cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct entropy determination and application to artificial spin ice

As a measure of disorder, entropy is a central concept of statistical mechanics. In practice, however, it is typically determined thermodynamically, that is, by measuring heat. However, in arrays of interacting submicrometre-sized magnetic islands—known as artificial spin ice—entropy can be determined directly by ‘counting’ the microstate of the system.
Myocardial gene transfer for patients with myocardial ischemia.

To the Editor: The report by Losordo et al1 concerning myocardial gene transfer for patients with myocardial ischemia is promising. However, I believe their report merely demonstrates safety and …
Synthesis of research on the costs of institutional and community-based care.

Cost studies in the long-term care field are reviewed, with emphasis on those relating to people with developmental disabilities. Studies frequently stressed the cost-effectiveness of community programs but often had significant methodological problems. Among the predominant findings in the literature were: 1) the generally lower average costs per client in community programs versus institutional programs; 2) unexplained wide costranges in similar community programs; and 3) significant cost shifts among federal, state, and local governments associated with deinstitutionalization initiatives. The implications of these findings for public officials and the advocacy community are discussed.
Dietary calcium regulates ROS production in aP2-agouti transgenic mice on high-fat/high-sucrose diets

Dietary calcium regulates ROS production in aP2-agouti transgenic mice on high-fat/high-sucrose diets
Brucite [Mg(OH2)] carbonation in wet supercritical CO2: An in situ high pressure X-ray diffraction study

Abstract Understanding mechanisms and kinetics of mineral carbonation reactions relevant to sequestering carbon dioxide as a supercritical fluid (scCO2) in geologic formations is crucial to accurately predicting long-term storage risks. Most attention so far has been focused on reactions occurring between silicate minerals and rocks in the aqueous dominated CO2-bearing fluid. However, water-bearing scCO2 also comprises a reactive fluid, and in this situation mineral carbonation mechanisms are poorly understood. Using in situ high-pressure X-ray diffraction, the carbonation of brucite [Mg(OH)2] in wet scCO2 was examined at pressure (82 bar) as a function of water concentration and temperature (50 and 75 °C). Exposing brucite to anhydrous scCO2 at either temperature resulted in little or no detectable reaction over three days. However, addition of trace amounts of water resulted in partial carbonation of brucite into nesquehonite [MgCO3·3H2O] within a few hours at 50 °C. By increasing water content to well above the saturation level of the scCO2, complete conversion of brucite into nesquehonite was observed. Tests conducted at 75 °C resulted in the conversion of brucite into magnesite [MgCO3] instead, apparently through an intermediate nesquehonite step. Raman spectroscopy applied to brucite reacted with 18O-labeled water in scCO2 show it was incorporated into carbonate at a relatively high concentration. This supports a carbonation mechanism with at least one step involving a direct reaction between the mineral and water molecules without mediation by a condensed aqueous layer.
OUT‐OF‐THE‐MONEY: THE IMPACT OF UNDERWATER STOCK OPTIONS ON EXECUTIVE JOB SEARCH

The need for future leadership in organizations is widely recognized, and often addressed through leadership development, succession planning, and building a top talent pipeline among existing employees. Equally important is retaining talented executives. Executive retention has become a concern for organizations as plunging stock prices have led to vastly devalued stock options, perhaps causing executives to look elsewhere for more lucrative stock option portfolios. Yet, there has been little research on the relationship between stock option value and executive retention. In a cross-company, cross-industry sample of 610 U.S. executives, we explored the relationship between underwater stock options and job search. We found a positive association between the percentage of underwater stock options in executives' portfolios and job search. This relationship was moderated as predicted, by executives' perceptions of alternative employment and money inadequacy beliefs.
PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSIS USING A SATURATION NEEDLE BIOPSY TECHNIQUE AFTER PREVIOUS NEGATIVE SEXTANT BIOPSIES

Purpose: We hypothesized that markedly increasing the number of cores obtained during prostate needle biopsy may improve the cancer detection rate in men with persistent indications for repeat biopsy.Materials and Methods: We performed saturation ultrasound guided transrectal prostate needle biopsy in 224 men under anesthesia in an outpatient surgical setting in whom previous negative biopsies had been performed in the office. The mean number of previous sextant biopsy sessions plus or minus standard deviation before saturation biopsy was 1.8 (range 1 to 7). A mean of 23 saturation biopsy cores (range 14 to 45) were distributed throughout the whole prostate, including the peripheral, medial and anterior regions. Indications for repeat biopsy were persistent elevated serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) in 108 cases, persistent elevated PSA and abnormal rectal examination in 27, persistent abnormal rectal examination in 4, high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia in the previous biopsy in 64 and aty...
The side-chain epoxidation and hydroxylation of the hepatocarcinogens safrole and estragole and some related compounds by rat and mouse liver microsomes

Safrole, estragole, and their 2′,3′-oxides were hydroxylated by hepatic microsomes from rats and mice at the 1′-carbon; trans-anethole was hydroxylated at the 3′-carbon; and safrole, estragole, and their 1′-hydroxy derivatives were epoxidized at the 2′,3′-double bond. The 2′,3′-epoxidation of eugenol was just detectable. The formation of these metabolites was dependent on an NADPH-generating system and on cytochrome P-450. In the absence of 3,3,3-trichloropropylene oxide little or no safrole-, estragole-, or eugenol-2′,3′-oxide was recovered when these oxides were added to the incubations; recoveries of 50–70% were obtained in its presence. The recoveries of the 2′,3′-oxides of 1′-hydroxy-safrole and of 1′-hydroxyestragole were 50–80% in the absence of trichloropropylene oxide and nearly quantitative in its presence. All incubations for analysis of epoxidation rates contained trichloropropylene oxide. The rates of metabolite formation ranged from about 0.4 nmol of eugenol-2′,3′-oxide.mg protein/h by female rat liver microsomes to about 270 nmol of trans-3′-hydroxyanethole/mg protein/h for male rat liver microsomes. The rates of epoxidation and hydroxylation were greater for the estragole derivatives than for the safrole derivatives. The rates of epoxidation of safrole and estragole were greater than for their 1′-hydroxy derivatives.
Spontaneous Oscillation and Self-Pumped Phase Conjugation in a Photorefractive Polymer Optical Amplifier

Optical processing with photorefractive polymers depends on achieving high optical gain, which depends exponentially on the product of the interaction length and the gain coefficient. By use of several polymer layers to increase the overall interaction length and a new high-performance photorefractive polymer composite, the overall optical one-pass gain becomes as large as a factor of 5. For a two-layer sample placed in an optical cavity made with two concave mirrors, spontaneous oscillation due to two-beam coupling gain was observed. Because only one pumping beam is required, this configuration also acts as a self-pumped phase-conjugating mirror with a reflectivity of 13 percent for an applied electric field of 75 volts per micrometer, marking a milestone for this growing class of optoelectronic materials.
The influence of maternal presence on the orienting response in preweanling rats

Abstract The orienting response is an unconditioned reaction to novel innocuous stimuli that occurs in many species, including laboratory rats and humans. In infant and adult rats, the orienting response is disrupted by both an unfamiliar environment and a mildly painful electric shock. If this disruption is due to an increase in fear or arousal, then alleviation of that distress should permit normal occurrence of the orienting response. The purpose of the present research was to asses the effects of maternal presence, an established means of alleviating situation- or shock-induced distress, on elicitation of the orienting response in preweanling rats. Four experiments were conducted to assess the effects of maternal presence, in the form of an anesthetized, lactating dam, on elicitation of the orienting response (OR) in 16-day-old preweanling rat pups to a pulsating, 1600-Hz tone following placement in an unfamiliar environment (Experiment 1) and a brief electric shock (Experiment 2), while attached to a nipple (Experiment 3), and while in the presence of either their natural mother or an unfamiliar lactating dam (Experiment 4). Maternal presence did not facilitate elicitation of the OR when it was inhibited either by an unfamiliar environment or by electric shock even though it lowered basal heart rates, indicative of a lowered level of arousal. In those conditions where the orienting response was elicited (e.g., following adaptation to the test cage), maternal presence did not affect either magnitude or rate of habituation (Experiments 1 and 2). The same general results were obtained whether animals were tested with their biological mother or with unknown lactating female (Experiment 4). The only apparent effect of maternal presence on elicitation of the orienting response was that suckling inhibited the behavioral component of this response without affecting the cardiac response (Experiment 3). The results of this study are discussed in terms of (a) the role of stimuli from the home environment on cognitive functioning in the developing animal, and (b) the theoretical mechanisms that may underlie inhibition of the orienting response.
Phase diagram of silicon by molecular dynamics.

Using the Stillinger-Weber potential we explored the liquid, crystal, and amorphous phase diagram of silicon by molecular dynamics. We obtain the chemical potential of the crystal by following the crystal-vapor coexistence curve from the T=0 harmonic solid up to the melting point. The liquid free energy is found by reversible expansion. The thermodynamic melting point is 1691\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}20 K, which is very close to the experimental value of 1683 K. Contrary to experiment, the calculated supercooled liquid phase does not undergo a first-order transition to the fourfold-coordinated amorphous structure upon cooling, since the chemical potentials of these structures are almost equal over a wide range of temperatures. Diffusion coefficients, heat capacities, and expansivities are compared with experiment.
RIGHT VENTRICULAR FREE WALL STRAIN: A BETTER INDEX OF RIGHT VENTRICULAR PERFORMANCE THAN TAPSE AND DOPPLER TISSUE VELOCITY?

Both tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S') are recommended for the evaluation of right ventricular (RV) systolic performance, despite being confounded by tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The usefulness of RV free wall longitudinal strain
Temperature, strain rate, and strain state dependence of the evolution in mechanical behaviour and structure of poly(ethylene terephthalate) with finite strain deformation

Abstract Mechanical tests and differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.) analysis that characterize the effects of temperature, strain rate and strain state on the finite deformation and occurrence of strain-induced crystallization of initially nearly amorphous poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are presented. Uniaxial compression in the glassy (25–60°C) and glass transition (Tg) regime (60–76°C), over a wide range of strain rates (0.005–0.5 s−1), shows a decrease in the yield stress and flow stress and a small decrease in the strain hardening modulus, with an increase in temperature and a decrease in strain rate. Post-deformation thermograms on specimens deformed to an imparted logarithmic strain of −1.5 show a decrease in the cold crystallization temperature with an increase in deformation temperature and imparted strain and no change in the cold crystallization exotherm and crystallinity from their pre-deformation values. It follows that uniaxial compression below and through the Tg region induces network orientation without strain-induced crystallization (SIC). However, uniaxial compression in the rubbery regime at 80°C, 0.5 s−1 and imparted logarithmic strains up to −1.75 show a distinctively larger strain hardening from that observed at 0.005 s−1. D.s.c. analysis on the specimens deformed at the rapid rate condition shows that the different strain hardening behaviour may be the result of SIC. The plane strain deformation in the glassy and Tg regions is characterized by an apparent increase in the yield stress and a larger strain hardening behaviour than that observed in uniaxial compression. D.s.c. analysis on the plane strain specimens shows the evolution of both molecular orientation and crystallization at all temperatures which are expected to contribute to the strain hardening. As the temperature in the transition region, it is not clear how much of the end crystallinity, of the order of 41%, is the result of SIC during straining or annealing of the stretched PET after deformation as it cools from the test temperature.
Pricing network elements when costs are changing

Abstract This paper compares the pricing rule embodied in the Federal Communications Commissions (FCCs) forward-looking cost model with a competitive equilibrium pricing rule. The rules differ due to differences in discount factors, the time path of operating cost recoveries, and the methods used to spread capital costs over time. A calibrated comparison of the rules for end-office switching reveals that the latter is most significant, causing the FCCs rule to understate cost recoveries by 24 percent. A rough aggregation suggests this difference compounds to billions of dollars nationwide, solely for the direct costs of end-office switching. This understatement is driven by falling switch costs over time, and the FCCs rule would overstate cost recoveries by a similar magnitude for assets whose costs rise over time. The competitive equilibrium rule also clarifies the endogeneity of economic life and reveals that depreciation assumptions are not needed for calculating competitive equilibrium prices.
A Relaxation-Matrix Analysis of Distance-Constraint Ranges for NOEs in Proteins at Long Mixing Times

Abstract Long-mixing-time data (τm > 200 ms) from NOE spectra have largely been ignored as a source of protein structural information due to the effects of spin diffusion on calculated interproton distances when using the two-spin approximation. An effective approach for incorporating spin-diffusion effects in an average way into refinements is to choose distance bounds based on distributions of distances observed in NOE back calculations on homologous proteins from a protein structure database. We have determined distributions of interproton distances characteristic of newly observed NOE cross peaks for the proteins crambin, PTI, and echistatin at long mixing times. A relaxation-matrix analysis was used to model the effects of spin diffusion. Constraint ranges were constructed from the interproton distance distributions which can be used in standard protein-refinement programs based on the two-spin approximation. Back calculations are also used to analyze constraint ranges typically used for protein structure determinations based on NOE spectra at shorter mixing times.
Osteosarcoma at the site of bone infarction associated with total hip arthroplasty in a dog.

Objective— To report the occurrence of medullary bone infarction in both femoral canals after bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the subsequent unilateral development of an osteosarcoma at the site of bone infarction. Study Design— Clinical report. Animal Population— An 8-month-old neutered male Samoyed dog. Methods— Serial physical and radiographic examinations performed at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years after THA. Bone biopsy specimens of the right distal femoral metaphysis were taken 5 years after THA, and a complete necropsy was performed at the time of euthanasia. Results— Bilateral medullary bone infarction was visible in the femoral canals 1 year after THA and remained visible on subsequent evaluations. An osteosarcoma developed in the right distal femoral metaphysis at the site of infarction, 5 years after THA, and was found to have metastasized widely throughout the body. Conclusion— Bone infarction may occur in the femoral canal after canine THA. Clinical Relevance— Bone infarction may be a predisposing factor for the development of osteosarcoma in the femora of dogs with THAs.
Individual differences in nonverbal number discrimination correlate with event-related potentials and measures of probabilistic reasoning

The current study investigated the neural activity patterns associated with numerical sensitivity in adults. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while adults observed sequentially presented display arrays (S1 and S2) of non-symbolic numerical stimuli (dots) and made same/different judgments of these stimuli by pressing a button only when numerosities were the same (target trials). The main goals were to contrast the effects of numerical distance (close, medium, and far) and change direction (increasing, decreasing) between S1 and S2, both in terms of behavior and brain activity, and to examine the influence of individual differences in numeracy on the effects of these manipulations. Neural effects of distance were found to be significant between 360 and 600 ms after the onset of S2 (greater negativity-wave activity for closer numerical distances), while direction effects were found between 320 and 440 ms (greater negativity for decreasing direction). ERP change direction effects did not interact with numerical distance, suggesting that the two types of information are processed independently. Importantly, subjects' behavioral Weber fractions (w) for the same/different discrimination task correlated with distance-related ERP-activity amplitudes. Moreover, w also correlated with a separate objective measure of mathematical ability. Results thus draw a clear link between brain and behavior measures of number discrimination, while also providing support for the relationship between nonverbal magnitude discrimination and symbolic numerical processing.
Clark E. Moustakas (1923-2012)

Presents an obituary for Clark E. Moustakas. Clark E. Moustakas was a consummate educator and a true model of the tenets and values of humanistic psychology, a movement he cofounded in the late 1950s with other pioneers in American psychology, including Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. This movement, recognized as the "third force" in psychology, had a significant impact in the 1960s and 1970s and became an important component of mainstream practice. Moustakas produced a prolific and influential body of work. He embraced solitude as a time of reflection and did not enjoy notoriety. While he inhabited many roles-professor, scholar, clinician, and author-engagement with others in the moment was always the most essential element in his life. He was a gentle man, full of energy and spirit, exuding warmth and focused attention. In his company, one was immediately struck by his earnestness and caring. People from all over the world respected his expertise and sought his advice. To have this impact and to have informed the field in so many ways is a remarkable accomplishment.
Response of estuarine marsh vegetation to interannual variations in precipitation

The response of deltaic emergent marsh vegetation to increases in precipitation was examined over a 14-mo period at three sites in the lower Nueces Estuary in south Texas. At all three sites, significant changes in plant biomass, percent cover, and allocation of aboveground and belowground tissues were associated with more than double the rainfall in late winter and early spring 1992 compared to the previous year and the 50-yr average for this region. Water column salinities, which ranged from 10‰ to 35‰ at all three sites in 1991, remained below 10‰ through August 1992. Significant changes in marsh vegetative structure included decreases in bare space, increases in the percent cover and aboveground biomass of a relatively less salt tolerant halophytes (Borrichia frutescens), and significant increases in root:shoot ratios inB. frutescens, Batis maritima andSuaeda linearis (inSalicornia virginica root:shoot ratios decreased significantly). Higher precipitation generally led to an overall increase in the biomass of most marsh perennials, but these increases were not statistically significant. For one species,Lycium carolinianum, additional rainfall extended its growing season through August 1992, 2 mo longer than in the previous year. The expansion (+58%) ofB. frutescens at one site was also coincident with the significant loss ofB. maritima, whose cover decreased nearly 20%. In an ecological context, these responses suggest that precipitation events in arid environments may be considered a major physical disturbance that can result in large changes in the composition and relative abundance of emergent vascular plants over a relatively short period. The long-term significance of these changes is unknown and demonstrates the value of ecological studies that are conducted over several years for a more complete understanding of the dynamic processes that regulate marsh productivity.
Fertility of transgenic female mice expressing bovine growth hormone or human growth hormone variant genes.

Although growth hormone (GH) exerts various direct and indirect stimulatory effects on gonadal development and function, excessive levels of GH in acromegalic patients and in transgenic animals are often associated with reproductive disorders. We have examined reproductive performance of transgenic female mice expressing the following hybrid genes: mouse metallothionein-1 (MT)/human placental GH variant (hGH.V), MT/bovine GH(bGH), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)/bGH. This allowed us to evaluate the effects of chronic GH excess in three animal models and to obtain some information on the significance of the lactogenic activity of the foreign GH (hGH.V vs. bGH) and on the developmental stage of transgene expression (MT vs. PEPCK). Transgenic animals from each line had elevated plasma insulin-like growth factor-I levels and greatly increased adult body weight. Plasma bGH levels were significantly higher in PEPCK/bGH than in MT/bGH transgenic mice. Approximately 20% of transgenic MT/hGH.V and MT/bGH females and over 60% of transgenic PEPCK/bGH females were infertile. Transgenic females that did reproduce ovulated either a normal or increased number of eggs but exhibited a variety of reproductive disorders including increased interval between pairing with a male and conception, increased interval between litters, reduced number of litters, reduced fetal growth, increased pre- and postnatal mortality, and alterations in sex ratio. Among adult offspring of these females, the proportion of transgenic animals was significantly less than the expected 50%. While some characteristics (e.g., fetal crown-rump length and weight on Day 14 of pregnancy) were affected to a comparable extent in transgenic females from all three lines, MT/hGH.V and PEPCK/bGH females were, in general, more severely affected than the MT/bGH animals. Sterility of PEPCK/bGH females appeared to be due to luteal failure since treatment with progesterone led to pregnancy. Greatly increased intervals between successive litters appeared to be due to failure to mate during postpartum estrus and to sterile matings during this period. Reduced fetal size and weight may have been due to chronic glucocorticoid excess because comparable changes could be induced in normal females by injections of dexamethasone during pregnancy, and plasma corticosterone levels were previously shown to be elevated in transgenic mice from each of these lines. Comparison of these results with data obtained from matings of normal female mice to transgenic males from the same lines suggests that reduced fetal growth is due primarily to maternal genotype, while reduced "transmission" of the hybrid genes is not, and presumably reflects increased mortality of transgenic progeny at various stages of development.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Coronal density and temperature gradients

Mean density models of the solar corona show evidence for two distinctive density regimes characterized by different density gradients. High density gradients are identified with regions of predominantly open magnetic lines of force and low density gradients are identified with regions of predominantly closed magnetic lines of force. Spectroscopic data yielding equivalent widths of forbidden lines of Fe x and Fe xiv strongly suggest that the coronal temperature for r > 2.5 R ⊙ decreases considerably less rapidly in equatorial regions than r −2/7, which is the decrease predicted by conduction models with open field lines.
endo- and exo-Stereochemistry in the Diels-Alder Reaction: Kinetic versus Thermodynamic Control

In these experiments, which were used in the problem-solving mode, the stereoselectivity of the Diels-Alder cycloaddition of N-phenylmaleimide to furan is deduced by the characteristic splitting patterns in the proton-NMR spectra. The relationship of coupling constants to dihedral angle, as described by the Karplus equation, is illustrated. The data can also be used to demonstrate the concept of kinetic versus thermodynamic control.
THE INFLUENCE OF HUMAN CAPITAL INVESTMENT ON MIGRATION AND INDUSTRY CHANGE

. Individuals’human capital investments in their regions, industries, and occupations are measured as a function of the years they spend in their current region, industry, or occupation, and these investments are shown empirically to influence migration. There is an interesting life cycle pattern to migration: it falls rapidly with new investments, but then resurfaces as an opportunity to renew investments and increase the growth rate of income. Income regressions substantiate the life cycle path of income growth implied by the migration model.
Whales entangled in deep sea cables

Abstract Fourteen instances of whales entangled in submarine cables are reported. Ten entanglements occured off the Pacific coast of Central and South America. Six cases occurred in about 500 fathoms, with 620 fathoms the maximum depth reported. Five entanglements occured in the period, February–March–April. All whales positively identified were sperm whales. The submarine cable was generally wrapped around the jaw and often around the flukes and fins. The cable was rarely broken but always badly mauled. The entanglements often occurred near former repairs where there is a chance for extra slack cable on the bottom. Two pothographs of a sperm whale entangled in a cable and one photograph of a whale-jaw entangled in a cable are presented It is concluded that sperm whales often swim along the sea floor in depths as great as 620 fathoms. It is suggested that the whales become entangled while swimming along with their jaw plowing through the sediment in search of food. It is possible that the whales attacked tangled masses of slack cable mistaking them for items of food.
Trinexapac-ethyl and paclobutrazol affect kentucky bluegrass single-leaf carbon exchange rates and plant growth

Trinexapac-ethyl (TE) [4-(cyclopropyl-α-hydroxy-methylene)-3,5-dioxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester] and paclobutrazol (PAC) [(2RS,3RS)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-tri-azol-1-yl)pentan-3-ol] are routinely used to suppress clipping production. Single-leaf turfgrass C exchange rates (CERs) in response to plant growth regulator (PGR) treatment have not been characterized. Individual Kentucky bluegrass (KBG, Poa pratensis L.) plants received label rates of TE or PAC and were placed in growth chambers at 23/18 or 30/25°C. Photosynthetic efficiency and CER measurements were recorded every 4 d for 44 d. Total root length (TRL), root surface area (SA), and average root diameter were measured at the end of the study. Reductions in CERs of TE- or PAC-treated plants were short lived with CERs suppressed 17 to 29% of control (POC) at 4 and 12 days after treatment (DAT), respectively. Plants treated at 23/18°C with PGRs typically had short-lived increases in CERs following CER suppression. A similar pattern of CER response to PGR treatment was observed at the 30/25°C temperature regime. Quantum efficiency was unaffected, but plants treated with PGRs had reduced root growth. PAC caused the greatest reduction in TRL and SA while increasing root diameter. A decline in TRL and SA in conjunction with increased tillering indicates that PGR reduced TRL and SA on a tiller basis. Changes in single-leaf CERs do not fully explain PGR-induced changes in plant growth.
Genomic cloning, molecular characterization, and functional analysis of human CLCA1, the first human member of the family of Ca2+-activated Cl- channel proteins.

Abstract We have cloned and molecularly and functionally characterized the first human member of the family of Ca 2+ -activated Cl − channels, human (h) CLCA1. The 31,902-bp gene is located on chromosome 1p22–31 and is preceded by a canonic promoter region that contains an L1 transposable element. In contrast to all previously known homologs in other species, hCLCA1 is exclusively expressed in intestinal basal crypt epithelia and goblet cells, suggesting that it does not represent the human counterpart of any of them. Expression of the 914-amino-acid hCLCA1 protein in HEK 293 cells yielded a 125-kDa precursor that was processed to yield two cell-surface-associated subunits, a 90-kDa protein and a group of 37- to 41-kDa proteins. Four transmembrane domains were established within the 90-kDa subunit. HEK 293 cells transfected with CLCA1 exhibited an increase in whole-cell Ca 2+ -sensitive Cl − currents that were outwardly rectified and inhibited by 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid, dithiothreitol, and niflumic acid. Cell-attached patch recordings of transfected cells revealed single channels with a slope conductance of 13.4 pS. These findings suggest that human CLCA1 mediates a Ca 2+ -activated Cl − conductance in the human intestine and make it an interesting candidate as a modulating factor in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis.
Fréchet Differentiability of Parameter-Dependent Analytic Semigroups☆

Abstract We study the dependence on a vector-valued parameterqof a collection of analytic semigroups {T(t; q),t ≥ 0} arising, for example, from a collection of diffusion-convection equations whose infinitesimal generators are abstract elliptic operators defined in terms of sesquilinear forms in a “Gelfand triple” or “pivot space” framework. Within a mathematical framework slightly more general than the one set forth below, Banks and Ito [Banks, H. T. and Ito, K., “A unified framework for approximation in inverse problems for distributed parameter systems,” Control—Theory and Advanced Technology,4(1988), pp. 73–90] have shown, as an application of the Trotter-Kato Theorem, that the mapq ↦ T(t; q) is continuous in the strong operator topology. In this paper, we establish the analyticity of this map in the uniform operator topology, and exhibit its Frechet derivative both as a contour integral and as the solution of a particular initial-value problem.
Intelligent and Efficient Web-Based Middleware for Data Management in Motif Finding in Gene Regulation

Due to the latest developments in next generation sequencing and bioinformatics tools, efficient data management is a major challenge in bioinformatics related research. While the availability of biological data facilitates research in genetics and genomics and there are databases where researchers can access these data, downloading and managing data has been a daring task for individuals with little or no programming expertise. The discovery of the right motif in a DNA sequence has remained a challenge and important problem in the field of bioinformatics and regulatory genomics. While, a number of motif finding algorithms and applications have been developed over the years, the Gibbs sampling algorithm has shown great promise when it comes to discovering motifs in the promoter regions of genes. However Gibbs sampling algorithm does not extend to the processing of biological data obtained directly from laboratory experiments and stored in spread sheet applications, instead it focuses exclusively on processing of data already expressed as DNA sequences. In this work, we develop a middleware that assists researchers to download and manage data from public databases like the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) databases. This is made possible using Biopython - an open-source Python programming language module. A customized web-based interface is developed in order to assist non-programming scientists to easier access these biological databases. In the proposed middleware, HTML, CSS and PHP technologies are used for the front-end web-based interface and Python is used for the backend data processing. The proposed middleware was used in investigating motifs for gene regulation, where large number of DNA sequences were downloaded from NCBI and analyzed using customized and open-source motif finding tools such as Gibbs Sampler, Meme Chip, Align Ace and an in-house modified Gibbs Sampler implementation. Our web-based middleware was very effective in automating data management, it reduced the overall data download overhead and improved management time, from several days to only a few hours.
Directional performance issues in evaluation and design of articulated heavy vehicles

This review of the dynamics of heavy road–vehicle systems emphasizes directional performance. The review presents information on the following topics: why are articulated vehicles used; units, hitches, and combination vehicles; multiple axle suspensions and steering systems; important performance issues; models and simulation tools; and controlling directional performance. The concluding section summarizes the material presented and provides ideas regarding the application of vehicle system dynamics concepts in developing controllers for road trains.
Thrombolysis for Cerebral Ischemia

The care for patients with acute ischemic stroke has been revolutionized by the clinical application of fibrinolysis. Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) has been proven to improve functional outcomes following acute ischemic stroke and can be administered to a select group of patients up to 4.5 hours after symptom onset. Time from symptom onset to thrombolysis is the most important determinant of the success of treatment, with greatest efficacy if given within 90 minutes. Hospitals should implement standardized processes and protocols for acute stroke to guide immediate patient assessment, brain imaging, drug administration, and post thrombolysis care. In this article we review the clinical application of thrombolysis, care of acute stroke patients, current evidence regarding fibrinolysis, and future direction of penumbral imaging to select candidates for reperfusion therapies.
Analytical Techniques for Combinatorial Chemistry: Quantitative Infrared Spectroscopic Measurements of Deuterium-Labeled Protecting Groups

Infrared microspectroscopy has been developed as a powerful, nondestructive technique for the quantitative analysis of solid-phase, resin-bound chemical reactions. The synthesis and/or application of deuterium isotope containing protecting groups, including acetyl-d3 chloride, benzoyl-d5 chloride, and 2-[[[(tert-butyl-d9)oxy]carbonyl]oximino]-2-phenylacetonitrile (BOC-ON-d9) are also introduced as highly selective infrared signatures amenable to quantitation by infrared spectroscopy. Calculation of first derivative carbon−deuterium (C−D) stretching absorbance relative to resin backbone derivative absorbances provided pathlength-independent quantitation of deuterium content and allowed for the determination of chemical yields in solid-phase resin reactions involving changes in deuterium content.
Development of simple strike-slip fault zones, Mount Abbot quadrangle, Sierra Nevada, California

Simple strike-slip fault zones mark the third stage of faulting in granitic plutons in the Mount Abbot quadrangle of the Sierra Nevada of California. Deformation began with the opening of nearly vertical subparallel joints. These joints were filled mostly with epidote and chlorite, are up to a few tens of meters long, and typically are less than 1 cm wide. Next, some of these joints slipped left-laterally and became small faults. Small faults accommodated up to ∼2 m of displacement and are characterized by mylonitic fabrics and ductilely deformed quartz. Oblique fractures commonly developed near the ends of small faults and in many cases linked faults end-to-end. Simple fault zones developed as abundant oblique fractures linked small faults side-to-side. These fractures opened and were filled with chlorite, epidote, and quartz. Such fractures are scarce outside the two faults that mark the boundaries of a zone. Simple fault zones typically are 0.5-3 m wide, hundreds of meters long, and laterally displace dikes up to ∼10 m. Displacement is concentrated along the boundary faults, which are characterized by cataclastic textures and brittlely deformed quartz. The fault zones consist of noncoplanar segments a few tens of meters long that join at steps or bends. The segmentation reflects the initial joint pattern and indicates that fault zones grew in length as noncoplanar faults linked end-to-end. Away from bends, the most prominent internal fractures have straight traces and strike 20°-60° counterclockwise from the boundaries, whereas near bends they have gentle S-shaped traces and are nearly perpendicular to the boundaries. We suggest that as some faults linked to form longer structures, a "shear stress shadow" was cast over adjacent smaller faults, causing slip on them essentially to cease. In this manner, displacement progressively became localized on the longer faults and fault zones. If the regional shear strain rate remained constant during this process, then the shear strain rate across the still active faults must have increased. This may have caused cataclastic textures to develop in the boundary faults.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: an ongoing clinical challenge.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The following review should update any clinician treating infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia regarding the latest developments affecting treatment and ultimate outcome in these patients. RECENT FINDINGS The search for the best prenatal predictors of postnatal outcome continues, and current findings are here summarized. In addition, recent work regarding the long-term follow-up and management of pediatric survivors treated for congenital diaphragmatic hernia is presented. SUMMARY These data should aid clinicians who encounter children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia on either a regular or infrequent basis to ensure the best care for all affected patients.
Laser vaporization of trace explosives for enhanced non-contact detection

Trace explosives contamination is found primarily in the form of solid particulates on surfaces, due to the low vapor pressure of most explosives materials. Today, the standard sampling procedure involves physical removal of particulate matter from surfaces of interest. A variety of collection methods have been used including air-jetting or swabbing surfaces of interest. The sampled particles are typically heated to generate vapor for analysis in hand held, bench top, or portal detection systems. These sampling methods are time-consuming (and hence costly), require a skilled technician for optimal performance, and are inherently non-selective, allowing non-explosives particles to be co-sampled and analyzed. This can adversely affect the sensitivity and selectivity of detectors, especially those with a limited dynamic range. We present a new approach to sampling solid particles on a solid surface that is targeted, non-contact, and which selectively enhances trace explosive signatures thus improving the selectivity and sensitivity of existing detectors. Our method involves the illumination of a surface of interest with infrared laser light with a wavelength that matches a distinctive vibrational mode of an explosive. The resonant coupling of laser energy results in rapid heating of explosive particles and rapid release of a vapor plume. Neighboring particles unrelated to explosives are generally not directly heated as their vibrational modes are not resonant with the laser. As a result, the generated vapor plume includes a higher concentration of explosives than if the particles were heated with a non-selective light source (e.g. heat lamp). We present results with both benchtop infrared lasers as well as miniature quantum cascade lasers.
Secondary structures of wheat α- and ω-gliadin proteins: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Attempts have been made to interpret Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra in the amide I region of an α-gliadin protein fraction (A-gliadin) from wheat endosperm in terms of secondary structure and conformation. Spectral resolution enhancement techniques (Fourier self-deconvolution) proved to be of limited value in analyzing the FT-IR spectra to determine the frequencies of the broad amide I band, perhaps because amide I component absorption bands were found to be broader and more overlapping in comparison with those characteristic of many proteins and enzymes of known primary and secondary structure. Glutamine makes up 34 mole per cent of the amino acids of A-gliadin, and results were corrected for absorptions of primary amide groups of glutamine side chains that contributed strongly to the spectra near 1635 cm-1. Corrected FT-IR spectra of an ω-gliadin protein likely to have large numbers of beta-turns and of cyanogen bromide-cleaved peptides of A-gliadin were also obtained, and provided support for a potential amide I component due to betaturns near 1658 cm-1. Results from FT-IR, circular dichroism (CD) and predictions from the primary structure of A-gliadin were combined to suggest that the A-gliadin structure has about equal proportions of the four structural components, α-helix, linear β-structure, β-turns and unordered structure (within ± 10 %).
Electromagnetic branching in 65Zn

Abstract The internal conversion coefficients of transitions between the low levels of 65Zn populated in the 65Cu(p, n)65Zn∗ reaction were measured with an in-beam spectrometer at the Ep = 2.88 MeV and 2.95 MeV isobaric analog resonances and at off-resonance energies. Angular distributions of the γ-rays were measured at each energy with Ge(Li) detectors. Absolute neutron cross sections were derived and compared to theory. The values of ∝∝ are: 54 keV: 6±1; 61keV: (3±1)×10−1; 115keV: (5.8±0.5)×10−2; 153 keV: (2.37±0.28)×10−2 207 keV: (2.05±0.30)×10−2. The mixing ratio of the 153 keV transition was deduced to be δ = 0.24±0.06. These data are consistent with previous spin assignments of J π = 5 2 − , 1 2 − and 3 2 − for the 0, 54 and 115 keV levels and establish the spin of the 207 keV level as J π = 3 2 − .
A Q-Methodological Study of the Kubler-Ross Stage Theory:

This study investigated the correspondence between the stage changes hypothesized by the Kubler-Ross theory and the perception of the course of illness by seriously ill patients and their spouse. A thirty-six item structured Q-sort was administered on two occasions to two couples, in each the wife had a potentially terminal medical diagnosis. Participants described the patient's perception of the illness at the present time and as it had been at four other times since the diagnosis. The Q-sorts of each couple were intercorrelated and submitted to Q-factor analysis. The results supported the use of Q-methodology as a research procedure for investigations of terminal illness. Factors which emerged did not reveal the Kubler-Ross structure in the Q-sort nor was there evidence of stages. Implications for the validity of the Kubler-Ross theory were discussed.
A Method for Measuring Plasma Levels of Digitalis Glycosides

A method is described for measuring plasma levels of cardiac glycosides, utilizing their inhibitory effect on the rubidium-86 uptake of human red cells. As little as 0.05 mµg. of digoxin/ml. of plasma produces detectable inhibition, but due to the variable effect of other substances in human plasma the practical limit of the method is 1.0 mµg./ml., about 20 times as sensitive as the duck embryo heart or the C14-labeled technics. Patients on digitalis leaf were found to have much higher circulating levels than patients on digoxin (average value 7.5 mµg./ ml. of digoxin equivalent for digitalis leaf, 0.05 mµg./ml. for digoxin). Patients toxic on digoxin averaged 6 mµg./ml. Of patients not taking digitalis, 7 per cent had significant levels of digitalis-like substances in their plasma; these were mostly individuals with metastatic carcinoma, severe fluid and electrolyte disturbances, or heart failure. No drug (other than cardiac glycosides) gave consistent high levels by this test.
Affinity labeling identifies histidine at the active site of human placental 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and steroid 5 → 4-ene-isomerase

Objective: Our aim was to determine if the multifunction enzyme, 3βhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and steroid 5 → 4-ene-isomerase has one or more active sites to effect dehydrogenase and isomerase activities. Study Design: This steroid, which we have purified to homogeneity from human placental microsomes, was inactivated by the affinity labeling steroid, 2α-bromo[2'- 14 C]acetoxyprogesterone. The amino acids that were radioalkylated in the absence and presence of the dehydrogenase substrate pregnenolone were identified. Results: Pregnenolone completely abolished the inactivation of dehydrogenase. Histidine was localized in the active site of 3βhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase because the radiolabel disappeared from enzyme inactivated in the presence of pregnenolone. Cysteine, a major radiolabeled product (80%) in the absence of pregnenolone, was decreased twofold in incubations that contained pregnenolone. Neither pregnenolone nor the isomerase substrate 5-androstene-3,17-dione protected isomerase from inactivation by the affinity alkylator. Conclusion: This observation contradicts coexisting, separate binding sites, one for each activity. Rather, a conformation shift around one binding region prompted by products of the dehydrogenase reaction may create the isomerase activity.
Sums and Extensions of Vector Lattice Homomorphisms

This paper gives a summary account, with minimal or no proofs, first of some results which characterize order bounded linear operators which are sums of lattice homomorphisms, or more generally of orthomorphisms; and secondly of theorems concerning extensions of vector lattice homomorphisms (theorems of Hahn—Banach type if you will). In all cases we assume that domain and range are vector lattices and that the range is Dedekind complete. The results vary from historical (pre-1940) to recent (1990). The most recent work, on sums of lattice homomorphisms, is covered in §1 and the more classical work on extension theorems is dealt with in §2.