cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geotouch: software for three and four dimensional GIS in the earth sciences

Abstract A new program for exploratory data analysis in three and four dimensions is presented and described. Interactive communication between diverse datasets is stressed as the main gestalt of the Geotouch program. The primary kinds of data include point, vector, raster and wireframe data sets, in addition to specialized forms such as focal mechanisms and ellipsoidal information. The software includes methods for cutting cross-sections at arbitrary angles, spinning objects in three space and animating time series of punctual data, such as hypocenter series and volcano eruptions. The program is written in POSIX compliant C using X-windows for Unix systems and has been ported to Linux. Free access, via the Internet, to executable binary, source code and documentation make this package an attractive alternative to expensive or unwieldy commercial options.
A Relationship Between Plant Height of Alfalfa and the Rate of Alfalfa Weevil Larval Development

Two studies were conducted in which 131 selected clones of alfalfa were screened for resistance to the larva of Hypera postica (Gyllenhal). There were no significant differences among the 131 clones with regard to the time required for the larva to complete development. Observations made during the tests indicated that larvae were developing more rapidly on taller plants regardless of the clone. Therefore, clonal identity was disregarded and in each test the data from all clones were pooled and analyzed to determine if there was a relationship between plant height and the time required for larval development. The results of both studies showed that length of time required for the larva to complete development decreased as the plant height increased, up to heights of 10–12 em. The authors suggest that the more rapidly growing, taller plants may have superior nutritional quality.
Internal reproductive organs of the female humpbacked fly, Megaselia scalaris Loew (Diptera : Phoridae)

Abstract The female reproductive system of the humpbacked fly Megaselia scalaris Loew (Diptera : Phoridae) was examined in whole mount preparations and serial sections. The system includes 2 ovaries, paired lateral oviducts, a common oviduct, and a genital chamber, opening externally through a gonopore, anteriad and ventrad to the anus. The ducts of the 2 accessory glands open independently into the dorsal region of the genital chamber. The terminal duct of a 2-armed spermatheca joins the right posterior and ventral wall of the genital chamber, immediately inside the gonopore. Passing dorally, the spermathecal duct lies immediately ventral to the duct of the right accessory gland. A short distance posteriad, it divides into two branches, each supplying an arm of the spermatheca. The genital chamber extends both anteriorly and posteriorly from its junction with the common oviduct, creating anterior and posterior compartments. In the right lateral wall of the genital chamber, a distinctive loop-shaped thickening (plate) resembles a darkened thread when it is observed through the integument. Features likely to have taxonomic utility include the posterior and ventral location of the terminal portion of the spermathecal duct; and the asymmetrically arranged, loop-shaped plate.
Treatment of hand injuries by external fixation

Thirty-five consecutive applications of external fixation to the hand, including 27 acute cases and 8 reconstructive procedures, were studied. In both settings, external fixation was used not only for skeletal stabilization but also for management of the soft tissues. Twenty of the 22 acute fractures healed, and six arthrodeses with interposition bone grafts resulted in fusion. Three septic nonunions resolved, and two united successfully. There were no complications. We recommend external fixation systems in the hand, and several case reports are included in the study to illustrate the various applications.
C75, a Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitor, Inhibits Feeding Activity and Pheromone Production in a Moth, Helicoverpa zea

Abstract Fatty acid synthesis produces long-chain fatty acids that are principal forms of stored energy and essential constituents of cellular membrane lipids. In animals fatty acid synthesis is catalyzed by fatty acid synthase (FAS) from acetyl-coenyzyme A (CoA) and malonyl-CoA. Cerulenin and C75, potent FAS inhibitors, can inhibit feeding in mammals. Using these inhibitors we examined the effect of feeding inhibition during H. zea larval stage. Growth of larvae injected (30 μg/g body weight) with C75 or cerulenin was significantly delayed during the first 8 hrs after injection, but recovered to normal levels within 20 hrs. During the first 8 hr period, the amount of consumed diet in the inhibitor treated larvae was significantly less than the control group. The retardation of larval development could be caused from the reduction of food intake after injection of the inhibitor. The result indicates that C75 or cerulenin inhibits fatty acid synthesis, resulting in feeding suppression in the larval moth as demonstrated in vertebrates. Pheromone production was significantly decreased in the isolated pheromone gland of H. zea females treated with FAS inhibitors. Pheromone production was inhibited by blocking fatty acid synthesis, even though PBAN stimulated pheromone biosynthesis. After topical application of D3-16: Acid to pheromone glands the relative labeled pheromone amount was increased when the gland was incubated with C75. This result indicates that a part of the pheromone amount could be synthesized from 16: Acid directly when fatty acid synthesis was blocked. These results indicate that the inhibitors have a potential possibility to control insect feeding activity and inhibit pheromone biosynthesis in moths.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN HYDROFORMYLATION CATALYSIS

Abstract Interest in the catalytic hydroformylation, or so-called oxonation, of olefins to aldehydes and alcohols has increased steadily since the first commercial production of 0x0 alcohols from olefins, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen in 1948. The area has been the subject of frequent review.
Effects of long-term winter wheat, summer fallow residue and nutrient management on field hydrology for a silt loam in north-central Oregon

Abstract In a region where water is the primary limiting factor of crop production, loss of water from fields by overland flow represents an economic loss to producers. Traditional crop management practices in north-central Oregon have led to crop water loss by overland flow. In 1931, a long-term experiment was begun near Pendleton, Oregon, in a Walla Walla silt loam (coarse-silty, mixed, mesic Typic Haploxeroll—US; Kastanozems—FAO), to examine the influence on soil fertility and crop production by nutrient amendments and crop residue management practices. This experiment provided the opportunity to evaluate the influence of a several traditional farming practices on field hydrology. Tillage in all treatments consisted of moldboard plowing and multiple passes with secondary tillage equipment to smooth the surface for planting and for weed control. The treatments were combinations of nutrient amendments (0.90 kg N ha−1 commercial fertilizer, and 145 kg N ha−1 from manure) and residue management (fall-burn, spring-burn, and no-burn), whose soil organic carbon increased with increasing nutrient amendments. These treatments were in a winter wheat–fallow system and represent a set of past and current cultural practices. Overland flow from these treatments was measured. Lister furrows separated the plots of 12 m ×40 m (≈0.05 ha) to prevent overland flow from treatment to treatment and were instrumented with weirs to capture and measure overland flow. To determine if hydrologic differences existed between treatments, we tested the overland flow to precipitation (Q/P) ratio. The Q/P ratio (P
Association analysis of whole genome sequencing data accounting for longitudinal and family designs

Using the whole genome sequencing data and the simulated longitudinal phenotypes for 849 pedigree-based individuals from Genetic Analysis Workshop 18, we investigated various approaches to detecting the association of rare and common variants with blood pressure traits. We compared three strategies for longitudinal data: (a) using the baseline measurement only, (b) using the average from multiple visits, and (c) using all individual measurements. We also compared the power of using all of the pedigree-based data and the unrelated subset. The analyses were performed without knowledge of the underlying simulating model.
African peacekeeping in Africa: Warlord politics, defense economics, and state legitimacy

Since the end of the Cold War, sub-Saharan African states have substantially increased their participation in international peacekeeping operations in Africa. Their contributions have become highly valued and even facilitated by major powers. This article examines why certain African states might contribute more than others to peacekeeping. In particular, prominent arguments are considered about the primacy of regime security concerns and the dynamics of warlord politics in the foreign policymaking of African states, the economic incentives of peacekeeping, and the importance of African states’ concerns over their state legitimacy and territorial integrity. First, this study investigates the possibility that peacekeeping might be utilized as a diversionary strategy to divert the attention of both an African state’s military and major powers from a regime’s misrule. Second, this study examines the extent to which financial and material assistance from donor states encourages poorer states to engage in peacekeeping. Third, the study investigates whether states with less legitimate and more arbitrary borders might have greater incentive to contribute to peacekeeping operations to promote the territorial status quo in Africa. Empirical evidence from a quantitative analysis across 47 states of sub-Saharan Africa from 1989 to 2001 suggests that states that are poorer, with lower state legitimacy and lower political repression, participate more often in regional peacekeeping.
Examining phonological-morphological interactions with converging sources of evidence

The purpose of this study was to examine surface-level interactions between phonology and morphosyntax in an attempt to determine whether primarily phonological or morphological output or input processing constraints limited plural productions. The plural forms of four children with speech and language impairments and the error pattern of final consonant deletion were examined using converging sources of evidence. Results from production, perception, and comprehension tasks, as well as a morphological learning task, provided specific pieces of evidence that helped to identify difficulties in both phonological and morphological output processing, as well as circumscribed input processing constraints in some of the children. Acoustic analysis revealed that all children produced plurals that were markedly different from singular productions using one or more suprasegmental parameters. Results of the study indicate that, by using converging sources of evidence, not only may the cause of breakdown be detected,...
Update on the Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

New antiemetic drug developments, formulations, guidelines, risk evaluation, and controversies have occurred in the area of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). These developments have helped improve our understanding of the prevention and treatment of PONV in the postanesthesia care unit and after discharge home or to the hospital ward. Antiemetic drug research has resulted in the introduction of the second-generation 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist palonosetron and the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist aprepitant, as well as new data on existing antiemetics. The next frontier and need for further nausea and vomiting research and therapy is the area of postdischarge nausea and vomiting after the patient is discharged home from phase II of the ambulatory stepdown unit or to the hospital ward. Antiemetic drug selection depends on efficacy, cost, safety, and ease of dosing. Safety concerns have arisen regarding the side effects of antiemetics, specifically their effect on the ECG with prolongation of the QTc interval by the butyrophenones and the first-generation 5-HT3 receptor antagonist class of antiemetics. The impact of pharmocogenetics on antiemetic drug metabolism and their resulting efficacy has been correlated with genetic makeup affecting drug response. A discussion of ethics in PONV research has been initiated by the meta-analysis of PONV studies. To help guide antiemetic selection and PONV therapy for clinical practitioners, the Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) PONV consensus guidelines have been introduced and updated.
Construing action abstractly and perceiving consonance among goal pursuits: Implications for activity substitutability and the accessibility of activity-goal links

Findings from five experiments show that high-level action construals, due to either increase in temporal distance or to self-regulatory mindsets, facilitate consonance among subjective evaluations of separable goal pursuits. In Experiments 1 and 2, evaluations of progress toward separable goals were more strongly related among participants in abstract-mindset and future-focus conditions than in concrete-mindset and present-focus conditions. Results of Experiments 3 and 4 were consistent with the proposal that modulating the accessibility of relations between one’s goals and one’s broader aims is the mechanism by which level of action construal impacts perceived goal correspondence. Finally, results of Experiment 5 show that viewing an activity as linked to one’s goals increases the activity’s perceived substitutability. Implications for action representation and self-concept structure are discussed.
Variations in the impact of health coverage expansion proposals across states.

Most estimates of the consequences of alternative health insurance propos- als focus on national impact, but the extent of cross-state diversity in uninsurance rates, economic and labor-market characteristics, and health care markets suggests that the im- pact of strategies will also vary. We illustrate this variation by comparing the effects of stan- dard tax credit and Medicaid expansion proposals across states. Some states do well (or poorly) under all policies; others benefit under some but not others. Across policies, state effects on uninsurance rates vary by at least a factor of 2.5. Uniform national strategies that target the uninsured do not generate uniform national outcomes.
Even-parity finite-element transport methods in the diffusion limit

Abstract We use an asymptotic analysis to investigate the behavior of continuous finite-element-method (CFEM) discretizations of the even-parity transport equation, in problems containing optically thick diffusive regions. Our first interesting result is that we can analyze the entire family of even-parity CFEMs, and can do so in three dimensions on an arbitrarily-connected grid. (Previous asymptotic analyses have been restricted to specific discretizations, either in slab geometry or in XY geometry on a rectangular grid.) We show that every even-parity CFEM transport solution satisfies a corresponding CFEM discretization of the correct diffusion equation in the diffusion limit, which is a highly desirable property. We further show that this solution is subject to a Dirichlet boundary condition given by a cosine (| n ·Ω|) weighting of the incident intensity. We show that this boundary condition, which is less accurate than we would like, means that in certain problems the transport solution in a diffusive region can be more than a factor of two greater than the correct solution. We also show that the CFEM transport solution can be incorrect in non-diffusive regions that are adjacent to diffusive regions, no matter how fine the spatial grid is in the non-diffusive region. We give numerical results from slab geometry verifying the predictions of our analysis.
NEUROTROPHIC FACTORS MODULATE HAIR CELLS AND THEIR POTASSIUM CURRENTS IN CHICK OTOCYST EXPLANTS

Neurotrophins, retinoids and their receptors are present in the sensory epithelia of the inner ear during development. We show that these factors modulate the proliferation of hair cells and their K 1 -currents when the embryonic day 3 (ED 3) presumptive inner ear (i.e. otocyst) is maintained in organ culture. All trans-retinoic acid (RA) increases hair cell differentiation and enhances the acquisition of outward currents, including a delayed rectifier and a fast activating, transient type, voltage-gated potassium current. In contrast, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) decrease ionic current activity, and the addition of RA with the neurotrophins enhances this inhibitory response in an age-dependent manner. We measured the total number of cells per explant over time to determine precisely when and how these factors inhibit explant growth. We found that high concentrations of BDNF and NT-3 administered together, and low concentrations of both neurotrophins combined and administered with RA suppress otocyst cell numbers after 24 h in vitro. This suppressive response is induced by RA and NT-3, not by RA and BDNF. The suppressive or inhibitory influence of NT-3 and RA is the result of NT-3 binding to the low affinity receptor, p75 NTR , not the result of RA increasing mRNA levels for the high affinity receptor,trkC. However, trk may act with p75 NTR , as disruption of trk signalling alleviates the inhibitory response induced by NT-3 and RA. Our data suggest that various combinations and/or concentration gradients of these factors can differentially regulate inner ear development and hair cell excitability.
Energy price shocks and productivity slowdown

Abstract The paper summarizes information on the extent of productivity slowdown since 1973 and its coincidence with the energy price shocks of the 1970s and 1980s. Results from various studies on the ‘capital utilization’ hypothesis concerning the energy price - productivity connection are examined and it is concluded that whilst there may be some validity to the hypothesis it does not explain all of the productivity slowdown. The importance of further research into the energy price - productivity connection may lie in its relation to many proposals for addressing local, regional and global environmental problems.
A multivariate twin study of the DSM-IV criteria for antisocial personality disorder.

Background Many assessment instruments for psychopathy are multidimensional, suggesting that distinguishable factors are needed to effectively capture variation in this personality domain. However, no prior study has examined the factor structure of the DSM-IV criteria for antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Methods Self-report questionnaire items reflecting all A criteria for DSM-IV ASPD were available from 4291 twins (including both members of 1647 pairs) from the Virginia Adult Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders. Exploratory factor analysis and twin model fitting were performed using, respectively, Mplus and Mx. Results Phenotypic factor analysis produced evidence for two correlated factors: aggressive-disregard and disinhibition. The best-fitting multivariate twin model included two genetic and one unique environmental common factor, along with criteria-specific genetic and environmental effects. The two genetic factors closely resembled the phenotypic factors and varied in their prediction of a range of relevant criterion variables. Scores on the genetic aggressive-disregard factor score were more strongly associated with risk for conduct disorder, early and heavy alcohol use, and low educational status, whereas scores on the genetic disinhibition factor score were more strongly associated with younger age, novelty seeking, and major depression. Conclusions From a genetic perspective, the DSM-IV criteria for ASPD do not reflect a single dimension of liability but rather are influenced by two dimensions of genetic risk reflecting aggressive-disregard and disinhibition. The phenotypic structure of the ASPD criteria results largely from genetic and not from environmental influences.
Reactions of phenothiazine radical cations on ion-exchange resin surfaces. an esr flow study

Abstract The adsorption and reactivity of radical ions on the macroreticular ion-exchange resin Amberlyst 15 have been studied using an ESR flow technique. Diffusion of N-methylphenothiazine (1) to Fe3+-labeled resin bead surfaces, with subsequent electron transfer to produce adsorbed 1•+, occurs about as quickly as the methanol eluant can penetrate into the interior of the resin matrix. In contrast, reactions of adsorbed 1•+ with reagents in the incoming eluant stream are slowed, and second-order reaction rates decrease on changing the reagent from ascorbic acid to diethylamine to cyclohexene. The degree of stabilization of adsorbed 1•+ appears to reflect the differing radical cation mobility requirements in these three reactions. The adsorption and reactivity of unsubstituted phenothiazine, thianthrene, and phenoxathin radical cations have also been investigated. The ESR technique used in these studies should be applicable to other paramagnetic systems as well, providing information on diffusion, adsorption, electron transfer reactions, and other reactions occurring within porous substrates.
Initiation of transcription is temperature-dependent in an E. coli mutant with ts adenylate kinase.

In a mutant of E. coli with temperature-sensitive adenylate kinase (AK) activity the synthesis of β-galactosidase or ornithine transcarbamylase cannot be induced at the restrictive temperature of 40°, but is induced normally at 27°. However, bulk protein synthesis, including the synthesis of pre-induced β-galactosidase, continues for several minutes after a temperature shift from 27° to 40°. These effects of temperature shift mimic the effects of rifampin on a related strain with normal AK activity. The results are interpreted as indicating that the mutant bacteria at the restrictive temperature are blocked in initiation of transcription.
Binding of horse heart cytochrome c to yeast porphyrin cytochrome c peroxidase: a fluorescence quenching study on the ionic strength dependence of the interaction.

Abstract The binding of horse heart cytochrome c to yeast cytochrome c peroxidase in which the heme group was replaced by protoporphyrin IX was determined by a fluorescence quenching technique. The association between ferricytochrome c and cytochrome c peroxidase was investigated at pH 6.0 in cacodylate/KNO3 buffers. Ionic strength was varied between 3.5 m m and 1.0 m . No binding occurs at 1.0 m ionic strength although there was a substantial decrease in fluorescence intensity due to the inner filter effect. After correcting for the inner filter effect, significant quenching of porphyrin cytochrome c peroxidase fluorescence by ferricytochrome c was observed at 0.1 m ionic strength and below. The quenching could be described by 1:1 complex formation between the two proteins. Values of the equilibrium dissociation constant determined from the fluorescence quenching data are in excellent agreement with those determined previously for the native enzyme-ferricytochrome c complex at pH 6.0 by difference spectrophotometry ( J. E. Erman and L. B. Vitello (1980) J. Biol. Chem.225, 6224–6227 ). The binding of both ferri- and ferrocytochrome c to cytochrome c peroxidase was investigated at pH 7.5 as functions of ionic strength in phosphate/KNO3 buffers using the fluorescence quenching technique. The binding in independent of the redox state of cytochrome c between 10 and 20 m m ionic strength, but ferricytochrome c binds with greater affinity at 30 m m ionic strength and above.
Androgen deprivation with radiotherapy: how long is long enough?

Lancet Oncology, The - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since vendredi 20 fevrier 2015
Cotton Pest Management Strategies and Related Pesticide Use and Yield

The use of pesticides is an integral part of pest management for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production. However, in response to environmental and public safety concerns, alternative pest management strategies focused to reducing pesticide usage is becoming more important. The objective of this study is to evaluate various pest control practices as substitutes or complements to pesticides in maintaining or enhancing cotton yields. A tobit model is estimated using data from the 1994 USDA Cropping Practices Survey of cotton producers in the six major cotton-producing states to assess the effects of pest control strategies on yield and pesticide use in cotton production. Statistical tests were performed to assess the significance of differences between (i) high and low integrated pest management (IPM) fields, (ii) high and low pesticide use fields, and (iii) high and low yield fields, in terms of yield, pesticide use, use of individual IPM practices, and use of tillage and irrigation. High IPM fields had significantly higher yield, lower yield risk, and higher use of pesticide treatments than low IPM fields. High pesticide use fields generally used more IPM practices and had higher yield and lower yield risk than low pesticide use fields. High yield fields had lower yield risk, used significantly more IPM practices, but also used more pesticide treatments per acre than low yield fields.
A new medical therapy for Cushing disease

Members of the ErbB family of cell surface tyrosine kinase receptors are important targets for cancer treatment because they frequently contribute to the pathogenesis of malignancy. In this issue of the JCI, Fukuoka et al. generate data that suggest that using a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR; also known as ErbB1) may be a novel approach for treating patients with hypercortisolemia due to pituitary corticotroph adenomas (Cushing disease). While surgical resection remains the cornerstone of treatment for individuals with such tumors, this study suggests that TKIs could perhaps be used to reduce tumor size prior to surgery or to treat recurrent disease after surgery.
Active Form of Two Coliphage Repressors

Two coliphage repressers were originally isolated as monomeric proteins. Here it is shown that these repressers attach to DNA in the form of oligomers, possibly as tetramers, and that these oligomers are in rapid equilibrium with the monomers.
Advances of Surface Control Methodologies for Flexible Space Reflectors

With the advances in deployable membrane technologies, the possibility of developing large, lightweight reflectors has greatly improved. However, to achieve the required accuracy, precision surface control is needed. The goal of this research was to investigate the feasibility of applying distributed polyvinylidene fluoride actuators and domain control on a flexible reflector and address some of the technical challenges. An analytical model of the integrated reflector–actuator system was developed. A Kapton reflector with polyvinylidene fluoride actuators was experimentally tested and compared with the model. A new least-squares control law is designed to ensure optimal solutions are derived in a rigorous manner when constraints are applied. The model is exercised using individually controlled polyvinylidene fluoride actuators on a large-scale reflector under thermal load. Although the results are promising with the large number of actuators applied, the major challenge is that it is unrealistic to have t...
The effects of postdosed bismuth on the chemistry of CH3 and CH3I on Pt(111)

Bismuth postdosing thermal desorption mass spectroscopy (BPTDS) is a new surface analytical technique which uses vapor-deposited Bi atoms to suppress bond-breaking reactions in adsorbed molecules, so that they desorb intact for mass spectral identification and quantification. We show here that BPTDS successfully works for an alkyl halide (CH3Ia) on Pt(111). This Bia, when postdosed to coadsorbed methyl groups and hydrogen on Pt(111), also greatly accelerates the reaction CH3,a + Ha → CH4. Thus CH4 appears in a peak at 190 K in BPTDS of CH3Ia which had been preflashed to ~ 235 K to initiate the reactions CH3Ia → CH3,a + Ia and CH3,a → CHy,a + (3 − y)Ha. Depending upon which is in excess, this CH4 peak area c quantify the Ha or CH3,a coverage. The coverages of CH3Ia, CH3,a and Ha as a function of temperature during heating of an adlayer of CH3Ia from 100 K are estimated using BPTDS peak areas. Coadsorption experiments with D2 show that Ha addition to CH3,a is more facile than Da addition during BPTDS.
Thermally addressed immunosorbent assay for multiplexed protein detections using phase change nanoparticles.

Thermally addressed immunoassay is developed to detect multiple proteins using phase change nanoparticles as thermal barcodes. The solid to liquid phase changes of nanoparticles absorb heat energy and generate sharp melting peaks, which are used as thermal signatures to determine the existence and concentration of proteins. Multiple proteins can be detected by using different types of nanoparticles in order to create a one-to-one correspondence between one type of nanoparticle and one type of protein. The fusion enthalpy that is proportional to the amount of phase change materials has been used to derive the amount of protein. The melting temperatures of nanoparticles are designed to be higher than 100 °C to avoid interference from species contained in the fluid. Thus, the use of thermal nanoparticles allows the detection of multiple low concentration proteins in a complex fluid such as cell lysate regardless of the color, salt concentration, and conductivity of the sample.
Treatment of Bronchopleural Fistula With Small Intestinal Mucosa and Fibrin Glue Sealant

Bronchopleural fistula can be a devastating complication of pulmonary resections. Treatment options are often limited and carry significant morbidity or mortality, or both. We present a case of bronchopleural fistula occurring after pulmonary lobectomy for aspergilloma in a patient with recurrent acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The bronchopleural fistula was treated using bronchoscopic obliteration with Tisseel VH Fibrin Sealant (Baxter Healthcare Corp, Westlake Village, CA) and small intestinal submucosa with complete resolution and no morbidity. The relevant literature is reviewed.
Microwave frequency effects on synthesis of cryptomelane-type manganese oxide and catalytic activity of cryptomelane precursor

Cryptomelane-type manganese oxides (OMS-2) were synthesized in the presence of microwave heating at different microwave frequencies and also using variable-frequency heating. The materials were prepared using a two-step hydrothermal procedure. Catalytic activity of the materials was tested for the oxidation of 2-thiophenemethanol. OMS-2 prepared at a high-frequency limit of 5.5 GHz showed the highest conversion (50%) to the 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde among all of the tested OMS-2 samples. The OMS-2 precursor showed remarkable conversion (89%) in the oxidation reaction. In addition, the OMS-2 materials and the precursor showed differences in oxygen evolution based on the thermal decomposition experiments, as well as differences in porosity.
ACES: An efficient admission control scheme for QoS-aware web servers

The unpredictability of server response performance hinders the advance of new application on the Internet. In this paper, we present an efficient admission control algorithm, ACES, based on the server workload characteristics. The admission control algorithm ensures the bounded response time from a web server by periodical allocation of system resources according to the resource requirements of incoming tasks. By rejecting requests exceeding server capacity, the response performance of the server is well maintained even under high system utilization. The resource requirements of tasks are estimated based on their types. A double-queue structure is implemented to reduce the effects caused by estimation inaccuracy, and to exploit the spare capacity of the server, thus increasing the system throughput. The admission control algorithm can be used for server overload control and for QoS provisioning of service differentiating Internet servers. Response delays of accepted tasks are bounded by the desired predefined time period. Theoretical analyses and experimental studies show that the ACES algorithm provides desirable throughput and bounded response delay to the tasks, without any significant impact on the aggregate throughput performance of the system under various workload situations.
The participation of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ated histone H1 in oligonucleosomal condensation.

The chromatin-associated enzyme poly(ADP-Rib) polymerase causes an NAD-dependent crosslinking of modified oligonucleosomes, as demonstrated by electrophoretic and sedimentation analysis [Butt, T. R. and Smulson, M. (1980) Biochemistry, 19, 5235–5242]. It was speculated that poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of histone H1 and subsequent formation through crosslinking to an H1 dimer may be an important component of this phenomenon. To study this process, a method of complexing histone H1 to chromatin was required that promoted the restoration of accurate poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of this histone. Previously we have established that two histone H1 molecules are crosslinked by a chain of poly(ADP-Rib) 15 or 16 units in length. In the current study, we made use of the ability of oligonucleosomes, reconstituted with H1, to carry out the synthesis of the poly(ADP-Rib)–H1 complex in order to monitor the accuracy of reconstitution. It appears that a specific distance and juxtaposition of adjacent H1 molecules along the polynucleosome fiber is required for the enzymatic synthesis of this modified histone complex. We established that a controlled trypsin digestion of oligonucleosomes removed H1 histone with minimal perturbation of other nuclear proteins associated with chromatin. In addition, poly(ADP-Rib) polymerase was partially removed from chromatin by this procedure. Subsequently, methods utilizing gradient salt dialysis have been employed to reconstitute both the polymerase and histone H1 to the depleted oligonucleosomes. The reassociation of H1 (and polymerase) to specific binding sites within oligonucleosomes was accomplished by the above procedures. Poly(ADP-Rib)–H1-dimer synthesis was not observed in depleted oligonucleosomes, but this capacity was found to be partially restored in the reconstituted chromatin. Similiarly, the ability of NAD to promote crosslinking of nucleosomes was restored in the reconstituted samples. These results provide a basis for further studies on how the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of histones alters the structure of chromatin.
Tumors of the cerebral aqueduct

Two cases of tumor of the cerebral aqueduct are described. Case 1 is a pilocytic astrocytoma in a 16-year-old girl with a two-year history of intermittent increase of intracranial pressure. The tumor was completely confined within the lumen of the aqueduct. Case 2 is a subependymoma of a 68-year-old man. The tumor extended beyond the aqueduct to the periaqueductal gray matter and produced signs and symptoms suggesting normal pressure hydrocephalus. The literature contains 18 other cases of tumor of the aqueduct: 13 gliomas and five vascular malformations. All, except one, produced clinical manifestations of generalized hydrocephalus lasting from 20 days to six years. The result generally did not correspond to the histologic type of the tumor. Like gliomas of the brainstem in general, those in the aqueduct tend to occur in childhood and adolescence and affect male more than female patients.
AFOPro: a nutrient management decision support system for the United States

AFOPro is a response to the need to track nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in livestock manure generated by the confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) as well as in commercial fertilizer, and applied as nutrient sources in agricultural fields in the United States. This system may be used by planners that include consultants, state agency personnel, extension specialists, and producers/owners to make allocation decisions optimum for an agricultural field to meet the crop needs, while minimizing the possible impacts on the watersheds. AFOPro has four basic modules: (1) AFOPro Core, a nutrient management decision module; (2) AFOPro Web, a web module for updating the knowledge base; (3) AFOPro Spatial, a spatial module interfacing with a geographic information system to generate spatial information regarding agricultural fields; and (4) AFOPro PI Calculator, a module for calculating state-specific phosphorus indices (PI) for agricultural fields. AFOPro is flexible, transparent, interactive, and supports 16 states of the United States as of July 2003.
Isotope effects and mechanism of the asymmetric BOROX Brønsted acid catalyzed aziridination reaction.

The mechanism of the chiral VANOL-BOROX Bronsted acid catalyzed aziridination reaction of imines and ethyldiazoacetate has been studied using a combination of experimental kinetic isotope effects and theoretical calculations. A stepwise mechanism where reversible formation of a diazonium ion intermediate precedes rate-limiting ring closure to form the cis-aziridine is implicated. A revised model for the origin of enantio- and diastereoselectivity is proposed based on relative energies of the ring-closing transition structures.
RNA Determinants of Picornavirus Cap-Independent Translation Initiation

Abstract Internal ribosome entry was first identified as a translation mechanism used by picornavirus RNAs and has since been shown to be used by other viral and eukaryotic RNAs as well. Cap-independent translation is dependent on complex interactions between eukaryotic factors and picornavirus RNAs in the cytoplasm of the host cell. Determinants for ribosome association lie in the 5′-noncoding region of viral RNAs and consist of several levels of structure including primary sequence, stem-loop structures, and perhaps tertiary folding. Host cell factors involved in this process include some canonical translation factors and additional RNA-binding proteins, of which only a few have been identified. Recent advances in reconstituting translationin vitrohave provided a useful means for deciphering the roles of protein and RNA factors and the steps leading to end-independent protein synthesis.
Ovarian follicular development and the follicular fluid hormones and growth factors in normal women of advanced reproductive age.

Reproductive aging in women (a physiological decline in the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis) is an infrequently investigated and poorly understood biological phenomenon. Although menstrual irregularity and anovulation are known to precede the menopause, normal women in their fifth decade experience a profound decrease in fertility while still experiencing regular menstrual cycles. To further our understanding of the physiological changes associated with reproductive aging, this study examined the spontaneous development and function of ovarian follicles in normal women, aged 40-45 yr. The subjects were women (n = 21), aged 40-45 yr, who had regular 25- to 35-day ovulatory menstrual cycles, were not infertile, had no medical problems, and met specific criteria for weight, diet, and exercise. The controls were normal women (n = 20), age 20-25 yr, who met the same criteria. The subjects were monitored with daily hormone measurements [LH, FSH, estradiol (E), progesterone (P), and inhibin] and pelvic sonograms from day 1 of their study cycle until the dominant ovarian follicle reached a mean diameter of 15 mm and/or a serum E level of 550 pmol/L or higher was attained. At that time, 10,000 U hCG were given, and a transvaginal sonographic follicle aspiration was performed 32 h later. The follicular fluid (FF) was collected, stored frozen at -70 C, and later analyzed for E, P, testosterone (T), androstenedione, inhibin, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and IGF-II. The number of cycle days to aspiration was lower (11.6 vs. 15.6 days; P < 0.001) and the early follicular phase mean FSH and mean E levels were higher (9.3 vs. 6.6 mIU/mL and 305 vs. 160 pmol/L; P < 0.01) in the older (O) group compared to the younger group. There was a strong trend toward higher FF mean E (2280 vs. 1931 nmol/L) and lower FF mean T (978 vs. 2361 pmol/L) levels in group O. The E/T ratio was significantly higher (5253 vs. 2408; P < 0.03) in group O. In group O, the mean FF P levels were increased as well (25.1 vs. 18.8 micromol/L; P < 0.01). The serum mean IGF-I (153 vs. 226 ng/mL; P < 0.001) and FF mean IGF-I (113 vs. 158 ng/mL; P < 0.02) levels were significantly decreased in group O. There were no differences between groups in serum or FF IGF-II or inhibin levels. Whether reproductive aging is an intrinsic ovarian process or the ovary is simply responding to exogenous influences, the ovary in general and its follicles in particular are the primary site of the effects of aging. Ovarian follicles in older ovulatory women have some unique features: 1) the follicles are the same size as those in younger women, but form more rapidly; 2) secretion of E and inhibin is not compromised; 3) the concentrations of steroids in the FF are indicative of a healthier follicle, i.e. increased P levels and higher estrogen to androgen ratio; and 4) serum and FF levels of IGF-I are decreased, but there are no differences in IGF-II levels.
Obesity prevalence among a group of Chicago residents with disabilities.

Abstract Rimmer JH, Wang E. Obesity prevalence among a group of Chicago residents with disabilities. Objective To examine the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and extreme obesity in a predominantly minority group of adults with disabilities. Design Cross-sectional study using secondary data analysis. Setting Major university medical center. Participants Adults with physical and cognitive disabilities (N=306). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Direct measures of height and weight to classify subjects into 3 obesity categories: overweight (body mass index [BMI] range, 25–29.9kg/m 2 ), obese (BMI range, 30–39.9kg/m 2 ), and extreme obesity (BMI, ≥40kg/m 2 ). Results People with disabilities, regardless of sex, race and ethnicity, or age, had significantly higher rates of overweight, obesity, and extreme obesity compared with people without disabilities. Extreme obesity (BMI, ≥40kg/m 2 ) was approximately 4 times higher among people with disabilities than in the general population (odds ratio=4.08; 95% confidence interval, 3.50–4.66). There were also substantial differences in obesity prevalence among people with disabilities, using actual measurement data, compared with self-reported data from previously published data sets. Conclusions The disparity in excess body weight between people with and without disabilities, particularly in the category of extreme obesity, along with substantial differences in obesity prevalence between actual and self-reported data, show a critical need to better understand why these differences exist.
Clinical Problem Solving in Micro-Case Management: Computer-Assisted Instruction for Information-Gathering Strategies in Rehabilitation Counseling.

An updated and expanded version of Berven and Scofield's (1980) computer simulation of a clinical scenario in rehabilitation counseling was administered to 65 graduate students in rehabilitation counseling and 30 rehabilitation counseling professionals (criterion group). Cluster analysis of simulation results identified four homogenous groups of graduate students, indicating four different problem-solving approaches: thorough and discriminating, shotgun, constricted, and random. The influence of affective characteristics, as measured by the NEO Five-Factor Inventory and the Repertory Grid Test, on clinical problem-solving behavior was explored; no significant relationships were demonstrated. Implications of the obtained results for future use of computer simulations in rehabilitation counseling education and research were discussed.
Cell specific endopolyploidy in developing artemia

Cells in developing Artemia franciscana SFB demonstrated tissue-specific differences in DNA content, as determined by fluorescence intensity of bisbenzimide-stained nuclei and by nuclear area. The general epidermis comprised proliferating diploid (2C) cells. The setal cells had 4C-8C DNA content and did not divide during the first two instars. Salt gland cells were polyploid (>8C) and also did not undergo mitosis. Neural cells in the brain were diploid and were replicating. Cells in the thorax region of the gut had a 4C-8C DNA content and were proliferating. The muscle cells in the cephalic appendages contained 2C non-replicating nuclei. Only diploid epidermal cells were involved in segment morphogenesis. There was no difference in number of chromosomes (n=42) in the epidermal cells and the gut cells, indicating that the tissue-specific endopolyploidy was due to endoreduplication.
Characterization of quantum conducting channels in metal/molecule/metal devices using pressure-modulated conductance microscopy

Nanoscale switches will play a crucial role in the design of future nanoelectronic circuits. An interesting candidate involves metal/molecule/metal structures that operate via modulation of nanoscale conducting channels. When the conductance falls in the ballistic regime between 1∼2G Q (where G Q =2e 2/h or ≈80 μS), resonant electron transport was observed in such devices at room temperature. By performing pressure-modulated conductance microscopy, we have characterized the quantum conducting channels in terms of the wave vector of the electrons. We also observed two-level fluctuations in conductance, with each level showing opposite pressure responses, confirming the existence of resonant electron transport. These observations could lead to a new type of high speed quantum switching device based on electron wave interference.
Boerhaave's syndrome.

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