cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metal-organic frameworks: A porous maze

Observing the diffusion of guest molecules in large single crystals of a metal-organic framework reveals surprising insights into the blockage of the channels at the material's surface and the role of defects within its bulk.
The lower ionosphere of Venus

Galactic cosmic ray bombardment provides a permanent background ionosphere in planetary atmospheres. A transport technique is used to compute the cosmic ray ionization rate profile in a model of the Venusian atmosphere at altitudes between 55 and 100 km. These ionization rates are then applied to a model of ion chemistry to predict equilibrium electron and ion density profiles. Ionization rates for typical solar flare proton events are available from earlier calculations and have been included.
New mechanisms of action and signaling by TNF-α

TNF-α is a key pathogenic factor in inflammatory arthritis. Rapid and transient signaling and functional responses of cells to TNF-α, such as activation of NF-γB and MAPKs, are well known. These signaling mechanisms are widely assumed to be functional in cells chronically exposed to TNF-α and to mediate the pathogenic effects of TNF-α in chronic inflammation. We investigated the responses of primary macrophages to TNF-α over the course of several days and compared patterns of signaling and gene expression to RA synovial macrophages. The acute inflammatory response to TNF-α subsided after several hours and was followed by an IFN response characterized by sustained expression of STAT1 and downstream target genes. TNF-α-mediated induction of an IFN response was mediated by IFN-β and was sensitive to inhibition by Jak inhibitors. Concomitantly TNF-α induced a state of macrophage resistance to the homeostatic cytokines IL-10 and IL-27. Microarray analysis demonstrated that sustained TNF-α signaling induced expression of novel genes not appreciated to be 'TNF-inducible', but are highly expressed in RA synovial macrophages. Induction of an IFN response and abrogation of homeostatic cytokine signaling was also observed in RA synovial macrophages and likely contributes to the pathogenic actions of TNF-α during arthritis. Subsequently and surprisingly, TNF-α induced a tolerant state in macrophages, with diminished cytokine production on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge and protection from LPS-induced lethality. TNF-α-induced cross-tolerization was mediated by coordinate action of two inhibitory mechanisms, suppression of LPS-induced signaling and chromatin remodeling. Mechanistically, TNF-α-induced cross-tolerance was distinguished from TLR-induced tolerance by strong dependence on the nuclear kinase GSK3, which suppressed chromatin accessibility and promoted rapid termination of NF-γB signaling by augmenting negative feedback by A20 and IγBα. These results reveal an unexpected homeostatic function of TNF-α and provide a GSK3-mediated mechanism for preventing prolonged and excessive inflammation. This homeostatic mechanism may be compromised during RA synovitis, possibly by hypomorphic alleles of TNFAIP3 (encodes A20) or by cytokines that suppress A20 expression or antagonize its function. These data suggest that augmenting homeostatic functions and signals and thereby rebalancing the pro- versus anti-inflammatory profile of TNF-α may represent an efficacious alternative therapeutic approach to suppress chronic inflammation. Overall, the data reveal novel signals and functions of TNF-α and that are likely operative during chronic inflammation and RA synovitis. Targeted inhibition of these non-traditional functional components of the TNF-α response may be efficacious in alleviating chronic inflammation while preserving acute TNF-α responses and host defense against infections.
Resuscitation and Critical Care of Neonatal Calves

Neonatal morbidity and mortality are major economic concerns in both beef and dairy cattle in the United States. In both beef and dairy most calf death occurs in the early neonatal period, particularly in calves born following dystocia. This article focuses on the resuscitation of calves after delivery and highlights some therapeutic points for the care of critical calves.
The G4 genome.

Recent experiments provide fascinating examples of how G4 DNA and G4 RNA structures—aka quadruplexes—may contribute to normal biology and to genomic pathologies. Quadruplexes are transient and therefore difficult to identify directly in living cells, which initially caused skepticism regarding not only their biological relevance but even their existence. There is now compelling evidence for functions of some G4 motifs and the corresponding quadruplexes in essential processes, including initiation of DNA replication, telomere maintenance, regulated recombination in immune evasion and the immune response, control of gene expression, and genetic and epigenetic instability. Recognition and resolution of quadruplex structures is therefore an essential component of genome biology. We propose that G4 motifs and structures that participate in key processes compose the G4 genome, analogous to the transcriptome, proteome, or metabolome. This is a new view of the genome, which sees DNA as not only a simple alphabet but also a more complex geography. The challenge for the future is to systematically identify the G4 motifs that form quadruplexes in living cells and the features that confer on specific G4 motifs the ability to function as structural elements.
Interaction between ischemia/reperfusion-induced leukocyte emigration and translocating bacterial enterotoxins on enteric muscle function

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced by syngeneic transplantation or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) clamping results in a massive emigration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into the graft intestinal muscularis by the end of the first postoperative day. This infiltration is accompanied by a dramatic decrease in intestinal smooth muscle and enteric neural function in both models. We hypothesize that this influx of leukocytes functions as an inflammatory “mine field” which interacts with translocating bacterial enterotoxins, and that activation of these leukocytes results in a further aggravation of the transplantation-induced injury. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that mRNA expression of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor CD-14 is markedly increased within the syngeneic transplanted intestine on POD 6. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction between the emigrated muscularis leukocytes and bacterial endotoxin (LPS) in an SMA clamped model.
Shape of the Moon from the Orbiter Determination of its Gravitational Field

AN analysis of the perturbations of the American Orbiter 1, revolving since August 14 in a 200 min orbit close to the Moon, has led to a satisfactory determination of the principal characteristics of the lunar gravitational field1, and it is of interest to compare these with previous predictions based on plausible physical assumptions. In a previous investigation2 one of us predicted the coefficients of a harmonic expansion of the lunar gravitational potential on the assumption that the mass of the Moon is distributed homogeneously. The volume of the Moon is defined by a surface obtained from the hypsometric data of the Aeronautical Chart and Information Centre of the U.S. Air Force3. We believe these data to be the best available at the present time, because the use of high-resolution sequential photographs from Pic du Midi enabled the ACIC investigators to minimize the atmospheric effects, which are the principal source of errors.
Characterization of near-surface sediments based on Electrical Resistivity Tomography measurements in the vicinity of the Wawel Hill (Krakow, Poland)

The Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) method in the south western part of the foot of the Wawel Hill was applied. The survey was carried out along five survey lines (P1 – P5), 50 m long each. The Wenner alpha array with spacing a = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 4.0, 5.5, 7.5, 10.0 m was used. The basic electrode spacing was 0.5 m. In apparent resistivity contours and sections we can distinguish two zones, which have noticeably different resistivity values. The low resistivity zone dominates in the deeper part of the section on all survey lines, especially on the profiles located in the close neighbourhood of the Vistula river. The relative high resistivity zone is probably the effect of complex local geology, as well as the influence of the calcareous Hill. Based on ERT inversion results, three resistivity zones were distinguished. Then the probable lithological or/and anthropogenical character was assigned to them. The shallowest zone has the thickness of about 0.5 m. From the geological point of view these are probably zones of accumulation of weathered limestone fragments from the Wawel Hill. It may be that high resistivity zones have anthropogenic character. Deeper, the zone of water Bearing sands was indicated. It might be also the effect of redevelopment and reclamation of this area. Their thickness grows forwards the Vistula river. On survey lines P4 and P5 another zone, which can be identified with limestone, was identified. It could also be the progeny of accumulation of the calcareous debris for effect to flatten this area. In order to generalize and simplify the characterization of the quaternary sediments, 1D interpretation was made. The method allows us to estimate the depth of groundwater, which in that place is about 5 m.
D-xylose transport in the chicken small intestine.

Abstract 1. 1. d -Xylose enters rings of chicken small intestine, in vitro , significantly faster and to a greater extent than its epimer at carbon-2, d -lyxose. Final distribution of lyxose is indistinguishable from the extracellular space. 2. 2. Xylose, but not lyxose entry exhibits saturation kinetics. 3. 3. Xylose, but not lyxose entry is blocked by phlorizin, a specific inhibitor of sugar active transport. 4. 4. Na + is required for xylose, but not for lyxose entry. The Na + gradient, medium/tissue, determines the direction of net xylose movement into or out of the tissues. 5. 5. Xylose accumulation against the gradient has not been demonstrated, but a portion of the entry mechanism for xylose is sensitive to dinitrophenol inhibition. 6. 6. In accord with the mobile-carrier concept, xylose countertransport (substrate-induced counterflow) can be demonstrated using actively transported sugars and analogs as elicitors. 7. 7. It is concluded that xylose transport in the chicken small intestine occurs through a Na + -dependent mobile carrier mechanism similar to that operating in mammals.
Testing the Robustness of the New Haseman-Elston Quantitative-Trait Loci–Mapping Procedure

Variance components (VC) techniques have emerged as among the more powerful methods for detection of quantitative-trait loci (QTL) in linkage analysis. Allison et al. found that, with particularly marked leptokurtosis in the phenotypic distribution and moderate-to-high residual sibling correlation, maximum likelihood (ML) VC methods may produce a severe excess of type I errors. The new Haseman-Elston (NHE) method is a least-squares–based VC method for mapping of QTL in sib pairs (Elston et al.). Using simulation, we investigate the robustness of the NHE to marked nonnormality, by means of the same distributions and worst-case conditions identified by Allison et al. for the ML approach (i.e., 100 pairs; high residual sibling correlation). Results showed that, when marked nonnormality is present, the NHE can be used without severe type I error–rate inflation, even at very small alpha levels.
A survey of fall prevention knowledge and practice patterns in home health physical therapists.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Falls are a common problem for older adults, often resulting in injury, fear of falling, and decreased quality of life. Fall risk can be decreased by modifying risk factors. Because many of the modifiable risk factors involve physical function, physical therapists play a key role in both risk factor assessment and intervention. The purpose of this study was to determine home health physical therapists' (1) knowledge of fall risk factors and interventions, and (2) practice patterns regarding assessment of fall risk. METHODS: A survey was developed and pilot tested for content validity and ease of use. Physical therapists working in home health were selected as participants because many of their patients are older adults at risk for falling. A list of home health agencies was obtained through the Alabama Department of Public Health website and agencies were contacted to determine the number of therapists working in each facility. One hundred and twenty three surveys were sent to 47 agencies. Forty seven surveys were returned for a response rate of 40%. RESULTS: Most home health physical therapists assess older adults for fall risk and provide interventions to decrease risk. However, slightly less than half of the surveyed therapists did not link interventions with specific risk factors. In addition, less than half of the therapists routinely refer patients to other health care providers to address fall risk factors. In order of importance, the highest ranked risk factors were environmental hazards, postural hypotension, and polypharmacy with muscle weakness the lowest ranked risk factor. Approximately 80% of the therapists listed balance training and strengthening exercises as interventions, whereas footwear and referral to other health professionals were listed only by 13% and 25% of the therapists, respectively. CONCLUSION: Home health physical therapists are knowledgeable concerning fall risk assessment and intervention strategies. However, these therapists are less likely to refer to other health care professionals to address fall risk. Language: en
Self-reported Pleasantness Ratings and Examiner-Coded Defensiveness in Response to Touch in Children with ASD: Effects of Stimulus Material and Bodily Location

Tactile defensiveness, characterized by behavioral hyperresponsiveness and negative emotional responses to touch, is a common manifestation of aberrant sensory processing in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD). Variations in tactile defensiveness with the properties of the stimulus and the bodily site of stimulation have been addressed in adults with self-report of perceived tactile pleasantness, but not in children. We presented three materials (pleasant, unpleasant, social) at three bodily sites and measured both examiner-coded defensiveness and self-reported pleasantness from a group of children with ASD and two comparison groups (one with DD, one with typical development (TD)). The main findings were: (1) children with ASD and DD showed significantly more defensiveness reactions and lower pleasantness ratings than the TD group, with higher variability, (2) there was a double dissociation for the effects of material and bodily site of stimulation: while bodily site predicted behavioral defensiveness, material predicted pleasantness rating. Additionally, it was noted that (3) the most pleasant material and the social touch conditions best distinguished ASD and DD from TD on defensiveness, and (4) within the ASD group, social impairment and defensiveness in bodily sites associated with social touch were positively correlated, suggesting a clinically relevant distinction between social and discriminative touch in ASD.
Thermodynamic parameters for the helix-coil transition of oligopeptides: molecular dynamics simulation with the peptide growth method

Abstract The helix-coil transition equilibrium of polypeptides in aqueous solution was studied by molecular dynamics simulation. The peptide growth simulation method was introduced to generate dynamic models of polypeptide chains in a statistical (random) coil or an alpha-helical conformation. The key element of this method is to build up a polypeptide chain during the course of a molecular transformation simulation, successively adding whole amino acid residues to the chain in a predefined conformation state (e.g., alpha-helical or statistical coil). Thus, oligopeptides of the same length and composition, but having different conformations, can be incrementally grown from a common precursor, and their relative conformational free energies can be calculated as the difference between the free energies for growing the individual peptides. This affords a straightforward calculation of the Zimm-Bragg sigma and s parameters for helix initiation and helix growth. The calculated sigma and s parameters for the polyalanine alpha-helix are in reasonable agreement with the experimental measurements. The peptide growth simulation method is an effective way to study quantitatively the thermodynamics of local protein folding.
Medullary regulation of visceral sympathetic nerve discharge at peak hyperthermia in aged F344 rats.

Abstract Heat stress provides a potent stimulus for the activation of visceral sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) in young but not aged rats. Central mechanisms mediating attenuated SND responses to heating in aged rats have not been investigated. Because the GABAergic system in the rostral ventral lateral medulla (RVLM) is tonically inhibitory to SND, it is plausible to hypothesize that the withdrawal of RVLM GABA tone as a strategy to activate renal SND to heating is not engaged to the same degree in aged compared with young rats. The effect of bilateral RVLM disinhibition produced by bicuculline (BIC, GABA A receptor antagonist, 100 pmol) microinjections on renal SND in anesthetized young (3–6 months old) and aged (22–24 months old) Fischer 344 rats was determined after core body temperature (Tc) had been increased to 41.5 °C. Renal SND at 41.5 °C was significantly increased from control levels in young but not aged rats, whereas RVLM BIC microinjections at 41.5 °C produced marked renal sympathoexcitation in both groups. RVLM BIC microinjections at 38 °C in young and aged rats increased renal SND to similar levels as produced by RVLM BIC microinjections at 41.5 °C. The enhanced heating-induced renal sympathoactivation in young compared with aged rats; coupled with marked RVLM BIC-induced SND excitation under hyperthermic and normothermic conditions in both young and aged rats, suggests age-dependent changes in the withdrawal of RVLM GABA tone as a strategy to activate renal SND in response to acute heating.
A three-dimensional finite element arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian method for shock hydrodynamics on unstructured grids☆

Abstract We present a three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method for shock hydrodynamics on unstructured grids. The method is based on an FE Eulerian Godunov scheme for linear tetrahedra that has been extended to include mesh motion in an unsplit, flux-conservative formulation. The proposed method eliminates the splitting errors present in traditional Lagrange-plus-remap methods that occur during the remap phase. Unlike typical unsplit approaches, the mesh velocity is not determined by boundary motion but is instead based on the local fluid velocity. Smoothing operations are then applied to the mesh velocity to avoid mesh tangling. This approach allows the mesh to follow the fluid motion in a robust manner and leverage one of the primary advantages of Lagrangian schemes for shock hydrodynamics, namely that the resolution follows the flow. An approximate Riemann solver is used to calculate fluxes in the co-moving frame of the mesh. Results for a number of standard test problems are presented for 3D meshes of up to 10 7 tetrahedra. Global convergence rates of 0.8 – 1.0 are observed for shock dominated flows and 1.9 for smooth flows. We also demonstrate that the method satisfies the discrete geometric conservation law to truncation error, conserves total energy to machine precision, and preserves symmetry.
Domain-wall interactions. I. General features and phase diagrams for spatially modulated phases

A general formalism is developed for analyzing physical systems exhibiting uniaxial, spatially modulated, high-order commensurate phases which can be regarded as composed of homogeneous domains separated by ``smooth,'' parallel domain walls. Experimental evidence for a variety of such phases is mentioned; they arise also in various discrete-variable models in dg2 spatial dimensions. The free energy may be exactly decomposed into a computationally useful form as a sum of domain-wall tensions, \ensuremath{\Sigma}, plus pair, triplet, and higher-order wall-wall interaction potentials ${W}_{n}$({${l}_{i}$}), which depend on the wall separations ${l}_{i}$, and on temperature, etc. The principal transitions between high-order modulated phases are determined by \ensuremath{\Sigma} and the nearest-neighbor pair interaction, ${W}_{2}$(l), alone: only simple periodic phases, having a uniform interwall separation, are stabilized by ${W}_{2}$(l); more complicated mixed phases, in which the wall separations alternate between two values in a regular pattern, are a consequence of further-neighbor or, in general, many-wall interactions which also determine the interfacial tensions between coexisting modulated phases. The general form of the ${W}_{n}$({${l}_{i}$}) at low temperature is elucidated and their explicit calculation by a transfer-matrix method for models with short-range couplings is outlined. A quasitricritical point, governed by the changing form of the wall pair interaction, is analyzed in detail.
Separation of the constituent nucleotides of nucleic acids on ion-exchange thin-layers.

In der vorliegenden Untersuchung wird gezeigt, dass die monomeren Bausteine von hochmolekularer Ribo- und Desoxyribonucleinsaure an Anionenaustausch-Dunnschichtplatten (PEI-Cellulose) getrennt werden konnen. Die Vorteile des neuen Trennverfahrens gegenuber bisher ublichen Methoden werden charakterisiert.
Bioassay for carcinogenicity of rotenone in female wistar rats

Rotenone, a pesticide extracted from the Derris root, consistently was reported by a series of investigators to have induced mammary fibroadenomas in female Wistar rats when administered ip or by gavage in a sunflower (SF) oil or SF oil:chloroform vehicle. In contrast, no less than eight bioassays done in other laboratories with rotenone or rotenone-containing powders have given consistently negative carcinogenic results when different strains or species and different modes or vehicles of administration have been used. However, these studies were not designed to address the biological reproducibility of the positive data. Thus, the present study was designed to simulate conditions of the positive studies and to investigate a possible cocarcinogenic interaction between rotenone and chloroform. Each of eight treatment groups was assigned 72 weanling female Wistar rats. Groups were (1) untreated, (2) needle puncture, (3) SF oil:10% chloroform (SF oil:chloroform), (4) 1.0 mg/kg rotenone in SF oil:chloroform, (5) 2.0 mg/kg rotenone in SF oil:chloroform, (6) SF oil, (7) 1.0 mg/kg rotenone in SF oil, and (8) 2.0 mg/kg rotenone in SF oil. Rats were injected ip 5 days a week for 8 weeks (42 injection days) and subsequently held for 16 months. The appearance of palpable tissue masses was recorded; over 50 tissues from each rat were histologically evaluated. There were no statistically significant differences in overall or individual tumor incidences among control and rotenone-treated groups. Specifically, neither incidence nor time-to-palpation of mammary fibroadenoma significantly differed among control and rotenone-treated groups, regardless of the vehicle of administration. Thus, rotenone was not carcinogenic, and rotenone and chloroform did not interact to produce a carcinogenic effect in female Wistar rats in the current study. Thus, previous reports of carcinogenic activity were not reproducible under similar experimental conditions.
A Large Memory Storage and Retrieval Neural Network for Adaptive Retrieval and Diagnosis

The neural network discussed in this paper is a self trained network for LArge Memory STorage And Retrieval (LAMSTAR) of information. It employs features such as forgetting, interpolation, extrapolation and filtering, to enhance processing and memory efficiency and to allow zooming in and out of memories. The network is based on modified SOM (Self-Organizing-Map) modules and on arrays of link-weight vectors to channel information vertically and horizontally throughout the network. Direct feedback and up/down counting serve to set these link weights as a higher-hierarchy performance evaluator element which also provides high level interrupts. Pseudo random modulation of the link weights prevents dogmatic network behavior. The input word is a coded vector of several sub-words (sub-vectors). These features facilitate very rapid intelligent retrieval and diagnosis of very large memories, that have properties of a self-adaptive expert system with continuously adjustable weights. The authors have applied the ne...
Global spatial relations in face representations shown in "ecological dyslexia" of Australian Aboriginals and in "Western" dyslexics.

Summmy.-Two culturally diverse populations, 297 Western European dyslexic youths and 269 Australian Aboriginal school children (80 to 90% of whom meet the operationally defined criteria for "dyslexia") contain a subgroup of similar proportions (35% and 3996, respectively) who on the Draw-A-Person test also show specific "neolithic face" misrepresentation characteristic of the pre-literate period of "neolithic art." By contrast only 8% and 495 respectively of 578 Western European eulexics and of 48 Australian European school children drew such specifically distorted face proportions. These findings suggest a subgroup of dyslexia who show a subtle spatial-relational dysfunction, interpreted as being primarily linked to Aboriginal school children's ecologically determined lack of practice of certain brain systems (particularly of the hippocampus). A difficulty in understanding dyslexia is related to its vast and vaguely defined diagnostic classification (Critchley, 1970). Herein an attempt will be made toward the delineation of a subgroup of dyslexia by using a spatial-relational test that is neither culture-bound nor dependent upon any form of standard education, the Draw-A-Person Test with the face from the front (Pontius, 1976, 1980, 1981, 1982). The delineation of such a subgroup of dyslexics (35% to 39%) is reported, in which the dyslexic or dyslexic-like populations-whether Australian Aboriginals or Western Europeans-show a subtle spatial-relational deficit in their pictorial representations of the face. This misrepresentation is easily measured (as described in Fig. 1) and consists of a distortion of the orientation and ratios of the human facial features, called "neolithic face." It was characteristic of the worldwide period of "neolithic art" (Schrnitz, 1969) (which lasted for instance in Europe up to four rnillenia ago), a pre-literate period by definition. Furthermore, this distortion of the facial pattern has also been detected (1) in the spontaneous sacred art ot contemporary people who still live prevailingly in a stone age culture in the Upper Sepik River area of New Guinea (Pontius, 1974) and (2) in diverse cultural groups and time periods. Further studies showed (Pontius, 1980, 1982) that the percentages of the officially reported illiteracy rates correspond closely to the percentages of these populations' "neolithic face" depiction: in New Guineans, Indonesians, South Americans and in colonial North American tombstone cutters who left engravings of faces. Further
Art and Chemistry: Designing a Study-Abroad Course.

Three related courses examining the connection between chemistry and art have been developed for study-abroad programs in Florence, Italy, by faculty members at Gonzaga University and Mount Saint Mary’s University. These courses are described with the intent of providing a general framework for the development of chemistry and art courses in other locations. Course descriptions, syllabi, relevant resources, and methods of evaluation for all three courses have been included in the online supporting information.
Public Access Defibrillators and Fire Extinguishers: Are Comparisons Reasonable?

Sudden cardiac death is a major cause of mortality in the United States of America (Circulation 2008;117:e25-146) with approximately 310000 deaths related to coronary heart disease occurring in emergency departments or in the prehospital environment annually. Several organizations have directed resources toward the treatment of sudden cardiac arrest through a paradigm that has come to be known as the “chain of survival”—prompt activation of emergency response by telephone 911, early bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, early defibrillation, and timely advanced cardiac life support (Circulation 1991;83:1832-1847). The ready availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) has been advocated as a key component of this chain. Some authors have suggested a “fire extinguisher model” for AED deployment (Circulation 1998;98:2334-2351; Resuscitation 1995;30:151-156; Ann Intern Med 2001;135:990-998). In this model, AEDs are prominently displayed in public places for use by laypersons, much like fire extinguishers. For example, in Chicago's O'Hare Airport, AEDs are placed alongside fire extinguishers in the public concourses (N Engl J Med 2002;347:1242-1247). Advocates of this model suggest that advancing this practice would be a means to widely disburse life-saving technology that is easy to use. Several experts have questioned this model, suggesting that the cost-effectiveness of distributing AEDs this widely would be prohibitive (BMJ 2002;325:515; Curr Opin Cardiol 2007;22:5-10; BMJ 2003;326:162; Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2007;23:362-367) and may not be more effective than more targeted distribution of AEDs. This literature review will examine the available data on both AEDs and fire extinguishers to determine if these comparisons are reasonable as a means of guiding public policy.
ENGINEERED HEAT-STRAIGHTENING REPAIRS: A CASE STUDY

The goal of this study was twofold: (1) To demonstrate that engineered heat straightening is a viable alternative for the repair of damaged steel bridge girders; and (2) to illustrate how the latest results of research and development can be implemented for heat-straightening repairs. The bridge chosen for repair crosses over I-10 in Louisiana, just east of Lake Charles. Working with personnel from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the bridge was repaired during August 1998. A fascia noncomposite beam had been impacted, and the bottom flange was displaced 0.43 m (17 in.). The repair was designed by the writers and implemented in conjunction with Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development personnel. Described in this paper are the design of the repair, including assessment of damage, selection of heating patterns, development of jacking restraint locations and magnitudes, and heating sequences; the step-by-step implementation; a cost comparison; and a discussion of lessons learned. It is concluded that heat straightening is an effective alternative for repairing damaged steel bridges, when implemented with proper engineering design.
Observation of the aggregation behavior of silica sols using laser speckle contrast measurements

We report on a new optical method to observe the onset of aggregation in alcoholic tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) sols using laser speckle contrast measurements. The contrast in a speckle image produced by coherent light provides information about the internal contrast of the medium being studied. For silica sols, changing the amount of acid or base catalyst was the most important factor in determining the aggregation behavior of the sol. We investigated this effect by varying the TEOS/base ratio by a factor of 6. This shifted the onset of aggregation as determined by speckle contrast from ∼46% of the gel time for the lowest amount of base to ∼74% for the highest. Conversely, varying TEOS/acid ratio by a factor of 3, shifted the onset of aggregation from ∼74% of the gel time for the lowest amount of acid to ∼64% for the highest. Measurements of this type provide information that can be used to test models of sol aggregation and gel formation.
An integrated systems framework for service vessel forecasting in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Throughout the world wherever oil and gas is discovered, a support industry will develop and evolve with the needs of industry and government regulation. In the Gulf of Mexico, a large variety of marine vessels transport goods and provide services to exploration, development and production activity, and play an important role in the economic and ecological impacts across communities. The spatial and temporal dynamics of the logistics network is complex and dynamic and closely related to the magnitude, duration, type, and sequence of offshore workflows and activities. The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodological framework to quantify the number of offshore supply vessel and crew boat departures by activity across the Gulf’s coastal regions in support of the oil and gas industry. The logistics network is modeled as a linear time-invariant deterministic system and implemented using an input-output model. We provide a methodological framework to quantify the magnitude and distribution of service vessel trips to forecast port activity. This is the first integrated modeling study on service vessel trips in the Gulf of Mexico and special attention is paid to the analytic framework, model assumptions, and limitations of the analysis. Generic examples illustrate the model implementation.
Effects of a pancreatic preparation (Viokase) in depancreatized cats.

SummaryA pancreatic preparation (Viokase) has been used to substitute for the external secretion in a series of depancreatized cats. It had no effect on fat absorption but diminished the bulk of the stools, probably by improving the digestion of protein. The improved digestion was accompanied by an increased requirement for insulin.
Functional interactions of dopamine cell groups reflect personality, sex, and social context in highly social finches

Dopamine (DA) is well known for its involvement in novelty-seeking, learning, and goal-oriented behaviors such as social behavior. However, little is known about how DA modulates social processes differentially in relation to sex and behavioral phenotype (e.g., personality). Importantly, the major DA cell groups (A8–A15) are conserved across all amniote vertebrates, and thus broadly relevant insights may be obtained through investigations of avian species such as zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), which express a human-like social organization based on biparental nuclear families that are embedded within larger social groups. We here build upon a previous study that quantified multidimensional personality structures in male and female zebra finches using principal components analysis (PCA) of extensive behavioral measures in social and nonsocial contexts. These complex dimensions of behavioral phenotype can be characterized as Social competence/dominance, Gregariousness, and Anxiety. Here we analyze Fos protein expression in DA neuronal populations in response to social novelty and demonstrate that the Fos content of multiple dopamine cell groups is significantly predicted by sex, personality, social context, and their interactions. In order to further investigate coordinated neuromodulation of behavior across multiple DA cell groups, we also conducted a PCA of neural variables (DA cell numbers and their phasic Fos responses) and show that behavioral PCs are associated with unique suites of neural PCs. These findings demonstrate that personality and sex are reflected in DA neuron activity and coordinated patterns of neuromodulation arising from multiple DA cell groups.
The interplay between structure-based design and combinatorial chemistry

The two most lauded drug design approaches from the past century — structure-based design and combinatorial chemistry — are increasingly experiencing integration, whereby the three-dimensional coordinates of a receptor supports the development of combinatorial-based ligand design. A selective polling of the recent literature demonstrates that this can be actualized in many ways.
An evaluation of interagency monitoring of protected visual environments (IMPROVE) collocated precision and uncertainty estimates

Abstract The Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) program is a cooperative measurement effort in the United States designed to characterize current visibility and aerosol conditions in scenic areas (primarily National Parks and Forests) and to identify chemical species and emission sources responsible for existing man-made visibility impairment. In 2003 and 2004, the IMPROVE network began operating collocated samplers at several sites to evaluate the precision of its aerosol measurements. This paper presents the precisions calculated from the collocated data according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency's guidelines Code of Federal Regulations [CFR, 1997 . Revised requirements for designation of reference and equivalent methods for PM 2.5 and ambient air quality surveillance for particulate matter: final rule, 1997. Code of Federal Regulations. Part IV: Environmental Protection Agency, vol. 40 CFR Parts 53 and 58, pp. 71–72. Available from 〈 http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t1/fr_notices/pm-mon.pdf 〉]. These values range from 4% for sulfate to 115% for the third elemental carbon fraction. Collocated precision tends to improve with increasing detection rates, is typically better when the analysis is performed on the whole filter instead of just a fraction of the filter, and is better for species that are predominantly in the smaller size fractions. The collocated precisions are also used to evaluate the accuracy of the uncertainty estimates that are routinely reported with the concentrations. For most species, the collocated precisions are worse than the precisions predicted by the reported uncertainties. These discrepancies suggest that some sources of uncertainty are not accounted for or have been underestimated.
Spatial and temporal properties of light adaptation in the rod system

Little is known about the mechanism that regulates the sensitivity of rod system at its normal operating light levels. Two experiments are reported in this paper. First, we searched for nonlinear distortion products in rod vision that could be generated from any local adaptation process, using a sensitive experimental procedure that has demonstrated local adaptation in cone vision. No local adaptation was evident in the rod system, even at near saturating light levels. Second, to investigate the dynamics of light adaptation in the rod system we presented a uniform flickering background, sinusoidally modulated in time, and measured increment thresholds for brief test flashes that were superimposed on this background at different times during the sinusoidal flicker cycle. At frequencies less than 5‐6 Hz, the rod increment threshold follows the background modulation, with a slight phase advance. When the background is modulated faster than 5‐6 Hz, the increment threshold remains the same regardless of when the test flash occurred during the background cycle. Thus the rod system sensitivity, unlike that of the cone system, can only change slowly, and is set by a space-integrated signal rather than independently for different rods. © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Aldosterone-Induced Fibrosis in the Kidney: Questions and Controversies

Over the years, aldosterone has been a favorite topic of renal physiologists given its role in the maintenance of body fluids. Investigators only recently are coming to appreciate a second proinflammatory and profibrotic role for this hormone. Mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone trigger a profibrotic process that in many respects mimics the early phase of wound healing. Depending on the type of cell involved, aldosterone may activate the profibrotic process through classic mineralocorticoid receptors, nonclassic membrane-associated mineralocorticoid receptors, and/or glucocorticoid receptors. In the kidney, the actions of aldosterone can be attenuated by 11-dehydro metabolites of endogenous glucocorticoids generated by isoforms of the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD-1 and 11β-HSD-2). Thus, the renal 11β-HSD isoforms may have 2 functions: to block the improper activation of mineralocorticoid receptors by binding endogenous glucocorticoids and to synthesize agents that limit the actions of aldosterone. Although sodium in the diet has been implicated in aggravating aldosterone-induced renal fibrotic processes, preliminary findings are consistent with the view that aldosterone alone can initiate matrix production in renal tissue even in the absence of active sodium transport. Thus, there is a growing body of laboratory and clinical evidence supporting the use of inhibitors of aldosterone action in patients with both glomerular and tubular diseases.
Up-regulation of GABAA receptor binding on neurons of the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenic subjects

Recent investigations have reported a reduced density of interneurons and an increase of GABAA receptor binding occurring preferentially in layer II of the anterior cingulate cortex of schizophrenic subjects [Benes F.M. et al. (1992) J. Neurosci. 12, 924-929]. Since a reduction in the density of interneurons has also been found in layer II of the prefrontal cortex, this study has sought to determine whether an un-regulation of the GABAA receptor binding activity might also be found in this region of schizophrenics. A high-resolution autoradiographic analysis of bicuculline-sensitive [3H]muscimol (GABAA) receptor binding on individual neuron cell bodies in layers II, III, IV and VI has been applied to Brodmann area 10 from normal controls (n = 16) and schizophrenic (n = 7) subjects. A computer-assisted technique has been used under strictly blind conditions to determine whether differences in binding occur in the schizophrenic group. A significant increase of GABAA receptor binding activity has been observed in layers II, III, V and VI in the schizophrenic group. When the binding is expressed as a density with respect to neuronal cell size, there is a gradient of binding across layers II, III, V and VI, with neuronal cell bodies in layer II having the greatest density of grains. When different subpopulations of neurons distinguished according to size criteria are examined separately, large (pyramidal) neurons show significantly higher binding, particularly in layer II, where it was increased by 90% in schizophrenics. Small (non-pyramidal) cells do not show significant differences in binding in schizophrenics, except in layer VI, where there was a 135% increase. Potential confounding effects from age and post mortem interval do not explain the differences between the two groups, because both young and old schizophrenics, as well as schizophrenics with long and short post mortem intervals, showed increased GABAA receptor binding activity when compared to control cases distinguished in a corresponding fashion. These data suggest that there may be a preferential reduction of inhibitory GABAergic inputs to pyramidal neurons, particularly in layer II of the preferential cortex, in schizophrenia. This change could potentially result in an increased excitatory outflow from the prefrontal area to other cortical regions of the schizophrenic brain. Overall, these results are consistent with the idea that reduced amounts of GABAergic activity in the prefrontal cortex could be related to a perinatal disturbance and could be a potentially important component of the pathophysiology of psychosis.
Theoretical implications of the biomechanical fracture threshold.

Because of the dichotomous nature of a bone fracture, when Φ, the ratio of the applied impact force to the bone strength, is greater than a critical value—the biomechanical fracture threshold—fracture should occur. We sought to elucidate the conceptual implications of this biomechanical fracture threshold with application to hip fracture. We used data from the PaTH study, a 2-yr clinical trial in postmenopausal women treated with alendronate, PTH, or their combination. Outcomes included the force applied to the hip in a sideways fall as estimated from subject height and weight; femoral strength as determined by QCT-based finite element analysis; the load-to-strength ratio Φ; and total hip areal BMD from DXA. Results indicated that those with “very low” femoral strength (<2000 N) invariably had load-to-strength ratio Φ values well above the theoretical biomechanical fracture threshold (Φ = 1), but those with “moderately low” femoral strength (2000–4000 N) displayed Φ values both above and below the theoretical biomechanical fracture threshold. This finding implies that the risk of a hip fracture can be high in those with only moderately low BMD because femoral strength can be low relative to fall impact forces. The observed weak correlation between areal BMD and the load-to-strength ratio Φ (r 2 = 0.14) suggests that consideration of the biomechanical fracture threshold may improve fracture risk assessment, particularly for those in the osteopenic range. Regarding treatment effects, only those subjects having load-to-strength ratio Φ values within a relatively narrow “transition zone” of ±20% of the assumed biomechanical fracture threshold at baseline were predicted to change fracture status during the trial. In theory, outcomes of fracture trials may be dominated by the responses of those within the “transition zone” at baseline, and treatment benefits in terms of fracture efficacy may depend the patient's baseline status with respect to the biomechanical fracture threshold. We conclude that consideration of the theoretical implications of the biomechanical fracture threshold may lead to new insights and advances in the assessment and treatment of osteoporosis.
Trunk and neck kinematics during overground manual wheelchair propulsion in persons with tetraplegia.

AbstractPurpose: To test the hypothesis that movement of the head and trunk increases as a consequence of speed during manual wheelchair propulsion over the ground in individuals with tetraplegia. Methods: Seven adult participants with tetraplegia who used manual wheelchairs (5 men and 2 women, aged 33.0 ± 10.2) were selected for the study. Participants propelled over the ground at three different speeds while video motion capture methods collected kinematic data. Variables investigated were forward flexion, lateral flexion and axial rotation for both the head and trunk. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to determine effects of speed on head and trunk movements. Results: Both neck and trunk forward flexion significantly increased as a result of speed (p = 0.034, p = 0.031), with a large effect size (r = 0.6, r = 0.6) between slow and fast speeds. Lateral flexion and axial rotation were minimal for the neck and trunk and did not significantly increase with speed. Conclusions: Results suggest that manual wh...
Modeling of surface reactions on carbonaceous atmospheric particles during a wood smoke episode in Houston, Texas

Abstract Observational data, collected during a wood smoke episode in Houston, Texas, indicated that wood smoke mediated sulfate formation reactions, not accounted for in most current photochemical models, may have led to 5–10 μg m −3 of sulfate formation. A 3-D photochemical grid model was used to examine these heterogeneous/surface sulfate formation reactions on wood smoke particles. In the photochemical model, wood-smoke mediated sulfate formation was modeled by calculating the rate of impingement of SO 2 molecules on the wood smoke particles, then assuming that a fraction of the impingements resulted in reaction. For reaction probabilities on the order of 0.01, the model predicted magnitudes, spatial distributions and temporal distributions of sulfate concentrations consistent with observations. Making the reaction probability dependent on oxidant availability did not change these overall findings. Observational data were not sufficiently detailed to be able to distinguish among the roles of different oxidants.