cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential involvement of the related DNA helicases Pif1p and Rrm3p in mtDNA point mutagenesis and stability.

Abstract With the exception of base excision repair, conserved pathways and mechanisms that maintain mitochondrial genome stability have remained largely undelineated. In the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pif1p is a unique DNA helicase that is localized both to the nucleus and mitochondria, where it is involved in maintaining DNA integrity. We previously elucidated a role for Pif1p in oxidative mtDNA damage resistance that appears to be distinct from its postulated function in mtDNA recombination. Strains lacking Pif1p (pif1Δ) exhibit an increased rate of formation of petite mutants (an indicator of mtDNA instability) and elevated mtDNA point mutagenesis. Here we show that deletion of the RRM3 gene, which encodes a DNA helicase closely related to Pif1p, significantly rescues the petite-induction phenotype of a pif1Δ strain. However, suppression of this phenotype was not accompanied by a corresponding decrease in mtDNA point mutagenesis. Instead, deletion of RRM3 alone resulted in an increase in mtDNA point mutagenesis that was synergistic with that caused by a pif1Δ mutation. In addition, we found that over-expression of RNR1, encoding a large subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), rescued the petite-induction phenotype of a pif1Δ mutation to a similar extent as deletion of RRM3. This, coupled to our finding that the Rad53p protein kinase is phosphorylated in the rrm3Δ pif1Δ double-mutant strain, leads us to conclude that one mechanism whereby deletion of RRM3 influences mtDNA stability is by modulating mitochondrial deoxynucleoside triphosphate pools. We propose that this is accomplished by signaling through the conserved Mec1/Rad53, S-phase checkpoint pathway to induce the expression and activity of RNR. Altogether, our results define a novel role for Rrm3p in mitochondrial function and indicate that Pif1p and Rrm3p influence a common process (or processes) involved in mtDNA replication, repair, or stability.
Computational modeling and on-sun model validation for a multiple tube solar reactor with specularly reflective cavity walls. Part 1: Heat transfer model

Abstract A three-dimensional, steady state computational model coupling radiative transfer with convective and conductive heat transfer is developed to describe a solar receiver consisting of an array of five tubes enclosed within a specularly reflective cylindrical cavity with a windowed aperture. Ray trace modeling of the concentrating system provides the magnitude and direction of solar energy incident on the aperture. Transport of solar radiation in the cavity space is decoupled from all other transport processes occurring in the receiver and profiles of the absorbed solar energy are determined via a Monte Carlo technique requiring only the receiver geometry, solar profile at the aperture, and spectral directional optical properties. A finite volume method is utilized to account for thermal radiation emitted by heated surfaces and implemented in conjunction with a computational fluid dynamics model. Maximum temperatures of 1820 K, 1355 K and 1536 K are predicted for the center, front, and back tubes, respectively for a solar power input of 6 kW though temperature gradients as high as 340 K develop between the front and back sides of the center tube. More than 79% of the solar energy is absorbed by tube surfaces. Emission losses account for 11–25% of the solar input whereas conductive heat losses account for 55–69% of the solar input and arise predominantly from conduction along the tube length to cooled cavity walls. Average discrepancies between theoretically predicted and experimentally measured temperatures are 44 K (4%) for silicon carbide tubes and 21 K (2%) for Inconel tubes over temperature ranges of, respectively, 600–1700 K and 700–1400 K.
Trajectory-property relationships in MOD-derived YBCO films

Abstract A study of the physical and chemical changes during processing in MOD-derived YBCO films was performed. Fully processed films were 70–85% of theoretical density. The sintering rate increased substantially in the compositional range F/Ba = 1.8–1.5. The activation energy for sintering decreased above a P(H 2 O) dependent threshold temperature. XRD indicated this temperature/composition threshold also corresponded to YBCO nucleation, suggesting ex situ YBCO forms in contact with a melt. The ramp rate and P(H 2 O) were used to control F/Ba trajectories, which were correlated to performance. The nucleation of YBCO was strongly dependent on processing conditions. Nucleation temperature was varied by at least 60 °C in the study. The optimal YBCO nucleation temperature in the 300–800 nm films was around 725 °C. a -axis grains dominated the microstructures of films where YBCO nucleated at a -axis grains, were found when the nucleation temperature was >750 °C.
Leaving An Abusive Partner: An Empirical Review of Predictors, the Process of Leaving, and Psychological Well-Being

Four facets of leaving an abusive relationship are reviewed: (a). factors related to initially leaving an abusive partner; (b). the process of leaving an abusive relationship; (c). the psychological well-being of survivors after leaving; and (d). the predictors of this well-being. The conceptual and methodological limitations of studies in each of these areas are presented. Consistently found predictors of leaving include both material and psychological factors. Because battered women typically undergo several shifts in their thinking about the abuse before leaving permanently, research on leaving as a process is highlighted. A stress-process framework is used to explain the seemingly paradoxical finding that some women just out of the abusive relationship may have greater psychological difficulties than those who are still in it. For those experiencing the most stress, psychological health can worsen over time. Researchers and practitioners need to pay more attention to the plight of women who have left abusive partners.
A Tactical Campaign at the Horn of Africa: Deploy Unmanned Surface Vehicles for Maritime Security

(2010). A Tactical Campaign at the Horn of Africa: Deploy Unmanned Surface Vehicles for Maritime Security. Defense & Security Analysis: Vol. 26, No. 2, pp. 189-211.
Effect of the thyroid on faecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 and Escherichia coli in naturally infected yearling beef cattle*

Aims: To determine if thyroid function affects faecal shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7. Methods and Results: Eight yearling cattle (n = 4 per treatment group), previously identified as shedding E. coli O157:H7, received either 0 or 10 mg 6-N-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) kg−1 BW day−1 for 14 days to reduce serum concentrations of the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. Animals were monitored daily for changes in faecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 and E. coli (EC) for the 14-day treatment period and an additional 7 days post-treatment. Body weight was measured weekly and serum concentrations of T3 and T4 were determined every 3 days. No differences in faecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 were observed during the 14-day treatment period. However, compared with control animals, a greater percentage of PTU-treated cattle ejected E. coli O157:H7 on day 16 (100 vs 25%) and 18 (75 vs 0%) of the post-treatment period. Serum T3 was lower in PTU-treated cattle during the 14-day treatment period and greater on day 18 of the post-treatment period. Conclusion: Cattle with chemically altered thyroid hormones had similar shedding patterns of faecal E. coli O157:H7 and EC during the 14-day treatment period. However, faecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 tended to be greater, and serum concentrations of T3, were greater for PTU-treated cattle immediately following the termination of PTU treatment. Significance and Impact of the Study: Short-term chemical inhibition of thyroid hormones had minimal effects on faecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in naturally infected cattle. However, a hyperthyroid state as observed postdosing might play a role in the seasonal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle.
The “Lost Letter Technique” as a Predictor of the 1972 Presidential Election

Summary The “lost letter technique” was validated against actual election returns in two randomly selected precincts in Greensboro, North Carolina. The technique was not successful in predicting the outcome of the presidential race. It was found that letters addressed to The Health Research Center were significantly more likely to be returned than letters addressed to presidential candidates. This indicated that the failure to predict was due either to voter apathy in this particular election or to an active dislike of both candidates.
Tm:glass laser pumping a Ho:YAG laser

ABSTRACT Lasers operating around 2.0 jm have several remote sensing applicationsincluding wind velocity, water vapor and green house gasses. An attractiveapproach to 2.0 m lasers has a Tm:glass fiber laser pumping a Ho:YAG laser,thereby avoiding problems that are associated with the Ho:Tm up conversionprocess. Toward this end, both Tm:silica and Tm:ZBLAN fiber lasers areevaluated as well as a Tm laser pumped Ho:YAG. Performance of these devices isreported.Keywords: fiber lasers, 2.0 jm lasers, Ho:YAG, Tm:silica, Tm:ZBLAN 1 • INTRODUCTIONHo lasers have several applications for monitoring the health of PlanetEarth. Because these laser operate in the nominally eye safe region of thespectrum, they can be employed in heterodyne measurements of wind velocity.Because these laser are somewhat tunable, they can also be employed formeasurements of both water vapor and green house gasses. Wind velocitymeasurements are very useful for a variety of reasons such as weatherprediction and air craft safety. Water vapor and carbon dioxide measurementsare also needed for several reasons such as weather prediction and analysis ofglobal warming. Besides remote sensing applications, Ho lasers also havemedical and material processing applications.Conventional, high energy per pulse, Ho lasers often suffer from adeleterious process referred to a up conversion. With a conventional Ho laser,Tm is incorporated into the laser material to provide convenient pumpabsorption features. For example, in a diode pumped Ho:Tm laser, the Tm 3H4manifold absorbs the pump radiation from the laser diode. In a self quenchingprocess, a single Tm atom in this manifold can produce 2 Tm atoms in the 3F4manifold. This manifold can then transfer the energy to the Ho 17 from whichlaser action will occur. However, if the energy must be stored, as in a Q-switched laser, a Thi atom in the 3F4 manifold and a Ho atom in the 17 manifoldcan interact to promote the Ho atom out of the upper laser manifold to the I5manifold. This process is referred to as up conversion. It is obviouslydeleterious and detracts seriously from the efficiency. The lifetime of the Ho17 can be shortened from about 8.5 ms to about 1.0 ms by this process.To avoid up conversion, the scheme described here separates the Ho and Tminto different materials, thereby completely avoiding any Ho:Tm up conversion.A Tm:silica or Tm:ZBLAN fiber laser will pump a laser material with only Ho.There are several attractive features to this scheme. Efficient Tm fiberlasers can be made by using an inner cladding to pump even a small core Tm
Rapid glutamate release in the mediobasal hypothalamus accompanies feeding and is exaggerated by an obesogenic food

The mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) plays a central role in the regulation of food intake and energy balance. Although the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is implicated in energy balance regulation by the MBH, the hypothesis that feeding elicits local glutamate release remains untested. To test this hypothesis, we employed a glutamate biosensor that measures glutamate concentrations at 1-s intervals in conscious, freely behaving rats. Results indicate that feeding is associated with an increase of MBH glutamate concentration that occurs within 1–2 s of oral contact with a food pellet, and the glutamate response to a palatable high-fat pellet is greatly exaggerated relative to chow. In contrast, glutamate responses were not observed during water ingestion or other observed behaviors. These findings indicate that feeding is associated with rapid release of glutamate in the MBH, that this release is exaggerated with an obesogenic food, and that this response is likely stimulated by orosensory factors.
Hydrodynamic and electrical considerations in the design of a four-electrode impedance-based microfluidic device

A four-electrode impedance-based microfluidic device has been designed with tunable sensitivity for future applications to the detection of pathogens and functionalized microparticles specifically bound to molecular recognition molecules on the surface of a microfluidic channel. In order to achieve tunable sensitivity, hydrodynamic focusing was employed to confine the electric current by simultaneous introduction of two fluids (high- and low-conductivity solutions) into a microchannel at variable flow-rate ratios. By increasing the volumetric flow rate of the low-conductivity solution (sheath fluid) relative to the high-conductivity solution (sample fluid), increased focusing of the high-conductivity solution over four coplanar electrodes was achieved, thereby confining the current during impedance interrogation. The hydrodynamic and electrical properties of the device were analyzed for optimization and to resolve issues that would impact sensitivity and reproducibility in subsequent biosensor applications. These include variability in the relative flow rates of the sheath and sample fluids, changes in microchannel dimensions, and ionic concentration of the sample fluid. A comparative analysis of impedance measurements using four-electrode versus two-electrode configurations for impedance measurements also highlighted the advantages of using four electrodes for portable sensor applications.
The effect of SMSI (strong metal-support interaction) behavior on CO adsorption and hydrogenation on Pd catalysts: II. Kinetic behavior in the methanation reaction

The specific activity of Pd in the methanation reaction can show a 200-fold variation depending upon the support used. In contrast, the CH4 turnover frequency is independent of Pd crystallite size, at least over the range of 3–30 nm particles. The most active catalyst is TiO2-supported Pd in which an SMSI state has been induced, and silica-supported Pd is the least active. Turnover numbers increase in the following order: PdSiO2 ⪡ PdSiO2-Al2O3, PdAl2O3 − PdTiO2 (448 K) < PdTiO2 (SMSI). All CO partial pressure dependencies were near zero, while H2 partial pressure dependencies shifted from unity to near one-half for the TiO2-supported catalysts. A reaction model for Pd is proposed which is consistent with this behavior, with ir spectra of CO adsorbed on these Pd surfaces, and with recent results in the literature on CO hydrogenation. This model involves no assumptions regarding CO coverage, and assumes CH4 forms from surface carbon produced by a hydrogen-assisted CO dissociation step. The higher N values for PdTiO2 in the SMSI state are consistent with this model and appear to be a consequence of much higher surface concentrations of hydrogen compensating for markedly reduced CO coverages, thereby resulting in a rate enhancement.
Pathological Examination of Radical Prostatectomy Specimens in Men with Very Low Risk Disease at Biopsy Reveals Distinct Zonal Distribution of Cancer in Black American Men

Purpose: Of men with very low risk prostate cancer at biopsy recent evidence shows that black American men are at greater risk for adverse oncologic outcomes after radical prostatectomy. We studied radical prostatectomy specimens from black and white men at very low risk to determine whether there are systematic pathological differences.Materials and Methods: Radical prostatectomy specimens were evaluated in men with National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN) very low risk prostate cancer. At diagnosis all men underwent extended biopsy sampling (10 or more cores) and were treated in the modern Gleason grade era. We analyzed tumor volume, grade and location in 87 black and 89 white men. For each specimen the dominant nodule was defined as the largest tumor with the highest grade.Results: Compared to white men, black men were more likely to have significant prostate cancer (61% vs 29%), Gleason 7 or greater (37% vs 11%, each p <0.001) and a volume of greater than 0.5 cm3 (45% vs 21%, p = 0.001). Dominant...
Identification of Toxemia in Patients with Clostridium difficile Infection

Toxemia can develop in Clostridium difficile-infected animals, and correlates with severe and fulminant disease outcomes. Circumstantial evidence suggests that toxemia may occur in patients with C. difficile infection (CDI), but positive diagnosis is extremely rare. We analyzed the potential for C. difficile toxemia in patients, determined its characteristics, and assessed challenges. C. difficile toxins in serum from patients were tested using an ultrasensitive cell-based assay and further confirmed by Rac1 glucosylation assay. The factors that hinder a diagnosis of toxemia were assessed, including investigation of toxin stability, the level of toxins-specific neutralizing antibodies in sera and its effect on diagnosis limits. CDI patients develop detectable toxemia in some cases (2.3%). Toxins were relatively stable in stored sera. Neutralizing anti-toxin antibodies were present during infection and positively correlated with the diagnosis limits. Thus, the masking effect of toxin-specific neutralizing antibodies is the major obstacle in diagnosing C. difficile toxemia using cell-based bioassays.
Toxicity of jet fuels to several terrestrial insects

The acute toxicity of a variety of Air Force jet fuels was evaluated for several terrestrial insects. The most toxic fuel was a shale-derived JP-8. In general, shale fuels were more toxic than their petroleum-derived counterparts. The order of decreasing susceptibility to the current standard Air Force fuel, petroleum-derived JP-4, was earwigs, rice weevils, flour beetles, lady beetles, tenebrionid beetles, and cockroaches. However, species response varied with different jet fuel types.
Post-1-Newtonian equations of motion for systems of arbitrarily structured bodies

We give a surface-integral derivation of post-1-Newtonian translational equations of motion for a system of arbitrarily structured bodies, including the coupling to all the bodies' mass and current multipole moments. The derivation requires only that the post-1-Newtonian vacuum field equations are satisfied in weak field regions between the bodies; the bodies' internal gravity can be arbitrarily strong. In particular, black holes are not excluded. The derivation extends previous results due to Damour, Soffel, and Xu (DSX) for weakly self-gravitating bodies in which the post-1-Newtonian field equations are satisfied everywhere. The derivation consists of a number of steps: (i) The definition of each body's current and mass multipole moments and center-of-mass world line in terms of the behavior of the metric in a weak field region surrounding the body. (ii) The definition for each body of a set of gravitoelectric and gravitomagnetic tidal moments that act on that body, again in terms of the behavior of the metric in a weak field region surrounding the body. For the special case of weakly self-gravitating bodies, our definitions of these multipole and tidal moments agree with definitions given previously by DSX. (iii) The derivation of a formula, for any given body, of themore » second time derivative of its mass dipole moment in terms of its other multipole and tidal moments and their time derivatives. This formula was obtained previously by DSX for weakly self-gravitating bodies. (iv) A derivation of the relation between the tidal moments acting on each body and the multipole moments and center-of-mass world lines of all the other bodies. A formalism to compute this relation was developed by DSX; we simplify their formalism and compute the relation explicitly. (v) The deduction from the previous steps of the explicit translational equations of motion, whose form has not been previously derived.« less
Forms of organic nitrogen in clay-amended sand soil

Wyoming bentonite in field applications of 6 to 50 tons per acre increased retention of carbon and nitrogen in Plainfield sand during three years of normal cropping. Increases in nitrogen occurred principally in forms which could be hydrolyzed with 6N HCl. Differential retention of proteinaceous residues was indicated by the fact that C:N ratios decreased and the proportion of hydrolyzable amino nitrogen increased with increasing rate of clay addition.
Joint Power Management and Adaptive Modulation and Coding for Wireless Communications Systems With Unreliable Buffering Memories

To guard against process variability in advanced semiconductor nodes, especially for high-density memories, designers resort to overdesigning policies resulting in increased power consumption. A promising approach to save power is to utilize Voltage over-Scaling (VoS). However VoS results into unreliable buffering memories where a predictable statistically amount of errors are introduced to memories. The goal is to trade off channel dependent SNR slack versus hardware induced errors, to achieve predetermined quality metrics, at reduced power consumption. By design, modern communication systems attempt to minimize channel-dependent SNR slack via adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) schemes, thus reducing the gains of on-chip power management. This paper investigates the interaction between on-chip power management via VoS on embedded memories versus network based AMC techniques. A novel mathematical approach that analytically describes the system packet error rate (PER) performance under the VoS induced noise is presented. Based on this model, different AMC and power management algorithms are presented that utilize the received SNR estimates to find the best AMC mode and memory voltage that achieves performance goals at reduced power consumption. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithms can achieve up to 58% energy efficiency for the memory-subsystems compared to conventional AMC algorithm with perfect memories. © 2014 IEEE.
THE OCCURRENCE DURING ACUTE INFECTIONS OF A PROTEIN NOT NORMALLY PRESENT IN THE BLOOD IV. CRYSTALLIZATION OF THE C-REACTIVE PROTEIN

A procedure is described for the isolation and crystallization from human serous fluids of the C-reactive protein, a substance which appears in the blood especially in the early phase of certain acute infectious diseases. Immunological studies confirm earlier work in showing that the protein is highly antigenic and serologically specific, and demonstrate that crystallization of the protein effectively separates it from normal serum proteins.
A fire-resistant organophosphorus gel polymer electrolyte additive for use in rechargeable lithium batteries

Abstract The development of a small-molecule organophosphorus gel polymer electrolyte additive for use in rechargeable lithium batteries is described. This organophosphorus additive is less volatile and more resistant to ignition than propylene carbonate, a well known component of gel polymer electrolytes. Moreover, the ionic conductivities of gels containing the organophosphorus additive at low molar concentrations (11–21%) exceed the ionic conductivities of gels containing equimolar amounts of propylene carbonate (5.3×10−5 versus 4.8×10−5 S/cm). At higher molar concentrations (31–52%) there is evidence of phase separation, but conductivities remain comparable to propylene carbonate systems.
Performance of Silicon Surface Barrier Detectors with Charge Sensitive Amplifiers

Silicon surface barrier diode detectors of 1 cm2 and 25 mm2 sensitive area have given pulse height spectral resolutions of 17 kev and 13-? kev (FWHM) respectively, for 5.5 mev alpha particles. Reverse currents at 500 volts bias were less than 1 × 10-6 amps/cm2 with breakdown in excess of 1000 volts. A charge sensitive amplifier contributes 3-? and 10 kev noise (FWHM) with an input capacitive loading of 20 and 180 pf respectively.
"On the physiology of micturition" by Denny-Brown and Robertson: a classic paper revisited.

fi d t n t p t a fl e b m w s F s D o p he 1933 article1 by the renowned neurologist, Derek Denny-Brown (1901 to 1981)2 and . Graeme Robertson (1903 to 1975)3 titled, “On he Physiology of Micturition,” has been described s “classical,”4 presumably because of its high citaion rate, which continues to this day,5 and the uthors’ novel use of two catheters to differentiate etween vesical and urethral pressures. Despite the ong history of citation, the basis of the work suporting the article’s conclusions is difficult to disern from simply reading the paper. The authors id not make clear exactly which of the four cathter arrangements they used with each experiment Fig. 1), and most of the plates are almost imposible to evaluate because the lines are faint and at imes cross each other and/or move out of view. oreover, the same numerically identified lines epresent data obtained from different manometers n different experiments (ie, line 1 might be vesical ressure in one experiment and urethral pressure n another). Furthermore, and unfortunately, enny-Brown’s prose has long been recognized as xceptionally convoluted, and this paper can be onsidered a model of his style.6 For this reason we ecided to revisit this paper. Our approach in this review is to first describe he methods developed by Denny-Brown and Robrtson and then to relate these to each of their summary of conclusions” listed at the end of the rticle. Furthermore, we restate and/or shorten the ext Denny-Brown and Robertson used to describe heir conclusions. Finally, we have redrawn one of heir figures and developed a new figure to illusrate their method.
Identifying misclassification in youth self-reported smoking status: testing different consent processes of biological sample collection to capture misclassification.

Abstract Introduction In Florida, since 1998, identical survey items have been used to measure youth smoking status for the CDC sponsored state school-based survey and the tobacco control program evaluation telephone survey. The two surveys should parallel one another to track tobacco use. Tobacco items collected in the two surveys closely paralleled one another until recently. Since 2008, data show dramatically divergent youth smoking estimates (e.g., relative differences as high as 50%), which cannot be explained by differences in survey and sampling design. As a first step in detecting misclassification of smoking status, we examined the feasibility of asking youth to self-report their smoking behavior and collect a biological sample, with the expectation that some youth will misreport their smoking status. Methods Using a cross-sectional population level telephone survey, youth were randomly assigned to one of three groups to test mode effects of collecting biological data with self-reported survey data ( n = 303). Results It showed two groups of youth (those who are not asked for a biological and those asked for a biological with an indirect explanation of its use) had similar response rates and self-reported smoking status, while the third group (biological request with a direct explanation of its use) had a substantially lower response rate and self-reported smoking status. Conclusions The data show youth who are given an indirect explanation of how biological data are to be used were as likely to self-report their smoking status as youth who were not asked to provide a biological sample.
Treatment of anogenital warts with imiquimod 5% cream followed by surgical excision of residual lesions

Cytodestructive or surgical therapy for patients with anogenital warts is frequently associated with recurrence. In February 1997, the US Food and Drug Administration approved imiquimod as a 5% cream for the treatment of anogenital warts. Activity of the drug results primarily from interferon alfa and other cytokine induction in the skin. These cytokines stimulate several other aspects of the innate immune response. In addition, imiquimod stimulates acquired immunity, in particular the cellular arm that is important for control of viral infections and tumors. Published studies indicate that imiquimod results in complete clearance of warts in more than 50% of patients. Residual warts can be surgically excised. Our long-term follow-up (ie, 2 to 7 years) of patients who had a 16-week course of imiquimod cream with subsequent removal of remaining warts showed a much lower rate of recurrence in comparison with those patients who were treated with surgery alone. Therefore, treatment with imiquimod followed by excision of residual lesions may provide long-term clearance of anogenital warts in those patients in whom imiquimod monotherapy is insufficient.
I131 Uptake in Radiothyroidectomized Chicks

Abstract THE radioactive isotopes of iodine, primarily I131, have been extensively used clinically and experimentally to partially or totally destroy thyroid tissue in several animal species. Winchester et al. (1949) observed that more than 3 mc./100 gm. of body weight, injected intraperitoneally, were necessary for total thyroid destruction in New Hampshire chicks. Using approximately 1.5 mc./100 gm. body weight following pretreatment with low iodine diets, Mellen and Wentworth (1962) found typical symptoms of extreme hypothyroidism in 3 different crosses. Although they did not find a thyroid in most radiothyroidectomized birds, I131-thyroxine and triiodothyronine could be demonstrated in the plasma several months after I131 administration. It was the objective of the present investigation to observe the relationship of level and age at the time of initial I131 dosage on subsequent uptake of iodine by the thyroids, muscles and blood plasma. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Single Comb White Leghorn progeny from the Tennessee Agricultural Experiment…
Asymptotic boundary-layer over a slender body of revolution in axial compressible flow

The singular perturbation method developed by S. Kaplun is used to solve the thick, compressible laminar boundary layer over a slender body of revolution. The transverse curvature effect is included and is found to be characterized by a dimensionless parameter, which is essentially a function of the ratio of the thickness of the boundary layer to the radius of the body of revolution. An asymptotic series solution is developed for the region where the thickness of the boundary layer is large compared with the radius of the slender body. The nondimensional skin-friction parameter \(2ir rGTw)/(cosa. Ueve)} is calculated as a function of the thickness parameter. Interpolations are then made with another known series solution, developed by Probstein and Elliott, which is valid where the boundary layer is thin compared with the radius of the slender body. Thus, interpolation is made to cover the range where the thickness of boundary layer is in the same order as the body radius. From these interpolations, good agreement is obtained between both series for the cone and cylinder. The asymptotic series solution also indicates that the skin friction and heat-transfer rate increase with the Mach number and fall off very slowly in the reciprocal-logarithmic manner with the thickness parameter.
Infrared spectra and conformational analysis of anti and gauche deuterated ethanol isotopomers

Abstract The infrared spectra of dilute CCl 4 solutions of deuterated ethanol isotopomers have been examined in the fundamental OH/OD stretching absorption regions. The compounds studied are comprised of undeuterated CH 3 CH 2 OH, and four deuterated isomers, CH 3 CD 2 OH, CD 3 CH 2 OH, CH 3 CH 2 OD, and CD 3 CD 2 OD. Doublet character of the high energy IR hydroxy band, indicating the existence of anti and gauche conformational isomers, is found for each isotopomer in agreement with previous IR studies of primary saturated alkanols. A variable temperature study of the deconvoluted spectra for the undeuterated ethanol system provides a reference experimental estimate of the relative enthalpies of the C s (anti) and C 1 (gauche) conformers. The analysis also allows a determination of the intensities of the individual bands. Spectral and thermodynamic results from HF/6-311++G* calculations are compared with the experimental observations. The deconvoluted spectra for the deuterated isomers are compared to the ethanol results, and small differences in OH absorption band frequencies are observed. The equilibrium constants for gauche to anti conversion for two OD compounds are somewhat larger than those for the three OH isomers.
Integration of multiple sensors into a robotic system and its performance evaluation

The author proposes a systematic approach to integrating multiple sensors into a robotic system. It is shown that the robot motion control mechanism has a hierarchical structure consisting of multiple layers. The integration of multiple sensors should not disturb the structure, but it should enhance the intelligence of each activity. Therefore, multiple sensors can be hierarchically integrated into an existing system. To make the integration feasible, the author adopts the concept of logical sensors and treats logical sensors as object modules. By using object-oriented programming, integration becomes a modular procedure and interobject communication becomes an effective method of data flow required by the integration. The authors also proposes an objective method for evaluating the performance of integration. The benefit of the integration is measured by how the intelligence of the robotic system is enhanced. The cost of the integration is measured by a cost function and a loss function. The former is related to the sensor time; the latter is affected by sensor uncertainty. >
Influence of increased central venous pressure on baroreflex control of sympathetic activity in humans.

Volume expansion often ameliorates symptoms of orthostatic intolerance; however, the influence of this increased volume on integrated baroreflex control of vascular sympathetic activity is unknown....
Language acculturation and screening practices of elderly Hispanic women. The role of exposure to health-related information from the media.

The present study examined the hypothesis that language acculturation of Hispanics in the United States increases their exposure to media-based health information which, in turn, increases medical screening practices and knowledge of cancer symptoms. We interviewed 598 elderly Hispanic women (55-92 years of age) residing in Los Angeles. Language acculturation was measured with items on understanding of English and language preference for interpersonal communication, reading materials, television, and radio. Recency of screening (physician breast exam, Pap smear, routine physical exam, mammogram) and exposure to media-based health information were assessed with Likert-type scales; knowledge of symptoms of breast, cervical, colorectal, and oral cancers was assessed through open-ended questions. The results of multiple regression analyses provide support for the hypothesis. First, language acculturation predicted media exposure after controlling for demographic variables. Second, media exposure predicted scr...
Crystal growth techniques for KVO3

Abstract Three methods for the crystal growth of potassium metavanadate are discussed: the slow cooling of a stoichiometric melt, the Bridgman technique and the Czochralski technique. The optical quality of potassium metavanadate is very sensitive to any change of growth parameters and only the Czochralski method produced large, colorless single crystals.
Direct measurement of transverse mode correlation and MPN using 900nm VCSELs

Cross-correlations between VCSEL transverse modes are measured using 40GSps synchronous observations of spatially separated modes. Positive correlation and anti-correlation behaviors are observed as well as low, distinct k mpn , contrary to assumptions of the IEEE model.
Fracture characteristics of three metals subjected to various strains, strain rates, temperatures and pressures

Abstract This paper considers fracture characteristics of OFHC copper, Armco iron and 4340 steel. The materials are subjected to torsion tests over a range of strain rates, Hopkinson bar tests over a range of temperatures, and quasi-static tensile tests with various notch geometries. A cumulative-damage fracture model is introduced which expresses the strain to fracture as a function of the strain rate, temperature and pressure. The model is evaluated by comparing computed results with cylinder impact tests and biaxial (torsion-tension) tests.
Evolution of Novel O -methyltransferases from the Vanilla planifolia Caffeic Acid O -methyltransferase

The biosynthesis of many plant secondary compounds involves the methylation of one or more hydroxyl groups, catalyzed by O-methyltransferases (OMTs). Here, we report the characterization of two OMTs, Van OMT-2 and Van OMT-3, from the orchid Vanilla planifolia Andrews. These enzymes catalyze the methylation of a single outer hydroxyl group in substrates possessing a 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene moiety, such as methyl gallate and myricetin. This is a substrate requirement not previously reported for any OMTs. Based on sequence analysis these enzymes are most similar to caffeic acid O-methyltransferases (COMTs), but they have negligible activity with typical COMT substrates. Seven of 12 conserved substrate-binding residues in COMTs are altered in Van OMT-2 and Van OMT-3. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences suggests that Van OMT-2 and Van OMT-3 evolved from the V. planifolia COMT. These V. planifolia OMTs are new instances of COMT-like enzymes with novel substrate preferences.
Racial/ethnic discrepancies in the metabolic syndrome begin in childhood and persist after adjustment for environmental factors.

Abstract Background and Aims Evaluation of metabolic syndrome (MetS) characteristics across an age spectrum from childhood to adulthood has been limited by a lack of consistent MetS criteria for children and adults and by a lack of adjustment for environmental factors. We used the pediatric and adult International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria to determine whether gender-specific and race-specific differences in MetS and its components are present in adolescents as in adults after adjustment for socio-economic status (SES) and lifestyle factors. Methods and Results Waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and fasting glucose measures were obtained from 3100 adolescent (12–19 years) and 3419 adult (20–69 years) non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Mexican-American participants of the 1999–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. We compared odds of having MetS and its components across racial/ethnic groups by age group, while adjusting for income, education, physical activity and diet quality. After adjusting for possible confounding influences of SES and lifestyle, non-Hispanic-black adolescent males exhibited a lower odds of MetS and multiple components (abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL, hyperglycemia) compared to non-Hispanic-white and Mexican-American adolescents. Compared to non-Hispanic-white adolescent males, Mexican-American adolescent males had less hypertension. There were no differences in MetS prevalence among adolescent females, though non-Hispanic-black girls exhibited less hypertriglyceridemia. Conclusion Racial/ethnicity-specific differences in MetS and its components are present in both adolescence and adulthood, even after adjusting for environmental factors. These data help strengthen arguments for developing racial/ethnic-specific MetS criteria to better identify individuals at risk for future cardiovascular disease.
Line strengths (900–3600 cm −1 ), self-broadened linewidths, and frequency shifts (1800–2360 cm −1 ) of N 2 O

Self-broadened linewidths and pressure-induced frequency shifts of N2O were measured from spectra obtained at high spectral resolution in the 1800–2630 cm−1 region. From measurements of 136 lines, the average pressure-shift coefficient was found to be −0.0015 ± 0.0006 cm−1/atm. The shift coefficients were found to have a weak J dependence, in which the magnitude of the coefficients increases with increasing values of J. Line-strength measurements were derived from spectra obtained at low sample pressures, and these data were analyzed to determine vibrational band strengths, rotationless dipole-moment matrix elements, and F factor coefficients for several bands in the 900–3600 cm−1 region. Measurements of over 15,000 selected vibration–rotation transitions, including eight N2O isotopic species, were used in the various analyses.
Quantification of dynamic changes to blood volume and vascular flow in the primate corpus luteum during the menstrual cycle

Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) with intravenous microbubble infusion was performed on the rhesus macaque ovary bearing the pre-ovulatory follicle and corpus luteum (CL) sequentially during the natural luteal phase (n=8) and GnRH antagonist (Antide)-induced luteal regression (n=6). Changes in luteal blood volume (BV) and vascular flow (VF) were observed between stages of the luteal phase Luteal BV was highest in early stage CL, before decreasing 2.5-fold in late stage CL (P<0.06); in contrast, luteal VF peaked at mid luteal stage (P<0.01). Two females identified with luteal insufficiency trended toward lower peak BV, compared to typical CLs. Another female was identified with a luteal cyst on the contralateral ovary, and a CL that regressed before P levels declined. After 72 hours of Antide exposure, BV was reduced 2.3-fold (P=0.03). DCE-US provides a sensitive, non-invasive measurement of the dynamics of blood volume and flow in dominant ovarian structures.
CTLA-4 binding to the lipid kinase phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in T cells

CTLA-4 is a T cell antigen that is structurally related to CD28 and serves as a high affinity ligand for the B cell antigen B7-1/2. Unlike CD28, the function of CTLA-4 is unclear, although reports have implicated the antigen in the costimulation of T cells. Recently, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) has been implicated in the costimulatory function of CD28 by virtue of its ability to bind to a pYMNM motif within the cytoplasmic tail of the antigen. In this study, we show that CTLA-4 can also associate with PI 3-kinase as detected by lipid kinase analysis and immunoblotting with anti-p85 antiserum. High pressure liquid chromatographic separation of deacylated lipids showed the presence of a peak corresponding to PI-3-P. Anti-CTLA-4 ligation of the receptor induced a significant increase in the levels of precipitable PI 3-kinase activity. Peptide binding studies revealed that the NH2- and COOH-terminal SH2 domains of p85 bind the CTLA-4 cytoplasmic pYVKM motif with an affinity (ID50: 0.6 and 0.04 microM), that is similar to CD28. CTLA-4 binding to PI 3-kinase provides further evidence that CTLA-4 is not an inert counterreceptor, but rather is coupled to an intracellular signaling molecule with the capacity to regulate cell growth.
Early afterdepolarizations and triggered activity induced by cocaine. A possible mechanism of cocaine arrhythmogenesis.

BACKGROUNDCocaine may produce life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, but it is not clear whether this is an indirect effect of coronary vasoconstriction and ischemia or a direct myocardial effect of the substance. Except for its effects on the Na+ current as a local anesthetic, little is known about the direct electrophysiological actions on cardiac cells. Therefore, we studied the effects of cocaine on action potentials and membrane currents in isolated feline ventricular myocytes to test the hypothesis that cocaine-induced arrhythmogenesis may be based on cellular and ionic mechanisms.METHODS AND RESULTSAction potentials and membrane currents were recorded using the patch clamp technique. Single cells were isolated from feline left ventricles by enzymatic digestion. Exposure to cocaine (10 or 50 microM) depressed the plateau phase of the action potential and prolonged action potential duration. Action potential duration measured at 90% repolarization (APD90) was increased from 280 +/- 12 msec to 325 +/- ...
A critical review of the epidemiology of Agent Orange/TCDD and prostate cancer

To inform risk assessment and regulatory deci- sion-making, the relationship between 2,3,7,8-tetrachlo- rodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and prostate cancer requires clarification. This article systematically and critically reviews the epidemiologic evidence on the association between expo- sure to TCDD or Agent Orange, a TCDD-contaminated her- bicide used during the Vietnam War, and prostate cancer risk. Articles evaluated include 11 studies of three cohorts, four case-control or cross-sectional studies, and three case-only studies of military veterans with information on estimated Agent Orange or TCDD exposure; 13 studies of seven cohorts, one case-control study, and eight proportionate morbidity or mortality studies of Vietnam veterans without information on Agent Orange exposure; 11 cohort studies of workers with occupational exposure to TCDD; and two studies of one community cohort with environmental exposure to TCDD. The most informative studies, including those of Vietnam veterans involved in Agent Orange spraying or other handling, herbicide manufacturing or spraying workers with occupa- tional TCDD exposure, and community members exposed to TCDD through an industrial accident, consistently reported no significant increase in prostate cancer incidence or mortality. Only some potentially confounded studies of Vietnam veterans compared with the general population, studies with unreliable estimates of Agent Orange exposure, and analyses of selected subgroups of Vietnam veterans reported positive associations. Overall, epidemiologic research offers no consistent or con- vincing evidence of a causal relationship between exposure to Agent Orange or TCDD and prostate cancer. More accurate exposure assessment is needed in large epidemiologic studies to rule out a causal association more conclusively.
The Hereditary Hemochromatosis Protein, HFE, Inhibits Iron Uptake via Down-regulation of Zip14 in HepG2 Cells

Lack of functional hereditary hemochromatosis protein, HFE, causes iron overload predominantly in hepatocytes, the major site of HFE expression in the liver. In this study, we investigated the role of HFE in the regulation of both transferrin-bound iron (TBI) and non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) uptake in HepG2 cells, a human hepatoma cell line. Expression of HFE decreased both TBI and NTBI uptake. It also resulted in a decrease in the protein levels of Zip14 with no evident change in the mRNA level of Zip14. Zip14 (Slc39a14) is a metal transporter that mediates NTBI into cells (Liuzzi, J. P., Aydemir, F., Nam, H., Knutson, M. D., and Cousins, R. J. (2006) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 103, 13612–13617). Knockdown of Zip14 with siRNA abolished the effect of HFE on NTBI uptake. To determine if HFE had a similar effect on Zip14 in another cell line, HeLa cells expressing HFE under the tetracycline-repressible promoter were transfected with Zip14. As in HepG2 cells, HFE expression inhibited NTBI uptake by ∼50% and decreased Zip14 protein levels. Further analysis of protein turnover indicated that the half-life of Zip14 is lower in cells that express HFE. These results suggest that HFE decreases the stability of Zip14 and therefore reduces the iron loading in HepG2 cells.