cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chloride concentrations in human hepatic cytosol and mitochondria are a function of age.

Abstract We recently reported that, in a concentration-dependent manner, chloride protects hepatic glutathione transferase zeta 1 from inactivation by dichloroacetate, an investigational drug used in treating various acquired and congenital metabolic diseases. Despite the importance of chloride ions in normal physiology, and decades of study of chloride transport across membranes, the literature lacks information on chloride concentrations in animal tissues other than blood. In this study we measured chloride concentrations in human liver samples from male and female donors aged 1 day to 84 years (n = 97). Because glutathione transferase zeta 1 is present in cytosol and, to a lesser extent, in mitochondria, we measured chloride in these fractions by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis following conversion of the free chloride to pentafluorobenzylchloride. We found that chloride concentration decreased with age in hepatic cytosol but increased in liver mitochondria. In addition, chloride concentrations in cytosol, (105.2 ± 62.4 mM; range: 24.7–365.7 mM) were strikingly higher than those in mitochondria (4.2 ± 3.8 mM; range 0.9–22.2 mM). These results suggest a possible explanation for clinical observations seen in patients treated with dichloroacetate, whereby children metabolize the drug more rapidly than adults following repeated doses, and also provide information that may influence our understanding of normal liver physiology.
Double bond migration, geometric isomerization, and deuterium distribution during heterogeneous catalytic deuteration of methyl oleate

Abstract Methyl cis -9-octadecenoate was deuterated over platinum and palladium catalysts. Saturates as well as cis - and trans -octadecenoates were separated for subsequent oxidative cleavage, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry. The observed migration and geometric isomerization of double bonds, the distribution of deuterium along the carbon chain, and the presence of hydrogen and also deuterium on the catalyst surface are collated by an extension of the Horiuti-Polanyi mechanism. These reactions were simulated by digital computer calculations of the proposed model.
Unravelling the debate over orthopaedic trauma transfers: The sender's perspective

Abstract Introduction The increasing frequency of orthopaedic trauma patient transfers is an issue at the centre of the current orthopaedic “call crisis” that has the potential to inundate resources at tertiary care centres. Appropriateness of transfer has been investigated only from the perspective of receiving surgeons. This study investigates the suitability and reasons for orthopaedic trauma patient transfer from the viewpoint of transferring surgeons. Methods A questionnaire was e-mailed to a random sampling of 500 active members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. Surgeons were split into three groups: senders of trauma patients (senders); orthopaedic traumatologists who receive transfers (traumatologist receivers); and other trauma transfer receivers that are not traumatologists (non-traumatologist receivers). The perceived complexity and appropriateness for transfer of eight virtual case scenarios were determined, along with the specific reasons mitigating transfer. Results 51 Senders, 90 traumatologist receivers, and 98 non-traumatologist receivers completed 239 surveys. There was agreement between groups for case complexity and appropriateness for transfer in five of eight case scenarios ( p Conclusions In most cases, both senders and receivers of orthopaedic trauma have similar viewpoints regarding fracture complexity and appropriateness of transfer. Sending surgeons cite case complexity and a lack of hospital resources as the primary reasons for patient transfer. Mandating increased call for orthopaedic surgeons at non-trauma centres without a concomitant increase in hospital resources is unlikely to substantially reduce unnecessary patient transfers to higher level facilities.
The mechanism of superoxide production by the antimycin-inhibited mitochondrial Q-cycle.

Superoxide production from antimycin-inhibited complex III in isolated mitochondria first increased to a maximum then decreased as substrate supply was modulated in three different ways. In each case, superoxide production had a similar bell-shaped relationship to the reduction state of cytochrome b566, suggesting that superoxide production peaks at intermediate Q-reduction state because it comes from a semiquinone in the outer quinone-binding site in complex III (Qo). Imposition of a membrane potential changed the relationships between superoxide production and b566 reduction and between b562 and b566 redox states, suggesting that b562 reduction also affects semiquinone concentration and superoxide production. To assess whether this behavior was consistent with the Q-cycle mechanism of complex III, we generated a kinetic model of the antimycin-inhibited Qo site. Using published rate constants (determined without antimycin), with unknown rate constants allowed to vary, the model failed to fit the data. However, when we allowed the rate constant for quinol oxidation to decrease 1000-fold and the rate constant for semiquinone oxidation by b566 to depend on the b562 redox state, the model fit the energized and de-energized data well. In such fits, quinol oxidation was much slower than literature values and slowed further when b566 was reduced, and reduction of b562 stabilized the semiquinone when b566 was oxidized. Thus, superoxide production at Qo depends on the reduction states of b566 and b562 and fits the Q-cycle only if particular rate constants are altered when b oxidation is prevented by antimycin. These mechanisms limit superoxide production and short circuiting of the Q-cycle when electron transfer slows.
Quasi-maximum likelihood estimation of multivariate diffusions

This paper introduces quasi-maximum likelihood estimator for multivariate diffusions based on discrete observations. A numerical solution to the stochastic differential equation is obtained by higher order Wagner-Platen approximation and it is used to derive the first two conditional moments. Monte Carlo simulation shows that the proposed method has good finite sample property for both normal and non-normal diffusions. In an application of estimating stochastic volatility models, we find evidence of closeness between the CEV model and the GARCH stochastic volatility model. This finding supports the discrete time GARCH modeling of market volatility.
The relationship between mutual fund fees and expenses and their effects on performance

Fees charged by mutual funds include front-end load charges, deferred sales charges that decrease over time, redemption fees that are imposed whenever shares are sold, and 12b-1 fees. Fees may be justified if they allow the fund to lower other costs or improve performance. In this paper, we find that, on average, 12b-1 fees, deferred sales charges, and redemption fees increase expenses whereas funds with front-end loads generally have lower expenses. We also find that funds with 12b-1 fees and redemption fees, on average, earn higher risk adjusted returns but funds with front-end load charges earn lower risk adjusted returns.
Heat generation of magneto-rheological fluid dampers

This study presents a theoretical analysis of heat generation and dissipation of field-controllable magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) shock absorbers. Since MRF dampers are energy- dissipating devices, the issues of heat generation and dissipation are important in predicting their performance. A theoretical model is developed based on Bingham plastic model to estimate temperature history of the MRF dampers. The governing equation includes the MRF viscosity as a function of the temperature. The numerical solutions are compared with experimental results in order to validate the accuracy of the model, and excellent agreements are obtained.
Ethnicity does not affect outcomes of coronary angioplasty.

Background: Access to high quality medical care and especially to complex procedures may be adversely affected in members of a minority ethnic group or a lower socioeconomic class. For example, Caucasians undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous transluminal coronary interventions (PTCI) twice as frequently as African-Americans. Data exist to suggest that African-Americans derive less benefit than Caucasians from CABG. Hypothesis: We investigated the possibility that outcomes of catheter-based coronary angioplasty might also be less favorable in minority populations. Methods: We analyzed in-hospital outcomes in 6,559 consecutive patients who underwent PTCI in our laboratory. In 37 ethnicity was classified as “other,” 5,203 (79.8%) were identified as Caucasians, 863 (13.2%), as African-Americans, and 456 (7.0%), as Hispanics. Twelve baseline clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics were entered into a computerized data base. Hospital complications were identified by trained quality assurance nurses. Results: Substantial differences in baseline characteristics existed between the populations. Despite these differences, on univariate comparison of ethnicity and outcome, no differences between ethnic groups were found with a single exception. Mortality in Hispanics was higher than in the other two populations. (2.0 vs. 0.7 and 0.8%, respectively, p=0.008). However, when this was adjusted for baseline characteristics, the difference was not significant. Conclusions: In contrast to previous studies suggesting less favorable outcomes of CABG in African-American patients, this analysis demonstrates an equal frequency of procedural success and rate of hospital complications for PTCI in that population, in Hispanics, and in Caucasians.
Standard free energies of adsorption of surfactants at the aqueous solution/air interface from surface tension data in the vicinity of the critical micelle concentration

Abstract A new method is described for calculating free energies of adsorption (Δ G °) at the aqueous solution/air interface for surface-active solutes from readily-available surface tension data, using a monomolecular layer at zero surface pressure as the standard state for the adsorbed solute. The standard free energy of adsorption for a methylene group in a long alkyl chain is essentially the same when calculated by the Traube's constant method and by the present method. From Δ G ° values at 25°C calculated for long-chain alcohols and various types of surfactants, the hydrophilic—CHOHCH 2 CH 2 OH group appears to be similar to a −CH 2 OH group in its contribution to the free energy of adsorption at the aqueous solution/air interface and a −(OC 2 H 4 ) x OH group, where x = 5–12, appears to make a slightly less positive contribution than the −CH 2 OH group. The −SO 4 Na group in 0.1 M NaCl solution makes the Δ G value approximately 8 kJ per mol more positive than the OH group does in water.
Towards a Neo-Aristotelian Mereology

This paper provides a detailed examination of Kit Fine’s sizeable contribution to the development of a neo-Aristotelian alternative to standard mereology; I focus especially on the theory of ‘rigid’ and ‘variable embodiments’, as defended in Fine 1999. Section 2 briefly describes the system I call ‘standard mereology’. Section 3 lays out some of the main principles and consequences of Aristotle’s own mereology, in order to be able to compare Fine’s system with its historical precursor. Section 4 gives an exposition of Fine’s theory of embodiments and goes on to isolate a number of potential concerns to which this account gives rise. In particular, I argue that (i) Fine’s theory threatens to proliferate primitive sui generis relations of parthood and composition, whose characteristics must be stipulatively imposed on them, relative to particular domains; (ii) given its ‘superabundance’ of objects, Fine’s system far outstrips the (arguably) already inflated ontological commitments of standard mereology; and (iii) there is a legitimate question as to why we should consider Fine’s primitive and sui generis relations of parthood and composition to be genuinely mereological at all, given their formal profile. These three objections lead me to conclude that we ought to explore other avenues that preserve the highly desirable, hylomorphic, features of Fine’s mereology, while avoiding its methodological and ontological excesses.
Environmental and genetic control of sexual reproduction in Daphnia

Sexual reproduction in cyclically parthenogenetic Daphnia species is a critical life history component. To investigate the nature of variation of the intensity of sexual reproduction (ISR) in Daphnia, and to measure the relative importance of different aspects of the variation, 30 random clones from a Daphnia pulicaria population were tested in a factorial design involving five photoperiods and two food concentrations. The results revealed that the ISR, indexed by the number of resting eggs produced, is influenced significantly by both the environmental conditions employed (photoperiod, food) and genetic factors (clonal effects within single environments and clone-photo-food interaction across environments). At the population level, a critical photoperiod exists (14 h light/day) for sexual reproduction to be initiated. There are significant differences among the estimates of the genetic variation for the ISR across some environments, signifying that the measurement of genetic variability in one environment has limited value for inferring the magnitude of genetic variability in other environments. There is highly significant genotype-environment (G × E) interaction, accounting for about 37.5 per cent of the total variance of the ISR. The results are discussed in the context of the population's adaptation to the ecological surroundings and the maintenance of genetic variability for the ISR in a particular environment.
Cloning and characterization of a novel peanut allergen Ara h 3 isoform displaying potentially decreased allergenicity

Peanut allergy is one of the most serious food allergies. The major peanut allergens are designated Ara h 1, Ara h 2 and Ara h 3. A previously unidentified ara h 3-related cDNA, ara h 3-im, was isolated and its corresponding protein product confirmed in peanut seed by N-terminal sequencing. Ara h 3-im is distinct from other related allergens in having a novel N-terminal sequence, lacking two potential N-glycosylation sites, missing most of the fourth IgE-binding epitope found in Ara h 3, and having a different predicted three-dimensional structure. Immunoblotting showed that the 36 kDa Ara h 3-im polypeptide was not recognized by IgE from the sera of peanut sensitive patients that recognized other major peanut allergen polypeptides. ara h 3-im is a new peanut arachin gene that encodes an expressed protein in peanut seed, Ara h 3-im, that shares features with other 11S globulin genes. Initial results indicate that Ara h 3-im has potentially lower allergenic properties than previously characterized peanut allergens which may aid in the production of a hypoallergenic peanut.
The role of CHCl3 as a quencher for γ and UV excited organic solutions

Abstract CHCl 3 dissolved in aromatic hydrocarbon solutions of fluorescent solutes is a specific quencher of fluorescence resulting from γ-ray or UV excited upper electronic states of the solvent, CHCl 3 shows long-range electron-scavenging and short-range contact quenching properties.
Δ9-THC-Caused Synaptic and Memory Impairments Are Mediated through COX-2 Signaling

Summary Marijuana has been used for thousands of years as a treatment for medical conditions. However, untoward side effects limit its medical value. Here, we show that synaptic and cognitive impairments following repeated exposure to Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9 -THC) are associated with the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to prostanoids in the brain. COX-2 induction by Δ 9 -THC is mediated via CB1 receptor-coupled G protein βγ subunits. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of COX-2 blocks downregulation and internalization of glutamate receptor subunits and alterations of the dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons induced by repeated Δ 9 -THC exposures. Ablation of COX-2 also eliminates Δ 9 -THC-impaired hippocampal long-term synaptic plasticity, spatial, and fear memories. Importantly, the beneficial effects of decreasing β-amyloid plaques and neurodegeneration by Δ 9 -THC in Alzheimer's disease animals are retained in the presence of COX-2 inhibition. These results suggest that the applicability of medical marijuana would be broadened by concurrent inhibition of COX-2.
Ammonia is the gas used for the spacing of fruiting bodies in the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum

Abstract Culminating fruiting bodies of Dictyostelium discoideum were found to show negative chemotaxis toward ammonia, whether the gradient was created by an ammonia source (ammonium hydroxide solution) or an ammonia sink (oxalic acid or an ammonia-absorbing enzyme system). Fruiting bodies also oriented away from gradients of gas emitted by populations of postfeeding amebae. The concentration of ammonia established over a population of 108 postfeeding amebae of D. discoideum was measured. The effects of 108 postfeeding amebae and of ammonium hydroxide solutions on the orientation of fruiting bodies under gradient conditions were compared. The results showed that the ammonia concentration established by the amebae was sufficient to account for their effkct on fruiting-body orientation. Thus, ammonia is the substance which causes fruiting-body spacing in D. discoideum.
TRIGLYCERIDE ACCUMULATION AND FATTY ACID PROFILE CHANGES IN CHLORELLA (CHLOROPHYTA) DURING HIGH pH‐INDUCED CELL CYCLE INHIBITION1

Alkaline pH stress resulted in triglyceride (TG) accumulation in Chlorella CHLOR1 and was independent of medium nitrogen or carbon levels. Based on morphological observations, alkaline pH inhibited autospore release, thus increasing the time for cell cycle completion. Autospore release has been postulated to coincide with TG utilization within the microalgal cell division cycle. The alkaline pH stress affected lipid accumulation by inhibiting the cell division cycle prior to autospore release and, therefore, prior to TG utilization. Cells inhibited in this manner showed an increase in TG accumulation but a decrease in both membrane lipid classes (glycolipid and polar lipid). Unlike TG fatty acid profiles, membrane lipid fatty acid profiles were not stable during TG accumulation. The membrane profiles became similar to the TG, i.e. less unsaturated than in the membrane lipids of unstressed control cells.
Microchip Device for Performing Enzyme Assays

An automated enzyme assay was performed within a microfabricated channel network. Precise concentrations of substrate, enzyme, and inhibitor were mixed in nanoliter volumes using electrokinetic flow. Reagent dilution and mixing were controlled by regulating the applied potential at the terminus of each channel, using voltages derived from an equivalent circuit model of the microchip. The enzyme β-galactosidase (β-Gal) was assayed using resorufin β-d-galactopyranoside (RBG), a substrate that is hydrolyzed to resorufin, a fluorescent product. Reaction kinetics were obtained by varying the concentration of substrate on-chip and monitoring the production of resorufin using laser-induced fluorescence. Derived Michaelis−Menten constants compared well between an on-chip and a conventional enzyme assay. Bias in the derived Km and kcat was primarily due to the limited solubility of RBG and the associated lack of measurements at substrate concentrations exceeding the Km. A Ki of 8 μM for the inhibitor phenylethyl β...
In vitro evaluation of alkylcarbonyloxymethyl (ACOM) ethers as novel prodrugs of phenols for topical delivery: ACOM prodrugs of acetaminophen

Abstract The fluxes (JIPM) of a series of alkylcarbonyloxymethyl (ACOM) ethers of acetaminophen (APAP) were measured through hairless mouse skin from suspensions of each prodrug in isopropyl myristate (IPM). Solubilities in IPM, estimated solubilities in pH 4.0 buffer (S4.0) and flux data for the 4-ACOM-APAP prodrugs were incorporated into the Roberts–Sloan (RS) database to give new estimates for the independent variables of the RS equation: log JIPM = x + y log SIPM + (1 − y) log S4.0 − z MW. All but one of the 4-ACOM-APAP derivatives hydrolyzed completely on permeation through mouse skin. Three out of the five prodrugs permeated the skin better than APAP, with a maximum fourfold increase in flux. Biphasic solubility – not solubility in a single solvent – was shown to have the greatest impact on flux. A fit of the new n = 66 database to the RS equation gave the following values for x, y, z, and r2: x = −0.545, y = 0.511, z = 0.00253, r2 = 0.915. These results demonstrate that the topical delivery of a model phenol, acetaminophen, can be improved by transiently masking the phenolic hydroxyl group as an ACOM ether.
Punctuating the Homogeneity of Institutionalized News: Abusing Prisoners at Abu Ghraib Versus Killing Civilians at Fallujah

This article investigates a central assertion of new institutionalist approaches to news—that all things being equal news coverage will tend toward homogeneity—in an analysis of news coverage of events in Fallujah, Iraq, in April 2004. An index of homogeneity is developed borrowing from the Herfindahl-Hirschmann index of market concentration in economics. Using this index, it is shown that coverage of Fallujah in the major mainstream American news outlets was relatively homogeneous and in this respect apparently differed from the more diverse reporting on Abu Ghraib. The comparative homogeneity of Fallujah news is explained in part using new institutionalist principles. The author concludes that developing new institutionalist theory requires more precise conceptualization and measurement of its key predictions, such as the expectation that major national media usually cover big stories similarly.
Some recent developments in flutter of flat panels

The accuracy of the two-dimensional static aerodynamic approximation for flutter analyses is investigated by comparison with results obtained on the basis of exact linearized threedimensional potential flow theory. For unstressed panels, these results indicate that, for Mach numbers greater than 1.3, two-dimensional static aerodynamics is applicable over the whole range of length-width ratios greater than 1. The theoretical boundaries are also in good agreement with experimental data obtained from stress-free isotropic panels with length-width ratios from 1 to 10. For stressed panels, results using the approximate aerodynamics differ widely from the trends indicated by experiment; use of more exact aerodynamics does not alter this comparison, but inclusion of structural damping improves the correlation of theory and experiment. Experimental results for unstressed corrugationstiffened panels are also presented and compared with theory. In some cases flutter occurred at dynamic pressures as low as 2% of the predicted value. An analysis of the effect of panel boundary conditions shows that such highly unconservative predictions may result from failure to account for the deflectional stiffness of the panel supports. Application of this analysis to the test panels results in marked improvement in the flutter predictions.
The embryonic expression patterns of zfh-1 and zfh-2, two Drosophila genes encoding novel zinc-finger homeodomain proteins.

Abstract The zfh-1 and zfh-2 genes of D. melanogaster encode novel proteins containing both hemoedomain and C2-H2 zinc-finger DNA-binding motifs. Antisera against these proteins were used to investigate their expression patterns during embryonic development. The zfh-1 gene is expressed in the mesoderm of early embryos and in a number of mesodermally-derived structures of late embryos, including the dorsal vessel, support cells of the gonads, and segment-specific arrays of adult muscle precursors. In addition, zfh-1 is expressed in the majority of identified motor neurons of the developing CNS. The mesodermal zfh-1 expression requires the products of the twist and snail genes. The zfh-2 gene displays a more limited expression pattern, largely restricted to the CNS of late embryos. Ubiquitous zfh-1 expression in transgenic flies bearing an hsp70-zfh-1 construct has specific developmental consequences, including embryonic CNS defects as well as adult eye and bristle abnormalities. The expression patterns of zfh-1 and zfh-2 suggest that both genes may be involved in Drosophila neurogenesis and the zfh-1 may have additional functions in mesoderm development.
Innovation and research for courses of computer control system

Computer Control System is not only a basic professional course for students major in automation, but also a core course of computer course group in automation professional courses. The successful methods and the achieved results of course innovation exploration are overall summarized in this paper. Under the analysis of the existing problems in the areas such as course system, teaching methods, experimental means, we have proposed plenty of innovation exploration and put forward an exception feature of teaching methods. At the same time, we have achieved significant results in the establishment of course system, teaching methods reform, independent design experimental platform, and it is widely praised by students.
Granulocyte-monocyte progenitor cells from human peripheral blood: Modulation of growth in vitro by T lymphocytes and monocytes

Cell fractionation techniques have been used for the purification and characterization of hematopoietic cells present in peripheral blood and bone marrow. Following fractionation, the distribution of hematopoietic cells is frequently determined by the granulocyte-monocyte colony-forming unit (CFU-gm) assay. In this study, we questioned whether the purification process itself altered the sensitivity of the CFU-gm assay through changes in the accessory cell populations. Experiments showed that following T cell depletion, the cloning efficiency of CFU-gm was suboptimal, since the addition of autologous T lymphocytes was stimulatory, even when the concentration of conditioned medium was optimal. In contrast, growth of CFU-gm was inhibited by monocytes, both in the presence and absence of T cells. Sensitivity to monocyte-derived inhibition occurred at significantly lower monocyte concentrations when T cells were present. Thus, stem cell purification techniques which deplete T lymphocytes or enrich monocytes have an adverse effect on the cloning efficiency of peripheral blood CFU-gm. This study presents culture techniques capable of circumventing these problems.
The use of heteroplastic grafts

Summary Heterograft skin has been a very useful and versatile biological dressing in the management of thermal injury. Its availability, patient acceptability and similarity to human skin have made porcine skin a satisfactory skin substitute. The fact that it ‘takes’ less well, is not vascularized and seems to be associated with more exudation beneath it, makes heterograft skin less effective than homograft skin as a temporary biological dressing. This current study shows, however, that the heterograft skin is being utilized more and more often.
Vestigial corolla in flowers of birdsfoot trefoil.

A naturally occurring floral mutant is infrequently observed in some populations of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.). The petals of mutant flowers are folded inward and do not extend fully, producing a vestigial corolla (vc), while other floral parts remain normal. The style extrudes through a gap between the rudimentary keel and the folded standard. Consequently, the stigma and style extend beyond the corolla and are exposed. The spatial separation between stigma and anthers could facilitate hand-pollination as it eliminates the need for emasculation. The objective of this study was to determine the fertility of L. corniculatus genotypes expressing vc floral characters. Sixteen genotypes of L. corniculatus expressing the vc phenotype were collected from field grown populations. Pollen from vc genotypes was compared with pollen from genotypes of the germplasm MU-81 used as controls. All vc genotypes produced some pollen that appeared normal, although the quantity of such pollen was variable among the vc genotypes. Mean pollen germination among vc genotypes was 22%, compared with 50% for MU-81. Only five of 16 vc genotypes produced pods when crossed to genotypes of MU-81 and both pod and seed set were less than in control crosses. Normal and abnormal ovules were observed in ovaries of vc genotypes and the reduced fertility may have resulted from smaller, incompletely developed ovules. Unidirectional reversion of the vc genotypes, from abnormal to normal flower morphology, was common. Using the vc mutant to eliminate the need for emasculation in hand-pollination programs depends on its fertility. The combination of phenotypic instability and reduced fertility make the vc mutant less desirable for use in breeding programs.
Backward elimination procedure for a predictive model of gold concentration

Abstract In mineral exploration campaigns, concentrations of the element(s) sought and pathfinder elements are determined in order to delimit targets that may lead to the discovery of hidden mineral deposits. The pathfinder elements for epithermal Au deposits commonly include Ag, As, Sb, and Hg. Traditionally, contours of anomalous concentrations of these pathfinder elements are superimposed in map form as a means of assessing the Au potential of a target area. However, the information generated is more qualitative than quantitative. This paper proposes a statistical modeling approach that quantitatively predicts Au concentration from the known concentrations of the aforementioned pathfinder elements. Element concentration data from the Florida Canyon deposit, Nevada (USA), a large disseminated epithermal gold deposit, were used to develop and examine the validity of this predictive model. A geologically constrained data set of 115 data points and 575 elemental concentrations obtained from a total of 28 vertical and inclined drill holes located in a restricted area of the deposit formed the basis for model development and validation. A backward elimination procedure was pursued starting with a cubic regression model excluding all higher order (> 2) interaction terms to arrive at a suitable predictive model. After seven steps of factor elimination, a quadratic model including several two-factor interaction terms was obtained with an adjusted R 2 value of 0.994 and F-ratio of 1665.5. The model was validated with another 112 geologically constrained data points (560 elemental concentrations) obtained from 13 additional drill holes in the same area of the deposit. Further analysis highlighted the effects of individual and combined pathfinder element values on predicted Au concentrations in the Florida Canyon deposit. Although the model developed herein is deposit specific, the statistical approach can be applied to other disseminated epithermal Au deposits and deposit types where the model constraints are satisfied (e.g., geological homogeneous domain). Such an approach may be utilized in mineral exploration programs to predict gold concentrations in undersampled areas of a deposit, optimize the number of pathfinder elements required for the efficient detection of the element of interest, and evaluate geochemical data sets generated by different laboratories or analytical techniques.
Scientific programming in Fortran

The Fortran programming language was designed by John Backus and his colleagues at IBM to reduce the cost of programming scientific applications. IBM delivered the first compiler for its model 704 in 1957. IBM's competitors soon offered incompatible versions. ANSI (ASA at the time) developed a standard, largely based on IBM's Fortran IV in 1966. Revisions of the standard were produced in 1977, 1990, 1995 and 2003. Development of a revision, scheduled for 2008, is under way. Unlike most other programming languages, Fortran is periodically revised to keep pace with developments in language and processor design, while revisions largely preserve compatibility with previous versions. Throughout, the focus on scientific programming, and especially on efficient generated programs, has been maintained.
Structural modeling of the Lhca4 Subunit of LHCI-730 peripheral antenna in photosystem I based on similarity with LHCII.

Peripheral chlorophyll a/b binding antenna of photosystem I (LHCI) from green algae and higher plants binds specific low energy absorbing chlorophylls (red pigments) that give rise to a unique red-shifted emission. A three-dimensional structural model of the Lhca4 polypeptide from the LHCI from higher plants was constructed on the basis of comparative sequence analysis, secondary structure prediction, and homology modeling using LHCII as a template. The obtained model of Lhca4 helps to visualize protein ligands to nine chlorophylls (Chls) and three potential His residues to extra Chls. Central domain of the Lhca4 comprising the first (A) and the third (C) transmembrane (TM) helices that binds 6 Chl molecules and two carotenoids is conserved structurally, whereas the interface between the first and the second TM helices and the outer surface of the second TM helix differ significantly among the LHCI and LHCII polypeptides. The model of Lhca4 predicts a histidine residue in the second TM helix, a potential binding site for extra Chl in close proximity to Chls a5 and b5 (labeling by Kuhlbrandt). The interpigment interactions in the formed pigment cluster are suggested to cause a red spectral shift in absorption and emission. Modeling of the LHCI-730 heterodimer based on the model structures of Lhca1 and Lhca4 allowed us to suggest potential sites of pigment-pigment interactions that might be formed upon heterodimerization or docking of the LHCI dimers to the surface of PSI.
Probing the Structural States of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Pr55gag by Using Monoclonal Antibodies

Gag-FP (fluorescent protein) fusion constructs are commonly used to study human immunodeficiency virus type 1 assembly, yielding diffuse signals throughout the cytoplasm along with punctate signals routinely described as virus-like particles (VLPs) representing assembled but unprocessed Gag. However, these particles cannot be accurately described as VLPs, since fluorescence microscopy cannot provide structural resolution. We demonstrate here that the inability of a monoclonal p24 antibody to bind its cognate epitope when unprocessed Gag is assembled distinguishes VLPs from unassembled, monomeric Gag. Furthermore, we show that assembled and unassembled Gag punctate signals travel along microtubules. These monoclonal antibody studies provide a new tool for examining retroviral assembly.
Two-component model for photo-induced refractive index change in hydrogen-loaded phosphosilicate glass

Abstract In wireline optical networks, planar lightwave circuits are next generation components capable of performing enhanced optical functions. Ultraviolet (UV) photoinduced refractive index increase at 193 nm was obtained experimentally in hydrogen-loaded doped silica glasses (P2O5 ∼ 1.5 mol% and B2O3 ∼ 9 mol% codoped, and phosphorus-doped P2O5 ∼ 8 mol%) used to realize channel waveguides. Refractive index variations (up to 9 × 10−3) were measured using the prism-coupling technique and a two-component model is proposed to interpolate the experimental data of Δn against total UV exposure fluence (kJ/cm2).
The interaction between the superhero ideal and maladaptive perfectionism as predictors of unhealthy eating attitudes and body esteem.

Unhealthy eating attitudes and poor body esteem often lead to adverse outcomes (e.g., eating disorders). Prior research has identified two risk factors for these outcomes – endorsement of the superhero ideal and maladaptive perfectionism – and has suggested that these factors may interact to predict unhealthy eating attitudes and body esteem. The current study examined the interaction between the superhero ideal and maladaptive perfectionism as predictors of unhealthy eating attitudes and body esteem among 161 12- to 14-year-olds (74 males, 87 females). Maladaptive perfectionism moderated the relation between endorsement of the superhero ideal and unhealthy eating attitudes for girls only, such that endorsement of the superhero ideal was significantly associated with unhealthy eating attitudes only for adolescents with high levels of maladaptive perfectionism. The moderation model was not significant for body esteem. Prevention strategies should focus on reducing endorsement of the superhero ideal when there are high levels of maladaptive perfectionism.
Two-Tiered Kindergartens: Effective for At-Risk 5-Year-Olds?.

Abstract This study investigated a two-tiered kindergarten system established in response to the escalation of kindergarten curricula. At-risk Chapter 1 five-year-olds in a large school district in Virginia were tested and identified for an extra-year developmental kindergarten program. Their academic progress, social competence, and self-perceptions at the end of the fourth year were measured against those of two other groups of at-risk Chapter 1 students in the district: One group was retained, and the other group had been promoted each year. There were strong effect sizes in favor of the developmental kindergarten program for most academic, social competency, and self-perception measures. However, those effects were not equally distributed among the children participating; black and male children were not successful. There were interactions also with the SES of the schools attended, indicating school SES may be a factor in school failure.
A 44-Year-Old Man With Suspected Exacerbation of COPD and Atrial Fibrillation

A 44-year-old man with a long smoking history, COPD, and hypertension presented to the emergency department with 5 days of fever, productive cough, and shortness of breath. He had a 2-year history of dyspnea after walking one city block. Spirometry performed several months earlier showed a FVC ratio (FEV1/FVC) of 62% of predicted. He worked in a factory with extensive exposure to sawdust. His medications included diltiazem, albuterol, and salmeterol inhalers. He denied any allergies, and his family history was noncontributory.
Wide bandwidth photonic crystal waveguide bends

We identify factors affecting transmission and dispersive properties of photonic crystal waveguide (PCW) bends and show how they can be varied in a systematic manner to achieve wide bandwidth bends with high transmission and low dispersion. Our experiments show around 12 nm of bandwidth increase as compared to simple bends in a PCW at low group velocities. The bandwidth increase at high group velocities is more than 30 nm.
Cost structure of the water utility industry

(1987). Cost structure of the water utility industry. Applied Economics: Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 417-425.
Topologically Massive Gauge Theories

Gauge vector and gravity models are studied in three-dimensional space-time, where novel, gauge invariant, P and T odd terms of topological origin give rise to masses for the gauge fields. In the vector case, the massless Maxwell excitation, which is spinless, becomes massive with spin 1. When interacting with fermions, the quantum theory is infrared and ultraviolet finite in perturbation theory. For non-Abelian models, topological considerations lead to a quantization condition on the dimensionless coupling constant–mass ratio. Ordinary Einstein gravity is trivial, but when augmented by our mass term, it acquires a propagating, massive, spin 2 mode. This theory is ghost-free and causal, although of third-derivative order. Quantum calculations are presented in both the Abelian and non-Abelian vector models, to exhibit some of the delicate aspects of infrared behavior, and regularization dependence.
Lack of Effect of Secondary Liver Extract (No. 55) on Absorption of Radioactive Iron.

SummaryIron tagged with the radioactive isotope Fe59 was fed with and without supplements of liver extract No. 55 to a group of 11 normal adult women. There were no obvious differences in the absorption and utilization of iron when this material was given alone or in conjunction with the “secondary anemia fraction of liver.” In one case of human iron deficiency due to multiple acute and chronic hemorrhage there was also no difference in the absorption of iron as indicated by this method.The “summation response” described by Whipple, Robscheit-Robbins and Walden is apparently not related to the effect of the secondary liver extract on absorption of iron in the gastro-intestinal tract.
An iterative spectral solution method for thin elastic plate flexure with variable rigidity

S U M M A R Y Thin plate flexure theory provides an accurate model for the response of the lithosphere to vertical loads on horizontal length scales ranging from tens to hundreds of kilometres. Examples include flexure at seamounts, fracture zones, sedimentary basins and subduction zones. When applying this theory to real world situations, most studies assume a locally uniform plate thickness to enable simple Fourier transform solutions. However, in cases where the amplitude of the flexure is prominent, such as subduction zones, or there are rapid variations in seafloor age, such as fracture zones, these models are inadequate. Here we present a computationally efficient algorithm for solving the thin plate flexure equation for non-uniform plate thickness and arbitrary vertical load. The iterative scheme takes advantage of the 2-D fast Fourier transform to perform calculations in both the spatial and spectral domains, resulting in an accurate and computationally efficient solution. We illustrate the accuracy of the method through comparisons with known analytic solutions. Finally, we present results from three simple models demonstrating the differences in trench outer rise flexure when 2-D variations in plate rigidity and applied bending moment are taken into account. Although we focus our analysis on ocean trench flexure, the method is applicable to other 2-D flexure problems having spatial rigidity variations such as seamount loading of a thermally eroded lithosphere or flexure across the continental–oceanic crust boundary.
Patient-reported economic burden and the health status of heart failure patients.

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) guidelines recommend treatment with multiple medications to improve survival, functioning, and quality of life. Yet, HF treatments can be costly, resulting in significant economic burden for some patients. To date, there are few data on the impact of patients' perceived difficulties in affording medical care on their health outcomes. Methods and Results Comprehensive clinical data, health status, and the perceived economic burden of 539 HF outpatients from 13 centers were assessed at baseline and 1 year later. Health status was quantified with the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall summary score. Cross-sectional and longitudinal (1-year) analyses were conducted comparing the health status of patients with and without self-reported economic burden. Patients with economic burden had significantly lower health status scores at both baseline and 1 year later. Although baseline perceptions of economic burden were associated with poorer health status, patients' perceived difficulty affording medical care at 1 year was a more important determinant of lower 1-year health status. Conclusion HF patients reporting difficulty affording their medical care had lower perceived health status than those reporting little to no economic burden. More research is needed to further evaluate this association and to determine whether addressing perceived economic difficulties affording health care can improve HF patients' health status.
Analysis of a Novel 3D Hybrid Woven/Knitted Fabric Structure : Part I: Geometric Model and Verification

A novel 3D fabric structure is defined and modeled. The 3D hybrid woven/knitted fabric has a structure that can be categorized in the same group of 3D multiaxial warp knitted structures. The fabric consists of longitudinal yarns in the X direction and two bias yarns, which are employed to bind the multilayers of warp yarns on the Z axis with an angle of ′45° without any need for weft yarns. The model of the structure is defined by basic geometric relations using fundamental yarn and fabric characteristics. The geometric model is compared with the experimental results, and the length of each 3D loop, the length of the needle loop, the bias yarn consumption per unit length of the fabric on a single warp yarn, and fabric thickness are verified. Monofilament and multifilament yarns are used for sample production. There is reasonable agreement between theory and experiment, considering the assumptions made and the complexity of the 3D fabric structure. The deviation between the model and experiments is less with monofilament warp yarns.
Influence of sorbate-sorbent interactions on the crystallization kinetics of nickel- and lead-ferrihydrite coprecipitates

Abstract Metals sorbed to or coprecipitated with ferrihydrite can significantly inhibit transformation to more crystalline endproducts. We hypothesized that metals with a higher stability constant for a metal-ferrihydrite surface complex would retard the transformation process to a greater extent. To test this hypothesis, we examined the influence of Ni or Pb sorption on the kinetics of ferrihydrite crystallization to goethite/hematite. Reported surface stability constants for Ni and Pb sorbed to ferrihydrite are logK 1,int = 0.37 and 4.0, respectively (Dzombak and Morel, 1990) . The structural evolution of nickel- and lead-ferrihydrite coprecipitates was studied for various metal loadings during aging at pH 6 or 11 and 70°C. Results of aging studies demonstrated that the influence on transformation kinetics was not related to the magnitude of the stability constant of the Ni- or Pb-ferrihydrite surface complex. At pH 11, crystallization was retarded more significantly in the presence of Ni and rates decreased with increasing Ni/Pb surface loading. At pH 6, crystallization rates were accelerated in the presence of Pb, and this was also true for systems at the lowest Ni loading. However, crystallization rates in the presence of Ni were always slower relative to systems containing Pb. Characterization of crystalline iron (hydr)oxide endproducts by x-ray diffraction and high-resolution thermogravimetric analysis showed that hematite was formed to a greater extent than goethite in the presence of Ni. X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy suggested that the majority of sorbed Pb was present as an inner-sphere surface complex. The distribution of coprecipitated Ni or Pb on aged solids, as assessed via continuous dissolution with oxalic acid, suggested that a significant fraction of Ni was partitioned into the structure of a crystalline iron (hydr)oxide. In contrast, Pb desorption/dissolution behavior confirmed that this metal was primarily associated with surface sites or poorly ordered iron (hydr)oxide phases. The relative metal-specific influence on crystallization rate and endproduct, and the apparent Ni and Pb distribution in aged solids suggest that Pb forms a more kinetically labile sorption complex than Ni with iron (hydr)oxides.