cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ferric iron in tourmaline

Red Fe^(3+)-rich and black Fe^(3+), Fe^(2+)-rich tourmalines have been studied by optical and Mossbauer spectroscopies to determine the optical characteristics of Fe^(3+) in tourmaline. Prominent optical absorption features at 485 and 540 nm are assigned to transitions of multiple exchange-coupled Fe^(3+) pairs in several site combinations. These transitions are more intense than those of isolated Fe^(3+) and are polarized along the vector between the interacting ions, thus permitting site assignments. The 485 nm band occurs at an unusually low energy for Fe^(3+) in silicate minerals. Similar behavior has been observed in the spectrum of coalingite, Mg_(10)Fe_2^(3+) (OH)_(24)CO_(3)·2H_2O, in which Fe^(3+) occurs in related pairs in edge-shared sheets. These lower energies are proposed to result from magnetic exchange in edge-shared geometries. Antiferromagnetic exchange has been confirmed by a variable temperature magnetic susceptibility study of a Kenyan dravite with 3.36 wt percent Fe. The Mossbauer spectrum of this sample is unusual in that it shows a pronounced decrease in width of component peaks from 298 K to 5 K.
Validation of Normal Tissue Complication Probability Predictions in Individual Patient: Late Rectal Toxicity

Purpose To perform validation of risk predictions for late rectal toxicity (LRT) in prostate cancer obtained using a new approach to synthesize published normal tissue complication data. Methods and Materials A published study survey was performed to identify the dose-response relationships for LRT derived from nonoverlapping patient populations. To avoid mixing models based on different symptoms, the emphasis was placed on rectal bleeding. The selected models were used to compute the risk estimates of grade 2+ and grade 3+ LRT for an independent validation cohort composed of 269 prostate cancer patients with known toxicity outcomes. Risk estimates from single studies were combined to produce consolidated risk estimates. An agreement between the actuarial toxicity incidence 3 years after radiation therapy completion and single-study or consolidated risk estimates was evaluated using the concordance correlation coefficient. Goodness of fit for the consolidated risk estimates was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Results A total of 16 studies of grade 2+ and 5 studies of grade 3+ LRT met the inclusion criteria. The consolidated risk estimates of grade 2+ and 3+ LRT were constructed using 3 studies each. For grade 2+ LRT, the concordance correlation coefficient for the consolidated risk estimates was 0.537 compared with 0.431 for the best-fit single study. For grade 3+ LRT, the concordance correlation coefficient for the consolidated risk estimates was 0.477 compared with 0.448 for the best-fit single study. No evidence was found for a lack of fit for the consolidated risk estimates using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test ( P =.531 and P =.397 for grade 2+ and 3+ LRT, respectively). Conclusions In a large cohort of prostate cancer patients, selected sets of consolidated risk estimates were found to be more accurate predictors of LRT than risk estimates derived from any single study.
Observations on estuarine microfouling using the scanning electron microscope

Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe microbiological primary fouling of glass surfaces exposed in estuarine waters. Observations on clean glass, and glass treated with water-repellent coatings, showed that bacterial slimes adhered less strongly to the waterrepellent glass. An experiment using pure cultures of bacteria and latex particles showed that attached bacteria promoted the settlement of latex particles on the glass.
Unsuspected vasculitis and intracranial hemorrhage following thrombolysis.

Treatment with thrombolytic agents such as streptokinase or tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) is an accepted standard for the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) 1.2 A devastating sequel of thrombolytic therapy may be the development of a hemorrhagic complication, particularly intracranial bleeding, which, although rare, is usually associated with significant neurologic sequelae or death. 1.2 While various risk factors have been correlated with the development of intracranial hemorrhage fol- -lowing thrombolysis, a possible relationship between bleeding and a clinically unsuspected underlying vasculitis has not been previously reported. This report deals with the case of a 49-year-old man who died of multiple intracranial hemorrhages after thrombolytic therapy for acute MI and who was found at autopsy to have had polyarteritis nodosa of the coronary arteries and vasculitis of the meningeal vessels.
The effects of infiltration on protein release from multi-phase microspheres fabricated via solvent removal

Multi-phase polymer microspheres for drug encapsulation have been fabricated via solvent removal using poly(L-lactic) acid (PLLA) and poly(fumaric-co-sebacic) anhydride (P(FA:SA)20:80). A process of protein infiltration by the polymer solution was studied to determine the effect on protein release. Additionally, multiple variations of the infiltration process were investigated. The mechanisms involved in the different infiltration methods were looked at to determine if polymer degradation was occurring or if the protein was aggregating as a result of the infiltration process. Multiple drugs were used in these studies: FITC-labelled bovine serum albumin (BSA), a model drug and antide (a GnRH antagonist), which is a therapeutic agent. Characterization and comparison of the various microsphere batches was performed via scanning-electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential-scanning calorimetry (DSC). Protein infiltration by the polymer solution was successful in decreasing the initial burst of drug with insignificant differences between the various methods of infiltration. Furthermore, there were minimal differences in polymer degradation due to the different methods of infiltration and there were no significant differences in the degree of crystallinity of the polymers in the various batches fabricated with and without infiltration.
An EBV membrane protein expressed in immortalized lymphocytes transforms established rodent cells

Epstein-Barr virus expresses a cytoplasmic and plasma membrane protein (LMP) in latently infected growth transformed lymphocytes. The gene specifying LMP has now been expressed in NIH3T3 and Rat-1 cells. Expression of the gene in these cells resulted in altered cell morphology and some resistance to the growth inhibiting effect of medium containing low serum. In Rat-1 cells, LMP expression often led to loss of contact inhibition and anchorage-independent growth in soft agar. Rat-1 cells expressing LMP were uniformly tumorigenic in nude mice. Thus, LMP is a transforming gene which is likely to account for many aspects of EBV induced cell transformations. This is the first demonstration of a transforming gene in Epstein-Barr virus, a ubiquitous human pathogen associated with neoplasia.
A high throughput MATLAB program for automated force-curve processing using the AdG polymer model.

Abstract Research in understanding biofilm formation is dependent on accurate and representative measurements of the steric forces related to brush on bacterial surfaces. A MATLAB program to analyze force curves from an AFM efficiently, accurately, and with minimal user bias has been developed. The analysis is based on a modified version of the Alexander and de Gennes (AdG) polymer model, which is a function of equilibrium polymer brush length, probe radius, temperature, separation distance, and a density variable. Automating the analysis reduces the amount of time required to process 100 force curves from several days to less than 2 min. The use of this program to crop and fit force curves to the AdG model will allow researchers to ensure proper processing of large amounts of experimental data and reduce the time required for analysis and comparison of data, thereby enabling higher quality results in a shorter period of time.
Impulsivity and Clinical Symptoms among Adolescents with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury with or without Attempted Suicide

This study examined clinical characteristics and laboratory-measured impulsive behavior of adolescents engaging in either non-suicidal self-injury with (NSSI+SA; n=25) or without (NSSI-Only; n=31) suicide attempts. We hypothesized that adolescent with NSSI+SI would exhibit more severe clinical symptoms and higher levels of behavioral impulsivity compared to adolescents with NSSI-Only. Adolescents were recruited from an inpatient psychiatric hospital unit and the two groups were compared on demographic characteristics, psychopathology, self-reported clinical ratings, methods of non-suicidal self-injury, and two laboratory impulsivity measures. Primary evaluations were conducted during psychiatric hospitalization, and a subset of those tested during hospitalization was retested 4-6 weeks after discharge. During hospitalization, NSSI+SA patients reported worse depression, hopelessness, and impulsivity on standard clinical measures, and demonstrated elevated impulsivity on a reward-directed laboratory measure compared to NSSI-Only patients. In the follow-up analyses, depression, hopelessness, suicidal ideation, and laboratory impulsivity were improved for both groups, but the NSSI+SA group still exhibited significantly more depressive symptoms, hopelessness, and impulsivity than the NSSI-Only group. Risk assessments for adolescents with NSSI+SA should include consideration not only of the severity of clinical symptoms but of the current level impulsivity as well.
Blind separation of human- and horse-footstep signatures using independent component analysis

Seismic footstep detection based systems for homeland security applications are important to perimeter protection and other security systems. This paper reports seismic footstep signal separation for a walking horse and a walking human. The well-known Independent Component Analysis (ICA) approach is employed to accomplish this task. ICA techniques have become widely used in audio analysis and source separation. The concept of lCA may actually be seen as an extension of the principal component analysis (PCA), which can only impose independence up to the second order and, consequently, defines directions that are orthogonal. They can also be used in conjunction with a classification method to achieve a high percentage of correct classification and reduce false alarms. In this paper, an ICA based algorithm is developed and implemented on seismic data of human and horse footsteps. The performance of this method is very promising and is demonstrated by the experimental results.
Equilibrium and kinetic studies of hemoglobin I: A functionally silent amino acid substitution at an invariant residue

Abstract Hemoglobin I is an uncommon hemoglobin variant in which the lysine residue at position 16 of the a chain has been replaced by glutamic acid. Lysine is the invariant residue in all myoglobin and hemoglobin subunits that have been sequenced, with the exception of the hemoglobin of the lamprey. Replacement of invariant residues is generally reflected in altered functional properties of the hemoglobin molecule and such invariance may be indicative of a unique functional role. However, a study of the oxygen equilibrium and kinetic properties of hemoglobin I showed the functional properties of this hemoglobin to be indistinguishable from those of normal adult hemoglobin.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with gastrectomy and gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II), A case for the forward look.

Endoscopic cannulation of the duodenal papilla in patients with gastrojejunostomy presents special problems that have been solved by these authors who recommend use of the forward viewing instrument. Particular caution is urged in endoscopy of the afferent limb.
Low frequency inverse scattering

Derived is an acoustic and electromagnetic low frequency direct scattering approximation in terms of the characteristic function of a scatterer. An inverse scattering solution for the complete moments tensor of this characteristic function is obtained. It is shown that this inverse scattering solution is a generalization of Rayleigh's law, yielding the Rayleigh law volume of the scatterer for the moments tensor of rank zero. The moments tensors of rank one and two are the spatial position centroid and the principal dimensions (and their spatial orientation) of the scatterer respectively.
Chromosomes and causation of human cancer and leukemia. LIV. Near-tetraploidy in acute leukemia

Near-tetraploid cell populations were observed in a case of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and in one of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML). In the ALL case, hyperdiploid chromosomal changes, characterized by an isochromosome 17q [i(17q)], as well as other changes, were seen at the onset of the disease. At the first relapse, hypertetraploid cells appeared in about 10% of the mitoses in the bone marrow (BM), and by the second and third relapses, the hypertetraploidy was present in more than 90% of the mitoses in the BM. Even though karyotypic instability was evident, all abnormal karyotypes contained one or two i(17q) at every sampling. In spite of karyotypic instability at each relapse, karyotypic evolution was observed whenever relapse occurred. A normal female karyotype was confirmed in the BM of each period. Immunologic examinations performed at each sampling revealed no recognizable changes before and after the appearance of tetraploidy. In the AML case, which was classified as FAB M2, cytogenetic examination was performed at diagnosis and relapse. In both, hypotetraploid cells were observed in over 60% of the BM cells; the modal chromosome number was 90. Banding analysis was successful at relapse, and a pseudodiploid clone characterized by t(8;21) and a hypotetraploid clone with two t(8;21) and a loss of two Y chromosomes were observed in the same BM sample. A normal male karyotype was also observed in BM cells. In both cases, giant and bizarre blasts were seen in the BM. A close correlation between near-tetraploid mitoses and giant and bizarre blast cells in BM smears of the same samples was observed. Previously published tetraploid acute leukemia cases analyzed with banding methods were accumulated and compared with our two cases.
A theoretical and experimental examination of the predictions of two recent models of phytoplankton growth

Abstract An analysis of the theoretical models of phytoplankton growth developed independently by Bannister (1979) and Shuter (1979) shows that the models are mathematically identical in their predictions regarding steady-state light limited growth rates, respiration rates and chlorophyll: carbon ratios if one takes n = 1 and m = ∞ in the Bannister model. The chief advantages of the Bannister model are its ability to predict short-term photosynthesis versus light curves, and its adaptability to L : D cycle growth conditions. The latter capability of the model is greatly facilitated if n = 1. The principal advantages of the Shuter model are its ability to describe nutrient-limited steady-state nitrogen: carbon and phosphorus: carbon ratios, and its ability to predict the interactive effects of temperature, light and nutrient limitation on phytoplankton composition. A comparison of the models with nutrient and light limited growth rate and composition data for the marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii shows good agreement in all cases except for RNA: C and ATP: C data. The latter two composition ratios do not appear amenable to description by the model. An examination of the Shuter model shows that it predicts a hyperbolic relationship between nitrogen :carbon (or phosphorus: carbon) ratios and nutrient-limited growth rate of exactly the form proposed on empirical grounds by Caperon & Meyer (1972), and that the hyperbolic function reduces to the form earlier proposed by Droop (1968) in the limit of high light intensity. The predicted light and temperature dependences of the parameters in the hyperbola are shown to be in qualitative agreement with recent experimental data.
Purification and properties of the lethal fraction of the venom of the stonefish Synanceja horrida (Linnaeus).

Abstract The nature and some of the properties of the venom of the tropical stonefish Synanceja horrida (Linnaeus) have been investigated. The fraction lethal to mice was insoluble in deionized water, but was increasingly soluble with increasing ionic strength. The lethal fraction was most stable around neutrality, activity being lost at pH values or 5.6 or less and at pH 10.6. This fraction was heat-labile but could be stored for long periods in the frozen state. Starch-gel electrophoresis in phosphate buffer at pH 8 and ionic strength 0.076–0.1 usually revealed the presence of 7 or 8 components, although as many as 10 appeared with some samples. Material lethal to mice could be recovered from only one of these bands and the active fraction eluted from the gel was approx. twice as potent as the original venom. Re-electrophoresis of this active fraction gave only a single band.
Matching network design for passive intermodulation distortion reduction

A method for designing matching networks to reduce the distortion created by nonlinear passive components interfacing with antennas is presented. Coaxial connectors produce passive intermodulation distortion based on the amount of current flowing through them. By increasing the input impedance at the connector using impedance transformations, current, and thereby passive intermodulation distortion, can be reduced. A model is developed which allows designers to understand the relationship between impedance and distortion. Experimentally a reduction greater than 20 dB in passive intermodulation distortion is shown using a λ/4 matching network to transform the input impedance at the passive intermodulation source from 50Ω to 285Ω, while minimally affecting the linear transmission properties of the connection.
Extended distance non-isocentric treatment in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer

Purpose: To obtain the maximum differential non-coplanar beams angle for a faster dose dropping outside Plan Target Volume (PTV) for lung cancer treated by Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), an extended distance non-isocentric (EDNI) treatment method was explored and developed. Methods: The EDNI requires delivering of the treatment beam at 120 cm or farther for sauce axial distance (SAD) instead of standard 100 cm. This change provides a more compact dose distribution around PTV and the lower toxicity to organs at risk (OAR) due to benefit of 120 cm SAD and more choice of beam and couch angle. A hand calculation formula for the translation between 100 SAD and EDNI was used to verify the treatment plan results. A phantom for end to end study based on this EDNI technique was used to compare with standard 100 SAD deliveries for SBRT. Three patients who underwent SBRT treatment were randomly chosen to demonstrate the benefits of EDNI technique. These treatment re-plans were applied to EDNI and evaluated for conformal index (CI) of PTV, R 50% of PTV , 2 cm distance (D 2cm ) of PTV and Maximum dose (D max )of OARs to compare with original clinical plans. Results: All of the cases delivered by the EDNI technique satisfied dose requirements of RTOG 0263 and showed a faster dose dropping outside of PTV than standard SAD deliveries. The distance from PTV after 1.5 cm for the EDNI technique had a smaller maximum dose and much lower standard deviation for dose distribution. The EDNI applied plans for patients showed less R 50% and D 2cm of PTV (P≤ 0.05), also similar results for D max of esophagus, trachea and spinal cord. Conclusion: The EDNI method enhances the capabilities of linear accelerators as far as the increased gradient of dose drop-off outside of PTV is concerned. More angular separation between beams leads to more compact dose distributions, which allow decreasing volume of high dose exposure in SBRT treatments and better dose distribution on sensitive organs to minimize the treatment toxicity.
Severe valvular and aortic arch calcification in a patient with gaucher's variant homozygous for D409h mutation

Abstract Gaucher's disease is an autosomal recessive inherited defect of the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase which leads to glucocerebroside accumulation in the reticuloendothelial system. The most common mutations are N370S and 84 gg which lead to bone fractures, organomegaly and cytopenias. We present a case of a 17 year old Palestinian patient who presented in 7/97 with severe aortic and mitral valvular calcification, as well as calcification of the ascending aorta, the aortic arch and the ostia of his coronary arteries. The patient was confirmed to be homozygous for the D409H mutation of the glucocerebrosidase gene. The patient's enzyme assay for glucocerebrosidase activity was 5 nm/hr/mg protein (normal 13–22 nm/hr/mg). The patient presented with symptoms of dyspnea and chest pain. He had a history of documented aortic valve calcification that was diagnosed in 1991 by echocardiogram after two of his older brothers died of congestive heart failure and severe valvular calcification. Cardiac catheterization on 7/30/99 showed a severely calcified aorta with almost no motion of the aortic valve leaflets and severe calcification of the mitral valve and the mitral valvular apparatus. On 8/5/97 patient underwent extensive cardiac surgery with aortic and mitral valve replacements and intraoperative findings confirmed calcification of the entire aortic root. Electron microscopy of the valves confirmed the presence of Gaucher's bodies. Enzyme therapy with imiglucerase was initiated in the perioperative period and patient was in stable condition at last follow-up in 12/99. Previous reports of patients with the D409H mutation note this unusual phenotype with severe calcification of the aortic and mitral valves.
Cell-free 27 kDa heat shock protein (hsp27) and hsp27-cytochrome c complexes in the cervix of women with ovarian or endometrial cancer.

Antibodies to the 27 kDa heat shock protein (hsp27) are present in some women with ovarian and endometrial cancers but not in women with nonmalignant conditions or healthy women. The appearance of these antibodies suggests that the corresponding protein (hsp27) may be present in an extracellular form in gynecologic cancer patients. Synthesis of hsp27 is upregulated in gynecologic cancers and inhibits induction of apoptosis. We now report the detection of hsp27 as well as hsp27-cytochrome c complexes in cell-free endocervical or posterior vaginal specimens from women with endometrial or ovarian cancer. Specimens were obtained with a cotton swab from 209 consecutive patients seen by a gynecologic oncologist. After removal of cellular components, aliquots of supernatants were assayed by ELISA for hsp27, using cytochrome c bound to microtiter plate wells, and for hsp27-cytochrome c complexes, using antibodies to cytochrome c and hsp27. Among 47 women with ovarian cancer, 38.3% were positive for hsp27 and 27.7% had hsp27-cytochrome c complexes. Similarly, among 52 women with endometrial cancer, 34.6% were hsp27-positive and 30.8% had hsp27-cytochrome c complexes. In contrast to the women with ovarian or endometrial cancer, of the 86 women with benign diagnoses only, 10.5% had cervical hsp27 (p < 0.002) and 8.1% had hsp27-cytochrome c complexes (p < 0.004). Among ovarian cancer patients, hsp27 was identified in 44.0% of the 25 women with active disease as opposed to 17.6% of the 17 patients in remission (p < 0.05). In women with stage 1-2 active ovarian cancer, 8 of 10 (80.0%) were hsp27-positive as opposed to 3 of 14 (21.4%) stage 3-4 patients (p < 0.01). For hsp27-cytochrome c complexes, 50% of ovarian cancer patients with active stage 1-2 disease as opposed to 21.4% with stage 3-4 disease were positive. Among women with endometrial cancer, only 10 of the 52 patients had active disease and 44 were in stage 1-2. For this malignancy, there was no relation between detection of hsp27 or hsp27-cytochrome c and active disease or cancer stage. Our results suggest that cell-free hsp27 and hsp27-cytochrome c complexes can be detected in the lower genital tract of women with ovarian and endometrial cancers. Identification of these biomarkers may be beneficial in the early diagnosis of these malignancies.
TRACE ELEMENT RESIDUES IN BLUEGILLS AND COMMON CARP FROM THE LOWER SAN JOAQUIN RIVER, CALIFORNIA, AND ITS TRIBUTARIES

Abstract Whole-body samples of bluegills ( Lepomis macrochirus ) and common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) from the San Joaquin River and two tributaries (Merced River and Salt Slough) were analyzed to determine if the concentrations of any of nine elements were elevated as a result of exposure of the fish to agricultural subsurface (tile) drainage water. Highest concentrations (μg/g dry weight) detected were as follows (first number in each pair applies to bluegills and the second to carp): arsenic (As), 0.97 and 1.5; boron (B), 14 and 20; cadmium (Cd), 0.14 and 0.27; chromium (Cr), 2.7 and 2.2; mercury (hg), 3.3 and 2.9; molybdenum (Mo), 2.8 and 3.6; nickel (Ni), 0.87 and 2.2; lead (Pb), 0.26 and 2.3; and selenium (Se), 3.2 and 5.5. The lowest concentrations were below the levels of detection, except for Hg (0.15 in bluegills and 0.12 in carp) and Se (0.43 and 0.56). As judged by comparisons with data from the National Contaminant Biomonitoring Program and other published surveys, the concentrations of B, Hg, Mo, and Se were moderately elevated in fish from several sites in the San Joaquin Valley. However, only the Se concentrations were positively correlated with water quality variables (e.g., total alkalinity, conductivity, and turbidity) known to be influenced by irrigation return flows. Historical data from one site (Salt Slough), where trace elements in whole fish have been measured since 1969, indicated that Se concentrations increased more than twofold between 1973 and 1977, but thereafter remained near 3.0 μg g −1 (dry weight basis), presumably due to the continuing practice of disposing seleniferous tile drainage water into the most convenient stream channel.
Profile: Profiling call‐in poll users

Media‐stimulated call‐in polls have been criticized for exploiting the credibility of scientific polling. In this empirical study, demographic and lifestyle biases from diffusion theory are examined in conjunction with call‐in polling, along with the potential for rigging by organized blocks of “voters.”
Lensing of 21-cm fluctuations by primordial gravitational waves

Weak-gravitational-lensing distortions to the intensity pattern of 21-cm radiation from the dark ages can be decomposed geometrically into curl and curl-free components. Lensing by primordial gravitational waves induces a curl component, while the contribution from lensing by density fluctuations is strongly suppressed. Angular fluctuations in the 21-cm background extend to very small angular scales, and measurements at different frequencies probe different shells in redshift space. There is thus a huge trove of information with which to reconstruct the curl component of the lensing field, allowing tensor-to-scalar ratios conceivably as small as r∼10^(-9)—far smaller than those currently accessible—to be probed.
Astrometric Binaries and Their Role in Double Star Astronomy

Discussing the relationship between the astrometric binaries and the family of double stars is somewhat like dealing with the ‘philosophy’ of this type of binaries. Available evidence points toward the assumption that we encounter here primarily a specific technique of observation rather than a specific type of objects. This technique addresses itself to moderately wide pairs among nearby stars, with a in the ‘grey area’ around 10 AU, objects whose detection by other methods of observation presents difficult problems. In this context astrometric binaries may be considered an extention of the class of visual binaries, as illustrated by systems where the perturbing unseen component has been rendered visible by more powerful instruments, as in the case of Sirius B, predicted by Bessel, Procyon B, and Ross 614.
Diarylheptanoids from Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam)

A fractionation methodology aimed at the metabolomic mining of new phytoconstituents for the widely used botanical, wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), makes use of 1D qHNMR and 2D NMR profiles along the preparative fractionation pathway. This quantifiable and structural guidance led to the isolation of 14 diarylheptanoids (1–14), including five new compounds (1–5) with a tetrahydropyrano core skeleton. The structures, including the absolute configurations of both new and previously known diarylheptanoids, were assigned by a combination of HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, 1H iterative full spin analysis (HiFSA), and Mosher’s ester method. The isolation yields were consistent with yields predicted by qHNMR, which confirms the (semi)quantifiable capabilities of NMR-based preparative metabolomic mining. The qHNMR-aided approach enabled the identification of new and potentially significant chemical entities from a small fraction of the plant extract and, thereby, facilitated the characterization of the residual complexity o...
Temperature dependence of the distribution of the first passage time: results from discontinuous molecular dynamics simulations of an all-atom model of the second beta-hairpin fragment of protein G.

More than 22 000 folding kinetic simulations were performed to study the temperature dependence of the distribution of first passage time (FPT) for the folding of an all-atom Go-like model of the second beta-hairpin fragment of protein G. We find that the mean FPT (MFPT) for folding has a U (or V)-shaped dependence on the temperature with a minimum at a characteristic optimal folding temperature T-opt*. The optimal folding temperature T-opt* is located between the thermodynamic folding transition temperature and the solidification temperature based on the Lindemann criterion for the solid. Both the T-opt* and the MFPT decrease when the energy bias gap against nonnative contacts increases. The high-order moments are nearly constant when the temperature is higher than T-opt* and start to diverge when the temperature is lower than T-opt*. The distribution of FPT is close to a log-normal-like distribution at T* greater than or equal to T-opt*. At even lower temperatures, the distribution starts to develop long power-law-like tails, indicating the non-self-averaging intermittent behavior of the folding dynamics. It is demonstrated that the distribution of FPT can also be calculated reliably from the derivative of the fraction not folded (or fraction folded), a measurable quantity by routine ensemble-averaged experimental techniques at dilute protein concentrations.
Pulmonary Abnormalities and Serum Immunoglobulins in Facsimile Machine Repair Technicians Exposed to Butyl Methacrylate Fume

Seven repair technicians (RT, site A) repeatedly exposed to facsimile machine fume developed recurring sore throat, fever, lymphadenopathy, chest tightness, dry cough, and dyspnea. The fume concentration was low (0.6 mg/m 3 of breathing-zone air) but it contained butyl methacrylate (BMA), a known skin sensitizer. Although chest radiographs were normal, three of the seven RT-A had lung crackles and spirometric abnormalities, and increased serum levels of immunoglobulins IgE or IgM. Symptoms and most other abnormalities improved when exposure to BMA was stopped. We later evaluated workers in two other sites (B and C). Six RT-B had daily contact with BMA fume (0.14 to 0.40 mg/m 3 of air) at a field repair depot. Six administrative and six sales staff members (AS-B, SS-B) without regular fume exposure served as controls. All RT-B had elevated serum IgE levels (202±69 U/mL [SEM]; normal
Relationship between quality of care and functional decline in hospitalized vulnerable elders.

Background: Although process of care is a valuable dimension of quality, process-of-care-based quality indicators (POC-QIs) are ideally associated with meaningful patient outcomes. The relationship between POC-QIs for hospitalized older patients and functional decline, a relevant outcome for older patients, is unknown. Objective: To assess the relationship between POC-QIs for hospitalized elders and functional decline. Research Design: Observational cohort study. Subjects: Hospitalized vulnerable elder patients age 65 or older admitted to a general medicine inpatient service from June 1, 2004 to June 1, 2007. Measures: POC-QIs received by hospitalized patients (measured by Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders QIs) and functional decline (increased activities of daily living impairments postdischarge). Results: For 898 vulnerable elder patients, mean adherence to 6 universally applied quality indicators was 57.8%. After adjustment for factors likely associated with functional decline (comorbidity, vulnerability, baseline functional limitation, number of POC-QIs triggered, length of stay, code status, and interaction between frailty and QI adherence), there was no association higher quality of care (using the composite score) and increased risk of functional decline. Patients who received a mobility plan were 1.48 (95% CI: 1.07–2.05; P = 0.017) times more likely to suffer functional decline after discharge. Patients who received an assessment of nutritional status had a lower odds of suffering functional decline after discharge (OR: 0.37, [95% CI: 0.21–0.64; P Conclusions: Hospitalized vulnerable elders who receive higher quality of care, as measured by Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders QIs, are not less likely to suffer decline after discharge.
Steric effects on the structure of copper malonate coordination polymers containing 1,3-di(4-pyridyl)propane

Abstract Slow diffusion of aqueous solutions of copper dicarboxylate precursors with ethanolic solutions of 1,3-di(4-pyridyl)propane (dpp) afforded three different coordination polymers whose dimensionality and topology depends critically on the steric bulk of the malonate ligand. The new phases were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. Using the unsubstituted parent malonate ligand (mal), the complex phase {[Cu(dpp)2(H2O)][Cu(mal)2(dpp)][Cu(mal)(dpp)(H2O)]·12H2O}n (1) was obtained. Its crystal structure shows the interweaving of cationic layer, anionic chain, and neutral chain motifs to give a rare 2D + 1D + 1D → 3D topology. Utilizing the sterically bulkier dimethylmalonate (dmmal) ligand afforded [Cu(dmmal)(dpp)(H2O)]·3H2O}n (2), which shows a simple neutral (4,4) grid topology. [Cu(dpp)2][Cu(emal)2]·6H2O}n (3, emal = ethylmalonate) manifests cationic ribbon motifs and coordination complex anions. Thermal properties of these materials are also discussed.
A NONINVASIVE STUDY OF MILK CLEANING PROCESSES: CALCIUM PHOSPHATE REMOVAL

High temperature, high pH milk processing results in the formation of mineral rich deposits that are > 70% mineral and < 30% protein by weight. This research investigates the removal of P 32 labeled mixtures of calcium phosphate dihydrate (brushite, caHPO 4 .2H 2 O) and hydroxyapatite (Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 OH) from stainless steel tubes using a solid scintillation technique. Experiments were performed at pH values ranging from 2. 86- 7. 82 and flow rates from 3.8-11.4 L/min. Previous cleaning models are reviewed and a mass transfer model is proposed which, when compared to the experimental results suggests that film removal is due to both dissolution and mechanical effects due to shear stress. A modified first order model is presented which incorporates the effects of the solvent flow rate and pH on decontamination rates. This first order model is in agreement with the experimental results over the range of pH and flow rates investigated.
Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy for Surgical Residents: Evaluation of a Phantom Model

Background Ultrasound is increasingly used by surgeons for evaluation of breast lesions. While surgical residents have sufficient exposure to breast surgery, many lack exposure to office-based procedures, such as ultrasound-guided breast biopsy. A phantom model was created to teach surgical residents basic breast ultrasound and biopsy skills and to evaluate the resident's response when incorporated into the curriculum. Methods The model was created using a pork roast and 10 variably-sized pimento olives. Twenty-four surgical residents were given a brief introduction to breast ultrasound followed by up to 5 minutes to ultrasound the model and note the embedded lesions. The number and location of lesions found and the time spent per resident were recorded. Residents were then introduced to the vacuum-assisted core biopsy system and observed performing ultrasound-guided biopsies. Pre- and postsession evaluations were completed by all residents. Scatterplot regression models were used for data analysis. Results Most residents had previous ultrasound instruction. The intermediate level residents (postgraduate year [PGY]2 and 3) found the most lesions in the shortest time, missing on average 1.125 lesions in 3:09 minutes. Time spent did not correlate with number missed or previous ultrasound experience. Over 50% of residents sampled the center of the lesion on their first biopsy attempt, with no correlation to PGY or ultrasound experience. All residents rated this experience good to excellent, and 67% believed their ultrasound skills were improved. Ninety-five percent of residents felt the model was fairly realistic and 95% would like to have more experiences like this in the curriculum. The residents surveyed thought the curriculum would be best suited to a PGY2 experience. Conclusions The phantom breast is a realistic and valuable teaching model for breast ultrasound. Further evaluation regarding skill retention is needed.
A method for seafloor classification using directional variograms, demonstrated for data from the Western Flank of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Seafloor classification is aimed at quantitatively characterizing seafloor properties such as roughness and anisotropy, and at using such spatial characteristics to distinguish geological provinces automatically. From geostatistical principals, a variogram method is developed for seafloor classification and it is demonstrated for data from the western flank of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 25°45′N to 26°40′N. This study uses HYDROSWEEP bathymetric data which have been ping-edited to flag erroneous data records, and navigation corrected. The classification method can handle the resultant data gaps inside the survey swaths as well as interpret data from several swaths. For a suite of test areas representative of different geological provinces, directional variograms are calculated, and characteristic parameters are extracted for the classification. Examples include a sediment pond, abyssal hill terrain in several segments and of variable spacing, inside and outside corners of ridge discontinuities, and mixed morphological forms. The dependency of the results on random or regular subsampling and on the size of the test area is investigated.
An Approach to the Infrared Study of Materials by Photothermal Beam Deflection Spectroscopy

Abstract Infrared Fourier transform photothermal beam deflection spectroscopy (PBDS) is briefly outlined. It involves heating a surface by the photothermal effect, using infrared (IR) radiation from a scanning interferometer; energy is transferred to the gas above the surface and the resulting refractive index gradient in the gas is detected by observing the deflection of a laser beam grazing the solid's surface; the deflection is related to the IR radiation which is absorbed, so that the Fourier transform of the deflection signal results in the IR spectrum. PBDS is especially useful for materials which scatter and/or absorb IR radiation so extensively that conventional transmission/absorption techniques are not possible. A variety of examples of applications are given, including spectra of polymers, floor tile, polyester thread and fabric, leather, cellulose, paper, lichen and bone.
Appetitive determinants of self-stimulation

Previous reports have pointed to a biologically meaningful relationship between brain-stimulated reward and appetitive motivation such as feeding. The present experiments further examined this relationship in chronically self-stimulating Sprague-Dawley rats. In Expt 1 restriction of ad libitum food produced a subsequent increase in self-stimulation in the substantia nigra. In Expt 2 restriction of ad libitum self-stimulation, from the same sites, produced a subsequent gain in body weight. In Expt 3 restriction of ad libitum self-stimulation produced subsequent increases in responding for stimulation. Soon after the initial discovery of self-stimulation of the brain (ICS; Olds and Milner, 1954) the results of several experiments suggested that the same central nervous system (CNS) circuits subserving electrically elicited reward might also be involved in biological reinforcement. Brady and co-workers (1957) noted increases in self-stimulation rates subsequent to food and water deprivation in rats and cats. This finding was independently confirmed by both Olds (1958) and Hodos and Valenstein (1960). The possible interrelationships between feeding and self-stimulation have since been extensively investigated. Hoebel and Teitelbaum (1962), Margules and Olds (1962), and Wilkinson and Peele (1962) simultaneously reported a behavioral and anatomical identity for hypothalamic feeding and self-stimulation loci: Other CNS sites involved with taste, oral sensation, and ingestive behavior may also support self-stimulation (Micco, 1974; Ritter and Stein, 1973; Van Der Kooy and Phillips, 1977). Finally, the concurrent availability of reinforcing tastes may alter ongoing selfstimulation performance (Hoebel, 1971; Poschel, 1968). These and other related studies have been summarized in a number of recent reviews (Hoebel, 1969, 1974; Mogenson and Phillips, 1976). a The authors gratefully acknowledge support provided by the National Institute of Mental Health (Postdoctoral Grant MH07417 to the first author). The editorial assistance of Esther Washington is also acknowledged with gratitutde. This report is dedicated to the memory of Dr. J. Olds. 5OO
Crystallization of bFGF-DNA aptamer complexes using a Sparse Matrix designed for protein–nucleic acid complexes

The Sparse Matrix approach for obtaining lead crystallization conditions has proven to be very fruitful for the crystallization of proteins and nucleic acids. Here we report a Sparse Matrix developed specifically for the crystallization of protein-DNA complexes. This method is rapid and economical, typically requiring 2.5 mg of complex to test 48 conditions. The method was originally developed to crystallize basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) complexed with DNA sequences identified through in vitro selection, or SELEX, methods. Two DNA aptamers that bind with approximately nanomolar affinity and inhibit the angiogenic properties of bFGF were selected for co-crystallization. The Sparse Matrix produced lead crystallization conditions for both bFGF-DNA complexes.
A distributed evolutionary algorithmic approach to the least-cost connected constrained sub-graph and power control problem

When wireless sensors are capable of variable transmit power and are battery powered, it is important to select the appropriate transmit power level for the node. Lowering the transmit power of the sensor nodes imposes a natural clustering on the network and has been shown to improve throughput of the network. However, a common transmit power level is not appropriate for inhomogeneous networks. A possible fitness-based approach, motivated by an evolutionary optimization technique, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is proposed and extended in a novel way to determine the appropriate transmit power of each sensor node. A distributed version of PSO is developed and explored using experimental fitness to achieve an approximation of least-cost connectivity.
Pressures and Priorities in the National Budget

I WOULD LIKE to talk to you about how our national budget priorities are identified, with particular reference to the USDA component. I would also like to share with you some of the "realities" I found about the pressures that shape budget priorities. Finally, I would like to raise some questions concerning our profession and the ways in which we (and the USDA) might influence budget priorities so that our research-education work becomes increasingly pertinent to the persisting economic and social problems of nonmetropolitan America. The federal budget is a highly complex document. During its makeup, the Bureau of Budget (BOB) provides the only arena in which all the financial claims, aspirations, and despairs of all the federal agencies and programs are present at one time in one document.' The multitude of different federal agencies, and the fact that each is quite financially independent of the others, inevitably leads to competition and confusion when it comes to asking for and obtaining funds. The Bureau's budgetary process must resolve these conflicts, at least in the short run, in order to develop a financial plan for the Executive. It does so by meshing the various objectives and priorities that it can identify (economic, political, personal, etc.) with the design of public programs, their possible funding, and their evaluation responsibilities. Ultimately Congress decides who gets what funds by direct appropriation. This budgetary process takes place within a hierarchy of varied goals. For example, the President has stated he wants peace, full employment, and reduced inflation. The 14-man National
NETWORK REPRESENTATION, CONTINUUM APPROXIMATIONS AND A SOLUTION TO THE SPATIAL AGGREGATION PROBLEM OF TRAFFIC ASSIGNMENT

Abstract This paper complements the preceding one, which showed how one could modify equilibrium traffic assignment algorithms for networks with many centroids. In this one it is shown how one can substitute centroids by zones with continuous population densities. The technique, which is mathematically guaranteed to approximate a flow pattern in accordance with Wardrop's user equilibrium criterion, requires some geometrical calculations which can be handled off-line. With the suggested approach, it is possible to represent the spatial distribution of trip ends more realistically and this allows traffic assignment models to capture the effects of short and intrazonal trips in a way previously impossible. The method is shown to be computationally feasible.
Computational development of Jacobian matrices for complex spatial manipulators

Current methods for developing manipulator Jacobian matrices are based on traditional kinematic descriptions such as Denavit and Hartenberg parameters. The resulting symbolic equations for these matrices become cumbersome and computationally inefficient when dealing with more complex spatial manipulators, such as those seen in the field of biomechanics. This paper develops a modified method for Jacobian development based on generalized kinematic equations that incorporates partial derivatives of matrices with Leibniz's Law (the product rule). It is shown that a set of symbolic matrix functions can be derived that improve computational efficiency when used in MATLAB(R) M-Files and are applicable to any spatial manipulator. An articulated arm subassembly and a musculoskeletal model of the hand are used as examples.
National Integration and Political Development.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between two concepts which have lately enjoyed an increasing popularity among students of the politics of the developing areas. A couple of arbitrary definitions might dispose of the problem in facile fashion, but our present interest is neither in systematic abstraction nor in generalizing the significance of narrow-gauge empirical research. The method pursued rests upon the assumption that both national integration and political development are situationally bound phenomena. Hence, the conclusions drawn from the present exploration are meant to have a temporary, but practical relevance. Because of this assumption, arriving at an appropriate understanding of the problem of national integration in relation to political development is the goal rather than the starting point of this paper.