cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modifications of hydrolytic and synthetic activities of liver microsomal glucose 6-phosphatase.

Abstract 1. The effects of deoxycholate, cholate, taurocholate, Triton X-100, cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (cetrimide), and NH4OH on liver microsomal glucose 6-phosphatase have been investigated. Treatment of microsomal preparations with detergents activate and inhibit (not inactivate) the phosphohydrolase and phosphotransferase activities of the enzyme. The inhibitory action of detergents was substantially reversed by the inclusion of bovine plasma albumin in the assay media. The glucose-binding site on the enzyme was implicated as a principal site of interaction of detergents with enzyme by the following observations. (a) The extent of inhibition by detergents was considerably more pronounced with the phosphotransferase activity, and (b) in the absence of albumin a substantial fraction of the PPi-phosphohydrolase activity of detergent-treated microsomes was insensitive to inhibition by glucose. Detergent treatment significantly decreased the Michaelis constant for glucose-6-P, and this decrease was potentiated by albumin. The Michaelis constants for PPi in both the phosphohydrolase and phosphotransferase reactions also appeared to be decreased by treatments with detergents, particularly the anionic compounds. However, in the presence of albumin the values for Kppppi were equal to those of the untreated microsomes. The kinetic constants determined for NH4OH-treated microsomes were not altered by albumin and were identical with those obtained in the presence of albumin with detergent-treated microsomes. 2. In confirmation of earlier studies by others, cetrimide effected marked reductions in Km and Vmax values. These effects were found to be the result of uncompetitive inhibition by this cationic detergent. 3. The extent of inhibition by deoxycholate as well as the effectiveness of albumin in reversing the inhibition were identical with enzyme preparations from adrenalectomized, normal, and cortisol-treated animals. This finding strengthens the earlier conclusion that glucocorticoids in vivo stimulate activities of glucose 6-phosphatase by activating existing, but latent, enzyme. 4. An automated method for determining glucose-6-P is described.
Semi parametric estimation of employment duration models

Semi parametric methods provide estimates of finite parameter vectors without requiring that the complete data generation process be assumed in a finite-dimensional family. By avoiding bias from incorrect specification, such estimators gain robustness, although usually at the cost of decreased precision. The most familiar semi parametric method in econometrics is ordi¬nary least squares, which estimates the parameters of a linear regression model without requiring that the distribution of the disturbances be in a finite-parameter family. The recent literature in econometric theory has extended semi parametric methods to a variety of non-linear models, including models appropriate for analysis of censored duration data. Horowitz and Newman make perhaps the first empirical application of these methods, to data on employment duration. Their analysis provides insights into the practical problems of implementing these methods, and limited information on performance. Their data set, containing 226 male controls...
On the genus of joins and compositions of graphs

Abstract We will use a surgical technique to imbed the composition graph G [ H ] when G has minimum degree 2 and H has even order. This imbedding is shown to be minimal when G is triangle-free. Along the way, we construct genus imbeddings of the join G + H when both factors have even order, G is empty or 1-regular, and G has order at least twice that of H . Variants and applications to specific graphs, such as complete tripartite graphs, are given.
Molecular mechanics studies of ketene derivatives and related structures

The MM2 and MM3 force fields have now been parameterized for ketene and its various derivatives. With the addition of the C sp =0 bond stretching and C sp2 =C sp =O bond bending parameters, calculations were performed on ketene and six substituted ketene compounds. The MM2 results are quite good with only minimal errors in the calculation of C sp2 -H bond lengths and H-C sp2 -H bond angles
Rhizobium induced mineral uptake in peanut tissues

Abstract Rhizobia are well known for their significant contributions to the nitrogen economy of legumes. Do Rhizobium spp. contribute to other aspects of legume nutrition? This question was investigated by treating Florunner peanuts with 8 separate strains of Rhizobia in a replicated field experiment at Beltsville, MD. Plants were grown for 140 days, harvested, cleaned, separated into plant parts, and the parts were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Al, and Na. Rhizobial strains significantly influenced mineral composition of peanut nodules and seeds. In addition to fixing N2 efficiently, superior rhizobial strains perhaps may enhance the uptake of other minerals to balance the nutritional needs of the host.
Action Naming in Spanish and English by Sequential Bilingual Children and Adolescents

Purpose Verb processing in early sequential Spanish–English bilinguals was investigated. Primary study goals were to identify potential patterns of development in relative levels of verb processing...
Health-Related Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Current Evidence, Measurement and Effects of Disease Severity and Treatment

Health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) is an important measure of health in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), given that MS symptoms affect many aspects of everyday living. Physicians may tend to focus on physical or cognitive changes in patients with MS because these measures involve physician-or psychologist-administered tests rather than patient self-reporting. However, a number of validated instruments are available to evaluate HR-QOL in clinical studies. Several studies have used these instruments to evaluate the effects of traditional disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), i.e. interferon-β and glatiramer acetate on HR-QOL in patients with MS. The results of many of these studies showed that DMTs improved some aspects of patients’ HR-QOL, but study design issues such as small patient numbers or lack of placebo control for comparison have made it difficult to interpret these results. Two large, randomized, placebo-controlled studies of the newest DMT, natalizumab, showed that this therapy resulted in significant improvements in HR-QOL in patients with relapsing MS. Furthermore, the effects of natalizumab on HR-QOL were apparent, regardless of disease characteristics. The natalizumab studies definitively show that HR-QOL measures can be informative in a clinical trial setting and support the position that patient-reported outcomes, including HR-QOL measures, should be included in clinical trials to more fully assess therapeutic efficacy.
The evolution of CAD: Integrating multiple representations

Abstract This paper reviews the concepts associated with building modeling, as the most effective means for using computers in architectural design. Building modeling integrates the multiple representations used in architectural design. The requirements for a system to support building modeling are outlined. Means for using current CAD systems, so they provide the approximate capabilities of building modeling, are presented. Consideration is placed on pedagogical implications and the opportunities for schools of architecture to make contributions to the practice of architecture.
Comparison of the interactions of the adenovinis type 2 major core protein and its precursor with DNA

Abstract The interactions of the major core protein of adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) protein VII, and its precursor, protein pre-VII, with viral DNA, were studied using UV light induced crosslinking of 32P-labelled oligonucleotides to the proteins. Proteolytic fragments of these two proteins that contain DNA-binding domains were identified by virtue of their covalently attached, alkali-resistant 32P-radioactivity. The overall efficiency of crosslinking of protein pre-VII to DNA, in H2ts1 virions assembled at 39 degrees C, was comparable to that of the crosslinking of protein VII to DNA in Ad2 virions. However, a protease V8 fragment comprising the N-terminal half of protein pre-VII crosslinked to DNA at least ten times more efficiently than the corresponding N-terminal fragment of protein VII, which is truncated by the removal of 23 amino acids from the N-terminus of protein pre-VII during virion maturation.
Comparing the Effects of Entertainment and Educational Television Programming on Risky Sexual Behavior

Entertainment-education (E-E) may offer an effective way to reduce risky behavior by modeling healthy behaviors. Although there is some empirical evidence to support the effectiveness of the E-E strategy, much of this research has been conducted in countries with different media landscapes than that of the United States and controlled experiments in this context are rare. Moreover, empirical tests of the relative effectiveness of E-E messages and other message formats are needed. In this study, 437 undergraduates participated in a three-wave panel experiment in which they viewed one of three programs (E-E, education, or entertainment). Safer sex intentions and behaviors were measured several days before, immediately following, and 2 weeks after exposure. Results demonstrate that effects of exposure to this E-E program vary depending on gender and past experience with sexual intercourse. In particular, females and those who had not initiated sexual intercourse showed the strongest effects. Discussion of theoretical implications and suggestions for future research are provided.
Drop Leg Lachman Test A New Test of Anterior Knee Laxity

We describe a new method of evaluating anterior cruciate stability that we call the drop leg Lachman test. This test is performed with the patient supine and the leg to be examined abducted off the side of the table and flexed 25 degrees. The thigh is stabilized to the examining table with one of the examiner's hands, and the patient's foot is held between the examiner's legs. The examiner's free hand provides the anteriorly directed force as done in the Lachman test. A prospective study of 52 patients who were identified as unilaterally anterior cruciate ligament deficient was conducted. Forty-two subjects were tested while conscious, and 40 subjects were tested under anesthesia. Each subject was examined with a KT-1000 arthrometer. In the conscious group, the drop leg Lachman test resulted in 1.8 mm greater average excursion than the Lachman test. In the anesthetized group, the drop leg Lachman test resulted in 2.4 mm more average translation than the Lachman test. In both groups, the difference between tests was statistically significant. The drop leg Lachman test is physically easier to perform than the Lachman test, and it is a sensitive method of demonstrating anterior laxity in an anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee.
An objective, model-independent method for detection of non-uniform steps in noisy signals

Biophysical techniques, such as single molecule FRET, fluorescence microscopy, single ion-channel patch clamping, and optical tweezers often yield data that are noisy time series containing discrete steps. Here we present a method enabling objective identification of nonuniform steps present in such noisy data. Our method does not require the assumption of any underlying kinetic or state models and is thus particularly useful for analysis of novel and poorly understood systems. In contrast to other model-independent methods, no parameters or other information is taken from the user. We find that, at high noise levels, our method exceeds the performance of other model-independent methods in accurately locating steps in simulated noisy data.
Some simple scheduling algorithms

This paper considers situations in which jobs require only one operation on a single machine, or on one of a set of identical machines. Penalty-free interruption is allowed. Some simple algorithms are given for finding optimum schedules to minimize maximum lateness and total delay, for the single-machine case, and maximum lateness for a restricted multi-machine case. A simple flow problem formulation permits minimizing maximum lateness for the more general multimachine case.
Do Synergistic Relationships between Nitrogen and Water Influence the Ability of Corn to Use Nitrogen Derived from Fertilizer and Soil

To improve site-specific N recommendations a more complete understanding of the mechanisms responsible for synergistic relationships between N and water is needed. The objective of this research was to determine the influence of soil water regime on the ability of corn (Zea mays L.) to use N derived from fertilizer and soil. A randomized split-block experiment was conducted in 2002, 2003, and 2004. Soil at the site was a Brandt silty clay loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive frigid Calcic Hapludoll). Blocks were split into moderate (natural rainfall) and high (natural + supplemental irrigation) water regimes. Nitrogen rates were 0, 56, 112, and 168 kg urea-N ha -1 that was surface applied. Water, soil N, and N fertilizer use efficiencies were determined. Plant utilization of soil N was determined by mass balance in the unfertilized control plots and by using the δ 15 N approach in fertilized plots. Findings showed that: (i) plants responded to N and water simultaneously; (ii) N fertilizer increased water use efficiency (170 kg vs. 223 kg grain cm -1 in 0 and 112 kg N ha -1 treatments, respectively); and (iii) water increased the ability ofcorn to use N derived from soil (67.7 and 61.6% efficient in high and moderate water regimes, respectively, P = 0.002) and fertilizer (48 and 44% efficient in high and moderate water regimes, respectively, P = 0.10). Higher N use efficiency in the high water regime was attributed to two interrelated factors. First, total growth and evapotranspiration (ET) were higher in the high than the moderate water regime. Second, N transport to the root increased with water transpired. For precision farming, results indicate that: (i) the amount of N fertilizer needed to produce a kg of grain is related to the yield loss due to water stress; and (ii) the rate constant used in yield goal equations can be replaced with a variable.
Protonation Studies of a Mono-Dinitrogen Complex of Chromium Supported by a 12-Membered Phosphorus Macrocycle Containing Pendant Amines

The reduction of fac-[CrCl3(PPh3NBn3)], (1(Cl3)), (PPh3NBn3 = 1,5,9-tribenzyl-3,7,11-triphenyl-1,5,9-triaza-3,7,11-triphosphacyclododecane) with Mg in the presence of dmpe (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane) affords the first example of a monodinitrogen Cr0 complex, Cr(N2)(dmpe)(PPh3NBn3), (2(N2)), containing a pentaphosphine coordination environment. 2(N2) is supported by a unique facially coordinating 12-membered phosphorus macrocycle containing pendant amine groups in the second coordination sphere. Treatment of 2(N2) at −78 °C with 1 equiv of [H(OEt2)2][B(C6F5)4] results in protonation of the metal center, generating the seven-coordinate CrII–N2 hydride complex, [Cr(H)(N2)(dmpe)(PPh3NBn3)][B(C6F5)4], [2(H)(N2)]+. Treatment of 2(15N2) with excess triflic acid at −50 °C afforded a trace amount of 15NH4+ from the reduction of the coordinated 15N2 ligand (electrons originate from Cr). Electronic structure calculations were employed to evaluate the pKa values of three protonated sites of 2(N2) (metal...
Revisiting quality metrics for conceptual models

Determining quality of a conceptual model has always been a challenge for researchers. Various quality attributes and their measures have been proposed in the research. These measures are usually qualitative and lack quantitative aspect which makes it difficult to discuss quality objectively. In our research, we have studied the existing quantitative metrics and have found that many of these metrics are not appropriately defined or have anomalies in their definition and application. Identification of these problems has motivated us to redefine these quantitative metrics and propose a quantitative approach to determine the overall quality of a conceptual model. This paper is mainly focused on two quality attributes namely completeness and correctness, and on the metrics defined for these attributes. The study is further extended to define a quality framework which helps in computing the overall quality of a conceptual model. The results of this research provide the basis to compare two alternate models of a given problem domain and decide which model is of better quality.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa inactivation mechanism is affected by capsular extracellular polymeric substances reactivity with chlorine and monochloramine.

The reactivity of capsular extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to chlorine and monochloramine was assessed and compared in this study. The impact of capsular EPS on Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa inactivation mechanisms was investigated both qualitatively and quantitatively using a combination of batch experiments, viability tests with LIVE/DEAD staining, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Both wild-type and isogenic mutant strains with different alginate EPS production capabilities were used to evaluate their susceptibility to chlorine and monochloramine. The mucA22 mutant strain, which overproduces the EPS composed largely of acidic polysaccharide alginate, exhibited high resistance and prolonged inactivation time to both chlorine and monochloramine relative to PAO1 (wild-type) and algT(U) mutant strains (alginate EPS deficient). Multiple analyses were combined to better understand the mechanistic role of EPS against chlorine-based disinfectants. The extracted EPS exhibited high reactivity with chlorine and very low reactivity with monochloramine, suggesting different mechanism of protection against disinfectants. Moreover, capsular EPS on cell membrane appeared to reduce membrane permeabilization by disinfectants as suggested by deformation of key functional groups in EPS and cell membrane (the C–O–C stretching of carbohydrate and the C=O stretching of ester group). The combined results supported that capsular EPS, acting either as a disinfectant consumer (for chlorine inactivation) or limiting access to reactive sites on cell membrane (for monochloramine inactivation), provide a protective role for bacterial cells against regulatory residual disinfectants by reducing membrane permeabilization.
Occupational Risk Factors for Lung Cancer among U. S. Women

Purpose Lung cancer accounts for 29% of cancer deaths among U.S. women, i.e., 162,460 estimated deaths in 2006. Between 2–20% of lung cancer deaths in women are estimated to be due to classic industrial lung carcinogens, or workplace exposure to side-stream smoke or radon. There are a limited number of studies of occupational lung cancer in women. Our aim was to identify occupations and industries with elevated proportionate lung cancer mortality among working women, and to focus attention on preventable occupational risk factors for lung cancer. Methods We reviewed the scientific literature on risk factors for occupational lung cancer in women, and undertook a race-specific proportionate mortality (PMR) analysis of nearly 4 million deaths among women who died from 1984–1998 in the 28 U.S. states that code industry sector and occupation on death certificates. Results Industries with significantly elevated proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) accounting for the largest number of lung cancer deaths among white working women during the 15-year period were eating and drinking places (PMR=136; n=7783 deaths), hotels and motels (PMR=135; n=1422), several wholesale and retail trades (PMRs range 126–145; n=1405 deaths), several manufacturing sub-sectors (PMRs range 126–142; n=2108), real estate (PMR=137; n=1863), and construction (PMR=125; n=940). Industries accounting for excess lung cancer deaths among white and black women were entertainment and recreation services (PMR=136 white women, PMR=143 black women; n=1209), beauty and barber shops (PMR=124 white women, PMR=122 black women; n=2274), and among black women, public administration (PMR=147; n=718). Focusing on occupation, our analysis revealed significant excess proportionate lung cancer mortality among white women working as waitresses (PMR=152), in sales (PMR=139), as legislative and public administrators (PMR=130), and as managers or administrators (PMR=130). Among black women, financial officers (PMR=175) and receptionists (PMR=183) also experienced excess lung cancer deaths. Conclusion Women experience significant excess lung cancer mortality associated with occupation. Review of potential exposures in the occupations and industry sectors with elevated lung cancer PMRs suggested several potential lung carcinogens. Workplace exposure to cigarette smoke is a risk factor in some of these industries and occupations, e.g., occupations in the hospitality industry. Other possible explanatory factors in some work environments include a number of known occupational carcinogens. Our findings suggest a need for additional research on occupational risk factors for lung cancer among women working in a wide range of industrial and white collar settings.
Examination of various endpoint methods for chrome mask etch

Accurate determination of endpoint is important for creating a repeatable process that maximizes sidewall profile angle and resist selectivity while maintaining a low etch bias. An Applied Materials EyeD (TM) spectrometer on the Tetra(TM) II photomask etch system is used to examine several endpoint methods to maximize flexibility and productivity. These methods include: slope changes to a single line, slope changes via a ratio of product and etchant species and slope changes of a linear combination of all slope changes. Endpoint identification is typically performed with a single spectral line. In addition, a method using neural networks, or principal component analysis (PCA) has also been created in order to fully optimize and characterize exact endpoint definition. Comparison between these methods will be discussed.
Condensed-phase control? Or gas-phase control?

Publishing the discussion of two famous researchers in the field of solid propellant combustion, the Editorial Board has to mention that the issues discussed have a long story. The ideas on the leading role of solid-phase reactions in combustion of double-base and composite propellants were formulated by P. F. Pokhil approximately 40 years ago (Combustion, Explosion, and Shock Waves, 1969, Vol. 5, No. 3). Simultaneously, he emphasized that the burning rate in the general case depends on interaction of all stages in the combustion wave. Up to now, it was only an experiment that could offer reliable proof of the existence of some particular mechanism of combustion, and critical discussions of available experimental information are of crucial importance. In this connection, it should be noted that the considerations of the leading role of gas-phase reactions at elevated pressures presented in this discussion can also be revised, because, with appropriate kinetics of solid-phase chemical reactions, their role can become dominating with increasing pressure (and surface temperature).
Estimation of biodynamic forces distributed on the fingers and the palm exposed to vibration.

The hand-tool coupling force in the operation of a vibrating tool is generally composed of applied force (AF) and biodynamic force (BF). There is wide interest in quantifying the coupling force. The objectives of this study are to develop an effective method for estimating the BF and to investigate its fundamental characteristics. Using the biodynamic response of the hand-arm system, such as apparent mass or mechanical impedance, and the acceleration that can be measured on vibrating tools, this study proposed an indirect method for the BF estimation. The BFs distributed on the fingers and the palm of the hand along the forearm direction (zh-axis) in the operations of eighteen types of tool were estimated and used to identify the distributed BF characteristics. The results indicate that the BFs depend on both the tool vibration spectrum and the biodynamic properties of the hand-arm system. The dominant BF frequency component is usually at the same frequency as the dominant vibration frequency of each tool. The BF distributed on the palm (2-98 N) is much higher than that distributed on the fingers (1-30 N) at frequencies less than 100 Hz, but these biodynamic forces (2-22 N) are comparable at higher frequencies. The palm BF on several tools with relatively low dominant frequencies (≤ 40 Hz), especially in the resonant frequency range (16-40 Hz), is comparable with the applied palm force (50-100 N). Since the resonant frequency of the palm BF is also in the range of the dominant vibration frequencies of many percussive tools, the palm BF may be related to the disorders in the wrist-arm system. The BF on the fingers is likely to be closely related to the dynamic stresses and deformations in the fingers and it may thus be used to quantify the finger vibration exposure.
INFLUENCE OF PROCESSING DAMAGE ON PERFORMANCE OF FIBER-REINFORCED COMPOSITES

The effect of processing-induced fiber damage, or equivalently the effect of fiber length in discontinuously-reinforced composites, on the tensile stress-strain behavior of a fiber-reinforced ceramic or metal matrix is determined as a function of the extent of initial fiber damage and the pristine fiber strength distribution. The analysis combines a generalization of the analysis employed for the undamaged fiber problem [Curtin, W. A. (1991) Theory of mechanical properties of ceramic-matrix composites. J. Am. Ceram. Sec. 74, 2837-2845] and numerical simulations to predict the stress-strain curve, ultimate tensile strength and strain, fiber pullout, and work of pullout in terms of the underlying micromechanical material parameters. The results show that the characteristic scale of initial damage required to weaken the composite substantially is always of the order of one fiber break per length delta(c), where delta(c) is the critical fiber slip length in the undamaged composite (typically similar to 1 mm). Overall, the effect of damage on tensile strength, failure strain, and pullout is found to be fairly small, which is attributed to the load carrying capacity of broken fibers due to the sliding resistance of the fiber/matrix interface. However, the detailed stress-strain behavior of the composite is modified. The analysis is applied to a Nicalon/CAS composite in which ''premature'' fiber damage has been observed. The inclusion of initial fiber damage into the theory accurately accounts for the excess strain, lower tangent modulus, and lower ultimate strength (relative to the predictions in the absence of initial fiber damage) observed in this material.
Fine structure and chemical composition of opaque cytoplasmic bodies of triparanol treated Syrian hamsters.

Abstract Electron microscopic studies of opaque cytoplasmic bodies in luteal and testicular interstitial cells of triparanol treated Syrian hamsters have shown that the bodies frequently exhibit a crystalline latticework. These structures were identical to those described in adrenocortical cells [28]. Such structures were separated from adrenocortical cells by centrifugation and their chemical composition was studied using thin-layer chromatography, digestion with enzymes, treatment with detergents, and ultraviolet absorption techniques. The crystal structures were not observed following deoxycholate or Triton treatment. However, after incubation with the enzymes DNase and RNase crystals were observed in the residues. Ultraviolet absorption studies and TLC techniques on crystalline fractions from experimental animals indicated the presence of triparanol. Other studies using silver nitrate impregnated TLC plates indicated that desmosterol was present in the fractions containing the opaque bodies.
What do not-for-profit hospitals maximize?

Abstract Massive structural change is occurring in health care provision in the United States, significantly reducing the number of not-for-profit suppliers. This trend is fueled in part by government policies. To evaluate these policies one must know about the motives of not-for-profit health care providers. The theory of not-for-profit hospitals suggests buyers may prefer dealing with sellers who are not acting out of avarice. Yet, this theory does not imply the absence of rent seeking motives. We formulate a test of not-for-profit hospitals’ goals and apply it to hospitals in Virginia. Modeling average revenues as a function of caseload (private, Medicare, Medicaid, charity), we identify prices as latent variables. By analyzing the response of the estimated private price to exogenous differences in Medicare, Medicaid and charity caseload, we reject the hypothesis that not-for-profit hospitals maximize profits (i.e. maximize rents for a set of agents who ‘control’ the hospital). We also reject pure welfare (output) maximization. These results, combined with other evidence we discuss, are consistent with the hypothesis that these hospitals consider both profits and output as objectives. Current US government policies treat all not-for-profit hospitals as if they were profit maximizers. These policies appear to be biased towards reenforcing the trend towards less health care provision from not-for-profits, and our results suggest that this may not be entirely beneficial to consumers.
Improved near-field characteristics of phased arrays for assessing concrete and cementitious materials

The degradation of civil infrastructure has placed a focus on effective nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques to correctly assess the condition of existing concrete structures. Conventional high frequency ultrasonic responses are severely affected by scattering and material attenuation, resulting in weak and confusing signal returns. Therefore, low frequency ultrasonic transducers, which avoid this problem of wave attenuation, are commonly used for concrete with limited capabilities. The focus of this research is to ascertain some benefits and limitations of a low frequency ultrasonic phased array transducer. In this paper, we investigate a novel low-frequency ultrasonic phased array and the results of experimental feasibility tests for practical condition assessment of concrete structures are reported. One of the fundamental features of phased arrays is the ability to focus the propagating waves on a specific point within the load material by inducing a parabolic time delay. This delay profile, required for focusing, is modified from a current formulation to incorporate either an odd or even number of elements. The beam directivity and pressure distributions are studied to predict the behavior of focusing as compared to that of steering. This showed a benefit of focusing over steering within the near field of the array, and that the directivity of focusing converges to that of steering in the far field. Experimental results agree very well with the prediction. It is shown that the near field resolution can be greatly improved by electronically focusing the beam in the near field, and that phased arrays can be used as a primary imaging and scanning device for large-scale concrete structures.
Facilitating a faculty learning community using the decoding the disciplines model

This chapter explains how to plan a faculty learning community that engages a disciplinary inquiry of teaching and learning. It concludes with a five-level assessment of the Indiana University Faculty Learning Community.
Screening cultured marine microalgae for anticancer-type activity

Marine Cyanophyceae, and to a lesser extent other marine microalgae, are a promising source of new anticancer-type natural products. Microscopic forms that do not form mats or tufts in nature must be cultured in order to obtain sufficiently sized samples. Field collections of microalgae in intertidal and shallow subtidal tropical environments utilize hand collection and manipulation techniques into small-volume wide-mouth jars. Acclimation times in the laboratory environment are important in bringing new cultures into cultivation. Manipulation on agar plates has given the best success rate for obtaining unialgal cultures; sometimes these are obtained directly as axenic clones. These pure strains are cultured in an initial volume of 3 L to give sufficient material for pharmacological screening. The extracts are evaluated in a series of mechanism-based anticancer screens, including protein kinase C (PKC), protein tryosine kinase (PTK) and inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH). More that 501 extracts have been screened in these three assay areas, and have yielded 23 active to IMPDH, 9 to PKC, and 9 to PTK. The extract of one cultured microalga which was active to PTK,Poteriochromonas malhamensis, has yielded a novel chlorosulfolipid, whose structure is discussed. Future efforts will (a) target less well explored groups of microalgae including several orders of cyanophyceae as well as field collections of cryptophytes and chrysophytes, and (b) complement mechanism-based screening with cancer cell cytotoxicity screening.
Regression-Rate and Heat-Transfer Correlations for Hybrid Rocket Combustion

A series of static engine  rings, thermal pyrolysis experiments, and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer tests were conducted to investigate the solid-fuel regression rate and heat-transfer behavior in a lab-scale hybrid rocket motor burning hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene/gaseous oxygen. A real-time, X-ray radiography system was used to determine the local, instantaneousregression rates. A dataanalysisprogramwas developedto help correlate the experimental data. The semi-empirical regression-rate correlation showed that, in addition to convection, radiation from soot and variable  uid properties across the boundary layer had signi cant effects on regressionrate behavior. The radiant heat  ux from sootwas relativelymore signi cant under lowmass  ux and low oxidizerto-fuel ratio conditions. Radiation from CO2 , H2O, and CO was quite small compared to convection and soot radiation. The nondimensional regression-rate correlation agreed with the experimental data to within § 3%. Stantonand Nusselt-number correlations were also developed and found to depend on both  ow regime and radiant heat  ux. The regression-rate correlations predicted independent data from both a lab-scale tube burner and the 11-in. (28 cm) JIRAD motor to very reasonable accuracy.
EFFECTS OF APEX REMOVAL AND NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION ON BRANCHING AND SEED PRODUCTION IN THLASPI ARVENSE (BRASSICACEAE).

The shoot apex of a plant may be damaged by herbivory, weather conditions, or other factors, leading to growth of some axillary buds into branches. This alteration of branching pattern can affect the location and extent of seed production. I examined the effects of removal of the shoot apex and of mineral nutrient addition on branching and seed production in Thlaspi arvense. Individual plants received no, early, or late apex removal and no, early, or late nutrient addition in a two-way factorial experiment. Apex removal led to greater production of secondary branches. Total seed weight per plant was higher for early- than late-removal plants under all nutrient treatments, but intact controls produced the highest total weight of seeds in two of three nutrient treatments, because their seeds were heavier. Addition of nutrients increased the numbers of secondary branches, fruits, and seeds, and the average and total weight of seeds produced. Apex removal resulted in increased seed production only when it occurred early and when nutrients were added at the same time. Resource availability and plant phenology can be influential in determining the effects of apical damage on seed production, and their effects in combination may differ from their individual effects.
Paracontracting Multiagent Coordination Optimization: Convergence and parallelization

In this paper, a contraction mapping based Multiagent Coordination Optimization (MCO) algorithm, called Paracontracting Multiagent Coordination Optimization (PMCO), is proposed and implemented in a parallel computing way by embedding MATLAB built-in function parfor into PMCO. Then we give a global convergence result of PMCO by means of paracontraction and semistability theory. The basic idea here is to convert the proposed derivative-free iterative algorithm for PMCO into a discrete-time switched linear system and then discuss its semistability property. Based on some matrix analysis results and semistability theory, we present two sufficient conditions for guaranteeing the global convergence of PMCO under different circumstances. Finally, numerical evaluation of the parallel PMCO algorithm is provided in the paper by running the proposed algorithm on multicore supercomputers.
A high energy neutron detector using proportional wire chambers

Abstract A neutron detector using alternating layers of multiwire proportional chambers, steel plates and plastic scintillators and a proportinal chamber readout system were built. The results indicate that a spatial resolution of σ = 7 mm with a 61% total detection efficiency in determining the neutron positions can be achieved. This type of detector may also be used in identifying high energy muons.
Replica Ornstein-Zernike theory of adsorption in a templated porous material: Interaction site systems

Molecular templating offers the possibility of porous materials whose selectivity rivals the molecular recognition observed in nature. The design of templated materials requires a molecular understanding of the templating effect on the material structure and performance. We present here a theoretical description of adsorption in a model templated porous material. Our model material is a quenched, equilibrated mixture of template and matrix molecular species where the template component has been subsequently removed. We propose a set of site-site [i.e., reference interaction site model (RISM)] replica Ornstein-Zernike equations relating the correlation functions of template, matrix, and adsorbing fluid molecules. To test this approach, we focus here on systems interacting via hard-sphere site-site potentials and employ a Percus-Yevick closure. We consider chain and cluster species composed of up to five spheres and observe a range of effects associated with template structure, including higher affinity toward, and enhanced templating by, compact cluster molecules. We assess these effects by grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation and discuss their implication to the design of templated molecular recognition materials.
Preparation of isolated bovine adipocytes: validation of use for studies characterizing insulin sensitivity and binding.

The present study was undertaken to develop techniques to isolate bovine adipocytes, to compare their rates of glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity with adipocytes in adipose tissue, and to determine if isolated bovine adipocytes specifically bind insulin. Cell size and diameter distributions were the same for adipocytes fixed with OsO4 after isolation with collagenase and adipocytes liberated from OsO4-fixed adipose tissue slices. On a per cell basis, lipogenic rates were greater for isolated adipocytes compared with intact adipose tissue. Similar differences were found for glucose oxidation. In short term incubations, glucose oxidation and lipid synthesis were not stimulated by insulin (07ndash;100 ngȯml) in either isolated adipocytes or tissue. Specific binding of [125I]iodoinsulin at 30 C was low (0.8%) in the first group of six beef cattle sampled, but increased with increasing cell concentration. Insulin degradation after 90 min was less than 5%. The specificity of [125I]iodoinsulin binding wa...
Resistance Transitions in Superconducting Tantalum

A study has been made of the superconducting to normal transition in outgassed tantalum wires induced by the application of an external longitudinal magnetic field. It was found that in most cases the transition, as determined from resistance measurements, consisted of an almost discontinuous appearance of resistance; followed by a rather gradual rise in resistance until the full residual resistance was restored. Flux measurements showed that the sharp portion of the transition corresponded to the magnetic, or "bulk" transition. The behavior of the broad portion of the transition was of the type commonly associated with superconducting "filaments." Although the "filamentary" properties were found to be extremely sensitive to localized contamination and the thermal history of a specimen, they did not appear to depend exclusively on such inhomogeneities, and a systematic variation with residual resistance could be discerned. Plastic deformation altered the characteristics only in proportion to the corresponding increase in residual resistance. A small amount of supercooling which was independent of the "filamentary" phenomena was sometimes observed in the "bulk" transition.
Influence of environmental enrichment and sex on predator stress response in rats

Based on sex, rats were randomly assigned to either an enriched or standard environment for 30 days prior to behavioral testing. The predator stress testing consisted of placing the rat in a cat avoidance apparatus so that the rat's behavioral response to a natural stressor, the cat, could be assessed. The rats were subsequently exposed to a partial predator stimulus (cat urine) that was placed in the home cages for 7 days. Each animal was then sacrificed and the stomach, adrenal glands, and thymus gland were removed and assessed. Results indicated that 1) the enriched rats engaged in less defensive behavior than the standard rats during behavioral testing, 2) female rats demonstrated more defensive behavioral patterns compared to male rats, and 3) the enriched environment affected females more than males, as evidenced by the interaction effects on various recorded behaviors.
Decreased C-MYC and BCL2 expression correlates with methylprednisolone- mediated inhibition of Raji lymphoma growth

Methylprednisolone (MP) and related corticosteroids are a fundamental part of regimens used to treat lymphoma and leukemia. In many of these malignancies, oncogenic activation of C-MYC and BCL2 is seen. Abnormalities of the tumor suppressor p53, which exerts growth-suppressing and apoptosis-enhancing functions through the transcriptional regulation of downstream genes including CDKN1, GADD45, and BCL2, are also often found. The goal was to determine the modulation of expression of the oncogenes (C-MYC and BCL2), the p53 pathway described above, and the apoptosis marker TGF-beta 1 in the human Raji lymphoma following MP treatment. Raji xenografts were grown in nude mice and growth curves characterized by sequential measurement. Mice were treated daily for 8 days with MP. Tumors were harvested untreated, or at 1 or 8 days after cessation of MP treatment, and the RNA was extracted. RT-PCR was used to determine the level of mRNA expression of the genes. Tumor growth was greatly reduced in the MP-treated mice. Gene expression levels for C-MYC and BCL2 were reduced at 1 day following MP and approached control levels 8 days after MP treatment. Expression levels of p53, CDKN1, and GADD45 were moderately and coordinately decreased at 1 day after cessation of MP treatment and remained repressed a week later. TGF-beta 1 exhibited no change in expression levels. These results suggest that decreased expression of C-MYC and BCL2 may play a role in the molecular events that initiate and are responsible for the growth inhibition of Raji lymphoma xenografts by MP.
Impact at the Permo-Triassic boundary: a critical evaluation.

The recognition in 1980 of a signature of an extraterrestrial impact at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary and its apparent involvement with the mass extinction generated considerable enthusiasm for impacts at other mass extinctions. Numerous claims of impact evidence for the Permo-Triassic mass extinction (251.6 Ma), the largest of the Phanerozoic mass extinctions, have generally been rejected, found wanting, or been difficult to reproduce. Despite this lack of repeatable support, considerable available evidence is consistent with an impact, including the rapidity of extinction, coincident carbon shift, and evident correlation between terrestrial and marine extinctions. However attractive the hypothesis, the coincidence with the Siberian flood basalts and the complex nature of the carbon shift are in conflict with an impact. The most intriguing possibility is that the greatest mass extinction of the Phanerozoic left signals very similar to the end-Cretaceous mass extinction but was produced by entirely Ear...
Mother lowers glucocorticoid levels of preweaning rats after acute threat.

: Exposure to a deadly threat, an adult male rat, induced the release of corticosterone in 14-day-old rat pups. The endocrine stress response was decreased when the pups were reunited with their mother immediately after exposure. These findings demonstrate that social variables can reduce the consequences of an aversive experience.
Determination of DuP 128, an ACAT inhibitor and its sulphoxide and sulphone metabolites in human plasma by liquid chromatography.

Abstract A sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with fluorescence detection was developed for the simultaneous determination of DuP 128 (N′-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-N-[5-(4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-ylthio)pentyl]-N-hepthylurea), an ACAT inhibitor, its sulphone metabolite (XB277), and the separate determination of sulphoxide metabolite (XC164) in human plasma. After deproteinizing plasma samples with acetonitrile, the organic layer, created by adding approximately 0.25 g of NaCl, was removed, evaporated to dryness, and the residue then reconstituted with 400 μl of acetonitrile. The acetonitrile layer was washed with 5 ml of hexane and then 50 μl was injected into the HPLC. DuP 128 and XB277 were simultaneously quantified using a YMC basic column and fluorescence detection (λ Ex = 270 nm and λ Em = 385 nm). XC164 was quantified using a Waters μBondpack C 18 reversed-phase column and fluorescence detection (λ Ex = 270 nm and λ Em = 365 nm). The relationship between the peak height and plasma concentrations best fit a power curve and showed an average correlation coefficient of >0.99 over a concentration range of 1–200 ng ml −1 for DuP 128 and XC164 and 2.5–200 ng ml −1 for XB277. Good intraday and interday assay precisions (RSD 350 mg of DuP 128 to healthy subjects.
IgG subclasses of fluorescent treponemal antibodies: correlation with complement fixation and clinical stage.

Abstract The precise characterization of immunoglobulin composition and complement-fixing properties of antitreponemal antibody was undertaken in 40 patients with syphilis using the FTA-ABS test. FTA-ABS in 10 patients with primary syphilis and 10 with secondary syphilis were restricted to the IgG1 subclass and showed mixtures of light chain types. IgG1 predominated in 18 of 20 patients with tertiary syphilis (10 with central nervous system and 10 with cardiovascular involvement). In patients with primary and secondary syphilis high liters of IgG1 FTA-ABS were uniformly associated with strong in vitro fixation of C4 and C3, indicating activation of complement by the classic pathway. Normal levels of C3 proactivator (Factor B) were present in primary and tertiary syphilis with significant elevation in secondary syphilis. The studies indicate that naturally occurring treponemal antibodies of the IgG1 subclass fix complement by the classic pathway.