cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a modified commercial graphite furnace for reduction of isobaric interferences in argon inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract A modified Perkin-Elmer HGA 300 graphite furnace has been investigated for sample introduction into inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Its application for the reduction of matrix related isobaric interferences at m/z 56 (ArO + and the major isotope of Fe) and m/z 75 (ArCl + and monoisotopic As) was studied. Optimization of operating conditions for the ETV instrument, including carrier flow, drying temperature and coolant flow, was performed. Absolute detection limits were found to be 1.5 pg for As and 0.2 pg for Fe, with reproducibility between 5 and 8% RSD for ten 10 μl sample injections of 10 ng g −1 Fe and As. Linear responses were found to be three orders of magnitude for Fe and four orders of magnitude for As.
Trigonal Tricationic Ionic Liquids: Molecular Engineering of Trications to Control Physicochemical Properties

Multifunctional ionic liquids have been shown to have a greater range of physical properties than most traditional, singly charged ILs. In this work, 28 novel tricationic ILs with specific structural variations have been synthesized. They have greater range of viscosities and higher thermal stabilities than typical imidazolium based singly charged ionic liquids. Anion effects are also prominent.
Molecular analysis of the loss of somatic instability in the bz2::mu1 allele of maize.

Multiple genetic and epigenetic changes were detected within one plant generation at the bz2:: mu1 mutable allele in a population of 118 plants. Loss of somatic instability in bz2::mu1 was usually correlated with methylation of the Mu1 transposable element; in 6 plants, somatic instability was lost as a result of mutations in bz2::mu1. This is a surprisingly high frequency of mutation per allele (2.5%) for the Mutator family, for which germinal revertants occur at a frequency of about 10−4 per gamete. One germinal excision event was found that contained an 8 by deletion, frameshift mutation in Bronze-2. The three other mutants described occurred as a result of abortive transposition, in which 75–77 by deletions were generated at the junction between Bronze-2 and Mu1. We discuss the possible mechanisms, and the role of host factors in abortive transposition in maize.
Point-trained models in a grid environment: Transforming a potato late blight risk forecast for use with the National Digital Forecast Database

As publicly available weather forecasting datasets advance in accuracy and spatial and temporal resolution, it is relatively simple to apply these established models to new datasets but the results may deviate from what users of decision support systems have come to expect. Potato late blight risk models were some of the earliest weather-based models. This analysis compares two types of potato late blight risk models that were originally trained on location specific (point) data in Michigan. A unique system using NoSQL was developed to train, validate and implement potato late blight risk modeling using a grid data format. Each model was tested two ways; it was first deployed directly with gridded weather forecasting data as a replacement for point data, and then retrained on the gridded data. Despite consistently lower overall accuracy, the grid trained artificial neural network model was deemed of better quality for use by stakeholders because of its accuracy on days with potato late blight risk. However, the success of the model was dependent upon its retraining using the newly available data source. In the direct implementation scenario without retraining, a simpler modified-Wallin model achieved better results than the neural network model.
IL-15 independent maintenance of virus-specific CD8+ T cells in the CNS during chronic infection

The role of IL-15 in T cell survival was examined during chronic CNS coronavirus infection. Similar numbers of virus-specific CD8(+) T cells were retained in the CNS of IL-15(-/-) and wt mice, consistent with loss of IL-2/15 receptor (CD122) expression. IL-15 deficiency also had no affect on IL-7 receptor (CD127) expression, Bcl-2 upregulation, granzyme B expression, or IFN-gamma secretion in CNS persisting CD8(+) T cells. Furthermore, CD8(+) T cell division in the CNS was reduced compared to spleen. CD8(+) T cells in the persistently infected CNS are thus characterized by IL-15 independent, low level proliferation and an activated/memory phenotype.
Lysophosphatidic Acid signals through specific lysophosphatidic Acid receptor subtypes to control key regenerative responses of human gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts.

Background: We showed that the pluripotent platelet growth factor and mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) controls key regenerative responses of human gingival fibroblasts (GFs) and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) and positively modulates their responses to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). This study determined which LPA receptor (LPAR) subtype(s) LPA signals through to stimulate mitogenic extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 signaling and chemotaxis and to elicit intracellular Ca2+ increases in GFs and PDLFs because many healing responses are calcium-dependent.Methods: Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase was determined using Western blotting with an antibody to phosphorylated ERK1/2. Migration responses were measured using a microchemotaxis chamber. GF and PDLF intracellular Ca2+ mobilization responses to multiple LPA species and LPAR subtype–specific agonists were measured by using a cell-permeable fluorescent Ca2+ indicator dye.Results: LPA stimulated ERK1/2 phosph...
The symptom index. Differential usefulness in suspected acid-related complaints of heartburn and chest pain.

The symptom index is a quantitative measure developed for assessing the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and symptoms. Controversy exists, however, over its accuracy and the appropriate threshold for defining acid-related symptoms of heartburn and chest pain. Therefore, a retrospective review was done of 153 consecutive patients referred to our esophageal laboratory. Three groups were identified: patients with normal 24-hr pH tests and no esophagitis, patients with abnormal 24-hr pH tests and no esophagitis, and patients with abnormal 24 hr pH values and endoscopic esophagitis. If symptoms occurred during the pH study, a symptom index (number of acid related symptoms/total number of symptoms x 100%) was calculated separately for heartburn and chest pain. Heartburn and chest pain episodes were similar among the three groups. However, the mean symptom index for heartburn was significantly (P<0.001) higher in the patient groups with abnormal pH values [abnormal pH/no esophagitis: 70±7.1% (±se); abnormal pH/esophagitis: 85±4.6%] as compared to those with normal studies, ie, functional heartburn (26±10.7%). The mean symptom index for chest pain was similar for all three groups. Using receiver operating characteristic curves, a heartburn symptom index≥50% had excellent sensitivity (93%) and good specificity (71%) for acid reflux disease, especially if patients complain of multiple episoldes of heartburn. In contrast, an optimal symptom index threshold for defining acid-related chest pain episodes could not be defined.
INTRARENAL LOCALIZATION OF NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE IN THE DEVELOPING PIGLET. † 2204

Nitric oxide (NO) may play a more important vasoactive role in the developing kidney than the adult, perhaps related to a different developmental intrarenal distribution of the NO synthesizing enzyme, nitric oxide synthase(NOS). These experiments determined the intrarenal histochemical localization of NOS in developing piglets ages 2 days, 1 week, 3 weeks and adult pigs. Kidneys were fixed by in-vivo perfusion, and placed in increasing sucrose concentrations for 72 hr. 15 micron cryostat sections were stained with the NADPH-diaphorase technique, which demonstrates the catalytic activity of NOS by the enzymatic reduction of nitro blue tetrazolium, NBT, in the presence of NADPH. Localization of NOS in the immature kidney differed from the adult in three major patterns: 1. NOS was present in the macula densa at all stages of nephron development, identifying the morphologic formation of this segment. 2. NOS localized to glomerular resistance arterioles in the developing kidney, most intensely in the 1 and 3 week old piglets. 3. All developing age groups intensely demonstrated NOS in segments of the thick ascending limb. In the adult, NOS was confined primarily to the macula densa, with faint staining of resistance arterioles and thick ascending limb. Summary: Intrarenal histochemical localization of NOS reveals distinct developmental localization patterns for the macula densa, glomerular resistance arterioles and tubular segments in the immature kidney that differ from the adult.Conclusion: The identification of NOS in these locations supports the role of NO as an important participant in developing renal function.
Transport equations for the QCD gluon Wigner operator

Abstract A gauge covariant Wigner operator is defined for SU(N) gauge fields and its quantum transport equation derived. In the semiclassical limit a mean field is eliminated and a gauge covariant Vlasov equation derived with non-abelian modifications for gluon fluctuations. For slowly varying mean field it is decomposed into N(N−1) charged gluon equations and N−1 for neutral ones, which decouple.
Defects in the experimental design of radioisotopic studies on the insect nerve cord

1. Defects in the experimental design of previous radioisotopic studies on insect nerve cords were revealed by the present investigation with 22Na and 86Rb on nerve cords of adult female Carausius morosus and adult male Periplaneta americana. 2. Studies with 22Na on nerve cords of C. morosus and P. americana reveal more than six efflux components when efflux periods of 26 hr are used (Fig. 1, 4, 6, 7). When efflux periods of approximately 10 min are used, as was done by previous investigators, only two efflux components are found (Fig. 3, 5). 3. Similar studies with 86Rb on nerve cords of P. americana also reveal more than six efflux components when efflux periods of 28 hr are used (Fig. 8). With an efflux period of 10 min, only two components are found (Fig. 9). 4. Decreasing the efflux period from 26 hr to 8 or 10 min also alters the half-times (and consequently the rate constants) of the remaining components (Tables 2 and 3). 5. It was concluded that previous studies revealed only two or three components because efflux periods were too short and too few samples were taken in the early phase of the efflux period to demonstrate all components. Furthermore, the so-called first “component” or fastest “component” is really two or more subcomponents, but resolution of these subcomponents is hindered by the difficulty of taking accurate samples in time periods of less than 5 sec. 6. Histological studies reveal that the fat body constitutes 22.0±3.0% of the nerve cord volume in adult male P. americana of average body weight. It was suggested that such a large anatomical compartment is likely to be the source of one or more efflux components in radioisotopic studies on the nerve cord.
Scaling procedures in life events research.

Abstract Research into the relationship of life events and symptoms has increasingly utilized various techniques to estimate the magnitude of anticipated impact of such events. In this study we examined four procedures for scaling events from Holmes and Rahe's Schedule of Recent Experience (SRE): (1) simple count of life events; (2) life change units (LCU) computed from SRRS norms: (3) LCUs based on group specific SRRS values derived from psychiatric patients and non-patients: (4) LCUs based on each individual's own SRRS values. Although all event scaling methods yielded strong event-symptom correlations, none was significantly better than the simple count of life events. The a priori validity of weighting events based on their perceived impact may be counterbalanced by the error variance introduced by the SRRS instrument itself.
On the nature of current-induced transitions in type II superconductors above Hc2

Abstract Measurements of the voltage-current characteristics in fixed magnetic fields, in the regime of the superconducting sheath, have been made on sheet samples of a Ta-Nb alloy. The data for a given specimen fit a simple empirical expression whose form depends on the method of surface preparation. Surface roughness is suggested as the factor determining the functional form of the characteristics.
Conserved elements with potential to form polymorphic G-quadruplex structures in the first intron of human genes

To understand how potential for G-quadruplex formation might influence regulation of gene expression, we examined the 2 kb spanning the transcription start sites (TSS) of the 18 217 human RefSeq genes, distinguishing contributions of template and nontemplate strands. Regions both upstream and downstream of the TSS are G-rich, but the downstream region displays a clear bias toward G-richness on the nontemplate strand. Upstream of the TSS, much of the G-richness and potential for G-quadruplex formation derives from the presence of well-defined canonical regulatory motifs in duplex DNA, including CpG dinucleotides which are sites of regulatory methylation, and motifs recognized by the transcription factor SP1. This challenges the notion that quadruplex formation upstream of the TSS contributes to regulation of gene expression. Downstream of the TSS, G-richness is concentrated in the first intron, and on the nontemplate strand, where polymorphic sequence elements with potential to form G-quadruplex structures and which cannot be accounted for by known regulatory motifs are found in almost 3000 (16%) of the human RefSeq genes, and are conserved through frogs. These elements could in principle be recognized either as DNA or as RNA, providing structural targets for regulation at the level of transcription or RNA processing.
The spectral sequence relating algebraic K-theory to motivic cohomology

Abstract Beginning with the Bloch–Lichtenbaum exact couple relating the motivic cohomology of a field F to the algebraic K -theory of F , the authors construct a spectral sequence for any smooth scheme X over F whose E 2 term is the motivic cohomology of X and whose abutment is the Quillen K -theory of X . A multiplicative structure is exhibited on this spectral sequence. The spectral sequence is that associated to a tower of spectra determined by consideration of the filtration of coherent sheaves on X by codimension of support.
Making judgments about risk in substantiated cases of supervisory neglect

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine which factors were used by investigators to determine level of risk among substantiated cases of supervisory neglect. The conceptual model included three sets of factors—the severity of the supervision problem, characteristics of the mother (e.g., prior involvement with child protective services (CPS), motivation, substance use) and characteristics of the investigator—as potential explanations for increased risk. Methods: A case-control design was used to compare 113 mothers whose names were placed on the child abuse registry for substantiated supervisory neglect (higher risk) with 45 mothers whose names were not placed on the registry but who had a substantiated report of supervisory neglect (lower risk). Two readers coded every investigative report. Results: Five out of 14 of the predictors had a unique effect on the investigator’s assessment of higher risk in the multivariate analysis: a child was harmed, the mother did not take responsibility for the problem, there was no extenuating circumstance, she was being battered, and she had prior involvement with CPS. There was also an interaction between being battered and the type of supervision problem. When a mother failed to protect her child from a third party, being battered decreased the likelihood that the investigator would place the mother’s name on the state’s registry. Conclusion: More research is needed on specific types of supervision problems to develop a risk assessment instrument for supervisory neglect. Without one, it is difficult to see how investigators and others can be expected to know whether a child is likely to be harmed in the future.
A Positive False Discovery Rate Convergence Result

The positive false discovery rate (pFDR) is the average proportion of false rejections given that the overall number of rejections is greater than zero. Assuming that the proportion of true null hypotheses, proportion of false positives, and proportion of true positives all converge pointwise, the pFDR converges to a continuous limit uniformly over all significance levels. We are showing that the uniform convergence still holds given a weaker assumption that the proportion of true positives converges in L 1.
Microscopic Origin of the Phenomenological Equilibrium "Doping Limit Rule" in n-Type III-V Semiconductors

The highest equilibrium free-carrier doping concentration possible in a given material is limited by the "pinning energy" which shows a remarkable universal alignment in each class of semiconductors. Our first-principles total energy calculations reveal that equilibrium n-type doping is ultimately limited by the spontaneous formation of close-shell acceptor defects: the (3-)-charged cation vacancy in AlN, GaN, InP, and GaAs and the (1-)-charged DX center in AlAs, AlP, and GaP. This explains the alignment of the pinning energies and predicts the maximum equilibrium doping levels in different materials.
Fast cross-projection algorithm for reconstruction of seeds in prostate brachytherapy

A fast method of seed matching and reconstruction in prostrate brachytherapy is proposed. Previous approaches have required all seeds to be matched with all other seeds in other projections. The fast cross-projection algorithm for the reconstruction of seeds (Fast-CARS) allows for matching of a given seed with a subset of seeds in other projections. This subset lies in a proximal region centered about the projection of a line, connecting the seed to its source, onto other projection planes. The proposed technique permits a significant reduction in computational overhead, as measured by the required number of matching tests. The number of multiplications and additions is also vastly reduced at no trade-off in accuracy. Because of its speed, Fast-CARS can be used in applications requiring real-time performance such as intraoperative dosimetry of prostate brachytherapy. Furthermore, the proposed method makes practical the use of a larger number of views as opposed to previous techniques limited to a maximum use of three views.
Poly(adenylic acid)-containing and -deficient messenger RNA of mouse liver

Abstract RNA was isolated and fractionated into poly(A)-containing and -deficient classes by oligo(dT) chromatography. Approximately 99% of the poly(A) material bound to the oligo(dT); that which did not bind contained substantially shorter poly(A) chains. All RNA fractions retained an ability to initiate cell-free translation, with the poly(A)-deficient fraction containing half the total translational activity, i.e., mRNA. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel analysis of the cell-free translation products revealed three classes of mRNA: 1, mRNA preferentially containing poly(A), including the abundant liver mRNA species; 2, poly(A)-deficient mRNA, including many mid- and low-abundant mRNAs exhibiting less than 10% contamination in the poly(A)-containing fraction; and 3, bimorphic species of mRNA proportioned between both the poly(A)-containing and -deficient fractions. Poly(A)-containing and bimorphic mRNA classes were further characterized by cDNA hybridizations. The capacity of various RNA fractions to prime cDNA synthesis was determined. Compared to total RNA, the poly(A)-containing RNA retained 70% of the priming capacity, while 20% was found in the poly(A)-deficient fraction. Poly(A)-containing, poly(A)-deficient, and total RNA fractions were hybridized to cDNAs synthesized from (+)poly(A)RNA. Poly(A)-containing RNA hybridized with an average R 0 t 1 2 approximately 20 times faster than total RNA. Poly(A)-deficient RNA hybridized with an average R 0 t 1 2 approximately 3–4 times slower than total RNA. These R 0 t 1 2 shifts indicated that in excess of three-quarters of the total hybridizable RNA was recovered in the poly(A)-containing fraction and that less than one-quarter was recovered in the poly(A)-deficient RNA fraction. Abundancy classes were less distinct in heterologous hybridizations. In all cases the extent of hybridization was similar, indicating that while the amount of various mRNA species varied among the RNA fractions, most hybridizing species of RNA were present in each RNA fraction. cDNA to the abundant class of mRNAs was purified and hybridized to both (+)- and (−)poly(A)RNA. Messenger RNA corresponding to the more abundant species was enriched in the poly(A)-containing fraction at least 2-fold over the less abundant species of mRNA, with less than 10% of the abundant mRNAs appearing in the poly(A)-deficient fraction.
Steroid receptor interactions in human breast carcinoma

Sucrose gradient centrifugation of estrogen and progestin receptors in cytosol preparations revealed that the majority of human breast tumors contained two molecular forms sedimenting at either 8S or 4S. Few tumors exhibited profiles containing predominately the 8S form or the 4S form alone. Molecular heterogeneity of the estrogen receptors in cytosol was demonstrated with regard to surface charge using ion-exchange chromatography and isoelectric focusing. The molecular properties of estrogen receptors in breast tumor biopsy specimens appear to be related to clinical responsiveness of patients given hormonal manipulations. These data and other findings related to the clinical utility of steroid receptor quantification impose a requirement for rigid quality control of analyses by the laboratory. The composition, evaluation, and distribution of tissue reference powders for establishing uniformity and quality control of steroid receptor analyses used in cooperative clinical trials of breast cancer treatment are described. This approach ensures meaningful correlations between laboratory results and clinical response.
Immunologic suppression mediated by genetically modified hepatocytes expressing secreted allo-MHC class I molecules

Studies suggest that immunosuppression associated with liver transplantation may be related to the secretion of MHC class I antigen (Ag) by hepatocytes. To investigate this possibility, we developed a culture system whereby naive Lewis (RT1.A1) splenocytes were cocultured with autologous hepatocytes transfected with plasmids encoding either the membrane-bound or secreted allogeneic MHC class I Ag, RT1.Aa. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T lymphocyte (HTL) limiting dilution assays were subsequently performed on preconditioned lymphocytes. Lymphocytes preconditioned with hepatocytes secreting RT1.Aa showed an alloantigen specific inhibition of CTL precursors (CTLp). In contrast, exposure of splenocytes to hepatocyte-expressed membrane-bound RT1.Aa resulted in Ag-specific CTLp priming. This CTLp priming effect by hepatocyte-expressed membrane-bound Ag could be effectively blocked when splenocytes were first preincubated with hepatocytes secreting RT1.Aa, before being exposed to hepatocytes expressing membrane-bound RT1.Aa. In contrast to CTLp, HTLp frequency, as determined by IL-2 production, was unaffected by either hepatocyte-expressed membrane-bound or secreted RT1.Aa. Further studies on splenocytes conditioned with hepatocytes expressing secreted allo-MHC Ag suggest the possibility of suppressor cell development. This was demonstrated by prolongation of ACI (RT1a) heart allograft survival in Lewis recipients following adoptive transfer of splenocytes that were preconditioned in vitro with hepatocytes secreting alloantigen.
Dynamics of seismic impacts in base-isolated buildings

A systematic study is made of the effects of seismic impacts between the base of an isolated building and the surrounding retaining wall. The analysis is performed without using gap elements or assuming values of the coefficient of restitution and the duration of impact. The analysis captures the effects of wave travel along the height of the building and of the associated energy loss. It poses no numerical difficulties. Results show that for elastic systems the base shear generated by impacts can be higher than the weight of the building; base shear increases with increase in the stiffness of the retaining wall, stiffness of the building and the mass of the base mat. A significant fraction of the initial kinetic energy of the system is lost by impacts; energy loss increases with increase in the stiffness of the retaining wall, system damping and mass of the base mat.
Effect of leukocyte endogenous mediator(s) on insulin and substrate profiles in the fasted rat

There has been increasing evidence that a group of mediators derived from phagocytes are involved in many aspects of the metabolic response to various illnesses and infections. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of leukocyte endogenous mediator(s) (LEM(s)) to alter energy metabolism as reflected by changes in serum insulin, whole blood glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, and serum free fatty acid levels. Administration of rabbit LEM intravenously to the fasted rat produced hyperthermia and leukocytosis. During the subsequent 6 hr there was a 60% reduction in serum free fatty acids from 1.77 ± 0.25 μeq/ml (P < 0.05) and a progressive decline in whole blood β-hydroxybutyrate levels (P < 0.05 at 6 hr). At the same time both whole blood glucose and serum insulin concentrations were significantly increased (blood glucose from 4.27 ± 0.58 to 5.93 ± 0.09 mM at 3 hr and serum insulin from 21 ± 2 to 36 ± 5 mU at 6 hr). Since similar changes occur following most acute bacterial infections, it is postulated that LEM may also initiate the insulin and energy substrate responses to infection.
The structure of aspartate transfer RNA from rabbit liver.

Abstract The structure of rabbit liver aspartate tRNA 2 was derived by two postlabelling techniques involving labelling at 3′ or 5′ end followed by controlled hydrolysis with base-specific nucleases and product characterization by gel electrophoresis: This tRNA of 76 residues contains 8 modified nucleotides (1-MeAdo, rThd, H 2 Urd, Quo, two each of 5-MeCyd and ψrd). Although the proposed sequence resembles that of a recently described “major” isoacceptor of aspartate tRNA from rat liver, it differs in 13 nucleotides and contains an additional residue in the variable loop. Our tRNA sequence shows 65 per cent homology with an isoacceptor from the yeast, but only 55 per cent with the isoacceptor from Escherichia coli , and has very little resemblance to the aspartate isoacceptors from normal or tumor mitochondria.
Presence of the seven transmembrane thrombin receptor on human tumour cells: effect of activation on tumour adhesion to platelets and tumour tyrosine phosphorylation

Thrombin-treated tumour cells enhance their adhesion to platelets, fibronectin and von Willebrand factor in vitro, and enhanced their pulmonary metastasis in mice in vivo. A unique seven transmembrane spanning thrombin receptor has recently been cloned which is activated following thrombin proteolysis of the N-terminal end of the receptor with exposure of a tethered ligand. An N-terminal 14-mer (SFLLRNPNKYEPF) or 6-mer (SFLLRN) of the tethered ligand can serve as a thrombin receptor activation peptide (TRAP) by mimicking the action of thrombin on platelets, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. We have examined six human tumour cell lines for their response to TRAP, for the presence of this thrombin receptor mRNA by RT-PCR, protein by immunoblot and for their in vitro and in vivo response to TRAP. All six cell lines contain the receptor mRNA, and when treated with 100 microM 6-mer TRAP or 1 u/ml thrombin increase their adhesion to platelets 2-3-fold. Four of the six cell lines undergo tyrosine phosphorylation within 30 s to 1 min after exposure to 6-mer TRAP or thrombin. Thus tumour cells respond to thrombin via activation of their seven transmembrane spanning thrombin receptor.
Characterization and Adhesion in Cu/Ru/SiO2/Si Multilayer Nano-scale Structure for Cu Metallization

In this study, we have characterized the microstructure, resistivity, and dynamic deformation behavior of Cu/Ru/SiO2 and Cu/SiO2 samples under scratch loading conditions. Cu/Ru/SiO2 samples showed higher elastic recovery and hardness when compared to the Cu/SiO2 samples. In the case of Cu/Ru/SiO2 samples, Ru acts as a glue layer between the Cu and the SiO2 substrate providing both strength and toughness against dynamic loading. Hence, the critical load for delamination is higher for Cu/Ru/SiO2 samples compared to Cu/SiO2 samples. Our results show that Cu/Ru/SiO2 thin films present significant potential to be used in Cu metallization.
Stage I intraoperative adjustment of eye muscle surgery under general anesthesia: Consideration of graduated adjustment

The eyes diverge under general anesthesia. The amount of divergence is predictable; there is a linear relationship between the preoperative and the anesthetized eye position. We have confirmed Apt and Isenberg's regression formula for this relationship (A = 0.8P + 30). We have previously also reported that adjusting the amount of surgery to be done (stage I adjustment) in cases deviating from this correlation by one standard deviation or more (anomalous) significantly improved our surgical success rate to 85%. Since a fixed arbitrary adjustment of 1 mm more or less surgery had improved our surgical success rate significantly, but still left room for higher success rates, we reviewed our anomalous cases to determine whether a graduated adjustment might be expected to produce even higher success rates. A review of cases including additional ones since our last report failed to support this hypothesis. Satisfactory results in these most recent cases have, however, almost doubled the surgical success rate (in anomalous cases) for our stage I fixed arbitrary 1 mm intraoperative adjustment, from 47% to 90%.
Stereo Photography for Flood Hazards Visualization

This paper demonstrates the ability of stereo photography to convey visually the results of hazard events in an easily understood format for the non-specialist. It uses as an example a series of stereo photographs taken of the impacts of the July 2002 Canyon Dam overflow event. Photographs depict both fluvial processes and flood impacts. Such images, produced rapidly using conventional photographic equipment and software, can provide important visual information for emergency managers, the public, and researchers.
Incorporating Biodiversity Into Rangeland Health: Plant Species Richness and Diversity in Great Plains Grasslands

Indicators of rangeland health generally do not include a measure of biodiversity. Increasing attention to maintaining biodiversity in rangelands suggests that this omission should be reconsidered, and plant species richness and diversity are two metrics that may be useful and appropriate. Ideally, their response to a variety of anthropogenic and natural drivers in the ecosystem of interest would be clearly understood, thereby providing a means to diagnose the cause of decline in an ecosystem. Conceptual ecological models based on ecological principles and hypotheses provide a framework for this understanding, but these models must be supported by empirical evidence if they are to be used for decision making. To that end, we synthesize results from published studies regarding the responses of plant species richness and diversity to drivers that are of management concern in Great Plains grasslands, one of North America's most imperiled ecosystems. In the published literature, moderate grazing generally has a positive effect on these metrics in tallgrass prairie and a neutral to negative effect in shortgrass prairie. The largest published effects on richness and diversity were caused by moderate grazing in tallgrass prairies and nitrogen fertilization in shortgrass prairies. Although weather is often cited as the reason for considerable annual fluctuations in richness and diversity, little information about the responses of these metrics to weather is available. Responses of the two metrics often diverged, reflecting differences in their sensitivity to different types of changes in the plant community. Although sufficient information has not yet been published for these metrics to meet all the criteria of a good indicator in Great Plains Grasslands, augmenting current methods of evaluating rangeland health with a measure of plant species richness would reduce these shortcomings and provide information critical to managing for biodiversity.
Operating Laboratory Oil Shale Retorts In An In-Situ Mode

To study and develop the modified in-situ oil-shale retorting process, LLL operates two laboratory oil-shale retorts. Experiments explore retorting parameters. Some results are compared with those of a predictive computer model. Some features of in-situ processing are simulated in the laboratory by controlling heat losses and void fraction in the shale bed. A single computer system provides data acquisition and process control for both retorts. Control methods and algorithms are discussed. Experimental results with and without control of heat losses are compared. Reasonable agreement exists in retorting rates, temperature profiles, and yields between the experimental measurements and the computer model. These are the first retorting data taken under heat-loss and void-fraction conditions similar to those expected in-situ. Retorting experiments on oil shale of uniform particle size have given yields of 99% of Fischer assay for inert gas, and of more than 90% for combustion retorting. Yield is decreased in packed beds with a wide range of particle sizes, similar to beds expected in-situ.
Effects of feedback sign and credibility on goal setting and task performance

Abstract Despite previous research on feedback sign and feedback accuracy, little is known about the main and interactive effects of these two feedback dimensions on specific types of cognitive and behavioral responses. The present laboratory study used 90 undergraduate students to examine the influence of feedback sign and feedback credibility on goal setting and task performance. Consistent with propositions derived from social learning theory and control theory, the results showed that feedback sign had a main effect on subjects' performance. Subjects who received negative feedback performed at higher levels than subjects who received positive feedback. In addition, feedback sign was found to interact with feedback credibility to influence subjects' self-set goals and performance. Subjects who received more credible negative feedback set higher goals and performed at higher levels than subjects who received less credible negative feedback, while subjects who received more credible positive feedback did not set higher goals or perform significantly better than subjects who received less credible positive feedback. The findings also suggest that feedback sign combines with both ability and self-efficacy to determine task performance.
Multicycle performance of a single-step process for H2 production

Abstract Combining the chemical reaction and product separation steps in a single processing vessel is currently of great interest. In this study, reaction and separation are combined by carrying out the water-gas shift reaction in the presence of a calcium-based CO2 acceptor. The continuous removal of CO2 from the gas phase alters the shift reaction equilibrium and permits almost complete CO conversion and CO2 removal. The reaction temperature is significantly higher than employed in the traditional shift process, and, as a consequence, no shift catalyst is required. Previously reported results showed that greater than 99% removal of total carbon oxides could be achieved over a range of experimental conditions with greater than 99.9% removal achieved at the most favorable conditions. Total carbon oxide content of the product gas in the latter case was approximately 30 ppmv (dry basis). However, for the process to be economical, it is necessary that the CO2 acceptor retain its activity and capacity throug...
VEGETATION-SOIL RELATIONSHIPS ON THIN OR SHALLOW RANGE SITES IN WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium [Michx.] Nash) and/or big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) stands often occur adjacent to western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii Rydb.) stands on thin or shallow range sites and closely related sites. The purpose of this study was to identify soil properties that cause the nonrandom distribution of the grasses. Particle size, pH, organic matter, total N, total PO₄, and available PO₄-P were determined on 17 soil profiles that supported different grass distributions. Soils with western wheatgrass had more plant-available PO₄-P than soils with bluestem, but usually less organic matter. Western wheatgrass needs a large supply of available PO₄-P because it grows rapidly in the spring. The bluestems grow when temperatures are higher and the microbial-chemical release of plant nutrients is greatest. The distribution of the grasses is related to soil properties that in turn, are perpetuated by bluestems supplying more organic matter to the soil surface layer that western wheatgrass. Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula [Michx.]) can grow under conditions intermediate to those suited for bluestems and western wheatgrass.
TEEVE endpoint: towards the ease of 3D tele-immersive application development

We present TEEVE Endpoint, which is a runtime engine to handle the creation, transmission and rendering of 3D Tele-immersive (3DTI) data and provides application programming interfaces (APIs) to developers to easily create 3DTI applications.
Interactive Seismic Facies Classification of Stack And AVO Data Using Textural Attributes And Neural Networks

We present an interactive method for volume-based seismic facies mapping using seismic textural attributes and probabilistic neural networks. Textural analysis can quantitatively describe many aspects of the classic seismic facies description preformed by the interpreter. Stratigraphically-steered seismic texture is a quantitative, multi-trace (imagebased) attribute that mimics the visual process of the seismic interpreter more effectively than traditional trace-based attribute analyses do. Probabilistic neural networks (PNNs) are parallel implementations of a standard Bayesian classifier that can efficiently perform pattern classification. A primary advantage of the PNN is that it does not require extensive training. In the case of seismic analysis, a reliable seismic facies classification can occur with as little as one example per facies class.
The Impact of Reimbursement Issues on Rehabilitation Nursing Practice and Patient Care

Rehabilitation nursing practice and patient care are affected profoundly by reimbursement trends. This article provides a basic understanding of current and proposed reimbursement issues in Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance--information that should help the rehabilitation nurse make the changes necessary to provide patient care within the constraints of the reimbursement systems. Furthermore, an understanding of these economic issues should assist nurses in working collaboratively and positively with administration while reducing their level of frustration. Nurses can play an important role in managing length of stay, using ancillary services, and moving the patient along the continuum of care, all of which are critical financial factors in a facility's successful management of its payer mix.
Sphingolipid synthesis: Identification and characterization of mammalian cDNAs encoding the Lcb2 subunit of serine palmitoyltransferase

Synthesis of the ceramide portion of sphingolipids in animals has been hypothesized to be tightly regulated thereby controlling the rate of de novo sphingolipid formation. Regulation is predicted to occur at the first and committed biosynthetic step catalyzed by serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT, EC 2.3.1.50). This hypothesis remains unproven because SPT has been refractory to purification and subsequent characterization. To begin to test this hypothesis we have used a genetic strategy to isolate LCB2 homologs from the yeasts Kluyveromyces lactis and Schizosaccharomyces pombe and a cDNA homolog from humans and mice. Identity is supported by overall amino acid sequence similarity between the predicted proteins and the known Saccharomyces cerevisiae Lcb2 protein. In addition, a motif of 56 residues from the human protein functionally substituted for the corresponding region of the S. cerevisiae Lcb2 protein. The 56 residue motif was found to be unique to Lcb2 proteins. Likewise, the base sequence encoding it is unique to the human genome. Finally, a peptide sequence in the motif is known to be part of the catalytic domain of all members of the aminolevulinate synthase superfamily of proteins of which Lcb2 is a member. These data argue that this motif is part of the catalytic domain of SPT and is a signature of Lcb2 proteins. The mammalian LCB2 cDNAs provide valuable reagents for studying the Lcb2 subunit of SPT and for studying how ceramide synthesis is regulated.
Classification of North Dakota maize inbred lines into heterotic groups based on molecular and testcross data

Establishment of the best combination among heterotic groups, heterotic patterns, is crucial to the development of successful maize (Zea Mays L.) hybrids. The use of molecular markers in maize-breeding programs might or might not increase the efficiency of heterosis prediction by classifying diverse inbred lines into heterotic groups. The objectives of present research were to classify elite North Dakota (ND) maize inbred lines into heterotic groups and evaluate the consistency between simple sequence repeat (SSR) grouping and testcross data. Thirteen ND inbred lines representing diverse genetic background were crossed in a diallel mating design in 2000. The crosses and 12 checks were evaluated across four ND environments in 2001 and 2002. In addition, these lines were crossed to commercial inbred testers representing known heterotic groups in 2002. Hybrids between public and private lines were evaluated across three ND environments in 2003. Inbred lines representing Lancaster Sure Crop, Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic (BSSS), Minnesota #13, Northwestern Dent, Golden Glow pedigrees and ND inbred lines were screened with 49 SSR markers. Inbred lines ND246, ND278, ND280, ND281, ND282 and ND284 were clustered within the BSSS heterotic group. Inbreds ND277, ND285, ND286, ND290, and ND291 grouped closer to the Lancaster Sure Crop heterotic group. Inbred lines ND257 and ND288 grouped within Minnesota #13. Data from ND278 and ND290 testcrosses showed good combining ability with testers representing more than one heterotic group. Our research shows that groups of genetically similar germplasm could not be identified accurately and reliably with molecular markers even when the available germplasm was diverse contrary what has been suggested. Therefore, extensive field evaluation is recommended to classify unrelated inbred lines of maize.
The Influence of a Transverse Magnetic Field on the Conductivity of Thin Metallic Films

The influence of a transverse magnetic field on the conduction properties of thin metallic films, of thickness comparable with the free path of the conduction electrons, is investigated. It is shown that, owing to scattering of electrons at the boundaries of the film, the Hall coefficient is increased, and the electrical resistance oscillates with the strength of the applied magnetic field.
Purine resistant mutants of Drosophila are adenine phosphoribosyltransferase deficient.

A deficiency for adenine phosphoribosyltransferase activity is the primary biochemical defect in mutants of Drosophila selected for resistance to purine-induced lethality .
Oral 17β-estradiol and medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy in postmenopausal women increases HDL particle size

Menopause is accompanied by changes in lipoprotein particles that include an increase in density of low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) particles. The effect of 3 months of oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on lipoprotein particle size in postmenopausal women who were randomized to (1) estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) alone (either 17beta-estradiol (1 mg) or conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) (0.625 mg); (2) combination therapy (17beta-estradiol plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) or CEE plus MPA); and (3) placebo were examined. Lipoprotein subclass concentrations and particle size were quantified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Combination HRT resulted in significant (P=0.002) increases in HDL particle size as compared with those on placebo formulations or ERT alone. Women assigned to combined HRT had lower concentrations of smaller HDL particles after 3 months (P=0.005) and higher concentrations of larger HDL particles (P=0.02), whereas women assigned to ERT or placebo experienced non-significant changes. In summary, combined HRT increases HDL particle size by altering concentrations of the smallest and largest HDL subspecies.
Frontiers in cancer nanomedicine: directing mass transport through biological barriers.

The physics of mass transport within body compartments and across biological barriers differentiates cancers from healthy tissues. Variants of nanoparticles can be manufactured in combinatorially large sets, varying by only one transport-affecting design parameter at a time. Nanoparticles can also be used as building blocks for systems that perform sequences of coordinated actions, in accordance with a prescribed logic. We refer to these as Logic-Embedded Vectors (LEVs). Nanoparticles and LEVs are ideal probes for the determination of mass transport laws in tumors, acting as imaging contrast enhancers, and can be employed for lesion-selective delivery of therapy. Their size, shape, density and surface chemistry dominate convective transport in the bloodstream, margination, cell adhesion, selective cellular uptake, as well as sub-cellular trafficking and localization. As argued here, the understanding of transport differentials in cancer, termed ‘transport oncophysics', reveals a promising new frontier in oncology: the development of lesion-specific delivery particulates that exploit mass transport differentials to deploy treatment of greater efficacy and reduced side effects.
Asymmetric private values auctions with application to joint bidding and mergers

Abstract Much of the theoretical auction literature assumes that there are no observable differences between the bidders of an auction. In this paper, I present an asymmetric auction model where the distribution of a bidder's value depends on some commonly observed characteristics. The model is applied to joint bidding and mergers in auction markets. The results provide additional evidence that first-price auctions are less susceptible to the acquisition and exercise of market power than open auctions.
Tunable filter based on whispering gallery modes

A narrowband, widely tunable filter based on a whispering gallery mode LiNbO3 cavity with 10 GHz free spectral range is proposed and demonstrated. The filter operates at 1.55 µm with 30 MHz bandwidth and can be electro-optically tuned at 10 GHz in the linear regime with approximately 40 MHz/V tuning rate. With this filter, we have demonstrated 12 dB fibre-to-fibre insertion loss and 30 µs tuning speed.