cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integration of adaptive machine learning and knowledge-based systems for routing and scheduling applications

Abstract The combination of good mathematical models, knowledge-based systems, artificial neural networks, and adaptive genetic searches are shown to be synergistic. Practical applications of this combination produces near-optimal results, which none of the individual methods can produce on its own. We have developed XROUTE, a software system that demonstrates an integrated framework for this synergism, in the domain of computer-aided vehicle routing and scheduling problems. The purpose of this system is to assist researchers and decision makers who are applying the mathematical models to a specific routing problem instance by “tuning” the models to the problem description. The neural network modules store knowledge of previously solved problems and their solutions which facilitates the process of arriving at solutions to new problems. The knowledge-based system stores partial solutions from various knowledge sources, like the neural network and genetic algorithm modules, in the working memory and closely supervises the solution process in heuristic mathematical models. XROUTE provides an experimental, exploratory framework that allows many variations, and compares the alternatives on problems with different characteristics. The resultant system is dynamic, expandable, and adaptive and typically outperforms alternative methods in computer-aided vehicle routing.
Inter-group transfer in Assateague pony mares

Abstract Between-group transfer of adult female ponies, Equus caballus, was investigated for three consecutive summers on Assateague Island, Maryland, U.S.A. Both the inter-band movements of individual mares and the mare turnover rates of one-male ‘harem’ bands were examined. Long-term transfers occurred at rates ranging from 0·06 to 0·18 per mare per month. Mares with foals transferred more frequently than mares without foals, but neither female age, pregnancy, nearest-neighbour distances nor dominance rank affected the likelihood of transferring. Band turnover rates were uncorrelated with the average frequency of mare-mare aggression within the band, but new mares entering a band suffered a transient rise in aggression received. Thus, female aggression did not encourage, and may have discouraged, inter-band transfers. Older stallions and stallions who had held bands for 2 years or more had significantly larger and more stable bands. Fewer mare turnovers were seen in bands whose stallions tended to face their mares, showed a relatively high proportion of time feeding, and showed a relatively low proportion of time involved in aggression with other stallions, although at marginal levels of significance for all three variables. Thus, variability in stallion attributes, and possibly behaviour, probably plays the strongest role in determining mare transfer patterns at Assateague.
An investigation of the strain rate and temperature effects on the plastic flow stress and ductile failure strain of aluminum alloys 5083-H116, 6082-T6 and a 5183 weld metal

This article presents a comprehensive experimental and numerical study to investigate the effects of strain rate and temperature on flow stress and ductile failure strain of three aluminum alloys. The test matrix includes smooth and notched round tensile specimens tested at room temperature (24 ℃) and two elevated temperatures (66 ℃ and 149 ℃), and under different strain rates. For 5083-H116, three loading rates are considered at 24 ℃ and it is found that the flow stress and failure strain are lowest at the intermediate strain rate. At high strain rate, the flow stresses of 5083-H116 and 6082-T6 are higher than the quasi-static loading while the flow stress of the 5183 weld metal remains unchanged; the ductility of the 5XXX alloys shows a significant increase compared to the quasi-static loading while the ductility of 6082-T6 does not change much. The study indicates that the Johnson–Cook plasticity and fracture models can be used to describe the temperature dependencies of the flow stress and the failure...
Realizing two-dimensional, continuous directed fields by vector fields and an algorithm to remove dichotomous ambiguity in a discrete field

New radar scatterometers on meteorological and oceanic satellites will soon provide winds over the oceans except for a 180^o ambiguity in direction. Data sets will consist of two-dimensional arrays of ''sticks'', vectors of known amplitude and direction but undetermined orientation. The dichotomy can be removed by a progressive algorithm that starts at a point of assigned orientation and then sweeps the data array by assigning orientations from point to point. A proof using algebraic topology is given to show that, under certain conditions, the assignment of an orientation to a single stick determines a unique realization of a vector field from the given continuous stick field. Finally, an algorithm that constructs a path in a discrete stick field is proposed.
Enantioselective determination of S-(+)- and R-(-)-ondansetron in human serum using derivatized cyclodextrin-modified capillary electrophoresis and solid-phase extraction

Abstract A high-performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) assay method for the quantitation of S-(+)- and R-(−)-ondansetron in human serum was developed. Resolution was achieved using 15 mM heptakis-(2, 6-di-O-methyl)-β-cyclodextrin (DM-β-CD) in 100 mM phosphate buffer (pH 2.5). A 72-cm untreated fused-silica capillary, at a constant voltage of 20 kv, was used for the analysis. A 0.03-mM cationic detergent was used as a buffer additive to decrease the adsorption of endogenous substances onto the silica wall. The analytes of interest were isolated from endogenous substances using a solid-phase extraction procedure. The cyanopropyl cartridge gave good recoveries in excess of 85% for both S-(+)- and R-(−)-ondansetron, without any interferences. To decrease the limits of detection of the analytes, an on-capillary sample concentration technique was employed. The detection limit was 10 ng/ml using 2 ml of serum and the limit of quantitation was 15 ng/ml. The calibration curve was linear over a range of 15–250 ng/ml, with procainamide as the internal standard, and the coefficients of determination obtained were greater than 0.999 (n=3). Precision and accuracy of the method were 2.76–5.80 and 2.10–5.00%, respectively, for S-(+)-ondansetron, and 3.10–6.57 and 2.50–4.35%, respectively, for R-(−)-ondansetron. The HPCE method is a useful alternative to existing chiral high-performance liquid chromatographic methods.
On κ−N interactions at 60 GeV/c and N̄N annihilation

Abstract The 60 GeV/ c κ − N Serpukhov data were found to follow exactly the distribution W n S given previously by the author, and the multiplicities in NN annihilation, a corresponding binomial distribution. The structural difference of pion and nucleon above 10 12 eV is discussed.
ANTIMICROBIAL AND BIOLOGICAL-CHEMICAL STUDIES ON EGYPTIAN TABLE BEETS

Egyptian table beet root contained in 100 g of fresh matter 1.46 g protein, 0.09 g fats, 0.88 g fibre, 0.89 g ash, 9.03 g carbohydrates, 27 mg calcium, 56 mg chloride, 0.8 mg iron, 19 I.U. vitamin A., 0.025 mg Vitamin B1, 0.049 mg vitamin B2 and 5.5 mg vitamin C. The biological assay pointed out that beet root proteins are not of high biological value. Table beet root juice exhibited antimicrobial effect on different genera and species of bacteria especially onSalmonella typhi andStaphylococcus aureus. However, when the juice was extracted with ethyl alcohol, petroleum ether of low boiling point, iso-propyl alcohol, chloroform, active substances could not be separated. This study with its interesting results demonstrates the possibility of the use of table beet root as a food plant of some therapeutic effects.
Surface induced suppression of magnetization in nanoparticles

A model based on competing exchange interactions is presented for the investigation of nanoparticle magnetization. The ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) exchange interactions contribute differently at the nanoparticle surface and interior, leading to reduced ferromagnetic order at the surface. This model predicts an unconventional temperature dependence of magnetization and a surface magnetically 'dead layer'. This is confirmed by temperature dependent magnetization and Mossbauer measurements of FePt nanoparticles. The effects are sensitive to particle size and surface terminations.
Real-time operational planning for the U. S. air traffic system

This paper describes an integrated planning model for the U.S. air traffic system. The approach incorporates the dual objectives of monitoring collision risk while minimizing transportation costs. Specialized solution algorithms exploit the underlying structure of the model - especially for large-scale examples. The proposed formulation is tested with real-world data for the Indianapolis control sector. Additional experiments with a CRAY X-MP/24 supercomputer show that a full-scale model can be solved under real time conditions. Despite these advances, additional work is required in developing a practical system. Suggestions are made for combining advances in computer graphics and mathematical modeling.
Molecular constants of NSF3

Abstract Potential energy constants, rotational distortion constants, mean amplitudes of vibration, and Coriolis coupling constants for NSF 3 have been calculated from the vibrational spectral data. Values of the heat content, free energy, entropy, and heat capacity also are given for the rigid rotor, harmonic oscillator approximation at 12 temperatures between 100°K and 1000°K.
Influence of pulsed laser heating on morphological relaxation of surface ripples

A continuum (Mullins-type) model is proposed for the nonisothermal, isotropic evolution of a crystal surface on which mass transport occurs by surface diffusion. The departure from constant temperature is assumed induced by incident pulsed radiation. It has been shown experimentally and theoretically [see, e.g., Yakunkin, High Temp. 26, 585 (1988); Yilbas and Kalyon, J. Phys. D. 34, 222 (2001)] that such a heating mode gives rise to the quasistationary regime, in which the surface temperature of a thick solid film oscillates about the mean value with the pulse repetition frequency. The implications of oscillatory driving with high frequency values on relaxation of surface ripples are examined; in particular, the traveling wave solutions with decreasing amplitude are detected numerically. Pulsed heating also results in faster smoothing of the ripple, compared to the case when the surface is at constant temperature which is same as the mean temperature in the pulsed heating mode. Impact on ripple shape is minor for ripple amplitudes considered.
Isolation and X-ray structural characterization of tetraisopropylpyrene cation radical

A practical synthesis of 1,3,6,8-tetraisopropylpyrene and the isolation and X-ray structural characterization of its monomeric cation radical salt are described.
Radial clubhand and contralateral duplicated thumb

Although radial deficiencies and radial polydactyly are frequently encountered congenital anomalies, they do not commonly occur together. In contrast to central polydactyly and central deficiency. which are closely associated clinically’ and in experimental studies,2 the concomitant association of radial deficiency and radial polydactyly is rare. Although the two conditions have occurred separately in different members of the same family and in successive generations, 3.4 there are only two previous case report+ in the English literature of a hypoplastic thumb and a contralateral duplicated thumb occurring in the same infant; one was thought to be due to untreated maternal diabetes during pregnancy,5 and no cases demonstrated radius hypoplasia.
The cardiovascular effects of the carotid sinus mechanism.

The feedback mechanism by means of which the carotid sinus affects arterial blood pressure is represented with the use of the single chamber model of the cardiovascular system. The average pressure in the large arteries is the controlled variable. The resultant firstorder differential equation is easily solved. The theoretical results indicate that the feed-back mechanism of the carotid sinus serves to decrease the deviation of the average arterial pressure from an internal standard of pressure in the steady state and to hasten the stabilization of the pressure following environmental or pharmacological changes. This approach also suggests an experimentally feasible method for the determination of the internal standard of pressure.
Apple peels as a value-added food ingredient.

There is some evidence that chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, may occur as a result of oxidative stress. Apple peels have high concentrations of phenolic compounds and may assist in the prevention of chronic diseases. Millions of pounds of waste apple peels are generated in the production of applesauce and canned apples in New York State each year. We proposed that a valuable food ingredient could be made using the peels of these apples if they could be dried and ground to a powder without large losses of phytochemicals. Rome Beauty apple peels were treated with citric acid dips, ascorbic acid dips, and blanches before being oven-dried at 60 degrees C. Only blanching treatments greatly preserved the phenolic compounds, and peels blanched for 10 s had the highest total phenolic content. Rome Beauty apple peels were then blanched for 10 s and dried under various conditions (oven-dried at 40, 60, or 80 degrees C, air-dried, or freeze-dried). The air-dried and freeze-dried apple peels had the highest total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents. On a fresh weight basis, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of these samples were similar to those of the fresh apple peels. Freeze-dried peels had a lower water activity than air-dried peels on a fresh weight basis. The optimal processing conditions for the ingredient were blanching for 10s and freeze-drying. The process was scaled up, and the apple peel powder ingredient was characterized. The total phenolic content was 3342 +/- 12 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g dried peels, the flavonoid content was 2299 +/- 52 mg catechin equivalents/100 g dried peels, and the anthocyanin content was 169.7 +/- 1.6 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents/100 g dried peels. These phytochemical contents were a significantly higher than those of the fresh apple peels if calculated on a fresh weight basis (p 0.05). One gram of powder had an antioxidant activity equivalent to 220 mg of vitamin C. The freeze-dried apple peels also had a strong antiproliferative effect on HepG(2) liver cancer cells with a median effective dose (EC(50)) of 1.88 +/- 0.01 mg/mL. This was lower than the EC(50) exhibited by the fresh apple peels (p < 0.05). Apple peel powder may be used in a various food products to add phytochemicals and promote good health.
Evaluating fatigue in lupus-prone mice: preliminary assessments.

Fatigue is a debilitating condition suffered by many as the result of chronic disease, yet relatively little is known about its biological basis or how to effectively manage its effects. This study sought to evaluate chronic fatigue by using lupus-prone mice and testing them at three different time periods. Lupus-prone mice were chosen because fatigue affects over half of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Eleven MLR⁺/(+) (genetic controls) and twelve MLR/MpJ-Fas /J (MRL/lpr; lupus-prone) mice were tested three times: once at 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age. All mice were subjected to a variety of behavioral tests including: forced swim, post-swim grooming, running wheel, and sucrose consumption; five of the MLR⁺/(+) and five of the MLR/lpr mice were also tested on a fixed ratio-25 operant conditioning task. MRL/lpr mice showed more peripheral symptoms of lupus than controls, particularly lymphadenopathy and proteinuria. Lupus mice spent more time floating during the forced swim test and traveled less distance in the running wheel at each testing period. There were no differences between groups in post-swim grooming or in number of reinforcers earned in the operant conditioning task indicating the behavioral changes were not likely due simply to muscle weakness or motivation. Correlations between performance in the running wheel, forced swim test and sucrose consumption were conducted and distance traveled in the running wheel was consistently negatively correlated with time spent floating. Based on these data, we conclude that the lupus-prone mice were experiencing chronic fatigue and that running wheel activity and floating during a forced swim test can be used to evaluate fatigue, although these data cannot rule out the possibility that both fatigue and a depressive-like state were mediating these effects.
Localization of androgen receptor within peptidergic neurons of the rat forebrain

This study tested for the presence of androgen receptor-immunoreactivity in somatostatin, galanin, vasopressin, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and oxytocin neurons in the rat forebrain. The brains of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde. Androgen receptor was visualized in coronal sections using nickel intensification of diaminobenzidine, and the neuropeptides were identified using a brown diaminobenzidine reaction product. Androgen receptor was localized to the nuclei of neurons in the septum, amygdala, cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. The majority of somatostatin-containing neurons in the periventricular hypothalamic nucleus also contained androgen receptor. Androgen receptor was also found within galanin-expressing cells in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and in the amygdala. Androgen receptor was not observed in corticotropin-releasing hormone, vasopressin, or oxytocin neurons in all areas examined. The data suggest that androgens may be capable of directly regulating somatostatin-expressing neurons of the periventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and galanin-containing neurons of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and amygdala.
Founding the Academy of San Alejandro and the Politics of Taste in Late Colonial Havana, Cuba

Abstract The founding of Havana's fine arts academy of San Alejandro in 1818, initially as a school for instruction in drawing, was modeled upon strategies by the Spanish monarchy to establish art academies and drawing schools for the cultural improvement of the empire. Sponsored by Spanish Intendant Alejandro Ramirez and the city's Royal Economic Society of the Friends of the Country, the opening of the Havana academy coincided with the island's escalating racial politics. Tensions between the work of popular painters of African descent and a nascent curriculum in fine arts directed by European masters are reflected in discourses surrounding the academy's foundation. The story of San Alejandro's early years thus reveals that the establishment of a school of drawing for Havana was tied not only to an imperial objective to spread buen gusto (good taste) throughout the empire, but also to agendas within the local socio-racial hierarchy.
Hydrocarbon enthalpies of formation and ab initio calculations

Abstract Simple protocols to convert calculated HF ab initio energies for hydrocarbons to accurate heats of formation are described. The optimum procedures use the numbers of carbon and hydrogen atoms, and 6-31G∗ energies as independent variables. The 6-31G∗ energies are calculated at either 6-31G∗ or STO-3G optimized geometries. The data set of 65 compounds includes planar and nonplanar polycyclic aromatics, alkyl-substituted benzenes, highly strained alkenes and alkanes, and alkynes. The experimental ΔHf0(g) cover a range of −50 to +150 kcal/mol. The mean deviation between experimental and calculated ΔHf0(g) is 1.1 kcal, and the correlation coefficient is 0.9998 for the 6-31G∗ // STO-3G calculation.
Purification of xanthine dehydrogenase from Drosophila melanogaster

1. 1. An enzymic assay of xanthine dehydrogenase (xanthine: NAD oxidoreductase) from Drosophila melanogaster is reported which is linear with respect to enzyme concentration and is sensitive enough to measure activity in single flies. The assay is based on the change in absorbance at 340 mμ as nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide is reduced or at 395 mμ as thio-nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide is reduced with either xanthine or hypoxanthine as substrate. Tests of realiability have been performed on single flies from various inbred and non-inbred stocks, and significant stock differences have been demonstrated. 2. 2. A method of purification has been devised resulting in a 530-fold purification of the enzyme. 3. 3. Using this purified preparation, Michaelis constants for hypoxanthine, xanthine, nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide, and thio-nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide are shown to be 2.0·10−5 M, 2.36·10−5 M, 2.5·10−4 M and 2.0·10−5 M, respectively. 4. 4. Stoichiometric studies indicate the reduction of 1 mole of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide for each mole of xanthine converted to uric acid, and the reduction of 2 moles of thio-nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide for each mole of hypoxanthine converted to uric acid.
The implementation of a program for utilizing auxiliaries; the experience of the Indian Health Service.

This paper by Dr. Abramowitz and the paper “Quality of Care in Dental Practice,” found in the Spring Issue, should be read together by those interested in delegation of more tasks to a dental therapist and maintaining the quality of her dental treatment.
The Impulse Strength of Naturally Aged XLPE Cables Containing Water Trees

The results of impulse-voltage tests on 15 kV crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) cables with a taped conductor strand shield which have been in service for eight years are reported. The tests were performed with the insulation dry and also containing visible water trees at conductor temperatures of 25° and 90°C. The impulse strength is significantly lower at the higher temperature and with visible water trees.
Clock genes: influencing and being influenced by psychoactive drugs

Although clock genes are the hallmark of circadian rhythms, they are also currently considered as transcription factors that have a prominent role in the pharmacology of the CNS. The expression of these transcription factors in the mammalian brain is not only intrinsically rhythmic but is also modulated by external inputs and hormones. An altered expression of clock genes, as evidenced in transgenic mice, has a profound influence on the behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs. Focusing on clock genes expressed in the brain might lead to the discovery of novel drug–target pathways.
dLife: a Java library for multiplatform robotics, AI and vision in undergraduate CS and research

dLife is a free and open-source Java library that supports undergraduate education and research involving robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer vision. The design of dLife addresses many concerns raised by experience reports in the CS education literature including a shortened code/test/debug cycle, ready access to robot sensor information and close integration with a robotic simulation system. Full support is currently provided for the following robots: Finch, Hemisson (or Khepera Jr.), Sony Aibo, Khepera 2, Khepera 3, and Pioneer 3, with more in development. Easily extensible packages support classroom and research applications using neural networks, genetic algorithms, reinforcement learning and computer vision.
Atomic resolution structures of Escherichia coli and Bacillus anthracis malate synthase A: comparison with isoform G and implications for structure-based drug discovery

Enzymes of the glyoxylate shunt are important for the virulence of pathogenic organisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans. Two isoforms have been identified for malate synthase, the second enzyme in the pathway. Isoform A, found in fungi and plants, comprises ∼530 residues, whereas isoform G, found only in bacteria, is larger by ∼200 residues. Crystal structures of malate synthase isoform G from Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium tuberculosis were previously determined at moderate resolution. Here we describe crystal structures of E. coli malate synthase A (MSA) in the apo form (1.04 A resolution) and in complex with acetyl-coenzyme A and a competitive inhibitor, possibly pyruvate or oxalate (1.40 A resolution). In addition, a crystal structure for Bacillus anthracis MSA at 1.70 A resolution is reported. The increase in size between isoforms A and G can be attributed primarily to an inserted α/β domain that may have regulatory function. Upon binding of inhibitor or substrate, several active site loops in MSA undergo large conformational changes. However, in the substrate bound form, the active sites of isoforms A and G from E. coli are nearly identical. Considering that inhibitors bind with very similar affinities to both isoforms, MSA is as an excellent platform for high-resolution structural studies and drug discovery efforts.
Questioning Technology's Role in Environmental Ethics: Weak Anthropocentrism Revisited

Environmental ethics has mostly been practiced separately from philosophy of technology, with few exceptions. However, forward thinking suggests that environmental ethics must become more interdisciplinary when we consider that almost everything affects the environment. Most notably, technology has had a huge impact on the natural realm. In the following discussion, the notions of synthesising philosophy of technology and environmental ethics are explored with a focus on research, development, and policy.
Screening and collective modes in gapped bilayer graphene

We study the static and dynamic screening of gapped AB-stacked bilayer graphene. Unlike previous works we use the full 4-band model instead of the simplified 2-band model. We find that there are important qualitative differences between the dielectric screening function obtained using the simplified 2-band model and the 4-band model. In particular, within the 4-band model, in the presence of a band gap, the static screening exhibits Kohn anomalies that are absent within the simplified 2-band model. Moreover, using the 4-band model, we examine the effect of trigonal warping on the screening properties of bilayer graphene. We also find that the plasmon modes have a qualitatively different character in the 4-band model compared to the ones obtained using the simplified 2-band model.
The primary care PTSD screen (PC-PTSD): development and operating characteristics

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a frequently unrecognized anxiety disorder in primary care settings. This study reports on the development and operating characteristics of a brief 4-item screen for PTSD in primary care (PC-PTSD). 188 VA primary care patients completed the PC-PTSD, the PTSD Symptom Checklist (PCL) and the Clinician Administered Scale for PTSD (CAPS). The prevalence of PTSD was 24.5%. Signal detection analyses showed that with this base rate, the PC-PTSD had an optimally efficient cutoff score of 3 for both male and female patients. A cutoff score of 2 is recommended when sensitivity rather than efficiency is optimized. The PC-PTSD outperformed the PCL in terms of overall quality, sensitivity, specificity, efficiency, and quality of efficiency. The PC-PTSD appears to be a psychometrically sound screen for PTSD with comparable operating characteristtics to other screens for mental disorders.
Population Structure of Steelhead in Coastal California

AbstractSteelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss are the most widespread of the Pacific salmonids Oncorhynchus spp. and are found in nearly all basins within their native range around the northern Pacific Rim. Here, we elucidate genetic population structure of steelhead in coastal basins from most of their coastal-California range using variation at 15 microsatellite loci. Juvenile fish from 60 streams in 40 river basins were sampled in a single year from a single cohort. As samples of juvenile salmonids often contain sibling groups, a method was implemented to identify and eliminate all but one member of larger sibships. This, in conjunction with a rigorous sampling protocol and hierarchical sampling design, provided substantially improved resolution for understanding patterns of migration and demography. A pattern of isolation by distance was evident, as indicated by both phylograms that were largely concordant with geography and a significant regression of genetic distance on geographic distance, indicating that ...
Cytotoxicity of Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein in Cultured RPE Cells Is Dependent on the Formation of 7-Ketocholesterol

PURPOSE To determine which components present in oxidized LDL are responsible for the cytotoxicity associated with its internalization by culture ARPE19 cells. METHODS ARPE19 cells were grown in 24-well and 96-well plates. Cell viability was measured by MTT and/or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. LDL was oxidized with Cu(+2) and oxysterol content analyzed by a novel HPLC method. RESULTS OxLDL showed increased cytotoxicity with prolonged oxidation. Analysis of the oxLDL showed a predominance of the 7-oxygenated products, 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol (7 alpha HCh), 7 beta-hydroxycholesterol (7 beta HCh), and 7-ketocholesterol (7kCh). Addition of these oxysterols to the ARPE19 cell in free form indicated that 7kCh is the most cytotoxic of the oxysterols but at physiologically unrealistic concentrations. Partitioning of individual oxysterols into nonoxidized LDL at concentrations similar to those found in the oxLDL also indicated that 7kCh is the most cytotoxic of the oxysterols. Transition metals are tightly bound by LDL and play an important role in the oxidation of LDL, but do not seem to enhance its cytotoxicity directly. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged oxidation of LDL increases the levels of 7kCh due to further oxidation of 7 alpha HCh and 7 beta HCh. The formation of 7KCh seems to be responsible for most of the cytotoxicity associated with oxLDL internalization in ARPE19 cells.
Early responses to infection: chemokines as mediators of inflammation

Chemokines are a superfamily of small related protein molecules that are secreted by a variety of cells and that have, among their diverse biological properties, the ability to recruit a wide range of immune cells to the sites of infection and disease. Chemokines are secreted in response to bacterial, viral, parasitic, and mycobacterial pathogens. Our recent progress in understanding the patterns of chemokine secretion in response to various pathogens and their impact on disease manifestations is likely to lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for a variety of serious infections.
Tuberculosis in pregnancy

Tuberculosis has re-emerged as a serious health problem throughout the world. In the United States, the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic, increased numbers of foreigners from areas where tuberculosis is endemic, and lack of an adequate infrastructure to deal with the large increase of new cases have led to tuberculosis being a serious problem. Because of the long treatment time required, there is a significant risk of developing drug resistance in partially treated patients. Directly observed therapy is a cornerstone of treatment in both pregnant and nonpregnant patients. We need to think about those at risk for tuberculosis in pregnancy and screen the high-risk population. With the advent of satisfactory drugs to treat tuberculosis, the effects on pregnancy are not as serious as before. However, particularly in low socioeconomic populations, tuberculosis probably increases the prematurity and abortion rate.
Some Comments on the Role of Demand and Investment in Long-Term Growth

I. The ratchet effect and the capacity output, 337. — II. Some peculiar characteristics of the Duesenberry growth and cycle model, 342.
Grammaticalization of the scalar focus particle lian 連 in Mandarin Chinese

This paper investigates pragmatic factors affecting the development of the focus particle lian in Mandarin Chinese. An analysis of lian’s evolution in historical texts demonstrates that lian’s semantic transformation from concrete activity to abstract grammatical meaning involved two major processes: metaphorization and inferencing. More importantly, this study provides evidence to show that due to the isolating characteristic, 1) Chinese does not restrict metaphorization to any particular category of lexical items, as Indo-European languages do (cf. Heine 1993); 2) different kinds of inferencing have affected lian in its process of semantic change and grammaticalization as opposed to the claim that different kinds of inferencing occur with different types of lexical items (cf. Traugott and Konig 1991); and 3) both divergence and desemantization are the results of lian’s grammaticalization. Unlike similar cases in Indo-European languages, lian has not become increasingly morphologized as it becomes more grammaticalized.
Hypothermia in the Trauma Patient

Traumatic injury places the patient at risk for hypothermia in both pre-hospital and hospital settings. Hypothermia significantly affects physiologic processes in the body and increases mortality in the trauma patient. Identifying trauma patients at risk for hypothermia, preventing hypothermia, and managing its complications are essential for positive outcomes. This article explores the physiologic ramifications of hypothermia, patients at risk, and management strategies in the trauma patient.
Phylogenetic Structure of the “Leuconostocs”: An Interesting Case of a Rapidly Evolving Organism

Summary Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA sequences shows that the following species of lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus confusus, L. halotolerans, L. kandleri, L. minor, L. viridescens, Leuconostoc cremoris, Lc. lactis, Lc. mesenteroides, Lc. oenos, and Lc. paramesenteroides form a natural grouping, which could be called the “leuconostoc branch” of the lactobacilli. This grouping is clearly distinct from other branches of the lactobacilli (e.g., L. casei and its relatives), and it includes all the Leuconostoc strains so far examined. The leuconostoc branch divides into two subgroups — one comprising Leuconostoc species only, the other containing Lc. paramesenteroides and the above named lactobacilli. Within the Lc. paramesenteroides subgroup L. confusus and Lc. paramesenteroides appear to be specific relatives of one another. One member of the leuconostoc branch, Lc. oenos, is noteworthy in that the sequence of its rRNA is more distant than those of the other members of the leuconostoc branch from the rRNAs of outgroup species. Lc. oenos and its rRNA show features typical of rapidly evolving lineages, i.e., a tendency to alter the composition of otherwise highly conserved positions in 16S rRNA, and atypical or unusual phenotypic properties, that set in apart from other members of its natural group.
Perceptions and Metaperceptions of Negative Evaluation: Group Composition and Meta-Accuracy in a Social Relations Model:

This study examined whether socially stigmatized individuals (cigarette smokers) use unique person perception strategies during interaction with out-group individuals (nonsmokers), as well as implications for meta-accuracy. Undergraduate students (N = 104) were divided into groups of four, representing one of three compositions: all smokers, all nonsmokers, or two smokers with two nonsmokers. Participants interacted with each group member, evaluated each other, and guessed partners' evaluations of themselves (metaperceptions). Contrary to past findings, smokers' metaperceptions of out-group members were not consistent across targets. Instead, smokers' metaperceptions were influenced by the smoking status of interaction partners. Moreover, smokers interacting with nonsmokers were least accurate in their metaperceptions, compared to other dyad combinations. Connections between metaperception and meta-accuracy are discussed.
Structure and function of the HOX A1 human homeobox gene cDNA

Homeobox genes code for transcription factors and are arranged in clusters, named A, B, C and D, found on four separate chromosomes in vertebrates. They contain a homeobox DNA sequence which codes for the homeodomain, a region of amino acids responsible for the DNA binding exhibited by these proteins. During embryonic development, the homeobox genes are both spatially and temporally regulated. In teratocarcinoma cell cultures, homeobox genes are regulated by retinoic acid (RA). The cDNAs from the first gene in the human HOX A cluster, HOX A1 (1.6), were cloned and the nucleotide sequence of a full-length cDNA was determined. It is highly homologous to its murine counterpart. Another HOX A1 cDNA was cloned, corresponding to an alternatively spliced form. In vitro translation of the full-length cDNA clone gave rise to a protein of 36 kDa. In PA-1 human teratocarcinoma cells HOX A1 is the earliest HOX A gene to be expressed after treatment with RA. To test whether HOX A1 could function as a early regulator of other HOX A cluster genes, we cotransfected into PA-1 human teratocarcinoma cells sense and antisense HOX A1 cDNAs expressed from an SV40 promoter with a 5.4-kb RA-sensitive HOX A4 (1.4) promoter-cat reporter. We found no effect of HOX A1 on the HOX A4 promoter. However, cotransfection of HOX A5 (1.3) was able to inhibit the HOX A4 promoter activity.
Comprehension of elided structure: Evidence from sluicing

In sluiced sentences like “Nolan colored, but he wouldn't tell me what”, the elided clause (“what [Nolan colored _]”) contains a gap not present in the antecedent clause (“Nolan colored”). Previous work has shown that interpreting such nonparallel sluiced sentences creates measurable processing difficulty, and these processing costs have been interpreted as evidence for an ellipsis-specific “sprouting” operation. The current study compared sluiced sentences and their nonelided counterparts in a self-paced reading task. Results show that nonparallelism was equally costly for both sluiced and nonelided sentences. This finding suggests that these processing costs are as likely to be due to a violation of parallelism expectations for coordinated structures as to be due to ellipsis-specific operations. For nonelided sentences, moreover, the transitivity biases of individual verbs affected the magnitude of these parallelism costs: verb-specific transitivity biases were a reliable predictor of reading times for ...
Whole blood and leukocyte RNA isolation for gene expression analyses

The analysis of gene expression data in clinical medicine has been plagued by the lack of a critical evaluation of accepted methodologies for the collection, processing, and labeling of RNA. In the present report, the reliability of two commonly used techniques to isolate RNA from whole blood or its leukocyte compartment was compared by examining their reproducibility, variance, and signal-to-noise ratios. Whole blood was obtained from healthy subjects and was either untreated or stimulated ex vivo with Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB). Blood samples were also obtained from trauma patients but were not stimulated with SEB ex vivo. Total RNA was isolated from whole blood with the PAXgene proprietary blood collection system or from isolated leukocytes. Biotin-labeled cRNA was hybridized to Affymetrix GeneChips. The Pearson correlation coefficient for gene expression measurements in replicates from healthy subjects with both techniques was excellent, exceeding 0.985. Unsupervised analyses, including hierarchical cluster analysis, however, revealed that the RNA isolation method resulted in greater differences in gene expression than stimulation with SEB or among different trauma patients. The intraclass correlation, a measure of signal-to-noise ratio, of the difference between SEB-stimulated and unstimulated blood from healthy subjects was significantly higher in leukocyte-derived samples than in whole blood: 0.75 vs. 0.46 (P = 0.002). At the P < 0.001 level of significance, twice as many probe sets discriminated between SEB-stimulated and unstimulated blood with leukocyte isolation than with PAXgene. The findings suggest that the method of RNA isolation from whole blood is a critical variable in the design of clinical studies using microarray analyses.
On Professional Standards of Publication in Peer-Reviewed Research Journals

An important premise of rigorously peer-reviewed research journals is that each paper must be the author’s original and unpublished work. Authors can present a preliminary version of their paper at a conference to receive feedback from fellow researchers to improve their research. However if that paper is subsequently submitted to a peer-reviewed research journal it must be significantly different from the preliminary version published in the conference proceedings.
Linking upstream channel instability to downstream degradation: Grenada Lake and the Skuna and Yalobusha River Basins, Mississippi

Unstable fluvial systems are characterized by actively migrating knickpoints, incising channel beds, failing banks, and recruitment of large woody debris and it would appear that river corridors downstream of these processes would be adversely affected or impaired because of higher fluxes of sediment and other riverine products. In north-central Mississippi, the Yalobusha River is one such system and the characteristics of two downstream locations are examined to explore this geomorphic linkage between upstream instability and downstream degradation. For the large woody debris plug along the Yalobusha River, it is found that (1) the deposit is composed mostly of sand covered with a veneer of silt and clay, (2) agrichemicals and enriched concentrations of elements are prevalent, and (3) excessive sedimentation and wood accumulation have forced river flow entirely out-of-bank. For Grenada Lake, it is found that (1) the impounded sediment is predominantly clay, (2) agrichemicals and elements observed throughout the reservoir show no spatial variation, (3) little difference exists in the amount and quality between the sediments deposited in Skuna and Yalobusha River arms, and (4) only a small fraction of the reservoir's storage capacity has been lost because of sedimentation. While excessive sedimentation and large woody debris recruitment have had a marked affect on stream corridor function in the area of the debris plug, the high sediment loads associated with the unstable portions of the Yalobusha River and their associated products have not been communicated to Grenada Lake. The fish consumption advisories within Grenada Lake and its tributaries due to bioaccumulated trace elements and agrichemicals, appear to be independent of the pervasive river channel instability occurring upstream.
An alert fusion framework for situation awareness of coordinated multistage attacks

Recent incidents in the cyber world strongly suggest that coordinated multistage cyber attacks are quite feasible and that effective countermeasures need to be developed. Attack detection by correlation and fusion of intrusion alerts has been an active area of current research. However, most of these research efforts focus on ex post facto analysis of alert data to uncover related attacks. In this paper, we present an approach for dynamically calculating 'scenario credibilities' based on the state of a live intrusion alert stream. We also develop a framework for attack scenario representation that facilitates real-time fusion of intrusion alerts and calculation of the scenario credibility values. Our approach provides a usable mechanism for detecting, predicting and reasoning about multistage goal-oriented attacks in real time. The details of the fusion framework and a description of multistage attack detection using this framework are presented in this paper.
Some Preliminary Gravity Results in Imperial Valley: ABSTRACT

Measurements of gravity have been obtained across the axis of the Imperial Valley province both in the United States and Mexico with a Worden gravimeter. Some preliminary results indicate a 10 mgal Bouguer anomaly low in the vicinity of El Centro and a steep gradient of about 6 mgals/mile toward the west side of the Imperial Valley. The data are discussed in relation to the major structural features of the region, and the machine computation techniques of reducing and analyzing the data are presented. End_of_Article - Last_Page 127------------
Triceps Activation Amplitudes during Functional Activities

Objective: To investigate the muscular activation amplitudes of three regions of triceps musculature during functional activities. We hypothesized that the medial and lateral triceps would be greatest in the terminal 30° arc of extension activities. Design: Cross sectional. Setting: Musculoskeletal Clinical Laboratory. Participants: 20 healthy subjects recruited from a sample of convenience. Intervention: Fine wire electromyograhical (EMG) electrodes were placed into the medial, central, and lateral triceps to measure muscular activation amplitude and two dimensional electrogoniometric kinematic activity was recorded during functional activities associated with activities of daily living. Main Outcome Measure(s): Root mean squared amplitudes of triceps muscles normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contractions that are sub-divided into 30° arcs of motion. Results: The medial triceps generated significantly more EMG activity during the terminal 30° arc of supine extension (54±11%MVIC, p<.05) and during the pushing activity (29±7% MVIC, p<.01). The lateral triceps remained relatively constant throughout all arcs, while the central triceps consistently generated the lowest EMG activation level across all functional tasks. Conclusion: The hypothesis is partially supported as the medial triceps generated more activity in two of the three tasks during the terminal 30° of extension. The lateral portion is activated consistently throughout the extension motion and acts as a dynamic stabilizer during extension activities. These results indicate that the constant activity of the lateral insertion of the triceps, in conjunction with the terminal extension activity of the medial insertion, play a primary role in terminal elbow extension, especially in anti-gravity and load bearing activities. This new data has implications for surgical approaches to the elbow, management of elbow injuries, and rehabilitation of this joint.
Of joy and gender: emotional expression in online social networks

In this study, we analyzed the language use on Twitter personal exchanges as well as properties of the users' networks, to study the influence of gender composition on expressions of positive emotions while controlling for the strength of connection between the conversing users. Our findings show that compared to men, women express positive emotions more, especially when interacting with other women. Our findings help the understanding of gender-driven communication patterns in social media, and offer insights for the study of emotion and language.
K-Sol Corneal Preservation

K-Sol, a new cornea preserving solution which contains no calf serum of foreign protein and is used for refrigerated storage of donor tissue, has storage procedures identical to those currently used for tissue preservation in McCarey-Kaufman medium. K-Sol can keep corneas alive and usable for penetrating keratoplasty for at least two weeks. The clinical results in a series of 17 patients indicated that tissue preserved in K-Sol for as long as two weeks, even when used by inexperienced surgeons in difficult or unfavorable cases requiring extensive anterior segment reconstruction, including reoperations or retained intraocular lenses, gave results virtually identical to those obtained with tissue preserved in McCarey-Kaufman medium for only two or three days.