cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Imbalance in Extracellular Matrix Synthesis and Degradation as a Mechanism of Leaflet Weakening in Sporadic Mitral Valve Prolapse in Humans

Abstract Sporadic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common valvular disorder affecting 2-3% of the humans worldwide. Unlike MVP in Marfan’s and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, no specific genetic mutations that impact tissue homeostasis are currently identified. Yet, significant degenerative leaflet changes are observed, manifesting as leaflet weakening and billowing. In this study, we hypothesized that assessing the matrix health by investigating the activity of matrix synthetic and degradative markers would provide insights into the leaflet degeneration processes. Mitral leaflets were obtained from eight humans (N =8) undergoing surgical repair for MVP at our institution. Fresh leaflets were rinsed, stored in sterile PBS and divided into annulus, base or edge regions and used for immunohistochemistry(IHC) and western blotting(WB). Matrix synthetic activity was assessed using assays for: prolyl-4-hydroxylase(P4H–collagen synthesis enzyme), heat shock protein-47(HSP47–chaperone for collagen folding), and lysyl oxidase(LOX–collagen cross-linking). Matrix degradation was assessed using assays for matrix metalloproteases: MMP-1(collagen I degradation), MMP-3(collagen III degradation), and MMP-9(collagen V degradation). Tissue sections were imaged and quantitative analysis was performed using an image thresholding technique. Cell viability was confirmed using DAPI, and overall tissue structure assessed using H and E staining. Tissue section closest to the mitral annulus served as the control, against which the belly and edge expressions were compared. In the synthetic pathway, P4H activity decreased from 4±1.5 at the annulus to 2±1.3 at the belly (2X) and increased to 17±12 at the edge (4X). HSP47 activity was 3.2±2 in the annular section that increased to 5.1±2 in the belly (1.6X) and 4±1.3 in the edge (1.2X). LOX expression slightly increased from the annulus to the belly (1.2X), but was significantly higher in the edge (10X). In the degradative pathway, MMP-1 expression was 8.4±6.3 at the annulus, which decreased to 5.6±2.8 in the belly (1.5X), and 6±2 in the edge (1.4X). MMP-3 expression significantly increased from the annulus to the edge, with 2.3±2 at the annulus, 7.7±5 at the belly (3.3X) and 24.5±10.6 at the edge (10.4X). MMP-9 expression decreased from the annulus (1.3±0.4) to the belly (0.7±0.2; 1.7X) and increased to 3±1 in the edge(2.4X). Collagen biosynthesis is adequate in the edge as evident from increased P4H activity, however nominal HSP47 activity indicates poor fibril maturation and folding, resulting in a weak matrix in spite of good cross linking from higher LOX expression. Increased MMP-3 and 9 activities in the edge signify degradation of collagen III and V, which may further weaken the matrix. Studies to investigate the regional differences in genetic, cellular and molecular pathways in MVP and the potential role of the elevated stress in leaflet degradation are necessary.
Postnatal changes in lectin binding to microvillus membranes from rat intestine.

Abstract The intestinal microvillus membrane of suckling rats has a large number of unsubstituted and sialyl-substituted sites for 125 I-labeled peanut agglutinin in glycopeptides, indicating that the membrane surface is rich in β, D-Gal (1→3)D-GalNAc residues. The membrane loses all the unsubstituted and about half of the sialyl-substituted PNA-reactive sites during weaning. Simultaneously, there occur increases in the bindings of 125 I-labeled soybean lectin and 125 I-Ricinus communis toxin to unsubstituted sites in glycopeptides. This indicates appearance of new terminal nonreducing D-GalNAc and D-Gal in glycopeptides in the mature membranes. The developmental loss of PNA reactive sites from the microvillus membrane in rat intestine is probably related to D-GalNAc substitution in O-glycans of mucin-type glycoproteins, and to steric hindrance arising in the course of glycosylation.
Displacement variation along thrust faults: implications for the development of large faults

Displacement analyses along thrust faults of different maturity (or size) reveal maxima and minima, often associated with minor folding of the adjacent beds, between the tip points. The results show that these faults are segmented, and that they formed through the linkage of smaller (previously independent) faults, and (or) by propagation of a single fault affected by the existence of barriers. Points of potential linkage (marked by displacement minima) are fault bends or distinct fault breaks. Fault nucleation (marked by displacement maxima) occurs within the planar segments of a fault; only in one of eight examples is the nucleation point seen to occur at a fault bend. Displacement variations along inferred or extrapolated regional-scale thrust faults show a variety of patterns, most of which involve constant displacement or a monotonic increase or decrease away from the basal decollement. These data are not considered to be as reliable as those from observed thrusts due to the necessary subjectivity involved in the extrapolation process. In general, displacement variation appears to be a reflection of the symmetry of the thrust fault system, such that, for example, a flat-ramp geometry ending in a steep tip will show an asymmetrical displacement function skewed toward the surface, with a nucleation point above the basal decollement.
A Comparison Between 20:1 and 5:1 Doping Ratios for High Efficiency X-Band GaAs IMPATT Diodes

High efficiency X-band GaAs IMPATT diodes with doping ratios of 20:1 and 5:1 are compared using hybrid coaxial-waveguide circuits. Both doping ratios yield diodes which show a factor of two increase in output power and efficiency when compared with similar uniformly doped diodes. Arrays of diodes are used to obtain output powers up to 5W. The increase in output power is almost linearly related to the number of diodes forming the array. Measurements of the AMand FM noise of representative diodes show that no significant noise penalty is incurred by using either doping ratio. The more difficult fabrication technology associated with the 20:1 doping ratio is not commensurate with the increase in RF performance, and a lower doping ratio can be used to equal effect.
The diacetylene 11,12-dehydrofalcarinol from Hedera helix

Abstract A new diacetylene, 11,12-dehydrofaicarinol, was isolated from the ornamental ivy Hedera helix cv. Hahn's self-branching. Published 13 C NMR assignments of falcarinol and related compounds are corrected.
Role of Basset force on particle deposition in stagnation flow

Abstract Deposition of nondiffusive aerosols in stagnation point flow was examined. The complete equations of particle motion, including the Basset and virtual mass effects for a particle in a linear velocity field with a constant body force acting on it, were solved, and a general solution was obtained from which particle trajectories and velocities may be predicted. It was found that Basset force generally tends to hinder deposition by keeping particles in flight for longer times than in their absence. However, when particle Stokes numbers are sub-critical Basset force can actually enhance particle fluxes. As a consequence, inertial enrichment of particle concentrations at the deposition plane was increased. An analytical solution for a particle coming to rest in a quiescent fluid was obtained and compared to numerical results of Pearcey and Hill [Pearcey, T. and Hill, G. W. (1956) Aust. J. Phys. 9, 19–30].
Sexual dimorphism and food habits in three North American accipiters

THE three widespread North American bird hawks, the Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus velox), Cooper's Hawk (A. cooperii), and the Goshawk (A. gentilis atricapillus) differ greatly in size. In the course of studies on weight, wing area, and skeletal proportions of these three species (Storer, 1955), it became apparent that although the females of all three species average larger than the males, the sexual difference in size was greatest in the smallest species, the Sharp-shinned Hawk, and least in the largest species, the Goshawk. To determine more precisely the degree of sexual dimorphism in these three species, I measured the wing length (arc) of study skins in the collection of The University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. The series used were large enough to provide both a good estimate of variation within the species and an accurate mean. All birds measured were in adult plumage and were collected in the region between Grafton, in extreme eastern North Dakota, and Point Pelee, Ontario, Canada. The sample of the Sharp-shinned Hawk consisted entirely of birds taken in Michigan; those of the other species included birds from most of the broader area. Mis-sexed accipiters, especially Goshawks, appear to be not infrequent in collections, and I strongly suspect that a few mis-sexed specimens have led Friedmann (1950: 150-152) and possibly others to describe the variation both in measurements and plumage as overlapping more than actually will be found to be the case. Much of the mis-sexing probably results from the collectors' mistaking the paired ovaries (usual in birds of this genus) for testes. In our collections, four Goshawks sexed as males by the collectors measure 348, 357, 360, and 361 mm in wing length. All were taken in the winter months (December to February) when the gonads are small, and all have the heavy black streaking on the under parts, which is usually found in adult females. A fifth Goshawk, sexed as a female, measures 324 mm in wing length, has the fine barring characteristic of adult males, and lacks heavy black streaking. These five birds were omitted from the samples, and even so the coefficient of variation is over 10 per cent larger for both sex groups of the Goshawk thlan for those of the other species (Table 1). A Cooper's Hawk sexed as a male but measuring 261 mm in wing length and having the brownish plumage of the upper parts characteristic of adult females was also omitted from the data. The measurement data are summarized in Tables 1 and 2. Judging froim the difference between the means for males and for females and from
Masculine Generic Terms and Misperception of AIDS Risk1

Three studies were performed concerning generic references to homosexuality in the context of AIDS. Study One demonstrated that for two major newspapers and two major news magazines, the majority of references to high-risk-behavior groups for AIDS employ generic references to homosexuality rather than specifying male homosexuality. In Study Two, 269 male and female college students ranked seven groups according to their AIDS risk. Lesbians' risk was overestimated by two thirds of the subjects. Study Three used 112 subjects to test experimentally the causal link between generics and overestimation of lesbians' risk. Results showed that describing “homosexual” risk leads to higher estimates of lesbians' risk than describing “homosexual men's” risk or than explicitly excluding lesbians, p < .0001. Results suggest that high risk estimates for lesbians may promote the idea that AIDS is a “gay disease”, thus possibly increasing anti-homosexual backlash and heterosexuals' underestimation of their own risk. Results are discussed in connection with the Whorfian Hypothesis, word contamination effects, and prototype research. Recommendations are made for improving discussions of AIDS risk in media and educational presentations.
Post assembly warpage prediction using refined zigzag element

Excessive warpage is one of the major concerns as the electronics industry is producing increasingly thinner dies and substrates; thus, requiring maximum dimensional stability. Consequently, a predictive capability for reducing warpage in is essential as part of the electronic device design process. In order to understand and identify the significant parameters causing excessive warpage, this study presents an approach based on finite element analysis using the refined zigzag element without requiring discretization in the thickness direction. However, it explicitly models the sequence of lamination that accounts for the topology of each layer in the substrate and its individual material properties.
Immunomodulatory analogues of thalidomide in the treatment of multiple myeloma

The design of innovative, more effective, less toxic therapy for multiple myeloma (MM) is emerging in parallel to a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of this common hematologic malignancy. Thalidomide has changed the treatment paradigm for patients with myeloma. Its efficacy, however, has been compromised to some degree by its side effects. Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are structural and functional analogues of thalidomide that were specifically designed to produce new agents with enhanced immunomodulating and anticancer properties but with less toxicity. In this article, we review the clinical trial development of second-generation IMiDs lenalidomide and CC-4047. Both agents demonstrate potent activity with manageable toxicities and provide another treatment opportunity for patients with MM.
Stereoscopic settings with reticles providing multiple reference ranges; the perception of spatially repeating patterns.

(1949). Stereoscopic Settings with Reticles Providing Multiple Reference Ranges: The Perception of Spatially Repeating Patterns. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 209-216.
Cellular Uptake of Gold Nanoparticles Passivated with BSA−SV40 Large T Antigen Conjugates

Internalization and subcellular localization in HeLa cells of gold nanoparticles modified with the SV40 large T antigen were quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Internalization was monitored as a function of incubation time, temperature, nanoparticle diameter, and large T surface coverage. Increasing the amount of large T peptides per gold nanoparticle complex, by either increasing the coverage at constant nanoparticle diameter or by increasing the nanoparticle diameter at constant large T coverage, resulted in more cellular internalization. In addition, nuclear fractionation was performed to quantify nuclear localization of these complexes as a function of large T coverage. In contrast to our prior qualitative investigations of nuclear localization by video-enhanced color differential interference contrast microscopy (VEC-DIC), ICP-OES was able to detect nanoparticles inside fractionated cell nuclei. Although increasing the large T coverage was found to af...
Determinants of prothrombinase activity and modification of prothrombin conversion by thrombin-treated factor V.

Summary. The development of an intrinsic two-stage assay for factor V using highly purified protein components is described. Phospholipid, activated factor X, calcium ion and factor V are incubated together to form a prothrombinase. After addition of prothrombin, sequential aliquots are removed and tested for thrombin activity using fibrinogen as a substrate. The rate of thrombin generation is linear for at least 10 min and increases with increasing concentrations of factor V or activated factor X. At a fixed concentration of activated factor X, a linear relationship is observed between the logarithm of the initial rate of thrombin generation and the logarithm of the factor V concentration. Oligomeric forms of factor V generate parallel but non-identical concentration curves indicating differing abilities to form prothrombinase. The rate of thrombin generation eventually decreases and a maximum thrombin concentration is attained. This phenomenon is not attributable to substrate exhaustion or to decay of prothrombinase activity. Evidence for the formation of an inhibitor during prothrombin conversion, which is directed against both prothrombinase and the reaction of thrombin with fibrinogen, is offered. Activation of factor V by thrombin is demonstrable in the two-stage intrinsic system and in a modified extrinsic sequential technique. In both systems the time course and extent of activation are similar to those observed using a one-stage extrinsic assay. Thrombin formation began immediately with or without prior exposure of factor V to thrombin. The ‘lag time’ observed by some previous workers is shown to be an artifact due to inappropriate extrapolation of the standard thrombin curve.
Regulation of apoptosis proteins in cancer cells by ubiquitin

Ubiquitin inhibitors act at many levels to enhance apoptosis signaling. For TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated apoptosis signaling, there are at least five mechanisms by which apoptosis are regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. First, proteasome inhibitors can decrease Fas-like inhibitor protein (FLIP) protein levels in tumors, resulting in increased apoptosis signaling due to increased caspase-8 activation. This appears to involve the ubiquitin ligase TNF receptor activation factor-2 (TRAF2) and acts indirectly by causing cell-cycle arrest at a stage where there is high degradation of the FLIP-TRAF2 complex. Second, the regulation of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member BAX occurs indirectly. Apoptosis signaling and caspase activation results in a confirmation change in the normally monomeric BAX, which exposes the BH3 domain of BAX, leading to dimerization and resistance to ubiquitin degradation. BAX then translocates into the mitochondria, resulting in the release of proapoptotic mitochondrial factors such as cytochrome c and second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (SMAC). This results in the activation of caspase-9 and formation of the apoptosome and efficient apoptosis signaling. A third mechanism of the regulation of TRAIL signaling in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is mediated by the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) E3 ligases. These IAPs can directly bind to caspases but also can act as ubiquitin ligases for caspases, resulting in the degradation of these caspases. IAP binding to caspases can be inhibited by SMAC, which exhibits a caspase-9 homology domain. The fourth mechanism for apoptosis activation by proteasome inhibitors is through the stabilization of the inhibitor of the kappaB (IkappaB)/NF-kappaB complex and prevention of nuclear translocation of the antiapoptosis transcription factor NF-kappaB. During TRAIL-DR4, DR5 signaling, this pathway is activated by interactions of activated Fas-associated death domain with activated receptor-interacting protein (RIP), which in turn activates NF-kappaB-inducing kinase and phosphorylates IkappaB. Therefore, the inhibition of IkappaB degradation blocks this RIP-mediated antiapoptosis signaling event. Last, p53 protein levels, and susceptibility to apoptosis, can be deregulated by the human homolog Hdm2 (Mdm2) E3 ligase. This process is inhibited by p53 phosphorylation and by sequestration of Mdm2 by ARF. Better mechanisms to inhibit the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway targeted at the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation process itself, or more specifically at the E3 ligases known to modulate and downregulate proapoptosis pathways will lead to the enhancement of TRAIL apoptosis signaling and better cancer therapeutic outcomes act through this pathway.
A new irradiation effect and its implications for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste

Materials containing alkali metals or alkaline earths are sensitized by bombardment with either ions, electrons, or photons to chemical attack by atmospheric moisture. The implications of this effect on the proposed immobilization and long-term storage of high-level nuclear waste in glass or similar materials is discussed.
Reeling in DNA One Base at A Time: pcrA Translocation Coupled to DNA Looping Dismantles RecA Filaments

The mechanism of helicase translocation on DNA remains controversial and the translocase activity driving their non-canonical functions such as protein displacement is poorly understood. Here, we used single molecule fluorescence assays to study a prototypical superfamily 1 helicase, Bacillus stearothermophilus PcrA, and discovered a progressive looping of ssDNA that is tightly coupled to PcrA translocation on DNA. Variance analysis of hundreds of looping events by a single protein demonstrated that PcrA translocates on ssDNA in uniform steps of 1 nt, reconciling discrepancies in previous structural and biochemical studies. On the forked DNA, rather than acting on the leading strand to unwind the duplex, PcrA anchored itself to the duplex junction and reeled in the lagging strand using its 3′-5′ translocation activity. PcrA maintained the open conformation, not the closed conformation observed in crystallographic analysis, during looping-coupled translcation. This activity could rapidly dismantle a preformed RecA filament even at 1nM PcrA, suggesting that the translocation activity and structure-specific DNA binding are responsible for removal of potentially deleterious recombination intermediates.
Bisubstrate analogue inhibitors of 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase: New design with improved properties.

Abstract 6-Hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase (HPPK), a key enzyme in the folate biosynthetic pathway, catalyzes the pyrophosphoryl transfer from ATP to 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin. The enzyme is essential for microorganisms, is absent from humans, and is not the target for any existing antibiotics. Therefore, HPPK is an attractive target for developing novel antimicrobial agents. Previously, we characterized the reaction trajectory of HPPK-catalyzed pyrophosphoryl transfer and synthesized a series of bisubstrate analog inhibitors of the enzyme by linking 6-hydroxymethylpterin to adenosine through 2, 3, or 4 phosphate groups. Here, we report a new generation of bisubstrate analog inhibitors. To improve protein binding and linker properties of such inhibitors, we have replaced the pterin moiety with 7,7-dimethyl-7,8-dihydropterin and the phosphate bridge with a piperidine linked thioether. We have synthesized the new inhibitors, measured their Kd and IC50 values, determined their crystal structures in complex with HPPK, and established their structure–activity relationship. 6-Carboxylic acid ethyl ester-7,7-dimethyl-7,8-dihydropterin, a novel intermediate that we developed recently for easy derivatization at position 6 of 7,7-dimethyl-7,8-dihydropterin, offers a much high yield for the synthesis of bisubstrate analogs than that of previously established procedure.
Head Tracking Latency in Virtual Environments: Psychophysics and a Model:

Quantification of perceptual sensitivity to latency in virtual environments (VEs) and elucidation of the mechanism by which latency is perceived is essential for development of countermeasures by VE designers. We test the hypothesis that observers use “image slip” (i.e., motion of the VE scene caused by system time lags) to detect the consequences of latency rather than explicitly detecting time delay. Our presumption is that forcing observers to change from constant rate to randomly paced head motion will disrupt their ability to discriminate latency based on perceived image slip. This study indicates that the disruption in motion pattern causes a shift in latency detection criteria and a minor degradation in discrimination ability. It is likely therefore that observers make at least some use of image slip in discriminating VE latency. It can also be inferred that when observers learn to discriminate latency, their Just Noticeable Difference (JND) remains below 17 ms.
Depressive deficits in recognition: Dissociation of recollection and familiarity

Dysphoric and nondysphoric students (48 women and 24 men) participated in an experiment that was designed to separate automatic and controlled uses of memory in a modified recognition paradigm. First, they judged the relation of target words to paired words. Later they made recognition decisions on target items alone or in the context of the original paired item. The use of L. L. Jacoby's (1991) process dissociation procedure revealed depressive deficits in estimates of recollection but not in estimates of familiarity. The paired test improved recollection for all subjects and showed a trend in the direction of increased familiarity. These outcomes support approaches to depressive cognition that emphasize impaired cognitive control
Sensitivity of parameters of estrogen action in the iguanid lizard Dipsosaurus dorsalis.

Abstract The effects of different dose levels of estradiol 17 beta was studied using several parameters of estrogenic activity (liver weight, liver glycogen, plasma protein concentration, and oviduct weight) in the oviparous lizard, Dipsosaurus dorsalis . All parameters responded to a dose of 0.1 μg estradiol 17 beta/day for 14 days. Analysis of the data revealed no significant deviations from linearity of the response to the hormone for liver weight, but significant deviations were observed in the other three parameters. The results are discussed in reference to other published work in an attempt to arrive at a physiologic dose of estradiol for vertebrates in general.
A telomerase holoenzyme protein enhances telomerase RNA assembly with telomerase reverse transcriptase

Telomerase maintains the simple sequence repeats at chromosome ends, protecting cells from genomic rearrangement, proliferative senescence and death. The telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomerase RNA (TER) alone can assemble into active enzyme in a heterologous cell extract, but the physiological process of telomerase biogenesis is more complex. The endogenous accumulation of Tetrahymena thermophila TERT and TER requires an additional telomerase holoenzyme protein, p65. Here, we reconstitute this cellular pathway for telomerase ribonucleoprotein biogenesis in vitro. We demonstrate that tandem RNA interaction domains in p65 recognize the sequence of the TER 3′ stem. Notably, the p65–TER complex recruits TERT much more efficiently than does TER alone. Using bacterially expressed p65 and TERT polypeptides, we show that p65 enhances TERT-TER interaction by a mechanism involving a conserved bulge in the protein-bridging TER molecule. These findings reveal a pathway for telomerase holoenzyme biogenesis that preassembles TER for TERT recruitment.
Rational Rhymes for Addressing Common Childhood Issues

Music-based interventions are valuable tools counselors can use when working with children. Specific types of music-based interventions, such as songs or rhymes, can be especially pertinent in addressing the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of children. Rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT) provides a therapeutic framework that encourages these types of creative interventions. Rational songs or rhymes can be utilized to challenge irrational thoughts, reduce unhealthy negative feelings, and encourage helpful behaviors. The purpose of this article is to provide counselors with a rationale for utilizing rhymes as therapeutic interventions when working with children. Additionally, 10 rhymes are presented based on specific REBT concepts including: a) the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; b) demands; c) low frustration tolerance; d) awfulizing; and e) self-rating.
Determining Seasonal Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ground-Level Area Sources in a Dairy Operation in Central Texas

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural production operations are recognized as an important air quality issue. A new technique following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method TO-14A was used to measure GHG emissions from ground-level area sources (GLAS) in a free-stall dairy operation in central Texas. The objective of this study was to quantify and report GHG emission rates (ERs) from the dairy during the summer and winter using this protocol. A weeklong sampling was performed during each season. A total of 75 and 66 chromatograms of air samples were acquired from six delineated GLAS (loafing pen, walkway, barn, silage pile, settling basin, and lagoon) of the same dairy during summer and winter, respectively. Three primary GHGs--methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O)--were identified from the dairy operation during the sampling periods. The estimated overall ERs for CH4, CO2, and N2O during the summer for this dairy were 274, 6005, and 7.96 g head(-1)day(-1), respectively. During the winter, the estimated overall CH4, CO2, and N2O ERs were 52, 7471, and 3.59 g head(-1)day(-1), respectively. The overall CH4 and N2O ERs during the summer were approximately 5.3 and 2.2 times higher than those in the winter for the free-stall dairy. These seasonal variations were likely due to fluctuations in ambient temperature, dairy manure loading rates, and manure microbial activity of GLAS. The annualized ERs for CH4, CO2, and N2O for this dairy were estimated to be 181, 6612, and 6.13 g head(-1)day(-1), respectively. Total GHG emissions calculated for this dairy with 500 cows were 2250 t of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year.
Dynamic stresses and strains in the left ventricular wall based on large deformation theory

In this paper, elastodynamic large deformation theory is applied to calculate dynamic stresses and strains in the left ventricular wall. Researchers usually neglect inertial forces and consider the wall to be thin. In this work, we do not make these simplifying assumptions, although we consider the ventricle to be spherical. We examine the influence the inertial term has on stresses, strains, stretch ratios, wall thickness and myocardial stiffness, which we have computed using available data for the heart of a dog. During one complete cardiac cycle, wall thickness, stretch ratios and stress at the inner wall are, of course, constant when using a static analysis and vary in time when using a dynamic analysis. The effect of the inertia term on the difference between static and dynamic circumferential stress is a maximum (1%) at the endocardium (inner wall) and zero at the epicardium (outer wall).
Crustal and uppermost mantle S velocity structure under Hi-CLIMB seismic array in central Tibetan Plateau from joint inversion of surface wave dispersion and receiver function data

Abstract Trade-off between the depth of an interface and the average velocity above the interface is well known in receiver function inversion. To resolve model ambiguity, surface wave dispersion data, which are sensitive to vertical shear velocity average, are commonly combined with P receiver functions in the inversion. In this paper, we design a joint inversion scheme using the neighborhood searching algorithm to solve shear velocity structure of the crust and uppermost mantle with receiver function and surface wave dispersion data. Two sets of stretched splines are implemented in the inversion to obtain smooth velocity profiles, separated by a specifically defined Moho discontinuity. We apply this method to the dense Hi-CLIMB seismic array in the central Tibetan Plateau (TP). The Indian crust is observed to subduct and underplate the Tibetan crust between the Yarlung-Zangbo suture and the Bangong-Nujiang suture, at the latitude of about 31.5°N. The crust thickens from about 50 km below the Indian foreland to over 75 km south of Bangong-Nujiang suture and turns shallower at around 65 km under the Qiangtang block. We identify two zones with complicated Moho structure beneath the northern Lhasa block and southern Qiangtang block, indicating highly deformed Moho morphology, and beneath the Himalaya block associated with the underthrusting of the Indian Plate, respectively. A low velocity zone is present in the mid-crust in most parts of the profile under the TP with up to more than 10% velocity reduction. The low velocity structure is not continuous, forming discontinuous patches rather than channels, calling for a revision of the channel flow model.
Effects of copper depletion and D-penicillamine treatment on the ocular inflammatory response.

Rabbits placed on a copper (Cu)-deficient diet for four weeks had lower plasma Cu concentration, ferroxidase activity, and antioxidant activity than rabbits fed an identical Cu-adequate basel diet. Inflamed aqueous humor from rabbits on the Cu deficient diet also had less Cu, ferroxidase and antioxidant activity than inflamed aqueous humor from control rabbits. These differences mirrored antioxidant activity than inflamed aqueous humor from control rabbits. These differences mirrored changes in plasma levels. Furthermore, there was an increase in cellular infiltration into the aqueous humor of Cu-deficient rabbits. It is hypothesized that in Cu-deficient rabbits there is an increase in free radical production and formation of chemotactic substances in the eye due to the decreased aqueous humor concentration of the endogenous antioxidant, ceruloplasmin. It is therefore likely that ceruloplasmin plays a protective role in the intraocular inflammatory response.
Temperature corrected sensor diagnostics for impedance-based SHM

Previously, a sensor diagnostics method has been developed for the impedance-based structural health monitoring technique. Impedance techniques utilize piezoelectric patches bonded to the structure of interest for inference of damage. Measuring the slope of piezoelectric susceptance allows unhealthy sensor to be identified. While this sensor diagnostics technique is very useful in detecting damaged sensors bonded to a structure, the method is also susceptible to temperature variations. The object of this study is to accurately provide sensor diagnostics at any temperature. The model developed should be accurate and easy to implement on health monitoring hardware. A frame structure is fabricated to simulate a real structure with complex boundary conditions for experimental testing in various thermal environments. A model predicting piezoelectric susceptance slope at any temperature is generated and validated on the frame structure in an extended temperature range.
Anisotropic ECR etching of benzocyclobutene

Anisotropic, high rate etching of benzocyclobutene (BCB) with smooth surfaces and sidewalls has been achieved in a SF/sub 6//O/sub 2//Ar electron cyclotron resonance (ECR)-generated plasma. BCB sidewall profiles, etch rates, and selectivity to photoresist are evaluated against SF/sub 6/:O/sub 2/ ratio, pressure, microwave power, and RF power.
A critique of religious fictionalism

Andrew Eshleman has argued that atheists can believe in God by being fully engaged members of religious communities and using religious discourse in a non-realist way. He calls this position ‘fictionalism’ because the atheist takes up religion as a useful fiction. In this paper I critique fictionalism along two lines: that it is problematic to successfully be a fictionalist and that fictionalism is unjustified. Reflection on fictionalism will point to some wider problems with religious anti-realism.
Multiple Remote Sensor Observations of Supercooled Liquid Water in a Winter Storm at Beaver, Utah

Abstract The temporal and spatial distribution of cloud liquid water in a winter storm from the 1983 Utah/NOAA Cooperative Weather Modification Program is characterized using remote sensing observations. The remote sensors, located at a mountain-base site near Beaver, Utah, consisted of a dual-channel microwave radiometer operated in an azimuthal scanning mode, and a polarization lidar and Ku-band radar both operated in the vertically pointing mode. The cloud system was associated with the passage of a weak cold front and produced only light snowfall across the barrier network of precipitation gages. Although the amounts of supercooled water detected radiometrically varied considerably during the storm, liquid water depths were consistently enhanced in the direction of the barrier. The spatial distribution of liquid water was observed to undergo a transition from a primarily orographic distribution to a more area-wide pattern immediately behind the front, and then became convective as the storm dissipated...
Simulation in financial engineering: stopping simulated paths early

We provide results about stopping simulation paths early as a variance reduction technique, adding to our earlier work on this topic. The problem of pricing a financial instrument with cashflows at multiple times, such as a mortgage-backed security, motivates this approach, which is more broadly applicable to problems in which early steps are more informative than later steps of a path. We prove a limit theorem that demonstrates that this relative informativeness of simulation steps, not the number of steps, determines the effectiveness of the method. Next we consider an extension of the idea of stopping simulation paths early, showing how early stopping can be random and depend on the state a path has reached, yet still produce an unbiased estimator. We illustrate the potential effectiveness of such estimators, and describe directions for future research into their design.
When 4D seismic is not applicable: Alternative monitoring scenarios for the Arab-D reservoir in the Ghawar Field

ABSTRACT Ghawar, the largest oilfield in the world, produces oil from the Upper Jurassic Arab‐D carbonate reservoir. The high rigidity of the limestone–dolomite reservoir rock matrix and the small contrast between the elastic properties of the pore fluids, i.e. oil and water, are responsible for the weak 4D seismic effect due to oil production. A feasibility study was recently completed to quantify the 4D seismic response of reservoir saturation changes as brine replaced oil. The study consisted of analysing reservoir rock physics, petro‐acoustic data and seismic modelling. A seismic model of flow simulation using fluid substitution concluded that time‐lapse surface seismic or conventional 4D seismic is unlikely to detect the floodfront within the repeatability of surface seismic measurements. Thus, an alternative approach to 4D seismic for reservoir fluid monitoring is proposed. Permanent seismic sensors could be installed in a borehole and on the surface for passive monitoring of microseismic activity from reservoir pore‐pressure perturbations. Reservoir production and injection operations create these pressure or stress perturbations. Reservoir heterogeneities affecting the fluid flow could be mapped by recording the distribution of epicentre locations of these microseisms or small earthquakes. The permanent borehole sensors could also record repeated offset vertical seismic profiling surveys using a surface source at a fixed location to ensure repeatability. The repeated vertical seismic profiling could image the change in reservoir properties with production.
A Mo/Au Bilayer Transition Edge Sensor Modified with Normal Metal Structures

In this work, we explore a technical path to defining the normal-to-superconducting transition profile of a superconducting transition edge sensor (TES) using normal metal stripes on surface. The stripes modify the TES transition through the lateral proximity effect. We experimentally demonstrate that varying the width, thickness and spacing of the normal metal stripes alters the TES resistive transition profile as a function of temperature and current.
The Narayana distribution

Abstract The Narayana distribution is N n,k =1/n( n k−1 )( n k ) for 1⩽k⩽n. This paper concerns structures counted by the Narayana distribution and bijective relationships between them. Here the statistic counting pairs of ascent steps on Catalan paths is prominently considered. Defining the nth Narayana polynomial as Nn(w)=∑1⩽k⩽nNn,kwk, for n⩾1, the paper gives a combinatorial proof of a three term recurrence for these polynomials. It examines the Schroder numbers and the Kirkman numbers and establishes a sequence of bijections linking dissections of polygons to large Schroder paths.
Suppression of DNA-arrested synthesis in mutants defective in gene 59 of bacteriophage T4.

Abstract Amber nonsense mutants of gene 59 ( am C5, am HL628) in bacteriophage T4 will cause an arrest of DNA synthesis in a nonpermissive host, Escherichia coli B. The arrested synthesis of DNA is rapidly suppressed by the addition of chloramphenicol at 5–12 min after infection. To be effective, chloramphenicol must be added at a specific time after infection, and suppression requires continuous presence of chloramphenicol for at least 30 min after infection. Extragenic mutations in either gene 55 or gene 33 also restored DNA synthesis of the gene 59 mutants to the normal level. The physicochemical characteristics of intracellular DNA obtained by alkaline sucrose gradient centrifugation of a double mutant ( am BL292- am C5) is strikingly similar to that obtained in am C5-infected cells treated with chloramphenicol. Since both gene 55 and 33 control the expression of late genomes, it is likely that at least one of the late proteins is involved in the phenotypic expression of arrested DNA synthesis, a conclusion consistent with the chloramphenicol results. We have compared the suppression of am C5 (gene 59) with the suppression of am HX39 which affects polynucleotide ligase (gene 30) and which in its mutant form causes DNA arrested synthesis. Unlike its effect on the polynucleotide ligase mutant, an extragenic rII mutation introduced into am C5 did not affect the arrest of DNA synthesis of am C5. However, the plating efficiency in E. coli B was greatly increased.
Biosynthesis of ansatrienin by Streptomyces collinus : cell-free transformations of cyclohexene-and cyclohexadienecarboxylic acids

Cell-free extracts of Streptomyces collinus were tested with various cyclohexene- and cyclohexadienecarboxylic acids in order to determine the latter stages of the conversion of shikimic acid to cyclohexanecarboxylic acid. It was demonstrated that the final three steps of this process involve reduction of the alpha,beta-double bond of 1(6),2-cyclohexadienylcarbonyl CoA, an isomerization of the double bond of the resulting 2-cyclohexenylcarbonyl CoA to afford 1-cyclohexenylcarbonyl CoA, and a subsequent reduction of the newly formed alpha,beta-double bond. Both of the reduction steps were shown to require NADPH as a cofactor.
Analytic Expressions, Calculational Forms For Scattering By A Multilayered Sphere

A complete set of scattering coefficients for a multilayered sphere is provided. The set includes coefficients needed to describe the fields within the different regions of the sphere. The analytic expressions are derived directly from the Mie coefficients, using a prescription that relates the coefficients for an r-layered sphere (r is an integer) to those for an (r-1)-layered sphere. This procedure has the advantage that the handling of cumbersome determinants (2rx2r) when the number of layers is (r-1), which normally occur in the expressions, is circumvented. Further, in view of the numerical problems observed in the direct use of such analytic expressions for the homogeneous, single-layer and double-layer sphere cases, the scattering amplitudes for the multi-layered sphere in general are cast in a form amenable to accurate calculations.
“Think Athletic Director, Think Masculine?”: Examination of the Gender Typing of Managerial Subroles Within Athletic Administration Positions

To examine the influence of gender stereotyping of administration positions in intercollegiate athletics, the present study evaluated the gender typing of managerial subroles by undergraduate and graduate sport management students from two northeastern universities in the U.S. (59 women, 189 men). Participants indicated importance of managerial subroles for the positions of athletic director, life skills coordinator, and compliance coordinator. Participants rated masculine managerial subroles as most important for athletic director, however feminine managerial subroles were rated of similar importance for both the life skills coordinator and the athletic director. There were no differences between women and men on evaluation of the importance of managerial subroles across all positions. Results of the current study provide some support for role congruity theory within athletic administration.
The relationship of age and cardiovascular health to certain acoustic characteristics of male voices.

The purpose of this investigation was to obtain information about the acoustic characteristics of men’s voices as a function of age and cardiovascular health. Eighteen adult males, divided equally ...
Temporal evolution of neuronal changes in cerebral hypoxia– ischemia in developing rats: a quantitative light microscopic study

Studies in adult animal models of transient cerebral hypoxia-ischemia (HI) and ischemia suggest that morphologic evidence of neuronal death in some regions such as striatum appears early, while in other regions such as cerebral cortex and CA1 region of hippocampus it is delayed for few days and is referred to as delayed neuronal death (DND). Moreover, in some regions such as CA2/CA3 early 'reactive' neuronal changes occur that are potentially reversible. The aim of this study was to determine whether such changes may also occur in the developing brain. To that end, unilateral cerebral HI was produced in postnatal rats of 13, 21, and 30 days (p13, p21, p30) by right common carotid artery ligation and hypoxemia (breathing 8% O2), and their brains were examined at 24 h, 36 h, 72 h, and 96 h of recovery. The results suggest that: (i) DND is present in developing brain, but its regional distribution varies with animals' age. In cerebral cortex, it is more pronounced in p30 rats than in younger animals. In hippocampus, comparison of lesions of similar severity at different age groups shows a more pronounced DND in CA2/CA3 region of p13 rats than in older animals, but no significant differences exist in the degree of DND in CA1 neurons among different age groups. (ii) 'Reactive' neuronal changes characterized by reduction in Nissl staining and acidophilia of neuronal perikaryon with minimal nuclear abnormality are present at 24 h of recovery. These changes in some regions, such as in CA1 and cortex, progress to neuronal death, while in other regions such as in CA2/CA3 are potentially reversible. (iii) Recovery of reactive neurons in CA2/CA3 region is age dependent in that there is significant recovery in the older age groups, but not in p13 rats. The pathogenetic mechanisms of the reactive neuronal changes, the chain of events leading to DND or neuronal recovery, and the influence of age in these processes remain to be elucidated.
Reply by Author to G. Prathap and G. R. Bhashyam

This raises some subtle philosophical problems. In the finite element method, a structure is discretized using a number of finite elements each having structural properties based on displacement assumptions over the element only and independent of structural properties of the rest of the structure. The entire structural system is then built up by assembling such elements and imposing compatibility of displacements at the inter-element boundaries. However, in the present method, the functional to be minimized, (Te-Ue) as indicated by Eq. (8) contains both element displacement quantities w,x over x = 0 to / and system displacement quantities w, over x = 0 to L. This therefore violates the basic philosophy of the finite element method . The conclusion to be derived from this exercise is that it may not be possible to develop a Ritz-type finite element analog for the moderately large bending theory of a beam in terms of the transverse displacement function alone, although it is possible in a continuum approach.
Percutaneous elastic fixation of proximal humeral fractures: operative indications, techniques, results and complications

We present a technique of osteosynthesis of proximal humeral fractures using Kirschner wires, assembled in an elastic manner. We report 29 patients (mean age, 68 years) with types II, III and V fractures, according to Neer's classification, treated with closed or open (seldom) reduction and percutaneous pinning. The pin placement was antegrade: the wires started on the epiphysis and aimed at the diaphysis, with the proximal ends fixed with an external clamp and the distal ends crossed and laying on the endosteal surface. Patients were evaluated with the Constant-Murley scale at the end of treatment. Radiological and clinical outcome was satisfactory in all but one patient, in whom the closed reduction was insufficient. Percutaneous elastic pinning is an effective treatment of proximal humeral fractures. If necessary, it should be associated with open reduction.