cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stability of palladium oxide resistive glaze films

Abstract Process variables that affect the resistivity and TCR of the Pd-Ag glass resistor system are, for a fixed electrode system: composition, firing temperature and time, and substrate material. While the greatest changes occur via composition variations, particularly Ag and glass, substantial changes to R 8 and TCR can be made by varying the firing cycle or substrate material. For the latter, certain physical and thermal constraints may preclude a wide choice of base materials. Determining the effect of process latitude on device stability becomes the next objective. Stability of electrical parameters was determined through large-scale, long-term tests involving a matrix of 14 firing processes and 19 environmental conditions of temperature, humidity and load. Results for 3200 test hours indicated resistor drift to be within ±1 per cent under ambient humidity conditions and up to 90°C and 6 W/in 2 for most processes. Distributional drift behavior shows a progressive widening—both negative and positive—of ΔR with time. Accelerated testing done at elevated temperatures shows drift to be primarily positive, with a decreasing rate of change with time, and exhibiting three acceleration regions. Humidity tests show some moisture susceptibility when compared with lower RH controls but still of a relatively small magnitude. Various encapsulants may serve to inhibit moisture. The effects of resistor adjustment by sand abrasion and various compositions on stability were also evaluated. TCR was found to be essentially invariant under the test conditions described.
Examining Methods to Test Factor Patterns for Concordance

To test whether the individual factor patterns of panelists and the panel factor pattern agreed, five grades of tea of the same type, ranging from low to high quality were studied. When a likelihood-ratio (LR) test and cluster analysis (CA) were applied to the 55-term correlation matrices of the seven individual panelists, according to the LR test only two of the matrices were homogeneous, but the CA test grouped all the matrices into the same cluster. The study demonstrated that the correlation matrices of the individual panelists or factor patterns themselves should be examined for agreement among panelists when factor analysis is used.
The noncoding region of HPV-6vc contains two distinct transcriptional enhancing elements

Abstract HPV-6vc subgenomic fragments were inserted into an enhancer-dependent expression vector for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) and assayed for the presence of transcriptional enhancing elements. A transcriptional enhancing element was detected in the noncoding region (NCR) of the HPV-6vc viral genome when the CAT assays were perfomed in viral transformed human kidney cell lines (293 and 324K), in human cervical carcinoma cell lines (HeLa and Sibs), and in bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV-1) transformed mouse cells (C127-53). The NCR region of the HPV-6b genome was only capable of enhancing transcription of the CAT gene in the HeLa cell line at a level one-third that of the HPV-6vc NCR. The HPV-6vc NCR enhancing activity in C127-53 cells was further stimulated by the addition of sodium butyrate to the growth medium. Localization of the DNA sequences in the HPV-6vc NCR responsible for enhancing transcription revealed two distinct enhancer elements. One element (HPV-6ve position 7218–7544) was active in the 293, HeLa, Siha, and C127-53 cells. The second enhancer element (HPV-6vc position 7544–7971) was only capable of stimulating transcription in HeLa, C127-53, and Siha cells. When the HPV NCR-CAT expression vectors were cotransfected with a competitor plasmid (pNCR75) into C127-53 or HeLa cells then transcriptional enhancement decreased, indicating competition of cellular factors which affect both segments of the HPV-6vc NCR.
Evaluating whole-body vibration reduction by comparison of active and passive suspension seats in semi-trucks

Truck drivers have one of the highest injury rates in the US workforce with the majority of injuries occurring in the low-back. Exposure to Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is thought to be a significant...
Measuring Fiber Diameter Distribution in Nonwovens

This paper reports the application of image analysis methods we developed previ ously to characterize fiber diameter distribution in nonwovens using a "distance trans form." The method is verified by a series of simulated nonwoven images as well as some real web images used previously, including a carded web, a relatively dense spunbonded fabric, and another relatively open area-bonded spunbonded. The results indicate that the distance transform can be used successfully to characterize fiber diameter.
Forest-killing diffuse CO2 emission at Mammoth Mountain as a sign of magmatic unrest

Mammoth Mountain, in the western United States, is a large dacitic volcano with a long history of volcanism that began 200 kyr ago 1 and produced phreatic eruptions as recently as 500± 200 yr BP (ref. 2). Seismicity, ground deformation and changes in fumarole gas composition suggested an episode of shallow dyke intrusion in 1989-90 (refs 3, 4). Areas of dying forest and incidents of near asphyxia in confined spaces, first reported in 1990, prompted us to search for diffuse flank emissions of magmatic CO 2 , as have been described at Mount Etna 5 and Vulcano 6 . Here we report the results of a soil-gas survey, begun in 1994, that revealed CO 2 concentrations of 30-96% in a 30-hectare region of killed trees, from which we estimate a total CO 2 flux of ≥1,200 tonnes per day. The forest die-off is the most conspicuous surface manifestation of magmatic processes at Mammoth Mountain, which hosts only weak fumarolic vents and no summit activity. Although the onset of tree kill coincided with the episode of shallow dyke intrusion, the magnitude and duration of the CO 2 flux indicates that a larger, deeper magma source and/or a large reservoir of high-pressure gas is being tapped.
Cost-sharing and the utilization of clinical preventive services.

Abstract Background: Little is known about the effect of different forms of patient cost-sharing on the utilization of clinical preventive services or if the effect varies by type of health plan. Objectives: To assess empirically the relationships between the utilization of recommended preventive services and different forms of patient cost-sharing and how the effect is mediated by type of preventive service (counseling, blood pressure, Pap smear, mammogram), type of cost-sharing (deductibles/coinsurance, copayments), and type of health plan (HMO, PPO/indemnity plan). Research Design: Sixteen logit models were estimated to assess variation in receiving recommended preventive care as a function of cost-sharing within plan type. Subjects: A sample of 10,872 employees, aged 18 to 64 years, of seven large companies served by 52 health plans with diverse cost-sharing arrangements who responded to the Pacific Business Group on Health, Health Plan Value Check Survey (response rate, 50.3%). Measures: Receipt of recommended preventive care was based on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Guidelines. The effect of cost-sharing was measured as the percentage change in the probability of receiving recommended preventive care in the cost-sharing group compared to the non cost-sharing group. Results: The negative effect of patient cost-sharing was greatest on preventive counseling in PPO/indemnity plans (−15%) and on mammograms in all health plan types (−9%–10%). The effect on Pap smears was negative (−8%–10%) for deductibles/coinsurance in PPO/indemnity plans and copayments in HMOs. The effect of cost-sharing on blood pressure was mixed. Deductibles/coinsurance had a greater negative effect than copayments. Conclusions: Eliminating patient cost-sharing for selected preventive services may be a relatively easy and effective means of increasing utilization of recommended clinical preventive care.
Olefin polymerizations and polyolefin molecular weight distribution

A method for rapid determination of the nonuniformity coefficient, Mw/Mn, of linear polyethylenes and crystalline polypropylenes is described. The number-average molecular weight Mn was determined by counting the number of C14-labeled alkyl groups introduced into the polymers during the initiation step. The weight-average molecular weight Mw was calculated from viscometric data. The errors in these calculations were estimated. The values of Mw/Mn thus obtained for eleven samples of linear polyethylenes and three samples of crystalline polypropylenes are compared with the corresponding results obtained by polymer fractionations. The agreement was good for all the polyethylene and polypropylene samples studied except for three high viscosity polyethylene samples with high Mw values and low Mn values from fractionation data. The Mw/Mn values were determined for polymer samples taken during ethylene polymerizations initiated by the (C5H5)2TiCl2–(CH3)2AlCl system. This ratio at first decreased with the polymerization time, then reached a minimum as the concentration of growing chains reached a maximum. Comparison of polyethylene produced at various temperatures reveals that the width of polymer distribution decreases with rising polymerization temperatures. This decrease is attributed to the increase in the rates of initiation and termination and the higher activation energy for the termination processes. High catalyst concentrations yielded polyethylenes of broad distributions. At high catalyst concentrations, the concentrations of growing chains are also high. Consequently, more low molecular weight chains terminate early to give products with large Mw/Mn. On the other hand, increase of the Al/Ti ratio increases chain transfers giving polyethylenes having a low Mw/Mn. An additional effect of increasing the Al/Ti ratio is the decreased variation of Mw/Mn with t. The Mw/Mn values of crystalline polypropylene samples taken during polymerizations initiated by α-TiCl3-(C2H5)2AlCl are also presented. They were high at the beginning of the polymerizations and decreased gradually to a lower constant value. At higher temperatures, this variation was less pronounced; and the Mw/Mn values were lower than those for the polymers obtained at lower temperatures. The Mw/Mn values were insensitive to experimental variables such as the catalyst concentrations, the Al/Ti ratios, and the monomer pressures in agreement with the kinetic results. The Mw/Mn values of amorphous polypropylene samples taken during propylene polymerizations did not vary with t or with the other polymerization conditions. These results support the earlier kinetic interpretation that extensive chain transfers occur during the formation of amorphous polypropylenes.
Reduced emotional control as a mediator of decreasing distress among breast cancer patients in group therapy

Abstract There is evidence that emotional distress and its management may be related to cancer incidence and progression. In turn, the diagnosis and treatment of cancer inevitably elicits a range of emotions, including anxiety, fear, sadness, and anger. Management of such emotions constitutes an understandable problem for cancer patients, and provides a therapeutic opportunity. Here we examine cancer as a stressor and review the design of Supportive–Expressive group psychotherapy as a means of helping cancer patients confront existential concerns and express emotions related to them. We review evidence that suppression of emotion is associated with greater distress among cancer patients. This suggests that a psychotherapy designed to encourage emotional expression should reduce distress. This is what has been observed in several randomized trials of Supportive–Expressive Group Psychotherapy.
Simulation of weight gain and feed consumption of turkeys

Abstract Effective decision making in turkey production systems requires the prediction of future status of the system and evaluation of alternative management policies. To facilitate such decision making a simulation model of a turkey production system was developed to predict values of flock performance indicators of significant economic importance, namely body weight and feed consumption. The model simulates the effects of house thermal environment, feed energy, sex, and age on weight gain and feed consumption of growing turkeys. The model was validated using temperature, body weight and feed consumption data collected at a turkey farm in Virginia. The observed average bird weights at marketing age were within 95% confidence intervals of the predicted values. However, the model under-predicted feed energy consumption values. The model is more sensitive to feed energy concentration than other input parameters.
A study of the basic aspects of neutralization of two animal viruses, Western equine encephalitis virus and poliomyelitis virus

Abstract A study of the process of neutralization of two animal viruses, Western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE), and poliomyelitis type 1 (P1), was carried out by using the plaque technique as assay method. In all experiments the antibody acted on the virus in a test tube and the proportion of the virus escaping neutralization was determined after having removed the remaining free antibody either by dilution or by washing the assay plates. The neutralization was found to proceed with time as a first order reaction; its rate was proportional to the concentration of the antibody and was affected by temperature as a process whose activation energy is of the order of 6000 calories. In numerous tests, the virus-antibody complexes were found to be stable at 37°, pH 7.5 and physiological ionic strength. No reaction (P1 virus) or only a slight reactivation (WEE virus) occurred upon dilution of an incubated virus-antiserum mixture. Reactivation occurred, on the contrary, if high titer virus, either active or inactivated by ultraviolet light, was added to an incubated WEE virus-antiserum mixture. This type of reactivation is attributed to the collision of the virus-antibody complexes with free virus particles. When mixtures of virus and antibody were incubated for a long time, a fraction of the virus remained active, even at highest concentrations of antibody. This persistent fraction could not be attributed to virus particles reactivated by dissociation of the antibody, to absence of cofactors or to presence of inhibitors of virus action, and was found to be nonhereditary. At low antibody concentrations, the final virus survival depended on the antibody: virus ratio. This dependence suggested the introduction of an antibody equivalent of the virus as a measure of the antibody titer. A theory of neutralization was developed and on its basis some parameters of neutralization were introduced and determined in actual cases. A hypothesis was proposed to explain certain features of experiments of neutralization carried out by the end-point technique, in which the antibody is present in the cultures where the surviving virus is titrated.
Sociological Explorations in the German Democratic Republic, 1975-1989

During fourteen years of research in East Germany, bureaucratic and other obstacles did not prevent realistic assessments—not least because of respondents' openness.
Low affinity channel blocking (uncompetitive) NMDA receptor antagonists as therapeutic agents – toward an understanding of their favorable tolerability

Studies in experimental models have suggested that NMDA receptor antagonists may have utility in the treatment of a wide variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, clinical trials have not been encouraging largely because the antagonists evaluated to date have exhibited unacceptable neurobehavioral side effects. In animals, therapeutic doses of some low-affinity channel blocking (uncompetitive) NMDA receptor antagonists are associated with less gross neurological impairment and behavioral toxicity than other types of NMDA receptor antagonists. Favorable clinical experiences with several such agents has bolstered confidence in the neurotherapeutic potential of low affinity NMDA antagonists. This article reviews current research attempting to explain the improved tolerability of such antagonists. While no single mechanism appears to account for the reduced toxicity of such agents, kinetic properties, particularly rapid blocking rate, seem to be of key importance. Other factors include partial trapping, reduced agonist-independent (closed channel) block, subunit selectivity (particularly for receptors that do not contain the NR2A subunit), combined block at allosteric (voltage-independent) sites, and synergistic therapeutic effects produced by additional actions at receptor targets apart from NMDA receptors (e.g., weak positive allosteric modulation of GABA(A) receptors or state-dependent Na+ channel block).
A simple model for determining effects of negative differential mobility and magnitude of saturated velocity on the performance of Schottky-barrier field effect transistors☆

Abstract The effects of nonuniform fields in the channel of GaAs MESFETs, and the resulting range of velocities with which carriers drift, are here considered using a simple model in order to determine the effects of negative differential mobility and saturated velocity on the performance of these devices, and of devices made of other materials. On the basis of the equilibrated velocity-field ν(E) characteristic for GaAs, carriers in short-channel FETs drift over much of the source to drain length with the saturated high field velocity, i.e. a velocity about half that used in most previous analytical solutions for GaAs FETs, and one about equal to the maximum carrier velocity in Si. Neglecting transient effects in electron transport, fields at which a negative differential mobility occurs exist over only a very small portion of the channel. The value of low field mobility of the MESFET material is therefore important primarily in determining source resistance.
Built-In Regulatory Mechanisms and Active Site Plasticity Open the Door for Engineering the Styrene Catabolic Pathway

Styrene occurs as in the environment as a natural product from the decarboxylation of cinnamic acid and the incomplete combustion of organic material. In recent times increased reliance on the combustion of fossil fuels, and the industrial synthesis of styrene for the production of plastic and rubber products has resulted in dramatic increases in environmental exposure and contamination. Microorganisms evolved from styrene-contaminated environments have developed strategies for detoxification and catabolism of styrene that provide insight for the development of strategies in environmental remediation and biocatalysis.Pseudomonas bacteria employ a styrene-induced three-step enzymatic pathway initiated by the enantioselective epoxidation of styrene to S-styrene oxide by styrene monooxygenase (SMO), a two-component flavoprotein composed of the FAD-specific styrene epoxidase SMOA and NADH-specific flavin reductase, SMOB. Styrene oxide is then isomerized to phenylacetaldehyde by styrene oxide isomerase (SOI), and finally oxidized to phenylacetic acid by an NAD-dependent phenylacetaldehyde dehydrogenase (PADH).In the present work we evaluate the role valine side chains in the catalytic active site of SMOA at positions 211 and 303 in defining the catalytic specificity and efficiency of SMO. Single-turnover stopped-flow fluorescence studies of alanine and isoleucine mutations at these sites indicate that changes in steric bulk primarily impacts the kinetics of the epoxidation reaction with little impact on the subsequent kinetics of elimination of water from the C(4a)-hydroxyflavin intermediate.The styrene metabolic pathway is dependent of the exchange of FAD between the reductase and epoxidase components of SMO and of pyridine nucleotide between the reductase and dehydrogenase. Regulatory reductase-epoxidase and reductase-dehydrogenase interactions will be presented that allow this pathway to be engineered to accommodate a broad range of substrate epoxidation rates while remaining catalytically efficient.
Generation of customized wavelets for the analysis of γ-ray spectra

The analysis of γ-ray spectra using wavelet analysis has recently been demonstrated as a new, promising technique for isotope identification with both NaI and CdZnTe spectra. Wavelet analysis has the potential to benefit over other approaches due to the fact that the signal can simultaneously be analyzed over multiple scales, thus eliminating potential false isotope identifications from artifacts such as the Compton edge and backscatter peaks. This implies that this algorithm is not impacted by variations in the detector's resolution, which changes with energy. We will present our results of optimizing this algorithm by custom designing wavelets for NaI spectra. Emphasis will be placed on quantifying the merits of these custom wavelets to traditional wavelets by exploring the quality of peak detection and localization, the first step to isotope identification.
Rapid detection of low levels of Listeria in foods and next-day confirmation of L. monocytogenes.

Abstract Outbreaks of foodborne listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes in recent years, and the high mortality rate associated with listeriosis, have raised the need for reliable and rapid detection of the pathogen. A simple, automated method was developed for the detection of Listeria organisms in foods. It consists of a 6-h pre-enrichment step followed by overnight incubation in selective broth at 35°C. Changes in light transmittance in the selective broth are registered continuously by an optical sensor of the BioSys instrument (MicroSys, Ann Arbor, MI), and recorded in the computer. Esculin hydrolysis by listeriae results in black coloration of the media that causes a sharp drop in light transmittance, whereas negative samples remain colorless. Confirmation of L. monocytogenes is carried out only on esculin-positive samples and is completed within 6 h. Detection of 10–50 cells of Listeria inoculated into 25 g of food was confirmed in shell eggs, milk and ground beef. Naturally contaminated raw and ready-to-eat foods were further screened to validate the procedure.
Predicting presidential election results

The 2004 US presidential election proved again how difficult it is to predict vote shares on the basis of polls. Midday media exit polls suggested that Senator Kerry would become the 44th President. Political scientists and econometricians, led by Ray Fair, have promulgated theoretical arguments and empirical results to predict US presidential elections, using macro-economic data and political factors. Respecifying Fair's war variable to include Korea and Vietnam and removing serial correlation improves his election forecasting without public opinion poll variables. This generalized Fair model predicts President Bush's two-party vote share would be 52.3 percent, well below predictions by Fair and prestigious political scientists.
Cold blood-diltiazem cardioplegia.

Abstract The calcium channel blocker, diltiazem, has been studied in the same model used for evaluation of cold blood–potassium cardioplegia. Six dogs (Group 1) had one hour of myocardial ischemia with topical ice (myocardial temperature, 7° ± 2°C) after coronary perfusion with 200 ml of cold blood (5° ± 1°C) containing diltiazem, 400 μg per kilogram of body weight. Seven dogs (Group 2) had two hours of ischemia after perfusion with 200 ml of cold blood containing 200 μg/kg and reperfusion every 30 minutes with 100 ml of cold blood and diltiazem, 100 μg/kg. Baseline studies were repeated after rewarming and 40 minutes of reperfusion. No inotropic agents or calcium were used. Heart rate, peak systolic pressure, velocity of the contractile element, peak + rate of rise of left ventricular pressure (dP/dt), peak − dP/dt, dP/dt over common peak isovolumic pressure, left ventricular compliance and stiffness, and heart water were unchanged in Group 1. In Group 2, heart rate slowed ( p p p p p p Diltiazem cardioplegia was associated with good functional recovery, but there was impairment of high-energy phosphate metabolism.
Geocoronal hydrogen studies using Fabry–Perot interferometers, part 2: Long-term observations

Abstract Long-term data sets are required to investigate sources of natural variability in the upper atmosphere. Understanding the influence of sources of natural variability such as the solar cycle is needed to characterize the thermosphere + exosphere, to understand coupling processes between atmospheric regions, and to isolate signatures of natural variability from those due to human-caused change. Multi-year comparisons of thermospheric + exospheric Balmer α emissions require cross-calibrated and well-understood instrumentation, a stable calibration source, reproducible observing conditions, separation of the terrestrial from the Galactic emission line, and consistent data analysis accounting for differences in viewing geometry. We discuss how we address these criteria in the acquisition and analysis of a mid-latitude geocoronal Balmer α column emission data set now spanning two solar cycles and taken mainly from Wisconsin and Kitt Peak, Arizona. We also discuss results and outstanding challenges for increasing the accuracy and use of these observations.
Strategies for Building an Arterial Flow Phantom

Flow phantoms are used to simulate and study the cardiovascular system, associated disease states and boundary conditions. A flow phantom reproduces the flow and pressure of a portion of the vascular system for use in bench top studies of the effect of different changes or devices on the pressure response and deformation of the vessels.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
ARE WE REALLY LOOKING OUT FOR THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD? APPLYING THE NEW ZEALAND MODEL OF FAMILY GROUP CONFERENCES TO CASES OF CHILD NEGLECT IN THE UNITED STATES

This Note advocates for state laws to be amended to implement family group conferencing (FGC) as the first step in cases of alleged child neglect. FGC was developed in New Zealand nearly twenty years ago and have since become a realistic method of balancing the best interests of the children, families, agencies, courts, and communities involved in the child welfare system. A FGC is a meeting among family members and professionals that is conducted in order to develop a plan for a child who is the victim of neglect. FGC places the family at the center of the welfare proceedings and empowers them to reach a solution without having to resort to the often lengthy and expensive adversarial court system. If FGC is incorporated into the child welfare systems throughout the United States, communication between the parents, social services, and the courts could increase, helping families adequately address the problem of neglect and getting the children out of the child welfare system quickly and more efficiently.
Nerve Xenograft Transplantation: Immunosuppression with FK-506 and RS-61443

An experimental model has been developed to study the potential transplantation of nerve xenografts using the newer immunosuppressive agents RS-61443 and FK-506. Sciatic nerve grafts of 2 cm were transplanted from donor Golden Syrian hamsters into a 0.5 cm gap in the sciatic nerve of recipient Lewis rats. Walking track analysis, somatosensory evoked potentials and histology demonstrated improved regeneration across the nerve xenografts that had been immunosuppressed with RS-61443 and FK-506 compared with non-immunosuppressed controls, but the function never approached that seen in control isografts. Regeneration across nerve xenografts immunosuppressed with FK-506 was better than xenografts immunosuppressed with RS-61443.
The stability of RNA hairpin loops containing A–U–G: An–U–G–Um

RNA oligomers with the sequence An-U-G-Um, n = 7–9, m = 5–10, have been synthesized and found to form hairpin loops in 21 mM or 101 mM Na+. The hairpin loops displayed melting temperatures 13°–29°C greater than that of the hairpin loop A6-C8-U6 in the same solvent. The increased stability of these hairpin loops is attributed to the presence of the trinucleotide A-U-G in the loop. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra were taken of the hairpin loops A7-U-G-U6,7,8, A8-U-G-U6,7,8, and A9-U-G-U6 in 21 mM Na+, and compared with circular dichroism spectra of A6-U6 in 1 M Na+. Difference spectra were calculated between each An-U-G-Um and 11.5 mM (nucleotide) A6-U6 at similar temperatures and identical singlestrand fractions to give the “experimental” CD spectrum of the unbase-paired nucleotides in the loop, assuming, five, six, or seven base pairs. CD spectra were calculated for each of the assumed unbase-paired sequences using the measured CD spectra of ApA, A-U-G-, A, and U, and compared with the experimental spectra. The best agreement was found for hairpin-loop models containing five base pairs and five to eight unbase-paired nucleotides in the loop.
Iron isotope fractionation in subterranean estuaries

Dissolved Fe concentrations in subterranean estuaries, like their river-seawater counterparts, are strongly controlled by non-conservative behavior during mixing of groundwater and seawater in coastal aquifers. Previous studies at a subterranean estuary of Waquoit Bay on Cape Cod, USA demonstrate extensive precipitation of groundwater-borne dissolved ferrous iron and subsequent accumulation of iron oxides onto subsurface sands. Waquoit Bay is thus an excellent natural laboratory to assess the mechanisms of Fe-isotope fractionation in redox-stratified environments and determine potential Fe-isotope signatures of groundwater sources to coastal seawater. Here, we report Fe isotope compositions of iron-coated sands and porewaters beneath the intertidal zone of Waquoit Bay. The distribution of pore water Fe shows two distinct sources of Fe: one residing in the upward rising plume of Fe-rich groundwater and the second in the salt-wedge zone of pore water. The groundwater source has high Fe(II) concentration consistent with anoxic conditions and yield δ56Fe values between 0.3 and −1.3‰. In contrast, sediment porewaters occurring in the mixing zone of the subterranean estuary have very low δ56Fe values down to −5‰. These low δ56Fe values reflect Fe-redox cycling and result from the preferential retention of heavy Fe-isotopes onto newly formed Fe-oxyhydroxides. Analysis of Fe-oxides precipitated onto subsurface sands in two cores from the subterranean estuary revealed strong δ56Fe and Fe concentration gradients over less than 2m, yielding an overall range of δ56Fe values between −2 and 1.5‰. The relationship between Fe concentration and δ56Fe of Fe-rich sands can be modeled by the progressive precipitation of Fe-oxides along fluid flow through the subterranean estuary. These results demonstrate that large-scale Fe isotope fractionation (up to 5‰) can occur in subterranean estuaries, which could lead to coastal seawater characterized by very low δ56Fe values relative to river values.
The primary structure of human plasminogen: Characterization and alignment of the cyanogen bromide peptides

Human plasminogen, a single-chain polypeptide containing about 8 10 amino acid residues, is converted on activation to plasmin, which possesses a heavy and a light chain containing about 5 10 and 230 residues, respectively. Recent amino acid sequence studies [l-6] have demonstrated the existence of a high degree of internal homology within the heavy chain of plasminogen. In fact Magnusson and coworkers [ 1,2] have shown that about 80% of the heavy chain can be accounted for by five mutually homologous regions (‘kringles’) that are characterized by six invariant half-cystine residues and are also homologous with two analogous regions in prothrombin. The heavy chain sequence proposed by Magnusson and co-workers [ 1,2] * is based on overlapping sets of tryptic and chymotryptic peptides. In the present paper we present the results of our studies with the cyanogen bromide peptides of plasminogen, which, for the most part, confirm the assignments of Magnusson, but which also suggest that the process of gene duplication in plasminogen occurred with less regularity than previously thought [ 1,2] . In addition we demonstrate the utility of a selective solid-phase peptide coupling technique for aligning cyanogen bromide peptides.
Event Structure at RHIC from p-p to Au-Au

Several correlation analysis techniques are applied to p-p and Au-Au collisions at RHIC. Strong large-momentum-scale correlations are observed which can be related to local charge and momentum conservation during hadronization and to minijet (minimum-bias parton fragment) correlations.
A variational derivation of optimum undulator trajectories

Abstract The undulator is a machine that induces amplitude fluctuations in normally rectilinear electron trajectories, causing coherently-re-inforced radiation to appear along the direction of electron motion. Presently, such machines operate on electrons traveling in straight sections of synchrotron rings. The inherently large number of variables characterizing the undulator-electron beam interaction makes it difficult to identify the principal parameters for optimization when designing synchrotron rings dedicated to undulator operation. This paper presents the results of a variational analysis of the equation describing single electron undulator radiation. In particular, the results identify the optimum electron trajectories in undulators, in the sense of maximizing the intensity density of the radiation in the forward direction and establish the optimum amplitudes of the electron motion in terms of the total electron speed, βc, and the average on-axis component of the electron velocity, β ∗ c . These results, besides providing a valuable insight into undulator operation, rigorously establish the principal optimization parameters for associated synchrotron ring design.
Electron excitation effects on NMR shieldings in small organic molecules

Abstract As an initial examination of the effects of electron excitation on chemical shieldings of protons, carbon-13 and oxygen-17 nuclei, we report values obtained from ab initio calculations invoking a substituted orbital description of the excited states. For the series of molecules studied, excitation from the highest occupied molecular orbital to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gives shifts from −10 to 31 ppm for carbon-13 but less than 1 ppm for hydrogen centers. In contrast, excitation from an oxygen n (2p) orbital in formaldehyde has an effect on oxygen shielding of several hundred ppm.
Fatigue fracture and slip processes in B.C.C. TiV alloy single crystals

Abstract The fatigue crack propagation behavior of oriented beta-phase (b.c.c.) Ti-40 at.% V alloy single crystals as well as polycrystals has been studied. Both the fatigue limits and the crack propagation rates are dependent on the crystallographic orientation of the specimens. Extensive cracking on a plane inclined to the stress axis is observed in crystals with the specimen axis near the [110] direction. Crack propagation in these samples as well as in those with specimen axis near the [111] direction and in the polycrystalline specimens obey the relationship da dN α ΔK 1.8 . An examination of the features of the fracture surfaces in terms of the slip processes at the crack tip indicate that ductile fatigue crack growth occurs by slip on intersecting slip planes and that the crack plane contains the line of intersection of at least two active slip planes. Macroscopic crack growth on an inclined plane can occur as a consequence of unequal slip on two intersecting slip planes. These observations as well as calculations based on both Isotropie and anisotropic plasticity strongly support ductile fatigue crack growth being controlled by crack tip opening displacements. Crack tip yielding models based on diffuse as well as discrete slip are used to analyze the results.
Negative reinforcement eating expectancies, emotion dysregulation, and symptoms of bulimia nervosa.

Objective: Research suggests that emotion dysregulation or difficulties in the modulation of emotional experience constitute risk for eating disorders. Recent work has also highlighted the role of certain eating-related cognitions, specifically expectations of negative emotional reinforcement from eating, in the development of disturbed eating patterns. However, it is unclear whether these expectancies are merely a dimension of a general inability to regulate emotions effectively or rather a unique cognitive-affective risk factor for the development of an eating disorder. This study examines the unique contribution of eating expectancies to symptoms of bulimia nervosa (BN) after controlling for two dimensions of emotion dysregulation (alexithymia and experiential avoidance) previously implicated in the phenomenology of eating disorders. Method: Participants were 115 undergraduate women who self-reported demographics, alexithymia, experiential avoidance, eating expectancies, and symptoms of BN. Results: Eating expectancies uniquely contributed 12.4% of the variance in symptoms of BN, F(2, 108) = 11.74, p < .001. The final model was statistically significant, F(6, 108) = 13.62, p < .001, and accounted for 40.0% of the variance in symptoms of BN. Discussion: These results suggest that individuals who expect eating to provide emotional relief may be especially susceptible to disordered eating. Findings are discussed in terms of emotional risk models and clinical interventions for BN. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
Proteomics analysis of the causative agent of typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is a potentially fatal disease caused by the bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. typhi). S. typhi infection is a complex process that involves numerous bacterially encoded virulence determinants, and these are thought to confer both stringent human host specificity and a high mortality rate. In the present study, we used a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC−MS)-based proteomics strategy to investigate the proteome of logarithmic, stationary phase, and low pH/low magnesium (MgM) S. typhi cultures. This represents the first large-scale comprehensive characterization of the S. typhi proteome. Our analysis identified a total of 2066 S. typhi proteins. In an effort to identify putative S. typhi-specific virulence factors, we then compared our S. typhi results to those obtained in a previously published study of the S. typhimurium proteome under similar conditions (Adkins, J. N. et al. Mol. Cell. Proteomics 2006, 5, 1450−1461). Comparative proteomics analysis of S. t...
Rehabilitation needs of combat-injured service members admitted to the VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers: the role of PM&R in the care of wounded warriors.

Objective To describe the rehabilitation course of combat-injured service members who sustained polytraumatic injuries during the current wars in and around Iraq and Afghanistan. Design Retrospective descriptive analysis. Setting Department of Veterans Administration Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers (PRCs). Participants One hundred eighty-eight consecutive, acutely combat-injured service members suffering polytraumatic injuries requiring inpatient rehabilitation and being treated at PRCs between October 2001 and January 2006. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Medications prescribed, devices used, injuries and impairment information, and consultative services. Results Ninety-three percent of the patients had sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and more than half of these were incurred secondary to blast explosions. Over half of the patients had infections or surgeries prior to PRC admission that required continued medical attention during their stay. Pain and mental health issues were present in 100% and 39%, respectively, of all patients admitted and added complexity to the brain injury rehabilitation process. Common treatment needs included cognitive-behavioral interventions, pain care, assistive devices, mental health interventions for both patients and their families, and specialty consultations, in particular to ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and neurology. Conclusions Combat-injured polytrauma patients have complex rehabilitation needs that require a high level of specialized training and skill. Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists treating war injured service members need a high level of expertise in assessment and treatment of co-occurring pain, TBI, and stress disorders. Physiatrists are playing an important role in providing and coordinating the rehabilitation care for individuals with significant polytraumatic war injuries from the Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) conflicts.
Proton tunneling and enzyme catalysis

It is proposed in this paper that enzymes, by virtue of a number of correctly positioned sites of interaction with substrates, can force the compression of hydrogen bonds, increasing the probability of proton transfer by quantum mechanical tunneling. By such a catalytic mechanism a rate enhancement of many orders of magnitude may be obtained with a very low energy input requirement. The mechanism would, however, require a highly structured catalyst.
Exfoliative rejection after intestinal transplantation in children.

Background Graft rejection is the most significant cause of allograft failure after intestinal transplantation (ITx). Severity can vary and is based on histologic criteria, the most extreme form being exfoliation of the mucosa. We present the characteristics and outcome of children who developed exfoliative rejection (ER) after ITx. Methods Between June 1990 and March 2002, 88 patients received 92 ITx which included isolated small bowel (SB, n = 26), combined liver-small bowel (LSB, n = 54), and multivisceral MV n = 12) allografts performed under tacrolimus and steroid immunosuppresson. ER was diagnosed by endoscopy and confirmed by biopsy. Results Thirteen (15%) of 88 patients developed 15 episodes of ER in 15 intestinal allografts, and included SB (n = 8), LSB (n = 5), and MV (n = 2). Time to ER after ITx ranged from 9 days to 45.5 months (median 22 days). Eight episodes of ER developed within 1 month after ITx. Ten episodes of ER were exacerbations of prior rejection. Five episodes occurred abruptly. All but one received OKT3. Fourteen of 15 allografts were lost; six patients underwent allograft enterectomy acutely as a salvage operation because of ER. The remainder of the allografts were either removed or lost to patient death as a consequence to infection or chronic rejection after resolution of ER. Retransplantation was performed in three patients, with subsequent recurrence of ER in two retransplanted allografts. Inclusion of a liver allograft was a protective factor toward decreasing the incidence of ER. The results of cross-matching, inclusion of a colonic segment, and simultaneous bone marrow infusion did not affect the incidence of ER. Infectious complications included post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (n = 4), cytomegalovirus (n = 5), and adenovirus infection (n = 2). Conclusions Exfoliative rejection is associated with a high morbidity and mortality after ITx. Strategies to improve survival may include up front anti-lymphocyte antibody therapy and, when fail to respond promptly and satisfactorily, early intestinal allograft removal.
Magnesium influences the discrimination and release of ADP by human RAD51

hRAD51 lacks cooperative DNA-dependent ATPase activity and appears to function with 5-10-fold less Mg2+ compared to RecA. We have further explored the effect of Mg2+ on adenosine nucleotide binding, ATPase, and DNA strand exchange activities. hRAD51 was saturated with the poorly hydrolyzable analog of ATP, ATPgammaS, at approximately 0.08 mM Mg2+. In contrast, > 0.5 mM Mg2+ was required to saturate hRAD51 with ADP. We found ADP to be a significantly less effective competitive inhibitor of the hRAD51 ATPase at low Mg2+ concentrations (0.08 mM). Mg2+ did not appear to affect the ability of ATPgammaS to competitively inhibit the hRAD51 ATPase. Low Mg2+ (0.08-0.12 mM) enhanced the steady-state ATPase of hRAD51 while higher Mg2+ concentration (> 0.3 mM) was inhibitory. At low Mg2+, hRAD51 appeared capable of nearly complete hydrolysis of available ATP, suggesting a lack of ADP product inhibition. There was a strong correlation between the amount of Mg2+ required for stable ADP binding and the inhibition of hRad51 strand exchange activity. Simultaneous inclusion of exogenous ATP and chelation of Mg2+ with EDTA significantly enhanced ADP-->ATP exchange by hRAD51. These studies are consistent with the hypothesis that Mg2+ influences the discrimination and release of ADP, which may sequentially impose an important regulatory step in the hRAD51 ATPase cycle.
Characterizing smoking, cessation services, and quit interest across outpatient substance abuse treatment modalities

The majority of individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders are cigarette smokers, yet smoking cessation is rarely addressed during treatment. Conducting a detailed smoking-related characterization of substance abuse treatment patients across treatment modalities may facilitate the development of tailored treatment strategies. This study administered a battery of self-report instruments to compare tobacco use, quit attempts, smoking knowledge and attitudes, program services, and interest in quitting among smoking patients enrolled in opioid replacement therapy (ORT) versus non-opioid replacement (non-ORT). ORT compared with non-ORT participants smoked more heavily, had greater tobacco dependence, and endorsed greater exposure to smoking cessation services at their treatment programs. Favorable attitudes towards cessation during treatment were found within both groups. These data identify several potential clinical targets, most notably including confidence in abstaining and attitudes toward cessation pharmacotherapies that may be addressed by substance abuse treatment clinics.
Corn stover feedstock trials to support predictive modeling

To be sustainable, feedstock harvest must neither degrade soil, water, or air resources nor negatively impact productivity or subsequent crop yields. Simulation modeling will help guide the development of sustainable feedstock production practices, but not without field validation. This paper introduces field research being conducted in six states to support Sun Grant Regional Partnership modeling. Our objectives are to (1) provide a fundamental understanding of limiting factor(s) affecting corn (Zea mays L.) stover harvest, (2) develop tools (e.g., equations, models, etc.) that account for those factors, and (3) create a multivariant analysis framework to combine models for all limiting factors. Sun Grant modelers will use this information to improve regional estimates of feedstock availability. A minimum data set, including soil organic carbon (SOC), total N, pH, bulk density (BD), and soil-test phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations, is being collected. Stover yield for three treatments (0%, 50%, and 90% removal) and concentrations of N, P, and K in the harvested stover are being quantified to assess the impact of stover harvest on soil resources. Grain yield at a moisture content of 155 g kg ―1 averaged 9.71 Mg ha ―1 , matching the 2008 national average. Stover dry matter harvest rates ranged from 0 to 7Mgha ―1 . Harvesting stover increased N-P-K removal by an average of 42, 5, and 45 kg ha ―1 compared with harvesting only grain. Replacing those three nutrients would cost $53.68ha ―1 based on 2009 fertilizer prices. This first-year data and that collected in subsequent years is being used to develop a residue management tool that will ultimately link multiple feedstock supplies together in a landscape vision to help develop a comprehensive carbon management plan, quantify corn stover harvest effects on soil quality, and predict regional variability in feedstock supplies.