cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probing the assembly of the 3' major domain of 16 S rRNA. Interactions involving ribosomal proteins S2, S3, S10, S13 and S14.

We have used rapid probing methods to follow the changes in reactivity of residues in 16 S rRNA to chemical and enzymatic probes as ribosomal proteins S2, S3, S10, S13 and S14 are assembled into 30 S subunits. Effects observed are confined to the 3′ major domain of the RNA and comprise three general classes. 1. (1) Monospecific effects, which are attributable to a single protein. Proteins S13 and S14 each affect the reactivities of different residues which are adjacent to regions previously found protected by S19, S10 effects are located in two separate regions of the domain, the 11201150 stem and the 1280 loop; both of these regions are near nucleotides previously found protected by S9. Both S2 and S3 protect different nucleotides between positions 1070 and 1112. In addition, S2 protects residues in the 11601170 stem-loop. 2. (2) Co-operative effects, which include residues dependent on the simultaneous presence of both proteins S2 and S3 for their reactivities to appear similar to those observed in native 30 S subunits. 3. (3) Polyspecific effects, where proteins S3 and S2 independently afford the same protection and enhancement pattern in three distal regions of the domain: the 960 stem-loop, the 10501200 stem and in the upper part of the domain (nueleotides 1070 to 1190). Proteins S14 and S10 also weakly affect the reactivities of several residues in these regions. We believe that several of the protected residues of the first class are likely sites for protein-RNA contact while the third class is indicative of conformational rearrangement in the RNA during assembly. These results, in combination with the results from our previous study of proteins S7, S9 and S19, are discussed in terms of the assembly, topography and involvement in ribosomal function of the 3′ major domain.
Absolute emission cross section for electron-impact excitation of Ga+ to the 4 1P level

Crossed beams of electrons and ${\mathrm{Ga}}^{+}$ ions have been used to measure the absolute emission cross section for the process ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\mathrm{Ga}}^{+} (4^{1}S)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\mathrm{Ga}}^{+} (4^{1}P)$ from below thresh-old (8.77 eV) to 400 eV. Total uncertainties at 68% confidence level are typically 16%. The cross section exhibits the sharp onset at a threshold characteristic of positive-ion excitation processes. Evidence of structure is observed from just above threshold to 15 eV. The semiempirical Gaunt-factor formula is in reasonable agreement with the measurements over the energy range measured. A lower limit for the lifetime of the $4^{3}P_{0,2} {\mathrm{Ga}}^{+}$ metastable state has been established at $\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{\ge}0.4$ sec.
When Did Jazz Go Straight?: a queer question for jazz studies

Scholars in Jazz Studies who seek to analyze sexuality in meaningful ways struggle against a historical legacy of writing saturated by racist and colonialist desires manifest in primitivism, romanticism, and hyper-sexualization. This baggage does not go away when scholars turn their focus to “hidden histories of queer jazz musicians.” This article argues for another tack, to analyze heterosexual norms as social constructions; to understand intersectional analysis as a network of actively changing and contingent categories, and to attend to dynamics of “queering” and “straightening” in historically and culturally specific moments. This article poses the question—“when did jazz go straight?”—not as a literal question that can be answered once and for all, but as a candidate for inclusion in a new and improved “sexuality” compartment of the Jazz Studies toolkit.
An assessment of oral cancer curricula in dental hygiene programmes: implications for cancer control.

Purpose To assess oral cancer prevention and early detection curricula in Illinois associate-degree dental hygiene programmes and highlight global health applications. Methods An email invitation was sent to each Illinois associate-degree granting dental hygiene programme's oral cancer contact to participate in a survey via a SurveyMonkey™ link to a 21-item questionnaire. Questions elicited background information on each programme and inquired about curriculum and methods used for teaching oral cancer prevention and early detection. Results Eight of the 12 (67%) programmes responded. Three (37.5%) reported having a specific oral cancer curriculum. Five (62.5%) require students to perform examinations for signs and symptoms of oral cancer at each clinic visit. Variations exist across the programmes in the number of patients each student sees annually and the number of oral cancer examinations each student performs before graduation. Seven programmes (87.5%) conduct early detection screening in community settings. All programmes included risk assessment associated with tobacco. All other risk factors measured were treated inconsistently. Conclusion Significant differences in training and experience were reported across Illinois dental hygiene programmes. Training is neither standardized nor uniformly comprehensive. Students' preparation for delivering prevention and early detection services to their patients could be strengthened to ensure competence including reflection of risk factors and behaviours in a global context. Regular review of curricular guidelines and programme content would help dental hygienists meet the expectations of the Crete Declaration on Oral Cancer Prevention.
Response of Normal and Diabetic Rats to Increasing Dietary Medium-Chain Triglyceride Content

Replacing dietary long-chain triglycerides (LCT) with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) has not previously been shown to produce reliable changes in caloric intake. However, diabetic rats are particularly sensitive to changes in the fat content of their diet, and thus were used for comparison to normal rats in the studies reported below. Rats were fed synthetic diets that contained either corn oil or MCT. Food intake and plasma metabolic fuels were measured as the fat content of the diet was increased from 5 to 15 to 25%. Both normal and diabetic MCT-fed rats adjusted their caloric intake more quickly than LCT-fed rats as the fat content of the diet was increased. The relative preference of MCT- and LCT-fed rats for high and low concentrations of dietary fat was assessed. It was found that both normal and diabetic LCT-fed rats preferred high dietary fat, whereas MCT-fed rats did not. In normal rats, plasma triglycerides and glycerol were decreased and plasma ketones increased by MCT feeding. In diabetic rats, the only effect of MCT feeding was to decrease plasma glycerol and triglycerides. The relative importance of hedonic and metabolic feedback to the rapid caloric regulation of MCT-fed rats is discussed.
A multi-scale assessment of human vulnerability to climate change in the Aral Sea basin

Vulnerability to climate change impacts is defined by three dimensions of human–environmental systems, such as exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Climate change affects various aspects of human–environmental interactions, such as water stress, food security, human health, and well-being at multiple spatial and temporal scales. However, the existing protocols of vulnerability assessment fail to incorporate the multitude of scales associated with climate change processes. Changing trends in the Aral Sea basin are driven by multiple interconnected factors, such as changes in the global atmospheric circulation associated with the GHG-enhanced warming, regional hydrological and hydrometeorological changes caused by mountain-glacial melting and massive irrigation, land-use and land-cover changes, as well as hydrological, biogeochemical, and meso- and microclimatic changes in the remains of the Aral Sea and its exposed dry bottom. This review examines the role of scale in the assessment human vulnerability to climate change and offers a multi-scale approach to vulnerability assessment. In addition to the global climate change impacts, it takes into account regional and local land-use and land-cover changes, social, cultural, political, and institutional factors.
How Ras works: structure of a Rap–Raf complex

The three-dimensional structure of the complex between Rap and the 'Ras-binding domain' of Raf could be the prototype for a G protein-effector interaction.
Using vibration-assisted grinding to reduce subsurface damage

This paper discusses a technique for reducing subsurface damage and/or increasing material removal rate (MRR) in ceramics grinding. An indentation damage model shows that intermittent unloading can produce a lateral crack before the median crack fully develops. It shows that upon reloading, the lateral crack shields against further median crack penetration. Furthermore, intermittent unloading produces shielding even for oblique indentation events and intermediate locations of lateral cracks. Single-grit scratch tests provide experimental validation of the beneficial effects of intermittent unloading. A magnetostrictive actuator modulated the workpiece to create the intermittent unloading. Simulation studies predict that force per grit can be doubled under modulated conditions without an increase in normal damage in the finished workpiece. Our experimental observations show a 62% increase in MRR with minimal associated increase in depth of penetration of the median crack. Alternatively, the experimental results also show that modulations could be used to reduce the depth of median crack penetration by 24% at the same MRR. In addition, we observed that damage depth increases with an increase in the ratio of cutting speed to modulation frequency. Finally, both depth of cut modulation and cutting direction modulation were effective in reducing subsurface damage.
Quantitative changes in plasma albumin during bullfrog metamorphosis

Abstract 1. 1. A disc electrophoretic method for the quantitative determination of plasma albumin in the bullfrog Rana catesbeiana is described. 2. 2. The plasma albumin concentration is shown to increase gradually throughout metamorphosis, from 3·9 μg albumin/100 μg total plasma proteins for early stage tadpoles to 17·9 μg/100 μg for animals at metamorphic climax. 3. 3. A corresponding increasing in total plasma protein concentration indicates that the absolute amount of albumin in g/100 ml plasma increases more than tenfold. The implications to plasma protein biosynthesis are discussed. 4. 4. Plasma protein disc electropherograms are shown for the various stages of development.
Serial measurement of memory and diffusion tensor imaging changes within the first week following uncomplicated mild traumatic brain injury.

Patients (n = 8) with uncomplicated mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) underwent serial assessments (4) with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and neuropsychological testing within the first 8 days post-injury. Using a multi-case study design, we examined changes in brain parenchyma (via DTI-derived fractional anisotropy [FA], apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC], axial diffusivity [AD] and radial diffusivity [RD] in the left cingulum bundle) and in memory performance (via Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised). Qualitative inspection of the results indicated that memory performance was transiently affected in most participants over the course of the week, with performance most negatively impacted on the second assessment (days 3–4 or 97–144 h post-injury), and then returning to within normal limits by 8 days post-injury. Alternatively, FA and other DTI metrics showed a more complex pattern, with the trajectory of some participants changing more prominently than others. For example, FA transiently increased in some participants over the study period, but the pattern was heterogeneous. Memory performance appeared to mirror changes in FA in certain cases, supporting a pathophysiological basis to memory impairment following mTBI. However, the pattern and the degree of symmetry between FA and memory performance was complex and did not always correspond. Serial imaging over the semi-acute recovery period may be important in reconciling conflicting findings in mTBI utilizing memory and/or DTI. Serial use of imaging modalities including DTI may aid understanding of underlying pathophysiological changes in the semi-acute post-injury period. Should a consistent pattern emerge that allows identification of patients at-risk for acute and/or persistent symptoms, such knowledge could guide development of therapeutic targets in mTBI and in understanding the most effective administration time window for these agents.
High time-resolution imaging with the MAMA detector systems

Current uses of the MAMA detector which utilize the photon time-tagging capabilities of these detectors are reported. These applications currently include image stabilization by means of post-processing corrections of platform drift and speckle interferometry. The initial results of a sounding rocket experiment to obtain UV images of NGC 6240 and results from speckle interferometry of Neptune's moon Triton are presented.
Tumor‐induced osteomalacia: Long‐term follow‐up of two patients cured by removal of their tumors

Two patients with mesenchymal tumors had osteomalacia associated with marked hypophosphatemia and renal phosphate wasting. Their serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were normal. The first patient also had aminoaciduria and glucosuria in addition to phosphaturia. Both patients were treated with very large doses of vitamin D2 and phosphate without improvement in the osteomalacia or normalization of the serum phosphate. Complete removal of a low-grade fibrosarcoma in the second patient and removal of an ossifying fibroma in the first patient resulted in a cure in both patients despite no further therapy with vitamin D or phosphate. The excessive aminoaciduria and glucosuria of the first patient also remitted. During a 14-year follow-up period, there has been no evidence of tumor recurrence, hypophosphatemia, or osteomalacia in either patient. The levels of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol remain within the normal range in both patients.
The autoxidation of arachidonic acid: formation of the proposed SRS-A intermediate.

Abstract The air oxidation of 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic [arachidonic] acid and its methyl ester is reported. A mixture of hydroperoxy arachidonic acid products was obtained from the oxidation and subsequent separation of the mixture by high pressure liquid chromatography led to pure hydroperoxides. One of these hydroperoxides, 5-hydroperoxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid, is a proposed intermediate in the biosynthesis of slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis.
Dental management of the irradiated patient

There is an increasing number of patients receiving radiation therapy for oral malignancies. In many malignant tumors, radiation is often the treatment of choice, while in others it may be used in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy. There are inherent dental and oral problems associated with radiation therapy. It is the purpose of this paper to deal briefly with the physical principles and the biological basis of radiation therapy. In addition, the specific radiation effects on oral mucous membranes, taste buds, salivary glands, bone, the periodontium and teeth will be discussed. Radiation complications in edentulous patients, and in particular the problems of wearing dentures in such patients will be evaluated. An approach to the problem of dental extractions and other dental treatments in the pre- and post-irradiated patient is suggested.
Imaging of glutamate release from the goldfish retinal slice

A fluorometric procedure to image release of the neurotransmitter glutamate from living retinal slices is described. Patterns of endogenous glutamate efflux were imaged with a cooled CCD camera in goldfish retinal slices as NADH fluorescence produced by a cycling glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). Basal and potassium evoked glutamate effluxes were strongly localized to the outer and inner plexiform layers, supporting the model that photoreceptors and bipolar cells release glutamate as their prime fast neurotransmitter.
The Chlorpromazine Enigma

Two revolutionary drugs were introduced into psychiatry in the early 1950s for the treatment of agitated mental patients - reserpine and chlorpromazine. These drugs initiated the modern era of drug treatment for schizophrenia and other psychoses. Early research revealed that, although the pharmacological profiles of the two drugs overlapped considerably, they had different mechanisms of action. The mechanism of action of reserpine was determined first: it depletes monoamines from the brain and other tissues. By contrast, chlorpromazine has little or no effect on brain monoamine concentrations. The mystery created by two drugs that have similar pharmacological profiles but different mechanisms of action is the chlorpromazine enigma. For about eight years after the mechanism of action of reserpine was determined, researchers followed several false leads about the mechanism of action of chlorpromazine. Then, in 1963, Arvid Carlsson and Margit Lindqvist proposed that chlorpromazine (and haloperidol) work by blocking "monoaminergic" receptors. It was quickly determined that dopamine receptor blockade was the most important action. Although the idea of chemical communication between central neurons had yet to gain wide acceptance, this idea was central to resolving the chlorpromazine enigma.
Analytical electron microscopy study of growth mechanism for smoothing of metallic multilayer thin films

We have used scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy techniques to study the nature of interfacial interactions in a Ta∕CuOx stack that give rise to a smooth surface morphology, which can be utilized for seeding thin magnetic multilayer devices. Our measurements reveal that the interfacial smoothing is mainly due to the preferential reaction of Ta with O at the Ta∕CuOx interface assisted by grain boundary diffusion of oxygen which thereby acts to smooth out the surface roughness created by the large crystalline grains of Cu.
Enhanced Electro-Optic Phase Modulation in InGaAs Quantum Posts

Phase modulation of self-assembled InGaAs quantum posts were studied at 1500 nm. Enhancement of 29% over devices containing InGaAs quantum wells of similar composition was observed indicating significant electro-optic coefficient increase in quantum posts.
Stimulatory effect of dimethylsulfoxide on [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA in Novikoff hepatoma cells.

Abstract 1. 1. [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA of Novikoff hepatoma cells increased over 400% in cells preincubated with 2.5% of dimethysulfoxide (DMSO). 2. 2. The addition of 2.5% DMSO directly to the incubation mixture or preincubation with 20% DMSO inhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation. 3. 3. DMSO also stimulated [3H]uridine incorporation into RNA but not [3H]amino acid incorporation into protein. 4. 4. The stimulatory effect of low histone concentrations on [3H]thymidine incorporation was not observed following preincubation with DMSO.
Nonsystemic vasculitic mononeuropathy multiplex, cryoglobulinemia, and hepatitis C

A 39-year-old man developed sequential acute mononeuropathies involving both median, both ulnar, and the right radial and left peroneal nerves. Electrophysiology demonstrated an asymmetric sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy; nerve biopsy confirmed a vasculitis. Laboratory evaluation revealed a mixed cryoglobulinemia and active hepatitis C infection. The patient stabilized with prednisone/cyclophosphamide/interferon-α. Hepatitis C should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mononeuropathy multiplex. Accurate diagnosis is important, as interferon-α may prevent transition to chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Bayesian probabilistic modeling for damage assessment in a bolted frame

This paper presents the development of a Bayesian framework for optimizing the design of a structural health monitoring (SHM) system. Statistical damage detection techniques are applied to a geometrically-complex, three-story structure with bolted joints. A sparse network of PZT sensor-actuators is bonded to the structure, using ultrasonic guided waves in both pulse-echo and pitch-catch modes to inspect the structure. Receiver operating characteristics are used to quantify the performance of multiple features (or detectors). The detection rate of the system is compared across different types and levels of damage. A Bayesian cost model is implemented to determine the best performing network.
Biochemical properties of the blood of three equines.

Abstract 1. 1. The hematocrit, hemoglobin, serum protein and serum chloride were determined on blood obtained from eleven burros, ten horses and six Shetland ponies. 2. 2. A comparison was made of the certain characteristics of blood of three equines compared to those of man. 3. 3. The measurements made revealed no significant differences between males and females. 4. 4. Men had higher hemoglobin values than equines. Variation in hemoglobin concentration in the blood of three equines was not significant. 5. 5. The concentration of hemoglobin in red cells is the same in equines and man. 6. 6. Serum protein is similar in equines and man. 7. 7. Serum chloride was significantly higher in the burrow than in the horse, pony and man. 8. 8. Variations from day to day in hematocrit and hemoglobin were negligible. 9. 9. Hemoglobin concentrations observed in two burros every two hr for 24 hr revealed a peak in the late afternoon.
Isospin-symmetry breaking in electroweak theories

The breaking of isospin symmetry in the electroweak theory with a dynamical Higgs sector is analyzed. The natural size of the breaking in various amplitudes is estimated, given that the breaking is very large in the fermion mass matrix. Special attention is paid to the parameter rhoequivalentM/sub w//sup 2//M/sub z//sup 2/cos /sup 2/theta/sub w/ . Hypercolor models are then investigated. There it is noted that rho-1 will naturally exhibit a sensitive, linear dependence on the fermion-doublet mass splittings.
RECENT RESULTS IN RELAXATION THEORY : NON-STATIONARY PROCESSES AND POLARIZATION EFFECTS

A summary is given of theoretical results concerning line-shape in the presence of non-stationary perturbations, and of the polarization of radiation emitted by a nucleus influenced by time-dependent fields.
Metadata extraction and indexing for map search in web documents

In academic scientific articles, maps are widely used to provide the related geographic information and to give readers a visual understanding of the document content. As more digital documents containing maps become accessible on the Web, there is a growing demand for a Web search system to provide users with tools to retrieve documents based on the information available within a document's maps. In this paper, we design methods and algorithms to extract, identify, and index maps from academic and scientific documents in digital libraries. Experimental results show that our approach can accurately locate maps and significantly improve the retrieve quality for maps in digital documents.
Depolarization changes early in the course of myocardial infarction: Significance of changes in the terminal portion of the QRS complex

Studies of patients during variant angina have revealed that there are specific changes in the terminal part of the QRS complex that provide information regarding the location of the ischemia. Extending these studies to acute myocardial infarction, the electrocardiogram (ECG) obtained from 32 patients within 5 h of the onset of chest pain was analyzed to determine if similar inferences could be made. A preinfarction ECG was available from each patient for comparison and 30 patients underwent coronary arteriography within 3 weeks of the infarction. The 10 patients with anterior infarction had a decrease (p less than 0.05) in the S wave in leads V2 (0.80 +/- 0.50 mV) and V3 (0.65 +/- 0.43 mV). In 23 patients with inferior infarction an increase (p less than 0.05) in the R wave of lead III (0.47 +/- 0.35 mV), S wave of lead aVL (0.31 +/- 0.23 mV) and R wave of lead aVF (0.37 +/- 0.30 mV) occurred. A strong positive correlation between the R wave changes in leads III and aVF and the S wave in lead aVL (r = 0.94 and 0.91, respectively) suggests that the R and S wave changes in these leads are expressions of the same phenomenon and indicates that the terminal QRS complex is chiefly affected. Eight of 23 patients with inferior infarction and ST depression in the anterior precordial leads had a normal left anterior descending coronary artery. All had an increase in S wave amplitude in leads V2 and V3. Eight patients had inferior infarction, ST depression in anterior leads and severe lesions in the left anterior descending artery or anterior wall motion abnormalities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Circadian Rhythm in Pineal N‐Acetyltransferase Activity: Rapid Phase Reversal and Response to Shorter than 24‐Hour Cycles (IV)

: N-Acetyltransferase (NAT) is an enzyme whose rhythmic activity in the pineal gland and retina is responsible for circadian rhythms in melatonin. The NAT activity rhythm has circadian properties such as persistence in constant conditions and precise control by light and dark. Experiments are reported in which chicks (Callus domesticus), raised for 3 weeks in 12 h of light alternating with 12 h of dark (LD12:12), were exposed to 1–3 days of light-dark treatments during which NAT activity was measured in their pineal glands, (a) In LD12:12, NAT activity rose from <4.5 nmol/pineal gland/h during the light-time to 25–50 nmol/pineal gland/h in the dark-time. Constant light (LL) attenuated the amplitude of the NAT activity rhythm to 26- 45% of the NAT activity cycle in LD 12:12 during the first 24 h. (b) The timing of the increase in NAT activity was reset by the first full LD12:12 cycle following a 12-h phase shift of the LD12:12 cycle (a procedure that reversed the times of light and dark by imposition of either 24 h of light or dark). This result satisfies one of the criteria for NAT to be considered part of a circadian driving oscillator, (c) In <24-h cycles [2 h of light in alternation with 2 h of dark (LD2:2), 4 h of light in alternation with 4 h of dark (LD4: 4), and 6 h of light in alternation with 6 h of dark (LD6:6)], NAT activity rose in the dark during the chicks’ previously scheduled dark-time but not the previously scheduled light- time of LD 12:12. In a cycle where 8 h of light alternated with 8 h of dark (LD8:8), NAT activity rose in both 8-h dark periods, even though the second one fell in the light-time of the prior LD12:12 schedule. The results support a prior hypothesis that divides the underlying system controlling NAT activity into a sensitive period and a refractory period.
d-xylose fermentation by Fusarium oxysporum strains

Abstract Fusarium species isolated from natural substrates were screened for the ability to ferment d -xylose. Almost all of the isolates produced some ethanol; the productivity on 1% d -xylose medium was from 0·4 to 4·4 g liter−1 ethanol. Using an inoculum volume of 10%, F. oxysporum ANL 22–760 semi-aerobically fermented 2% d -xylose to 8·2 g litter−1 ethanol in 72 h, which is a theoretical yield of 85%. Completely recycling the fungal biomass from 2% d -xylose fermentations to another 2% d -xylose fermentation reduced the fermentation time to 48 h with equal yields. This study shows that control of aeration and inoculum size are the most important factors for ethanol productivity in d -xylose fermentations.
Coherence of beam arrays propagating in the turbulent atmosphere

We analyze some recent publications addressing propagation of the partially coherent polarized beams and beam arrays in the turbulent atmosphere. We show that the published results are limited to the scalar propagation model, and are not particular to the beam polarization. Therefore these results are equally relevant for the scalar beam pairs and arrays discriminated by some parameters such as small frequency shift, time delay or geometry, but not necessary the polarization. We use the virtual incoherent source model to derive the general form of the mutual coherence function of the two Schell-type beams. We discuss some physical stochastic models that result in the creation of the Schell-type beams and beam arrays. New classes of the uniformly, nonuniformly and nonlocally coherent beam pairs emerge naturally from this analysis. Rigorous, Markov approximation-based, propagation model provides relatively simple analytic results for the second-order moments of the optical field of the partially-coherent individual beams and beam pairs. We examine the changes of the beam mutual coherence in the process of the free-space propagation and propagation through the turbulent atmosphere.
Transepidermal water loss does not correlate with skin barrier function in vitro

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between transepidermal water loss and skin permeability to tritiated water (3H2O) and the lipophilic penetrant sulfur mustard in vitro. No correlation was found between basal transepidermal water loss rates and the permeability of human epidermal membranes to 3H2O (p = 0.72) or sulfur mustard (p = 0.74). Similarly, there was no correlation between transepidermal water loss rates and the 3H2O permeability of full-thickness pig skin (p = 0.68). There was no correlation between transepidermal water loss rate and 3H2O permeability following up to 15 tape strips (p = 0.64) or up to four needle-stick punctures (p = 0.13). These data indicate that transepidermal water loss cannot be unconditionally ascribed to be a measure of skin barrier function. It is clear that further work should be conducted to interpret the significance of measuring transepidermal water loss by evaporimetry.
Sliding mode output-feedback stabilization of uncertain nonlinear nonaffine systems

The paper considers the variable-structure output-feedback stabilization of nonlinear uncertain nonaffine systems when the state vector is not completely available and the use of observers is required. The strategy of introducing integrators in the input channel is exploited to enlarge the class of tractable control systems. A full-order observer is designed and the control problem is solved by forcing a sliding regime for the observer. Depending on the type of uncertainties, conditions are found under which convergence to the unique ideal solution of both the system and the observer, either exponentially or with a bounded error, is proven.
Late preterm birth: can be reduced

THE ISSUE: Defined as delivery at 34 0/7 -36 6/7 weeks, late preterm births have increased by 15% between 1992 and 2002 and currently they occur in about 8% of singletons and 35% of multiple gestations. Compared with newborns at 39 weeks, late preterm births undeniably have a significantly higher rate of morbidity (respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, need for ventilation), as well as neonatal and infant mortality. Thus, to lower the rate of late preterm birth seems to be self-evident necessity, but there is a need for judicious caution because there is insufficient evidence that prolonging these pregnancies improves maternal-fetal outcomes.
Using lead isotopes and trace element records from two contrasting Lake Tanganyika sediment cores to assess watershed – Lake exchange

Lead isotopic and trace element records of two contrasting sediment cores were examined to reconstruct historic, industrial contaminant inputs to Lake Tanganyika, Africa. Observed fluxes of Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in age-dated sediments collected from the lake varied both spatially and temporally over the past two to four centuries. The fluxes of trace elements were lower (up to 10-fold) at a mid-lake site (MC1) than at a nearshore site (LT-98-58), which is directly downstream from the Kahama and Nyasanga River watersheds and adjacent to the relatively pristine Gombe Stream National Park. Trace element fluxes at that nearshore site did not measurably change over the last two centuries (1815–1998), while the distal, mid-lake site exhibited substantial changes in the fluxes of trace elements – likely caused by changes in land use – over that period. For example, the flux of Pb increased by 300% from 1871 to 1991. That apparent accelerated weathering and detrital mobilization of lithogenic trace elements was further evidenced by (i) positive correlations (r = 0.77–0.99, p < 0.05) between the fluxes of Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn and those of iron (Fe) at both sites, (ii) positive correlations (r = 0.82–0.98, p < 0.01, n = 9) between the fluxes of elements (Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and the mass accumulation rates at the offshore site, (iii) the low enrichment factors (EF < 5) of those trace elements, and (iv) the temporal consistencies of the isotopic composition of Pb in the sediment. These measurements indicate that accelerated weathering, rather than industrialization, accounts for most of the increases in trace element fluxes to Lake Tanganyika in spite of the development of mining and smelting operations within the lake’s watershed over the past century. The data also indicate that the mid-lake site is a much more sensitive and useful recorder of environmental changes than the nearshore site. Furthermore, the lead isotopic compositions of sediment at the sites differed spatially, indicating that the Pb (and other trace elements by association) originated from different natural sources at the two locations.
Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase in Neutrophils and Enucleate Neutrophil Cytoplasts: EVIDENCE FOR REGULATION OF CELL-CELL ADHESION (∗)

We employed neutrophils and enucleate neutrophil cytoplasts to study the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p44erk1 and p42erk2 in neutrophils by inflammatory agonists that engage G protein-linked receptors. Formyl-methionyl-leucylphenylalanine (FMLP) rapidly and transiently activated MAPK in neutrophils and cytoplasts, consistent with a role in signaling for neutrophil functions. FMLP stimulated p21ras activation in neutrophils and Raf-1 translocation from cytosol to plasma membrane in cytoplasts, with kinetics consistent with events upstream of MAPK activation. Insulin, a protein tyrosine kinase receptor (PTKR) agonist, stimulated neutrophil MAPK activation, demonstrating an intact system of PTKR signaling in these post-mitotic cells. FMLP- and insulin-stimulated MAPK activation in cytoplasts were inhibited by Bt2cAMP, consistent with signaling through Raf-1 and suggesting a mechanism for cAMP inhibition of neutrophil function. However, Bt2cAMP had no effect on FMLP-stimulated MAPK activation in neutrophils. The extent of MAPK activation by various chemoattractants correlated with their capacity to stimulate neutrophil and cytoplast homotypic aggregation. Consistent with its effects on MAPK, Bt2cAMP inhibited FMLP-stimulated aggregation in cytoplasts but not neutrophils. Insulin had no independent effect but primed neutrophils for aggregation in response to FMLP. Our studies support a p21ras -, Raf-1-dependent pathway for MAPK activation in neutrophils and suggest that neutrophil adhesion may be regulated, in part, by MAPK.
Computational imaging and sensing for bio-photonics applications

We review our recent progress on computational imaging and sensing techniques aiming various bio-photonics applications.
Modeling the Calcium Sequestration System in Isolated Guinea Pig Cardiac Mitochondria

Under high Ca2+ load conditions, Ca2+ concentrations in the extra-mitochondrial and mitochondrial compartments do not display reciprocal dynamics. This is due to a paradoxical increase in the mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering power as the Ca2+ load increases. Here we develop and characterize a mechanism of the mitochondrial Ca2+ sequestration system using an experimental data set from isolated guinea pig cardiac mitochondria. The proposed mechanism elucidates this phenomenon and others in a mathematical framework and is integrated into a previously corroborated model of oxidative phosphorylation including the Na+/Ca2+ cycle. The integrated model reproduces the Ca2+ dynamics observed in both compartments of the isolated mitochondria respiring on pyruvate after a bolus of CaCl2 followed by ruthenium red and a bolus of NaCl. The model reveals why changes in mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration of Ca2+ loaded mitochondria appear significantly mitigated relative to the corresponding extra-mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration changes after Ca2+ efflux is initiated. The integrated model was corroborated by simulating the set-point phenomenon. The computational results support the conclusion that the Ca2+ sequestration system is composed of at least two classes of Ca2+ buffers. The first class represents prototypical Ca2+ buffering, and the second class encompasses the complex binding events associated with the formation of amorphous calcium phosphate. With the Ca2+ sequestration system in mitochondria more precisely defined, computer simulations can aid in the development of innovative therapeutics aimed at addressing the myriad of complications that arise due to mitochondrial Ca2+ overload.
Quantitative evaluation of a method for estimating recharge to the desert basins of Nevada

Abstract This paper investigates the Maxey-Eakin method for estimating recharge to groundwater basins in Nevada, the objective being to determine whether or not a statistically rational basis exists for its use. The major assumption of this study is that the groundwater discharge within a basin can be equated to the groundwater recharge (i.e., hydrologic equilibrium exists). Within the first 58 reports of the Nevada Ground-Water Resources — Reconnaissance Series, there are a total of 212 hydrologic basins represented. However, because of certain inadequacies, data from only 63 basins could be used in this study. Multiple-linear regression was used as the closest approximation to the techniques of Maxey and Eakin. Simple-linear regressions were also used to generate six predictive equations which are similar in principle to Maxey and Eakin's method. It is clear from the variability of the coefficients of the seven predictive equations, including Maxey and Eakin's, that none of them can be used to reliably predict recharge. However, they can be used as first approximations of recharge.
Perioperative Risk Stratification in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery

Adverse cardiac events during noncardiac surgery are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. As the population ages, greater numbers of patients (including the elderly) are undergoing noncardiac surgical procedures; additional emphasis must therefore be placed on effective preoperative risk assessment. On a national level, the estimated annual expenditure for this process is already $3.7 billion. There is a need for both the specialist and primary care provider to execute a safe, methodical, and cost efficient screening plan. This process should identify both the patients at highest risk and also those at lowest risk. Subsequently, the emphasis should attempt to minimize the overall risk of perioperative complications. The cornerstone of risk assessment requires meticulous history taking, a thorough physical examination, and usually a chest radiograph and an ECG. Five subsequent (basic) steps for the evaluation of patients for noncardiac surgery are outlined here in assessment of clinical markers and the patient's functional capacity, risk of the surgical procedure, the need for noninvasive testing, and when appropriate, the indications for invasive testing. The AHA/ACC Practice Guidelines Committee has outlined a clinical algorithm which provides a stepwise approach to guide the clinician during the decision making process. The purpose of preoperative evaluation is not to “give medical clearance” per se, but rather to evaluate the patient's current medical status, detect stress-induced ischemia in a cost effective manner, and to make recommendations about patient management throughout the entire perioperative period.
Functionality of fruit powders in extruded corn breakfast cereals

Consumer interest in naturally colored foods such as breakfast cereals is growing. Degermed white cornmeal, sucrose, citric acid and dehydrated fruit powder (blueberry, cranberry, Concord grape and raspberry) were mixed in 84.3%:14.3%:0.4%:1.0% proportions, then extruded in a laboratory-scale twin-screw extruder. Feed rate was 255 g/min; water was pumped at a rate of 12.5 g/min; screw speed was 175 rpm. Cooking temperature during extrusion was generally <130 °C. Samples were cut into small spheres and dried to 5% moisture. Cereals were stored at room temperature in opaque bags. The control samples were lighter and less red than the fruit cereals. Soluble phenolics and anthocyanins were higher in the fruit cereals. At three and six weeks of storage, fruit cereals had smaller levels of hexanal, as measured by gas chromatography of headspace of ground cereals. Although anthocyanins from fruit powders survive extrusion and retain some antioxidant activity, the levels used in this study may have been too low. Higher levels of fruit will increase production costs, but the expense may be offset by the more attractive and functional cereals that result.
Diagnosis of traumatic thoracic aortic rupture: A 10-year retrospective analysis

A 10-year retrospective analysis of 82 patients with suspected thoracic aortic rupture (TAR) due to blunt chest trauma was performed to define which symptoms and signs were helpful in making an early diagnosis. Symptoms and signs associated with TAR included midscapular back pain (in the absence of thoracic spine fracture), unexplained hypotension, upper extremity hypertension, bilateral femoral pulse deficits, and initial chest tube output in excess of 750 mL. Chest roentgenographic signs seen with significantly greater frequency in the 12 patients with TAR than in 70 patients without such rupture included a widened paratracheal stripe (7 patients), deviation of the nasogastric tube or central venous pressure line (5 patients), blurring of the aortic knob (9 patients), abnormal paraspinous stripe (6 patients), and rightward tracheal deviation (5 patients). Mediastinal widening of greater than 8 cm occurred in 11 of the 12 patients with TAR (sensitivity, 92%); its specificity, however, was only 10% (11 true-positive and 63 false-positive results). In patients in hemodynamically stable condition who display these findings, immediate aortography should be considered. The presence of myocardial contusions, intraabdominal injuries, and pelvic fractures also occurred more frequently in patients with TAR. We conclude that a detailed history, physical examination, and chest roentgenography, with rapid progression to aortography in suspicious cases, represent the safest and most reliable approach to patients with TAR.
How a Video Record of a Driver’s Forward View Made a Difference in the Human Factors Analysis of a Traffic Crash

Modern vehicles are equipped with various recording devices that can aid in accident reconstruction and human factors analyses. One example is the fitting of video recorders in buses and trucks. In one such case a bus ran into the underside of an overturned semi trailer that was blocking both lanes of an interstate highway in darkness. While a first review of the case suggested that the bus driver would not have been able to avoid the collision, that opinion was reversed when the video recording became available of the view ahead of the bus in the 6 seconds before the crash. Language: en
Decoupling the NLO coupled DGLAP evolution equations: an analytic solution to pQCD

Using repeated Laplace transforms, we turn coupled, integral-differential singlet DGLAP equations into NLO (next-to-leading) coupled algebraic equations, which we then decouple. After two Laplace inversions we find new tools for pQCD: decoupled NLO analytic solutions $F_{s}(x,Q^{2})={\mathcal{F}}_{s}(F_{s0}(x),G_{0}(x))$ , $G(x,Q^{2})={\mathcal{G}}(F_{s0}(x), G_{0}(x))$ . ${\mathcal{F}}_{s}$ , $\mathcal{G}$ are known NLO functions and $F_{s0}(x)\equiv F_{s}(x,Q_{0}^{2})$ , $G_{0}(x)\equiv G(x,Q_{0}^{2})$ are starting functions for evolution beginning at $Q^{2}=Q_{0}^{2}$ . We successfully compare our u and d non-singlet valence quark distributions with MSTW results (Martin et al., Eur. Phys. J. C 63:189, 2009).
Comorbidity and other factors associated with modality selection in incident dialysis patients: The CHOICE study

Case-mix factors influence both the selection of dialysis modality and outcomes in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). A detailed characterization of the case-mix differences between peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients at the onset of dialysis therapy has not been performed, despite the importance of accounting for baseline differences in future comparisons of outcomes across modality groups. We compared baseline characteristics of 279 PD and 759 HD patients enrolled in the Choices for Healthy Outcomes in Caring for End-Stage Renal Disease (CHOICE) Cohort Study, a prospective study of incident dialysis patients. Comorbidity was assessed using the Index of Coexistent Diseases (ICED), consisting of a medical record review of 19 medical conditions and an observer-based assessment of 11 physical functions. ICED scores range from 0 to 3, with higher levels reflecting more severe comorbidity. Comorbidity was less severe in PD patients than in HD patients: the proportions of patients with ICED 0-1, ICED 2, and ICED 3 were 52%, 26%, and 22%, respectively, among the PD patients and 30%, 39%, and 31%, respectively, among the HD patients (P < 0.001). After controlling for all other factors, the differences in comorbidity remained significant. As compared with patients with ICED 0-1, the odds of being treated with PD for patients with ICED 2 and ICED 3 were less (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence intervals) 0.31 (0.17 to 0.56) and 0.50 (0.28 to 0.90), respectively. The number and severity of comorbid conditions at the onset of ESRD is significantly lower in patients choosing PD, independent of other factors influencing modality selection. The increased survival of PD patients reported in recent studies may simply reflect the self- or physician-directed selection of healthier patients to PD. Adjustment for case-mix differences in patients treated with PD versus HD is essential to the assessment of the independent effect of the dialysis modality on outcomes.
Activatetd carbon, pesticide residues, and potatoes

Activated carbon is shown under the experimental conditions reported here to reduce but not to eliminate chlordane and heptachlor residues in potato and to prevent the appearance on snap beans, beets, cabbage, and tobacco of the phytotoxic symptoms produced by the herbicide, atrazine.
Effects of sound localization stimuli on eye-movement reaction time

Eye-movement reaction times to sound location stimuli were obtained from human subjects told to look rapidly toward a sound and compared with those obtained from subjects instructed to look in the opposite direction toward a silent loudspeaker. In an independent-groups design, all combinations of 50-, 500-, and 5,000-Hz tones and rise times of.5 and 25.0 msec were used. An analysis of variance showed that the reaction time of eye movements toward the sound were faster than those which oriented the eyes away from the sound. Subsequent planned comparisons and simple effects showed that the speed of the ocular orientation toward the sound decreased only under one set of conditions, namely, at 5,000 Hz, 25.0 msec rise time, where the localizability of the signal was reduced.