections along such arterials and grid systems that accommodate heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic may fail to operate safely and efficiently; which in turn may create congestion that may propagate onto the entire arterial or grid system. As appropriate, this study proposes that pedestrian crossings at such intersections (targeted intersections that have significant pedestrian and vehicular conflict) should be eliminated while facilitating pedestrians to cross at midblock locations by installing pedestrian signals. Where pedestrians cannot be accommodated at midblock due to a shorter roadblock, they may be accommodated at other existing neighboring intersections where safety and operations are less critical. A sub-network including the 34th Street signalized arterial in Manhattan, New York City is modeled in CORSIM with a target of eliminating pedestrians at the 8th Avenue and 34th Street intersection. It is found that such an option (e.g., midblock pedestrian crossings) conditionally improves traffic operations and thus may improve air quality and reduce fuel consumption. Moreover, by eliminating pedestrians at high accident signalized crosswalks and accommodating them at midblock on a pedestrian signal should improve pedestrian safety. The other advantage is that such an option still accommodates pedestrians at the street level rather than at over or underpasses.
An MRI-Based Method to Align the Compressive Loading Axis for Human Cadaveric Knees

There is a need to align the mechanical axis of the tibia with the axis of loading for studies involving tibiofemoral compression to interpret results and to ensure repeatability of loading within and among specimens. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based alignment method for use with apparatuses applying tibiofemoral joint compression, (2) to demonstrate the usefulness of the method by aligning cadaveric knees in an apparatus that could apply tibiofemoral joint compression, and (3) to quantify the error associated with the alignment method. A four degree-of-freedom adjustable device was constructed to allow determination and alignment of the mechanical axis of the tibia of cadaveric knee joints with the axis of loading of an apparatus applying tibiofemoral joint compression. MRI was used to determine the locations of bony landmarks in three dimensions defining the mechanical axis of the tibia relative to an initial orientation of the four degree-of-freedom device. Adjustment values of the device were then computed and applied to the device to align the mechanical axis of the tibia with the axis of a compressive loading apparatus. To demonstrate the usefulness of the method, four cadaveric knees were aligned in the compressive loading apparatus. The vectors describing the mechanical axis of the tibia and the loading axis of the apparatus before and after adjustment of the four degree-of-freedom device were computed for each cadaveric knee. After adjustment of the four degree-of-freedom device, the mechanical axis of the tibia was collinear with the loading axis of the apparatus for each cadaveric knee. The errors in the adjustment values introduced by inaccuracies in the MR images were quantified using the Monte Carlo technique. The precisions in the translational and rotational adjustments were 1.20 mm and 0.90 deg respectively. The MR-based alignment method will allow consistent interpretation of results obtained during tibiofemoral compressive studies conducted using the apparatus described in this paper by providing a well-defined loading axis. The alignment method can also be adapted for use with other apparatuses applying tibiofemoral compression.
Reversibly Bound and Covalently Attached Ligands Induce Conformational Changes in the Omega Loop, Cys69–Cys96, of Mouse Acetylcholinesterase

We have used a combination of cysteine substitution mutagenesis and site-specific labeling to characterize the structural dynamics of mouse acetylcholinesterase (mAChE). Six cysteine-substituted sites of mAChE (Leu76, Glu81, Glu84, Tyr124, Ala262, and His287) were labeled with the environmentally sensitive fluorophore, acrylodan, and the kinetics of substrate hydrolysis and inhibitor association were examined along with spectroscopic characteristics of the acrylodan-conjugated, cysteine-substituted enzymes. Residue 262, being well removed from the active center, appears unaffected by inhibitor binding. Following the binding of ligand, hypsochromic shifts in emission of acrylodan at residues 124 and 287, located near the perimeter of the gorge, reflect the exclusion of solvent and a hydrophobic environment created by the associated ligand. By contrast, the bathochromic shifts upon inhibitor binding seen for acrylodan conjugated to three omega loop (Ω loop) residues 76, 81, and 84 reveal that the acrylodan side chains at these positions are displaced from a hydrophobic environment and become exposed to solvent. The magnitude of fluorescence emission shift is largest at position 84 and smallest at position 76, indicating that a concerted movement of residues on the Ω loop accompanies gorge closure upon ligand binding. Acrylodan modification of substituted cysteine at position 84 reduces ligand binding and steady-state kinetic parameters between 1 and 2 orders of magnitude, but a similar substitution at position 81 only minimally alters the kinetics. Thus, combined kinetic and spectroscopic analyses provide strong evidence that conformational changes of the Ω loop accompany ligand binding.
Abridgment of induced voltage of electrical machines

The object of this paper is to describe and discuss a general equation for the induced voltage of electrical machines having parallel coil sides, and which includes as special cases single- and polyphase-induction motors, synchronous generators, d-c. generators, synchronous converters, and static transformers. The application of the general equation to most of these cases is illustrated, and a number of interesting problems which may be solved by means of it pointed out. A characteristic of this equation is that no restrictions are placed on the velocity of the moving conductors, or on the rates of pulsation and rotation of the flux; but these may vary in any arbitrary manner which can be given a suitable analytic expression. The several methods for the reduction of harmonic voltages are classified and their limitations discussed in such a way as to leave in mind a vivid picture of the process. Tables and curves have been prepared for comparing the effects of the skew, pitch, distribution, and phase connection harmonic reduction factors. A new method for summing the finite series of the distribution summations is given in Appendix II of the complete paper.
Data for Room Fire Models

Abstract Data needs for state-of-the-art single room fire models are discussed using several examples. Three types of data are needed: geometric, thermal and chemical. Needed geometric data generally present no problem and are not discussed. Under thermal data those quantities which determine the transient surface temperature of objects in the room are considered. For inert materials, these should present no problem but few materials are inert. Even materials used for non-combustible walls or ceilings may have thermal properties which charge significantly during the fire development. Chemical properties are the additional data needed to define the burning behavior of materials. These present a more serious problem. Currently, the Harvard simulation needs fifteen properties and pseudo properties (surrogates for complex combinations of more fundamental properties not currently resolved by the models). The importance (relative sensitivity of the simulation predictions) and the availability of useful data are...
Texture of metal-matrix composites by ultrasonic velocity measurements

Abstract An ultrasonic method is developed for the nondestructive characterization of texture in metal-matrix composites. In this approach, it is assumed that the presence of reinforcement particles changes the elastic properties of the composite but only the texture of the matrix. The method utilizes the measurements of the six independent ultrasonic velocities V ij and the formulation given by Bunge. The examined composites are the silicon carbide (SiC)-particle-reinforced aluminum 8091, 7064, and 6061 metal-matrix composites. The fourth-order expansion coefficients of the orientation distribution function are determined as a function of the SiC content in these composites. The results show that the expansion coefficients change with the presence of SiC where the coefficients C4 11 and C4 13 increase as the volume fraction of SiC is increased and the coefficient C4 12 is zero in all composites examined. The analysis of these results indicates that ultrasonics can provide a promising technique for the te...
Somatization and Medicalization

To the Editor. —The article by Drs Barsky and Borus 1 on somatization was timely, but certain issues need discussion. First, the authors overrate the role of psychiatrists in treating somatization. They cite Smith et al, 2,3 who show that a psychiatric consult intervention of a specific type is helpful in reducing health care costs among patients with somatization syndrome or somatization disorder, but then Barsky and Borus recommend a psychiatric management approach opposite to that of Smith et al in asserting that patients should be "taught about the process of somatization" and that cognitive and behavioral therapy should be used. Although the recommendations of Barsky and Borus are based in part on speculation that "medicalization fosters somatization," there is no evidence that medicalization causes or reinforces somatization or contributes significantly to health care costs. The cause of somatization is, in fact, not known. In the studies by Smith et
Using clinical guidelines designed for older adults with diabetes mellitus and complex health status.

Increasingly, adults are living to an advanced age. While many enjoy good health, nearly 50% of adults older than 65 years have 3 or more chronic medical conditions. Furthermore, within any age-sex cohort, older adults exhibit widely heterogeneous health status—ranging from robust to frail. This heterogeneity and individual medical complexity makes care for older patients particularly challenging and requires both careful medical judgment and a clear understanding of the patient's personal values and goals. Most current health care guidelines are disease-specific and do not address this complexity and heterogeneity, thus limiting their utility for guiding physicians in the care of older adult patients. The “Guidelines for Improving the Care of Older Persons With Diabetes Mellitus” are the first guidelines to specifically address this complexity and provide guidance to physicians who must prioritize therapies and goals for older adults with diabetes, comorbid medical conditions, and geriatric syndromes. By providing a rationale for prioritizing recommendations and the inclusion of geriatric syndromes that impact the patient's overall health and diabetic care, these guidelines may serve as a model for the development of other guidelines targeting older adults with complex health status.
Regulation of cellular plasticity in Drosophila imaginal disc cells by the Polycomb group, trithorax group and lama genes

Drosophila imaginal disc cells can switch fates by transdetermining from one determined state to another. We analyzed the expression profiles of cells induced by ectopic Wingless expression to transdetermine from leg to wing by dissecting transdetermined cells and hybridizing probes generated by linear RNA amplification to DNA microarrays. Changes in expression levels implicated a number of genes: lamina ancestor, CG12534 (a gene orthologous to mouse augmenter of liver regeneration), Notch pathway members, and the Polycomb and trithorax groups of chromatin regulators. Functional tests revealed that transdetermination was significantly affected in mutants for lama and seven different PcG and trxG genes. These results validate our methods for expression profiling as a way to analyze developmental programs, and show that modifications to chromatin structure are key to changes in cell fate. Our findings are likely to be relevant to the mechanisms that lead to disease when homologs of Wingless are expressed at abnormal levels and to the manifestation of pluripotency of stem cells.
ON THE MECHANISM OF THE CLAY CATALYZED REACTION OF BENZYLAMINE

Abstract The mechanism of the aluminum exchanged Montmorillonite catalyzed reaction of benzylamine was studied with deuterium labelled benzylamine. From the analysis of the product dibenzylamine and the recovered benzylamine extensive hydrogen exchange is observed. An SN 2 process is thus unlikely and a process involving an imine is suggested.
Unionization and Restrictions on Foreign Direct Investment

Although inward foreign direct investment (FDI) has many benefits for a country as a whole, like trade, it is a source of competition for producers in the host country, with concomitant effects on ...
Effects of fly ash on microbial C02 evolution from an agricultural soil

Unweathered, acidic fly ash from a coal-fired power plant was applied to alfalfa meal-amended agricultural soil at levels equivalent to 0, 100, 400, and 700 tonne ha−1. Amended soils were placed in respirometer jars and monitored for C02-C evolution over a 37-day period. Fly ash applications of 400 and 700 tonne ha−1 reduced C02-C production significantly compared to 0 and 100 tonne ha−1 treatments. Carbon dioxide-carbon from all treatments was considerably greater than that from soil treated with 1000 ppm CdCl2. The results suggest that soil heterotrophic microbial activity may be impacted minimally by relatively low levels of fly ash application, but may be inhibited by higher levels of fly ash. Several metals were present at potentially toxic levels in the fly ash employed and may have accounted for the inhibition of CO2 C evolution. The availability of some of these metals was indicated in companion plant uptake experiments.
Evaluation of basket and paddle dissolution methods using different performance standards

Dissolution studies using both basket and paddle methods were carried out to evaluate two prednisone standards. Results of the experiments showed that the USP prednisone calibrator is sensitive to perturbations by the basket method but not to perturbations by the paddle method. However, the National Center for Drug Analysis (NCDA) prednisone performance standard is sensitive to perturbations by the paddle method but not to perturbations by the basket method. These results suggest that no single standard can predict the suitability of the dissolution equipment by the basket and paddle methods.
Evaluating Multidimensional Performance A Social Judgment Theory Approach

Social judgment theory (SJT) is a method for eliciting opinions about the relative importance of multiple objectives or attributes. When SJT is used to elicit the opinions of individuals who form a group, one must consider by what method these individual opinions can be aggregated to represent the group's opinion. This article suggests a functional form for analyzing opinions elicited by SJT and a method for combining individual opinions. It then applies the proposed model to the problem of establishing relative weights for six performance dimensions for a public sector agency. Analysis of data for individuals in two groups indicates that both interaction and quadratic terms are important in describing how individuals evaluate agency performance. Further, individ ual methods of agency evaluation are so diverse that a random coefficient model of valuation for the group as a whole is more appropriate than the traditional fixed coefficient model.
Role of lysine 240 in the mechanism of yeast pyruvate kinase catalysis.

Site-directed mutagenesis was used to change Lys 240 of yeast pyruvate kinase (Lys 269 in muscle PK) to Met. K240M has an absolute requirement for FBP for catalysis. K240M is 100- and 1000-fold les...
A neural pathway mediating satiation of feeding behavior in Aplysia

This study investigated the pathway by which satiation is signaled to the central nervous system of Aplysia. In the first experiment, three groups of animals were studied: (1) animals with bilateral section of the cerebral-buccal (c-b) connectives, (2) sham-operated control animals, and (3) nonoperated control animals. Seaweed mash equivalent to a large meal was introduced via an esophageal cannula into the crops of all animals. Immediately after injection, 17 of the 18 animals in all three groups did not exhibit significant satiation, as measured by time to orient to food. However, on retesting 15 to 20 min later, the nonoperated controls and sham-operated controls were satiated, but the animals with sections of the cerebral-buccal connectives were not satiated. In a second experiment, it was found that injection of nonnutritive gel was sufficient to produce satiation of the orienting response. As in the first experiment, the satiation was not seen in the immediate test, but was seen 15–20 min later. The overall data suggest that gut mechanoreceptors may signal satiation by sending information that is conveyed via the cerebral-buccal connectives to the ganglia controlling food orientation. Furthermore, following stretch of the gut, satiation is seen only after a time delay.
Localization of the highly polymorphic microsatellite DXS456 on the genetic linkage map of the human X chromosome

Abstract The CA repeat microsatellite DXS456, with a heterozygosity of 77%, has been localized by multipoint linkage analysis in relation to 20 other genetic markers. DXS456 mapped to a 4.2-cM interval defined by the flanking markers DXS178 and DXS287. The maximum likelihood order of markers, cen-(DXYS1X/DXYS13X/DXYS2X/DXYS12X)-DXS366-DXS178-DXS456-DXS287-DXS358-DXS267-qter, is favored by odds > 1000:1 over the subset of most likely alternative orders. Linkage of DXS456 can be inferred for at least six disease genes that are known to be linked to markers in the region Xq21.31–Xq25 and the marker will serve as an important index point for orienting these and other disease and marker loci in the region.
Horse Anti-Pneumococcal Immunoglobulins. II. Specific Mouse Protective Activity.

SummaryThe mouse protecting activity of isolated and purified γM; γA, and γG pneumococcal polysaccharide, type I antibodies was compared. The specific protective activity of γM anti-S1 was found to be approximately 1000 times as much as γA, and 100,000 times that of γG. The γM activity appears to account for the protective action of whole anti-pneumococcal serum.
New genera of Copepoda (Poecilostomatoida) from the scleractinian coral Psammocora in New Caledonia

Three new monotypic genera of copepods (Poecilostomatoida) are associated with the hermatypic shallow-water coralPsammocora (Stephanaria) togianensisnear Noumea, New Caledonia: in the Anchimolgidae,Lipochaetes extrusus(antenna 4-segmented, endopods absent in legs 3 and 4) andDumbeana undulatipes(antenna 3-segmented, endopod of leg 3 with formula 0–1; 0–2; I,II,2; leg 4 endopod with 0–1:I); and in the Rhynchomolgidae;Emunoa protenta(leg 4 endopod with 0–1;II, antenna 4-segmented, mandible with outer pointed process and inner row of spines). Copepoda (primarily Poecilostomatoida and Siphonostomatoida, but also relatively few Cyclopoida and Harpacticoida) are very frequent associates or parasites of Scleractinia. At present 245 species from 48 scleractinian coral genera are known. Species of these copepod associates, their host genera, and localities, described since (and those not included in) previous publications of the author are listed.
Generalizing from human facial sexual dimorphism to sex-differentiate macaques: Accuracy and cultural variation

Abstract Anthropomorphism in impressions of animals is commonplace, and this generalization from humans to animals is one example of a broader tendency to generalize from adaptively significant categories when judging specific exemplars. Although anthropomorphism may lead to unlikely or incorrect judgments, it fostered accurate sex-differentiation of macaque faces due to an appropriate generalization from the sexually dimorphic cues that distinguish human male and female faces to macaques. As predicted, Koreans performed better than Caucasians in sex-differentiating macaque faces, a difference mediated by Koreans' greater use of sexually dimorphic eye height cues. These results extend and disambiguate evidence of East Asian superiority in sex-differentiating human faces. Whereas an own-race advantage might explain the previous but not the present findings, both can be explained by East Asians' keener sensitivity to sexually dimorphic cues, perhaps owing to the greater subtlety of such cues in East Asian faces. Implications of this sensitivity for other cultural differences in person perception are discussed.
Removal and passivation of surface defects in perforated GaN-based light-emitting diodes

Perforated GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with an array of plasma-etched microholes penetrating through the active region were fabricated using lithography and plasma etching. Plasma damage on the microhole sidewalls led to an increase in junction leakage by up to seven orders of magnitude and a reduced light emission in the low injection regime. It was found that KOH can etch off the plasma-damaged materials, leading to a complete suppression of surface leakage currents. It however attacked metal contacts and increased the forward turn-on voltage. Thermal annealing removed damage in the near-surface bulk region, whereas (NH4)2S treatment only passivated the defect states at the immediate surfaces. Both methods produced a partial restoration of the forward-bias characteristics. It has been demonstrated that annealing at 700 °C used in conjunction with prolonged sulfide passivation can remove or passivate all plasma-induced defects and result in a complete suppression of surface leakage in the perforated LEDs. This work is an important step toward developing high-efficiency photonic crystal-integrated LEDs, in which light can only be coupled to radiation modes but the undesirable guided light emission is inhibited.
Random genetic drift during cyclical ameiotic parthenogenesis

The classical models of population genetics assume sexual reproduction and do not apply to organisms in which parthenogenetic reproduction is alternated with sexual recombination. Under cyclic parthenogenesis,variation in rates or frequencies of parthenogenetic reproduction among clones produces selection that is independent of processes occurring in the sexual phases.
Sex differences in behavioral effects of cannabinoids

This review summarizes the existing literature on sex differences in the effects of cannabinoid drugs on behavior, primarily in the adult rodent. These preclinical studies, taken together with preliminary reports of sex differences in cannabinoid effects in humans, suggest that sex of subject may be an important modulating factor in a variety of cannabinoid effects. When sex differences are found, females are usually more sensitive than males to cannabinoids. Both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variables may contribute to sex differences in behavioral effects of cannabinoids. Given the significant therapeutic potential of cannabinoid agonists and antagonists--as well as their widespread recreational use--it will be important to determine the reliability and functional significance of, as well as mechanisms underlying sex differences in cannabinoid effects.
Steric constraints in intramolecular reactions at sp3 carbon implications for methylase mechanisms

Abstract A series of methyl sulfonium compounds, containing appropriately positioned nucleophilic moieties, has been synthesized and studied as models for methylase enzymes in which the methyl sulfonium compound, S-adenosyl- l -methionine, serves as the methyl donor. The results of these studies show that there is a strict requirement for a linear transition state in intramolecular transmethylation reactions, and even slight deviations from this linear transition state are not permitted. These conclusions are pertinent in understanding the steric controls which appear to be operative in enzyme-catalyzed transmethylation reactions.
Overtraining Effects on Reversal and Nonreversal Discrimination Shifts with a Continuously Reinforced Free Operant

Rats were trained on a single-stimulus, successive discrimination in a free operant situation with continuous reinforcement of responding to S+. Ss were given 0, 4, or 8 days of overtraining (OT) after reaching the discrimination criterion. Half of the Ss were given a reversal shift (RS) and half a nonreversal shift (NRS). An irrelevant stimulus dimension was present at all times in Exp. 1, and it was absent in Exp. 2. OT did not affect RS or NRS learning in either experiment. NRS learning was faster than RS learning. These results were contrasted with other studies which have reported that OT facilitated RS learning and impeded NRS learning. Certain theoretical interpretations of discrimination learning, particularly Sutherland's treatment of centrally mediated attentional mechanisms, were critically discussed in light of the present findings.
Autoregulatory Effect of Prostaglandin E2 on Interleukin 6 Production by Kupffer Cells

Abstract The Kupffer cell (KC) is the resident hepatic macrophage, whose functions include local intrahepatic immune responses implicated in tolerance induction, participation in the septic state, and regulation of hepatic regeneration. The ability of the KC to participate In these biologically diverse functions is thought to be due to its release of pleiotropic cytokines, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), which can act locally in a paracrine fashion or as hormones at distant sites. Many of the KC′s secretory responses are carefully regulated in an autocoid fashion by the eicosanoid prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). The degree of regulation depends on the particular cytokine and local environmental factors. In this review, we describe our method for isolating KCs by their adherence to plastic and for testing their IL-6 and PGE2 secretory responses to lipopolysaccharide. In comparing the responses of KCs from normal and regenerating rat livers, we describe an in vitro KC secretory pattern of eicosanoid inhibition of IL-6, whereas both responses to LPS are augmented in the KC during hepatic regeneration. Such an enhancement is consistent with the shared putative supportive roles of IL-6 and PGE2 in liver regeneration.
Hizb ut-Tahrir al-Islami: Evaluating the Threat Posed by a Radical Islamic Group That Remains Nonviolent

ABSTRACT Hizb ut-Tahrir is a transnational movement that currently finds support among young Muslims in Central Asia and Western Europe. It presents a complex challenge to both Western and Muslim governments because it calls for the unification of all Muslim countries into a single Caliphate but has consistently rejected violence as a tool of political change. In this paper we focus on Hizb ut-Tahrir in Uzbekistan, a country that is a key U.S. ally in the war on terrorism. Drawing on extensive fieldwork in Central Asia, we find that social movement theories (resource mobilization theory, political opportunities theory, framing theory) cannot explain why Hizb ut-Tahrir has remained opposed to violence under the same circumstances in which the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the other important radical Islamic group in the region, has embraced violence. We suggest that ideology is crucial for understanding why Hizb ut-Tahrir remains peaceful, and consider several scenarios in which the group might reconside...
The Time and History-Dependent Viscoelastic Properties of the Canine Medial Collateral Ligament

The viscoelastic properties of the canine medial collateral ligament (MCL) were investigated. Stress-strain relationships at different strain rates, long-term stress relaxation and cyclic stress-strain curves of the MCL were obtained experimentally using a bone-MCL-bone preparation. The experimental data were used in conjunction with the quasi-linear viscoelastic theory as proposed by Fung [15] to characterize the reduced relaxation function, G(t) and elastic response sigma e (epsilon) of this tissue. It was found that the quasi-linear viscoelastic theory can adequately describe the time and history-dependent rheological properties of the canine medial collateral ligament.
The accumulation of free fatty acids in poky, a maternally inherited mutant of Neurospora crassa.

Abstract Poky, a maternally inherited mutant of Neurospora crassa, has been found to accumulate large quantities of free fatty acids. Although cultures of wild-type Neurospora contain only trace amounts of unesterified fatty acids, young cultures of poky were found to have 46% of their total fatty acid in this form. The possible effects of this accumulation of free fatty acids on the physiology of the mold are discussed with respect to the interaction of free fatty acids with cytochrome c.
2-methylaminopyridine N-oxide complexes prepared from various cobalt(II) salts

Abstract 2-Methylaminopyridine N-oxide (M) complexes have been formed with NiX2(X = ClO4, BF4, NO3 and Cl) using both 6:1 and 2:1 preparative ligand-to-metal ion mole ratios. Two unique solids were isolated with each NiX2. Characterization of the eight solids was accomplished by a study of their IR and electronic spectra as well as partial elemental analyses, molar conductivities and thermal measurements. Of note is that HL rarely functions as a bidentate ligand in these complexes.
Absence of a reservoir of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in normal tongue epithelium

We examined human tongue epithelium and serum samples at autopsy for evidence of latent Epstein-Barr virus (FBV) infection. Although clinical serology revealed anti-HBV antibodies in most sera indicating past FBV infection, we found no Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA-coding sequences in tongue tissue-by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). or Epstein-Barr-encoded RNA (EBERI) by in situ hybridization. Tongue epithelium does not appear to be a natural reservoir for latent by EBV in immunocompetent hosts
An In Vitro Model to Quantify the Effects of Fluid Shear Stress on Lymphatic Pump Function

Nearly all tissues are supported by the lymphatic system for a variety of functions, including the regulation of fluid balance, the removal of particulate matter from the interstitium, as well as the transport of fat from the intestine to the blood, among others. Despite these important functions, very little is known about the particular mechanisms through which the lymphatics fulfill these roles. Lymphedema, a chronic disease characterized by an inability of the lymphatics to maintain tissue homeostasis and estimated to affect over 130 million people worldwide, can result in serious clinical problems for which there are very few beneficial cures or therapies [1]. While fluid stagnation is the primary clinical manifestation of the disease, severe lymphedema is often correlated with tissue remodeling and the gross accumulation of lipid [1]. Given these symptoms, one must consider the breakdown in the lymphatic response to mechanical load (i.e. fluid balance) in order to understand the progression of the disease.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Inhibition of DNA replicative synthesis and DNA repair synthesis in human and mouse cells in culture by cigarette smoke condensate fractions.

Abstract Twelve cigarette smoke condensate fractions were tested for their ability to inhibit replicative DNA synthesis and DNA excision repair synthesis in cultures of human fibroblasts and Swiss mouse embryo cells. None of the fractions showed any specificity for the inhibition of DNA repair and, in general, repair synthesis was less sensitive to inhibition than was replicative synthesis. There was some correlation between the inhibitory action of the various fractions and their activity in bioassays performed in other laboratories, including in vitro cell transformation and bacterial mutagenicity. In most cases, DNA synthesis in the human cells was more sensitive to inhibition than it was in the mouse cells. The specific compounds in the condensate fractions which are responsible for their activity have not been identified.
Ethereal “interstitials” on the (110) surface of InSb

Abstract Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images of the (110) surface of InSb reveal apparent surface interstitial Sb atoms when the sample bias voltage is small and negative, corresponding to tunneling of electrons from the top of the valence band of InSb. These surface “interstitials” disappear at other bias voltages. The observations of these “ethereal interstitials” are explained in terms of below-surface, second-layer Sb atoms, that appear to lie above the surface due to the re-hybridized character of the surface Sb wavefunctions near the top of the valence band.
The effect of solid surface heterogeneity and roughness on the contact angle/drop (bubble) size relationship

Abstract The contact angle for varying sizes of drops and air bubbles was measured on clean, heterogeneous, and rough solid surfaces. A linear correlation of the cosine of the contact angle vs reciprocal of the drop (bubble) base radius was obtained for the tetradecane/water/quariz and air/water/polyethylene systems, in which pure single-component liquids and freshly prepared clean solid surfaces were used. It was found that solid surface imperfections, heterogeneity and/or roughness, affect the contact angle/drop (bubble) size relationship. The change in contact angle with bubble size depended on the extent of solid surface heterogeneity, as was observed for the tetradecane/water/methylated quartz system with varying degrees of quartz methylation. For the air/water/polyethylene and air/water/gold systems, it was found that the slope of a plot of cos θ vs 1/r increased for rough surfaces when compared to that for smooth surfaces, and that these experimental data qualitatively support the modified Wenzel equation which includes the line-tension term.
The Spindle Static Characteristic Analysis of HTC3250µn NC Machine Tool

The analysis of spindle static stiffness is particularly important. The concept of spindle stiffness is introduced. Based on software ANSYS, the finite element analysis model of simplified spindle is established. Two equivalent forms of bearings are discussed and the analysis results are compared. The stress distribution nephogram of spindle is given. The research indicates that using spring-damper element instead of bearings is more suitable and the machining accuracy mainly depends on the stiffness rather than strength.
Morphology-Dependent Resonances and Their Applications to Sensing in Aerospace Environments

This paper reviews recent developments in Morphology-Dependent Resonance (MDR)-based sensors for aerospace applications. The sensor concept is based on the detection of small shifts of optical resonances (also called the whispering gallery modes or WGM) of dielectric spheres caused by external effects. Recent developments in MRD-based micro-optical sensors for temperature, force, pressure, and concentration are discussed. In addition to the experimental configurations used in each type of prototype sensor, a brief overview is also given for analytical approaches to describe the sensor principle.
Construction of an SV40-derived cloning vector

A new reiterated variant of simian virus 40 (SV40; dl1142) has been constructed. It should be useful for the purpose of cloning foreign pieces of DNA in SV40 virions. Up to 80% of the SV40 genome has been made available for substitution with foreign DNA and the vector contains a number of unique (single-cut) restriction sites which will facilitate cloning. The 5' and 3' regions of both the SV40 early and late messenger RNAs are included in the vector. Prokaryotic DNA has been successfully cloned in the early region of the vector. The transcriptional properties of the recombinant have been studied, and it was found that both the vector and insert DNA are transcribed, mainly as non-adenylated RNA.
Relationship between distinctive feature knowledge and word retrieval abilities in people with aphasia

Background: The relationship between performance on various types of word retrieval tasks and distinctive feature knowledge was examined in people with aphasia. The researchers also investigated performance on word retrieval tasks by two groups of people with aphasia: people who had high scores (Group 1) and low scores (Group 2) on an auditory-word matching task that required identification of target words among semantically related foils. Aims: The current study investigated the relationship between high-, mid-, and low-importance distinctive feature knowledge and word retrieval abilities in people with aphasia. Methods & Procedures: A total of 12 people with chronic aphasia participated in this study. Participants completed formal and informal word retrieval tasks, a feature-sorting task, and auditory-word matching tasks. Relationships between knowledge of features varying in distinctiveness and importance and various formal and informal naming tasks were analysed. Additionally, the researchers divided ...
Stakeholders' Perceptions of a Wading Bird Colony as a Community Resource in the Brazilian Pantanal

In the Brazilian Pantanal, large breeding colonies of ciconiiform wading birds (200-10,000 pairs) have recently become important as tourist attractions, although there is good evidence of detrimental effects of tourism on breeding behavior and success. We sought to understand the possible amelioration of the effects of tourists on colonies by identifying human users of the colony and their control over changes in the way colonies are used. We conducted a stakeholder analysis, consisting of interviews with local interest groups made up of tourist guides, boat drivers, hotel owners and landowners, local fishermen, and tourists. The anal- ysis revealed a series of human activities that potentially perturb nesting birds, including tourism, the collec- tion of eggs and chicks for human consumption, camping, and sport and bait fishing close to colonies. There was a strong conservation ethic among stakeholders and an awareness of the consequences of human distur- bance. In addition, tourism provided an economic incentive for conservation, which potentially outweighed the importance of consumptive uses of the colony. Results of questionnaires given to tourists offered insights into alternative management ideas for improving satisfaction with visits to the colony. Future development of tourism in Pantanal nesting colonies appears to be a realistic objective from the human community per- spective but will require a strong, well-enforced management plan and continued education of locals, tour- ists, and the tourist industry.
A bi-directional current-mode CMOS multiple valued logic memory circuit

A bidirectional current-mode multiple-valued logic (MVL) latch circuit realized in a standard 2- mu m polysilicon gate CMOS process is presented. The circuit accepts and quantizes a bidirectional input current during the setup clock phase and latches the quantized input during the hold clock phase. Characteristics of fully integrated prototypes realized on a CMOS test chip are presented. Using logical current increments of only 10 mu A, the bidirectional current-mode MVL latch's setup and hold time has been determined to total approximately 44 ns. The input/output propagation delay for transitions between adjacent states has been determined to be approximately 50 ns at these low current levels. >
Voyager orbit determination at Jupiter

This paper summarizes the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 orbit determination activity extending from encounter minus 60 days to the Jupiter encounter, and includes quantitative results and conclusions derived from mission experience. The major topics covered include an identification and quantification of the major orbit determination error sources and a review of salient orbit determination results from encounter, with emphasis on the Jupiter approach phase orbit determination. Special attention is paid to the use of combined spacecraft-based optical observations and Earth-based radiometric observations to achieve accurate orbit determination during the Jupiter encounter approach phase.