cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utilizing the third order advantage with isotope dilution mass spectrometry.

Akin to the standard addition method requiring only a single chromatographic injection, a robust isotope dilution mass spectrometry method is described. The 13C labeled analyte at known concentration serves as the standard to quantify the unlabeled target analyte. Two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOFMS) provides a combined 12C and 13C analyte peak as part of the third order data cube. This combined peak can be isolated from interfering compounds and noise based on the “third order advantage” with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). The combined mass spectra are then mathematically resolved using classical least squares (CLS) providing a 12C/13C ratio, thus absolute amounts of 12C and 13C. Good agreement between the prepared and determined concentration ratios for test analytes was achieved with further demonstration to real-world samples.
Insights into hsp70 chaperone activity from a crystal structure of the yeast hsp110 Sse1.

Classic Hsp70 chaperones assist in diverse processes of protein folding and translocation, and Hsp110s had seemed by sequence to be distant relatives within an Hsp70 superfamily. The 2.4 A resolution structure of Sse1 with ATP shows that Hsp110s are indeed Hsp70 relatives, and it provides insight into allosteric coupling between sites for ATP and polypeptide-substrate binding in Hsp70s. Subdomain structures are similar in intact Sse1(ATP) and in the separate Hsp70 domains, but conformational dispositions are radically different. Interfaces between Sse1 domains are extensive, intimate, and conservative in sequence with Hsp70s. We propose that Sse1(ATP) may be an evolutionary vestige of the Hsp70(ATP) state, and an analysis of 64 mutant variants in Sse1 and three Hsp70 homologs supports this hypothesis. An atomic-level understanding of Hsp70 communication between ATP and substrate-binding domains follows. Requirements on Sse1 for yeast viability are in keeping with the distinct function of Hsp110s as nucleotide exchange factors.
Expression and characterization of poliovirus proteins 3BVPg, 3Cpro, and 3Dpol in recombinant baculovirus-infected Spodoptera frugiperda cells.

Abstract As an initial step toward investigating the roles of poliovirus proteins in viral RNA replication, a baculovirus expression system was used to produce poliovirus proteins from the P3 region. Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells were infected with a recombinant baculovirus, vETL-PoV3A∗ BCD, which contains cDNA coding for poliovirus proteins 3D, 3C, 3B, and a portion of 3A protein sequence. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that the majority of 3D (polymerase) was in the cytoplasm of recombinant baculovirus-infected Sf9 cells. In the same cells, the 3C (protease) and 3B (VPg) proteins appeared to be located in distinct subcellular regions, posssibly membrane structures, suggesting that the expressed polyprotein was cleaved to generate mature proteins. Processing of the polypeptide was confirmed by immunoblot analysis which demonstrated that 3Cpro sequences were active in cleavage of the polyproteins 3A∗BCD and 3CD. Over 95% of the 3D sequences accumulated in the form of mature 3Dpol, with only low levels of 3CD remaining. The majority of 3Dpol remained in the supernatant after low speed centrifugation of sonicated cells. The 3Dpol had RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity as measured by elongation of an oligo(U) primer using a poly(A) template. The protein 3cdpro was active in cleaving P1 protein. The yield and activities of the poliovirus proteins expressed will facilitate future biochemical studies.
Advances in the Design, Calibration and Use of a Static Coded Aperture Compressive Tracking and Imaging System

We present our latest results in static compressive tracking and imaging. We have developed a design methodology using the compressed sensing concept of mutual coherence. We also elucidate a modified calibration scheme that boosts compressive imaging capabilities.
MUC1 Protein Expression in Tumor Cells Regulates Transcription of Proinflammatory Cytokines by Forming a Complex with Nuclear Factor-κB p65 and Binding to Cytokine Promoters IMPORTANCE OF EXTRACELLULAR DOMAIN

MUC1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein abnormally expressed in all stages of development of human adenocarcinomas. Overexpression and hypoglycosylation of MUC1 in cancer cells compared with normal epithelial cells are likely to alter its function and affect the behavior of cancer cells. The extracellular domain, specifically the highly O-glycosylated VNTR (variable number of tandem repeats) region, plays an important role in cell-cell communication; however, we show here that it also participates intracellularly in activation of the NF-κB pathway. Transfection of MUC1− tumor cells with cDNA encoding MUC1 with 22 tandem repeats (MUC1/22TR) or two tandem repeats (MUC1/2TR) or two isoforms that lack the VNTR region (MUC1/Z and MUC1/Y) showed that the highest expression levels of NF-κB family members correlated with the presence of VNTR and the highest number of tandem repeats. Because expression of MUC1 with VNTR on tumors was previously associated with chemotactic activity for cells of the innate immune system, we investigated the influence of MUC1 expression on the NF-κB-dependent transcriptional regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. ChIP and real-time PCR experiments revealed that MUC1/22TR up-regulated IL-6 and TNF-α expression by binding to their promoter regions in a NF-κB p65-dependent manner in both MUC1-transfected and human breast cancer cells that express endogenous MUC1. This newly detected complex of MUC1 and p65 is a novel mechanism that tumors can use to promote inflammation and cancer development.
Photoacoustic imaging using array transducer

ABSTRACT To perform ultrasound imaging using an array transducer, a focused ultrasound beam is transmitted in a particular direction within the tissue and the received backscattered ultrasound wave is then dynamically focused at every position along the beam. The ultrasound beam is scanned over the desired region to form an image. The photoacoustic imaging, however, is distinct from conventional ultrasound imaging. In photoacoustic imaging the acoustic transients are generated simultaneously in the entire volume of the irradiated tissue  no transmit focusing is possible due to light scattering in the tissue. The photoacoustic waves are then r ecorded on every element of th e ultrasound tran sducer array at once and processed to form an image. Therefore, compared to ultrasound imaging, photoacoustic imaging can utilize dynamic receive focusing only. In this paper, we describe the image formation algorithms of the array-based photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging system and present me thods to improve the quality of photoacoustic images. To evaluate the performance of photoacoustic imaging using an array transducer, numerical simulations and phantom experiments were performed. First, to evaluate spatial resolution, a point source was imaged using a combined ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging system. Next, image quality was assessed by imaging tissue imaging phantoms containing a circular inclusion. Finally, the photoacoustic and ultrasound images from the combined imaging system were analyzed. Keywords: Photoacoustic imaging, ultrasound imaging, array transducer, beamforming, image formation, image reconstruction, delay and sum
An expanding role for CD40L and other tumor necrosis factor superfamily ligands in HIV infection.

Immunostimulatory members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily (TNFSF) of ligands are known to be important regulators of the immune system. These trimeric molecules interact with members of the TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) to stimulate immune cells. Of the TNFSF molecules, CD40 ligand (CD40L, also called CD154 or TNFSF5) is the most crucial molecule for activating antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and thereby initiating the immune response. Evidence has accrued indicating that HIV infection either selectively depletes those CD4+ T cells that express CD40L in response to antigen or down-regulates CD40L expression by these cells. Because CD40L expression is necessary for the immune defense against HIV and opportunistic infections, an insufficiency of CD40L could contribute to the progression of AIDS. CD40L contributes to the antiviral mechanisms of the host by inducing anti-HIV β-chemokines and activating CD8+ T cells. However, CD40L stimulation can lead to enhanced HIV replication under certa...
SPECTINOMYCIN-RESISTANT PENICILLINASE-PRODUCING NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE

Abstract A man who acquired gonococcal urethritis in the Philippines was not cured by repeated treatment with spectinomycin. Culture of a post-treatment urethral specimen grew penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) which was resistant to concentrations of spectinomycin of more than 2048 μg/ml. The bacterial resistance to spectinomycin was probably due to ribosomal changes that are a result of a chromosomal mutation. This is the first known infection caused by PPNG resistant to spectinomycin, an antibiotic widely used to treat PPNG infections.
Eicosanoid Lipid Mediators in Fibrotic Lung Diseases: Ready for Prime Time?

Recognition of a pivotal role for eicosanoids in both normal and pathologic fibroproliferation is long overdue. These lipid mediators have the ability to regulate all cell types and nearly all pathways relevant to fibrotic lung disorders. Abnormal fibroproliferation is characterized by an excess of profibrotic leukotrienes and a deficiency of antifibrotic prostaglandins. The relevance of an eicosanoid imbalance is pertinent to diseases involving the parenchymal, airway, and vascular compartments of the lung, and is supported by studies conducted both in humans and animal models. Given the lack of effective alternatives, and the existing and emerging options for therapeutic targeting of eicosanoids, such treatments are ready for prime time.
Differential collagen stain by an acid fuchsin, iron, flavianic acid mixture. A note on ferrous sulfate hematoxylin.

Substitution of flavianic acid (50 mM) or of a stoichiometric mixture of naphthol yellow S and hydrochloric acid, in place of picric acid in Van Gieson type mixtures gives deeper yellow colors to cytoplasm, muscle and erythrocytes. Higher concentrations of acid fuchsin can be used with consequent greater density of collagen fiber staining and improved contrast. The familiar weakening of hematoxylin nuclear stains by exposure to Van Gieson mixtures can be largely avoided by inclusion of 0.1 M ferric chloride in the Van Gieson mixture. Alum hematoxylin can then be used in place of the unstable iron hematoxylin solutions, and the iron hematoxylin effect is attained by the iron postmordanting in the Van Gieson bath. A ten minute prestain in an alum hematoxylin containing 0.5% hematoxylin is adequate but density can be enhanced by longer staining or by staining at higher temperature; 5–10 min at 60°C is suggested. The iron containing flavianic or picric acid Van Gieson staining baths should be restricted to three minutes; longer exposures gradually weaken nuclear staining. Substitution of 0.1 M copper sulfate for the iron in the Van Gieson bath also yields dark gray to black nuclei. Aluminum chloride (0.1 M) has an effect similar to the control hydrochloric acid, while the chromium ion seems quite inferior, even to the control HCl mixture. A ferrous sulfate hematoxylin ripened overnight with a small amount of ferric chloride gives excellent progressive nuclear staining, adequate in 2–5 minutes, and not excessive in 30 minutes. The solution gradually deteriorates in 6–8 weeks.
Parties and Pressure Groups in Weimar and Bonn

In the last forty years, Germany has had three radically different political systems. In each case, the party system, better than any other single index, reflects the style of politics of that period. The highly splintered, multiparty system of Weimar mirrors perfectly the extreme ideological dissension and radicalism of postwar German politics. The one-party system of the Third Reich epitomizes the attempt to destroy the individual's traditional social ties and then to absorb him totally in a coordinated movement. Finally, the two-party system of Bonn reflects the growing social and political consensus concerning the more pragmatic and concrete political goals of postHitlerian Germany. Although these three political systems are intimately related, the main question for us is why the democratic party systems of Weimar and Bonn are so different. The party systems are unintelligible, however, without an understanding of the patterns of pressure-group politics as well.
Concentration and Size Distribution of Ultrafine Particles Near a Major Highway

Motor vehicle emissions usually constitute the most significant source of ultrafine particles (diameter <0.1 microm) in an urban environment, yet little is known about the concentration and size distribution of ultrafine particles in the vicinity of major highways. In the present study, particle number concentration and size distribution in the size range from 6 to 220 nm were measured by a condensation particle counter (CPC) and a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS), respectively. Measurements were taken 30, 60, 90, 150, and 300 m downwind, and 300 m upwind, from Interstate 405 at the Los Angeles National Cemetery. At each sampling location, concentrations of CO, black carbon (BC), and particle mass were also measured by a Dasibi CO monitor, an aethalometer, and a DataRam, respectively. The range of average concentration of CO, BC, total particle number, and mass concentration at 30 m was 1.7-2.2 ppm, 3.4-10.0 microg/m3, 1.3-2.0 x 10(5)/cm3, and 30.2-64.6 microg/m3, respectively. For the conditions of these measurements, relative concentrations of CO, BC, and particle number tracked each other well as distance from the freeway increased. Particle number concentration (6-220 nm) decreased exponentially with downwind distance from the freeway. Data showed that both atmospheric dispersion and coagulation contributed to the rapid decrease in particle number concentration and change in particle size distribution with increasing distance from the freeway. Average traffic flow during the sampling periods was 13,900 vehicles/hr. Ninety-three percent of vehicles were gasoline-powered cars or light trucks. The measured number concentration tracked traffic flow well. Thirty meters downwind from the freeway, three distinct ultrafine modes were observed with geometric mean diameters of 13, 27, and 65 nm. The smallest mode, with a peak concentration of 1.6 x 10(5)/cm3, disappeared at distances greater than 90 m from the freeway. Ultrafine particle number concentration measured 300 m downwind from the freeway was indistinguishable from upwind background concentration. These data may be used to estimate exposure to ultrafine particles in the vicinity of major highways.
AN AUTO-CAD-BASED WATERSHED INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR THE HYDROLOGIC MODEL HEC-11

: A micro computer based Watershed Information System (W.LS.) is developed to assist in the preparation of input files for the hydrologic simulation model HEC-1. This system consists of three phases. Phase I utilizes the capabilities of AutoCAD version 9 and three programs, BASINS, PLANES, and CHANNELS, to extract, organize, and display watershed data. Phase II uses the program CN to calculate some HEC-1 parameter values. Phase II utilizes the program HECUPDATE to create HEC-1 input files. The system input includes topographic, soils, land use, watershed geometry data, and a skeletal HEC-1 input file. Output from the system includes a summary User Reference File, a Soils File, a Land Use File, a Watershed Geometry File, a Curve Number File, and a HEC-1 input file, which is ready to run. The W.I.S. has been applied to Macks Creek Watershed in southwest Idaho.
Current CITE-ings from the popular and trade computing literature

Purpose – This paper aims to play catch up with important articles from this past year with interest and implications for librarians. Design/methodology/approach – The approach adopted in this paper is a literature review. Findings – This paper found that there has been important developments in popular and trade computing literature which will interest librarians. Originality/value – This paper provides an update to the computing literature found in Library Hi Tech News over the previous year.
On the Occurrence of Palpable Spleens in Healthy Newborn Babies and Healthy Infants.

SUMMARY The author gives an account of experiences in further investigations into the occurrence of palpable spleens in healthy new-born infants and in healthy infants below the age of six months. The results were as follows: 1 ) 1060 clinically healthy new-born infants, with birth weights of at least 2 900 g were each examined once during the first week of life to establish the occurrence of palpable spleens. The frequency of positive palpation findings shows an evenly rising tendency up to and including the third day of life, after which it steadily declines step by step. The results agree very well, even when statistically analysed, with a series published earlier by the present author, in which all the children were subjected to daily examinations of the spleen during the first week of life. Both the investigations series thus show that the frequency of positive spleen palpation findings exhibits a statistically verified maximum on the third day after birth. The average frequency of positive palpation findings in the new series is 32.1 ± 1.4 %, the maximal frequency on the third day of life is 45.5 ± 4.0 %. 2 ) Healthy infants, above the new-born age, show a frequency of positive spleen palpation findings which in the case of children younger than three months is 17.7 ± 3.6 % and for children between three and six months is 14.9 ±4.4 %. The former series comprises 113 children, the latter 67. Statistically there is good agreement between the frequency of positive spleen palpation findings in healthy infants below the age of three months and that in children between three and six months of age. 3 ) There is a statistically verified difference between the average frequency of positive spleen palpation findings in healthy new-born infants, on the one hand, and in infants at ages between the new-born period and six months, on the other. Thus in healthy new-born infants a positive spleen palpation finding is considerably more usual than in other infants below the age of six months. 4 ) The author emphasizes the necessity of care and practice in spleen palpation on infant children. Further, the dynamic conditions which characterize the physiological enlargement of the spleen are emphasized. The enlarged spleen found in the case of pathological conditions in the new-born and in healthy infants is often more voluminous and of firmer consistency and therefore easier to observe than in the clinically healthy in the same age-group. Nevertheless in infants which are entirely free from any signs of disease there is not infrequently a relatively large and firm palpable spleen. This is true particularly of the new-born period.
Antigen-Driven Induction of Polyreactive IgM during Intracellular Bacterial Infection

Polyreactivity is well known as a property of natural IgM produced by B-1 cells. We demonstrate that polyreactive IgM is also generated during infection of mice with Ehrlichia muris, a tick-borne intracellular bacterial pathogen. The polyreactive IgM bound self and foreign Ags, including single-stranded and double-stranded DNA, insulin, thyroglobulin, LPS, influenza virus, and Borrelia burgdorferi. Production of polyreactive IgM during infection was Ag driven, not due to polyclonal B cell activation, as the majority of polyreactive IgM recognized ehrlichial Ag(s), including an immunodominant outer membrane protein. Monoclonal polyreactive IgM derived from T cell-independent spleen plasmablasts, which was germline-encoded, also bound cytoplasmic and nuclear Ags in HEp-2 cells. Polyreactive IgM protected immunocompromised mice against lethal bacterial challenge infection. Serum from human ehrlichiosis patients also contained polyreactive and self-reactive IgM. We propose that polyreactivity increases IgM efficacy during infection but may also exacerbate or mollify the response to foreign and self Ags.
Effect of substrates on the structure of polymer interphases: II. Epoxyanhydride adhesives cured against aluminum and copper

Abstract The molecular structure of the interphases formed when a model epoxy anhydride adhesive was cured against 2024 aluminum and copper was determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and reflection—absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIR). Adhesive joints were prepared by curing beams of epoxy against polished substrates at elevated temperatures. When the joints were immersed in liquid nitrogen, the residual stresses were sufficient to enable cracks to be propagated very near the interface, exposing the substrate and adhesive failure surfaces for analysis. Results obtained from XPS and RAIR showed that the anhydride curing agent reacted with the cuprous oxide (Cu 2 O) on the copper substrates. Cuprous ions were removed from the oxide and oxidized, resulting in the formation of a layer of cupric carboxylate salt in the interphase. The anhydride adsorbed onto the surface oxide of the 2024 aluminum substrates, which was mostly Al 2 O 3 , to form a surface carboxylate. However, no metal ions were removed from the oxide and no layer of metal carboxylate was formed. Copper in the 2024 aluminum was mostly in the form of an aluminide below the surface oxide and did not react with the anhydride. Similar results were obtained when films of the anhydride were applied to copper and 2024 aluminum substrates, heated to elevated temperatures, and rinsed. Thick films of cupric carboxylates were formed on the copper substrates but only surface carboxylates were formed on the 2024 aluminum.
Route Design for UAV-based Data Ferries in Delay Tolerant Wireless Networks

The Ferrying communication model has been proposed as a viable means of enabling delay-tolerant packet transport in intermittently connected networks. In this paper we analyze algorithms for finding an optimal ferry route through a network of stationary task nodes with the goal of minimizing the average packet delay. We show the complexity of the planning problem and prove that a simple Traveling Salesman-based approach does not always yield the optimal solution. We propose to frame the problem in two alternative ways. Our first algorithm is based on queueing theory and gives a probabilistic solution for a static environment. In the second approach we model the ferry route planning problem as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) with finite state and action spaces to capture system variability. Reinforcement learning (RL) can then be applied to find a solution. Preliminary results show that in selected example networks these two algorithms might be able to obtain routes which are superior to routes found using commonly known methods.
An efficient linear scaling method for ab initio calculation of electron density of proteins

We present an efficient linear scaling method for direct calculation of electron density of proteins based on the molecular fractionation with conjugate caps (MFCC) approach. In the present approach, the MFCC method is first applied to computing electron densities of individual protein fragments and conjugate caps (concap). The total electron density of a protein molecule is obtained by summing over all individual electron densities of protein fragments subtracted by electron densities of concap molecules. Similar combination also directly yields electrostatic potential and dipole moment of protein from calculations of separate fragments. Detailed numerical tests on two peptides show that MFCC computed densities and dipole moments are in excellent agreement with those obtained from standard full system calculations at various ab initio levels.
Designing aerial robot sensor suites to account for obscurants

Recent events have proven the utility of aerial robots in search and rescue and military operations performed in near-Earth environments. However, autonomy in such environments is still limited by the robot's ability to perform collision avoidance. Real time, high fidelity maps can be utilized to assist the robot in performing collision avoidance. This paper explores the use of a laser range finder to accomplish real time map building in the presence of obscurants. Experiments were conducted to determine the probabilistic models of the sensor in the presence of rain and fog. These models are then utilized to map obstacles and terrain features in the presence of obscurants. Preliminary results show the implementation of these methods in an aerial vehicle testing facility.
Specific Opposition: Judd’s art and politics

Donald Judd was a sceptic. He objected to impositions on free thinking, especially when set modes of belief interfered with good art or civil liberties. Accurate knowledge about the world, he believed, could only be acquired by subjecting traditionally held beliefs, values and habits of mind to empirical testing. In discussing Judd’s works of art in the context of his empirical aesthetics and anarchist politics, I draw from some eleven archives, addressing, in secession, his materialist scepticism, formal and political anarchy, and Cold War pacifism. In so doing, I show the interdependence of Judd’s art and politics, and explain how both are hostile to conventions of power.
Disordered Semiconductors with Controllable Properties

Techniques have been developed that provide disordered semiconducting materials having energy band tails arid electronic properties that are precisely controllable. The materials are heavily doped, closely compensated n-GaAs in which the compensation ratio can be made arbitrarily close to 1. Thus the Fermi level can be controlled within the band tail. This allows measurement of various electrical transport properties as functions of energy. There are many similarities to amorphous semiconductors but with controllability that those materials do not have. Clear evidence is found for progressively greater localization of electrons of lower energy, i.e., no sharp mobility edge. Detailed measurements show an important disagreement with theoretical predictions for the temperature dependence of the conductivity at low temperatures. A very strong dependence of the conductivity on electric field strength is found, with the nonohmic behavior extending down to a few V/cm at 4.2 K. These various properties offer applications in precision thermometry and voltage surge suppression but not as nonvolatile, bistable switches.
Nine-month-olds' shared visual attention as a function of gesture and object location.

Abstract Two factors hypothesized to affect shared visual attention in 9-month-olds were investigated in two experiments. In Experiment 1, we examined the effects of different attention-directing actions (looking, looking and pointing, and looking, pointing and verbalizing) on 9-month-olds’ engagement in shared visual attention. In Experiment 1 we also varied target object locations (i.e., in front, behind, or peripheral to the infant) to test whether 9-month-olds can follow an adult’s gesture past a nearby object to a more distal target. Infants followed more elaborate parental gestures to targets within their visual field. They also ignored nearby objects to follow adults’ attention to a peripheral target, but not to targets behind them. In Experiment 2, we rotated the parent 90° from the infant’s midline to equate the size of the parents’ head turns to targets within as well as outside the infants’ visual field. This manipulation significantly increased infants’ looking to target objects behind them, however, the frequency of such looks did not exceed chance. The results of these two experiments are consistent with perceptual and social experience accounts of shared visual attention.
Dissolution of uranyl microprecipitates in subsurface sediments at Hanford Site, USA

The dissolution of uranium was investigated from contaminated sediments obtained at the US. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) Hanford site. The uranium existed in the sediments as uranyl silicate microprecipitates in fractures, cleavages, and cavities within sediment grains. Uranium dissolution was studied in Na, Na-Ca, and NH4 electrolytes with pH ranging from 7.0 to 9.5 under ambient CO2 pressure. The rate and extent of uranium dissolution was influenced by uranyl mineral solubility, carbonate concentration, and mass transfer rate from intraparticle regions. Dissolved uranium concentration reached constant values within a month in electrolytes below pH 8.2, whereas concentrations continued to rise for over 200 d at pH 9.0 and above. The steady-state concentrations were consistent with the solubility of Na-boltwoodite and/or uranophane, which exhibit similar solubility under the experimental conditions. The uranium dissolution rate increased with increasing carbonate concentration, and was initially fast. It decreased with time as solubility equilibrium was attained, or dissolution kinetics or mass transfer rate from intraparticle regions became rate-limiting. Microscopic observations indicated that uranium precipitates were distributed in intragrain microfractures with variable sizes and connectivity to particle surfaces. Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopic change of the uranyl microprecipitates was negligible during the long-term equilibration, indicating that uranyl speciation was not changed by dissolution. A kinetic model that incorporated mineral dissolution kinetics and grain-scale, fracture-matrix diffusion was developed to describe uranium release rate from the sediment. Model calculations indicated that 50–95% of the precipitated uranium was associated with fractures that were in close contact with the aqueous phase. The remainder of the uranium was deeply imbedded in particle interiors and exhibited effective diffusivities that were over three orders of magnitude lower than those in the fractures.
Beneficial effect of lidocaine on ventricular electrical stability and spontaneous ventricular fibrillation during experimental myocardial infarction.

Several studies have questioned the efficacy of lidocaine in reducing the incidence of ventricular fibrillation shortly after acute myocardial infarction when arrhythmogenic mechanisms may be different from those operative several hours later. To determine whether lidocaine inhibits the occurrence of early ventricular fibrillation, the left anterior descending and septal coronary arteries were occluded at their origins in open chest anesthetized dogs. Fourteen of 16 control dogs died with ventricular fibrillation. Fifteen dogs received two different dose regimens of lidocaine before coronary occlusion. Of the 11 treated dogs maintaining lidocaine blood levels within the accepted therapeutic range (1.2 to 5.5 μg/ml), 6 survived (P < 0.05). Five dogs received the larger dose; all died, four having blood levels of 6.3 μg/ml or greater at the time of death. Ventricular fibrillation threshold also increased in six of eight dogs when lidocaine was administered after coronary occlusion. It is concluded that lidocaine at blood levels of 1.2 to 5.5 μg/ml significantly reduces the incidence of ventricular fibrillation early after coronary occlusion. Administration of this agent therefore may be of particular value in the early phase of acute myocardial infarction.
Identification of an archaeal 2-hydroxy acid dehydrogenase catalyzing reactions involved in coenzyme biosynthesis in methanoarchaea.

Two putative malate dehydrogenase genes, MJ1425 and MJ0490, from Methanococcus jannaschii and one from Methanothermus fervidus were cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and their gene products were tested for the ability to catalyze pyridine nucleotide-dependent oxidation and reduction reactions of the following α-hydroxy–α-keto acid pairs: (S)-sulfolactic acid and sulfopyruvic acid; (S)-α-hydroxyglutaric acid and α-ketoglutaric acid; (S)-lactic acid and pyruvic acid; and 1-hydroxy-1,3,4,6-hexanetetracarboxylic acid and 1-oxo-1,3,4,6-hexanetetracarboxylic acid. Each of these reactions is involved in the formation of coenzyme M, methanopterin, coenzyme F420, and methanofuran, respectively. Both the MJ1425-encoded enzyme and the MJ0490-encoded enzyme were found to function to different degrees as malate dehydrogenases, reducing oxalacetate to (S)-malate using either NADH or NADPH as a reductant. Both enzymes were found to use either NADH or NADPH to reduce sulfopyruvate to (S)-sulfolactate, but the Vmax/Km value for the reduction of sulfopyruvate by NADH using the MJ1425-encoded enzyme was 20 times greater than any other combination of enzymes and pyridine nucleotides. Both the M. fervidus and the MJ1425-encoded enzyme catalyzed the NAD+-dependent oxidation of (S)-sulfolactate to sulfopyruvate. The MJ1425-encoded enzyme also catalyzed the NADH-dependent reduction of α-ketoglutaric acid to (S)-hydroxyglutaric acid, a component of methanopterin. Neither of the enzymes reduced pyruvate to (S)-lactate, a component of coenzyme F420. Only the MJ1425-encoded enzyme was found to reduce 1-oxo-1,3,4,6-hexanetetracarboxylic acid, and this reduction occurred only to a small extent and produced an isomer of 1-hydroxy-1,3,4,6-hexanetetracarboxylic acid that is not involved in the biosynthesis of methanofuran c. We conclude that the MJ1425-encoded enzyme is likely to be involved in the biosynthesis of both coenzyme M and methanopterin.
Conceptualising teachers’ advocacy as comedic trickster behaviour: Implications for teacher education

The conception of a comedic hero as a trickster functions as a useful trope for evaluating the attempts teachers make as advocates in schools. The specific elements of the trope that the authors find useful are (a) comedy as a space where the absurd mingles with the tragic; (b) resurrection or bringing forward from the dead as major plot device; and (c) the goal of societal integration. These elements of the comedic trickster trope are used to interpret three narratives of teacher advocacy in a junior high school. By analysing these narratives of advocacy in the frame of the comedic trickster, the authors argue that current teacher education practices described in research literature provide little guidance for how teacher candidates moving into school systems can develop and proactively maintain a stance of advocacy in their interactions with students and colleagues. Teacher candidates are not being prepared to handle absurdity, tragedy, resurrection, or the integration of students. Further, the authors assert practicing teachers who engage in advocacy in the frame of a comedic trickster are in danger of succumbing to an ironic plotline where they are unable to do what they want to and know they should. Acknowledging the presence of comedic tricksters might open up spaces for practicing teachers to write new stories of themselves as advocates and avoid the entrapment of irony.
Using epigenetic reprogramming to target triple-negative breast cancer

e14565 Background: The outcome for patients with breast cancer has been significantly improved by the use of targeted agents. The prognosis of triple negative (TN) breast cancers, which do not expr...
Dynamic 3D graphics workload characterization and the architectural implications

Although PC-class 3D graphics hardware has made significant strides in the last several years, the underlying architectural design principles are still generally considered as a black art. The quantitative approach prevalent in mainstream computer architecture design is rarely applied, at least as far as publicly available research literature is concerned. One main reason for this deficiency is the absence of a detailed workload characterization of 3D applications. This paper reports the results of a dynamic 3D workload characterization effort, which focuses on interactive 3D applications spanning multiple frames. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first such studies that have ever been attempted. In addition, whenever possible, this paper presents the empirical workload characteristics in the light of their architectural implications and detailed design trade-offs. In particular, the paper discusses quantitatively the extent to which the workload impacts graphics architecture features such as rasterization pipeline, frame buffer design, texture memory management and system bus design.
Protecting Your Communications

This article discusses intellectual property considerations as they pertain to lawyers, specifically focusing on trademark and copyright issues.
Frictional Behavior and Topography of Porous Polyurethane on Copper and Silicon Dioxide Articulating Contacts

Frictional behavior and topographical changes of material surfaces with applications in the microelectronics industry were experimentally observed. This work was performed to unveil trends in tribological characteristics of porous polyurethane material separately against copper and silicon dioxide materials typically found in integrated circuit (IC) polishing manufacturing processes. A linear reciprocating tribometer was utilized to translate the loaded contact of the polymer and contacting materials in the presence of a colloidal silica slurry. Contact forces were monitored throughout the experiments while surface topography of contacting surfaces was quantified using profilometry. Trials of polishing experiments were performed through a range of normal pressures and velocities to identify trends of interest, which are important in polishing. Coefficients of friction (COFs) between the polymer and contacting materials showed a decreasing trend with increasing polishing time and distance traveled. The copper and polymer material contacts were found to have a lower COF than that for the silicon dioxide and polymer contacts. Surface roughness of the polymer showed a general decreasing trend with increasing polishing time. This trend indicates a potential correlation between polymer surface roughness and the COF between the polymer and contacting materials. Evolution of the surface roughness of the materials differed depending on the direction along which topography was measured. An uncertainty analysis of the quantified parameters was conducted to provide knowledge in the confidence of the experimental results. Tribological behavior of the porous polyurethane and copper and silicon dioxide contacts is gathered from this experimental work for more complete characterization of the material.
Direct Photomicrography of Air-Borne Droplets

A photomicrographic method for the measurement of air-borne droplets is described. The droplets are photographed naturally suspended in air. Axial illumination is provided by a repetitive light source of high intensity. nark field illumination is used to permit multiple exposures on a single negative. A magnification of 250 times on the negative is obtained by a microscope objective and ocular mounted in a tube attached to the camera. Droplets as small as 2 μ in diameter may be measured directly from the negative, from prints made of the negative, or by projection on a screen. The size of droplets determined by means of the camera were demonstrated to compare in accuracy with measurements made by common microscope techniques. The droplets used for comparison were of uniform size and were produced by a mechanical generator, the construction and operation of which is described.
Lifelong occupational exposures and hearing loss among elderly Latino Americans aged 65-75 years.

AbstractObjective: The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between occupational exposures and hearing among elderly Latino Americans. Design: A descriptive, correlational design used for this secondary analysis with the data from the Sacramento Area Latino Study of Aging (SALSA). Study sample: A total of 547 older adults were included. Results: A majority of participants (58%) reported occupational exposures to loud noise and/or ototoxic chemicals. About 65% and over 90% showed hearing loss at low and high frequencies, respectively. Participants with occupational exposure to loud noise and/or ototoxic chemicals were, significantly, two times more likely to have hearing loss at high frequencies compared to those without exposure (OR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.17 = 4.51, p = .016), after controlling for other risk factors of hearing loss such as age, gender, household income, current smoking, and diabetes. However, lifelong occupational exposure was not significantly associated with hearing loss a...
Differences between mouse and rat pancreatic islets: succinate responsiveness, malic enzyme, and anaplerosis

Succinic acid methyl esters are potent insulin secretagogues in rat pancreatic islets, but they do not stimulate insulin release in mouse islets. Unlike rat and human islets, mouse islets lack malic enzyme and, therefore, are unable to form pyruvate from succinate-derived malate for net synthesis of acetyl-CoA. Dimethyl-[2,3-(14)C]succinate is metabolized in the citric acid cycle in mouse islets to the same extent as in rat islets, indicating that endogenous acetyl-CoA condenses with oxaloacetate derived from succinate. However, without malic enzyme, the net synthesis from succinate of the citric acid cycle intermediates citrate, isocitrate, and alpha-ketoglutarate cannot occur. Glucose and other nutrients that augment alpha-ketoglutarate formation are secretagogues in mouse islets with potencies similar to those in rat islets. All cycle intermediates can be net-synthesized from alpha-ketoglutarate. Rotenone, an inhibitor of site I of the electron transport chain, inhibits methyl succinate-induced insulin release in rat islets even though succinate oxidation forms ATP at sites II and III of the respiratory chain. Thus generating ATP, NADH, and anaplerosis of succinyl-CoA plus the four-carbon dicarboxylic acids of the cycle and its metabolism in the citric acid cycle is insufficient for a fuel to be insulinotropic; it must additionally promote anaplerosis of alpha-ketoglutarate or two intermediates interconvertible with alpha-ketoglutarate, citrate, and isocitrate.
Analogs of parathion and malathion as substitute insecticides for the control of resistant house flies and the mosquito Culex tarsalis.

Various alkyl analogs of parathion and malathion were tested as substitutes and as additives to their parent insecticides for the control of resistant house flies, Musca domestica L., and the mosquito Culex tarsalis Coquillet. Many of the analogs were of nearly equal toxicity to susceptible and resistant house fly strains; they were effective also when used in combination with parathion or malathion. The diisopropyl analogs were outstanding in both respects. With malathion-resistant C. tarsalis , alkyl analogs of malathion were not effective either as substitutes or in combination with malathion, but carbomethyl analogs of malathion and malaoxon, as reported previously, were of similar toxicity to susceptible and resistant strains.
Evaluation Methods of Human Resource Value in Petroleum Enterprises

Human resource has been regarded as an important resource which can bring huge economic value to the en- terprise.But its application in petroleum enterprise is still at primary stage.This paper researches on the evaluation methods of human resource value according to the features of petroleum enterprises,pointing out the evaluation methods of human resource value adaptable to the features of petroleum enterprises.
Cardiovascular effects of dobutamine during exercise in dogs

To test the hypothesis that stimulation of adrenergic receptors in the heart is maximal during maximal exercise, and to determine whether generalized stimulation of adrenergic receptors during strenuous exercise produces significant alterations in the normal regional distribution of blood flow that occurs during exercise, we evaluated the cardiovascular effects of the infusion of dobutamine (40 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) in mongrel dogs during treadmill running. During maximal exercise, the dobutamine infusion resulted in a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in heart rate. Exercise capacity, total body O2 consumption (VO2), and maximal arteriovenous O2 difference, however, each were reduced during the infusion of this drug. A concomitant reduction in maximal blood flow to locomotive skeletal muscle occurred. The infusion of dobutamine also resulted in an increase in heart rate at a strenuous level of submaximal exercise. However, unlike during maximal exercise, VO2 was unchanged. Blood flow to locomotive skeletal muscle increased, and there was a concomitant reduction in arteriovenous O2 difference. Blood flow reductions that normally occur in splanchnic circulations during strenuous and during maximal exercise were generally somewhat attenuated during the infusion of this drug. Thus, dobutamine, a sympathomimetic agent, produces significant cardiovascular effects when infused in high doses during exercise. Our results demonstrate that beta-adrenergic receptor reserve exists in the heart during maximal exercise in dogs. In addition, the peripheral responses that occur during the infusion of the drug provide additional evidence that different degrees of adrenergic receptor reserve normally appear to be present within different regional circulations during strenuous and during maximal exercise.
Poor survival in stage IIB/C (T4N0) compared to stage IIIA (T1-2 N1, T1N2a) colon cancer persists even after adjusting for adequate lymph nodes retrieved and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy

A survival paradox between Stage IIB/C and Stage IIIA colon cancers exists. It is unclear how adequate lymph nodes dissection (LN) and post-surgery chemotherapy contribute to the survival paradox. We intended to assess the impact of these two factors on the survival paradox. We evaluated 34,999 patients diagnosed with stage IIIA or stage IIB/C colon cancer in 2003–2012 from the National Cancer Data Base. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 73.5 % for stage IIIA and 51.1 % for stage IIB/C (P < 0.0001). The 5-year OS was 84.1 % for stage IIIA with post-surgery chemotherapy, 70.8 % for stage IIB/C with ≥ 12 LNs retrieved with chemotherapy, 53.9 % for stage IIB/C < 12 LNs with chemotherapy, 49.5 % for stage IIIA without chemotherapy, 43.7 % for stage IIB/C ≥ 12 LNs retrieved without chemotherapy, to 27.7 % for stage IIB/C < 12 LNs without chemotherapy. Even among stage IIB/C who had optimal treatment (≥12 LNs retrieved, received chemotherapy), OS remains lower than stage IIIA with chemotherapy. After adjusting LN dissection and chemotherapy in addition to the adjustment of other clinical factors, the survival paradox was reduced from HR = 1.76 (95 % CI: 1.68–1.85) to HR 1.51 (95 % CI: 1.44–1.59). LN dissection and post-surgery chemotherapy partially explained the survival paradox. More research is warranted to identify other factors that contribute to this paradox. Future iteration of TNM staging system should take this into consideration.