cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chromium(VI) generation in vadose zone soils and alluvial sediments of the southwestern Sacramento Valley, California: a potential source of geogenic Cr(VI) to groundwater

Abstract Concentrations of geogenic Cr(VI) in groundwater that exceed the World Health Organization’s maximum contaminant level for drinking water (50 μg L −1 ) occur in several locations globally. The major mechanism for mobilization of this Cr(VI) at these sites is the weathering of Cr(III) from ultramafic rocks and its subsequent oxidation on Mn oxides. This process may be occurring in the southern Sacramento Valley of California where Cr(VI) concentrations in groundwater can approach or exceed 50 μg L −1 . To characterize Cr geochemistry in the area, samples from several soil auger cores (approximately 4 m deep) and drill cores (approximately 25 m deep) were analyzed for total concentrations of 44 major, minor and trace elements, Cr associated with labile Mn and Fe oxides, and Cr(VI). Total concentrations of Cr in these samples ranged from 140 to 2220 mg per kg soil. Between 9 and 70 mg per kg soil was released by selective extractions that target Fe oxides, but essentially no Cr was associated with the abundant reactive Mn oxides (up to ∼1000 mg hydroxylamine-reducible Mn per kg soil was present). Both borehole magnetic susceptibility surveys performed at some of the drill core sites and relative differences between Cr released in a 4-acid digestion versus total Cr (lithium metaborate fusion digestion) suggest that the majority of total Cr in the samples is present in refractory chromite minerals transported from ultramafic exposures in the Coast Range Mountains. Chromium(VI) in the samples studied ranged from 0 to 42 μg kg −1 , representing a minute fraction of total Cr. Chromium(VI) content was typically below detection in surface soils (top 10 cm) where soil organic matter was high, and increased with increasing depth in the soil auger cores as organic matter decreased. Maximum concentrations of Cr(VI) were up to 3 times greater in the deeper drill core samples than the shallow auger cores. Although Cr(VI) in these vadose zone soils and sediments was only a very small fraction of the total solid phase Cr, they are a potentially important source for Cr(VI) to groundwater. Enhanced groundwater recharge through the vadose zone due to irrigation could carry Cr(VI) from the vadose zone to the groundwater and may be the mechanism responsible for the correlation observed between elevated Cr(VI) and NO 3 - concentrations in previously published data for valley groundwaters. Incubation of a valley subsoil showed a Cr(VI) production rate of 24 μg kg −1 a −1 suggesting that field Cr(VI) concentrations could be regenerated annually. Increased Cr(VI) production rates in H + -amended soil incubations indicate that soil acidification processes such as nitrification of ammonium in fertilizers could potentially increase the occurrence of geogenic Cr(VI) in groundwater. Thus, despite the natural origin of the Cr, Cr(VI) generation in the Sacramento Valley soils and sediments has the potential to be influenced by human activities.
General method for determining the masses of semi-invisibly decaying particles at hadron colliders.

We present a general solution to the long-standing problem of determining the masses of pair-produced, semi-invisibly decaying particles at hadron colliders. We define two new transverse kinematic variables ${M}_{C{T}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}}$ and ${M}_{C{T}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}}$, which are suitable one-dimensional projections of the contransverse mass ${M}_{CT}$. We derive analytical formulas for the boundaries of the kinematically allowed regions in the $({M}_{C{T}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}},{M}_{C{T}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}})$ and $({M}_{C{T}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}},{M}_{CT})$ parameter planes and introduce suitable variables ${D}_{C{T}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}}$ and ${D}_{CT}$ to measure the distance to those boundaries on an event per event basis. We show that the masses can be reliably extracted from the end-point measurements of ${M}_{C{T}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}}^{\mathrm{max}﻿}$ and ${D}_{CT}^{\mathrm{min}﻿}$ (or ${D}_{C{T}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}}^{\mathrm{min}﻿}$). We illustrate our method with dilepton $t\overline{t}$ events at the LHC.
Effects of a postdischarge clinic on housestaff satisfaction and utilization of hospital services

This randomized, controlled clinical trial evaluated the effect of a postdischarge clinic on housestaff education and patient utilization of hospital services. Medicine housestaff were randomized either to attend a clinic once a week in which they saw all eligible patients they had recently discharged from the hospital, or to continue with usual discharge practices. We enrolled 751 patients, 312 on intervention teams and 439 on control teams. Intervention housestaff did not feel that the clinic took too much time and felt that they better knew how patients did after discharge. Fewer intervention patients had emergency room visits (28.0% to 20.8%,p=.03) in the 30 days after discharge. Length of stay, readmission rates, and mortality were similar for the two groups. We conclude that a postdischarge clinic can improve resident education and reduce postdischarge emergency room utilization.
Familial aggregation of Parkinson's disease: The Mayo Clinic family study

Data on the familial aggregation of Parkinson's disease (PD) remain conflicting. We conducted a historical cohort study of 1,001 first-degree relatives of 162 probands with PD and of 851 relatives of 147 control probands representative of the population of Olmsted County, Minnesota (from 1976 through 1995). In addition, we studied 2,713 first-degree relatives of 411 probands with PD referred to the Mayo Clinic from 1996 through 2000 and 625 spouses of PD or control probands. Whenever possible, relatives were interviewed and screened for parkinsonism either directly or through a proxy, and those who screened positive were examined or a copy of their medical record was obtained to confirm the diagnosis (family study method). Thirty relatives of population-based PD probands, 18 relatives of population-based control probands, 65 relatives of referral PD probands, and 8 spouses had developed PD. Combining population-based with referral PD probands and population-based control probands with spouses, the relative risk was modestly increased (relative risk, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.64). Relatives of probands with younger onset (</=66 years; first tertile) had a more significantly increased risk (relative risk, 2.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.66-4.15), whereas relatives of probands with later onset had no increased risk. The relative risk decreased when the incidence of all types of parkinsonism was considered.
An analytical study of turbidity current steady flow

Abstract An analytical study of turbidity current dynamics is presented. General governing equations of motion are derived and a one-dimensional model of the equations is established. Only the steady flow case is considered in detail in this paper. It is demonstrated that four stages can be distinguished during the history of a turbidity current according to the variation of the Froude number: stage of flow establishment, uniform flow stage, hydraulic jump stage, and stage of flow decay. The progress of the flow appears to be controlled by four parameters: sediment flux near the sea floor, the slope of the sea floor, turbulent entrainment of the overlying sea water, and the resistance force imposed on the flow by the sea floor. Some analytical solutions exhibiting the critical conditions for the existence of turbidity current flow are obtained.
An integrated analysis of the effectiveness of Tennessee’s Forest Greenbelt Program

Abstract Concerns about the preservation of farm and forest land in the United States in the face of development pressures have led to many land preservation policies, including preferential, or use-value (UV), taxation of property. Use-value taxation permits landowners to continue deriving income from their land without having to pay the higher taxes occasioned by rising property values, which otherwise might force them to convert their land to other uses. Tennessee’s Forest Greenbelt Program differs from many in that enrollment is voluntary and that it is targeted specifically to forest land owners. We developed a theoretical framework to examine the effectiveness of the program in protecting forested land as a function of several criteria: (1) owners knowing about the program, (2) owners deciding to enroll once they learn about the program, and (3) owners deciding not to convert after enrolling in the program. In addition, the Greenbelt Program was considered cost-effective only if it primarily targeted those parcels facing conversion pressure. In an application of this framework using a probit analysis of landowner survey and tax data, we found that that the Greenbelt Program failed in protecting forested lands. Few knew about the program, and not all those who knew enrolled. Finally, the large majority of enrollees reported that the Greenbelt Program failed to affect their decisions to convert land in the future, and we found no evidence that those who reported some influence of the Greenbelt Program were influenced by the program’s economic incentives.
Clinical and investigational considerations for the use of IGIV therapy.

Purpose. Clinical uses of immunoglobulin intravenous (IGIV) therapy for a number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are discussed, as well as the probable mechanisms by which IGIV exerts its immunoregulatory and antiinflammatory actions. Case studies are also presented to examine practical considerations in the selection of IGIV products for patients at risk for adverse events. Summary. At present, the Food and Drug Administration has approved IGIV for use in six conditions, including replacement therapy for patients with antibody-deficiency disease, adjunct therapy in patients with poor antibody-producing capabilities, prophylaxis against certain types of infections, and several autoimmune disorders, including idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and Kawasaki disease. Numerous mechanisms have been proposed to explain the beneficial effects of IGIV, including the interaction of infused IgG with fragment crystallizable (Fc) receptors and complement proteins, the modulation of synthesis and release of cytokines and cytokine antagonists, and neutralization of circulating autoantibodies. IGIV products differ significantly in methods of production, virus elimination, formulation, and composition. These differences can potentially have an impact on safety, tolerability, and efficacy. The major features affecting tolerability include volume load, sugar and salt content, and osmolality. Case studies highlight how these product characteristics could affect patient outcomes. Conclusion. While numerous mechanisms have been proposed to explain the beneficial effects of IGIV, the specific mechanisms remain elusive. Patient outcomes can be affected by IGIV product characteristics. The choice of an IGIV product should be matched to the patient’s risk-factor profile.
Nonlinear Control of Hybrid Electrostrictive/Piezoelectric Polymeric Structures: Theory and Experiment

Electromechanical response of electrostrictive materials behaves quadratically, while that of piezoelectric material behaves linearly. This study is to evaluate quadratic control response of electrostrictive actuators with reference to linear signal generation of piezoelectric sensors. A hybrid beam structure coupled with an electrostrictive RTV 270 actuator layer and a polyvinylidene-fluoride sensor layer is fabricated and its control response evaluated. Mathematical model is established first, followed by finite-difference discretization resulting in a set of finite difference equations used in numerical simulation of controlled and uncontrolled responses. The physical model connected to a bang-bang controller, a high-voltage amplifier, a data acquisition system is setup in laboratory. Due to the quadratic behavior of the electrostrictive actuator, the bang-bang controller activates the electrostrictive actuator only in the upward motion of the beam, according to the signals generated from the piezoelectric sensor. Vibration control characteristic (i.e., damping ratio estimation) of the beam subjected to various control conditions are evaluated. Experimental data are compared favorably with simulation results.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Cystathionine synthase in rat brain: Regional and time‐of‐day differences and their metabolic implications

In relation to concern for probable interrelations of cystathionine synthase (CS, EC 4.2.1.21) and methionine, one-carbon, and 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolism, we have investigated tissue and time-of-day differences in CS activity in the laboratory rat under standardized conditions. Liver, kidney, and pancreas had highest CS activities; nine regions of the CNS had mean activities ranging from 4.5% (lumbosacral cord) to 24.5% (hypothalamus) of mean hepatic activity; pituitary and adrenal glands lacked detectable CS activity. Although significantly lower CS activity occurred in liver (9%, P less than 0.050) and kidney (13%, P less than 0.025) during the interval two hours before to two hours after the daily onset of darkness, no significant changes were found in hypothalamus, cerebellum, or medulla oblongata. Regional CNS differences in CS activity appeared to be without correlation in relation to published data on relative contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine, tryptophan 5-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.16.4), 5,10-Methylene reductase (N5-methyltetrahydrofolate-NAD-oxidoreductase, (EC 1.1.1.78), or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. Therefore, among CNS regions examined, a critical deficiency in ability to metabolize a homocysteine load is considered to be unlikely under normal conditions.
Attenuation spectra of olivine/basalt partial melts: Transformation of Newtonian creep response

The flexural creep responses of a Co-Mg olivine-plus-basalt aggregate at temperatures near 1100°C have been transformed to give attenuation spectra (QE−1 vs. ω) as functions of temperature. The experimental creep response of this mantle-analog material is well-modeled as a Burgers solid, displaying a steady-state creep that is preceded by a transient deceleration. Calculated attenuation spectra are based on the Burgers solid viscosities and elastic constants obtained from the creep experiments. The attenuation becomes total and zero in the low- and high-frequency limits, respectively, as is appropriate for polycrystalline olivine having a diffusional creep rheology. At intermediate frequencies (10−4Hz to 10−2Hz), QE−1 experiences a local maximum. Both the magnitude (QE−1≈15) and central frequency of this loss maximum increase with temperature. The attenuation peak is an anelastic loss compatible with the transient creep response; it is inferred to represent a melt flow mechanism that adjusts the size of melt-bearing triple-grain junctions in response to changes in the stress state.
On the Behrens-Fisher problem

SUMMARY The relative merits of several solutions to the Behrens-Fisher problem are considered on the basis of the stability of their size and the magnitude of their power. It is shown that if the sample sizes are both larger than 7, then the solutions due to Pagurova and Welch are very good in the above sense. For smaller sample sizes certain modifications of Pagurova's solution are presented. 1. PRELIMINARIES Suppose that we have two normal distributions, the first with mean and variance parameters ,l and o2 , and the second with parameters #2 and 4-2 Samples of sizes n, and n2, respectively, are taken, and the sample means and variances are x-1 and s82, and x2 and s2. The Behrens-Fisher problem consists in testing the null hypothesis Ho: q = (,cl- ,t2)/0l = 0 against one of the alternatives q > 0, q 0. Although several solutions to this problem have been proposed in the past forty years, no adequate guidelines have so far been established as to which one to follow in a given practical situation. Our aim is partly to provide such a guideline based on a comparative study of some of the solutions. For this purpose we have chosen the ones due to Banerjee (1960), Fisher (1936), Pagurova (1968a), Wald (1955) and Welch (1947). Letting Ai= l/ni (i = 1, 2), we see that the solutions are all of the following general form. Reject Ho if v-= (xl-x2)/V/(Ai s~2 +A2s) > Va(C), where K(C) is a function of C = Als2/(Asl +A2s2) and the chosen level of significance ac. The expressions for VJ'(C) for these five solutions are presented in Table 1. In the case of Fisher's and Welch's solutions, where K (C) is based on an asymptotic expansion, we have taken it to the second order in the sample size, and in the case of Wald's solution, which is applicable only when the sample sizes are equal, we have taken the common sample size to be nl.
Linking the Computational Structure of Variance Adaptation to Biophysical Mechanisms

In multiple sensory systems, adaptation to the variance of a sensory input changes the sensitivity, kinetics, and average response over timescales ranging from < 100 ms to tens of seconds. Here, we present a simple, biophysically relevant model of retinal contrast adaptation that accurately captures both the membrane potential response and all adaptive properties. The adaptive component of this model is a first-order kinetic process of the type used to describe ion channel gating and synaptic transmission. From the model, we conclude that all adaptive dynamics can be accounted for by depletion of a signaling mechanism, and that variance adaptation can be explained as adaptation to the mean of a rectified signal. The model parameters show strong similarity to known properties of bipolar cell synaptic vesicle pools. Diverse types of adaptive properties that implement theoretical principles of efficient coding can be generated by a single type of molecule or synapse with just a few microscopic states.
Studies of peptide binding to allyl amine and vinyl acetic acid-modified polymers using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that increases in surface–peptide binding affinity result in decreases in peptide matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) ion signals. The present work demonstrates that, with appropriate corrections for peptide ionization efficiency under MALDI conditions, relative surface–peptide binding affinities can be assayed using the MALDI MS methodology. Peptides with a range of p I values are allowed to interact with amine-modified and carboxylic acid-modified polymer surfaces (produced by pulsed radio-frequency plasma polymerization of allyl amine and vinyl acetic acid) in buffered solutions of neutral pH. Because of the net positive and negative charges associated with the peptides and surfaces in solution, both electrostatic and hydrophilic interactions play a role in the surface–peptide interaction. Consistent with expectations, the peptide MALDI ion signals for peptides with net negative charges in solution are smaller than those for peptides with net positive charges in solution when the peptides are allowed to interact with positively charged surfaces. A reversal of the relative peptide MALDI ion signal intensities is observed when the same peptides are allowed to interact with negatively charged surfaces. Cumulatively, the results demonstrate that even modest changes in surface–peptide interactions can be comparatively probed by MALDI mass spectrometry.
HEPATIC LIPOGENESIS IN THE DIABETICHYPOPHYSECTOMIZED (HOUSSAY) RAT1

IT WAS demonstrated earlier that, provided carbohydrate in the form of glucose or starch is available in large amounts to hypophysectomized rats, hepatic lipogenesis, as judged by the conversion of acetate carbon to fatty acids, does not differ significantly from that observed in normal rats (1). Our findings offered no support for the view that hepatic lipogenesis is accelerated in the absence of pituitary hormones (2, 3, 4). Indeed, when hypophysectomized rats were fed a stock diet adequate in all respects, but containing whole ground wheat as the major carbohydrate source, lipogenesis and cholesterogenesis in their livers were below normal (1). The results obtained by Hill et al. (1) emphasize the need for a careful evaluation of the nutritional state of the hypophysectomized animal before ascribing a metabolic effect to the removal of the anterior pituitary gland. It is now generally agreed that the diabetic animal has lost, to a considerable extent, its capacity to form fat from carbohydrate (5, 6).
Maternal exposure to nicotine and chlorpyrifos, alone and in combination, leads to persistently elevated expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in the cerebellum of the offspring in late puberty.

We previously showed that maternal exposure to nicotine, alone or in combination with chlorpyrifos, caused an increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostaining in the CA1 subfield of hippocampus and cerebellum in postnatal day (PND) 30 offspring. In the present study, PND 60 offspring were evaluated for histopathological and cholinergic effects following maternal exposure to nicotine and chlorpyrifos, alone and in combination. Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (300–350 g) were treated daily with nicotine (1 mg/kg, s.c., in normal saline) or chlorpyrifos (0.1 mg/kg, dermal, in ethanol) or a combination of nicotine and chlorpyrifos from gestational days (GD) 4 to 20. Control animals were treated with saline and ethanol. On PND 60, the offspring were evaluated for cholinergic changes and pathological effects. Plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity in the female offspring from chlorpyrifos treated mothers showed a significant increase (~183% of control). Male offspring from mothers treated with either chlorpyrifos or nicotine alone showed a significant increase in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brainstem while female offspring from mothers treated with either nicotine or a combination of nicotine and chlorpyrifos showed a significant increase (~134 and 126% of control, respectively) in AChE activity in the brainstem. No significant changes were observed in the ligand binding densities for α4β2 and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the cortex. Histopathological evaluation using cresyl violet staining showed a significant decrease in surviving Purkinje neurons in the cerebellum of the offspring from nicotine treated mothers. An increase in GFAP immunostaining in cerebellar white matter was observed in the offspring from the mothers treated with nicotine. These results suggest that maternal exposure to real-life levels of nicotine and/or chlorpyrifos causes differential regulation of brainstem AChE activity. Also, nicotine caused a decrease in the surviving neurons and an increased expression of GFAP in cerebellar white matter of the offspring on PND 60. These changes can lead to long-term neurological adverse health effects later in life.
Estimation of secretory rates of hormones from the specific activities of metabolites which have multiple secreted precursors

The calculation of rates of entry of material into an open system of multiple pools in the steady state from the specific activities of end products, which may be derived from several pools, is described. This analysis may be applied to estimate the rates of secretion of steroid hormones from the specific activities of urinary metabolites which may have various hormones as common precursors. In a previous publication (Gurpideet al., 1963) formulae have been presented by which secretory rates could be calculated after a single injection of the tracers assuming that each of the urinary metabolites was uniquely derived from one of the pools in the system. In the present article similar formulae were derived without this assumption. Consequently, it is shown that, under certain circumstances, non-uniquely derived metabolites can be used to estimate secretory rates, and that it may be unnecessary to consider the pathways of conversion of the hormones to the metabolites or the sites where these conversion occur.
Generalized unstructured decimation [computer graphics]

Decimation describes the process of removing entities (such as polygons) from a geometric representation. The goal is to intelligently reduce the number of primitives required to accurately model the problem of interest. The work described in the article was originally motivated by the need for efficient and robust decimation of volume tessellations, that is, unstructured tetrahedrizations. Existing surface-based decimation schemes do not generalize to volumes. The technique allows local, dynamic vertex removal from an unstructured tetrahedrization while preserving the initial tessellation topology and boundary geometry. The research focuses on vertex removal methodology, not on the formulation of decimation criteria. In practice, criteria for removing vertices are application specific. The basis of the algorithm is a unique and general method to classify a triangle with respect to a nonconvex polygon. The resulting decimation algorithm (applicable to both surface and volume tessellations) is robust and efficient because it avoids floating-point classification computations.
Effect of mineralocorticoid activity on transtubular potassium gradient, urinary [K]/[Na] ratio, and fractional excretion of potassium

Abstract Clinical assessment of potassium derangements may require evaluation of mineralocorticoid status. Several indirect indices of mineralocorticoid activity based on renal electrolyte excretion have been proposed and include the transtubular potassium gradient, urinary [K]/[Na] ratio, and renal fractional excretion of potassium. We studied the impact of high mineralocorticoid activity versus blocked mineralocorticoid activity on these indices in otherwise normal subjects who ingested a defined diet. Eight normal subjects received either fludrocortisone or spironolactone for 4 days. After a washout period of > or=2 weeks, each subject then received the opposite regimen. Subjects ingested an identical high-potassium diet during both experimental periods. The renal fractional excretion of potassium and transtubular potassium gradient were calculated using standard formulas. Fludrocortisone caused an increase in body weight and no significant reduction in serum potassium concentration, while spironolactone decreased body weight and increased plasma potassium concentration. After 1 or 2 days of treatment with fludrocortisone, the average values for all urinary indices of mineralocorticoid activity were significantly higher than after 1 or 2 days of treatment with spironolactone. However, the differences between these indices in the fludrocortisone and spironolactone test periods diminished by day 3 and were nonexistent by day 4. In conclusion, the transtubular potassium gradient, [K]/[Na] ratio, and renal fractional excretion of potassium reflect acute changes in mineralocorticoid activity. However, these indices do not discriminate between states of high and low mineralocorticoid activity lasting longer than 2 to 3 days. (Am J Kidney Dis 1998 Jul;32(1):47-51)
The Folding Trajectory of RNase H Is Dominated by Its Topology and Not Local Stability: A Protein Engineering Study of Variants that Fold via Two-State and Three-State Mechanisms

Proteins can sample a variety of partially folded conformations during the transition between the unfolded and native states. Some proteins never significantly populate these high-energy states and fold by an apparently two-state process. However, many proteins populate detectable, partially folded forms during the folding process. The role of such intermediates is a matter of considerable debate. A single amino acid change can convert Escherichia coli ribonuclease H from a three-state folder that populates a kinetic intermediate to one that folds in an apparent two-state fashion. We have compared the folding trajectories of the three-state RNase H and the two-state RNase H, proteins with the same native-state topology but altered regional stability, using a protein engineering approach. Our data suggest that both versions of RNase H fold through a similar trajectory with similar high-energy conformations. Mutations in the core and the periphery of the protein affect similar aspects of folding for both variants, suggesting a common trajectory with folding of the core region followed by the folding of the periphery. Our results suggest that formation of specific partially folded conformations may be a general feature of protein folding that can promote, rather than hinder, efficient folding.
Swine Influenza Virus PA and Neuraminidase Gene Reassortment into Human H1N1 Influenza Virus Is Associated with an Altered Pathogenic Phenotype Linked to Increased MIP-2 Expression.

Swine are susceptible to infection by both avian and human influenza viruses, and this feature is thought to contribute to novel reassortant influenza viruses. In this study, the influenza virus reassortment rate in swine and human cells was determined. Coinfection of swine cells with 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus (huH1N1) and an endemic swine H1N2 (A/swine/Illinois/02860/09) virus (swH1N2) resulted in a 23% reassortment rate that was independent of α2,3- or α2,6-sialic acid distribution on the cells. The reassortants had altered pathogenic phenotypes linked to introduction of the swine virus PA and neuraminidase (NA) into huH1N1. In mice, the huH1N1 PA and NA mediated increased MIP-2 expression early postinfection, resulting in substantial pulmonary neutrophilia with enhanced lung pathology and disease. The findings support the notion that swine are a mixing vessel for influenza virus reassortants independent of sialic acid distribution. These results show the potential for continued reassortment of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus with endemic swine viruses and for reassortants to have increased pathogenicity linked to the swine virus NA and PA genes which are associated with increased pulmonary neutrophil trafficking that is related to MIP-2 expression. IMPORTANCE Influenza A viruses can change rapidly via reassortment to create a novel virus, and reassortment can result in possible pandemics. Reassortments among subtypes from avian and human viruses led to the 1957 (H2N2 subtype) and 1968 (H3N2 subtype) human influenza pandemics. Recent analyses of circulating isolates have shown that multiple genes can be recombined from human, avian, and swine influenza viruses, leading to triple reassortants. Understanding the factors that can affect influenza A virus reassortment is needed for the establishment of disease intervention strategies that may reduce or preclude pandemics. The findings from this study show that swine cells provide a mixing vessel for influenza virus reassortment independent of differential sialic acid distribution. The findings also establish that circulating neuraminidase (NA) and PA genes could alter the pathogenic phenotype of the pandemic H1N1 virus, resulting in enhanced disease. The identification of such factors provides a framework for pandemic modeling and surveillance.
Power densities in materials in spallation neutron source environments

Abstract The intensities and average energies of neutron and gamma fluxes at the center of a moderator have been estimated for the pulsed spallation neutron source IPNS-I (5×1012 protons per pulse at energy 500 MeV, operating at 30 Hz with a 238U target) presently being constructed at Argonne National Laboratory. The heat deposition rate and the temperature rise without heat flow have been estimated for both polyethylene and liquid hydrogen moderators. Estimates are also made for the heat deposition rates in the boron and gadolinium decouplers. Radiation damage will occur in the outer layer of 0.006 cm of boron carbide decouplers in relatively short irradiation times. Some consideration is given to the thermal characteristics (cooling constant, etc.) of various materials in conjunction with measurements made on a prototype source. The gamma decay factor, the ratio of gamma intensity when proton beam is on to that of just-after-beam-off, has also been calculated.
ARIES: a transaction recovery method supporting fine-granularity locking and partial rollbacks using write-ahead logging

DB2TM, IMS, and TandemTM systems. ARIES is applicable not only to database management systems but also to persistent object-oriented languages, recoverable file systems and transaction-based operating systems. ARIES has been implemented, to varying degrees, in IBM's OS/2TM Extended Edition Database Manager, DB2, Workstation Data Save Facility/VM, Starburst and QuickSilver, and in the University of Wisconsin's EXODUS and Gamma database machine.
Gallbladder herniation after minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery.

A 79-year old male with lung nodules on chest computed tomography underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic-surgical middle lobe wedge resection, with pathology proven adenosquamous carcinoma. Repeat video-assisted thoracoscopic-surgical-biopsy was performed for recurrent disease. Subsequent staging computed tomography revealed herniation of the gallbladder through the abdominal wall (Figs 1 and 2), a rare complication after minimally invasive surgery.
Podometrics as a potential clinical tool for glomerular disease management

Chronic kidney disease culminating in end-stage kidney disease is a major public health problem costing in excess of $40 billion per year with high morbidity and mortality. Current tools for glomerular disease monitoring lack precision and contribute to poor outcome. The podocyte depletion hypothesis describes the major mechanisms underlying the progression of glomerular diseases, which are responsible for more than 80% of cases of end-stage kidney disease. The question arises of whether this new knowledge can be used to improve outcomes and reduce costs. Podocytes have unique characteristics that make them an attractive monitoring tool. Methodologies for estimating podocyte number, size, density, glomerular volume and other parameters in routine kidney biopsies, and the rate of podocyte detachment from glomeruli into urine (podometrics) now have been developed and validated. They potentially fill important gaps in the glomerular disease monitoring toolbox. The application of these tools to glomerular disease groups shows good correlation with outcome, although data validating their use for individual decision making is not yet available. Given the urgency of the clinical problem, we argue that the time has come to focus on testing these tools for application to individualized clinical decision making toward more effective progression prevention.
Development and Validation of a Pediatric Sports Activity Rating Scale The Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS)

Background:Having simple and reliable validated outcome measures is vital to conducting high-quality outcomes research in the field of orthopaedic surgery. Activity level is a key prognostic variable for patients with sports injuries. There is a paucity of such activity scales for children and adolescents who are otherwise healthy and athletically active. In addition to frequency and intensity of athletic activity, level of play and coach/trainer supervision are important variables unique to children and adolescents that are not captured in available adult scoring systems.Purpose:To create and validate a concise and comprehensive activity rating scale for athletically active children and adolescents 10 to 18 years of age.Study Design:Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.Methods:Item generation was performed with a panel of orthopaedic surgeons and adolescent athletes. Item reduction, pilot testing and scale refinement resulted in a final 8-item instrument, the Hospital for Special Surgery Pediat...
Magnetic Field Trimming Studies for a Separated-Sector Cyclotron

Magnetic field studies were made for a foursector, K=330, separated-sector cyclotron using a 1/10 scale model of a single sector equipped with 11 trimming coils. Data are presented showing the effects of saturation at high magnetic fields on the field contour and on the trimming coil characteristics. Some implications of these measurements for the design of separated-sector machine magnets are given.
Dizocilpine-like discriminative stimulus effects of competitive NMDA receptor antagonists in mice.

Several non-competitive NMDA receptor ion channel blockers, competitive NMDA antagonists and compounds acting at other sites on the NMDA receptor complex were examined for their ability to substitute for the discriminative stimulus effects of dizocilpine. Swiss-Webster mice were trained with food to discriminate the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, dizocilpine (0.17 mg/kg), from saline in a T-maze. Mice rapidly acquired the discrimination with minimal amounts of drugs required for training and testing. Several non-competitive antagonists dose-dependently substituted for dizocilpine with a rank order of potency of dizocilpine > TCP > (-)-MK-801 > SKF 10,047 > dextrorphan > PCP. There was a positive correlation between the potencies of the compounds that substituted for dizocilpine and their previously reported affinities for the [3H]dizocilpine binding site of the NMDA receptor ion channel. Compounds acting at other sites on the NMDA receptor complex, including NMDA, the partial agonist at the strychnine-insensitive glycine site, ACPC, and the polyamine antagonist, ifenprodil, failed to substitute fully. In addition, the AMPA antagonist, NBQX, the monoamine uptake inhibitor, cocaine, and the GABAA receptor agonists, diazepam and phenobarbital, failed to substitute fully for dizocilpine. However, like the ion channel blockers, the competitive NMDA antagonists, CGS 19755, NPC 17742, (+/-)CPP and LY 233536 dose-dependently substituted for dizocilpine. The competitive antagonist, LY 274614, and its active enantiomer, LY 235959, failed to substitute for dizocilpine, each producing severe disruptions in locomotor activity. That most of the competitive antagonists substituted for dizocilpine is in accordance with other behavioral data (e.g., ataxia, locomotor activity) documenting similarities in the effects of non-competitive and competitive antagonists. These findings are also consistent with results of clinical investigations suggesting overlap in the behavioral and subjective profiles of competitive and non-competitive NMDA blockers.
Progress in the validation of dual-wavelength aerosol retrieval models via airborne high spectral resolution lidar data

The Constrained Ratio Aerosol Model-fit (CRAM) technique is a method for making aerosol retrievals from dual-wavelength elastic scatter lidars which attempts to constrain the retrievals so as to be consistent with a number of aerosol models thought to characterize a variety of aerosol types observed around the world. The NASA Langley Research Center Airborne HSRL is an airborne high spectral resolution lidar capable of direct measurements of aerosol extinction and backscatter at 532 nm and having the capability for elastic backscatter measurements at 1064 nm. Aerosol measurements by HSRL during the TEXas Air Quality Survey/ Gulf of Mexico Atmospheric Composition and Climate Study (TEXAQS/GoMACCS) campaign are used to validate existing aerosol models critical to the application of CRAM, in particular to data from the Cloud-Aerosol LIdar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) lidar instrument on board the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) satellite.
Efficiency Under Uncertainty

Production and cost frontiers of a firm or DMU are directly affected by the uncertainty of market demand and market prices. Randomness in demand may generate unintended shortages or inventories and uncertain prices may induce risk aversion for firms or DMUs, which attempt to choose optimal inputs and outputs. These two types of uncertainty require us to extend the convex hull method of DEA for determining production or cost frontiers.
Involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress in a novel Classic Galactosemia model

Inherited deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) activity in humans leads to a potentially lethal disorder called Classic Galactosemia. It is well known that patients often accumulate high levels of galactose metabolites such as galactose-1-phosphate (gal-1-p) in their tissues. However, specific targets of gal-1-p and other accumulated metabolites remain uncertain. In this study, we developed a new model system to study this toxicity using primary fibroblasts derived from galactosemic patients. GALT activity was reconstituted in these primary cells through lentivirus-mediated gene transfer. Gene expression profiling showed that GALT-deficient cells, but not normal cells, responded to galactose challenge by activating a set of genes characteristic of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Western blot analysis showed that the master regulator of ER stress, BiP, was up-regulated at least threefold in these cells upon galactose challenge. We also found that treatment of these cells with galactose, but not glucose or hexose-free media reduced Ca2+ mobilization in response to activation of Gq-coupled receptors. To explore whether the muted Ca2+ mobilization is related to reduced inositol turnover, we discovered that gal-1-p competitively inhibited human inositol monophosphatase (hIMPase1). We hypothesize that galactose intoxication under GALT-deficiency resulted from accumulation of toxic galactose metabolite products, which led to the accumulation of unfolded proteins, altered calcium homeostasis, and subsequently ER stress.
Germ-Line Genetic Enhancement and Rawlsian Primary Goods

Genetic interventions raise a host of moral issues and, of its various species, germ-line genetic enhancement is the most morally contentious. This paper surveys various arguments against germ-line enhancement and attempts to demonstrate their inadequacies. A positive argument is advanced in favor of certain forms of germ-line enhancements, which holds that they are morally permissible if and only if they augment Rawlsian primary goods, either directly or by facilitating their acquisition. The moral permissibility of genetic intervention in humans is met with considerable skepticism. Of all the interventions, germ-line genetic enhancement is considered the most morally contentious. In this paper, I argue for the moral permissibility of some forms of germ-line genetic enhancement. I first consider several arguments against genetic intervention more generally, all of which I think either can be rejected outright or are only contingently valid given scientific limitations. I further suggest that the latter class of arguments will become impotent as the relevant technologies develop over time. I then present a positive argument in favor of certain germ-line genetic enhancements, which holds that such interventions are morally permissible if and only if they serve to augment Rawlsian primary goods, either directly or by facilitating their acquisition.
Effect of Early Nutrient Restriction on Broiler Chickens. 1. Performance and Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of early nutrient restriction on performance and development of the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens. Four hundred male broiler (Ross X Ross) chicks raised in floor pens were assigned to two treatment groups. One group was given ad libitum access to feed from 1 to 48 d of age. The second group was feed restricted from 7 to 14 d of age to an energy intake of 1.5 X BW(.67) kcal ME/d and then given ad libitum access to feed from 14 to 48 d. Body weight and feed intake were determined weekly. At 49 d of age, birds were processed for carcass yield, abdominal fat pad measurement, and body composition analysis. Broilers were also sampled at 7, 14, 21, and 41 d of age for proventriculus, gizzard, small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), pancreas, and liver weights and for intestinal length measurements. Total DNA, protein:DNA, and RNA:DNA ratios of livers and jejuna were determined as indexes of changes in cell size and number. Feed-restricted broilers failed to catch up to the Control birds in BW at 48 d of age but were superior (P < .01) in overall feed efficiency. No treatment effects were observed on breast meat yields or abdominal fat. Moreover, percentage carcass fat, crude protein, ash, and dry matter were not affected by restricted feeding. Body weight and weights of gastrointestinal organs were reduced (P < .01) by feed restriction at 14 d of age. Restricted feeding, however, did not decrease the relative weights of organs, except for liver. Feed restriction also resulted in a reduction (P < .01) of liver cell number and size and a decrease in jejunum cell number. All organs recovered normal weight on refeeding, and all cellular constituent ratios (e.g., RNA:DNA, RNA:protein, and protein:DNA) returned to normal by 41 d of age. Absolute and relative weights of supply organs (e.g., proventriculus, gizzard, small intestine, liver, and pancreas) were less affected by feed restriction and responded more quickly to refeeding than the whole body.
Review of: Mathematical Methods for Accident Reconstruction

Chapters 9–13 contain a wealth of information distilled from many sources. Chapter 9 presents the construction standards for various classes of roadways and also has excellent discussions of the concepts of ‘‘design speed’’ and ‘‘sight distance.’’ Chapter 10 discusses train accidents, and Chapter 11 discusses accidents involving larger vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, and accidents involving off-road equipment, such as cranes and forklifts. Chapter 12 presents a nice discussion of ‘‘perception-reaction’’ times and their role in formulating the standards of road design. Chapter 13 presents the most common mathematical methods used to solve systems of linear equations, analyze data sets, and perform numerical differentiation and integration. Some well-known software packages for accident reconstruction are also discussed in this chapter as is some of the equipment used by reconstructionists, such as accelerometers and ‘‘black boxes.’’ Chapters 9–13 are well written, clearly presented, and will save forensic examiners the time that would have been required to find this information on their own.
Empirical Evidence for a Law of Information Growth

Based on a robust, phenomenological model for the growth of a system parameter, a relation is derived to test the evolution of such a parameter through several distinct stages. It is found that data defining the acknowledged major changes in the evolution of earth, the life on it, and cultural and technological growth, conform to this model. The nature of these altering events indicates that information is the parameter involved, suggesting an unrecognized behavior in the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
Cytotoxic effect of 1,3 bis (2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosourea at elevated temperatures: Arrhenius plot analysis and tumour response.

The effect of hyperthermia on the cytotoxicity of 1,3-bis-(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosourea (BCNU) was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Tumour cells were early-generation isotransplants of a spontaneous C3Hf/Sed mouse fibrosarcoma, FSa-II. For in vitro studies, single cell suspensions containing 1.0± 106 cells/ml were treated in a water bath where a desired temperature was maintained by a constant-temperature circulator. Cell survival was determined by lung colony assay immediately thereafter. For in vivo studies the tumour cell suspensions were transplanted into the dorsal site of the C3Hf/Sed mouse foot. Tumours were treated by immersing animal feet into a constant-temperature water bath when tumours reached an average diameter of 4 mm (35 mm3). The tumour growth (TG) time or the time for one-half of the treated tumours to reach 1000 mm3 from initial treatment day was used as an endpoint. BCNU dose-cell survival curve at 37°C was exponential with a D0 of 1.1 a;g/ml. Dose-cell survival curves at 37-43 °C w...