cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Glut1 in retinal neurons but not the RPE alleviates polyol accumulation and normalizes early characteristics of diabetic retinopathy.

Hyperglycemia is a key determinant for development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Inadequate glycemic control exacerbates retinopathy, while normalization of glucose levels delays its progression. In hyperglycemia, hexokinase is saturated and excess glucose is metabolized to sorbitol by aldose reductase via the polyol pathway. Therapies to reduce retinal polyol accumulation for the prevention of DR have been elusive due to low sorbitol dehydrogenase levels in the retina and inadequate inhibition of aldose reductase. Using systemic and conditional genetic inactivation, we targeted the primary facilitative glucose transporter in the retina, Glut1, as a preventative therapeutic in diabetic male and female mice. Unlike wildtype diabetics, diabetic Glut1+/- mice did not display elevated Glut1 levels in the retina. Furthermore, diabetic Glut1+/- mice exhibited ameliorated ERG defects, inflammation and oxidative stress, which was correlated with a significant reduction in retinal sorbitol accumulation. RPE-specific reduction of Glut1 did not prevent an increase in retinal sorbitol content or early hallmarks of DR. However, like diabetic Glut1+/- mice, reduction of Glut1 specifically in retinal neurons mitigated polyol accumulation and completely prevented retinal dysfunction and the elevation of markers for oxidative stress and inflammation associated with diabetes. These results suggest that modulation of retinal polyol accumulation via Glut1 in photoreceptors can circumvent the difficulties in regulating systemic glucose metabolism and be exploited to prevent DR.
Modeling and Analysis of DC Microgrids as Stochastic Hybrid Systems

This article proposes a method of predicting the influence of random load behavior on the dynamics of dc microgrids and distribution systems. This is accomplished by combining stochastic load models and deterministic microgrid models. Together, these elements constitute a stochastic hybrid system. The resulting model enables straightforward calculation of dynamic state moments, which are used to assess the probability of desirable operating conditions. Specific consideration is given to systems based on the dual active bridge (DAB) topology. Bounds are derived for the probability of zero voltage switching (ZVS) in DAB converters. A simple example is presented to demonstrate how these bounds may be used to improve ZVS performance as an optimization problem. Predictions of state moment dynamics and ZVS probability assessments are verified through comparisons to Monte Carlo simulations.
Need for Point of Care Ultrasonography Training and Certification in Pediatric Nephrology

There is no doubt that point of care ultrasonography (POCUS) is an invaluable bedside tool that improves the sensitivity of traditional physical examination. POCUS is being increasingly adopted by health care professionals from various medical specialties and the evidence supporting its use is rapidly growing. In fact, the American Medical Association has released a statement way before in 1999, that “ultrasound imaging is within the scope of practice of appropriately trained physicians” [1]. In addition, recent advances in miniaturization allowed high quality, relatively low-cost imaging systems to proliferate as bedside diagnostic tools. However, most adult and pediatric nephrology training programs have not yet fully embraced this rapidly evolving field. The major barriers include lack of trained faculty, the cost associated with the equipment, and the absence of specialty-specific guidelines defining the scope of practice and competency assessment.
Model Study of Culvert Energy Dissipator

This paper describes some experiments with a model of the Basin VI energy dissipater with a square culvert. The model and experimental procedure are described, the experimental results are presented and compared with Peterka.s results for a circular culvert, and conclusions are presented.
Iterative Spatial Compressive Sensing Strategy for Structural Damage Diagnosis as a BIG DATA Problem

Accurate structural damage identification calls for dense sensor networks, which are becoming more feasible as the price of electronic sensing systems reduces. To transmit and process data from all nodes of a dense network would be an onerous task which creates a BIG DATA problem; therefore scalable algorithms are needed so that decision on the current state of the structure can be made based on efficient data processing. In this paper, an iterative spatial compressive sensing scheme for damage existence identification and localization will be introduced. At each iteration, a subset of sensors is selected for data transmission and relevant information will be extracted at central station for damage existence identification/localization. This information will also provide useful guidance in future selection of sensing locations. The devised algorithm is applied to identify damage in a simulated gusset plate.
Insights in Public Health: Protecting Public Health Through Governmental Transparency: How the Hawai'i Department of Health's New "Stoplight" Placarding Program is Attempting to Influence Behavioral Change in Hawai'i's Food Industry

Reducing the occurrence of and influencing the rapid correction of food illness risk factors is a common goal for all governmental food regulatory programs nationwide. Foodborne illness in the United States is a major cause of personal distress, preventable illness, and death. To improve public health outcomes, additional workforce was required due to long standing staffing shortages and was obtained partially through consolidation of the Hawai'i Department of Health's (HDOH) two food safety programs, the Sanitation Branch, and the Food & Drug Branch in July 2012, and through legislation that amended existing statutes governing the use of food establishment permit fees. Additionally, a more transparent food establishment grading system was developed after extensive work with industry partners based on three possible placards issued after routine inspections: green, yellow, and red. From late July 2014 to May 2015, there were 6,559 food establishments inspected statewide using the placard system with 79% receiving a green, 21% receiving a yellow, and no red placards issued. Sufficient workforce to allow timely inspections, continued governmental transparency, and use of new technologies are important to improve food safety for the public.
Bidirectional (negative/positive) interference of oleandrin and oleander extract on a relatively new Loci digoxin assay using Vista 1500 analyzer.

Background Oleander interferes with serum digoxin measurements using various immunoassays. The potential interference of oleander and its active ingredient, oleandrin, with a relatively new homogenous sequential chemiluminescent digoxin assay based on luminescent oxygen channeling technology (LOCI digoxin assay, Siemens Diagnostics) has not been previously reported. Methods Aliquots of a digoxin-free serum pool were supplemented with increasing concentrations of oleandrin, or with oleander extract, followed by measuring the apparent digoxin concentrations using the LOCI digoxin assay using Vista 1500 analyzer. Mice were fed oleandrin or oleander extract, and their blood digoxin levels at 1 and 2 h were measured with the LOCI digoxin assay. In addition, two digoxin serum pools were prepared by combining sera of patients receiving digoxin; aliquots of both pools were supplemented with oleandrin or oleander extract and digoxin concentrations were again measured. Attempts to overcome this interference were made by measuring free digoxin concentration using a third digoxin pool. Results Significant apparent digoxin concentrations were observed after supplementing aliquots of the drug-free serum pool with oleandrin or oleander extract. Mice fed with oleandrin or oleander extract also showed apparent digoxin levels 1 and 2 h after feeding. Digoxin values were also falsely lower or elevated (bidirectional interference) when aliquots of digoxin serum pools were further supplemented with oleandrin or oleander extract depending on concentration; this interference was not eliminated by free digoxin monitoring. Conclusions Oleandrin interferes with LOCI digoxin assay.
Plasma Chemistry: Plasma-Surface Processing of Inorganic Materials: Micro- and Nano-Technologies

Thermal Plasma Spraying Plasma Spraying as a Thermal Spray Technology Plasma spraying is a thermal spray technology in which finely ground metallic and non-metallic materials are deposited on a substrate in a molten or semimolten state (Kudinov et al., 1990; Zhukov & Solonenko, 1990; Pawlowski, 1995; Vurzel & Nazarov, 2000; Fauchais, Vardelle, & Dussoubs, 2001; Fauchais, 2004; Knight, 1991, 1998, 2005; Yoshida, 2005). Two other technologies are combustion spray and wire-arc spray. The thermal plasma heat source is usually based on direct-current (DC)-arc or radiofrequency inductively coupled plasma (RF-ICP) discharge. It provides very high temperatures, over 8000 K at atmospheric pressure, which allows melting of any material. This is actually a major distinctive feature of plasma spraying. Although thermal plasma enables extremely high temperatures, the operational melting temperature in plasma spraying is usually kept at least 300 K lower than the vaporization or decomposition temperature to avoid losses in energy efficiency. Ground materials are either injected into plasma (in the case of RF discharges) or in the plasma jet (in the case of DC arcs), where they are heated, melted or softened, accelerated, and directed toward the surface or substrate being coated. Particles or droplets making impact with the substrate rapidly cool, solidify, cool further, contract, and build up incrementally to form a deposit. The basic coating building blocks, known as “splats,” typically undergo cooling rates in excess of in the case of metals (Jackson et al., 1981).
Money, capital and forced saving

The purpose of this paper is to examine the theoretical arguments t hat lie behind the analysis of money, capital, and forced saving, and to consider the character and content of the critique Piero Sraffa launched on Friedrich A. von Hayek's version of it in the celebrated exchange that took place between the two in the pages of the Economic Journal in 1932. However, it is not so much concerned with the statu s of this debate in the history of economic thought as with those aspects of i t that may be relevant to contemporary theory. Copyright 1988 by Oxford University Press.
Medical textbook summarization and guided navigation using statistical sentence extraction.

We present a method for automated medical textbook and encyclopedia summarization. Using statistical sentence extraction and semantic relationships, we extract sentences from text returned as part of an existing textbook search (similar to a book index). Our system guides users to the information they desire by summarizing the content of each relevant chapter or section returned through the search. The summary is tailored to contain sentences that specifically address the user’s search terms. Our clustering method selects sentences that contain concepts specifically addressing the context of the query term in each of the returned sections. Our method examines conceptual relationships from the UMLS and selects clusters of concepts using Expectation Maximization (EM). Sentences associated with the concept clusters are shown to the user. We evaluated whether our extracted summary provides a suitable answer to the user’s question.
Using Ambiguity to Resist Stereotype in the 1930s: Erick Berry's Penny-Whistle and One String Fiddle

In 1930, Erick Berry, a New York socialite and explorer, wrote about a black boy named Penny-Whistle in her picture book Penny-Whistle and then in 1939, published the chapter book One-String Fiddle about Irby, an Appalachian boy. This essay will examine the social constructs of the time period, and the Otherness of Berry’s characters and their sub- communities to unearth the subversion through these texts of the dominant social norms of the time. It argues that Berry worked against the dominant ideology of the 1930s as an insider of the majority to offer a subversive way to fight against racism and stereotypes through ambiguity in these two texts. While this might seem to be a paradox, fighting racist ideology through ambiguity, Berry used her texts to create space for resistant readings while still socializing her readers into an American political context.
Simplified receiver implementation for optical differential 8-level phase-shift keying

A simplified receiver implementation for optical differential 8-level phase-shift keying using direct detection is proposed. This implementation reduces the number of optical components in the receiver to half. The impact of non-ideal receiver parameters is analysed and quantified for a 1 dB OSNR penalty.
Ultrasonically induced release from nanosized polymer vesicles

Vesicles made from synthetic diblock copolymers, polymersomes, have great potential for targeted imaging and drug delivery. Ultrasound is gaining attention as a therapeutic tool in addition to its use in diagnostics. We report on the response of nanoscale vesicles made from PEO-b-PBD copolymers to ultrasound at 20 kHz. Leakage of a fluorescent dye from vesicle core was measured to study the permeation. Ultrasound causes significant leakage from the core above threshold intensity, suggesting that leakage is governed by acoustic cavitation. Size measurements and direct visualization of vesicles show that ultrasound does not completely rupture them into fragments but causes transient poration. The extent of leakage inversely depends on membrane thickness and directly depends on sonication time and intensity.
Trajectories of Development: A Test of Ecological-Evolutionary Theory

To test a fundamental hypothesis of ecological-evolutionary theory, that technical and economic heritage affects current rates and patterns of development, Third World societies were classified as "industrializing agrarian" or "industrializing horticultural" on the basis of their dominant subsistence technologies prior to sustained contact with industrial societies and industrial technology, and then compared on five basic dimensions: (1) current levels of technological and economic development, (2) informational resources, (3) rates of economic growth, (4) vital rates, and (5) trade dependency. Predicted differences were found on all dimensions. Alternative explanations were explored and rejected, and it was also demonstrated that these differences were not explained by netzwork position in the world economy or by recency of national independence. These findings suggest that the impact of techno-economic heritage on development merits further investigation. What forces determine the trajectories of development of societies in the modem world? Why have some societies been so much more successful than others in achieving economic growth and higher standards of living for their citizens? Various answers have been given to these questions in recent decades. Modernization theorists such as Parsons and Inkeles have stressed the importance of belief systems and values, following the early lead of
Doppler-free/Doppler-sliced ion imaging.

We demonstrate a hybrid Doppler-free/Doppler-sliced ion imaging approach that is well-suited for detection of H or D atoms. The method relies on 2 + 1 resonant ionization with identical, nearly counterpropagating beams that are coplanar but directed at a small angle relative to the detector face. This results in Doppler selection of the velocity component along the time of flight axis but Doppler-free detection in the plane perpendicular to this axis. The results show high signal level and excellent slicing (∼5%), yielding velocity resolution completely determined by cation recoil in the ionization step.
Peroxynitrite-mediated Brain Injury in Experimental Group B Streptococcal Meningitis in the Neonatal Rat • 850

Objective: To determine whether peoxynitrite (P) is involved in mediating brain injury (BI) in bacterial meningitis (BM). Background: P is a strong oxidant produced by the reaction of superoxide anion (O) with nitric oxide (NO) in vivo, which may cause neuronal cell damage and death by multiple mechanisms. P inhibits mitochondrial (M) respiration; causes M calcium efflux and depolarization; and induces DNA strand breaks with activation of poly(ADP ribose) synthetase (PARS), a reaction which may deplete intracellular NAD+ and ATP. Because O and NO have been shown to be important mediators of BI in BM, compounds which bind or inhibit the effect of P were tested: uric acid (UA), a P scavenger and 3-aminobenzamide (AB), a specific PARS inhibitor. Methods: An infant rat model of Group B Streptococcal (GBS) BM was used (Kim YS et al 1995). Five groups of 11d old rats were studied: uninfected; infected (I); I + UA(10mg/kg/ip tid); I + AB (10mg/kg/ip bid); and I + UA + AB. UA and AB were given 6h before infection. Rats were infected by intracisternal injection of log 4.0 GBS. 15h post infection (PI), quantitative CSF bacterial titer determined by serial dilution. 18h PI, animals were sacrificed and brains fixed. Neuronal injury was determined by scoring Nissl-stained brain sections. The presence of P was determined by staining for nitrotyrosine (NT), a specific nitration product of P, in sections incubated with poly anti-NT IgG(courtesy J Beckmann, U Alabama Birmingham). Results are shown below as X +/- SD or #/#. Conclusions: Combined UA and AB treatment attenuated BI in this model of BM, suggesting that P may be a mediator of injury in this disease. UA was effective in reducing + NT stain. Table
Site-specific induction of lymphatic malformations in a rat model for image-guided therapy

Lymphatic malformation is a common benign mass in children and adults and is representative of a derangement in lymphangiogenesis. These lesions have high recurrence rates and significant morbidity associated with surgery. Several sclerotherapy regimens have been developed clinically to treat lymphatic malformations; however, an animal model has not been developed that is adequate to test the efficacy of image-guided therapeutic interventions. To develop an animal model suitable for evaluation of percutaneous treatments of lymphatic malformations. Male Harlan Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 9) received two US-guided injections of Incomplete Freund’s Adjuvant (IFA) over a 2-week period. All nine rats were injected twice into the peritoneum (IP); a subgroup (n = 3) received additional injections into the neck. Three animals that received IP injections of saline were used as controls. The injection sites were monitored for the development of lesions by high-resolution ultrasonography at 2-week intervals for 100 days. High-resolution (4.7 Tesla) magnetic resonance imaging was then performed on two animals noted to have developed masses. The rats were sacrificed and histologic examination of the identified lesions was performed, including immunohistochemical staining for vascular (CD31) and lymphatic (Flt-4 and Prox-1) endothelium. All animals injected with IFA developed cystic lesions. The three animals injected at dual sites were noted to have both microcystic and macrocystic malformations in the neck and microcystic plaque-like lesions in the peritoneum. The macrocystic malformations (≥5 mm) in the neck were detected by ultrasonography and grossly later during necropsy. Histopathologic analysis revealed the cystic spaces to be lined by lymphatic endothelium supported by a connective tissue stroma. Control animals did not exhibit detectable lesions with either ultrasonography or necropsy. This model represents a promising tool for translational development of image-guided interventions for lymphatic malformations. It may also serve as a model for the study of lymphangiogenesis and the development of anti-lymphangiogenic therapies.
Physiologic hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in sera from 75 women during all stages of pregnancy. In addition, PTH was determined in 14 women with well established lactation, and in 16 nonpregnant women of childbearing age. Serum PTH in the nonpregnant controls was 35 ± 4 (mean ± 1 se) with a range of 20–60. There was a significant decrease of serum PTH during the 20–24th weeks. Thereafter, a significant progressive rise occurred to a maximum value of 76 ± 5 (mean ± 1 se) during the 36–40th weeks. Seventeen of 20 women in their 9th month of pregnancy had values clearly above the normal range. In ten nonlactating women, 4–8 weeks postpartum, PTH was normal. In 14 women lactating 3 weeks to 27 months, PTH concentration was also normal. A slight decrease in total serum calcium concentration of 0.2 mg/100 ml was noted to occur between the 16th and 36th weeks, but this was not correlated with the rise in PTH. The data indicate that significant maternal hyperparathyroidism regular...
DO SLIDES MAKE OR MAR A CONFERENCE

Although slide projection that degenerates into a farce can enliven a meeting no end, it will do little to encourage the audience's interest in the real purpose of the meeting — nor will slides so detailed that they cannot be taken in. Steps we can take to avoid these mistakes are described in this article on slide preparation and presentation
Improved biotinylation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase using active-site-blocking agents

Characteristics of the biotinylation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase are presented. The enzyme is inactivated in the presence of N-hydroxysuccinimido biotin but can be protected by an appropriate concentration of NADPH used as an active-site blocker. A Ki of 1.6 +/- 1.0 microM calculated for NADPH for this protection shows it to be an active-site phenomena. Enzyme inactivation is irreversible with consistent kinetic results requiring the presence of 10 mM EDTA. An improved methodology was developed for biotinylation allowing 100% protection of the enzyme with loading factors up to 30.8 mol of biotin per enzyme.
A state-transition approach to application service provider client-vendor relationship development

Application Services Providers (ASPs) exploit the economics of delivering commercial off-the-shelf software over the Internet to many dispersed users. This form of outsourcing differs from traditional ones on attributes of vendors and clients, contract terms, customization, and functionality. We develop a state-transition model for ASP client-vendor relationship development reflecting that shorter contract terms affect the nature, strength, and timing of interactions ASP vendors have with their clients and the resulting patterns of information flows and mutual learning that lead to relationship outcomes. Using marketing and economic theories, we put forward factors originating in pre-contract exposure and diffuse sources (i.e., credibility, capability, expectation-capability match) and those arising from the direct collaboration experience (i.e., communications, trust, dependence, conflict-resolution). In addition to providing a solid foundation for vendor relationship research, this paper rectifies a bias of prior work by considering both the vendor and the client's perspectives on relationship development. By using contract status, the state-transition approach offered here mitigates a number of problems arising from indistinct stage boundaries and the reliance of stage membership on multiple characteristics.
45 Mbps cat's eye modulating retro-reflector link over 7 Km

Modulating retro-reflectors (MRR) allow free space optical links with no need for pointing, tracking or a laser on one end of the link. They work by coupling a passive optical retro-reflector with an optical modulator. The most common kind of MRR uses a corner cube retro-reflector. These devices must have a modulator whose active area is as large as the area of the corner cube. This limits the ability to close longer range high speed links because the large aperture need to return sufficient light implies a large modulator capacitance. To overcome this limitation we developed the concept of a cat's eye MRR. Cat's eye MRRs place the modulator in the focal plane of a lens system designed to passively retro-reflect light. Because the light focuses onto the modulator, a small, low capacitance, modulator can be used with a large optical aperture. However, the position of the focal spot varies with the angle of incidence so an array of modulators must be placed in the focal plane, In addition, to avoid having to drive all the modulator pixels, an angle of arrival sensor must be used. We discuss several cat's eye MRR systems with near diffraction limited performance and bandwidths of 45 Mbps. We also discuss a link to a cat's eye MRR over a 7 Km range.
Fluence-based relative biological effectiveness for charged particle carcinogenesis in mouse Harderian gland.

Neoplasia in the rodent Harderian gland has been used to determine the carcinogenic potential of irradiation by HZE particles. Ions from protons to lanthanum at energies up to 670 MeV/a have been used to irradiate mice, and prevalence of Harderian gland tumors has been measured 16 months after irradiation. The Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE) for tumor induction has been expressed as the RBE(sub max), which is the ratio of the initial slopes of the dose vs prevalence curve. The RBE(sub max) has been found to be approximately 30 for ions with Linear Energy Transfer (LET) values in excess of 100 keV/micrometer. Analysis on the basis of fluence as a substitute for dose has shown that on a per particle basis all of the ions with LET values in excess of 100 keV/micrometer have equal effectiveness. An analysis of the probabilities of ion traversals of the nucleus has shown that for these high stopping powers that a single hit is effective in producing neoplastic transformation.
Aromatic poly(pyridinium salt)s Part 2. Synthesis and properties of organo-soluble, rigid-rod poly(pyridinium triflate)s☆

Abstract A bis[pyrylium tetrafluoromethanesulfonate (triflate)], i.e. p -bis[4-(2,6-diphenylpyrylium)]benzene ditriflate) ( 3 ), has been prepared and polymerized with a series of aromatic diamines. The polymerizations, which were carried out in a dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)/toluene mixture at 150°C for 3–4 h, were significantly faster than previous polymerizations of an analogous bis(pyrylium tetrafluoroborate). The poly(pyridinium triflate)s ( 5 ) obtained were soluble in polar aprotic solvents and had inherent viscosities that ranged from 8.3 to 18.7 dl/g (0.1 g/dl in DMSO at 30.0±0.1° C ). The rigid-rod polymers obtained from all- para -catenated diamines had viscosities comparable to those of other rigid-rod polyheterocyclics. All of the polymers could be solution cast into tough thin films that had moduli of 2.3–5.5 GPa. The poly(pyridinium triflate)s ( 5 ) were significantly more thermally and thermooxidatively stable than analogous poly(pyridinium tetrafluoroborate)s. The polymers underwent 5% weight losses near 451°C in nitrogen and near 461°C in air when subjected to thermal gravimetric analysis at a heating rate of 10°C/min. The differences in the poly(pyridinium salt) stabilities were shown to be due to the differences in the stabilities of the counter ions.
On Ramsey numbers for large disjoint unions of graphs

Abstract Let G be a fixed finite set of connected graphs. Results are given which, in principle, permit the Ramsey number r ( G , H ) to be evaluated exactly when G and H are sufficiently large disjoint unions of graphs taken from G . Such evaluations are often possible in practice, as shown by several examples. For instance, when m and n are large, and m ⩽ n , r(mK k , nK l )=(k − 1)m+ln+r(K k−1 , K l−1 )−2.
Burkitt Lymphoma and Atypical Burkitt or Burkitt-like Lymphoma: Should These be Treated as Different Diseases?

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with an aggressive clinical course. Since the advent of short, intensive, multiagent chemoimmunotherapy regimens, it has carried a favorable prognosis. BL has been rather well characterized, whereas the other lymphomas morphologically resembling it are more heterogeneous. The cases classified as atypical BL/Burkitt-like lymphoma by the 2001 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissue were thought to represent a continuum between BL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The optimal therapeutic strategy for this provisional entity was not definitively established. However, recent incorporation of molecular genetic data into the 2008 WHO Classification has allowed further refinements with significant therapeutic implications, including the designation of a new provisional entity, “B-cell lymphoma, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between BL and DLBCL.” This review presents a comprehensive overview of the previously designated provisional entity of atypical BL/BLL in conjunction with a detailed comparison with BL and DLBCL.
The Movement of Aquatic Mercury Through Terrestrial Food Webs

Mercury has contaminated rivers worldwide, with health consequences for aquatic organisms and humans who consume them. Researchers have focused on aquatic birds as sentinels for mercury. However, trophic transfer between adjacent ecosystems could lead to the export of aquatic mercury to terrestrial habitats. Along a mercury-contaminated river in Virginia, United States, terrestrial birds had significantly elevated levels of mercury in their blood, similar to their aquatic-feeding counterparts. Diet analysis revealed that spiders delivered much of the dietary mercury. We conclude that aquatic mercury pollution can move into terrestrial habitats, where it biomagnifies to levels in songbirds that may cause adverse effects. Rivers contaminated with mercury may pose a threat to the many bird species that feed on predatory invertebrates in adjacent riparian habitats.
Compressional waves guided between parallel fractures

Abstract We have performed experiments on the laboratory scale to image seismic wavefronts of compressional waves that are guided between parallel fractures. The wavefronts are detected using water-coupled 1 MHz piezoelectric transducers. The stiffness of the fractures is controlled by applying radial stress in a hydraulic stress apparatus that leaves the observation face of the fractured sample open to measurement. The two fractures form a waveguide in isotropic homogeneous aluminum and act as parallel displacement-discontinuity boundary conditions separated by a distance d ≈2 λ . The compressional wave is a leaky guided mode that sheds energy into the medium beyond the fractures. However, the fractures provide sufficiently strong energy confinement inside the central waveguide for a sample length L of approximately L ≈15 λ to observe the guided wave. Fractures with low fracture specific stifffness produce strong energy confinement in the guided compressional-mode wave.
Experimental viscosities of heavy oil mixtures up to 450 K and high pressures using a mercury capillary viscometer

Abstract This paper presents an experimental methodology to determine the viscosity reduction of heavy oils with a solvent and to evaluate the effect of temperature upon the viscosity of light and heavy oil mixtures. These viscosities can be used in designing solvent stimulation of wells and input to reservoir simulators for heavy oil recovery processes. The data obtained can also be used to estimate diluent quantities required to reduce oil viscosity for pipeline transportation of heavy oil. We designed a versatile capillary tube viscometer to measure viscosity of single-phase mixtures at high temperatures and pressures. Mercury (Hg) is used to achieve higher-precision measurements by providing an ideal piston effect, particularly for stabilizing fluid flow movement of heavy oils in capillary coils. The principle of the method is to measure the differential pressure given by a pressure transducer from laminar flow of a single-phase fluid along the capillary coils, and to convert it to absolute viscosity by using the Hagen–Poiseuille equation. We measured the viscosity of heavy oil and light hydrocarbon mixtures at temperatures ranging from ambient to 450 K, and at pressures from 100 to 34,000 kPa. The heavy oil sample was taken from Canada's heavy oil reserves, located in northeastern Alberta and western Saskatchewan; and the light oil, used as a viscosity reducer, was n -decane. The results presented in this paper provide valuable methodologies and experimental data of viscosity of heavy oil and n -decane useful for further studies in enhanced oil recovery of heavy oils and for transportation purposes.
Lateral ligamentous instability of the ankle: a method of surgical reconstruction by a modified Watson-Jones technique

Forty-nine cases of lateral ligamentous instability of the ankle have been reviewed. Forty-one have been personally examined. Eight have been evaluated by questionnaire follow-up. The end results have been universally good. The results have been based on a subjective evaluation by the patient, 92% regarding the end results of the procedure to be excellent. In regard to function, 92% of the patients have been able to resume their preinjury activity. The evidence of instability of the ankle joint can be determined by preoperative x-ray examination. However, careful history and physical examination obviate the need for x-ray studies in most cases. Operative findings have confirmed our preoperative evaluation in all cases. The modification of the Watson-Jones procedure, using the peroneus longus, enables the operating surgeon use of a much greater tendon in reconstruction of the lateral ligamentous structures. No change in the function of the foot has been noted in the reported cases.
Characterization of Soybean Choline Kinase cDNAs and Their Expression in Yeast and Escherichia coli

An expressed sequence tag from Arabidopsis that displayed sequence homology to mammalian and yeast choline kinases was used to isolate choline kinase-like cDNAs from soybean (Glycine max L.). Two distinct cDNAs, designated GmCK1 and GmCK2, were recovered that possessed full-length reading frames, each sharing approximately 32% identity at the predicted amino acid level with the rat choline kinase. A third unique choline kinase-like cDNA, GmCK3, was also identified but was not full length. Heterologous expression of GmCK1 in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and GmCK2 in both yeast and Escherichia coli demonstrated that each encodes choline kinase activity. In addition to choline, other potential substrates for the choline kinase enzyme include ethanolamine, monomethylethanolamine (MME), and dimethylethanolamine (DME). Both soybean choline kinase isoforms demonstrated negligible ethanolamine kinase activity. Competitive inhibition assays, however, revealed very distinct differences in their responses to DME and MME. DME effectively inhibited only the GmCK2-encoded choline kinase activity. Although MME failed to effectively inhibit either reaction, an unexpected enhancement of choline kinase activity was observed specifically with the GmCK1-encoded enzyme. These results show that choline kinase is encoded by a small, multigene family in soybean comprising two or more distinct isoforms that exhibit both similarities and differences with regard to substrate specificity.
Fluxional behavior of 5-(silyl)cyclopentadiene and 5-(silyl)methylcyclopentadiene (1,2-isomer mixture)

Abstract Variable temperature PMR spectra of the title compounds are analyzed in the −50 to +106° range. The limiting low-temperature spectrum of the methyl derivative shows that metal migration is retarded enough to identify individual nonequivalent configurations. The mode of metallotropic rearrangement for 5-(silyl)-cyclopentadiene appears to be either 1,2 or random cavorts. Prototropic rearrangement proceeds much slower becoming increasingly evident at and above +66°. The AA′BB′X pattern at the slow exchange limit and the infrared spectrum (in the 3000 cm−1 region) of 5-(silyl)cyclopentadiene are consistent with a “static” σ-type bond between the H3Si moiety and the unique carbon of the cyclopentadienyl ring.
Determination of relative size: the "criterion of subtraction" problem in allometry.

By providing a predicted value against which to judge observed values, allometric equations are often used as a “criterion of subtraction” to calculate measurements corrected for the effects of overall size. The observed and predicted values have been used to calculate several different versions of a size-adjusted measurement; two of the more common being (observed/predicted) and (log observed-log predicted). Using data on brain size, tooth size, metabolic rate, and long bone shape, it is found that the manner in which the relative size value is calculated can alter interpretations and statistical results. Some of the assumptions underlying use of a criterion of subtraction calculated from empirical data are reviewed. It is suggested that predicted values determined from a priori theoretical equations often have several advantages over those from empirical equations.
Violence in Intimate Relationships and the Practicing Internist: New “Disease” or New Agenda?

Domestic violence is endemic in U.S. society and is seen in nearly every venue of medical care. A history of abuse should be considered and routinely queried in all women who present for emergency ...
Globalization, social development, and operations research: an exploration of strategies for success

This paper argues that in today’s world order, policy-making takes precedence over analytical and technical models that have historically formed the mainstay of Operations Research. The structural and human dimensions of this transition is discussed in the form of six Policy Imperatives aimed at the creation of a world order that makes it more humane and less vulnerable to failure. It is proposed that though OR occupies a prominent role in developmental initiatives, in order for its successful implementation in meeting social goals, the context in which it is invoked must be conducive to social transformation.
Photoproduction of heavy hadrons

Abstract We discuss a model for the photoproduction of hadrons that belong to families of bound states of heavy quarks. Kinematic factors, which are calculated in a peripheral production model, are the important ingredients in determining the variation of the cross sections between the families of different quark states. This model can accomodate deviations from the vector- meson-dominance approach. The relation between these two models is discussed. Using the parameters determined by photoproduction of ψ and charmed hadrons we estimate the photoproduction of ϒ and its associated family of heavy hadrons.
Assertiveness Among Young Rural Adolescents: Relationship to Alcohol Use

ABSTRACT There is evidence of higher prevalence rates for alcohol use among rural adolescents relative to urban adolescents. Strategies aimed at preventing adolescent alcohol use typically include the development of social skills to resist peer pressure; among the social skills frequently targeted is assertiveness. Self-report data were collected from a sample of rural adolescents (N = 470) participating in a longitudinal preventive intervention study. Five hypothesized dimensions of assertiveness were validated with Confirmatory Factor Analysis: Specific Substance Refusal, Individual Rights, Transaction, Justice, and Social Approach. Using gender as a between-subjects factor, plus time and assertiveness as within-subjects factors to predict an alcohol use composite index, repeated measures analyses revealed a number of significant findings. Several assertiveness dimensions were found to have significant effects on the alcohol use index, and significant two-way and three-way interaction effects (gender × ...
Identification of the Escherichia coli K-12 cpxA locus as a single gene: construction and analysis of biologically-active cpxA gene fusions.

In the accompanying communication we showed that a 2 kb EcoRI-BamHI restriction fragment from the pfkA-rha interval of the Escherichia coli K-12 chromosome fully complemented a chromosomal cpxA mutation when the fragment was cloned in pBR325. The same fragment cloned in pBR322 lacked any complementing activity. We show here that minicells containing the pBR325 derivative (pRA310) synthesized a 33 kDa polypeptide, designated ϕ33, that was not synthesized in minicells containing the pBR322 derivative (pRA311) or either of the parent plasmids. Synthesis of the ϕ33 polypeptide did not occur in minicells containing Tn5 insertion alleles of pRA310 that inactivated its cpxA complementing activity. These insertions mapped within the vector cat (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene) sequence immediately adjacent to the EcoRI site of pRA310 and within the 700–800 bp of the cloned EcoRI-BamHI fragment immediately adjacent to the EcoRI site. Tn5 insertions located within the fragment but closer to the BamHI terminus affected neither the cpxA complementing activity of pRA310 nor synthesis of the ϕ33 polypeptide in minicells. Plasmid pRA311 could be converted to a plasmid with cpxA complementing activity by cloning into its EcoRI site a restriction fragment containing a hybrid trp-lacUV5 promoter, the lacZ ribosome binding site, and the first eight lacZ codons. Minicells containing the resultant plasmid (pRA312) synthesized a 30 kDa polypeptide (designated ϕ30). The same fragment but lacking the ATG initiation codon and the following lacZ codons did not confer cpxA complementing activity on pRA311, and minicells containing the resultant plasmid (pRA313) did not synthesize the ϕ30 protein. We conclude that the EcoRI terminus of the 2 kb fragment interrupts the cpxA coding sequence. pRA310 contains a ϕ(cal‘-’cpxA)hyb fusion gene that encodes a polypeptide consisting of 73 NH2-terminal amino acids of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase fused to about 25 kDa of CpxA protein. pRA312 contains a ϕ(lacZ‘-’cpxA)hyb fusion gene that encodes a smaller protein consisting of 7 or 8 amino acids of β-galactosidase fused to the same 25 kDa of CpxA protein. Both fusion proteins retain biological activity, as judged by complementation of a chromosomal cpxA mutation. Both proteins could be detected in whole cells. Analysis of fusion gene transcripts by RNA filter (“Northern”) blot hybridization indicated that they are monocistronic.
Experimental Evaluation of 150-Millimeter Bore Ball Bearings to 3-Million DN Using Either Solid or Drilled Balls

Seven 150-mm bore ball bearings were run under 8900 Newton (2000 lb) thrust load at speeds from 6670 to 20,000 rpm (1 to 3 million DN). Four of the bearings had conventional solid balls and three bearing had drilled (cylindrically hollow) balls with 50 percent mass reduction. The bearings were under-race cooled and slot-lubricated with Type 2 ester oil at flow rates from 4.35 to 5.80 liters per minute (1.15 to 1.57 gal min). Friction torque and temperatures were measured on all bearings. No significant difference in torque was noted, between the solid and drilled ball bearings. One bearing of each type was rerun at 17,800 Newtons (4000 lb) thrust load. The solid ball bearings performed satisfactorily at 3 million DN. However, at about 2 million DN the drilled ball bearing experienced a broken ball and cracks appeared in two other balls as the result of flexure fatigue. Metallurgical examination of the cracked balls indicated a brittle structure in the bore of the drilled balls.
Project level analysis of special trade contractor fatalities using accident investigation reports

Abstract Introduction Construction is among the most dangerous industries in the United States accounting for thousands of fatalities every year. Although there is data available on high risk work types and areas, the project-level detail is not readily available. Method This paper uses the accident investigation reports to categorize project types and presents project level analysis of 350 fatal accidents for special trade contractors. Results The results showed that Residential and Commercial projects lead the fatalities where Falls are observed as the leading cause. However, when the fatality causes and project categories are analyzed for each work type, the results showed different fatality cause proportions for each project type. Impact on Industry Project level analysis approach has a direct impact on identifying high risk work types and areas for special trade contractors by making it possible to focus the prevention and intervention efforts more accurately, while highlighting training and education needs.
Localization of macromolecules in Escherichia coli. II. RNA and its site of synthesis.

The distribution of RNA in cells of E. coli 15 T-U- labeled with uridine-H3 was studied by methods involving the analysis of radioautographic grain counts over random thin cross-sections and serial sections of the cells. The results were correlated with electron microscope morphological data. Fractionation and enzyme digestion studies showed that a large proportion of the label was found in RNA uracil and cytosine, the rest being incorporated as DNA cytosine. In fully labeled cells the distribution of label was found to be uniform throughout the cell. The situation remained unchanged when labeled cells were subsequently treated with chloramphenicol. When short pulses of label were employed a localization of a large proportion of the radioactivity became apparent. The nuclear region was identified as the site of concentration. Similar results were obtained when cells were exposed to much longer pulses of uridine-H3 in the presence of chloramphenicol. If cells were subjected to a short pulse of cytidine-H3, then allowed to grow for a while in unlabeled medium, the label, originally concentrated to some extent in the nuclear region, was found dispersed throughout the cell. The simplest hypothesis which accounts for these results is that a large fraction of the cell RNA is synthesized in a region in or near the nucleus and subsequently transferred to the cytoplasm.
The sociogenesis of psychological disorder: an attributional theory.

Before social causation explanations of psychological disorder can be considered plausible, the process by which socialfactors may affect the development of disorder must be made explicit in terms of a given theory. This paper formulates an attributional theory intended primarily to explain social status effects, although other applications are possible. The point of departure for this model is the socializing influence of SES on causal attribution tendencies (i.e., fatalism) and the resulting variation in vulnerability to psychological disorder. Data from two panel studies suggest that causal attribution styles could in fact play a central role in the mediation of social causation of disorder. Comparisons of two contrasting versions of the attributional model show that a simple, linear interpretation of the intervening effects offatalism may be the most adequate. The paper concludes with suggestions for elaborations of the basic theory.
Free-Standing Lead Zirconate Titanate Nanoparticles: Low-Temperature Synthesis and Densification

Nanocrystalline lead zirconate titanate (PZT) powder with an average particle size between 70 and 110 nm was synthesized using the citrate nitrate (C/N) autocombustion method. Phase-pure perovskite...
Electron Transfer through the Hydrogen-Bonded Interface of a β-Turn-Forming Depsipeptide

Hydrogen-bonding networks are believed to play an important role in electron-transfer pathways in a protein medium. A porphyrin−quinone donor−acceptor compound with a depsipeptide bridge which form...
A reduced-gradient variant of Karmarkar's algorithm and null-space projections

This paper discusses the relationship between Karmarkar's new method for linear programming and the traditional simplex method. It is shown how null-space Karmarkar projections can be done using a basis matrix to compute the projections in the null space. Preliminary computational evidence shows that problems exist in the choice of a basis matrix, but that, given a basis, very inexact and computationally efficient projections are computationally sound.