cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Fate and Transport of a Chemical Spill in the Elk River, West Virginia

AbstractOn January 9, 2014, an estimated 37,854 L (10,000 gal.) of 4-methycyclohexane methanol (MCHM) and propylene glycol phenyl ether, solvents used in coal processing, leaked from a ruptured container into the Elk River. The spill, just 1.61 km (1 mi) upstream from a water-treatment plant, forced officials to ban residents and businesses in nine West Virginia counties from using the water for anything other than flushing toilets or fighting fires. An estimated 300,000 West Virginia residents were affected by the spill. This paper reports on the modeling efforts undertaken to forecast time of travel and concentration of MCHM as the plume traveled downstream toward the Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) intake. The issues addressed include the flow regime, source term describing the spill event, use of real-time and forecast streamflow, and comparison of model results with observations at Charleston (West Virginia), Huntington (West Virginia), and the GCWW intake. The incident-command tool for drinkin...
Sudo Pi Cooler / Heater: Raspberry Pi to design an adaptive temperature sensor

In a typical temperature sensing device, sensed temperature of an area is recorded and is adjusted based upon the preset values, using a fan or a thermostat. Most of the time, the temperature of one part of an area is measured and the adjustment is performed according to that single reading which may lead to an inaccurate and inefficient cooling or heating procedure especially if the temperature of large or complex areas need to be monitored.
Butanol production using Clostridium beijerinckii BA101 hyper-butanol producing mutant strain and recovery by pervaporation

Clostridium beijerinckii BA101 (mutant strain) and C. beijerinckii 8052 (wild type) were compared for substrate and butanol inhibition. The wild-type strain is more strongly inhibited by added butanol than is the mutant strain. Acetone and butanol were removed from a fed-batch reactor inoculated with C. beijerinckii BA101 by pervaporation using a silicone membrane. In the batch reactor, C. beijerinckii BA101 produced 25.3 g/L of total solvents, whereas in the fermentation-recovery experiment it produced 165.1 g/L of total solvents. Solvent productivity increased from 0.35 (batch reactor) to 0.98 g/L.h (fed-batch reactor). The fed-batch reactor was fed with 500 g/L of glucose-based P2 medium. Acetone selectivities ranged from 2 to 10 whereas butanol selectivities ranged from 7 to 19. Total flux varied from 26 to 31 g/m2.h.
High-performance solution-processed amorphous zinc-indium-tin oxide thin-film transistors.

Films of the high-performance solution-processed amorphous oxide semiconductor a-ZnIn4Sn4O15, grown from 2-methoxyethanol/ethanolamine solutions, were used to fabricate thin-film transistors (TFTs) in combination with an organic self-assembled nanodielectric as the gate insulator. This structurally dense-packed semiconductor composition with minimal Zn2+ incorporation strongly suppresses transistor off-currents without significant mobility degradation, and affords field-effect electron mobilities of ∼90 cm2 V−1 s−1 (104 cm2 V−1 s−1 maximum obtained for patterned ZITO films), with Ion/Ioff ratio ∼105, a subthreshhold swing of ∼0.2 V/dec, and operating voltage <2 V for patterned devices with W/L = 50. The microstructural and electronic properties of ZITO semiconductor film compositions in the range Zn9−2xInxSnxO9+1.5x (x = 1−4) and ZnIn8−xSnxO13+0.5x (x = 1−7) were systematically investigated to elucidate those factors which yield optimum mobility, Ion/Ioff, and threshold voltage parameters. It is shown tha...
Update on biologic pathways in inflammatory bowel disease and their therapeutic relevance.

Results of recent genetic and immunologic studies have brought to the forefront several biologic pathways that allow for a better understanding of the mechanisms of tissue homeostasis, on the one hand, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on the other. The explosion of research activity as a result of these newly identified targets is bringing the pathogenesis of these complex disorders into focus as well as creating new therapeutic opportunities. The greatest advances with perhaps the largest impact on our understanding of the etiology of Crohn’s disease are those related to bacterial sensing, such as through nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) and its relationships to autophagy and the unfolded protein response as a consequence of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Interestingly, it appears as though these pathways, which are rooted in microbial sensing and regulation, are interrelated. Genetic studies have also renewed interest in previously studied pathways in IBD, such as the formation and function of the inflammasome and its relationship to interleukin (IL) 1-beta signaling. With the recent success of therapeutic agents designed to block tumor necrosis factor, the IL-12/23 pathways, and lymphocyte homing, insights have been gained into the biologic relevance and impact of these various inflammatory pathways in IBD. In this review, the exciting recent advances in these biologic pathways of IBD are discussed, particularly in light of their therapeutic relevance.
Controlled ligament coarsening in nanoporous gold by annealing in vacuum versus nitrogen

The structural evolution of nanoporous gold during thermal treatment was studied by annealing samples in vacuum and in flowing nitrogen. As expected, ligament thickness generally increased in both environments. However, ligaments annealed at high temperature in vacuum remained relatively narrow, undergoing much less coarsening than nitrogen-annealed samples, albeit with some ligament agglomeration. When annealed in flowing nitrogen, gold ligaments coarsened significantly at temperatures above 300 °C. This discrepancy is attributed to different surface diffusion rates of gold in the two annealing environments. The current results suggest that diffusion on the surfaces of nanoporous gold ligaments proceeds more quickly in nitrogen than in vacuum.
Effects of simulated cochlear-implant processing on speech reception in fluctuating maskers

This study investigated the effects of simulated cochlear-implant processing on speech reception in a variety of complex masking situations. Speech recognition was measured as a function of target-to-masker ratio, processing condition (4, 8, 24 channels, and unprocessed) and masker type (speech-shaped noise, amplitude-modulated speech-shaped noise, single male talker, and single female talker). The results showed that simulated implant processing was more detrimental to speech reception in fluctuating interference than in steady-state noise. Performance in the 24-channel processing condition was substantially poorer than in the unprocessed condition, despite the comparable representation of the spectral envelope. The detrimental effects of simulated implant processing in fluctuating maskers, even with large numbers of channels, may be due to the reduction in the pitch cues used in sound source segregation, which are normally carried by the peripherally resolved low-frequency harmonics and the temporal fine structure. The results suggest that using steady-state noise to test speech intelligibility may underestimate the difficulties experienced by cochlear-implant users in fluctuating acoustic backgrounds.
Endothelial cells stimulate ANF secretion from atrial myocytes in co-culture

Using a novel in vitro co-culture system, we investigated the possible influence of vascular endothelial cells on the secretion of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) from atrial myocytes. Co-culture of bovine aortic endothelial cells grown on Cytodex-3 microcarrier beads with primary monolayer cultures of neonatal rat myocytes induced a 2.1-fold increase in immunoreactive ANF (irANF) in the medium, compared with irANF in medium from atrial cultures alone. This increase did not appear to be the result of processing of prohormone to more immunoreactive species, and could be inhibited by 47% with 10 microM acetylcholine. The endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor peptide, endothelin, elicited a dose-dependent increase in ANF secretion from atrial cultures, but, contrary to vasopressin, was incapable of further stimulating release from atrial-endothelial co-cultures. These experiments suggest that endothelium stimulates the release of ANF from myocytes, possibly by the action of the peptide endothelin.
The state of the art of dysmorphology.

• The art of dysmorphology is simply a more detailed historical and clinical evaluation of a potentially dysmorphic individual. It requires precise observation and collating of all physical features, followed by interpretation, categorization, and diagnosis. It also requires an understanding of morphogenesis combined with an appreciation of form. Clinicians who practice dysmorphology well have certain personality traits that aid them in their pursuit of a diagnosis. Dysmorphology is at its apex of clinical maturation, but scientific discoveries and technology have begun to explain how and why malformations arise and why syndromes vary. Nevertheless, expertise in dysmorphology remains a clinical skill attainable by all who desire it. This visual diagnostic modality is inexpensive and often quick. Continued emphasis in training of dysmorphology in genetic fellowship programs will be critical to producing well-balanced clinical geneticists. (AJDC. 1993;147:1184-1189)
Religious Sentiment in Church Affiliates and Nonaffiliates

The Religious Life Inventory was administered to 454 college students, members of one of three religious denominations (Catholic, Methodist, Baptist) or a member of no church (nonaffiliate). An evaluation of the four groups on 3 scales showed nonaffiliates scored less external in religious sentiment than affiliates, Baptists scored higher on internal religious sentiment than nonaffiliates, and no differences among groups were found for interactional religious sentiment.
Determination of Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Sodium Sulfosuccinate and Related Dialkyl Esters in Aqueous Solutions by the Ferric Hydroxamate Procedure

Abstract Di-(2-ethylhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate and its closely related calcium salt, di-( n -octyl) isomer, and di-( n -hexyl) derivative have shown excellent quantitative response to the ferric hydroxamate reaction under controlled conditions. Their diester structures make them extremely susceptible to attack by the reagent, while hydrolysis is inhibited by the reaction conditions. Optimum conditions for successful determination have been elucidated for the compounds mentioned.
Individual differences in infant fixation duration: Dominance of global versus local stimulus properties

Abstract In three experiments, the dominance of global versus local visual properties was investigated in 4-month-old infants as a function of individual differences in fixation duration (i.e., “long-” versus “short-looking” infants). Dominance was assessed through paired-comparison discrimination tasks in which global and local visual properties were placed in competition with one another for infants' attention. Familiarization time was varied parametrically across experiments. Short-looking infants showed responses consistent with a global-to-local sequence of processing: dominance for the global attribute was supplanted by dominance for the local attribute as familiarization was extended. Long-looking infants, however, did not show dominance for either visual property until after considerable familiarization. When dominance was observed for this group, it was for the local visual attribute. These findings are in accord with previous observations that long-looking infants process visual information more slowly than short-looking infants, but further suggest that there may be qualitative differences in the manner in which the two groups of infants attend to the properties of visual stimuli. Links between this finding and the long-term predictive validity of fixation duration are discussed.
Technical report: The effects of humidity on the Abawerk osteometric board

Calibration of the Abawerk osteometric board was checked in varying conditions of relative humidity. The paper scale of the board expands in high relative humidity. Measuring errors as great as 3.5 mm may result when using the board in humid environments.
Trapping an intermediate of dinitrogen (N2) reduction on nitrogenase.

Nitrogenase reduces dinitrogen (N2) by six electrons and six protons at an active-site metallocluster called FeMo cofactor, to yield two ammonia molecules. Insights into the mechanism of substrate reduction by nitrogenase have come from recent successes in trapping and characterizing intermediates generated during the reduction of protons as well as nitrogenous and alkyne substrates by MoFe proteins with amino acid substitutions. Here, we describe an intermediate generated at a high concentration during reduction of the natural nitrogenase substrate, N2, by wild-type MoFe protein, providing evidence that it contains N2 bound to the active-site FeMo cofactor. When MoFe protein was frozen at 77 K during steady-state turnover with N2, the S = 3/2 EPR signal (g = [4.3, 3.64, 2.00]) arising from the resting state of FeMo cofactor was observed to convert to a rhombic, S = 1/2, signal (g = [2.08, 1.99, 1.97]). The intensity of the N2-dependent EPR signal increased with increasing N2 partial pressure, reaching a ...
The Body of One Color: Indian Wrestling, the Indian State, and Utopian Somatics

South Asian scholars are well aware of the central place of the Hindu body in ritual, ascetic, and artistic life. A great many scholars who have examined the Hindu body have studied the somatic parameters of purity and pollution as the structuring principles of caste hierarchy. Others have focused on the relationship between power and purity in ritual, exchange, and transaction (Dumont 1970; Marriott 1968, 1976); the structural logic of dietetics in ayurvedic science (Khare 1976; Zimmermann 1983, 1988); the psychosomatic experience of identity (Daniel 1984), personality (Kakar 1990), and emotion (Lynch 1990; Trawick 1990); and the embodiment of gender in various sociopolitical arenas (Chatterjee 1989; Mani 1987). In the literature on these and other themes there is general consensus that a South Asian view of the body is quite different from its Western counterpart. Put simply, most scholars accept that moder Hindu concepts of self and society are not guided by a simple notion of Cartesian mind-body duality. Rather, the whole person is regarded as a complex, multilayered indivisible synthesis of psychic, somatic, emotional, sensory, cognitive, and chemical forces (cf. Parry 1989; Staal 1983-84).' Too much should not be made of this stark opposition, however. When particular instances of somaticity in either Europe, America, or India are given careful study, there appear to be degrees of congruity: Judeo-Christian dualism expands into complex three dimensions when the individual body is subject to the workings of spirit, soul, sin, and salvation (cf. Parry 1989:512-514), just as the Hindu body seems, at times and in places, to be fabricated in terms of such dualities as subtle consciousness and gross materiality. However, Hindu philosophy seems to accommodate a fluid synthesis of "cognitive" and "somatic" factors to a much greater degree and with less contorted rationalization than do most Western philosophies. In this article I will provide an example of how a psychosomatic synthesis characterizes a particular category of person in northern India: the pahalwan, or Indian wrestler.2 I will argue that the wrestler's identity is the product of a precise
Scalability and the isomorphism problem

Scalable sets are defined and their properties studied. It is shown that the set of scalable sets is the isomorphism closure of the set of rankable sets and that every scalable set is P-isomorphic to some rankable set. Scalable sets coincide with P-printable sets when sparse, and with P-paddable sets when thick. Using scalability as a tool, the P-isomorphism question for polynomial-time computable sets of similar densities is examined.
Stark Effect and Series Limits

THE treatments of the Stark effect found in the literature concern themselves chiefly with the behaviour of atoms in the lower quantum states, a problem to which the theory of perturbations can be applied. Consideration of the effect of the external electric field on highly excited atoms necessitates the discussion of the complete equations, in particular with regard to the existence of conditionally periodic orbits. The investigation which we have carried out gives a negative upper limit for the energy of quantised orbits in a hydrogen-like atom, and shows that there exist various types of unquantised orbits which have negative energies.
Pulmonary granulomas: differential diagnosis, histologic features and algorithmic approach

Abstract Pulmonary granulomas are a common finding in routine diagnostic pathology. However, these lesions are often problematic because of the broad differential diagnosis, the time required for identifying organisms and the need for familiarity with subtle variations in morphology and distribution of granulomas. This review aims to discuss the differential diagnosis, to compare and contrast the histologic features of granulomatous lung diseases, and to provide a basic algorithmic approach to the histologic findings. Infectious causes of granulomas are most commonly diagnosed by identifying mycobacteria or fungi on histologic sections. While some non-infectious diseases can be diagnosed on the basis of specific histologic features, others require additional clinical, radiologic and/or microbiologic information for definitive diagnosis. Finally, we discuss our approach to granulomas of unknown aetiology.
Quantification of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) zona radiata and vitellogenin mRNA levels using real-time PCR after in vivo treatment with estradiol-17β or α-zearalenol

Estrogen receptor-mediated induction of zona radiata (ZR) and vitellogenin (VTG) mRNA and protein in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was compared to assess their utility as biomarkers for exposure to estrogenic compounds. Partial sequences of rainbow trout ZR and beta-actin were cloned by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using degenerate primers based on conserved regions across a number of species. A 549 bp fragment of the rainbow trout ZR-gene showed a high degree of amino acid sequence identity to that of salmon (77%), winter flounder (64%), carp ZP2 (63%) and medaka (61%) ZR-proteins. The 1020 bp beta-actin fragment was approximately 100% identical to sequences from several species. Real-time PCR was used to quantify the induction of ZR-gene and VTG in rainbow trout liver after in vivo exposure to estradiol-17 beta (E(2)) (0.01, 0.1, 1.0 or 10 mg/kg body weight (bw) fish) or alpha-zearalenol (alpha-ZEA) (0.1, 1.0 or 10 mg/kg bw). Real-time PCR and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that ZR and VTG were induced in both the liver and the plasma after a single injection of E(2) or alpha-ZEA. ZR was more responsive to low levels of E(2) and alpha-ZEA than VTG, and real-time PCR was shown to be more sensitive than the ELISA. Rainbow trout ZR-gene and proteins provide a sensitive biomarker for assessing estrogenic activity.
On Wright's mechanism for intergroup selection

A haploid model of Wright's (1945) intergroup selection is described. Several approximate analyses as well as Monte Carlo simulation show that Wright's mechanism leads to powerful selection for group advantageous traits in the face of strong local selection against them. Intergroup selection is favored by small local subpopulation size and by high, not low, rates of immigration into local groups, although the dependence on migration rate is not strong. These results and others cast doubt on the primacy of genic selfishness as a tenet of Darwinian theory.
Estimating thermal forcings of greenhouse gases from ancient climates: The problem of statistical confounding

Data from ice cores show that CO2 and air temperature are highly correlated over the last 157,000 yr. Although this correlation can be taken as evidence that CO2 amplifies orbital forcing of temperature and is thus a strong greenhouse gas, this paper argues that estimating the strength of the CO2 warming effect from statistical evaluations of past climates based on CO2 and orbital forcing is hampered by strong multiple correlations between CH4, CO2, ocean currents, ice volume (and therefore albedo), dust, and nonseasalt sulfate. To estimate the strength of the greenhouse warming effect of CO2 from historical data, these correlations and multiple forcings should be taken into account.
Charpit and Adomian for solving integral equations

Abstract In this paper, we consider the nonlinear partial differential equations of first order involving two independent variables. Geometrically the complete solution exists in an infinite variety. Applying Charpit’s Method, we can get a two-parameter family of integral surfaces by passing integral surfaces through a suitably chosen two-parameter family of curves. Also, briefly, we will present an easier method of solution called Adomian decomposition method.
Dielectric properties of pyrochlore lead magnesium niobate

Abstract A pyrochlore with the composition Pb1.83Nb1.71Mg0.29O6.39 was fabricated and found to belong to the anion deficient structural family of pyrochlores having space group Fd3m with a lattice parameter a = 10.5988 A . A room temperature dielectric constant of 130 with an anomalous peak near 20 K due to a relaxation phenomenon were as observed.
Can we build an efficient response to the prescription drug abuse epidemic? Assessing the cost effectiveness of universal prevention in the PROSPER trial.

Abstract Purpose Prescription drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions. Nonmedical prescription opioid use carries increasingly high costs. Despite the need to cultivate efforts that are both effective and fiscally responsible, the cost-effectiveness of universal evidence-based-preventive-interventions (EBPIs) is rarely evaluated. This study explores the performance of these programs to reduce nonmedical prescription opioid use. Methods Sixth graders from twenty-eight rural public school districts in Iowa and Pennsylvania were blocked by size and geographic location and then randomly assigned to experimental or control conditions (2002–2010). Within the intervention communities, prevention teams selected a universal family and school program from a menu of EBPIs. All families were offered a family-based program in the 6th grade and received one of three school-based programs in 7th-grade. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of each school program by itself and with an additional family-based program were assessed using propensity and marginal structural models. Results This work demonstrates that universal school-based EBPIs can efficiently reduce nonmedical prescription opioid use. Further, findings illustrate that family-based programs may be used to enhance the cost-effectiveness of school-based programs. Conclusions Universal EBPIs can effectively and efficiently reduce nonmedical prescription opioid use. These programs should be further considered when developing comprehensive responses to this growing national crisis.
Sex and relationships on the street: how homeless men judge partner risk on Skid Row.

Homeless men in the U.S. represent a large and growing population, and have elevated rates of HIV/AIDS and sexual risk behaviors, including unprotected sex with women. We conducted qualitative interviews (n = 30) with homeless men using shelters and meal lines in downtown Los Angeles (Skid Row) to better understand how such men view the risks of sexual encounters with female partners. Men living on Skid Row perceived multiple risks, including HIV and unwanted pregnancy as well as emotional trauma, loss of resources, exacerbation of drug addiction, and physical attack. Respondents described using visual and behavioral cues, social reputation, geographical location, feelings of trust, perceived relationship seriousness, and medically inaccurate “folk” beliefs to judge whether partners were risky and/or condom use was warranted. Medically inaccurate beliefs suggest the potential utility of evidence-based interventions to change such beliefs. We also consider implications for relationships on the street and housing interventions.
AGENT-BASED MONITORING, FAULT DETECTION, DIAGNOSIS AND CONTROL OF SPATIALLY DISTRIBUTED PROCESSES

Abstract There is a trend in the process industries towards the use of multiple small reconfigurable production units rather than a single large unit to increase production, product range and operation flexibility. Monitoring, supervision and control of these processes is difficult because traditional methods typically do not handle well the increased heterogeneity, nonlinearity and complexity. In this work, statistical multiblock process monitoring techniques and an agent- based diagnosis and control methodology are integrated. The performance of this combined monitoring-diagnosis-control system is illustrated with a case study using a network of spatially distributed reactors.
Quantitative freeze-fracture and filipin-binding study of retinal pigment epithelial-cell basal membranes in diabetic rats *

Breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier in diabetes may be related to alterations in the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell layer. Morphological studies suggest increased permeability of diabetic RPE plasma membranes, and proliferation and flattening of the RPE basal infoldings have been observed in diabetic animals. In order to determine whether these phenomena are associated with changes in membrane protein or sterol composition, we have used quantitative electron-microscope freeze-fracture and filipin-binding techniques to study the RPE basal membrane in streptozotocin diabetic and 3-O-methyl glucose control rats. Perfusion-fixed retinas were processed for freeze-fracture and filipin-binding analysis. Filipin, a polyene antibiotic, binds specifically to 3-beta-hydroxy-sterols to produce membrane deformations recognizable by freeze-fracture. These analyses revealed an 11% increase in the density of intramembrane particles within the cytoplasmic (P-face) leaflet in diabetic rats as compared with the controls (P less than 0.01, t test). The increase occurred primarily in 6-9-nm particles, while smaller particles were decreased (P less than 0.001, chi-square test). Filipin binding was the same in both groups. These results suggest that alterations in intrinsic membrane proteins may contribute to permeability and surface area changes in the diabetic RPE but that RPE membrane sterols are not affected by diabetes.
Constraining the geometry to study jet energy loss with 2-particle correlations

Correlations between two high-pT hadrons provide information on how partons lose energy as they travel through the dense plasma formed at RHIC. To vary the path length partons travel, we measure the back-to-back jets in the AA collision of centrality and reaction-plane dependence, in addition to '2+1' particle correlations, and compare with p+p results.
National Security and U.S. Immigration Policy, 1776–1790

An examination of U.S. immigration policy during the early Republic from a security perspective—a common analytical focus within the field of international relations—reveals the inadequacy of traditional economic and ideological interpretations. Security concerns, based on actual threats from Great Britain and Spain, permeated the arguments both for and against immigration. Those in favor of immigration hoped to strengthen the nation, primarily by providing soldiers and money for the military; those opposed to immigration feared that it would compromise national security by causing domestic unrest and exposing the new nation to espionage and terrorism. These issues are not unlike those that beset contemporary policymakers.
Getting from “just-in-case” to “just-in-time”: Insights from a simple model

Abstract Many factory managers are hesitant about implementing a just-in-time system due to concern about the dip in productivity that occurs. Here, a simple analytic model is used to study the trade-off between disruption and learning/improvement on a production line. While simple, the model is shown to capture many of the effects of just-in-time mentioned in the literature. Using insights from the model, an attempt is made to identify those factors to which successful implementation of just-in-time is most sensitive.
Cytochalasin E alters the cytoskeleton and decreases ENaC activity in Xenopus 2F3 cells.

Numerous reports have linked cytoskeleton-associated proteins with the regulation of epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) activity. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of actin cytoskeleton disruption by cytochalasin E on ENaC activity in Xenopus 2F3 cells. Here, we show that cytochalasin E treatment for 60 min can disrupt the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton in cultured Xenopus 2F3 cells. We show using single channel patch-clamp experiments and measurements of short-circuit current that ENaC activity, but not its density, is altered by cytochalasin E-induced disruption of the cytoskeleton. In nontreated cells, 8 of 33 patches (24%) had no measurable ENaC activity, whereas in cytochalasin E-treated cells, 17 of 32 patches (53%) had no activity. Analysis of those patches that did contain ENaC activity showed channel open probability significantly decreased from 0.081 ± 0.01 in nontreated cells to 0.043 ± 0.01 in cells treated with cytochalasin E. Transepithelial current from mpkCCD cells treated with cytochalasin E, cytochalasin D, or latrunculin B for 60 min was decreased compared with vehicle-treated cells. The subcellular expression of fodrin changed significantly, and several protein elements of the cytoskeleton decreased at least twofold after 60 min of cytochalasin E treatment. Cytochalasin E treatment disrupted the association between ENaC and myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate. The results presented here suggest disruption of the actin cytoskeleton by different compounds can attenuate ENaC activity through a mechanism involving changes in the subcellular expression of fodrin, several elements of the cytoskeleton, and destabilization of the ENaC-myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate complex.
A Plausible Causal Model of HAART-Efficacy Beliefs, HIV/AIDS Complacency, and HIV-Acquisition Risk Behavior Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men

Despite considerable research, the causal relationship remains unclear between HIV/AIDS complacency, measured as reduced HIV/AIDS concern because of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and HIV risk behavior. Understanding the directionality and underpinnings of this relationship is critical for programs that target HIV/AIDS complacency as a means to reduce HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM). This report uses structural equation modeling to evaluate a theory-based, HIV/AIDS complacency model on 1,593 MSM who participated in a venue-based, cross-sectional survey in six U.S. cities, 1998–2000. Demonstrating adequate fit and stability across geographic samples, the model explained 15.0% of the variance in HIV-acquisition behavior among young MSM. Analyses that evaluated alternative models and models stratified by perceived risk for HIV infection suggest that HIV/AIDS complacency increases acquisition behavior by mediating the effects of two underlying HAART-efficacy beliefs. New research is needed to assess model effects on current acquisition risk behavior, and thus help inform prevention programs designed to reduce HIV/AIDS complacency and HIV incidence among young MSM.
p120 Catenin is required for normal tubulogenesis but not epithelial integrity in developing mouse pancreas

Abstract The intracellular protein p120 catenin aids in maintenance of cell–cell adhesion by regulating E-cadherin stability in epithelial cells. In an effort to understand the biology of p120 catenin in pancreas development, we ablated p120 catenin in mouse pancreatic progenitor cells, which resulted in deletion of p120 catenin in all epithelial lineages of the developing mouse pancreas: islet, acinar, centroacinar, and ductal. Loss of p120 catenin resulted in formation of dilated epithelial tubules, expansion of ductal epithelia, loss of acinar cells, and the induction of pancreatic inflammation. Aberrant branching morphogenesis and tubulogenesis were also observed. Throughout development, the phenotype became more severe, ultimately resulting in an abnormal pancreas comprised primarily of duct-like epithelium expressing early progenitor markers. In pancreatic tissue lacking p120 catenin, overall epithelial architecture remained intact; however, actin cytoskeleton organization was disrupted, an observation associated with increased cytoplasmic PKCζ. Although we observed reduced expression of adherens junction proteins E-cadherin, β-catenin, and α-catenin, p120 catenin family members p0071, ARVCF, and δ-catenin remained present at cell membranes in homozygous p120f/f pancreases, potentially providing stability for maintenance of epithelial integrity during development. Adult mice homozygous for deletion of p120 catenin displayed dilated main pancreatic ducts, chronic pancreatitis, acinar to ductal metaplasia (ADM), and mucinous metaplasia that resembles PanIN1a. Taken together, our data demonstrate an essential role for p120 catenin in pancreas development.
Effects of coadministered low-molecular-weight thiol compounds on short-term distribution of methyl mercury in the rat☆

Abstract Following iv administration to the rat, methyl mercury was rapidly deposited in the liver, kidneys, and cerebrum. Methyl mercury concentrations in cerebrum 5 min after injection were about equal to the levels attained at 60 min post-treatment. At 5 min after dosing, concentrations of methyl mercury in plasma and tissues were directly proportional to the dose level of methyl mercury. Coadministration of equimolar amounts of l -cysteine increased short-term accumulation of methyl mercury in liver, kidneys, and cerebrum while reducing the levels of methyl mercury in plasma from those found after administration of methyl mercury alone. Equimolar doses of d -cysteine or d -penicillamine lowered plasma methyl mercury levels below those produced by injection of methyl mercury alone, but coadministered N -acetyl- l -cysteine or l -penicillamine did not. Each of these low-molecular-weight thiol compounds given in combination with methyl mercury increased deposition of methyl mercury in liver and kidneys. In addition, l -penicillamine also increased accumulation of methyl mercury in the cerebrum. These results suggest a critical role of plasma methyl mercury levels in the control of short-term methyl mercury distribution. Modification of the distribution pattern by coadministered low-molecular-weight thiol compounds further suggests that methyl mercury-thiol complexes may play a role in the tissue deposition process.
A Small Region in HMG I(Y) Is Critical for Cooperation with NF-κB on DNA

The high mobility group HMG I(Y) protein has been reported to promote the expression of several NF-κB-dependent genes by enhancing the binding of NF-κB to DNA. The molecular origins of cooperativity in the binding of NF-κB and HMG I(Y) to DNA are not well understood. Here we have examined the determinants of specificity in the binding of HMG I(Y), both alone and in cooperation with NF-κB, to two different DNA elements, PRDII from the interferon-β enhancer and IgκB from the immunoglobulin κ light chain enhancer. Of particular interest was the influence of a flanking AT-rich sequence on binding by HMG I(Y). Utilizing yeast one-hybrid screening assays together with alanine-scanning mutagenesis, we have identified mutations of residues in HMG I(Y) that decrease cooperative binding of NF-κB to PRDII and IgκB sites. These same mutations similarly decreased the binding of HMG I(Y) alone to DNA, and paradoxically, decreased the strength of protein-protein interactions between HMG I(Y) and NF-κB. Of the three tandemly repeated basic regions that represent putative DNA-binding motifs in HMG I(Y), the residues within the second repeat are most important for recognition of core NF-κB sites, whereas the second and third repeats both appear to be involved in binding to sites that are flanked by AT-rich sequences. Overall, the second repeat of HMG I(Y) is primarily responsible for the stimulatory effect of this protein on the binding of NF-κB to PRDII and IgκB elements.
Thermal and photolytic decomposition of diarylmethylenetriphenylphosphazines and diaryldiazomethanes

Abstract Variously substituted diarylmethylenetriphenylphosphazines and diaryldiazomethanes have been subjected to thermal and photolytic decomposition conditions. The products obtained indicate the major pathway for fragmentation under both thermal and photolytic conditions to be one which serves to generate carbene, nitrogen and, in the case of the phosphazines, triphenylphosphine. The carbene produced from either diarylmethylenetriphenylphosphazine or diaryLdiazomethane undergoes reactions which appear to be dependent upon the medium in which it is generated and its inherent stability.
Mothers of adolescent mothers

The attitudes of forty-four mothers of adolescent mothers (MAM) were assessed by interview and questionnaire. Most adolescent mothers (AM) and their infants lived with MAM. Thirty-two percent of MAM and sisters of AM had themselves experienced a pregnancy prior to seventeen years of age. The majority of MAM expressed positive feelings about AM and their infants. MAM reported little change in their own life style as a result of their daughter's pregnancy. Most MAM's provided child care and financial assistance for AM, but reported that the AM had primary child care responsibility for the infant.
Cocaine use and preterm premature rupture of membranes: Improvement in neonatal outcome

Abstract Objective: Our aim was to determine whether cocaine use increases neonatal morbidity in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes. Study Design: We reviewed records of pregnancies that were complicated with preterm premature rupture of membranes between 24 weeks to 34 weeks of gestation. Clinical characteristics and neonatal outcomes of patients who had positive results for cocaine in the urine were compared with patients with negative test results. Results: During the study period, 16.1% (85/528 patients) had a positive result in a urine screen for cocaine use. Patients who used cocaine were older and of higher gravidity and parity. When major neonatal morbidities were compared, there was improvement in morbidities that were linked to neonatal infection in patients with positive test results for cocaine, including pneumonia (3.5% vs 11.7%; P =.012) and sepsis (5.9% vs 14.7%; P =.016). Jointly, neonatal outcomes were significantly worse in the negative cocaine group (χ 2 = 5.143; P =.023). Conclusion: The association of preterm premature rupture of membranes with major neonatal morbidity was unexpectedly and significantly weaker in pregnancies complicated by cocaine use. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:1150-4.)
A Bayesian Algorithm for Motion and Structure Estimation from Image Sequences

We propose a general Bayesian framework to simultaneously solve the problems of visual tracking and structure-from-motion using a sequential Monte Carlo method. We demonstrate the functionality of the system on some simple examples.
Comparison of 230Th-238U disequilibrium systematics in lavas from three hot spot regions: Hawaii, Prince Edward and Samoa

Abstract 230Th-238U disequilibrium systematics reveal several important characteristics of the mantle source regions and petrogenesis of volcanic rocks in the presumed hot spots of Hawaii, Marion Island (Prince Edward hot spot), and Samoa. The ( 230 Th 232 Th ) activity ratios of lavas from these three hot spots (1.06 ± 0.07, 1.04 ± 0.08, and 0.81 ± 0.06, respectively) imply that the source regions are each nearly homogeneous with Th U weight ratios of 2.9, 3.0, and 3.8. For Marion Island and Mauna Kea, Hawaii, negligible secular variation occurs in the ( 230 Th 232 Th ) initial ratios. This supports other evidence for very short transfer time between source and surface. Significant residence time at depth prior to eruption cannot be ruled out for the Samoan lavas we have studied; however, the data for one of these flows deviate from the proposed ( 230 Th 232 Th )- 87 Sr 86 Sr correlation ( Condomines et al., 1981a) in the opposite sense from that expected for such residence. If it is assumed that the measured ( 230 Th 232 Th ) ratios of the young lavas reflect Th U in their mantle sources, then the observed variations among these three hot spots, combined with those reported by other workers for Iceland, the Azores and Tristan de Cunha, suggest that these sources are characterized by Th U ratios ranging from values similar to that of MORB source (~2.5) to values similar to those of bulk earth (~3.8). Mixing of different proportions of depleted and enriched mantle may be responsible for the observed range.
Reading DeMan Reading Rhetoric

Paul de Man's conception of rhetoric is misguided. Based on his reading of Nietzsche, de Man argues that the historical and philosophical articulations of rhetoric suggest that persuasion exists as a derivative of trope. In this essay, I provide a rereading of Nietzsche's early conceptions of rhetoric that critiques de Man's separation of trope and persuasion. Through this rereading, I argue that Nietzsche's understanding of rhetoric parallels earlier historical articulations of rhetoric, which rely on a fusion of trope and persuasion as a means of the social production of knowledge. The essay concludes by arguing that Nietzsche's sense of perspectivism coincides with this social sense of rhetoric, and that de Man's separation of trope and persuasion becomes untenable when rhetoric is reconsidered within the thematic of Nietzsche's perspectivism.
Outside the Issue Niche The Multidimensionality of Interest Group Identity

Interest groups care deeply about, and struggle to shape, their identities on Capitol Hill. A group’s identity is what makes it unique and separates it from other organizations in the advocacy community. Previous research has argued that interest group identities are formed by creating exclusive niches over narrow policy issues, but this research has neglected the degree to which groups depend on representation, ideology, and advocacy techniques in establishing their uniqueness. The author argues that interest group identities are formed in multiple dimensions, with issues serving as an important, but nondominant, basis for identification. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used to analyze data from interviews with representatives of 168 national interest groups working on health care. The findings provide a basis for bridging theories of group maintenance and influence by demonstrating that identity encourages groups to consider simultaneously the ways their behaviors are perceived on Capitol Hill and by their members.
Biochemical selection systems for mammalian cells: The essential amino acids

The essential amino acid requirement of cultured mammalian cells can be satisfied by 19 amino acid derivatives. This finding (a) confirms the results of animal nutritional studies and (b) identifies 19 essential amino acid derivatives and should permit the isolation of a new class of auxotrophic mutants. Five naturally occurring auxotrophic markers have been detected in this survey; namely, inability to utilize cystathionine and citrulline in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, inability to metabolize citrulline by HTC+ hepatoma cells, and confirmation of Eagle's observation that KB cells can utilize homocystine in place of methionine or cystine and d-cystine in place of l-cystine.
DNA-cytosine deaminases: from antibody maturation to antiviral defense

The deamination of cytosines in DNA to uracil, thought to be initiated by free water within the cells, is a well studied pathway by which C to T mutations occur. Until recently, this conversion was frequently referred to as being spontaneous because of the involvement of cellular water. The recent discovery of a family of enzymes in mammalian cells that catalyze this reaction was unexpected and has created excitement in at least two areas of biology, immunology and virology. One of these enzymes, activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), is required for the final steps in the maturation of antibodies. The key features of this process include the introduction of a wide variety of base substitutions in the immunoglobulin genes and the creation of region-specific double-strand breaks. Another member of this family, Apobec3G, is involved in the mutational inactivation and degradation of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). Among the many intriguing features of these processes is the likely involvement of the enzyme that is thought to "protect" cellular DNA against the accumulation of uracils, uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG). It appears that in certain situations, the newly discovered DNA-cytosine deaminases can team up with UDG to extensively mutate and degrade DNA. This article discusses the many questions raised regarding the role of these enzymes in protecting cells against infections, and about their possible roles in genome evolution and carcinogenesis.
REVERSE OSMOSIS SEPARATION OF GLUCOSE-ETHANOL-WATER SYSTEM BY CELLULOSE ACETATE MEMBRANES

The separation of glucose-ethanol mixed solutes from aqueous solutions was attempted by cellulose acetate membranes of different average pore sizes and pore size distributions at the operating pressure of 6895 kPag (=1000 psig) and at the feed glucose concentration ranging from 2000 to 75000 ppm while maintaining ethanol concentrations at 1/5 to 1/2 of the glucose concentration. Using chosen reference solutes the pore size distribution on the membrane surface was characterized by two normal distributions. It was found that ethanol is attracted to the cellulose acetate membrane material more strongly at the higher glucose concentration in the feed solution, and consequently the separation of ethanol solute is brought down at higher glucose concentrations. These results are attributed to lowering of solubility of ethanol in the solvent when a greater amount of glucose is in the solvent.
An energy-aware framework for dynamic software management in mobile computing systems

Energy efficiency has become a very important and challenging issue for resource-constrained mobile computers. In this article, we propose a novel dynamic software management (DSOM) framework to improve battery utilization. We have designed and implemented a DSOM module in user space, independent of the operating system (OS), which explores quality-of-service (QoS) adaptation to reduce system energy and employs a priority-based preemption policy for multiple applications to avoid competition for limited energy resources. Software energy macromodels for mobile applications are employed to predict energy demand at each QoS level, so that the DSOM module is able to select the best possible trade-off between energy conservation and application QoS; it also honors the priority desired by the user. Our experimental results for some mobile applications (video player, speech recognizer, voice-over-IP) show that this approach can meet user-specified task-oriented goals and significantly improve battery utilization.