cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust information extraction from automatically generated speech transcriptions

This paper describes a robust system for information extraction (IE) from spoken language data. The system extends previous hidden Markov model (HMM) work in IE, using a state topology designed for explicit modeling of variable-length phrases and class-based statistical language model smoothing to produce state-of-the-art performance for a wide range of speech error rates. Experiments on broadcast news data show that the system performs well with temporal and source differences in the data. In addition, strategies for integrating word-level confidence estimates into the model are introduced, showing improved performance by using a generic error token for incorrectly recognized words in the training data and low confidence words in the test data.
Molecular dynamics study of phospholipase A2 on a membrane surface.

The desolvation of lipid molecules in a complex of the enzyme human synovial phospholipase A2 with a lipid membrane is investigated as a mechanism that enhances the overall activity of the enzyme. For this purpose the interaction of the enzyme phospholipase A2 with a dilauryl-phosphatityl-ethanolamin (DLPE) membrane monolayer surface has been studied by means of molecular dynamics simulations. Two enzyme-membrane complexes, a loose and a tight complex, are considered. For comparison, simulations are also carried out for the enzyme in aqueous solution. The conformation, dynamics, and energetics of the three systems are compared, and the interactions between the protein and lipid molecules are analyzed. Free energies of solvation are calculated for the lipid molecules in the enzyme–membrane interface. Along with the calculated dielectric susceptibility at this interface, the results show the desolvation of lipids in a tightly bound, but not in a loosely bound protein-membrane complex. The desolvated lipids are found to interact mainly with hydrophobic protein residues, Including Leu-2, Val-3, Ala-18, Leu-19, Phe-24, Val-31, and Phe-70. The results also explain why the turnover rate of phospholipase A2 complexed to a membrane is enhanced after a critical amount of negatively charged reaction product is accumulated. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Can phoretic motions be treated as interfacial tension gradient driven phenomena

Abstract There are conditions under which diffusiophoresis and thermophoresis of solid colloidal particles could be considered driven by the gradient with opposite sign of the corresponding solid—liquid interfacial tension. In this sense, there is an analogy with the Marangoni effect. The motion of droplets in a concentration (or temperature) gradient is a consequence of two contributions: the first is due to the Marangoni effect caused by the concentration gradient along the liquid—liquid interface of the droplet, and the second is similar to that which occurs for solid particles.
A pictorial introduction to classical structures in the chaotic phase space of a collision complex

Abstract Coupled, non-linear, conservative dynamical systems (be they atoms, molecules or nuclei in the appropriate classical limit) genetically display a combination of regular and chaotic dynamics. The Henon-Siegel and Standard maps are used to illustrate this phenomenon. The nature of chaotic phase space is then explored: Within regions chaotic motion there are invariant, i.e. time independent, structures which control the time scale(s) for diffusion. The present pedagogical review shows, by example, how the structures known as invariant tori, and invariant Cantor sets (“Cantori”) determine whether diffusion can take place at all, and if diffusion is possible, control its rate. The Henon-Siegel map provides a useful model of dissociation of a collision complex which illustrates these points. Classical features of diffusion and the fractal nature of phase space within the complex are shown.
Reversible phenol oxidation and reduction in the structurally well-defined 2-Mercaptophenol-α₃C protein.

2-Mercaptophenol-α₃C serves as a biomimetic model for enzymes that use tyrosine residues in redox catalysis and multistep electron transfer. This model protein was tailored for electrochemical studies of phenol oxidation and reduction with specific emphasis on the redox-driven protonic reactions occurring at the phenol oxygen. This protein contains a covalently modified 2-mercaptophenol-cysteine residue. The radical site and the phenol compound were specifically chosen to bury the phenol OH group inside the protein. A solution nuclear magnetic resonance structural analysis (i) demonstrates that the synthetic 2-mercaptophenol-α₃C model protein behaves structurally as a natural protein, (ii) confirms the design of the radical site, (iii) reveals that the ligated phenol forms an interhelical hydrogen bond to glutamate 13 (phenol oxygen-carboxyl oxygen distance of 3.2 ± 0.5 A), and (iv) suggests a proton-transfer pathway from the buried phenol OH (average solvent accessible surface area of 3 ± 5%) via glutamate 13 (average solvent accessible surface area of the carboxyl oxygens of 37 ± 18%) to the bulk solvent. A square-wave voltammetry analysis of 2-mercaptophenol-α₃C further demonstrates that (v) the phenol oxidation-reduction cycle is reversible, (vi) formal phenol reduction potentials can be obtained, and (vii) the phenol-O(•) state is long-lived with an estimated lifetime of ≥180 millisecond. These properties make 2-mercaptophenol-α₃C a unique system for characterizing phenol-based proton-coupled electron transfer in a low-dielectric and structured protein environment.
Black-tie dress code: two new species of the genus Toxomerus (Diptera, Syrphidae).

Toxomerus hauseri Mengual sp. n. and T. picudus Mengual sp. n. are described from Peru and Ecuador respectively. Toxomerus circumcintus (Enderlein, 1938) is treated as a valid species and not considered synonym of T. marginatus, and Toxomerus ovatus (Hull, 1942) is considered junior synonym of Toxomerus nitidus (Schiner, 1868). An identification key for the Toxomerus species with dark abdomens is given along with diagnoses for each studied species.
Specialized progenitors and regeneration.

Planarians are flatworms capable of regenerating all body parts. Planarian regeneration requires neoblasts, a population of dividing cells that has been studied for over a century. Neoblast progeny generate new cells of blastemas, which are the regenerative outgrowths at wounds. If the neoblasts comprise a uniform population of cells during regeneration (e.g. they are all uncommitted and pluripotent), then specialization of new cell types should occur in multipotent, non-dividing neoblast progeny cells. By contrast, recent data indicate that some neoblasts express lineage-specific transcription factors during regeneration and in uninjured animals. These observations raise the possibility that an important early step in planarian regeneration is the specialization of neoblasts to produce specified rather than naive blastema cells.
Membrane Targeting of a Rab GTPase That Fails to Associate with Rab Escort Protein (REP) or Guanine Nucleotide Dissociation Inhibitor (GDI)

Abstract The targeting of various Rab proteins to different subcellular compartments appears to be determined by variable amino acid sequences located upstream from geranylgeranylated cysteine residues in the C-terminal tail. All nascent Rab proteins are prenylated by geranylgeranyltransferase II, which recognizes the Rab substrate only when it is bound to Rab escort protein (REP). After prenylation, REP remains associated with the modified Rab until it is delivered to the appropriate subcellular membrane. It remains unclear whether docking of the Rab with the correct membrane is solely a function of features contained within the prenylated Rab itself (with REP serving as a “passive” carrier) or whether REP actively participates in the targeting process. To address this issue, we took advantage of a mutation in the α2 helix of Rab1B (i.e. Y78D) that abolishes REP and GDI interaction without disrupting nucleotide binding or hydrolysis. These studies demonstrate that replacing the C-terminal GGCC residues of Rab1B(Y78D) with a CLLL motif permits this protein to be prenylated by geranylgeranyltransferase I but not II both in cell-free enzyme assays and in transfected cells. Subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence studies reveal that the prenylated Rab1B(Y78D)CLLL, which remains deficient in REP and GDI association is, nonetheless, delivered to the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes. When the dominant-negative S22N mutation was inserted into Rab1B-CLLL, the resulting monoprenylated construct suppressed ER → Golgi protein transport. However, when the Y78D mutation was added to the latter construct, its inhibitory effect on protein trafficking was lost despite the fact that it was localized to the ER/Golgi membrane. Therefore, protein interactions mediated by the α2 helical domain of Rab1B(S22N) appear to be essential for its functional interaction with components of the ER → Golgi transport machinery.
Frequency dependence of the reverse-biased capacitance of gold-doped silicon P + N step junctions

The experimentally observed frequency dependences of the reverse-biased capacitance of gold-doped silicon step junctions over the frequency range from 10 cps to 30 Mc are found to be in agreement with a simple physical model which takes into account the charge condition and the charging and discharging time constant of the deep-gold acceptor level in the transition region of the junction. Analysis based on the simple physical model provides explicit theoretical formulas for the junction capacitance at low- and high-frequency limits which show that the high-frequency capacitance under reverse bias is approximately proportional to \sqrt{N_{D} - N_{Au}} and is considerably reduced below the low frequency or dc capacitance if the donors are nearly compensated by the gold. The frequency effect is important for deep energy level impurities and becomes negligible if the impurity level is at or near the band edges. The presence of gold, however, has negligible effect on the avalanche breakdown voltage if N_{Au} .
Water‐swelling behavior of an ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer in the presence of sorbed sodium chloride

The swelling behavior of water in a poly(ethylene–vinyl alcohol) copolymer (70 mol % vinyl alcohol) has been characterized at 25°C by vapor and liquid sorption experiments over a range of water activities. The activity of the vapor phase has been varied by incrementing the pressure of the water vapor in the sorption cell. Alternatively, for the liquid phase experiments, aqueous sodium chloride solutions of different concentrations have been used to vary systematically the activity of the water in the salt solution and to introduce various concentrations of salt into the copolymer films. Relaxation-controlled sorption and Fickian diffusion have been observed as limiting cases of the water sorption behavior at high and low water activities, respectively. The effects of sorbed sodium chloride on water vapor sorption kinetics and equilibria were determined independently. A second salt phase forms within the previously homogeneous and seemingly single phase polymeric system, upon contacting the salt-loaded film with a water vapor activity above a threshold value corresponding to the activity of water in the salt solution used to introduce the salt into the films. The water and salt solubilities in the ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer have been measured systematically to describe the complex sorption equilibria associated with this three-component, multiphase system.
Comparison of neuromuscular effects, efficacy and safety of rocuronium and atracurium in ambulatory anaesthesia.

Purpose To compare the neuromuscular effects, efficacy, and safety of equi-effective doses of rocuronium and atracurium in ambulatory female patients undergoing surgery.
Bounds for the electromagnetic material properties of a spatio-temporal dielectric polycrystal with respect to one–dimensional wave propagation

In this paper, we discuss the problem of attainability of various points of the hyperbola e / M = e / μ characterizing spatio–temporal dielectric polycrystals in one spatial dimension generated by an original isotropic dielectric with properties ( e , μ ). All points of this hyperbola appear to be attainable by spatio–temporal polycrystallic laminates.
Controlling heterojunction band discontinuities: a surface physicist's approach

Abstract Controlling band discontinuities is a most desirable but elusive goal of heterojunction research. The necessary first step in achieving it is a good understanding of the nature of these parameters. Surface-sensitive techniques recently produced substantial progress in this area. We use their results to critically analyze the feasibility and quantitative limits of band discontinuity control.
Pressure activates colon cancer cell adhesion by inside-out focal adhesion complex and actin cytoskeletal signaling

Abstract Background & Aims: Few circulating tumor cells implant or cause metastasis. We hypothesized that venous or lymphatic pressure or iatrogenic pressure during resection activates signals governing malignant colonocyte adhesion. Methods: We studied the effect of 15 mm Hg increased pressure for 30 minutes on adhesion of primary human colon cancer cells and SW620 colonocytes to collagen and endothelial cells. We modulated integrin affinity with extracellular cations. We assessed binding affinity by detachment assay; integrin surface expression by flow cytometry; and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Src, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation by Western analysis and Src in vitro kinase assay. We inhibited Src (PP2), FAK (small RNA interference, SiRNA, or FRNK transfection), MEK (PD98059), PKC (calphostin C), and actin destabilization (phalloidin). Results: Pressure and manganese stimulated primary and SW620 colonocyte adhesion to collagen. Pressure also stimulated SW620 adhesion to endothelial monolayers. Pressure strengthened SW620 binding force to matrix without changing integrin surface expression. Pressure activated SW620 FAK and Src, but not ERK. Manganese did not. Calcium-inhibited adhesion but stimulated FAK (but not Src). PP2 prevented pressure activation of Src, Src phosphorylation of FAK576, and pressure-stimulated adhesion but not FAK397 autophosphorylation. FRNK transfection or FAK SiRNA also prevented pressure-stimulated adhesion. FAK SiRNA ablated pressure-activated FAK397, Src, and FAK576 phosphorylation. Neither Src nor FAK inhibition blocked cation effects. Phalloidin prevented pressure-stimulated adhesion. PD98059 or calphostin C did not. Conclusions: In contrast to divalent cations, extracellular pressure may increase integrin affinity and promote colon cancer adhesion via actin dependent inside-out FAK and Src signals. This mechanotransduced pathway may regulate metastasizing tumor cell adhesion.
Alkali-halide filamentary crystals

Abstract Filamentary single crystals (whiskers) of NaCl, KCl, NaBr, KBr, KI, and LiCl have been grown from porous membranes. NaCl and KCl crystals were also grown from porous substrates. The growth conditions, the maximum lengths, and the crystallographic orientation of these crystals have been studied. Mixtures of NaCl and KCl were used in growth solutions. For solutions containing 95% NaCl, all the whiskers X-rayed were NaCl, but a majority were oriented in the [110] direction instead of the [100] direction which is normally the growth direction.
Exploiting structure in piecewise-linear homotopy algorithms for solving equations

We consider the recent algorithms for computing fixed points or zeros of continuous functions fromRn to itself that are based on tracing piecewise-linear paths in triangulations. We investigate the possible savings that arise when these fixed-point algorithms with their usual triangulations are applied to computing zeros of functionsf with special structure:f is either piecewise-linear in certain variables, separable, or has Jacobian with small bandwidth. Each of these structures leads to a property we call modularity; the algorithmic path within a simplex can be continued into an adjacent simplex without a function evaluation or linear programming pivot. Modularity also arises without any special structure onf from the linearity of the function that is deformed tof.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Pediatric Clinical Care

Importance Point-of-care (POC) ultrasound has been used by a variety of nonradiologist physicians. Recently, POC ultrasound use by pediatricians has received increased attention with the practice of both established and novel applications. Objectives To review various uses of ultrasound by pediatricians, discuss challenges and potential pitfalls as pediatric physicians seek to use ultrasound in their practices, and consider various areas of research needs and opportunities. Evidence Review Available English-language publications from 1970 through December 31, 2014. Findings Limited research supports the notion that many POC ultrasound applications practiced by nonradiologist pediatricians can assist in clinical decision making and procedural success. Future challenges include the need for institutions to train and credential large numbers of health care professionals in the use of pediatric POC ultrasound, as well as the necessity of diverse research efforts, including the establishment of pediatric-specific norms, consideration of optimal educational strategies, and inquiry intended to identify best practices for clinical effectiveness and efficiency. Conclusions and Relevance Although considerable effort needs to be devoted to the continued development of pediatric POC ultrasound, there is potential for useful application in a variety of clinical and educational settings.
Dermal absorption and disposition of 1,3‐diphenylguanidine in rats

Dermal absorption, distribution, and metabolism of 1,3‐diphenyIguanidine (CAS 102–06–7) (DPG), widely used as an accelerator in processing rubber and in food packaging, was studied in adult female Sprague‐Dawley rats, DPG shows 10% penetration through clipped back skin of the rats in 5 d. The first‐order dermal absorption rate constant as determined by least square method was 0.021 ± 0.002 d−1 (T½> =33.6 d). Approximately 13% of the absorbed dose remained in the body in 5 d. Retention in skin, muscle, liver, intestine and fat contributed most to the body burden of DPG‐derived radioactivity in 5 d. All tissues showed tissue to blood ratios greater than 1, with liver and intestine ratios of 26 at 5 d. Approximately 61% of the absorbed dose was eliminated into urine and 27% into feces in 5 d showing rapid clearance of absorbed DPG from the body. High‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of urine revealed two major peaks [parent compound and metabolite(s)]. Within 72 h, approximately 50% of the DPG‐...
Guiding Future Early Childhood Educators to Reclaim Their Own Play as a Foundation for Becoming Effective Advocates for Children's Play.

Two case studies describe how two women, enrolled in an undergraduate course on play, were guided to examine play across their lifespan, critique the barriers that led to a decline in their play from childhood to young adulthood, and engage in cycles of documentation, dialogue, and analysis of their adult play experiences in order to discover pathways to reclaim play in their adult lives. Two assignments were used to facilitate the students' learning process; online blogs and digital lifespan play portfolios created on interactive wikis. Research on women's leisure and feminist poststructuralism informs discussion of the findings. Implications of the study's findings suggest that supporting early childhood professionals to develop as child advocates able to articulate the value of play for children's learning and development should begin by helping them to make important discoveries about the role of play in their own lives.
A computer-simulated on-line experiment in learning control systems

The structure of a learning control system combines digital memory and logic circuitry with an adaptive system. Data obtained through adaptation is stored (remembered) and later utilized to improve the system performance. The learning control system will operate satisfactorily under changing environmental conditions in which an adaptive system fails to improve the performance. The general learning system operation is outlined in this paper and a simple experimental system which illustrates the improved performance is discussed. The example system is a second order plant in which the damping ratio and undamped natural frequency are considered to be affected by the environment in a piecewise constant manner. The system was simulated on a GEDA analog computer and the memory and logic functions were supplied by an IBM 1620 through IBM 1711 and 1712 analog to digital and digital to analog equipment.
Mortality in a consecutive cohort of 248 adolescents and adults who underwent diagnostic evaluation for epilepsy surgery.

Summary: A cohort analytic study of a broad set of outcomes was performed in a consecutive series of 248 adults and adolescents who underwent evaluation for surgery for intractable epilepsy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), U.S.A. from 1974 to 1990. In the analysis, 202 were designated as “surgery” patients and 46 were assigned to a “nonsurgery” group, based primarily on whether surgery for a localized surgical region was undertaken. Follow-up at an average of 6 years revealed that 14 (7%) of the surgery and 9 (20%) of the nonsurgery group had died (p < 0.01). Results were similar after adjusting for baseline differences between groups. These multivariate models also showed that female gender was significantly associated with lower mortality. A significantly higher proportion of the deceased experienced two or more seizures over the latest year of follow-up compared with survivors (p < 0.01). Specific causes of death remain to be determined. Key Words: Epilepsy-Seizures-Surgery-Mortality.
Occupational exposure to diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) in polyvinyl chloride processing operations

Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) is primarily used as a plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials. While information is available on general population exposure to DiNP, occupational exposure data are lacking. We present DiNP metabolite urinary concentrations in PVC processing workers, estimate DiNP daily intake for these workers, and compare worker estimates to other populations. We assessed DiNP exposure in participants from two companies that manufactured PVC materials, a PVC film manufacturer (n = 25) and a PVC custom compounder (n = 12). A mid-shift and end-shift urine sample was collected from each participant and analyzed for the DiNP metabolite mono(carboxy-isooctyl) phthalate (MCiOP). Mixed models were used to assess the effect on MCiOP concentrations of a worker being assigned to (1) a task using DiNP and (2) a shift where DiNP was used. A simple pharmacokinetic model was used to estimate DiNP daily intake from the MCiOP concentrations. Creatinine-adjusted MCiOP urinary concentrations ranged from 0.42–80 μg/g in PVC film and from 1.11–13.4 μg/g in PVC compounding. PVC film participants who worked on a task using DiNP (n = 7) had the highest MCiOP geometric mean (GM) end-shift concentration (25.2 μg/g), followed by participants who worked on a shift where DiNP was used (n = 11) (17.7 μg/g) as compared to participants with no task (2.92 μg/g) or shift (2.08 μg/g) exposure to DiNP. The GM end-shift MCiOP concentration in PVC compounding participants (4.80 μg/g) was comparable to PVC film participants with no task or shift exposure to DiNP. Because no PVC compounding participants were assigned to tasks using DINP on the day sampled, DiNP exposure in this company may be underestimated. The highest DiNP intake estimate was 26 μg/kg/day. Occupational exposure to DiNP associated with PVC film manufacturing tasks were substantially higher (sixfold to tenfold) than adult general population exposures; however, all daily intake estimates were less than 25% of current United States or European acceptable or tolerable daily intake estimates. Further characterization of DiNP occupational exposures in other industries is recommended.
Targeting of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Thymidine Kinase Gene Sequences into the OCT4 Locus of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

The in vitro differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) to generate specific types of cells is inefficient, and the remaining undifferentiated cells may form teratomas. This raises safety concerns for clinical applications of hiPSC-derived cellular products. To improve the safety of hiPSC, we attempted to site-specifically insert a herpes simplex virus 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-TK) suicide gene at the endogenous OCT4 (POU5F1) locus of hiPSC. Since the endogenous OCT4 promoter is active in undifferentiated cells only, we speculated that the HSV1-TK suicide gene will be transcribed in undifferentiated cells only and that the remaining undifferentiated cells can be depleted by treating them with the prodrug ganciclovir (GCV) prior to transplantation. To insert the HSV1-TK gene at the OCT4 locus, we cotransfected hiPSC with a pair of plasmids encoding an OCT4-specific zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) and a donor plasmid harboring a promoter-less transgene cassette consisting of HSV1-TK and puromycin resistance gene sequences, flanked by OCT4 gene sequences. Puromycin resistant clones were established and characterized regarding their sensitivity to GCV and the site of integration of the HSV1-TK/puromycin resistance gene cassette. Of the nine puromycin-resistant iPSC clones analyzed, three contained the HSV1-TK transgene at the OCT4 locus, but they were not sensitive to GCV. The other six clones were GCV-sensitive, but the TK gene was located at off-target sites. These TK-expressing hiPSC clones remained GCV sensitive for up to 90 days, indicating that TK transgene expression was stable. Possible reasons for our failed attempt to selectively target the OCT4 locus are discussed.
Migration from Latin American countries to the United States: the economic, social and reproductive lives of Hispanic female immigrants, 1980.

The authors describe the socioeconomic characteristics and fertility patterns of female immigrants from Latin America to the United States with a focus on reasons for fertility differentials. "Using the one per cent public use sample from the 1970 and 1980 United States census we first compare changes in socio economic characteristics from 1970 to 1980 and then examine the determinants of fertility of female immigrants to the United States aged 16-49 from four Latin American areas or countries of birth....The findings...suggest that there are direct effects of demographic assimilation and socioeconomic variables beyond those mediated by the variables in each of these sets. Further regardless of the model the effect of the clusters of demographic characteristics is most apparent. Age categories and marital status are the strongest indexed determinants of immigrant fertility....The effect of education and employment is strong. Among assimilation variables duration of residence and language ability are significant determinants of Hispanic immigrant fertility." (SUMMARY IN FRE AND SPA) (EXCERPT)
Is there a puzzle in the failure of venture capital backed portfolio companies

We examine the post-Initial Public Offering (IPO) role of Venture Capitalists (VCs) in their portfolio companies’ failures, employing a LOGIT analysis of a matched pair sample of defunct and successful VC-backed companies, and an Ordinary Least Square (OLS) analysis of the lifespan of the defunct set. We find that the reputation and experience of VCs are major factors in extending the lifespan of the defunct portfolio companies. We also find that VC monitoring, experience, reputation and percentage ownership are not significant factors to differentiate between failure and success. VCs are associated with high risk investments making failures inevitable, but surprisingly we find no credible reasons that are related to VCs’ financial management for failures.
Outcomes of therapy: vancomycin-resistant enterococcal bacteremia in hematology and bone marrow transplant patients

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with the treatment failure and 30-day mortality in hematology and bone marrow transplant patients treated with daptomycin or linezolid for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) bacteremia. The safety and tolerability of therapy was also assessed.
Groundwater level and hydrochemistry in the San Jacinto basin, riverside county, California

Abstract The San Jacinto basin, structurally a sediment-filled graben (4 km by 40 km) formed by right-stepping en echelon faulting in the right-slipping San Jacinto fault zone, provides most of the water demand in the San Jacinto valley. Pumping of groundwater in the past 80 yeas had caused water level to drop at some locations by 90 m. Analysis of seasonal and long-term fluctuations of water levels suggests at least four hydrologic subregimes in the basin. Stiff and Piper diagrams indicate four major types of subsurface water. Major ion concentrations appear stable over the recorded period from 1951 to 1986 despite repeated changes of water levels in the past 48 years. Hydrologic discontinuities are recognized from contour maps of four-year mean winter water elevations and four-year mean concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS). Some discontinuities coincide with faults while others probably signify sedimentary facies boundaries. A trough of low TDS (reflecting ancient channel deposits of high hydraulic conductivity) lies southwest of the present channel of the San Jacinto River. This implies the San Jacinto River has migrated northeast probably in response to tectonic tilting of the basin. That TDS trough also suggests that most of the subsurface water leaves the basin about 7 km south of the present river exit. Because of its mixing with high-TDS water from the northwest, the northwest moving subsurface water appears to have been displaced southward before it exists the basin. Contours of sulfate, which is almost absent in the water from the northwest, provide a better indication of exit location.
Mechanism of Increased Lung Injury after Acute Pancreatitis in IL-10 Knockout Mice

Abstract Background.IL-10 is a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine which inhibits inflammatory cytokine release from all tissue sites. Hepatic cytokine release from Kupffer cells (KC) is one important source of inflammatory cytokines and may be the main one causing lung damage in acute pancreatitis (AP). Here we studied the KC contribution to lung injury in IL-10 knockout (KO) mice, in which tissue inflammatory cytokine release from all sites is unrestrained, and AP is more severe. Methods.Three- to 4-week-old C57BL/6J mice and KO mice on a C57BL/6J background were used. Control mice received regular chow and gadolinium chloride (GD; 1 mg/100 g iv), to inhibit KC activity, or saline. Pancreatitis mice received a choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented diet for 66 h to induce AP and saline or GD injections iv. After 66 h, lung tissue was assessed for edema, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Histology was scored in a blinded fashion. Results.In pancreatitis KO mice, KC blockade had no effect on the degree of lung edema, lung neutrophil infiltration, and lung histology score. As expected, each of these parameters was more severe in the KO mice than in the normal mice: lung wet/dry ratio 5.3 ± 0.2 versus 4.3 ± 0.13; lung MPO (U/g) 1.9 ± 0.2 versus 1.1 ± 0.08; histology score 7.1 ± 0.8 versus 5.3 ± 0.5. Conclusion.Endogenous IL-10 is important in reducing the lung injury in this model of AP. KC-derived cytokines were of minor importance, compared to those derived from all other tissue sites.
Controversies in Sleep Disorders Medicine: Pulmonologists Respond!

Purpose Herein we report the results of an informal survey of approximately 350 physicians attending the American College of Chest Physicians meeting in October 1995. Methods With response computer technology, we polled session participants about sleep and sleep disorders. The responses to the questions were instantaneously displayed and recorded and are presented herein. Results We found considerable expertise and experience in our audience; 65% were board certified in pulmonary medicine and 12% in sleep disorders medicine. There was not agreement about expectations upon referral of a patient to a sleep center or about the definitions of either sleep apnea or hypopnea. Most sleep centers perform split-night polysomnography but there is not a single clear indication for this procedure and there is uncertainty about the efficacy of split-night studies. Most laboratories represented recognize the diagnosis of upper airways resistance syndrome, and respondents seemed well versed in the definition of this entity. There was not uniform agreement of the treatment effects of mild or positional obstructive sleep apnea. Conclusions Pulmonologists appear to be interested in and knowledgeable about sleep disorders. There are several basic areas of controversy, emphasizing the need for clinical research in the area of sleep-disordered breathing.
Gas Production, Reserves, and the Importance of Gas Storage in the Appalachian Area: ABSTRACT

This paper summarizes by tables of statistics and graphs the current trends of the natural-gas industry in the Appalachian region. It is shown that despite a vigorous drilling program a pronounced production decline has set in. Proved reserves, while not shrinking rapidly, also exhibit a generally downward trend despite sizable additions to storage facilities. Contrasting strongly are gas sales which have mounted swiftly and promise to continue their climb. To bridge the widening gap between local supply and demand, imports of western gas have been brought into the area in growing quantities. To solve the intensified distribution problems, gas storage is being resorted to with constantly increasing frequency and at great cost. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1771------------
Antenatal spontaneous perforation of the extrahepatic biliary tree

Spontaneous perforation of the biliary system is an unusual neonatal phenomenon that is rarely recognized at birth. To date, it has not been reported antenatally. A 16-year-old pregnant adolescent had an ultrasonogram at 25 weeks of pregnancy that revealed ascites in the fetus. After the infant was delivered at 32 weeks, a hepato-iminodiacetic acid scan showed a spontaneous rupture of the common bile duct. The infant was treated with external drainage of the biliary tree and recovered well. This case demonstrates that spontaneous perforations of the bile ducts can occur much earlier than the usually described 2 to 12 weeks after birth, can be diagnosed antenatally, and should be added to the list of causes of fetal ascites.
Amphibole: first occurrence in a meteorite.

This is the first report of an amphibole mineral found in any meteorite. The amphibole richterite (soda tremolite), Na2Ca(Mg, Fe)5Si8O22(OH, F)2, occurs as a primary (preterrestrial) mineral enclosed within graphite nodules in the iron meteorite from Wichita County, Texas.
Solubility and nucleation of monosodium urate in relation to gouty arthritis

Abstract A microscope hot stage technique was developed for determining both solubility and nucleation in the same experiment. Nucleation of monosodium urate was found to be enhanced by Ca ++ , H + , ethanol, Cu ++ and synovial fluid from a gout patient. Synovial fluid from 2 rheumatoid patients inhibited nucleation.
A data fusion approach for progressive damage quantification in reinforced concrete masonry walls

This paper presents a data fusion approach based on digital image correlation (DIC) and acoustic emission (AE) to detect, monitor and quantify progressive damage development in reinforced concrete masonry walls (CMW) with varying types of reinforcements. CMW were tested to evaluate their structural behavior under cyclic loading. The combination of DIC with AE provided a framework for the cross-correlation of full field strain maps on the surface of CMW with volume-inspecting acoustic activity. AE allowed in situ monitoring of damage progression which was correlated with the DIC through quantification of strain concentrations and by tracking crack evolution, visually verified. The presented results further demonstrate the relationships between the onset and development of cracking with changes in energy dissipation at each loading cycle, measured principal strains and computed AE energy, providing a promising paradigm for structural health monitoring applications on full-scale concrete masonry buildings.
Comparison of Substance Use and Risky Sexual Behavior Among a Diverse Sample of Urban, HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men

The purpose of this study was to examine substance use among a racially and ethnically diverse group of HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) living in six U.S. cities, model associations between drug use and serodiscordant unprotected anal intercourse (SDUAI), and characterize users of the substances strongly associated with risky sexual behavior. Baseline questionnaire data from 675 participants of the Positive Connections intervention trial were analyzed. Overall, substance use was common; however, the highest percentage of stimulant (30%), methamphetamine (27%), and popper (i.e., amyl nitrite) (46%) use was reported among white MSM and crack/cocaine (38%) use was highest among African American MSM. Popper use versus non-use (odds ratio = 2.46; 95% confidence interval = 1.55-3.94) and condom self-efficacy (1 standard deviation (sd) increase on scale; odds ratio = .58; 95% confidence interval = .46-.73) were significantly associated with SDUAI after adjusting for key demographic and psychosocial factors. These results highlight the importance of addressing drug use in the context of sex for possible HIV transmission risk.
Resolving priority inversions in composable conveyor systems

Abstract The well known problem of priority inversions that occurs in classical real-time systems also manifests in decentralized cyber-physical systems. Using a specific example of composable conveyor systems, we show how priority inversions hinder the transport of entities through the conveyor systems. We present a novel adaptation of the classical priority inheritance protocol for resolving these cyber-physical priority inversions. While the approach resolves cyber-physical priority inversions, the structure and constraints of the conveyor systems cause the jitter associated with the end-to-end latency of the highest priority parts to increase. Further, these constraints also limit the applicability of the classical priority ceiling protocol in this class of cyber-physical systems. Simulation results demonstrate the correctness and reasonable communication overhead of the approach.
Molybdenum dioxide and vanadium-doped molybdenum dioxide microcrystals in a polymer container

Molybdenum dioxide and vanadium-doped molybdenum dioxide microcrystals were synthesized by a totally new method involving a redox-active monomer route. The two related dioxides had virtually identical crystal structures and the three precursors used in the process could be subsequently divided in two subgroups of two members each, based on their strong similarities in composition and crystal structure, respectively. Molybdenum trioxide (orthorhombic and hexagonal forms) and the vanadium-doped (10%, molar) molybdenum trioxide (hexagonal form) were used in the redox process with excess pyrrole, and at relatively high temperature (325°C) and long reaction time (12 days), formed a heterogeneous new type of organic-inorganic microcomposite. The new material could be described as a molybdenum dioxide crystal in a polymer box, with the size of the crystallite grain depending on the dimensions of the initial molybdenum trioxide grain and the ratio between the unit cell volumes of the initial and final oxide. The procedure took advantage of the relatively high reduction potentials of the Mo 6+ and V 5+ oxide surface centers towards the oxidative polymerization of pyrrole at intermediate temperatures, and the high catalytic activity of the metal cations in the molybdenum trioxide-based materials towards the total oxidation of the carbon atoms in the organic moiety, at elevated temperatures. This new synthetic route offers good perspectives as precursor composites for nanocrystal engineering in practical applications like heterogeneous catalysis, chemical sensing, nanostructured metallic catalysts, etc.
Developmentally excised DNA sequences in Euplotes crassus capable of forming G quartets

Abstract Tens of thousands of DNA segments are eliminated by DNA breakage and rejoining events during the formation of a new macronucleus in the hypotrichous ciliated protozoan Euplotes crassus. This study presents evidence for a class of eliminated sequences referred to as telomeric-repeat-like internal eliminated sequences (TelIESs). TelIESs are shorter (< 50 bp) than most previously characterized IESs and their DNA sequences resemble the telomeric repeat sequences of the organism. The TelIESs are excised during the developmental period of chromosome fragmentation/telomere addition, which is later than previously characterized IESs. Additional studies demonstrate that oligonucleotides representing the TelIESs are, like telomeric repeats, capable of forming G-quartet structures in vitro.
Thermal radiative properties of glass from 0.32 to 206 μm

Abstract The thermal radiative properties of glass are calculated using the optical constants data that are recently published in the literature. The directional-spectral reflectivity, absorptivity and transmissivity of glass are computed from 0.32 to 206 μm. These properties are also integrated to obtain the directional-total and hemispherical-total properties. The systems under investigation include a glass surface, a bulk glass plate and multilayer glass systems. Prediction equations are given to show that in the far IR various property equations can be reduced to a function of surface reflectivity. According to the calculated results, only under the normal incidence condition inside the far IR, the glass has a total reflectivity of 0.107 which is very close to the present design value (0.1). However, if the incident energy is coming from all directions as what is normally encountered in practice, the present design value makes, at least, a 50 per cent underestimation of reflectivity. To facilitate application of data presented in the far IR, an equation is also correlated that relates the glass hemispherical-total properties with temperature. While the glass properties are also evaluated inside the solar spectrum in this paper, these properties have been reported elsewhere and therefore, are not elaborated.
Evaluation of a computer-guided curriculum using animation, visual images, and voice cues to train patients for peritoneal dialysis.

BackgroundTraining patients to perform peritoneal dialysis (PD) at home is key to good patient outcomes. Currently, no validated curriculum based on education concepts is available in the public do...
Experimental study of debye clusters using brownian motion

Summary form only given. A two-dimensional Debye cluster is a system of n identical particles confined in a parabolic well and interacting through a screened Coulomb force (i.e., a Debye-Huckel or Yukawa potential) with a Debye length lambda. In the strong-coupling regime, the particles exhibit small-amplitude Brownian motions about their equilibrium positions. Experiments were performed for 27 clusters in a capacitively-coupled 9-W RF discharge with n=3 to 63 particles (9 mum-diam.) at a neutral argon pressure of 13.6 mtorr. Measured thermal motions were projected onto the center-of-mass and breathing modes and Fourier analyzed to give resonance curves from which the mode frequencies, amplitudes and damping rates were determined. The ratio of the breathing frequency to the center-of-mass frequency was compared with theory to self-consistently determine the Debye shielding parameter kappa, Debye length lambda, particle charge q and mode temperature. It is found that kappaap1, and that kappa decreases slightly with n. The particle charge averaged over all measurements is -14200plusmn200 e, and q also decreases weakly with n. The two center-of-mass modes and the breathing mode are found to have the same temperature, indicating that the clusters are in thermal equilibrium. The average cluster temperature is 399plusmn5 K
Ubiquitous Developments in Ambient Computing and Intelligence: Human-Centered Applications

Ambient Intelligence (AmI) is an emerging paradigm for knowledge discovery, which originally emerged as a design language for invisible computing and smart environments. Since its introduction in the late 1990's, AmI has matured and evolved, having inspired fields including computer science, interaction design, mobile computing, and cognitive science. Ubiquitous Developments in Ambient Computing and Intelligence: Human-Centered Applications provides a comprehensive collection of knowledge in cutting-edge research in fields as diverse as distributed computing, human computer interaction, ubiquitous computing, embedded systems, and other interdisciplinary areas which all contribute to AmI. Predicting the technologies that will shape our ever changing world is difficult however, in this book it is discussed that Ambient Intelligent technology will develop considerably in the future.
Applications of heat pipes for high thermal load beam lines

Abstract The high flux beam produced by insertion devices often requires special heat removal techniques. For the optical elements used in such high thermal load beam lines the required precision demands a highly accurate design. Heat pipe cooling of critical elements of the x-1 beam line at the National Synchrotron Light Source is described. This method reduces vibrations caused by water cooling systems and simplifies the design. In some of these designs, deposited heat must be transferred through unbonded contact interfaces. A pinhole assembly and a beam position monitor designed for the x-1 beam line both transfer heat through such interfaces in an ultrahigh vacuum environment. The fundamental design objective is that of removing the heat with minimal interface thermal resistance. We present our test method and results for measuring the thermal resistance across metallic interfaces as a function of contact pressure. The design of some devices which utilize both heat pipes and thermal contact interfaces will also be described.
Physical Association and Coordinate Function of the H3 K4 Methyltransferase MLL1 and the H4 K16 Acetyltransferase MOF

A stable complex containing MLL1 and MOF has been immunoaffinity purified from a human cell line that stably expresses an epitope-tagged WDR5 subunit. Stable interactions between MLL1 and MOF were confirmed by reciprocal immunoprecipitation, cosedimentation, and cotransfection analyses, and interaction sites were mapped to MLL1 C-terminal and MOF zinc finger domains. The purified complex has a robust MLL1-mediated histone methyltransferase activity that can effect mono-, di-, and trimethylation of H3 K4 and a MOF-mediated histone acetyltransferase activity that is specific for H4 K16. Importantly, both activities are required for optimal transcription activation on a chromatin template in vitro and on an endogenous MLL1 target gene, Hox a9, in vivo. These results indicate an activator-based mechanism for joint MLL1 and MOF recruitment and targeted methylation and acetylation and provide a molecular explanation for the closely correlated distribution of H3 K4 methylation and H4 K16 acetylation on active genes.