cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinetic studies on rat liver and beef heart mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase: The effects of the chromium complexes of adenosine triphosphate and adenosine diphosphate on the kinetic properties☆

Abstract The kinetics of isolated rat liver and beef heart mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) were studied by using the chromium ATP and ADP complexes as substrate analogs. It was found that both chromium ATP (CrATP) and chromium ADP (CrADP) are competitive inhibitors of ATP hydrolysis. The presence or absence of ATPase-activating anions, e.g., bisulfite, had little effect on the type or potency of the inhibition by these chromium complexes. Both CrADP and CrATP were noncompetitive inhibitors of the hydrolysis of ITP with both the heart and liver-derived enzymes. It was also found that CrADP was a consistently more effective inhibitor than the ATP complex with the beef heart enzyme. These results are consistent with the existence of two types of nucleotide binding sites on mitochondrial ATPases: One site is regulatory and is rather specific for adenosine polyphosphates, while the other site is relatively nonspecific and serves as the hydrolytic site.
Lifespan effects of simple and complex nutraceutical combinations fed isocalorically to mice

Present data suggest that the consumption of individual dietary supplements does not enhance the health or longevity of healthy rodents or humans. It might be argued that more complex combinations of such agents might extend lifespan or health-span by more closely mimicking the complexity of micronutrients in fruits and vegetables, which appear to extend health-span and longevity. To test this hypothesis we treated long-lived, male, F1 mice with published and commercial combinations of dietary supplements and natural product extracts, and determined their effects on lifespan and health-span. Nutraceutical, vitamin or mineral combinations reported to extend the lifespan or health-span of healthy or enfeebled rodents were tested, as were combinations of botanicals and nutraceuticals implicated in enhanced longevity by a longitudinal study of human aging. A cross-section of commercial nutraceutical combinations sold as potential health enhancers also were tested, including Bone Restore®, Juvenon®, Life Extension Mix®, Ortho Core®, Ortho Mind®, Super K w k2®, and Ultra K2®. A more complex mixture of vitamins, minerals, botanical extracts and other nutraceuticals was compounded and tested. No significant increase in murine lifespan was found for any supplement mixture. Our diverse supplement mixture significantly decreased lifespan. Thus, our results do not support the hypothesis that simple or complex combinations of nutraceuticals, including antioxidants, are effective in delaying the onset or progress of the major causes of death in mice. The results are consistent with epidemiological studies suggesting that dietary supplements are not beneficial and even may be harmful for otherwise healthy individuals.
Jupiter's radiation belt ions: A comparison of theory and observation

Radial profiles are constructed for the Jovian radiation belt flux-tube content Y-asterisk from the reported phase-space density of energetic particles obtained from Voyager 1 data over the range L = 6 to L = 9. These experimental profiles are compared with theoretical solutions for Y-asterisk from an interchange-diffusion model of the coupled radiation belt and Iogenic ion populations. Subject to certain limitations of the Voyager 1 data, the model solutions are found to be consistent with the data for a variety of input parameters. Model solutions are also found corresponding to radiation belt ions that are expected to be mainly responsible for the auroral energy input. Comparison of the present theoretical profiles with the data implies that the energetic radiation belt ions should have a peak loss rate within a factor of three of that for strong diffusion scattering.
A reconsideration of the systematic status of Rhoptropus bradfieldi diporus Haacke 1965

Abstract We re‐evaluated the taxonomic status of Rhoptropus bradfieldi diporus, an endemic Namibian gecko. Preanal pores, the character originally used to diagnose the taxon, are variably present, but R. b. diporus is reliably differentiated from R. b. bradfieldi by smaller, more rounded scalation of the thigh and precloacal regions. The two forms are also distinguished by relatively high levels of sequence divergence (9.7–11.6%) observed for the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. On the basis of these distinct morphological and molecular characteristics, we regard R. diporus as a valid species restricted to the Brandberg and areas north of the Ugab River. The significance of consistent colour differences between R. diporus and R. bradfieldi remains unclear, but the melanism prevalent in the latter species may be an adaptation to the cool coastal Namib fog belt. Morphological variation in R. bradfieldi is also evident in the southern portion of its range, where inland and coastal populations are notably dis...
Dynamic histone modifications mark sex chromosome inactivation and reactivation during mammalian spermatogenesis

Based on the formation of the XY body at pachytene and expression studies of a few X-linked genes, the X and Y chromosomes seem to undergo transcriptional inactivation during mammalian spermatogenesis. However, the extent and the mechanism of X and Y inactivation are not known. Here, we show that both the X and Y chromosomes undergo sequential changes in their histone modifications beginning at the pachytene stage of meiosis. These changes usually are associated with transcriptional inactivation in somatic cells, and they coincide with the exclusion of the phosphorylated (active) form of RNA polymerase II from the XY body. Both sex chromosomes undergo extensive deacetylation at histones H3 and H4 and (di)methylation of lysine (K)9 on histone H3; however, there are no changes in H3–K4 methylation. These changes persist even when the XY body disappears in late pachytene, and the X and Y chromosomes segregate from one another after the first meiotic division. By the spermatid stage, histone modifications of the X and Y chromosomes revert to those of active chromatin and RNA polymerase II reengages with both chromosomes. Our observations indicate that X and Y inactivation is extensive and persists even when the X and Y chromosomes are separated in secondary spermatocytes. These findings provide insights into epigenetic programming and chromatin dynamics in the male germ line.
ENHANCEMENT OF ANTIBODY SYNTHESIS BY 6-MERCAPTOPURINE

The administration of 6-MP to rabbits led to either suppression or enhancement of antibody production, depending on when the drug was given in relation to the antigenic challenge. Maximum enhancement of antibody synthesis was found when a small dose of BGG was administered 5 days after the last dose of a 1 wk course of 6-MP. There were no indications that the macrophage system or immunological memory was affected in animals with augmented antibody synthesis. It was proposed that enhancement of antibody production by 6-MP was due to nucleic acids released from cells killed or injured by the drug. It was suggested that lymphocytes incorporating these nucleic acids were transformed into specialized cells capable of direct and immediate stimulation by antigen and lacking immunological memory (hemocytoblasts). A relatively small dose of antigen was apparently capable of stimulating all the hemocytoblasts representing a given clone) with the result that large amounts of antibody rapidly appeared in the serum.
First Report of the White Pine Blister Rust Fungus, Cronartium ribicola, on Pedicularis bracteosa.

Until recently, Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch. was thought to utilize only Ribes spp. (Grossulariaceae) as telial hosts in North America. During 2004, Pedicularis racemosa Dougl. ex Benth. and Castilleja miniata Dougl. (Orobanchaceae) were proven as natural telial hosts at a subalpine site (48.634109°N, 116.570817°W, elevation 1,800 m) near Roman Nose Lake, ID, where whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) and western white pine (Pinus monticola Dougl. ex D. Don) are aecial hosts, and Pedicularis, Castilleja, and Ribes spp. are common herbs/shrubs (2). During August 2006, teliospore columns typical of C. ribicola or the morphologically indistinguishable (2) C. coleosporioides J.C. Arthur were found on two Pedicularis bracteosa Benth. plants at this site, within 3 m of a large, sporulating canker on whitebark pine. ITS/5.8S rDNA regions were sequenced using detached teliospore column samples from the two plants, ITS1F and ITS4 primers (3), and standard PCR protocols (2). One sample sequence was identifi...
CMS’ Hospital-Acquired Conditions for the Neurohospitalist

In 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a provision that denies Medicare payment for hospital-acquired conditions (HACs). This provision brings attention to the quality of patient care and the financial impact associated with “never-events” occurring during a patient’s hospitalization. Our review of HACs focuses on the 5 which are most pertinent to the neurohospitalist: stages III and IV pressure ulcers, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, vascular catheter-associated infection, manifestations of poor glycemic control, and falls resulting in fractures, dislocations, and/or intracranial injuries. We address why CMS came up with them, their impact on quality patient care and hospital finances, and how the neurohospitalist can continue to participate in the future of HAC prevention and management as they relate to one’s patients, hospital, and community.
Approach and exploration of a novel alternative by 12-month-old infants

Abstract The present study showed that 12-month-old infants when they left their mothers entered the more novel of 2 rooms and played with the more novel of 2 toys. Two 5-min trials took place in the experimental environment which consisted of 1 large room (start room) with 2 smaller rooms (test rooms) opening into it and containing 1 toy each. In Trial 1 Ss were placed with their mothers in the start room and allowed to enter 1 test room and play with the toy it contained. All but 1 S entered the room and contacted the toy. In Trial 2 the door to the second test room was opened and Ss were allowed to enter both rooms. Ten of the 12 Ss entered the novel test room and contacted the novel toy first. Furthermore, during Trial 2 the Ss spent reliably more time both in the novel test room and playing with the novel toy. The consistent choice of novel stimulation demonstrates that the infant learns and remembers the properties of rooms and objects he encounters and by selectively approaching the novel elements of the environment he increases the range of his own learning opportunities.
The American Community Survey: An introduction to the basics

Abstract The Bureau of the Census initiated the American Community Survey (ACS) in 2005. It will revolutionize the use of census data by providing annual updates to statistics that in the past were collected only every 10 years. Statistics will be published for areas of 65,000 people or more every year. The Bureau of the Census will distribute data for areas of between 20,000 and 64,999 in "3-year period averages." The first 3 year average will appear in 2008 covering 2005–2007. Subsequent data will be issued annually for the following three year periods. (e.g., 2006–2008, 2007–2009) Statistics for areas smaller than 19,999 will be published in 5-year period averages, the first to be published in 2010 covering 2005–2009. Subsequent data to be issued annually will cover 2006–2010, 2007–20011, … This paper provides background information about ACS, similarities and differences between it and the decennial census, the interpretation of statistics based upon period averages, relationships among ACS and other Bureau of the Census Surveys, and the expected future of the survey.
Implementing Best Practice Safety Initiatives to Diminish Patient Harm in a Hospital-based Family Birth Center

After a risk assessment of its obstetrics unit, the Family Birthing Center at Mercy Hospital Anderson, Cincinnati, Ohio, a level II, 24-bed labor, delivery, recovery, postpartum unit, began serious work toward improving patient safety through interdisciplinary team work, through more effective communication, and by implementing evidence-based strategies to reduce harm to mothers and babies. With the support of administration at both the corporate and facility levels, strong medical staff and nursing leadership, and engaged and committed team members, the unit has moved positive safety culture scores from 74% to 91%, increased staff morale, and elevated the levels of professionalism and interdisciplinary collaboration observed within the department.
Epiretinal Membrane and Cystoid Macular Edema after Retinal Detachment Repair with Small-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy:

PurposeTo evaluate the incidence rates of cystoid macular edema (CME) and epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation after uncomplicated primary 23-G and 25-G retinal detachment (RD) repair and to identif...
Induction of SIV capsid-specific CTL and mucosal sIgA in mice immunized with a recombinant S. typhimurium aroA mutant.

Abstract We have developed a new expression system based on the E. coli groEL promoter. The suicide vector constructed (called APC vector) allows simultaneous attenuation of a Salmonella strain by disruption of the coding sequence for aroA and stable integration of a gene into the bacterial chromosome. High-level expression of antigen is achieved after Salmonella is taken up by macrophages, a major antigen processing cell of the host. The chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) and the simian immunodeficiency virus capsid (p27gag) genes were cloned downstream of the groEL promoter and expressed within S. typhimurium. By measuring CAT activity, we showed that the groEL promoter was up-regulated during infection of the J774 macrophage line. The immune response to SIV capsid was assessed in Balb c mice given one oral dose of vvaccine. A local mucosal secretory IgA response against SIV capsid was detected but no systemic antibody response to the same antigen. A systemic CTL response was detected as early as 28 days to as late as 70 days post-immunization. CTL activity was MHC restricted (H-2d) and was mediated by CD3+, CD8+, CD4− T-lymphocytes. These results indicate that with only one oral dose of recombinant Salmonella using the APC vector, a systemic CTL response and a mucosal secretory response against the SIV capsid antigen are elicited in a mouse model.
Take chances, make mistakes, get dirty

This paper describes a compilation of projects designed to provide hands-on experience with technology for first semester freshman. All projects engage students in engineering design within an active learning environment. Each project has been crafted to increase the academic success and retention of freshman by challenging them to master engineering design while facilitating their success. The learning outcomes associated with these projects include an increased awareness of social responsibility, improved communication skills, experience in system design and project management, increased effectiveness in teamwork practices, and the development of a student community. These projects have been situated in the new Integrated Liberal Studies program at UNC Asheville, but they could be offered as part of any engineering program in support of ABET accreditation requirements.
How homogeneous was the Universe at the time of a grand-unified-theory phase transition?

We study the evolution of a small, causally connected region of the Universe, beginning at very early time. Matter is described by massless, scalar ``electrodynamics'' with conformally invariant coupling between quantum fields and a metric. Gauge symmetry is broken by the Coleman-Weinberg mechanism at the grand-unified-theory scale. The initial state is fixed by the requirement that thermal fluctuations of the expectation of the scalar field were small. We study the evolution of these fluctuations and of induced metric perturbations. We show that they decreased quickly and that the state of matter just before the phase transition could have been fairly homogeneous, which is a necessary condition for inflation. We also describe a new method of doing finite-temperature calculations in an expanding spacetime, based on a generalization of the thermo field dynamics.
Pure hemidystonia with basal ganglion abnormalities on positron emission tomography

We present a patient with hemidystonia and an abnormality of the contralateral basal ganglion seen only with positron emission tomography. A 50-year-old sinistral man suffered minor trauma to the right side of his head and neck. Within 20 minutes he developed paroxysmal intermittent dystonic posturing of his right face, forearm, hand, and foot, with weaker contractions of the left foot, lasting several seconds and recurring every few minutes. Neurological findings between spells were normal. The following were also normal: electrolyte, calcium, magnesium, and arterial blood gas levels, and findings of drug screen, cerebrospinal fluid examination, electroencephalography with nasopharyngeal leads, computed tomographic scanning (initially and four weeks later), and cerebral angiography. Positron emission tomographic scanning revealed abnormalities in the left basal ganglion region, including decreased oxygen metabolism, decreased oxygen extraction, increased blood volume, and increased blood flow.
State Capacity, State Failure, and Human Rights:

While it is universally recognized that states are responsible for human rights conditions in their jurisdictions, it is less often noticed that this responsibility has two dimensions, one normative and one empirical. Normatively, most people agree that states ought to prevent human rights abuses. Empirically, however, states may not always be able to do so. In weak and failing states, agency loss and the inability to police effectively can lead to abuses by private individuals and rogue agents of the state. Thus, on balance, weak states typically have worse human rights records than strong ones. This is demonstrated by a global time-series cross-section analysis showing that indicators of state weakness — low tax revenues, corruption, and lack of law and order — all have a negative impact on human rights to personal security. The effect differs for different kinds of rights. Extrajudicial killings are highly sensitive to state capacity, while political imprisonment is more sensitive to democracy. Overall...
Effect of a Pion-Pion Scattering Resonance on Nucleon Structure. II

It is shown that a resonance of suitable position and width in the J = 1. I = 1 state of the pion-pion system can bring the dispersion-theoretic calculation of the isotopicvector part of the nucleon electromagnetic structure into agreement with experiment. The calculation of the isotopic-vector part of the nucleon form factors involves in first approximation the pion form factor and the matrix element for the production by two pions of a nucleonantinucleon pair. For the pion form factor a semiphenomenological solution based on the work of Chew and Mandelstam and involving two parameters related to the position and width of the resonance was used. (auth)
Low-dose estrogen treatment suppresses periosteal bone formation in response to mechanical loading.

Abstract Estrogen and exercise influence cortical bone formation. Both affect bone during growth, but with complex interactions. We hypothesized that estrogen reduces the osteogenic response caused by exercise at the periosteal surface of bone, while it enhances bone formation on the endocortical surface. To test our hypothesis, 16 young (8 weeks old) male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two groups: (1) low-dose 17-α ethynylestradiol treatment + bone loading (EE2) or (2) vehicle-treated + bone loading (vehicle). We applied controlled loading to the right ulna at a peak force of 17 N, 2 min/day, 3 days/week for 5 weeks to simulate exercise. The left nonloaded ulna served as an internal control for loading. Mechanical loading increased cortical area (7.7%) and bone mineral content (8%) in the vehicle-treated group (P
Business artifacts: An approach to operational specification

Any business, no matter what physical goods or services it produces, relies on business records. It needs to record details of what it produces in terms of concrete information. Business artifacts are a mechanism to record this information in units that are concrete, identifiable, self-describing, and indivisible. We developed the concept of artifacts, or semantic objects, in the context of a technique for constructing formal yet intuitive operational descriptions of a business. This technique, called OpS (Operational Specification), was developed over the course of many business-transformation and business-process-integration engagements for use in IBM's internal processes as well as for use with customers. Business artifacts (or business records) are the basis for the factorization of knowledge that enables the OpS technique. In this paper we present a comprehensive discussion of business artifacts--what they are, how they are represented, and the role they play in operational business modeling. Unlike the more familiar and popular concept of business objects, business artifacts are pure instances rather than instances of a taxonomy of types. Consequently, the key operation on business artifacts is recognition rather than classification.
Shock Waves Produced by Small Stress Increments in Annealed Aluminum

Experimental data on the propagation of shear waves in annealed aluminum subjected to biaxial prestresses in the plastic range are presented. In addition, experimental evidence of the catastrophic straining at one “point” in a specimen while other “points” are not affected is given for annealed aluminum. Such evidence is not consistent with the material possessing a smooth stress-strain relation, but is compatible with the stair-case type of response. A shock wave theory which is a generalization of our previous work to the case of a biaxial prestress is also described. This theory is applied to the experimentally determined staircase stress-strain relation for aluminum. The same stress-strain relation is used for a wide range of strain rates and predicts a variety of wave speeds which are shown to be consistent with the experimental data. It is found that the biaxial prestress does not lead to any new phenomena but does modify some specific values. Some illustrative boundary-value problems are also discussed.
A macro-driven Lotus 1-2-3 template for calculating and plotting receiver-operator characteristic curves for clinical laboratory tests

Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis has become an accepted method of evaluating the efficiency of clinical laboratory tests. The calculations necessary to plot such curves are not difficult, but are repetitive and time consuming. Such calculations are easily done by computers. The availability, ease of use and graphics capabilities of spreadsheet programs such as Lotus 1-2-3 lend themselves to these applications. In this article, we describe such an application.
Use of a Respiratory Clinical Score among Different Providers

Respiratory assessment of children with asthma or bronchiolitis is problematic because both the components of the assessment and their relative importance vary among care providers. Use of a systematic standard assessment process and clinical score may reduce interobserver variation. Our objective was to determine observer agreement among physicians (MD), nurses (RN), and respiratory therapists (RT), using a standard respiratory clinical score. A clinical score was developed incorporating four physiologic parameters: respiratory rate, retractions, dyspnea, and auscultation. One hundred and sixty-five provider pairs (e.g., MD-MD, RN-RT) independently assessed a total of 55 patients admitted for asthma, bronchiolitis, or wheezing at an urban tertiary-care hospital. A weighted kappa statistic measured agreement beyond chance. Rater pairs had high observed agreement on total score of 82-88% and weighted kappas ranging from 0.52 (MD-RN; 95% CI, 0.19, 0.79) to 0.65 (RN-RN; 95% CI, 0.46, 0.87). Observed agreement on individual components of the score ranged from 58% (auscultation) to 74% (dyspnea), with unweighted kappas of 0.36 (respiratory rate; 95% CI, 0.26, 0.46) to 0.53 (dyspnea; 95% CI, 0.41, 0.65). In conclusion, this respiratory clinical score demonstrates good interobserver agreement between MDs, RNs, and RTs. Future research is needed to examine validity and responsiveness in clinical settings. By standardizing respiratory assessments, use of a clinical score may facilitate care coordination by physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists and thereby improve care of children hospitalized with asthma and bronchiolitis.
Methylation of Bovine Rhodopsin

METHYLATED basic amino-acids have been detected in many proteins1 and we report here the methylation of rhodopsin2–5. Bovine rhodopsin has been found to contain MML (ɛ-N-monomethyl lysine), DML (ɛ-N-dimethyl lysine) and 3-MH (3-methyl histidine). Residues of TML (ɛ-N-trimethyl lysine) and DMA (dimethyl arginine) were also detected in an un-characterized protein association with rhodopsin which is solubilized from outer segments by 1 % nonionic detergent ‘Ammonyx LO’. In vitro methylation of the basic residues in bovine rhodopsin was also detected after dissected retinas had been incubated in a nutrient medium containing 3H-(methyl) methionine.
Critical duration for resolution of acuity targets.

Abstract Line grating patterns which illuminated a 1° test field centered 1.5° from the fovea were presented in either of two orientations for various flash durations of from 2 to 1000 msec. Grating pattern frequencies of from 2 to 10 c/deg were used. Luminance thresholds for correct identification of grating orientation were measured in the dark adapted eye and against mesopic and low photopic background luminances. The critical duration within which temporal summation occurred was most significantly influenced by level of adaptation, being longer the lower the adaptation level. This was true for all spatial frequencies investigated, including the highest for which discrimination always depended upon cones. Change in critical duration with adaptation can not therefore be attributed to a transition from cone to rod function. Critical duration was found to vary non-monotonically with changing spatial frequency, passing through a maximum at a lower spatial frequency for higher adaptation level.
Concentration dependence of the exchange interaction in lead europium sulfide nanocrystals

Abstract Exchange interactions in nanocrystalline forms of the dilute magnetic semiconductor lead europium sulfide (PbxEuyS), as a function of europium concentration, were investigated using low temperature, high magnetic field vibrating sample magnetometry. The results were fitted to an expression containing a modified Brillouin function, which characterized the response of isolated magnetic europium ions and ion pair interactions. The pair exchange constant J p k B depended weakly on the europium content y. This property may be explained by the existence of larger clusters of Eu2+ ions in PbxEuyS nanocrystals, with the number of clusters increasing with europium content.
Domain engineering of physical vapor deposited two-dimensional materials

Physical vapor deposited two-dimensional (2D) materials span larger areas compared to exfoliated flakes, but suffer from very small grain or domain sizes. In this letter, we fabricate freestanding molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and amorphous boron nitride (BN) specimens to expose both surfaces. We performed in situ heating in a transmission electron microscope to observe the domain restructuring in real time. The freestanding MoS2 specimens showed up to 100× increase in domain size, while the amorphous BN transformed in to polycrystalline hexagonal BN (h-BN) at temperatures around 600 °C much lower than the 850–1000 °C range cited in the literature.
Kevlar and Carbon Composite Body Armor: Analysis and Testing

Kevlar materials make excellent body armor due to their fabric-like flexibility and ultra-high tensile strength. Carbon composites are made up from many layers of carbon AS-4 material impregnated with epoxy. Fiber orientation is bidirectional, orientated at 0° and 90°. They also have ultra-high tensile strength but can be made into relatively hard armor pieces. Once many layers are cut and assembled they can be ergonomicically shaped in a mold during the heated curing process. Kevlar and carbon composites can be used together to produce light and effective body armor. This paper will focus on computer analysis and laboratory testing of a Kevlar/carbon composite cross-section proposed for body armor development. The carbon composite is inserted between layers of Kevlar. The computer analysis was performed with a Lagrangian transversely isotropic material model for both the Kevlar and Carbon Composite. The computer code employed is AUTODYN. Both the computer analysis and laboratory testing utilized different fragments sizes of hardened steel impacting on the armor cross-section. The steel fragments are right-circular cylinders. Laboratory testing was undertaken by firing various sizes of hardened steel fragments at square test coupons of Kevlar layers and heat cured carbon composites. The V50 velocity for the various fragment sizes was determined from the testing. This V50 data can be used to compare the body armor design with other previously designed armor systems. AUTODYN [1] computer simulations of the fragment impacts were compared to the experimental results and used to evaluate and guide the overall design process. This paper will include the detailed transversely isotropic computer simulations of the Kevlar/carbon composite cross-section as well as the experimental results and a comparison between the two. Conclusions will be drawn about the design process and the validity of current computer modeling methods for Kevlar and carbon composites.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Robust design of actively controlled structures using cooperative fuzzy games

Abstract The combined structural and control optimization problem for flexible space structures is formulated as a multiple objective optimization (MOO) problem. An improvement in robustness of active controlled structures through structural modifications is also addressed. The structural weight, controlled system energy, and robustness indices are considered as objective functions of the integrated structure/control design problem with cross-sectional areas of members treated as design variables. To model vague and imprecise information in the problem formulation, the tools of fuzzy set theory are employed. A new methodology for solving the resulting MOO problem, referred to herein as a cooperative fuzzy game theoretic approach is presented. It is shown that existing techniques for solving crisp and fuzzy optimization problems are special cases of the fuzzy game theoretic formulation. The computational procedure is demonstrated via an application to a twelve member ACOSS-FOUR space structure. The qualita...
Incompatible Partners: The Role of Identity and Self-Image in the Sino-U.S. Relationship

This article examines identity as an underexplored factor complicating U.S.-China relations and concludes that the identity variable contributes to mutual suspicion and frustrates efforts in conflict resolution.
The development of mammotroph adenomas in pituitaries of aging female C57BL/6J mice

The development of pituitary adenomas in female C57BL/6J mice was studied over the lifespan. Mammotrophs and somatotrophs, identified by immunocytochemical staining, appeared normal in 3-4 month old animals, with the exception of an occasional hypertrophic mammotroph and, in one gland, a nest of such cells. At 15 months, hypertrophic mammotrophs, somatotrophs and unstained cells occurred singly or in areas of hyperplasia; a mammotrophic adenoma was present in one gland. At 22 months, pituitaries contained mammotroph adenomas or adenomalike mammotroph clusters within hypertrophic, hyperplastic areas as seen in 15 month old glands. Pituitaries from all 28-30 month old mice contained mammotroph adenomas; nests of hypertrophic cells were present in 5 of 8 glands studied. These results suggest that mammotrophic adenomas may arise from hypertrophic mammotrophs, which are often found in nests with other hypertrophic pituitary cell types. However, this study does not exclude the possibility that mammotroph adenomas and hypertrophic mammotrophs occur independently.
Commutator Bounds for Eigenvalues, with Applications to Spectral Geometry

We prove a purely algebraic version of an eigenvalue inequality of Hile and Protter, and derive corollaries bounding differences of eigenvalues of Laplace– Beltrami operators on manifolds. We significantly improve earlier bounds of Yang and Yau, Li, and Harrell.
First-principles study of magnetic properties of L 1 0 -ordered MnPt and FePt alloys

Using first-principles methods, we study the magnetic and electronic properties of three different spin configurations of the $\text{L}{1}_{0}$ phase of FePt and MnPt alloys. It is found that MnPt and FePt may be approximately considered as magnetic antipodes with opposite ferromagnetic (FM)---antiferromagnetic (AFM) and in-plane/out-of-plane magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA) relationships. In MnPt, the most stable phase is the AFM configuration with AFM chessboard spin coupling in the (001) plane, FM spin coupling between (001) planes, and all spin directions aligned in the (001) plane. Whereas in FePt, the most stable is the FM configuration with all spin directions aligned perpendicular to (001) plane. The out-of-plane MCA of MnPt is more than an order of magnitude less $(\ensuremath{\sim}0.1\text{ }\text{meV})$ than that of FePt $(\ensuremath{\sim}2.9\text{ }\text{meV})$ in their corresponding magnetic ground states. Our calculations indicate that an AFM state can be achieved in FePt by a small variation in tetragonality ratio (from 0.98 to 0.94). A pseudogap is observed at the Fermi energy for MnPt and just below the Fermi energy for FePt for the chessboard AFM model. This pseudogap may explain the ground-state magnetic configuration of MnPt.
Thorpe-Ingold acceleration of oxirane formation is mostly a solvent effect.

The Thorpe−Ingold hypothesis for the gem-dimethyl effect in the cyclization reactions of 2-chloroethoxide derivatives has been investigated computationally in the gas phase and in aqueous solution. Ab initio MP2/6-311+G(d,p) and CBS-Q calculations reveal little intrinsic difference in reactivity with increasing α-methylation for the series of reactants 1−3. However, inclusion of continuum hydration or of explicit hydration through mixed quantum and statistical mechanics (MC/FEP) simulations does reproduce the substantial, experimentally observed rate increases with increasing α-methylation. Analysis of the MC/FEP results provides clear evidence that the rate increases stem primarily from increased steric hindrance to hydration of the nucleophilic oxygen atom with increasing α-methylation. Thus, the gem-dimethyl acceleration of oxirane formation for 1−3 is found to be predominantly a solvent effect.
Functional morphology and biomechanics of the tongue‐bite apparatus in salmonid and osteoglossomorph fishes

The tongue-bite apparatus and its associated musculoskeletal elements of the pectoral girdle and neurocranium form the structural basis of raking, a unique prey-processing behaviour in salmonid and osteoglossomorph fishes. Using a quantitative approach, the functional osteology and myology of this system were compared between representatives of each lineage, i.e. the salmonid Salvelinus fontinalis (N = 10) and the osteoglossomorph Chitala ornata (N = 8). Divergence was found in the morphology of the novel cleithrobranchial ligament, which potentially relates to kinematic differences between the raking lineage representatives. Salvelinus had greater anatomical cross-sectional areas of the epaxial, hypaxial and protractor hyoideus muscles, whereas Chitala had greater sternohyoideus and adductor mandibulae mass. Two osteology-based biomechanical models (a third-order lever for neurocranial elevation and a modified four-bar linkage for hyoid retraction) showed divergent force/velocity priorities in the study taxa. Salvelinus maximizes both force (via powerful cranial muscles) and velocity (through mechanical amplification) during raking. In contrast, Chitala has relatively low muscle force but more efficient force transmission through both mechanisms compared with Salvelinus. It remains unclear if and how behavioural modulation and specializations in the post-cranial anatomy may affect the force/velocity trade-offs in Chitala. Further studies of tongue-bite apparatus morphology and biomechanics in a broader species range may help to clarify the role that osteology and myology play in the evolution of behavioural diversity.
Novel beta-gamma coincidence measurements using phoswich detectors

We have developed an analysis pipeline for air filter gamma-ray spectra, utilizing the software packages UniSampo for peak analysis and Shaman for nuclide identification. In an automated usage mode, spectra that are received via e-mail are processed into a directory tree, analyzed with UniSampo and Shaman, and finally categorized on the basis of the analysis results. Alarms are generated if anything out of the ordinary is observed. Typical applications for an air filter analysis pipeline are national radioactivity surveillance networks and the global radionuclide monitoring network being implemented for verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Our analysis pipeline system has been used by the Finnish national CTBT-authority, the Finnish National Data Center (FiNDC), since July 1999. Evaluation with a randomly selected set of 1518 air filter spectra showed that our pipeline system produces significantly better analysis results than that utilized by the CTBT Organization (CTBTO): our system found 4.2 more peaks per spectrum than the CTBTO system (9 p increase) and identified 5.6 more peaks per spectrum (14 p increase) on the average.
Habitat-specific effects of food abundance on the condition of ovenbirds wintering in Jamaica

Summary 1. Food availability has been considered one of the most important factors limiting bird populations, yet the effects of food abundance on non-breeding insectivores has rarely been investigated. We studied the effects of food abundance on the body condition of ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapillus L.), a sexually monomorphic, ground-foraging, Neotropical–Nearctic migrant warbler during two winters in three habitats on their wintering grounds in Jamaica. 2. Prey biomass decreased from early to late winter in all habitats. Concurrently, ovenbird body mass, corrected for differences in structural size, decreased significantly in five of six habitat–year combinations. Only in second growth scrub habitat in the 1995–96 winter did ovenbirds show no decrease in corrected body mass, and during this period there was no significant decrease in ant biomass, the dominant prey item of ovenbirds in all habitats. 3. Significant positive correlations were found between ovenbirds' rate of feather regrowth and the biomass of ants on their home ranges in early winter, and between overwinter change in ovenbird body mass and the biomass of ants on their home ranges in late winter. 4. The results of both the habitat- and home-range-based analyses suggest a similar threshold of ant biomass (2·5–3·0 mg m−2), below which ovenbirds did not maintain their body mass. 5. The results suggest that late winter rainfall mediates the biomass of prey abundance, which in turn affects the ovenbirds' overwinter body condition.
ON TRANSFORMATION OF KINETIC ENERGY BETWEEN THE VERTICAL SHEAR FLOW AND THE VERTICAL MEAN FLOW IN THE ATMOSPHERE

Abstract The kinetic energy of the horizontal, hydrostatic flow is divided into the kinetic energies of the vertically integrated flow and the deviation from this flow, the so-called shear flow. The energy transformation between the two types of flow is found in the general case of the primitive equations and also for the most simple quasi-non-divergent model. The two transformations are discussed, and the energy transformation in the quasi-non-divergent model in the two-parameter case is discussed as a function of wave number using linear theory. The energy conversion has been computed on a daily basis for the month of January 1959, and compared with earlier results of computations of transformations between available potential energy and shear flow kinetic energy. It is shown that the latter conversion changes the kinetic energy of the shear flow and not that of the mean flow. The residence time is estimated for the shear flow as well as the mean flow. The energy transformation between the vertical shea...
Biological Availability of Manganese Sources and Effects of High Dietary Manganese on Tissue Mineral Composition of Broiler-Type Chicks,

Abstract An experiment was conducted with male broiler-type chicks to study tissue uptake of Mn as a measure of biological availability of Mn sources. A basal corn-soybean meal diet (116 ppm Mn) was supplemented with 0, 1000, 2000, or 4000 ppm Mn as either reagent grade sulfate, carbonate, or monoxide and fed ad libitum for 26 days. No toxic effects were noted as expressed by feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion, hematocrit, hemoglobin, or mortality. Analysis of Mn in tissues revealed a highly linear relationship between liver or bone Mn concentration and dietary Mn for all three sources. Manganese concentration in all tissues increased (P
3D range geometry video compression with the H.264 codec

Abstract Advances in three-dimensional (3D) scanning have enabled the real-time capture of high-resolution 3D videos. With these advances brings the challenge of streaming and storing 3D videos in a manner that can be quickly and effectively used. This research addresses this challenge by generalizing the Holovideo technique to video codecs that use the YUV color space such as the H.264 codec. With the H.264 codec, we have achieved a compression ratio of over 6086:1 (Holovideo to OBJ) with a reasonably high quality; utilizing an NVIDIA GeForce 9400 m GPU, we have realized 17 frames per second encoding, and 28 frames per second decoding speed, making it a viable solution for real-time 3D video compression.
Cortical and medullary lipids of normal and nephrosclerotic human kidney

Abstract 1. 1. Major lipid classes from cortical and medullary zones of normal and nephrosclerotic human kidneys have been isolated and the fatty acid composition of each determined. 2. 2. The nephrosclerotic tissue contained two times more total lipid than the normal kidney but, irrespective of kidney pathology, phospholipids were the major cortical lipids and neutral lipids were the predominant lipids in medullary zones. 3. 3. Human kidney contained large amounts of phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines and sphingomyelins and although these were slightly increased in the sclerotic kidney, anatomical differences in phospholipid content were not significant. 4. 4. Quantitative differences between the zones of normal kidney were found with triglycerides, diglycerides. free fatty acids and cholesterol; overall, the sclerotic tissue contained more triglycerides and small amounts of cholesterol esters with less significant regional differences. 5. 5. Palmitic, oleic and stearic acid were the major fatty acids of neutral lipids; these plus linoleic acid were prevalent in phospholipids.
Situational learning in real and virtual space: lessons learned and future directions

This work started with the informal observation of my daughter as she actively inquired about her world around her. Her seemingly innocent questions have profound implications for real time science education. How could these common daily experiences of information seeking behavior be supported or augmented, and transferred to a virtual or augmented reality application for education and knowledge acquisition? How to make it effective? What research has been done? This paper highlights key educational research and reviews important empirical findings from science education implemented in virtual reality and other computer graphics technologies. Based on recent literature and user interface design experience a list of design heuristics and recommendations are offered as guidelines to virtual reality educators and software developers. Lastly, there is a summary of future research opportunities and challenges.
Upscaling of constitutive relations in unsaturated heterogeneous tuff matrix

When numerical models are used for modeling large-scale flow and transport processes in the subsurface, upscaling is generally needed to determine large-scale hydraulic properties from small-scale measurements. This study is focused on the upscaling of constitutive relations (among relative permeability, capillary pressure, and saturation) for unsaturated tuff matrix (or a porous medium with a large air entry value). Unsaturated flow in tuff matrix is of interest at a number of existing and proposed waste disposal sites, as well as in connection with environmental contamination in arid and semiarid regions. Based on the notion that a large air entry value corresponds to a spatially uniform capillary pressure distribution, even at a relatively large scale for steady-state unsaturated flow, we present an upscaling approach for constitutive relations of tuff matrix. Numerical experiments were used to verify and demonstrate the usefulness of the approach.
Alternative Core Promoters Regulate Tissue-specific Transcription from the Autoimmune Diabetes-related ICA1 (ICA69) Gene Locus

Islet cell autoantigen 69-kDa (ICA69), protein product of the human ICA1 gene, is one target of the immune processes defining the pathogenesis of Type 1 diabetes. We have characterized the genomic structure and functional promoters within the 5′-regulatory region of ICA1. 5′-RNA ligase-mediated rapid amplification of cDNA ends evaluation ofICA1 transcripts expressed in human islets, testis, heart, and cultured neuroblastoma cells reveals that three 5′-untranslated region exons are variably expressed from the ICA1 gene in a tissue-specific manner. Surrounding the transcription initiation sites are motifs characteristic of non-TATA, non-CAAT, GC-rich promoters, including consensus Sp1/GC boxes, an initiator element, cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) sites, and clusters of other putative transcription factor sites within a genomic CpG island. Luciferase reporter constructs demonstrate that the first two ICA1exon promoters reciprocally stimulate luciferase expression within islet- (RIN 1046-38 cells) and brain-derived (NMB7) cells in culture; the exon A promoter exhibits greater activity in islet cells, whereas the exon B promoter more efficiently activates transcription in neuronal cells. Mutation of a CREB site within the ICA1exon B promoter significantly enhances transcriptional activity in both cell lines. Our basic understanding of expression from the functional core promoter elements of ICA1 is an important advance that will not only add to our knowledge of the ICA69 autoantigen but will also facilitate a rational approach to discover the function of ICA69 and to identify relevant ICA1 promoter polymorphisms and their potential associations with disease.