cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geothermal prospects in New Mexico

Abstract Fifty-seven areas in New Mexico discharge ground water at a temperature of 90 °F or higher. The data for 46 areas have been field-checked and show that (1) thermal waters occur in the western half of the state, primarily in the Rio Grande and Gila-San Francisco drainage basins; (2) only 16 areas have been discovered by wells whereas 30 areas are marked by springs; (3) the water issues from rocks ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic age with the Cenozoic rocks predominating; (4) the waters are associated with igneous and sedimentary rocks in about equal proportions; (5) the water occurs primarily in areas of extensive volcanism and secondarily in fault zones; (6) the water discharges from springs near streams but mostly at points well above the river levels; (7) the discharge may be from fractures directly, from beneath a talus cover, or form alluvium, or form some combinations of these (one spring discharges from a tufa mound); (8) the median pH is 7.7, the median maximum-temperature is about 105 °F, the median discharge of springs is 30.5 gpm, and the median concentration of sodium is 167 ppm, of magnesium 6.9 ppm, of calcium 37.6, of lithium 0.30 ppm, and of potassium 10.0 ppm. The obvious factors to be considered in evaluating a thermal anomaly in New Mexico are: 1. (1) temperature of discharging water, 2. (2) volume of discharging water, 3. (3) surface area of anomaly, 4. (4) dispersion-diffusion effects illustrated by water chemistry, and 5. (5) geologic setting. Based on these criteria, the most promising prospects for natural steam in New Mexico are the Animas valley in Hidalgo County, the Cliff-Gila-Riverside area in Grant County, the southern Rio Grande trough, and the Upper Jemez River basin.
CONVEX INDEPENDENCE AND THE STRUCTURE OF CLONE-FREE MULTIPARTITE TOURNAMENTS

We investigate the convex invariants associated with two-path convexity in clone-free multipartite tournaments. Specically , we explore the relationship between the Helly number, Radon number and rank of such digraphs. The main result is a structural theorem that describes the arc relationships among certain vertices associated with vertices of a given convexly independent set. We use this to prove that the Helly number, Radon number, and rank coincide in any clone-free bipartite tournament. We then study the relationship between Helly independence and Radon independence in clone-free multipartite tournaments. We show that if the rank is at least 4 or the Helly number is at least 3, then the Helly number and the Radon number are equal.
Use of combinatorial algebra for diffusion on fractals

The use of combinatorial algebra for understanding diffusive motion on a geometrically ordered fractal lattice is demonstrated. The specific example of the fractal lattices used are the Pascal-Sierpi\ifmmode \acute{n}\else \'{n}\fi{}ski gaskets of prime orders of which the well-known Sierpi\ifmmode \acute{n}\else \'{n}\fi{}ski gasket is a special case. It is shown that the conclusions obtained from such an analysis can be meaningfully interpreted in physical terms.
Living synaptic vesicle marker: synaptotagmin-GFP.

Synapses are the site of chemical communication between neurons and between neurons and muscles. The synaptic vesicle (SV) is a prominent presynaptic organelle which contains chemical neurotransmitters and fuses with the plasma membrane to mediate neurotransmission. There are about 50 or so synaptic proteins which are either integral vesicle membrane proteins (e.g., synaptotagmin, syt; and synaptobrevin, syb) or vesicle-associated proteins (e.g., cysteine string protein, CSP; Fernandez-Chacon and Sudhof, 1999). We have transformed Drosophila with a novel syt-eGFP (enhanced GFP) fusion protein, the fluorescence pattern of which colocalizes with native SV proteins at synapses, suggesting that the syt-eGFP fusion protein is correctly localized as an integral SV protein and therefore a good SV marker in living synapses. We demonstrate that the syt-eGFP line can be used to study SV dynamics in vivo by fluorescence recovery after photobleach (FRAP). The syt-eGFP fusion was constructed as shown in Figure 1. The eGFP carries double substitution of Phe 64 to Leu and Ser 65 to Thr and fluoresces 35-fold more intensely than wild-type GFP when excited at 488 nm, based on spectral analysis of equal amounts of soluble protein (Cormack et al., 1996). Four syt-eGFP transgenic lines were generated; one with insertion on the X chromosome, two on the second chromosome, and one on the third chromosome. All of these lines produced clear fluorescence when crossed to a pan-neuronal GAL4 driver (elav-GAL4, see Fig. 2) or a subset neuronal GAL4 driver 4G-GAL4 (data not shown). 4G-GAL4 is identified from an enhancer trap screen for neuronal-specific genes; it starts expression at late embryogenesis panneuronally, but in a subset of motor neurons in the third instar larvae, and enriched in mushroom body in adult brain. The eGFP-positive animals, from embryos to adults, can be readily recognizable under a fluorescence dissecting scope. Stocks with expression of syt-eGFP in all neurons (recombinant chromosome carrying both elav-GAL4 and syt-eGFP on the X chromosome) or subset of neurons (recombinant chromosome carrying both 4G-GAL4 and syt-eGFP on the second chromosome) were established. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that syt-eGFP is present in SVs, with expression similar to the native syt (Fig. 2). First, syt-eGFP is highly enriched in the neuropil region of the ventral nerve cord (VNC) of the embryo (data not shown) and larva (Fig. 2A, left), as well as in the axonal lobes of the larval mushroom body (Fig. 2A, right). These neuropil regions are densely packed with neuronal synapses. Second, at neuromuscular junction (NMJ) synapses, where we have higher resolution of single synaptic boutons, the syt-eGFP pattern perfectly matches the staining pattern seen with antibodies against SV-associated proteins (Fig. 2B). This suggests that syt-eGFP is tightly linked to SVs. Third, to further
Synthesis and structural characterization of cis and trans [MoCl4(H2NBut)2]

Abstract The reaction of [MoCl4(PPh3)2] with NH2But in CH2Cl2 yields yellow crystals of [MoCl4(NH2But)2]· 2NH2But. The structure is shown to consist of both cis and trans isomers of [MoCl4(NH2But)2] and uncoordinated NH2But molecules. Crystal data: triclinic space group, P 1 , a=11.767(4), b=12.428(4), c= 19.338(5) A, α=90.40(2), β=93.19(2), γ= 102.20(2)°, V=2759.3(14) A3, Dcalc=1.28 g cm−3, Z=4. Structure solution and refinement based on 2651 reflections (Mo Kα, λ=0.71073 A, Fo⩾ 6σ(Fo)) converged at R=0.058.
Mechanism of CaO reaction with H2S: Diffusion through CaS product layer

Heterogeneous non-catalytic reaction between CaO and H2S to capture sulfur in coal-fired gasifier is studied in a differential bed flow-through reactor. Particles of CaO (<10 μm) are exposed to simulated fuel gas containing up to 5000 ppm H2S in the temperature range 700–900°C. The effects of reaction temperature, H2S concentration, and sorbent surface area on the extent of sulfur capture and conversion of sorbent are determined. The sulfidation reaction is analyzed using grain model with overall reaction rate controlled by chemical reaction at the interface and by diffusion through the product layer. At the later stages of the reaction, diffusion through the product layer is found to be controlling and involves migration of ions through the product layer. Direct experimental evidence is obtained to determine the migratory nature of ions and identify the mobile ionic species, by performing inert marker experiments. Scanning electron micrographs and sulfur mapping of the partially sulfided CaO tablets suggest that S2- diffuse in towards the CaO/product layer interface with a counter-diffusion of O2- towards the product layer/gas interface.
Self-oscillation in a detuned cavity

A simple symmetry relates optical bistability in a ring cavity tuned near resonance and multimode instability and self-oscillation in a cavity excited midway between resonances.
A retrospective comparison of outcomes using three different precut needle knife techniques for biliary cannulation.

Goals To assess the outcome differences following different precut biliary sphincterotomy needle-knife techniques. Background Precut biliary needle-knife sphincterotomy (NKS) allows biliary access when standard cannulation techniques fail. Little comparative data exist on the outcome of precut NKS. Study Retrospective comparison of outcome differences of three NKS techniques performed by three pancreaticobiliary endoscopists at a tertiary referral center. Results A total of 139 consecutive biliary NKS were performed. In 44 cases (technique A), NKS was performed using a precut fistulotomy technique avoiding the papillary orifice, with pure cutting current, and occasional pancreatic duct (PD) stenting (6 of 44). In 47 cases (technique B), NKS was performed starting from the papillary orifice cutting upward with blended current, and no PD stenting. In 48 cases (technique C), NKS was performed as B but using pure cutting current and frequent PD stenting (15 of 48). NKS was successful in 95.5%, 95.7%, and 89.6% at initial endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and 100%, 97.8%, and 95.6% after a second endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Total complications were not significantly different between the three groups; however, a lower incidence of pancreatitis occurred using technique A compared with techniques B and C (not significant). Conclusions NKS techniques result in a high success rate of biliary cannulation with a similar overall complication rate. Avoiding cutting at the papillary orifice may reduce the risk of pancreatitis. When cutting at the papillary orifice, pancreatic duct stenting, pure cutting current, or both may reduce the incidence of pancreatitis.
Magnetic excitations in triangular lattice NaCrO2

We report the first inelastic neutron scattering measurements on the rhombohedrally stacked triangular antiferromagnet NaCrO_2 which has recently been shown via μSR and NMR measurements to exhibit an unusually broad fluctuating cross-over regime extending far below the onset of spin freezing at T_c. Our results show that strong spin fluctuations persist far below T_c and that dispersive spin wave excitations only appear near the cross-over temperature 0.75T_c.
A comparative evaluation of the tissue responses associated with polymeric implants in the rat and mouse.

End product application is an important consideration when evaluating a material in an in vivo setting (Didisheim, Cardiovasc Pathol 1993;2:1S–2S). Small animal models allow high through-put evaluation of biocompatability. Previous preclinical evaluations have often used a rat subcutaneous model for the characterization of material-tissue interaction. Recent advances in genetic manipulation have provided mouse models with selective expression of a wide range of critical proteins. The rat model does not have many of the resources (i.e., knockouts, SCID, nude) that are present in mouse strains. The availability of these mice provides a resource to delineate the mechanisms regulating the healing associated with implants. However, before the mouse models can be used, they must be validated with respect to their ability to accurately assess tissue reponses to materials. In this study the tissue responses after the implantation of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) were compared between rat and mouse. Discs of ePTFE (30-μm internodal distance) were implanted in subcutaneous and epididymal fat tissue of rats (Sprague-Dawley) and mice (129-SVJ). After 5 weeks the samples were removed and evaluated for vascular density, inflammation, and fibrous encapsulation. No difference in the vessel density was observed within the peri-implant subcutaneous and adipose tissue or within the porous material. However, a significant difference was found in the number of activated macrophages and giant cells between these two species. Implants in the rat exhibited greater numbers of activated inflammatory cells in the peri-implant tissue. The data indicate that the mouse and rat provide a comparable model for evaluating angiogenesis and neovascularization associated with synthetic porous implants. © 2001 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 59: 682–689, 2002
Accessibility of the [14C]Benzylpenicillin Binding Proteins in Membranes of Sporulating Bacilli

Triton X-100 treatment or freeze-thawing damages the membranes of sporulating or vegetative cells as seen by protein leakage from cells. A 40% increase in the specific [ 14 C]benzylpenicillin-binding capacity of detergent-treated or frozen sporulating cells was observed. Neither freezing nor Triton X-100 treatment of vegetative cells produced a detectable effect on their [ 14 C]benzylpenicillin-binding capacity. These data indicate the presence of penicillin-binding sites in intact sporulating bacilli not accessible to penicillin in routine binding assays. The chemical specificity of [ 14 C]benzylpenicillin binding to detergent-treated sporulating cells is similar to that observed with untreated vegetative or sporulating cells.
Immunologic studies of the proteins of human synovial fluid

Synovial fluid and serum were compared by immunoelectrophoresis. The quantity of the large molecular weight proteins (beta 2 macroglobulin, beta lipoprotein, alpha 2 macroglobulin) was markedly reduced in normal synovial fluid. Small molecular weight proteins were present in all synovial fluids. Using an antiserum to synovial fluid, a protein (beta 2F) was detected in inflammatory synovial fluids. This protein appears to be a degradation product of fibrinogen, and was not present in either normal synovial fluid or serum. Liquido synovial e sero esseva comparate per immunoelectrophorese. Le quantitate del proteinas a grande peso molecular (macroglobulina beta 2, lipoproteina beta, macroglobulina alpha 2) esseva marcatemente reducite in normal liquido synovial. Proteinas a micre peso molecular esseva presente in omne le liquidos synovial. Per medio del uso de un antisero anti liquido synovial, un proteina (beta 2F) esseva detegite in liquidos synovial inflammatori. Iste proteina pare esser un producto de degradation de fibrinogeno e non esseva presente in normal liquido synovial e non in sero normal.
Bearing Friction Torque in Bolted Joints

Formulas are developed for calculation of the effective radius of the bearing friction forces on the rotating contact surface in threaded fasteners. These formulas provide a more accurate estimation of the underhead bearing friction torque component in threaded fastener applications. This enhances the reliability, safety, and quality of bolted assemblies, especially in critical applications. It is well known that the torque-tension correlation in threaded fasteners, and the resulting joint clamping force, is highly sensitive to friction torque components: under the turning head and between threads. This analysis focuses on the bearing friction torque component under the turning head of a threaded fastener. Furthermore, it analyzes the error contained in the current practice when an approximate value, equal to the mean contact surface radius, is used instead of the actual bearing radius. New formulas for the bearing friction radius are developed for a mathematical model of a bolted joint using four differe...
Contactless semiconductor surface characterization using surface acoustic waves

Abstract The electric field which accompanies a surface acoustic wave (SAW) propagating on a piezoelectric substrate can interact with the free charge carriers near the surface of an adjacent semi-conductor. This interaction produces a measurable DC acoustoelectric voltage across the semi-conductor and attenuates the SAW. The magnitude of these effects are dependent on the semi-conductor conductivity. Monitoring the acoustoelectric voltage or SAW attenuation while varying the conductivity by external means can yield information about the density and the dynamics of the surface and impurity states in the semiconductor. By observing the optical wavelength dependence of the acoustoelectric voltage developed across the semiconductor, the energy profile of the states in the bandgap can also be determined. Experimental results will be presented for several semiconductor samples. These include GaAs and GaP with or without added impurities and silicon. Tlie results show that the use of the SAW convolver provides a simple sensitive contactless and nondestructive means of evaluating the electrical properties of the semiconductor surface.
Dynamics of pulsed ultraviolet laser enhancement of the chlorine-Si(111) reaction

Abstract New time-of-flight and surface microcharacterization instrumentation have been applied to the study of the critical factors in the ultraviolet photon enhanced chlorine reaction on a well characterized surface of Si(111). The importance of carrier doping and wavelength were of particular interest. The reaction mechanism is discussed in terms of similarities and differences between previous laser-enhanced etching rate studies and photon-enhanced mechanisms based on the photon generation and transport of electron-holes to the surface followed by interaction with the substrate-adsorbate complex. Interpretation of the carrier-doping and wavelength dependence in terms of the model proposed by Ying and Ho for the NO/Si(111)7 × 7 system, to Cl/Si(111) has been partly successful.
Serological titers of equine monocytic ehrlichiosis associated with gastro-intestinal disorders and serological follow-up on two endemic farms

Abstract The purpose of this work was to study the association of positive serological titers to Ehrlichia risticii , the causative agent of equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (EME) with gastro-intestinal disorders in hospitalized horses referred to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital (OSU VMTH). In addition, serological titers for E. risticii were monitored in two horse populations with endemic EME for one season to monitor temporal changes in titers. A statistically significant difference was found between the proportion of the total hospitalized horse population presented with a gastro-intestinal disorder during the study period, and study horses with IFA titers ≥1:80 with these signs ( P P >0.05) Thirty-eight horses on two farms endemic for EME were tested approximately every 3 weeks, 33 of which were tested serially at least two times. Five of the 38 horses (13.2%) had IFA titers ≥1:80-two that were positive initially and three that seroconverted the study; 15 horses' titers fluctuated between negative (IFA titers
Perilipin-5 is regulated by statins and controls triglyceride contents in the hepatocyte

Background & Aims Perilipin-5 ( PLIN5 ) is a member of the perilipin family of lipid droplet (LD)-associated proteins. PLIN5 is expressed in oxidative tissues including the liver, and is critical during LD biogenesis. Studies showed that statins reduce hepatic triglyceride contents in some patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and in rodent models of diet-induced hepatosteatosis. Whether statins alter triglyceride synthesis, storage, and/or utilization within the hepatocyte is unknown, though. Here we tested the hypothesis that statins alter the metabolism of LD in the hepatocyte during physiological conditions, such as fasting-induced steatosis. Methods Mice were gavaged with saline or atorvastatin, and the expression of LD-associated genes was determined in fed and fasted animals. The accumulation of triglycerides and LD was studied in mouse or human primary hepatocytes in response to statins, and following knock-down of SREBP2 or PLIN5. Results We show that statins decrease the levels of PLIN5 , but not other LD-associated genes, in both mouse liver and mouse/human primary hepatocytes, which is paralleled by a significant reduction in both intracellular triglycerides and the number of LD. We identify an atypical negative sterol regulatory sequence in the proximal promoter of mouse/human PLIN5 that recruits the transcription factor SREBP2 and confers response to statins. Finally, we show that the statin-dependent reduction of hepatocyte triglyceride contents is mimicked by partial knock-down of PLIN5 ; conversely, ectopic overexpression of PLIN5 reverts the statin effect. Conclusions PLIN5 is a physiological regulator of triglyceride metabolism in the liver, and likely contributes to the pleiotropic effects of statins.
The effect of Fe on the moisture-induced embrittlement in (Ni,Fe)Ti alloys

Abstract Iron addition beyond 9 a/o in NiTi leads to embrittlement by water or hydrogen. To explore the nature of this embrittlement, we studied the chemical interaction between water vapor and (Ni,Fe)Ti(110) surfaces with 5 a/o and 10 a/o Fe. Temperature-programmed desorption shows that decomposition of water to produce atomic hydrogen occurs on both surfaces. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy further demonstrates that the decomposition occurs around 190 K in both cases. A statistical model was developed to explore the effect of dopant atoms on hydrogen diffusion, assuming that diffusion depends on local composition. Dopant atoms such as boron that bind strongly to hydrogen slow down diffusion and therefore should suppress the environmental effect, consistent with atomistic simulations. Fe binds to hydrogen less strongly and therefore should result in faster diffusion. However, the present model shows that this increase in diffusivity is minimal. Therefore, this result indicates that nonchemical effects must be at work in moisture-induced embrittlement of (Ni,Fe)Ti alloys when the Fe concentration exceeds 9 a/o.
Crosslinking of Starch Xanthate. V. Redox Grafting with Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinyl Monomers in Water

Soluble starch xanthate (SX) with a degree of substitution (D. S.) ranging from 0.09 to 0.56 reacted with vinyl monomers (acrolein, acrylamide, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile, methyl acrylate, or styrene) and hydrogen peroxide to form aqueous gels of crosslinked starch—poly(vinyl monomer) graft copolymer. The reaction progress was followed by viscometry while investigating the effects of varied D. S. and monomer and peroxide levels. Solids, precipitated from the gels by ethanol, were analyzed for nitrogen and sulfur and their compositions were calculated. The vinyl monomer polymerization ranged from 30 to 98% in the grafting. A residual sulfur content was equivalent to a remainder xanthate D. S. of 0.04 to 0.24. Infrared absorption spectra verified copolymer formations and indicated that homo-polymer formation was minimal.
THE FORMATION OF THERMAL AND FUEL NOx FOR RADIANTLY STABILIZED COMBUSTION

Previous studies of combustion in a refractory tube with premixed propane and air or vaporized hexane droplets in air have demonstrated the existence of multiple stationary states; thin, stable and non-oscillatory flames; and a low production of thermal NOx (5–40 ppm). These studies were all limited to an equivalence ratio of approximately 0.80. In the current work a complete range of equivalence ratios was investigated for hexane droplets, vaporized completely prior to combustion. The concentration of thermal NOx was found to peak at about 100 ppm for the stoichiometric ratio, to fall off rapidly as the equivalence ratio increased above unity and to fall off even more rapidly to less than 5 ppm as the equivalence ratio decreased to 0.6. The decrease for 1 is presumably due to the absence of free oxygen as well. Experiments were also carried out for hexane doped with 0.795% wt. nitrogen in the form of diethylamine, isobutylamine, pyridine and piperidine. The formation of NOx from these materials was found to be independent of the residence time in the post-flame zone. This result implies complete conversion within the flame front in accordance with prior conjectures. The conversion of fuel-nitrogen to NOx was essentially 100% for 0.6 1 and precipitously for 1, again in agreement with the observations of prior investigators for flat laminar flames.
Beyond single mothers: cohabitation and marriage in the AFDC program.

We investigate the extent and implications of cohabitation and marriage among U.S. welfare recipients. An analysis of four data sets (the Current Population Survey, the National Survey of Families and Households, the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth) shows significant numbers of cohabitors among recipients of AFDC. An even more surprising finding is the large number of married women on welfare. We also report the results of a telephone survey of state AFDC agencies conducted to determine state rules governing cohabitation and marriage. The survey results indicate that, in a number of respects, AFDC rules encourage cohabitation. Finally, we conduct an analysis of the impact of AFDC rules on cohabitation, marriage, and single motherhood and find weak evidence in support of incentives to cohabit.
Predicting the Growth and Filtering of At-risk Housing: Structure Ageing, Poverty and Redlining:

Using canonical regression analysis, the paper examines the associations between housing conditions, race, poverty and vintage structure age in Cleveland, Ohio's east and west sides. It is found th...
Parameterization for the relative humidity dependence of light extinction: Organic-ammonium sulfate aerosol

[1] Atmospheric particles are a complex mixture of inorganic and organic compounds. This study uses laboratory generated particles to examine the connection between aerosol light extinction, chemical composition, and hygroscopicity for particles composed of internal mixtures of ammonium sulfate and water-soluble organic compounds. The extinction coefficient (σep) at 532 nm was measured for size-selected particles at <10% RH and 80% RH. The ratio of the extinction coefficients at 80% RH to <10% RH is reported as fRHext(80% RH, dry). The fRHext(80% RH, dry) values were similar for particles composed of various water-soluble organic compounds and different functional groups. In addition, fRHext(80% RH, dry) values were relatively insensitive to the composition of the organic fraction for internal mixtures of ammonium sulfate with sugars, dicarboxylic acids and complex mixtures of water-soluble organic compounds. Finally, fRHext(80% RH, dry) was found to vary linearly with the organic/inorganic content, allowing for simple incorporation of organic properties into atmospheric models. We derived a generalization of fRHext(80% RH, dry) = 2.90 – 0.015(wt% organic species) for a particle size distribution with a dry mean optical diameter of 0.35 μm. This parameterization for ammonium sulfate/water-soluble organic aerosol is applicable to the fine particle mode fraction of atmospheric aerosol. Information necessary to incorporate the variation in the size distribution is also included. This work suggests that neglecting the water uptake by the organic fraction of atmospheric particles could lead to significant underestimation of the cooling at the Earth's surface due to light scattering by aerosol.
Septal interstitial cells of cajal conduct pacemaker activity to excite muscle bundles in human jejunum

Background & Aims: Like the heart, intestinal smooth muscles exhibit electrical rhythmicity, which originates in pacemaker cells surrounding the myenteric plexus, called interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC-MY). In large mammals, ICC also line septa (ICC-SEP) between circular muscle (CM) bundles, suggesting they might be necessary for activating muscle bundles. It is important to determine their functional significance, because a loss of ICC in humans is associated with disordered motility. Our aims were therefore to determine the role of ICC-SEP in activating the thick CM in the human jejunum. Methods: The mucosa and submucosa were removed and muscle strips were cut and pinned in cross-section so that the ICC-MY and ICC-SEP networks and the CM could be readily visualized. The ICC networks and CM were loaded with the Ca 2+ indicator fluo-4, and pacemaker and muscle activity was recorded at 36.5 ± 0.5 ° C. Results: Ca 2+ imaging revealed that pacemaker activity in human ICC-MY can entrain ICC-SEP to excite CM bundles. Unlike the heart, pacemaker activity in ICC-MY varied in amplitude, propagation distance, and direction, leading to a sporadic activation of ICC-SEP. Conclusions: ICC-SEP form a crucial conduction pathway for spreading excitation deep into muscle bundles of the human jejunum, necessary for motor patterns underlying mixing. A loss of these cells could severely affect motor activity.
Fractal analysis of tumor in brain MR images

The purpose of this study is to discuss existing fractal-based algorithms and propose novel improvements of these algorithms to identify tumors in brain magnetic-response (MR) images. Considerable research has been pursued on fractal geometry in various aspects of image analysis and pattern recognition. Magnetic-resonance images typically have a degree of noise and randomness associated with the natural random nature of structure. Thus, fractal analysis is appropriate for MR image analysis. For tumor detection, we describe existing fractal-based techniques and propose three modified algorithms using fractal analysis models. For each new method, the brain MR images are divided into a number of pieces. The first method involves thresholding the pixel intensity values; hence, we call the technique piecewise-threshold-box-counting (PTBC) method. For the subsequent methods, the intensity is treated as the third dimension. We implement the improved piecewise-modified-box-counting (PMBC) and piecewise-triangular-prism-surface-area (PTPSA) methods, respectively. With the PTBC method, we find the differences in intensity histogram and fractal dimension between normal and tumor images. Using the PMBC and PTPSA methods, we may detect and locate the tumor in the brain MR images more accurately. Thus, the novel techniques proposed herein offer satisfactory tumor identification.
MAST usage in cardiopulmonary resuscitation

The medical antishock trouser (MAST) has been advocated as potentially beneficial in the resuscitation of patients in cardiac arrest. Currently available data indicate that the MAST will increase the blood pressure generated by external cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In addition, there may be an increased survival of patients found in cardiac arrest with an initial cardiac rhythm of pulseless idioventricular rhythm when the MAST is used. The physiologic parameters affected by the MAST may be similar to those caused by vasopressor agents in animal studies and implicated in increased survival rates. The clinical implications of these data and their relation to future investigations are discussed.
A CTL-INCLUSIVE MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENT OF HIV INFECTION

Treatment of HIV infection has traditionally consisted of antiretroviral therapy (ART), a regimen of pharmaceutical treatments that often produces unwanted physical side effects and can become costly over long periods of time. Motivated by a way to control the spread of HIV in the body without the need for large quantities of medicine, researchers have explored treatment methods which rely on stimulating an individual's immune response, such as the cytotoxic lymphocyte (CTL) response, in addition to the usage of antiretroviral drugs. This paper investigates theoretically and numerically the effect of immune effectors in modeling HIV pathogenesis, our results suggest the significant impact of the immune response on the control of the virus during primary infection. Qualitative aspects (including positivity, stability, uncertainty, and sensitivity analysis) are addressed. Additionally, by introducing drug therapy, we analyze numerically the model to assess the effect of treatment. Our results show that the inclusion of the CTL compartment produces a higher rebound for an individual's healthy helper T-cell compartment than does drug therapy alone. Furthermore, we quantitatively characterize successful drugs or drug combination scenarios.
The Christian Teacher in a Secular Society— The Challenge of Becoming, Being, and Living

?Que significa ser un maestro cristiano? Esta es quizas la pregunta mas importante hecha por un educador cristiano que trabaja dentro de una sociedad secular. De esta pregunta, sin embargo, se conduce al menos a otras dos preguntas: ?Como se convierte uno en un autentico educador cristiano? Y, ?como un maestro cristiano debe actuar en un entorno posmoderno secular? Este articulo propone que la clave para convertirse en un educador cristiano se encuentra en la creacion de un paradigma biblico de la vida y el aprendizaje. Este paradigma establece la base biblica para una perspectiva espiritual omnipresente, el origen divino de la verdad, los valores centrados en Dios, la ensenanza como un llamado divino y vivir una vida llena del Espiritu. El consecuente reto de ser un maestro cristiano incluye la forma en que nos acercamos a nuestras disciplinas, en las que vemos a nuestros estudiantes, y en las que se modela la vida cristiana. Por ultimo, la cuestion de actuar como un educador cristiano implica alcanzar intencionalmente a la persona posmoderna secular con un proposito de salvacion. Esto implica la creacion de una comunidad, reconociendo el contexto, validando las emociones, respetando la diversidad, participando en el dialogo y la construccion de puentes de fe.
Improved procedure for obtaining statistically valid parameter estimates from soil respiration data

Abstract A method to obtain statistically reliable estimates of parameters of microbial activity in soil is presented. Most traditional methods of measuring soil respiration involve the analysis of curves of CO2 evolution obtained by accumulating discrete measurements of the CO2 over time. Such analyses can be misleading because they do not provide a statistically valid way of estimating error and result in non-random, autocorrelated residuals. We have developed a method that uses non-linear regression analysis of discrete, non-accumulated data, thus alleviating most of the problems associated with the analysis of cumulative data.
Real-time stereo rendering of concentric mosaics with linear interpolation

In this paper, we introduce an efficient image based rendering system for concentric mosaics, which can render stereo pair images of real scene in real time, with improved image qualities. We will mainly focus on related user interface issues and three interpolation algorithms: point sampling, linear interpolation with infinite or constant depth.
Genome-wide association study of vitamin D concentrations in Hispanic Americans: the IRAS family study.

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with many adverse health outcomes. There are several well established environmental predictors of vitamin D concentrations, yet studies of the genetic determinants of vitamin D concentrations are in their infancy. Our objective was to conduct a pilot genome-wide association (GWA) study of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2D) concentrations in a subset of 229 Hispanic subjects, followed by replication genotyping of 50 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the entire sample of 1190 Hispanics from San Antonio, Texas and San Luis Valley, Colorado. Of the 309,200 SNPs that met all quality control criteria, three SNPs in high linkage disequilibrium (LD) with each other were significantly associated with 1,25[OH]2D (rs6680429, rs9970802, and rs10889028) at a Bonferroni corrected P-value threshold of 1.62 × 10−7, however none met the threshold for 25[OH]D. Of the 50 SNPs selected for replication genotyping, five for 25[OH]D (rs2806508, rs10141935, rs4778359, rs1507023, and rs9937918) and eight for 1,25[OH]2D (rs6680429, rs1348864, rs4559029, rs12667374, rs7781309, rs10505337, rs2486443, and rs2154175) were replicated in the entire sample of Hispanics (P < 0.01). In conclusion, we identified several SNPs that were associated with vitamin D metabolite concentrations in Hispanics. These candidate polymorphisms merit further investigation in independent populations and other ethnicities.
Improving packet reception rate for mobile sinks in wireless sensor networks

Researchers have recently exploited the use of mobile sinks in WSN and shown its potential benefits in energy savings. In order to maximize these savings and meet other QoS requirements, the mobile sink should collect all the data from the sensors during its limited contact time. This necessitate the provisioning of appropriate mechanisms to improve packet reception rate (PRR) from sensor nodes to the sink while efficiently utilizing underlying resources. In this paper, we conducted actual experiments to understand the reasons behind failures in packet reception. Accordingly, we exploited the use of multiple receiver radios in mobile sinks. Through actual experiments, we evaluated the performance gains provided by multi-radio mobile sinks. We observed that using multiple receiver radios significantly improves base PRR and achieve required PRR with less number of retransmissions, particularly in critical communication ranges. In turn, minimizing number of transmissions improves other performance metrics including overall delay, efficient use of energy at sensor nodes, network lifetime.
Characterization of the particulate and soluble acceptor for transcobalamin II from human placenta and rabbit liver

We describe in both human placenta and rabbit liver membranes specific acceptors which bind the human transcobalamin II-vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) complex with an affinity of 2.3 . 10(9) (placenta) and 6.7 . 10(9) (liver) M-1 and which bind the rabbit transcobalamin II-cobalamin complex with an affinity of 1.1 . 10(9) (placenta) and 1.9 . 10(9) (liver) M-1, respectively. The binding requires Ca2+ and is sensitive to both 1 M NaCl and acid pH. A new ligand binding assay, based on the ability of the acceptor, but not transcobalamin II, to bind to concanavalin A, is described and is used to characterize the solubilized acceptors. The solubilized acceptors bind human transcobalamin II-cobalamin with high affinity (about 2-9 . 10(9) M-1) but do not bind free cobalamin; unsaturated transcobalamin II is bound with an affinity approximately one-third of that for transcobalamin II saturated with cobalamin. On gel filtration, the human acceptor saturated with transcobalamin II-cobalamin exhibits a Stokes radius of 6.7 nm, whereas the free acceptor has a Stokes radius of 5.1 nm. The rabbit liver acceptor either unsaturated or saturated with transcobalamin II-cobalamin exhibits a Stokes radius of 5.7 nm. Both acceptors bind to lectins such as concanavalin A, wheat germ agglutinin and phytohemagglutinin, indicating their glycoprotein nature, and both acceptors can be purified approximately 30-fold by affinity chromatography on wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose columns. The concanavalin A assay, combined with lectin-Sepharose and transcobalamin II-cobalamin-Sepharose affinity chromatography will provide for the isolation and study of pure acceptors from a variety of tissue sources.
Terminal velocities of the winds from rapidly rotating OB stars

This paper presents measurements of terminal velocities of OB stars which are rapid rotators, based on archival high-dispersion IUE spectra of the C IV resonance doublet. The terminal velocities of the most rapidly rotating stars appear to be systematically lower than those of the less rapidly rotating stars (at least for the cooler stars), although the number of very rapid rotators is only three. The modified line-radiation driven wind model of Friend and Abbott, which takes into account the finite size of the star as well as its rotation, predicts that the terminal velocity should drop with increasing rotational velocity. However, when a smaller but very homogeneous subset of the data is used (BO giants only), the correlation between terminal velocity and rotational velocity disappears.
Leukemia inhibitory factor participates in the expansion of neural stem/progenitors after perinatal hypoxia/ischemia

Subsequent to perinatal hypoxia/ischemia there is an increase in the number of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSP) within the subventricular zone (SVZ). Gene expression analyses have implicated Notch signaling in the expansion of these tripotential cells but there are limited data as to which signals are stimulating Notch activation. There is evidence that the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR)/gp130 receptor heterodimer induces Notch1 to maintain NSP populations during normal development. LIF and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) bind to these receptor components and they coordinate injury responses in the CNS. Therefore, the aim of these studies was to investigate whether CNTF and/or leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) participate in NSP expansion in the rat SVZ after hypoxia/ischemia (H/I) as well as to characterize the downstream events that regulate NSP numbers. We report that LIF mRNA is induced 48 h post-insult by 13-fold but that it returns almost to baseline by 72 h. Commensurate with increased LIF expression there is a corresponding increase in phosphorylated Stat-3 within the SVZ. Modeling the changes that occur in vivo, we show that LIF induces Stat-3 phosphorylation in neurospheres to enhance Delta-like-1 and Notch1 expression as well as to increase Notch1 activation. LIF also expands neurosphere number and size in vitro. Whereas CNTF can mimic the effects of LIF in vitro, CNTF expression in the SVZ was unchanged during recovery from H/I. Cumulatively, these data implicate LIF and not CNTF in the expansion of NSPs in the rat SVZ after perinatal brain injury. As both LIF expression and the endogenous regenerative response after brain injury are time-delimited, these findings provide insights into strategies to expand the endogenous pool of NSPs to repopulate the damaged brain.
Numerical solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation in spherical coordinates by Fourier transform methods

Abstract A numerical Fourier transform method is developed to solve the time-dependent Schrodinger equation in spherical coordinates. The method is tested for the rigid rotor and a model bending potential. Results are in excellent agreement with exact values.
Algorithms for mixed-model sequencing with due date restrictions

Abstract In a Mixed-Model Sequencing (MMS) environment, customer demands with respect to timeliness of delivery conflict with the production-centered goal of smooth component utilization. This research is designed to be an initial step in the process of dealing with both balance and lateness objectives. The results show that a slight decrease in on-time production leads to substantial gains in smoothing component utilization. The fundamental task in addressing the multiple-objective environment is to distinguish those problem models in a sequence, whose due dates cause the schedule to be unbalanced with respect to part usage. This paper also presents some insights into the behavior of the multi-objective MMS problem. Inherent characteristics of the MMS are revealed and explained, primarily with respect to demand patterns and lateness restrictions. Because of the problem complexity it is necessary to employ a heuristic to produce quality solutions for large problems. This study evaluates a set of heuristics, focusing on the tradeoffs between lateness measures, smooth component utilization, and computation time. This research involves the first application of local search heuristics to this problem. One heuristic, the Border Swap, proves to be an extremely effective mechanism for recognizing problem models, and solving the multi-objective problem.
Cyclopropyl-containing positive allosteric modulators of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5

Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) binding to the transmembrane (TM) domain of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) are promising therapeutic agents for psychiatric disorders and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Novel PAMs based on a trans-2-phenylcyclopropane amide scaffold have been designed and synthesized. Facilitating ligand design and allowing estimation of binding affinities to the mGluR5 TM domain was the novel computational strategy, site identification by ligand competitive saturation (SILCS). The potential protective activity of the new compounds was evaluated using nitric oxide (NO) production in BV2 microglial cell cultures treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the toxicity of the new compounds tested using a cell viability assay. One of the new compounds, 3a, indicated promising activity with potency of 30 μM, which is 4.5-fold more potent than its lead compound 3,3'-difluorobenzaldazine (DFB), and showed no detectable toxicity with concentrations as high as 1000 μM. Thus this compound represents a new lead for possible development as treatment for TBI and related neurodegenerative disorders.
The RNA-binding protein HuR regulates the expression of cyclooxygenase-2

The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene encodes the inducible prostaglandin synthase enzyme implicated in inflammation, cell growth, and tumorigenesis. Regulation of the COX-2 gene expression at the post-transcriptional level is poorly understood. For example, protein factors that regulate the post-transcriptional mRNA metabolism of COX-2 have not been fully characterized. In this study, we demonstrate that the RNA-binding protein HuR binds to COX-2 mRNA and regulates its expression. We show that there are three binding sites for HuR in the 3'-untranslated region of human COX-2. These sites are located at the following positions in the COX-2 3'-untranslated region: 39-84 nucleotides (nt), 1155-1187 nt, and 1244-1256 nt (hereinafter referred to as Sites I, II and III, respectively). Although all three sites are present in the 4.6-kb COX-2 mRNA, only site I is present in the shorter 2.8-kb isoform. HuR in MDA-MB-231 cell extracts associated with COX-2 mRNA at the identified sites. Further, HuR location in the cytoplasm was induced by serum withdrawal, a stimulus known to induce COX-2 mRNA. Down-regulation of HuR by two independent methods, namely RNA interference as well as antisense RNA expression, significantly attenuated serum withdrawal-induced increase in COX-2 mRNA (both the 4.6- and 2.8-kb isoforms) and protein levels. These data suggest that HuR binding to COX-2 is critical for its post-transcriptional mRNA stabilization.
Destination unknown: Pursuing sustainable mobility in the face of rival societal aspirations

Abstract A growing volume of scholarship and policy practice focuses on developing societal capacity to guide transitions of socio-technical systems toward more sustainable alternatives. Because several prominent modes of transportation are widely regarded as systemically problematic, the notion of sustainable mobility has received considerable attention from the standpoint of system innovation. Sustainability though constitutes only one of many contemporary political objectives and public commitment to goals consistent with such a future is highly equivocal. A related challenge arises from the ambivalence that sustainability champions often harbor on an individual level. It is probable that efforts to facilitate sustainable mobility will need to be reconciled with rival societal aspirations such as the pursuit of faster and more convenient forms of travel. Drawing on insights from the multi-level perspective, this article contrasts the relatively static automobility system with its more dynamic aeromobility counterpart and explores why evidence of an incipient transition is more apparent within the realm of aviation. In particular, the diffusion of “personal aeromobility” involving the use of small airplanes for on-demand, point-to-point air travel raises perplexing questions for the governance of sustainable mobility.