cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Binge Drinking, Other Substance Use, and Concurrent Use in the U.S., 2016-2018.

Introduction The use of multiple substances heightens the risk of overdose. Multiple substances, including alcohol, are commonly found among people who experience overdose-related mortality. However, the associations between alcohol use and the use of a range of other substances are often not assessed. Therefore, this study examines the associations between drinking patterns (e.g., binge drinking) and other substance use in the U.S., the concurrent use of alcohol and prescription drug misuse, and how other substance use varies by binge-drinking frequency. Methods Past 30–day alcohol and other substance use data from the 2016–2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were analyzed in 2020 among 169,486 U.S. respondents aged ≥12 years. Results The prevalence of other substance use ranged from 6.0% (nondrinkers) to 24.1% (binge drinkers). Among people who used substances, 22.2% of binge drinkers reported using substances in 2 additional substance categories. Binge drinking was associated with 4.2 (95% CI=3.9, 4.4) greater adjusted odds of other substance use than nondrinking. Binge drinkers were twice as likely to report concurrent prescription drug misuse while drinking as nonbinge drinkers. The prevalence of substance use increased with binge-drinking frequency. Conclusions Binge drinking was associated with other substance use and concurrent prescription drug misuse while drinking. These findings can guide the implementation of a comprehensive approach to prevent binge drinking, substance misuse, and overdoses. This might include population-level strategies recommended by the Community Preventive Services Task Force to prevent binge drinking (e.g., increasing alcohol taxes and regulating alcohol outlet density).
Where Are the Women in Radiation Oncology? A Cross-Sectional Multi-Specialty Comparative Analysis

Abstract Purpose We aimed to evaluate the growth of women within the general radiation oncology (RO) workforce in comparison to the growth among other medical specialties. We also sought to create a predictive model for gender diversity to guide future recruitment efforts. Methods and Materials We identified 16 medical specialties, including RO, for analyses. We used data from the Association of American Colleges and assessed female representation at 4 time points (2006, 2011, 2016, and 2020). Additionally, we determined characteristics of medical specialties that were predictive of increased gender diversity. We performed univariate statistical analysis with linear regression to evaluate factors predictive of greater gender diversity among the medical specialties in our cohort. Results The proportion of women within the represented specialties increased over time. Obstetrics/gynecology (14,750 [2006], 23,921 [2020]; 18.7% absolute growth) and dermatology (3568 [2006], 6329 [2020]; 15.1% absolute growth) experienced the highest absolute growth in female representation between 2006 and 2020. When assessing changes between various time points in RO, the absolute change in female physicians increased by 1.5% between 2006 and 2011, by 2.2% between 2011 and 2016, and by only 0.4% between 2016 and 2020, which was the lowest growth pattern relative to the other 15 specialties. Factors predictive of gender diversity among specialties were lower average step 1 scores (P = .0056), fewer years of training (P = .0078), fewer work hours (P = .046), the availability of a standard third year clerkship for a given specialty (P = .0061), and a high baseline number of female physicians within a specialty (P = .0078). Research activities (P = .099) and interest among matriculating medical students (P = .28) were not statistically significant. Conclusions The percentage of women in RO lags behind other medical specialties and has been notably low in the last few years. Interventions that incorporate novel initiatives proposed within this study may accelerate current recruitment milestones.
Age and eczema severity, but not family history, are major risk factors for peanut allergy in infancy.

Background Whether to screen high-risk groups before early peanut introduction is controversial. Objective We sought to determine the risk of peanut allergy (PA) before peanut introduction for infants with (1) moderate-severe eczema, (2) another food allergy (FA), and/or (3) a first-degree relative with peanut allergy (FH). Methods Infants aged 4 to 11 months with no history of peanut ingestion, testing, or reaction and at least 1 of the above risk factors received peanut skin prick test and, depending on skin prick test wheal size, oral food challenge or observed feeding. Results A total of 321 subjects completed the enrollment visit (median age, 7.2 months; 58% males); 78 had eczema only, 11 FA only, 107 FH only, and 125 had multiple risk factors. Overall, 18% of 195 with eczema, 19% of 59 with FA, and 4% of 201 with FH had PA. Only 1% of 115 with FH and no eczema had PA. Among those with eczema, older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% CI, 1.04-1.68 per month), higher SCORing Atopic Dermatitis score (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06-1.34 per 5 points), black (OR, 5.79; 95% CI, 1.92-17.4 compared with white), or Asian race (OR, 6.98; 95% CI, 1.92-25.44) and suspected or diagnosed other FA (OR, 3.98; 95% CI, 1.62-9.80) were associated with PA. Conclusions PA is common in infants with moderate-severe eczema, whereas FH without eczema is not a major risk factor, suggesting screening only in those with significant eczema. Even within the first year of life, introduction at later ages is associated with a higher risk of PA among those with eczema, supporting introduction of peanut as early as possible.
RAILROAD FREIGHT MOVEMENT--SOME NEW CONCEPTS AND CURRENT PLANS

There are a number of techniques that have established trends away from the traditional single-car shipment concept. They are: (1) trailer on flatcar; (2) container on flatcar; (3) minitrain; (4) unit train; and (5) volume movement. Several other techniques have established trends toward fewer switching yards in major urban centers. They are: (1) prior classification outside the destination area; (2) run-through trains; (3) consolidation and relocation of rail facilities farther from the city center; and (4) mergers and coordination between roads. As these techniques remove more and more of the large block movements from the switching load, and the volume of single-car shipments drops, it will be more and more difficult to give frequent service to these remaining single-car shipments on the one hand, and maintain train tonnages on the other. This may require more frequent switching or smaller trains.
The NLRP1 inflammasome attenuates colitis and colitis-associated tumorigenesis (MUC5P.750)

NLR proteins are a diverse family of pattern recognition receptors that modulate immune system homeostasis in the gastrointestinal system. Recent studies have identified a sub-group of inflammasome forming NLRs that modulate the mucosal immune response during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis associated tumorigenesis. To better elucidate the contribution of NLR family members in IBD and cancer, we conducted a retrospective analysis of gene expression metadata from human patients. These data revealed that NLRP1, an inflammasome forming NLR, was significantly dysregulated in IBD and colon cancer. To better characterize the function of NLRP1 in disease pathogenesis, we utilized Nlrp1b-/- mice in experimental colitis and colitis associated cancer models. Nlrp1b-/- mice demonstrated significant increases in inflammation and tumorigenesis compared to wild type mice. The increased inflammation and tumor burden was correlated with attenuated levels of IL-1β and IL-18. Further mechanistic studies revealed the increased disease pathogenesis in the Nlrp1b-/- mice was associated with non-hematopoietic derived cells and suggests that NLRP1 functions in the colon epithelial cells to attenuate tumorigenesis. Together, these data identify NLRP1 as an essential mediator of the host immune response during IBD and cancer. These findings are consistent with a model whereby multiple NLR inflammasomes attenuate disease pathobiology through modulating IL-1β and IL-18 levels in the colon.
Communication during times of natural or man-made emergencies

During man-made or natural emergencies, communication is essential. However, for millions of individuals worldwide who have significant communication disabilities, spoken language may not be effective or efficient. As a result, emergencies can quickly turn into life-threatening situations. Alternatives to spoken language or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) may be necessary to ensure effective and efficient communication. The purpose of this study was to identify needed vocabulary for communication during times of emergency. In order to identify needed vocabulary, two online focus groups generated and prioritized this vocabulary. Based on the 209 words that were identified, we used 50 priority words to develop downloadable communication aids for use during times of natural or man-made emergencies.
Evaluating the performance of demultiplexing strategies for real-time CORBA

Efficient and predictable demultiplexing is necessary to provide real-time support for distributed object computing applications developed with CORBA. This paper presents two contributions to the study of demultiplexing for real-time CORBA endsystems. First, we present an empirical study of four CORBA request demultiplexing strategies (linear search, perfect hashing, dynamic hashing, and active demultiplexing) for a range of target objects and operations. Second, we describe our use of the perfect hashing and active demultiplexing strategies to develop a high-performance, real-time object request broker (ORB) called TAO.
Bacteriophage T4 Inhibits Colicin E2-Induced Degradation of Escherichia coli Deoxyribonucleic Acid I. Protein Synthesis-Dependent Inhibition

The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of Escherichia coli B is converted by colicin E2 to products soluble in cold trichloroacetic acid; we show that this DNA degradation (hereafter termed solubilization) is subject to inhibition by infection with bacteriophage T4. At least two modes of inhibition may be differentiated on the basis of their sensitivity to chloramphenicol. The following observations on the inhibition of E2 by phage T4 in the absence of chloramphenicol are described: (i) Simultaneous addition to E. coli B of E2 and a phage mutated in genes 42, 46, and 47 results in a virtually complete block of the DNA solubilization normally induced by E2; the mutation in gene 42 prevents phage DNA synthesis, and the mutations in genes 46 and 47 block a late stage of phage-induced solubilization of host DNA. (ii) This triple mutant inhibits equally well when added at any time during the E2-induced solubilization. (iii) Simultaneous addition to E. coli B of E2 and a phage mutated only in gene 42 results in extensive DNA solubilization, but the amount of residual acid-insoluble DNA (20 to 25%) is more characteristic of phage infection than of E2 addition (5% or less). (iv) denA mutants of phage T4 are blocked in an early stage (endonuclease II) of degradation of host DNA; when E2 and a phage mutated in both genes 42 and denA are added to E. coli B, extensive solubilization of DNA occurs with a pattern identical to that observed upon simultaneous addition of E2 and the gene 42 mutant. (v) However, delaying E2 addition for 10 min after infection by this double mutant allows the phage to develop considerable inhibition of E2. (vi) Adsorption of E2 to E. coli B is not impaired by infection with phage mutated in genes 42, 46, and 47. In the presence of chloramphenicol, the inhibition of E2 by the triple-mutant (genes 42, 46, and 47) still occurs, but to a lesser extent.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha potentiates neutrophil antimicrobial activity: increased fungicidal activity against Torulopsis glabrata and Candida albicans and associated increases in oxygen radical production and lysosomal enzyme release

The capacity of human tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) to modulate the killing of the opportunistic pathogens Torulopsis glabrata and Candida albicans by human neutrophils was studied. TNF-alpha significantly enhanced neutrophil fungicidal activity in a concentration-dependent manner and was evident in a range of neutrophil-fungus ratios. Enhanced killing of T. glabrata required much lower TNF-alpha concentrations than were required for enhancement of killing of C. albicans. Maximal enhancement of killing occurred with 20 and 100 U of TNF-alpha per 5 x 10(6) neutrophils for T. glabrata and C. albicans, respectively. The fungal killing kinetics demonstrated that TNF-alpha augmentation of fungicidal activity was evident within 1 h and persisted for an incubation period of at least 22 h. Preincubation of neutrophils with TNF-alpha was essential for the enhancement of killing. Maximal stimulation of killing was observed within 1 h of preincubation with TNF-alpha, and poor stimulation of killing was observed when TNF-alpha was added at time zero. Associated with the increase in fungicidal activity was an increased production of superoxide and an enhanced degranulation of enzymes and other proteins from azurophilic and specific granules in response to the fungi. The results demonstrate that TNF-alpha augments the neutrophil oxidative respiratory burst and the degranulation induced by opsonized fungi and that it increases the neutrophil fungicidal activity.
End-to-end verification of stack-space bounds for C programs

Verified compilers guarantee the preservation of semantic properties and thus enable formal verification of programs at the source level. However, important quantitative properties such as memory and time usage still have to be verified at the machine level where interactive proofs tend to be more tedious and automation is more challenging. This article describes a framework that enables the formal verification of stack-space bounds of compiled machine code at the C level. It consists of a verified CompCert-based compiler that preserves quantitative properties, a verified quantitative program logic for interactive stack-bound development, and a verified stack analyzer that automatically derives stack bounds during compilation. The framework is based on event traces that record function calls and returns. The source language is CompCert Clight and the target language is x86 assembly. The compiler is implemented in the Coq Proof Assistant and it is proved that crucial properties of event traces are preserved during compilation. A novel quantitative Hoare logic is developed to verify stack-space bounds at the CompCert Clight level. The quantitative logic is implemented in Coq and proved sound with respect to event traces generated by the small-step semantics of CompCert Clight. Stack-space bounds can be proved at the source level without taking into account low-level details that depend on the implementation of the compiler. The compiler fills in these low-level details during compilation and generates a concrete stack-space bound that applies to the produced machine code. The verified stack analyzer is guaranteed to automatically derive bounds for code with non-recursive functions. It generates a derivation in the quantitative logic to ensure soundness as well as interoperability with interactively developed stack bounds. In an experimental evaluation, the developed framework is used to obtain verified stack-space bounds for micro benchmarks as well as real system code. The examples include the verified operating-system kernel CertiKOS, parts of the MiBench embedded benchmark suite, and programs from the CompCert benchmarks. The derived bounds are close to the measured stack-space usage of executions of the compiled programs on a Linux x86 system.
Colored Gluons, Bjorken Scaling and Quark Confinement

Abstract The logarithmic violations of scaling in the canonical gauge field theory of colored quarks and gluons are investigated. Upper bounds for the quark-gluon coupling constant are derived.
Acute hypoxia does not alter inter-alveolar perfusion distribution in unanesthetized rats

Effects of hypoxic vasoconstriction on inter-alveolar perfusion distribution (< or =1000 alveoli) have not been studied. To address this, we measured inter-alveolar perfusion distribution in the lungs of unanesthetized rats breathing 10% O(2). Perfusion distributions were measured by analyzing the trapping patterns of 4 microm diameter fluorescent latex particles infused into the pulmonary circulation. The trapping patterns were statistically quantified in confocal images of the dried lungs. Trapping patterns were measured in lung volumes that ranged between less than 1 and 1300 alveoli, and were expressed as the log of the dispersion index (logDI). A uniform (statistically random) perfusion distribution corresponds to a logDI value of zero. The more this value exceeds zero, the more the distribution is clustered (non-random). At the largest tissue volume (1300 alveoli) logDI reached a maximum value of 0.68+/-0.42 (mean+/-s.d.) in hypoxic rats (n = 6), 0.50+/-0.38 in hypercapnic rats (n.s.) and 0.48+/-0.25 in air-breathing controls (n.s.). Our results suggest that acute hypoxia did not cause significant changes in inter-alveolar perfusion distribution in unanesthetized, spontaneously breathing rats.
Bicarbonate transport in collecting duct segments during chloride-depletion alkalosis

Bicarbonate transport in collecting duct segments during chloride-depletion alkalosis. Renal correction of chloride-depletion alkalosis (CDA) by chloride replacement results in bicarbonate secretion in the cortical collecting duct (CD) and urinary bicarbonate excretion. To assess the participation of the more distal segments of the CD, we determined net total CO 2 transport in the outer medullary (OMCD), initial (IMCDi) and terminal (IMCDt) inner medullary CD segments obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats with normal acid-base balance (NML) or with CDA produced by peritoneal dialysis. Tubules were bathed and perfused with isotonic solutions containing Cl 110 mM and HCO 3 25 mM. Net total CO 2 transport was decreased in all segments: OMCD 22.1 ± 4.2 to 9.2 ± 2.0; IMCDi 38.1 ± 4.6 to 9.3 ± 1.7; IMCDt 6.7 ± 1.2 to -0.5 ± 0.4 pmol/min/mm tubule length. Perfusion rates, tubule lengths, and transepithelial voltages did not differ between groups in any segment. These data show that all CD segments beyond the cortical segment decrease bicarbonate reabsorption during CDA. This permits the bicarbonate secreted by the cortical CD to be excreted, and is likely an important mechanism for the correction of CDA.
Neutral Grounding and the Prevention of Neutral Instability

Investigative results from a systems-in-miniature setup are presented concerning the stability of Y-connected potential transformers, and the effect of potential transformers as generator neutral grounding devices. Included is the influence of a resistance burden on the neutral grounding transformer.
Sequences of the N-terminus portions of biliproteins

The N-terminal sequences of the separated polypeptide chains of biliproteins isolated from several Cyanophyta, Rhodophyta, and Cryptophyta have been determined. The portions of the sequences determined for theα (fast) chain of C-phycocyanin from both procaryotic and eucaryotic cells are extremely conservative. Methionine is the N-terminal amino acid in most of the species studied. The N-terminus and subsequent sequence of phycoerythrinα chains are almost identical with those of the C-phycocyaninβ chain. Theβ (slow) chain of C-phycocyanin is also rather conservative in amino acid substitution but has more variation than theα chain. The variations are consistent with single base changes in codons and conserve the size and functional characteristics of the amino acid. The sequence homologies are consistent with the phylogenetic relationship between Cyanophyta and the chloroplast of Rhodophyta. There are no other reported sequences of polypeptide chains of the same or related proteins from such different strains of microorganisms that show such close sequence homology.
Metabolic fate of the allelochemical nicotine in the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta

Abstract The uptake, distribution and metabolism of nicotine was studied in fifth instar Manduca sexta larvae. Significant levels of nicotine and its metabolites were found in hemolymph, midgut, hindgut, gut contents, and the remaining carcass after feeding on a 0.75% (fresh weight) nicotine diet. Most of the ingested nicotine was rapidly excreted, not as unmetabolized nicotine as previously thought, but almost exclusively as nicotine metabolites. The pattern of nicotine metabolites changed with time after the addition of nicotine to the diet and this change was concomitant with the induction of midgut microsomal cytochrome P450 activities. The major metabolite found after induction was identified as continine-N-oxide by mass spectral and [1H]NMR analyses. The induction of nicotine metabolism was also reflected in a rapid clearance of unmetabolized nicotine from the hemolymph. 15 min after injection of nicotine one third of the injected dose was still circulating in nicotine-naive larvae whereas 97% of the dose had been cleared or metabolized in larvae previously exposed to dietary nicotine. The extent of nicotine metabolism decreased and cotinine-N-oxide was no longer found in the feces within 24 h after returning the larvae to a nicotine-free diet. These results show that rapid and reversible induction of nicotine metabolism is a major adaptation of the tobacco hornworm to this host plant alkaloid.
Substance P levels differ in sympathetic target organ terminals and ganglion perikarya.

Regulation of the putative neurotransmitter, substance P (SP), was examined in the rat iris and pineal, targets of the peptide-containing superior cervical sympathetic ganglion (SCG). Decentralization (denervation) of the SCG, which is known to increase ganglion SP7,8, did not alter the peptide in either target. Conversely, surgical or pharmacologic (6-hydroxydopamine) ablation of the SCG actually increased SP in both targets. Moreover, destruction of the trigeminal sensory innervation reduced iris SP to virtually blank levels. Finally, trigeminal ablation abolished the rise in iris SP subsequent to sympathetic destruction with 6-hydroxydopamine. Our observations suggest that sympathetic terminals in targets, in contrast to ganglion perikarya and processes, contain negligible quantities of SP. Consequently, SP may not be transported from ganglion to periphery, but may serve an intraganglionic function. Our studies also suggest that sympathetic terminals modulate sensory peptidergic innervation of the iris.
Effects of desipramine, trifluoperazine and other inhibitors of calmodulin on the secretion of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla and postganglionic sympathetic nerves of the salivery gland

1. The effects of various drugs, known to be inhibitors of calmodulin, were tested on the secretion of catecholamines (CA) from the adrenal medulla and sympathetic nerves of the salivary gland of the rat. Secretion of CA from the perfused adrenal gland was evoked by injection of acetylcholine (ACh, 50 μg), excess K (700 μg), or transmural stimulation of splanchnic nerves (300 pulses at 10 Hz). Release of 3H-noradrenaline in the perfused salivary gland was evoked by transmural stimulation at 3 Hz for 30 s. 2. CA secretion was reduced in a dose-dependent manner by 0.3 μM to 10 μM desipramine or imipramine. The effect of low doses (0.3 μM) was more pronounced on the secretion evoked by ACh and splanchnic nerve stimulation than that by excess K. The inhibition was independent of the frequency of nerve stimulation. 3. Trifluoperazine (10–100 μM) and chlorpromazine (10–100 μM) reduced CA secretion evoked by all of the three procedures. The inhibitory effects of desipramine, trifluorperazine and chlorpromazine were completely reversed within 1 h after their washout. 4. Secretion of CA obtained after reintroduction of Ca to the adrenal gland previously perfused with Ca-free medium was not blocked by desipramine or trifluoperazine. In fact, these agents markedly enhanced the secretory response. None of the drugs enhanced spontaneous secretion of CA from the adrenal gland during the nonstimulation period. 5. Adrenal medullary cells accumulated significant amounts of Ca45 (0.88 pg/mg) after stimulation with ACh. One μM desipramine, which reduced CA secretion over 60%, had no significant effect on ACh-induced accumulation of Ca45 (0.74 pg/mg). However, higher concentrations of desipramine (10 μM) blocked ACh-induced CA secretion as well as Ca45 accumulation over 90%. 6. 3H-noradrenaline overflow evoked by sympathetic nerve stimulation in the perfused salivary gland was enhanced by 0.3 to 30 μM desipramine; higher concentration (100 μM) caused a substantial reduction. However, the reduction in overflow was mainly due to a marked increase in the spontaneous outflow of tritium by high concentrations (100 μM) of desipramine during the nonstimulation period. As high as 100 μM trifluoperazine did not inhibit 3H-noradrenaline release. However, these concentrations substantially increased the spontaneous outflow. 7. With use of “calmodulin inhibitors” it was not possible to obtain unequivocal evidence for the participation of endogenous calmodulin in the secretion of CA or release of sympathetic transmitter. It is evident that these drugs can have multiple effects on the steps involved in the process of neurosecretion.
Nonaqueous Aluminum Nitride Extrusion: II, Die‐Land Flow and Tribology

Die-land flow on extruding a nonaqueous aluminum nitride plastic body was analyzed using simultaneous orifice and capillary rheometry. Extrudate slip on the wall of the die-land was observed and concluded to involve frictional slip of extrudate particles against the die-wall and the viscous flow of an annular liquid. Results supported a model of a hydroplaning mechanism for the radial consolidation of the particle and binder network with complementary syneresis of liquid. The thickness of the apparent annular slip film was calculated to be submicrometer and to increase with an increase in the extrudate velocity and a decrease in the bulk yield stress and diameter of the die-land. The flow stress on approaching the critical volume concentration of particles terminating plastic flow increased abruptly for shear of the body in the die-entry but more gradually for slip in the die-land. Shear resistance in the die-land was significantly decreased on adding a lubricant and was very dependent on the contact stress between the particle network and the die-wall, controlled by the degree of pore saturation for an unsaturated body and the volume of particles and binder for the saturated extrudate.
Development directions for a sacred site in India

Abstract Sacred and historic sites in developing countries are subjected to extraordinary economic pressures and change. Often being the only remaining open spaces in densely populated urban or rural agricultural landscapes, they are in danger of being overrun, either by surrounding development, or by growing recreational uses. At Sarnath, India, a Buddhist site faces pressures from pilgrims, international tourists and local day-visitors, all with different goals and needs. There are two apparently conflicting goals: to increase international pilgrimages and tourism use of the site, and to enhance the site for local day-visitors. Strategies are presented which would reduce these present conflicts, allow for growth and respond to local management constraints.
Nongonadal neoplasia in Turners syndrome

Evaluation of extragonadal tumors in Turner's syndrome by a multi-hospital survey of 289 cases and literature review showed a preponderance of neurogenic tumors among children and young adults. These neoplasms occurred also in a small series of “male Turner's syndrome,” suggesting that developmental neural defects, hamartomatous growths, and susceptibility to neurogenic tumors are related to one another as expressions of Turner's phenotype.
Stories Beyond History: Translations Beyond Nations

I would like to begin with two quotes from Walter Benjamin. It seems that his observations resonate more and more with the state of the world we live in. His face is turned toward the past. Where w...
Conjugated polymer nanoparticles for small interfering RNA delivery

Loosely aggregated conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) were used as nontoxic and efficient small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery vehicles with delivery visualization. A significant down regulation (94%) of a target gene was achieved by transfection of HeLa cells with the CPNs/siRNA complexes, supporting CPN as a promising siRNA delivery carrier.
Effect of slicing and controlled-atmosphere storage on the ascorbate content and quality of strawberries and persimmons

Abstract Changes in quality, total ascorbic acid, reduced ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbate in fresh cut ‘Selva’ strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) held for 7 days and ‘Fuyu’ persimmons (Diospyros kaki L.) held for 8 days at 5 °C in air or controlled atmospheres were evaluated. Various atmospheres had significantly different effects on the color, pH, and titratable acidity of the fruits. The two fruits responded differently to the wounding stress in regards to oxidation of ascorbic acid, but in both cases, the postcutting life based on visual quality ended before significant losses of total ascorbic acid occurred. Controlled atmospheres of 2% O2, air + 12% CO2, or 2% O2 + 12% CO2 had no significant effect on changes in total ascorbate content for either fruit. Washing of intact or sliced strawberries in 100 ppm sodium hypochlorite was found to induce significant oxidation of reduced ascorbic acid, but resulted in no changes in total ascorbic acid.
The effects of postoperative time intervals and diurnal variation on liver glycogen levels in rats with hippocampal lesions.

Abstract Liver glycogen levels were measured in rats with hippocampal lesions and in control animals. Liver glycogen levels were determined each week for the first ten postoperative weeks and eight months postoperatively. It was found that after one week, control animals and animals with hippocampal lesions were not significantly different in liver glycogen levels. By the end of the second week the group with hippocampal lesions was significantly higher than the control animals. This variation pattern continued during the third week. By the end of the third week the animals with hippocampal ablations had reached their highest level, which remained unchanged throughout the rest of the series. No significant changes in liver glycogen levels were obtained in the control animals. Liver glycogen levels were then measured in normal rats and rats with hippocampal lesions maintained on a diurnal rhythm of twelve light hours followed by twelve dark hours. One month postoperatively, rats with hippocampal lesions had a significantly higher liver glycogen level at all time periods as compared with normal animals. Both groups of rats showed the diurnal pattern of higher levels of liver glycogen in the beginning of the light phase and lower levels of liver glycogen in the beginning of the dark phase. The observed variations may be explained in terms of alterations in known homeostatic mechanisms controlling liver glycogen levels.
MSNovo: a dynamic programming algorithm for de novo peptide sequencing via tandem mass spectrometry.

Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has become the experimental method of choice for high-throughput proteomics-based biological discovery. The two primary ways of analyzing MS/MS data are database search and de novo sequencing. In this paper, we present a new approach to peptide de novo sequencing, called MSNovo, which has the following advanced features. (1) It works on data generated from both LCQ and LTQ mass spectrometers and interprets singly, doubly, and triply charged ions. (2) It integrates a new probabilistic scoring function with a mass array-based dynamic programming algorithm. The simplicity of the scoring function, with only 6−10 parameters to be trained, avoids the problem of overfitting and allows MSNovo to be adopted for other machines and data sets easily. The mass array data structure explicitly encodes all possible peptides and allows the dynamic programming algorithm to find the best peptide. (3) Compared to existing programs, MSNovo predicts peptides as well as sequence tags with a high...
Melting behavior of polyacrylonitrile copolymers

The melting behavior of acrylonitrile copolymers, ter- and tetrapolymers was studied in the dry state and in the presence of water. The melting point depression caused by the incorporation of a specific comonomer into the polyacrylonitrile chain was shown to be dependent on the molecular structure of the comonomer. Not all comonomers gave equivalent melting point depressions on a molar basis. The Eby theory of comonomer melting was used to model the melting behavior. This theory assumes that the non-crystallizing (non-AN) comonomers enter the crystal lattice as point defects rather than being relegated to the amorphous phase. An equation was developed for predicting the melting point of copolymers, terpolymers and higher order polymers as a function of the polymer composition and the specific melting point depression constant for each comonomer. The latter constants are derived from the copolymer melting point curves. The equation is applicable to both dry and wet polymers and excellent agreement between the observed and calculated melting points for wet terpolymers and tetrapolymers was observed.
Modeling the kinetics of water transport and hydroexpansion in a lignocellulose-reinforced bacterial copolyester

Abstract The governing kinetic behavior of water transport in a biopolymeric composite material derived from poly(β-hydroxybutyrate)-co-poly(β-hydroxyvalerate) and lignocellulosic wood flour were investigated along with the influence of temperature, wood flour content, and chemical modification (silane, maleic anhydride) on polymer and composite diffusivity. The water absorption process in both untreated and treated composites was found to follow the kinetics of Fickian diffusion theory. Diffusion coefficients for neat polymer and composite samples were experimentally determined, and the thermodynamics of diffusive water transport were observed to exhibit Arrhenius rate-law behavior. A model for predicting equilibrium moisture content in wood-polymer composites is presented and substantiated by obtained results and cited experimental data. Isodiffusion plots are presented to evaluate the effectiveness of chemical modifications, which were found to reduce the rates of water uptake. Both in- and out-of-plane dimensional changes were monitored during the absorption process, permitting the determination of moisture-dependent hydroexpansion coefficients.
Characterization of coal water slurry prepared for PRB coal

Abstract Powder River Basin (PRB) coal, which accounts for over 40% of the coal consumed for power generation in the United States, was investigated for preparation of coal water slurry (CWS). The static stability and rheology of the CWS were characterized as a function of loading. The coal loading was varied from 30% to 50% and both ionic (sodium polystyrene sulphonate (PSS)) and nonionic (Triton X-100) surfactants were employed as additives. The addition of PSS to PRB slurries was found to yield poor static stability. On the other hand, Triton X-100 was found to be an effective surfactant, reducing the sedimentation by more than 50% compared to the one without surfactant in 45% CWS. Adding Triton X-100 reduces the viscosity of the CWS for coal loadings of 30% and 40%. Although the viscosities for coal loading of 42.5% and 45% are higher when Triton X-100 is added, the static stability is significantly better than for samples without surfactant. The highest coal loading for PRB slurry with acceptable viscosity for pumping is 42.5%.
Localized Acetylcholine Receptor Clustering Dynamics in Response to Microfluidic Focal Stimulation with Agrin

Agrin is a proteoglycan secreted by the motor neuron's growing axon terminal upon contact with the muscle during embryonic development. It was long thought that agrin's role was to trigger the clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) to nascent synapse sites. However, agrin-predating, protosynaptic AChR clusters are present well before innervation in the embryo and in myotube cultures, yet no role has been conclusively ascribed to agrin. We used a microfluidic device to focally deliver agrin to protosynaptic AChR clusters in micropatterned myotube cultures. The distribution of AChRs labeled with fluorescent bungarotoxin was imaged at various time points over >24 h. We find that a 4-h focal application of agrin (100 nM) preferentially reduces AChR loss at agrin-exposed clusters by 17% relative to the agrin-deprived clusters on the same myotube. In addition, the focal application increases the addition of AChRs preferentially at the clusters by 10% relative to the agrin-exposed, noncluster areas. Taken together, these findings suggest that a focal agrin stimulus can play a key stabilizing role in the aggregation of AChRs at the early stages of synapse formation. This methodology is generally applicable to various developmental processes and cell types, including neurons and stem cells.
Progress in research toward outdoor biological hydrogen production using solar energy, sea water, and marine photosynthetic microorganisms

In the early 1970s, the scientific community responded to the oil crisis by initiating new and vigorous efforts to develop alternative sources of energy. One of the approaches to dealing with this problem has been biological solar energy conversion. Within the limited amount of time since this initiative, some of these new biological solar energy conversion technologies are already making a contribution to the world's energy budget. However, most of the innovative technologies that first took root in the 1970s are still at the research rather than development stage. As part of this broad effort, the potential contribution of biological solar energy resources from the marine environment are being explored. With few exceptions, the role of marine photosynthetic organisms has taken a back seat to biosolar resources from the terrestrial environment. Over the past ten years, an intensive effort has been made to study the production of hydrogen gas by marine photosynthetic microorganisms. Experimentally, most of this effort has concentrated on (1) isolation of hydrogen-producing marine photosynthetic mircoorganisms, (2) revealing the biochemical mechanisms of hydrogen production, and (3) controlling and enhancing hydrogen production capability through environmental and metabolic regulation. The transition towards the development of applied outdoor hydrogen production systemsmore » is discussed. An overview of current concepts and experimental initiatives for establishing viable reactor systems in outdoor environments using solar energy and sea water is presented.« less
The influence of chemical substitution on inner shells

Recent advances in the technical realization of high quality, many-electron wave functions for polyatomic molecules have provided the opportunity for examining molecular properties in a chemical sequence. In this article trends in the carbon inner shell one-electron eigenvalues, ϵ1s, and in the one-electron partitioned energies, e1s, are investigated for the species C, CH4, CH3F, CH2F2, and CHF3. The observed changes are smooth and may be rationalized in terms of a simple physical model. Inner-shell energy shifts in the sequence have comparable magnitude to those in the valence shells and offer the possibility of direct experimental measurement.
Planning tools for modulated electron radiotherapy

Purpose: To develop tools to plan modulated electron radiotherapy (MERT) and to compare the MERT plans to conventional or intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment plans. Methods: Monte Carlo dose calculations of electron fields shaped with the inherent photon multileaf collimators (MLCs) were investigated in this study. Treatment plans for four postmastectomy breast cancer patients were generated using MERT. The distances from the patient skin surfaces to the distal planning target volume surfaces were computed along the beam axis direction to determine the physical depth. Electron beam energies were selected to provide target coverage at these depths and energy bins were generated. A custom built MERT treatment planning graphical user interface (MERTgui) was used to shape the electron bins into deliverable electron segments. Monte Carlo dose distribution simulations were performed using the MLC-defined segments generated from the MERTgui. A custom built superposition gui was used to combine doses for each segment using relative weights and final MERT treatment plans were compared to the conventional or IMRT treatment plans. In addition, a demonstration of combined MERT and IMRT treatment plans was performed. Results: The MERT treatment plans provided acceptable target organ coverage in all cases. Relative to 3D conventional or IMRT treatmentmore » plans, the MERT plans predicted lower heart doses in all cases; average of the heart D{sub 20} of all plans was reduced from 14.1 to 3.3 Gy. The contralateral breast and contralateral lung doses decreased substantially with MERT planning compared to IMRT (on average, contralateral breast heart D{sub 20} was reduced from 8.7 to 0.7 Gy and contralateral lung D{sub 20} was reduced from 8.4 to 1.2 Gy with MERT). Ipsilateral lung D{sub 20} was lower with MERT than with the conventional plans (44.6 vs 29.2 Gy with MERT), but greater when compared against IMRT treatment plans (25.4 vs 28.9 Gy with MERT). A MERT and IMRT combination plan was generated to benefit from the complementary advantages of MERT and IMRT, resulting in satisfactory target coverage and reduced organ at risk doses. Conclusions: MERT tools can facilitate treatment planning and provide plans for treatment of shallow targets such as the postmastectomy chest wall.« less
Striatal glutamate antagonism induces contralateral neglect

To assess the role of striatal glutamatergic synapses in mediating sensorimotor orientation behavior, glutamate receptor antagonists were infused into the left striatum of awake rats and behavioral orientation to contralateral and ipsilateral stimuli were quantified. The AMPA-kainate antagonist, DNQX, and the NMDA antagonist, CPP, both induced a large asymmetry in responding, such that the rats oriented much less to stimuli presented contralateral to the antagonist infusions. Furthermore, intrastriatal glutamate antagonist infusions increased the occurrence of incorrect responses, or turning away from a contralaterally-presented stimulus. In a separate experiment, intrastriatal DNQX was shown to block kainic acid (KA)-induced Fos expression in the striatum, but not in adjacent cerebral cortex, suggesting that the diffusion of this drug is restricted to the striatum.
Multiaxial Fatigue Reliability Analysis of Railroad Wheels

A general methodology for fatigue reliability degradation of railroad wheels is proposed in this paper. Both fatigue crack initiation and crack propagation life are included in the proposed methodology using previously developed multiaxial fatigue models by the same authors. A response surface method in conjunction with design of experiments is used to develop a closed form approximation of the fatigue damage accumulation with respect to the input random variables. The total fatigue life of railroad wheels under stochastic loading is simulated, accounting for the spatial and temporal randomness of the fatigue damage. The field observations of railroad wheel fatigue failures are compared with the numerical predictions using the proposed methodology.
Open reduction of intracapsular hip fractures using a modified Smith-Petersen surgical exposure

The Smith-Petersen or modified direct anterior hip surgical exposures have not previously been described for open reduction of femoral neck fractures. This technique of reduction provides a direct approach to the femoral neck and hip joint. Displaced fractures of the femoral neck can easily be reduced through this approach, local osseus defects resulting from impaction can be supported with bone graft, and fracture fixation is then placed through a separate lateral exposure or through small stab incisions. The technique of reduction is presented.
Solution by characteristics at fixed time interval of the equations of one dimensional unsteady flow

The solution by characteristics at fixed time interval of the equations of one dimensional unsteady flow is presented in this paper. We determine the new points by initially fixing the time step and then use the fluid characteristic to determine the spatial location of the points at the next time level. The results of the propagation of a strong radiative shock into a density gradient for which the method was designed is also included.
NIL: a high-level language for distributed systems programming

Network Implementation Language (NIL) is a high-level Programming language currently being used for the implementation of prototype communication systems. NIL is designed for writing executable architecture which can be compiled into efficient code for the different machines and run-time environments of a family of communicating products. NIL'S distinctive features include (1) high-level primitive type families supporting constructs needed for concurrent systems, (2) facilities for decomposition of a system into modules which can be dynamically installed and interconnected, (3) compile-time typestate checking--a mechanism for enhancing language security without incurring large execution-time overhead.
Effects of saturation on the optical scintillometer.

Measurements of the level of turbulence Cn2 have been successfully performed with the optical scintillometer. The success of this instrument is based on the observed fact that the variance of aperture averaged scintillation is described by weak scattering theory even for conditions in which strong scintillation is observed for point detectors. However, for sufficiently long propagation paths, the aperture averaged variance is affected by strong scattering. The effects of strong scattering are calculated theoretically and compared to experimental results. The physics of this regime are discussed and the important parameters investigated. The new range of validity of the optical scintillometer is discussed.
Influences of a Forest on the Hydraulic Geometry of Two Mountain Streams

The influence of a forest on the formation of steps in two small streams of the Colorado Rocky Mountains was studied. Steps provided by logs fallen across the channel added to flow energy reduction. The streams required additional gravel bars to adjust to slope. Average step length between logs and gravel bars was strongly related to channel gradient and median bed material size. Based on the average number of log steps per 50 feet of channel, an average of 116 percent of gravel bars were added at Fool Creek and 60 percent at Deadhorse Creek. The latter had 52 percent more logs in the channel and therefore required less bed material movement than the former. Although these are “rushing mountain streams,” most flow velocities ranged between 0.5 and 2.5 f.p.s. Exponents of a function relating rate of change of depth or velocity to discharge indicated that dynamic stream equilibrium was attained. Implications for forest management are that sanitation cuts (removal of dead and dying trees) would not be permissible where a stream is in dynamic equilibrium and bed material movement should be minimized.