cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using a desk-top computer for an on-line flood warning system

The paper deals with the development of an adaptive model that is applicable to real-time forecasting of hydrologic processes. The rainfall-runoff process is considered here. In this model the discharge was modeled as autoregressive with past discharges and a moving average representation on the precipitation. The model makes use of the Constrained Linear Systems (CLS) technique to split the precipitation into two rainfall inputs by using a threshold based on an antecedent precipitation index. This technique can be thought of as a piecewise linearization of a nonlinear process. The real-time forecasting model is a time invariant linear state model where the state variables, discharge and rainfall, are estimated by the Kalman filtering algorithm and the unknown model parameters by using the instrumental variables approach. This technique was applied in a case study using data from the Ombrone River Basin, Italy, and was implemented on a small desk-top computer.
Feasibility study on salting-in of organic pollutants to enhance the effectiveness of ex-situ soil washing

The feasibility of using a salting-in effect for leaching organic pollutants from subsurface materials was investigated. Two clay samples with contrasting properties and three well-characterized soil samples were spiked with nitrobenzene, a priority contaminant, and experimental desorption equilibrium studies were conducted. By using aqueous solutions of benzoic acid ammonium salt with a concentration range from zero to 72% of saturation, desorption isotherms were generated. The impact of salting-in on the leaching efficiency and the influence of soil properties on the process were examined. Qualitative criteria for feasibility were established. Results showed that the presence of salt caused a substantial increase in the amount of nitrobenzene leached from subsurface materials with low ion-exchange capacity, and the positive trends become more pronounced with increasing levels of salt concentration. In the case of subsurface materials with high ion-exchange capacity, however, solute−solid interaction was...
Semi-superyised support vector machines for unlabeled data classification

A concave minimization approach is proposed for classifying unlabeled data based on the following ideas: (i) A small representative percentage (5% to 10%) of the unlabeled data is chosen by a clustering algorithm and given to an expert or oracle to label, (ii) A linear support vector machine is trained using the small labeled sample while simultaneously assigning the remaining bulk of the unlabeled dataset to one of two classes so as to maximize the margin (distance) between the two bounding planes that determine the separating plane midway between them. This latter problem is formulated as a concave minimization problem on a polyhedral set for which a stationary point is quickly obtained by solving a few (5 to 7) linear programs. Such stationary points turn out to be very effective as evidenced by our computational results which show that clustered concave minimization yields: (a) Test set improvement as high as 20.4% over a linear support vector machine trained on a correspondingly small but randomly ch...
Determination of thermal properties of composting bulking materials

Thermal properties of compost bulking materials affect temperature and biodegradation during the com- posting process. Well determined thermal properties of compost feedstocks will therefore contribute to practical thermodynamic approaches. Thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and volumetric heat capacity of 12 compost bulking materials were determined in this study. Thermal properties were deter- mined at varying bulk densities (1, 1.3, 1.7, 2.5, and 5 times uncompacted bulk density), particle sizes (ground and bulk), and water contents (0, 20, 50, 80% of water holding capacity and saturated condition). For the water content at 80% of water holding capacity, saw dust, soil compost blend, beef manure, and turkey litter showed the highest thermal conductivity (K) and volumetric heat capacity (C )( K: 0.12- 0.81 W/m C and C: 1.36-4.08 MJ/m 3 C). Silage showed medium values at the same water content (K: 0.09-0.47 W/m C and C: 0.93-3.09 MJ/m 3 C). Wheat straw, oat straw, soybean straw, cornstalks, alfalfa hay, and wood shavings produced the lowest K and C values (K: 0.03-0.30 W/m C and C: 0.26-3.45 MJ/ m 3 C). Thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity showed a linear relationship with moisture content and bulk density, while thermal diffusivity showed a nonlinear relationship. Since the water, air, and solid materials have their own specific thermal property values, thermal properties of compost bulking materials vary with the rate of those three components by changing water content, bulk density, and particle size. The degree of saturation was used to represent the interaction between volumes of water, air, and solids under the various combinations of moisture content, bulk density, and particle size. The first order regression models developed in this paper represent the relationship between degree of saturation and volumetric heat capacity (r = 0.95-0.99) and thermal conductivity (r = 0.84-0.99) well. Improved knowledge of the thermal properties of compost bulking materials can contribute to improved thermodynamic modeling and heat management of composting processes. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Nurses' perceptions of continuing professional development.

Aim To investigate NHS and private sector nurses' perceptions of the value of continuing professional development (CPD), and to analyse the factors that influence these perceptions and any potential barriers to successful CPD. Method Questionnaires were sent to 200 staff working in two NHS trusts and 13 nursing homes. Following analysis of the questionnaires, interviews took place with eight self-selecting respondents to explore certain issues further. Each interview was taped and lasted 30-45 minutes. The venue for the interview was arranged to suit the respondent, either in a private office in the work environment or at home. Written consent was sought before taping the interview. Results From the results of the postal questionnaires a largely positive perception of CPD was determined. However, it was shown that there were some barriers to professional development that have not previously been reported in the literature. Managers' leadership styles were found to influence nurses' perceptions of the value of CPD, as well as their ability to reflect, which affected the application of learning to practice. Conclusion Influencing factors included managers' leadership styles and their responsiveness to change, as well as a reduced ability for nurses to reflect. A disassociation between post-registration education and practice (PREP) and CPD in terms of understanding the purpose of PREP was also discovered among nurses.
Vibrationally controlled chemistry: mode- and bond-selected reaction of CH3D with Cl.

Selective vibrational excitation controls the competition between C−H and C−D bond cleavage in the reaction of CH3D with Cl, which forms either HCl + CH2D or DCl + CH3. The reaction of CH3D molecules with the first overtone of the C−D stretch (2ν2) excited selectively breaks the C−D bond, producing CH3 exclusively. In contrast, excitation of either the symmetric C−H stretch (ν1), the antisymmetric C−H stretch (ν4), or a combination of antisymmetric stretch and CH3 umbrella bend (ν4 + ν3) causes the reaction to cleave only a C−H bond to produce solely CH2D. Initial preparation of C−H stretching vibrations with different couplings to the reaction coordinate changes the rate of the H-atom abstraction reaction. Excitation of the symmetric C−H stretch (ν1) of CH3D accelerates the H-atom abstraction reaction 7 times more than excitation of the antisymmetric C−H stretch (ν4) even though the two lie within 80 cm-1 of the same energy. Ab initio calculations and a simple theoretical model help identify the dynamics...
The role of cyclic nucleotide mediators in latency and reactivation of HSV-1 infected neuroblastoma cells.

The mechanisms that control herpes simplex virus type 1 latency and reactivation are still poorly understood. We developed an in vitro murine neuroblastoma cell HSV-infected, acyclovir suppressed model to study the influence of different cyclic nucleotide mediators on the latency and reactivation of HSV-1. A positive cDNA ‘in situ’ hybridisation for HSV genome was used to prove the establishment of a viral-host cell nuclear relationship. An ABC-immunoperoxidase reaction to cell surface HSV mature glycoproteins was also performed to determine the time of viral reactivation with formation of mature virions. Supernates of cultured cells were placed on Vero cells for confirmation of reactivation by classic cytopathic effect. Theophylline (50 μg/ml) and dibutyril-cAMP (0.1, 0.5, 1 mg/ml) produced the most pronounced response, accelerating HSV reactivation time by 150%. Epinephrine (10, 20 μg/ml) had an intermediate effect on accelerating viral reactivation; and verapamil (20, 50 μg/ml), theophylline and epinephrine at lower doses had a smaller effect. Carbamylcholine (10 μg/ml) prolonged the time to viral reactivation by 100%, 36 hours compared to control time of 18 hours. Insulin (0.1, 0.5, 1 mg/ml) also prolonged HSV ‘latency’ by six hours. Exogenous dibutyril-cGMP and carbamylcholine at lower concentrations did not have an effect on viral reactivation. These findings suggest that there is a relationship between changes of intracellular concentrations of cyclic nucleotides and HSV latency and reactivation.
Is it possible to stay up-to-date after the residency?

Is it possible to stay up to date after residency? Think about the question before you read on. Are you up-to-date? Are your colleagues? Is your competitor? How about the surgeon who took care of your relative? In my experience, most surgeons stay up-to-date and do so remarkably well. Think about it. In your community, are you aware of surgeons who are incompetent because they have not kept up? Please do not count those who have lost their way because of substance abuse, alcoholism, and boundary violations with patients, ethical malfeasance, medial illnesses, dementia, or other disorders. Their problems are different; their failure to keep up-to-date is secondary. Count only those who are incompetent because they are not well informed, who are not aware of the important surgical advances, and who do not provide care in accord with accepted standards. My prediction is that you will find only a few.
The inhibitory effect of anti-CD33 monoclonal antibodies on AML cell growth correlates with Syk and/or ZAP-70 expression.

Abstract Objectives. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells express the cell surface antigen CD33 that can function as a downregulator of cell growth, mediating growth arrest and apoptosis. The protein kinase Syk is an essential element in several cascades coupling certain antigen receptors to cell responses. Recently we reported that CD33 recruits Syk for its signaling in AML cell lines. In this study, we further investigated the mechanism(s) of Syk engagement in CD33 signaling in primary AML samples. Methods. We investigated 25 primary AML samples for their proliferative response ( 3 H-thymidine incorporation) and biochemical changes (Western blot analysis) to anti-CD33 mAb treatment. Results. Proliferation studies demonstrated that 14 (56%) of AML samples were responsive (R) while 11 (44%) were nonresponsive (n-R) to inhibitory antibody activity. Seven of 25 AML samples (28%) expressed undetectable levels of Syk. However, cells from two of these patients expressed the ZAP-70 protein kinase. In Syk/ZAP-70 + samples, CD33 ligation inhibited proliferation in 70% of cases, while none of the Syk/ZAP-70 − samples was responsive. There were significant biochemical differences between responder and nonresponder AML populations. In responder samples, CD33 ligation induced phosphorylation of CD33 andSyk and formation of the CD33/Syk complex. In nonresponder samples, CD33 was not phosphorylated, and Syk was in complex with the SHP-1 protein phosphatase constitutively. Conclusions. Syk is an important component in the regulation of proliferation in AML cells. The differential response of AML cells to CD33 ligation is associated with the level of the Syk expression.
Effects of various combinations of urea, soya-bean meal and maize in alkaline hydrogen peroxide-treated wheat straw-based diets on ruminal bacterial fermentation.

A dual flow continuous culture system was used to examine the effect of replacing plant protein-N with urea-N plus maize in diets containing predominantly alkaline hydrogen perioxide-treated wheat straw (AHP-S) on bacterial protein synthesis and other fermentation measurements. Four diets consisted of 70% AHP-S with urea-N replacing 0, 25, 50 and 75% of soya-bean meal (SBM)-N. To maintain isonitrogenous diets and equal levels of AHP-S, maize was added with increasing levels of urea. Each diet was replicated four times. Data were tested for linear, quadratic and cubic effects using orthogonal contrasts. No effects (P > 0.05) due to treatment were observed for true dry matter or organic matter digestion. However, a trend towards greater digestion as urea-N increased was noted, probably because of the increased level of maize in the diet. Ammonia concentration showed a linear (P 0.05) by substitution of plant protein-N with urea-N. In contrast, total non-structural carbohydrate digestion increased linearly (P 0.05) total volatile fatty acid concentration in the effluent; however, molar proportions of isobutyrate and isovalerate decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing amounts of urea-N plus maize in the diet. Results of this experiment indicated that replacement of up to 25% of the supplemental plant protein-N with urea-N plus maize did not have a negative effect on ruminal bacterial growth and fermentation in continuous culture.
Abstract B67: Metadherin mediates osteosarcoma invasion and metastasis

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone malignancy in children. It is a highly invasive mesenchymal tumor in which metastasis accounts for the vast majority of mortality and morbidity in patients. Understanding the mechanisms controlling metastasis in osteosarcoma and developing novel therapeutic options targeting metastasis are essential for improving patient survival in this disease. Recent studies have shown that Metadherin (MTDH) plays a key role in mediating metastasis in a variety of human cancers. This study examined the role of MTDH in osteosarcoma metastasis and elucidated the mechanisms underlying its oncogenic activity. We used western blot, qPCR, and flow cytometry to measure the expression of MTDH in a panel of osteosarcoma cell lines. Patient-derived osteosarcoma samples were also examined for MTDH expression using immunohistochemistry. In parallel experiments we used MTDH-specific shRNA to down-regulate endogenous MTDH expression, and blocked cell surface MTDH by anti-MTDH antibodies. The impact of MTDH inhibition was assessed in vitro using migration assays and matrigel invasion assays. We also developed an osteosarcoma orthotopic xenograft model of NOD/SCID/IL2Rγ-deficient mice through intratibial injection of osteosarcoma cells with or without MTDH knockdown to study the relationship between MTDH expression and pulmonary metastatic potential of osteosarcoma cells. Compared to normal human osteoblasts, all osteosarcoma cell lines tested displayed elevated MTDH expression as shown by western blot, qPCR and flow cytometry analyses. MTDH knockdown reduced migration and decreased invasion in matrigel. Inhibition of cell surface MTDH with an anti-MTDH antibody targeting the extracellular domain of MTDH also profoundly impeded osteosarcoma cell motility and invasiveness in vitro. In an orthotopic xenograft mouse model using CCHD cells, inhibition of MTDH delayed primary tumor growth and prohibited pulmonary metastasis. All mice in the control group developed lung metastases while fewer than 20% of the mice in the MTDH-knockdown group showed sign of metastasis at six weeks after inoculation. MTDH knockdown also reduced mean lung weight and mean number of pulmonary metastasis. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor samples showed that lung metastases had elevated MTDH expression level compared to primary tumors. Altogether these studies suggested that MTDH plays a critical role in promoting pulmonary metastasis of osteosarcoma and may serve as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Citation Format: Limin Zhu, Adrianna S. Buford, Yanwen Yang, Pingyu Zhang, Wei-Lien Wang, Dennis P. Hughes. Metadherin mediates osteosarcoma invasion and metastasis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B67.
Xenopus TACC3/Maskin Is Not Required for Microtubule Stability but Is Required for Anchoring Microtubules at the Centrosome

Members of the transforming acidic coiled coil (TACC) protein family are emerging as important mitotic spindle assembly proteins in a variety of organisms. The molecular details of how TACC proteins function are unknown, but TACC proteins have been proposed to recruit microtubule-stabilizing proteins of the tumor overexpressed gene (TOG) family to the centrosome and to facilitate their loading onto newly emerging microtubules. Using Xenopus egg extracts and in vitro assays, we show that the Xenopus TACC protein maskin is required for centrosome function beyond recruiting the Xenopus TOG protein XMAP215. The conserved C-terminal TACC domain of maskin is both necessary and sufficient to restore centrosome function in maskin-depleted extracts, and we provide evidence that the N terminus of maskin inhibits the function of the TACC domain. Time-lapse video microscopy reveals that microtubule dynamics in Xenopus egg extracts are unaffected by maskin depletion. Our results provide direct experimental evidence of a role for maskin in centrosome function and suggest that maskin is required for microtubule anchoring at the centrosome.
Opposing roles of RAGE and Myd88 signaling in extensive liver resection

In extensive liver resection secondary to primary or metastatic liver tumors, or in living donor liver transplantation, strategies to quell deleterious inflammatory responses and facilitate regeneration are essential. The receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) and myeloid differentiating factor 88 (Myd88) are implicated in the inflammatory response. To establish the contributions of RAGE vs. Myd88 signaling in extensive liver resection, we probed the effect of RAGE and/or Myd88, the latter primarily a key transducer of major toll-like receptors and also implicated in interleukin-1 (Il1) signaling, in a murine model of extensive (85%) hepatectomy. We report that, although Myd88 is thoroughly essential for survival via regulation of NF-κB and TNF-α, deletion of RAGE significantly improved survival compared to wild-type, Myd88-null, or RAGE-null/Myd88-null mice. RAGE opposes Myd88 signaling at multiple levels: by suppression of p65 levels, thereby reducing activation of NF-κB and consequent production of cyclin D1, and by suppression of Il6-mediated phosphorylation of Stat3, thereby down-regulating Pim1 and suppressing the hyperplastic response. Further, RAGE-dependent suppression of glyoxalase1, a detoxification pathway for pre-AGEs, enhances AGE levels and suppresses Il6 action. We conclude that blockade of RAGE may rescue liver remnants from the multiple signals that preclude adaptive proliferation triggered primarily by Myd88 signaling pathways.
Highchair philosophers: the impact of seating context-dependent exploration on children’s naming biases

We examine developmental interactions between context, exploration, and word learning. Infants show an understanding of how nonsolid substances are categorized that does not reliably transfer to learning how these categories are named in laboratory tasks. We argue that what infants learn about naming nonsolid substances is contextually bound - most nonsolids that toddlers are familiar with are foods and thus, typically experienced when sitting in a highchair. We asked whether 16-month-old children's naming of nonsolids would improve if they were tested in that typical context. Children tested in the highchair demonstrated better understanding of how nonsolids are named. Furthermore, context-based differences in exploration drove differences in the properties attended to in real-time. We discuss what implications this context-dependency has for understanding the development of an ontological distinction between solids and nonsolids. Together, these results demonstrate a developmental cascade between context, exploration, and word learning.
Muscle energetics and ultrastructure in chronic hypoxia.

High-altitude exposure impairs both maximal aerobic and anaerobic (lactic and alactic) performances. The maximal aerobic power (VO2max) decreases exponentially with increasing altitude. At
TGA/FTIR studies on the thermal degradation of some polymeric sulfonic and phosphonic acids and their sodium salts

The thermal degradation of poly(vinyl sulfonic acid) and its sodium salt, poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) and its sodium salt, and poly(vinylphosphonic acid) was studied by a combination of techniques, including TGA/FTIR, to identify the volatile products which were evolved during the degradation as well as analysis of the residues which were obtained in order to propose a mechanism for the degradation. The motivation for the work was to attempt to identify new monomers which could be graft copolymerized onto a polymer in order to improve the thermal stability of that polymer.
Quasiparticle dispersion in the cuprate superconductors and the two-dimensional Hubbard model

The momentum dispersion of the peak structure of the single-particle spectral weight A(p,\ensuremath{\omega}) of the two-dimensional Hubbard model is discussed. Using results obtained from Monte Carlo simulations on lattices up to 12\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}12 in size, we determine the low-lying quasiparticle dispersion relation. This dispersion relation is anomalously flat near the (\ensuremath{\pi},0) and (0,\ensuremath{\pi}) points of the Brillouin zone, similar to the results of recent angular resolved photoemission measurements of the hole-doped cuprates. We argue that the generic nature of the quasiparticle dispersion relation observed in these materials arises from the strong Coulomb interaction and reflects the hole-spin correlations rather than the one-electron interactions which customarily determine the band structure.
Household headship among unmarried persons in the United States 1970-1985.

Recent trends in rates of household headship and headship differentials by sex and color are examined within the context of a model that expresses the likelihood of heading an independent household as a function of age, marital status, parental status, and individual money income. The parameters of this model are consistent with predictions derived from a “life-course” perspective and are stable across period, sex, and color. Nonetheless, residual effects of period, sex, and color persist even after the independent variables are taken into account.
Molecular genetic evidence supporting the clonality and appendiceal origin of Pseudomyxoma peritonei in women

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a poorly understood condition characterized by mucinous ascites and multifocal peritoneal mucinous tumors. Women with PMP often have mucinous tumors involving both the appendix and the ovaries. Several previous histopathological and immunohistochemical studies of PMP have suggested that most, if not all, cases of PMP in women are derived from mucinous adenomas of the appendix rather than from primary ovarian tumors. A few studies of the molecular genetics of PMP have been recently reported. However, these studies analyzed only a small number of cases and some included a heterogeneous group of mucinous tumors, including both benign and malignant appendiceal and ovarian tumors. We analyzed K-ras mutations and allelic losses of chromosomes 18q, 17p, 5q, and 6q in a substantial number of morphologically uniform cases of PMP with synchronous ovarian and appendiceal tumors as well as in appendiceal mucinous adenomas (MAs) and ovarian mucinous tumors of low malignant potential (MLMPs) unassociated with PMP. Each of the 16 PMP cases (100%) analyzed demonstrated identical K-ras mutations in the appendiceal adenoma and corresponding synchronous ovarian tumor. K-ras mutations were identified in 11 of 16 (69%) appendiceal MAs unassociated with PMP and in 12 of 16 (75%) ovarian MLMPs unassociated with PMP. Two PMP cases showed identical allelic losses in the matched ovarian and appendiceal tumors. A discordant pattern of allelic loss between the ovarian and appendiceal tumors at one or two of the loci tested was observed in six PMP cases. In all but one instance, LOH was observed in the ovarian tumor, whereas both alleles were retained in the matched appendiceal lesion, suggesting tumor progression in a secondary (metastatic) site. Our findings strongly support the conclusion that mucinous tumors involving the appendix and ovaries in women with PMP are clonal and derived from a single site, most likely the appendix.
Similarity Computation for Knowledge-Based Sustainability Evaluation of Engineering Changes

Systematic sustainability assessment of a proposed Engineering Change (EC) is, typically, a time-consuming process due to the complexity of typical products and the lifecycle-wide impact of a change. One approach to enable faster evaluation is the use of the knowledge from similar past ECs. In this paper, we present an approach based on research in psychology to calculate the similarity of Engineering Changes such that the retrieved ECs can be used to predict only the carbon footprint of the proposed EC. Product knowledge is structured, and there is no acceptable standard for representation. Therefore, we propose a measure that focuses on identifying and aligning corresponding components of the query and target representations. We apply the measure to a case of 14 Engineering Changes (91 matching problems) and compare the matches for relevance to evaluation of carbon footprint. The precision and recall are evaluated by comparing against carbon footprints obtained using commercial LCA tool.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Correlation of Tm, sequence, and ΔH of complementary RNA helices and comparison with DNA helices

Tm values of 16 fully complementary RNA duplexes with repeating base sequence have been employed as the empirical basis for developing a reliable and practical method for computing apparent enthalpies (ΔHcalc) for their helix → coil transitions. The approach taken is the same as in the accompanying investigation of DNA duplexes, although some of the computational variables of the “best-fit” function are necessarily different due to the distinguishing structural properties of the RNA-type helix. An excellent linear correlation was thus obtained between experimental Tm and ΔHcalc values. An equally good fit was obtained between Tm and ΔHcalc for five unrelated (to the 16 RNAs) decaribonucleotide duplexes. The differences in computational variables between the best-fit methods for RNA and DNA duplexes are shown to be a reflection of differences in cation binding and the effective local dielectric. The greater Tm dependence on G·C content of RNA helices than of DNA helices is shown to be due to a greater latitude of stacking stabilities of complementary dinucleotide fragments containing A·T than A·U base pairs.
Convergent evolution of the mating behaviour of founder-flush populations of the housefly

Courtship bouts of six founder-flush populations (two-pair founder-flush) and two nonbottlenecked controls of the housefly were videotaped over the course of 26 generations in order to evaluate the stability of mating behaviour. Limited-choice mate preference tests were conducted periodically to assess levels of homogamic preference. Both founder-flush and control treatments showed significant evolutionary potential in courtship, along with homogamic and heterogamic preferences. The founder-flush populations were significantly differentiated from the controls in courtship repertoire, but all of the populations pursued convergent evolutionary trajectories in adapting to the laboratory, resulting in dissolution of homogamic preferences. The phenotypic shifts in courtship and mate preferences were unrelated to evolutionary trends in overall mating vigour; therefore, the convergence in courtship could not be attributed to either a fitness meltdown due to inbreeding or the purge of deleterious alleles. Only one founder-flush population showed some independence from the selectional pressures for convergence; therefore, the single two-pair founder-flush event was generally inadequate to stimulate stable incipient speciation. This study thus demonstrates how convergent evolution can dissolve founder-flush effects.
Therapy: The risk of herpes zoster: another cost of anti-TNF therapy?

Several studies have shown that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are associated with an overall increased risk of serious infections compared with standard immunosuppressive regimens in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A study by Strangfeld et al. adds specificity by showing a moderately increased risk of herpes zoster in patients receiving anti-TNF antibody treatment, and raises the question of whether live zoster vaccines should be utilized in this patient group.
Fiber-optic Raman spectroscopy for in situ monitoring of metal-ion complexation by ligands immobilized onto silica gel

Fiber-optic Raman spectroscopy was adapted to measurements of metal-ion complexation by silica-immobilized 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) under conditions typical of metal-ion preconcentration or recovery applications. The extraction of metal ions from aqueous sources onto immobilized ligands is useful in environmental clean-up initiatives and in the preconcentration of metal ions for ultratrace detection. In situ vibrational spectroscopy of metal complexation by silica-immobilized ligands can assist in the development of these applications. In the present work, in situ Raman spectroscopy and flow methods allowed the reactivity of silica-immobilized 8HQ with Cu2+ to be investigated. The structure of the complexed and uncomplexed neutral and protonated forms of the ligand could be resolved and quantified in Raman spectra taken under different solution conditions. Spectra of the ligand bound to different metal ions could be distinguished as well. Raman spectra taken under batch sampling conditions were able to confirm a 1:1 metal/ligand stoichiometry of the silica-immobilized 8HQ complex, which was reasonable in light of the surface coverage by the ligand. In situ monitoring under flowing solution conditions allowed changes in the state of binding to be followed in real time.
Teaching internal medicine residents quality improvement techniques using the ABIM's practice improvement modules.

Introduction/aim Standard curricula to teach Internal Medicine residents about quality assessment and improvement, important components of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies practiced-based learning and improvement (PBLI) and systems-based practice (SBP), have not been easily accessible.
Aversive and Reinforcing Opioid Effects: A Pharmacogenomic Twin Study

Background The clinical utility of opioids is limited by adverse drug effects including respiratory depression, sedation, nausea, and pruritus. In addition, abuse of prescription opioids is problematic. Gaining a better understanding of the genetic and environmental mechanisms contributing to an individual’s susceptibility to adverse opioid effects is essential to identify patients at risk.
Formation of an aluminum peroxide oxide, AlO2, by interfacial reaction between Pt and α-Al2O3

Abstract A new aluminum oxide, with the nominal composition AlO2, very likely an aluminum peroxide oxide, was formed at the interface between Pt and α-Al2O3 diffusion-bonded in a reducing atmosphere at 1200°C. The structure, chemistry and bonding of AlO2, as well as the kinetics of its formation, were characterized by X-ray fluorescence microanalysis, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, forward recoil spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction, electron spin resonance, electron energy-loss spectroscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Near bulk quantities of AlO2 were obtained for long bonding times: a 13 μm thick interiayer after 96 hr at 1200°C. The thickness of the interlayer increased linearly with time indicating that its growth kinetics are controlled by an interfacial reaction. Based on electron and X-ray diffraction observations the structure of AlO2 was shown to be orthorhombic. Direct evidence for the presence of peroxide ions was obtained by Raman spectroscopy. The experimental results suggest that a metastable oxide can form in direct contact with α-Al2O3 if: (i) a kinetic constraint is present in the form of very slow transport of O away from the reaction front along the Pt-Al2O3 interface; and (ii) the dissolution of Al into Pt provides a sufficient decrease in free energy to allow the oxidation of α-Al2O3.
SEED Labs: Using Hands-on Lab Exercises for Computer Security Education (Abstract Only)

Security courses have been integrated into many mainstream undergraduate and graduate computer science curricula. To achieve effective education, learning security principles must be grounded in experience. Over the last 12 years, we have developed 30 hands-on lab exercises for computer security education. These labs, called SEED labs (SEcurity EDucation), cover a variety of security topics, including vulnerabilities, attacks, software security, system security, network security, web security, access control, authentication, cryptography, etc. These labs are built upon a Linux virtual machine, the image of which can be downloaded from our web site. Students just need to use a single computer (can be their own laptop) to work on these labs, so there is no need for a dedicated physical laboratory. All software used in the labs is open-source and free. The SEED project has been funded by 3 NSF grants with a total budget of 1.3 million dollars. So far, SEED labs have been used by over 250 institutes in 30 countries. In this workshop, we will select some of the most popular SEED labs, demonstrate how they work. We will then select three labs, and guide the participants to work on these labs in the workshop. Participants are expected to bring their own laptops. Participants who want to gain experiences with more SEED labs can apply to attend our free 3-day workshop in June.
The 5-min oscillations of the Sun are incompatible with a rapidly-rotating core

Hill's suggestion that Einstein's general relativity may be invalid requires a rapidly spinning solar core. The triplet structure observed in the solar 5-minute power spectrum seems incompatible with this rotating core. But the triplet structure can be accounted for as the effect of a magnetically distorted core rotating with a ∼12.5-day period.
Interconnections of Markov chains and quasi-reversible queuing networks☆

Abstract A quasi-reversible queue can be associated with certain type of transactions of a Markov chain. It is shown that if Markov chains are coupled in a certain way, then to the resulting chain be associated a queuing network which is itself quasi-reversible and the stationary distribution of the chain takes the product form. The product form for mixed networks is derived from the result for open networks.
Effects of enrichment with phthalate on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation in contaminated soil.

The effect of enrichment with phthalate on the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) was tested with bioreactor-treated and untreated contaminated soil from a former manufactured gas plant (MGP) site. Soil samples that had been treated in a bioreactor and enriched with phthalate mineralized 14C-labeled phenanthrene and pyrene to a greater extent than unenriched samples over a 22.5-h incubation, but did not stimulate benzo[a]pyrene mineralization. In contrast to the positive effects on 14C-labeled phenanthrene and pyrene, no significant differences were found in the extent of biodegradation of native PAH when untreated contaminated soil was incubated with and without phthalate amendment. Denaturing-gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles of bacterial 16S rRNA genes from unenriched and phthalate-enriched soil samples were substantially different, and clonal sequences matched to prominent DGGE bands revealed that β-Proteobacteria related to Ralstonia were most highly enriched by phthalate addition. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses confirmed that, of previously determined PAH-degraders in the bioreactor, only Ralstonia-type organisms increased in response to enrichment, accounting for 89% of the additional bacterial 16S rRNA genes resulting from phthalate enrichment. These findings indicate that phthalate amendment of this particular PAH-contaminated soil did not significantly enrich for organisms associated with high molecular weight PAH degradation or have any significant effect on overall degradation of native PAH in the soil.
The validity of structure identification for cross‐sectional echocardiography

Intra- and extracardiac structure identification by cross-sectional echocardiography was achieved during hemodynamic study in ten patients by visualizing catheter echoes, or echoes produced after selective chamber injections of indocyanine green dye. Four cross sections were employed: (1) a long-axis sagittal view of the right and left ventricles, (2) a transverse cross section of the right and left ventricles in the fourth intercostal space; (3) a sagittal view along the right ventricular outflow tract, and (4) a transverse section of great vessel orientation in the second intercostal space. Passage of dye through the left atrium, left ventricle, and aorta was visualized in sagittal and transverse cross sections. Further identification of left-sided structures was obtained by the detection of catheter-induced echoes. Passage of the dye through the right ventricular outflow tract and main pulmonary artery, as well as visualization of catheter artifacts, identified right heart landmarks in a precise fashion. In addition, right- and left-sided structures were opacified in patients with left-to-right and right-to-left shunts after dye injections into a contralateral cardiac chamber. This study confirms the accuracy of real-time cross-sectional echo localization of cardiac chambers and valves in the positions used routinely for the assessment of congenital and acquired cardiac disease in pediatric patients.
The Influence of Reflective Opposite-Sex Norms and Importance of Opposite-Sex Approval on Adjudicated Student Drinking: Theoretical Extensions and Implications.

This study examines the salience and influence of reflective norms regarding opposite- sex friends, dating, and sexual partners on drinking behaviors of heterosexual college students sanctioned for violating the campus alcohol policy (i.e., adjudicated students). Results revealed that the level of importance placed on approval from the opposite sex is an important moderator for women but not for men. Selectively augmenting existing adjudicated student interventions with reflective normative feedback may be an effective intervention approach.
No country is an island.

The article presents an overview of the widespread economic and social devastation that would be caused by the remote and limited use of nuclear weapons in any location in the world. In the article the author discusses the global impact of the 2010 eruption of a volcano and related volcanic ash in Iceland in an effort to show that any disaster in today's interconnected world, whether natural or nuclear, affects all people.
Nonenzymatic release of free reducing glycans from glycosphingolipids.

A major limitation in studying the structures and functions of glycans in glycosphingolipids is the difficulty in releasing free glycans for analysis and derivatization. Here we show that reducing glycans can be released nonenzymatically from glycosphingolipids after a brief treatment with ozone followed by heating in neutral aqueous buffer (pHs 6.0–8.0). The released free reducing glycans are then available for glycomic analyses, including fluorescent labeling, permethylation, and mass spectrometry. This procedure is simple and highly efficient, with no base-catalyzed “peeling” reaction by-products observed.
The dynamic relationship between export, local, and total area employment☆

Abstract This paper focuses on the dynamic properties of the relationship between changes in export and local employment in the eight metropolitan areas of Ohio. Vector autoregressive econometric techniques and impulse response function analysis are used to derive and analyze the timing as well as the magnitudes of area employment responses to changes in export employment. The analysis uses a time-series version of location quotients to decompose the area employment into export and local components. A vector autoregressive model of the relationships between these two components of area employment is then specified for each of the eight metropolitan areas.
A study of biological contaminants on high voltage porcelain insulators, I

Abstract Porcelain insulators taken from high voltage transmission lines and substations in the New Orleans area have been examined for their composition with respect to the body of the insulator and the glaze. Regions of interest were cut from the insulator by diamond saw and fractured along the cut. The examination consisted of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (X-RD), energy dispersive spectrum analysis (EDS) and photomicroscopy. The normal appearance of the insulators as well as alterations in the insulator because of etching were noted. The biota growing on the insulators was identified as algae and photographed.
Stimulation of Acanthamoeba actomyosin ATPase activity by myosin-II polymerization

Phosphorylation of the regulatory light chains of vertebrate smooth muscle or cytoplasmic myosins alters the structure of myosin monomers1–4, favours myosin filament formation5,6 and stimulates the actin-activated Mg2+-ATPase of myosin (for reviews see refs 7–9). Similarly, in Dictyostelium10 and Acanthamoeba11–13 phosphorylation of the myosin heavy chains inhibits both polymerization and actin-activated Mg2+-ATPase. Unfortunately, the relationships between phosphorylation, myosin assembly and activation of ATP hydrolysis are not fully understood in any of these systems, as there has been no way of varying the extent of polymerization of intact myosin without changing solution conditions or the level of myosin phosphorylation, parameters that may have independent effects on ATPase activity. Taking an entirely new approach, we have used monoclonal antibodies against the tail of Acanthamoeba myosin-II that cause filament disassembly to show that myosin polymerization itself stimulates actomyosin ATPase activity. With a fixed level of myosin-II phosphorylation and constant solution conditions, depolymerization of myosin-II filaments by antibodies causes a concomitant loss of actin-activated ATPase activity.
The 87K postsynaptic membrane protein from torpedo is a protein-tyrosine kinase substrate homologous to dystrophin

Abstract Postsynaptic peripheral membrane proteins at the neuromuscular junction have been proposed to participate in the immobilization of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the synapse. An 87 kd cytoplasmic peripheral membrane protein has been demonstrated to colocalize with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in the Torpedo electric organ and at the mammalian neuromuscular junction. We have cloned the cDNA encoding the 87K protein from Torpedo electric organ, and the predicted protein sequence is homologous to the C-terminal domains of dystrophin, the protein product of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene. The 87K protein displays a restricted pattern of expression detected only in electric organ, brain, and skeletal muscle. Analysis of the in vitro and in vivo phosphorylation of the 87K protein indicates that it is multiply phosphorylated on serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues. The 87K protein is in a complex with other proteins associated with the post-synaptic membrane, including dystrophin and a 58 kd protein. These results suggest that the 87K protein is involved in the formation and stability of synapses and is regulated by protein phosphorylation.
Smart cleavage reactions: the synthesis of benzimidazoles and benzothiazoles from polymer-bound esters

The preparation of an array of benzimidazoles and benzothiazoles from polymer-bound esters is described. Polymer-bound esters were treated with 2-aminothiophenols or 1,2-phenylenediamines in the presence of a Lewis acid to afford the corresponding benzothiazole or benzimidazole cleavage products. The reaction of 2-aminophenols with the polymer-bound esters failed to give the desired benzoxazole products using this procedure.
Vitamin D and calcium transport

A 58-year-old female was referred with complaints of progressive weakness of the lower extremities for more than 4 years, and weakness of the upper extremities, especially on abduction, over 6 months. She had been evaluated at a local hospital, but no specific neurologic condition was identified; she was referred for further study. The patient had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis that had been treated with a satisfactory regimen. The possibility of recurrence of tuberculosis previously had been considered, and she had been treated with rifampin, 300 mg, twice daily, and ethambutol, 400 mg, twice daily. The physical examination was unremarkable. A history of intermittent diarrhea and weight loss of 60 pounds over 4 years was elicited. On admission, the laboratory values were: hemoglobin, 10.0 g/dl, with normocytic, normochromic red cell indices and red cell anisocytosis; sedimentation rate, 57 mm in the first hour; serum iron, 41 zg/dl; total iron binding capacity, 223 g/dl; serum calcium, 8.4 mg/dl; phosphorus, 3.1 mg/dl; serum albumin, 3.7 g/dl; alkaline phosphatase, 1383 lU/liter, with isoenzymes revealing predominantly bone fraction; immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (PTH) (using a carboxyterminal assay), 85 sL equivalents/mi (elevated), 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration, undetectable (normal, 10—40 nglml); 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D <5 pg/mI (normal, 20—60 pg/mi); and serum carotene, 30 g/di (normal, 48—200 g/dl). Blood urea was 15 mg/dl (normal 13—45 mg/dl) and serum creatinine was 0.6 mg/dl (normal 0.6—0.9 mg/dl). The serum sodium concentration was 144 mEq/liter; potassium, 4.2 mEq/liter; chloride, 116 mEq/liter; and bicarbonate, 20 mEq/liter. Arterial blood gases (on room air) were: pH, 7.29; Pa02, 80 mm Hg; PaCO2, 37 mm Hg; and calculated bicarbonate, 18 mEq/liter. Urinalysis disclosed: pH, 7.0; trace protein and otherwise unremarkable. A 24-hr urine collection
Low phase noise millimetre-wave frequency generation using embedded artificial dielectric

This 60 GHz voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) uses an on-chip resonator with embedded artificial dielectric in place of the LC tank. The advantages are reduced metal/substrate losses and higher resonator Q with 4.7 times reduction in length and 79% reduction in area. Occupying an active area of 0.015 mm , this 90 nm CMOS VCO consumes only 1.9 mW. It shows very low phase noise of -107 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz frequency offset and an unprecedented ROM. of -200 dBc/Hz, which outperforms III-V HBT and SiGe BiCMOS technologies.