cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of nonionic surfactant to reduce sulfuric acid mist in the copper electrowinning process

During the copper electrowinning process, sulfuric acid mist is released into the air above the electrowinning tanks. This mist causes health problems for the operators in the electrowinning plant. Therefore, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has mandated that electrowinning tanks comply with new stringent regulations. This has sparked an interest by copper mines to develop new techniques to reduce acid mist. Foam blankets have been employed as a possible solution. Through designed experiments, a range of surfactant concentrations and space velocities that reduced the acid mist were identified. In this paper, foam blankets using a BASF Pluronic F67 nonionic surfactant were proven to be a viable technique for acid mist reduction. The foam blankets examined may be effective in facilities that operate at evolved gas space velocities around 2.0 cm/min. This method leads to over a 90% reduction of sulfuric acid mist, thus, providing one option for putting the electrowinning system in compliance with OSHA's regulations.
Mercury Removal from Oil by Reactive Adsorption

Mercury in heavy condensate or oil causes marketing, processing, and environmental concerns. We have developed an effective process to remove mercury from oil. Laboratory tests show that the process is capable of removing up to 99% of mercury. The process is based on high-temperature chemisorption for selective adsorption of mercury and uses a special CuS/C adsorbent which is effective for removal of most types of mercury compounds. The process is simple and lends itself to integration into the existing LNG plant systems. In the process, the condensate from the stabilizer at 400−500 °F and 220 psi is directly passed over the adsorbent at about 10 liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) for mercury removal before normal heat exchange and storage. At the contemplated operating conditions, the adsorbent can last more than 1 year. Extensive laboratory tests have been conducted to verify the technical feasibility of the process. The adsorbent has been produced using a commercial process in a commercial unit and ev...
Insulin-Stimulated Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Migration by Inhibiting Ca/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II

Background— Insulin resistance is associated with vascular disease. Physiological concentrations of insulin inhibit cultured vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration in the presence of nitric oxide, and the failure to do so in insulin-resistant states may aggravate vascular disease. We sought to determine the molecular mechanisms by which insulin inhibits VSMC migration. Methods and Results— Insulin at 1 nmol/L stimulated cGMP production in cultured rat VSMCs that were induced to express inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). VSMC migration was measured in a wound-closure assay, and the platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB)-stimulated component of VSMC migration after wounding was inhibited by insulin, 8-Br-cGMP, and 1-[N-0-bis(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-N-methyl-l-tyrosyl]-4-phenylpiperazine (KN-62), a selective inhibitor of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II). Wounding alone or incubating cells with only PDGF-AB stimulated CaM kinase II activity in an insulin- and 8-Br...
Dual reciprocity boundary element formulation for potential problems with arbitrarily distributed sources

Rapid advances have been made on the application of Boundary Elements since the first book on this topic appeared in 19781 . The method is now used not only for linear problems but also for time dependent and non-linear applications 2. One of the main drawbacks of the method however is that in many cases these solutions require discretization of the internal domain into cells followed by integration over the volume. Because of this, early applications of the technique concentrated in developing alternative approaches, based on the use of time and space dependent fundamental solutions and referring the time integration always to the original time, to follow the evolutionary process using boundary only integrations. This approach was applied by Wrobel and Brebbia for parabolic problems 3 and by Mansur and Brebbia 4 for hyperbolic cases. The main difficulty in this case is that every new time step represents a complete new integration for the initial time making the approach very expensive for all but some cases where the domain tends to infinity. In addition it is difficult to extend the approach to deal with cases such as non-linearities and to modify codes written in this way without introduction of internal cells. In 1982 Brebbia and Nardini proposed an alternative approach which was presented at the International Conference on Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering held at Southampton University and published in the journal of the same name in 19835 . The originality of the new method consists of using approximations to the time dependent functions which enable the corresponding volume integrals to be transferred into boundary integrals only. Nardini and Brebbia explained the new procedure in detail in a chapter written in 19856 for a State of the Art series and further applications were presented, also for elastodynamics during the Variational Methods Conference held at Southampton in the same year 7. The hyperbolic elastodynamics case was obviously the most difficult application and once this had been mastered, the solution of parabolic cases was comparatively easy 8. Transient thermal analysis has now been implemented into an operational code 9 which is used by industry and the results tend to validate the accuracy of the technique which is now called the Dual Reciprocity method. The present paper discusses a further extension of the approach to cases for which domain sources are considered to be arbitrarily distributed within the domain. Numerical results are now being obtained and will be the subject of a subsequent publication.
Effect of an interactive web-based instruction in the performance of undergraduate anatomy and physiology lab students

This study provides an understanding of how different interactive technology tools that are integrated into a Website can be used for teaching undergraduate human anatomy and physiology laboratory students. Technology tools refer to a Website that the authors created to teach the Cardiovascular System that includes dynamic tools such as the Pronunciation Corner and Spelling Bee, and an Interactive practice and test tool. The Cardiovascular System was chosen as the subject matter to modify based upon the results of a pilot study where students indicated difficulty in understanding this subject. In addition, a ''Teacher Resources'' tool on the Website allows any teacher to create their own Pronunciation Corner and Spelling Bee and use them for their classes. The statistical analyses showed that the experimental group students (who had access to the Website) took advantage of the technology tools provided and demonstrated significant improvement in their performance on the cardiovascular portion of the lab test.
A dynamic RNA loop in an IRES affects multiple steps of elongation factor-mediated translation initiation

Many viruses store their genetic information in the form of strands of ribonucleic acid (RNA), which contain building blocks called nucleotides. Once inside an infected cell, the virus hijacks the cellular structures that build proteins (called ribosomes), which forces the cell to start making viral proteins. Many RNA viruses manipulate the cell’s ribosomes using RNA elements called Internal Ribosome Entry Sites, or IRESs. In a family of viruses called Dicistroviridae, which infect a number of insects, a section of the IRES RNA binds directly to the ribosome. Proteins called elongation factors then trigger a series of events that lead to the cell starting to make the viral proteins. By mutating the RNA of many different Dicistroviridae viruses that infect a variety of invertebrates, Ruehle et al. have now investigated how a particular loop in the structure of the IRES helps to make cells build the viral proteins. This loop is flexible, and interacts with the ribosome to enable the IRES to move through the ribosome. Mutations that shorten the loop or alter the sequence of nucleotides in the loop prevent the occurrence of two of the steps that need to occur for the cell to make viral proteins. Both of these steps depend on elongation factors. Determining how the entire IRES might change shape as it moves through the ribosome is an important next step, since the ribosome is exquisitely sensitive to the shape and motions of its binding partners.
Immunological Characterization of a 36kD Polypeptide in Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Antiserum against a 36 kD polypeptide (a subunit of arachin) that occurs in poor blanching peanuts was prepared. This antiserum was of high titer but was not monospecific for the homologous 36 kD anitgen; it showed cross-reactivity with other peanut proteins. The antiserum was adsorbed by the whole seed protein fraction of a good blanching cultivar to render it monospecific. The adsorbed antiserum could accurately differentiate the protein extracts from good blanching and poor blanching peanuts when tested by the enzyme linked immounosorbent assay (ELISA) and by immunoblotting. Time course studies of protein deposition during seed development revealed that the 36 kD polypeptide was present from the early stages of embryogenesis. In addition, it was present in all parts of the cotyledon and not limited to the surface of seed. Although the function of the 36 kD polypeptide is not known, our results indicate that its presence can be detected uising immunological assays.
Regulation of 12-Lipoxygenase by Cytokines in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract Increasing evidence suggests that cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1), IL-4, and IL-8 may play an important role in the chronic inflammation and cellular growth observed in cardiovascular diseases. The lipoxygenase (LO) pathway of arachidonate metabolism has also been related to the pathology of hypertension and atherosclerosis. LO products have chemotactic, hypertrophic, and mitogenic effects in vascular cells, and the LO enzyme has been implicated in the oxidation of LDL. Furthermore, earlier studies have shown that vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth factors such as angiotensin II and platelet-derived growth factor can increase LO activity and expression in VSMCs. In the present study, we have examined whether vasoactive and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-4, and IL-8 can modulate 12-LO activity and expression in porcine VSMCs and also whether they have growth-promoting effects in these cells. Treatment of porcine VSMCs with these cytokines led to significant increases in the levels of a cell-associated 12-LO product, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, as well as intracellular 12-LO enzyme activity. Furthermore, each of these cytokines led to a dose-dependent increase in 12-LO mRNA expression (333-base pair PCR product) as well as 12-LO protein expression (72 kD). In addition, all three interleukins could induce significant increases in VSMC DNA synthesis as well as proliferation. These results suggest that these cytokines have mitogenic effects in VSMCs and are also potent positive regulators of the 12-LO pathway. Thus, enhanced 12-LO activity and expression may be a key mechanism for cytokine-induced VSMC migration and proliferation.
Optimal biorefinery product allocation by combining process and economic modeling

Abstract The integrated biorefinery has the opportunity to provide a strong, self-dependent, sustainable alternative for the production of bulk and fine chemicals, e.g. polymers, fiber composites and pharmaceuticals as well as energy, liquid fuels and hydrogen. Although most of the fundamental processing steps involved in biorefining are well-known, there is a need for a methodology capable of evaluating the integrated processes in order to identify the optimal set of products and the best route for producing them. The complexity of the product allocation problem for such processing facilities demands a process systems engineering approach utilizing process integration and mathematical optimization techniques to ensure a targeted approach and serve as an interface between simulation work and experimental efforts. The objective of this work is to assist the bioprocessing industries in evaluating the profitability of different possible production routes and product portfolios while maximizing stakeholder value through global optimization of the supply chain. To meet these ends, a mathematical optimization based framework is being developed, which enables the inclusion of profitability measures and other techno-economic metrics along with process insights obtained from experimental as well as modeling and simulation studies.
The effects of maternal smoking on infant health

Maternal smoking has serious consequences for the developing fetus and infant, including a higher probability that the infant will be born prematurely and at low birth weight, will require admission to neonatal intensive care, and die during infancy. Data from Alabama birth certificates for births occurring between 1988 and 1991 were analyzed using log linear methods to calculate relative risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes and infant death. Smoking by mothers during pregnancy is associated with an elevated risk of infant death, low birth weight, and prematurity, controlling for mother's educational attainment, age, marital status, race, and trimester prenatal care was initiated. Smoking was also associated with a higher rate of admission to neonatal intensive care and to deaths from SIDS and respiratory causes. Reducing maternal smoking can contribute to a reduction of premature and low weight births and infant deaths. Because of the difficulty of stopping smoking, efforts need to be directed at preventing younger women from beginning to smoke.
Plasma doping on 68nm CMOS device source/drain formations

The plasma doping technique offers unique advantages over conventional beam line systems, including system simplification, lower cost, higher throughput, and device performance equivalence or improvement. Plasma doping has been first used on 68 nm CMOS device source and drain formations. A PMOS device was doped by B2H5 plasma doping and an NMOS device was doped by AsH3 plasma doping. The devices fabricated by plasma doping processes were intensively evaluated in this paper. In addition to higher throughput, CMOS devices, both PMOS and NMOS devices, fabricated by plasma doping processes showed improved electrical performance to those fabricated by conventional beam line ion implantation, including ~10-20 percent lower contact resistances, similar threshold and sub-threshold characteristics, ~10 percent higher drive currents and transconductances, and better device performance curves.
Lymphoma, melanoma, colon cancer: diagnosis and treatment with radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies. The 1986 Eugene P. Pendergrass New Horizons Lecture.

The development of monoclonal antibodies for use as in vivo carriers of radioactivity for diagnosis and therapy of malignant neoplasms is proceeding rapidly within academic and commercial sectors. The author and his colleagues studied anticancer antibodies formed against tumors of both somatic and hematopoietic origins. Several general principles have been established with the work with somatic tumors, including the following: Improved tumor-to-normal-tissue ratios can be achieved with Fab fragments as opposed to whole IgG; each antitumor antibody has a characteristic biodistribution in humans that cannot be readily predicted from tissue or small animal studies; and for many antibodies, there is a strong dependency of tumor uptake on total mass amount of antibody administered (greater uptake with greater mass dose). Initial work with iodine-131 labeled Fab fragments of the antimelanoma antibodies, 96.5 and 48-7, documented that tumor uptake was broadly proportional to antigen content of the tumors and tha...
Gauss: A Framework for Verifying Scientific Computing Software

High performance scientific computing software is of critical international importance as it supports scientific explorations and engineering. Software development in this area is highly challenging owing to the use of parallel/distributed programming methods and complex communication and synchronization libraries. There is very little use of formal methods to debug software in this area, given that the scientific computing community and the formal methods community have not traditionally worked together. The Utah Gauss project combines expertise from scientific computing and formal methods in addressing this problem. We currently focus on MPI programs which are the kind that run on over 60% of world's supercomputers. These are programs written in C / C++ / FORTRAN employing message passing concurrency supported by the Message Passing Interface (MPI) library. Large-scale MPI programs also employ shared memory threads to manage concurrency within smaller task sub-groups, capitalizing on the recent availability of small-scale (e.g. single-chip) shared memory multiprocessors; such mixed programming styles can result in additional bugs. MPI libraries themselves can be buggy as they strive to implement complex requirements employing aggressive techniques such as multi-threading. We have built a model extractor that extracts from MPI C programs a formal model consisting of communicating processes represented in Microsoft's Zing modeling language. MPI library functions are also being modeled in Zing. This allows us to run formal analysis on the models to detect bugs in the MPI programs being analyzed. Our preliminary results and future plans are described; in addition, our contribution is to expose the special needs of this area and suggest specific avenues for problem- driven advances in software model-checking applied to scientific computing software development and verification.
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Glycoproteins Are Not Required for Apical Targeting and Release from Polarized Epithelial Cells

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is released from the apical membrane of polarized epithelial cells. However, little is known about the processes of assembly and release of HRSV and which viral gene products are involved in the directional maturation of the virus. Based on previous studies showing that the fusion (F) glycoprotein contained an intrinsic apical sorting signal and that N- and O-linked glycans can act as apical targeting signals, we investigated whether the glycoproteins of HRSV were involved in its directional targeting and release. We generated recombinant viruses with each of the three glycoprotein genes deleted individually or in groups. Each deleted gene was replaced with a reporter gene to maintain wild-type levels of gene expression. The effects of deleting the glycoprotein genes on apical maturation and on targeting of individual proteins in polarized epithelial cells were examined by using biological, biochemical, and microscopic assays. The results of these studies showed that the HRSV glycoproteins are not required for apical maturation or release of the virus. Further, deletion of one or more of the glycoprotein genes did not affect the intracellular targeting of the remaining viral glycoproteins or the nucleocapsid protein to the apical membrane.
InAlAs/InGaAs/InP DHBTs with polycrystalline InAs extrinsic emitter regrowth

We report DC transistor performance in InAlAs/InGaAs/InP double heterojunction bipolar transistors (DHBT) utilizing molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) regrown base-emitter junctions. We believe this to be the first report of an HBT utilizing non-selective-area regrowth in the formation of an active heterojunction. The process produces a very low-resistivity polycrystalline InAs extrinsic emitter, with a very low-resistivity emitter contact whose area is much larger than that of the base-emitter junction, facilitating low emitter resistance. The process also eliminates the need to form the base-emitter junction by etching and self-aligned metal liftoff, as we have found such processes have very low yield at deep submicron dimensions. This work is the first step in an attempt to parallel the highly scaled, high integration, low parasitic, and high-yield aspects of silicon transistors.
Comparative evaluation of DSP techniques coupled with electromagnetic time-domain simulators for the efficient modeling and design of highly resonant RF-MEMS structures

Four digital signal processing (DSP)-based digital predictors [Prony's, covariance, forward-backward (FB), matrix pencil (MP)], that are commonly used to enhance the time-domain modeling and design of highly complex RF MEMS structures, are evaluated in terms of computational efficiency and accuracy as a function of the model order, the decimating factor, and the size of sample train. For a benchmarking case of an RF MEMS tuner, it is found that while covariance method has the best performance in terms of accuracy, MP method confers robustness to computational economies (less numerical effort) and saves more CPU time with a smaller model order that can be selected by easy and efficient criteria.
Theory Wars: An Argument Against Arguments in the so-called Ludology/Narratology Debate

Introduction This paper offers an alternative to the agonistic debate presented by Gonzalo Frasca in "Ludologists Love Stories Too," in Level Up, DiGRA 2003 Conference Proceedings (Frasca, 2003). While Frasca's position is that the ludology/narratology debate is spurious and fraught with misunderstandings, his paper simultaneously succeeds in deepening the gap by further polarizing the alleged two sides of a debate that, in Frasca's words, "never took place." Furthermore, the paper adds to the misunderstandings by further mis-labeling, mis-quoting and decontextualizing some of the points made by others. In this paper, I argue that there is little value in polarizing scholars into two "camps," even if one is doing so in an attempt to bridge the gap. As some of the scholars quoted by Frasca (some of whom I will refer to here) have pointed out, the argument is neither interesting nor productive. It begins to sound more like a theological argument than a deep form of discourse—somewhat like saying "communists love capitalism too." The very act of bestowing the suffix "-ist" is a kind of spell-casting exercise that only serves to reinforce the so-called false polarity that Frasca attempts to critique. And in fact, I am certain that a number of scholars who have been been grouped into the referenced camps—myself among them—would prefer not to be classified in either camp, but be allowed to move freely across the spectrum if ideas that lie between play and narrative without being forced to take a "position" on either end.
Measuring Post-Licensure Competence with Simulation: The Nursing Performance Profile

A valid, reliable practice assessment is needed to support intervention on the public’s behalf when the pattern of a nurse’s performance results in or is likely to result in patient harm. A collaborative multiagency research team developed and tested a criterion-referenced competency assessment process, using high-fidelity clinical simulation based on the Taxonomy of Error Root Cause Analysis and Practice Responsibility and the Clinical Competency Assessment of Newly Licensed Nurses. The 41-item instrument includes nine competency categories essential for safe practice. Registered nurses volunteered to be tested three times in the simulation laboratory ( N = 21). Experienced nurses made significantly fewer errors ( M = − 0.86, S = 0.50) than inexperienced nurses ( M = − 1.52, S = 0.91, p
Discrete third-order three-point right-focal boundary value problems

We are concerned with the discrete right-focal boundary value problem Δ3x(t) = f(t, x(t+1)), x(t1) = Δx(t2) = Δ2x(t3) = 0, and the eigenvalue problem Δ3x(t) = λa(t)f(x(t+1)) with the same boundary conditions, where t1 < t2 < t3. Under various assumptions on f, a, and λ, we prove the existence of positive solutions of both problems by applying a fixed-point theorem.
Quantile estimation by virtual probability method and application to waveform estimation with jitter noise

In this paper, a method to estimate quantiles of an unknown distribution without storing the collected data is proposed. By adding virtual samples according to the designed algorithm, the method transforms the problem of finding of quantile to the one of finding the median of a virtual distribution, such that the simple stochastic "Up and Down" model can be applied. Simulation results show good performance on the Gaussian distribution, especially at both the extreme ends of the quantiles. The application to signal estimation under jitter noise is demonstrated.
Do Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth? Evaluation of Team Placement and Individual Educational Plans on Enhancing the Social Competence of Handicapped Students

The study examined the efficacy of systematic team placement and individualized educational plans (IEP) on enhancing the social integration of educable mentally retarded and learning/behaviorally disturbed children into regular classrooms. The results indicated that team placement decisions and formalized IEPs were' somewhat less effective than unilateral placement and informal programming procedures. The factors of sex and type (normal, EMR, LD/BD) were the primary determinants of social adjustment and acceptance.
Reproductive Mode and Female Reproductive Cycles of Two Endemic Mexican Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma taurus and Phrynosoma braconnieri)

Two species of horned lizards, Phrynosoma braconnieri and P. taurus, are endemic to Mexico and inhabit medium and high-elevation sites in the states of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Puebla. We compiled information on distribution and reproductive cycle for these two species from the literature and from an examination of speci- mens in systematic collections. Our study confirms a viviparous mode of reproduc- tion for both species and suggests that their reproductive cycles may be different from that observed in other viviparous Phrynosoma. Specifically, embryonic devel- opment occurs during the late fall and winter months, with a parturition date in early spring. In contrast, other viviparous horned lizards gestate during the spring and summer months and give birth to their young in the late summer. Examining the phylogenetic distribution of reproductive modes in this genus suggests that two high-elevation clades of horned lizards have independently evolved viviparity from an oviparous ancestor, yet each of these clades has evolved a distinct reproductive cycle. Las especies endemicas de Mexico Phrynosoma braconnieri y P. taurus habitan ele- vaciones intermedias y altas en los estados de Oaxaca, Guerrero y Puebla. En este trabajo revisamos ejemplares de colecciones y recopilamos informacion bibliograf- ica sobre la distribucion y ciclos reproductivos de estas dos especies. Este estudio confirma la existencia de un modo de reproduccion viviparo en ambas especies, y sugiere que su ciclo reproductivo difiere del observado en otras especies viviparas de Phrynosoma. En particular, en P. braconnieri y P. taurus el desarrollo embrionario se lleva a cabo durante el final del otono y principios de invierno dandose el parto al principio de la primavera. En contraste, en otras especies viviparas de Phrynosoma la gestacion se realiza durante la primavera y el verano mientras que el parto ocurre en el verano tardio. La revision de la distribucion filogenetica de los modos reprod- uctivos en este genero, sugiere que dos clados de Phrynosoma que viven en eleva- ciones altas han adquirido independientemente un modo viviparo a partir de un ancestro oviparo. Sin embargo, cada uno de estos clados ha evolucionado un ciclo reproductivo particular.
Amyloid fibrils: potential food safety implications

The demonstration of oral Amyloid-A (AA) fibril transmissibility has raised food safety questions about the consumption of amyloidotic viscera. In a presumed prion-like mechanism, amyloid fibrils have been shown to trigger and accelerate the development of AA amyloidosis in rodent models. The finding of amyloid fibrils in edible avian and mammalian food animal tissues, combined with the inability of cooking temperatures to eliminate their amyloidogenic potential, has led to concerns that products such as pate de foie gras may activate a reactive systemic amyloidosis in susceptible consumers. Given the ability of amyloid fibrils to cross-seed the formation of chemically heterologous fibrils, the speculative etiologic role of dietary amyloid in other disease processes involving amyloid formation such as Alzheimer's disease and Type II Diabetes is also discussed.
Constraints-based stoichiometric analysis of hypoxic stress on steroidogenesis in fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas

In this study, an in silico genome-scale metabolic model of steroidogenesis was used to investigate the effects of hypoxic stress on steroid hormone productions in fish. Adult female fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to hypoxia for 7 days with fish sub-sampled on days 1, 3 and 7 of exposure. At each time point, selected steroid enzyme gene expressions and steroid hormone productions were quantified in ovaries. Fold changes in steroid enzyme gene expressions were used to qualitatively scale transcript enzyme reaction constraints (akin to the range of an enzyme's catalytic activity) in the in silico model. Subsequently, in silico predicted steroid hormone productions were qualitatively compared with experimental results. Key findings were as follows. (1) In silico gene deletion analysis identified highly conserved 'essential' genes required for steroid hormone productions. These agreed well (75%) with literature-published genes downregulated in vertebrates (fish and mammal) exposed to hypoxia. (2) Quantification of steroid hormones produced ex vivo from ovaries showed a significant reduction for 17β-estradiol and 17α,20β-dihydroxypregnenone production after 24 h (day 1) of exposure. This lowered 17β-estradiol production was concomitant with downregulation of cyp19a1a gene expression in ovaries. In silico predictions showed agreement with experimentation by predicting effects on estrogen (17β-estradiol and estrone) production. (3) Stochastic sampling of in silico reactions indicated that cholesterol uptake and catalysis to pregnenolone along with estrogen methyltransferase and glucuronidation reactions were also impacted by hypoxia. Taken together, this in silico analysis introduces a powerful model for pathway analysis that can lend insights on the effects of various stressor scenarios on metabolic functions.
Parathyroid hormone regulates histone deacetylases in osteoblasts

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) functions as an essential regulator of calcium homeostasis and as a mediator of bone remodeling. We have already shown that PTH stimulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), which is responsible for degrading components of extracellular matrix. We have hypothesized that histone deacetylases (HDACs) are involved with PTH-induced MMP-13 gene expression in the osteoblastic cell line, UMR 106-01. We have shown that PTH profoundly regulates HDAC4 in UMR 106-01 cells through a PKA-dependent pathway, leading to removal of HDAC4 from the MMP-13 promoter and its enhanced transcription. Understanding the mechanism of how HDACs affect osteoblast differentiation and mineralization will identify new theraupeutic methods for bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and multiple myeloma.
Duplication Based Integrated Task and Message Scheduling on a Heterogeneous Network of Workstations (NOWs)

This paper proposes a duplication based algorithm called integrated duplication based scheduling algorithm (InDuSA) capable of scheduling hard and soft real-time tasks and messages on precedence related NOWs. The system is heterogeneous in that a task can have diverse execution times on different workstations. Given a mix of hard and soft real-time tasks, our algorithm assigns higher priority to hard tasks. Once the tasks are scheduled, the proposed scheme duplicates certain tasks. Doing so reduces the inter-processor communication time between communicating tasks assigned to different workstations. This enables certain tasks to start (and finish) earlier. Hence, the schedulability increases. Moreover, the proposed scheme is scalable in that it can generate a schedule even if a sufficient number of processors are not available. Initial simulation results suggest that the proposed scheme offers better schedulability as compared to other algorithms in the literature when there is significant communication in the system.
Allies, adversaries, and economic coercion: Russian foreign economic policy since 1991

(1997). Allies, adversaries, and economic coercion: Russian foreign economic policy since 1991. Security Studies: Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 65-111.
Peak Torque-to-Body Weight Ratios in the Trunk: A Critical Analysis

The purpose of this study was to document the relationships between body weight and isokinetic extension and flexion peak torque produced by the trunk musculature. Using a dynamometer, we collected isokinetic measurements during trunk flexion and extension at speeds of 60° and 120°/sec on 61 healthy subjects (29 men, 32 women; 20–60 years old) while standing. Extension and flexion peak torque measurements were calculated for each subject at each speed. Male and female subjects' data were analyzed separately. Each subject's body weight was paired with peak torque at each speed, and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients ( r ) were calculated. The correlation coefficients ranged from .27 to .39 for extension and from .66 to .70 for flexion, establishing a positive linear relationship between body weight and each of the isokinetic measurements. Body weight accounted for very small proportions of the variance (as low as 7%–15% in extension isokinetic measurements). In attempting to use a client's body weight to predict isokinetic peak torque measurements, the clinician should be aware that a great deal of unaccounted for variance exists. We recommend that clinicians use other variables (eg, activity level, age) in addition to body weight to control for individual differences among healthy subjects when measuring isokinetic trunk extension muscle performance.
Mechanics of Web Panel Postbuckling Behavior in Shear

This paper revisits a fundamental assumption used in most classical failure theories for postbuckled web plates under shear, namely that the compressive stresses that develop in the direction perpendicular to the tension diagonal do not increase any further once elastic buckling has taken place. This assumption naturally led to a well-known theory that tension field action in plate girders with transverse stiffeners must be anchored by flanges and stiffeners in order for the webs to develop their full postbuckling strength. However, a careful examination of the results of the nonlinear finite-element analyses carried out for this study reveals that the diagonal compression continuously increases in close proximity to the edges after buckling, thereby producing in the web panel a self-equilibrating force system that does not depend on the flanges and stiffeners. These findings provide a fuller understanding of the actual mechanics of tension field action.
Northwest Montana Libby/Hungry Horse Dams Wildlife Mitigation; Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse, 1990-1991 Final Report.

Distribution, habitat use and survival of transplanted Columbian sharp-tailed grouse in the Tobacco Plains, Montana were studied from April, 1990 to August, 1991. For transplant purposes, 12 grouse (5 female and 7 male) were trapped on dancing grounds near Douglas Lake, British Columbia, Canada during spring, 1990. In April, 1991, trapping of 4 female and 2 male grouse for transplant occurred on the Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area in southeast Idaho while 3 additional males were transplanted from Douglas Lake. Minimum annual survival of transplanted grouse in the Tobacco Plains is relatively high (47%). High survival is possibly due to 2 factors: (1) topography and habitat characteristics that discourage dispersal and (2) the presence of limited but relatively good habitat. Two of 18 radio-equipped grouse dispersed out of the study area, while 2 others survived in the area for over 590 days. A negative correlation in distances moved between consecutive relocations and length of survival was seen in radio-equipped grouse in this study. Data collected during this study showed the importance of habitat associated with the Dancing Prairie Preserve. Three of 5 females transplanted in 1990 attempted to nest after being released. Nesting and brood rearing sites were characterized bymore » dense grass cover with an average effective height {ge}20 cm. Shrub cover was associated only with brood rearing sites. Overall habitat use by transplanted Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse showed an apparent avoidance of agricultural land and use of other habitat types in proportion to their availability.« less
Status Quo Bias and Two Point Conversions in Football

We derive a sequential game model for the optimal use of the two point conversion in late game situations in NFL and NCAA Division I-A football that allows for team heterogeneity. We show that teams who are more successful running the football are also more successful converting two point attempts. This leads to team-specific differences in optimal strategy choices. We find that these differences do not influence actual in-game decisions; rather, coaches are almost universally guided by “the chart,” a heuristic developed for teams with average conversion probabilities. This is consistent with a status-quo bias, where coaches are less willing to deviate from the conventional approach, even when it is optimal to do so. We also find that there are significant gains to be made by following a different approach.
Persistently Vitreous Culture-Positive Exogenous Bacterial Endophthalmitis.

Purpose To report the clinical settings, microbiological isolates, and best-corrected visual acuities (BCVA) of patients with persistently culture-positive exogenous fungal endophthlamitis. Design Retrospective consecutive case series. Methods Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patient Population: Sixteen eyes of 16 patients with at least 2 consecutive positive vitreous cultures between 1981 and 2015. Interventions: Intravitreal antifungal injection, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Main Outcome Measure: Clinical settings, microbiologic isolates, BCVA. Results The most common clinical settings were after cataract surgery (9/16, 56%), glaucoma surgery (4/16, 25%), and trauma (2/16, 13%). The most common single fungal isolate was Candida (4/16, 25%), but 75% of all isolates were molds. Treatment for presumed bacterial endophthalmitis was given initially in 14 patients (88%). All patients underwent a vitrectomy during the course of their treatment, and all received intravitreal or systemic antifungal therapy. The mean initial BCVA was 1.76 ± 0.9 logMAR (Snellen equivalent ≈20/1200), and the mean final BCVA was 1.84 ± 1.2 logMAR (≈20/1400, P = .83). The 9 patients (56%) who had intraocular lens (IOL) and capsular bag removals had better final BCVAs than those who did not ( P = .011). The BCVAs were similar in eyes with yeast and mold ( P = .37). The visual acuity at the last follow-up was ≥20/40 in 13% (2/16), ≥20/400 in 50% (8/16), and no light perception in 25% (4/16). Conclusions Candida was the single most common isolate, but the majority of isolates were molds. Eyes managed with PPV and removal of the IOL and capsular bag had better visual outcomes. Persistently culture-positive fungal endophthalmitis was associated with poor final visual acuities.
Effect of different fertilizer treatments on the relative indexes of the nitrogen metabolism and yield of different wheat varieties

To study the effects of different fertilizer treatments on GS activity,free amino acid content in the leaves and kernel of Aikang 58 and Zhengmai 366 were taken as test material under field conditions.It turned out that GS activity and free amino acid content in the leaves increased first and then decreased,and all peaked at 14 days after anthesis,and all declined as the order as the flag leaf2nd leaf3 rd leaf.The GS activity in grain was the same to leaves,but free amino acid content kept declining.In different fertilizer treatments,grain protein content,GS activity,and free amino acid content in leaves and grain significantly increased when nitrogen was at 225 kg·hm-2,Zhengmai 366 kept increasing,but Aikang 58 when nitrogen was above 225 kg·hm-2.The grain yield was highest at 225 kg·hm-2,Aikang 58 and Zhengmai 366 were 8 673.39 and 8 359.60 kg·hm-2.It is concluded that the grain yield both of Aikang 58 and Zhengmai 366 were the highest at 225 kg·hm-2,and the yield of Aikang 58 was higher than that of Zhengmai 366;but the grain protein content of both of Aikang 58 and Zhengmai 366 was the highest at 300 kg·hm-2,and the grain protein content of Zhengmai 366 was higher than that of Aikang 58.
Modifying effects of anions on the alkali-cation-activated AMP deaminase of human erythrocyte.

Human erythrocyte contains an AMP deaminase (AMP aminohydrolase, EC 3.5.4.6) which requires the presence of certain alkali cations. ATP modifies the selective response of this enzyme to various alkali cations. The object of this work was to determine whether anions other than ATP could have similar effects. AMP deaminase activities in the presence of various anions (SO42-, Cl-, Br-, I-, NO3-, and PO4- — PO42-) were measured. The results showed that a change in the major anion of the system modifies the enzyme activity, and that the relative effects of anions are influenced by the nature of the activating cation. The effects of the substrate concentration and the activator-cation concentration on the enzyme activity were studied under conditions of constant and maximal anion effects. The data did not conform to simple Michaelis-Menten kinetics. At lower ranges of substrate and cation concentrations the results could be described by the empirical Hill equation. Although some reaction schemes consistent with the kinetic data were suggested, no definite conclusions about the mechanisms of the cation and anion effects could be reached. The studies did prove, however, that a clear distinction between the selective response of the enzyme to various alkali cations and the selective binding of these ions to the enzyme should be made. Interactions of ATP and orthophosphate with the enzyme were investigated. It was shown that, in the presence of the two anions, decrease in ATP concentration and increase in orthophosphate concentration could have synergistic inhibitory effects on the enzyme activity. Possible significance of such effects in relation to the mechanisms for the control of adenine nucleotide content of erythrocyte was pointed out.
AFV refueling stations and the complexity of freeway intersections: the scale dependency of network representation

As interest for alternative fuel vehicles AFVs in urban areas continues to build, there has been a corresponding focus on the development of methods that can locate initial refueling stations on regional transportation networks in an optimal manner. Recent studies suggest that the behavior of early adopters of AFVs is consistent with the objectives of flow-capturing station location models. One outstanding issue with the further use of these models to locate AFV stations is the relationship between the relatively coarse geographic representation of regional transportation networks used in flow-capturing models and the complexity of the sites they recommend, which are often nodes that represent freeway intersections. Since AFV refueling stations cannot be built directly at freeway intersections, a network GIS method entitled the freeway traffic capture metric FTCM is developed to identify locations on proximate local street networks that can effectively capture all traffic passing through a freeway intersection. The FTCM considers deviation from a shortest travel path specifically through a freeway intersection as its metric of convenience for all possible travel routes that pass through it, computing a score for each candidate site on the nearby local street network. The FTCM is tested on nearly 45,000 candidate sites within one mile of 72 freeway intersections in greater Los Angeles, California. Locations that can capture all traffic passing through the nearby freeway intersection are shown to generally be near the intersection’s center, but not necessarily next to freeway entrances or exits. In total, 6.7% of possible station locations near these 72 freeway intersections are convenient for all traffic passing through them, and 22 out of the 72 freeway intersections lack such a site altogether. This indicates that there is high likelihood of inconsistency between regional modeling results and station location effectiveness if this scale dependency between coarse representations of transportation networks and the complexity of local street networks near freeway intersections is not considered when building initial AFV stations near these locations.
Chapter 5 – Hydrodynamics

The chapter discusses hydrodynamics of heavy-ion collisions. One way to quantify the frequency of collisions is by comparing the mean-free path to the size of a medium. The hydrodynamic equations result from applying the constraints of energy and momentum conservation to a gas. The hydrodynamic equations of motion for a perfect fluid are calculated in the chapter. If no quark-gluon plasma is formed and the system started out as an ideal gas of massless pions, the initial energy density would be significantly different. It is observed that higher densities are not really consistent with a hadronic system because they are considerably higher than those for both the quark-gluon plasma and the energy density in the center of a nucleon. The space-time history of the ideal quark-gluon plasma is analyzed in the chapter. In the case of longitudinal and spherical expansions, the hydrodynamic equations are invariant under scale transformations.
Analysis of Loops that Mediate Protein-Protein Interactions and Translation into Submicromolar Inhibitors.

Effective strategies for mimicking α-helix and β-strand epitopes have been developed, producing valuable inhibitors for some classes of protein–protein interactions (PPIs). However, there are no general strategies for translating loop epitopes into useful PPI inhibitors. In this work, we use the LoopFinder program to identify diverse sets of “hot loops,” which are loop epitopes that mediate PPIs. These include loops that are well-suited to mimicry with macrocyclic compounds, and loops that are most similar to variable loops on antibodies and ankyrin repeat proteins. We present data-driven criteria for scoring loop-mediated PPIs, uncovering a trove of potentially druggable interactions. We also use unbiased clustering to identify common structures among the hot loops. To translate these insights into real-world inhibitors, we describe a robust, diversity-oriented strategy for the rapid production and evaluation of cyclized loops. This method is applied to a computationally identified loop in the PPI betwee...