cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Specific binding of synthetic human pancreatic growth hormone releasing factor (1-40-OH) to bovine anterior pituitaries.

Abstract We have studied the specific binding of a synthetic 40 amino acid, free carboxy terminus analog of human pancreatic growth hormone releasing factor (hpGRE-40-OH) to partially purified homogenates of bovine anterior pituitaries. The binding of hpGRF-40-OH to pituitary receptors at 4°C reached maximal level in 4 hours and remained steady for the next 18 hours. Specific binding increased linearly with the amount of protein present in the assay. 125I-hpGRF-40-OH binding to pituitary homogenates was competitively inhibited by hpGRE-40-OH but not by unrelated hormones. The competition curve and Scatchard analysis suggest the presence of single class of receptors with a Kd⋍3nM and binding capacity of ≈200 fmoles/mg protein. This is the first demonstration of specific receptors for GRF on anterior pituitary cells.
Elastic Properties of Vanadium. I. Temperature Dependence of the Elastic Constants and the Thermal Expansion

The thermal expansion and adiabatic elastic constants of several single crystals of vanadium were investigated over the temperature range 4.2-300K. Although certain anomalies in the thermal expansion and in the elastic constants were observed at specific temperatures, in this paper emphasis is placed on the over-all elastic properties of vanadium, and attention is focused on those specimens in which the anomalies were less striking. The anomalies and their origin are the subject of a second paper which follows. The 4.2-K values of the elastic constants of a specimen exhibiting essentially no anomalous behavior were measured to be ${C}_{11}=23.70$, ${C}_{44}=4.708$, ${C}^{\ensuremath{'}}=5.793$, ${C}_{12}=12.20$, and the bulk modulus $B=15.98$, all in units of ${10}^{11}$ dyn/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. Except for ${C}_{44}(T)$, the over-all temperature dependence of the elastic constants agrees with that predicted by current theoretical models. ${C}_{44}(T)$, however, exhibited an upward concavity over much of the temperature range, and was characterized by an athermal value lower than the measured 4.2-K value. Above 150 K the coefficient of thermal expansion was approximately constant for those specimens showing no anomalies, with a value $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\cong}\frac{8.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}}{\mathrm{K}}$. Below 150 K, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decreased monotonically to 0 at \ensuremath{\sim} 10 K. The value of the Debye temperature extrapolated to 0 K was calculated to be ${\ensuremath{\Theta}}_{D} (\mathrm{elastic})=403$ K.
Estimate of Jupiter's Deep Zonal-Wind Profile from Shoemaker-Levy 9 Data and Arnol'd's Second Stability Criterion

Abstract A number of one- and two-layer atmospheric models have been applied to the study of Jupiter's tropospheric circulations over the past two decades in an effort to characterize the basic-state properties of the zonal winds and to study the influence these winds have on the dynamics of long-lived vortices like the Great Red Spot. By singling out the basic state that corresponds to neutral stability with respect to Arnol'd's second stability criterion, as motivated by the results of a vortex-tube stretching analysis of the Voyager wind data and by fixing the stratification parameter using the c = 454 ± 20 msec-1 gravity wave speed determined from the Shoemaker—Levy 9 impacts, we arrive at a unique model with no free parameters. The speed and direction of the zonal wind as a function of latitude for the model's lower layer is thus determined, which roughly indicates the circulation in Jupiter's interior below the water clouds. Predictions are that the westward jets change little with depth but that the eastward jets become stronger by 50-100%.
“Killing Me Softly”: Civility/Race/Violence

Civility's fading (and failing), so commonly supposed as the contemporary condition, has been attributed for the most part to the increasing heterogeneity and diversification of modern urban enviro...
Properties of four lung surfactants and their mixtures under physiological conditions.

Abstract Surface properties of four of the most prevalent surfactants found in the lung have been studies on the Langmuir trough under simultaneously simulated physiological conditions. Surfactants studies are dipalmitoly lecithin (DPL), L -α-dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl D,L -glycerol (DPPG), dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine (DPPE) and sphingomyelin and various mixtures of these. Studies using both the Wilhelmy and Ring methods showed that only sphingomyelin displayed any appreciable hysteresis between surface tension and surface area. All surfactants and their various mixtures reached similar minimal surface tension values of about 24–26 dyne/cm for compression to 75% of initial area and they all showed more than twice the change in surface tension with area needed to impart alveolar stability. These surfactants and their mixtures (except sphingomyelin) displayed appreciable contant angles, reaching 53° for DPPE and 55°C for a 1 : 1 mixture of DPL and DPPG. These mild anti-wetting properties are discussed in relation to their implications to gas transfer and fluid distribution at the alveolar wall.
Mitochondria in innate immune responses

The innate immune system has a key role in the mammalian immune response. Recent research has demonstrated that mitochondria participate in a broad range of innate immune pathways, functioning as signalling platforms and contributing to effector responses. In addition to regulating antiviral signalling, mounting evidence suggests that mitochondria facilitate antibacterial immunity by generating reactive oxygen species and contribute to innate immune activation following cellular damage and stress. Therefore, in addition to their well-appreciated roles in cellular metabolism and programmed cell death, mitochondria appear to function as centrally positioned hubs in the innate immune system. Here, we review the emerging knowledge about the roles of mitochondria in innate immunity.
Validity of PCERT and OMNI Walk/Run Ratings of Perceived Exertion

Purpose This study was conducted to test the validity of the Pictorial Children's Effort Rating Table (PCERT) and OMNI walk/run scales. Methods Children (26 boys age 11.2 yr +/- 1.6 and 25 girls age 11.1 yr +/- 1.4) performed a five-stage incremental exertion treadmill test. The undifferentiated perceived exertion from the PCERT and OMNI scales was assessed for construct validity using Pearson correlations with VO(2) and heart rate as criteria and concurrent validity by correlating PCERT and OMNI scores. Results Increases in PCERT and OMNI scale scores were correlated with increases in VO(2) (r = 0.90 and 0.92) and heart rate (r = 0.89 and 0.92). No difference was found in slope of the PCERT and OMNI scores when regressed against heart rate or VO(2) and the slopes were invariant across sexes. To test concurrent validity of the PCERT and OMNI scales, subject scores at each stage were converted to a percentage of the maximal scale. No effect of sex was noted on perceived exertion (P = 0.32), and the percentage of the maximal PCERT and OMNI scales was almost identical at each stage (P = 0.73). Conclusions Validity of both the PCERT and OMNI scales was established for submaximal exercise. PCERT and OMNI scores are not interchangeable because they have different scales, but at a given exercise intensity youth assign similar percentages of the maximal scores.
Reconstructions and phase transition of clean Ge(110)

Abstract The structure of the clean Ge(110) surface is characterized between room temperature and the Ge melting temperature using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and microscopy (LEEM). Rapid cooling from high temperature (~ 800 °C) to room temperature yielded a surface composed of the c(8 × 10) reconstruction, {17 15 1} facets, and a previously unreported (8 × 2) reconstruction. Heating from room temperature to above 430 °C extinguishes some, but not all, high-order LEED spots, indicating the presence of ordering up to at least 650 °C. LEED observations of the phase transition between the c(8 × 10) and a disordered phase differ from earlier work but are consistent with previously published STM data.
Neuroendocrine modulation of olfactory sensory neuron signal reception via axo-dendritic synapses in the antennae of the mosquito, Aedes aegypti.

An ultrastructural study of the antennae of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, revealed that as in the salt marsh mosquito, Culex salinarius, the first flagellar segment of both sexes of A. aegypti contain neuroendocrine cells. These cells not only extend an axon via the antennal nerve to the antennal lobe of the deutocerebrum, but project collaterals to the periphery of the antennae, where they modulate the antennal sensory neurons by forming synapses with the dendrites of these afferent neurons. To our knowledge, this is the first report in any animal of neuroites of neuroendocrine cells forming axo-dendritic synapses with sensory neurons.
Wittgenstein on the language of rituals: the scapegoat remark reconsidered

Wittgenstein's remarks on religion suggest a provocative and nuanced account of what makes rituals meaningful – and why some living rituals might have little or no meaning despite their hold on congregants. Wittgenstein's view has been obscured, I argue, in part by the consistent misinterpretation of his controversial ‘scapegoat remark’, which has been taken to be a comment on the internal incoherence of the ancient Jewish scapegoat rite. In fact, Wittgenstein's point is that the scapegoat ritual is particularly easy to misinterpret, and so reflection on it helps illustrate the sort of confusion that plagues much thinking about religion and ritual.
Studies on the encephalitogenic effects of purified preparations of human and bovine oligodendrocytes

Abstract Bulk-isolated human and bovine oligodendroglia, practically free from myelin, have been used in attempts to elicit an autoimmune response which has been compared with acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). For these experiments, a total of 20 Hartley guinea pigs, 33 Lewis rats and 16 rabbits have been studied. Animals were inoculated with a range of doses of purified preparations of both human and bovine oligodendroglial cells in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and compared with others challenged with whole white matter in CFA. The latter animals all developed clinical and histological signs of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) 2–3 weeks post-inoculation. In general, oligodendroglial cells were encephalitogenically less potent than white matter. Guinea pigs were the most susceptible to inoculations of oligodendroglia. In several given human oligodendroglia 14 days earlier, a paraparesis indistinguishable from conventional EAE was seen. Animals receiving bovine cells showed no clinical signs. Histologically, the CNS of afflicted guinea pigs displayed severe inflammation but, in contrast to conventional EAE in the same species, demyelination was rare in the small group of animals tested. After sensitization with oligodendroglia, rats displayed no clinical disease. Histologically, some given human cells had positive evidence of disease while bovine cells in others gave a mild response. Rabbits showed no clinical and very little histological disease. Although more extensive studies are needed to confirm the findings, from the animals studied it appears that (1) variation in response to inocula containing oligodendroglia exists among the species tested, (2) that human oligodendroglia are more potent immunologically than bovine cells, (3) that CNS lesions produced by these cells in guinea pigs, lack a strong demyelinative component and (4) a specific antigen might exist in oligodendrocytes which is distinct from myelin basic protein. The possible reasons underlying our findings are discussed.
The Measurement of Circular Polarization in the Near-IR Luminescence from Chiral Complexes of Yb(III) and Nd(III)

This work describes the measurement and analysis of circular polarization in the luminescence (CPL), in the near-IR spectral region, from chiral complexes of Yb(III) and Nd(III) in solution. The experimental technique is based upon previous measurements of CPL in the visible region. Instrumentation design, performance, and calibration are discussed. The experimental technique has been applied to several related complexes of Yb(III) and Nd(III) with chiral macrocyclic ligands based on 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane that have approximate C4 symmetry. In addition, CPL from D3 complexes of Yb(III) with 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate, which were prepared as a solution of enriched enantiomers by the addition of (+)-dimethyltartrate, is also presented. It is demonstrated that CPL from the 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 transition of Yb(III) at 980 nm is particularly suited for CPL studies because this transition satisfies magnetic-dipole selection rules. The luminescence from the 4F3/2 → 4I9/2 and 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transitions of Nd(III...
On the Spectrum of the Solar Corona

Attention is called to the recent explanation of the line spectrum of the solar corona. Most of the lines have been ascribed to highly ionized atoms of iron and nickel.
Interframe Coding Via Nonhomogeneous Progressive Transmission

Progressive image transmission provides rapid reception of an image approximation, which is thereafter refined without incurring excess coding overhead. Nonhomogeneous techniques improve progressive reception by concentrating early transmission efforts on the most informative image areas, again without incurring excess coding overhead. A nonhomogeneous progressive coding method is described for interframe or intersample (nonconsecutive frame) coding and transmission. Working upon the simple difference of successive frames/samples, the coding method first transmits the most important differences followed by differences of lesser importance. The amount of coded data and the transmission time for each sample difference is proportional to the degree of image change. The nonhomogeneous, progressive, intersample coding method does not provide motion compensation, but does have the advantage of simplicity and low computational requirements. As all progressive techniques, the coding method is particularly suited for use with low bandwidth communication channels.
Mixing things up: collaboration, converging disciplines, and the music curriculum

The applications of digital technologies in the world of art continue to explode, and various artistic disciplines begin to converge as a result. More artists are working in a wide variety of media while, at the same time, increasing specialisation results in a greater number of collaborative, interdisciplinary activities. The ability to collaborate effectively with other artists is a skill set that must be addressed from a curricular standpoint, and music faculty must engage with colleagues in the other arts to provide students with the appropriate learning opportunities. While many institutions have developed successful models for doing this, information about those models has not been widely disseminated. Institutions that have found this change difficult may face a variety of obstacles, including highly compartmentalised departments, a crowded curriculum, and shortages in staffing and funds. One model for change is presented that focuses on building curriculum and shared facilities, using technology as a means to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Bethesda System thyroid diagnostic categories in the African-American population in conjunction with surgical pathology follow-up

Background: It has been reported that African - Americans (AA) have a higher prevalence of overall malignancy compared to Caucasians, in the United States, yet the incidence of thyroid malignancy is half. The aim of this study is to assess the rate of malignant versus benign thyroid disease in AA from an urban-based hospital with an academic setting. Our study analyzed the AA population with respect to fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid lesions, in correlation with final surgical pathology. This is the first study of its kind to our knowledge. Design: We retrospectively reviewed thyroid FNA cytology between January 2005 and February 2011. Consecutive FNA specimens with corresponding follow-up surgical pathology were included. The patients were categorized as African- American (AA) and Non-African-American (NAA), which included Caucasians (C), Hispanics (H), and Others (O). The FNA results were classified using the latest edition of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBS-Thy) and the follow-up surgical pathology was used for the final categorization. Results: We studied 258 cases: 144 AA (56%) and 114 NAA [43 C (17%), 3 H (1%), and 68 O (28%)]. The average age for AA was 51 years (range 20 - 88) and for NAA was 53 years (range 25 - 86). There were more females than males in the AA versus the NAA group (85 vs. 75%). The incidence of thyroid lesions in the FNA specimens was similar between these two populations. The distribution of benign versus malignant diagnosis on follow-up surgical pathology was examined across TBS-Thy class. Conclusion: Our data suggest that distribution of benign versus malignant lesions in the thyroid FNA of AA versus NAA, with follow-up surgical pathology, is comparable for TBS-Thy classes, non-diagnostic (I), benign (II), suspicious for malignancy (V), and malignant (VI) in AA versus NAA.
A novel discrete-arbitrary-picket pulse-shaping system for the OMEGA laser fusion facility

We present the results of the development and testing of a new pulse-shaping system based on the temporal stacking of discrete optical picket pulses. This pulse-shaping system produces programmable picket packets that are suitable for numerous OMEGA facility applications
Nifekalant hydrochloride, a novel class III antiarrhythmic agent, suppressed postoperative recurrent ventricular tachycardia in a patient undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and the Dor approach.

A patient with 3-vessel coronary artery disease and left ventricular aneurysm underwent coronary artery bypass grafting combined with the Dor approach. Five days later, ventricular tachycardia following short-coupled ventricular premature contractions suddenly occurred and was not responsive to class IB drugs (lidocaine and mexiletine), requiring frequent electrical cardioversion. After the administration of a novel class III drug, nifekalant hydrochloride, this electrical storm of ventricular tachycardia was completely suppressed together with the disappearance of ventricular premature contractions. Nifekalant hydrochloride (MS-551), a pure K+ channel blocker, might be effective for postoperative recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias that are refractory to other antiarrhythmic agents. (Circ J 2003; 67: 712 - 714)
The evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux before and after medical therapies

Gastroesophageal scintigraphy is a quantitative technique that can be employed to detect and quantitate gastroesophageal reflux before and after the application of therapeutic modalities, including change in body position, bethanechol, atropine, antacids, and antacid-alginate compounds. Five groups of 10-15 patients each were studied before and after using each therapeutic modality and before and after atropine. The results were compared to the patient's symptomatology and to the acid reflux test. Gastroesophageal scintigraphy was performed following oral administration of 300 microCi 99mTc-sulfur colloid in 300 ml acidified orange juice. Thirty-second gamma camera images were obtained as the gastroesophageal gradient was increased from approximately 10 to 35 mm Hg at 5 mm Hg increments using an inflatable abdominal binder. Data were processed using a digital computer. Reflux was reduced by change in position from recumbent to upright, and by the use of subcutaneous bethanechol, oral antacid, or oral antacidalginate compound. Atropine increased reflux. Gastroesophageal scintigraphy is more sensitive than fluoroscopy, correlates well with clinical symptomatology, and is a reliable and convenient technique for the quantitative estimation of reflux before and after therapy.
Sex differences in the self-concept in adolescence

This paper examines an aspect of the self-concept — salience of the self or self-consciousness — which has generally been neglected in the past. In an empirical study of nearly 2,000 children and adolescents, it was found that striking sex differences emerge during the adolescent period. Girls are considerably more self-conscious than boys, more vulnerable to criticism, and more concerned with promoting interpersonal harmony. Overall, adolescent girls are increasingly “people-oriented” while boys stress achievement and competence. It is suggested that these differences reflect the social definitions of sex roles.
Thermodynamic requirements for maximum internal combustion engine cycle efficiency. Part 2: work extraction and reactant preparation strategies

This is the second of a two-part study that examines, from the exergy management standpoint, the fundamental thermodynamic requirements for maximizing internal combustion (IC) engine cycle efficiency. In Part 1, it is shown that the strategy to minimize exergy destroyed due to combustion reduces to carrying out combustion at the highest possible internal energy state. Based on this optimal strategy, the present paper examines the remaining elements of IC engine architecture - reactant preparation and product expansion (work extraction) - from the standpoint of managing the associated exergy flows to improve overall engine efficiency. When considered on its own, work extraction is maximized when the combustion products expand to the environmental dead state, with zero exergy left in the exhaust. However, this optimality condition is mismatched to post-combustion conditions for most fuel-air systems, and manifests as hot exhaust with high exergy even upon expansion to ambient pressure. Several strategies to alleviate the mismatch, via preparation of the fuel-air mixture before combustion commences, are considered: reactant compression, dilution with exhaust or excess air, and heating or cooling. These strategies entail trade-offs between exergy destruction due to combustion, and exergy transfers in the form of work (compression), matter (dilution), or heat transfer. The consequent effects on optimal IC engine cycle efficiency are systematically analysed and catalogued.
Environmental efficiency analysis of U.S. passenger transportation modes: A synergistic use of hybrid LCA and mathematical optimization

The aim of this study is to analyze the environmental performance of 15 passenger transportation modes using a combined application of data envelopment analysis (DEA) and hybrid life cycle assessment (LCA). The proposed approach can offer vital guidance for decision makers regarding the relative environmental efficiency of transportation modes, and enhance the interpretation of LCA results.
Childhood obesity: a risk factor for injuries observed at a level-1 trauma center

Purpose Obesity is an independent risk factor in trauma-related morbidity in adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of obesity in the pediatric trauma population.
Calculation of molecular areas of hydrocarbons

A method is suggested to calculate molecular area of hydrocarbons. A comparison of calculation and experimental results indicates that the calculated molecular areas are suitable for application in engineering calculations.
Mechanisms of Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R (αGal) expression on porcine valve endothelial cells

Abstract Objective: We have previously reported that porcine valve endothelium does not express immunodetectable levels of the carbohydrate Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R (known as α Gal ), suggesting that fresh porcine valve may be immunoprivileged. In this study, we further investigated the mechanisms of αGal expression on porcine valve endothelial cells. Methods: Primary cultures of porcine valvular endothelial cells were established and compared with porcine aortic endothelial cells and human vein endothelial cells. Immunoblotting, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and flow cytometry were used to compare the expression of αGal at both the protein and messenger RNA levels. Results: Porcine valvular endothelial cells grew rapidly on a gelatin substrate. Similar to our previous in vivo results, valve endothelial cells expressed αGal much less intensely than did aortic endothelial cells. Porcine aortic endothelial cells expressed an isolectin B4 (isolectin B4 lectin Bandeiraea simplicifolia ) immunodetectable band at 135 kd that was not visible on porcine valve endothelial cells or on human vein endothelial cells. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction documented three transcripts of the αGal gene that were identically expressed on porcine valve and aortic endothelial cells. Furthermore, flow cytometry showed an almost identical surface profile between porcine aortic and valve endothelial cells, in contrast with human vein endothelial cells. Conclusions: Cultures of primary valve endothelial cells were established and exhibited similar phenotypic patterns in vitro to those we have previously documented in vivo. RNA and flow cytometric analyses documented no difference between the RNA expression and surface protein profile for αGal, although whole-cell extracts demonstrated an immunodetectable band on Western blotting that was present on aortic endothelial cells but not on valve endothelial cells. These findings clarify the mechanism of expression of α1,3galactosyltransferase gene expression in valve endothelial cells, suggesting that delayed rejection of fresh porcine cardiac valves may occur. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003;125:306-14
Phthalate ester plasticizers: a new class of marine pollutant

Phthalate ester plasticizers have been detected in the open-ocean environment. Samples consisting of water, sediment, air, and biota from the Gulf of Mexico and of water and air from the North Atlantic were analyzed and found to contain two phthalate esters, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-dibutyl phthalate (DBP): the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) and DDT's (p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE) were also determined. Like the ubiquitous PCB's and DDT's, the phthalate plasticizers were found in almost all samples analyzed; DEHP was present at higher concentrations than the PCB's or DDT's in water and sediment. The environmental impact of the concentrations found in these studies, coupled with the continued high production and wise use of these plasticizers, requires assessment.
Development of a model for PHA-based denitrification in a packed bed reactor

Abstract A model of the denitrification on a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) based reactor for recirculating aquaculture was developed. PHA is a family of non-water soluble bioplastics produced by bacteria. The PHA formulation used in this work was polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The model considered nitrate concentration, dissolved oxygen, organic carbon and biomass concentration as the most significant variables. The developed model represents adequately the nitrate reduction with the medium used, for nitrate under 100 ppm NO 3 − -N. In the conditions tested, an average ratio of 2.92 g PHA to 1 g NO 3 − -N reduced was found. The model results showed a denitrification rate of 2.97 kg m −3 d −1 for ranges from 10 to 50 mg NO 3 − -N L −1 . Using this model as a management tool, the required size of denitrification units and PHA recharging time can be predicted based on the expected nitrate loading and the time between PHA recharges desired. The unit sizing should be done for the maximum load expected. The slow rate and the energy required for PHA hydrolysis, make it unavailable as electron donor after the nitrate is consumed, so it will not promote the formation of sulfides. The model can be modified for other biodegradable non-water soluble medium by changing the hydrolysis constant, which must be determined experimentally.
STUDY OF TRANSPORT AND DEVICES BASED ON THE PHOTO-EXCITED TWO-DIMENSIONAL ELECTRONIC SYSTEM

A high mobility two-dimensional electron system exhibits large changes in the resistance, and zero-resistance states, under microwave and Terahertz excitation. We describe associated experimental results and the possibility of using this system as a radiation detector.
A Test Case of Correlation Metric Construction of a Reaction Pathway from Measurements

A method for the prediction of the interactions within complex reaction networks from experimentally measured time series of the concentration of the species composing the system has been tested experimentally on the first few steps of the glycolytic pathway. The reconstituted reaction system, containing eight enzymes and 14 metabolic intermediates, was kept away from equilibrium in a continuous-flow, stirred-tank reactor. Input concentrations of adenosine monophosphate and citrate were externally varied over time, and their concentrations in the reactor and the response of eight other species were measured. Multidimensional scaling analysis and heuristic algorithms applied to two-species time-lagged correlation functions derived from the time series yielded a diagram from which the interactions among all of the species could be deduced. The diagram predicts essential features of the known reaction network in regard to chemical reactions and interactions among the measured species. The approach is applicable to many complex reaction systems.
Understanding trends in inpatient surgical volume: vascular interventions, 1980-2000.

Abstract Objective To help understand past and future trends in vascular intervention, we examined changes in the rate of utilization, patient demographics, and length of stay from 1980 to 2000. Methods We reviewed the ICD-9 codes for all vascular procedures using the National Hospital Discharge Survey of non-federal United States hospitals (1980-2000). Results The number of vascular procedures performed in this country increased from 412,557 in 1980 to 801,537 in 2000 (per capita increase of >50%). This increase was most evident in elderly patients (>75 years, 67% per capita increase in discharges). Long hospital stays (≥7 days) for vascular procedures fell 41%, and short hospital stays ( Conclusion Interventions for vascular disease have increased dramatically, with a major shift toward less invasive treatments, particularly for the renal and mesenteric vessels and the lower extremities. These trends in procedural use suggest that vascular surgeons need to embrace catheter-based approaches if they want to remain leaders in the treatment of peripheral vascular diseases.
Shock Tube Pyrolysis of 1,2,4,5-Hexatetraene

1,2,4,5-Hexatetraene (1245HT) is, according to theory, a key intermediate to benzene from propargyl radicals in a variety of flames; however, it has only been experimentally observed once in previous studies of the C3H3 + C3H3 reaction. To determine if it is indeed an intermediate to benzene formation, 1245HT was synthesized, via a Grignard reaction, and pyrolysized in a single-pulse shock tube at two nominal pressures of 22 and 40 bar over a temperature range from 540 to 1180 K. At temperatures T < 700 K, 1245HT converts efficiently to 3,4-dimethylenecyclobutene (34DMCB) with a rate constant of k = 1010.16 × exp(−23.4 kcal/RT), which is in good agreement with the one calculated by Miller and Klippenstein. At higher temperatures, various C6H6 isomers were generated, which is consistent with theory and earlier experimental studies. Thus, the current work strongly supports the theory that 1245HT plays a bridging role in forming benzene from propargyl radicals. RRKM modeling of the current data set has also ...
Batch culture growth response of a poultry Salmonella typhimurium isolate to ammonium salts

Abstract High ammonium levels have often been associated with poultry waste. In this study we chose to examine the effect of ammonium salt on growth of salmonellae. A nalidixic acid, novobiocin, resistant primary poultry Salmonella typhimurium isolate was grown at 37°C in bicarbonate buffered (60 m m ) tryptic-soy broth containing either NH4Cl, NaCl, KCl, (NH4)2SO4, ammonium oxalate, ammonium acetate or NH4OH. Concentrations tested ranged from 0 to 600 m m ammonium-nitrogen and growth response was measured at 37°C as batch culture maximum growth rate. NH4OH was the most inhibitory ammonium salt with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 50 m m ammonium-nitrogen while the other ammonium salts were much less inhibitory. Based on comparison of the inhibition constant (Ki) calculated from growth rates of bacteria grown on the respective salt, S. typhimurium was least sensitive to (NH4)2SO4 and most sensitive to NH4OH when compared to all other growth and salt conditions. Salmonella typhimurium was equally sensitive to nonbuffered NH4Cl, KCl and NaCl containing media. However, cells that were initially exposed to ammonium oxalate, ammonium acetate or cells exposed to NH4Cl and either adapted (at least 10 transfers in the same basal medium), unadapted (less than four transfers), or grown anaerobically were more inhibited. It appears that the initial inhibition of Salmonella growth by ammonium is dependent on extracellular pH and type of ion forming the ammonium salt, but some adaptation over time to higher concentrations may also occur.
The role of adipocyte XBP1 in metabolic regulation during lactation.

Summary The adipocyte is central to organismal metabolism and exhibits significant functional and morphological plasticity during its formation and lifespan. Remarkable transformations of this cell occur during obesity and lactation, and thus it is essential to gain a better understanding of adipocyte function in these two metabolic processes. Considering the critical importance of the cellular organelle endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in adapting to fluctuations in synthetic processes, we explored the role of XBP1, a central regulator of ER adaptive responses, in adipocyte formation and function. Unexpectedly, deletion of adipocyte-XBP1 in vivo in mice (XBP1 ΔAd ) had no effect on adipocyte formation or on systemic homeostatic metabolism in mice fed a a regular or high-fat diet. However, during lactation, XBP1 ΔAd dams displayed increased adiposity, decreased milk production, and decreased litter growth as compared with control dams. Moreover, we demonstrate that XBP1 is regulated during lactation and responds to prolactin to alter lipogenic gene expression. These results demonstrate a role for adipocyte-XBP1 in the regulation of lactational metabolism. Video Abstract
Perturbation of the Autoimmune Network. I. Immunization with Anti-Idiotypic Antibodies Prior to Challenge with Antigen Induces Quantitative Variations in the Autoantibody Response

The effect of immunization with anti-idiotypes on the production of autoantibodies subsequently induced with nominal antigen, thyroglobulin, was investigated in BALB/c mice with three distinct rabbit antibodies and one syngeneic monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for an idiotype (Id62) borne on a mouse monoclonal autoantibody to thyroglobulin. In these in vivo experiments, dose, route and form of the anti-idiotypic immunization were kept constant, but the time interval between exposure to anti-idiotype and antigen challenge was varied. When the interval was short (two weeks), heterologous anti-Id62 antibodies predisposed to suppression of the autoantibody response in 2/3 instances. Suppression was also obtained in mice immunized with a syngeneic mAb directed against Id62. In each case, a prominent idiotype-positive (Id’) response was measured in the serum. Adsorption/elution studies indicated that Id’ molecules in suppressed mice were principally non antigen-binding. on the other hand, when the time inter...
Chronic ethanol feeding increases activation of NADPH oxidase by lipopolysaccharide in rat Kupffer cells: role of increased reactive oxygen in LPS-stimulated ERK1/2 activation and TNF-α production

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the development of chronic ethanol-induced liver injury. Although ROS modulate the activity of many signal transduction pathways, the molecular targets of ROS during ethanol exposure are not well understood. Here, we investigated whether specific ROS-sensitive signal transduction pathways contribute to increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) production by Kupffer cells after chronic ethanol feeding to rats. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) rapidly increased ROS production, measured by dihydrorhodamine fluorescence, in Kupffer cells from ethanol- and pair-fed rats, and ROS production was 2.5-fold greater in ethanol-fed compared with pair-fed. Pretreatment with diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), which inhibits reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, normalized ROS production in Kupffer cells from ethanol-fed rats. LPS rapidly increased Rac1-guanosinetriphosphatase (GTPase) activity and p67(phox) translocation to the plasma membrane in Kupffer cells from pair-fed rats. After ethanol feeding, Rac1-GTPase activity was already increased over pair-fed at baseline and remained elevated over pair-fed after LPS stimulation. Further, LPS-stimulated p67(phox) translocation to the plasma membrane was enhanced after chronic ethanol feeding. LPS-stimulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and p38 phosphorylation, two signaling pathways regulated by ROS, were increased twofold in Kupffer cells from ethanol-fed rats compared with pair-fed controls. However, only LPS-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation was inhibited by DPI, which also reduced LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha production in Kupffer cells from pair- and ethanol-fed rats. These results demonstrate that chronic ethanol feeding increases LPS-stimulated NADPH oxidase-dependent production of ROS in Kupffer cells. Further, ERK1/2 is an important target of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS in Kupffer cells, contributing to enhanced LPS-stimulated TNF-alpha production by Kupffer cells after chronic ethanol feeding.
Teaching second-level Java and software engineering with Android

Over the past two years, second-year Java and software engineering courses have been taught at the University of Virginia and North Carolina State University utilizing the Android OS platform. Instructors taught a variety of traditional second-year topics, including abstraction, design, requirements, and testing, utilizing a variety of Android-based mobile devices. Anecdotal responses from student surveys and evaluations from five course sessions indicate that teaching lower-level courses with more advanced and current technology, even with a steeper learning curve, is beneficial. In this tutorial proposal, we outline our plan for presenting a session that would help educators incorporate the Android OS into their curriculum and how to use the system even if mobile devices are not available.
Model Update March 2011: Upper Mantle Heterogeneity beneath North America from Traveltime Tomography with Global and USArray Transportable Array Data

Online material : P -wave tomography model for the United States; scripts for plotting cross-sections. In 2011, the Transportable Array of USArray (http://www.iris.edu/USArray/), the seismological component of EarthScope (http://www.earthscope.org/), continued to extend east of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains and into the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions where not many routinely processed data were available for previous regional- or global-scale traveltime inversions. In previous papers (Burdick et al. 2008, 2009, 2010) we presented 3-D tomographic models of mantle P -wavespeed from global and USArrayTA traveltime data through November 2007, December 2008, and January 2010, respectively. Here we present a model update using USArrayTA data through March 2011. The new model, MITP\_USA\_2011MAR, is available as an electronic supplement. Interpretation of the 3-D tomographic images is beyond the scope of this brief research note. The method for traveltime tomography used here is described in previous papers (Li et al. 2008; Burdick et al. 2008), but for the sake of completeness we include a brief summary. We perform global (linearized) inversions of P -wave traveltime residuals using an adaptable grid with a minimum grid spacing of 0.3° × 0.3° × 45 km. The spacing of the adaptable grid is adjusted based on raypath coverage in each mantle volume. The data included in the inversion consist of ∼10 million P -wave residuals from the International Seismological Centre and the National Earthquake Information Center processed using the algorithms developed by Engdahl et al. (1998)—henceforth referred as the EHB catalog—and the database …
Phase III study on the treatment of women with cervical cancer, stage IIB, IIIB, and IVA (confined to the pelvis and/or periaortic nodes), with radiotherapy alone versus radiotherapy plus immunotherapy with intravenous Corynebacterium parvum: A gynecologic oncology group study

A report on a study conducted under the auspices of the Gynecologic Oncology Group on the treatment of women with advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix (stages IIB, IIIB, IVA) with radiotherapy alone versus radiotherapy plus immunotherapy (intravenous Corynebacterium parvum) is presented. There were 283 patients considered evaluable for analysis. Of these, 135 patients were randomized to radiotherapy plus C. parvum (120 patients received at least one course) and 148 were randomized to radiotherapy only. The two treatment regimens were similar for those adverse effects commonly associated with radiation therapy but for hematologic toxicity and fever and/or chills were significantly more frequent among those patients who received C. parvum. There was no statistical difference in the treatment regimens with regard to survival or progression-free interval. Of the 42 patients with positive periaortic nodes, 19% were alive at 3 years. No therapeutic value was demonstrated by combining C. parvum therapy with traditional radiation therapy in advanced cervical cancer. Because of the greater frequency of adverse effects in those patients receiving C. parvum, the further use of C. parvum at this dose and schedule does not appear to be indicated for treating cervical cancer patients.
Correlation of Internet Use for Health Care Engagement Purposes and HIV Clinical Outcomes Among HIV-Positive Individuals Using Online Social Media

The authors aimed to describe cell phone and Internet use and assess the correlation of Internet use for health care engagement purposes and HIV clinical outcomes among HIV-positive individuals. The authors conducted a national survey using online social media to examine cell phone and Internet use, self-reported HIV viral load (detectable vs. undetectable), and antiretroviral adherence rating (excellent vs. less than excellent). Participants (N = 1,494) were asked about their Internet use for health care engagement purposes (including e-mailing health care providers, refilling medications online, and making medical appointments online). Approximately 95% of participants accessed the Internet nearly daily or daily in the past month (mean hours on Internet use per day = 5.2) and 55.5% used the Internet for health care engagement purposes. Those who used the Internet for any health care engagement purposes had a 1.52-fold odds of reporting an undetectable viral load (p = .009) and a 1.49-fold odds of report...
Wet–dry cycles affect dissolved organic carbon in two California agricultural soils

Abstract During California's hot, dry summers, irrigated soils are subjected to frequent wet–dry cycles and surface layers dry to near air–dry conditions between irrigations. We investigate whether wet–dry cycles enhance soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations. This research follows up on previous observations of higher DOC concentrations in the surface (0–2 cm) than deeper (2–15 cm) soil layer late in the growing season, even when soils were moist throughout the profile. We also investigate whether DOC contents correspond to other measures of C available to microorganisms. All measurements were made on soils stabilized at −0.03 MPa water potential for 48 h at 25°C to avoid the initial pulse of microbial activity which follows re-wetting of dry soils. After 3 months during the summer field season, DOC concentrations increased 2.5-fold in the surface 0–2 cm layer and 1.20 to 1.35-fold in the 2–15 cm layer in soils under both organic (N inputs of cover crop and manure) and conventional (inorganic N inputs) management for irrigated tomatoes. In microcosms exposed to wet–dry cycles for 3 months, DOC concentrations increased by 70%, while in microcosms maintained at −0.03 MPa for 3 months DOC remained constant. The increase in DOC in both field and microcosm soils exposed to wet–dry cycles indicates that wet–dry cycles contribute to higher background DOC contents. The greater DOC increase in the field than microcosms may be due to evaporation causing upward movement of water and concentrating DOC at the soil surface, or to greater C availability in the field due to the presence of plant roots. Respiration and microbial biomass C (MBC) remained constant or declined slightly in both soil layers and microcosm treatments over the growing season, counter to the trends in DOC concentration. Therefore DOC contents measured under moist soil conditions do not appear to consistently indicate C availability to microorganisms. The percentage of labile DOC, as measured by a bioassay, declined in the surface layer of the organic field soil and in organic and conventional soils in both microcosm treatments over the 3 month experiment, possibly indicating that roots were a continuing source of labile DOC in the lower field layers. Reflecting the higher organic inputs to the organic than conventional soil, DOC, MBC and respiration rates were 2–2.5 times higher in the organic than conventional soil throughout the experiments, however the percentage of labile DOC was approximately twice as high in the conventional soil as in organic soil.
NGST and GSMT: first cousins or distant relations?

A generation 8-m telescopes, particularly the Keck telescopes in the 1990s have played a crucial role in many scientific programs carried out with the Hubble Space Telescope. The Next Generation Space Telescope, scheduled for launch at the end of this decade, may form a similar relationship with the next generation of ground-based telescopes, for example, CELT, or the NRC Decadal Report's GSMT. Core science programs for ground-based telescopes are now becoming clear. Drawing on these studies, I will address the question of to what degree CELT, GSMT, and perhaps eventually OWL, will share the same important symbiotic relationship to NGST that HST and the 8-m telescopes have enjoyed, or to what extent they will carry out largely independent astronomical research.
Mineralogical Approaches to Sourcing Pipes and Figurines from the Eastern Woodlands, U.S.A.

Provenance studies of stone artifacts often rely heavily upon chemical techniques such as neutron activation analysis. However, stone specimens with very similar chemical composition can have different mineralogies (distinctive crystalline structures as well as variations within the same mineral) that are not revealed by multielemental techniques. Because mineralogical techniques are often cheap and usually nondestructive, beginning with mineralogy allows the researcher to gain valuable information and then to be selective about how many samples are submitted for expensive and somewhat destructive chemical analysis, thus conserving both valuable samples and funds. Our University of Illinois team of archaeologists and geologists employs Portable Infrared Mineral Analyzer (PIMA) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Sequential acid dissolution/XRD/Inductively coupled plasma (SAD-XRD-ICP) analyses. Two case studies of Hopewellian pipes and Mississippian figurines illustrate this mineralogical approach. The results for both studies identify sources relatively close to the sites where the artifacts were recovered: Sterling, Illinois (rather than Ohio) for the (Hopewell) pipes and Missouri (rather than Arkansas or Oklahoma) for the Cahokia figurines. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.