cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiotracer method in study of reactive transport across chemical gradients in porous media

Modeling and experimental approaches to study reactive transport across chemical gradients in porous media are presented. Particular emphasis is placed on a purposeful experimental setup to obtain information necessary for model calibration and verification. As example, diffusion tube experiments on the layered acidic jarosite/alkaline coal fly ash system have been carried out using radiotracers 3 H + , 22 Na + , and 59 Fe 3+ . Such radiotracer diffusion tube experiments provide modelers with reliable information incorporating some of the complexities observed in the environment such as local heterogeneities.
Possible optimization of respiratory controller sensitivity.

The effect of respiratory controller gain on the speed of correction of disturbances in CO2 balance, and the energy used by the respiratory muscles during the correction period is explored using a mathematical model. As controller sensitivity is increased, CO2 balance is more rapidly restored, but there is a greater expenditure of energy in breathing. The relationship between speed of correction and energy expenditure rises to a maximum value near usual values for controller sensitivity to CO2 in normal human adults. With less efficient respiratory muscles or with higher resting levels of PCO2, maximum values for the ratio of speed to energy consumption occur at decreased levels of controller sensitivity. Increased cardiac output and functioning central and peripheral CO2 chemoreceptors improve speed of response without proportionate rises in energy use.
Parents and peer group as mediators of the effect of community structure on adolescent problem behavior

Used a sample of 207 single-parent families residing in 104 small, Midwestern communities to test hypotheses regarding the link between community context and adolescent conduct problems and psychological distress. For boys, community disadvantage had a direct affect on psychological distress, while it indirectly boosted the probability of conduct problems by disrupting parenting and increasing affiliation with deviant peers. Community disadvantage was unrelated to the deviant behavior or emotional well-being of girls. Proportion of single-parent households in the community had a direct effect on girls' conduct problems. It also contributed indirectly to girls' conduct problems by increasing the probability of involvement with deviant peers. Possible explanations for these gender differences are provided.
Discriminative compartimental CSs in shuttlebox avoidance acquisition

Acquisition of shuttlebox avoidance by rats was recorded under four CS conditions: (1) light as CS always in one compartment, tone as CS always in the other (LTF); (2) 50% light CS and 50% tone CS but randomly occurring in either compartment (LTR); (3) light CS in both compartments (LL); (4) tone CS in both compartments (TT). In per cent avoidance, LL was superior to the other three groups, which did not differ from each other. The hypothesis that discriminably different stimuli used as CSs would reduce conflict and consequently facilitate avoidance acquisition was rejected. The factors which differentiate unidirectional and shuttle situations were discussed in light of these results.
Lightning as Background Noise for Communication among Electric Fish

AN appreciation of the background noise of the communication “channel” is crucial to our understanding of animal communication systems. Lightning1–4 is one source of naturally-occurring, non-biological electrical noise that is within the frequency range of electric communication by fish (below 20 kHz), and there may be others5. It is an important noise source because thunderstorms are especially common over South America and Africa where electric fish are found6,7, and electromagnetic waves from lightning propagate long distances according to the inverse first power of distance1. I investigated the importance of this noise during a field study of gymnotid fishes in Guyana, South America (3° 19′ N; 59° 39′ W).
Neutralizing Antibodies Against Previously Encountered Influenza Virus Strains Increase over Time: A Longitudinal Analysis

Antigenic diversity shapes immunity in distinct and unexpected ways. This is particularly true of the humoral response generated against influenza A viruses. Although it is known that immunological memory developed against previously encountered influenza A virus strains affects the outcome of subsequent infections, exactly how sequential exposures to antigenically variant viruses shape the humoral immune response in humans remains poorly understood. To address this important question, we performed a longitudinal analysis of antibody titers against various pandemic and seasonal strains of influenza virus spanning a 20-year period (1987 to 2008) with samples from 40 individuals (birth dates, 1917 to 1952) obtained from the Framingham Heart Study. Longitudinal increases in neutralizing antibody titers were observed against previously encountered pandemic H2N2, H3N2, and H1N1 influenza A virus strains. Antibody titers against seasonal strains encountered later in life also increased longitudinally at a rate similar to that against their pandemic predecessors. Titers of cross-reactive antibodies specific to the hemagglutinin stalk domain were also investigated because they are influenced by exposure to antigenically diverse influenza A viruses. These titers rose modestly over time, even in the absence of major antigenic shifts. No sustained increase in neutralizing antibody titers against an antigenically more stable virus (human cytomegalovirus) was observed. The results herein describe a role for antigenic variation in shaping the humoral immune compartment and provide a rational basis for the hierarchical nature of antibody titers against influenza A viruses in humans.
Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Oriented Nanofibrous Scaffolds: Engineering the Superficial Zone of Articular Cartilage

Cell differentiation, adhesion, and orientation are known to influence the functionality of both natural and engineered tissues, such as articular cartilage. Several attempts have been devised to regulate these important cellular behaviors, including application of inexpensive but efficient electrospinning that can produce patterned extracellular matrix (ECM) features. Electrospun and oriented polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds (500 or 3000 nm fiber diameter) were created, and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were cultured on these scaffolds. Cell viability, morphology, and orientation on the fibrous scaffolds were quantitatively determined as a function of time. While the fiber-guided initial cell orientation was maintained even after 5 weeks, cells cultured in the chondrogenic media proliferated and differentiated into the chondrogenic lineage, suggesting that cell orientation is controlled by the physical cues and minimally influenced by the soluble factors. Based on assessment by the chondrogenic markers, use of the nanofibrous scaffold (500 nm) appears to enhance the chondrogenic differentiation. These findings indicate that hMSCs seeded on a controllable PCL scaffold may lead to an alternate methodology to mimic the cell and ECM organization that is found, for example, in the superficial zone of articular cartilage.
This Promised Land, El Salvador

This Promised Land, El Salvador. Beth Cagan and Steve Cagan. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1991. 200 pp. $24.95 (cloth). ISBN 0–8135–1679-X.
Performance Tradeoffs in a Model Breast Tomosynthesis System

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) researchers need accurate, inexpensive, task-based assessment tools for optimizing multivariate DBT systems. With improved object statistics and better multiprojection observer models, our computational framework approaches detailed multi-parameter mapping of performance tradeoffs.
Lower and upper bounds to photonic band gap edges

A photonic band gap is determined by its edges, which are frequently calculated by the Rayleigh-Ritz method, producing a sequence of upper bounds. Since there are no error estimates available on these approximations, the level of accuracy of the computed band-gap edges, and thus of the extent of the band gap, remains undetermined. We adopt the method of intermediate problems to develop a procedure to calculate the lower bounds to the photonic band-gap edges. Lower bounds, supplemented with the Rayleigh-Ritz approximations, determine a band gap with arbitrary and known degree of accuracy, as well as provide error bounds on approximate calculations by other methods. Calculation of the lower bounds by the present method requires slightly more computational effort than the Rayleigh-Ritz method with a plane-wave basis. A parallel method to compute the alternative upper bounds is also developed in the process.
CORE DOMAIN MUTATION (S86Y) SELECTIVELY INACTIVATES POLYUBIQUITIN CHAIN SYNTHESIS CATALYZED BY E2-25K

The mammalian ubiquitin conjugating enzyme known as E2-25K catalyzes the synthesis of polyubiquitin chains linked exclusively through K48-G76 isopeptide bonds. The properties of truncated and chimeric forms of E2-25K suggest that the polyubiquitin chain synthesis activity of this E2 depends on specific interactions between its conserved 150-residue core domain and its unique 50-residue tail domain [Haldeman, M. T., Xia, G., Kasperek, E. M., and Pickart, C. M. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 10526-10537]. In the present study, we provide strong support for this model by showing that a point mutation in the core domain (S86Y) mimics the effect of deleting the entire tail domain: the ability to form an E2 approximately ubiquitin thiol ester is intact, while conjugation activity is severely inhibited (>/=100-fold reduction in kcat/Km). The properties of E2-25K enzymes carrying the S86Y mutation indicate that this mutation strengthens the interaction between the core and tail domains: both free and ubiquitin-bound forms of S86Y-25K are completely resistant to tryptic cleavage at K164 in the tail domain, whereas wild-type enzyme is rapidly cleaved at this site. Other properties of S86Y-26K suggest that the active site of this mutant enzyme is more occluded than the active site of the wild-type enzyme. (1) Free S86Y-25K is alkylated by iodoacetamide 2-fold more slowly than the wild-type enzyme. (2) In assays of E2 approximately ubiquitin thiol ester formation, S86Y-25K shows a 4-fold reduced affinity for E1. (3) The ubiquitin thiol ester adduct of S86Y-25K undergoes (uncatalyzed) reaction with dithiothreitol 3-fold more slowly than the wild-type thiol ester adduct. One model to accommodate these findings postulates that an enhanced interaction between the core and tail domains, induced by the S86Y mutation, causes a steric blockade at the active site which prevents access of the incoming ubiquitin acceptor to the thiol ester bond. Consistent with this model, the S86Y mutation inhibits ubiquitin transfer to macromolecular acceptors (ubiquitin and polylysine) more strongly than transfer to small-molecule acceptors (free lysine and short peptides). These results suggest that unique residues proximal to E2 active sites may influence specific function by mediating intramolecular interactions.
Exchange interaction in a quantum wire in a strong magnetic field.

We show that, for a sufficiently high number of electrons per unit length, the lateral confinement in narrow wires restores degeneracies that are lifted by exchange effects in two-dimensional systems in a magnetic field. The results are used to explain some experimental observations where the two-probe conductance of a quantum wire was found to be quantized with step size 2${\mathit{e}}^{2}$/h.
Don Juan and Rebels under Palm Trees: Depictions of Latin Americans in US history textbooks

In this article I call for an anthropological analysis of the formal curriculum in K-12 schools as it relates to the depiction of ethnic and national `others'. Since children are continually in the...
Soviet Ethnographic Studies of Cultural Change

nULTURAL change, in its multiple ramifications, is the central theme of tJ Soviet ethnography, which is defined as "the branch of history dealing with the cultures, origins, and distributions of individual peoples, and with their cultural-historical contacts" (Tolstov et al. 1957:7). During recent years Soviet students of culture have focused their attention on two processes of cultural change: the diffusion of urban traits in the rural communities, particularly the collective farms (kolkhozy), and the extension of the Russian socialisturban way of life to the cultures of various ethnic groups and tribal societies. This paper sums up some of the more important findings of the Soviet ethnographic studies of these two processes, usually subsumed under the general category of "socialist cultural transformation." It also indicates a number of ideological and general theoretical principles which guide Soviet scholars in their interpretation of ethnographic data.
Boronization of nickel and nickel clad materials for potential use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Abstract A new low-cost, nickel clad bipolar plate concept is currently being developed for use in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Reported in this paper are the details of a powder-pack boronization process that could be used to establish a passivation layer on the electrolyte exposed surfaces of the bipolar plate in the final stage of manufacture. Results from energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy indicate that under moderate boronization conditions a homogeneous Ni 3 B layer grows on the exposed surfaces of the nickel. The thickness of this layer depends on the time and temperature of boronization according to a Wagner-type scale growth relationship. At higher temperatures and longer reaction times, a Ni 2 B overlayer forms on top of the Ni 3 B during boronization. Preliminary results indicate that boronization dramatically improves the corrosion resistance of nickel.
NSAID use and Colorectal Anastomotic Leaks. Caution and Further Investigation

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are an integral component of the postoperative analgesic regimen, particularlyinenhancedrecoveryprotocolsfor electivecolorectal resections. They are administered to reduce opioid requirements and mitigate the side effects of narcotics on the gastrointestinal tract. Recently however, there have been reports in the literature that have raised the possibility of an association between the use of NSAIDS and an increased risk of colorectal anastomotic leaks (AL). 1 –4 . The therapeutic effects of NSAIDS are due to their inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) that occurs as two main isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2. This inhibition results in the decreased synthesis of prostanoids which are important mediators of inflammation and pain. NSAIDS are categorized based on the extent of inhibition of these isoforms as being either COX-2 selective or non-selective. However, the potency and selectivity of the different commercially available NSAIDS differ, as even non-selective inhibitors can preferentially inhibit COX-1. The exact mechanism by which NSAIDS result in an increased risk of AL remains unclear, but it is believed that the inhibition of COX interferes with the normal inflammatory processes necessary for wound repair including healing of intestinal anastomosis. 5 . Ketorolac is a commonly used NSAID that primarily inhibits COX-1, although it is classified as a non-selective inhibitor. In this issue of the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, two reports have been published that have investigated the relationship between the postoperative use of ketorolac and the risk of AL. While both studies have asked the same research question, they have come up with conflicting findings.
The relationship of locus of control and psychosocial-behavioral response in chronic headache

It has been suggested that patients' perceptions of the impact chronic headache has on their lives as well as perceived control of their headaches may be associated with the intensity, duration, and exacerbation of pain they experience. The present study examined associations among International Headache Society (IHS) diagnostic category, pain characteristics such as severity and duration, perceived impact and control of headaches, and adaptive response. Two hundred twenty-five patients with migraine, tension-type, or combined migraine and tension-type headache served as subjects. General activity level was related to IHS diagnosis, with migraine headache patients reporting that they are more active than tension-type headache patients (F(2, 196) = 5.69, P < .01). Headache locus of control was not significantly related to IHS diagnosis, however external headache locus of control was significantly related to headache intensity (r = .32, P < .001, r = .25, P < .001), as well as to patients' perceptions of the extent to which pain interfered with various domains of their lives (r = .33, P < .001, r = .28, P < .001), and adaptive response (F(6, 402) = 4.68, P < .001). It appeared that perceived control over headaches and perceived impact of headaches were not related to IHS diagnostic category and were not strongly related to each other, but were related to headache severity.
Inferences from the 1H-NMR Spectroscopic Study of an Antiferromagnetically Coupled Heterobinuclear Fe(III)−(X)−Cu(II) S = 2 Spin System (X = O2-, OH-)

This study considers how the electronic relaxation rate enhancement effects of strong antiferromagnetic coupling in the FeIII−X−CuII unit (X = O2-, OH-) of complexes [(F8-TPP)FeIII−O−CuII(TMPA)]+ (1), and [(F8-TPP)FeIII−OH−CuII(TMPA)]+ (2) (F8-TPP = tetrakis(2,6-difluorophenyl)porphyrinate(2−); TMPA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) are manifested as observable upfield-shifted resonances of the TMPA moiety in the 1H-NMR spectra. The pyrrole resonances appear at 65 and 69 ppm, respectively, for 1 and 2, consistent with an S = 2 ground state derived from antiferromagnetic coupling of high-spin FeIII (S = 5/2) and CuII (S = 1/2) through the bridging ligand X. Paramagnetic mononuclear complexes [Co(TMPA)(CH3CN)]2+ (S = 3/2) (X-ray structure reported) and [Cu(TMPA)(CH3CN)]2+ (S = 1/2) demonstrate downfield-shifted peaks consistent with a σ contact shift mechanism. Assignments for all complexes were achieved via 1H- and 2H-NMR spectroscopy of appropriately synthesized methylated and deuteriated derivatives. In [Cu(...
Recursive linear estimation in Krein spaces. II. Applications

We show that several applications considered in the context of H/sup /spl infin//-filtering and game theory, risk sensitive control and estimation, follow as special cases of the Krein space Kalman filter. We show that these problems can be cast into the problem of calculating the stationary points of certain second order forms: and that by considering appropriate state space models and error Gramians, we can use the Krein space Kalman filter to recursively compute these stationary points and to study their properties. >
Control of exogenous factors affecting plasma homovanillic acid concentration

Measurements of plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA) concentrations appear to be a valid research strategy in psychiatric disorders in which a central dopamine (DA) abnormality has been implicated. This study provides guidance about the control of some of the exogenous factors affecting pHVA concentrations. Fasting for 14 hours eliminates the dietary effects on pHVA in healthy human subjects. Changing position, walking for 30 minutes, or smoking two cigarettes has no effect on pHVA concentrations.
FURTHER EVIDENCE OF THE ESSENTIAL NATURE OF ZINC FOR THE GROWTH OF HIGHER GREEN PLANTS.

Very little has been done to demonstrate the essential nature of zinc for the growth of higher green plants. Although Maze, as early as 1914 (1), showed it to be essential for the normal development of maize, no further work seems to have appeared until the writer showed that zinc as well as boron (2) is essential for the normal growth of barley and sunflowers. It is not evident that a given element which is essential in only small quantities for plant growth may be equally necessary for all groups of flowering plants. It is therefore desirable to extend the range of experimental material, which in the case of zinc has embraced only two representatives of the grasses and one of the Compositae. We now have plants of two other families to add to the list.
Xyzscope: a new option in 3-D display technology

The xyzscope is a product of a unique technology which provides 3-D display in real time and free space without the use of stereo-spectacles. A flying light spot scans a three dimensional region to create a true x-y-z oscilloscope. A planar light source, e.g., a CRT or LED array, is projected by a rotating lens into a display volume which has no enclosure. Physical objects can easily be combined with the display and easily removed. The display it bright and the system is inherently stable. It is sufficient to display just two points to establish a correct perception of depth. The extent of off-central viewing inversely with the depth dimension of the display. Correction of lens aberrations fixes the display in space and eliminates viewpoint deformations. Still photography of displays is accomplished with an ordinary single lens camera, and a photograph of a display which incorporates a physical object is presented following.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Seismic Waves in a Laterally Inhomogeneous Layered Medium, Part II: Analysis

Seismic wave scattering representation for the layered half-space with lateral inhomogeneities subjected to a seismic dislocation source has been formulated in the companion paper with the use of first-order perturbation (Born-type approximation) technique. The total wave field is obtained as a superposition of the mean and the scattered wave fields, which are generated, respectively, by a series of double couples of body forces equivalent to the seismic dislocation source and by fictitious body forces equivalent to the existence of the lateral inhomogeneities in the layered half-space. The responses in both the mean and the scattered wave fields are found with the aid of an integral transform technique and wave propagation analysis. The characteristics of the scattered waves and their effects on the mean waves or corresponding induced ground and/or underground mean responses are investigated in this paper. In particular, coupling phenomena between P-SV and SH waves and wave number shifting effects between the mean and the scattered wave responses are presented in detail. With the lateral inhomogeneities being assumed as a homogeneous random field, a qualitative analysis is provided for estimating the effects of the lateral inhomogeneities on the ground motion, which is related to a fundamental issue: whether a real earth medium can or cannot be approximately considered as a laterally homogeneous layer. The effects of the lateral inhomogeneities on the ground motion time history are also presented as a quantitative analysis. Finally, a numerical example is carried out for illustration purposes.
Teaching European Studies: Field Trips to Brussels – an Underutilised Resource

‘Multi-disciplinary’ field trips to Brussels to accompany undergraduate courses on European political and economic integration are of exceptional academic value. This article offers ideas on how to plan such trips – which people to meet, how to prepare for meetings, reflections on the instructor's role – and suggests how to measure study trip outcomes. The author argues that study trips are a resource that should be more commonly utilised as they are highly beneficial to student learning outcomes.
Regulation of catabolism of microinjected ribonuclease A requires the amino-terminal 20 amino acids

RNase A introduced into the cytoplasm of IMR-90 human diploid fibroblasts by erythrocyte-mediated microinjection is degraded with a half-life of approximately equal to 75 hr in the presence of fetal bovine serum. In response to serum deprivation the degradative rate of microinjected RNase A is enhanced 2-fold. RNase S protein (amino acids 21-124) is degraded with a half-life similar to that of RNase A in the presence of serum, but its catabolism is not increased during serum withdrawal. Reconstitution of RNase S protein with RNase S peptide (amino acids 1-20) restored full enzymatic activity to the S protein as well as the ability of fibroblasts to increase its catabolism during serum deprivation. Finally, RNase S peptide microinjected alone shows the full 2-fold increase in degradative rate during serum withdrawal. These results show that recognition of RNase A for enhanced breakdown during serum deprivation is based on some feature of its amino-terminal 20 amino acids. Furthermore, our results indicate that the enhanced protein catabolism during serum deprivation can be highly selective.
Elective Induction Versus Spontaneous Labor: A Case-Control Analysis of Safety and Efficacy

Objective: To investigate the incidence, efficacy, and safety of elective induction in a community teaching hospital over 1 year. Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study of rate, safety, and efficacy of all term inductions with vertex presentations judged to be elective by chart analysis. Cases were matched one for one for age, parity, and pay status with controls in spontaneous labor. The elective induction women were compared with those in spontaneous labor using χ2 Student t test, and Fisher exact test. Potential risk factors for cesarean delivery and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission were then selected and subjected to bivariate analysis. Stepwise logistic regression was applied to control for confounding and to select which risk factors were important for those end points. Results: There were 461 case-control pairs. The elective induction rate was 12.3%. Cesarean delivery was increased by elective induction in bivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.81, confidence interval [CI] = 1.07, 3.08; power = .60). The cesarean delivery rate was 8.7% (control 5.0%). In a multiple regression model of potential risk factors for cesarean delivery, nulliparity (OR = 6.14, CI = 2.90, 13.04), cervical priming (OR = 3.06, CI = 1.46, 6.40), oxytocin usage (OR = 2.82, CI = 1.03, 7.75), gestational age at least 287 days (OR = 2.51, CI = 1.38, 4.58), and birth weight at least 3800 g (OR = 2.29, CI = 1.27, 4.13) were significant, but elective induction and epidural anesthesia were not. Elective induction did not significantly increase the rate of NICU admission (4.6% versus control 3.9%). In a multiple regression model of potential factors predicting NICU admission, only a 5-minute Apgar score of at most 8 was significant (OR = 12.34, CI = 6.01, 25.3). Conclusion: Elective induction is commonly practiced, safe, and efficacious. Cesarean delivery is increased significantly by nulliparity and/or an unfavorable cervix, among other factors, but not by elective induction itself.
Hybrid 5 S ribosomal RNA encoded by a multicopy plasmid is incorporated into ribosomes of Escherichia coli.

The recombinant plasmid pJR3Δ contains a tandem pair of promoters from rrnA followed by a hybrid 5 S rRNA gene, derived from the two 5 S rRNA genes of the rrnD transcription unit, and a terminator. Escherichia coli cells transformed with this plasmid produce 2–3-times more 5 S rRNA compared to untransformed cells. The growth of cells containing this plasmid is not affected significantly. Although the sequence and the secondary structure of the plasmid-specific 5 S rRNA differ from those of its counterparts (e.g., from 5 S rRNA species encoded by chromosomal genes), it is processed properly and is incorporated into ribosomes.
Survey of radar-based target recognition techniques

A variety of approaches that are available for the attempt to add target recognition capability to the usual radar functions of surveillance and track are discussed. These approaches include the utilization of fine-resolution, wide-bandwidth Doppler techniques for the recognition of moving targets, high and ultra-high range resolution and polarimetric techniques for the recognition of stationary targets, and high cross-range resolution techniques for the recognition of both moving and stationary targets. Definitions of the levels of recognition that may be attempted as well as the fundamentals of recognition system design, development, and test are provided.
Platelet production in hypoxic and RBC-transfused mice.

Platelet production rates were studied in hypoxic, red blood cell (RBC) transfused, and normal mice. In addition, platelet depletion was induced in some of the mice by injection of rabbit anti-mouse platelet serum (RAMPS) to stimulate platelet production. Hypoxia alone caused an increase in haematocrit and platelet count at 1–3 d, followed by a decrease in platelet counts to below normal values at 6–7 d. On the other hand, RBC transfusion caused increased haematocrit and decreased platelet count of mice at 1–4 d, with a return of platelet counts to normal by 5–6 d. Normal mice and mice transfused with RBC responded to platelet depletion with rebound-thrombocytosis with maximum platelet production 3–5 d later and elevated platelet counts on days 5–6. However, platelet production in platelet-depleted mice exposed to hypoxia was less marked, and platelet counts did not reach normal levels. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that hypoxia causes thrombocytopenia by stem cell competition between erythroid and megakaryocytic cell lines and/or inhibition of thrombopoietin production.
Influence of Sex on the Accuracy of Oscillometric‐Derived Blood Pressures

The effect of sex on the correlation between oscillometric and central aortic blood pressures (BP) is largely unknown. BP was simultaneously measured in the brachial artery using an oscillometric device and in the aorta using a fluid-filled catheter in 98 patients undergoing coronary angiography. Mean age (± standard deviation) was 58 ± 12 years, with 55% of the patients being male. Mean BP (MBP) measured by the oscillometric device and in the aorta were similar when the group was examined as a whole, but the oscillometric device overestimated MBP in men and underestimated MBP in women. Oscillometric pressures accurately estimated diastolic BP in women but overestimated diastolic BP in men and underestimated systolic BP in both sexes. The oscillometric device underestimated aortic pulse pressure in both sexes but less in men than in women. The accuracy of oscillometric MBP and diastolic BP varied as a function of aortic MBP, but sex-related differences in the accuracy of oscillometric pressures remained significant after adjusting for MBP, body mass index, height, age, race, heart rate, diabetes, smoking status, and BP-lowering therapies using a multivariate logistic regression model. Sex is an important determinant of the accuracy of oscillometric BP.
Object-Centric Parallel Rigid Body Simulation With Timewarp

We present an object-centric formulation for parallel rigid body simulation that supports variable length integration time steps through rollbacks. We combine our object-centric simulation framework with a novel spatiotemporal data structure to reduce global synchronization and achieve interactive, real-time simulations which scale across many CPU cores. Additionally, we provide proofs that both our proposed data structure and our object-centric formulation are deadlock-free. We implement our approach with the functional programming language Erlang, and test the performance and scalability of our method over several scenarios consisting of hundreds of interacting objects.
Adsorption of RDX and HMX in Rapid Small-Scale Column Tests: Implications for Full-Scale Adsorbers

The high explosive (HE) compounds royal demolition explosive or hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazocine (RDX) and high melting explosive or octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) have been detected as groundwater contaminants at many military facilities. This research evaluated adsorption of RDX and HMX with granular activated carbon (GAC) to provide guidance for the design and operation of GAC adsorbers for treatment of HE-contaminated groundwater. Five GACs were screened using rapid small-scale column tests (RSSCTs), after which additional tests were performed with the two GACs that most effectively treated mixtures of RDX and HMX (Calgon F400 and Northwestern LB-830). GAC service life as a function of empty-bed contact time (EBCT) was determined using RSSCTs for a range of simulated full scale EBCTs with influent concentrations of 2,200 μg RDX/L and 350 μg HMX/L. Increasing the influent concentration of either contaminant significantly reduced the predicted service life, as did preloa...
Quantitative aspects of the multiplication of influenza A virus in the mouse lung; relation between the degree of viral multiplication and the extent of pneumonia.

Influenza A virus, PR8 strain, increases in amount in the infected mouse lung at a relatively constant rate. When more than 25 M.S.50 doses of virus is inoculated, the rate of multiplication appears to be independent of the amount of virus introduced; has a value of 1,100-fold increase per day. The rate of increase in the pulmonary lesions induced by infection of the mouse lung with PR8 also appears to be relatively constant and independent of the amount of virus inoculated; has a value of 8.5-fold increase per day. The essential variables in the PR8-mouse lung system appear to be equated satisfactorily by functions which were derived previously (4) during a similar quantitative investigation on pneumonia virus of mice (PVM). Evidence in support of the hypothesis that the processes of multiplication of PR8 and PVM are different in the mouse lung is presented.
Regions of heat transfer enhancement for laminar mixed convection in a parallel plate channel

Abstract Heat transfer enhancement in mixed convection flow between parallel plates heated uniformly from below is investigated. Numerical computations demonstrate heat transfer enhancement prior to the onset of thermal instability in a horizontal channel due to fluid expansion and an induced pressure gradient, and in an inclined channel due to the component of gravity in the flow direction. Flow visualization and heat transfer measurements for airflow in a horizontal channel are performed over a wide range of conditions to delineate regions of forced and mixed convection. The onset of secondary flow is found to precede appreciable heat transfer enhancement. Except for large values Gr*/Re2, Nusselt numbers prior to the onset of enhancement may be predicted with forced convection correlations. Thereafter, Nusselt numbers rise rapidly to a maximum value and then assume a fully developed value which is slightly lower than the maximum. Correlations are suggested for the fully developed Nusselt numbers and for the locations of the onset of secondary flow, the onset of enhancement, and the maximum Nusselt number.
The sld genetic defect: two intronic CA repeats promote insertion of the subsequent intron and mRNA decay.

The autosomal recessive mutation, sld, attenuates mucous cell expression in murine sublingual glands with corresponding effects on mucin 19 (Muc19). We conducted a systematic study including genetic mapping, sequencing, and functional analyses to elucidate a mutation to explain the sld phenotype in neonatal mice. Genetic mapping and gene expression analyses localized the sld mutation within the gene Muc19/Smgc, specifically attenuating Muc19 transcripts, and Muc19 knock-out mice mimic the sld phenotype in neonates. Muc19 transcription is unaffected in sld mice, whereas mRNA stability is markedly decreased. Decreased mRNA stability is not due to a defect in 3′-end processing nor to sequence differences in Muc19 transcripts. Comparative sequencing of the Muc19/Smgc gene identified four candidate intronic mutations within the Muc19 coding region. Minigene splicing assays revealed a novel splicing event in which insertion of two additional repeats within a CA repeat region of intron 53 of the sld genome enhances retention of intron 54, decreasing the levels of correctly spliced transcripts. Moreover, pateamine A, an inhibitor of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, inhibits degradation of aberrant Muc19 transcripts. The mutation in intron 53 thus enhances aberrant splicing leading to degradation of aberrant transcripts and decreased Muc19 message stability, consistent with the sld phenotype. We propose a working model of the unique splicing event enhanced by the mutation, as well as putative explanations for the gradual but limited increase in Muc19 glycoprotein expression and its restricted localization to subpopulations of mucous cells in sld mice during postnatal gland development. Background: Autosomal recessive mutation, sld, attenuates Muc19 expression. Results: Intronic insertion of two CA repeats within the Muc19 coding region enhances retention of its downstream intron and degradation of resultant aberrant transcripts. Conclusion: Effects of the intronic mutation explains decreased Muc19 mRNA stability in sld mice. Significance: The novel splicing regulated by CA repeats is significant given this is a frequent genomic repeat motif.
Submergence avoidance behavior in the periwinkleLittorina irrorata is not due to threat of drowning

An attempt to establish an LD50 for submergence onLittorina irrorata casts strong doubt on the hypothesis that submergence avoidance behavior is due to the threat of drowning. Predator avoidance is offered as a more plausable hypothesis. Respiration rates of 2.73×10−3 ml O2/g body wt./min. for submerged snails and 2.70×10−2 ml O2/g body wt./min. for controls were determined.
Stimulation of calcium transport by amiloride in mouse distal convoluted tubule cells

This study examined the mechanism by which amiloride dissociates Na and Ca transport in distal convoluted tubules. Control rates of Na uptake averaged 288 nmol/(min mg protein) and were inhibited 39% by microM amiloride. Amiloride had no effect on Cl uptake. Resting membrane voltage, measured with the voltage-sensitive dye DiOC6 (3), averaged -70 mV. Amiloride hyperpolarized cells in a reversible manner by 18 mV. Control rates of Ca uptake averaged 2.8 nmol/(min mg protein) and increased by 39% in the presence of amiloride. Alterations of intracellular Ca activity were measured in single cells loaded with Fura2-AM. Control intracellular Ca activity averaged 100 nM. Amiloride increased intracellular Ca activity in a concentration-dependent manner to a maximum of 330 nM at microM amiloride. Amiloride analogues ethylisopropyl amiloride (EIPA) and dimethylbenzamil (DMB), which preferentially block Na/H and Na/Ca exchange, respectively, had no effect on Na or Ca influx or on intracellular Ca activity. The dihydropyridine Ca channel blocker nifedipine inhibited amiloride-stimulated Ca uptake and the rise of intracellular Ca activity but had no effect on membrane voltage. It is concluded that amiloride blocks Na entry mediated by Na channels. Inhibition of Na entry results in membrane hyperpolarization, which activates Ca entry by dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca channels.
SU‐E‐T‐569: A Dosimetric Comparison of Helical Tomotherapy versus Intensity Modulated Proton for Lung Cancer

Purpose: To evaluate the dosimetric difference between helical tomotherapy (HT) and intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) treatment for lungcancer patients. Methods: Five patients treated by HT at University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center were selected. HT plans were generated on TomoTherapy treatment planning station (TomoTherapy Inc., USA). The field widths were set to 2.5 cm for all patients in this study. The IMPT plans were generated using the same planning CT and contours with our in‐house treatment planning system. Three to five field spot scanning IMPT were used to deliver uniform doses to the targets while minimizing the irradiated lung volume. The proton spots used has a Gaussian sigma of 6mm and are placed on a rectangular grid. The dose distribution of each proton spot is calculated using a pencil beam algorithm with tissue heterogeneity corrections. All the dosimetric analyses are performed using normalized total dose. Alpha/beta ratios were set to 3 for normal tissues and 10 for tumors.Results: IMPT plans showed improvement of critical structure avoidance and target dose uniformity for all patients. Reductions in mean lung doses of between 81% to 27% were observed in the IMPT plans relative to the HT. The equivalent uniform dose of the target improved from 49.2 Gy in HT plan to 60.04 Gy in IMPT for patient #2, and equivalent for other cases. The maximum doses to cord were reduced by 20.5 Gy on average using IMPT. In two patient cases, the normal tissue complication probabilities were reduced by 53% and 14% with IMPT. Conclusion: IMPT provides improved dose homogeneity on the target and normal structure sparing compared with HT in the treatment of non‐small cell carcinoma in lung. Significant reduction of mean lung dose was demonstrated, as well as toxicity to organs at risk adjacent to the target.
COTS displays applied to armored fighting vehicles

Driven by the need to achieve cost-effective man-machine interface solutions, the adoption of commercial off the shelf (COTS) AMLCD panels in armoured fighting vehicles has become a fully accepted reality. This paper will explore some downside aspects of the new reality attendant on use of COTS display components, such as performance limitations and component obsolescence, as experienced on fielded military display products. Modular architecture and design solutions intended to minimise the impact of COTS product instability will be discussed.
Vibrational relaxation in simple fluids: a comparison of experimental results to the predictions of isolated binary collision theory

Abstract The modeling of the vibrational relaxation of molecules in simple liquids was tested using a number of implementations of isolated binary collision theory. These investigations are valuable for both the knowledge that is gained and because the models are compared to the well studied experimental system of iodine vibrationally relaxing in liquid xenon. The model started with a one-dimensional trajectory calculation in order to predict the transition probability of vibrational relaxation as a function of vibrational energy in the iodine molecule. The density dependence of the bibrational relaxation from experimental and molecular dynamics over a large part of the Lennard-Jones phase diagram are compared to the prediction of a number of implementations. For the most part the simple models are successful, however, problems with the simple models and their implementation are also discussed.
Exchange of microbial biomass between a spartina alterniflora marsh and the adjacent tidal creek

Salt marsh systems of the southeastern United States are characterized by extensive stands ofSpartina alterniflora. These marshes may influence the concentrations of material suspended in flooding and receding tidal waters. The ability of aSpartina alterniflora-dominated marsh to influence the concentration of suspended microbial biomass was investigated through the use of a 142-m long flume. The flume extended through stands of tall-, medium-, and short-heightSpartina. Water passing through the tallSpartina lost a considerable portion of microbial biomass. Initial samples from medium-heightSpartina were collected from water that had already passed through the tall grass. These samples contained 20 to 70% less microbial biomass than did water entering the tallSpartina. Calculations of mass transport suggest that the tallSpartina zone of marsh acts as a sink for microbial biomass while the short-heightSpartina tends to export biomass (to the tallSpartina zone). The marsh as a whole acts as a sink for microbial biomass. Transport estimates from 32 individual tide cycles were modeled to obtain an annual estimate of transport. As a consequence of high variability among individual transport estimates, no annual transport estimate could be distingushed from a net-zero transport.
Power considerations for MAST platforms

Scaling down autonomous robotic systems introduces numerous challenges in mechanical design, electrical/sensor subsystems, and autonomous control. One particularly daunting task is the design of the power system, since this will ultimately limit all microrobot or micro-UAV's operations. Power sources like lithium polymer batteries possess sufficient power density for basic mobility (walking, fixed wing flight, flapping/hovering), but improved power sources are needed that offer increased energy density in order to extend mission lifetimes - preferably pushing from minutes to multiple hours or days. Additionally, the source power must be efficiently converted and distributed to the various microrobot subsystems. Each system may require a different voltage, current, and duty cycle. This paper will review some of the power-specific challenges related to developing small, mobile autonomous systems.
Alphavirus Nucleocapsid Protein Contains a Putative Coiled Coil α-Helix Important for Core Assembly

The alphavirus nucleocapsid core is formed through the energetic contributions of multiple noncovalent interactions mediated by the capsid protein. This protein consists of a poorly conserved N-terminal region of unknown function and a C-terminal conserved autoprotease domain with a major role in virion formation. In this study, an 18-amino-acid conserved region, predicted to fold into an alpha-helix (helix I) and embedded in a low-complexity sequence enriched with basic and Pro residues, has been identified in the N-terminal region of the alphavirus capsid proteins. In Sindbis virus, helix I spans residues 38 to 55 and contains three conserved leucine residues, L38, L45, and L52, conforming to the heptad amino acid organization evident in leucine zipper proteins. Helix I consists of an N-terminally truncated heptad and two complete heptad repeats with beta-branched residues and conserved leucine residues occupying the a and d positions of the helix, respectively. Complete or partial deletion of helix I, or single-site substitutions at the conserved leucine residues (L45 and L52), caused a significant decrease in virus replication. The mutant viruses were more sensitive to elevated temperature than wild-type virus. These mutant viruses also failed to accumulate cores in the cytoplasm of infected cells, although they did not have defects in protein translation or processing. Analysis of these mutants using an in vitro assembly system indicated that the majority were defective in core particle assembly. Furthermore, mutant proteins showed a trans-dominant negative phenotype in in vitro assembly reactions involving mutant and wild-type proteins. We propose that helix I plays a central role in the assembly of nucleocapsid cores through coiled coil interactions. These interactions may stabilize subviral intermediates formed through the interactions of the C-terminal domain of the capsid protein and the genomic RNA and contribute to the stability of the virion.
Comparison of near‐infrared and thermal infrared cloud phase detections

[1] We compare the results of the cloud thermodynamic phase detections that use (1) the ratio of the near-infrared and visible bands or (2) the brightness temperature difference of two thermal infrared bands. We find that the brightness temperature difference algorithm using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) bands is generally consistent with the expectations based on the retrieval of the cloud top radiative temperature. On the other hand, the band ratio method, which uses near-infrared and visible bands, assigns considerably more ice phase compared to the brightness temperature difference method and leads to discrepancies with the expectations based on the cloud top radiative temperature. When the cloud phase algorithm, developed originally for the Department of Energy Multispectral Thermal Imager research satellite, is applied to the MODIS imagery, the cloud phase assignments are close to the brightness temperature difference results and are in better agreement with the expectations based on the cloud top radiative temperature.