cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of DNA superhelicity and extremely low levels of DNA strand breaks in low numbers of nonradiolabeled cells by DNA-4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole fluorescence in nucleoid gradients.

Abstract Nonradiolabeled cells derived from animals or cell cultures can be examined in nucleoid gradients labeled with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole to quantitate extremely low levels of DNA strand breaks and DNA superhelicity. In vitro : 4′,6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole detection of DNA in nucleoid gradients requires only 15,000 nonradiolabeled human dermal fibroblasts per gradient. Quantization of increased DNA strand breaks, relative to controls, occurring at frequencies as low as one break per 2.2 × 10 10 daltons DNA is possible. This technique was employed to examine low-passage (“young”) and high-passage (“old”) normal human dermal fibroblasts. DNA from old cells contains approximately one more strand break per 5 × 10 9 daltons that does the DNA from young cells, and this difference is unobservable using conventional radiolabeled alkaline-sucrose gradients. Decreased DNA negative superhelicity in the old cells was also observed. In vivo : This technique was used to examine nucleoids derived from female Fisher rat livers treated with aflatoxin B 1 . Treated cells exhibit decreased DNA negative superhelicity. Since this technique cannot quantitate DNA strand breaks occurring at the higher levels required by alkaline techniques, it is proposed that this technique is a necessary complement to alkaline techniques when low levels of DNA strand breaks must be quantitated.
Cytokeratin 7 staining of hepatocytes predicts progression to more severe fibrosis in alcohol-fed baboons.

Abstract Background/Aims : Not all alcoholic patients develop severe liver disease with fibrosis progressing to cirrhosis. It is of practical importance to determine whether some markers can predict progression of liver fibrosis. Methods : We used a baboon model that mimics human alcoholic liver disease. Cytokeratin 7 and 19 expression and fat deposition were investigated in serial liver biopsies of 18 animals undergoing prolonged alcohol administration (range 2–17 years) and in four controls. Fibrosis was graded histologically and was also assessed quantitatively by image analysis. Results : Ten animals did not show a progression of liver disease even after 17 years of alcohol administration, but eight animals fed alcohol exhibited a progression of liver disease from no fibrosis or perivenular fibrosis to septal fibrosis or cirrhosis within 7 years. In normal liver, cytokeratin 7 and cytokeratin 19 immunostaining is restricted to bile duct cells. Hepatocellular cytokeratin 7 was observed only in those animals which progressed to more severe stages of fibrosis and it anticipated this progression by 4.2 years on average. Conclusions : In alcohol-fed baboons, cytokeratin 7 staining of hepatocytes (but not cytokeratin 19, nor fat deposition) predicts with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity progression to more severe liver disease.
High performance adaptive control in the presence of time delays

Many potential applications of adaptive control, such as adaptive flight control systems, require that the controller have high performance, stability guarantees, and robustness to time delays. These requirements typically lead to engineering trade-offs, such as a trade-off between performance and robustness. In this paper, we examine several modifications to the typical direct model reference adaptive control (MRAC) approach which can be used to achieve higher performance as well as higher levels of robustness. A new Time Delay Resistant (TDR) adaptive control framework is proposed using a combination of several modifications to MRAC. The various modifications to MRAC, as well as the TDR adaptive controller are applied to the control of longitudinal dynamics of an aerial vehicle in simulation.
Ambient Dependence of Agglomeration Stability of Cu/Ta Films

We have investigated the effects of oxygen contamination on the agglomeration of thin Cu films fabricated by physical vapor deposition on Ta barriers. Thin Cu films on clean, ultrahigh vacuum-deposited Ta barriers were stable against agglomeration when annealed for several hours at temperatures as high as T=380°C. However, on Ta barriers intentionally contaminated with oxygen, agglomeration of Cu films occurred within minutes when annealed above 300°C. Time-resolved reflectivity was used to study film evolution and agglomeration in situ. Atomic force microscopy was used for post-growth characterization of agglomeration. Characterization of Ta barriers by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry demonstrated that clean Cu films on contaminated Ta barriers containing as little as 5% oxygen were unstable against agglomeration.
Credibility for increased limits

Abstract When computing increased limits factors, data are available on policies sold at the various limits. At some limits the amount of information may be small and therefore it would be desirable to incorporate information from the other limits. However, there is evidence that severity differs from limit to limit, and so a total merging of the data is not appropriate. This is exactly the situation in which a credibility formula is needed, but there are two major obstacles. The first is that losses are often far from normally distributed. The second is that the data from lower limits cannot be used to compute sample means for higher limits. In this paper the usual credibility approach is modified to overcome these problems.
Residual stress gradients along ion implanted zones ? cubic crystals

Large internal strains and stresses can be produced by low temperature implantation over small distances from the free surface in a thick substrate. These are typically non-uniform and have large composition gradients. In dilute bcc solutions, containing unclustered interstitial implants, the residual macroscopic strains may be treated as isotropic. The calculation of residual strain (or stress) is based upon anisotropic elasticity theory and internal stress is given in terms of the dipole tensor for individual defects in single crystal films. In a completely elastic zone, forces act to maintain a rigid outside surface and cause the strain distribution to be zero along directions parallel to the free surface. This produces a strain magnification along the perpendicular direction from Poisson contractions. If the implanted zone is completely relaxed by plastic deformation, the strains are described by the free expansion strains due to both implants and lattice damage. There is no angular dependence of the free expansion strain in this extreme condition. One can determine whether a zone is completely elastic, completely relaxed by plastic deformation, or in some intermediate state from plots of strain against sin2χ, where χ is the angle of tilt relative to the surface normal. These results may be obtained from X-ray Bragg intensity data by measuring shifts and line broadening from (hkl) planes at different tilt angles. Theoretical results are given for both single crystal and polycrystalline materials in terms of residual strain and stress.
Electron Microprobe Study of Mg Distributions in Recent Mg Calcites and Recrystallized Equivalents from Miocene of Eniwetok Atoll: ABSTRACT

To determine the effect of early freshwater diagenesis on Mg distributions in former high Mg calcite (HMC) cements, Mg distributions were determined by electron microprobe analysis of two groups of samples as follows: (1) HMC in limestones not yet exposed to fresh water, and (2) HMC and recrystallized equivalents after freshwater exposure. Mg varies little in pristine HMC, and traverses through the cements show no trends or large-scale zonations. Mg content is not related to inclusion abundance. Former HMC from the Miocene of Eniwetok Atoll, most of which are now radiaxial, prismatic calcites, have a much greater variation in Mg content, and traverses through the calcites display definite trends. Generally, the Mg content of the calcite is inversely correlated with abunda ce of inclusions. The small variation in Mg content in original HMC cements is a valuable point to be aware of when interpreting Mg trends in recrystallized equivalents. Because Mg content can be related to inclusion abundance in recrystallized, former HMC, but not in pristine HMC, Mg trends in the altered materials most likely reflect dissolution/reprecipitation processes, not original Mg trends. A likely cause for the low Mg content associated with inclusion-rich growth layers in the recrystallized Mg calcites is relatively high rates of dissolution and reprecipitation in these relatively permeable layers. In some places, the cloudy growth layers and increased permeability are due to infestation by endoliths. Such organisms may often cause the cloudiness observed in other radiaxial calcites. End_of_Article - Last_Page 639------------
23.2: Twisted Discotic Film Compensated Single-Domain and Two-Domain TN LCDs

A single-layer twist discotic film with negative birefringence is used to compensate either a single-domian (1D) TN or a two-domain (2D) TN with advantages of higher contrast ratio, wider viewing angles, lower operating voltage, faster response times, and lower color-shift over the uncompensated ones, respectively. The compensation on 2DTN has the added advantage of no extra light leakage at the locations of the disclination lines between two domains at any gray level so that no black matrix is needed at these locations. Further increases in viewing angles are possible by combining the compensation scheme with wide-viewing-angle polarizers. The compensation scheme can also be applied to reflective TNs for either direct-view or projection displays.
Allelic expression at the sorbitol dehydrogenase and glucosephosphate isomerase loci in an interspecific hybrid ricefish.

Abstract 1. 1. The expression of alleles encoding the enzymes sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH; EC 1.1.1.14) and glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI; EC 5.3.1.9) was investigated in Oryzias melastigma, O. javanicus and in O. melastigma ♀ × O. javanicus ♂ hybrids by acrylamide gel electrophoresis. 2. 2. It was not possible to investigate the expression of SDH or GPI in reciprocal hybrids as these fry failed to develop past the stage of embryonic body formation. 3. 3. The delay in appearance of isozymes of paternal SDH subunit composition, and paternal and maternal GPI-B subunit composition is in keeping with observed effects of gene regulatory divergence where alleles of maternal origin interact more effectively with maternal cytoplasmic regulatory factors than do alleles of paternal origin.
Vitamin D3-induced calcium-binding protein: Partial purification, electrophoretic visualization, and tissue distribution

Abstract A protein, that binds calcium and is induced by vitamin D3, has been identified in chick duodenal mucosa. This calcium-binding protein (CaBP) has been separated from other proteins in the mucosal supernatant fraction and partially purified (30-fold), using dextran gel filtration (Sephadex G-100). Also, CaBP was shown to occur as a distinct electrophoretic band on acrylamide gel. CaBP was detected in all segments of the small intestine and kidney of the vitamin D3-treated rachitic chick but was not detectable by present methods in colon, liver, and muscle. Thus, the soft tissue localization of CaBP corresponds to known physiological sites of vitamin D3 action. In the small intestine, the concentration of CaBP in the vitamin D3-repleted chicks decreases in the order: duodenum > jejunum > ileum, which correlates with the relative abilities of these particular segments to absorb Ca. It is suggested that CaBP may be intimately involved in the translocation of Ca across the intestinal epithelium.
Key Factors in Haitian and Hispanic Children and Obesity: Parent Answers

Abstract Childhood obesity is a multifaceted phenomenon of increasing prevalence in Hispanic and Haitian populations, suggesting that each culture may have unique contributing factors related to the chronic condition. The purpose of this study was to describe the cultural beliefs and practices of parents from these cultures regarding issues of childhood obesity. Results from this study can serve as a beginning basis for intervention development and care decisions for nurse practitioners in the areas of concern identified by families.
Osteoclast Activated FoxP3+ CD8+ T-Cells Suppress Bone Resorption in vitro

Background Osteoclasts are the body's sole bone resorbing cells. Cytokines produced by pro-inflammatory effector T-cells (T(EFF)) increase bone resorption by osteoclasts. Prolonged exposure to the T(EFF) produced cytokines leads to bone erosion diseases such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The crosstalk between T-cells and osteoclasts has been termed osteoimmunology. We have previously shown that under non-inflammatory conditions, murine osteoclasts can recruit naive CD8 T-cells and activate these T-cells to induce CD25 and FoxP3 (Tc(REG)). The activation of CD8 T-cells by osteoclasts also induced the cytokines IL-2, IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ. Individually, these cytokines can activate or suppress osteoclast resorption. Principal findings To determine the net effect of Tc(REG) on osteoclast activity we used a number of in vitro assays. We found that Tc(REG) can potently and directly suppress bone resorption by osteoclasts. Tc(REG) could suppress osteoclast differentiation and resorption by mature osteoclasts, but did not affect their survival. Additionally, we showed that Tc(REG) suppress cytoskeletal reorganization in mature osteoclasts. Whereas induction of Tc(REG) by osteoclasts is antigen-dependent, suppression of osteoclasts by Tc(REG) does not require antigen or re-stimulation. We demonstrated that antibody blockade of IL-6, IL-10 or IFN-γ relieved suppression. The suppression did not require direct contact between the Tc(REG) and osteoclasts. Significance We have determined that osteoclast-induced Tc(REG) can suppress osteoclast activity, forming a negative feedback system. As the CD8 T-cells are activated in the absence of inflammatory signals, these observations suggest that this regulatory loop may play a role in regulating skeletal homeostasis. Our results provide the first documentation of suppression of osteoclast activity by CD8 regulatory T-cells and thus, extend the purview of osteoimmunology.
Thermal Panting in Dogs: The Lateral Nasal Gland, a Source of Water for Evaporative Cooling

Two lateral nasal glands appear to provide a large part of the water for evaporative cooling in the panting dog; their function is analogous to that of sweat glands in man. Each gland drains through a single duct which opens about 2 centimeters inside the opening of the nostril. This location may be essential to avoid desiccation of the nasal mucosa during thermal panting. The rate of secretion from one gland increased from 0 to an average of 9.6 g (gland . hour)(-1) as air temperature was increased from 10 degrees to 50 degrees C. Evaporation of the fluid from the paired glands could account for between 19 and 36 percent of the increase in respiratory evaporation associated with thermal panting. The fluid secreted by the gland was hypoosmotic to plasma.
C1-regularity of the Aronsson equation in R2

Abstract For a nonnegative, uniformly convex H ∈ C 2 ( R 2 ) with H ( 0 ) = 0 , if u ∈ C ( Ω ) , Ω ⊂ R 2 , is a viscosity solution of the Aronsson equation (1.7), then u ∈ C 1 ( Ω ) . This generalizes the C 1 -regularity theorem on infinity harmonic functions in R 2 by Savin [O. Savin, C 1 -regularity for infinity harmonic functions in dimensions two, Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 176 (3) (2005) 351–361] to the Aronsson equation.
The distribution of allelic effects under mutation and selection.

Summary The Price (1970, 1972) equation is applied to the problem of describing the changes in the moments of allelic effects caused by selection, mutation and recombination at loci governing a quantitative genetic character. For comparable assumptions the resulting equations are the same as those obtained by different means by Barton & Turelli (1987; Turelli & Barton, 1989). The Price equation provides a natural framework within which to examine certain kinds of non-additive allelic effects, recombination and assortative mating. The use of the Price equation is illustrated by finding the equilibrium genetic variance under multiplicative dominance and epistasis and under assortative mating at an additive locus. The limitations of the use of recursion equations for the moments of allelic effects are also discussed.
XACML Policy Evaluation with Dynamic Context Handling

Some fairly recent research has focused on providing XACML-based solutions for dynamic privacy policy management. In this regard, a number of works have provided enhancements to the performance of XACML policy enforcement point (PEP) component, but very few have focused on enhancing the accuracy of that component. This paper improves the accuracy of an XACML PEP by filling some gaps in the existing works. In particular, dynamically incorporating user access context into the privacy policy decision, and its enforcement. We provide an XACML-based implementation of a dynamic privacy policy management framework and an evaluation of the applicability of our system in comparison to some of the existing approaches.
Computing the centroid of a general type-2 fuzzy set by means of the centroid-flow algorithm

Previous studies have shown that the centroid of a general type-2 fuzzy set (T2 FS) A can be obtained by taking the union of the centroids of all the α-planes (each raised to level α) of A. Karnik-Mendel (KM) or the enhanced KM (EKM) algorithms are used to compute the centroid of each α-plane. The iterative features in KM/EKM algorithms can be time-consuming, especially when the algorithms have to be repeated for many α-planes. This paper proposes a new method named centroid-flow (CF) algorithm to compute the centroid of A without having to apply KM/EKM algorithms for every α-plane. Extensive simulations have shown that the CF algorithm can reduce the computation time by 75%-80 % and 50% -75%, compared with KM and EKM algorithms, respectively, and still maintains satisfactory computation accuracy for various T2 FSs when the primary variable x and α -plane are discretized finely enough.
Sortilin Is Essential and Sufficient for the Formation of Glut4 Storage Vesicles in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Impaired translocation of the glucose transporter isoform 4 (Glut4) to the plasma membrane in fat and skeletal muscle cells may represent a primary defect in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glut4 is localized in specialized storage vesicles (GSVs), the biological nature and biogenesis of which are not known. Here, we report that GSVs are formed in differentiating 3T3-L1 adipocytes upon induction of sortilin on day 2 of differentiation. Forced expression of Glut4 prior to induction of sortilin leads to rapid degradation of the transporter, whereas overexpression of sortilin increases formation of GSVs and stimulates insulin-regulated glucose uptake. Knockdown of sortilin decreases both formation of GSVs and insulin-regulated glucose uptake. Finally, we have reconstituted functional GSVs in undifferentiated cells by double transfection of Glut4 and sortilin. Thus, sortilin is not only essential, but also sufficient for biogenesis of GSVs and acquisition of insulin responsiveness in adipose cells.
The effect of air ions on liquid evaporation rates

The evaporation rates of water, heptane, ethyl alcohol and physiological saline were investigated as a function of atmospheric ion density.Ion concentrations up to about 106 ions/cm3 were employed. In general evaporation rates decreased with increasing ion density (of either sign)to a minimum after which evaporation increased steadily. For water a reduction of about 15% occurred.The different liquids exhibited some deviations from this general pattern. The effects are specific to the type of gas ion, being exceptionally great for ionized oxygen. They also seem to be associated with the polar nature of the liquid molecules. The results are qualitatively explained on the basis of surface charging.The modification of evaporation may be a mechanism by which biological effects are produced by air ions.
A Comparison of Two Tests for Equality of Two Proportions

Abstract Two procedures for testing equality of two proportions are compared in terms of asymptotic efficiency. The comparison favors use of a statistic equivalent to Goodman's Y 2 over the usual X 2 statistic in some cases including that of equal sample sizes. Numerical comparisons indicate that the asymptotic results have some relevance for moderate sample sizes.
One RNA plays three roles to provide catalytic activity to a group I intron lacking an endogenous internal guide sequence

Catalytic RNA molecules possess simultaneously a genotype and a phenotype. However, a single RNA genotype has the potential to adopt two or perhaps more distinct phenotypes as a result of differential folding and/or catalytic activity. Such multifunctionality would be particularly significant if the phenotypes were functionally inter-related in a common biochemical pathway. Here, this phenomenon is demonstrated by the ability of the Azoarcus group I ribozyme to function when its canonical internal guide sequence (GUG) has been removed from the 5’ end of the molecule, and added back exogenously in trans. The presence of GUG triplets in noncovalent fragments of the ribozyme allow transsplicing to occur in both a reverse splicing assay and a covalent self-assembly assay in which the internal guide sequence (IGS)-less ribozyme can put itself together from two of its component pieces. Analysis of these reactions indicates that a single RNA fragment can perform up to three distinct roles in a reaction: behaving as a portion of a catalyst, behaving as a substrate, and providing an exogenous IGS. This property of RNA to be multifunctional in a single reaction pathway bolsters the probability that a system of self-replicating molecules could have existed in an RNA world during the origins of life on the Earth.
Real polynomials: A test for non-global non-negativity and non-global positivity

Abstract Tests for non-global non-negativity and non-global positivity of a real polynomial in m real variables are described. Each test consists of two phases. In the first phase, non-global non-negativity or non-global positivity of the polynomial under consideration is equated to (global) non-negativity or (global) positivity of a derived polynomial. In the second phase, a test for non-negativity or positivity is invoked. The class of non-global domains that can be transformed to global domains is considered and illustrated.
Effects of Circadian Regulation and Rest-Activity State on Spontaneous Seizures in a Rat Model of Limbic Epilepsy

Summary: Purpose: Circadian regulation via the suprachiasmatic nuclei and rest–activity state may influence expression of limbic seizures. Methods: Male rats (n = 14) were made epileptic by electrical stimulation of the hippocampus, causing limbic status epilepticus and subsequent seizures. We monitored seizures with intrahippocampal electrodes in 12–12-h light/dark (LD) cycles and in continuous dark (DD). We used radiotelemetry monitoring of activity to measure state and body temperature to determine circadian phase. Cosinor analysis and χ2 tests determined whether seizures occurred rhythmically when plotted by phase. State was defined as inactive or active in 10-min epochs based on whether activity count was below or above a cut-off value validated from video observation. Results: In LD, the peak seizure occurrence was 14:59 h after circadian temperature peak (95% confidence limit, 13:37–16:19). Phasic seizure occurrence persisted in DD for 14:05 (12:31–15:38), p < 0.0001, against uniform mean distribution. In LD, 14,787 epochs contained 1,268 seizures; seizures preferentially occurred during inactive epochs (965 observed, 878 expected in proportion to the overall distribution of inactive versus active epochs; p < 0.001). In DD, 20,664 epochs contained 1,609 seizures; seizures had no preferential occurrence by state (999 observed, 1,025 expected; p = 0.16). Conclusions: Limbic seizures occurred with an endogenous circadian rhythm. Seizures preferentially struck during inactivity during entrainment to the light–dark cycle.
Left-Handedness among Architects: Some Facts and Speculation:

Following some leads from casual observations, two studies of left-handedness among architects and architecture students confirmed that: (1) both groups tend to be more left-handed than would be “normally” expected; (2) all the left-handed students followed complex directions about drawing a spatial maze perfectly whereas over 50% of right-handed students erred. Perhaps the data relate to recent speculations about right-hemisphere dominance being associated with both left-handedness and greater spatial competence. How the generalization of these findings and similar questions relate to such study are for future research.
Some exact solutions for a class of two-dimensional hydromagnetic steady flows

Abstract A study is presented of a particular class of planar hydromagnetic steady flows of a uniform, incompressible conducting fluid, moving under the influence of its own magnetic field. The motions considered are special cases of a fairly wide class of hydromagnetic flows exhibited by Lin. The equations of motion and induction are formulated as nonlinear partial differential equations in a pair of stream functions, for the fluid velocity and magnetic field. Some general features of these flows are discussed, and a number of special exact solutions are derived, in unbounded space. In an appendix we give a method by which the formulation of the infiniteconductivity cases is reducible, in principle, to a single equation.
Intra- and inter-molecular exchange on symmetrical hydrazine diradical dications and comparison of the magnetic exchange with ET parameters derived from their optical spectra

The spin alignment in a charged molecular field is important research issue in the molecular magnetism. In order to clarify the interrelation between spin alignment and the charged molecular field, we have investigated intra- and inter-molecular exchanges on some Hydrazine diradical dictations 1–3 shown in Scheme 1 (see texts) by ESR and magnetic susceptibility measurement. The magnetic behavior of the dication salt 1 has been well analyzed using the alternating linear chain models with J_(intra)/k_B = −106 K, J_(inter_/k_B = −49 K and an alternating parameter α=0.46. The magnetic property of 3 has been also fitted to the alternating chain model with J/k_B = −106 K J_(inter)/k_B = −42 K (α=0.40). On the other hand, 2 gives a robust triplet ground state with larger energy separation from other spin states. The energy separation has been estimated to be larger than 300 cm−1 (J_(intra)/k_B > ±190 K) from the temperature dependence of the ESR signal intensity. These findings indicate that the sign of the intramolecular exchange depends on the linking position (m- or p-) of the hydrazine cation group, i.e. the topology of the π orbital network even in the cationic molecular field. The magneto-optical correlation is also discussed based on the intramolecular electron transfer (ET) parameters.
ESR spectra of poly(methacrylic acid) and poly(methyl methacrylate): Reinterpretation of the 9-line spectrum

The temperature dependence of the ESR spectra of poly(methacrylic acid) and poly-(methyl methacrylate) γ-irradiated at room temperature was studied between −196°C and +25°C. The conventional 9-line spectrum was observed throughout this range with no significant spectral change, in contrast to the propagating radical ··· CH2°C(CH3)COOR found in methacrylic acid monomer or barium methacrylate dihydrate irradiated at −196°C. In addition, the irradiation of methacrylic acid monomer with a low dose at 0°C gave the same 13-line spectrum as that of the propagating radical obtained by the irradiation at −196°C, while prolonged irradiation at 0°C gave the same conventional 9-line spectrum as that of poly(methacrylic acid) or poly(methyl methacrylate). The conventional 9-line spectrum has a much weaker 4-line component than that of the propagating radical. The difference comes from the surrounding matrix, and the conventional 9-line spectrum is well interpreted by introducing the concept of the distribution of the conformational angle in the irregular polymer matrix. From simulation of the ESR spectrum, it was found that the intensity of the 4-line component is very sensitive to the distribution, and that the observed 9-line spectrum is well reproduced assuming a Gaussian distribution (half-height width of 5–6°) around the most probable conformation which is nearly the same as that of the propagating radical, where the conformational angles of the two CHβ bonds to the half-filled p-orbital are 55° and 65°.
Collection and growth of canine lymphocytes from Peyer's patches

A procedure is described for culturing lymphocytes from Peyer's patches of the canine small intestine. A description is provided for the identification and removal of the lymphoid tissue (Peyer's patch), preparation of the tissue, separation of the lymphocytes from the tissue, and subsequent culturing of the lymphocytes. This procedure can be performed in 8 h, provides adequate antibiotic doses to prevent bacterial contamination, and describes how to remove excessive intestinal mucus from the preparation. This technique can be used for the preparation of lymphocytes from other lymphoid organs.
Molecular-level understanding of environmental interfaces using density functional theory modeling

Abstract The ability to apply existing density functional theory-based modeling techniques to timely research problems in environmental chemistry is demonstrated by an ab initio thermodynamics investigation of stable hydrated oxide surface models and a comparative reactivity study of Pb(II) adsorption on two water-mineral interfaces with a common geometry, but distinct electronic structure. We emphasize the unique considerations required to produce chemically reasonable structural models for hydrated surfaces and surface complex structures, as well as how to use experimental insights to limit the extensive configuration space encountered in complex hydrated models relative to theoretical surface science done under idealized, ultra-high vacuum conditions.
Direct measurements of thermal vacancies in BCC4He

X-ray lattice parameters of bcc4He crystals in contact with superfluid4He were measured with 300 ppm accuracy in the temperature range 1.494–1.711 K, corresponding to solid molar volumes between 20.88 and 21.09 cm3. Thermal vacancy concentrations in the solid at melting were estimated from a comparison of these lattice parameters with bulk solid molar volumes from the literature. Independently, temperature-dependent x-ray lattice parameter measurements on a bcc sample, held at constant macroscopic volume from 1.700 to 1.735 K, were referenced to the same solid sample (at 20.90 cm3) in the hcp phase near 0.8 K, where thermal vacancy content is small. The value of the free energy of formation for vacancies in bcc4He obtained from these measurements isf=9±1 K. The relationship between this value and indirect inferences about vacancy formation from ion mobility and NMR experiments is discussed. Comparisons are made between vacancy properties in bcc4He and in the more extensively studied bcc phase of3He. There are many parallels between the two systems. But a puzzling apparent difference between the vacancy relaxation energies in the two solids is pointed out.
Natural history and outcome of neonatal hypocalcemic and hypomagnesemic seizures

Abstract The clinical characteristics and neurologic outcome of 15 newborn infants with seizures due to hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia have been studied with careful exclusion of those patients who had other possible etiologies for seizures. Associated diagnoses included severe congenital heart disease in 7 of 15 (47%) patients. Possible causes for this association with congenital heart disease include a forme fruste of DiGeorge syndrome, hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia due to critical illness, and subtle embolic cerebral ischemia. In contrast with previous studies, no abnormalities of formula milk feeding were observed. Five patients (36%) died of causes unrelated to seizures. Follow-up in 8 of 9 patients who had no cerebral insults other than neonatal seizures at a mean age of 57.8 ± 10.5 months found neurologic abnormalities in 2 (22%), both with an endocrine etiology for hypocalcemia. We conclude that infants with severe congenital heart disease should be investigated for hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. Previous observations of a universally favorable neurologic outcome in newborns with hypocalcemic or hypomagnesemic seizures may be valid for those who have a nutritional etiology for the metabolic disturbance but are less relevant to the current population in whom hypocalcemia or hypomagnesemia due to errors in formula milk feeding is seldom observed. In this group, neurologic prognosis may be more related to associated medical conditions.
A preliminary Raman spectroscopic study of native zinc-insulin crystals

Abstract A Raman spectrum of rhombohedral zinc-insulin crystals is reported and partially interpreted. One interesting finding is that the intrachain disulfide bond, A6-11, may have a local geometry different from that of the interchain disulfide bonds, B7-A7 and B19-A20. Another finding is that the amide III region consists of three resolved peaks at 1239, 1270 and 1288 cm −1 , indicating the existence of three distinct structural components in the polypeptide chains of the insulin crystals. These interpretations are compared with the X-ray crystallographic results of Hodgkin and co-workers.
Co-administration of IGF-binding protein-3 differentially inhibits the IGF-I-induced total body and organ growth of Snell dwarf mice

Abstract In mammals IGF-I is part of a 150-kDa binding protein complex, which also contains a glycosylated acid-labile protein (ALS) and a glycosylated acid-stable IGF binding subunit IGFBP-3. Administration of free IGF-I in vivo induces not only acute insulin-like effects but also growth stimulation. Since co-injection with IGFBP-3 only partially blocked the hypoglycemic response of free IGF-I in hypophysectomized rats, we were interested in the growth stimulating activity of the IGFI-IGFBP-3 complex in pituitary-deficient mice compared to that obtained by IGF-I alone. Therefore, the effects of subcutaneously administered IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and the IGF-I-IGFBP-3 complex on somatic growth and organ growth of pituitary-deficient Snell dwarf mice were studied after 4 weeks of treatment. Treatment with IGF-I alone induced a significant increase in body length and weight, as well as in weights of the submandibular salivary glands, kidneys and quadriceps femooris muscles as compared to buffer treated controls. No significant changes were found in liver, brain, heart and thymus. IGFBP-3 alond had no effect. However, the stimulating effects of IGF-I alone on body length and weight, as well as on the weight of the kidneys, were fully neutralized by co-injection with IGFBP-3. In contrast, the weights of submandibular salivary glands and m. quadriceps femoris were increased by treatment with the complex compared to controls and not significantly different from animals treated with IGF-I alone. Our data show that in GH-deficient mice administration of IGFBP-3 differentially inhibits the IGF-I induced body and organ growth. This calls for extra vigilance when exploring presumed adbantages of administering an IGF-I-IGFBP-3 complex to GH-deficient individuals in order to obtain stimulation of growth.
Temporally coherent conservative visibility

Abstract Efficiently identifying polygons that are visible from a changing synthetic viewpoint is an important problem in computer graphics. Even with hardware support, simple algorithms like depth-buffering cannot achieve interactive frame rates when applied to geometric models with many polygons. However, a visibility algorithm that exploits the occlusion properties of the scene to identify a superset of visible polygons, without touching most invisible polygons, could achieve fast frame rates while viewing such models. In this paper, we present a new approach to the visibility problem. The novel aspects of our algorithm are that it is temporally coherent and conservative ; for all viewpoints the algorithm overestimates the set of visible polygons. As the synthetic viewpoint moves, the algorithm reuses visibility information computed for previous viewpoints. It does so by computing visual events at which visibility changes occur, and efficiently identifying and discarding these events as the viewpoint changes. In essence, the algorithm implicitly constructs and maintains a linearized portion of an aspect graph , a data structure for representing visual events. We demonstrate that the visibility algorithm significantly accelerates rendering of several test models.
Servo-stabilization of low-frequency oscillations in liquid propellant rocket motors

Die Theorie der kleinen Frequenz-Instabilitat von Raketenmotoren mit flussigen Treibmitteln wird uberarbeitet, wobei im besonderen die Methode der Satche-Diagramme erortert wird, welche durchH. S. Tsien fur Stabilitatsrechnungen linearer Systeme mit zeitlicher Verzogerung eingefuhrt worden sind. Das Prinzip der Stabilisierung durch Benutzung einer Gegenkopplungsschleife wird besprochen, und es wird gezeigt, dass schon eine sehr einfache Losung des Gegenkopplungskreises die Stabilitat von flussigen Einzel- und Doppeltreibmitteln in Raketenmotoren versichern kann, unabhangig von der Grosse der Zeitverzogerung. Auf Grund des beschriebenen speziellen analytischen Beispiels wird gefolgert, dass solche Stabilisierungsmassnahmen fur eine viel grossere Klasse von Instabilitaten in Raketenmotoren als die betrachtete empirisch verwirklicht werden konnen.
A simple method for fixation and microdissection of frozen fresh tissue sections for molecular cytogenetic analysis of cancers

Microdissection has been widely used for procuring DNA from specific microscopic regions of formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue sections. We have developed a method for fixation and microdissection of frozen fresh biopsy tissue sections. Five micrometer frozen fresh tissue sections were fixed with ethanol and stored at room temperature. Well defined regions from hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) stained or unstained sections were briefly steamed and microdissected using a needle. The dissected tissue was digested with proteinase K and DNA was isolated. Whole genome amplifications were obtained by degenerate oligonucleotide primed polymerase chain reaction (DOP-PCR) from these samples. The reliability of this technique was demonstrated by comparing conventional comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) with DOP-PCR-CGH. The advantages of this method are that frozen fresh sections can be fixed easily and stored for more than 4 years, it is easy to microdissect and pick-up very minute regions (0.1 mm(2)), and it is rapid; microdissection and purification can be accomplished within 3 h. Using DNA from microdissected sections, DOP-PCR-CGH revealed genetic abnormalities more accurately than conventional CGH. Although this novel method was demonstrated using DOP-PCR-CGH, we believe that it will be useful for other genetic analyses of specific small regions and cell populations. We also observed whether storage time, H & E staining and crude DNA extracts affected the quality of amplified DNA. DNA integrity was maintained for at least 49 months in ethanol fixed sections that were stored at room temperature, but DNA was gradually degraded after one month if the ethanol fixed sections had been H & E stained and stored. When crude DNA extracts from H & E stained sections were used, the size of the DOP-PCR product was reduced. Our study suggests that ethanol fixed tissue sections may be stored at room temperature for at least 4 years without DNA degradation, the H & E stains may not affect the quality of amplified DNA, but H & E or other components in the staining process may reduce the size of DOP-PCR product, which is critical for the quality of CGH hybridization.
Magnetic hyperfine fields at bismuth in iron and nickel

Abstract The magnetic hyperfine interaction of 204Bi in iron and nickel has been studied by thermal equilibrium nuclear orientation technique. For temperatures
Predicting persistence in a changing climate: flow direction and limitations to redistribution.

Synthesis Impending climate changes beg the question: which populations and species will go extinct and which will persist under future environmental conditions? When tolerance in situ is not possible, then species must undergo range shifts to avoid extinction. This synthesis explores ways in which directional air and water flow could impede such redistribution and the characteristics that might allow species to disperse against the flow. Considering flow patterns in tandem with climate and range projections has the potential to improve predictions of persistence for the earth’s many non-moving foundation and basal species as well as the communities and food webs that they support. Predicting which populations and species will persist (i.e. avoid extinction and continue to exist) in the face of climate change requires an understanding of mechanisms that allow species to cope with altered environmental conditions. When processes of tolerance, acclimation, and adaptation are insufficient to allow persistence in situ, redistribution is required for population or species persistence. Here, I review evidence that directional flows of water and air have the potential to restrict species’ range boundaries under ambient conditions, the spread of introduced species, and the redistribution of native species under changing climatic conditions. I develop the hypothesis that flow patterns, such as the speed and directionality (i.e. poleward vs equatorward) of asymmetric air and water currents, may need to be considered when assessing the vulnerability of populations and species to climate change. To the degree that directional flows are found to limit redistribution, there may be disproportionate losses of diversity where the dominant flow direction opposes that of shifting climate space. Within this context, I highlight flow conditions and life-history traits that could help the most passively-dispersed species redistribute to track changing climate. These predictions merit further examination in order to better anticipate which populations, species, and associated communities are likely to persist under climate change.
Trypanosoma musculi with Trichinella spiralis or Heligmosomoides polygyrus: Concomitant infections in the mouse

Inbred mice infected with Trypanosoma musculi displayed wide variations in peak blood parasitemia. The most susceptible mice were C3H and A strain, while Balbc, C57B1/6, and the related congenic B10 strains were the most resistant. The effect of an intestinal infection with either Trichinella spiralis or Heligmosomoides polygyrus on proliferation of T. musculi was investigated. T. spiralis infections given at the same time or up to 45 days before a T. musculi infection always caused an increase in blood parasitemia in C3H mice. Maximum increases were observed when T. spiralis infections preceded T. musculi by 5–10 days. In all mouse strains examined, dual infections increased maximum parasitemia by two- to four-fold, regardless of the degree of resistance of that mouse strain to either T. musculi or T. spiralis. This suggested that the immunological “cost” of a T. spiralis infection was the same for strains that were strong or weak responders to a primary infection with T. spiralis. In contrast, infection with H. polygyrus did not promote T. musculi parasitemia over the level of a single infection. The increase in blood parasitemia in T. spiralis-infected mice was largely due to the intestinal adult worm, but migratory larvae and mature muscle larvae also stimulated increased parasitemias. The increase in parasitemia was proportionate to the dose of T. spiralis, and the sex of the host did not affect the blood trypanosome level.
Robust Exponential Stabilization of Networked Switched Control System

The use of network in control systems to connect controllers and sensors/actuators has become common practice. As a special case of such systems, a networked switched control system (NSCS) is studied. This paper models NSCS with network-induced delay and packet dropout as switched delay systems. Sufficient conditions for robust exponential stability are given for a class of switching signals with average dwell time. A design method to stabilize a continuous-time, linear switched plant under a given communication network via a hybrid state feedback controller is proposed. The design of hybrid controllers is network-dependent and given in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs).
The Diels—Alder reaction in organometallic chemistry VI. Diels—Alder reactions of α-pyrone with group IV element-substituted acetylenes

Abstract The Diels—Alder reactions of α-pyrone with Me3SiCCSiMe3, Me3SiCCSiMe2H, Me2HSiCCSiMe2H, Me3GeCCGeMe3, Me3SiCCGeMe3, Me3SiCCSnMe3 and EtCCEt were examined. All except the first two acetylenes gave the expected 1,2-disubstituted benzene product, in line with results obtained previously with Me3SnCCSnMe3. The first two acetylenes, Me3SiCCSiMe3 and Me3SiCCSiMe2H, also yielded benzene products containing substantial amounts of the 1,3-disubstituted benzenes, as well as minor amounts of the 1,4-isomers. This formation of unexpected isomers during these reactions was shown to result from acid-catalyzed rearrangement of the initially formed 1,2-disubstituted products, 1,2-(Me3Si)2C6H4 and 1-Me3Si-2-Me2HSiC6H4. The acidic impurities arose from pyrolysis of the bromobenzene solvent used or were introduced as contaminants of the α-pyrone. Such isomerizations were inhibited by addition of small amounts of triethylamine. The fact that no rearrangement took place with the other acetylenes is due to the scavenging of acidic impurities which might cause isomerization by the starting acetylene and the benzene product via metal—carbon bond cleavage processes.
Synaptic Plasticity and Nicotine Addiction

Nicotine, the main addictive component of tobacco, activates and desensitizes nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In that way, nicotine alters normal nicotinic cholinergic functions. Among the myriad of psychopharmacological effects that underlie the addiction process, nicotine influences nAChR participation in synaptic plasticity. This influence has particular importance in the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system, which serves during the reinforcement of rewarding behaviors.
Synthese und Dissoziationskonstante isomerer Naphthyl‐(1)‐naphthalincarbonsäuren

Die Synthese von 1-Naphthyl-naphthalin-carbonsaure-(2) (1) und 2-Naphthyl-naphthalin-carbonsaure-(1) (2) aus 1-Halogen-naphthalinen uber Dehydronaphthalin wird beschrieben. Die Dissoziationskonstanten von 1 und 2 werden in Athanol/Wasser nach einer differential-potentiometrischen Titrationsmethode bestimmt. Die Abschwachung der Aciditat durch eine zur Carboxylgruppe o-standige α-Naphthyl-Gruppe wird diskutiert.
The Quality of Well-being Scale. Applications in AIDS, cystic fibrosis, and arthritis.

The Quality of Well-being (QWB) Scale combines preference-weighted measures of symptoms and functioning to provide a numerical point in-time expression of well-being that ranges from zero (0) for death to 1.0 for asymptomatic optimum functioning. The QWB includes three scales of function: mobility,