cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C virus infection and coronary artery disease risk: a systematic review of the literature.

While hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been implicated in increasing the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), conflicting reports exist regarding this association. We performed a systematic review to further investigate this association. We conducted a PubMed search of original research articles from January 1, 1995 to June 30, 2013 to identify case–control and cohort studies evaluating the association between HCV and CAD using keyword terms [“hepatitis c” or “HCV”] and [“coronary artery disease” or “heart disease” or “atherosclerosis.”] The primary CAD-related endpoints included myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, need for coronary artery bypass grafting, or transluminal percutaneous coronary angioplasty. Binary outcomes are reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI). We identified five studies (four cohort studies and one case–control study) that met our inclusion criteria. A significant association between HCV and CAD was demonstrated in one cohort study (adjusted HR 1.27; 95 % CI 1.22–1.31). One cohort study demonstrated a decreased risk of CAD associated with HCV (adjusted OR 0.74; 95 % CI 0.71–0.76). The remaining studies did not find a significant association between HCV and risk of CAD. The current systematic review demonstrates that the association between HCV and CAD remains unclear. We need more large, long-term cohort studies with clear definitions of patient population and endpoints to better ascertain the association between HCV and CAD.
The Mediating Role of Extreme Peer Orientation in the Relationships between Adolescent-Parent Relationship and Diabetes Management

The study examined whether the quality of the adolescent-parent relationship was associated with better diabetes management in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes by decreasing adolescents' extreme peer orientation. Adolescents (n = 252; 46% male and 54% female) aged 10 to 14 years with Type 1 diabetes completed assessments of extreme peer orientation (i.e., tendency to ignore parental advice and diabetes care to fit in with friends), adolescent-parental relationship, and adherence; HbA1c scores indexed metabolic control. Adolescents with higher quality relationships with parents reported less peer orientation and better diabetes care. The mediational model revealed that adolescents' high quality relationships with their parents (mother and father) were associated with better treatment adherence and metabolic control through less peer orientation. It is likely that high quality adolescent-parent relationships may be beneficial to adolescent diabetes management through a healthy balance between peer and parental influence.
The Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-Akt Pathway Limits Lipopolysaccharide Activation of Signaling Pathways and Expression of Inflammatory Mediators in Human Monocytic Cells

Monocytes and macrophages express cytokines and procoagulant molecules in various inflammatory diseases. In sepsis, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria induces tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and tissue factor (TF) in monocytic cells via the activation of the transcription factors Egr-1, AP-1, and nuclear factor-kappa B. However, the signaling pathways that negatively regulate LPS-induced TNF-alpha and TF expression in monocytic cells are currently unknown. We report that inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway enhances LPS-induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways (ERK1/2, p38, and JNK) and the downstream targets AP-1 and Egr-1. In addition, inhibition of PI3K-Akt enhanced LPS-induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B and prevented Akt-dependent inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-beta, which increased the transactivational activity of p65. We propose that the activation of the PI3K-Akt pathway in human monocytes limits the LPS induction of TNF-alpha and TF expression. Our study provides new insight into the inhibitory mechanism by which the PI3K-Akt pathway ensures transient expression of these potent inflammatory mediators.
Three-Component Receptance Coupling Substructure Analysis for Tool Point Dynamics Prediction

In this paper we present the second generation receptance coupling substructure analysis (RCSA) method, which is used to predict the tool point response for high-speed machining applications. This method divides the spindle-holder-tool assembly into three substructures: the spindle-holder base; the extended holder; and the tool. The tool and extended holder receptances are modeled, while the spindle-holder base subassembly receptances are measured using a “standard” test holder and finite difference calculations. To predict the tool point dynamics, RCSA is used to couple the three substructures. Experimental validation is provided.
New aeromagnetic data reveal large strike-slip (?) faults in the northern Willamette Valley, Oregon

High-resolution aeromagnetic data from the northern Willamette Valley, Oregon, reveal large, northwest-striking faults buried beneath Quaternary basin sediments. Several faults known from geologic mapping are well defined by the data and appear to extend far beyond their mapped surface traces. The Mount Angel fault, the likely source of the Richter magnitude (M L ) 5.6 earthquake in 1993, is at least 55 km long and may be connected in the subsurface with the Gales Creek fault 25 km farther northwest. Northeast of the Mount Angel fault, a 60-km-long, northwest-striking anomaly may represent a previously unrecognized dextral-slip fault beneath the towns of Canby and Molalla. Vertical offsets along the Mount Angel fault increase with depth, indicating a long history of movement for the fault. Dominantly northwest-trending, relatively straight faults, consistent stepover geometries, offset magnetic anomalies, and earthquake focal mechanisms suggest that these faults collectively accommodate significant dextral slip. The 1993 earthquake may have occurred on a left-stepping restraining bend along the Mount Angel–Gales Creek fault zone.
The Structure of the Local Interstellar Medium. I. High-Resolution Observations of Fe II, Mg II, and Ca II toward Stars within 100 Parsecs

High-resolution absorption measurements (λ/Δλ 100,000) of the resonance lines of Fe II, Mg II, and Ca II are presented for all available observed targets within 100 pc. The Fe II and Mg II spectra were obtained with the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) and the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) instruments aboard the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Of the 63 observations of targets within 100 pc, we present new measurements for 24 lines of sight. We also compiled all published absorption measurements based on Ca II spectra obtained by various ground-based instruments. For each observation we provide measurements of the central velocity, Doppler parameter, and column density for each absorption component. These three ions provide the best opportunity to measure the component velocity structure. Because these are the heaviest ions observed in absorption through the warm local interstellar medium (LISM), the narrow line widths minimize significant blending of components and allow for accurate measurements of the central velocity. We present a statistical analysis of the LISM absorption measurements, which provides an overview of some physical characteristics of warm clouds in the LISM, such as, temperature, turbulent velocity, ionization degree, and depletion. The complete collection and reduction of all LISM absorption measurements provides an important database for studying the structure of nearby warm clouds. Subsequent papers will present models for the morphology and physical properties of individual structures (clouds) in the LISM.
Insights into Ubiquitin Transfer Cascades from a Structure of a UbcH5B∼Ubiquitin-HECTNEDD4L Complex

In E1-E2-E3 ubiquitin (Ub) conjugation cascades, the E2 first forms a transient E2∼Ub covalent complex and then interacts with an E3 for Ub transfer. For cascades involving E3s in the HECT class, Ub is transferred from an associated E2 to the acceptor cysteine in the HECT domain C lobe. To gain insights into this process, we determined the crystal structure of a complex between the HECT domain of NEDD4L and the E2 UbcH5B bearing a covalently linked Ub at its active site (UbcH5B∼Ub). Noncovalent interactions between UbcH5B and the HECT N lobe and between Ub and the HECT domain C lobe lead to an overall compact structure, with the Ub C terminus sandwiched between UbcH5B and HECT domain active sites. The structure suggests a model for E2-to-HECT Ub transfer, in which interactions between a donor Ub and an acceptor domain constrain upstream and downstream enzymes for conjugation.
Microbial Nitrogen and Sulfur Cycles at the Gypsum Dunes of White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

The White Sands National Monument from New Mexico (U.S.A) contains one of the largest known gypsum dune fields with unique, rapidly migrating, arid, evaporitic habitats. Deposits from dune sides and interdune areas were collected in order to determine the characteristics of microbial habitat and communities through mineral assemblages, microbial pigments along with investigations of nitrogen and sulfur cycles. The most abundant pigments, scytonemin and carotenoids, were common UV protective pigments. Predominance of nitrite and nitrate over ammonium nitrogen (2.16: 1) implies that nitrification processes might be important in this ecosystem. Ammonium oxidizers from groups of β-, γ-proteobacteria and archaea were detected in all deposits, thereby indicating microbial involvement in nitrification. Additionally, denitrifying organisms with nirS and nirK genes were also present in most of the analyzed samples. The presence of trace carbonate mineral phases in association with biofilm implies possible microbia...
Chemistry and Biology of Deoxy-myo-inositol Phosphates: Stereospecificity of Substrate Interactions within an Archaeal and a Bacterial IMPase

Six enantiomerically pure myo-inositol-monophosphates, including four deoxygenated analogues, have been synthesized by employing catalytic asymmetric phosphorylation methodology. These compounds were then evaluated as substrates for the direct interrogation of the stereospecificity of enzyme−substrate interactions with two inositol-monophosphatases (IMPases), one of which (from Archaeoglobus fulgidus) is characterized by an X-ray crystal structure with its substrate (d-I-1P) bound. The kinetic results lead to the finding that certain hydroxyl group contacts are actually destabilizing, while others have little effect. These new probes also allow a prediction of the active site binding mode of the substrate for the Escherichia coli IMPase for which no crystal structure exists.
Role of the Placenta in Perinatal Pathology (Revisited)

This article on the placenta includes considerations of chorioamnionitis, villitis, preeclampsia, and other low placental blood flow states and aspects of the circulating lupus anticoagulant syndrome. The author explains that, although gross and microscopic placental findings document placental features at one point in time, they also reflect ongoing pathophysiologic changes. Pathogenetic relationships between placental pathology, fetal hypoxia, intrauterine growth retardation, and cerebral palsy are discussed. The reader will learn that low placental blood flow states and chorioamnionitis are important means by which endothelins may eventually participate in the production of placental and fetal vasoconstriction and critical hypoperfusion. The author explains means by which reduced umbilical, placental, and fetal blood flow can result from chronic fetal exposure to meconium, meconium-induced vasoactivity, and ultimate vascular necrosis. Clinically important complications therein may include anoxic-ischemic neuronal necrosis in the brain, necrotizing enterocolitis, and ischemic lesions in the fetal heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. The article includes a review of nucleated red blood cells that most often signify chronic fetal hypoxia rather than infrequent acute intrapartum asphyxia. The reader will also find information on chorangiosis (placental villous capillary hypervascularity), an important sign of placental malperfusion and very long-standing fetal hypoxia.
A new procedure for correlating the structure of glycosides.

WHEN a sugar glycoside is oxidized with periodate, the ring is severed and a dialdehyde is formed1. In the case of pyranosides, cleavage is accompanied by the elimination of the —CH(OH)— group at C3 as formic acid, whereas in the cleavage of pentofuranosides no formic acid is formed. The elucidation of this reaction by recognition of the dialdehydic character of the periodate oxidation product1 and an extensive study of the corresponding dibasic acids and their salts have enabled the ring structure of glycosides to be determined and have provided a simple method for correlating the structure of the various glycosides2.
Late Holocene moisture balance variability in the southwest Yukon Territory, Canada

Abstract Analyses of sediment cores from Marcella Lake, a small, hydrologically closed lake in the semi-arid southwest Yukon, provides effective moisture information for the last ∼4500 years at century-scale resolution. Water chemistry and oxygen isotope analyses from lakes and precipitation in the region indicate that Marcella Lake is currently enriched in 18 O by summer evaporation. Past lake water values are inferred from oxygen isotope analyses of sedimentary endogenic carbonate in the form of algal Charophyte stem encrustations. A record of the δ 18 O composition of mean annual precipitation at Jellybean Lake, a nearby evaporation-insensitive system, provides data of simultaneous δ 18 O variations related to decade-to-century scale shifts in Aleutian Low intensity/position. The difference between the two isotope records, Δδ, represents 18 O-enrichment in Marcella Lake water caused by summer effective moisture conditions. Results indicate increased effective moisture between ∼3000 and 1200 cal BP and two marked shifts toward increased aridity at ∼1200 and between 300 and 200 cal BP. These prominent late Holocene changes in effective moisture occurred simultaneously with changes in Aleutian Low circulation patterns over the Gulf of Alaska indicated by Jellybean Lake. The reconstructed climate patterns are consistent with the topographically controlled climatic heterogeneity observed in the coastal mountains and interior valleys of the region today.
G1 cell cycle arrest due to the inhibition of erbB family receptor tyrosine kinases does not require the retinoblastoma protein

Abstract The erbB receptor family (EGFr, erbB-2, erbB-3, and erbB-4) consists of transmembrane glycoproteins that transduce extracellular signals to the nucleus when activated. erbB family members are widely expressed in epithelial, mesenchymal, and neuronal cells and contribute to the proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival of these cell types. The present study evaluates the effects of erbB family signaling on cell cycle progression and the role that pRB plays in regulating this process. ErbB family RTK activity was inhibited by PD 158780 in the breast epithelial cell line MCF10A. PD 158780 (0.5 μM) inhibited EGF-stimulated and heregulin-stimulated autophosphorylation and caused a G1 cell cycle arrest within 24 h, which correlated with hypophosporylation of pRB. MCF10A cells lacking functional pRB retained the ability to arrest in G1 when treated with PD 158780. Both cell lines showed induction of p27KIP1 protein when treated with PD 158780 and increased association of p27KIP1 with cyclin E–CDK2. Furthermore, CDK2 kinase activity was dramatically inhibited with drug treatment. Changes in other pRB family members were noted with drug treatment, namely a decrease in p107 and an increase in p130. These findings show that the G1 arrest induced through inhibition of erbB family RTK activity does not require functional pRB.
The relationship of cell size, intercellular space, and specific gravity to Bruise depth in potatoes

Cell size, specific gravity and intercellular space (IS) of 11 potato varieties were measured and compared with depth of bruising to determine if these factors are related to bruising. Rate of application of supplemental fertilizer did not change IS or tissue specific gravity. Variations in fertility level, moisture content of soil and temperatures during the periods of tuber growth and maturation caused only small differences in tissue specific gravity and IS. Depth of bruising, cell size, and IS differed among varieties. Analysis showed bruise susceptibility of tubers of different varieties was highest for tubers having low specific gravity, large cell size and high IS.
Amphipathic antimicrobial piscidin in magnetically aligned lipid bilayers.

The amphipathic antimicrobial peptide piscidin 1 was studied in magnetically aligned phospholipid bilayers by oriented-sample solid-state NMR spectroscopy. 31P NMR and double-resonance 1H/15N NMR experiments performed between 25°C and 61°C enabled the lipid headgroups as well as the peptide amide sites to be monitored over a range of temperatures. The α-helical peptide dramatically affects the phase behavior and structure of anionic bilayers but not those of zwitterionic bilayers. Piscidin 1 stabilizes anionic bilayers, which remain well aligned up to 61°C when piscidin 1 is on the membrane surface. Two-dimensional separated-local-field experiments show that the tilt angle of the peptide is 80 ± 5°, in agreement with previous results on mechanically aligned bilayers. The peptide undergoes fast rotational diffusion about the bilayer normal under these conditions, and these studies demonstrate that magnetically aligned bilayers are well suited for structural studies of amphipathic peptides.
After 118 years, the isolation of two common radical anion reductants as simple, stable solids

Two common radical anion reductants, potassium benzophenone ketyl (K(Ph2CO)) and potassium naphthalenide (K2(C10H8)2(THF)), have been isolated and characterized for the first time in solvent-free form or with low solvent content, allowing their use as pure solid reactants in preparative redox chemistry in accurate stoichiometric amounts.
Instruction and Outreach at Colorado State University Libraries

Summary The Colorado State University Libraries' instructional outreach services have undergone significant changes since the reorganization of Reference Services in January of 1998. The new organizational structure created a separate group for instruction, outreach and staff training, which includes the extended university programs position (distance learning), and a new position, the undergraduate instruction librarian. This new group gives the Libraries an avenue in which to provide focused instruction to the Colorado State University community and limited outreach to campus affiliates and the Fort Collins community. This article discusses outreach activities before and after the reorganization including services to specific populations such as African Americans, Hispanics, distance learning populations and extension services, undergraduates, and disabled students.
SOME FACTORS EFFECTING SPERMATOKINESIS IN THE TESTES OF THE HOUSE SPARROW (PASSER DOMESTICUS)

This investigation is intended to amplify some of the physical changes at the terminal sequence of spermatogenic activity in the testes of the male house sparrow (Passer domesticus): (1) by demonstrating spermatokinesis in excised testes in vitro in hypotonic solutions; (2) by demonstrating spermatokinesis in testes in vivo following injections of chorionic gonadotropins and epinephrine; and (3) by correlating spermatokinesis and cellular reactions immediately subsequent to hormone injections or in vitro treatments of testes with other histologic changes and measurements of testicular volume. All excised, fixed testes were dehydrated through an ethyl alcohol-xylene series, imbedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 microns, stained with Harris hemotoxylin and eosin, and mounted in piccolyte. Testes fixed immediately and testes in Ringer's solution did not increase in volume and did not emit sperm. Testes in distilled water increased in volume and emitted sperm. Following unilateral castration, in situ sparrow t...
Rates of Malignancy Associated with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Its Treatment

Objective To determine the relative rates of incident malignancy among children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with respect to treatment as compared to children without JIA. Methods Using national Medicaid data from 2000 through 2005, we identified cohorts of children with JIA and without JIA according to the diagnosis codes used by their physicians and the medication prescriptions that were dispensed. Study followup began after a 6-month lag period to exclude prevalent and misdiagnosed malignancies. Treatment with methotrexate (MTX) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors was categorized as ever exposed or never exposed. Malignancy outcomes were identified using an adapted version of a previously validated algorithm. Incident malignancies were categorized as possible, probable, or highly probable based on a comprehensive review of all claims. Malignancy rates were standardized to the age, sex, and race distribution of the overall JIA cohort. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated using children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (n = 321,821) (one of two comparator groups included) as the referent group. Results The JIA cohort included 7,812 children with a total followup time of 12,614 person-years; 1,484 of these children contributed 2,922 person-years of TNF inhibitor exposure. For all children with JIA versus children without JIA, the SIR was 4.4 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.8–9.0) for probable and highly probable malignancies. For those taking MTX without TNF inhibitor use, the SIR was 3.9 (95% CI 0.4–14). Following any use of TNF inhibitors, no probable or highly probable malignancies were identified (SIR 0 [95% CI 0–9.7]). Conclusion Children with JIA appeared to have an increased rate of incident malignancy compared to children without JIA. The treatment for JIA, including TNF inhibitors, did not appear to be significantly associated with the development of malignancy.
Rates of Complications and Mortality in Older Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: The Diabetes and Aging Study

Importance In the coming decades, the population of older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus is expected to grow substantially. Understanding the clinical course of diabetes in this population is critical for establishing evidence-based clinical practice recommendations, identifying research priorities, allocating resources, and setting health care policies. Objective To contrast the rates of diabetes complications and mortality across age and diabetes duration categories. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study (2004-2010) included 72 310 older (≥60 years) patients with type 2 diabetes enrolled in a large, integrated health care delivery system. Incidence densities (events per 1000 person-years) were calculated for each age category (60-69, 70-79, and ≥80 years) and duration of diabetes (shorter [0-9 years] vs longer [≥10 years]). Main Outcomes and Measures Incident acute hyperglycemic events, acute hypoglycemic events (hypoglycemia), microvascular complications (end-stage renal disease, peripheral vascular disease, lower limb amputation, and diabetic eye disease), cardiovascular complications (coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and congestive heart failure), and all-cause mortality. Results Among older adults with diabetes of short duration, cardiovascular complications followed by hypoglycemia were the most common nonfatal complications. For example, among individuals aged 70 to79 years with a short duration of diabetes, coronary artery disease and hypoglycemia rates were higher (11.47 per 1000 person-years and 5.03 per 1000 person-years, respectively) compared with end-stage renal disease (2.60 per 1000 person-years), lower limb amputation (1.28 per 1000 person-years), and acute hyperglycemic events (0.82 per 1000 person-years). We observed a similar pattern among patients in the same age group with a long duration of diabetes, with some of the highest incidence rates in coronary artery disease and hypoglycemia (18.98 per 1000 person-years and 15.88 per 1000 person-years, respectively) compared with end-stage renal disease (7.64 per 1000 person-years), lower limb amputation (4.26 per 1000 person-years), and acute hyperglycemic events (1.76 per 1000 person-years). For a given age group, the rates of each outcome, particularly hypoglycemia and microvascular complications, increased dramatically with longer duration of the disease. However, for a given duration of diabetes, rates of hypoglycemia, cardiovascular complications, and mortality increased steeply with advancing age, and rates of microvascular complications remained stable or declined. Conclusions and Relevance Duration of diabetes and advancing age independently predict diabetes morbidity and mortality rates. As long-term survivorship with diabetes increases and as the population ages, more research and public health efforts to reduce hypoglycemia will be needed to complement ongoing efforts to reduce cardiovascular and microvascular complications.
Effect of asperity damage on shear behavior of single fracture

Experimental studies have shown that fractures often exhibit shear resistance softening and dilatation under shearing loads. From a mechanistic viewpoint, these phenomena are a consequence of the fracture surface roughness and the material mechanical properties. Consequently, this paper utilizes a micromechanical model of fractures that explicitly considers asperity interactions on fracture surfaces. Elastic deformations and inelastic frictional sliding are considered at inclined asperity contacts. A modified spherical harmonic expansion is used to model the orientation distribution of asperity contacts. Evolution laws for asperity heights and asperity contact orientations are introduced to account for the change in surface roughness resulting from asperity damage under shear. Results obtained from the model show that the asperity contact orientation evolution law is essential for correctly modeling the softening and dilatation behavior of fractures. The model results are compared with experimental data culled from the literature.
Mammographic and sonographic findings in metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the breast.

Physical examination revealed palpable subcutaneous lesions in the upper outer quadrant and periareolar region of the right breast and on the patient’s back. which were thought to be sebaceous cysts. The mammogram revealed overlying skin thickening and fine spicules surrounding the 1.0- to 1.5-cm nodules (Fig. I A). Sonography showed heterogeneous. predominantly echogenic. subcutaneous nodules (Fig. I B). The right breast lesions. along with the nodule on the patient’s back. were excised. Histologic studies of all lesions showed metastatic TCC located in the subcutaneous fat of the breast (Fig. IC) and back that was morphologically similar to the primary urinary bladder tumor. The patient died 8 months later despite aggressive chemotherapy.
Isolation of rare cancer cells from blood cells using dielectrophoresis

In this study, we investigate the application of contactless dielectrophoresis (cDEP) for isolating cancer cells from blood cells. Devices with throughput of 0.2 mL/hr (equivalent to sorting 3×106 cells per minute) were used to trap breast cancer cells while allowing blood cells through. We have shown that this technique is able to isolate cancer cells in concentration as low as 1 cancer cell per 106 hematologic cells (equivalent to 1000 cancer cells in 1 mL of blood). We achieved 96% trapping of the cancer cells at 600 kHz and 300 V RMS .
An exploratory study of retirement for cause of gas turbine engine components

An exploratory study is made of a probabilistic retirement-for-cause (RFC) analysis methodology for gas turbine engine components. The initial fatigue quality is represented by both the statistical distributions of the initial flaw size and the time to crack initiation. Various statistical uncertainties in the entire RFC system, such as nondestructive evaluations, crack growth damage accumulations, etc., have been taken into account. A cost/risk optimization analysis has been formulated to determine the optimal inspection interval and the corresponding life-cycle-cost savings. It is shown that the scheduled inspection maintenance can be used to improve the reliability of gas turbine engine components significantly, and that the application of retirement for cause life management may result in a substantial life-cycle-cost saving. Practical examples are given to demonstrate the application of the proposed methodology.
Mn-modified Bi2Ti2O7 photocatalysts: bandgap engineered multifunctional photocatalysts for hydrogen generation

In this study, a hydrogen generation photocatalyst based on bismuth titanate (Bi2Ti2O7 - BTO) modified with manganese (Mn) has been developed. Mn of varying weight percent was added to construct a modified BTO catalyst (Mn_BTO), in order to enhance the opto-electronic and photocatalytic hydrogen generation capabilities of the pristine BTO. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the photocatalysts were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-visible spectrophotometry. The XRD, SEM, and TEM analyses indicate the formation of the pyrochlore BTO phase with particles of dimensions 30 ± 10 nm. The UV-visible study revealed a reduction in the bandgap of Mn_BTO and enhanced absorption in the visible range, compared to the pristine BTO. The catalyst was optimized for maximum hydrogen generation from a water-methanol (sacrificial electron donor) system in a slurry reactor. The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution studies indicate that the Mn_BTO with up to 1 wt% Mn facilitates an optimal 140% increase in the hydrogen yield. The role of formic acid and formaldehyde as additives in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution has also been examined. The effect of Mn content, mechanistic overview, and reusability of the catalyst are discussed.
Effects of intra- and intermolecular crosslinking on the free radical reactions of bovine hemoglobins.

Abstract Chemical modifications of human or bovine hemoglobins are designed to produce proteins that can act as oxygen-carrying blood substitutes. Concerns about the redox reactivity of cell-free hemoglobin and its contribution to tissue-damaging oxygen free radicals has not been fully established. We determined that bovine hemoglobins intra- or intermolecularly crosslinked differ in their ability to generate or interact with reactive oxygen species. These differences do not correlate with their oxygen affinities. We compared HbBv-FMDA, produced by the reaction of bovine hemoglobin with fumaryl-monodiaspirin and Poly HbBv, a glutaraldehyde polymerized bovine hemoglobin, with unmodified bovine hemoglobin (HbBv). Superoxide radicals are produced during the spontaneous oxidation of hemoglobin. Relative to the other two proteins, Poly HbBv was found to be more susceptible to autoxidation. Spectral changes indicative of protein modification and ferrylhemoglobin formation during the enzymatic peroxidation of these hemoglobins differ qualitatively and occur at an increasing order, poly HbBv > HbBv > HbBv-FMDA. The proteins also differ in the rate of hemoglobin catalyzed NADPH oxidation and aniline hydroxylation, reactions mediated by reactive oxygen species. Taken together, our results and those reported previously on modified human hemoglobins, suggest that redox and oxygen-carrying functions of hemoglobin can be experimentally manipulated as independently selectable parameters that may ultimately aid in the design of a safer reperfusion agent.
Epidemiology of gastroschisis in metropolitan Atlanta, 1968 through 2000.

BACKGROUND An increase in the rate of gastroschisis has been documented by birth defects surveillance systems in the United States and in other countries. This study sought to evaluate historical trends in the rate of gastroschisis in Atlanta, Georgia, and to describe the epidemiology of gastroschisis over 33 years. METHODS Gastroschisis cases were identified through the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) from 1968 through 2000. Poisson regression techniques were used to evaluate trends over time. Data on covariates were compared for three maternal age groups (≤19, 20–24, and ≥25 years). RESULTS From 1968 through 1975, the rate of gastroschisis was stable at 0.8 per 10,000 births. After 1975, the rate of gastroschisis was 2.3 per 10,000 births with no significant increase observed from 1976 through 2000. The rate of gastroschisis was six times higher among teenage mothers compared with mothers ≥25 years of age. Affected infants born to teenage mothers were less likely to be born to Black mothers compared to White mothers (rate ratio [RR], 0.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2–0.6). This was also true for mothers 20–24 years of age (RR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3–0.8) but not for mothers 25 years of age or older (RR, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.9–2.7). CONCLUSIONS An increase in the rate of gastroschisis was observed in the mid-1970s, but no temporal trend has been observed since that time. In light of recent reports of an increasing prevalence of gastroschisis in the United States, continued monitoring of this birth defect is warranted. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. Published 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Capital Budgeting in West European Companies

Introduction Since 1951, the subject of capital budgeting has become deeply entrenched in the literature of financial management. Since Joel Dean's pioneering text (1951) many articles and books devoted to theoretical conceptualisation and empirical research have been published. In general, along with the growth in the literature of capital budgeting, it appears that usage of more sophisticated capital budgeting techniques has increased. Discounted cash flow (DCF) techniques, in particular, seem to be used more and more by large companies especially. This observation might be expected in view of the increasing sophistication in managerial analysis, computers, application of management science and quantitative methods, and the increasing complexity of worldwide business operations in general. Business firms in the US, Europe, and elsewhere, continue to search for those analytical techniques which will lead to an increase in shareholder wealth or maximum profits.
Enabling intelligent unmanned vehicles through XMOS Technology

In this paper we describe a new design for intelligent unmanned vehicles using the XMOS processor and related technology. The current unmanned system design paradigm generally uses widely available microcontroller platforms such as PIC from Microchip, ARM microcontrollers, x86 architectures, among others. These technologies have pros and cons, but one common disadvantage is the complexity of handling multiple I/O streams while simultaneously engaging in complex computational tasks required for intelligent behavior. The conventional approach combines several types of microprocessors together to achieve simultaneous processing at different levels, a design choice that increases the overall complexity of the system by requiring glue logic and more off-chip communication. The proposed platform overcomes this limitation by unifying the high-level processing with the low-level, real-time control required for vehicle control using the XMOS technology, a new event-driven parallel processor for embedded systems. I...
The determinants of household vacation travel: some empirical evidence

(1981). The determinants of household vacation travel: some empirical evidence. Applied Economics: Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 225-234.
Planned Axial Reorientation Investigation on Sloshsat

This paper details the design and logic of an experimental investigation to study axial reorientation in low gravity. The Sloshsat free-flyer is described. The planned axial reorientation experiments and test matrixes are presented. Existing analytical tools are discussed. Estimates for settling range from 64 to 1127 seconds. The planned experiments are modelled using computational fluid dynamics. These models show promise in reducing settling estimates and demonstrate the ability of pulsed high thrust settling to emulate lower thrust continuous firing.
The identification of bacteria associated with periodontal disease and dental caries by enzymatic methods

This brief review describes the potential usefulness of enzymatic reagents for the diagnosis of dental caries and periodontal disease. The cultural tests for salivary S. mutans levels should soon become commercially available in the U.S. and their success may preclude the immediate development of enzymatic diagnostic reagents for this group of organisms. However, in regards to periodontal disease, these enzyme reagents offer great promise, particularly those which measure the trypsin-like activity of plaque. The BANA hydrolytic activity of plaque, while not due exclusively to the spirochetes, nevertheless seems to reflect the spirochetal load of the plaque. Of even greater interest is the possibility that this and other enzymes can also be measured in the saliva. This would lend itself to routine screening for these enzymes in the saliva.
The Demand for Import Services at US Container Ports

As global trade increases the interdependence of major world economies, the leading container ports of the United States are growing in importance as gateways from overseas production to domestic consumption markets. With this increased economic importance comes increased dependence of domestic and foreign economies on port practices and procedures, policy actions governing ports, and disasters (natural and otherwise) affecting port operations. Port practices, policy actions and events can affect the time it takes a ship to be serviced at a port, the price of using a port and interject schedule uncertainty at a port. These factors, in turn, affect cargo routers’ choice of port, and the economic benefit (welfare) they receive from their chosen port. In this paper, we estimate a nested logit model, using over 470 000 import shipment routing choices to determine how cost, time and schedule reliability at the top 10 US ports affect cargo routers’ port choices. From the estimated demand function, we calculate demand elasticities for actions and events affecting all ports, as well as each port individually, and ‘willingness to pay’ welfare measures to avoid increases in cost or time and decreases in reliability at top ports.
Spirituality in the Workplace: Theory and Measurement:

To integrate existing literature on spirituality in different disciplines and move it forward, the authors propose a new theoretical conceptualization of spirituality, based on which they develop a new scale of spirituality. Using structural equation modeling, the authors conduct confirmatory factor analysis on survey data collected from 2,230 individuals to test and cross-validate the spirituality scale. The authors find the construct of spirituality is best captured by three correlated, yet distinct, factors: interconnection with a higher power, interconnection with human beings, and interconnection with nature and all living things. Results show that the spirituality scale demonstrates content validity, face validity, discriminant validity, convergent validity, and structural reliability. In addition, the authors theoretically argue and empirically validate that the notion of spirituality incorporates and transcends religiousness.
Huntingtin forms toxic NH2-terminal fragment complexes that are promoted by the age-dependent decrease in proteasome activity

Although NH2-terminal mutant huntingtin (htt) fragments cause neurological disorders in Huntington's disease (HD), it is unclear how toxic htt fragments are generated and contribute to the disease process. Here, we report that complex NH2-terminal mutant htt fragments smaller than the first 508 amino acids were generated in htt-transfected cells and HD knockin mouse brains. These fragments constituted neuronal nuclear inclusions and appeared before neurological symptoms. The accumulation and aggregation of these htt fragments were associated with an age-dependent decrease in proteasome activity and were promoted by inhibition of proteasome activity. These results suggest that decreased proteasome activity contributes to late onset htt toxicity and that restoring the ability to remove NH2-terminal fragments will provide a more effective therapy for HD than inhibiting their production.
The Coagulation Cascade in Cirrhosis

The coagulation "cascade" model accurately represents the mechanisms of the prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time tests. However, these tests and the "cascade" model do not accurately reflect the risk of hemorrhage or thrombosis in vivo. In hepatic insufficiency, a balanced reduction in the levels of most of pro- and anticoagulant proteins produced in the liver does not impair thrombin generation until levels are quite low. However, the ability of the coagulation system to tolerate or recover from an insult is markedly impaired in liver disease. This allows the coagulation system to be more easily tipped into a state favoring either hemorrhage or thrombosis.
Analysis of cybrids harboring MELAS mutations in the mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) gene

MELAS (mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episodes), a maternally inherited mitochondrial disorder, has been associated with an A → G transition at nucleotide 3243 and a T → C transition at nucleotide 3271, both in the mitochondrial tRNA Leu(UUR) gene. We transferred mitochondria harboring these mutations into human cells lacking endogenous mtDNA (p 0 cells), and analyzed the resulting transmitochondrial cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) cell lines for the relationship of genotype to phenotype. Cybrids containing high levels of mutated genomes showed decreased rates of synthesis of mitochondrial translation products, reduced respiratory chain function, and increased amounts of a novel unprocessed RNA species (RNA 19). Overall effects on mitochondrial functions were more severe for the MELAS 3243 cybrids as compared to the MELAS 3271 cybrids. These data, combined with our previous observations, suggest that RNA 19 may play an important, but as yet uncharacterized, role in the pathogenesis of this mitochondrial disorder.
Animal Models of Orthopedic Implant Infection

Prosthetic infection following total joint replacement can have catastrophic results both physically and psychologically for patients, leading to complete failure of the arthroplasty, possible amputation, prolonged hospitalization, and even death. Although with the use of prophylactic antibiotics and greatly improved operating room techniques the infection rate has decreased markedly during the years, challenges still remain for better preventive and therapeutic measures. In this review the in vivo experimental methods for studies of prosthetic infection are discussed, concentrating on (1) the animal models that have been established and the use of these animal models for studies of pathogenesis of bacteria, behavior of biofilm, effect of biomaterials on prosthetic infection rate, and the effect of infection on biomaterial surfaces, and (2) how to design and conduct an animal model of orthopedic prosthetic infection including animal selection, implant fabrication, bacterial inoculation, surgical technique...
Rumor centrality: a universal source detector

We consider the problem of detecting the source of a rumor (information diffusion) in a network based on observations about which set of nodes possess the rumor. In a recent work [10], this question was introduced and studied. The authors proposed rumor centrality as an estimator for detecting the source. They establish it to be the maximum likelihood estimator with respect to the popular Susceptible Infected (SI) model with exponential spreading time for regular trees. They showed that as the size of infected graph increases, for a line (2-regular tree) graph, the probability of source detection goes to 0 while for d-regular trees with d ≥ 3 the probability of detection, say αd, remains bounded away from 0 and is less than 1/2. Their results, however stop short of providing insights for the heterogeneous setting such as irregular trees or the SI model with non-exponential spreading times.This paper overcomes this limitation and establishes the effectiveness of rumor centrality for source detection for generic random trees and the SI model with a generic spreading time distribution. The key result is an interesting connection between a multi-type continuous time branching process (an equivalent representation of a generalized Polya's urn, cf. [1]) and the effectiveness of rumor centrality. Through this, it is possible to quantify the detection probability precisely. As a consequence, we recover all the results of [10] as a special case and more importantly, we obtain a variety of results establishing the universality of rumor centrality in the context of tree-like graphs and the SI model with a generic spreading time distribution.
Decomposition of BCNU (1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea) in aqueous solution.

Abstract BCNU, labelled with 14 C in the chloroethyl groups, decomposes in neutral aqueous solution to release half of its radioactivity as volatile products. These have been identified by a combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry as vinyl chloride, acetaldehyde, dichloroethane, and chloroethanol. This set of products is consistent with the existence of chloroethylcarbonium ions as reactive intermediates which would produce the previously described substituted nucleotides.
Comparison of lidar calibration at 1064-nm channel using the water- phase and cirrus clouds

Lidar calibration at the 1064-nm channel is explored by using the low-level water-phase cloud and high cirrus cloud. Based on a known constant of lidar ratio in the optically thick water cloud, the lidar calibration constant is estimated by integrating lidar returns in the cloud. By using wavelength independence of cirrus cloud backscatter, the lidar constant is analyzed with the two-wavelength signals ratio at 532-nm and 1064-nm after correcting aerosol transmittance from sunphotometer measurement. Calibration constants by these two separate methods are compared on the same day and show consistency with the relative difference of less than 30% in general. We further verify the calibration constant by regressing lidar signals with calibrated ceilometer data in the low planetary boundary layer (PBL). Moreover, the calibration result is tested by applying it to estimate aerosol backscatter at 1064-nm and Angstrom exponent. In the end, normalized daily averages of lidar constants over two-month period are presented.
A note on two-phonon coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering

LBL-1071 Preprint Submitted to the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy A NOTE ON TWO-PHONON COHERENT ANTISTOKES RAMAN SCATTERING Y. R. Shen April 1980 TWO-WEEK LOAN PY This Is a Library Circulating Copy which may be borrowed For a personal weeks. copy, call 1 nfo. Division, Ext. 6782. l' Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract W-7405-ENG-48