cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI) Mass Spectrometry and Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) of Phospholipids and Sphingolipids: Ionization, Adduct Formation, and Fragmentation

Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry was evaluated for the characterization of glycerophospholipid standards, including glycerophosphocholine (GPCho), glycerophosphoglycerol (GPGro), glycerophosphoethanolamine (GPEtn), glycerophosphoserine (GPSer), glycerophosphoinositol (GPIns), cardiolipin (CL), and sphingolipid standards, including sulfatides (ST) and sphingomyelin (SM). Of specific interest were the effects of surface and solvent composition on signal stability and intensity, along with the ions observed in the full scan mode and the fragmentations seen upon collisional activation for each of the above classes. These experiments were performed without the addition of matrix compounds to the sample and were conducted in the free ambient environment at atmospheric pressure. The compounds GPSer, GPGro, GPIns, ST, and CL were best analyzed in the negative ion mode while PE was ionized efficiently in both positive and negative ion modes. SM and GPCho, which typically generate more abundant ions in the positive ion mode, could be analyzed in the negative ion mode by the addition of anionic reagents such as acetate to the spray solvent. Full scan DESI mass spectra and tandem (MS/MS) spectra for this representative set of physiological phospho/sphingolipids are presented. Similarities with other ionization methods in terms of fragmentation behavior were strong, although ambient ionization of untreated samples is only available with DESI. The effect of surface and solvent properties on signal intensity and stability were determined by depositing standard compounds on several different surfaces and analyzing with various proportions of methanol in the aqueous spray. Analysis was extended to complex mixtures of phospholipids and sphingolipids by examining the total lipid extract of porcine brain and by direct analysis of rat brain cryotome sections. These types of mixture analyses and molecular imaging studies are likely to represent major areas of application of DESI.
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF): a drug candidate for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Considerable effort has been devoted to the search for molecules that might exert trophic influences on midbrain dopamine neurons, and potentially be of therapeutic value in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. One such candidate is glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). GNDF is distantly related to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily and is widely expressed in many neuronal and non-neuronal tissues. GDNF uses a multisubunit receptor system in which GFRα-1 and Ret function as the ligand-binding and signalling components, respectively. In addition to its effects on cultured fetal midbrain dopamine neurons, GDNF promotes recovery of the injured nigrostriatal dopamine system and improves motor functions in rodent and nonhuman primate models of Parkinson’s disease. Intraventricular, intrastriatal and intranigral routes of administration are efficacious in both models. In parkinsonian nonhuman primates, GDNF treatment improves bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability. In this model, adult midbrain dopamine neurons stimulated by GDNF show increased cell size, neuritic extent, and expression of phenotypic markers. The neurorestorative effects of a single administration of GDNF last for at least a month and can be maintained in rhesus monkeys by monthly injections. GDNF also induces neuroprotective changes in dopamine neurons, which are active within hours following trophic factor administration in rodents. The powerful neuroprotective and neurorestorative properties of GDNF seen in preclinical studies suggest that trophic factors may play an important role in treating Parkinson’s disease.
A fundamental solution to the CCC equations

We display a simple solution to the Penrose CCC scenario. For this solution we chose for the late stages of the previous aeon a FRW, $$\hbox {k}=0$$ , universe with both a cosmological constant and radiation (no mass) while for the early stages of the ‘present’ aeon we have again a FRW universe, $$\hbox {k}=0$$ , with the same cosmological constant and again with radiation but with mass not yet present. The Penrose conditions force the parameters describing the radiation of the former and present aeons to be equal and the transition metric in the overlap region turns out to be flat. We further study how different rest-mass zero fields transition between the different conformally related regions. These (test) fields appears to easily allow perturbations of the geometry within the CCC scenario.
Toluca-1, a newly recognized enterovirus.

The characteristics of a hemagglutinating enterovirus, Toluca-1, are described. The virus appears to be sufficiently distinct from all previously described enteroviruses to be considered a new serotype.
URINARY C-PEPTIDE IN NORMAL CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

C-Peptide is secreted from pancreatic beta cells in equimolar concentrations with insulin. Unlike insulin, C-peptide is largely metabolized by the kidney, with 5%-10% of it excreted in the urine. Timed urine collections for C-peptide reflect prehepatic insulin production. We collected 24h urines in four consecutive six hour aliquots from 32 healthy, ambulatory children (ages 2 to 21 years) on normal diets. C-peptide (by RIA) and creatinine levels were measured on all 6 hour aliqots and on each 24h specimen. Mean C-peptide excretion in micrograms (ug) is listed in the table: Weight was more highly correlated with 24h C-peptide excretion than was age (0.535 vs 0.339), and accounted for 29% of the total variance. When controlled for weight in a multiple regression analysis, age was not a significant predictor. Significant correlation (0.835) existed between C-peptide excretion in the 3AM-9AM and the 24h urines. We conclude that weight can predict C-peptide excretion, which when measured on 1st AM urines can be used to screen for endogenous insulin production.
Analysis of electron beam induced deposition (EBID) of residual hydrocarbons in electron microscopy

In this work we have developed a comprehensive dynamic model of electron beam induced deposition (EBID) of residual hydrocarbon coupling mass transport, electron transport and scattering, and species decomposition to predict the deposition of carbon nanopillars. The simulations predict the local species and electron density distributions, as well as the three-demensional morphology and the growth rate of the deposit. Since the process occurs in a high vacuum environment, surface diffusion is considered as the primary transport mode of surface-adsorbed hydrocarbon precursor. The governing surface transport equation (STE) of the adsorbed species is derived and solved numerically. The transport, scattering, and absorption of primary electron as well as secondary electron generation are treated using the Monte Carlo method. Low energy secondary electrons are the major contributors to hydrocarbon decomposition due to their energy range matching peak dissociation reaction cross section energies for precursor mo...
Chloroplast genes encoding subunits of the H(+)-ATPase complex of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii are rearranged compared to higher plants: sequence of the atpE gene and location of the atpF and atpI genes.

The chloroplast gene for the epsilon subunit (atpE) of the CF1/CF0 ATPase in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been localized and sequenced. In contrast to higher plants, the atpE gene does not lie at the 3' end of the beta subunit (atpB) gene in the chloroplast genome of C. reinhardtii, but is located at a position 92 kb away in the other single copy region. The uninterrupted open reading frame for the atpE gene is 423 bp, and the epsilon subunit exhibits 43% derived amino acid homology to that from spinach. Codon usage for the atpE gene follows the restricted pattern seen in other C. reinhardtii chloroplast genes.The genes for the CF0 subunits I (atpF) and IV (atpI) of the ATPase complex have also been mapped on the chloroplast genome of C. reinhardtii. The six chloroplast ATPase genes in C. reinhardtii are dispersed individually between the two single copy regions of the chloroplast genome, an organization strikingly different from the highly conserved arrangement in two operon-like units seen in chloroplast genomes of higher plants.
Hydrocarbon contact injuries

Cutaneous injury caused by exposure to gasoline and other hydrocarbons is a clinical entity with potentially life-threatening effects. We report four cases of such injury. One patient developed full-thickness skin loss following gasoline immersion, and another developed severe systemic complications following contact with a carburetor cleaning solvent. Initial therapy should consist of removal of solvent-containing clothing and extensive lavage or soaking with water, followed by wound care that is generally similar to that used in the treatment of partial-thickness burns. In most cases this includes debridement, topical antimicrobial agents, and dressing changes. Severe pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurologic, renal, and hepatic complications may accompany hydrocarbon absorption, particularly in cases involving gasolines containing lead additives. Therefore immediate surgical debridement should be considered if there is suspicion of continued absorption of toxic compounds from the wound.
The association between length of residence and obesity among Hispanic immigrants

Background Newly arrived Hispanic immigrants are generally healthier than the U.S.-born population, but this distinction tends to diminish over time as immigrants adapt to a new and different sociocultural environment. Objective This study sought to determine whether length of residence in the United States was associated with obesity (body mass index [BMI]>30 kg/m2) among Hispanic immigrants. Methods Data for 2420 foreign-born Hispanic adults aged ≥18 years were obtained from the 1998 National Health Interview Survey. Results The prevalence of obesity among those with 0 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, and ≥15 years of residence in the United States was 9.4%, 14.5%, 21.0%, and 24.2%, respectively. A logistic regression model adjusted for smoking, physical inactivity, self-assessed health, chronic conditions, functional limitations, nonspecific psychological distress, several sociodemographic characteristics, and access to health services found that longer-term Hispanic immigrants (≥15 years) experienced a nearly four-fold greater risk of obesity than did recent immigrants ( Conclusions The higher risk for obesity associated with length of residence may be due to acculturation processes such as the adoption of the unhealthy dietary practices (i.e., a diet high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables) and sedentary lifestyles of the host country. The results of this study may facilitate the planning of public health interventions that are directed at subgroups of the Hispanic population.
Experimental Investigation of Spark-Ignited Combustion with High-Octane Biofuels and EGR. 2. Fuel and EGR Effects on Knock-Limited Load and Speed

The present study experimentally investigates spark-ignited combustion with 87 AKI E0 gasoline in its neat form and in midlevel alcohol–gasoline blends with 24% vol/vol isobutanol–gasoline (IB24) and 30% vol/vol ethanol–gasoline (E30). A single-cylinder research engine is used with an 11.85:1 compression ratio, hydraulically actuated valves, laboratory intake air, and was capable of external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Experiments were conducted with all fuels to full-load conditions with λ = 1, using both 0% and 15% external-cooled EGR. Higher octane number biofuel blends exhibited increased stoichiometric torque capability at this compression ratio, where the unique properties of ethanol enabled a doubling of the stoichiometric torque capability with E30 as compared to that of 87AKI, up to 20 bar IMEPg (indicating mean effective pressure gross) at λ = 1. The results demonstrate that for all fuels, EGR is a key enabler for increasing engine efficiency but is less useful for knock mitigation with E30...
Early oral cysteamine therapy for nephropathic cystinosis

Nephropathic cystinosis is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder in which intracellular cystine accumulates due to impaired transport out of lysosomes. The clinical manifestations include renal tubular Fanconi syndrome in the 1st year of life, with hypophosphatemic rickets, hypokalemia, polyuria, dehydration and acidosis, growth retardation, hypothyroidism, photophobia, renal glomerular deterioration by 10 years of age, and late complications such as myopathy, pancreatic insufficiency, and retinal blindnesss. The cystinosis gene, CTNS, codes for cystinosin, a 367 amino acid protein with seven transmembrane domains. More than 50 CTNS mutations have been identified, but approximately 50% of Northern European patients have a 57257-bp deletion which removes the first nine exons of CTNS. The mainstay of cystinosis therapy is oral cysteamine (Cystagon). This aminothiol can lower intracellular cystine content by 95%, and has proven efficacy in delaying renal glomerular deterioration, enhancing growth, preventing hypothyroidism, and lowering muscle cystine content. Its early and diligent use is critical; in one study, for every month of treatment prior to 3 years of age, 14 months’ worth of later renal function were preserved. Several examples of individual patients treated early and having preserved renal function and normal growth are available. Newborn screening using a chip containing cDNA to detect common CTNS mutations may allow diagnosis and treatment in the first weeks of life. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of nephropathic cystinosis can change the course of this disease.
Sleep-associated movement disorders and heart failure

Sleep-associated movement disorders are a broad group of sleep disorders characterized by involuntary movements that may disrupt sleep. Relatively little is known about the clinical consequences of sleep-associated movement disorders on cardiovascular health. Because these disorders manifest mostly during sleep, recognizing a movement disorder can be particularly difficult. Nevertheless, patients can have frequent arousals and suffer from similar sleep deprivation, fragmentation, and autonomic disruption as occurs in sleep-disordered breathing. Subsequently, these disorders may have a serious impact on daytime function and perception of health in patients with chronic heart failure.
Effects of threatening and reassuring components of fear appeals on physiological and verbal measures of emotion and attitudes

Abstract Physiological processes are integral components of (a) many conceptualizations of emotion, (b) the emotion of fear, and (c) the fear-as-acquired-drive model of attitude change. Nevertheless, few studies of fear and persuasion have simultaneously measured self-reports of fear and autonomic activity. The present factorial experiment manipulated high versus low fear and high versus low reassurance and monitored self-reports and cardiovascular and electrodermal activity. The results disclosed that heart rate (HR) and skin conductance (SC) were highly correlated (r = .70). Although the multiple correlation among HR, SC, and a self-report measure of fear was a modest .44 (p
The role of Chlamydia pneumoniae in atherosclerosis – recent evidence from animal models

In summary, the cumulative evidence from animal models supports a pathogenic role for C. pneumoniae in atherosclerosis. The pathogenesis of the organism is consistent with it being at the site of lesion formation. In the mouse model, infected macrophages disseminate the infection and establish persistent infection of the aorta in foam cells within the atherosclerotic lesion11xMurine models of C. pneumoniae infection and atherosclerosis. Moazed, T.C. et al. J. Infect. Dis. 1997; 175: 883–890Crossref | PubMedSee all References, 12xSystemic dissemination of C. pneumoniae infection via macrophages. Moazed, T.C. et al. J. Infect. Dis. 1998; 177: 1322–1325Crossref | PubMedSee all References. This simulates human infection, in which the organism has also been found in foam cells2xCurrent knowledge on the association of Chlamydia pneumoniae and cardiovascular disease. Campbell, L.A. et al. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 1998; 4: 571–579Crossref | PubMedSee all References2. Lastly, there is evidence that C. pneumoniae infection can accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis in conjunction with hyperlipidemia and initiate histopathological changes in the aorta in mouse and rabbit models. Whether infection alone can induce definitive atherosclerosis needs to be further investigated.
Challenges in the validation of triage systems at emergency departments.

Objectives: Triage systems, developed by consensus of experts and based on decision rules, are typically not validated. The objective is to discuss the challenges to evaluate the reliability and validity of triage systems. Study Design and Setting: Theoretical-conceptual approach to validate triage systems. Results: The consensus-based triage systems have to be applied to a broad population with a variety of signs and symptoms. For the individual patient-specific decision, rules are used and the outcome measure is, typically, one of five prognosis-specific urgency categories. In contrast, prediction rules in diagnostic research are developed for a narrow specific subpopulation and based on a combination of parameters to predict presence of a specific diagnosis. Reliability is based on case scenario and simultaneous triage studies. The first step in triage validation is to decide on the best proxy for prognosis, "the reference standard" for the urgency classification. The next step is modification of the triage decision rules, including a multivariate approach. The final step is the validation in different settings and to evaluate the impact in clinical practice. Conclusion: Triage should be viewed as diagnostic research and would benefit if it would use the available methodology in diagnostic research.
Contact Mechanics Model of Lateral Resurfacing Elbow With Inclusion of Rough Surfaces

The study of joint contact mechanics to better understanding of all processes leading to cartilage degradation is very necessary. Elbow replacement will be the only option if both inner and outer components of the elbow have severe arthritis, or usually rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be recommended if there is osteoarthritis which makes the elbow stiff and painful, or a severe fracture of the elbow. Recently the operation known as Lateral resurfacing elbow replacement has been developed and introduced in hospitals. This operation has been designed for those people whose disease in the elbow involves mainly the outer compartment of the joint. The components are made from the metal and polyethylene and are fixed to the bones. An improper design of implants can lead to toxicity for patients caused by excessive amount of metal debris.The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of roughness in Lateral resurfacing elbow implants. This paper develops a contact model to treat the interaction of the new surfaces fixed to the top of radius and humeral. The contact model describes the interaction of implant rough surfaces including both elastic and plastic deformations. In the model, surfaces are investigated as macroscopically conforming semi-spheres containing micron-scale roughness. The derived equations relate contact force on the implant and the minimum mean surface separation of the rough surfaces. Based on the distribution of asperity heights, the force is expressed using statistical integral function of asperity heights over the possible region of interaction of the roughness of the implant surfaces. Closed-form approximate equation relating contact force and minimum separation is used to obtain energy loss per cycle in a load-unload sequence applied to the implant.© 2014 ASME
Techno-Economic Analysis of Biomass Fast Pyrolysis to Transportation Fuels

Abstract This techno-economic study examines fast pyrolysis of corn stover to bio-oil with subsequent upgrading of the bio-oil to naphtha and diesel range fuels. Two 2000 dry tonne per day scenarios are developed: the first scenario separates a fraction of the bio-oil to generate hydrogen on-site for fuel upgrading, while the second scenario relies on merchant hydrogen. The modeling effort resulted in liquid fuel production rates of 134 and 220 million liters per year for the hydrogen production and purchase scenarios, respectively. Capital costs for these plants are $287 and $200 million. Fuel product value estimates are $3.09 and $2.11 per gallon of gasoline equivalent ($0.82 and $0.56 per liter). While calculated costs of this biofuel are competitive with other kinds of alternative fuels, further research is required to better determine the effect of feedstock properties and process conditions on the ultimate yield of liquid fuel from bio-oil. Pioneer plant analysis estimates capital costs to be $911 and $585 million for construction of a first-of-a-kind fast pyrolysis and upgrading biorefinery with product values of $6.55 and $3.41 per gge ($1.73 and $0.90 per liter).
Neural correlates of compensation after hemilabyrinthectomy

Vestibular brain stem neurons responsive to angular acceleration in the plane of the horizontal canal were examined in cats 30 to 52 days after contralateral labyrinthectomy and compared with similar units in cats with intact labyrinths and in other cats immediately after transection of the contralateral eighth nerve. In the compensated state, the mean spontaneous firing rate of type I neurons was 24 spikes/s, in contrast to the mean of 45/s observed immediately after contralateral labyrinthectomy. In intact cats, mean firing rate was 19 spikes/s. Sensitivity, as measured in spikes/s/deg/s2, was significantly lower immediately after labyrinthectomy than in intact controls and remained so in compensated cats. On the other hand, time constants and the ratio of adapting:nonadapting units was unchanged. Ablation of the midline cerebellum including vermis and fastigial nuclei did not materially affect these results. We concluded that (i) the main defects in static posture and nystagmus in the uncompensated state were due to the striking difference in resting firing rates between the ipsi- and contralateral vestibular nuclei; (ii) compensation in the static posture was the result of a tendency to equalize the resting firing rates in the two vestibular nuclei; and (iii) recovery in the dynamic, head-turning situation was due to partial recovery of sensitivity on the ipsilateral side, bringing it to the relatively constant, unchanging depressed sensitivity on the contralateral side.
The Composition Course and Public Discourse: The Case of Adams Sherman Hill, Popular Culture, and Cultural Inoculation

American intellectuals and educators are dismayed by the crisis in public discourse. With Jurgen Habermas and others, they worry over the "decline of the public sphere" and a "degeneration" in "rational-critical debate." Cultural critics often contrast contemporary public discourse with what seems to be America's golden age of public discussion: nineteenth-century America, before the culture industry or late capitalism, before professionalism, before TV, before the mass media or multimedia.1 The usual suspect is modern communications technologies, specifically TV. According to Neil Postman, we should deeply lament "the decline of the Age of Typography and the ascendancy of the Age of Television" (8). Televisual media, he argues, has eroded the public's attention span and shriveled its capacity for rational thought. Looking to the Lincoln-Douglas debates, he maintains that Americans' verbal facility and "attention span would obviously have been extraordinary by current standards" (45). The citizenry has declined, he argues, because citizens watch TV and no longer read: "almost every scholar . . . has concluded that the process [of reading] encourages rationality," while televisual logic short-circuits rational thought in favor of slogans, images, mere stories-in short, entertainment.2 The late Christopher Lasch, in The Revolt of the Elites, blames not only television for making argument a "lost art" but also the undemocratic leanings of intellectuals and academics. How far we have fallen, he argues, from the Golden Years of the nineteenth century, when serious public argument was practiced by both the citizenry and the media. In those days the newspapers (Lasch singles out Horace Greeley's New York Tribune) "were journals of opinion in which the reader expected to find a definite point of view, together with unrelenting criticism of opposing points of view" (163). The beginning of the decline (the nadir of which he hopes we are presently experiencing) began in the progressive era, when intellectual leaders preached the "'scientific management' of public affairs.... They forged links between the government and the university so as to assure a steady supply of experts and expert knowledge. But they had little use for public debate" (167). Academics and
Effectiveness enhancement and reactant depletion in a partially wetted catalyst

A one-dimensional model is developed to describe reaction between a nonvolatile liquid reactant and a dissolved gas reactant in an isothermal catalytic pellet partially wetted by a flowing liquid film. The kinetics are assumed to be first order and zero order with respect to the dissolved gas and liquid reactant, respectively. The model applies to cases in which there are negligible intraparticle gradients in the direction normal to the wetted surface. A modification of the overall transport coefficients enables the model to approximate cases in which these gradients are important, for both washcoated and uniformly impregnated catalysts. The analytical solutions enable an efficient examination of the interplay between the reaction and several mass transport processes. Conditions are determined for which the catalyst effectiveness is maximized at an intermediate wetting efficiency. It is shown that the maximum is a result of two counteracting processes. As the wetting efficiency is decreased from unity the effectiveness increases if the supply of the gas reactant is more effective on the nonwetted than the wetted part; i.e., effectiveness enhancement. However, if the wetting efficiency is sufficiently reduced, the excess liquid reactant depletes within the pellet, resulting in a decreased effectiveness. A criterion is derived that predicts the minimal activity necessary to initiate depletion of the liquid reactant for a given wetting efficiency. This is useful for determining the conditions for which the common literature assumption of an excess liquid reactant is violated. The model shows good agreement with published data in which the overall rate exhibits a maximum for an intermediate liquid flow rate.
Developmental modulation of tubulin protein and mRNA levels during somatic embryogenesis in cultured carrot cells

The number of cortical microtubules (MTs) increases considerably as cultured carrot (Daucus carota L.) cells initiate and progress through somatic embryogenesis. The basis for this increase in MT number was investigated. A radioimmune assay was used to show that tubulin-protein per cell first decreased as the undifferentiated cells initiated embryonic development, but subsequently increased approximately fivefold between the globular and torpedo/plantlet stages. The increase during the torpedo/plantlet stage was correlated with the increase in cell size that occurred during the latter stages of embryogenesis. The cellular levels of tubulin mRNA were determined by Northern blot analysis, using labeled probes derived from soybean α- and β-tubulin genomic sequences, cloned in the vectors pSP64 and pSP65. This analysis demonstrated that the levels of tubulin-gene transcripts varied with the tubulin-protein levels. Cell-free translation of polyadenylated RNA, followed by immunoprecipitation with an anti-tubulin antiserum, established that these transcripts represented functional tubulin mRNA. These results indicate that MT formation in early embryogenesis is controlled by factors other than the availability of tubulin, but that MT formation later in embryogenesis is coordinated with concomitant changes in tubulin-gene transcription and in the size of the total tubulin-heterodimer pool.
Low-Temperature Aging and Phase Stabiliy of U6Nb

Aging behavior and phase stability of a water-quenched U-6wt%Nb (U-14at%Nb) alloy artificially aged at 200 C and naturally aged at ambient temperature for 15 years have been investigated using Vickers hardness test, X-ray diffraction analysis, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Age hardening/softening phenomenon is observed from the artificially aged samples according to microhardness measurement. The age hardening can be rationalized by the occurrence of spinodal decomposition, or fine scale of Nb segregation, which results in the formation of a nano-scale modulated structure within the artificially aged samples. Coarsening of the modulated structure after prolonged aging leads to the age softening. The occurrence of chemical ordering (disorder-order transformation) is found in the naturally aged sample based upon the observations of antiphase domain boundaries (APB's) and superlattice diffraction patterns. A possible superlattice structure is accordingly proposed for the chemically ordered phase observed in the naturally aged alloy sample.
Research Note: Effects of Caponization on Broiler Growth

Abstract The effect of caponization on growth of male broiler chicks was investigated in two experiments. Broiler chicks were caponized, sham-operated, or left as intact controls at 3 wk of age (Experiment 1) or 1 wk of age (Experiment 2). When processed at 7 wk of age, intact control broilers in both experiments were significantly heavier than sham-operated or caponized broilers, with no significant weight differences between sham-operated and caponized birds. However, the slope of growth rate in capons was significantly greater than that of sham-operated controls in Experiment 2. Capons also had significantly larger abdominal fat pads than did sham-operated controls.
ansa-Zirconocenium catalysis of syndiospecific polymerization of propylene : theory and experiment

The syndiospecific propylene polymerizations catalyzed by isopropylidene(cyclopentadienyl)(fluorenyl)- and (2,2-dimethylpropylidene)(cyclopentadienyl)(fluorenyl)-zirconocenium (1+ and 2+) have been investigated theoretically and compared with experimental observations. With the ab initio calculated structures for the transition state (TS) of 1+(M)P and 2+(M)P (M = propylene, P = 2-methylpentyl), their steric energies (E°) have been computed using MM2 force-field. The difference between steric energies E°(m) and E°(r) for the meso and racemic enchainment of propylene, respectively, is defined as the stereocontrol energy [δE°(m − r)] for syndiotactic propagation. The δE°(m − r) for the TS of 1+ (M)P is about 2.1 kcal/mol, the value is 1 kcal/mol greater for 2+(M)P. The observed steric pentad distributions of the syndiotactic poly(propylene) obtained by these catalysts are consistent with smaller effective stereocontrol energy, which is about two-third as large as δE°(m − r) values calculated for the MM2 optimized structure. Syndiotactic enchainment is favored over isotactic enchainment for all combinations of site configurations in the catalyst. α-Agostic interaction seems to enhance syndioselectivity, whereas γ-agostic interaction changes the stereoselectivity to meso enchainment. The mirror plane symmetry of the syndiotactic propagating species renders the stereoselectivity of the polymerization insensitive to reaction conditions. These catalysts are also highly regiospecific. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Potentiostatic versus galvanostatic electrodeposition of nanocrystalline Al–Mg alloy powders

Nanocrystalline supersaturated dendritic Al–Mg powders were electrodeposited using potentiostatic and galvanostatic techniques under equal-charge conditions. In potentiostatic deposition morphology depended on applied potential: featherlike at lower and globular at higher potentials. Galvanostatic deposits yielded both morphologies at any current density. Morphological evolution was observed in galvanostatic deposits from featherlike to globular. Independent of deposition technique face-centered cubic Al(+Mg) phase with ∼7 atom% Mg (featherlike) with/without ∼20 atom% Mg (smooth globular) composition formed at lower applied/realized potentials (or deposition rates). Higher applied/realized potentials showed hexagonal close packed Mg(+Al) phase with ∼80 atom% Mg (rough globules) over smooth globules. Potentiostatic and galvanostatic deposits were compared for their morphologies, phases, and compositions.
The DNA Architectural Protein HMGB1 Facilitates RTA-Mediated Viral Gene Expression in Gamma-2 Herpesviruses

Replication and transcription activator (RTA), an immediate-early gene product of gamma-2 herpesviruses including Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and murine gamma herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68), plays a critical role in controlling the viral life cycle. RTA acts as a strong transcription activator for several downstream genes of KSHV and MHV-68 through direct DNA binding, as well as via indirect mechanisms. HMGB1 (also called HMG-1) protein is a highly conserved nonhistone chromatin protein with the ability to bind and bend DNA. HMGB1 protein promoted RTA binding to different RTA target sites in vitro, with greater enhancement to low-affinity sites than to high-affinity sites. Box A or box B and homologues of HMGB1 also enhanced RTA binding to DNA. Transient transfection of HMGB1 stimulated RTA transactivation of RTA-responsive promoters from KSHV and MHV-68. Furthermore, MHV-68 viral gene expression, as well as viral replication, was significantly reduced in HMGB1-deficient cells than in the wild type. This abated viral gene expression was partially restored by HMGB1 transfection into HMGB1(-/-) cells. These results suggest an important function of the DNA architectural protein, HMGB1, in RTA-mediated gene expression, as well as viral replication in gamma-2 herpesviruses.
Multiple mode micromechanical resonators

Two resonant micromechanical structures that have been designed, fabricated, and tested and which exhibited multiple modes of vibration are described. The first had a cantilevered inertial mass that was actuated by a curved-comb electrostatic drive attached near the root of the cantilever. The second structure had a straight-comb electrostatic-drive with a folded flexure suspension that was used to actuate the cantilevered inertial mass. The first structure exhibited two distinct vibration modes, and the second structure exhibited three distinct vibration modes. An analytic dynamic model has been developed and it predicted the vibrational mode shapes of the structures. Tests of the fabricated structures have demonstrated that peak-to-peak lateral displacements greater than 10 microns were feasible. Further, peak-to-peak angular displacements greater than 10 degrees have been measured during second mode vibration. The resonant frequencies of the structure varied from 1.7 to 33 kHz, depending on structure geometry. Cantilever structures with overhang lengths as great as 864 microns have been fabricated and operated with no perceptible contact between the inertial mass and the substrate. >
Geomorphic and pedogenic evolution in coastal sediments, central California

Abstract Studies of soil chronosequences on marine terraces facilitate the use of terraces for tectonic and paleoclimatic interpretation. However, many areas on the California coast have received substantial eolian deposits after pedogenesis began, so do not qualify as chronosequences. These areas are worthy of study because they are widespread coastal landscape features, and they enable us to interpret pedogenic and geomorphic processes in sandy regolith. The objective of this study was to use soil and deep regolith morphology and chemistry to interpret pedogenic and geomorphic evolution on a sequence of four marine terraces, San Luis Obispo County, California. The terraces are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4, from oldest to youngest. The eroded terrace platforms have been tentatively dated at 560, 420 or 480, 320, and 120 ka, respectively. The sand deposits on each platform may be considerably younger. The amount of land surface dissection and the depth of stream incision increase with increasing terrace age and elevation. Morphological features suggest that the soils (Xeropsamments on Terrace 4, Haploxerolls on Terrace 3) on the two youngest terraces are well drained, and their morphological development is typical of soils in eolian sand deposits. Morphological and chemical features of the basal regolith contrast with those of the soils. Clay, Fe oxides, and opaline silica were deposited by groundwater flow above the bedrock platform. Above the shoreline angle, where the deep regolith receives additional groundwater from higher terraces, redoximorphic features have developed. Gray mottles are larger, more common, and more distinct in the basal regolith of progressively older terraces. Erosion has removed much of the overburden on Terraces 2 and 1, and soils (Epiaqualfs on Terrace 2, Epiaqualfs on Terrace 1) have developed in what was once deep regolith. The landscape, soils, and deep regolith show an evolution of processes, whereby the path and direction of water movement through the regolith is controlled first by terrace morphology and stratigraphy, then by the development of pedogenic features in the soil and deep regolith, and by terrace dissection.
A Dual-Layer Method for Transient and Permanent Error Co-Management in NoC Links

We propose an error control method to comanage transient and permanent errors in the data link and physical layers of a network-on-chip (NoC). To reduce energy overhead, a configurable error control coding (ECC) unit adapts the number of redundant wires to the noise conditions, achieving a required error detection capability. Infrequently used redundant wires are utilized as spare wires to replace permanently unusable links. Furthermore, we propose a packet reorganization algorithm that cooperates with a shortened ECC method to support low-latency split transmission. Simulations show that the proposed method reduces packet latency and energy per useful packet by up to 50% and 70%, respectively, compared with previous methods.
Interfacial dehydration by alcohols: hydrogen bonding of alcohols to phospholipids.

The interaction between alcohols (ethanol and n-butanol) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in carbon tetrachloride was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Upon addition of the alcohols, the P=O stretching band of DPPC at 1260 cm −1 shifted to lower frequency (red-shift). The red-shift indicates that the P=O vibration became slower possibly because the heavier alcohol molecules replaced the water molecules hydrogen bonded to the PO 2 moiety. The formation constants between the PO 2 group and ethanol or n-butanol (n-butanol data in parenthesis) were 19.0 M −1 (7.1 M −1 ) when estimated from the spectral change. A new absorbance peak appeared at 3265 cm −1 (3275 cm −1 representing the DPPC-alcohol complex. The formation constant of this complex was also 19.0 M −1 (7.1 M −1 ). The identical formation constant suggests that the DPPC-alcohol complex was formed at the PO 2 moiety of DPPC with hydrogen bonding to the alcohol OH. At higher alcohol concentrations, the absorbance peak of DPPC-alcohol complex shifted to 3225 cm −1 (3235 cm −1 ). Apparently, the lower frequency shift at higher alcohol concentration occurred by the formation of alcohol multimers (dimer, trimer, and tetramer) interacting with DPPC.
Prospecting Rovers for Lunar Exploration

A study of rover options for exploring the permanently shadowed regions of the lunar environment is presented. The potential for nearly continuous solar illumination and the possible existence of substantial water ice deposits focus the exploration planner's attention on the polar regions of the Moon. These regions feature permanently shadowed craters that, remote sensing data suggest, may contain water ice. This water ice, if present, can be converted to fuel cell reactants, breathing oxygen, potable water, and rocket propellant, all vital resources for the ultimate exploration of the moon and the solar system. To provide early ground truth on the existence and abundance of this water ice for subsequent mission planning purposes, the NASA lunar precursor robotics program (LPRP) sponsored a study of potential prospecting rover concepts as one part of the LPRP-2 pre-phase A studies. Numerous vehicle configurations were conceptualized to support a suite of prospecting and scientific measurement equipment for sustained operations in a permanently shadowed crater. Trades and analyses were performed for key functions including mobility, power, and thermal management. Rover options in the 400 to 530 kg class are developed which are capable of either confirming the presence of water ice at the poles or conclusively demonstrating its absence.
MPCS — The manufacturing process control system

The central challenge of all manufacturing is making products to the right standards and delivering them at the right time. AT&T is upgrading its corporate and factory resource planning systems to improve control of day-to-day manufacturing. The Manufacturing Process Control System (MPCS), developed at the AT&T Engineering Research Center (ERC), provides this support. MPCS connects the shop floor with production scheduling, accounting, product data archive, and engineering support systems.
To Help or Not to Help? Factors that Determined Helping Responses to Katrina Victims

Major research findings regarding individual helping behavior are reviewed and analyzed in light of the events during and after Hurricane Katrina. Implications from traditional and contemporary theories of psychology are examined. The discussion addresses both intrapersonal and contextual (psychosocial and situational) factors related to individual helping behavior in the context of real world events around the hurricane. In addition, the article contains implications for public policy and suggestions for policy makers.
The (Mis)Use of Disaster as Opportunity: Coerced Relocation from Celaque National Park, Honduras

: “Disaster capitalism” refers to political economic processes that take advantage of mass trauma to impose neoliberal capitalist economic policies, facilitating the redistribution of wealth and exacerbating socio-economic divisions. Here the basic tenets of disaster capitalism are applied in another context: how natural disasters can be used to impose exclusionary protected area conservation principles with similar socio-economic consequences and ecological ramifications. The post-Hurricane Mitch relocation of resident populations from Celaque National Park, Honduras serves as a case study whereby a natural disaster, combined with the effects of neoliberal structural adjustment policies, created the opportunity to implement a universal model of exclusionary nature protection. The resultant displacement and increased semi-proletarianization of the affected population effectively served the capitalist interests of international conservation and the agro-export coffee industry and, contradictorily, worked against the proclaimed goals of nature preservation through exclusionary national park policies.
Muzzle shunt augmentation of conventional railguns

Augmentation is a well-known technique for reducing the armature current, and hence the armature power dissipation, in a plasma armature railgun. In spite of the advantages, no large augmented railguns have been built, primarily due to the mechanical and electrical complexity introduced by the extra conductors required. It is possible to achieve some of the benefits of augmentation in a conventional railgun by diverting a fraction phi of the input current through a shunt path at the muzzle of the railgun. In particular, the relation between force and armature current is the same as that obtained in an n-turn, series-connected augmented railgun with n=1/(1- phi ). The price of this simplification is a reduction in electrical efficiency and some additional complexity in the external electrical system. Additions to the electrical system are required to establish the shunt current and to control its magnitude during projectile acceleration. The relationship between muzzle shunt augmentation and conventional series augmentation is developed, and various techniques for establishing and controlling the shunt current are illustrated with a practical example. >
Associative Ionization Reactions of Electronically Excited Particles

The present state of knowledge of the mechanism of associative ionization reactions in gases is reviewed. Recent experiments employing molecular beam techniques for the study of these processes are discussed; in particular, the associative and rearrangement ionization collisions of rare gas metastable atoms in the rare gases, hydrogen, and water vapor. Measurements of cross sections for secondary collision processes of the ions formed by Penning and associative ionization are presented. (GE)
Can Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography Predict Postoperative Aortic Insufficiency in Patients Receiving Implantable Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Objective Aortic insufficiency (AI) develops in 25% of patients after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) insertion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of new-onset AI upon initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) required for LVAD insertion and the potential ability of this new-onset AI to predict development of post-LVAD insertion AI. Design Forty-one patients undergoing LVAD insertion were studied. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) evaluation was performed at baseline (post-induction, pre-sternotomy), 5 minutes after CPB initiation, and post-chest closure. Patients were followed up postoperatively for development of AI. Setting Single university hospital. Participants Patients undergoing elective LVAD insertion. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results At baseline, 35 patients exhibited none—trace AI, 4 exhibited mild AI, 2 exhibited moderate AI, and none exhibited severe AI. After initiation of CPB, 34 patients exhibited no change in degree of AI yet 7 exhibited an increase in AI severity. However, all 7 patients exhibited no change in degree of AI at chest closure and one exhibited a decrease in AI severity. Four patients developed at least moderate AI during the postoperative period (range 3-8 months). However, only one of these patients exhibited an increase in AI severity after initiation of CPB for LVAD insertion. No significant changes in aortic root measurements were observed during the entire intraoperative period (within patients nor between patients with/without development of at least moderate postoperative AI). Conclusions One in 5 patients undergoing LVAD insertion will demonstrate an increase in AI severity at CPB initiation without changes in aortic root measurements. None of the information obtained from intraoperative TEE seemed to predict development of at least moderate postoperative AI.
DIFFERENT LEGISLATIONS REGARDING OPAs

An analysis was made of then effect of the Tender Offer Law in Chile, and of the related situation of five countries with a more developed market than the Chilean one, reaching the conclusion that in order to successfully implement a Tender Offer Law it is necessary to bear in mind that the problem is not solved by establishing standards that regulate transactions, but by creating instances that contribute to a more dynamic and efficient market. In addition, there should exist a balance between protection of the minority stockholder and competition for corporate control. Finally, we can conclude that there is evidence that the Tender Offer Law has depressed the Stock Exchange.