cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Consolidation and swelling behavior of major clay minerals and their mixtures

One of the most important geotechnical properties of a soil mass is compressibility. Compressibility is widely used in the design of the geotechnical structures including but not limited to foundations, embankments, dams and landfills. Previously, various researchers proposed numerous equations to estimate the compression index of a soil mass with other soil properties such as liquid limit, initial void ratio, void ratio at liquid limit, specific gravity or a combination of the above parameters. Almost every article in the literature concluded that the mineral composition and initial moisture content greatly influence the compression index of a soil mass. However, little research has been done on the compression index under an environment of controlled mineralogy and initial moisture content. Fifty-five different soil specimens composed of mixtures of montmorillonite, kaolinite, illite and quartz were prepared in the laboratory at an initial moisture content equal to their corresponding liquid limits. The results showed that the Intrinsic Compression Line (ICL) was unique for each dominating clay mineral. Furthermore, the compression index and swelling index exhibited good correlations with the initial void ratio, the liquid limit, and the plasticity index. Equations were proposed to estimate the compression and the swelling index of a soil mass using the liquid limit. The compression and the swelling indices for eighty-two natural specimens were estimated using the proposed equations and were found to be similar to the measured values. Moreover, triangular correlation charts relating the mineral composition to the compression index as well as the swelling index were developed to estimate the compression and the swelling indices of a soil mass.
Database driven, dynamic content delivery: providing and managing access to online resources using Microsoft Access and Active Server Pages

As the number of online journals, databases, and indexing and abstracting services continues to grow on the Internet, it is important that libraries find efficient ways to manage and provide access to these resources. By utilizing database driven dynamic content delivery technology, library Web administrators can obtain numerous management benefits over a static HTML site. Presents an efficient model using Microsoft Access database software and an ASP (Active Server Pages) scripting method to manage and deliver the University of Arkansas Library’s electronic subscription services. Benefits include centralized data management and maintenance, streamlined administration, customized content, and improved response to simultaneous user access. Web server platforms, programming skill levels, and data storage limitations are also discussed. A single MS Access database utilizing two relational tables is used as an example to demonstrate the underlying database organization.
The Pineal Gland: Basic Implications and Clinical Correlations

Introduction THE PINEAL gland has received increasing interest from investigators during the past decade. As the pineal has become more intensively investigated, its involvement in the modulation of specific endocrine systems, in particular the gonadal system, has become more clearly delineated. Due to the obvious difficulty in obtaining human material with which to work, investigators by necessity have concentrated their efforts in determining pineal gland function by utilizing a number of subhuman mammals, primarily the rat and the hamster. This review will discuss the historical literature relevant to the pineal gland, the anatomy of the pineal gland including neural and vascular connections, and the histological appearance of the vertebrate pineal gland. The biologically active substances which have been identified within the pineal gland will be discussed, with particular emphasis on the synthesis of melatonin and the photoperiodic and hormonal modulation of melatonin synthesis. Evidence which is cur...
Correlation between ultrafast transient photomodulation spectroscopy and organic photovoltaic solar cell efficiency based on RR-P3HT/PCBM blends

Ultrafast transient spectroscopy was applied to various films of regio-regular polythiophene (RR-P3HT, donor-D) and C60 derivative (PCBM, acceptor-A) blends, in conjunction with organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar cell fabrication and evaluation based on the same blends, for investigating the existence of a correlation between the device efficiency and the transient photophysics characteristics. For our transient spectroscopy measurements we used the ps pump–probe transient photomodulation (PM) technique having a unique probe spectral range in the mid-IR (0.25–1.05 eV). We found that the transient PM spectra contain photoinduced absorption bands of excitons in the donor polymer, charge transfer excitons (CTE) at the D–A interfaces, and free polarons. We compared the relative density of photogenerated CTE in D–A blends having various D–A weight ratio with the photocurrent density of fabricated solar cells based on the same blends. We found that the dissociation of CTE into free charges correlates well with the optoelectronic measurements of the corresponding solar cell. The more efficient CTE dissociation occurs in films having the optimum D–A weight ratio (which is 1.2:1 for the P3HT/PCBM system) that shows the highest OPV power conversion efficiency; this is due to the lowest CTE binding energy for this blend that results from the most suitable D- and A- grain sizes. We also show that the exciton lifetime is the shortest for the optimum blend, and this helps boosting the device efficiency by reducing energy loss.
Promoter Methylation in Prostate Cancer and its Application for the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer Using Serum and Urine Samples

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men. However, prostate cancer can be effectively treated and cured, if it is diagnosed in its early stages when the tumor is still confined to the prostate. Combined with the digital rectal examination, the PSA test has been widely used to detect prostate cancer. But, the PSA screening method for early detection of prostate cancer is not reliable due to the high prevalence of false positive and false negative results. Epigenetic alterations including hypermethylation of gene promoters are believed to be the early events in neoplastic progression and thus these methylated genes can serve as biomarkers for the detection of cancer from clinical specimens. This review discusses DNA methylation of several gene promoters during prostate carcinogenesis and evaluates the usefulness of monitoring methylated DNA sequences, such as GSTP1, RASSF1A, RARβ2 and galectin-3, for early detection of prostate cancer in tissue biopsies, serum and urine.
Antinociception following opioid stimulation of the basolateral amygdala is expressed through the periaqueductal gray and rostral ventromedial medulla

The amygdala, periaqueductal gray (PAG), and rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) are critical for the expression of some forms of stress-related changes in pain sensitivity. In barbiturate anesthetized rats, microinjection of agonists for the mu opioid receptor into the amygdala results in inhibition of the tail flick (TF) reflex evoked by radiant heat. We tested the idea that TF inhibition following opioid stimulation of the amygdala is expressed through a serial circuit which includes the PAG and RVM. Rats were anesthetized and prepared for microinjection of DAMGO (0.5 microg/0.25 microl) into the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and lidocaine HCl (2.5%/0.4-0.5 microl) into either the ventrolateral PAG or RVM. Lidocaine did not significantly alter baseline values for TF latency or TF amplitude. When injected into the PAG prior to DAMGO application in the BLA, lidocaine significantly attenuated DAMGO-induced antinociception for the entire 40 min testing session. Similar treatment in the RVM also resulted in an attenuation of antinociception although rats showed significant recovery of TF inhibition by 40 min after lidocaine injection. Since acute injection of lidocaine into the RVM also affected baseline heart rate, separate animals were prepared with small electrolytic lesions placed in the RVM. Chronic RVM lesions also blocked TF inhibition produced by amygdala stimulation but did not affect heart rate. These results, when taken together with similar findings in awake behaving animals, suggest that a neural circuit which includes the amygdala, PAG, and RVM is responsible for the expression of several forms of hypoalgesia in the rat.
On error estimates of the projection methods for the Navier-Stokes equations: second-order schemes

We present in this paper a rigorous error analysis of several projection schemes for the approximation of the unsteady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. The error analysis is accomplished by interpreting the respective projection schemes as second-order time discretizations of a perturbed system which approximates the Navier-Stokes equations. Numerical results in agreement with the error analysis are also presented.
Role of interleukin-1 inhibitory molecules in therapy of acute and chronic myelogenous leukemia.

The poor outcome of conventional therapy of acute and chronic myelogenous leukemias (AML and CML) has prompted several groups to investigate new therapeutic directions. Data from various laboratories, including our own, indicate that both normal and leukemia precursors proliferate in response to growth factors. Furthermore, it has been shown that AML blasts, low-density cells from CML patients with advanced disease, and cultured bone marrow-adherent layers from CML blast crisis patients produce interleukin 1 (IL-1); this molecule may play a pivotal role in driving leukemia cell proliferation through autocrine or paracrine pathways. We have therefore hypothesized that interruption of the IL-1-mediated growth-stimulatory mechanism may suppress leukemia precursor multiplication. In searching for IL-1-inhibitory molecules that may be used clinically, we have investigated the in vitro effects of various IL-1 inhibitors including IL-1 receptor antagonist, soluble IL-1 receptors, and interleukin 4. Our studies s...
Developing Neo-Fordism: A Comparative Perspective:

The current social reorganization of production centers around a move toward greater flexibilization in the workplace and the casualization of the labor force. As was true for prior changes in labor law, the degree and nature of legislative initiatives reflect the strength of competing interests between capital and labor in the policy arena. By detailing both how some states have been historically more or less proactive and how labor has been more or less successful in shaping the process, this paper compares the development of neo-Fordist regimes in Sweden, Japan, Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Wrapping In Images: Tattooing in Polynesia

Wrapping In Images: Tattooing in Polynesia. ALFRED GELL. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1993. xi + 347 pp., diagrams, figures, tables, bibliography, Index.
Image-sharpness criterion for space-variant imaging

Image-sharpness criteria studied previously have depended on the assumption of the spatial stationarity of the point-spread function of the degrading medium plus the imaging lens system. If this assumption does not hold, the sharpness criteria no longer necessarily reach their extrema when system aberrations are zero. A criterion has been constructed that avoids this dependency, although at the expense of requiring information that is unnecessary in the spatially stationary case. After the instantaneous degraded image is filtered with a transfer function that is equal to or slightly greater than the transfer function of the degrading medium, the resulting image must be equal to the long-term-averaged image. The instantaneous image before modification is therefore diffraction limited or almost diffraction limited. The criterion may be applied locally.
Thermal shock residual strength of functionally graded ceramics

Abstract When subjected to severe thermal shocks functionally graded ceramics (FGCs) suffer strength degradation due to microcrack growth, coalescence and macrocrack propagation induced by the shocks. This paper presents a thermo-fracture mechanics model to study the residual strength behavior of thermally shocked FGCs. It is assumed that thermal shock damage mainly results from the extension of a pre-existing edge crack initially located at the thermally shocked surface of an FGC specimen. Thermal shock threshold, or the critical thermal shock that causes precipitous strength drop, is determined. The paper describes applications of the model to calculate the thermal shock residual strength of FGCs as a function of thermal shock severity. Two FGC systems, i.e., Al2O3/Si3N4 and TiC/SiC FGCs are considered in the numerical studies. The numerical results show that material gradation profile has a pronounced effect on the thermal shock threshold and the thermal shock residual strength of FGCs.
Efficacy of immediate and delayed cognitive and physical rest for treatment of sports-related concussion.

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of cognitive and physical rest for the treatment of concussion. Study design High school and collegiate athletes (N = 49) underwent post-concussion evaluations between April 2010 and September 2011 and were prescribed at least 1 week of cognitive and physical rest. Participants were assigned to groups on the basis of the time elapsed between sustaining a concussion and the onset of rest (1-7 days, 8-30 days, 31+ days). Main outcome measures included Concussion Symptom Scale ratings and scores on the 4 composite indices of the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing measure, both before and following rest. Mixed-factorial design ANOVA were used to compare changes on the dependent measures within and between groups. Results Participants showed significantly improved performance on Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing and decreased symptom reporting following prescribed cognitive and physical rest ( P P = .44). Conclusion These preliminary data suggest that a period of cognitive and physical rest may be a useful means of treating concussion-related symptoms, whether applied soon after a concussion or weeks to months later.
Modeling the response function of dual-enzyme microbiosensors.

A general theoretical model for competitive dual-enzyme microbiosensors based on self-assembled monolayers (SAM) is presented. The model is derived for amperometric dual-enzyme ATP sensors and provides excellent agreement with experimental ATP measurements at 25 μm diameter microelectrodes. In this model, the statistical probability of a glucose molecule in competition between two enzymes, glucose oxidase (GOD)/hexokinase (HEX), at the ATP sensor surface is combined with the enzymatic reaction rate. Thereby, a simple model predicting the sensor signal for varying surface concentrations of GOD and HEX, glucose concentration, and ATP concentration is obtained. Excellent agreement of the predicted current signal with experimentally obtained sensor signals was achieved at ATP concentrations between 10 and 300 μM in a buffer containing glucose at physiologically relevant levels. Consequently, the development time for new dual-enzyme biosensors can be reduced, and an analytical model for the sensor response fun...
Xe+-irradiation effects on multilayer thin-film optical surfaces in EUV lithography

Abstract In extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) environments, transient plasma dynamics dictate conditions for particle/surface interactions. A critical challenge facing EUVL development is optical component lifetime in both gas-discharge-produced plasmas (DPP) and laser-produced plasma (LPP) devices. Optical components are exposed to impinging fast ions and neutrals, impurities (H, C, O, N) and debris, leading to component degradation and consequently limiting 13.5-nm light reflection intensity. This paper studies Xe + irradiation-induced mechanisms that affect the performance of EUVL multilayer collector mirror surfaces. Irradiation conditions include: incident particle energies of 1 keV and 5 keV, Xe + fluences ranging from about 3 × 10 14 –5 × 10 16 Xe + /cm 2 and surface temperatures of 273 K and 473 K. Measurements include in situ quartz crystal microbalance for sputtering rate measurements, ion scattering spectroscopy, X-ray reflectivity and atomic force microscopy. Three distinct erosion regimes for bombardment of MLM with Xe + are: a low Xe + fluence regime below ∼5 × 10 14 Xe + /cm 2 , a moderate regime at fluences between 5 × 10 14 and 5 × 10 16 Xe + /cm 2 and a high fluence regime >10 17 Xe + /cm 2 .
Universality of static properties near the superfluid transition in He 4

We present the results of new analyses of static properties near the superfluid transition in $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ which incorporate recent accurate entropy measurements. They yield a superfluid density exponent $\ensuremath{\zeta}=0.6717\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0004$ at vapor pressure, where the quoted error is 1 standard deviation. This yields a specific-heat exponent $\ensuremath{\alpha}=\ensuremath{-}0.015$ via scaling. We assumed these exponents to be universal (i.e., independent of pressure) in the remainder of the analysis. Their systematic errors are difficult to estimate; therefore we analyzed data at higher pressures with the three values $\ensuremath{\zeta}=0.669, 0.672, \mathrm{and} 0.675$, corresponding to $\ensuremath{\alpha}=\ensuremath{-}0.007, \ensuremath{-}0.016, \mathrm{and} \ensuremath{-}0.025$, respectively, which surely bracket the true values. Regardless of the exponent pair used, pressure-independent results were obtained for all experimentally accessible amplitude combinations that have been predicted to be universal. Specifically, the problem of apparent deviations from two-scale-factor universality along the $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ line has been resolved by the use of the new entropy measurements and this analysis.
The Effect of Hypoxic Preconditioning on Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species Formation in Hypoxic Skeletal Muscle

Exposure to acute hypoxia may stimulate an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation leading to subsequent muscular injuries. Hypoxic preconditioning (HPC), which involves cycles of brief exposure to low and normal oxygen, may alleviate this ROS induced damage. However, the mechanism of HPC has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we hypothesized that HPC can mitigate intramuscular ROS in mouse skeletal muscle during hypoxia. Mouse diaphragm was isolated and loaded with dihydrofluorescein (a fluorescent probe) in order to detect ROS production in real time via confocal microscopy during a hypoxic period. Diaphragm strips were either non-treated (n = 5), treated with HPC (5 cycles; n = 5), or subject to antioxidant treatment (ebselen; n = 4), followed by a 30 min hypoxic exposure (PO2 = 5 Torr). Data were analyzed using a multi-way ANOVA, and expressed as means ± SE. In the control, intracellular ROS levels increased after 20 min of hypoxia, and this increase continued until the end of the 30 min hypoxic exposure. However, there was no substantial ROS formation in muscles treated with either HPC or the antioxidant, ebselen. Our data suggest that HPC suppresses intracellular ROS generation in respiratory skeletal muscle subjected to a hypoxic condition. Thus, we speculate that HPC can be used as a potential drug-free treatment to prevent oxidative injuries in respiratory muscle during hypoxia. Supported by OU General Fund G110, and Research Excellence Fund of Biomedical Research, OSU-HRS Fund 013000.
Reproductive responses to photoperiod persist in olfactory bulbectomized Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus).

In reproductively photoperiodic Syrian hamsters, removal of the olfactory bulbs (OBx) leads to a marked and sustained increase in gonadotrophin secretion which prevents normal testicular regression in short photoperiods. In contrast, among reproductively nonphotoperiodic laboratory strains of rats and mice, bulbectomy unmasks reproductive responses to photoperiod. The role of the olfactory bulbs has been proposed to have opposite effects on responsiveness to photoperiod, depending on the photoperiodicity of the reproductive system; however, Syrian hamsters are the only reproductively photoperiodic rodent species for which the role of the olfactory bulb in reproductive endocrinology has been assessed. This experiment evaluated the role of the olfactory bulbs in the photoperiodic control of reproduction in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus), an established model species for the study of neural substrates mediating seasonality. Relative to control hamsters housed in long days (15 h light/day), exposure of adult male hamsters to short days (9 h light/day) for 8 weeks led to a temporal expansion of the pattern of nocturnal locomotor activity, testicular regression, decreases in testosterone (T) production, and undetectable levels of plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Bilateral olfactory bulbectomy failed to affect any of these responses to short days. The patterns of entrainment to long and short days suggests that pre-pineal mechanisms involved in photoperiodic timekeeping are functioning normally in OBx hamsters. The absence of increases in FSH following bulbectomy in long days is incompatible with the hypothesis that the olfactory bulbs provide tonic inhibition of the HPG axis in this species. In marked contrast to Syrian hamsters, the olfactory bulbs of Siberian hamsters play essentially no role in the modulation of tonic gonadotrophin production or gonadotrophin responses to photoperiod.
Magnetically attachable stencils and the non-destructive analysis of the contribution made by the underlying matrix to cell migration

Cell migration is controlled by the integration of numerous distinct components. Consequently, the analysis of cell migration is advancing towards comprehensive, multifaceted in vitro models. To accurately evaluate the contribution of an underlying substrate to cell motility in complex cellular environments we developed a migration assay using magnetically attachable stencils (MAts). When attached to a culture surface, MAts create a defined void in the cell monolayer without disrupting the cells or damaging the underlying substrate. Quantitative analysis of migration into this void reveals the substrate's contribution to migration. The magnetically-guided placement of a microfabricated stencil allows for full experimental control of the substrate on which migration is analyzed. MAts enable the evaluation of intact, defined matrix, and make it possible to analyze migration on unique surfaces such as micropatterned proteins, nano-textured surfaces, and pliable hydrogels. These studies also revealed that mechanical disruption, including the damage that occurs during scratch assays, diminishes migration and confounds the analysis of individual cell behavior. Analysis of migration on increasingly complex biomaterials reveals that the contribution of the underlying matrix depends not only on its molecular composition but also its organization and the context in which it is presented.
Customer and Supplier Relations for Environmental Performance

This paper examines how relations between customers and suppliers affect environmental performance as indicated by waste reduction in chemical firms. Using a national survey, firm visits and phone interviews with U.S. chemical firms, this analysis suggests that a reciprocal learning process between customers and suppliers occurs as firms exchange information to set and meet environmental requirements. Firms that collaborate with customers tend to collaborate with their suppliers similarly, with the greatest successes in waste reduction occurring in firms that meet their customers’ environmental standards and in turn set standards for their suppliers.
Adoption order of new technologies in evolving markets

Abstract This paper empirically examines the order in which firms adopt new technologies in the computer disk drive industry. I find that large firms and incumbents are more likely to adopt earlier than small ones and entrants when innovation does not rapidly obsolete existing technologies and products. I also find in some cases that small firms and entrants adopt earlier than large ones and incumbents when innovation rapidly obsoletes existing products. These results are consistent with both the economics literature on technology adoption and strategy literature on heterogeneous research capabilities.
Measurements of cold nuclear matter effects on J/ψ in the PHENIX experiment via deuteron–gold collisions

A new calculation of RdAu has been performed using the 2003 d+Au data and the higher-statistics 2005 p+p data. These nuclear modification factors are compared to calculations using nuclear-modified PDFs and a J/ψ breakup cross section is extracted. These values are then used to project the cold nuclear matter effects in Au+Au collisions. Additionally, a more data-driven projection is performed.
Exploring three-dimensional structures of the HIV-1 RNA/tRNALys3 initiation complex

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) uses host tRNA as a primer for reverse transcription of its viral RNA. The 3′ terminal 18 nucleotides of human tRNALys3 are complementary to the primer binding site on the viral RNA. A secondary structure model for the HIV-1 RNA/tRNALys3 initiation complex has been proposed that includes additional base-pairing between the tRNA and the HIV-1 RNA beyond the 18 nucleotides of the primer binding site. Included in these interactions is base-pairing between the anticodon of tRNALys3 and an A-rich loop in the HIV-1 secondary structure. The tRNA and HIV-1 RNA are significantly unfolded from their native structures in order to form the initiation complex proposed in this model. We have found several problems with the proposed secondary structure in our efforts to build a three-dimensional model that is compatible with it. The additional interactions between the tRNA and viral RNA cause the structure to be topologically knotted. This poses a problem for folding of the initiation complex and transcription by reverse transcriptase. We have also not been able to build any all-atom models based on known RNA structures that follow the secondary structure model in the extended tRNA/HIV-1 RNA complex. Finally, beyond the primer binding site interaction, subsequent biochemical and genetic studies have given further insight into the structure of the initiation complex. These results call into question some of the extended HIV-1 RNA/tRNA interactions that have been proposed.
Coliform transport in a pristine reservoir: Modeling and field studies

This paper reports on field studies and model development aimed at understanding coliform fate and transport in the Quabbin Reservoir, an oligotrophic drinking water supply reservoir. An investigation of reservoir currents suggested the importance of wind driven phenomena, and that both lateral and vertical circulation patterns exist. In-situ experiments of coliform decay suggested dependence on light intensity and yielded an appropriate decay coefficient to be used in CE-QUAL-W2, a two-dimensional hydrodynamic and water quality model. Modeling confirmed the sensitivity of reservoir outlet concentration to vertical variability within the reservoir, meteorological conditions, and location of coliform source.
Analysis of the structural and inflow data from the list turbine

The Long-term Inflow and Structural Test (LIST) program is collecting long-term, continuous inflow and structural response data to characterize the spectrum of loads on wind turbines. A heavily instrumented Micon 65/13M turbine with Phoenix 8m blades is being used as the test turbine for the first measurement campaign of this program. This turbine is located in Bushland, TX, a test site that exposes the turbine to a wind regime representative of a Great Plains commercial site. The turbine and inflow are being characterized with 60 measurements: 34 to characterize the inflow, 19 to characterize structural response, and seven to characterize the time-varying state of the turbine. In this paper an analysis of the structural and inflow data is presented. Particular attention is paid to the determination of the various structural loads on the turbine, long-term fatigue spectra and the correlation of various inflow descriptors with fatigue loads. For the latter analysis, the inflow is described by various parameters, including the mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis of the hub-height horizontal wind speed, turbulence intensity, turbulence length scales, Reynolds stresses, local friction velocity, Obukhov length, and the gradient Richardson number The fatigue load spectrum corresponding to these parameters is characterized as an equivalent fatigue load. A regression analysis is then used to determine which parameters are correlated to the fatigue loads. The results illustrate that the vertical component of the inflow is the most important of the secondary inflow parameters with respect to fatigue loads. Long-term fatigue spectra illustrate that extrapolation of relatively short-term data to longer times is consistent for the data reported here.
Is Military Incompetence Adaptive

Abstract Military engagements are categorized as raids or battles, according to whether one or both sides has the opportunity to assess the other. In raids, assessment appears to be accurate. This means that aggressors experience low costs, which allows violence to be adaptive. A commonly reported reason for battles, by contrast, is a failure of assessment: both opponents hold positive illusions and believe they will win. This article asks why this form of battle incompetence occurs. Explanations in terms of individual anomaly or cognitive constraints appear unsatisfactory. Here, I propose two mechanisms by which positive illusions tend to promote victory. First, according to the Performance Enhancement Hypothesis, they suppress negative thoughts or feelings. This applies to both raids and battles. Second, the Opponent-Deception Hypothesis suggests that positive illusions increase the probability of a successful bluff. This applies only to battles. Military incompetence is proposed to be the result of adaptive strategies of self-deception, which unfortunately promote an increased intensity of violence.
Identification of Contractile Vacuole Proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi

Contractile vacuole complexes are critical components of cell volume regulation and have been shown to have other functional roles in several free-living protists. However, very little is known about the functions of the contractile vacuole complex of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, other than a role in osmoregulation. Identification of the protein composition of these organelles is important for understanding their physiological roles. We applied a combined proteomic and bioinfomatic approach to identify proteins localized to the contractile vacuole. Proteomic analysis of a T. cruzi fraction enriched for contractile vacuoles and analyzed by one-dimensional gel electrophoresis and LC-MS/MS resulted in the addition of 109 newly detected proteins to the group of expressed proteins of epimastigotes. We also identified different peptides that map to at least 39 members of the dispersed gene family 1 (DGF-1) providing evidence that many members of this family are simultaneously expressed in epimastigotes. Of the proteins present in the fraction we selected several homologues with known localizations in contractile vacuoles of other organisms and others that we expected to be present in these vacuoles on the basis of their potential roles. We determined the localization of each by expression as GFP-fusion proteins or with specific antibodies. Six of these putative proteins (Rab11, Rab32, AP180, ATPase subunit B, VAMP1, and phosphate transporter) predominantly localized to the vacuole bladder. TcSNARE2.1, TcSNARE2.2, and calmodulin localized to the spongiome. Calmodulin was also cytosolic. Our results demonstrate the utility of combining subcellular fractionation, proteomic analysis, and bioinformatic approaches for localization of organellar proteins that are difficult to detect with whole cell methodologies. The CV localization of the proteins investigated revealed potential novel roles of these organelles in phosphate metabolism and provided information on the potential participation of adaptor protein complexes in their biogenesis.
Robust Model Predictive Control for Integrating Linear Systems with Bounded Parameters

This paper presents two robust model predictive control (MPC) algorithms for linear integrating plants described by a state-space model. The first formulation focuses on steady-state offset whereas the second minimizes output deviations over the entire prediction horizon. The input matrix parameters of the plant are assumed to lie in a set defined by an ellipsoidal bound. Robustness is achieved through the addition of constraints that prevent the sequence of the optimal controller costs from increasing for the true plant. The resulting optimization problems solved at each time step are convex and highly structured. A simulation example compares the performance of these algorithms with those based on minimizing the worst-case controller cost.
Orbit-Orbit Interactions in Atomic Spectra

Empirical spectroscopic evidence suggests the existence of an orbit-orbit interaction between electrons, of the form $\ensuremath{\alpha}{\mathrm{l}}_{1}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{\mathrm{l}}_{2}$, and of a magnitude comparable to the spin-orbit interaction. The direct magnetic interaction is of this form, but previous calculations have yielded too small a magnitude. We suggest that the magnetic interaction is uniquely sensitive to the correlation of the interacting electrons, and that introduction of a reasonable correlation in the wave function may well increase the magnetic interaction to the magnitudes required by the empirical data.
Accuracy of radial basis function interpolation and derivative approximations on 1-D infinite grids

Radial basis function (RBF) interpolation can be very effective for scattered data in any number of dimensions. As one of their many applications, RBFs can provide highly accurate collocation-type numerical solutions to several classes of PDEs. To better understand the accuracy that can be obtained, we survey here derivative approximations based on RBFs using a similar Fourier analysis approach that has become the standard way for assessing the accuracy of finite difference schemes. We find that the accuracy is directly linked to the decay rate, at large arguments, of the (generalized) Fourier transform of the radial function. Three different types of convergence rates can be distinguished as the node density increases – polynomial, spectral, and superspectral, as exemplified, for example, by thin plate splines, multiquadrics, and Gaussians respectively.
Alcoholism, infection and altered host defenses: a review of clinical and experimental observations.

THE INFECTIOUS complications that follow alcohol abuse have been chronicled in the American medical literature since 1785 when Benjamin Rush published ‘An Inquiry into the Effects of Ardent Spirits Upon the Human Body and Mind’ [l]. Among the evils of drink, he described ‘hoarseness and husky cough, which often terminate in consumption, and sometimes in an acute and fatal disease of the lungs . . . . ‘. In reference to yellow fever, he noted ‘hard drinkers seldom escape, and rarely recover from them’. In current medical doctrine, acute alcohol excess, alcoholism, or the resulting liver disease is still considered a major predisposition to infection [2, 31 The world-wide prevalence of alcoholism remains high, and in the United States alone, it is estimated at 5-10 million individuals plus additional ‘problem’ and spree drinkers [4, 51. As a result, the question of increased susceptibility to infection is of considerable importance. To arrive at a satisfactory answer, three investigational approaches have been used. First, epidemiologic studies may be devised to detect an increased prevalence or incidence of infection in alcoholics as compared to a control, non-alcoholic population. Unfortunately, the epidemiologic or statistical foundation of most clinical studies of alcohol and infection has generally been weak or lacking. The mere enumeration of alcoholics present among patients with a specific infection has often been taken as sufficient evidence to establish a relationship. Clearly, for demonstration of an increase in attack rate among alcoholics, comparative figures of infection in non-alcoholics are needed. Preferably both groups should be studied prospectively after careful matching of subjects and controls. Moreover, one must distinguish clearly between incidence and prevalence [6] and must know these rates in both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic segments of the population. By definition, incidence refers to the number of cases of a disease which occur in a known community or population over a given period of time. In contrast, prevalence is defined as the number of cases of disease present in a given community at one moment in time. Both are calculated per unit of population potentially at risk.
Ion mobility–mass spectrometry reveals a conformational conversion from random assembly to β-sheet in amyloid fibril formation

Amyloid cascades leading to peptide β-sheet fibrils and plaques are central to many important diseases. Recently, intermediate assemblies of these cascades were identified as the toxic agents that interact with the cellular machinery. The location and cause of the transformation from natively unstructured assembly to the beta-sheet oligomers found in all fibrils is important in understanding disease onset and the development of therapeutic agents. Research on this early oligomeric region has largely been unsuccessful since all traditional techniques measure only ensemble average oligomer properties. Here, ion mobility methods are utilized to deduce the peptide self-assembly mechanism. We look at a series of amyloid forming peptides clipped from larger peptides or proteins associated with disease. We provide unambiguous evidence for structural transitions in each of these fibril forming peptide systems establishing the potential of this method for the development of therapeutic agents and drug evaluation.
The incompressible limit in linear anisotropic elasticity, with applications to surface waves and elastostatics

Abstract Incompressibility is established for three- and two-dimensional deformations of an anisotropic linearly elastic material, as conditions to be satisfied by the elastic compliances. These conditions make it straightforward to derive results for incompressible materials from those established for compressible materials. As an illustration, the explicit secular equation is obtained for surface waves in incompressible monoclinic materials with the symmetry plane at x 3 =0. This equation also covers the case of incompressible orthotropic materials. The displacements and stresses for surface waves are often expressed in terms of the elastic stiffnesses, which can be unbounded in the incompressible limit. An alternative formalism in terms of the elastic compliances presented recently by Ting (Proc. R. Soc. London (2002), in press) is employed so that surface wave solutions in the incompressible limit can be obtained. A different formalism, also by Ting (Proc. R. Soc. London A 455 (1999) 69), is employed to study the solutions to two-dimensional elastostatic problems. In the special case of incompressible monoclinic materials with the symmetry plane at x 3 =0, one of the three Barnett–Lothe tensors S vanishes while the other two tensors H and L are the inverse of each other. Moreover, H and L are diagonal with the first two diagonal elements being identical. Many interesting physical phenomena can be deduced using this property. For instance, there is no interpenetration of the interface crack surfaces in an incompressible bimaterial. When only the inplane deformation is considered, the image force due to a line dislocation in a half-space or in a bimaterial depends on the magnitude, not on the direction, of the Burgers vector.
Resolving archaeological site data with 3D computer modeling: the case of Ceren

Abstract This paper reports on our experience working with a team of anthropologists to construct three-dimensional computer graphic models of Ceren, an archaeological site in western El Salvador, using inexpensive hardware and software. In constructing the model we discovered various ambiguities and inconsistencies in the raw site data and drawings we were provided. We resolved these problems by analysis and reinterpretation of the data, working closely with our archaeologist collaborator. What began as a simple exercise in rendering developed into a collaborative research effort to understand and interpret the source data. The process of computer modeling forced us to re-examine, analyze and interpret the information from the site.
Development and reproduction of Amblyseius largoensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) feeding on pollen, Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), and other microarthropods inhabiting coconuts in Florida, USA.

The red palm mite, Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), is an important pest of palms (Arecaceae) and other species within the Zingiberaceae, Musaceae and Strelitziaceae families. Raoiella indica was discovered in the USA (Palm Beach and Broward counties, Florida) late in 2007, and it subsequently spread to other Florida counties. The predatory mite Amblyseius largoensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) has been found associated with R. indica in Florida. In order to verify whether A. largoensis can develop and reproduce when feeding exclusively on R. indica, the biology of this predator was evaluated on various food sources, including R. indica. Five diets [R. indica, Tetranychusgloveri¸ Aonidiella orientalis, Nipaecocus nipae, oak (Quercus virginiana) pollen] and a no-food control were tested to determine the predators’ development, survivorship, oviposition rate, sex ratio and longevity at 26.5 ± 1°C, 70 ± 5% RH and a 12:12 L:D photophase. Amblyseius largoensis was able to complete its life cycle and reproduce when fed exclusively on R. indica. The development of immature stages of A. largoensis was faster and fecundity and survivorship were higher when fed on R. indica or T. gloveri compared to the other food sources. The intrinsic rate of natural increase of A. largoensis was significantly higher when fed on R. indica than on other diets. These results suggest that, despite earlier assessments, A. largoensis can play a role in controlling R. indica.
Simultaneous detection of two analytes using a spectroelectrochemical sensor.

Spectroelectrochemical sensors developed in our group achieve three modes of selectivity by combining electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and a chemically selective membrane in a single device. Analyte detection is based upon a change in the optical response due to the conversion of the analyte between two oxidation states that results from the cycling or stepping of the applied potential. We have demonstrated a novel approach to simultaneously detect two metals by combining optical stripping voltammetry for one metal (Pb2+) and the in situ ligand complexation in a film for the other metal (Fe2+). Using an indium tin oxide (ITO) sensor platform with a 50 nm Nafion film to preconcentrate the analytes, equimolar mixtures of Pb2+ and Fe2+ in 0.1 M sodium acetate buffer (pH 5) were detected. Pb2+ was detected by optical stripping voltammetry, in which lead was deposited as metal on the ITO and detected by the optical change as it was removed by stripping. The ferrous ion was detected by the in situ ligand complex...
Effect of hydrodynamic pressure processing on the survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef

Abstract Hydrodynamic pressure processing (HDP), a novel non-thermal technology that uses a small amount of explosive (100 g) to generate a supersonic–hydrodynamic shock wave in a water filled steel container (54 L) was evaluated for inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC) in ground beef. The ground beef was inoculated with a six strain cocktail of E. coli O157:H7 at three different concentrations (10 3 , l0 4 and l0 6 CFU/g). The following strains of E. coli O157:H7 were used in the cocktail: 3027-93, 3055-93, C7927, 43888, C9490, and green fluorescent protein-expressing E . coli O157:H7 B6-914 (GFP EC). Inoculated ground beef was wrapped in polyethylene wrap, vacuum packaged into multilayer barrier bags, heat shrunk and treated with HDP. The initial concentrations of EHEC were 1.29 × 10 3 , 2.88 × 10 4 , and 2.19 × l0 6 CFU/g. After HDP treatment, the EHEC populations were reduced ( P 2 , 2.40 × 10 4 , and 1.91 × l0 6 CFU/g, respectively. A similar trend was observed for GFP EC which was also enumerated from the cocktail. The GFP EC initial populations of 4.26 × l0 2 and 3.72 × l0 3 CFU/g were reduced to 3.47 × 10 2 , and 3.09 × l0 3 CFU/g, respectively. Although the reduction in EHEC populations due to HDP treatment was statistically significant, the practicability of the reduction was marginal. Therefore, other hurdle parameters should be included along with the HDP treatment for more practical inactivation of EHEC in ground beef. Hydrodynamic pressure processing has been applied for many unique applications including braking of ice sheets. The authors have originally developed the method of utilizing shock waves caused by explosives for tenderization of meat and are now attempting to extend the process towards microbial inactivation. The data suggest that the treatment applied only slightly reduced the population of E. coli 0157:H7 tested and suggest to modify the process including the use of extended shock waves as well as the combination with antimicrobial agents.
Constructed charts of vaccination strategies.

Various vaccination rates are mathematically modeled as if they simply spread from area to next nearest area across a ‘constructed landscape’ of developing countries. A technique that had previously been used to model the spread of diseases effectively models the spread of disease prevention. Multidimensional scaling successfully summarizes complex patterns in vaccination rates in developing countries as a ‘constructed chart’ from ‘functional distances’. Countries that have similar vaccination rates are close together in this constructed chart, and countries that have different rates are far apart, regardless of the physical distance between the countries. A statistically significant (p < 0.001) chart was made of seven different vaccination rates (diphtheria, polio, measles in adults, measles in infants, tuberculosis in adults, tuberculosis in infants, and total percentage of routine epidemic vaccines financed by government) in 49 developing countries (from Belarus, Belize and Benin to Vietnam, Yemen and ...
Canadian Geophysical Union forms Hydrology Section

The Hydrology Section of the Canadian Geophysical Union held its inaugural meeting in Banff, Alberta, in May. The formation of the section is considered a very important milestone for hydrologists and hydrogeologists throughout Canada. The interim executive committee includes T. M. Dick, president; G. Jones, vice-president; D. Gray, secretary/treasurer; and J. M. Buttle and M. K. Woo, members.
Frequency of medically attended events following rapid revaccination with trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine

In 2008, potential temperature compromise of one lot of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) led to the revaccination of 13,210 Kaiser Permanente Northwest members within 28 days of receipt of their initial TIV dose. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to determine if these individuals experienced a higher rate of medically attended events (MAE) than those receiving only one TIV dose. We found no increase in MAE among those rapidly revaccinated (odds ratio 1.08; 95% confidence interval 0.80, 1.45), which may reassure individuals of the safety of revaccination with TIV should it be necessary, thereby leading to increased compliance with influenza vaccination recommendations.