cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE CORONAL CONTEXT OF TRANSITION REGION EXPLOSIVE EVENTS

Transition region explosive events are observed throughout the quiet Sun and represent an interesting local heating phenomenon. The coronal counterparts of these events, if they exist, were not observed in a sounding rocket campaign dedicated to this objective. The coronal instrument complement on the SOHO spacecraft provides an opportunity to extend this search for the coronal counterparts of the transition region explosive events, as well as to explore the correspondence of explosive events with large scale coronal structures, such as with coronal dark lanes.
SEISMOLOGICAL PRECURSORS TO A MAGNITUDE 5 EARTHQUAKE IN THE CENTRAL ALEUTIAN ISLANDS

On February 22, 1976, a magnitude 5 thrust earthquake occurred at a depth of 25km in the subduction zone near the Adak microearthquake network in the central Aleutians. The earthquake was located in a previously identified source volume with maximum dimensions of about 10km. This source volume falls within a larger seismotectonic feature characterized by a continuous band of seismicity along the arc in the depth range 17-27km. Within this band there was a period of decreased seismicity over a region 50km wide, centered on the main shock, beginning about 41/2 months prior to the earthquake. During a 5 week period before the earthquake, six small foreshocks occurred in the smaller source volume. High-resolution hypocenter locations showed a clear alignment of the foreshocks, progressing toward the location of the main event. The line of progression was roughly parallel to the direction of slip in the mainshock. The first and last foreshocks were characterized by thrust focal mechanisms common to earthquakes occurring during 'normal' periods. The remaining foreshocks were also thrust mechanisms, but with the principal axes of stress rotated nearly 90° on the basis of observed first motions and S/P amplitude ratios. For these same foreshocks there was also a suggestion of a very small P delay to a station with a ray going through the hypocentral region of the mainshock.
Development of a data base for modelling adsorption of inorganics on iron and aluminum oxides

Although there is an abundance of data for equilibrium adsorption of inorganic ions on hydrous oxides and surface complexation models are capable of fitting the data with only a few adjustable parameters, these models have not been used in practice because of the lack of consensus as to the “best” model and the lack of a coherent compendium of equilibrium adsorption constants. To remedy this situation, a thermodynamic data base for inorganic adsorption is being developed from original data using a simple yet widely applicable model. The resulting data base can be included in general chemical equilibrium computer programs and used to predict adsorption (outside as well as within the range of calibrating data) in aqueous systems containing oxide surfaces. Both the model and the parameter extraction procedure are presented, and results for adsorption of some cations on hydrous ferric oxide are reported and discussed.
Sex Discrimination after Death: A Replication, Extension and a Difference

The present work is an extension of that initiated by Kastenbaum, Peyton and Kastenbaum on subtle expressions of sex discrimination after death. Examination of obituaries in two newspapers in Denver over one year revealed some tendencies for males to be disproportionately represented. These findings disappeared over time. Male obituaries were longer than those for females, but when occupational content was removed, length was equal for both sexes. Men were also represented more in photographs than women, but again this bias was eliminated over time. The earlier work of Kastenbaum and his associates is weakly confirmed: however, the need for further research is evident.
MEDLINEplus: better than ever for consumer health information

The National Library of Medicine's MEDLINEplus has come a long way in the past year, and has evolved into a worthy competitor to even the best of the commercial health portal sites. This review will examine the newest developments on the site and alert the reader to tips and resources for using MEDLINEplus effectively.
Do Racial and Sex Disparities Exist in Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Purpose Because there are very little data specifically examining whether differences exist in clinical characteristics and outcomes with regard to sex and race in patients undergoing implantation of continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD), we have reviewed our experience. Methods and Materials We studied 342 pt who underwent HeartMate II implantation between July 2003 and March 2012 at our institutions. There were 280 males (82%) and 62 females (18%); 283 patients (83%) were Caucasian (C), 46 (13%) were African-American (AA), and 12 (4%) were other (O). Results With regard to gender, preoperatively women were more like to have non-ischemic etiology (57% vs. 29%, p=0.001), INTERMACS class 1,2 (58% vs. 35%, p=0.006), and lower hemoglobin (10.5 vs. 11.6, p Conclusions Disparities do exist across race and sex for pt undergoing LVAD implant. Preoperatively, more women and African-Americans presented in INTERMACS class 1,2, postoperatively, more women required temporary RVAD and dialysis, and during follow-up, more African Americans had hemolysis. Despite these differences, early mortality and late survival are similar with regard to race and sex.
Liquid-Liquid Extraction Based on Digital Microfluidics

Liquid-liquid extraction techniques are one of the major tools in chemical engineering, analytical chemistry, and biology, especially in a system where two immiscible liquids have an interface solutes exchange between the two liquid phases along the interface up to a point where the concentration ratios in the two liquids reach their equilibrium values [1]. In this paper, we propose to use room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) as a second liquid phase for extraction, which forms immiscible interface with aqueous solutions. We demonstrate liquid-liquid extraction with the EWOD digital microfluidic device, two model extraction systems were tested. One is organic dye extracted from RTIL(1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonylimide or BMIMNTf2) to water and the other is iodine (I2 ) extracted from water to BMIMNTf2. Droplets of aqueous solution and BMIMNTf2 solution were generated on chip reservoir then transported for extraction and separated by EWOD actuation successfully.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Modeling microbial dynamics in heterogeneous environments: growth on soil carbon sources.

We have developed a new kinetic model to study how microbial dynamics are affected by the heterogeneity in the physical structure of the environment and by different strategies for hydrolysis of polymeric carbon. The hybrid model represented the dynamics of substrates and enzymes using a continuum representation and the dynamics of the cells were modeled individually. Individual-based biological model allowed us to explicitly simulate microbial diversity, and to model cell physiology as regulated via optimal allocation of cellular resources to enzyme synthesis, control of growth rate by protein synthesis capacity, and shifts to dormancy. This model was developed to study how microbial community functioning is influenced by local environmental conditions in heterogeneous media such as soil and by the functional attributes of individual microbes. Microbial community dynamics were simulated at two spatial scales: micro-pores that resemble 6–20-μm size portions of the soil physical structure and in 111-μm size soil aggregates with a random pore structure. Different strategies for acquisition of carbon from polymeric cellulose were investigated. Bacteria that express membrane-associated hydrolase had different growth and survival dynamics in soil pores than bacteria that release extracellular hydrolases. The kinetic differences suggested different functional niches for these two microbe types in cellulose utilization. Our model predicted an emergent behavior in which co-existence of membrane-associated hydrolase and extracellular hydrolases releasing organisms led to higher cellulose utilization efficiency and reduced stochasticity. Our analysis indicated that their co-existence mutually benefits these organisms, where basal cellulose degradation activity by membrane-associated hydrolase-expressing cells shortened the soluble hydrolase buildup time and, when enzyme buildup allowed for cellulose degradation to be fast enough to sustain exponential growth, all the organisms in the community shared the soluble carbon product and grew together. Although pore geometry affected the kinetics of cellulose degradation, the patterns observed for the bacterial community dynamics in the 6–20 μm-sized micro-pores were relevant to the dynamics in the more complex 111-μm-sized porous soil aggregates, implying that micro-scale studies can be useful approximations to aggregate scale studies when local effects on microbial dynamics are studied. As shown with examples in this study, various functional niches of the bacterial communities can be investigated using complex predictive mathematical models where the role of key environmental aspects such as the heterogeneous three-dimensional structure, functional niches of the community members, and environmental biochemical processes are directly connected to microbial metabolism and maintenance in an integrated model.
Base-By-Base Ratcheting of Single Stranded DNA through a Solid-State Nanopore

The benefits of low-cost, high-throughput human genome sequencing to medical science has inspired recent experimental work focused on DNA translocation through solid-state nanopores. Given that microelectronic fabrication methods permit the integration of nano-electronics devices to sense each DNA base, the genetic code (DNA sequence) could be read out during translocation by measurement of transverse electrical current, voltage signal, ionic current or hydrogen-bond mediated tunneling signal generated by each base in turn. However, DNA translocation inside a solid nanopore remains poorly controlled and DNA moves too rapidly to be detected at the desired single-base resolution. Here we show using realistic atomistic modeling that the recently proposed DNA transistor can achieve single-base control. These simulation results and a simple theoretical model inspired by the numerical studies demonstrate that when pulled by an optical tweezer as in a single molecule experiment or driven by a biasing electric field as in a high-throughput screening mode, the DNA transistor allows single stranded DNA to transits a nanopore in a stick-slip or thermal ratchet-like fashion, i.e. DNA alternatively stops and advances quickly one nucleotide spacing. During a stick state, a DNA base could be positioned before a sensor for an accurate read-out. We expect that the DNA transistor could be utilized in conjunction with a nanopore-based DNA sensing technology to achieve the goal of fast and cheap DNA sequencing.
Infiltration in surface irrigated swelling soils

Infiltration characteristics for border strip irrigation at two sites with swelling clay soils were examined. Volume infiltrated was calculated from flow onto the field monitored with flow meters; depth of water in the soil estimated from soil samples taken before and after irrigation; and the advance profile which was used to calculate the volume infiltrated with time. Volume infiltrated was compared with volume of cracks before irrigation.
Recent advances in the chemistry of inheritance

A s c K E M * of known interrelations of the nucleic acids and proteins in cellular biosynthesis and function is shown in Fig. 1. It illustrates a widely held theory of the nature of the main genetic determinants and sketches the sequence of reactions by which the primary chromosomal determinant, deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA, controls cellular functions through the control of protein synthesis.
On hierarchical software metrics

The notion of a hierarchical software metric is introduced, encompassing and extending the earlier work of Fenton and Whitty and this author. It is shown that a stronger interpretation of this notion is insufficient for treating the important ‘number-of-paths’ metric, whereas this metric definitely falls within the range of the axiomatic system introduced herein. Finally, the technique of argument by induction over an arbitrary flowgraph decomposition is clarified and demonstrated in the new hierarchical context.
Herpes simplex virus infections and Alzheimer's disease. Implications for drug treatment and immunotherapy.

Interest in the possible role of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) as a cofactor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has re-emerged following the detection of viral DNA sequences in the central nervous system (CNS). Evidence from 2 independent laboratories indicates that HSV1 may interact with a host-specific factor, the apolipoprotein Ee4 allele, to further augment the risk for AD. In this review, we consider the arguments implicating HSV1 in the pathogenesis of AD. Although further studies are required to confirm a role for HSV1 in AD and to elucidate its underlying molecular basis, implicating a virus in the pathogenesis of this insidious disease clearly offers novel potential treatments.
Role of the Arabidopsis Glucose Sensor HXK1 in Nutrient, Light, and Hormonal Signaling

Glucose modulates many vital processes in photosynthetic plants. Analyses of Arabidopsis glucose insensitive2 (gin2) mutants define the physiological functions of a specific hexokinase (HXK1) in the plant glucose-signaling network. HXK1 coordinates intrinsic signals with extrinsic light intensity. HXK1 mutants lacking catalytic activity still support various signaling functions in gene expression, cell proliferation, root and inflorescence growth, and leaf expansion and senescence, thus demonstrating the uncoupling of glucose signaling from glucose metabolism. The gin2 mutants are also insensitive to auxin and hypersensitive to cytokinin. Plants use HXK as a glucose sensor to interrelate nutrient, light, and hormone signaling networks for controlling growth and development in response to the changing environment.
US Disaggregate Fossil Fuel Consumption and Real GDP: An Empirical Note

Abstract This empirical note provides a disaggregated analysis of the causal relationship between fossil fuel consumption and real gross domestic product (GDP) in the US using annual data from 1949 to 2006. The Toda-Yamamoto long-run causality tests reveal the absence of Granger-causality between coal consumption and real GDP; positive unidirectional causality from real GDP to natural gas consumption; and positive unidirectional causality from petroleum consumption to real GDP.
Computer Simulations of Phosphatidylcholine Monolayers at Air/Water and CCl4/Water Interfaces

We performed molecular dynamics computer simulations on DLPC and DPPC phospholipid monolayers at air/water and water/carbon tetrachloride interfaces. In our simulations the area per phospholipid molecule was 55 A2 but the temperature was high enough, so that monolayers were in a liquid crystalline phase. The results of the simulations show that at this area per phospholipid molecule, carbon tetrachloride molecules do not penetrate extensively into the phospholipid tails. We also obtained information about the headgroup orientation, tail lengths, tail tilts, and SCD order parameters for the tails. The SCD order parameters indicate that phospholipids are more ordered at water/carbon tetrachloride interface than at water/air interface.
Physical model approach in the study of the transport of alkyl amines across a silicone rubber membrane in a two-chamber diffusion cell

The transport of hexylamine and octylamine through a silicone rubber membrane was studied as a function of buffer (phosphate) concentration and pH. The results were interpreted using a physical model which assumed a steady-state rate of transport and which accounted for the simultaneous diffusion and rapid equilibrium of all the aqueous species, the possible diffusion of both the amine and its protonated form through the membrane, and the effect of a stagnant aqueous diffusion layer on each side of the membrane. The following conclusions were reached: The thickness of the aqueous diffusion layer is approximately 100 micron, which is about the same as that previously measured for benzoic acid in this system. Transport of octylamine at pH greater than or equal to 10 is approximately 90% aqueous diffusion layer controlled, whereas hexylamine is approximately 50% aqueous diffusion layer controlled at high pH. The membrane permeability of octylamine is approximately 15-20 times that of hexylamine. This gives an incremental pi constant for the partition coefficient of approximately 0.61, as compared with the previously reported value of 0.56. At low pH (less than or equal to 5), the transport of the protonated species becomes important. The membrane permeabilities of these ammonium ions are about four or five orders of magnitude less than the membrane permeabilities of the corresponding amines. The membranes were examined at 30,000X with the scanning electron microscope, and no evidence of holes was found.
Timing of postseed imaging influences rectal dose–volume parameters for cesium-131 prostate seed implants

Abstract Purpose To study the influence of timing of postseed implant imaging on rectal dose–volume parameters for cesium-131 ( 131 Cs) seed prostate implants. Methods and Materials Fifteen patients were treated in our institution with combination 131 Cs brachytherapy followed by pelvic external beam radiation therapy for intermediate to high-risk prostate cancers. For all patients, CT scans were scheduled at 7 days (CT 7 ) and again at 2 months for external beam radiation therapy simulation purpose (CT 60 ) postseed implantation. Comprehensive postseed implant dosimetry was performed for both CT 7 and CT 60 scans. In each case, dose–volume histogram parameters, rectal separation (the distance between the center of posterior most seed and most anterior rectal wall), and posterior row activity (the total activity implanted within 2–4 mm anterior to the posterior wall of the prostate) data were collected. The absolute rectal volumes receiving 100% and 110% prescription dose were also collected. Results Rectal dose correlated strongly with rectal separation ( p 7 and CT 60 scans was 1.1 (±1.7) mm, and the corresponding change in 0.1-cc rectal dose was 18 (±26.5) Gy. Posterior row activity did not correlate with rectal dose ( p = 0.51). The mean volume of rectum that receives between 100% and 110% of the prescription dose (RV 100 and RV 110 ) increased twofold, between CT 7 and CT 60 evaluations (0.03 [±0.06] cc vs. 0.07 (±0.05) cc, respectively, p = 0.06). Conclusions Our study has demonstrated that rectal doses after 131 Cs seed implants are influenced by the timing of postseed imaging. This may be a consequence of prostatic and periprostatic edema resolution.
Persuasion: Theory and Research

Preface Chapter 1: Persuasion, Attitudes, and Actions The Concept of Persuasion The Concept of Attitude Attitude Measurement Techniques Attitudes and Behaviors Assessing Persuasive Effects Conclusion Notes Chapter 2: Social Judgment Theory Judgments of Alternative Positions on an Issue Reactions to Communications Critical Assessment Conclusion Notes Chapter 3: Functional Approaches to Attitude A Classic Functional Analysis Subsequent Developments Commentary Conclusion Notes Chapter 4: Belief-Based Models of Attitude Summative Model of Attitude Research Evidence and Commentary Conclusion Notes Chapter 5: Cognitive Dissonance Theory General Theoretical Sketch Some Research Applications Revisions of, And Alternatives to, Dissonance Theory Conclusion Notes Chapter 6: Reasoned Action Theory The Reasoned Action Theory Model Influencing Intentions Intentions and Behaviors Adapting Persuasive Messages to Recipients Based on Reasoned Action Theory Commentary Conclusion Notes Chapter 7: Stage Models The Transtheoretical Model The Distinctive Claims of Stage Models Other Stage Models Conclusion Notes Chapter 8: Elaboration Likelihood Model Variations in the Degree of Elaboration: Central versus Peripheral Routes to Persuasion Factors Affecting the Degree of Elaboration Influences on Persuasive Effects under Conditions of High Elaboration: Central Routes to Persuasion Influences on Persuasive Effects under Conditions of Low Elaboration: Peripheral Routes to Persuasion Multiple Roles for Persuasion Variables Adapting Persuasive Messages to Recipients Based on the ELM Commentary Conclusion Notes Chapter 9: The Study of Persuasive Effects Experimental Design and Causal Inference Two General Challenges in Studying Persuasive Effects Conclusion Notes Chapter 10: Communicator Factors Communicator Credibility Liking Other Communicator Factors Conclusion Notes Chapter 11: Message Factors Message Structure and Format Message Content Sequential Request Strategies Conclusion Notes Chapter 12: Receiver Factors Individual Differences Transient Receiver States Influencing Susceptibility to Persuasion Conclusion Notes References Author Index Subject Index About the Author
MODIFICATION OF RF OSCILLATOR FOR HIGH PRESSURE OPERATION.

Abstract Inability to operate a commercial rf ion source (which incorporated the RCA 8072 tetrode in its oscillator) at pressures in excess of 20 atm prompted investigation of all pressure-sensitive components. The principal point of vulnerability was found to be in the tetrode. A device for correctinf this weakness is described, which permits stable ion source operation at 25.5 atm.
Nonlinear preprocessing in short-range motion.

The phenomenon of non-Fourier motion (visually perceived motion that cannot be explained simply on the basis of the autocorrelation structure of the visual stimulus) is well recognized, and is generally considered to be due to nonlinear preprocessing of the visual stimulus prior to a stage of standard motion analysis. We devised a sequence of novel visual stimuli in which the availability of a motion stimulus depends on the nature of the nonlinear preprocessing: an nth order stimulus Pn will generate a perception of motion if it is preprocessed by a nonlinearity of polynomial order n or greater, but not if preprocessed by a nonlinearity of polynomial order less than n. We found that unambiguous motion direction was perceived for P2, P3, and P4, but not for higher-order stimuli, and we measured the contrast thresholds for direction discrimination with superimposed noise. We found that an asymmetric compressive nonlinearity can, in a unified fashion, account for these results, while a purely quadratic nonlinearity or a rectification of the form T(p) = |p| cannot. We compared velocity discrimination judgements for second-order non-Fourier stimuli (P2) with standard drifting gratings. Although velocity comparisons were veridical, uncertainties were greater for the non-Fourier stimuli. This could be reproduced by substituting a Fourier grating with superimposed noise for the non-Fourier grating. These findings are consistent with a single pathway which processes both Fourier and non-Fourier short-range motion, and are discussed in the context of other investigations which have been interpreted as demonstrating separate pathways. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
The time dependence of bystander responses induced by iron-ion radiation in normal human skin fibroblasts.

Abstract Yang, H., Anzenberg, V. and Held, K. D. The Time Dependence of Bystander Responses Induced by Iron-Ion Radiation in Normal Human Skin Fibroblasts. Radiat. Res. 168, 292–298 (2007). Although bystander effects have been shown for some high-LET radiations, few studies have been done on bystander effects induced by heavy-ion radiation. In this study, using a Transwell insert co-culture system, we have demonstrated that irradiation with 1 GeV/nucleon iron ions can induce medium-mediated bystander effects in normal AG01522 human fibroblasts. When irradiated and unirradiated bystander cells were combined in shared medium immediately after irradiation, a two- to threefold increase in the percentage of bystander cells with γ-H2AX foci occurred as early as 1 h after irradiation and lasted at least 24 h. There was a twofold increase in the formation of micronuclei in bystander cells when they were co-cultured with irradiated cells immediately or 1 or 3 h after irradiation, but there was no bystander effect ...
A new inspection sampling plan under capacity constraints and multiple shifts

Various SPC models have been widely deployed in the quality control of different production systems. This paper considers a new design of SPC model with associated decision rules to control a process that produces items in finite lots and has a variance shift as well as a mean shift. Under both an inspection capacity constraint and a false alarm rate constraint, an inspection sampling plan that maximizes the yield of production is developed. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate and evaluate the approach. A semi-economic approach that computes the optimal quantity of inspection capacity is also presented.
Patterns in lung cancer incidence rates and trends by histologic type in the United States, 2004-2009.

Abstract Objective The examination of lung cancer by histology type is important for monitoring population trends that have implications for etiology and prevention, screening and clinical diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. We provide a comprehensive description of recent histologic lung cancer incidence rates and trends in the USA using combined population-based registry data for the entire nation. Materials and methods Histologic lung cancer incidence data was analyzed from CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) and the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Program. Standardized rates and trends were calculated for men and women by age, race/ethnicity, and U.S. Census region. Rate ratios were examined for differences in rates between men and women, and annual percent change was calculated to quantify changes in incidence rates over time. Results Trend analysis demonstrate that overall rates have decreased, but incidence has remained stable for women aged 50 or older. Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were the two most common histologic subtypes. Adenocarcinoma rates continued to increase in men and women, and squamous cell rates increased in women only. All histologic subtype rates for white women exceeded rates for black women. Histologic rates for black men exceeded those for white men, except for small cell carcinoma. The incidence rate for Hispanics was nearly half the rate for blacks and whites. Conclusion The continuing rise in incidence of lung adenocarcinoma, the rise of squamous cell cancer in women, and differences by age, race, ethnicity and region points to the need to better understand factors acting in addition to, or in synergy with, cigarette smoking that may be contributing to observed differences in lung cancer histology.
Delayed Pacemaker Erosion due to Electrode Seal Defects

Abstract Over a 7-year period, follow-up data were available on 163 patients who underwent 209 pacemaker-related operations for initial insertion or revision of previously implanted units. During the follow-up period, 16 pacemaker generator units were removed from 12 patients solely because of the development of local skin erosion. This represents a 7.7% incidence of pacemaker generator erosion. Three units were removed within a 3-month interval following pacemaker implantation and were associated with positive bacterial cultures, thereby indicating an infectious cause. Findings at removal of the remaining 13 pacemaker generators included extensive fibrosis with chronic inflammation, fibroblastic proliferation, and granulation tissue, which was most prominent at the site of insertion of the pacemaker lead into the pacemaker generator unit. Granulation tissue frequently led from this area to the area of skin attenuation and erythema. Inspection of the pacemaker generator units and electrodes demonstrated fluid ingress and tissue ingrowth toward the electrode due to inadequate seal mechanisms. Inadequate seal design of the pacemaker generator and electrode junction leads to tissue ingrowth with fibroblastic proliferation, chronic inflammation, and eventual pacemaker erosion.
What is the best pulmonary diagnostic approach for wheezing patients with normal spirometry

Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation, airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) and variable air flow obstruction. The diagnosis of asthma, however, is often based upon nonspecific clinical symptoms of cough, wheeze, and shortness of breath. Furthermore, the physical examination and measurements of pulmonary function are often unremarkable in patients with asthma, thereby complicating the diagnosis of the disease. The following discussion will review approaches to the diagnosis of asthma when lung functions are normal, and will largely focus on the use of bronchial provocation tests to detect underlying AHR.
The role of spatial dynamics in the stability, resilience, and productivity of an estuarine fish population

Understanding mechanisms that support long-term persistence of populations and sustainability of productive fisheries is a priority in fisheries management. Complex spatial structure within populations is increasingly viewed as a result of a plastic behavioral response that can have consequences for the dynamics of a population. We incorporated spatial structure and environmental forcing into a population model to examine the consequences for population stability (coefficient of variation of spawning-stock biomass), resilience (time to recover from disturbance), and productivity (spawning-stock biomass). White perch (Morone americana) served as a model species that exhibits simultaneous occurrence of migratory and resident groups within a population. We evaluated the role that contingents (behavioral groups within populations that exhibit divergent life histories) play in mitigating population responses to unfavorable environmental conditions. We used age-structured models that incorporated contingent-specific vital rates to simulate population dynamics of white perch in a sub-estuary of Chesapeake Bay, USA. The dynamics of the population were most sensitive to the proportion of individuals within each contingent and to a lesser degree to the level of correlation in recruitment between contingents in their responses to the environment. Increased representation of the dispersive contingent within populations resulted in increased productivity and resilience, but decreased stability. Empirical evidence from the Patuxent River white perch population was consistent with these findings. A high negative correlation in resident and dispersive contingent recruitment dynamics resulted in increased productivity and stability, with little effect on resilience. With high positive correlation between contingent recruitments, the model showed similar responses in population productivity and resilience, but decreased stability. Because contingent structure involves differing patterns of nursery habitat use, spatial management that conserves sets of habitats rather than the single most productive nursery habitat would be expected to contribute to long-term population stability.
IRAK-dependent phosphorylation of Stat1 on serine 727 in response to interleukin-1 and effects on gene expression.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) induces the phosphorylation of Stat1 on serine 727 but not on tyrosine 701. Analyses of mutant I1A cells, which lack the IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK), and of I1A cells reconstituted with deletion mutants of IRAK show that the IL-1-mediated phosphorylation of Stat1 on serine requires the IRAK protein but not its kinase activity and does not involve phosphatidylinositol-3′-kinase (PI3K) or the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases p38 or ERK. IRAK and Stat1 interact in vivo, and this interaction is increased in response to IL-1, suggesting that IRAK may serve to recruit the as yet unknown IL-1-induced Stat1 serine kinase. Chemical inhibitors or dominant-negative forms of signaling components required to activate NF-κB, ATF, or AP-1 in response to IL-1 do not affect the phosphorylation of Stat1 on serine. IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) enhance the serine phosphorylation of Stat1 that occurs in response to interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and potentiate IFN-γ-mediated, Stat1-driven ...
Direct evidence for intracellular divalent cation redistribution associated with platelet shape change

Abstract Chlortetracycline was used as a fluorescent probe to monitor shifts in divalent cation distribution when blood platelets were induced to change shape. Human platelets in their native plasma were incubated at 25°C with 50 μM chlortetracycline. It was found that when platelet shape change was stimulated by ADP or the divalent cation ionophore A 23187, a significant decrease in platelet-chlortetracycline fluorescence occurred. This fluorescence shift was consistent with the time course for the change in platelet shape. ATP, which inhibits ADP-induced shape change, also inhibited the decrease in platelet-chlortetracycline fluorescence.
Influence of microstructural scale on plastic flow behavior of metal matrix composites

Metal matrix composites fabricated from pure aluminum metal and ceramic particles of magnesium aluminate spinel were deformed in uniaxial compression. The flow stress of the composites ranged from about 70 to 700 MPa, and broadly followed an inverse square root relationship with metal ligament size. The composites had excellent ductility. The change in the dislocation substructure with increasing plastic deformation was examined by TEM. Random dislocation tangles observed in the undeformed specimens were found to have been replaced by low angle sub-boundaries in the deformed specimens. This observation is explained by invoking compatibility between crystal slip in metal ligaments and sliding accommodated by dislocation glide parallel to metal-ceramic interfaces. A model based on this mechanism is developed and compared to the experimental results. The analysis successfully predicts the inverse square root dependence of the flow stress on the metal ligament size, and gives fair agreement with the magnitude of the measured flow stresses.
Effect of appearance on perception of deformation

We provide an experimental validation that appearance of an object can influence the perception of its level of deformation in a 3D simulation. Our study provides helpful insights in how to improve visual plausibility of deformation, which may allow artists to adjust their designs to enhance or minimize the perceived deformation in a model. We use a physically-based deformation model to simulate simple geometric shapes undergoing deformation. We apply a number of different appearance and rendering parameters to these objects, and then use two user studies to measure whether appearance used for an object can have a statistically significant effect on the perception of its deformation. In another study, we adjust the number of objects simulated and investigate how this can influence the effect of appearance.We find that appearance can potentially influence people's sensitivity to differences of deformation as well as subjective rating of softness in our studies. Further analysis shows that, in simple scenarios, the effect of low-level cues in appearance can be dominant, even if high-level information delivered by appearance has the opposite implication. The third study shows that as the number of objects in a scenario increases, objects are perceived to be stiffer. Also, the effect of low-level cues is weaker.
Percutaneous cholecystostomy: A valuable technique in high-risk patients with presumed acute cholecystitis

Percutaneous cholecystostomy offers a potentially important therapeutic modality for critically ill patients with acute cholecystitis who represent a high risk for general anaesthesia. The aim of the study was to assess experience with percutaneous cholecystostomy in resolving the acute episode of cholecystitis without operative intervention. Twenty-two consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute cholecystitis underwent the procedure. All were at high risk for general anaesthesia, and all but one developed cholecystitis while hospitalized for another co-morbid condition; 14 were in an intensive care unit. Twenty-one of the 22 patients proved to have acute cholecystitis (11 acalculous, ten cholelithiasis). There were no acute technical complications. Toxaemia resolved in 17 of the 21 patients with acute cholecystitis. Acute cholecystitis failed to resolve in three patients; all died within 48 h from overwhelming generalized sepsis. One patient required emergency cholecystectomy for bile peritonitis when the cholecystostomy catheter became dislodged 24 h after placement. The 60-day mortality rate for the acalculous and calculous patient groups was 55 and 20 per cent, respectively. Only three interval cholecystectomies have been performed at a mean follow-up of 19 months. In conclusion, percutaneous cholecystostomy may be the procedure of choice for the management of acute cholecystitis in the very high-risk critically ill patient. If symptoms fail to resolve quickly, ongoing sepsis, cholangitis or gallbladder necrosis should be suspected.
Pervaporation of organic/water mixtures through B-ZSM-5 zeolite membranes on monolith supports

Abstract High-quality, boron-substituted ZSM-5 zeolite membranes were prepared on Al2O3-coated SiC multi-channel monolith supports. Monoliths have larger surface to volume ratios than tubular supports and are more practical for large-scale applications. Two types of supports with 66 channels ( 2 mm ×2 mm, 10.6 cm2 surface area cm−3) and 22 channels ( 4 mm ×4 mm, 7.2 cm2 cm−3) were used. The membranes effectively removed alcohols and acetone from 5 wt.% organic/water binary feeds by pervaporation over a temperature range of 303–333 K. The membranes were selective because acetone and the alcohols preferentially adsorbed and inhibited water transport, but diffusion differences caused by different adsorption strengths and molecular sizes were also important. Methods for calculating molecular kinetic diameters for polar molecules are compared. The acetone/water separation factor was 330 at 303 K, and it decreased to 220 at 333 K. Methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol, and 1-propanol separation factors were 8.4, 31, 42, and 75, respectively, at 333 K and were relatively independent of temperature. With the exception of methanol, these separation factors are significantly higher than those reported for a B-ZSM-5 tubular membrane. The fluxes at 333 K were 0.90, 0.16, 0.047, 0.071, and 0.22 kg m−2 h−1 for methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, and acetone, respectively, and increased with temperature. The methanol and ethanol fluxes are comparable to those for the B-ZSM-5 tubular membrane.
Sharpness Results and Knapp's Homogeneity Argument

We prove that the L2 restriction theorem, and Lp → Lp ' , 1 + 1 p' = 1, boundedness of the surface averages imply certain geometric restrictions on the underlying hypersurface. We deduce that these bounds imply that a certain number of principal curvatures do not vanish.
Use of a Silicone Catheter With a Dacron Cuff for Dialysis Short-Term Vascular Access

Polyurethane and Teflon subclavian vein catheters have been widely used for temporary vascular access for hemodialysis, but their use has been associated with a significant complication rate. A silicone dual-lumen catheter with a Dacron cuff placed in the internal jugular or subclavian vein was evaluated as a means of obtaining short-term vascular access. Sixty-two catheters in 54 patients provided a cumulative experience of 206 patientmonths. Blood flow rates > 200 ml./min were achieved, with a mean recirculation of 2.1 %. Catheter function was better with placement on the right side. Exit-site infections developed in nine patients, for a rate of 5.3 episodes per 100 patient-months; all resolved with antibiotics. Catheter-related bacteremia occurred in one patient, for a rate of 0.49 episodes per 100 patient-months, a rate much lower than rates reported for polyurethane and Teflon catheters. Clotting occurred in 24.5% of catheters, and thrombolytic therapy was always successful in restoring function. Because of the lower rate of complications, the silicone dual-lumen catheter with a Dacron cuff provides a safer alternative for short-term hemodialysis vascular access than the Teflon and polyurethane catheters.
Rate of Tl+ exchange into single crystals of zeolite X

Abstract A hydrated single crystal of zeolite X with unit-cell composition Na 92 Si 100 Al 92 O 384 , exclusive of water molecules, 0.14 mm in cross-section, was ion exchanged at 23°C with flowing 0.1 M aqueous TlNO 3 for 90 s. Its structure, determined crystallographically, showed that 74(4) of the 92 Na + ions per unit cell had been replaced by Tl + . A second crystal was treated similarly for 900 s; this time 83(1) Tl + ions were found. Kim et al. had found 91(1) Tl + ions after 7.0 days =6.0 × 10 5 s [Y. Kim, Y.W. Han, K. Seff, Zeolites 18 (1997) 325]. These results can be fit relatively well to a simple fourth-order rate law with k = 6.25 × 10 −7 (No. of Na + per unit cell) −3 s −1 . For crystals of such size, which are important for X-ray crystallography, days may not be enough time to reach an ion-exchange end point by these methods for some ions.
Snow-activities of the National Park Service

The National Park Service has been measuring and reporting on snow in the areas administered by it for many years, both for its own information and for the Weather Bureau. For the past five years radio has played an important part in snow-reporting as daily reports are sent in to the Weather Bureau and a short while later the weather-forecast is received via radio. In the State of Washington this is done through the Seattle Office of the State Highway Department as part of the reporting system of the State, and by 8h 30m in the morning weather- and road-conditions for the entire State are compiled and broadcast to all State Highway Maintenance offices, as well as to Mount Rainier National Park. In this way shippers are advised of road-conditions and are also advised as to prevailing temperatures and other conditions which must be known to properly protect shipments by truck on the highways.
Selection of Peptides That Target the Aminoacyl-tRNA Site of Bacterial 16S Ribosomal RNA

For almost five decades, antibiotics have been used successfully to control infectious diseases caused by bacterial pathogens. More recently, however, two-thirds of bacterial pathogens exhibit resistance and are continually evolving new resistance mechanisms against almost every clinically used antibiotic. Novel efforts are required for the development of new drugs or drug leads to combat these infectious diseases. A number of antibiotics target the bacterial aminoacyl-tRNA site (A site) of 16S rRNA (rRNA). Mutations in the A-site region are known to cause antibiotic resistance. In this study, a bacterial (Escherichia coli) A-site rRNA model was chosen as a target to screen for peptide binders. Two heptapeptides, HPVHHYQ and LPLTPLP, were selected through M13 phage display. Both peptides display selective binding to the A-site 16S rRNA with on-bead fluorescence assays. Dissociation constants (Kd's) of the amidated peptide HPVHHYQ-NH2 to various A-site RNA constructs were determined by using enzymatic foot...
Multiple cortical targets of one thalamic nucleus: the projections of the ventral medial nucleus in the cat studied with retrograde tracers

The organization of the cortical projections of the ventral medial thalamic nucleus (VM) was studied in the cat with retrograde tracers. The extent of the VM-cortical projections was first investigated with horseradish peroxidase injected in different cortical fields. The results obtained in the experiments indicated that the main target of VM efferents is represented by a large territory anterior to the cruciate sulcus involving area 6 and the gyrus proreus and extending into the anterior part of the medial cortical surface. The afferents to these precruciate fields arise from throughout the VM. In addition, the lateral third of VM projects upon the lateral precruciate cortex that is coextensive with the precruciate part of area 4, whereas VM efferents do not extend into the posterior sigmoid gyrus. A second major target of VM efferents is represented by the insular cortex in the anterior sylvian gyrus. VM projections also reach the prepyriform cortex and the cingulate gyrus. An anteroposterior decrease of density was found in the VM-cingulate projections. Sparse VM projections reach the temporal cortex, the adjacent posterior sylvian and ectosylvian fields, and the anterior ectosylvian gyrus. No VM projections were found either upon the visual areas 17 and 18 or upon the primary auditory cortex. The interrelations between some VM-cortical cell populations and their divergent collateralization were studied by using double retrograde labeling with fluorescent tracers. The results of these experiments demonstrated that a relatively high number (at least 20%) of VM cells projecting to the insula are also connected to the precruciate fields by means of axon collaterals. This finding indicates that VM is a highly collateralized structure of the cat's thalamus. Very few branched cells were found in the other combinations of cortical fields here examined (precruciate vs. posterior sylvian fields, lateral precruciate vs. proreal cortex, anterior vs. posterior cingulate fields). Altogether these data indicate that VM branched cells preferentially interconnect the two main cortical targets of the nucleus, i.e., precruciate and insular fields. The results of the present study are discussed in regard to the literature on the VM projections in the rat and the previously available data in the cat, to the afferent VM organization in the cat, to the relationships between VM and the nucleus submedius, and to the anatomical and functional role of VM in relation to the so-called "nonspecific" thalamocortical system.
Identification of force coefficients in a squeeze film damper with a mechanical end seal-Part I: Unidirectional load tests

Squeeze film dampers (SFDs) with low levels of external pressurization and poor end sealing are prone to air entrapment, thus not generating enough damping capability. Single frequency, unidirectional load tests were conducted on a SFD test rig replicating a commercial jet-engine configuration. The damper journal is 2.54cm in length and 12.7cm in diameter, with nominal clearance of 0.127mm. The SFD feed end is flooded with oil, while the discharge end contains a recirculation groove and four orifice ports, and a mechanical seal ring in contact with the damper journal. A wave spring pushes the ring ensuring tight sealing to prevent gas ingestion. The mechanical seal also serves to contain the lubricant within the squeeze film land for extended periods of time and; while in operation, to prevent contamination of the ball bearing cartridge. The measurements conducted without and with lubricant in the squeeze film lands, along with a frequency domain identification procedure, render the mechanical seal dry-friction force and viscous damping force coefficients as functions of frequency and motion amplitude. The end seal arrangement is quite effective in eliminating side leakage and preventing air entrainment into the film lands. Importantly enough, the dry friction force, arising from the contact forces in relative motion, increases significantly the test element equivalent viscous damping coefficients. The identified system damping coefficients are thus frequency and motion amplitude dependent, albeit decreasing rapidly as the motion parameters increase. Identified squeeze film force coefficients, damping and added mass, agree well with predictions based on the full film, short length damper model.