cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Application of Combinatorial Optimization Heuristics to Timber Sale Scheduling Considering Distance Dependent Costs and Equipment Balancing Requirements

Distance between forest units to be harvested either at the same time or in a consecutive time period can directly affect operational harvesting costs. Such distance dependent operational costs may include the costs of moving equipment, supervisor transport, and loader transport. This study presents a method to develop weekly harvest schedules while minimizing the distance dependent operational costs and keeping the equipment balance of two different harvesting systems in order to maximize net benefit. Simulated annealing is used as the optimization technique. The problem formulation and a case study are presented. The results indicate that the spatial and temporal location of harvest units in timber sale scheduling depends on the distance between units and the associated operational costs.
Heat capacity of 3He in aerogel.

The heat capacity of pure $^{\mathrm{3}}\mathrm{H}\mathrm{e}$ in low density aerogel is measured at 22.5 bars. The superfluid response is simultaneously monitored with a torsional oscillator. A slightly rounded heat capacity peak, $65\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{K}$ in width, is observed at the $^{\mathrm{3}}\mathrm{H}\mathrm{e}$-aerogel superfluid transition, ${T}_{\mathrm{c}\mathrm{a}}$. Subtracting the bulk $^{\mathrm{3}}\mathrm{H}\mathrm{e}$ contribution, the heat capacity shows a Fermi-liquid form above ${T}_{\mathrm{c}\mathrm{a}}$. We can fit the heat capacity attributed to superfluid within the aerogel with a rounded BCS form accounting for 0.30 of the nonbulk fluid in the aerogel, or by assuming a substantial reduction in the superfluid order parameter. Both approaches are consistent with earlier superfluid density measurements.
Akt-dependent inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta regulates viability and function of vascular endothelium in response to radiation

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 1664 The vascular endothelium plays a critical role in the response of tumors and normal tissues to ionizing radiation. One of the main signal transduction pathways induced by radiation in endothelial cells is PI3K/Akt pathway. Since this pathway leads to the cell survival and promotes development of tumor vasculature, its inhibition enhances the cytotoxic effect of radiation in tumor vascular endothelium resulting in improved tumor control. Therefore, understanding of detailed molecular mechanism of radiation-induced activation of PI3K/Akt pathway in vascular endothelium is necessary for development of new radiosensitizing agents. Previously we have shown that phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 in endothelium was increased within minutes of irradiation and that Akt-mediated signaling abrogated radiation-induced apoptosis. In this study we investigated radiation effect on Akt down-stream target, glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK3β). It was established that Akt negatively regulates pro-apoptotic function of GSK3β by phosphorylating GSK3β at Ser9. GSK3β was phosphorylated at Ser9 within minutes of exposure to ionizing radiation. This phosphorylation was diminished by overexpression of the nonfunctional double mutant Akt (T308A, S473A). Radiation treatment caused GSK3β translocation from membrane (active kinase) to cytoplasm (inhibited kinase). In the irradiated endothelial cells, overexpression of the nonfunctional mutant Akt or constitutively active mutant GSK3β (S9A) eliminated resistance to apoptosis leading to increased cell death, while addition of GSK3β antagonists or overexpression of mutant kinase dead GSK3β abrogated this effect. Overexpression of the nonfunctional mutant Akt demonstrated that radiation-induced Akt activation was responsible for endothelial cell migration and capillary tubule formation. In mouse angiogenesis models, microvascular response to ionizing radiation was enhanced by Akt inhibition and capillary-like tubule formation was aborted by GSK3β inhibitors. In summary, our results suggest that Akt signaling through its down-stream target GSK3β contributes to endothelial cell survival and capillary formation following ionizing radiation exposure. Therefore, GSK3β signaling pathway could present new molecular targets for the augmentation of cancer radiotherapy.
[39] 1H NMR spectral analysis of the ribityl side chain of riboflavin and its ring-substituted analogs

Publisher Summary This chapter presents 1 H NMR spectral analysis of the ribityl side chain of riboflavin and its ring-substituted analogs. It describes the results of these analyses using several riboflavin analogs in D 2 O solutions at various pH values as demanded for solubilization of the analog of interest. Confirmation of spectral assignments is also illustrated by selectively monodeuterating the 5′-CH 2 group of the riboflavin side chain. The 1 H NMR spectra of the ribityl side chain could be useful for structural studies of flavin coenzymes which appear to have alterations in the ribityl side chain. 1 H NMR spectral simulations are performed using the NMCSIM program on the computer of the Nicolet spectrometer. All 1 H NMR spectra are acquired using a Nicolet 360 MHz spectrometer in 5-mm NMR tubes at ambient temperature. A sweep width of 4000 Hz is used with 16,000 data points. These NMR spectral analyses might profitably be applied to the phosphorylated coenzyme forms of riboflavin—namely, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD).
College Mathematics Literacy Workers of Young People's Project Chicago: A Community of Practice

DENISE NATASHA BREWLEY is an assistant professor at Georgia Gwinnett College in the School of Science and Technology, 1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville, GA 30043, email: dbrewley@ggc.edu. Her research interests include identity, understanding how communities of practice developed in mathematics spaces, and creating significant learning experiences for students taking undergraduate mathematics courses. College Mathematics Literacy Workers of the Young People’s Project Chicago: A Community of Practice
Investigations on thermo-mechanical fabrication of micro-scale porous surface features

Abstract In this paper, we present the preliminary results of our investigations to fabricate porous micro-feature surface structure arrays on large surface areas for fuel cell and other heat/mass transfer applications. We hypothesized that micro-channels of around 200–400 μm height and width with porosity levels of 30–50% and with strong bonding to a thin substrate could be fabricated using hot powder compaction and/or hot roll powder compaction. We investigated the effects of compaction pressure, temperature, holding time, powder size and substrate conditions on the attainable porosity and channel size. Our feasibility study findings indicate that both pressure and temperature have significant effect on the porosity level. Suggested temperature levels are around 450 °C to ensure strong bonding among powders and between powders and the thin substrate. Minimum pressure level can be around 50 MPa, but it depends on the temperature levels. Roughened substrate surface condition is found to slightly assist in achieving strong bonds and high porosity. In order to have high porosity levels, uniform powder size is preferred. Although not tested extensively, hot compacted specimens up to 450 °C temperature levels are found to be not very strong. Hence, subsequent sintering is necessary.
Diagnosis and Management of Ureteroiliac Artery Fistula: Value of Provocative Arteriography Followed by Common Iliac Artery Embolization and Extraanatomic Arterial Bypass Grafting

AbstractPurpose: We describe an effective multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of ureteroarterial fistulas that reduces morbidity and mortality.Materials and Methods: Five ureteroarterial fistulas in 4 patients were studied with standard and provocative arteriography (arteriography combined with ureteral manipulation). After establishing the diagnosis, each lesion was treated with percutaneous embolic occlusion of the common iliac artery followed by extraanatomic arterial bypass grafting. All patients had chronic ureteral stenting, prior pelvic irradiation, prior pelvic surgery and intrapelvic malignancy, and all fistulas presented with urinary tract hemorrhage.Results: Standard arteriography was nondiagnostic but provocative arteriography demonstrated the fistula in each case. Successful embolization of the common iliac artery followed by extraanatomic arterial bypass grafting precluded the need for laparotomy and preserved ipsilateral renal function.Conclusions: Provocative arterio...
Writing Disturbances in Acute Confusional States

Disorders of writing present a paradoxical problem to the student of the higher functions. Thus the evidence known to me at this time leads me to believe either that there is no localized cortical lesion which can produce a bilateral disorder of writing without aphasia in spoken speech, or that such lesions must be extremely rare. On the other hand cases in which disorder of writing is the unique or predominant linguistic disorder are not at all rare. I had for some years been struck by the high frequency of writing disorders in confusional states, and this paper with Dr. Chedru confirms this finding with both spontaneous clinical cases and experimental cases. We have no good idea as to why disorder of writing should be so prominent in metabolic or toxic disorders. There are other disorders which occur in confusional states, as Chedru and I have discussed in another paper, although they have not been studied as well as writing disorders. One might suspect that the functions disturbed are those which depend most critically on coordination of different parts of the brain and on the proper operation of the mechanisms of attention, which are perhaps the most complex of all functions of the brain.
Design of ICs applying built-in current testing

Built-in Current (BIC) sensors have proven to be very useful in testing static CMOS ICs. In a number of experimental ICs BIC sensors were able to detect small abnormal I DDQ currents. This paper discusses the design of the circuit under test and Built-in Current (BIC) sensors, which provide: maximum level of defect detectability, minimum impact of BIC sensor on the performance of the circuit under test and minimum area overhead needed for BIC sensors implementation.
THE THEORY OF ENDS, PUSHDOWN AUTOMATA, AND SECOND-ORDER LOGIC

Abstract A class of edge-labeled graphs called context-free are defined according to their behavior at infinity. Such graphs are generalizations of Cayley graphs of context-free groups. They are also shown to be definable in a very natural way in terms of push-down automata. Using Rabin's theorem on the monadic second-order theory of the finite binary tree, these graphs are also shown to have a decidable monadic second-order theory. Questions about tiling systems and cellular automata operating on these graphs are decidable even when the analogous questions are not, when the systems operate on a two-dimensional grid.
A Developmental Program in the Black Community: A Critical Appraisal

In the last ten years there has been a preponderance of programs intended to change the life styles of the so-called disadvantaged groups. Most of these programs have been federally funded and as such should have had national impact. Although several such projects have demonstrated relative success, many have been victims of misconceptions regarding procedures for alleviating the effects of racial prejudice. This article attempts to show the difference between what was planned and what happened in a program that ended successfully. Fortunately, modifications in the plan were implemented early enough to insure some success. In a Southern city a federally funded summer program was established to develop a sense of awareness, organization and application to the environment for seventhand eighth-grade black students from a lower income neighborhood. Staff included a school-community coordinator (white minister), and three occupational therapy graduate students (two black men and one white woman) who conducted the program. A consultant with occupational therapy credentials was involved in planning and implementation of the project. Goals and progression as articulated and implemented, utilizing an occupational therapy frame of reference, were:
A Low-Power, Low-Voltage WBAN-Compatible Sub-Sampling PSK Receiver in 65 nm CMOS

A PSK receiver (RX) is proposed that employs a digital-intensive architecture based on sub-sampling, Q-enhancement, and digital IF to enable low-power (1.3 mW) and low-voltage (0.6 V) operation. Implemented in 65 nm CMOS, this work is compatible with the IEEE 802.15.6 (WBAN) narrowband physical layer specification and achieves -91 dBm and -96 dBm sensitivity at 10 -3 BER for π/4-DQPSK and π/2-DBPSK modulation respectively. The proposed highly digital architecture and supply voltage scaling lead to a 3x improvement in RX energy efficiency and minimize silicon area consumption (~ 0.35 mm 2 in 65 nm CMOS) while achieving state-of-the-art sensitivity. While this implementation focuses on WBAN demodulation, the proposed architecture and circuit techniques are generally applicable to RX targeting ultra-low power consumption for sensor networks.
What's that deal with the DCT?

Discrete cosine transforms (DCTs) and discrete Fourier transforms (DFTs) are reviewed in order to determine why DCTs are more popular for image compression than the easier-to-compute DFTs. DCT-based image compression takes advantage of the fact that most images do not have much energy in the high-frequency coefficients. It is suggested that DCTs are more popular because fewer DCT coefficients than DFT coefficients are needed to get a good approximation to a typical signal, since the higher-frequency coefficients are small in magnitude and can be more crudely quantized than the low-frequency coefficients. >
Realized Versus Expected Gains in Milk and Fat Production of Holstein Cattle, Considering the Effects of Days Open

The objective of this study was to determine whether differences in first lactation production, unadjusted or adjusted for days open, were correctly predicted by pedigree estimates for two lines of Holstein cattle. Data on 875 cows from two selection lines were collected from 1970 to 1988. Lines were created by mating foundation females of high or low pedigree merit to sires selected for high or average PTA milk. Both lines were managed identically to minimize environmental differences. The number of days open was analyzed with a fixed effects model containing year, season, interaction of year and season, sire line, foundation group, and interaction of sire line and foundation groups. The high milk line had significantly more days open than did the average line. Adjusted and unadjusted records for milk and fat were analyzed with the model described previously, plus the interaction of sire line and year. Least squares means and estimates for mean parent average were used to calculate realized and expected differences in production between lines within and across years. Adjustment of records for days open reduced estimates of realized gain, but not significantly. Regressions of realized gain on expected gain indicated that expected gains were matched or exceeded by unadjusted or adjusted realized gain.
Recombinational circularization of Salmonella phage P22 DNA.

The development of phage P22 following infection involves a mandatory recombination step, the timing of which is the same in both the lytic and lysogenic pathways. Covalently circular molecules of phage DNA were identified by alkaline sucrose sedimentation of infected cell lysates. The time of appearance of these structures corresponds to the time of the essential recombination step. On infection of ret- cells, the action of the P22 recombination function, erf, is necessary for the formation of covalent circles. The amount of covalently circular parental phage DNA observed in lytically infected cells is lower than are the levels found in cells destined for lysogeny. Evidence is presented that the lower levels in the former case are due to the conversion of covalently circular molecules to some other structure by a replicational process.
Tracking Conformational Changes during Amyloidogenesis in Real-Time at Atomic-Resolution by NMR

Understanding the structural transitions that amyloid proteins undergo during amyloidogenesis would greatly enhance our understanding of this process. However, our knowledge has been currently largely limited to global conformational changes, with high-resolution structural information only available for the monomeric proteins and for a few structures of the final amyloid product. In particular, high-resolution structures of intermediate states have been notoriously absent with few exceptions. We show here that high-resolution structures of intermediates can be obtained by using SOFAST-HMQC, CPMG, NOESY, magic-angle-spinning, and other experiments in real-time to track the aggregation pathway at atomic-level detail and at a time-resolution of minutes. As examples, we show the aggregation pathways of Aβ and IAPP, two initially unstructured peptides implicated in Alzheimer's and type II Diabetes, respectively.While previous studies commonly show the Aβ1-40 is largely unstructured in solution before the formation of β-sheet oligomers, we show that Aβ1-40 gradually adopts a compact, partially folded helical structure over a period of several days. In this structure, the central hydrophobic region of the peptide forms a 310 helix from H13 to D23 and the N- and C-termini collapse against the helix due to the clustering of hydrophobic residues (pdb:2LFM). The formation of the helical intermediate is concentration dependent and can be partially reversed by dilution of the peptide. Helical intermediates have been predicted to be crucial on-pathway intermediates in amyloid fibrillogenesis, and the structure presented here presents a new target for structure-based intervention, shown here by the interaction of the helical intermediate with polyphenols. By contrast, the more amyloidogenic IAPP peptide shows only a gradual transition to the fiber form after an initial pH dependent formation of a micelle-like aggregate, with distinct β-sheet small oligomers forming only a small fraction of the observable population.
The Infrared Luminosity Function of Galaxies in the Coma Cluster

An Infrared Survey of the Central 650 arcmin (sup 2) of the Coma cluster is used to determine the H band luminosity function for the cluster.
Interactions between glucocorticoid receptor-bearing chromatin and antireceptor antibody preparations.

Abstract Recent evidence indicates that the control of gene expression by steroid hormones is mediated by hormone-receptor complexes bound at specific chromosomal locations. The isolation of these in vivo sites of binding would be useful in an analysis of the mechanism of this control. We have therefore examined the interaction between two different antiglucocorticoid receptor antibody preparations and a defined chromatin fraction containing bound glucoeorticoid receptors in order to test the feasibility of this approach. Both antibody preparations, when attached to sepharose, removed nucleosome-bound and nucleosome free receptor from solution, indicating that chromatin-bound receptor was exposed and available for reaction with antibody. The bulk of the chromatin, not containing receptor, was mainly unaffected during these reactions, showing that the antibodies exhibited significant specificity. To determine whether the nucleosome-bound receptor remained attached to the nucleosome during reaction with antibody, studies using soluble antibody were performed. One of the antibodies caused a shift in the sedimentation rate of the nucleosome-bound receptor from 11 S to 11.5S, suggesting that an intact ternary complex of antibody-receptor-nucleosome had formed. The other antibody produced various-sized aggregates of the free and bound receptors. Surprisingly, we found that one of the antibodies reacted strongly with free and nucleosome-bound estrogen receptors as well as glucocorticoid receptors. These studies suggest that an antibody preparation with appropriate characteristics should permit isolation of chromosomal receptor binding sites.
Does blood pressure enhance solute transport in the bone lacunar-canalicular system?

Abstract Solute transport through bone plays an important role in tissue metabolism and cellular mechanotransduction. Due to limited diffusion within the mineralized bone matrix, both mechanical loading and vascular pressure have been proposed to drive interstitial fluid flow within the lacunar–canalicular system (LCS); thereby augmenting solute diffusion in bone. Although blood supply is critical for bone nutrition, growth, and fracture healing, whether physiological blood pressures can drive significant fluid and solute convection remains controversial within the literature. The goal of this study was to directly test the hypothesis that in vivo blood pressures enhance solute transport in the bone LCS. Using a newly developed imaging approach based on fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), we first measured the transport rate of sodium fluorescein (M.W. 376 Da) through the tibial LCS in four anesthetized mice (in the presence of vascular pressure). These data were then compared with the tracer transport rates at the same locations/lacunae after sacrifice (in the absence of vascular pressure). Using paired FRAP experiments we did not detect differences in tracer transport rates between bones from live anesthetized animals versus those in postmortem bodies ( p > 0.05, N=18). In a separate cohort of four anesthetized mice a mean jugular pulse pressure of ∼ 10 mmHg at ∼ 10 Hz was measured. Further theoretical analysis showed that for bones from both small and large animal species the blood pressure-driven convection of either small (376 Da) or large (43,000 Da) molecules was at least one order of magnitude smaller than diffusion under either normal or elevated pressure conditions. We conclude that despite the extreme importance of vasculature in bone physiology, vascular pressure itself does not enhance acute solute transport within the bone LCS. Therefore, mechanisms other than the vascular pressure-induced fluid flow such as altered biochemical factors may account for the bone adaptation associated with altered circulation. The present study helped clarify a long-standing controversy regarding vascular pressure-induced bone fluid flow and provided a better understanding of bone adaptation in both physiological and pathological conditions.
Myasthenia Gravis and Lambert-Eaton Syndrome

Abstract: Myasthenia gravis is a common autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of pathogenic antibodies directed against the acetylcholine receptor. Patients present with variable degrees and distribution of fluctuating weakness at times life threatening. Clinical manifestations, establishment of diagnosis, the natural history of myasthenia gravis, and therapeutic options are herein reviewed. Far less common is Lambert-Eaton syndrome (the myasthenic syndrome), another autoimmune disorder due to the presence of antibodies directed against the PQ-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Clinical features and treatment options are summarized.
HealthGIS 2013 workshop report: the Second ACM SIGSPATIAL International Workshop on the Use of GIS in Public Health

Public health and public healthcare are important social issues with deep implications for government administrations and with large effect on individual standards of living. In many countries, healthcare institutions are being pushed to their limit by an aging population and increased urbanization (which may lead to additional health issues such as pollution). Many of these challenges have strong geospatial components. For example, GIS techniques may be used to determine spatial correlates of health. In addition, the ability to detect and record the location history of individuals and groups using cellular phones coupled with the ability to analyze and visually present large amounts of geospatial data can be harnessed to advance health-related applications. Other notable examples include using geographic information systems and appropriate applications to assist the evacuation of injured people, monitoring the spread of infectious diseases, collecting data for statistical analysis of the effect of pollution on public health, and providing assistance to elderly people with orientation difficulties. These applications necessitate new techniques, systems, and algorithms for effectively utilizing geospatial data in the context of public health.
Diffusion and mass balance of Mg during early dolomite formation, Monterey Formation

Abstract Diffusion from overlying seawater is capable of supplying enough Mg to account for all of the early diagenetic dolomite observed in the Monterey Formation (0.5–20 vol %). The amount formed depends on the Mg flux magnitude into the sediment, which is proportional to the rate of dolomite precipitation and inversely proportional to the sediment accumulation rate. The amount of dolomite formed is calculated for accumulation rates of 50 and 600 m/Ma, using reaction rate constants obtained from the Mg concentration profile of DSDP sites 479, 533 and 147, and proposed profiles that assume significant dolomite formation in the uppermost tens of meters of sediment. Advective pore water flow from compaction decreases the Mg flux and becomes increasingly significant as the accumulation rate increases and the reaction rate decreases. Advection alone during compaction supplies sufficient Mg to account for a realistic maximum of 2 vol % dolostone within a compacted section. An approximate evaluation of the Rayleigh number suggests that the low permeability of siliceous ooze prevents convective fluid flow at shallow burial depths. The Mg mass balance is calculated from dolomite abundance in Monterey Formation sections, Santa Maria basin area, California. Pore water and solid particle velocities are calculated as a function of sediment depth using a porosity-depth relation for average siliceous sediment based on a composite of DSDP data. The bulk sediment diffusion coefficient increases with sediment depth at a rate proportional to the geothermal gradient. At shallow burial depths seawater is probably the only significant source of Mg; dolomite, volcanic ash, and clay minerals are the only significant sinks. Clay mineral, organic matter, and silica diagenesis may provide additional Mg at deeper burial depths. The more or less regular spacing of dolomitic layers may be controlled by the residence time of the dolomite forming layer within the uppermost sediment, where the Mg flux is a maximum.
Groundwater residence times in Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia, USA: a multi-tracer approach

Chemical and isotopic properties of water discharging from springs and wells in Shenandoah National Park (SNP), near the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, VA, USA were monitored to obtain information on groundwater residence times. Investigated time scales included seasonal (wet season, April, 1996; dry season, August–September, 1997), monthly (March through September, 1999) and hourly (30-min interval recording of specific conductance and temperature, March, 1999 through February, 2000). Multiple environmental tracers, including tritium/helium-3 (3H/3He), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), sulfur-35 (35S), and stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) of water, were used to estimate the residence times of shallow groundwater discharging from 34 springs and 15 wells. The most reliable ages of water from springs appear to be based on SF6 and 3H/3He, with most ages in the range of 0–3 years. This range is consistent with apparent ages estimated from concentrations of CFCs; however, CFC-based ages have large uncertainties owing to the post-1995 leveling-off of the CFC atmospheric growth curves. Somewhat higher apparent ages are indicated by 35S (>1.5 years) and seasonal variation of δ18O (mean residence time of 5 years) for spring discharge. The higher ages indicated by the 35S and δ18O data reflect travel times through the unsaturated zone and, in the case of 35S, possible sorption and exchange of S with soils or biomass. In springs sampled in April, 1996, apparent ages derived from the 3H/3He data (median age of 0.2 years) are lower than those obtained from SF6 (median age of 4.3 years), and in contrast to median ages from 3H/3He (0.3 years) and SF6 (0.7 years) obtained during the late summer dry season of 1997. Monthly samples from 1999 at four springs in SNP had SF6 apparent ages of only 1.2 to 2.5±0.8 years, and were consistent with the 1997 SF6 data. Water from springs has low excess air (0–1 cm3 kg−1) and N2–Ar temperatures that vary seasonally. Concentrations of He and Ne in excess of solubility equilibrium indicate that the dissolved gases are not fractionated. The seasonal variations in N2–Ar temperatures suggest shallow, seasonal recharge, and the excess He and Ne data suggest waters mostly confined to gas exchange in the shallow, mountain-slope, water-table spring systems. Water from wells in the fractured rock contains up to 8 cm3 kg−1 of excess air with ages in the range of 0–25 years. Transient responses in specific conductance and temperature were observed in spring discharge within several hours of large precipitation events in September, 1999; both parameters increased initially, then decreased to values below pre-storm base-flow values. The groundwater residence times indicate that flushing rates of mobile atmospheric constituents through groundwater to streams draining the higher elevations in SNP average less than 3 years in base-flow conditions.
Molecular signatures of phytol-derived immunostimulants in the context of chemokine-cytokine microenvironment and enhanced immune response.

Abstract In a previous report, we observed that the phytol-derived immunostimulant, PHIS-01 (phytanol), is a nontoxic oil-in-water adjuvant which is superior to most commercial adjuvants. In contrast, the parent diterpene alcohol phytol, though highly effective as an adjuvant, is relatively toxic. To assess the importance of the polar functional group in PHIS-01, we prepared two new compounds PHIS-02 (phytanyl amine) and PHIS-03 (phytanyl mannose). All three phytol derivatives proved to be excellent adjuvants, but differed in solubility and mode of action. To delineate their molecular signatures in the local microenvironment, we performed inflammasome and cytokine microarray analyses with the peritoneal fluid of mice treated with alum or the phytol compounds above, in the presence or absence of soluble protein antigens. We report here that the phytol derivatives had a significant time-dependent impact on the host chemokine–cytokine microenvironment and subsequently on specific humoral responses. Moreover, the inclusion of protein immunogens induced further changes in host microenvironments, including rapid (
A Study of the Biology of the Parsley Stalk-Weevil Listronotus Latiusculus Boheman Coleoptera: Curculionidae

An infestation of the Parsley stalk weevil, Listronotus Latiusculus , exists in the progressive market garden section of Long Island near Kew York City and appears to be a serious menace to carrot growing there. The results of one season's study (1926) are reported, including observations on life history and habits, food plants, distribution and a note on possible control.
Hypertension in pediatric patient

Abstract Recent studies have shown that hypertension in childhood may be more common than previously assumed, and that essential hypertension in adulthood may originate in childhood. Furthermore, with the recognition that the range of normal blood pressure changes as age progresses, the recording of blood pressure in children is beginning to receive wider acceptance. Recent concepts in diagnostic approaches and antihypertensive medications as well as the clinical experience at a new pediatric renal unit are reviewed.
On the surface passivity of amorphous NiCrPC and NiPC alloys: Optical and electrochemical studies

A study of the surface activity and passivation of NiPC and NiCrPC based amorphous alloys is reported. Optical reflectance was monitored in situ with the anodic polarization of the samples. Ni14Cr17P.5C passivates with a current density of 10−1 A/m2, and is dependent on the surface morphology. In the transpassive region under constant current conditions reflectance of the film exhibits strong interference phenomena and overall exponential decay in intensity. The system in this region is described with a single thin film optical model which suggests that a chromium phosphate deposit layer is formed and increases in thickness at a rate of 7 nm/s with a 1.67 mV/s sweep rate. In contrast, Ni19P.5C does not passivate, but its behavior suggests the formation of a pourous film which increases rapidly beyond 0.4 V.
A patient with new Q waves: Methods for decision making in the individual patient

Abstract Decision analysis, an analytic approach to making decisions when uncertainty is present, has its foundation in probability and utility theory. It provides insights into the trade-offs that are involved when a selection must be made among patient management strategies. In general, several broad steps are involved. The process begins by formulating the clinical problem as a well focused choice among a limited set of clinical etiologies. These strategies are then structured explicitly in a model that depicts the clinical events that may ensue from each option. By assigning probability values to each outcome, the weighted average outcome or expected utility can be calculated for each alternative strategy. The strategy with the highest expected utility is the optimal one. The methods of decision analysis offer a number of distinct advantages. These include: 1) providing a structure with which to simplify and focus clinical dilemmas; 2) providing a forum for discussing clinical reasoning; and 3) developing a consensus among groups of decision makers.
TH‐D‐201C‐01: Advancing an Integrated Overhauser‐Enhanced MRI (OMRI) ‐ Prepolarized MM (PMRI) System Toward Quantitative Longitudinal Studies of Tumor Hypoxia and Redox Status

Purpose: To advance the imaging performance of an integrated Overhauser‐enhanced MRI (OMRI) ‐ prepolarized MRI (PMRI) system to enable quantitative longitudinal imaging studies of multi‐faceted tumor environment by using both electron paramagnetic resonance(EPR) and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)Method and Materials: A field‐cycled OMRI‐PMRI system was further developed to achieve the sensitivity that identifies radiobiological hypoxia and redox status. A dedicated 5‐cm saddle coil delivered 154‐MHz EPR radiofrequency (RF) pulses to induce the Overhauser effect with a high EPR B1 efficiency. A 3‐cm 5.5‐MHz NMR Litz‐wire saddle coil concentric to the EPR coil achieved high signal‐to‐noise ratio with an efficient filling factor. B0 was at 5 mT 0.13 T 0.5 T for EPR irradiation NMR readout NMR prepolarization respectively. Gradient echo and multi‐spin echo pulse sequences were implemented using a custom MRI console to acquire images with minimal phase distortion. Trityl phantoms were prepared under normoxic and anoxic environment for pO2calibration. Various amounts of ascorbic acid (AsA) were injected to the mixtures of trityl and nitroxide (3‐carbamoyl PROXYL) phantoms to characterize the redox sensitivity. Results: Oxygen resolution of 4.1 torr and 3.5 torr were obtained from 4‐min double power (0.3 32 W) spin‐echo OMRI (TR/TE 1600/30 ms) for pure deoxygenated 1‐mM and 2‐mM trityl phantoms. Trityl radicals were not reduced by AsA and did not alter the reduction decay rate of the nitroxides (−0.07/min −0.13/min for 5 10‐mM AsA). Saturation factor measurements at various EPR RF power levels indicated a feasibility of accurate pO2calibration for the mixtures of trityl and nitroxide radicals. Conclusion: Our OMRI‐PMRI system is capable of multi‐parametric imaging sensitive to pO2redox status proton T1 and T2. The imager is ready to acquire physiological information in small animals accurately co‐registered with diagnostic quality anatomic NMRimages.
Polymorphic forms of the epithelial mucin, PAS-I (MUC1), in milk of Holstein cows (Bos taurus)

The polymorphic epithelial mucin, PAS-I (also known as MUC1), in individual milk samples from 119 Holstein cows was resolved into bands on SDS-gels. Mobility indices established for these bands provided evidence of four and possibly five polymorphic forms. Sialic acid, a major component of the oligosaccharide portion of PAS-I, was removed from the mucin by treatment of milk samples with neurominidase. This reduced the mobility of the mucin bands but did not alter their mobility relationships within a sample or among samples. Consideration of evidence from this and other studies indicates that the four or five polymorphic forms correspond to alleles, which are inherited, one each from sire and dam, and co-dominantly expressed. It appears that the Holstein population may carry several more alleles for PAS-I than do Ayrshire, Jersey or Brown Swiss cattle. In addition to these breed differences, some remarkable molecular differences have been noted between MUC1 (PAS-I) of human and mouse suggesting that research regarding molecular evolution of this mucin could provide another approach to understanding relationships among species.
Folic acid and prevention of colorectal adenomas.

To the Editor: In their randomized controlled trial of folic acid for prevention of colorectal adenomas, Dr Cole and colleagues reported an increased risk for advanced colorectal adenoma lesions and adenoma multiplicity in the folic acid group. This difference in risk became statistically significant in the second follow-up interval. The authors also noted that randomized aspirin treatment did not modify the effect of folic acid on adenomas in the first follow-up interval. However, Figure 2 in the article indicates that the aspirin placebo subgroup, but not the 2 active aspirin subgroups (81 mg/d and 325 mg/d), seemed to be associated with an increased frequency of advanced lesions in the folic acid group during the first follow-up interval, although this did not appear to reach statistical significance. The authors did not provide the same information for the second follow-up interval, when the increased risk for advanced lesions among the folic acid group became more prominent. We suggest that the authors assess whether this possible interaction between aspirin and folic acid intake exists in the second follow-up interval, because it is possible that a residual effect of 3 years of aspirin intake would persist for another 3 to 5 years.
Changes in deglutition following tonsillectomy in neurologically impaired children.

Abstract Tonsillectomy for improvement of dysphagia in children is well recognized, but its effects upon deglutition in the neurologically impaired child have not been described. A review was performed of pre- and post-operative oral-pharyngeal motility (OPM) studies obtained on 15 children (aged 1–10 years; mean 4.6 years) with neurologically-based dysphagia who underwent tonsillectomy for upper airway obstruction (13) or recurrent tonsillitis (2). Each OPM study was rated independently by two trained observers for the presence or absence of 13 features of deglutition. Subjects served as their own control in comparative analysis. There was a mean improvement of 4.33 features of deglutition (mode: 4, range: −1− + 7) following tonsillectomy. Of 10 children with pre-existing laryngeal penetration or aspiration, two had partial resolution and five had complete resolution following surgery. Post-operatively, two children developed new laryngeal penetration with one also having aspiration. The inter-observer reliability for the OPM study interpretation was 0.90. We conclude that tonsillectomy has a role in the neurologically impaired child with dysphagia, but a pre-operative OPM study is indicated to identify silent aspiration and to aid in necessary counseling for the possibility of a deterioration of deglutition following surgery.
Immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked: Forkhead box protein 3 mutations and lack of regulatory T cells

The rare X-linked disorder immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) and its murine counterpart scurfy have provided important new insights into the essential role of regulatory T cells (Treg) in maintaining tolerance to self-antigens. Mutations of the FOXP3 gene, identified in patients with IPEX, have helped pinpoint key structural domains of the protein that are essential for its function as a transcriptional regulator. Ongoing work using these and associated models has begun to elucidate factors important for the development, function, and competitive fitness of Treg. This improved understanding is beginning to lead to the identification of other defects that may be present in patients who have the clinical phenotype of IPEX but only wild-type FOXP3. It has also led to improved treatment options for IPEX including immunosuppressive drugs and bone marrow transplantation. We are hopeful that the knowledge gained about mechanisms that regulate FOXP3 expression and Treg function will have a major effect on how other autoimmune and allergic disorders are approached.
Association between IGF-1 and chronic kidney disease among US adults

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) has been associated with cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes in previous studies. However, the association between IGF-1 and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not been previously studied. Therefore, we examined the association between serum IGF-1 and CKD in a representative sample of US adults. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 5388 Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) participants aged ≥20 years of age (55.2% women). Serum IGF-1 was categorized into quartiles for the analysis. CKD (n = 241) was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.73/m2. Higher serum IGF-1 levels were positively associated with CKD after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education levels, smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension and serum cholesterol. Compared to quartile 1 of IGF-1 (referent), the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of CKD associated with quartile 4 was 2.66 (1.18–5.99); p trend = 0.008. Subgroup analysis that examined the relation between IGF-1 and CKD by gender showed a consistent positive association. In summary, increasing levels of serum IGF-1 were positively associated with CKD in a representative sample of US adults. Our results suggest that IGF-1 might be a predictor of CKD in Western populations.
Pharmacists' perspectives on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Abstract Background Passed in 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) resulted in significant changes to the health care system in the United States (US). Though general population surveys reveal the fractious political debate surrounding the law, insights on pharmacists' perspectives on the PPACA are lacking in the literature. Objectives The objectives of this study were to determine pharmacists' perspectives on the PPACA and determine whether pharmacists' demographic and practice-related characteristics and political beliefs influence their perspectives on the PPACA. Methods This study was conducted using a descriptive, cross-sectional design. Study data were collected with a self-administered online questionnaire distributed to 21,769 registered pharmacists in five states. Results A total of 1127 completed surveys were received (5.6% response rate). Roughly 37% of pharmacists reported that they understood the major provisions of the PPACA although most (89%) respondents agreed that understanding such policies is important for practicing pharmacy. Just over half (50.6%) of respondents did not support the PPACA while 47.7% supported the legislation. Political orientation, age, gender, and race were found to be significantly related to pharmacists' perspectives on the PPACA. Conclusion Respondent pharmacists' perceptions of the PPACA appear to be related to political orientation and demographic characteristics. Given that pharmacists will be impacted by the implementation of the PPACA and are so accessible to the public, additional information on health care policy and PPACA should be provided to pharmacists.
Polysilanes - prototypical σ-conjugated polymers

Abstract Polysilanes constitute the first examples of sp3-bonded σ-conjugated high polymers. Their spectroscopic and electronic properties are strongly reminiscent of those of the π-conjugated polymers, but, unlike the π-conjugated polymers, polysilanes are generally fully soluble and airstable. They exhibit molecular weight dependent mid-UV absorption which is polarized along the silicon backbone and strongly thermochromic. The fluorescent emission is narrowed relative to the absorption and vibrationally decoupled, indicative of a highl delocalized singlet state. Consistent with the σ-electron delocalization, the materials are excellent non-dispersive photoconductors, dopable to 0.5 S/cm conductivities, and exhibit large 3rd order optical non-linearities. Their extreme photosensitivity endows some polysilanes with promise as photoresist materials.
The synthesis and metabolism of progesterone in the human and bovine ovary

Abstract 1. 1. The biosynthesis of progesterone from [1-14C]acetate has been demonstrated. 2. 2. By means of in vitro incubations of [4-14C]progesterone and [4-14C]androstenedione in human ovarian tissue, a continuous spectrum of intermediate compounds leading to the synthesis of estrogens has been demonstrated. Presumption evidence has been obtained for the following products: 6β-hydroxyprogesterone, pregnanedione, allopregnanedione, 20a-hdyroxypregnene-3-one, 20β-hydoxypregnene-3-one, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 17α-20ζ-dihydroxypregnene-3-one, 20ζ-hydroxypregnane-3-one, androstenedione, estrone, and estradiol-17β.
A parallel adaptive method for simulating shock-induced combustion with detailed chemical kinetics in complex domains

An adaptive finite volume approach is presented to accurately simulate shock-induced combustion phenomena in gases, particularly detonation waves. The method uses a Cartesian mesh that is dynamically adapted to embedded geometries and flow features by using regular refinement patches. The discretisation is a reliable linearised Riemann solver for thermally perfect gas mixtures; detailed kinetics are considered in an operator splitting approach. Besides easily reproducible ignition problems, the capabilities of the method and its parallel implementation are quantified and demonstrated for fully resolved triple point structure investigations of Chapman-Jouguet detonations in low-pressure hydrogen-oxygen-argon mixtures in two and three space dimensions.
Double-wavelength electro-optically tuned synchronously pumped cw dye laser

A continuously tunable double-wavelength synchronously pumped mode-locked cw dye laser is described in which the different wavelengths alternate on the pulse train. This is achieved by phase locking the electro-optic tuner of the dye laser to the acousto-optic mode locker of the pump laser.