cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some characteristics of binding of γ-aminobutyric acid and acetylcholine to a synaptic vesicle fraction from mouse brain

Abstract In a vesicle-rich subcellular fraction prepared from whole mouse brain the binding of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine (ACh) appear to take place by different mechanisms and at different sites. There is an absolute requirement of Na + ions for the binding of GABA that cannot be replaced by other cations. The binding of ACh is markedly inhibited by Na + , so that there is no binding of ACh at concentrations of Na + which are even suboptimal for the binding of GABA. Pretreatment of the vesicles with acetone solutions destroyed the binding capacity for GABA, but increased that for ACh. The binding of ACh appears to resemble a cation exchange process; and several inorganic cations, ammonia, and a variety of ionizable amines and quaternary compounds were found capable of inhibiting the binding of ACh by the particles. The results suggest that one of the attributes of ACh binding sites on the vesicles is the presence of exposed highly ionized polyanionic constituents. Treatment with neuraminidase removed 68% of the total N -acetylneuraminic acid from the vesicles, decreased the binding capacity from ACh by 34%, and had no effect on GABA binding. Significant fractionation of the mixed vesicle population with regard to GABA content, glutamic decarboxylase activity, and binding capacity for GABA and ACh was not achieved by density gradient centrifugation or by electrophoretic techniques.
Spatial and temporal patterns of Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin) recruitment: relationship to scale and substratum

Abstract A series of experiments were performed in a euhaline (North Inlet, South Carolina) and mesohaline estuary (Wando River, South Carolina) to examine recruitment variability across several spatial and temporal scales. Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin) recruitment varied across all temporal and spatial scales with the exception of among reefs within restricted zones of the Wando River Estuary. Both biological and physical factors could be related to the variability observed at different scales. At the finest spatial scales, oyster larvae indicate a preference for crevices and shells or tests of other organisms as attachment sites. Higher recruitment on the shaded sides of plates in the high intertidal zone was consistent with observations documenting the preference of larvae for shaded attachment sites, adverse effects of direct exposure to light and heat, and sedimentation. Observations made at broader spatial scales (100s m) suggested that the availability of potential settlement surfaces may be the underlying factor contributing to the observed distribution of intertidal oyster reefs. Recruitment patterns were affected by choice and position of substrata. Sampling frequency was observed to influence the number of peak recruitment events observed within a season, estimates of total net recruitment, and the variability associated with recruitment observations made at different levels in the intertidal zone. Gregarious settlement behavior, sedimentation, and biophysical modification of the substrata were implicated in the regulation of recruitment patterns at shorter time scales. Competition and predation appeared to be important in regulating recruitment patterns at longer time scales, although the effects varied across the intertidal gradient. The physical and biotic processes which normally operate to structure intrareef spatial recruitment patterns were not observed to be as important in reefs which are physically restricted by tidal factors to very narrow zones within the intertidal gradient.
Amino acid runs in eukaryotic proteomes and disease associations

We present a comparative proteome analysis of the five complete eukaryotic genomes (human, Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis thaliana), focusing on individual and multiple amino acid runs, charge and hydrophobic runs. We found that human proteins with multiple long runs are often associated with diseases; these include long glutamine runs that induce neurological disorders, various cancers, categories of leukemias (mostly involving chromosomal translocations), and an abundance of Ca(2 +) and K(+) channel proteins. Many human proteins with multiple runs function in development and/or transcription regulation and are Drosophila homeotic homologs. A large number of these proteins are expressed in the nervous system. More than 80% of Drosophila proteins with multiple runs seem to function in transcription regulation. The most frequent amino acid runs in Drosophila sequences occur for glutamine, alanine, and serine, whereas human sequences highlight glutamate, proline, and leucine. The most frequent runs in yeast are of serine, glutamine, and acidic residues. Compared with the other eukaryotic proteomes, amino acid runs are significantly more abundant in the fly. This finding might be interpreted in terms of innate differences in DNA-replication processes, repair mechanisms, DNA-modification systems, and mutational biases. There are striking differences in amino acid runs for glutamine, asparagine, and leucine among the five proteomes.
A two-state analysis of estate taxes and charitable bequests from the most generous decedents

Abstract This study uses Censored Quantile Regression (CQR) and probate records for the years 2000–2005 to analyze charitable bequests of the most generous decedents from two states, Virginia and Louisiana. We focus on the most generous decedents because they account for a large portion of total charitable bequests. The most generous decedents' charitable bequest tax price (i.e., one minus the marginal tax rate) elasticity is not significantly greater than one in both our full sample and the subsample of the decedents filing federal estate tax returns. Our finding suggests that allowing charitable bequests to be deductible is not a treasury efficient policy for the most generous decedents. We also find that the tax price and wealth effects for the most generous decedents are overestimated by the Tobit model that has been traditionally utilized by prior studies. Furthermore, filers' charitable bequests are predicted to decrease if the estate tax is repealed.
A Robust Statistical Method for Detecting Differentially Expressed Genes

DNA microarray technology allows researchers to monitor the expressions of thousands of genes under different conditions, and to measure the levels of thousands of different DNA molecules at a given point in the life of an organism, tissue or cell. A wide variety of different diseases that are characterised by unregulated gene expression, DNA replication, cell division and cell death, can be detected early using microarrays. One of the major objectives of microarray experiments is to identify differentially expressed genes under various conditions. The detection of differential gene expression under two different conditions is very important in biological studies, and allows us to identify experimental variables that affect different biological processes. Most of the tests available in the literature are based on the assumption of normal distribution. However, the assumption of normality may not be true in real-life data, particularly with respect to microarray data. A test is proposed for the identification of differentially expressed genes in replicated microarray experiments conducted under two different conditions. The proposed test does not assume the distribution of the parent population; thus, the proposed test is strictly nonparametric in nature. We calculate the p-value and the asymptotic power function of the proposed test statistic. The proposed test statistic is compared with some of its competitors under normal, gamma and exponential population setup using the Monte Carlo simulation technique. The application of the proposed test statistic is presented using microarray data. The proposed test is robust and highly efficient when populations are non-normal.
Study of radial compression high-performance liquid chromatographic columns for preparative chromatography

The operating characteristics and efficiency of a preparative-scale, radial compression chromatograph are studied. Two commercial C18 silica packings are used, one irregular and one spherical and monodispersed. For each packing, the relationship between mobile phase flow-rate, column backpressure, and radial compression pressure is determined. A model is proposed to explain this relationship and determine the radial compression pressure needed to maintain the column effectively compressed at each operating flow-rate. The chromatographic efficiency of these columns is also determined. When an adequate radial compression level is used, the efficiency of the preparative-scale system is nearly the same as that of analytical-scale columns. Applying incremental levels of radial compression can also lead to a restoration of the efficiency of columns whose performance was degraded by operation at low radial compression pressures.
98 Phylodiversity of green algae (chlorophyta) from desert microbiotic crusts

Deserts are not thought of as biodiversity hotspots, but desert microbiotic crust communities represent a largely unknown community type rich in diversity of eukaryotic and prokaryotic taxa. These ecologically important communities have received much attention because of their role in nutrient cycling and soil stabilization in deserts, but they defy characterization by the traditional approach to assessing biodiversity by counting species. While genetically diverse, taxa characteristic of desert crusts are difficult to identify to the species level due to convergent evolution toward simple morphologies, phenotypic plasticity, or poor knowledge about particular lineages. Focusing on the green algae, we show that while biodiversity is difficult to measure in these communities, phylodiversity provides a surrogate measure that more accurately portrays the diversity of organisms, and one that is standardized across the variety of life histories, reproductive strategies and morphological variability that creates problems with species-counting measures. Bayesian phylogenetic inference uses MCMC simulation to generate phylogenies sampled in proportion to their Bayesian posterior probability. The length of a segment in any of these trees corresponds to the amount of change in the lineage, measured as the expected number of substitutions/nucleotide site. Comparisons of segment lengths corresponding to desert vs. other green algal lineages provides a means of addressing questions of relative genetic diversity, or phylodiversity, without complications arising from the difficulty of counting species. Our data illustrate the impact of desert green algae to overall knowledge of the green algal phylogenetic tree.
Ethanol as an arrhythmogen and an antiarrhythmic agent with reoxygenation arrhythmias of cultured heart cells.

Cultures of neonatal rat heart myoblasts exposed to constant ethanol concentrations of 26, 64, 160 or 400 mg% for 3 days were more arrhythmic during this time than control cultures. Although cell growth was not measurably affected, the evidence suggested that arrhythmias may have developed from impaired cell-to-cell contact. Exposure of these treated cells to an arrhythmogenic procedure involving hypoxia and reoxygenation, demonstrated a modest antiarrhythmic action of ethanol.
Three Models for Short-Term Study Abroad

Nearly 250,000 U.S. college students participate in study abroad programs each year. A growing proportion of students are participating in short-term study abroad programs. Despite the large number of students in these programs, there are relatively few articles that describe how to start or manage a short-term, business-related, study abroad program. With this in mind, this article includes three examples of short-term study abroad programs: the summer semester abroad, the study tour, and the service-learning trip. Benefits of short-term study abroad programs are discussed. The article also includes tips for designing and managing the programs. The article is intended as a resource for faculty who are considering taking students abroad.
Land dynamics and future trajectories of structural transformation in Africa

It is a great honour and a formidable challenge to have been invited to deliver the 2013 Simon Brand Memorial Address to this gathering of the Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa. The more I read about Simon Brand in preparation for this address, the more humbled I quickly became. His professional achievements, and more importantly his character, have provided inspiration in preparing this address. Having chosen the commemoration of South Africa's 1913 Natives Land Act as its theme for the 2013 Annual Meeting, the AEASA Organising Committee has encouraged me to touch on the major land-related challenges in the broader region of sub-Saharan Africa. As complex and unique as South Africa's land issues are, I increasingly conclude that the same can be said for many if not most African countries, each with their own historical and political peculiarities. Generalisations therefore often invite trouble. However, one of the contributions of our profession derives from being able to identify underlying trends and patterns emerging out of apparent idiosyncrasies that are influencing the trajectory of economic development and which can guide public and private sector stakeholders. Hence, generalise I will - but not without considerable trepidation.
Finite elements in CFD: What lies ahead

The current state of the art of Finite Element Methods in Computational Fluid Dynamics is reviewed. The aim of this review is to point out what appear currently as the main shortcomings of Finite Element Methods, so as to concentrate the efforts to remove them. The analysis of flows using Finite Elements will only be successful if all steps involved in it are optimized. Therefore, I deem it necessary to describe explicit and implicit flow solvers, unstructured multigrid methods, adaptive refinement schemes, grid generation and graphics in 3-D, the effective use of supercomputer hardware and memory, as well as the combination of structured and unstructured grids.
Circulation in the Coastal Ocean

Coastal ocean dynamics as a distinct branch of dynamic oceanography has seen a tremendous amount of growth in the past 20 years or so. Although there remain many areas of contention, a sufficient amount of common understanding now exists in the open literature that a synthesis is worthwhile and indeed welcome. Circulation in the Coastal Ocean represents an effort to accomplish just that. The emphasis is on motions in the coastal ocean that cause large net particle movements and is therefore particularly appropriate for the current concerns for the environment. The scope of the monograph is, however, much more limited than first expected. The reader is led through the development of theories and physical arguments essentially following the impressive list of literature contributions from the author. The gravitation toward the works of one man precludes discussions of other important topics and approaches.
Growing the Employee Brand at ASI: A Case Study

The employee brand is the image presented to an organization's customers and other relevant stakeholders through its employees. The employee branding process is predicated on achieving and maintaining message consistency throughout the organization. Messages emanate from various organizational sources such as the systems of organizational staffing, performance management, and compensation. Each message should reflect and reinforce the organization's desired brand image which, in turn, should be consistent with the organization's mission and values. When this happens, both the psychological contract and employee brand knowledge is effectively managed, resulting in a brand image that is consistent with the organization's desired brand image. The development of the employee brand through the employee branding process can provide a source of sustainable competitive advantage for the organization. This case study is designed to be used as a teaching tool for understanding the complexity of the process and prov...
Cranial neural crest-derived cells participate in craniofacial skeletal repair

Abstract Introduction: Similarities between skeletal formation and repair have led to the theory that adult fracture repair may parallel development. We hypothesize that since the mandible is derived from cranial neural crest (CNC) and forms via intramembranous ossification, non-stabilized mandibular fractures will heal in a similar fashion. Methods: Non-stabilized osteotomies were created in the right hemi-mandible of adult male mice. Mandibles were harvested at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days and processed for histology. Ossification was assessed and the presence of cartilage determined using histology and in situ hybridization (ISH). To determine the embryologic origins of the regenerate, transgenic mice were generated where CNC cells express GFP constitutively under the Wnt-1 promoter. Fractures were created as described above and processed for frozen section. CNC cells were localized using immunohistochemistry (IHC) for GFP. Closed, non-stabilized tibial fractures were also performed to determine the presence, if any, of CNC-derived cells in appendicular skeletal fractures. Results: In contrast to non-stabilized fractures of the appendicular skeleton, mandibular fractures healed predominantly via intramembranous ossification, with minimal and delayed cartilage production seen via histology and collagen2 ISH. IHC for GFP revealed that the mandibular fracture callous and regenerate was comprised primarily of GFP+, CNC-derived cells. In contrast, the tibial fracture callous was devoid of any CNC-derived cells. Conclusions: These data suggest that mandibular fractures heal by recapitulating their developmental program. These findings have important implications for designing appropriate cell-based approaches to craniofacial regeneration.
Discrepancies between experimental observations in natural and synthetic samples

Abstract The evidence is reviewed by comparing the data obtained from synthetic samples with those derived from natural samples of magnetic minerals present in rocks. It is shown that there are many issues which are still unresolved. Some suggestions are made concerning the future direction of rock magnetic research, such as the need for intensified studies of natural samples. The aim of this note is not to disclose anything new, but rather to open up some lines of thought and draw attention to questions and ideas that may have been lurking in our minds from the very beginnings of paleomagnetism.
Evaluation of the reinforcing effects of atomoxetine in monkeys: comparison to methylphenidate and desipramine

Abstract Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine (NE) reuptake blocker that has recently been marketed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the self-administration of atomoxetine in an animal model predictive of abuse liability in humans. Rhesus monkeys ( n =5) were prepared with chronic intravenous catheters and allowed to self-administer cocaine or saline during alternating baseline sessions. When behavior was stable, atomoxetine (0.03–3.0 mg/kg per injection), desipramine (0.1–3.0 mg/kg per injection), methylphenidate (0.001–0.1 mg/kg per injection), or their vehicles were substituted for baseline conditions. Methylphenidate consistently maintained responding above the levels maintained by its vehicle. Atomoxetine and desipramine failed to reliably maintain self-administration above vehicle levels in four of five individual monkeys. These results predict that atomoxetine, in contrast to methylphenidate but like desipramine, will lack reinforcing effects and abuse potential in humans.
Examination of Group Differences using the Autism Spectrum Disorders-Diagnostic for Children (ASD-DC)

The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has become more critical with the recognition that early and ongoing treatment is essential. Furthermore, differentiating severity of symptoms within and across types of ASD in children is a high priority. Two hundred and thirty-five children between the ages of 3–16 years, who were either typically developing or met criteria for an ASD of autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, or PDD-NOS were evaluated on the four factors of the Autism Spectrum Disorders—Diagnostic for Children (ASD-DC). Marked differences on factors and specific items of ASD were noted across groups. Implications of these data for clinical practice are discussed.
Studies in thin diffraction gratings for flight applications

The quest for maximum throughput in high energy astronomy instruments has influenced an increasing trend in spectrograph design toward closely packed mirror and grating arrays. Gratings have additional challenges to those required for mirrors and are evaluated separately in this study. Since these instruments typically operate above earth's atmosphere, grating arrays are subject to a launch vehicle environment. Packing gratings close together in a confined space decreases substrate thickness below traditionally accepted standards for maintenance of surface figure. The everpresent pressure to minimize mass in flight payloads drives substrates even thinner. The University of Colorado has performed a study of several methods that may be employed to make thin gratings. In this paper, some traditional techniques are compared to less conventional ideas for using thin substrates. Environmental effects necessary for flight applications are also folded into the analysis for each thin grating type.
The "light" organism for the job: green algae and photosynthesis research.

Analyse historique du choix et des proprietes des algues vertes unicellu- laires dans l'etude de la photosynthese.Le cout et l'extrapolation des resultats aux plantes superieures semblent determinants dans ce choix
Fabricating a customized incisal guide table

A technique has been presented for the fabrication of a customized incisal guide table. This technique is especially indicated and helpful when multiple units are placed in the anterior part of the mouth.
Kelp Bed Dynamics in Estuarine Environments in Subarctic Alaska

Abstract Glaciers have pronounced long- and short-term effects on nearshore marine ecosystems. Concerns exist about possible changes that may occur to nearshore habitats with the pronounced climatic alterations in subarctic and high-latitude environments. The present research studied the effects of glacial discharge on kelp bed community structure by comparing environmental conditions on one more exposed and one less exposed shore in a subarctic Alaskan estuary. Inorganic sedimentation, abrasion, and percent sand/silt substrate were significantly higher on the more exposed shore than the less exposed shore. Light intensity, salinity, nitrate concentrations, and hard substrate cover were significantly lower on the more exposed shore. Kelp bed communities on the more exposed shore contained only one kelp species, Saccharina latissima, versus five kelp species on the less exposed shore. Taxonomic richness and overall organism abundance were significantly lower on the more exposed shore. Salinity, nitrate, in...
Synthesis and characterization of copper and nickel complexes of LIX63 oxime

Abstract Several complexes of 5,8-diethyl-7-hydroxy-6-dodecanone oxime [H 2 L] with Cu(II) and Ni(II) have been synthesized and characterized by means of a number of techniques including elemental analysis, IR spectra, magnetic susceptibility measurements, electronic absorption spectra, NMR spectra, and mass spectra. The results indicate that Cu(II) and Ni(II) generally form analogous, isomorphous complexes, although no bis-[H 2 L] complex with Cu(II) has been isolated. [Cu(L)] n and [Ni(L)] n are oligomeric complexes with pseudo-octahedral geometry. [Ni(HL) 2 ] is cis -square-planar (C 2ν ) with bifurcated hydrogen bridges. [Ni(H 2 L) 3 SO 4 ] and [Cu(H 2 L) 3 SO 4 ] have octahedral symmetry in which the sulphate is coordinated as a unidentate ligand and the oxime is functioning as a neutral ligand.
Taking Care of Children After Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this article is to inform speech-language pathologists in the schools about issues related to the care of children with traumatic brain injury. Method: Literature r...
In vivo determination of optical properties and fluorophore characteristics of non-melanoma skin cancer

Diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) techniques have widely been used as noninvasive tools for early cancer detection in several organs including the cervix, oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. Using a combined DOS/LIF approach, one can simultaneously measure the morphology and biochemical composition of tissue and use these features to diagnose malignancy. We report for the first time to our knowledge both the optical properties and native fluorophore characteristics of non-melanoma skin cancer in the UV-visible range. We collected in vivo diffuse reflectance and intrinsic fluorescence measurements from 44 skin lesions on 37 patients. The skin sites were further categorized into three groups of non-melanoma skin cancer according to histopathology: 1) pre-cancerous actinic keratosis 2) malignant squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 3) basal cell carcinoma (BCC). We used a custom-built probe-based clinical system that collects both white light reflectance and laser-induced fluorescence in the wavelength range of 350-700 nm. We extracted the blood volume fraction, oxygen saturation, blood vessel size, tissue microarchitecture and melanin content from diffuse reflectance measurements. In addition, we determined the native fluorophore contributions of NADH, collagen and FAD from laser-induced fluorescence for all groups. The scattering from tissue decreased with progression from clinically normal to precancerous actinic keratosis to malignant SCC. A similar trend was observed for clinically normal skin and malignant BCC. Statistically significant differences were observed in the collagen contributions, which were lower in malignant SCC and BCC as compared to normal skin. Our data demonstrates that the mean optical properties and fluorophore contributions of normal, benign and malignant nonmelanoma cancers are significantly different from each other and can potentially be used as biomarkers for the early detection of skin cancer.
Laparoscopic treatment of chronic pelvic pain in 100 adult women.

Abstract Study Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic surgical treatment for women with chronic pelvic pain. Design. Prospective evaluation of women treated consecutively between January 1, 1989, and December 31, 1992. Setting. A private practice. Patients. One hundred women with chronic pelvic pain. Interventions. Laparoscopic treatment was performed in all patients. Pain level was rated on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 = no pain, 10 = severe, disabling pain). Patients recorded their pain levels before and 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery, as well as at intervals of 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery. Measurements and Main Results. Preoperatively, the average pain level reported by the patients was 8.2. At 1 month after laparoscopic surgical therapy, it had dropped to 3.6, at 6 months to 1.9, and at 3 years to 2.2. Twenty patients reported pain levels of 5 or greater at the 6-month interval. Six of them proceeded to hysterectomy, and four of these six were found to have adenomyosis. Eleven of the 100 who had pain levels greater than 5 after the initial procedure had no further therapy, and 3 underwent repeat laparoscopy. Conclusion. Extensive laparoscopic surgery to restore normal pelvic anatomy and remove all diseased tissue, including treatment of all endometriosis, resection of ovarian cysts, resection of adhesions, removal of the appendix, and treatment of hernias when indicated, together with laparoscopic uterosacral nerve vaporization or presacral neurectomy, results in significant improvement in reported pain levels.
Collagen synthesis in frog embryo endoderm cells.

Abstract A low level of collagen synthesis has been detected in endoderm cells of developing frog embryos. There is little difference between the relative rates of collagen synthesis between the ectoderm-mesoderm and endoderm cells at the gastrula stage. By the tailbud stage most of the collagen being made by the embryo is synthesized by the ectoderm-mesoderm.
Behavioral Assembly Required: Particularly for Quantitative Courses

This article integrates behavioral approaches into the teaching and learning of quantitative subjects with application to statistics. Focusing on the emotional component of learning, the article presents a system dynamic model that provides descriptive and prescriptive accounts of learners' anxiety. Metaphors and the metaphorizing process are suggested as a creative strategy to deal with quantitative anxiety and to achieve transformative learning. The article provides detailed illustration for implementing the process in the learning of three core statistical concepts—expected value, normal curve, and confidence interval—in addition to brief images for regression.
Prevention of adrenal regeneration hypertension.

ABSTRACT A steroid-protein conjugate, made by covalently linking the 21-hemisuccinate of deoxycorticosterone to bovine serum albumin, was used to actively immunize rats. When these rats were subsequently subjected to adrenal enucleation, uninephrectomy, and the provision of 1% sodium chloride as drinking solution, they did not develop adrenal regeneration hypertension.
Cognitive and Affective Reactions of U.S. Consumers to Global Brands

Abstract The authors find that U.S. consumers hold contradictory notions of what characterizes a global brand beyond its wide recognition, availability, and standardization across markets. In particular, they find that the association of brand globality with higher quality is not as strong as the literature has proposed and that affect directly influences how people perceive global brands. The initial results imply that previous research on globality effects may have confounded brand globality and brand strength and that the latter is responsible for the quality effect. A follow-up study shows that for most consumers, brand globality is associated with positive affect and that this affect is also reflected among consumers who are explicitly against global brands. The authors conclude that response to global brands is driven more by affect and less by cognition.
Strain relief through heterophase interface reconstruction: Ag(111)/Ru(0001)

persists to at least 9 ML of Ag on Ru(0001) and presumably applies for the bulk heterophase Ag� 111� =Ru� 0001� interface. Our STM observations show that this interface reconstruction effectively relieves the 7% misfit strain between the Ag and Ru bulk lattices. We use atomistic modeling to determine the arrangement of atoms at the interface, thereby revealing the dislocation structure associated with this interface reconstruction. Finally, we consider why this type of reconstruction occurs at the Ag� 111� =Ru� 0001� interface, but not the Cu� 111� =Ru� 0001� interface. Our observations demonstrate that the structure of heterophase interfaces can be very complex and that we are far from a complete understanding of the issues determining even equilibrium metal-metal interface structures.
Large Eddy Simulation of Transonic Flow Field in NASA Rotor 37

The current paper reports on numerical investigations on the flow characteristics in a transonic axial compressor, NASA Rotor 37. The flow field was used previously as a CFD blind test case conducted by American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 1994. Since the CFD blind-test exercise, many numerical studies on the flow field in the NASA Rotor 37 have been reported. Although steady improvements have been reported in both numerical procedure and turbulence closure, it is believed that all the important aspects of the flow field have not been fully explained with numerical studies based on the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solution. Experimental data show large dip in total pressure distribution near the hub at downstream of the rotor at 100% rotor speed. Most original numerical solutions from the blind test exercise did not predict this total pressure deficit correctly. This total pressure deficit at the rotor exit was attributed to a hub corner flow separation by the author. Several subsequent numerical studies with different turbulence closure model also calculated this dip in total pressure rise. Also, several studies attributed this total pressure deficit to a small leakage flow coming from the hub in the test article. As the experimental study cannot be repeated, either explanation cannot be validated. The primary purpose of the current investigation is to investigate the transonic flow field with both RANS and a Large Eddy Simulation (LES). The RANS approach gives similar results presented at the original blind test exercise. Although the RANS calculates higher overall total pressure rise, the total pressure deficit near the hub is calculated correctly. The numerical solution shows that the total pressure deficit is due to a hub corner flow separation. The calculated pressure rise from the LES agrees better with the measured total pressure rise especially near the casing area where the passage shock interacts with the tip clearance vortex and flow becomes unsteady due to this interaction. The LES simulation also calculates the total pressure rise deficit near the hub and it agrees well with the measured data.
Human serum amyloid P-component (SAP) selectively binds to immobilized or bound forms of C-reactive protein (CRP).

Abstract The two homologous human pentraxins, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid P-component (SAP), specifically bind to each other only when the CRP is in an immobilized form bound to one of its ligands or to an antibody. CRP did not bind to immobilized SAP. The binding of SAP to immobilized forms of CRP was Ca 2+ -dependent and of sufficient affinity to occur in the presence of serum of serum or purified serum proteins. SAP bound preferentially to a synthetic peptide corresponding to the Ca 2+ -binding region of CRP. Monoclonal antibodies to a synthetic peptide corresponding to the Ca 2+ -binding region selectively inhibited the binding interaction. Proteolytic cleavage of CRP between residues 146 and 147 within the Ca 2+ binding region abolished the SAP-binding site; however, the intact subunits of the pentameric CRP were capable of binding SAP. The significance of the binding interaction is that it may serve as the basis for localization of SAP to sites of tissue damage or repair, sites where CRP is selectively deposited.
ADAM15 deficiency attenuates pulmonary hyperpermeability and acute lung injury in lipopolysaccharide-treated mice

ADAM15 is a disintegrin and metalloprotease recently implicated in cancer and chronic immune disorders. We have recently characterized ADAM15 as a mediator of endothelial barrier dysfunction. Wheth...
Intestinal obstruction in the newborn infant.

Summary A review of 134 consecutive cases of intestinal obstruction in the newborn period seen over a fourteen-year period is presented and the various causes are discussed. Follow-up data on the survivals are recorded. The mortality rate was 44.8 per cent. It fell from 58.7 to 37.5 in comparable seven-year periods. The high mortality was due to delayed diagnosis, prematurity, co-existing anomalies, peritonitis, shock, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and nutritional disturbances. The value of adequate supportive measure, intestinal decompression, the use of antibiotics, better care of the premature infant, and the importance of an experienced anesthesiologist are stressed. A plea is made for the earlier recognition and treatment of intestinal obstruction in this age group. Greater benefits are to be derived from the closer cooperation of the general practitioner, the obstetrician, the pediatrician, and the surgeon.
Whirling motion of a viscoelastic continuous shaft

Abstract In this paper we study the whirling motion of a rotating shaft including both elastic and viscoelastic behavior. The model also includes internal linear viscous damping. We consider general descriptions of the initial conditions and broad descriptions of the boundary conditions, again for both elastic and viscoelastic behavior. Our results are presented in the form of boundedness and growth theorems.
HIRED TO BE FIRED? EXPLORING TOP MANAGEMENT TEAM USE OF CONSULTANTS AS PROFESSIONAL SCAPEGOATS

This paper explores the risk-mitigating benefits of management consultant use by top management teams (TMTs). It is argued that in addition to the traditional factors surrounding management consult...
Opto Mechanical Package Development

The focus of this student project was to design and develop a laser diode opto-mechanical package for nLight Photonics Company. This design process involved examining the existing models of the package design and assessing the manufacturing process. Limitations regarding tooling, alignment, and package materials were also taken into account. The package was modeled in SolidWorks, considering these limiting parameters and changing the size and shape of the package from previous models in order to increase spatial efficiency. Analysis of the package was performed to ensure heat would dissipate properly from the diode, and that the diode would operate within the specified temperature range. The thermal analysis was performed using various methods, including a simple spreadsheet analysis and specialized software. This paper will examine each of these design processes in more detail.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
A Bayesian paired comparison approach for relative accident probability assessment with covariate information

One of the challenges managers face when trying to understand complex, technological systems (in their efforts to mitigate system risks) is the quantification of accident probability, particularly in the case of rare events. Once this risk information has been quantified, managers and decision makers can use it to develop appropriate policies, design projects, and/or allocate resources that will mitigate risk. However, rare event risk information inherently suffers from a sparseness of accident data. Therefore, expert judgment is often elicited to develop frequency data for these high-consequence rare events. When applied appropriately, expert judgment can serve as an important (and, at times, the only) source of risk information. This paper presents a Bayesian methodology for assessing relative accident probabilities and their uncertainty using paired comparison to elicit expert judgments. The approach is illustrated using expert judgment data elicited for a risk study of the largest passenger ferry system in the US.
Peel-off case failure in thermal explosions observed by the deflagration cylinder test

Abstract We have discovered a previously unidentified thermal explosion mode using the Los Alamos deflagration cylinder test (DFCT). The DFCT is a “pipe bomb”-style test similar to the detonation cylinder test (DTCT), which has been used for many years to calibrate detonation product equations of state. The shot is heated in an oven to a uniform test temperature. The pre-heated high explosive (HE) is triggered by a hot wire initiator on one end. The tube is back-illuminated by a bright light source, and its combustion-driven deformation and subsequent break-up are observed by a high-speed framing camera. Like the DTCT, the DFCT tube wall motion provides the primary diagnostic. A variety of reactive responses are possible, including quasi-steady deflagration and deflagration-to-detonation transition. This paper focuses on the behavior of the HMX-based explosive PBX 9501 at 155 °C. Under this condition burning appeared to occur only at the HE/tube interface, causing the tube to peel away from the HE core. Peel-off propagated as a wave that traveled along the tube at ∼500 m/s. This failure mode resulted in vigorous case venting, but the response was otherwise benign. We derive a steady peel-off-wave model that reproduces the essential observed features for realistic PBX 9501 parameter values.
Galactosyltransferase purified from rat milk is distinct from the human and bovine enzyme.

Abstract N-Acetylglucosaminide β 1,4-galactosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.22) was purified from rat milk by affinity chromatography on N-acetylglucosamine-Sepharose and α -lactalbumin-Sepharose columns. The purified enzyme migrated as three polypeptides of relative molecular weight 59,000, 54,000, and 27,000 on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Antiserum raised against the 54K rat protein immunoprecipitated all three polypeptides, suggesting that they share common antigenic sites. The human milk galactosyltransferase, purified under similar conditions, was electrophoretically homogeneous on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, with relative molecular weight 54K, and was not immunoprecipitated by the antiserum to the 54K rat milk protein. In addition, Michaelis constants for the enzyme from rat and human milk differed. The apparent Michaelis constant for N-acetylglucosamine and uridine 5′-diphosphate-galactose were 4.8 and .3m M , respectively, for the rat enzyme, and 1.8 and .028m M , respectively, for the human enzyme.
A Note on Interpersonal and Communication Skills for IS Professionals: Evidence of Positive Influence

A recent article by Byrd and Turner (2001) reported that interpersonal skills on the part of information systems personnel had a negative influence on the success of systems as measured by competitive advantage. Several reasons were forwarded to account for this unexpected result, including lack of richness in the measure of these skills, the use of strategic success measures, the true complexity of interpersonal relations within an organization, and the sample of CIOs who may have a bias in favor of technical skills. We address these concerns by incorporating a set of communication skills into the interpersonal skills set, sampling users for a different set of stakeholders, and employing a more complex model based on theories of expectation. The results indicate that the impacts of interpersonal skills on system success is not a simple function of the perceived level of the IS staff's skill proficiency but is also determined by the understood expectations of skill requirements.
Surgical technique for the conservative management of distal urethral melanoma

Urethral melanoma is very rare and pathological diagnosis is important. The prognosis remains poor irrespective of the treatment modality. Rare cases of long-term survival have been reported, one of them following conservative management. An initial attempt at conservative resection is worth considering to offer a better quality of life to the patient for as long as possible. We describe a technique of organ-sparing resection in the management of urethral melanoma along with the follow-up protocol that we adapted.
Effect of recurrent stress on postnatal increase of tyrosine hydroxylase

Tyrosine hydroxylase is present at birth and reaches adult levels in the hypothalamus usually during the second month. Recurrent stimulation of intrahypothalamic noradrenergic structures shortened this period of maturation in a statistically significant manner.
Non-invasive testing for Wilson disease: revisiting the d-penicillamine challenge test.

Wilson disease must be considered in patients with unexplained liver disease, in patients with liver disease and neurological or psychiatric symptoms or for first degree relatives of patients. The diagnosis of Wilson disease is most challenging in the pediatric population where most patients present with liver disease and Kayser-Fleischer rings are frequently absent. The spectrum of liver disease ranges from asymptomatic to cirrhosis and acute liver failure. The group with acute liver failure is the most easily recognized as having Wilson disease by virtue of the presence of non-immune hemolytic anemia and a low serum alkaline phosphatase level (yielding a serum alkaline phosphatase to bilirubin ratio <2). The remaining patients are first examined for signs of chronic liver disease and by slit lamp exam for corneal Kayser-Fleischer rings, tested for liver synthetic dysfunction and evidence of hepatic inflammation and for levels of serum ceruloplasmin and urinary copper excretion. If there remains suspicion of disease, a liver biopsy is recommended, the histology examined and the content of copper in the specimen quantitated. Prior to the more widespread use of transjugular liver biopsies, coagulopathy often precluded the performance of biopsy by percutaneous means. This led to a reliance on urine copper excretion and promotion of stimulation testing with the copper chelator d-penicillamine as a non-invasive means for diagnosing Wilson disease. More recently our armamentarium for diagnostic testing for Wilson disease has expanded to include
Channels: flies feel your pain.

Evolutionary conservation of TRPA1 underlies sensation of reactive noxious chemicals from flies to humans.
Distance-dependent activation energies for hole injection from protonated 9-amino-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine into duplex DNA.

The recent investigation of the apparently anomalous attenuation factor (β > 1.5 A-1) for photoinduced hole injection into DNA duplexes modified by protonated 9-amino-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine (X+) led to the conclusion that in addition to the electronic couplings, the activation energy must also be distance-dependent. In this communication we report the verification of this postulate by direct measurements of the activation energies for a series of (X+)-modified DNA duplexes which sample an appreciable range of donor−acceptor distances (∼4−11 A). The resulting changes in thermal activation energy can be explained within the framework of a distance-dependent reorganization energy.
Uncertainty analysis for the steady-state flows in a dual throat nozzle

It is well known that the steady state of an isentropic flow in a dual-throat nozzle with equal throat areas is not unique. In particular there is a possibility that the flow contains a shock wave, whose location is determined solely by the initial condition. In this paper, we consider cases with uncertainty in this initial condition and use generalized polynomial chaos methods to study the steady-state solutions for stochastic initial conditions. Special interest is given to the statistics of the shock location. The polynomial chaos (PC) expansion modes are shown to be smooth functions of the spatial variable x, although each solution realization is discontinuous in the spatial variable x. When the variance of the initial condition is small, the probability density function of the shock location is computed with high accuracy. Otherwise, many terms are needed in the PC expansion to produce reasonable results due to the slow convergence of the PC expansion, caused by non-smoothness in random space.
What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a form of acute lung injury which usually occurs within 24 hours of a major illness or injury. Unfortunately a clear definition of ARDS does not presently exist, and the variability in the diagnostic criteria may impact on the results of clinical trials for ARDS and our understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of this syndrome. In this article the history of ARDS is reviewed and a few of the definitions that have evolved over wtime are explored in depth. In addition, several controversies with these existing defiitions are discussed.