cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pyruvate kinase isozymes in adult tissue and eggs of Rana pipiens. II. Physical and kinetic studies of purified skeletal and heart muscle pyruvate kinases.

Abstract 1. 1. Pyruvate kinase (ATP:phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.40) from skeletal muscle of Rana pipiens has been purified to homogeneity as judged by sedimentation velocity studies, immunoelectrophoresis, double diffusion experiments and acrylamide-gel electrophoresis. The enzyme has a molecular weight of approx. 220 000 as estimated by gel-filtration studies and a subunit molecular weight of approx. 55 000 as measured by acrylamide-gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. 2. 2. The properties of the frog skeletal and partially purified cardiac pyruvate kinase have been compared. Both enzymes have the same molecular weight as estimated by gel-filtration experiments and the cardiac enzyme cross-reacts with the antibody to the skeletal muscle pyruvate kinase. However, the cardiac enzyme exhibits different chromatographic and kinetic properties. Unlike the muscle enzyme, heart pyruvate kinase is retained on DEAE-Sephadex, displays temperature sensitivity, is inhibited by l -alanine and dl -phenylalanine and is activated by fructose 1,6-diphosphate. With respect to the extent of inhibition or activation by the latter compounds, present data suggest the possibility that there are two forms of the cardiac enzyme, one of which is highly sensitive, and a second, which is markedly less sensitive, to the effects of these modifiers.
Ultrastructure of the neurogenic heart of Limulus polyphemus.

The ultrastructure of Limulus cardiac muscle was examined. The hearts were fixed in situ by perfusion with isotonic glutaraldehyde solution while in relaxed, contracted, or stretched states. The sarcomeres are relatively long, varying in length from about 2.5 to 6.6 μ. The average A-band length is 2.46 μ. M lines are absent, and H zones are poorly distinguished. Thick and thin filament diameters average about 200 A and 50 A, respectively; each thick filament is surrounded by 8–12 thin ones. Superficial invaginations of the sarcolemma occur, making contact with the Z lines of the outermost myofibrils. There is an extensive sarcoplasmic reticulum and transverse (T) tubules. Some T tubules run longitudinally and some open into deep sarcolemmal invaginations which extend into the fiber interior. The T tubules swell markedly in hypertonic solution. Single neurons and small bundles of neurons are observed in close apposition with myocardial cells. Intercalated disks are found in Limulus heart at regions of contact between contiguous myocardial cells lying end to end; semitight or gap junctions are essentially absent. Prominent differences in sarcomere lengths sometimes occur across the disk, thus indicating that the disks demarcate cells functionally. Hence, in addition to direct motoneuron activation, there may be some transfer of excitation across the intercalated disks in accord with our previous finding that propagating, overshooting action potentials can be induced in this heart.
Peritonitis caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis in a kidney transplant recipient: case report and literature review.

Blastomyces dermatitidis is a dimorphic fungus endemic to the midwestern, south-central, and southeastern United States known to cause disseminated infection in immunocompromised individuals. We report a case of B. dermatitidis peritonitis in a renal allograft recipient with new-onset ascites and cytomegalovirus encephalitis. Peritoneal blastomycosis is a rare clinical entity and, to our knowledge, this patient represents the first known case of peritoneal blastomycosis in a solid organ transplant recipient. We review the clinical characteristics of B. dermatitidis peritonitis as well as the literature on fungal peritonitis with emphasis on dimorphic fungal pathogens. Clinical features suggestive of fungal peritonitis include new-onset ascites, abdominal pain, and fevers, especially with antecedent or concomitant pneumonia. A high index of clinical suspicion, along with the use of culture and non-culture diagnostics, is needed for early diagnosis and prompt initiation of therapy.
Hematologic toxicities in cancer patients treated with the multi-tyrosine kinase sorafenib: a meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Abstract Background Sorafenib is a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine-kinase inhibitor currently used in several malignancies. While not a traditional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent, hematological toxicities have been reported with this drug but the incidence and risk have not been formerly assessed. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the incidence and risk of hematologic toxicities associated with sorafenib use. Methods The databases of Medline were searched for articles from 1966 to May 2010. Abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meetings were also searched. Eligible studies include randomized trials with sorafenib, and adequate safety data profile reporting anemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia or thrombocytopenia. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the summary incidence, RR and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results A total of 3221 patients were included. The incidences of sorafenib-associated all-grade anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia were 43.9%, 18.0%, 25.3% and 34.1%, respectively. The incidences of high-grade events were 2.0%, 5.1%, 4.0% and 13.1%, respectively. Sorafenib was associated with a decreased risk of high-grade anemia (RR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.39–0.98), an increased risk of all-grade (RR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.33–2.17) and high-grade (RR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.02–2.57) neutropenia, all-grade (RR = 2.56; 95% CI, 1.37–4.80) and high-grade (RR = 3.63; 95% CI, 1.98–6.66) thrombocytopenia, and high-grade lymphopenia (RR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.22–2.78). Stratified analysis by the presence or not of concomitant chemotherapy demonstrated similar risks. Conclusions Independent of cytotoxic chemotherapy, sorafenib has significant hematologic toxicities, with a decreased risk of anemia and increased risk of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia.
Counseling Rejected Applicants: Feedback for Career Development

In this article the author points out the need for more adequate counseling with an often neglected segment of the population: rejected applicants to higher education. He delineates the roles, functions, and problems of the counselor in this situation, using as an example current procedures for counseling rejected applicants in the Yale Physician's Associate Program. The article contains recommendations for counselors, so that they might become more familiar with the problems and functions of admissions committees, and for admissions committees, so that they might enlist the aid of those with counseling training in both the admissions process and the counseling of rejected applicants.
Mixed-alkali effect in poly(propylene oxide)-thiocyanate salt systems

Abstract Thin films of cross-linked poly(propylene oxide) containing various known ratios of NaSCN to KSCN have been prepared. Samples in which the ether oxygen to total alkali metal ion ratio was kept constant at a value of approximately 9.6 exhibit a slight minimum in the glass transition temperature versus mole fraction of alkali ion data. Conductivity values for this system do not exhibit a minimum. The absence of a mixed-alkali effect could be due to the appreciable mobility of the anion in these polymer systems and/or a high concentration of ion pairs, thus making the mixed-alkali effect less important in the conduction mechanism.
Postoperative myxedema cardiopathy: an unusual instance which developed in the immediate postoperative period; case report and review of the literature.

Abstract Presented is a case of myxedema which developed about 2 or 3 weeks post-thyroidectomy in a patient initially euthyroid but rendered “hypothyroid” by the usual laboratory criteria. Clinically evident myxedema, first apparent as cardiopathy, developed only after subtotal thyroid ablation. A review of the literature fails to disclose a similar instance. An attempt is made to explain the dynamics involved. The clinical and ancillary indices of myxedema were completely reversed by exogenous dessicated thyroid extract.
Impaired expression and function of toll-like receptor 7 in hepatitis C virus infection in human hepatoma cells

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) interferes with interferon (IFN)-mediated innate immune defenses. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 agonists robustly inhibit HCV infection. We hypothesize that HCV infection may interfere with the expression and/or function of TLR7, a sensor of single-stranded RNA. We identified reduced TLR7 RNA and protein levels in hepatoma cells expressing HCV (full-length, BB7-subgenomic, and JFH-1 clone) compared with control HCV-naive cells. The biological relevance of this finding was confirmed by the observation of decreased TLR7 RNA in livers of HCV-infected patients compared with controls. HCV clearance, by IFN-α treatment or restrictive culture conditions, restored the decreased TLR7 expression. Treatment with RNA polymerase inhibitors revealed a shorter TLR7 half-life in HCV-replicating cells compared with controls. Downstream of TLR7, an increased baseline IRF7 nuclear translocation was observed in HCV-positive cells compared with controls. Stimulation with the TLR7 ligand R837 resulted in significant IRF7 nuclear translocation in control cells. In contrast, HCV-replicating cells showed attenuated TLR7 ligand-induced IRF7 activation. Conclusion: Reduced TLR7 expression, due to RNA instability, directly correlates with HCV replication and alters TLR7-induced IRF7-mediated cell activation. These results suggest a role for TLR7 in HCV-mediated evasion of host immune surveillance. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
The negatron half-life of the long-lived 236Np isomer

Abstract The partial negatron half-life of the long-lived 236Np isomer has been determined by observing the growth of its 236Pu daughter for a period of approximately 4 yr. The half-life obtained is 1·29± 0·07 0·05 x 10 6 yr.
Psychological Reactance and Promotional Health Messages: The Effects of Controlling Language, Lexical Concreteness, and the Restoration of Freedom

Recent social influence research utilizing psychological reactance theory (J. W. Brehm, 1966) has focused on how reactance motivates message rejection due to threats to perceived freedoms posed by controlling language. Although reactance has been shown to increase message rejection and source derogation, persuasive appeals employing alternative forms of restoration of freedom, as suggested by the theory, have received little if any empirical scrutiny. The present study manipulated the levels of controlling language and lexical concreteness within health messages targeting a young adult population. Results show a number of negative outcomes associated with the use of controlling language but suggest more positive outcomes associated with the use of restoration postscripts. Findings also indicate that relative to abstract language, messages using concrete language receive more attention, are viewed as more important, and generate more positive assessments of the source.
Synthesis of 3,4-Ethylenedioxyselenophene (EDOS): A Novel Building Block for Electron-Rich π-Conjugated Polymers

A multistep synthesis of the electron-rich 3,4-ethylenedioxyselenophene (EDOS) monomer is described. The electrochemical properties as well as the electropolymerization of EDOS are presented.
The influence of quinones on the ovarian response of immature rats to gonadotropic stimulation.

A series of quinones and napthoquinones have been tested in immature female rats for their ability to inhibit gonadotropins. Hydroquinone, 2,6-dimethylhydroquinone and 2-methyl-napthoquinone produced no significant inhibition of the action of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMS). Tri-methylquinone and lapachol were effective in modifying the response of the ovary to PMS. The inhibition of a given dosage of PMS was proportional to the concentration of lapachol administered. Lapachol clearly depresses the ability of the ovary to respond at all levels of PMS, and exerts a marked inhibitory action even when the animal is given excessively large doses of the gonado-tropin. The percentage inhibition produced by a given dosage of lapachol appears to be constant over the range of PMS concentrations that were tested (5–100 I.U.). In contrast, lapachol was unable to inhibit the action of chorionic gonadotropin (PU) or crude extracts of rat pituitaries. Neither hydrolapa-chol nor lomatiol was an effective inhibito...
An innovative application of anatomic electromagnetic voltage mapping in a patient with Ebstein's anomaly undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation.

Anatomic Electromagnetic Voltage Mapping. A novel application of the Biosense CARTO System anatomic electromagnetic voltage mapping is presented, utilized as a guide for permanent pacemaker placement. The technique is illustrated in the successful implantation of an atrial lead in a patient with Ebstein's anomaly characterized by a severely dilated right atrium and extremely low-amplitude voltage signals, requiring a DDD pacemaker. Electromagnetic voltage mapping can be used in selected patients with structural heart disease to determine the optimal site for permanent pacemaker lead placement.
KA band spectrum re-use for surrogate satellites on unmanned airborne vehicles

The use of airborne relays serving as surrogate satellites can provide battlefield connectivity and reduce traffic load on military satellite systems. Potential spectral re-use strategies require an analysis of interference effects associated with the operation of a surrogate satellite mounted on an unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV-SS). The ability to operate a UAV-SS at Ka band in the presence of other Ka band users, such as wideband Gapfiller system (WGS) terminals without creating and/or receiving unacceptable interference was assessed using a statistical mathematical model. Multiple scenarios, where parameters such as number of users, relative positions of UAV-SS and WGS terminals, mix of terminal antenna sizes and powers, traffic levels, etc., were investigated. Analysis results for the interferer-victim pairs are presented where the metric is percentage time interference levels exceed given criteria. The key finding is that under the strict constraints of spatially interspersed UAV-SS and WGS ground terminals sharing frequencies, the percentage of time high levels of interference at WGS ground terminals and at UAV-SS air occurred was unacceptable. The implication for potential UAV-SS use is that some relaxation of these constraints is necessary, either by separate frequency allocation, or spatial separation between the two user communities. The model provides guidance for determining the level of frequency/spatial separation necessary to achieve acceptable interference time percentages
Advanced ground-penetrating radar

An advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system has the potential for efficiently and reliably providing high resolution images for inspecting concrete civil structures for defects and damage assessment. To achieve the required performance, improvements in radar hardware, and development and adaptation of advanced 2- and 3-dimensional synthetic aperture imaging techniques are needed. Recent and continuing advancement in computer and computer-related technology areas have made it possible to consider more complex and capable systems for a variety of imaging applications not previously conceived. We developed conceptual designs, analyzed system requirements, and performed experiments, modeling, and image reconstructions to study the feasibility of improving GPR technology for non- destructive evaluation of bridge decks and other high-value concrete structures. An overview and summary of practical system concepts and requirements, are presented.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Boundary review boards: a legislative approach to manage growth conflicts in the urban fringe in Washington State

Abstract Between 1960 and 1980, Washington State's rural population declined as a percentage of the state's total population, while the urban-fringe population more than tripled. The communities and residents of the urban fringe have been experiencing an increasing trend toward urban sprawl, the extension of city boundaries and the concomitant loss of agricultural land. Conflicts among cities, counties and special-purpose districts regarding growth within and outside their jurisdictions, and the disorganizing effect on land uses, were the reasons that the Washington State Legislature established boundary review boards (BRB's) as early as 1967. BRB's were created at the local government level to guide, manage and resolve conflicts concerning municipal and/or special-purpose district boundary changes. The 1967 BRB statute requires the establishment of BRB's in the densely populated counties and permits voluntary establishment in the smaller counties. Between 1967 and 1983, 17 of 39 counties in Washington State established BRB's. The regulatory powers of, and decisions by, the BRB's have raised legal disputes, resulting in 13 BRB decisions being brought to appeal before the Washington State Courts. Although 11 of these 13 decisions were upheld by the courts, it has become clear that there are weaknesses in the terminology of the BRB statute itself. Two of these 13 court cases dealt with agricultural protection issues and are analyzed in this report. A telephone survey was conducted with representatives from five city planning departments, five county planning departments, and five BRB's in Washington State to gain some information on the effectiveness of BRB decisions in resolving growth conflicts and protecting agricultural land. The results of the survey indicated that while BRB's have the authority to protect agricultural land and resolve growth conflicts in boundary-change situations, they are inconsistent in their efforts to do so.
Distortion of 3D SU8 photonic structures fabricated by four-beam holographic lithography withumbrella configuration.

We present a quantitative study of the distortion from a three-term diamond-like structure fabricated in SU8 polymer by four-beam holographic lithography. In the study of the refraction effect, theory suggests that the lattice in SU8 should be elongated in the [111] direction but have no distortion in the (111) plane, and each triangular-like hole array in the (111) plane would rotate by ~30° away from that in air. Our experiments agree with the prediction on the periodicity in the (111) plane and the rotation due to refraction effect, however, we find that the film shrinkage during lithographic process has nearly compensated the predicted elongation in the [111] direction. In study of photonic bandgap (PBG) properties of silicon photonic crystals templated by the SU8 structure, we find that the distortion has decreased quality of PBG.
Microwave power SiC MESFETs and GaN HEMTs

Abstract We have fabricated SiC metal semiconductor field effect transistors (MESFETs) with more than 60 W of output power at 450 MHz from single 21.6 mm gate periphery devices (2.9 W/mm) and 27 W of output power at 3 GHz from single 14.4 mm SiC MESFET devices (1.9 W/mm). We have also demonstrated more than 6.7 W/mm CW power from 400 μm GaN/AlGaN high electron mobility transistors devices for X band (10 GHz) applications. These excellent device performances have been attributed to the improved substrate and epitaxial films quality, optimized device thermal management, and enhanced device fabrication technologies. The substrates and epitaxial films from different sources were compared and some showed significant less SiC substrate micropipes confirmed by X-ray topography and epitaxial defects characterized by optical defect mapping.
Continuous observations of North Atlantic heat transport

The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), which transports warm water northward and cold water back southward, is important in transferring heat to the North Atlantic Ocean. Some models predict that AMOC will slow down as Earth's temperatures rise due to anthropogenic warming, which could have serious climate consequences for the Northern Hemisphere. However, the response of AMOC to global warming is uncertain—different models predict different rates of slowdown—and there have been few continuous observations of AMOC heat transport. Hobbs and Willis used temperature, salinity, and displacement data measured from foats in the Argo array, combined with sea surface heights measured by satellites, to estimate a continuous time series of Atlantic meridional heat transport from 2002 to 2010 at 41°N latitude. They found that the mean heat transport was about 0.5 petawatt. The authors note that this estimate is consistent with previous studies in similar latitudes based on atmospheric flux data but is lower than most hydrographic estimates. Heat transport varied on an annual cycle as well as on shorter time scales, with atmospheric variability explaining most of the short-term variance. The researchers note that the period of study was too short to infer any long-term trends, and they emphasize the need for continued monitoring of AMOC. (Journal of Geophysical Research-Oceans, doi:10.1029/2011JC007039, 2012)
Characterization of rat hypothalamic growth hormone-releasing factor.

The importance of the hypothalamus in the regulation of growth hormone (GH) secretion from the adenohypophysis has been supported by experimental and clinical evidence1–3. It has been observed that GH secretion is in part controlled by hypothalamic GH release-inhibiting factors4, two forms of which, somatostatin-14 (ref. 5) and somatostatin-28 (refs 6–9), have been characterized. Peptides with GH-releasing activity were recently purified from two human pancreatic tumours of acromegalic patients and characterized10–14. Synthetic versions of these human pancreatic tumour GH-releasing factors (hpGRFs) were found to be potent GH secretagogues in vitro11,12,15 and in vivo12,16,17 and to exhibit actions and interactions similar to those observed with partially purified hypothalamic GRF12. GH-releasing peptides have been purified from hypothalami of various species4,15,18,36 but the structure of natural hypothalamic GRF has not yet been reported19. We now describe the purification, sequence analysis and synthesis of a 43-residue polypeptide isolated from rat hypothalamic extracts on the basis of its ability to stimulate GH secretion from cultured rat adenohypophyseal cells. The native polypeptide and its synthetic replicate do not differ significantly in their biological potencies and intrinsic activities. We propose that this polypeptide, which shows 67% homology with the corresponding N-terminal 43 residues in hpGRF-44, is the long-sought rat hypothalamic GRF (rhGRF).
Modeling Light Entangled in Polarization and Frequency: Case Study in Quantum Cryptography

With the recognition of a logical gap between experiments and equations of quantum mechanics comes: (1) a chance to clarify such purely mathematical entities as probabilities, density operators, and partial traces-separated out from the choices and judgments necessary to apply them to describing experiments with devices, and (2) an added freedom to invent equations by which to model devices, stemming from the corresponding freedom in interpreting how these equations connect to experiments. Here I apply a few of these clarifications and freedoms to model polarization-entangled light pulses called for in quantum key distribution (QKD). Available light pulses are entangled not only in polarization but also in frequency. Although absent from the simplified models that initiated QKD, the degree of frequency entanglement of polarization-entangled light pulses is shown to affect the amount of key that can be distilled from raw light signals, in one case by a factor of 4/3. Open questions remain, because QKD brings concepts of quantum decision theory, such as measures of distinguishability, mostly worked out in the context of finite-dimensional vector spaces, into contact with infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces needed to give expression to optical frequency spectra.
Thickness-variation analog for nonhomogeneous plane-elasticity problems: The experimental stress analysis of isotropic, nonhomogeneous plane-elasticity problems can be accomplished by means of models whose thickness varies as the modulus

This investigation was undertaken to show that the experimental study of the stress distribution in plane nonhomogeneous bodies may be accomplished by using models of varying thickness. Fabrication of models makes the experimental analysis of heterogeneous plane bodies difficult. Equations of elasticity are given which show that models with thickness variation should give the same results as those with a comparable variation in Young's modulus. Experimental results are given for the thickness-variation analog of the classical inclusion problem of varying modulus. These results are compared with the known theoretical results of the classical problem.
Comment on "Controllability Limit of a Human Pilot"

T experiment discussed in the recent paper by Washizu and Miyajima of the University of Tokyo is quite similar to one performed in 1960 by this writer at the Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and reported in Ref. 2. The purpose of this commentary is to present a critical comparison of the results given in Refs. 1 and 2. First, a brief discussion of the two experiments is necessary. Both of the experiments investigated the limits of manual control of unstable, second-order dynamic systems. Reference 2 considered only those systems having an oscillatory transient response, whereas Ref. 1 also considered those having one divergent mode as well. Compensatory displays were used in both of the experiments. That is, the display showed only the system error in both of the cases. Schematically, both of the systems were of the single loop form, as shown in Fig. 1, although Ref. 2 presents evidence that higher forms of human operator adaptation are possible which invalidate this conceptual model. The experiments differed in that those of Ref. 1 required lateral manipulator motions, whereas those of Ref. 2 were longitudinal. It is probable that this would not produce large differences between the two sets of experimental results, since, in either case, the biophysical systems involved are quite similar in detail. Grossly different testing methodologies were employed, however. The experiments reported in Ref. 1 used only an initial transient system input and required that the operator maintain stable control for 20 sec. Substantially no practice was permitted. Only three trial runs were made for each combination of controlled element parameters tested. On the other hand, the experiments reported in Ref. 2 used a random-appearing system input and required that stable control be maintained for 2 min. Controlled element dynamics were varied incrementally from the easier to the more difficult control problems. The subject was permitted as much practice as required. Nearly 900 trial runs were made in establishing two controlled elements believed to represent limits of manual control. The experiment of Ref. 2 was devised in order to examine the validity of a speculative, theoretical prediction of the controllability limits given in Ref. 3. The predicted limits of Ref. 3, together with the experimental limits and revised predictions from Ref. 2, are shown in Fig. 2. Typical experimental results given in Ref. 1 are also shown. Only the oscillatory controlled element is considered. Obviously the limits of control as given by Refs. 1 and 2 disagree widely, particularly at higher values of controlled element natural frequency (stiffness). In the opinion of this
Cysteine substitutions for individual residues in helix VI of the melibiose carrier of Escherichia coli.

The melibiose carrier of Escherichia coli is a cytoplasmic membrane protein that mediates the cotransport of galactosides with H+, Na+, or Li+. In this study we used cysteine-scanning mutagenesis to try to gain information about the position of transmembrane helix VI in the three-dimensional structure of the melibiose carrier. We constructed 23 individual cysteine substitutions in helix VI and an adjacent loop of the carrier. The resulting melibiose carriers retained 22–100% of their ability to transport melibiose. We tested the effect of the hydrophilic sulfhydryl reagent p-chloromercuri-benzenesulfonic acid (PCMBS) on the cysteine-substitution mutants and we found that there was no inhibition of melibiose transport in any of the mutants. We suggest that helix VI is imbedded in phospholipid and does not face the aqueous channel through which melibiose passes.
Designing an effective exponential cusum chart without the use of nomographs

The development of control charts for monitoring processes associated with very low rates of nonconformities is increasingly becoming more important as manufacturing processes become more capable. Since the rate of nonconformities can typically be modeled by a simple homogeneous Poisson process, the perspective of monitoring the interarrival times using the exponential distribution becomes an alternative. Gan (1994) developed a CUSUM-based approach for monitoring the exponential mean. In this paper, we propose an alternative CUSUM-based approach based on its ease of implementation. We also provide a study of the relative performance of the two approaches.
CIRRIS-1A interferometer: radiometric analysis.

The CIRRIS-1A spectroradiometer system is designed to obtain spectral and spatial airglow data on the shuttle platform over a global extent. The sensor system includes a Michelson interferometer which exhibits a noise equivalent sterance [radiance] (NER) of 2 × 10−13 W cm−2 sr−1 Hz−1/2; and at a resolution of 0.964 cm−1 (scan time 9.1 s) exhibits a noise equivalent spectral sterance [radiance] NESR of 7 × 10−14 W cm−2 sr −1/cm−1. The entire optical subsystem, silicon–arsenic focal-plane, off-axis high-rejection telescope, and removable cover are cooled below 20 K. The measured performance is shown to agree with theory to within a few percent. Noise-equivalent-sterance [radiance] per root–Hz is recommended as a figure of merit for interferometers that is independent of the specific operating conditions; i.e., mirror velocity, scan time or transform size.
Personality, Sexuality, and Substance Use as Predictors of Sexual Risk Taking in College Students

Sexual risk taking among college students is common and can lead to serious consequences, such as unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. This study utilized responses from 310 undergraduate psychology students aged 18 to 23 to examine personality, sexuality, and substance use predictors of sexual risk behaviors over a six-month period. Data were collected from 2005 to 2006 at a medium-sized Midwestern U.S. university. Results indicated that greater alcohol and recreational drug use, higher extraversion, and lower agreeableness were related to sexual risk taking in men. For women, greater alcohol and drug use, higher sexual excitation, and lower sexual inhibition were predictive of sexual risk taking. Among women, but not men, sensation seeking was found to mediate the relationship between the four significant substance use, personality, and sexuality variables and sexual risk taking. Implications for sexual risk behavior prevention and intervention programming are discussed.
Usability evaluation of drywall sanding tools.

Abstract A usability evaluation was performed on four drywall sanding tools and redesign specifications were developed for one, to improve the human-tool interface of the sander that provides the greatest control of drywall dust, a known respiratory health hazard. Sixteen novice participants performed simulated drywall-finishing tasks with each of the four tools: block, ventilated, pole, and wet sponge sanders. Outcome measures of interest were four usability metrics: “ease of use”, “ease of learning”, “perceived productivity”, and “comfort”. Scaled questionnaire items were analyzed by MANOVA and responses to open-ended questions were analyzed via content analysis procedures. The block sander, the current industry standard tool, performed best in usability evaluations of “ease of learning” and “ease of use”. The ventilated sander, found to be most effective in dust control, performed poorly in terms of “ease of use” and “perceived comfort”, but well on “perceived productivity”. Findings from content analysis were employed in development of redesign recommendations. Redesign recommendations to improve comfort and ease are presented: reduce tool weight, reduce moment-arm, and improve grip design. Relevance to industry Ventilated sanding technology can substantially reduce worker exposure to drywall dust; however, usability problems might be preventing widespread adoption of this technology.
Increasing the bandwidth of a microstrip antenna by proximity coupling

The letter presents experimental results for a proximity-coupled microstrip patch antenna capable of 13% bandwidth. The impedance match (VSWR ≤ 2), copolarised radiation patterns and crosspolarised radiation were measured over this bandwidth to confirm operation. The construction is quite simple, consisting of a microstrip feedline on a substrate proximity-coupled to a rectangular microstrip patch on a covering superstrate; a small open-circuit tuning stub is connected in shunt with the feed line.
Phantom consonants in Basaa

Basaa, a zone A Bantu language spoken in Cameroon, is only one among many genetically unrelated languages for which the positing of phonetically null phantom consonants facilitates a phonological account of certain otherwise unexpected surface forms encountered in derivational paradigms. Clements & Keyser (1983), Marlett & Stemberger (1983), Keyser & Kiparsky (1984), Crowhurst (1988) and Hualde (1992) propose that phantom consonants exist in Turkish, Seri, French, Finnish, Southern Paiute and Aranese Gascon, for example, syllabifying as onsets or codas where appropriate and in certain cases inducing the gemination of an adjacent consonantal segment or the lengthening of a preceding tautosyllabic vowel, as we shall see takes place in Basaa.' It is the purpose of this article to show that the phantom consonants of Basaa are of particular interest, however, because they do not occur in the melodic strings of underlying representations. This is what sets Basaa apart from other languages for which phantom consonants have been posited. Basaa verb root representations are built by the left-to-right mapping of a floating melody to any of four prosodically specified templates. In Basaa, it is these verb root templates that determine the occurrence of phantom consonants. When a too-short melody maps to a too-large template, we find phantom consonants in the rightmost portion of the verb root. The phantom consonants are none other than the leftover onset and coda positions of the template that remain empty after mapping. With the exception of the list in (2) below, all Basaa data appearing in this article were collected during a Field Methods course taught by Larry Hyman at the University of Southern California in 1985. Victor and Annette Bikai-Nyunai, native speakers of Basaa, are deserving of special mention and many thanks for their patience and grace during our elicitation sessions. The Dictionnaire Basaa-Franfais (Lemb & de Gastines 1973) has also proved invaluable to me in my studies of this intriguing language.
Predicting survival for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients using baseline neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio†

The neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratio at diagnosis has been shown to be a prognostic factor for survival in solid tumors. The N/L ratio at diagnosis as a prognostic factor for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has not been studied. Thus, we studied N/L ratio at diagnosis as a prognostic factor for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)treated with R-CHOP. From 2000 until 2007, 255 consecutive DLBCL patients, originally diagnosed, treated with R-CHOP, and followed at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, were included in this study. With a median follow-up of 4.0 years (range: 0.3-9.0 years), patients with an N/L ratio<3.5 at diagnosis experienced a superior overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) compared with those patient with an N/L ratio ≥ 3.5 at diagnosis. The median OS was not reached versus 6.8 years, P < 0.0001; and the median PFS was not reached versus 3.3 years, P < 0.0001, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed N/L ratio to be an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS. This study suggests that baseline N/L ratio at diagnosis is a simple, inexpensive,standardized prognostic factor to assess clinical outcomes in DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP.
Specific anosmia to 1 pyrroline: the spermous primary odor

About 20% of human subjects are specifically anosmic to the odor of the heterocyclic Schiff's base 1-pyrroline. Odor threshold measurements on 33 nitrogenous bases were made with panels of specific anosmics and normal observers. The anosmia proved to be very selective, and was encountered only with 1-pyrroline and its homolog 1-piperideine. The odor of 1-pyrroline resembles very closely that of human semen, and possibly represents a vestigial pheromone. It is suggested that this specific anosmia corresponds with the absence of a new olfactory primary, the “spermous” odor. The same odor occurs as an impurity in several organic reagents and can be detected in a variety of biological materials.
Applications of nonstandard analysis to ideal boundaries in potential theory

A solution is given of the generalized Dirichlet problem for an arbitrary compactification of a Brelot harmonic space. A method of obtaining the Martin-Choquet integral representation of positive harmonic functions is given, and the existence is established of an ideal boundary Δ supporting the maximal representing measures for positive bounded and quasibounded harmonic functions with almost all points of Δ being regular for the Dirichlet problem.
Fluorescent staining of proteins transferred to nitrocellulose allowing for subsequent probing with antisera

A sensitive staining method for protein blots on nitrocellulose is described. It is based on the coupling of a fluorochrome, dichlorotriazynylaminofluorescein, to protein which yields products colorless in visible light but colored when protein blots are illuminated with long-range ultraviolet light. The coupling of a fluorochrome does not affect the antigenic properties of proteins and the stained blots can be subsequently probed with antisera. Thus, the method allows for the unambiguous identification of antigenic proteins transferred to nitrocellulose from sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels.
“Parrot Mouth” in Rocky Mountain Mule Deer

The term “parrot mouth” or overshot jaw describes the condition in livestock where the upper jaw protrudes beyond the incisors of the mandible. The incisors register on or posteriorly to the dental pad rather than on the front angle as they normally do in ruminants. In a partial survey of the literature the writers have noted but a single mention of this anomaly in Odocoileus spp. Johnson (Jour. Mamm., 16: 69–70, 1935) reported a spike buck ( 0. virginianus ) killed in the Adirondack area of New York State whose incisors met the upper jaws about one inch back of their normal point of contact. The writers have …
Inhibition of mammalian cytotoxic cells by phosphatidylcholine and its analogue.

MUCH interest has focused recently on the elucidation of cytotoxic mechanisms in cellular immunology. In addition to complement-mediated cytolysis, two major cell-mediated reactions have been realised from in vitro studies: the cytotoxic T-cell1,2 and K-cell3,4 systems. The former is characterised by the killing of target cells by cytotoxic T cells taken from donors previously sensitised to target cells, whereas in the latter, target cells are destroyed by normal or unsensitised effectors (K cells), provided IgG antibody to the target cell is present. The exact nature of the K cell is still a matter of controversy5,6. Although a voluminous literature exists, little is known about the actual mechanism(s) of action of cytotoxic lymphoid cells. We describe here experiments which implicate phospholipase A activity as an early step of the kill mechanism in K-cell cytotoxicity.
Not Begetting the Future: Technological Autochthony, Sexual Reproduction, and the Mythic Structure of The Matrix

Analysant la structure mythique du recit du film The Matrix des freres Wachowski, l'A. suggere que ce film de science-fiction pourrait bien contribuer a elucider certains aspects du mythe de l'autochtonie, de cet ancien principe cosmologique de l'origine chtonienne de l'etre humain. Selon l'A. la notion d'autochtonie traverse et informe l'ensemble du film The Matrix, qui evoque une geographie culturelle caracteristique d'une epoque archaique, un passe autochtone commemore dans le mythe d'une origine asexuee. Cependant, The Matrix est ambivalent quant a ses elements mythiques, affirmant et deniant simultanement les motifs autochtones. En particulier, le recit du film resiste fortement au mythe de l'autochtonie, alors que son imagerie et ses techniques recreent la prediction fondamentale du myhte. Le resultat en est une tension puissante qui revele la logique etrange de l'autochtonie, la maniere dont ce concept denie le contexte reproductif de l'existence humaine afin de concevoir une autre destinee pour l'humanite. Selon l'A., une partie du film The Matrix (re)connait ce que son recit officiel ne sait pas : que le futur n'appartient pas a l'espece humaine
A new planning model to support logistics service providers in selecting mode, route, and terminal location

In this paper, we address thefreight network design problem. A mixed integer linear program is formulated to help logistics service providers jointlyselect the best terminal locations among a set of candidate locations, shipping modes, and route for shipping different types of commodities. The developed model isapplied to two different networksto show its applicability. Results obtained from CPLEX for the case studiesare presented, and the benefit of the proposed model is discussed.
Extraction of Lactic-Acid from a Calcium Lactate Solution Using Amine-Containing Solvents and Carbon-Dioxide Gas

Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid) was extracted from carbon dioxide-pressurized solutions of calcium lactate using two different water-immiscible solvents: Alamine 336 (a tertiary amine) in chloroform and Amberlite LA-2 (a secondary amine) in 1-octanol. Carbon dioxide pressure ranged from 1 to 31 bar. In single-stage extractions with 0.27 M Alamine 336 in chloroform, a 1:1 feed−solvent ratio, and feed concentrations of calcium lactate of 0.05, 0.14, and 0.30 N, total-lactate distribution ratios of 1.60, 0.68, and 0.38, respectively, were observed at carbon dioxide pressures of 23.2, 21.3, and 21.1 bar. In single-stage extractions with 0.30 M Amberlite LA-2 in 1-octanol, a 1:1 feed−solvent ratio, and feed concentrations of calcium lactate of 0.14 and 0.30 N, total-lactate distribution ratios of 0.92 and 0.58 were observed at carbon dioxide pressures of 12.5 and 13.2 bar. Here we use the term “total lactate” to signify lactic acid plus lactate salt plus lactate complexes in any given phase at equilibri...
Markups, Aggregation, and Inventory Adjustment

In this paper I suggest a unified explanation for two puzzles in the inventory literature: first, estimates of inventory speeds of adjustment in aggregate data are very small relative to the apparent rapid reaction of stocks to unanticipated variations in sales. Second, estimates of inventory speeds of adjustment in firm-level data are significantly higher than in aggregate data. The paper develops a multisector model where inventories are held to avoid stockouts, and price markups vary along the business cycle. The omission of countercyclical markup variations from inventory targets introduces a downward bias in estimates of adjustment speeds obtained from partial adjustment models. When the cyclicality of markups differs across sectors, this downward bias is shown to be more severe with aggregate rather than firm-level data. Similar results apply not only to inventories, but also to labor and prices. Montercarlo simulations of a calibrated version of the model suggest that these biases are quantitatively significant.
Catalan, Motzkin, and Riordan numbers

Abstract Catalan numbers C n are widely known and studied and more recently the Motzkin numbers M n have been celebrated. Closely joined to the Motzkin sequence is a sequence of unnamed numbers γ n , also growing in importance. Here they are denoted by R n , where R stands for Riordan. In 1977, using the planar coloring schemes defined by W. T. Tutte, I discovered that these numbers answer an old problem about linearly independent chromatic polynomials. Planar coloring schemes for an n -ring can be viewed as the subset of cyclically spaced noncrossing partitions of an n -cycle, and they define a natural geometric basis for chromatic polynomials on the n -ring. This article presents a unified overview of Catalan, Motzkin, and R -numbers, intended as a primer of sequences and techniques, combinatorial structure and recursion, generating function equations, difference triangles, and Lagrange inversion. Direct combinatorial correspondences are highlighted.
Characterization of corneal endothelium cell cultured on microporous membrane filters.

In these experiments we characterize rabbit and bovine corneal endothelia cell cultured on microporous membrane filters (0.6cm2). Cell cultured bovine or rabbit corneal endothelial cells (subcultures 1–3) were seeded onto Millicell-HA filter inserts. Electrical resistance measured across the cultured monolayers increased steadily through 14 days of culture, reaching 34.2 ± 0.8 ohm-cm (mean ± SE) for rabbit cells and 33.1 ± 1.1 ohm-cm2 for bovine cells. Alizarin red staining of the monolayers showed a polygonal morphology comparable to that observed in situ. Transmission electron microscopy showed well developed apical junctional complexes and flaps. Exposure of the monolayers to calcium-free medium resulted in the disruption of intercellular junctions, rounding-up of the cells and a decrease in electrical resistance (to near 0). Transmonolayer fluxes of inulin and dextran correlated well to the resistance measurements. Results of this study demonstrate that corneal endothelium, both bovine and rabbit, gro...