cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Fan Gap Flow on the Centrifugal Impeller Aerodynamics

The effect of a gap between an inlet duct and a rotating impeller in a centrifugal fan is often neglected in the impeller design calculations or design-related computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses. This leads to an arbitrary determination of the gap size for the final fan configuration. Since the gap guides the volute flow back to the impeller flow field near the shroud high-curvature turning area, the low-momentum jet formed by the gap flow could prevent local flow from separation, reducing the local flow turning losses. However, this jet flow has enlarged flow separation in the blade passage, producing shedding vorticity in the downstream passage-flow. The passage-flow separation and the downstream volute flow, which is also affected by the passage-flow separation, have a higher impact on flow losses than the blade leading edge separation. If the gap size is not selected carefully, the combined effect of the passage-flow separation and downstream volute flow losses reduces the fan’s overall performance between 2% points and 5% points as demonstrated in the current study. In this paper, local impeller velocity distributions obtained from both design-CFD and analysis-CFD calculations are compared along the shroud from the gap to the blade trailing edge. The overall impeller flow fields with and without the gap and volute effects are also compared and discussed based on the CFD solutions. Finally, an example of controlling the gap effect is shown.
Bipolar supernova remnants and the obliquity dependence of shock acceleration

The diffusive shock acceleration mechanism proposed to explain the bipolarity observed in the synchrotron radio emission of young adiabatically expanding shell SNRs is investigated by means of numerical simulations. The theoretical basis of the SNR models and the numerical computation methods are explained, and the results are presented in graphs and synthetic radio maps and discussed in detail. It is found that the efficiency of the acceleration process depends on the obliquity angle theta(Bn) between the shock normal and the uniform magnetic field: models with theta(Bn) of about 90 deg can reproduce the observed azimuthal intensity ratios in most cases, but models with theta(Bn) near 0 deg cannot.
Surface Reconstruction From Dexel Data for Virtual Sculpting

This paper presents a new method for surface reconstruction from dexel data for virtual sculpting. We are in the midst of developing a dexel model based sculpting system having the capability of interactive solid modeling with haptics interface. The geometric modeling of our sculpting system is based on the Sweep Differential Equation method to compute the boundary of the tool swept volume. Ray casting is used to perform Boolean operations between the tool swept volume and the virtual stock in dexel models to simulate the sculpting process. The dexel data are converted to a series of planar contours in parallel slices (i.e. cross sections). The overlapping ratio between two contour areas is used as the criterion for deciding on the corresponding contours in two adjacent slices. The tiling problem is tackled by using the rule of the shortest distance between points on two corresponding contours. The branching problem is solved by adding one line segment between two contours to form one composite contour. Examples are given to demonstrate the ability of the developed code to convert from dexel data to triangular meshes for the viewing of a sculpted model in different directions.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Photodeposition of Diffraction Gratings in Glass

Line patterns with spacings ranging from 10 to 50 mu m have been achieved by 488 nm photolysis of porous glasses impregnated with Fe(CO)5 . Photolysis was accomplished with a focused Ar+laser impinging onto a sample mounted on a computer-controlled X-Y stage programmed to create a line pattern. The photodeposited grating was tested by generating a diffraction pattern with a He-Ne laser, which was then used to calculate the grating line spacings. The measured line spacings were found to be in excellent agreement with the spacings defined by the computer-driven stage. Consolidation of the porous glass occurs at 1200 C, and decreases the sample volume as much as 35%. Line spacing decreases in direct proportion to the decrease in the dimension perpendicular to the grating lines of the sample and consolidation yields gratings that are capable of diffracting light, stable under a variety of conditions, and unaffected by high laser powers.
Adaptive nonasymmetric Slepian-Wolf decoding using particle filtering based belief propagation

A major difficulty that plagues the practical use of Slepian-Wolf coding (and distributed source coding in general) is that the precise correlation among sources need to be known a priori. To resolve this problem, we have proposed an adaptive asymmetric Slepian-Wolf decoding scheme using particle filtering based belief propagation in our recent work. In this paper, we extend the adaptive scheme to the non-asymmetric setup based on the code partitioning approach. We show through experiments that the proposed algorithm can simultaneously reconstruct the compressed sources and estimate the joint correlation among sources. Further, comparing to the conventional Slepian-Wolf decoder based on standard belief propagation, the proposed approach can achieve higher compression under varying correlation statistics.
Relocation of the t-SNARE SNAP-23 from Lamellipodia-like Cell Surface Projections Regulates Compound Exocytosis in Mast Cells

For regulated secretion, mast cells and several other cell types utilize compound exocytosis, a combination of granule-plasma membrane and granule-granule fusions. The molecular machinery that controls this massive export process has not been identified. We report that SNAP-23, a t-SNARE related to SNAP-25, relocates in response to stimulation from plasma membrane lamellipodia-like projections to granule membranes in permeabilized mast cells. While relocation is a prerequisite for secretion, it can occur without membrane fusion and will expedite a subsequent secretory response. After relocation, SNAP-23 is required for exocytosis, implying a crucial role in promoting membrane fusion. Thus, relocation of this SNARE regulates compound exocytosis and links granule-plasma membrane and granule-granule fusions.
Multiple Target Tracking Using Maximum Likelihood Probabilistic Data Association

The maximum likelihood-probabilistic data association (MLPDA) target tracking algorithm is effective in tracking very low observable targets. A key limitation of MLPDA is that it is restricted to tracking a single target. We derive and implement a multiple target version of MLPDA called Joint MLPDA (JMLPDA). While the JMLPDA implementation presented in this paper is focused on a two-target case, this algorithm is extensible to any number of targets. The MLPDA and JMLPDA algorithms are combined to form a multi-target MLPDA tracking algorithm. Performance of the JMLPDA and the multi-target MLPDA algorithms are compared to a probabilistic multi-hypothesis tracker (PMHT) for two crossing targets, focusing on track management/update. Simulation results show that under conditions of heavy clutter, the multi-target MLPDA outperforms PMHT in terms of reduced track errors and longer track life.
The Arf6 GAP centaurin α-1 is a neuronal actin-binding protein which also functions via GAP-independent activity to regulate the actin cytoskeleton

Centaurin α-1 is a high-affinity PtdIns(3,4,5)P 3 -binding protein enriched in brain. Sequence analysis indicates centaurin α-1 contains two pleckstrin homology domains, ankyrin repeats and an Arf GAP homology domain, placing it in the AZAP family of phosphoinositide-regulated Arf GAPs. Other members of this family are involved in actin cytoskeletal and focal adhesion organization. Recently, it was reported that centaurin α-1 expression diminishes cortical actin and decreases Arf6GTP levels consistent with it functioning as an Arf6 GAP in vivo. In the current report, we show that centaurin α-1 binds Arfs in vitro and colocalizes with Arf6 and Arf5 in vivo, further supporting an interaction with Arfs. Centaurin α-1 expression produces dramatic effects on the actin cytoskeleton, decreasing stress fibers, diminishing cortical actin, and enhancing membrane ruffles and filopodia. Expression of centaurin α-1 also enhances cell spreading and disrupts focal adhesion protein localization. The effects of centaurin α-1 on stress fibers and cell spreading are reminiscent of those of Arf6GTP. Consistent with this, we show that many of the centaurin α-1-induced effects on the actin cytoskeleton and actin-dependent activities do not require GAP activity. Thus, centaurin α-1 likely functions via both GAP-dependent and GAP-independent mechanisms to regulate the actin cytoskeleton. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in vitro, centaurin α-1 binds F-actin directly, with actin binding activity localized to the PtdIns(3,4,5)P 3 -binding PH domain. Our data suggest that centaurin α-1 may be a component of the neuronal PI 3-kinase cascade that leads to regulation of the neuronal actin cytoskeleton.
The Varicella-Zoster Virus Portal Protein is Essential for Cleavage and Packaging of Viral DNA

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) open reading frame 54 (ORF54) gene encodes an 87-kDa monomer that oligomerizes to form the VZV portal protein, pORF54. pORF54 was hypothesized to perform a function similar to that of a previously described herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) homolog, pUL6. pUL6 and the associated viral terminase are required for processing of concatemeric viral DNA and packaging of individual viral genomes into preformed capsids. In this report, we describe two VZV bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) constructs with ORF54 gene deletions, Δ54L (full ORF deletion) and Δ54S (partial internal deletion). The full deletion of ORF54 likely disrupted essential adjacent genes (ORF53 and ORF55) and therefore could not be complemented on an ORF54-expressing cell line (ARPE54). In contrast, Δ54S was successfully propagated in ARPE54 cells but failed to replicate in parental, noncomplementing ARPE19 cells. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of only empty VZV capsids in Δ54S-infected ARPE19 cell nuclei. Similar to the HSV-1 genome, the VZV genome is composed of a unique long region (UL) and a unique short region (US) flanked by inverted repeats. DNA from cells infected with parental VZV (VZVLUC strain) contained the predicted UL and US termini, whereas cells infected with Δ54S contained neither. This result demonstrates that Δ54S is not able to process and package viral DNA, thus making pORF54 an excellent chemotherapeutic target. In addition, the utility of BAC constructs Δ54L and Δ54S as tools for the isolation of site-directed ORF54 mutants was demonstrated by recombineering single-nucleotide changes within ORF54 that conferred resistance to VZV-specific portal protein inhibitors. Importance: Antivirals with novel mechanisms of action would provide additional therapeutic options to treat human herpesvirus infections. Proteins involved in the herpesviral DNA encapsidation process have become promising antiviral targets. Previously, we described a series of N-α-methylbenzyl-N'-aryl thiourea analogs that target the VZV portal protein (pORF54) and prevent viral replication in vitro. To better understand the mechanism of action of these compounds, it is important to define the structural and functional characteristics of the VZV portal protein. In contrast to HSV, no VZV mutants have been described for any of the seven essential DNA encapsidation genes. The VZV ORF54 deletion mutant described in this study represents the first VZV encapsidation mutant reported to date. We demonstrate that the deletion mutant can serve as a platform for the isolation of portal mutants via recombineering and provide a strategy for more in-depth studies of VZV portal structure and function.
Intravenous BCNU and AZQ in patients with recurrent malignant gliomas.

Twenty-four patients with recurrent malignant glioma were treated with intravenous BCNU (80 mg/m2/day × 3 days) alternating with AZQ (8 mg/m2/day × 5 days) every 6–8 weeks. Twenty patients received two or more courses of chemotherapy, ten anaplastic astrocytomas (AA), eight glioblastomas (GBM), and two malignant oligodendrogliomas (Oligo). All had prior surgery and irradiation; one had prior chemotherapy. Median age was 37.5 years. The median Zubrod performance status (PS) was 1. Three patients (15%) achieved response status, and 7 (35%) had stable disease with median times to tumor progression (MTP) of 56 wks and 35 wks. MTP for patients with progression was 11 weeks. No GBM was responsive to chemotherapy and none of the ten patients with stable or responsive disease were older than fifty years. Dose limiting toxicity was consisted of thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Young patients with recurrent AA and good PS appear more likely to respond to alternating BCNU/AZQ chemotherapy. The overall response rate (response plus stable) of 50% was comparable to that of BCNU alone and the hematologic toxicity was cumulative.
Trauma of discovery : women's narratives of being informed they are HIV-infected

The purposes of this research report are to describe women's subjective experiences of being informed of a positive HIV antibody test and, from their point of view, to explain the meaning and impact of discovering that one is HIV-infected. In this qualitative narrative study, a racially diverse, low-income sample of 38 HIV-infected women shared their stories of HIV discovery during in-depth interviews. Findings of a multi-staged narrative analysis suggest that, for women like those in this study, the discovery of HIV seropositivity is a traumatic event, carrying with it elements that are common to other types of trauma: perceived threat to one's life and perceived responsibility for the deaths of others. Overarching personal meanings, or metaphors, framed these women's experiences of the trauma of HIV discovery. HIV discovery was an epiphany for 10% of the sample, a confirmation for 37%, and a calamity for 53%. Among their calamitous reactions were shock, fear, anguish, and suicidality. The impact of learning that they were HIV-infected often took its toll in unrelenting misery, escalated drug use, transmission risks, and destabilization of relationships, income, and shelter. Extensive excerpts from participants' interviews illustrate analytic findings. Implications for counselling and follow-up at diagnosis and early in the course of HIV illness are elaborated.
Modeling fatigue crack nucleation at primary inclusions in carburized and shot-peened martensitic steel

The mechanics of high cycle fatigue crack nucleation (formation of a stable crack that can grow away from the influence of the notch root of the inclusion) at subsurface primary inclusions in carburized and shot-peened martensitic steel subjected to cyclic bending is investigated using three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) analysis. FE models are constructed using a voxellation technique to address the shape, size, and distribution of primary inclusions within clusters. The critical depth for fatigue crack nucleation is predicted considering the gradient in material properties arising from carburization, prestrain and compressive residual stress distribution due to shot peening, and the gradient of applied bending stress. The influence of inclusion shape and interface condition (intact or debonded) with the matrix on the driving force for fatigue crack nucleation is examined. It is observed that the inclusion shape has minimal influence on the predicted results while the effect of the interface condition is quite significant. For partially debonded interfaces, the predicted critical depth from surface for fatigue crack nucleation agrees qualitatively with experimental observations.
Sesquiterpene lactones and diterpene carboxylic acids in Helianthus niveus subspecies Canescens

Abstract Three new heliangolides (niveusin-A, -B and -C) and three known diterpene carboxylic acids were isolated and characterized from a CHCl 3 , extract of Helianthus niveus . The structures of the three new lactones were deduced by 1 H and 13 C NMR as well as extensive decoupling experiments and derivatizations.
A 3.6-mW 50-MHz PN Code Acquisition Filter via Statistical Error Compensation in 180-nm CMOS

In this brief, we present a novel architecture for pseudorandom (PN) code acquisition based on statistical error compensation (SEC), which achieves significant power savings. SEC treats errors in hardware as noise in communication networks, and employs robust estimation theory to compensate for errors. We apply SEC to a 256-tap PN code acquisition filter in a 180- nm CMOS process. Multiple (five) dies were tested under voltage overscaling to achieve a near constant detection probability $(P_{\rm det})$ above 90%. The minimum energy consumption ranged from 72.89 to 210.59 pJ (ave 122.52 pJ) for supply voltages between 0.69 and 0.70 V. These operating conditions result in raw error rates of 85.83%–91.23% (ave 88.99%). Energy savings over a conventional error-free design ranges from $2.4{\times}$ to $5.8{\times}$ (ave $3.86{\times}$ ). Energy savings over past work ranges from $1.55{\times}$ to $3.79{\times}$ (ave $2.52{\times}$ ). Improvement in error-tolerance over existing error-tolerant designs range from $2146{\times}$ to $2281{\times}$ (ave $2225{\times}$ ). The large energy savings were found to be due to a combination of voltage scaling and activity factor reduction. The proposed design achieves a $2.5{\times}$ improvement in the figure of merit $[{\rm normalized~power}/(\#{\rm taps}~^{\ast}~{{\rm precision}~^{\ast}}~{\rm sample~rate})]$ compared with conventional PN code acquisition filters.
Elucidating the catalytic mechanism of sulfite oxidizing enzymes using structural, spectroscopic, and kinetic analyses.

Sulfite oxidizing enzymes (SOEs) are molybdenum cofactor-dependent enzymes that are found in plants, animals, and bacteria. Sulfite oxidase (SO) is found in animals and plants, while sulfite dehydrogenase (SDH) is found in bacteria. In animals, SO catalyzes the oxidation of toxic sulfite to sulfate as the final step in the catabolism of the sulfur-containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine. In humans, sulfite oxidase deficiency is an inherited recessive disorder that produces severe neonatal neurological problems that lead to early death. Plant SO (PSO) also plays an important role in sulfite detoxification and in addition serves as an intermediate enzyme in the assimilatory reduction of sulfate. In vertebrates, the proposed catalytic mechanism of SO involves two intramolecular one-electron transfer (IET) steps from the molybdenum cofactor to the iron of the integral b-type heme. A similar mechanism is proposed for SDH, involving its molybdenum cofactor and c-type heme. However, PSO, which lacks an i...
Medication management capacity in highly functioning community-living older adults: detection of early deficits.

OBJECTIVE: The Drug Regimen Unassisted Grading Scale (DRUGS) was developed and employed in testing the hypothesis that the inability to take medication independently may correlate with the presence of cognitive impairment. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Two continuing care retirement facilities in the Greater Boston area. PARTICIPANTS: The study population included outpatients ≥ 70 years old. MEASUREMENTS: We developed a novel performance-based measure, the DRUGS tool, involving a step-wise progression of four tasks: (1) identification; (2) access; (3) dosage; and (4) timing. RESULTS: Fifty-nine participants aged 84.2 ± 5.1 years (mean ± SD) completed the study. The DRUGS tool score was inversely related to age (r = -.41, P = .001). Compared with independent-living, residence in assisted-living was associated with lower DRUGS tool scores (82.0% vs 93.8%, P = .009). The DRUGS tool score was associated with self-reported Medication Management capacity (94.8% able vs 86.2% unable to take medications independently by self-report, P = .047). Both DRUGS tool score and self-reported Medication Management capacity were associated with MMSE (P = .0008 and P = .044, respectively). The multivariate model, with DRUGS tool Summary Score as the dependent variable, adjusted for age and sex, included MMSE (P = .023) and self-reported IADL (P = .038). CONCLUSION: There is an association between performance on the DRUGS tool and level of cognitive function. The DRUGS tool represents a unique individualized, yet standardized, assessment of the ability to function independently for ambulatory older persons. It may be useful for identifying those highly functioning older persons, at an early phase of cognitive decline, in whom targeted intervention would likely be most effective and efficient. J Am Geriatr Soc 47:592–596, 1999.
A computationally efficient approach for determining inventory levels in a capacitated multiechelon production‐distribution system

The system under study is a single item, two-echelon production-inventory system consisting of a capacitated production facility, a central warehouse, and M regional distribution centers that satisfy stochastic demand. Our objective is to determine a system base-stock level which minimizes the long run average system cost per period. Central to the approach are (1) an inventory allocation model and associated convex cost function designed to allocate a given amount of system inventory across locations, and (2) a characterization of the amount of available system inventory using the inventory shortfall random variable. An exact model must consider the possibility that inventories may be imbalanced in a given period. By assuming inventory imbalances cannot occur, we develop an approximation model from which we obtain a lower bound on the per period expected cost. Through an extensive simulation study, we analyze the quality of our approximation, which on average performed within 0.50% of the lower bound. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 47: 377–398, 2000
Stroke associated with ephedrine use

Several sympathomimetic agents have been associated with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Ephedrine, a sympathomimetic drug that has a high potential for abuse and can be readily obtained without a prescription in unrestricted quantities, has rarely been associated with stroke. We report ephedrine-related stroke in three patients. One patient developed a thalamic infarct after ingesting known quantities of ephedrine as street-purchased “speed” for weight loss. Two patients had fatal intracranial hemorrhages after ingesting unknown quantities of ephedrine; one of them had a history of drug abuse, and one lacked a history of ephedrine use or drug abuse. Ephedrine appears to predispose to both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. The mechanisms responsible for the different cerebrovascular complications remain to be proven. Restriction of ephedrine availability should be considered.
World trade patterns, economic disturbances, and exchange-rate management

Abstract This paper construct and analyzes a three-country stochastic model of world trade. the objectives of this paper are to investigate the propagation of economic disturbances worldwide and to analyze the nature of optimal exchange-rate management on the part of a single country faced with monetary and real disturbances accurring in all its trade patterns. The paper analyzes the roles of bilateral trade patterns, the type of underlying stochastic disturbances i.e. monetary vs real and transsitory vs permanent and of the optimality criterion, in determining the optimal exchange-rate regime.
Classification of infinitely differentiable periodic functions

The set $ \mathcal{D}^\infty $ of infinitely differentiable periodic functions is studied in terms of generalized $ \overline \psi $ -derivatives defined by a pair $ \overline \psi = (\psi_1, \psi_2)$ of sequences ψ 1 and ψ 2. In particular, we establish that every function f from the set $ \mathcal{D}^\infty $ has at least one derivative whose parameters ψ 1 and ψ 2 decrease faster than any power function. At the same time, for an arbitrary function f ∈ $ \mathcal{D}^\infty $ different from a trigonometric polynomial, there exists a pair ψ whose parameters ψ 1 and ψ 2 have the same rate of decrease and for which the $ \overline \psi $ -derivative no longer exists. We also obtain new criteria for 2π-periodic functions real-valued on the real axis to belong to the set of functions analytic on the axis and to the set of entire functions.
Morphine-induced and stimulation-produced analgesias at coincident periaqueductal central gray loci: Evaluation of analgesic congruence, tolerance, and cross-tolerance

Abstract The analgesias produced by intracranial morphine (5 μg) and focal brain stimulation (120 μA) applied at virtually coincident periaqueductal central gray loci were evaluated for congruence of efficacious analgesia-producing sites. In general, the ventrocaudal periaqueductal central gray was found to be most sensitive to both analgesia-producing manipulations. Both morphine and stimulation produced significant analgesic effects in hot plate, tail flick, and pinch analgesiometric test procedures when applied in that region. However, morphine was most efficacious when administered medially within the central gray whereas stimulation was most efficacious when applied at its ventrolateral edge. The experiments also considered the development of tolerance and cross-tolerance between these two analgesia-producing manipulations. A reduction in the efficacy of focal brain stimulation in the hot plate and tail flick tests was apparent upon its second application 3 days after the first. The efficacy of morphine was also attenuated after its second microinjection 3 days later. Regarding the development of cross-tolerance between the two analgesia-producing treatments, morphine's efficacy was attenuated in the hot plate test and that of stimulation was attenuated in the tail flick test when these treatments were preceded by stimulation and morphine, respectively. Although stimulation- and morphine-sensitive sites overlap, cross-tolerance between these two analgesia-producing manipulations applied at central loci would not be expected to develop because the most sensitive morphine and stimulation sites are not congruent.
Movement and Vertical Coupling of Adiabatic Baroclinic Tropical Cyclones

The vertical coupling and movement of an adiabatic baroclinic tropical cyclone (TC) are investigated through two numerical experiments in which the TC is affected by either a vertical environmental shear or a differential beta drift. In both cases, the initial response of the symmetric vortex is to tilt in the vertical. In response to the vertical tilt, a three-dimensional asymmetric circulation with a typical radius of 100 km develops within the TC core region. In addition, the wavenumber-one potential vorticity (PV) anomalies develop with positive anomalies downtilt (uptilt) above (below) the maximum PV level in order to maintain a balanced state between the thermal and dynamical fields. On a beta plane, in contrast to the beta gyres, the mesoscale asymmetric circulation is a pair of counterrotating inner gyres centered at the radius of maximum wind. As a result, the resulting threedimensional mesoscale asymmetric circulation, not the penetration flow, plays an important role in the vertical coupling of adiabatic baroclinic vortices. In both cases, the TC motion is not simply due to the advection of the symmetric PV component by the asymmetric (ventilation) flow. The horizontal advection of the asymmetric PV anomalies by the symmetric cyclonic flow and the vertical PV advection associated with the asymmetric vertical motion also considerably contribute to the TC motion. The latter two processes also play a critical role in the vertical coupling of the baroclinic TC due to the presence of the vertical PV gradient.
Positive chronotropic and inotropic responses of isolated atria to acetylcholine and tyramine

AbstractAcetylcholine (in the presence of atropine) and tyramine both caused increases in rate of spontaneously beating right rabbit's atria and in tension of left atria driven at a constant rate. the Ach response was not obtained with repeated exposure nor did such treatment reduce atria Norepinephrine (NE) levels. Atria depleted of NE by tyramine failed to respond to Ach. It appears that the presence of NE is required for both the actions of Ach and tyramine.
Current Developments in Leadership Training Simulations

Three behavioral simulations have been developed to aid in the training and evaluation of ROTC cadets and OCS candidates in the area of leadership effectiveness. This paper summarizes the nature, applications, and results of this program over the last three years and previews future directions. Examples of techniques for data collection, anticipated problem areas, and relevant research paradigms are provided.
The role of methionine in methotrexate-sensitive and methotrexate-resistant mouse leukemia L1210 cells.

A mouse L1210 leukemia cell line was made 25-fold resistant to methotrexate (MTX) and had altered methionine transport and metabolism. L1210 cells resistant to methotrexate also had a 50-fold decrease in the exogenous methionine requirement for optimal cell growth compared to the parent cells. This change in methionine requirement was associated with differences in methionine metabolism between MTX-sensitive and MTX-resistant cell lines. Analysis of amino acid transport systems revealed different K1 and Vmax properties of methionine and nonmetabolizable amino acid analogues. There was a greater than twofold decrease in the initial sodium-dependent uptake of methionine in the resistant cells. Amino acid competition experiments revealed altered substrate specificities in the resistant cells. The cellular alterations occurring upon resistance may result from methotrexatemembrane interactions, and have been previously observed in cisplatinum-resistant cells. Thus modulation of methionine metabolism may provide the biochemical basis for MTX and cisplatinum collateral resistance.
Asymptotics of the Hurwitz Binomial Distribution Related to Mixed Poisson Galton–Watson Trees

Hurwitz's extension of Abel's binomial theorem defines a probability distribution on the set of integers from 0 to n. This is the distribution of the number of non-root vertices of a fringe subtree of a suitably defined random tree with n + 2 vertices. The asymptotic behaviour of this distribution is described in a limiting regime in which the fringe subtree converges in distribution to a Galton–Watson tree with a mixed Poisson offspring distribution.
Preclinical evaluation of ex vivo expanded/activated γδ T cells for immunotherapy of glioblastoma multiforme

We have previously shown that expanded/activated γδ T cells from healthy donors are cytotoxic to GBM cell lines and primary GBM explants. In this report, we examined the therapeutic effect of intracranial infusion of expanded/activated γδ T cells on human minimal and established U251 tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the presence of NKG2D ligands on cell lines and tumors, and blocking studies were used to determine the effect of these ligands on γδ T cell recognition. Expanded/activated γδ T cells were prepared by 18-day culture in RPMI, human serum (HS), anti-CD2, IL-12, IFN-γ, and OKT-3. Anti-GBM activity of the cell product was assessed using in vitro cytotoxicity assays against the GBM cell line U251MG in suspension and in adherent culture. Ex vivo expanded/activated γδ T cells were of the effector/memory phenotype, expressed Th1 cytokines, and effectively killed U251 cells in vitro. Xenografts were prepared using a U251 cell line following transfection with a firefly luciferase gene to monitor tumor progression. Mice treated with γδ T cells showed slower progression of both new and established GBM xenografts versus mice that received vehicle only as determined by photon emission over time. Median survival was improved in all γδ T cell treated groups between 32 and 50 days by Kaplan–Meier analysis. U251 cells expressed ULBP-2 and ULBP-3, although blocking of these reduced in vitro cytotoxicity of γδ T cells to U251MG by only 33 and 25%, respectively. These studies show that expanded/activated γδ T cells can mediate killing of new or established GBM xenografts, reduce tumor progression, and constitute a potentially effective novel immunotherapeutic strategy against GBM.
The anatomy of supercoiled loops in the Drosophila, 7F locus

The genome in eucaryotes is organized into a series of supercoiled loops, topologically anchored at their bases by components of the nuclear matrix. Previous studies have shown that active genes are associated with the nuclear matrix. We wished to know whether loops in general were solely organized by active genes. We therefore examined a locus of the Drosophila X-chromosome comprising 163,000 bp of continuous DNA sequences and devoid of known active genes. Of the 52 EcoRI restriction fragments comprising this region, we found 5 anchored fragments which non-randomly organized this region into 4 DNA loops. Each of the 5 anchored fragments contained a transcribed sequence. These results strongly suggest that supercoiled loops are organized in a specific fashion with respect to DNA sequence, with the anchorage points exclusively demarcated by transcriptionally active genes.
Oxygen delivery, oxygen consumption, and metabolic acidosis during group B streptococcal sepsis in piglets.

Oxygen Delivery, Oxygen Consumption, and Metabolic Acidosis during Group B Streptococcal Sepsis in Piglets
Modeling of the Large Torsional Deformation of an Extremely Flexible Rotor in Hover

This paper describes the refined modeling of the large torsional deformation of extremely flexible rotor blades with negligible structural stiffness. Equations of motion including flap bending and torsion, specifically tailored toward unconventional blades with a tip mass and experiencing large elastic twist angles, are derived using the extended Hamilton’s principle. In particular, the foreshortening of the twisted blade arising from the trapeze effect (also called bifilar effect) is explicitly included. Quasi-steady aerodynamic forces are calculated using the blade element momentum theory. The nonlinear coupled equations of motion are solved using a finite-element method. The analysis is used to predict the thrust as well as the spanwise distribution of flap bending and twist of an 18-in.-diam rotor with extremely flexible blades rotating at 1200 rpm at various collective pitch angles. These predictions are correlated with the measurement of loads obtained using a load cell, and the measurement of the d...
Pholeomyia comans (Diptera: Milichiidae) an Associate of Atta texana: Larval Anatomy and Notes on Biology

Adults of Pholeomyia comans enter the nests of Atta texana and lay eggs in the underground detritus cavities, where the maggots feed on exhausted fungus garden substrate and nest refuse recently deposited by workers. The thirdstage larva and the puparium are described. A diapriid wasp was obtained from P. comans puparia. One species of uropodid and two species of macrochelid mites phoretic on P. comans adults are discussed. Zusammenfassung Zur Anatomie und Biologie von Pholeomyia comans, Einmieterin bei Atta texana Imagines von Pholeomyia comans dringen in die Nester von Atta texana ein und legen Eier in den unterirdischen Abfallkammern ab, wo die Maden sich von verbrauchtem Pilzgartenmaterial und von frisch von Arbeitern dorthin verbrachtem Nestabfall ernahren. Die im 3. Stadium der Entwicklung befindliche Larve und das Puparium werden beschrie-ben. Eine Diapridenwespe wurde in den Puparien von P. comans gefunden. Eine Art von makrocheliden Milben, phoretisch auf P. comans, werden besprochen.
Anxious patients with benign scrotal symptoms achieve excellent reassurance from imaging in a one-stop clinic

Summary Objective Testicular cancer is rare but anxiety about this possible diagnosis is common among men with scrotal symptoms. We prospectively evaluated patient reassurance and satisfaction provided by a dedicated one-stop testicular assessment clinic. Patients and Methods 100 patients reporting scrotal symptoms attended the clinic and received a standardised clinical assessment, examination and scrotal ultrasound scan. At the end of the consultation patients completed a validated satisfaction, anxiety and reassurance questionnaire. Results Overall patients were moderately anxious about their diagnosis (mean anxiety score 5/10) and 31% were highly anxious (anxiety score >7/10). Reassurance from the clinic was high with 90% expressing reassurance scores of 9/10 or greater and 96% expressing a satisfaction score of 9/10 or greater. Increased general anxiety predicted anxiety about the testicular diagnosis; however, when stratified by anxiety, the clinic was able to reassure men regardless of their baseline anxiety. Reassurance by the clinic appeared superior to primary care. Conclusion These findings confirm anxiety is fairly common among men with testicular symptoms and a dedicated specialist one-stop testicular clinic provides a very high level of reassurance and satisfaction for these men.
Expression and disposition of the murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV) envelope gene products by murine mammary tumor cells

Abstract Three murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV)-producing epithelial cell lines derived from murine mammary tumors were examined in order to identify the MuMTV-specific cell surface antigens and their distribution on the cell surface, to study the kinetics of the MuMTV envelope precursor processing, virus assembly, and release, and to characterize the soluble MuMTV antigens that are shed into culture medium. Cell surface labeling experiments showed that only the mature MuMTV envelope glycoproteins gp52 and gp36 were exposed on the cell surface, and that gp52 was more abundant than gp36. In cells producing large quantities of MuMTV, expression of gp52 on the cell surface was shown by immunoelectron microscopy to be localized predominantly on the surface of budding virions and not on smooth areas of the cell surface where virus was not budding. The cell surface associated gp36 was found not to be incorporated into budding virions. A few cells in all three cell lines were found to produce only a few or no MuMTV particles and in these cells, unlike in the high virus-producing cells, considerable quantities of gp52 were expressed on the surface membrane. All three cell lines were found to shed large amounts of the MuMTV env precursor polyprotein as well as the mature non-virion-associated glycoprotein, gp52, into the culture medium. The envelope precursor protein (P75 env ) that was shed into the culture medium was found to differ from the predominant form of the cellular env precursor Pr70 env in that (1) P75 env migrated with an apparent higher molecular weight than Pr70 env in SDS gels; (2) Pr70 env contained only the core oligosaccharide, whereas P75 env contained fucose in addition to the core sugars; (3) two-dimensional gel electrophoretic analysis showed that Pr70 env could be resolved into three to four components migrating in the basic region of the isoelectric focussing gel (pH 7–8), whereas P75 env was resolved into 9–13 components migrating in a more acidic region of the gel (pH 5–7). The molecular structure of the exfoliated gp52 was found to be similar to that of the gp52 that was incorporated into the virions although the virion-associated gp52 was not the source of the gp52 in the medium. Our quantitative pulse-chase studies suggest that of the two populations of MuMTV env precursors that are present in MuMTV-producing cells, only Pr70 env is processed intracellularly to give rise to the mature MuMTV envelope proteins gp52 and gp36.
Quality simulation along river systems (QUASAR): model theory and development

Abstract A combined flow and process based river quality model is described for a range of water quality determinands including nitrate, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), ammonium ion, temperature, pH and a ‘conservative’ water quality determinand. The model theory and development, data requirements and operational modes are described and a brief history of the use and applications of this model given. The model is designed to assist in the management of medium to large river basins.
Direct measurement of bull’s-eye nanoantenna metal loss

The loss in optical antennas can affect their performance for their practical use in many branches of science such as biological and solar cell applications. However the big question is that how much loss is due to the joule heating in the metals. This would affect the efficiency of solar cells and is very important for single photon detection and also for some applications where high heat generation in nanoantennas is desirable, for example, payload release for cancer treatment. There are few groups who have done temperature measurements by methods such as Raman spectroscopy or fluorescence polarization anisotropy. The latter method, which is more reliable than Raman spectroscopy, requires the deposition of fluorescent molecules on the antenna surface. The molecules and the polarization of radiation rotate depending upon the surface temperature. The reported temperature measurement accuracy in this method is about 0.1° C. Here we present a method based on thermo-reflectance that allows better temperature accuracy as well as spatial resolution of 500 nm. Moreover, this method does not require the addition of new materials to the nanoantenna. We present the measured heat dissipation from bull’s-eye nanoantennas and compare them with 3D simulation results.
Posttraumatic stress disorder is associated with attenuated baroreceptor sensitivity among female, but not male, smokers.

Abstract Background The relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) functioning was investigated using baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). We hypothesized that individuals with PTSD would exhibit lower BRS than those without PTSD. Methods Participants were 80 PTSD patients and 50 controls aged 18–68 years. All participants were smokers, many were veterans (55%), and 60 were women. Beat-to-beat BP was collected during a 5-min baseline rest periods from which estimates of BRS were derived using the sequence method. Results Women with PTSD exhibited lower BRS (M = 10.5, S.D. = 5.1) than women without PTSD (M = 14.6, S.D. = 10.7). For men, PTSD diagnosis was not associated with BRS, p > .05. Conclusions Among women, PTSD was associated with reduced PNS functioning. Men with PTSD did not have attenuated BRS, which may be due to sample characteristics, such as age and combat veteran status. Reduced PNS activity may predispose women with PTSD to poorer cardiovascular health.
G Proteins Regulate Dihydropyridine Binding to Moss Plasma Membranes

The role of calcium as an activator and regulator of many biological processes is linked to the ability of the cell to rapidly change its cytoplasmic calcium levels. Calcium acts as an intracellular messenger in hormoneinduced bud formation during the development of the moss Physcomitrella patens. Calcium transport and ligand binding studies have implicated plasma membrane-localized 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive calcium channels in this increase in cellular calcium. To understand the regulation of the moss calcium channel, we investigated the involvement of GTP binding regulatory proteins (G proteins). Guanosine 5*-(g-thio)triphosphate (GTPgS), a nonhydrolyzable GTP analog that locks G proteins into their active state, stimulated DHP binding to high affinity receptors in the moss plasma membrane. DHP binding was measured as the ability of the DHP agonist Bay K8644 or the DHP antagonist nifedipine to compete with the DHP arylazide [ 3 H]azidopine for binding to moss plasma membranes. G protein stimulation of binding was seen when competition was carried out with either nifedipine or Bay K8644. G proteins regulated the rates of association and dissociation of bound [ 3 H]azidopine, and stimulation was dependent on GTPgS concentration. Guanosine 5*-(b-thio)diphosphate, a GDP analog that locks G proteins into their inactivated state, did not affect the dose dependence of either the agonist or the antagonist. These results suggest that G proteins may act via a membrane-delimited pathway to regulate calcium channels in the moss plasma membrane.
Inhibition of thromboxane synthesis reduces endotoxin-induced right ventricular failure in sheep

BACKGROUND AND METHODS There is a marked decrease of the right ventricular ejection fraction after the administration of a bolus of endotoxin to sheep. This hemodynamic response may be the result of thromboxane-mediated pulmonary hypertension. Right ventricular function was studied in an ovine model after the administration of endotoxin (1 microgram/kg Escherichia coli) with and without pretreatment with OKY-046, a selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitor. RESULTS OKY-046 attenuated the endotoxin-induced increase in pulmonary arterial pressure and prevented the early decreases in right ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac output. However, thromboxane synthetase inhibition failed to prevent endotoxin-induced hypoxemia. The marked increase in plasma thromboxane concentrations, which is usually seen after the administration of endotoxin, was prevented by pretreating the animals with OKY-046. On the other hand, increased plasma prostacyclin concentrations were observed in sheep treated with the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor. CONCLUSION This series of experiments shows that the early endotoxin-induced decrease in right ventricular ejection fraction can be alleviated by the application of OKY-046.
Growth rate and cell size: a re-examination of the growth law

Research into the mechanisms regulating bacterial cell size has its origins in a single paper published over 50 years ago. In it Schaechter and colleagues made the observation that the chemical composition and size of a bacterial cell is a function of growth rate, independent of the medium used to achieve that growth rate, a finding that is colloquially referred to as 'the growth law'. Recent findings hint at unforeseen complexity in the growth law, and suggest that nutrients rather than growth rate are the primary arbiter of size. The emerging picture suggests that size is a complex, multifactorial phenomenon mediated through the varied impacts of central carbon metabolism on cell cycle progression and biosynthetic capacity.
Heritability of renal function and inflammatory markers in adult male twins.

Background: Loss of renal function is accompanied by a progressive increase in markers of inflammation; it is unknown whether they share common genetic pathways. Study Design: We evaluated the shared heritability of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and markers of inflammation and endothelial activation in 524 twin males from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry; 9 twins were excluded due to incomplete or incorrect data. Models were adjusted for age, race, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, prior coronary artery disease and intercurrent medications. Results: The mean eGFR was 89 ± 13 ml/min/1.73 m2 (range 35–146); eGFR, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and TNF-α receptor (TNF-αR) were moderately heritable (all ∼50%), while IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and P-selectin were highly heritable (68 and 76%, respectively). IL-6R and TNF-αR showed a significant inverse association with eGFR (p = 0.04 and p Conclusion: We found no shared genetic pathways between renal function and inflammation. Thus, increased inflammation represents a response to declining renal function rather than being a mechanism contributing to renal deterioration.
Pathways to dialogue: the journey of Mahmoud Ayoub

This volume, dedicated as a Festschrift in celebration of the scholarship of Mahmoud Mustafa Ayoub and his legacy for inter‐religious dialogue, may perhaps best be opened with one of Ayoub's own st...