cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensor-based organizational engineering

We propose the use of wearable and environmental sensors to capture and model social interactions in the workplace, combined with data mining techniques and social network analysis for organizational engineering applications. By combining behavioral sensor data with other sources of information such as text-mined documents, surveys, and performance data, it is possible to optimize organizations.
The evaluation of a new animal method for the prediction of clinical anti-depressant activity.

Abstract A new animal method has been evaluated to predict clinically useful anti-depressant agents. The test relies on the potentiating effects of anti-depressants on the behavioral and physiological changes induced by YOH in the conscious dog. Two agents, BL-KR 140 and EXP-561, which were predicted to be useful anti-depressant agents from the animal tests, failed to potentiate YOH induced changes, unlike IMI. Clinically also they were found to lack any anti-depressant activity. It is proposed that this test should be further evaluated employing established and potential anti-depressant agents.
Compiling machine learning algorithms with SystemML

Analytics on big data range from passenger volume prediction in transportation to customer satisfaction in automotive diagnostic systems, and from correlation analysis in social media data to log analysis in manufacturing. Expressing and running these analytics for varying data characteristics and at scale is challenging. To address these challenges, SystemML implements a declarative, high-level language using an R-like syntax extended with machine-learning-specific constructs, that is compiled to a MapReduce runtime [2]. The language is rich enough to express a wide class of statistical, predictive modeling and machine learning algorithms (Fig. 1). We chose robust algorithms that scale to large, and potentially sparse data with many features.
Rational, combinatorial, and genomic approaches for engineering L-tyrosine production in Escherichia coli

Although microbial metabolic engineering has traditionally relied on rational and knowledge-driven techniques, significant improvements in strain performance can be further obtained through the use of combinatorial approaches exploiting phenotypic diversification and screening. Here, we demonstrate the combined use of global transcriptional machinery engineering and a high-throughput L-tyrosine screen towards improving L-tyrosine production in Escherichia coli. This methodology succeeded in generating three strains from two separate mutagenesis libraries (rpoA and rpoD) exhibiting up to a 114% increase in L-tyrosine titer over a rationally engineered parental strain with an already high capacity for production. Subsequent strain characterization through transcriptional analysis and whole genome sequencing allowed complete phenotype reconstruction from well-defined mutations and point to important roles for both the acid stress resistance pathway and the stringent response of E. coli in imparting this phenotype. As such, this study presents one of the first examples in which cell-wide measurements have helped to elucidate the genetic and biochemical underpinnings of an engineered cellular property, leading to the total restoration of metabolite overproduction from specific chromosomal mutations.
A Theoretical Study of Biotin Chemisorption on Si−SiC(001) Surfaces

Biotin is a promising candidate for functionalization of semiconducting surfaces, given its strong, unmatched affinity to specific proteins such as streptavidin and avidin. Using density functional theory, we have carried out a theoretical investigation of the structural and electronic properties of biotin chemisorbed on a biocompatible substrate; in particular we have considered the clean and hydroxylated Si−SiC(001) surfaces. Our calculations show that, upon chemisorption, biotin retains the electronic properties responsible for its strong affinity to proteins. While the electronic states of the hydroxylated surface undergo negligible changes in the presence of the molecule, those of the clean surface are considerably affected.
Particle-enhanced total internal reflectance fluorescence

This paper presents work toward a retrofit of an aca TM IV Discrete Clinical Analyzer (E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, DE) with a Particle Enhanced Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence technology. The DuPont aca TM line of instruments was designed to perform highly accurate unit dose clinical chemistry assays. Introduction of a Total Reflectance Fluorescence optics into an aca TM IV could provide capability to perform highly sensitive homogeneous immunoassays. Sensitivity and precision depended upon uniform immobilization of immunoglobulins or immunogens, representing examples of specific binding partners, onto an ionomeric material, acting as both solid support and wall material of the disposable reagent units called the `pack'. This study examines the uniformity of antibody coating onto various types of tough and flexible optical polymeric films including those made from the DuPont Surlyn TM and Nucrel TM polymers. A number of coating processes will also be described. Bioanalytical tools were developed to determine uniformity, quantity, and activity of antibody coated onto the `pack' film, thus allowing for optimization of polymer film type and process of antibody coating.
Effects of mefluidide and dicamba on in vitro growth and embryogenesis ofDactylis glomerata (orchard grass)

The effects of N-(2,4-dimethyl-5-(((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)amino)phenyl)acetamide (mefluidide) and 3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid (dicamba) on in vitro growth and somatic embryogenesis ofDactylis glomerata L. (orchard grass) were studied using suspension cultures and explanted leaf bases. All experiments employed modified Schenk and Hildebrandt medium amended with concentrations of dicamba ranging from 15 to 120 μM (SH-15 to SH-120) and of mefluidide ranging from 1 to 100 μM. SH medium without either growth regulator was used for embryo germination. Embyro production in suspension cultures with SH-30 medium plus 3 g/L casein hydrolysate was significantly reduced by 1 μM mefluidide. Only 15% of these embryos germinated and produced plants compared to 84% from controls. Growth, as measured by dry weight, was significantly reduced by 50 or 100 μM mefluidide. The number of embryos formed on leaf sections was significantly reduced by 20 or 25 μM mefluidide. Embryos that formed with 10 μM or more mefluidide were callused on both SH-15 and SH-30 media. Shoot formation was inhibited from individual embryos and embryo/callus masses that developed on either SH-15 or SH-30 medium containing 5 μM or more mefluidide. Radicle emergence was significantly reduced with 10 μM mefluidide regardless of 15 or 30 μM dicamba. Histological examination revealed that mefluidide inhibited both shoot and root meristem development with shoot development being the more sensitive. Inhibition of both was independent of dicamba concentrations. Shoot formation was also reduced from embryos that had developed on SH-30 medium without mefluidide when transferred to medium containing mefluidide without dicamba.
Assembly of the light-harvesting chlorophyll antenna in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii requires expression of the TLA2-CpFTSY gene

The truncated light-harvesting antenna2 (tla2) mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii showed a lighter-green phenotype, had a lower chlorophyll (Chl) per-cell content, and higher Chl a/b ratio than corresponding wild-type strains. Physiological analyses revealed a higher intensity for the saturation of photosynthesis and greater Pmax values in the tla2 mutant than in the wild type. Biochemical analyses showed that the tla2 strain was deficient in the Chl a-b light-harvesting complex, and had a Chl antenna size of the photosystems that was only about 65% of that in the wild type. Molecular and genetic analyses showed a single plasmid insertion in the tla2 strain, causing a chromosomal DNA rearrangement and deletion/disruption of five nuclear genes. The TLA2 gene, causing the tla2 phenotype, was cloned by mapping the insertion site and upon complementation with each of the genes that were deleted. Successful complementation was achieved with the C. reinhardtii TLA2-CpFTSY gene, whose occurrence and function in green microalgae has not hitherto been investigated. Functional analysis showed that the nuclear-encoded and chloroplast-localized CrCpFTSY protein specifically operates in the assembly of the peripheral components of the Chl a-b light-harvesting antenna. In higher plants, a cpftsy null mutation inhibits assembly of both the light-harvesting complex and photosystem complexes, thus resulting in a seedling-lethal phenotype. The work shows that cpftsy deletion in green algae, but not in higher plants, can be employed to generate tla mutants. The latter exhibit improved solar energy conversion efficiency and photosynthetic productivity under mass culture and bright sunlight conditions.
Tropospheric ozone: Concentrations and variabilities in clean remote atmospheres

Abstract Analysis of long-term ozone (O 3 ) data collected at remote sites between latitudes 19°N and 48°N is complemented by aircraft data to support the conclusion that a significant reservoir of ozone is present in the troposphere. Evidence suggests that this O 3 reservoir is predominantly of stratospheric origin and that photochcmical oxidation processes resulting in O 3 production from HCs (including CH 4 ), CO and NO x of natural origin do not contribute significantly to the net O 3 balance in this reservoir. It is found that the predominant source of tropospheric O 3 is due to injections from the stratosphere. The important sinks are O 3 loss at and near the earth's surface and to a less certain degree gas phase photolytic destruction. The possibility that natural precursors produce O 3 , at a rate that roughly offsets the gas phase photolytic destruction, can not be ruled out. This tropospheric O 3 shows a distinct seasonal variation, with a maximum in the spring when 1-h O 3 concentrations can approach or exceed 80 parts per billion (ppb). Year to year variations can be important; for example, at Mauna Loa the hourly averaged O 3 concentrations exceeded 80 ppb 1.6% of the days in 1975 and 0% of the days in 1974. No average diurnal variation of O 3 is observed throughout the year within this reservoir. Because O 3 from this reservoir is mixed downward toward the surface under convective atmospheric conditions, the achievement of a yearly 1-h O 3 standard of 80 ppb may be impossible. Analysis of atmospheric data also indicates that the mean residence time of O 3 in the troposphere is long (≈4 months), while that of NO x , is much shorter (0.4–2 days) than the hitherto accepted value of 8–10 days.
Jiri Prochaska: on the 250th anniversary of his birth.

(1999). Jiri Prochaska: On the 250th Anniversary of his Birt. Journal of the History of the Neurosciences: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 70-72.
Extended affine surface area

During the twentieth century many of the notions of classical Differential Geometry have been extended so as to be defined on the boundaries of arbitrary convex bodies (without smoothness requirements). For example, the projection measures (Quermassintegrals) are the natural extensions of the integrals of mean curvature (see Santa16 [27, pp. 215-2321 for a discussion). The surface area measures of Aleksandrov-Fenchel-Jessen are extensions of (the indefinite integrals of) the elementary symmetric functions of the principal radii of curvature, while Federer’s curvature measures (when restricted to convex hypersurfaces) are extensions of (the indefinite integrals of) the elementary symmetric functions of the principal curvatures (see Schneider [30, pp. 27-331). One of the important concepts of classical Differential Geometry, which has been difficult to extend is afline surface area. This has often led to difficulties which when circumvented, have been done so only by considerable effort and ingenuity. For example, suppose we are given a measure on the unit sphere, which satisfies the hypothesis of the Minkowski Problem. The solution of the Minkowski Problem guarantees the existence of a convex body whose surface area measure is the given measure. From the given measure we can find the surface area of the body. The Minkowski (Mixed Volume) Inequality can be used to obtain various upper bounds for the volume of the body. However, we cannot even inquire about the affine surface area of the body, unless we can somehow convince ourselves that the convex body is sufficiently smooth. Results regarding aftine surface area have a surprising number of applications. For example, a number of geometric inequalities which appear to have no connection with affine surface area are in fact consequences of inequalities involving afline surface area (see, for example, Petty [25] and also [ 151). Since polytopes have zero afftne surface area, it seems quite surprising that the notion of afline surface area arises frequently in the area of polytope approximation (see the survey of Gruber [9]). Recently, Leichtweiss [ 11, 121 presented a definition of extended afftne
Supercooling and ice propagation in blood from arctic fishes

Abstract Studies of melting points and rates of freezing of plasma from winter fishes in the Bering Sea show that they survive in a supercooled state. The striking hysteresis in their melt-freeze equilibrium is related to the colloid fraction of the plasma. The lack of effect on the melting point and the modified crystal growth (monocline) when the supercooling breaks down suggests that the freeze protection involves shielding of the water-ice interface.
A signal generator for testing extracellular recording amplifiers and probes

A portable signal generator that simulates the amplitude and frequency of neuronal signals for testing extracellular recording amplifiers is described. The signal generator is easy to construct and it is extremely useful in tracing signal processing stages in neurophysiological equipment.
Cognitive performance correlates with cerebrovascular impairments in multi-infarct dementia.

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured by the 133Xe inhalation method in patients with multi-infarct dementia (MID, N = 26), Alzheimer's dementia (AD, N = 19), and among age-matched, neurologically normal, healthy volunteers (N = 26). Cognitive performance was assessed in all subjects using the Cognitive Capacity Screening Examination (CCSE). Cerebral vasomotor responses were calculated from differences in values of mean hemispheric gray matter blood flow (Delta CBF) measured during inhalation of 100% oxygen (hyperoxia) compared with CBF measured while breathing room air. Significant correlations were found between CCSE performance and vasomotor responsiveness in patients with MID (P less than .01), but not in patients with AD or in neurologically normal volunteers. Loss of vasomotor responsiveness is an indicator of cerebrovascular disease with rigidity and/or loss of reactivity of cerebral vessels, which impairs cerebrovascular responses to situational demands and predisposes to cerebral ischemia. Loss of cerebral vasomotor responsiveness among MID patients, which is a biologic marker of cerebrovascular disease, provides confirmatory evidence of the vascular etiology of MID and assists in separating MID from AD patients.
Some practical considerations involving spectral representations of 3d plasma equilibria

Abstract For describing magnetically confined toroidal plasmas, it is convenient in some instances to use a cylindrical coordinate system whose origin is on the major axis of the torus and in others to use a “flux coordinate” system bound to the magnetic flux which is embedded in the plasma. A good estimate of the flux surface geometry is available in spectral' form in many cases, permitting a simple transformation from flux coordinates to cylindrical coordinates. A modified Newton iteration is described for performing the “inverse” transformation from cylindrical coordinates to flux coordinates. An accurate technique for radial spline interpolation of the spectral coefficients is given which is particularly useful for computing magnetic fields near the magnetic axis. Given a spectral representation of the plasma it is possible to track a chord through the plasma, determining in sequence its intersections with a given set of flux surfaces. This technique is the starting point for many calculations including neutral beam heating, pellet fueling, evaluation of absorption or plasma sources along the lines-of-sight of detectors, etc. An efficient algorithm for performing this calculation is given. These algorithms permit the determination of plasma “profiles” from chordal data by a straightforward least-squares technique, without any restrictions on the orientation of the chords. The method shown is contrasted to those based on generalized Abel transforms.
Remote Sensing of Shelf Sea Hydrodynamics

This volume, edited by Nihoul, is a collection of papers by participants in the 15th Liege Colloquium, held in 1983. Although the title is somewhat daunting, the premise is a good one, i.e., “What can one learn about the basic theory of shelf-sea hydrodynamics by using remote sensing?” As with any such collection, some papers hit the mark (e.g., T. Nishimura et al., S. Onishi, and J. Witling), others give focus to the work (e.g., J. Nihoul, R. Pingree), while other work seems but distantly related to the subject at hand (e.g., the contributions of J. Gower and of S. Lin et al.). In the following review, I will try to give the reader a flavor for the volume's 18 sections. The book can be split into four themes: introduction to remote sensing, use of remote sensing and models, use of remote sensing to study oceanic variability, and optical oceanography.
Experimental investigation of the flow field of an oscillating airfoil and estimation of lift from wake surveys

The flow field of an airfoil oscillated periodically over a reduced frequency range, 0 ≤ k ≤ 1.6, is studied experimentally at chord Reynolds numbers of Rc = 22000 and 44000. For most of the data, the NACA0012 airfoil is pitched sinusoidally about one quarter chord between angles of attack α of 5° and 25°. The cyclic variation of the near wake flow field is documented through flow visualization and phase-averaged vorticity measurements. In addition to the familiar dynamic stall vortex (DSV), an intense vortex of opposite sign is observed to originate from the trailing edge just when the DSV is shed. The two together take the shape of the cross-section of a large ‘mushroom’ while being convected away from the airfoil. The phase delay in the shedding of the DSV with increasing k, as observed by previous researchers, is documented for the full range of k. It is observed that the sum of the absolute values of all vorticity convected into the wake over a cycle is nearly constant and is independent of the reduced frequency and amplitude of oscillation but dependent on the mean α. The time varying component of the lift is estimated in a novel way from the shed vorticity flux. The analytical foundation of the method and the various approximations are discussed. The estimated lift hysteresis loops are found to be in reasonable agreement with available data from the literature as well as with limited force balance measurements. Comparison of the lift hysteresis loops with the corresponding vorticity fields clearly shows that major features of the lift variation are directly linked to the evolution of the large-scale vortical structures and the phase delay phenomenon.
The microstructure of electric discharge machined WC-Co

Abstract The electrical discharge machined surfaces of several sintered WCCo alloys were examined at room temperature by x-ray diffraction and optical and electron microscopy. In addition to the hexagonal WC, both W2C and the face-centered-cubic modification of WC were found. The relative amounts of W2C and WC(FCC) vary inversely with capacitance. Upon annealing, both phases disappear and are replaced by the η-phase (W3Co3C). Certain features of the microstructure are tentatively associated with the extraneous phases, but further interpretation of the x-ray and metallographic results requires a more specific study of the. respective roles of cobalt and carbon in the surface reactions.
SU‐FF‐J‐09: Limited‐Angle Imaging for Target Positioning Using Orthogonal Conebeam X‐Ray Systems

Purpose: To investigate limited‐angle imaging using orthogonal x‐ray systems, with regard to use for target positioning onboard external beam radiation therapy(EBRT) machines. Method and Materials:Image reconstruction was performed using projection data acquired with a single conebeam CT(CBCT) system for an anonymized head‐and‐neck patient onboard an EBRT machine. The original data set included 678 angles over 360°. Four subsets of this data were generated corresponding to the following angular ranges of the x‐ray tube: (i) Dual−40°: −110° to −70° plus −20° to 20°; (ii) Single−80°: −130° to −50°; (iii) Dual−80°: −130° to −50° plus −40° to 40°; (iv) all 360°. Images were reconstructed from each data set by an ordered‐subsets iterative statistical method (OSTR). Sagittal, coronal, and transverse slices were obtained from the reconstructed images and evaluated. This study design does not include the cross‐scatter that would occur between two orthogonally mounted CBCT systems. Results: Equal‐dose comparisons of Dual−40° and Single−80° images showed that the Dual−40° provided sufficient sharpness to position the target along all 3 dimensions. The Single−80° images did not provide adequate sharpness along the lateral direction. Equal‐time comparisons of Dual−80° and Single−80° images showed marked improvement in image quality in all 3 slices and all 3 dimensions. Conclusion: Dual−40° scans have approximately equal dose to Single−80° scans, allow positioning along all 3 dimensions, and require only half the imaging time. Reduced imaging time can reduce motion artifacts in the image and reduce probability of motion between imaging and treatment. Dual−80° scans have approximately twice the dose of Single−80° scans, but they provide much better image quality with no increase in scan time. Onboard limited‐angle imaging with dual orthogonal CBCT systems thus has advantages over limited‐angle imaging with a single CBCT system.
IT education 2.0

Today's networked computing and communications technologies have changed how information, knowledge, and culture are produced and exchanged. People around the world join online communities that are set up voluntarily and use their members' collaborative participation to solve problems, share interests, raise awareness, or simply establish social connections. Two online community examples with significant economic and cultural impact are the open source software movement and Wikipedia. The technological infrastructure of these peer production models uses current Web 2.0 tools, such as wikis, blogs, social networking, semantic tagging, and RSS feeds. With no control exercised by property-based markets or managerial hierarchies, commons-based peer production systems contribute to and serve the public domain and public good. The body of cultural, educational, and scientific work of many online communities is made available to the public for free and legal sharing, use, repurposing, and remixing.Higher education's receptiveness to these transformative trends deserves close examination. In the case of the Information Technology (IT) education community, in particular, we note that the curricular content, research questions, and professional skills the IT discipline encompasses have direct linkages with the Web 2.0 phenomenon. For that reason, IT academic programs should pioneer and lead efforts to cultivate peer production online communities. We state the case that free access and open engagement facilitated by technological infrastructures that support a peer production model benefit IT education. We advocate that these technologies be employed to strengthen IT educational programs, advance IT research, and revitalize the IT education community.
Optimal reserve site selection with distance requirements

The reserve set covering problem minimizes the total cost or area of sites needed to represent all species within a system of nature reserves, but does not address spatial characteristics such as distances between reserve sites. Inter-site distance, as a surrogate for connectivity, is likely to affect species persistence and other functional aspects of reserve systems. Two new 0-1 programming models that build upon the reserve set covering problem are formulated for controlling inter-site distance. Depending on the circumstances, longer or shorter inter-site distances may be desirable, and arguments for each case are discussed. The first model requires reserves to be at least a minimum separation distance apart. The second model requires at least two representations of each species and also requires the sites that represent a species to be no farther apart than a stated proximity distance. These models are applied to four demonstration problems in which both synthetic and real presence/absence data are used. Results and computational experience are discussed. The first model achieves site dispersal while the second model achieves site connectivity to the extent that each is compatible with set covering.
Nonisothermal Modeling and Sensitivity Studies for Batch and Semibatch Emulsion Polymerization of Styrene

This work reports the development of a simulation model for batch, semibatch, or continuous emulsion polymerization of styrene under nonisothermal conditions. We demonstrate the use of the model to explore methods for controlling the particle size distribution. Sensitivity results suggest that accurate identification of model parameters from online data requires operation in semibatch rather than purely batch mode. The extensions to the nonisothermal case represent a significant step forward in the development of recipes for batch or semibatch polymerization in which temperature can be manipulated to achieve final product specifications. Our model is based on the zero−one population balance model of Coen et al. (Polymer 1998, 39, 7099-7112) extended to the nonisothermal, semibatch case. The model will be used for control studies and as a step toward online model-based control of semibatch polymerization reactors.
Absorptio: time of negative pions in liquid hydrogen

Measurements of mesons ( ceramic materia /sup -/) stopping in liquid hydrogen are reported. The mean time for the meson ( ceramic materia /sup -/) to go from v/c = 0.006 to nuclear capture is found to be (2.0 surface proces 0.6) x 10/sup -12/ sec. The depth of the decay point, the meson ( ) range, and the decay angle, together with their errors, are calculated. (C.E.S.)
Validation of a pediatric oral health-related quality of life scale in Navajo children.

Background American Indian (AI) children experience the highest rates of early childhood caries (ECC) in the USA, yet no tool has been validated to measure the impact of ECC on their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).
MO‐FF‐A1‐06: Quantitative Light Dosimetry in Air Using Spherical Optical Fiber Detector

Purpose: To quantitatively evaluate current clinical dose calculations delivered by cylindrical diffusers used in superficial Photodynamic Therapy(PDT) treatments. Method and Materials: A setup was developed to investigate light irradiance patterns in air ranging from 2–50mm of Source to Detector Distances (SDD), distances customarily used in superficial PDT treatments. A 630 nm PDTdiode laser light source was used in junction with diffusers ranging from: 10, 20, 25, and 50 mm. The detector was mounted on an optical bench along varying SDDs. The irradiance was then measured using a spherical optical fiberdetector (1.8‐mm diameter), which was calibrated against a 1cm×1cm window photodiodedetector (Ophir PD300‐3W traceable to NIST) connected to a power meter. Finally, sets of predicted irradiance values were calculated under typical clinical conditions by dividing the total power by the cylinder area bounded by the SDD. Results: The measured and predicted values were plotted and compared. For the 10mm diffuser, at approximately 50mm SDD, the predicted value was nearly fourteen times greater than that of the measured. For the larger diffusers, the disparity between the predicted and measured results narrowed. For example, the 50mm diffuser, at the same distance as that of the 10mm, predicted an intensity of only two times greater than that of the measured.Conclusion: Agreement between measured and predicted irradiance values is expected to occur for a hypothetical infinite length diffuser or for small SDD. The results however, revealed that at large distances from the source, with respect to the diffuser size, the theoretical results diverge from those obtained experimentally. Therefore, the current dose calculation should be reviewed for clinical PDT, as the understanding of the irradiance in air is paramount for the correct calculation of light dose delivered in PDT treatments.
Effect of pressure on self diffusion in crystalline silicon

The effect of pressure on self diffusion in crystalline silicon is being studied using /sup 30/Si as a tracer. Diffusion experiments have been carried out in the pressure range of 1 to 35,000 atmospheres at 1000/sup 0/C. The /sup 30/Si is observed to diffuse faster at high pressures, indicating a negative activation volume. 6 references, 3 figures.
Capsaicin treatment attenuates the reflex excitation of sympathetic activity caused by chemical stimulation of intestinal afferent nerves.

Abstract Sympathetic reflexes elicited by stimulation of visceral receptors have been well investigated, but the central neurotransmitters mediating these reflexes are largely unknown. Therefore, experiments were done to evaluate the role of substance P in the central transmission of a sympathoexcitatory reflex elicited by stimulation of intestinal receptors. Activity of mesenteric and renal nerves was recorded electrophysiologically in chloralose/urethane-anesthetized rats. Stimulation of intestinal receptors by serosal application of 0.5–1.0 μg bradykinin increased mesenteric nerve activity by100 ± 21%, renal nerve discharge by33 ± 9%, and systemic arterial pressure by 10 mm Hg. Chronic capsaicin treatment (cumulative dose 950 mg/kg) caused a 52% depletion of substance P-like immunoreactivity from dorsal root ganglia and a significant attenuation of these reflexes. Mesenteric nerve activity increased by48 ± 6% in the capsaicin-treated rats. Bradykinin did not cause significant changes in renal nerve activity or systemic arterial pressure in these rats. The excitation of mesenteric nerve activity was significantly greater than the increase in renal nerve activity in the untreated and capsaicin-treated rats; capsaicin treatment affected responses of both nerves similarly. Capsaicin treatment did not have generalized effects on sympathetic reflexes, as mesenteric and renal nerve activities were decreased by baroreceptor activation similarly in the untreated and capsaicin-treated rats. These results suggest that the central transmission of the reflex response to intestinal receptor stimulation is mediated in part by substance P or other capsaicin-sensitive peptides.
CRITICAL ROLE OF W60D IN THROMBIN ALLOSTERY

Abstract Mutation of residue W60d of thrombin, located 17 A away from the Na + binding site, suppresses Na + binding and the functional differences between the slow and fast forms. The molecular basis for the long-range effect of this mutation is provided by a conspicuous network of water molecules which connects the Na + binding environment to the specificity sites S1 and S2 of the enzyme. The mutation appears to stabilize thrombin in a hybrid conformation that is overall similar to the slow form, but with the fibrinogen recognition site functioning as in the fast form. It also affects the switch in specificity from fibrinogen to protein C linked to the release of Na + and the fast → slow conversion. Under physiological conditions of pH, temperature and NaCl concentration, the W60dS mutant behaves as an anticoagulant. It has a reduced activity toward fibrinogen by 22-fold, while the reduction of protein C activation in the presence of saturating concentrations of thrombomodulin is less than 2-fold. Even more remarkable is the cleavage of fibrin I monomer leading to release of fibrinopeptide B, which is reduced by more than 130-fold. This property is reminiscent of the snake venom ancrod, which only releases fibrinopeptide A, and adds substantially to the anticoagulant potency of the W60dS mutant. In fact, the clotting time in the presence of this mutant is prolonged more than 40-fold compared to the wild-type.
Intermembrane Forces and Membrane Deformation Observed via Dehydration and Osmotic Pressure

Intermembrane interactions and forces that govern membrane structure can modulate lipid-protein interactions and thus affect cellular functions [1]. Here we address material properties of the membrane via structural deformation due to external stress using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and solid-state 2H NMR spectroscopy. These techniques have been extensively used to study structural changes of membrane bilayer dispersions through application of osmotic pressure. However, distinguishing the effects of osmotic stress on intermembrane forces (separation force) versus membrane deformation requires further investigation [2]. We subjected model membranes (DMPC) in the liquid-crystalline state to dehydration and high osmotic pressures (up to 25 MPa). Using SAXS we were able to directly measure the interlamellar spacings and compare the results to solid-state 2H NMR order parameters [1,3]. This approach allowed us to gauge the strength of intermembrane forces for a given hydration state and estimate the area per lipid and structural deformation at the molecular level. Under high osmotic pressure or low hydration we found large area deformations of up to 15% [1]. Also, we verified that the intermembrane force decays exponentially as a function of intermembrane distance as described by the hydration force theory [2]. However, temperature variation revealed decay constants of much larger than a single water molecule, possibly suggesting the existence of forces besides the hydration force. To provide insight into this we have introduced the osmotic coefficient (ratio of work of removing water to thermal energy) which distinguishes regimes of forces. These findings show significant area deformation of membranes and provide insight into the forces that govern intermembrane interactions. [1] K.J. Mallikarjunaiah et al. (2011) BJ 100, 98-107. [2] V.A. Parsegian et al.. (1979) PNAS76, 2750-2754 [3] H.I. Petrache and M.F. Brown (2007) Meth. Mol. Biol. 400, 341-353.
A global budget for atmospheric NH3

We provide an assessment of the global sources of NH3 in the atmosphere, which indicates an annual flux of about 75 Tg of N as NH3. The emissions from land are dominated by the release of NH3 during the hydrolysis of urea from the urine of domestic animals (32 TgN/yr) and by emanations from soils in unmanaged ecosystems (10 TgN/yr) and from fertilized agricultural soils (9 TgN/yr). Emissions from the sea surface may approach 13 TgN/yr. The total annual source of NH3 is in reasonable agreement with estimates of global NH 4 + deposition from the atmosphere, the major fate of atmospheric NH3. As an alkaline atmospheric species, NH3 emitted to the atmosphere each year can neutralize only about 32% of the annual production of H+ in the atmosphere from natural and anthropogenic sources.
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation Using the Chondrofix Implant

Osteochondral allograft transplantation has become an accepted, and increasingly popular, choice for cartilage repair. Its widespread application, however, remains limited by the availability of fresh grafts. Even minimal tissue contamination precludes graft processing, and limited chondrocyte viability necessitates a small window for implantation, generally within the first month after retrieval. A potential solution to these issues comes from a new processing technique to manufacture a preserved osteochondral allograft that is sterile and has an extended shelf life. This article reviews the background and surgical technique of this newly available implant.
Iterative solution of the functional equations of undiscounted Markov renewal programming

Abstract An iterative procedure is described for finding a solution of the functional equations v i ∗ = max k [q i k −g ∗ T i k + ∑ j=1 N P ij k v j ∗ ] 1⩽i⩽N of undiscounted Markov renewal programming. It generalizes the method of successive approximations proposed by D. J. White for Markovian decision processes, and requires additional care to ensure stability.
Ligand substitution at five-coordinate centers. Reactions of phosphine and phosphite adducts of the bis(trifluoromethyl)-1, 2-dithiolene iron and cobalt systems

Abstract The kinetics of ligand substitution on the five-coordinate 1, 2-dithiolene complexes [M(S 2 C 2 (CF 3 ) 2 ) 2 X] z (M = Fe, Co; X = a phosphine or phosphite; z = 0,−1) are reported. The mechanism is associative for z = 0 and dissociative for z = −1.
Radiative decays of heavy quarkonia in an extended vector-dominance model

Using an extended version of vector-meson dominance, the two-body radiative decays of the $\ensuremath{\psi}$ and $\ensuremath{\Upsilon}$ families into ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}\ensuremath{\gamma}$, $\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{\gamma}$, and ${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ are studied. The branching ratios for these transitions are calculated and compared with the available experimental data, along with previous theoretical predictions.
Retrieval of greenfield filter from the right atrium

A Greenfield filter prematurely discharged in the right atrium (tricuspid valve) was retrieved by a double snare technique with minimal modification (shortening) of the carrier through the initial internal jugular venotomy incision.
Technoeconomic analysis of the production of biocrude from wood

Abstract The production of biomass-derived oil (biocrude) has been studied to determine the technoeconomic characteristics of the process. A detailed process model was developed for the production of biocrude from wood chips. The process consists of a silo dryer for the removal of water from the feed wood, a vortex reactor for the pyrolysis of the wood, a furnace to provide the required sensible heat and heat of reaction for the pyrolysis reaction, a steam turbine to convert excess thermal energy into electric power, and a biocrude recovery section. Results of the simulation were used to size and cost major equipment items. Technoeconomic evaluation of the process was conducted to develop an understanding of the important parameters and to identify missing or incomplete data. Studies were conducted to illustrate the importance of economic parameters on the perceived viability of a process. Plant size and production capacity were examined, as were a number of process development strategies.
Relativistic modifications of charge expansion theory.

We examine the effects of relativity on the high-Z (where Z denotes nuclear charge) behavior of isoelectronic sequences and the modifications required of the traditional charge expansion theory. We propose that the idea of a complex be refined to include hydrogenic angular-momentum degeneracy, so that a relativistic complex should be defined as the set of all configurations with the same occupation of angular-momentum quantum numbers j as well as the same principal quantum numbers n. This leads to asymptotic, high-Z grouping of states that might cut across the conventional LS-coupled states, grouping together levels from different configurations, as long as the n and j occupation numbers remain the same. This regrouping substantially reduces the asymptotic configuration interaction from that predicted by a nonrelativistic theory. Frequently correlation configurations that are significant in low-Z ions disappear entirely in high-Z ions.
A study of the mutagenicity of anesthetics and their metabolites.

Abstract The commonly used volatile anesthetics, several of their metabolites, and drugs frequently employed by the anesthesiologist were screened for mutagenicity in the Salmonella/rat-liver microsomal assay system developed by Dr. B. Ames and his colleagues. Chloral hydrate, both a sedative and metabolite of trichloroethylene, was found to be weakly mutagenic. Other compounds tested including halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, diazepam and chlordiazepoxide were not mutagenic. Non-volatile compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit growth of bacterial strains with decreased capacity to repair damaged DNA. None of the compounds tested inhibited the growth of DNA-repair-deficient strains relative to a strain with normal DNA-repair. Halothane and trilene were tested for direct interaction with DNA; under the experimental conditions employed, no direct interaction of these compounds and DNA could be detected.
“Jesus Loves Me, This I Know”: Finding a Rainbow God in Contemporary Adolescent Literature

This article explores four adolescent novels published between 1999 and 2010 specifically for the intersections of Christian faith and lesbian and gay sexual identities. Using cultural, queer, and ideological theories, the piece makes distinctions between progressive and traditional depictions of both Christianity and LGBTQ teen protagonists in Nancy Garden’s The Year They Burned the Books (1999), Laura Torres’s November Ever After (1999), Alex Sanchez’s The God Box (2007), and Mark Hardy’s Nothing Pink (2008).
A new fungus intermediate between the rusts and Septobasidium.

While collecting Septobasidium in South Carolina a minute fungus was found which seems to combine to a remarkable degree some of the characters of the rusts and of Septobasidium. In its spore forms this fungus strikingly resembles certain rusts, while in its parasitism on scale insects it resembles Septobasidium. Since this fungus can be put neither in Septobasidium nor in any known genus of the rusts, it seems necessary to erect a new genus somewhat intermediate between these two groups.
On the geometry of the base space of a metric fibration

Abstract We investigate the geometry of Riemannian manifolds that arise as the base space of a Riemannian submersion with totally geodesic fibers.
Diabetes Alters the Response to Bacteria by Enhancing Fibroblast Apoptosis

Diabetics suffer from both more frequent bacterial infections and greater consequences of infection. However, bacteria-induced tissue destruction and the subsequent response in diabetics have received relatively little attention. To investigate this issue, we inoculated the scalp of control or db/db diabetic mice, with the pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis, which causes connective tissue destruction in humans. Both bacteria-induced cytokine expression and tissue loss were similar in diabetic and control mice. However, there was a significantly higher rate of fibroblast-specific apoptosis in the diabetic group, which was measured as cells that were double positive for the terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated deoxy-UTP nick end labeling assay and expression of vimentin. The higher rate of fibroblast apoptosis could be explained in the diabetic group by enhanced levels of activated caspase-3. Apoptosis was evident during the peak healing period and coincided with reduced numbers of fibroblasts, diminished collagen I and III expression, and significantly reduced formation of new connective tissue matrix in diabetic mice. Thus, diabetes may impair the healing response to bacteria-induced connective tissue loss by increasing the number of caspase-3-activated fibroblasts, leading to greater apoptosis and reduced numbers of fibroblastic cells.
Graph coloring inequalities from all-different systems

We explore the idea of obtaining valid inequalities for a 0---1 model from a finite-domain constraint programming formulation of the problem. In particular, we formulate a graph coloring problem as a system of all-different constraints. By analyzing the polyhedral structure of all-different systems, we obtain facet-defining inequalities that can be mapped to valid cuts in the classical 0---1 model of the problem. We focus on cuts corresponding to cycles and webs and show that they are stronger than known cuts for these structures. We also identify path cuts and show they do not strengthen the bound. Computational experiments for a set of benchmark instances reveal that finite-domain cycle cuts often deliver tighter bounds, in less time, than classical 0---1 cuts.
Structural analysis of the N‐ and C‐termini in a peptide with consensus sequence

We present a structural analysis of a peptide, the sequence of which includes amino acids that show preferences for specific positions near the N- and C-termini in protein helices. This peptide has the sequence ac-YMSEDELKAAEAAFKRHGVP-amide, which includes a strong version of an N-terminal Harper-Rose capping box structure as well as a Gly located close to the C-terminus designed to elucidate its role in C-terminal capping. The sequence of five residues at the middle is inserted to separate effects at the two ends via a helix-stabilizing linker. Application of a simulated annealing procedure using interproton distance constraints derived from 1H NOESY experiments in water reveals the presence of a C-terminal structure in this model. The C-terminus forms a folded back structure in a significant fraction of structures generated by the annealing, in most of which Gly assumes an alpha L conformation. This structure occurs within a highly flexible region of the molecule and hence is occupied only a fraction of the time.
Dissociated Identity and Semantic Priming in Broca's Aphasia: How Controlled Processing Produces Inhibitory Semantic Priming

Broca's aphasics performed a lexical decision task in a semantic priming experiment in which the proportion of related words was manipulated with a sufficiently long stimulus onset asynchrony for expectancy-based, strategic processing to operate. The control subjects showed the typical increase in semantic facilitation as relatedness proportion increased. However, the aphasic subjects demonstrated the opposite effect such thatinhibitorysemantic priming occurred as relatedness proportion increased even though, in a second experiment, these same aphasics showed an increase infacilitatoryidentity priming as relatedness proportion increased. This striking dissociation of identity and semantic priming for the aphasics was interpreted as supporting the “center-surround” theory (Carr & Dagenbach, 1990), which accounts for the same dissociation found in the normal population under challenging word-recognition conditions.
Comparative study of Polyamide 6 reinforced with glass fibre and montmorillonite

The reinforcement effect of montmorillonite (nanofiller) and chopped glass fibres (microfiller) in the polyamide 6 has been investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, extensometer and Rockwell hardness scale-L tester. MMT is comprised of dioctahedral smectites and is in the shape of platelets with nanometer-scale thickness, whereas GF has large particle size up to several microns. Owing to the polymorphic nature of PA6, both α- and γ-structures were coexisted in PA6/MMT system while solely γ-structure was present in PA6/GF composites. The confining effect of MMT in PA6 was evident from the appearance of abnormal endothermic peak. The mechanical properties were remarkably improved in the presence of both types of fillers; however, GF imparted the super reinforcing effect in the PA6 matrix at the loading of 25 wt%. The tensile modulus was improved by about 460 % in PA6/GF and about 148 % in PA6/MMT composites as compared to neat PA6.