cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative interactome analysis with chemical cross-linking and mass spectrometry

Abstract Structural plasticity and dynamic protein–protein interactions are critical determinants of protein function within living systems. Quantitative chemical cross-linking with mass spectrometry (qXL-MS) is an emerging technology able to provide information on changes in protein conformations and interactions. Importantly, qXL-MS is applicable to complex biological systems, including living cells and tissues, thereby providing insights into proteins within their native environments. Here, we present an overview of recent technological developments and applications involving qXL-MS, including design and synthesis of isotope-labeled cross-linkers, development of new liquid chromatography–MS methodologies, and computational developments enabling interpretation of the data.
Tunable Assembly and Refractive Index of a Cephalopod Protein-Based Material

We discuss how the structure and stimuli-responsive assembly of a cephalopod protein variant enable its optical functionality. We establish direct correlations between its structural characteristics and refractive index by leveraging holotomography.
Successful Direct Extubation of Very Low Birth Weight Infants From Low Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation Rate

It is common practice to use endotracheal continuous positive airway pressure for various time periods up to 24 hours before attempting extubation in infants who are mechanically ventilated. A few studies in newborns have indicated that airway resistance is increased through small endotracheal tubes. This increases the work of breathing and the likelihood of subsequent ventilatory failure. In this study, 27 very low birth weight infants who were 1/2 to 28 days old at the time of extubation were randomly divided into two groups. One group of 13 study infants were extubated directly from intermittent mandatory ventilation rates of six to ten per minute, and the other 14 control infants were placed on continuous positive airway pressure through endotracheal tubes for six hours prior to an attempt to extubate. There was no difference between the two groups in gestational age, postnatal age, weight, or severity of lung disease at the time of extubation. All 13 study infants were successfully extubated without significant apnea or respiratory acidosis. Of the 14 control infants, only seven were successfully extubated; six infants had significant apnea and in one infant respiratory acidosis with pH 7.13 and PCO2 65 developed while receiving continuous positive airway pressure (13/13 v 7/14, P less than .005). The seven infants who failed the preextubation trial of continuous positive airway pressure were later extubated from low intermittent mandatory ventilation rates without significant apnea or respiratory acidosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Risk modeling for decision support

Decision-makers require tools to aid in risky situations. Fundamental to this is a need to model uncertainty associated with a course of action, an alternative's uncertainty profile. In addition we need to model the responsible agents decision function, their attitude with respect to different uncertain risky situations. In the real world both these kinds of information are ill defined and imprecise. Here we look at some techniques arising from the modern technologies of computational intelligence and soft computing. The use of fuzzy rule based formulations to model decision functions is investigated. We discuss the role of perception based granular probability distributions as a means of modeling the uncertainty profiles of the alternatives. We suggest a more intuitive and human friendly way of describing uncertainty profiles is in terms of a perception based granular cumulative probability distribution function. We show how these perception based granular cumulative probability distributions can be expressed in terms of a fuzzy rule based model.
Pericapillary fibrin cuffs in venous disease. A reappraisal.

BACKGROUND. Over the last several years, a number of hypotheses have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of venous ulceration. According to an early model suggested by Browse and Burnand, pericapillary fibrin cuffs, developing as a result of venous hypertension and extravasation of fibrinogen, act as a barrier to the diffusion of oxygen and nutrients; ultimately, tissue anoxia, cell death, and ulceration would follow. More recent hypotheses include the idea that macromolecules leaking from the vasculature trap growth factors and adhesion molecules, and the notion that white blood cells adhere to and damage endothelial cells in the microcirculation. OBJECTIVE. To review the available evidence for or against a pathogenic role of fibrin cuffs, and hope to provide a useful perspective for this controversial topic. METHODS. We have reviewed the different hypotheses for venous ulceration and the evidence for and againstfibrin cuffs acting as a barrier. CONCLUSIONS. Venous ulceration is likely to be the result of a number of distinct pathogenic events. Pericapillary fibrin cuffs remain a prominent feature, whether they act as a barrier, a marker for endothelial cell damage, or as part of an overall mechanism of macromolecular leakage and trapping.
An object-oriented controller architecture for flexible parts feeding systems

A new flexible parts feeding system has been designed and constructed at Case Western Reserve University. To complement the feeder, an object-oriented software architecture has been designed and implemented. Design goals of the software were the ability to rapidly introduce a new part into the system without major re-programming and the creation of a software architecture that would be applicable to the general class of vision-based parts feeders (rather than just our own implementation). The system currently feeds two different types of parts and can switch on-the-fly between part types. Throughputs in excess of 60 parts per minute have been achieved during testing.
Learning Communication Strategies in Multiagent Systems

In this paper we describe a dynamic, adaptive communication strategy for multiagent systems. We discuss the behavioral parameters of each agent that need to be computed, and provide a quantitative solution to the problem of controlling these parameters. We also describe the testbed we built and the experiments we performed to evaluate the effectiveness of our methodology. Several experiments using varying populations and varying organizations of agents were performed and are reported. A number of performance measurements were collected as each experiment was performed so the effectiveness of the adaptive communications strategy could be measured quantitatively. The adaptive communications strategy proved effective for fully connected networks of agents. The performance of these experiments improved for larger populations of agents and even approached optimal performance levels. Experiments with non-fully connected networks showed that the adaptive communications strategy is extremely effective, but does not approach optimality. Other experiments investigated the ability of the adaptive communications strategy to compensate for “distracting” agents, for systems where agents are required to assume the role of information routers, and for systems that must decide between routing paths based on cost information.
Urethral segmentation from the VF dataset

We describe the segmentation of the urethra from the Visible Female Cryosectioned Dataset (VFCD). The segmentation strategy employs a near-Gibbsian classification of the VFCD, followed by volumetric smoothing of the resultant point sets which are subsequently polyhedralized by an isosurface extraction algorithm.
A protocol for program migration

The authors address the problem of remote computing in a disturbed environment and describe the features of a simple hybrid protocol for program migration. Simulations indicate that the number of overhead messages can be reduced considerably. The algorithm uses a hybrid scheme (a combination of sender-initiated and receiver-initiated). The first approach is used when the system is heavily loaded, and the second when the system is lightly loaded. The system toggles between these two schemes on a dynamic basis. The algorithm exhibits fairness and collapse of one node does not lead to total system collapse. >
Specialized Rap1p/Gcr1p Transcriptional Activation through Gcr1p DNA Contacts Requires Gcr2p, as Does Hyperphosphorylation of Gcr1p

The multifunctional regulatory factor Rap1p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae accomplishes one of its tasks, transcriptional activation, by complexing with Gcr1p. An unusual feature of this heteromeric complex is its apparent capacity to contact simultaneously two adjacent DNA elements (UAS(RPG) and the CT box, bound specifically by Rap1p and Gcr1p, respectively). The complex can activate transcription through isolated UAS(RPG) but not CT elements. In promoters that contain both DNA signals its activity is enhanced, provided the helical spacing between the two elements is appropriate; this suggests that at least transient DNA loop formation is involved. We show here that this CT box-dependent augmentation of Rap1p/Gcr1p activation requires the presence of a third protein Gcr2p; the Gcr2(-) growth defect appears to result from a genome-wide loss of the CT box effect. Interestingly, a hyperphosphorylated form of Gcr1p disappears in Δgcr2 cells but reappears if they harbor a doubly point-mutated GCR1 allele that bypasses the Gcr2(-) growth defect. Gcr2p therefore appears to induce a conformation change in Gcr1p and/or stimulate its hyperphosphorylation; one or both of these effects can be mimicked in the absence of GCR2 by mutation of GCR1. This improved view of Rap1p/Gcr1p/Gcr2p function reveals a new aspect of eukaryotic gene regulation: modification of an upstream activator, accompanied by at least transient DNA loop formation, mediates its improved capacity to activate transcription.
On generalized Seiffert means

Generalizations of two Seiffert means, usually denoted by P and T, are defined and investigated. The means under discussion are symmetric and homogeneous of degree one in each variable. Computable lower and upper bounds for the new means are also established. Several inequalities involving means discussed in this paper are obtained. In particular, two Wilker’s type inequalities involving those means are derived.
Some Contributions to the Mathematical Biology of Blood Circulation. Reflections of pressure waves in the arterial system

If, along the length of a blood vessel, there is a discontinuous change of diameter, the pressure waves will be reflected at the discontinuity. The transmission and reflection coefficients of the waves are calculated in terms of the ratio of the diameters and the ratio of the propagation velocities of the waves in the parts of the blood vessel. We obtain also the reflection coefficient in terms of the ratios of the diameters, of the elasticity moduli, and of the wall thicknesses. The possible clinical importance of the results is pointed out for cases of coarctation, arteriosclerosis, and other pathological conditions which might effect local changes in the structure of the blood vessel wall.
The crystal structure of acetylcholine chloride: a new conformation for acetylcholine.

Abstract The crystal structure of acetylcholine chloride has been determined from three-dimensional diffractometer data. The molecular geometry of this compound differs significantly from that observed in acetylcholine bromide but does agree with the results of molecular orbital calculations and NMR data on acetylcholine in solution.
“In bits and pieces”: bodies in movement, liminality and subaltern resistance in Manjula Padmanabhan’s Harvest

Using Manjula Padmanabhan’s award-winning postcolonial play Harvest (1997), this article examines possibilities for radical challenges to neo-imperialism and patriarchy in the spaces of disjuncture created by the fluid movement of bodies/organs and capital across nation boundaries in a global economic practice called transplant tourism. Harvest dramatizes the imbalance of power that characterizes this (in)human trade between wealthy receivers belonging to an advanced capitalist society, and donors from a poor society, who “willingly” pledge their organs and body/parts in exchange for money. Transplant tourism, not unlike other global economic transactions, involves the complex circulation of capital and humans within and across national boundaries, leading to the production of liminal or interstitial spaces. The article considers the racial and gendered implications of transplant tourism and the scope for subaltern recuperation within such spaces of uncertainty or liminality. The central issues framing th...
LOW-COST DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF COMPOSITE SHIP STRUCTURES

Abstract The US Navy has demonstrated a low-cost vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding process for the fabrication of high-performance composite ship structures including monocoque, single-skin stiffened, and sandwich configurations. The resulting mechanical properties for the structures are competitive with those achieved using wet lay-up or prepreg and autoclave cure. Composite design concepts and prototypes have been developed for composite deckhouse, mast, and foundation structures and fabricated using this process. Prototype structural performance has been successfully demonstrated under dynamic load requirements including air blast and shock. Analytical tools for predicting the air blast response of deckhouse and mast structures have also been validated. The paper discusses some recent successful experience with the repair of a thick glass-reinforced plastic sonar dome using this process. Some potential near-term applications of the fabrication process for composite ship structures are identified.
Cefazolin in the Treatment of Acute Enteric Fever

Abstract Cefazolin was used in the treatment of nine patients with acute enteric fever proven by positive blood cultures. In seven patients the causative organism was Salmonella typhi and in two it was Salmonella paratyphi B. Minimal inhibitory and minimal bactericidal concentrations of cefazolin against the nine isolates ranged between 1.95 and 3.90 μg/ml. Cefazolin was administered either intramuscularly or intravenously in a daily dose of 3 to 6 g for 11 to 16 days. The mean peak serum antibiotic concentration after a 0.5-g intravenous injection was 64.4 μg/ml, and the mean trough concentration, 3 h later, was 12.7 μg/ml. The highest serum inhibitory dilution at peak level was frequently 1/64, and at trough level it was 1/16 to 1/32. The acute infection was satisfactorily controlled in all patients. Phlebitis, complicating intravenous therapy, in five out of eight patients, was the only side effect observed. Relapse of typhoid fever, as documented by positive blood culture, occurred in one patient 11 days after treatment course was completed. More extensive clinical studies are required before drawing any conclusions regarding the efficacy of cefazolin in acute enteric fever.
Practical Large-Scale Synthesis of 3,4-Isopropylidenedioxypyrrolidine Hydrotosylate: Atom Economical Self-Hydrogenolysis of a Crystalline Borane−Benzylamine Adduct

An efficient four-step sequence has been developed for the synthesis of 3,4-isopropylidenedioxypyrrolidine hydrotosylate starting from inexpensive N-benzylmaleimide. This approach features a novel N-debenzylation procedure that utilizes the corresponding borane−benzylamine complex as an internal hydrogen-transfer source. This palladium-catalyzed tandem protonolysis/hydrogenolysis allows cleavage of the borane−amine adduct and debenzylation in a single operation.
Applying AVO analysis to GPR data

For reflected-wave phenomena in both seismology and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), the amplitudes of the reflected waves depend on the incidence angles and the physical properties of the media above and below an interface. Amplitude variation with offset (AVO) analysis employs knowledge of reflected-wave phenomena to constrain the physical properties of two media at an interface. Ostrander (1984) demonstrated that AVO analysis can be used on seismic reflection data in certain instances to obtain information about the subsurface not revealed by traveltime-offset relationships (i. e., traditional seismic cross sections). Quantifiable information about the physical properties of the subsurface may then be extracted. AVO analysis, proven for a decade to work well in reflection seismology, may be useful in near-surface hydrogeological situations when applied carefully to GPR data to better constrain the presence or absence of nonaqueous phase liquid contaminants (NAPLs) in the subsurface.
Tissue culture of human fetal cerebellum: a light and electron microscopic study.

Abstract Explants of cerebellar hemisphere from a human fetus of 13 weeks of gestation were cultured for up to 80 days in vitro and studied by light and electron microscopy. In silver-stained preparations, small multipolar neurons and ring-shaped endings suggestive of bouton terminaux were demonstrated. Electron microscopic observations demonstrated morphological development of young neurons, synpases, and astrocytes in cultures. An increase in population and structural complexity of synapses in older cultures indicated the synaptic maturation in vitro . The presence of immature synapses in the starting materal (13 weeks of gestation) by electron microscopy suggests that synapse formation in the human cerebellum begins on or just before 13 weeks of gestation. An extensive migration of young neurons into outgrowth zone was also noted by both light and electron microscopy.
Intranodal palisaded myofibroblastoma: A review of the literature

Intranodal palisaded myofibroblastoma is a rare benign primary mesenchymal neoplasm originating from differentiated smooth muscle cells and myofibroblasts. The precise etiology and pathogenesis has not been adequately explained as yet. Very few series and cases have been reported in the literature. Though inguinal region is the commonest site of this rare tumor, but the tumor at other diverse sites have been reported. Because of its rarity, it can be often misdiagnosed and confused with other disorders and more commonly with metastasis. We report an extensive review of literature about intranodal palisaded myofibroblastoma--its characteristics, presentations, features, and management.
Attentional Requirements of Automatic and Controlled Processing

The attentional demands of automatic and controlled processing were investigated in a dual task paradigm. Subjects performed consistent and varied mapping versions of a Sternberg memory search task, both separately and together with a recognition running-memory task. In different conditions, subjects were instructed to maximize their performance on either the Sternberg or running memory tasks or to emphasize the tasks equally
Effects of short-term JP-8 jet fuel exposure on cell-mediated immunity.

The U.S. Air Force has implemented the widespread use of JP-8 jet fuel in its operations, although a thorough understanding of its potential effects upon exposed personnel is unclear. Exposure to environmental toxicants such as JP-8 may have significant effects on host physiology. Jet fuel exposure has been shown to cause human liver dysfunction, abnormal electroencephalograms, shortened attention spans, and decreased sensorimotor speed. Previous studies have shown that short-term, low-concentration JP-8 exposure had significant effects on the immune system; e.g., decreased viable immune cell numbers, decreased immune organ weights, and loss of immune function that persisted for extended periods of time (i.e., up to 4 weeks post-exposure). In the current study, an in-depth analysis of the effects of JP-8 exposure on cellular immunity was performed. Short-term (7 days, 1 h/day), low-concentration (1000 mg/m3) exposures were conducted in mice, and T cell and natural killer (NK) cell functions were analyzed 24 h after the last exposure. The exposure regimen was found to almost completely ablate NK cell function, as well as significantly suppress the generation of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell activity. Furthermore, JP-8 exposure suppressed the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) cells from precursor T cells, and inhibited helper T cell activity. These findings demonstrate that JP-8 jet fuel exposure has significant detrimental effects on immune functions of exposed individuals. JP-8 jet fuel should be considered a potential and significant immunotoxicant. Chronic exposure to JP-8 may have serious implications to the long-term health of exposed individuals.
Sexual delinquency in racine: does early sex offending predict later sex offending in youth and young adulthood?*

Research Summary: One recent aspect of discourse about sex offenders is a debate about whether juvenile sex offending should be targeted with adult–style registration and stigma. But data on sex offending are quite thin, and data on the link between juvenile sex offending and adult careers are almost nonexistent. In fact, public policies with regard to sex offenders and the nature of their sexual offending assume that they are persistent specialists whose sexual offending is both recidivistic and dangerous. Yet, research on these assumptions is mixed, which leads some researchers to conclude that just about anything can be stated with regard to sex offenders. In an effort to overcome the limitations of previous research (highly select samples, short follow–up periods, lack of comparison group), the current study employs data from three birth cohorts from Racine, Wisconsin to examine the issue of juvenile to adult sex offending and its implications for current sex offender public policy. Policy Implications: Several results emerged from the current study. First, the fraction of juvenile sex offenders who committed adult sex offenses was quite small. Second, males who committed juvenile sex offenses were a tiny fraction of the cohort males who had a police contact for a juvenile offense. Third, the best predictor during a juvenile career for adult sex offending was the frequency of offending as a juvenile rather than whether a boy committed a sexual offense. Whether a male in Racine had a juvenile sex police contact contributed little to predicting his likelihood of adult sex offending. Specifically, 8.5% of males with juvenile sex police contacts had adult sex police contacts compared with 6.2% of males with any non–sex juvenile contact. With regard to policy, our findings also indicate that concentrating effort on those who were juvenile sex offenders will miss more than 90% of the cohort members who commit sex crimes as adults and will misidentify 90% of the targeted group of the juveniles as adult sex offenders. Such errors speak to the near impossibility of predicting which adolescent sex offenders will emerge as adult sex offenders and cast some doubt on the long–term predictive utility of juvenile sex offender registration.
Effects of Surface Roughness and Surfactant on Film Condensation Heat Transfer of Steam

The design of a two phase heat exchanger requires a fundamental knowledge of the parameters affecting film condensation. The interaction of roughened surfaces and change of surface energy by the addition of a surfactant to the system for quiescent steam was examined in this study. Three types of roughened surfaces were generated by roughening a polished surface with sandpaper, electroplating to obtain a thin porous coating of nodules onto the condenser surface, and soldering of porous aluminum foam to the condenser face. The addition of a nonionic surfactant, alcohol alkoxylate, to the system was evaluated for the roughened surfaces. For a Reynolds number less than 50, the roughened surfaces examined all degraded the condensation heat transfer. The addition of a surfactant to the system enhanced condensation heat transfer on polished surfaces almost two fold.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Emergent Filters: Automated Data Verification in a Large-Scale Citizen Science Project

Research projects that use the efforts of volunteers (âcitizen scientistsâ) to collect data on organism occurrence must address issues of observer variability and species misidentification. While citizen science projects can engage a very large number of volunteers to collect volumes of data, they are prone to contain reporting errors. Our experience with eBird, a citizen science project that engages tens of thousands of volunteers to collect bird observations, has shown that a massive effort by volunteer experts is needed to screen data, identify outliers and flag them in the database. But the increasing volume of data being collected by eBird places a huge burden on these volunteer experts. In order to minimize this human effort, we explored whether previously collected eBird data can be used to create automated quality filters that emerge from the data. We do this through a two-step process. First a data-based method detects outliers (i.e., observations that are unusual for a given region and week of the year). Next, a novel machine learning method that estimates observer expertise is used to decide if the unusual observation should be flagged or not. Our preliminary findings indicate that this automated process reliably identifies outliers and accurately classifies them as either an error or represents a potentially valuable observation.
Describing Entities and Identities: The Development and Structure of Encoded Archival Context—Corporate Bodies, Persons, and Families

In January 2011, the Society of American Archivists fully endorsed the standard Encoded Archival Context-Corporate Bodies, Persons, and Families (EAC-CPF). This article details the development of the standard, from its conceptual beginnings in 1998 to its dissemination and adoption in 2011. It provides an overview of the general structure of EAC-CPF and discusses variables that were considered important in the design of the standard. It concludes with a reflection on the strength of international participation in the development and review of the standard in order to ensure that EAC-CPF would be applicable across many different boundaries.
Maximum computing power and cost factors in the centralization problem

A simple analysis of some computer-economic factors involved in comparing multimachine installations versus large single machine installations is given, and a mathematical model is derived to assist policy decisions.
What the timing of millisecond pulsars can teach us about their interior.

The cores of compact stars reach the highest densities in nature and therefore could consist of novel phases of matter. We demonstrate via a detailed analysis of pulsar evolution that precise pulsar timing data can constrain the star's composition, through unstable global oscillations ($r$ modes) whose damping is determined by microscopic properties of the interior. If not efficiently damped, these modes emit gravitational waves that quickly spin down a millisecond pulsar. As a first application of this general method, we find that ungapped interacting quark matter is consistent with both the observed radio and x-ray data, whereas for ordinary nuclear matter some additional enhanced damping mechanism is required.
The effect of HNO3 gas on the lichen Ramalina menziesii

Abstract Nitric acid (HNO3) and ozone (O3), secondary products of photochemical reactions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds, are important pollutants in arid regions with large outputs from petrol combustion. In the Los Angeles (LA) air basin, nitrogen dry deposition rates in forests downwind of the urban areas can reach 35–40 kg ha−1 year−1, roughly equivalent to the amount of N used to fertilize agricultural fields. The marked decline in the lichen population of the LA air basin has previously been attributed to local O3 concentration gradients, which overlaid the patterns of species extirpation. Recent research in the air basin has shown that nitrate (NO3−) deposition gradients run parallel to the O3 concentration gradient, and that deposition of NO3− and HNO3 can have significant effects on forest health. Our research examines the effects of HNO3 dry deposition on the lichen Ramalina menziesii Tayl. in an effort to understand the loss of lichen species in southern California, and increase the usefulness of lichens as biomonitors of nitrogen pollutants. We transplanted healthy R. menziesii thalli from a “pristine” location into fumigation chambers and exposed them to HNO3 under humid and dry conditions, and moderate and high HNO3 fumigations. R. menziesii thalli treated with HNO3 in month-long fumigations experienced a significant decline in chlorophyll content and carbon exchange capacity compared to thalli in control chambers. Leachate conductivity, NO3− and K+ concentrations increased with HNO3 fumigation levels and time. We conclude that R. menziesii has an unequivocally negative response to HNO3 gas concentrations common to ambient summer conditions in the LA air basin.
Perturbation Analysis of Heterochromatin-Mediated Gene Silencing and Somatic Inheritance

Repetitive sequences in eukaryotic genomes induce chromatin-mediated gene-silencing of juxtaposed genes. Many components that promote or antagonize silencing have been identified, but how heterochromatin causes variegated and heritable changes in gene expression remains mysterious. We have used inducible mis-expression in the Drosophila eye to recover new factors that alter silencing caused by the bwD allele, an insertion of repetitive satellite DNA that silences a bw+ allele on the homologous chromosome. Inducible modifiers allow perturbation of silencing at different times in development, and distinguish factors that affect establishment or maintenance of silencing. We find that diverse chromatin and RNA processing factors can de-repress silencing. Most factors are effective even in differentiated cells, implying that silent chromatin remains plastic. However, over-expression of the bantam microRNA or the crooked-legs (crol) zinc-finger protein only de-repress silencing when expressed in cycling cells. Over-expression of crol accelerates the cell cycle, and this is required for de-repression of silencing. Strikingly, continual over-expression of crol converts the speckled variegation pattern of bwD into sectored variegation, where de-repression is stably inherited through mitotic divisions. Over-expression of crol establishes an open chromatin state, but the factor is not needed to maintain this state. Our analysis reveals that active chromatin states can be efficiently inherited through cell divisions, with implications for the stable maintenance of gene expression patterns through development.
A canine model of thrombin-induced coronary artery thrombosis: effects of intracoronary streptokinase on regional myocardial blood flow, contractile function, and infarct size.

Abstract The present investigation was undertaken to produce and to validate a canine model of experimental coronary artery thrombosis. In anesthetized, open-chest dogs, thrombin (150–200 U) was injected through an intracoronary catheter proximal to a brief (1 min) left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. After 1 min, the mechanical occlusion was released, but no reperfusion occurred. Intracoronary thrombus was limited to the large coronary artery proximal to the site of mechanical occlusion. In two groups of dogs ( n = 8), 15 min following thrombosis, vehicle (saline) or Streptokinase (20,000 IU) was administered as an intracoronary bolus followed by an intracoronary infusion for 1 hr. None of the vehicle-treated dogs demonstrated antegrade coronary flow for up to 4 hr following intracoronary thrombin, whereas seven of eight had return of antegrade flow among streptokinase-treated dogs. Following Streptokinase, thrombus size was reduced from control (25.1 ±5.3 mg versus 1.8 ± 1.3 mg ), perfusion to the subepicardium, midmyocardium, and subendocardium was increased, and infarct size was reduced. The results of the present study indicate the usefulness and reproducibility of this model in evaluating the beneficial actions of thrombolytic therapy.
Thermolysis of phenyl β-D-glucopyranoside catalyzed by zinc chloride

Abstract Thermolysis of phenyl β- D -glucopyranoside in the presence of 5% of zinc chloride proceeds at relatively low temperatures and in two distinct stages. In the first stage, the Lewis acid facilitates nucleophilic displacement of the glycosidic group and formation of randomly linked and branched glucosans. In the second stage, zinc chloride catalyzes elimination of hydroxyl groups and subsequent dehydration of the molecule and charring.
Solution stability of linear vs. cyclic RGD peptides

Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides contain an aspartic acid residue that is highly susceptible to chemical degradation and leads to the loss of biological activity. Our hypothesis is that cyclization of RGD peptides via disulphide bond linkage can induce structural rigidity, thereby preventing degradation mediated by the aspartic acid residue. In this paper, we compared the solution stability of a linear peptide (Arg-Gly-Asp-Phe-OH; 1) and a cyclic peptide (cyclo-(1, 6)-Ac-Cys-Arg-Gly-Asp-Phe-Pen-NH2; 2) as a function of pH and buffer concentration. The decomposition of both peptides was studied in buffers ranging from pH 2-12 at 50 degrees C. Reversed-phase HPLC was used as the main tool in determining the degradation rates and pathways of both peptides. Fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) were used to characterize peptides 1 and 2 and their degradation products. In addition, co-elution with authentic samples was used to identify degradation products. Both peptides displayed pseudo-first-order kinetics at all pH values studied. The cyclic peptide 2 appeared to be 30-fold more stable than the linear peptide 1 at pH 7. The degradation mechanisms of linear (1) and cyclic (2) peptides primarily involved the aspartic acid residue. However, above pH 8 the stability of the cyclic peptide decreased dramatically due to disulphide bond degradation. Both peptides also exhibited a change in degradation mechanism upon an increase in pH. The increase in stability of cyclic peptide 2 compared to linear peptide 1, especially at neutral pH, may be due to decreased structural flexibility imposed by the ring. This rigidity would prevent the Asp side chain carboxylic acid from orientating itself in the appropriate position for attack on the peptide backbone.
Application of nonlinear dynamics analysis to damage detection and health monitoring of highway structures

This describes a research program to apply nonlinear analysis and chaos theory to structural health monitoring. Earlier approaches based on linear modal analysis typically examined fundamental frequencies of the structure. However, significant changes in the fundamental frequency were usually not detected until the structure was severely damaged. In chaos theory, the fundamental frequencies are not assumed to be fixed, instead they wander time in a characteristic pattern around a central value, called an attractor. In a chaotic system, a set of parameters called Lyapunov exponents play the role of fundamental frequencies in linear system analysis. The current FHWA research program involves the development of algorithms to extract these exponents from structural monitoring data. These algorithms are being evaluated against simulated data sets produced by an advanced 3D nonlinear dynamics finite element code using synthesized ambient traffic loadings. Chaotic behavior was observed in the modeled bridge.
Fluorinated amino acids and phosphopyridoxyl fluoroamino acids as reversible active site directed inhibitors of aspartate transaminase

Trifluoromethionine and p and o -monofluorophenylalanine can be accepted by cytoplasmic aspartate transaminase as substrates; α-trifluoromethyl-DL-alanine can act as an inhibitor of the enzyme. Covalent pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) derivatives of these amino acids can be prepared and after reduction of the resulting Schiff's base with NaBH4 the isolated PLP-fluorinated amino acids used as inhibitors of apoenzyme. The union of the fluorinated-PLP compounds to apoenzyme is stoichiometric as judged by fluorescence and circular dichroism techniques as well as by inhibition of enzymatic transamination with the natural substrates, aspartate and α-ketoglutarate. The transaminase retains its stereospecific discrimination at the substrate level and when presented with a racemic mixture of fluorinated (DL) amino acid-PLP compound accepts only one isomer. The holoenzyme-fluorinated substrate complexes are stable to dialysis and chromatography through Sephadex G-25, yet, they can be resolved by phosphate buffers into native apoenzyme and fluorinated amino acid-PLP compound.
Why image Uranus

Ratio picture techniques which enhance color or polarization contrasts are proposed for Uranus imagery on the MJU79 mission. Currently available low-resolution pictures of Uranus are assessed, and specific objectives of the fly-by are described, including exploratory imaging, measurement of fundamental properties (rotation period, rotation axis orientation, diameter), and examination of atmospheric properties. An attempt is made to predict the aspect of Uranus from current knowledge about its atmosphere. It is proposed that the imaging system should emphasize photo-polarimetric observations between 5500 and 10,000 A if the planet alone is to be imaged, or it should be a high-resolution system based on the MJS one if the satellites will also be imaged. Performance of a possible high-resolution system at Uranus is assessed.
Assessment of two BWR accident management strategies

Abstract Candidate mitigative strategies for the management of in-vessel events during the late phase (after-core degradation has occurred) of postulated boiling water reactor (BWR) severe accidents were considered at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) during 1990. The identification of new strategies was subject to the constraint that they should, to the maximum extent possible, make use of the existing equipment and water resources of the BWR facilities, and not require major equipment modifications or additions. As a result of this effort, two of these candidate strategies were recommended for further assessment. The first was a strategy for containment flooding to maintain the core and structural debris within the reactor vessel in the event that vessel injection cannot be restored to terminate a severe accident sequence. The second strategy pertained to the opposite case, for which vessel injection would be restored after control blade melting had begun; its purpose was to provide an injection source of borated water at the concentration necessary to preclude criticality upon recovering a damaged BWR core. Assessments of these two strategies were performed during 1991 and this paper provides a discussion of the motivation for and purpose of these strategies, and the potential for their success.
Do adult men with untreated hypospadias have adverse outcomes? A pilot study using a social media advertised survey

Abstract Objective Hypospadias is usually treated in childhood. Therefore, the natural history of untreated mild hypospadias is unknown. We hypothesized that men with untreated hypospadias, especially mild, do not have adverse outcomes. Materials Facebook was used to advertise an electronic survey to men older than 18 years. Men with untreated hypospadias identified themselves and indicated the severity of hypospadias with a series of questions. Outcomes included: Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), penile curvature and difficulty with intercourse, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Penile Perception Score (PPS), psychosexual milestones, paternity, infertility, sitting to urinate, and the CDC HRQOL-4 module. Results 736 men completed self-anatomy questions and 52 (7.1%) self-identified with untreated hypospadias. Untreated hypospadias participants reported worse SHIM ( p p = 0.05), more ventral penile curvature ( p = 0.003) and resulting difficulty with intercourse ( p p = 0.011) and penile curvature ( p = 0.048), and more sitting to urinate ( p = 0.07). When stratified by mild and severe hypospadias, severe hypospadias was associated with more adverse outcomes than mild hypospadias. Conclusion Men with untreated hypospadias reported worse outcomes compared with non-hypospadiac men. Mild untreated hypospadias had fewer adverse outcomes than severe hypospadias. Research is needed to determine if treatment of childhood hypospadias improves outcomes in adults, especially for mild hypospadias.
Maintenance and resupply in the unpressurized environment - Design and operational concepts for the Space Station Freedom logistics carriers

A significant percentage of the maintenance tasks for Space Station Freedom are anticipated to be conducted in the unpressurized environment. The maintenance concept for this environment essentially involves the removal and replacement of relatively large orbital replacement units (ORUs). Major constraints will be the on-orbit availability of both crew time and spare ORUs. The challenge presented to the program will be the performance of unpressurized cargo resupply that provides maximum cargo-carrying capability (mass and volume) and flexibility (type and quantity), while minimizing the impact to maintenance task times. The design of the logistics carriers is a critical component for successful resupply and maintenance operations, and to the success of Space Station Freedom.
Statistical design theory for digital-controlled continuous systems

IN A PREVIOUS PAPER,1 the basic theory and a procedure for optimum design of strictly digital systems were presented. In practice, however, strictly digital systems are few in number. Of far greater interest are digitally controlled continuous systems, in which a continuous plant is controlled by intermittently monitored and processed error signals. While only error signals at specific instants are used to control the system, the mean-square error averaged over all times is to be kept at a minimum. This paper develops the basic theory into a design procedure for doing this. The design procedure is no more complicated than that for a strictly digital system.
Nitrogen accumulation in cotton grown continuously or in rotation with peanut using subsurface microirrigation and GOSSYM/COMAX management

Excessive N application to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an unnecessary cost and a potential cause of elevated groundwater N. The objectives of this study were to determine if seed yields or excess N were affected by timing of N application via buried microirrigation tubing, tubing spacing, or peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) rotation. The experimental design was a randomized complete block in split-plot arrangement with four replications. The main plots (continuous cotton and peanut-cotton rotation) were planted with cotton cultivar PD 3 in May of 1991 through 1994 on an Eunola loamy sand (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Aquic Hapludult). Water and N were applied through microirrigation tubing that was buried 0.30 m directly under each row (IR) or under alternate row middles (AM). Sidedress-N was applied in one 112-kg ha -1 application (STD); five, 22-kg ha -1 increments (INC); or 11- to 22-kg ha -1 increments when required by GOSSYM/COMAX (GC) [a cotton growth model/expert system]. Rotation did not significantly affect any of the measured parameters. Cotton managed with the IR-STD treatment had the highest seed yield, 2.02 Mg ha -1 yr -1 . The GC management did not improve seed yield, but it did reduce excess N (fertilizer N - seed N) to <20 kg ha -1 y -1 . The best overall treatment was AM-GC. It had 1.87 Mg ha -1 yr -1 seed yield, 8 kg ha -1 yr -1 excess N, 45 kg less N applied, and 50% less tubing installed. Cotton managed by AM-GC also had a low (9.2) ratio of accumulated shoot N per 100 kg of lint.
Standard state thermodynamic properties of aqueous sodium perrhenate using high dilution calorimetry up to 598.15 K

Abstract Standard state thermodynamic properties for aqueous sodium perrhenate at temperature in the range of (298.15 to 598.15) K and at psat were determined by high dilution solution calorimetry down to 10−4 m. Standard state partial molar heat capacities, C p , 2 ∘ , of aqueous sodium perrhenate calculated from present study are compared to literature values up to T = 398.15 K. The differences between C p , 2 ∘ of ReO 4 - ( aq ) and Cl−(aq) at lower temperature is much greater than that due to their internal molecular motions. Consequently, the perrhenate ion appears to have an ionic incomplete primary hydration shell as compared to the chloride ion. The ReO 4 - / Cl - difference in thermodynamic functions has now been well defined up to T = 598.15 K for other important high temperature calculations.
The turnover of ribosomes and soluble RNA in a variety of tissues of young adult and aged rats

Abstract The turnover of ribosomes and soluble RNA from a variety of tissues of young adult (12-months old) and aged (24-months old) rats was measured by following the loss of radioactivity, injected intraperitoneally as 14 C-labelled orotic acid, from purified ribosomal and soluble RNA fractions. The decay pattern was single exponential in the case of ribosomes from liver, kidney, lung, spleen and intestinal mucosa. No age-associated differences were observed. The half-lives for ribosomes in the above tissues from young adult animals were 5.89, 6.53, 8.98, 8.61 and 8.13 days, respectively. The turnover pattern for soluble RNA was single exponential for lung but double exponential for intestinal mucosa, no age-associated difference in either tissue being observed. The half-lives for young adults were 8.75 days for lung, and 1.0 day and 11.4 days for the first and second components, respectively, of intestinal mucosa. A significant age difference was observed in the turnover rate of soluble RNA from spleen; the half-lives were 8.29 and 6.46 days for spleens of aged and young adults, respectively, the turnover pattern being single exponential. The soluble RNA's from liver and kidney of young adults decayed in a single exponential pattern, whereas those from liver and kidney of the aged animals decayed in a double exponential pattern. The half-life of the second or slow component (5.34 days) of old liver soluble RNA did not differ significantly from the half-life of young liver soluble RNA (4.59 days). The first components of soluble RNA from both old liver and old kidney had about the same half-lives (1.1–1.2 days). The second component of old kidney soluble RNA (9.51 days) differed significantly from that of young kidney soluble RNA (4.99 days).
On the reliability and performance of real-time one-hop broadcast MANETs

Recently, broadcast communications in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) have been deployed in many mission-critical applications. So far, most investigations of such broadcast networks focus on multi-hop connectivity taking all one-hop links for granted. In this paper, the reliability and performance of real-time one-hop broadcast services in IEEE 802.11 based MANETs are investigated analytically and by simulation. Having specified possible applications and the features of IEEE 802.11 broadcast communication in dynamically self-organized networks under harsh communication environment, analyses are conducted to derive closed form expressions of the reliability and performance indices for both one-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) broadcast MANETs: packet reception rate (PRR) and packet transmission delay. The proposed analytical models account for the impact of broadcast hidden terminal problem, message arrival interval, backoff counter process, space distributions of nodes, and fading transmission channel on the reliability and performance of the broadcast MANETs. As an example, the proposed models are applied to the evaluation of safety-related inter-vehicle communication on a highway. From the obtained numerical results under various offered traffic and network parameters, new observations and effective enhancement suggestions are given.