cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MCR Decoding: A MIMO approach for defending against wireless jamming attacks.

This paper presents a novel technique MultiChannel Ratio (MCR) Decoding, which aims at providing an antijamming wireless communication capability for multi-antenna wireless devices. The basic idea of MCR decoding is to fully leverage the repeated preamble signals and the multi-channel characteristics in MIMO communications to detect and recover the desired transmission signals under constant and reactive jamming attacks. This paper also reports the analysis, implementation, and experimental evaluations of MCR decoding on a software-defined radio platform GNURadio and USRP, which show that the proposed MCR decoding can detect the desired transmission reliably under the jamming attack and remove jamming signals effectively in the real world environment.
Oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle: Effects of aging and exercise training

The rate of oxidative phosphorylation was investigated in isolated mitochondria from hindlimb muscles of young (4.5 mo) and old (26.5 mo) male Fischer 344 rats with or without endurance training. Further, the susceptibility of the muscle mitochondria to exogenous reactive oxygen species was examined. State 3 and 4 respiration, as well as the respiratory control index (RCI), were significantly lower in muscle mitochondria from aged vs. young rats (P<0.05), using either the site 1 substrates malate-pyruvate (M-P) and 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG), or the site 2 substrate succinate. In both young and old rats, training increased state 4 respiration with M-P, but had no effect on state 3 respiration, resulting in a reduction of RCI. Training also increased state 4 respiration with 2-OG and decreased RCI in young rats. When muscle mitochondria were exposed to superoxide radicals (O2·−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generated by xanthine oxidase and hypoxanthine, or H2O2 alone in vitro, state 3 respiration and RCI in both age groups were severely hampered, but those from the old rats were inhibited to a less extent than the young rats. In contrast, state 4 respiration was impaired by O2·− and/or H2O2 to a greater extent in the old rats. Muscle mitochondria from trained young rats showed a greater resistance to the O2· − and/or H2O2-induced state 3 and RCI inhibition than those from untrained young rats. Muscle from aged rats had significantly higher total activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase than that from young rats, however, training increased SOD and GPX activities in young but not old rats. The results of this study suggest that mitochondrial capacity for oxidative phosphorylation is compromised in aging skeletal muscle. Further, the increased mitochondrial resistance to reactive oxygen species demonstrated in aged and young trained muscles may be attributed to enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities.
Mechanisms of petroleum hydrocarbon toxicity: Functional changes in rat liver mitochondria after exposure to a prudhoe bay crude oil

Administration of a Prudhoe Bay Crude Oil (PBCO) to rats (5 ml/kg/day for 2 days) resulted in a 30-35% inhibition of liver mitochondrial state 3 respiration with beta-hydroxybutyrate or succinate as substrates. beta-Hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, NADH oxidase and succinate oxidase activities were also decreased in PBCO-treated rats. A significant increase in latent ATPase activity was also observed. Our results suggest that PBCO exerts its effects on liver mitochondria through the inhibition of beta-hydroxybutyrate- and succinate-supported electron transfer activities and by impairment of the mitochondrial membrane.
Behavior of benzene on Zr(0 0 0 1): effect of electron bombardment on benzene desorption profiles

Abstract We investigate the interaction of benzene (C 6 H 6 ) with Zr(0 0 0 1) and the effects of 500 eV electron bombardment. Two desorption states are resolved above 700 K in temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments. Electron bombardment has no significant effects on the amount of desorbing benzene but effects TPD profiles and desorption temperatures. We observe the production of C 2 H 2 and C 4 H 4 species for lower benzene exposures and detect no effect of electron bombardment on this trend. The C(KLL) Auger electron feature exhibits qualitative line-shape changes with respect to benzene exposure and annealing temperature. Our results indicate that benzene dissociates on Zr(0 0 0 1) for lower exposures, forming a carbonized surface upon which additional benzene adsorbs and remains stable to unexpectedly high temperatures.
Interplanetary magnetic field and magnetospheric substorms

The interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) changes and the associated responses of the magnetosphere on November 1, 1972, are examined. IMF Bz changes consisted of a sudden southward turning, a slow northward turning, and a subsequent steady northward sense. Magnetospheric substorms occurred throughout this period.
Charge Substitution of a Deep-Pore Residue Suggests Structural Rearrangements During BK Channel Activation

During scanning mutagenesis of the S6 region of BK channels, we found a deep pore residue (M314 in hSlo) with interesting gating phenotypes. At pH7, the histidine substitution at this position (M314H) gave rise to currents with significantly slower deactivation kinetics than the wild-type BK. Deactivation became even slower with intracellular pH6 and pH5. To test whether this observation is an effect due to side-chain charges, we made three other charge-substituting mutants, M314K, M314E and M314D. For M314K, deactivation kinetics of the currents at pH7 was similar to that of M314H at pH5. This is consistent with the fact that the lysine (K) side-chain has a more basic pKa than that of histidine (H). For both M314H and M314K, increasing proton concentration (lowering pH) made the deactivation slower while reducing proton concentration (increasing pH) made the deactivation faster. For M314E, deactivation kinetics of the currents was fast at pH5 and became slower as the intracellular proton concentration was reduced to pH6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. The M314D channels could stay open at negative potentials in 0 Ca2+, at pH7, 8, 9 and 10. The most effective way to close the M314D channels was to increase the intracellular proton concentration to pH5. The results from all the charge-substituted mutants (M314H, M314K, M314E and M314D) support the idea that neutralizing the side-chain at the 314 position helped the channels close while charging the side-chain made it difficult for the channels to close. We propose that the charged form of the substituted residues may prefer the polar environment of the pore and stabilize the open state. The 314 residue may become more exposed to the pore as the channels transition from the closed to the open conformation.
Properties of generalized Levinson–Durbin–Whittle sequences

Abstract For a discrete time, second-order stationary process the Levinson–Durbin recursion is used to determine best fitting one-step-ahead linear autoregressive predictors of successively increasing order, best in the sense of minimizing the mean square error. Whittle [1963. On the fitting of multivariate autoregressions, and the approximate canonical factorization of a spectral density matrix. Biometrika 50, 129–134] generalized the recursion to the case of vector autoregressive processes. The recursion defines what is termed a Levinson–Durbin–Whittle sequence, and a generalized Levinson–Durbin–Whittle sequence is also defined. Generalized Levinson–Durbin–Whittle sequences are shown to satisfy summation formulas which generalize summation formulas satisfied by binomial coefficients. The formulas can be expressed in terms of the partial correlation sequence, and they assume simple forms for time-reversible processes. The results extend comparable formulas obtained in Shaman [2007. Generalized Levinson–Durbin sequences, binomial coefficients and autoregressive estimation. Working paper] for univariate processes.
Effects of fetal bovine serum and serum-free conditions on white and dark axolotl neural crest explants

Neural crest cells from both white mutant and dark (wildtype) axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) were cultured in increasing concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS; 2 to 20%). For each explant, the total number of cells that migrated and the percent of differentiated melanophores were recorded. At concentrations of FBS above 2% melanophore differentiation was essentially equivalent (32 to 59%) for both the white and dark neural crest cultures, but subtle differences in cell behavior and differentiation were found between the two phenotypes. By contrast there was a significant difference in the percent melanization of cells in serum-free control cultures, wherein melanophore differentiation in dark neural crest cultures was, on average, 18% compared to 5% in white cultures. Thus, contrary to all previously published work, white and dark neural crest cells are not intrinsically equivalent. Our culture results are discussed with regard to the probable in vivo conditions that cause the white phenotype.
Primary follicular lymphoma of the extrahepatic bile duct mimicking a hilar cholangiocarcinoma: case report and review of the literature

We report a case of a 53-year-old Asian woman who presented with abdominal pain, bloating, dysphagia, and signs of incomplete biliary obstruction, having elevated liver function tests but without increased bilirubin. Imaging studies revealed a mass measuring 6.0 x 8.0 cm at the porta hepatis extending to the right lobe of the liver and obstructing the common hepatic duct, causing mild to moderate intrahepatic biliary dilation and variable occlusion of the right portal vein. At laparotomy, an infiltrative neoplasm was noted at the hilum that involved the common bile duct, right and left hepatic ducts, and the right lobe of the liver. Extended right hepatectomy and resection of the extrahepatic bile duct and right portal vein was performed. Histologic examination revealed a high grade follicular lymphoma (grade 3A) with a predominantly follicular pattern of growth. Portal lymph nodes and a staging bone marrow biopsy showed no evidence of lymphoma. The patient subsequently received chemotherapy. Postoperative follow-up of more than 4 years has been uneventful, without disease recurrence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third report of a primary extranodal follicular lymphoma of the extrahepatic biliary system.
AgClimate: a case study in participatory decision support system development

Potential economic benefit exists from the use of seasonal climate forecasts in agriculture. To assess potential end user attitudes toward and interests in climate data, and to provide inputs from users to the development of decision support tools, we conducted a series of surveys. Survey results affected the design, development, and enhancement of AgClimate, a web-based decision support system for minimizing climate risks to agriculture. The overall process is an example of how decision makers can participate in the research process, thereby improving the value and relevance of research products such as decision support systems.
The 50th Anniversary IMIA History of Medical Informatics Project

At the meeting of the IMIA Board in 2009 in Hiroshima, it approved an IMIA 50th Anniversary History Project to produce a historical volume and other materials to commemorate the anniversary of the foundation of the predecessor of IMIA–the IFIP-TC4 in 1967. A Taskforce was organized under the direction of Casimir Kulikowski, then the VP for Services of IMIA, and since that time it has met regularly to plan and implement the 50th Anniversary History of IMIA as an edited volume, and as material available online on a Media Presentation Database. The IMIA Taskforce is gathering IMIA-related archival materials, currently accessible through a prototype media repository at Rutgers University in order to help those contributing to the book or writing their own recollections and histories. The materials will support a chronicle of the development and evolution of IMIA, its contributors, its sponsored events and publications, educational and other professional activities. During 2013 Workshops were held at the Prague EFMI-STC meeting in April and at the MEDINFO 2013 Congress in Copenhagen in August.
Experimental and computer model results on an ion thruster charge-exchange plasma

Ion thrusters can be used in a variety of primary and auxiliary space propulsion applications. A thruster produces a charge-exchange plasma that can interact with various systems on the spacecraft. The propagation of the charge-exchange plasma is crucial in determining the interaction of that plasma with the spacecraft. This paper compares experimental measurements with computer model predictions of the propagation of the chargeexchange plasma from a 30 cm mercury ion thruster. Plasma parameters compared include flow directions, ion densities, and directed energies. Good agreement is found in a region upstream of, and close to, the ion thruster optics. Outside of this region, the agreement is reasonable in view of the modeling difficulties.
Corporate culture, absorptive capacity and IT success

This study examines absorptive capacity's role in IT implementation success. Absorptive capacity is the organization's ability to recognize the value of new information, assimilate it, and apply it to commercial ends [Cohen, W. M., & Levinthal, D. A. (1990). Absorptive capacity: A new perspective on learning and innovation. Administrative Science Quarterly, 35(March), 128-152]. Based on previous research, this study proposes a measure of absorptive capacity that includes managerial IT knowledge and communication channels and tests its relationship to the application of new technology in the form of expert systems implementation. Related to claims about the importance of absorptive capacity are claims that a ''learning culture'' or ''knowledge-friendly culture'' is necessary in order for knowledge to be gained and effectively used within the organization. This study examines the type of corporate culture that influences absorptive capacity. The results provide support for absorptive capacity's proposed dimensions and its antecedent of corporate culture that act to influence the implementation of new technologies.
Measuring technological change using a latent variable approach

The state of technology is an unobservable variable in transformation functions. The study introduces a latent variable structural equation approach to modelling technological change in US agriculture. The proposed approach combines the parametric production (cost) function and the discrete total factor productivity index approaches together and minimises measurement errors. The technological change for the US agriculture is assumed to be caused by agricultural research, extension, and the farmers' educational backgrounds. The results are compared with the conventional total factor productivity measurement and show that the estimated technology index has a higher annual growth rate than the discrete total-factor-productivity index estimates. Copyright 1994 by Oxford University Press.
Abstract 380: Optimization of novel therapeutic paradigms for ovarian cancer using molecular imaging

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among American woman. Platinum-based chemotherapy, such as cisplatin, represents the standard of care for ovarian cancer. However, toxicicity and acquired resistance to cisplatin have been proven challenging in the treatment of cancer patients. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of targeted inhibition of Akt in combination with cisplatin in an ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinoma (OEA) mouse model wherein Wnt and PI3K signaling pathways are disrupted thus recapitulating the human disease. In cell culture and mouse xenograft models, inhibition of Akt activity in combination with cisplatin is more potent at inducing apoptosis compared to either agent alone. To further explore this finding in living animals, we incorporate a bioluminescence apoptosis reporter into the existing OEA mouse model, to enable monitoring of apoptosis dynamically and non-invasively in real time. Our results demonstrate that Akt inhibitors augment the efficacy of cisplatin by inducing apoptosis more efficiently in our newly developed transgenic OEA model. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was also accomplished to determine tumor burden and normalize changes in bioluminescence. Our results show that inhibition of Akt sensitizes OEA to apoptosis in response to cisplatin thus resulting in reducing tumor burden. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 380. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-380
Evaluation of Current Population Genetics Theory

My aim is to give a partial evaluation or critique of the state of population genetics theory. A decent theory must include the following components: the development of concepts of fitness that have demonstrated epistemic correlations, life tables, mating, fecundity, finite (even if large) niche size, and, of course, Mendelism and mutation. It must in the end also include varying environment and competition between species. The extent to which the desiderata are met is discussed. The big lacunae in the whole theory appear to be the inadequate treatment of fitness and the ignoring of niche capacity. Some theorems that are given as fundamental must be questioned and even discarded. Integration of ideas of simple Mendelism, quantitative genetic variation, and ecology is the big task ahead. It is critical that more complete theory be developed.
The effects of differing type and magnitude of reward on the contrafreeloading phenomenon in rats

This investigation was made to determine the effects of the magnitude of reward on contrafreeloading, using food or water as reward. Two quantities were selected for each level of reward quality—a 20-mg-pellet food reward, a 45-mg-pellet food reward, a .01-cc water reward, and a .1-cc water reward. Seven days of training were followed by three test sessions. There was a significantly higher percent of contrafreeloding demonstrated with food as reward than with water and higher number of barpresses with small reward than with large. It was argued that a more appropriate measure should include reference to performance during training. In this approach, contrafreeloading with food and water were virtually the same.
Detecting abnormalities in noncued areas of digitized mammograms: an observer experience

To assess the performance levels of a radiologist in detecting non-cued masses and microcalcification clusters depicted on digitized mammograms, 120 mammograms depicting 57 verified masses and 38 microcalcification clusters were selected. During an observer performance study, the images were displayed on a computer monitor. Except for the first mode where no regions were cued, the images were cued in the other four modes using a combination of two cueing sensitivities (90% and 50%) and two false-positive rates (0.5 and 2 per image). One reader ignored all cued regions and identified suspicious regions only in non-cued areas. We examined how the performance of this observer was affected using the different cueing modes. Detection sensitivities of non-cued mammographic abnormalities ranged from 43% to 60%, which were lower (P<EQ0.05) than the 76% sensitivity achieved in the non-cued mode. Increasing the false-positive cueing rate from 0.5 to 2 per image reduced (<0.05) the detection sensitivity in the non-cued areas. When using a low performing cueing system, the performance reduction in non-cued areas might offset performance gains in cued areas, resulting in a negative impact on overall performance of the radiologists.
The mechanism of dissolution of hydroxyapatite and carbonated apatite in acidic solutions

Abstract As potential models for biological minerals, the dissolution of hydroxyapatite (HAP) and carbonated apatite (CAP) has been extensively studied. In the present work, the constant composition method has been used to investigate these dissolution reactions at constant undersaturation. The rates of dissolution of both HAP and CAP show marked decreases as the reactions proceed despite the constancy of undersaturation. In order to examine the influence of trace impurities, both ultrapure and reagent grade chemicals have been used together with traces of methanehydroxydiphosphonate (MHDP) as an “impurity probe”. Interestingly, MHDP accelerated the reaction at very low concentration (∼5×10-7M) but reduced the rate at higher levels. The results have been analyzed in terms of a polynuclear dissolution mechanism with surface properties expressed in terms of free surface energy which in turn is related to a surface entropy factor characterising the micro-roughness.
Test of the gauge-invariant formulation of quantum mechanics

Abstract An experiment, based on a spin system in a static and a time-varying magnetic field, is proposed and analyzed to test the conventional and the gauge-invariant formulations of quantum mechanics. The electric-dipole interaction is reviewed to show that these two formulations can produce the same results when the magnetic interaction is neglected.
Active learning versus compressive sampling

Compressive sampling (CS), or Compressed Sensing , has generated a tremendous amount of excitement in the signal processing community. Compressive sampling, which involves non-traditional samples in the form of randomized projections, can capture most of the salient information in a signal with a relatively small number of samples, often far fewer samples than required using traditional sampling schemes. Adaptive sampling (AS), also called Active Learning , uses information gleaned from previous observations (e.g. , feedback) to focus the sampling process. Theoretical and experimental results have shown that adaptive sampling can dramatically outperform conventional (non-adaptive) sampling schemes. This paper compares the theoretical performance of compressive and adaptive sampling for regression in noisy conditions, and it is shown that for certain classes of piecewise constant signals and high SNR regimes both CS and AS are near optimal. This result is remarkable since it is the first evidence that shows that compressive sampling, which is non-adaptive, cannot be significantly outperformed by any other method (including adaptive sampling procedures), even in the presence of noise. The performance of CS schemes for signal detection is also investigated.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Malingering Intellectual Disability: The Value of Available Measures and Methods

Atkins v. Virginia (2002) is a case that has changed the landscape in relation to the assessment of malingering in a legal context. This landmark decision abolished the death penalty for defendants found to have intellectual disability (ID; formally known as mental retardation), but limitations in our assessment techniques lead to questions regarding the veracity of ID claims. In fact, Justice Scalia noted with clarity that concerns exist regarding the ability of individuals to feign ID and to do so successfully. At the time of writing, little empirical research has been completed, but that which exists demonstrates an overall lack of validity for traditional measures of cognitive malingering for use with this population. This manuscript provides an overview of the utility of many of the traditional measures of malingering for use with an ID population and serves as a call for research in this very important area.
A novel approach to the preparation of pentacarbonyl(dialkylaminofluorocarbene)chromium compounds. Confirmation of structure by single crystal X-ray diffraction

Abstract A new method for the preparation of monofluorocarbene complexes with sulfur tetrafluoride, such as pentacarbonyl(dialkylaminofluorocarbene)chromium compounds, facilitated establishment of the carbene character of these materials by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.
Rancidity as a factor in the loss of viability of pine and other seeds

A study of the factors affecting viability of pine seeds conducted for three years with the collaboration of the Washington Forest Service of Louisiana showed a certain correlation between rancidity development in the fat and the loss of their viability as tested by sand flat germination tests and color test with tetra zolium chloride. Apparently there are other factors also affecting germination which act independently of rancidity development, but rancidity seems to play an important role in this process, at least under normal storage conditions and in the early stage of viability deteriration. The loss of linolenic acid through respiration, which has been suggested by Mirov as the cause of loss of viability and longevity of oleaginous seeds, seems to be a rather indirect factor because of the close association of linolenic and other unsaturated acids, losses, and the development of rancidity Experiments with okra seeds showed a similar correlation between rancidity development and the loss of germinability. Preliminary experiments by coating okra, onion, and pine seeds with an antioxidant (starch phosphate) proved beneficial for the preservation of viability of okra and onion seeds during storage at room temperature.
Narrowing and fine structure of the magnetization steps of dilute magnetic semiconductors in pulsed magnetic fields

Abstract Magnetization steps due to nearest-neighbor Mn2+ pairs in Cd0.977Mn0.023S and Zn0.97Mn0.03S are much narrower in pulsed fields than expected from thermal broadening, and show a fine structure. These narrow steps imply a pair spin-lattice relaxation time much longer than 0.5 ms. An interpretation of the narrow steps, based on the Dzyaloshinski-Moriya interaction, is proposed. The nearest-neighbor exchange constant JNN for (Zn,Mn)S is JNN kb = -16.9 0.6 K . The effects of polytypism of JNN in (Zn,Mn)S are discussed. For (Cd,Mn)S, JNN kB = -9.65 0.2 K and -11.0 0.2 K , corresponding to two inequivalent NN's in the wurtzite structure.
Development of Immunological Competence in Chickens

Recent data concerning the development of antibody forming capability in the chick are reviewed. In addition, information is presented indicating that there may be cells in the chicken lymphoid system which are capable of synthesizing immunoglobulin but not specific antibody. These cells appear to be independent of the bursa for their development but dependent on interaction with thymus dependent cells to elaborate their product. These results have led to the formulation of a new scheme of immunologic development in the chicken which better reflects contemporary understanding of the system.
CCC trigrams of low association value: A re-evaluation

The 343 CCC trigrams having the lowest association values in Witmer’s 1935 list were re-evaluated. Reliability of ratings was. 89 and the correlation with Witmer’s values was. 79. Large changes were found in trigrams such as JFK, QJF, LBJ, LBH, HFC, GXM, DHJ, DXB, etc. There were substantial increases in values of trigrams beginning with D. New norms are presented for experimenters who need more precise control over stimulus materials.
Importance of demethylenation in the metabolism in vivo and in vitro of methylenedioxyphenyl synergists and related compounds in mammals.

Abstract The major metabolic pathway for piperonyl butoxide, the sulfoxide diastereo-isomers, dihydrosafrole, safrole and myristicin in mice, after oral administration, involves cleavage of the methylenedioxyphenyl (MDP) moiety and expiration of the methylene carbon as carbon dioxide. In contrast, oxidation or conjugation (or both) of the side chain is the major metabolic pathway for Tropital, piperonal, piperonyl alcohol and piperonylic acid. Products in the urine, after piperonyl butoxide administration, include many compounds lacking the MDP moiety along with small amounts of 6-propylpiperonylic acid and its glycine conjugate, and those from Tropital consist almost entirely of the glycine and glucuronic acid conjugates of piperonylic acid. Mixed-function oxidases of liver microsomes demethylenate several MDP compounds to yield formate and the corresponding catechol; with most MDP compounds, other products also form because of additional oxidation reactions at other functional groups. The action of MDP synergists and related compounds in increasing drug and insecticide potency possibly is the result of combination of the MDP compound with an active site on the mixed-function oxidases resulting in inhibition of normal detoxification mechanisms.
Design and Innovative Methodologies in a Semantic Framework

Significant expenditure and effort is devoted to the never ending search for reduced product development lifecycle time and increased efficiency. The development of Semantic Web technologies promises a future where knowledge interchange is done seamlessly in open distributed environments. This paper illustrates how Semantic Web technologies in their current state of development can be effectively used to deploy an infrastructure supporting innovation principles and the engineering design processes. A mechanical design was chosen to model the initial phase of a design project using semantic ontologies. This included a set of design requirements, creating a functional model, and making use of the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TIPS). The ontology development strategy is built on a combination of larger domain knowledge ontologies and simple process ontologies. Linked user requirements, engineering design, and functional modeling ontologies facilitated the application of TIPS through a set of semantic rules to generate design recommendations. The developed semantic knowledge structure exemplifies a practical implementation of a functional model which served as a record of the design process and as a platform from which to gain additional usefulness out of the stored information.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Solution to the beryllium valence challenge

The quest in this column is to elucidate the valence of beryllium from the density measurements of the soluble chlorides, as suggested by Mendeleyev in 1889 [1, 2]. From the composition of beryllium oxide we gather that the atomic weight of beryllium is either 9 or 13.5 Da, depending on the valence of beryllium, or simply 4.5x Da where x is the valence [2]. Now, it is known that solutions of beryllium chloride, prepared by dissolving 2.00 g and 3.00 g anhydrous salt in 90.0 g water, have densities 1.0138 and 1.0211 g mL, respectively at 15°C. Because dilute equimolar solutions of metal chlorides will have densities increasing in the order of their molecular weights it is necessary to calculate the amount of beryllium chloride in these two solutions:
Mononuclear phagocytes in the human placenta

Summary Hofbauer cells have been identified by morphological criteria in human placentae and are considered to be mononuclear phagocytes. An increasing recognition of the morphological heterogeneity of mononuclear phagocytes and of the considerable difficulty in their recognition in histological sections has suggested that they may be considerably more numerous in the placenta than has been appreciated. The use of specific markers for mononuclear phagocytes in the present study facilitated their identification and quantitation in the placenta. Approximately 65 per cent of the cells in cell suspensions from placentae at all stages of gestation exhibited avid Fc receptors and were morphologically indistinguishable from mononuclear phagocytes. Most of these cells also were phagocytic and expressed C3 receptors. Furthermore, when cells expressing α-naphthyl butyrate esterase positivity as well as high-affinity receptors for immune complexes were visualized in the stroma of chorionic villi, nearly all stromal cells were positive. The results suggest that Hofbauer cells represent the fully differentiated, morphologically-obvious end-stage members of a large mononuclear phagocyte population which is present in chorionic villi throughout gestation.
Hydrocracking of DDGS corn oil over transition metal carbides supported on Al-SBA-15: Effect of fractional sum of metal electronegativities

Abstract Nickel-based carbide catalysts combined with four different metals (Mo, Nb, W, and Zr) and supported on Al-SBA-15 were investigated for the hydrocracking of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) corn oil to produce biofuels under mild reaction conditions. The effects of the fractional sums of the electronegativities of the transition metals on the catalyst activities, selectivities, and stabilities were investigated. The closer the fractional sum of the transition metal electronegativities was to the electronegativity range of the noble catalysts (2.0–2.2), the better was the catalyst performance. The highest diesel selectivity was obtained from NiWC/Al-SBA-15, with a fractional sum of electronegativity of 2.06. The effects of doping a promoter (Ce) on the catalyst electronegativity and activity were studied. Adding Ce generally improved the catalyst performance, by adjusting the combined electronegativities nearer to 2.0–2.2. However, other parameters affected by Ce addition, such as textural properties, or the performance of individual metals could also impact catalyst performance. The NiNbC/Al-SBA-15 catalyst promoted with 5% Ce maintained stable activity for 168 h at 400 °C and 4.48 MPa H2.
Evidence for Cooxidation of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil

Abstract The effect of constituent matrix on the degradation of hydrocarbons was characterized and evaluated within the context of cooxidation. Current information concerning the cooxidation process applied to hydrocarbons was evaluated and results were used to define a laboratory approach for studying the effects of constituent matrix on degradation rates of 13 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil. Four matrices were studied: (1) single constituents applied and incubated singly; (2) a synthetic mixture of PAHs applied and incubated together; (3) a mixture of oil refinery wastes; (4) and a creosote wood preserving waste. Initial soil concentrations of constituents were similar for each matrix evaluated. One soil was used, a Kidman fine sandy loam (Haplustoll, Utah). Incubation conditions and extraction and analysis methods were similar among the studies. Four and 5-ring PAHs were found to disappear more rapidly from soils amended with complex wastes, while degradation rates for 3-ring compounds in all matrices were similar. These results can be interpreted in the context of cooxidation and suggest a potential tool for bioremediation of PAH contaminated soils and the simultaneous protection of groundwater resources through reduction or mitigation of groundwater contamination due to vadose zone-associated PAHs.
Further discussion of Huygens-Fresnel principle

ABSTRACT Huygens-Fresnel principle is well used in analyzing wavefront propagation in vacuum. However, we should clear if this principle is available in the space including absorptive objection, such as a grating. In this paper we analyze if a grating can diffract a beam when the grating set on the focus point and the grating pitch is larger than the Airy disc, especially the phenomenon in a special interferometer [1] . The special interferometer shown in reference [1] has an extended incoherent light source modulated by a binary grating. The light source is imaged onto a sinusoidal transmission grating by the tested lens. The pitch of the binary grating is half of the period of the sinusoidal grating. Light coming from an arbitrary point of the light source is focused onto the sinusoidal grating. Two kinds of analysis method are considered. One is using Huygens-Fresnel principle as described in reference [1]: the concave beam can be resolved to a pair of waves. Each wave is diffracted by the sinusoidal grating. By using the modulated extended light source, only one color interferogram interfered by -1
The infrared N 2 laser as a pump for IR dyes

An infrared molecular nitrogen laser cooled by liquid nitrogen was used to pump a simple grating tuned infrared dye laser in the wavelength range from 0.915 μm to 1.04 μm. Broad-band operation of the dye lasers produced efficiencies as high as 20 percent, and produced output at wavelengths as long as 1.096 μm.
Risk identification for sudden cardiac death—Implications for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator use

In the decade following the first human implantation of an automatic defibrillator in 1980 by Mirowski et al,’ the use of the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in patients at risk of sudden cardiac death has increased dramatically. By early 1992 over 26,000 devices had been implanted worldwide (Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc, data on file; courtesy of M. O-Neal).” Large published series of ICD recipients have demonstrated sudden deathfree survival rates of approximately 95% over periods of up to 5 years. 4-11 A sudden death rate of 1% per year in patients receiving an ICD has recently been reported over a lo-year period.” The ICD is thus highly efficacious at preventing sudden death in high-risk patients. This review will address methods of identifying risk of sudden cardiac death and subsequent patient selection for ICD therapy in cardiac arrest survivors and in patients with sustained and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), unexplained syncope, and following myocardial infarction (MI). It will also examine the problems of risk stratification for sudden cardiac death in substrates other than coronary artery disease, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDM). and long QT syndrome (LQTS).
Polyethylene surface chemistry

Abstract Procedures and strategies for the synthesis and analysis of surface functionalized polyethylene are reviewed. Chemistry that introduces functional groups onto polyethylene surfaces, analytical procedures that can be used to characterize such surfaces and further synthetic manipulations of such functional groups are described. Reactions that use existing or introduced functional groups at polyethylene surfaces for surface graft polymerization are also discussed.
Chemical genomic profiling of biological networks using graph theory and combinations of small molecule perturbations.

Genome-wide measurements of multiple experimental samples yield rich fingerprints for comparison and interpretation. Here, a two-dimensional matrix of the cellular effects of all possible pairwise combinations of 24 small molecules, each with a different structure and bioactivity, was used to profile otherwise isogenic deletion strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using principles from graph theory, we derived a discrete model of the data for each strain by encoding the information in the form of a binary adjacency matrix. This matrix was used to construct a graph composed of nodes representing small molecules and edges connecting combinations that inhibited cell cycle progression. Computation of a set of graph theoretic descriptors for each chemical genetic network provided a topological fingerprint that showed genotype-dependent fluctuations. Because the structure of the genetic network determines the structure of the chemical genetic network, multidimensional chemical genomic profiling can be...
Kinetics of Precipitation and Measurements of Strain in the System MgO-Al2O3-Cr2O3

A quantitative X-ray technique for measuring precipitation strains has not been previously applied in metallic or oxide systems. The Warren-Averbach analysis of strain was used to determine the buildup of elastic strain energy in the spinel crystalline solution matrix (gross composition = 60 mol% MgAl2O2+ 40 mol% Cr2O3) during the isothermal (1135°C) precipitation of a metastable (coherent) monoclinic phase. The elastic strain energy of the spinel crystalline solution matrix increased to a maximum of about 3.1 × 107 ergs/cm3 for a reaction time of 8 h. There was a marked decrease in the elastic strain energy during the initial precipitation of the equilibrium corundum crystalline solution with the composition (Al3+0.72 Cr3+0.25)O3. An overall diffusion activation energy for precipitation of the mono-clinic phase was approximately 86 kcal/mol.
Analysis of the distribution and structure of integrated Banana streak virus DNA in a range of Musa cultivars.

Summary Banana streak virus strain OL (BSV-OL) commonly infects new Musa hybrids, and this infection is thought to arise de novo from integrated virus sequences present in the nuclear genome of the plant. Integrated DNA (Musa6+8 sequence) containing the whole genome of the virus has previously been cloned from cv. Obino l’Ewai (Musa AAB group), a parent of many of the hybrids. Using a Southern blot hybridization assay, we have examined the distribution and structure of integrated BSV-OL sequences in a range of Musa cultivars. For cv. Obino l’Ewai, almost every restriction fragment hybridizing to BSV-OL was predicted from the Musa6+8 sequence, suggesting that this is the predominant type of BSV-OL integrant in the genome. Furthermore, since only two junction fragments of Musa/BSV sequence were detected, and the Musa6+8 sequence is believed to be integrated as multiple copies in a tandem array, then the internal Musa spacer sequences must be highly conserved. Similarly sized restriction fragments were detected in four BB group cultivars, but not in six AA or AAA group cultivars, suggesting that the BSV-OL sequences are linked to the B-genome of Musa. We also provide evidence that cv. Williams (Musa AAA group) contains a distinct badnavirus integrant that is closely related to the ‘dead’ virus integrant previously characterized from Calcutta 4 (Musa acuminata ssp. burmannicoides). Our results suggest that the virus integrant from cv. Williams is linked to the A-genome, and the complexity of the hybridization patterns suggest multiple sites of integration and/or variation in sequence and structure of the integrants.
Characterization of baculovirus constructs lacking either the Ac 101, Ac 142, or the Ac 144 open reading frame

To investigate the role of the gene products encoded from the open reading frames 101, 142, and 144 of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), a set of bacmid knockout and repair constructs were generated. The repair genes were engineered to contain an HA epitope tag at their C-termini. The results of transfection-infection assays and growth curve analyses showed that the Ac 101, 142, and 144 genes were required for infectious virus production. To better characterize the role of these genes in the baculovirus replication cycle, quantitative DNA replication assays were performed and demonstrated that in cells transfected with the Ac 101, 142, or 144 knockouts, DNA replicated with similar kinetics as a control virus. Western blot analyses of budded virus from cells infected with the repair viruses showed that these proteins are associated with the viral nucleocapsid. Furthermore, immunoelectron microscopy of cells transfected with the knockout bacmids revealed defects in nucleocapsid production for all three constructs. From these results we concluded that the gene products encoded from these open reading frames are essential for virus production and may be involved in DNA processing, packaging, or nucleocapsid morphogenesis.
Transport of equine ovaries for assisted reproduction.

Abstract Use of assisted reproduction to obtain foals from valuable mares post-mortem typically necessitates holding of ovaries during shipment to a laboratory. The present study evaluated whether holding ovaries briefly at a warm (∼30 °C) temperature improves meiotic and developmental competence of oocytes, as determined after maturation in vitro and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Ovaries were packaged in pairs in insulated containers, and held either at 24 or 25–35 °C for 4 h, followed by cooling. Ovaries in both treatments were held for either a short (mean, 7–7.4 h) or long (mean, 20.6–20.7 h) duration before oocyte recovery. Control ovaries were collected en masse at the abattoir. The ovary temperature in this treatment slowly decreased to ∼27 °C; oocyte recovery was performed after 3.5–7 h total holding. There was no effect of temperature on oocyte meiotic or developmental competence within either treatment time period. Oocytes in the short duration holding group had similar meiotic competence to controls, but had a significantly decreased rate (P
Transcriptional Regulation of Hexokinase II in Denervated Rat Skeletal Muscle

Abstract Hexokinase II protein is augmented in denervated skeletal muscle; therefore, we determined if hexokinase II gene transcription rates and mRNA levels are increased with denervation. The right hindlimb skeletal muscles of male rats were denervated while the left hindlimbs were sham operated. Seventy-two h following surgery, rats were sacrificed and the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were harvested for nuclear and RNA isolation. Nuclear run-on and ribonuclease protection analyses indicated that denervation increased hexokinase II transcription rates and mRNA levels 42% and 88%, respectively (p
Protein dynamics investigated by the neutron diffraction–hydrogen exchange technique

A new approach, using neutron diffraction and the hydrogen exchange (H/D) technique, has been used to study the extent and nature of the inherent conformational fluctuations in the protein, trypsin. The observed pattern of exchange was used to investigate systematic relationships between exchangeable sites and structural and chemical properties of the molecule. Results of this analysis indicate that hydrogen-bonding structure is the dominant factor governing rates of exchange. The model of conformational mobility which best explains the experimental findings involves a localized disruption of the secondary structure within different regions of the protein molecule, each limited in extent to the breaking of a small number of hydrogen bonds.
Breast imaging: a surgeon's prospective

Mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, gamma camera and intraoperative gamma detection, and computed tomography are employed in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. This paper summarizes the role of each modality from the perspective of the physician responsible for management of the patient's care. An understanding of an imaging modality's current role can provide insights into the design of new applications and diagnostic agents. Moreover, knowledge of the mechanism by which each modality provides clinical information can guide the design of new imaging methods that complement and add certainty to the patient's management. The reader should note the lack of molecular information provided by the current imaging methods. The perspective concludes with a request for an imaging technique that can measure the biologic aggressiveness of a woman's cancer. The surgeon notes that basing the formation of an image on a molecular process would be compatible with current medical practice, which utilizes molecular concepts to base medical decisions. In addition, molecular imaging will enable rapid translation between basic science and medical practice.
Developments of Einstein’s Theory of Gravitation

Einstein’s theory of gravitation has had enormous success in describing the solar system. So one would naturally ask, why would one want to change it?