cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Vibration Analysis of Deployable Space Boom Structures

Lightweight booms are being developed as a basic building element of deployable space structures for future NASA missions. This paper presents an analytical modeling and solution technique, namely the Distributed Transfer Function Method (DTFM), for synthesis and design of deployable boom structures. A space boom structure in consideration is modeled as a space frame that is enhanced by springs. In the DTFM, the distributed transfer functions describing the bending, torsion, and longitudinal deformations of frame members are first derived. A global dynamic equilibrium equation of the boom structure is assembled from the member transfer functions. Solution of the global equilibrium equation leads to free vibration solution and frequency response of the boom structure. The accuracy and efficiency of DTFM is demonstrated in a numerical example.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Role of the ITS2-proximal stem and evidence for indirect recognition of processing sites in pre-rRNA processing in yeast

Eucaryotic ribosome biogenesis involves many cis-acting sequences and trans-acting factors, including snoRNAs. We have used directed mutagenesis of rDNA plasmids in yeast to identify critical sequence and structural elements within and flanking the ITS2-proximal stem. This base paired structure, present in the mature ribosome, is formed between the 5′-end of 25S and the 3′-end of 5.8S rRNAs. Previously we demonstrated that formation of this structure was critical for pre-rRNA processing in yeast. Here we show that there are no sequence-specific recognition elements within the ITS2-proximal stem, rather the structure of this stem is critical for processing. This stem cannot exceed a specific length, but there are different length restrictions for different regions within this tripartite stem. Neither the conserved unpaired nucleotides within the stem nor the sequence of the mature rRNA at the processing sites are required for processing. Collectively, these results suggest a measuring model whereby initial cleavage within ITS2 at the C2 processing site and termination of subsequent exonuclease activity yielding the mature termini are affected by the relative position of sequence and structural elements within the ITS2-proximal stem.
Performance evaluation of hierarchical distributed simulators

A model can be decomposed into components, then mapped onto a network of simulators for execution. With different levels of decompositions, we are interested in finding the optimal model decomposition that can be implemented on a particular structure of distributed simulators. This is done by comparing performance measures such as the minimum response time or the maximum throughout per unit of hardware complexity. We claim that the need for a model capable of performance evaluation is an important concern in designing distributed simulators. Thus a methodology for performance evaluation and simulation modelling of hierarchically specified distributed simulators is required. From the empirical results, we found that simulating a given distributed simulator model is suitable to get optimal performances, that is, each model has an optimal decomposition level in terms of performance. The influential performance measures are the average of simulation run times and the product of the average run time and the hardware complexity of the given simulator model.
Laing and Heidegger on Alienation

R. D. Laing's concept of alienation-evidenced in his theory of "true" and "false" guilt, social fantasy systems, and artistic creativity-is discussed in light of the ideas of alienation and authenticity in Hegel, Marx, and Heidegger. Despite a tendency to polemical excess, there is much in Laing's approach that merits further exploration and discussion.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of one-dimensional nanostructures

A microwave-assisted solvothermal method was used for the synthesis of selenium nanorods. The obtained selenium nanorods have axis ratios higher than 100 with their diameters in the range of 30–150 nm. This method is quite simple, rapid, adjustable, and general. Besides the effects of the experimental parameters on the synthesis of the selenium nanorods, the generality of this method has also been investigated, by which other one-dimensional nanostructures, metal lead and semiconductor cadmium sulfide nanorods, were also successfully synthesized.
Studies on action mechanisms of a possible false cholinergic transmitter, (2-hydroxyethyl) methyldiethylammonium.

(2-Hydroxyethyl) methyldiethylammonium (DEC; Diethylcholine) was found to inhibit cholinergic fibers slowly, both in skeletal muscle (ED50: 2.25 × 10−5 M in chick biventer cervicis and 42 mg/kg in rat sciatic-gastrocnemius) and in smooth muscle preparations (ED50: 7.7 × 10−4 M in transmurally stimulated guinea-pig ileum) without having any effect on dose-response curves of acetylcholine to contract chick biventer cervicis, frog rectus abdominis and guinea-pig ileum. These results indicate that DEC acts at the prejunctional nerve fibers, but not at the postjunctional cholinergic receptor sites. DEC was acetylated efficiently both by choline acetyltransferase and by minced rat brain, suggesting that it can be acetylated to acetyl-DEC in the nerve ending. Acetyl-DEC was found to block acetylcholine actions competitively both in smooth and in skeletal muscle preparations (1 × 10−3 − 1 × 10−2M) indicating that the acetylated product of DEC can serve as an antagonist at the cholinergic receptor site. It is therefore concluded that DEC is a false cholinergic transmitter.
The application of cryogenics to high Reynolds number testing in wind tunnels. I - Evolution, theory, and advantages

During the time which has passed since the construction of the first wind tunnel in 1870, wind tunnels have been developed to a high degree of sophistication. However, their development has consistently failed to keep pace with the demands placed on them. One of the more serious problems to be found with existing transonic wind tunnels is their inability to test subscale aircraft models at Reynolds numbers sufficiently near full-scale values to ensure the validity of using the wind tunnel data to predict flight characteristics. The Reynolds number capability of a wind tunnel may be increased by a number of different approaches. However, the best solution in terms of model, balance, and model support loads, as well as in terms of capital and operating cost appears to be related to the reduction of the temperature of the test gas to cryogenic temperatures. The present paper has the objective to review the evolution of the cryogenic wind tunnel concept and to describe its more important advantages.
Simulation of Rolling Processes by the Boundary Element Method

Rolling processes play a very important role in everyday manufacturing. It is demonstrated here that the boundary element method (BEM) can be used to analyze, effectively and accurately, this class of problems involving both material and geometric nonlinearities, as well as contact boundary conditions. The BEM formulation is capable of using any of a class of combined creep-plasticity constitutive models with state variables for the description of material behavior. The specific problem considered is plane strain slab rolling using the constitutive model originally proposed by Hart. The numerical results obtained from the BEM analysis provide a lot of insights into the process and can become a useful tool in designing these rolling operations.
Pregnancy intentions among expectant adolescent couples

Abstract Study Objective To examine the self-reported pregnancy intentions of the male partners of expectant adolescent mothers, the accuracy of adolescent mothers' perceptions of their partner's pregnancy intentions, and the concordance between young mothers' and fathers' pregnancy intentions. Design This cross-sectional pilot study collected interview data from expectant adolescent mothers and their male partners. Setting Data were collected in participants' homes. Participants 35 expectant couples were interviewed separately. Most participants were African American (89% of mothers, 74% of fathers). 69% of mothers were 17-18 years old, and half of the fathers were ≥19. Main Outcome Measures Parents responded to survey questions adapted from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Questionnaire. Results 44% of fathers reported wanting their partner to get pregnant. Another 15% were ambivalent. A kappa statistic of 0.12 ( P = .33) indicated very little “accuracy” of mothers' perceptions of their partners' pregnancy intentions. Further, there was low concordance between the pregnancy intentions of mothers and fathers. Young fathers who wanted or were ambivalent about pregnancy were significantly more likely to use no contraception or withdrawal. Conclusion For a notable number of minority couples, adolescent mothers do not have an accurate perception of their partners' pregnancy intentions and use contraceptive methods that are not within their control. These findings indicate that teen pregnancy prevention interventions must target young males in addition to females and sexually active adolescents should be encouraged to discuss pregnancy intentions with each other.
Opto-electronic properties of graphene oxide

In this presentation, a solution based method that allows uniform and controllable deposition of reduced graphene oxide thin films with thicknesses ranging from a single monolayer up to several layers over large areas will be described. The oxidation treatment during synthesis of GO creates sp3 C-O sites where oxygen atoms are bonded in the form of various functional groups. GO is therefore a two dimensional network of sp2 and sp3 bonded atoms, in contrast to an ideal graphene sheet which consists of 100% sp2 carbon atoms. This unique atomic and electronic structure of GO, consisting of variable sp2/sp3 fraction, opens up possibilities for new functionalities. The most notable difference between GO and mechanically exfoliated graphene is the opto-electronic properties arising from the presence of finite band gap. In particular, the photoluminescence can be tuned from blue to red to IR emission. The atomic and electronic structure along with tunable photoluminescence of graphene oxide at various degrees of reduction will be described.
Substaging of T1 bladder carcinoma based on the depth of invasion as measured by micrometer: A new proposal.

BACKGROUND A significant number of T1 bladder carcinoma patients are understaged by transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB), indicating a substantial need for more accurate staging. METHODS The authors studied 55 patients with T1 bladder carcinoma detected by TURB at the Mayo Clinic between December 1979 and July 1984. The mean age of the patients was 66 years (range, 50–78 years). All patients were treated by cystectomy. The median interval from TURB to cystectomy was 10 days. Grading was performed according to the 1998 World Health Organization/International Society of Urologic Pathology grading system. The 1997 TNM classification was used for pathologic staging. In addition, the depth of invasion was measured from the mucosal basement membrane by micrometer. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the usefulness of depth of invasion as a marker for advanced stage bladder carcinoma (≥ T2). RESULTS The final pathologic stages were Ta (2 patients), T1 (10 patients), T2a (9 patients), T2b (13 patients), T3 (11 patients), and T4 (10 patients) at cystectomy. There was a significant correlation between the depth of invasion at TURB and the final pathologic stage (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.63; P 1.5 mm indicating advanced stage disease), the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 81%, 83%, 95%, and 56%, respectively. Histologic grade at the time of TURB also was associated significantly with final pathologic stage at cystectomy (P = 0.03) whereas stratification of patients according to invasion above or below the muscularis mucosae at TURB was not a significant predictor of final pathologic stage. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study show that substaging of T1 bladder carcinoma according to the depth of invasion (as measured by micrometer) provides significant prognostic information. Therefore the authors recommend that it be reported in specimens obtained by TURB. [See also editorial counterpoint on pages 908–9 and reply to counterpoint on pages 910–2, this issue.] Cancer 1999;86:1035–43. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Cryopreservation of sheep embryos using ethylene glycol

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate the use of ethylene glycol (EG) for cryopreservation of sheep embryos. A 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement examining one-step vs. two-step cryoprotectant addition and removal was used. The one-step cryoprotectant addition involved placement of embryos directly into 1.5 mol EG, whereas the two-step addition utilized an intermediate 10 min exposure to 0.75 mol EG. Similarly, the one-step cryoprotectant removal involved direct placement of thawed embryos into 1.0 mol sucrose, and the two-step procedure included a 10 min exposure to 0.25 mol sucrose before placement in 1.0 mol sucrose. A total of 185 frozen-thawed embryos was placed into in vitro culture for 96 h to determine viability. No differences were observed between cryoprotectant addition or removal techniques, and overall survival was 69%. To validate the results obtained in vitro, a limited number of embryo transfers was performed. Four ewes receiving a total of 11 frozen-thawed embryos produced eight lambs (73% survival) which compared favorably with 74% survival obtained by transferring 19 non-cryopreserved embryos to eight recipients. It is concluded that one-step addition of 1.5 mol ethylene glycol followed by one-step removal in a 1.0 mol sucrose gradient is an appropriate technique for cryopreservation of sheep embryos.
Improving STI etch process development by replacing XSEM metrology with scatterometry

For years, scatterometers have been providing full profile information on line/space arrays. These profiles are often compared to XSEM images in order to show how well they match. This is done by placing the profiles and images next to each other or by overlapping them. The comparisons, however, are typically qualitative; this makes it difficult to determine exactly how good the match is. Furthermore, this qualitative comparison makes it difficult to determine whether profiles from one scatterometry tool or model match corresponding XSEM images better than another tool's or model's profiles. This study circumvents this problem by making multiple measurements of critical dimension, sidewall angle, and height/depth from XSEM images, and then comparing them to scatterometry measurements previously collected from the same locations. The vehicle that is used for this study is a series of etched STI wafers that were subjected to a range of etch processes. Total Measurement Uncertainty (TMU) analysis is used to properly quantify the comparisons. Both scatterometry library and regression models are investigated; the results from both of these methods are compared to the XSEM measurements and to each other. A technique to estimate the accuracy of the XSEM measurements themselves is also used. Results show that, within statistical error, both scatterometry methods provide the same information about the samples. Furthermore, the data reveal that the scatterometer is in most cases about as accurate as the XSEM metrology in quantifying significant structural components of the samples. Finally, examples showing how the increased sampling of scatterometry can be used to improve etch process development is provided.
Euromicro: the European Association for Microprocessing

Euromicro Correspondents (formerly National Representatives) must obtain the approval and support of their National Information Processing Societies in order to insure favorable working conditions for the Association.
Fischer‐Tropsch‐Chemie bei Raumtemperatur?

Methan ist eine weit verbreitete Energiequelle und kcnnte als Basis f r die Herstellung von Grundchemikalien genutzt werden. Katalysatoren, die dieses Gas effektiv umsetzen kcnnen, z.B. zur Erzeugung l ngerkettiger Kohlenwasserstoffe als Brennstoffe oder von Olefinen als Monomere f r die Polymerisation, sind allerdings selten. Der gegenw rtig angewendete Prozess beginnt mit der Reformierung von Methan zu Synthesegas (CO und H2), das man anschliesend dem Fischer-Tropsch(FT)-Prozess zuf hrt, bei dem CO an bergangsmetallen durch H2 zu langkettigen Kohlenwasserstoffen reduziert wird. Um die Bildung von Kohlenstoffketten mit mehr als zwei C-Atomen zu beg nstigen, muss der FTProzess bei hohen Temperaturen und hohen Dr cken ausgef hrt werden. Nitrogenase ist ein Enzym, das N2 in einem Adenosintriphosphat(ATP)-getriebenen Prozess zu NH3 reduziert und das scheinbar in keinem Zusammenhang mit dem FT-Prozess steht. Allerdings berichteten Ribbe und Mitarbeiter k rzlich, dass Vanadium-Nitrogenase (V-Nitrogenase) tats chlich ein FT-Katalysator bei Raumtemperatur ist und CO unter Bildung neuer C-C-Einfachund -Doppelbindungen in leichte Kohlenwasserstoffe umzusetzen vermag! Dieser Befund ist berraschend, zumal die sehr viel bekanntere Molybd n-Nitrogenase durch CO stark inhibiert wird. In ihrer j ngsten Studie untersuchten Ribbe und Mitarbeiter die Herkunft des Wasserstoffs, den die V-Nitrogenase f r die Bildung von Kohlenwasserstoffen einsetzt. Diese Ergebnisse bieten neue Einblicke in den Mechanismus und die Evolution der Nitrogenase-Enzyme. Mo-Nitrogenase ist das h ufigste und in der Literatur am meisten behandelte Mitglied dieser Enzymfamilie. Vanadiumund Eisen(Fe)-Nitrogenasen kommen hingegen nur in Bakterien unter ungewchnlichen Bedingungen zum Einsatz, etwa bei tieferen Temperaturen oder bei Molybd nmangel. Jede Nitrogenase besitzt einen Cofaktor als aktives Zentrum (FeMoco, FeVco bzw. FeFeco), einen P-Cluster zum Elektronentransfer und eine Bindungsstelle f r das reduzierte FeProtein mit zwei gebundenen ATP-Einheiten. Bislang wurde nur die Struktur des FeMoco-Clusters kristallographisch aufgekl rt (Abbildung 1), allerdings nimmt man aufgrund von spektroskopischen Daten und Sequenzhnlichkeiten gewchnlich an, dass der FeVco-Cluster dem FeMoco-Cluster hnelt. Obwohl Nitrogenasen seit vielen Jahren erforscht werden, sind einige entscheidende Fragen noch unbeantwortet. Diese betreffen vor allem a) den Mechanismus des Elektronentransfers und des Elektronengatings, b) die Identit t des leichten zentralen Atoms (C, N, O) des FeMoco-Clusters und c) die Substratbindestelle am Cofaktor und denMechanismus der N2-Reduktion. [7,8] Die mcglichen Unterschiede zwischen den drei Formen des Enzyms, d.h. die exakte Rolle des charakteristischen Metalls der Cofaktoren, sind ebenfalls ein zentrales Thema gegenw rtiger Forschungsaktivit ten. Bei der Reduktion von N2 durch Nitrogenase wird H +
Coding for Unique Ideas and Ambiguity: A Method for Measuring the Effect of Convergence on the Artifact of an Ideation Activity

Groups can generate so many ideas during a decision making process involving brainstorming that they become an impediment to group processes. Convergence activities reduce the number of ideas generated by the group and clarify those ideas, allowing the group to move forward with a set of ideas worthy of further attention. Research about convergence and its affect on collaboration is in the early stages. To further this research, measures of convergence are developed in this study as part of an assessment of the effects of convergence on an ideation artifact produced by managers attempting to solve an actual business problem. This paper presents a method for quantifying the reduction and clarification that has occurred through convergence using an assessment of a pre- and post-convergence artifact. This study expands upon understanding of collaboration by presenting the method of characterizing the convergence artifacts.
Similarity in Middle School Mathematics: At the Crossroads of Geometry and Number

The mathematical idea of similarity is typically taught to students across the middle school years between ages 11 and 14. In this study, students' understanding of presimilarity is examined based on a set of clinical interviews of 21 students aged 12–13 years. Students were asked to scale a series of geometric figures and were found to use a variety of strategies including some that incorporated both geometric and numeric reasoning. Tasks were developed that manipulated the characteristics of figures that students were required to attend to in order to explore the boundaries of numeric reasoning and to maximize the degree to which visual reasoning could be brought to bear on the task. Contrary to the literature, student use of visual reasoning did not indicate less developed conceptions of similarity. In fact, visually-based strategies supported students as they reflected on and sought to improve wholly numeric strategies. Analysis of the interview data indicated that providing students with tasks that r...
Characterization of Cation–π Interactions in Aqueous Solution Using Deuterium Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Chemical interactions of aromatic organic contaminants control their fate, transport, and toxicity in the environment. Recent molecular modeling studies have suggested that strong interactions can occur between the π electrons of aromatic molecules and metal cations in aqueous solutions and/or on mineral surfaces, and that such interactions may be important in some environmental systems. However, spectroscopic evidence for these so-called cation-π interactions has been extremely limited to date. In this paper, cation-π interactions in aqueous salt solutions were characterized via 2 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin-lattice relaxation times (T 1 ) and calculations of molecular correlation times (τ c ) for a series of perdeuterated (d 6 -benzene) benzene-cation complexes. The T 1 values for d 6 -benzene decreased with increasing concentrations of LiCl, NaCl, KCl, RbCl, CsCl, and AgNO 3 , with the largest effects observed in the AgNO 3 and CsCl solutions. Upon normalizing τ c values by solution viscosity effects, an overall affinity trend of Ag + » Cs + > K + > Rb + > Na + > Li + was derived for the d 6 -benzene-cation complexes. The ability of Ag + to complex d 6 -benzene was significantly reduced upon addition of NH 3 , which strongly coordinates Ag + at high pH. Results with d 6 -benzene, d 8 -naphthalene, d 2 -dichloromethane, and d 12 -cyclohexane in 0.1 M methanolic salt solutions confirmed that spin-lattice relaxation rates are characterizing cations interactions. The relatively strong cation-π bonding observed between Ag + and aromatic hydrocarbons probably results from covalent interactions between the aromatic π electrons and the d orbitals of Ag + , in addition to the normal electrostatic interaction.
Pulse-shaping system for the 60-beam, 30-kJ (UV) OMEGA laser

The optical pulse-shaping system for the 60-beam 30-kJ (UV) OMEGA fusion laser is capable of producing complex temporally shaped optical pulses for amplification and delivery to fusion targets. The pulse-shaping system consists of optical modulators driven by an optically activated electrical waveform generator. The electrical waveform generator consists of Si photoconductive switches, and variable impedance microstrip lines. Complex optical pulse shapes with 50 to 100 ps structure have been produced.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pediatric Cardiac Transplantation: Management Issues

Pediatric heart transplantation is an effective therapeutic modality for children with end-stage heart disease. The overall survival of young heart recipients is very good: 89% to 92% one year survival. Survival data for the long term indicates that pediatric heart recipients have a very good chance of living for decades. Advances in immunosuppression have lent optimism for the future. There are now alternatives in induction, maintenance, and acute rejection therapy. Immunosuppressants are more specific in action and prevent and treat allograft rejection with less toxic side effects and decreased morbidity. Acute rejection and infection are early complications that reduce in incidence significantly after six months post-transplant. Graft coronary artery disease continues to be the most significant hurdle to long-term survival. Currently there is a plateau in the number of heart transplants performed annually. Lack of available pediatric donors plays a large role in the paucity of pediatric transplants. This review focuses on the key management issues involved in the care of the pediatric heart transplant recipient and incorporates the experiences and protocols of the Stanford University Pediatric Heart Transplant Program. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
Palliative care in gynaecology

Summary Palliative care focuses on maximal treatment of symptoms of disease when there is no curative therapy available. In gynaecology, the majority of palliative care is focused in oncology care. Key symptom areas are pain control and management of bowel and pulmonary dysfunction including maximal management of nausea. In addition, the unique issues of end-of-life care create special challenges for communication with patients and their families. The role of the health professional is often that of navigator and advocate, and is a key role in a multidisciplinary approach to managing these patients.
Temperature-sensitive variants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae iso-1-cytochrome c produced by random mutagenesis of codons 43 to 54.

In vitro random mutagenesis within the CYC1 gene from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used to produce a library of mutants encompassing codons 43 to 54 of iso-1-cytochrome c. This region consists of an evolutionarily conserved structure within an evolutionarily diverse sequence. The library, on a low-copy-number yeast shuttle phagemid, was introduced into a yeast strain lacking cytochrome c. The ability of transformants harboring a functional cytochrome c to grow on the non-fermentable carbon source glycerol at 30°C and 37°C was used to determine the phenotype of nearly 1000 transformants. Approximately 90% of the missense mutants present in the library give rise to the wild-type phenotype, 7% result in the temperature-sensitive (Cycts) phenotype, and 3% give rise to the non-functional (Cyc−) phenotype. Phagemids from 20 Cycts and 30 Cyc− transformants were subjected to DNA sequence analysis. All the mutations occur within the targeted region. One-third of the mutants from Cyc− transformants and all the mutants from Cycts transformants are missense mutants. The remaining mutants from Cyc− transformants are nonsense or frame-shift mutants. Missense mutations within the codons for Gly45, Tyr46, Thr49, Asn52 or Ile53 alone are sufficient to produce temperature-sensitive behavior both in vivo and in the variant proteins. The deduced amino acid substitutions correlate remarkably well with side-chain dynamics, secondary structure and tertiary structure of the wild-type protein.
A long‐term sea level change scenario and its implications for geodetic networks

Abstract In classical geodesy, mean sea level has often been considered as a stable reference datum. However, research over the past decade has revealed a number of effects that complicate the classical geodetic view. One of these in particular is the discovery that global sea levels have risen in the order of 10–20 cm over the last century. It is anticipated that as global warming occurs, this rate of rise will exist. This article discusses these sea level changes, examines the possible mechanisms driving such change, and gives a scenario for the changes that might be expected to occur over the next 60 years. The scenario presented suggests that by the year 2050, global sea levels will stand 18–35 cm higher than at present.
The Role of Acidic pH in EBOLA Mediated Cell-Cell Fusion

Ebola virus (EBOV) infects cells through entry into endosomes. It is known that endosomal cathepsins cleave the fusion protein of EBOV (GP) into its fusion-active form and that low pH increases cathespin activity. For other viruses, such as influenza, that enter endosomes, acidic pH induces the conformational changes of the fusion protein that lead to infection. The question arises: is low pH within endosomes required for EBOV infection solely because it increases the activity of cathepsins, or does low pH also induce conformational changes in GP that leads to fusion? To answer this question, we developed a cell-cell fusion system in which cathepsin activity and pH can be independently controlled. A two color video microscopy assay was used to monitor fusion: the effector cells, expressing EBOV GP, where loaded with calcein AM and the target cells where loaded with CMAC. We verified that fusion was EBOV GP mediated: a neutralizing antibody KZ52 against EBOV GP and a peptide, 3.47, that inhibits EBOV infection inhibited fusion; single and double mutations within GP that reduce infection also reduced fusion. Results of flow cytometry experiments that monitored spread of a lipid dye were in full accord with those obtained by aqueous dye spread. Quantitative comparisons for the rate of both dyes transfers strongly indicate that EBOV GP mediated pores enlarge very slowly; this was directly confirmed by patch clamp capacitance measurements. EBOV GP can be cleaved to fusion competency in the laboratory by thermolysin, without using cathepsins. Experiments in which effector cells were treated with thermolyin and an assortment of cathepsin inhibitors were used and showed that EBOV GP induced fusion does not fundamentally require acidity, but rather, it is only the cleavage of GP that requires low pH.Supported by R01 GM101539.
Testing for fetal lung maturation: a biochemical "window" to the developing fetus.

Fetal lung maturity testing represents a major milestone in perinatology. Mindful that this topic is reviewed perennially, the authors have critically evaluated specific controversial aspects of the methodologies used to measure pulmonary surfactant in amniotic fluid for how well each of these techniques performs in principle and in application. The clinical utility of fetal lung maturity testing as it applies to particularly difficult complications of pregnancy is addressed. These technical and clinical issues are viewed in light of the scientific and empiric evidence used as the rationale for such testing and its implementation in the effective management of preterm delivery.
Application of Capmul MCM and caprylic acid for the development of danazol-loaded SEDDS

The feasibility of using Capmul MCM and caprylic acid (medium-chain triglyceride pre-digestion products) as the lipid phase was investigated for the development of self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) as a carrier system to enhance solubilization of poorly water-soluble danazol. The composition of SEDDS was first evaluated by phase diagrams of lipid/surfactant/water systems. Thereafter, danazol-loaded SEDDS was formulated and subjected to dispersion/precipitation study in distilled water, HCl buffer, phosphate buffer, or biorelevant aqueous media. The mechanism of danazol dispersion was investigated by comparing the solubilization capacity of blank SEDDS dispersed in various aqueous media with respective dispersion/precipitation profiles obtained. Phase diagrams showed that at least 30% (w/w) Cremophor RH40, as the surfactant, was needed to properly emulsify Capmul MCM:caprylic acid (1:1), as the lipid phase. Different extent of danazol precipitation was observed upon the dispersion of danazol-loaded SEDDS in different aqueous media. Danazol precipitation was dominated by the solubilization capacity of danazol, which was influenced by the ratio of Capmul MCM:CA and Cremophor RH40, pH of aqueous media, gastrointestinal composition, and blank SEDDS concentration.
Economic Analysis on Application of Large Section Conductor in Ultra-High Voltage DC Engineering

At present, large section conductors applied in domestic ±800kV ultra-high DC power transmission line consist of 6×720mm2, 6×900mm2 and 6×1000mm2 conductors. This paper analyzes initial engineering investment and mechanical performance of 6×JL1/G2A-720/50, 6×JL1/G3A-900/40, 6×JL1/G3A-1000/45, 6×JL1/G2A-1250/70 and 6×JL1/G2A-1520/125 conductor plans, carry out economic comparison of the whole life period of these 5 conductor plans, demonstrate economic of 6×JL1/G2A-1250/70, and 6×JL1/G2A-1520/125 conductor plans in ±800kV ultra-high DC power transmission line is more advantageous when annual loss hours is too high, and the 6×JL1/G2A-1250/70 plan can save initial investment of engineering compared to the 6×JL1/G2A-1520/125 plan.
Protein feeds coproduction in biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals

Agriculture has changed greatly in the past in response to changing human needs. Now agriculture is being called on to provide raw materials for very large-scale fuel and chemical production. Agriculture will change again in response to this demand and all producers and users of agricultural feedstocks will be affected by this change. For example, livestock feeding practices have already changed in response to the availability of distillers' grains from corn ethanol production. A fuels industry based on herbaceous biomass energy crops will be many-fold larger than the existing corn ethanol industry and will produce its own set of impacts on livestock feeding. We explore here one of these impacts: the availability of large new sources of feed protein from biomass energy crops. In addition to structural carbohydrates, such as cellulose and hemicellulose, herbaceous biomass energy crops can easily be produced with approximately 10% protein, called ‘leaf protein’. This leaf protein, as exemplified by alfalfa leaf protein, is superior to soybean meal (SBM) protein in its biological value. Leaf protein recovery and processing fit well into many process flow diagrams for biomass fuels. When leaf protein is properly processed to concentrate it and remove antinutritional factors, as we have learned over the years to do with soybean meal protein, protein in leaf protein concentrate (LPC) will probably be at least as valuable in livestock diets as SBM protein. If LPC is used to meet 20% of total animal protein requirements (i.e., market penetration of 20%) then the potential utilization of leaf protein concentrate could reach as much as 24 million metric tons annually. This leaf protein will replace protein from SBM and other sources. This much leaf protein will reduce by approximately 16 million hectares the amount of land required to provide protein for livestock. Likewise the amount of land required to meet fuel needs will effectively be reduced by 8 million hectares because this land will effectively do ‘double duty’ by producing needed animal protein as well as feedstocks for fuel production. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Neutral-current constraints on SU(2) x U(1) gauge theories

In this paper we formulate a set of empirical rules for constructing SU(2) x U(1) gauge models by considering the constraints imposed by the present neutral-current data. To do this we allow, apart from the constraints imposed by universality and quark-lepton symmetry, arbitrary left- and right-handed fermion multiplet structures as well as an arbitrary Higgs sector. Before doing the general analysis we consider two examples where there are additional simplifying results. Some simple models satisfying the empirical rules are also discussed.
XML&CORBA-based distributed system for information integration and dissemination in multimedia neuroimaging applications

Medical information systems based in different hospital departments face tremendous difficulty in information exchange and dissemination due to the multitudes of hardware and software platforms running these systems. In this paper, we describe a distributed information system for integrating various hospital systems in supporting clinical neuroimaging research and epilepsy surgical planning. Our distributed information system uses a three-tiered architecture consists of a user-interface tier, application logic tier and data store tier. Two system implementations based on this software architecture but using different integration technologies were developed and are discussed in this paper: the XML (extensible Mark Up Language)-based implementation and the CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture)-based implementation. In the XML-based implementation, application logic tier communicates with user-interface tier and data store tier using HTTP and XML for data exchange. For the data exchange in CORBA-based implementation, the middleware uses IIOP (Internet inter-ORB protocol) to call CORBA objects in the data store tier then to return the results to the user-interface tier. For the user-interface tier of either implementation, the Web browsers are served as clients to invoke application components or agents in the middleware. The application of the proposed distributed system allows clinical users to access, search and retrieve the multimedia information in any underlying computer systems with commonly used Web browsers. Preliminary results show that the system is effective for information integration and data sharing among the different departmental systems in the hospital for neuroimaging applications.
In Vivo Monitoring of Serotonin in the Striatum of Freely Moving Rats with One Minute Temporal Resolution by Online Microdialysis–Capillary High-Performance Liquid Chromatography at Elevated Temperature and Pressure

Online monitoring of serotonin in striatal dialysate from freely moving rats was carried out for more than 16 h at 1 min time resolution using microdialysis coupled online to a capillary HPLC syste...
Using the Critiquing Approach to Cope with Brittle Expert Systems

We have conducted a series of studies aimed at understanding how to design cooperative problem-solving systems to deal with situations in which the computer is not fully competent (the “brittleness” problem). Results from an initial empirical study showed that an expert system acting as an automated assistant induced new errors in such situations, but that this did not occur when the system was designed to critique user's performance on the task. Guided by these results, a more complete critiquing system was then designed and evaluated. On cases where the computer was fully competent, outcome errors were completely eliminated (a 30–60% reduction in errors). On a case for which the system was brittle (less than fully competent), misdiagnosis rates were still reduced by 31%, giving an overall significance of p < 0.000003 across all Post-Test Cases, further supporting our initial study regarding the potential value of critiquing as an effective role for an expert system. A detailed analysis of the influence ...
Santayana and verifigationism

Santayana's later philosophical writings contain a critique of pragmatism and idealism which still has a little appreciated relevance as a critique of verificationist styles of thought which remain markedly influential. He urged that cognitive thought essentially consists in positing objects the existence of which cannot be verified except by other thoughts which likewise do no more than posit objects, and moreover that in a sense all such posited objects are substances lurking behind their various appearances. Granted that this is a general truth about the objects of thought, one can never discredit the claim to know about objects of any particular type on the grounds that this truth applies to them, nor can it be thought a recommendation of some reductivist account of objects of a certain sort that it saves their existence from being unverifiable, for it will still leave the objects to which they are reduced in the same boat. The continuing relevance of Santayana's insight here is argued for.
Acousto-Optical Wideband Programmable Signal Filtering

A novel wideband programmable filter using acousto-optical devices for both signal and filter function is described. The salieht features of this technique are the electronically programmable filter function, the wide bandwidth capability and the fine frequency resolution filter potential. The filter employes a traveling acousto-optic lens together with acousto-optical spatial modulators such that both the input signal, the lens system , and the filter travel at the same acoustic velocity. Programming of the filter function is achieved by modulating the acoustic signal delievered to one of the spatial modulators, which serves as the spatial filter. Thus, the temporal frequency filtering function is performed by the spatial frequency filter in conjunction with a traveling acoustic signal. The traveling acousto-optic lenses as well as filter enables the use of state of the art acousto-optic spatial modulators as filter element, providing fine frequency resolution and simple addressing. Resolution in the filter domain of a few thousand is easily obtainable. Simple demonstrative experiments have been conducted successfully.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Piezo-optic Behavior of Water and Carbon Tetrachloride under High Pressure

A new interferometric method of measuring $\ensuremath{\Delta}n$, the variation of refractive index of liquids with pressure, to 14 kbar is described. The results obtained on $\ensuremath{\Delta}n$ versus pressure up to the freezing point of water and carbon tetrachloride at room temperature are presented and discussed.
Projections from the rat cuneiform nucleus to the A7, A6 (locus coeruleus), and A5 pontine noradrenergic cell groups

Stimulation of neurons in the cuneiform nucleus (CnF) produces antinociception and cardiovascular responses that could be mediated, in part, by noradrenergic neurons that innervate the spinal cord dorsal horn. The present study determined the projections of neurons in the CnF to the pontine noradrenergic neurons in the A5, A6 (locus coeruleus), and A7 cell groups that are known to project to the spinal cord. Injections of the anterograde tracer, biotinylated dextran amine in the CnF of Sasco Sprague-Dawley rats labeled axons located near noradrenergic neurons that were visualized by processing tissue sections for tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactivity. Anterogradely labeled axons were more dense on the side ipsilateral to the BDA deposit. Both A7 and A5 cell groups received dense projections from neurons in the CnF, whereas locus coeruleus received only a sparse projection. Highly varicose anterogradely labeled axons from the CnF were found in close apposition to dendrites and somata of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in pontine tegmentum. Although definitive evidence for direct pathways from CnF neurons to the pontine noradrenergic cell groups requires ultrastructural analysis, the results of the present studies provide presumptive evidence of direct projections from neurons in the CnF to the pontine noradrenergic neurons of the A7, locus coeruleus, and A5 cell groups. These results support the suggestion that the analgesia and cardiovascular responses produced by stimulation of neurons in the CnF may be mediated, in part, by pontine noradrenergic neurons.
Potential Significance of First Names: A Review:

In this article are reviewed observations and studies concerning the influence of first names on interpersonal interactions. Investigations of desirability of names and research relating first names to personality development, teachers' and peers' attitudes are considered. Data are limited; it is important to investigate the ways in which a person's first name may affect self-attitudes, interpersonal interactions, and achievement.
285 ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BOVINE ADIPOSE-DERIVED SOMATIC STEM CELLS

Adipose tissue has proven to serve as an abundant and rich source of adult stem cells with pluripotent properties. It has been suggested that pluri potent cell could serve as en efficient source of donor cells for nuclear transfer. The objective of this study was to develop an isolation and culture protocol for bovine adipose tissue-derived stem cells Tissue was collected post-mortem from the brisket of cows at a local abattoir. For cell isolation, the tissue was finely minced and weighed. The tissue was washed two times with PBS plus 2% penicillin-streptomycin (P/S) and enzymatically digested in a collagenase type 1 solution. Isolation conditions were determined by using a 3 × 3 factorial design. The tissue was digested in PBS with 0.1%, 0.25%, or 0.50% collagenase type 1 and 1% BSA, 2% P/S, and 2% Fungazone. Each enzyme concentration was incubated for 1, 2, or 3 hours in a shaking incubator at 39°C. The cellular mixtures were centrifuged at 300g for 5 minutes, floating adipocytes removed, and the remaining cell suspension passed through filter apparatus consisting of 180 and 20 μm nylon meshes. Cells were resuspended in PBS plus 1% BSA and centrifuged again for 5 minutes at 300g. Pelleted stromal cells were washed and nucleated cells were counted using Hoechst stain at a concentration of 2 μg mL–1. Primary cell cultures were plated in a 12.5 cm2 culture flask in DMEM (high glucose) supplemented with 10%FBS and 1% P/S. Cells were cultured for 48 h in a 38°C incubator in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. Nonadherent cells were removed by washing with PBS. For some cultures adherent cells were removed by trypsinization to determine the proportion of cell adhering. On average 23.38% of cells remained adherent, and the average cell cycle length was 1.85 days. Table 1 displays the average number of nucleated cells that were released per gram of fat for the various collagenase concentrations and exposure times. Analysis of data by one-way ANOVA show no differences. Growth factor supplementation is currently being evaluated on the effects of culture duration and passage number. Isolation conditions of 0.25% collagenase for 2 hours incubation has been consistently successful at obtaining viable ADAS cultures from cattle and common eland (Taurotragus oryx). Table 1.Average number of cells released and viability after collagenase treatments Funding provided by LSU/ACRES collaborative research program.
Aging results for PRD 49 III/epoxy and Kevlar 49/epoxy composite pressure vessels

Kevlar 49/epoxy composite is growing in use as a structural material because of its high strength-to-weight ratio. Currently, it is used for the Trident rocket motor case and for various pressure vessels on the Space Shuttle. In 1979, the initial results for aging of filament-wound cylindrical pressure vessels which were manufactured with preproduction Kevlar 49 (Hamstad, 1979) were published. This preproduction fiber was called PRD 49 III. This report updates the continuing study to 10-year data and also presents 7.5-year data for spherical pressure vessels wound with production Kevlar 49. For completeness, this report will again describe the specimens of the original study with PRD 49 as well as specimens for the new study with Kevlar 49.