cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A simple method for ionic and molecular adsorption electrical calculations

Abstract The usual methods for calculating potentials and fields arising from a regular, adsorbed plane array of ions or dipoles are complex and time consuming to apply. We present here a method based on a modification of Grahame's cut-off model which allows several such quantities to be calculated accurately but rapidly from simple closed formulas. The method is applied to hexagonal arrays of ideal and non-ideal dipoles. Non-ideal dipoles are assumed to arise from imaging of an array of adions in a conducting adsorbent. Results of the simple, approximate formulas are compared in detail with very accurate results obtained from lengthy computer calculations. We believe the latter will be unnecessary hereafter, whenever the field or potential is desired on a line perpendicular to the plane adsorbent through a removed dipole or ion. With proper normalization, potential-distance curves for ideal and non-ideal (finite-length) dipoles are found to be nearly the same. Finally, the present results are employed to yield an improved formula for the change of work function of a conducting surface, when a hexagonal array of polarizable molecules or atoms is adsorbed on it. The formula is illustrated and shows that adsorbed uncharged elements, with sufficiently high but still physical polarizability, must either ionize or their polarizability decrease upon adsorption.
Modeling of ablation by photospallation using the computer program PUFF/DFRACT

In general, macroscopic material failure is a manifestation of irreversible changes at the microscopic level. Many tissues, which may appear to be macroscopically homogeneous, are, at a fundamental microscopic level, a composite material. For example, cornea is composed of a hyaluronic acid matrix in which layers of collagen fibers are overlaid in a crossing pattern. The points where the collagen fibers intersect are potential nucleation sites for microscopic defects, which under the action of tensile stress, nucleate, grow and coalesce to form macroscopic failure planes, or spall planes. Using a model based on microstructural evolution, this paper examines the failure process during photoablation. Specifically, the paper describes a physically motivated, micromechanical model based on the nucleation and growth of spherical voids. This model is then used to simulate photoablation of cornea. Potential for using this model to predict the stress wave and material damage measured by experiment is discussed.
THE INVESTMENT DECISION UNDER UNCERTAINTY: PORTFOLIO SELECTION*

THIS THESIS IS designed primarily to test the usefulness of a formal theoretical model in explaining the investment decision under uncertainty. It is largely empirical and is analytical rather than normative in character. The model.-Conceptually, the present approach may be classified under any (or all) of three common headings: expected utility maximization, certainty equivalence, or mathematical programing. Formally, the model requires the maximization of a quadratic objective function, y iIAiA 2;2i ijyj
Supporting non-English web searching: an experiment on the Spanish business and the Arabic medical intelligence portals

Although non-English-speaking online populations are growing rapidly, support for searching non-English Web content is much weaker than for English content. Prior research has implicitly assumed English to be the primary language used on the Web, but this is not the case for many non-English-speaking regions. This research proposes a language-independent approach that uses meta-searching, statistical language processing, summarization, categorization, and visualization techniques to build high-quality domain-specific collections and to support searching and browsing of non-English information. Based on this approach, we developed SBizPort and AMedPort for the Spanish business and Arabic medical domains respectively. Experimental results showed that the portals achieved significantly better search accuracy, information quality, and overall satisfaction than benchmark search engines. Subjects strongly favored the portals' search and browse functionality and user interface. This research thus contributes to developing and validating a useful approach to non-English Web searching and providing an example of supporting decision-making in non-English Web domains.
Intramuscular hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and nucleosides for prevention of recurrent hepatitis B following liver transplantation: comparison with other HBIG regimens

: High titer hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) has significantly reduced the recurrence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection after liver transplantation. We compared our experience with intramuscular (IM) HBIG prophylaxis to our earlier outcomes with intravenous (IV) HBIG and other regimens. Methods: One hundred and twenty-three patients with acute or chronic hepatitis B underwent liver transplant at the Baylor Regional Transplant Center between July 1985 and July of 2005. Of these, 63 (43%) received long-term low-dose IM (n = 17) or high-dose IV (n = 46) HBIG. All patients in IM group also received a nucleoside before and after transplant. These patients were compared with those transplanted earlier who received either no prophylaxis (n = 16) or HBIG on day zero and one only (n = 44). Results: HBV recurrence was significantly lower in patients who received long-term HBIG [9/38 (23.7%) for IV and 1/17 (5.9%) for IM] compared with patients who received no treatment (8/11; 72.7%) or only two doses of HBIG (32/40; 80.0%). Two-yr actuarial survivals were 89%, 88%, 54%, and 64%, respectively. Patients on long-term HBIG by either parenteral route survived as well as patients transplanted for other indications. Post-transplant recurrence of hepatitis B in the long-term HBIG groups was usually controlled by intensifying antiviral therapy. Conclusion: Long-term low-dose IM and high-dose IV HBIG are equally efficacious with similar survival and early hepatitis recurrence rates. Graft loss is usually avoidable when recurrence is discovered early and aggressively treated. The IM route is preferable to IV administration due to its ease of administration and lower cost.
Solvent and substitution effects upon the phosphorescent triplet state of carbonyl pyridines

Abstract The effects of perturbing nitrogen upon localized triplet excitations are observed for several carbonyl pyridines. Conventional and pulse optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) techniques are used to characterize the spin-relaxation processes in these aromatic carbonyl molecules.
On the synthesis and structure of lipoxin B

Abstract A synthesis of lipoxin B, a recently discovered biologically active eicosanoid, and the assignment of stereoformula 2 is reported.
Setting the Stage for S Phase

In a recent issue of Molecular Cell, Tyagi et al. (2007) show that E2F1, a positive regulator of S phase entry, recruits cofactor HCF-1 and associated hSet1/MLL histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferase complex, facilitating the activation of genes required for proliferation.
Dryopetalon stenocarpum (Brassicaceae), a new species from Coahuila, Mexico

Abstract Al-Shehbaz I. A.: Dryopetalon stenocarpum (Brassicaceae), a new species from Coahuila, Mexico. — Willdenowia 43: 121–123. June 2013. — ISSN 1868-6397; © 2013 BGBM Berlin-Dahlem.. Stable URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3372/wi.43.43114 Dryopetalon stenocarpum is described and illustrated, and its distinguishing characters from the other species of the genus, especially D. paysonii, are discussed.
The emergence of a new kind of relativism in environmental modelling: a commentary

In recent years, relativism has been the object of yet another campaign of criticism, this time from scientists who consider it antithetical to the practice of science. In this context, the 2002 publication by Beven of an article in which (between the lines) he advocates a kind of relativism associated with environmental modelling is particularly noteworthy. In the present commentary, it is argued that cognitive relativism is unavoidable in environmental sciences and that it has been recognized as such for over two decades by a number of researchers in the field. It is also pointed out, however, that the kind of relativism alluded to by Beven expands the scope of the debate significantly, and has serious implications for the practice of environmental policy making.
Limits on the radius and a possible atmosphere of Charon from its 1980 stellar occultation

Walker's (1980) stellar occultation data for Charon are presently fit by a model which encompasses the possibility of differential refraction by an atmosphere, followed by a sudden occultation behind Charon's limb. The 601.5-km Charon radius lower limit thus obtained may serve as a constraint in models of the mutual event data; while the model fits considered support a Charonian atmosphere of indeterminate composition, time resolution is insufficient for certainty and the data may be interpretable as indications of either a slight extinction near Charon or an entirely unidentified and unassociated effect.
Latina bodies in the era of elective aesthetic surgery

Using a multi-methods approach (for example, ethnographic interviews, participant observation, content analysis of television shows), I explored Latina women’s experiences with the plastic surgery industry. This article illustrates how multiple actors – doctors, beauty pageant promoters, stylists, beauty queens, media and plastic surgery consumers themselves – construct notions of universal beauty. The reality television show Dr. 90210 and the Miss Universe Pageant competition are analyzed to understand the ways in which multiple actors/agents influence Latina/o beauty ideals and how these in turn influence plastic surgery practices. This article also explores the ways in which ethnicity, race and cultural ideals disrupt, and at times, shape plastic surgery practices. What I call the Maja woman emerges as the universal beauty ideal for Latinas.
Stability diagrams for colloidal dispersions with attractive interactions: An analytical approximation

Abstract We show that a single-parameter, adhesive-hard-sphere (AHS) model can be used to estimate, analytically, the stability diagrams for colloidal dispersions interacting through fairly long-range attractive forces. The use of the model is illustrated for polymer-induced depletion interactions. Analytical expressions are given for the static structure factors, pressures and chemical potentials in terms of the adhesiveness parameter of the AHS model. The adhesiveness parameter is obtained as a function of the relevant parameters appropriate for the actual interaction forces using the second virial coefficient (which can be measured experimentally using scattering techniques). It is shown that both upper-critical and lower-critical stability domains can be predicted, in addition to static structure factors. The results presented are consistent with the predictions based on more elaborate statistical mechanical theories.
5-Hydroxytryptamine 1A (5HT1A) receptors mediate increases in plasma glucose independent of corticosterone.

Abstract Hypothalamic 5HT 1A receptors play an important role in the regulation of satiety, glycemia and endocrine status. In the present study, 8-OH-DPadministered centrally and peripherally to C57/Bl6 mice and plasma glucose insulin and corticosterone were evaluated. In these studies, dose and time dependent increases in glucose and corticosterone were observed while no alterations in insulin were seen. The increases in plasma corticosterone were prevented by prior central or peripheral administration of LY426965, a specific 5HT 1A antagonist. Intracerebroventricular coadministration of a 5HT 1A antagonist with 8-OH-DPAT prevented the increase in plasma glucose establishing this response as a centrally mediated response in mice. Given that increases in plasma corticosterone are associated with increases in plasma glucose, we conducted experiments to determine if increased plasma corticosterone was the mechanism by which 8-OH-DPAT increased plasma glucose. Prior administration of the glucocorticoid antagonist mifepristone did not affect the increase in plasma glucose produced by 8-OH-DPAT. Prior administration of the glucocorticoid synthesis inhibitor, metyrapone, reduced basal corticosterone and the concentrations of corticosterone associated with 8-OH-DPAT administration. However, metyrapone administration did not affect the increases in plasma glucose. Therefore, 5HT 1A receptors regulate glucose through brain mechanisms, but not through regulation of the hypophyseal-pituitary axis. Antagonism of brain 5HT 1A receptors may enable discovery of novel antidiabetic agents.
Control of protein synthesis in Escherichia coli: Lack of correlation with changes in intracellular pools of ATP, GTP, and ppGpp

Abstract Intracellular pools of ATP, GTP, and ppGpp have been measured in Escherichia coli after an energy source shift-down from glucose minimal to succinate-minimal medium. In a Tic + strain (ATCC 10798), which reduces translational initiation after the down-shift, the rate of protein labeling falls to about 30% of its preshift rate within the first minute after shift and reaches a minimum of 17% by 6 min after shift. The ATP pool in this strain remains constant for about 10 min after shift, then declines gradually to about 60% of its initial level. The temporal discrepancy between protein synthesis and the decline in the ATP pool indicates that a decrease in intracellular ATP is not necessary for the control of protein synthesis. In a Tic − strain (W1), which cannot control translational initiation under these conditions, the decline in the ATP pool is somewhat more rapid and more pronounced (to 40%) than in the Tic + strain, indicating that the decline in the ATP pool is not sufficient to trigger control of translational initiation. The intracellular GTP pool in the Tic + strain remains constant for 2 min after shift, then declines gradually to reach a minimum of 45% of its initial level at 20 min after shift. The pattern is in general similar in the the Tic − strain, although the ultimate decline in GTP is more pronounced (to 29%). These data indicate that the decline in GTP is not sufficient and probably unnecessary to elicit control of translational initiation. Intracellular levels of ppGpp increase with very similar kinetics in relA + Tic + (ATCC 10798) and relA + Tic − (W1) strains, indicating that elevated ppGpp levels are not sufficient to elicit control of translation. In a relA − Tic + strain (NF162), or in a relA + Tic + strain treated with rifampin, the ppGpp pool does not increase significantly after shift-down although translational initiation is reduced. Thus, an increase in the ppGpp pool is not necessary to control of translational initiation.
Preparation of reverse osmosis membranes by surface modification of polymeric films. I. Surface acetylation of cellulose

Surface acetylation of cellophane to afford an asymmetric membrane having high desalination ability (as high as 98% sodium chloride rejection) is described. The films were characterized by multiple-internal-reflectance microscopy (MIR), dyeing tests, light microscopy, and determination of water and sodium chloride transport properties in reverse osmosis cells. Surface modification employing acetyl chloride and acetic anhydride was studied in detail: the influence of the cellophane employed, the degree of cellophane activation, reaction time, reagent concentration, and diluent were assessed. Mixed acetylation reactions are also discussed as well as an evaluation of various postconditioning treatments used to increase desalination.
Synthetic Human Parathyroid Hormone 1-34 Fragment for Diagnostic Testing

Since bovine parathyroid extract became unavailable for stimulatory testing, the differentiation between hypoparathyroidism and pseudohypoparathyroidism has been made from the measurement of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) values alone. Responsiveness to PTH can once again be tested with teriparatide acetate, the newly available, biologically active 1-34 fragment of human PTH. The PTH infusion test can be used to confirm a preliminary diagnosis based on serum immunoreactive PTH values, to differentiate between type 1 and type 2 pseudohypoparathyroidism, or to detect a subtle abnormality of calcium metabolism in normocalcemic patients with features suggesting pseudohypoparathyroidism. Of several variables used to express changes in renal metabolism of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) or phosphate, the 30-minute change in cAMP excretion per unit of glomerular filtration and the 60-minute percentage fall in the tubular maximum for phosphate reabsorption provide the best discrimination. Teriparatide has a low incidence of adverse reactions and provides an effective diagnostic tool.
Spatial Variability of Aggregate‐Associated Carbon and Nitrogen Contents in the Reclaimed Minesoils of Eastern Ohio

Associations of organic C and N with primary (sand, silt, and clay) and secondary (aggregates) particles result in their storage and retention in the soil. The objectives of this study were to assess (i) the CV of C and N contents in the primary and secondary particles and (ii) the spatial variability of water-stability of aggregates (WSA), geometric mean diameter (GMD) and mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates, and C and N contents in macro- (>2 mm), meso- (2-0.25 mm), and microaggregate (0.25-0.05 mm) fractions. Forty-five soil samples were collected at the 0- to 15-cm depth of a 20- by 20-m grid at an unmined (UMG) reference site and sites reclaimed in 1978 (R78G), 1982 (R82GT), and 1987 (R87G). The R82GT was seeded to grass in 1982 and planted with trees in 1987. Other sites were under continuous grass cover since reclamation. Soil samples (<2 mm, four samples per site) were fractionated into primary particles (sand, silt, and clay), and aggregate samples (8-5 mm, 45 samples per site) into macro-, meso-, and microaggregate fractions; C and N contents were determined for each fraction. The CV for C and N contents was low in all three primary particles. Carbon contents increased with decreasing size of primary particles and clay-associated C contents also increased with amount of time since reclamation. Geostatistical analysis showed that dispersion variance for WSA, GMD and MWD, and C and N contents (45 samples per site) was higher in R78G than other reclaimed sites. Interpolation using kriging displayed heterogeneity of properties across experimental sites. The relative nugget for most aggregate-associated properties was lowest for R78G and became stronger with the amount of time since reclamation. The range for aggregate-fraction-associated C contents was similar across reclaimed sites and spatial dependence became stronger with increasing amount of time since reclamation. The unmined site displayed large variability; however, low variability for the relatively newly reclaimed site (R87G) indicated that reclamation initially reduced the variability but as time increased, variability also increased, with simultaneous improvement in soil quality.
LaSEWeb: automating search strategies over semi-structured web data

We show how to programmatically model processes that humans use when extracting answers to queries (e.g., "Who invented typewriter?", "List of Washington national parks") from semi-structured Web pages returned by a search engine. This modeling enables various applications including automating repetitive search tasks, and helping search engine developers design micro-segments of factoid questions.We describe the design and implementation of a domain-specific language that enables extracting data from a webpage based on its structure, visual layout, and linguistic patterns. We also describe an algorithm to rank multiple answers extracted from multiple webpages.On 100,000+ queries (across 7 micro-segments) obtained from Bing logs, our system LaSEWeb answered queries with an average recall of 71%. Also, the desired answer(s) were present in top-3 suggestions for 95%+ cases.
ON THE STRUCTURAL DAMPING CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTIVE PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATORS WITH PASSIVE SHUNT

This paper presents new insights obtained from analyzing the active-passive hybrid piezoelectric network (APPN) concept. It is shown that the shunt circuit not only can provide passive damping, it can also enhance the active action authority if tuned correctly. Therefore, the integrated APPN design is more effective than a system with separated active and passive elements. However, it is also recognized that a systematic design/control method is needed to ensure that the passive and active actions are optimally synthesized. Such a method is developed and presented. The characteristics of the closed-loop system are analyzed.
Effects of fluoride and ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate on bone metabolism in the growing chick.

White Leghorn cockerels were fed a semipurified diet ( containing fluoride at 0 to 800 ppm ) from the day of hatching. The birds were also injected daily with solutions containing ethane-l-hydroxy-1,1- diphosphonate (EHDP) at concentrations ranging from 5 to 20 mg as phosphorus/kg of body weight or isotonic saline. Changes in bone mineral composition and plasma Ca, Mg and F were determined as well as altera tions in bone pyrophosphatase and the amounts of bone cyclic-3',5'-adeno- sine monophosphate (cAMP). Since dietary fluoride in high amounts is known to stimulate new bone formation, the purpose of the study was to assess whether a potent inhibitor of mineralization, such as EHDP, might alter the response to high dietary fluoride. Although bone fluoride and magnesium were increased in relationship to dietary fluoride, the administra tion of EHDP had little effect on these changes at low to moderate levels of fluoride. The levels of soluble bone pyrophosphatase were not greatly influenced by changes in dietary fluoride. Administration of EHDP at 20 mg P/kg, however, typically decreased the levels of bone pyrophos phatase. Bone cAMP did not appear to be influenced bv either dietary fluoride or EHDP. Using tissue culture techniques, the effects of fluoride on calcium uptake and release from embryonic chick bone were also studied. The presence of 1 mM fluoride in the medium appeared to stimulate cal cium uptake and reduced calcium release from chick bone. In general, the results were in keeping with previous suggestions that the major effect of fluoride on bone is the formation of fluoroapatite and subsequent effects this may have on other metabolic alterations. J. Nutr. 106: 802-811, 1976.
Academic Performance of Language-Minority Students and All-Day Kindergarten: A Longitudinal Study.

This longitudinal study examined the effect of all-day kindergarten programs on the academic achievement of students from racial language minority and low socioeconomic class. The study employed a series of 3-level longitudinal multilevel analyses using a nationally representative database, the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS). The study showed that Hispanic dual-language-speaking students who attended all-day kindergarten narrowed the achievement gap from Hispanic English-only students during kindergarten. The results also showed that Black and Asian dual-language-speaking students, when they attended all-day kindergarten, displayed a significant gain in the growth of performances. The positive effects of all-day kindergarten were pronounced for Black and Asian language-minority students who were from low social classes. These results have implications for policy decisions and support the need for all-day programs for language-minority students.
An optical method for determining the crack-tip stress intensity factor

Abstract A simple interference method has been used to measure the opening displacement of cracks in glass plates under eccentric tension load. The results have been compared with analytical predictions from the boundary collocation method and the Westergaard analysis. Since the crack opening displacement is related analytically to the stress intensity factor, K, a K-calibration curve for the crack-line-loaded, single-edge notched plate has been established.
Syncope Is Predicted by Neuromonitoring in Patients with ICDs

Decisions regarding ability of ICD patients to function in the work environment or at home are based primarily on subjective judgement. We have described noninvasive neuromonitoring techniques that are capable of characterizing cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygen saturation in conscious patients during ventricular tachycardia (VT). Upright tilt testing (HUT) was used to predict the hemodynamic response to VT in the upright and recumbent posture. Sixteen patients (66 +/- 8 years) with pace-terminable VT and implanted ICD were tested during HUT with continuous measurement of arterial pressure, transcranial Doppler of the middle cerebral artery (TCD), and cerebral venous oxygen saturation (CVOS) determined noninvasively by applying a cutaneous patch with two infrared sensors from which a weighted venous percent oxygenated hemoglobin is continuously measured using INVOS 3100 (Somanetics). VT was induced via the implanted ICD and automatically terminated by ATP or cardioversion by the ICD, using the best treatment algorithm. HUT accentuated changes in cerebral blood flow and oxygen saturation and helped identify patients likely to experience syncope, whereas supine testing did not. These results suggest that HUT testing with noninvasive neuromonitoring is useful to predict ICD patients who are likely to remain conscious during VT.
Mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery after myocardial infarction

Abstract Data on 1,700 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery without additional cardiovascular procedures at the Texas Heart Institute were analyzed, relating the interval between myocardial infarction and operation to early mortality (within 30 days after operation). Patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery after a recent infarction (within 2 months before operation) had a higher rate of early mortality (14.5 percent) than patients who had an old infarction (6.9 percent) or no previous infarction (4.1 percent). The interval between recent infarction and operation was most significant. Mortality in patients who underwent operation within the first 7 days after acute infarction (38.1 percent) was more than six times greater than in patients who were operated on 31 to 60 days after infarction (5.8 percent). Mortality of those operated on 8 to 30 days after infarction was 16.4 percent. Elective coronary artery bypass surgery after recent infarction is best accomplished after the first 30 days, when there is no increased risk to the patient. Emergency coronary artery bypass after complicated acute myocardial infarction may be a lifesaving procedure, but it is associated with increased early mortality and should be reserved for those whose condition has not responded to aggressive medical therapy.
A Blood Test for Lung Fibrosis

Peter Barnes discusses a new study on the role of two matrix metalloproteinases, MMP1 (collagenase) and MMP7 (matrilysin), as possible biomarkers of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Glycemic Control in Youth with Type 2 Diabetes Declines as Early as Two Years after Diagnosis

Objectives To determine the course of glycemic decline in a pediatric cohort with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by defining longitudinal changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and insulin requirement. We also followed markers of insulin reserve (fasting C-peptide and IGFBP-1) over time. Study design Participants included two groups: (1) T2DM Nonacidotic (NA) (n = 46); and (2) T2DM diabetic ketoacidosis (n = 13). HbA1c, insulin dose, and fasting C-peptide and IGFBP-1 were obtained at baseline and every 6 months for 4 years. Results At baseline, Mann Whitney tests demonstrated that the diabetic ketoacidosis group had higher HbA1c ( P = .002), required more insulin ( P = .036), and had lower C-peptide ( P = .003) than the NA group. Baseline insulin dose (Spearman r=-0.424, P = .009) and baseline IGFBP-1 (Spearman r=-0.349, P = .046) correlated negatively with C-peptide. Over time, HbA1c, insulin dose, and C-peptide changed significantly in a complex manner, with group differences. HbA1c reached a nadir at 6 to 12 months and began to rise after 1.5 years. Insulin requirements reached a nadir at 1 year and began to rise after 2 years. Conclusions Unlike adults, children with T2DM require increasing insulin doses over a 4-year period, and diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis predicts greater β-cell decline over time.
Quantitative kinetics of pozzolanic reactions in coal/cofired biomass fly ashes and calcium hydroxide (CH) mortars

Abstract This document comprehensively studies the quantitative kinetics of pozzolanic reactions of class C and F and cofired biomass fly ashes with Ca(OH) 2 (CH) under carbonation free conditions. The grams of chemically combined CH per gram of fly ash increase with the CH mixing ratio, curing temperature and curing days. The chemically combined mass ratio is approximated at 30/70 (CH/fly ash), although it varies slightly from ash to ash. The quantitative kinetics shows that class C and F, cofired biomass and pure biomass fly ashes share the diffusion mechanism. Therefore, the cofired biomass fly ash needs reevaluation in rather than exclusion by ASTM C 618 from concrete for its “noncoal” origin.
The effect of exposure to a Δcya/Δcrp mutant of Salmonella typhimurium on the subsequent colonization of swine by the wild-type parent strain

Abstract This study characterizes the clinical response and colonization pattern of caesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived swine exposed to a Δcya/ Δcrp mutant (χ4233) of S. typhimurium and challenged with the wild-type parent strain. χ4233 was mildly virulent in swine and induced transient fever and soft stools. χ4233 colonized the ileum, cecum, liver, spleen, tonsils, and mandibular and ileocolic lymph nodes of swine in a manner similar to the parental wild-type, but the numbers of S. typhimurium (χ4233) in the ileum were 100-to 1000-fold less than those of pigs exposed to the parental wild-type. Pigs exposed to χ4233 21 days before parental wild-type challenge demonstrated a milder clinical response to challenge than did pigs that did not receive χ4233. The wild-type populations in the ilea of χ4233-exposed pigs after challenge were 100- to 10,000-fold less than those in pigs not receiving χ4233. The liver, spleen, and ileocolic lymph nodes were cleared of wild-type S. typhimurium more quickly after challenge in χ4233-exposed pigs. The populations of χ4233 in the ilea of exposed pigs after wild-type challenge were also less than would have been expected in unchallenged pigs. Thus, exposure of swine to a Δcya/ Δcrp mutant of S. typhimurium modulated the subsequent response to parental wild-type challenge and reduced carrier populations of wild-type S. typhimurium in infected swine.
Participation of asparagine 370 and glutamine 235 in the catalysis by acid β-glucosidase: The enzyme deficient in Gaucher disease

Abstract The hydrolysis of glucosylceramide by acid β-glucosidase proceeds via a two-step, double displacement mechanism that includes cleavage of the O -β-glucosidic bond, enzyme-glucosylation and, then, enzyme-deglucosylation. Two residues that may impact this cycle are N370 and E235. The N370S mutant enzyme is very common in Gaucher disease type 1 patients. Homology and crystal data predictions suggested that E235 is the acid/base catalyst in the hydrolytic reaction. Here, the roles of N370 and E235 in hydrolysis were explored using mutant proteins with selected amino acid substitutions. Heterologously expressed enzymes were characterized using inhibitors, activators, and alternative substrates to gain insight into the effects on the glucosylation (single turnover) and deglucosylation (transglucosylation) steps in catalysis. Specific substitutions at N370 selectively altered only the glucosylation step whereas N370S altered this and the deglucosylation steps. To provide functional data to support E235 as the acid/base catalyst, progress curves with poor substrates with more acidic leaving groups were used in the presence and absence of azide as an exogenous nucleophile. The restoration of E235G activity to nearly wild-type levels was achieved using azide with 2,4-dinitrophenyl-β-glucoside as substrate. The loss of the acidic arm of the pH optimum activity curve of E235G provided additional functional support for E235 as the acid/base in catalysis. This study provides insight into the function of these residues in acid β-glucosidase active site function.
Particle physics meets cosmology - The search for decaying neutrinos

The relationship between Grand Unified Theories and the evolution of the universe are discussed.
Optimal renormalization scale and scheme for exclusive processes

We use the Brodsky-Lepage-Mackenzie (BLM) method to fix the renormalization scale of the QCD coupling in exclusive hadronic amplitudes such as the pion form factor and the photon-to-pion transition form factor at large momentum transfer. Renormalization-scheme-independent commensurate scale relations are established which connect the hard scattering subprocess amplitudes that control exclusive processes to other QCD observables such as the heavy quark potential and the electron-positron annihilation cross section. The commensurate scale relation connecting the heavy quark potential, as determined from lattice gauge theory, to the photon-to-pion transition form factor is in excellent agreement with $\ensuremath{\gamma}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{e}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}e$ data assuming that the pion distribution amplitude is close to its asymptotic form $\sqrt{3}{f}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}x(1\ensuremath{-}x)$. We also reproduce the scaling and normalization of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\ensuremath{\gamma}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ data at large momentum transfer. Because the renormalization scale is small, we argue that the effective coupling is nearly constant, thus accounting for the nominal scaling behavior of the data. However, the normalization of the space-like pion form factor ${F}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}{(Q}^{2})$ obtained from electroproduction experiments is somewhat higher than that predicted by the corresponding commensurate scale relation. This discrepancy may be due to systematic errors introduced by the extrapolation of the ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{*}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{p}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}n$ electroproduction data to the pion pole.
Development of a collimator representation in the TITAN transport code for SPECT simulation

A fast methodology for simulating single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is being developed using the hybrid deterministic transport code TITAN. The TITAN code is referred to as hybrid because it uses a discrete ordinates method in the phantom and a simplified ray-tracing algorithm in the air outside of the phantom. We are developing a method for the TITAN code to simulate the collimator in a SPECT system and using the MCNP5 Monte Carlo code for comparison. The phantom modeled is a simple cube of water with a smaller cube source of Tc-99m at its center. The model is symmetric so a row of collimators is simulated and the flux making it to the detector surface is computed. We consider collimator acceptance angles of 3.694E-02 radians (2.1°) and 0.135 radians (7.7°) and normalize our results to the peak flux. The MCNP5 benchmark model directly models each collimator hole, while the TITAN code uses a circular ordinate splitting (COS) technique. The TITAN code solves for the flux along directions within a user defined acceptance angle about each projection direction. The COS technique has been shown previously to be less accurate for small aspect ratios than for high aspect ratios. Here, we seek to test a weighted COS technique for accuracy over a wide range of collimator aspect ratios. Two modifications have been made to the original COS technique in TITAN to create the weighted COS technique: i) directions are weighted by the detector surface area projected along that direction to the front of the collimator and ii) split directions are chosen to better represent the acceptance angle space. Compared with the original COS technique, the weighted COS technique shows much better behavior as the number of splitting directions increases. Compared with the MCNP5 solution, the weighted COS technique has an average relative error of ≤8% using the 7.7° acceptance angle collimator for all examined parameters.
Patterns of Fat Stranding

I n the setting of abdominal pain, whether acute or chronic, CT is helpful, and frequently essential, in discovering the underlying cause. Fat stranding is a common finding on CT of the abdomen and, when present, it directs the radiologist’s attention to the site of pathology. However, there is a wide differential for this pattern. The following logical approach to abdominal fat stranding on CT can lead to the formulation of a succinct and accurate differential diagnosis: 1. What is the location of the fat stranding? 2. What other structures are involved in the process? 3. Are there other characteristic CT findings of the diagnostic possibilities that suggest the most likely cause? Fat stranding refers to an abnormal increased attenuation in fat, (in the mesentery, omentum, retroperitoneum, or subcutaneous fat). The underlying pathophysiologic process is increased edema and engorgement of lymphatics. Abdominal fat stranding can produce various appearances. Whereas mild inflammation may cause a subtle hazy increased attenuation of the fat (ground-glass like), increasing severity of the inflammation can produce a reticular pattern, with more well-defined linear areas of increased attenuation. A reticulonodular appearance can also be observed frequently in association with neoplastic disease.
Spectrophotometric determination of refractive index increment for bacterial cells

Abstract A method was developed to use an ordinary spectrophotometer for obtaining the refractive index increment of bacterial cells, enabling determination of their solids content by immersion refractometry. The results agreed well with values for cells of Serratia marcescens obtained previously by two other methods.
Solubility of aluminosilicates in kraft green and white liquors

The solubility data were obtained from more than 200 raw green liquor (GL) samples and ∼30 raw white liquor (WL) samples at 95 °C. The effects of time, as well as the concentrations of AlCl3·6H2O, Na2SiO3·9H2O, CaO, TiO2, MgSO4·7H2O, 4MgCO3·Mg(OH)2·4H2O, powdered magnesium metal, KCl, K2CO3, and stainless steel coupons on the solubilities of silicon and aluminum in unclarified mill GL were investigated. A series of runs was performed to compare silicon and aluminum solubilities in GL with those in WL. The addition of magnesium sulfate to GL solutions expedited the formation of Al−Si precipitates. Pitzer's theory was applied to these solubility data, and equilibrium constants were determined for possible aluminosilicate precipitates, ranging from log K = 34.2 for the formation of hydroxyl sodalite (which has the formula (NaAlSiO4)·2(NaOH)·2H2O) to log K = 39.0 for the formation of natrodavyne (which has the formula (NaAlSiO4)·(K2SO4)·3H2O).
B. F. Wright On the Contract Clause: a Progressive Misreading of the Marshall-Taney Era:

ENJAMIN WRIGHT has been called "our foremost authority on the contract clause." For nearly half a century his book, The Contract Clause of the Constitution (1938), has been cited endlessly as a difinitive work. No doubt in general it reflects a high order of scholarship. The present purpose, however, is to suggest it is flawed particularly in its treatment of the Supreme Court's early contract-clause decisions. The essence of this charge is that Mr. Wright was guilty of the very thing that twenty years later he ascribed to others:
Chaotic inflation in models with flat directions

Abstract We consider the chaotic inflationary scenario in models with flat directions. We find that unless the scalars along the flat directions have vacuum expectation values 〈 φ 〉≲3 M p or 10 14 M p ≲〈 φ 〉≲10 15 M p depending on the expectation values of the chaotic inflator, Ψ, one or two or more periods of inflation occur but with a resulting energy density perturbation δϱ/ϱ⋍10 −16 , far too small to be of any consequence for galaxy formation. Even with 〈 φ 〉≲3–5 M p only limited values of 〈Ψ〉⋍(3–200)M p result in inflation with reasonable density perturbations. Thus chaotic inflation in models with flat directions require rather special initial conditions.
Two-dimensional echocardiographic monitoring during percutaneous endomyocardial biopsy.

The use of two-dimensional echocardiography in four successive views was assessed to determine the optimal view for localizing a transvenous percutaneous bioptome in 23 consecutive patients undergoing right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy. The biopsy catheter tip was viewed in 21 (91 %) of the 23 patients. The apical four chamber view allowed visualization of the bioptome head in 19 patients (83%), the subcostal view in 8 (34%) and the long-axis view in 4 (17%). The parasternal shortaxis view was not helpful in any patient. Biplane fluoroscopy was not reliable in localizing the bioptome head against the interventricular septum and did not identify inadvertent septal perforation in one patient. Echocardiography also can be used to immediately identify possible complications.
Understanding the 2012 NSTA Science Standards for Teacher Preparation

The purpose of this article is to present the new National Science Teachers Association–Standards for Science Teacher Preparation (NSTA–SSTP). The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the new national accreditation organization for programs of education. NSTA collaborates with CAEP to establish content specific standards for the evaluation of science education programs. Recently, NSTA has developed new science teacher education standards that reflect the research base associated with what a new science teacher should know. The standards were developed from national guidelines and the research literature on science education. The new NSTA–SSTP reflect the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that a newly certified teacher must know and be able to do. The paper concludes with a description of how to submit a report to CAEP and NSTA for accreditation of a secondary science education program.
A dense array stimulator to generate arbitrary spatio-temporal tactile stimuli

The generation and presentation of tactile stimuli presents a unique challenge. Unlike vision and audition, in which standard equipment such as monitors and audio systems can be used for most experiments, tactile stimuli and/or stimulators often have to be tailor-made for a given study. Here, we present a novel tactile stimulator designed to present arbitrary spatio-temporal stimuli to the skin. The stimulator consists of 400 pins, arrayed over a 1cm(2) area, each under independent computer control. The dense array allows for an unprecedented number of stimuli to be presented within an experimental session (e.g., up to 1200 stimuli per minute) and for stimuli to be generated adaptively. The stimulator can be used in a variety of modes and can deliver indented and scanned patterns as well as stimuli defined by mathematical spatio-temporal functions (e.g., drifting sinusoids). We describe the hardware and software of the system, and discuss previous and prospective applications.
Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Predictive Molecular Biomarkers and the Utility of Molecular Imaging in Common Gastrointestinal Tumors.

The exponential increase in the use of molecular biomarkers as diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive aids in the management of cancer patients highlights the increasing importance of molecular biology in oncology. The clinical utility of some molecular biomarkers like KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog), BRAF (B-Raf protooncogene, serine/threonine kinase), PIK3CA (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha), KIT (commonly known as cKit) (v-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral oncogene homolog), ERBB2 (commonly known as HER2) (erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2), and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) among others has been validated in gastrointestinal and pancreatobiliary tumors. However, the clinical utility of some of molecular biomarkers is still being investigated and validated. Although technically not a “molecular biomarker,” the utility of “molecular imaging” is being elucidated. This special issue covers some of the biomarkers currently in current clinical use and others being investigated, including the following: (i) MMP14 (previously known as MT1-MMP) (matrix metallopeptidase 14 (membrane-inserted) or previously known asmatrix metalloproteinase 14 (membrane-inserted)) and role in colorectal cancer, potential utility being described in other cancers [1–4], (ii) SLC6A14 (solute carrier family 6 (amino acid transporter), member 14) and potential role in pancreatic cancer, potential utility in other cancers being described [5–7], (iii) molecular profiling [8–14] of tumors to detect potentially actionable mutation or variant in pancreatic cancers, and (iv) potential utility of Raman spectroscopy in evaluation of gastrointestinal lesions. Potential utility of this technology has been described in other tumors [15–20]. Michael O. Idowu Jennifer Laudadio Kathryn Rizzo
Mathematical/computational challenges in creating deformable and probabilistic atlases of the human brain

r r Abstract: Striking variations in brain structure, especially in the gyral patterns of the human cortex, present fundamental challenges in human brain mapping. Probabilistic brain atlases, which encode information on structural and functional variability in large human populations, are powerful research tools with broad applications. Knowledge-based imaging algorithms can also leverage atlased informa- tion on anatomic variation. Applications include automated image labeling, pathology detection in individuals or groups, and investigating how regional anatomy is altered in disease, and with age, gender, handedness and other clinical or genetic factors. In this report, we illustrate some of the mathematical challenges involved in constructing population-based brain atlases. A disease-specific atlas is constructed to represent the human brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specialized strategies are developed for popu- lation-based averaging of anatomy. Sets of high-dimensional elastic mappings, based on the principles of continuum mechanics, reconfigure the anatomy of a large number of subjects in an anatomic image database. These mappings generate a local encoding of anatomic variability and are used to create a crisp anatomical image template with highly resolved structures in their mean spatial location. Specialized approaches are also developed to average cortical topography. Since cortical patterns are altered in a variety of diseases, gyral pattern matching is used to encode the magnitude and principal directions of local cortical variation. In the resulting cortical templates, subtle features emerge. Regional asymmetries appear that are not apparent in individual anatomies. Population-based maps of cortical variation reveal a mosaic of variability patterns that segregate sharply according to functional specialization and cytoar- chitectonic boundaries. Hum. Brain Mapping 9:81-92, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Production of Liquid Alkanes by Aqueous-Phase Processing of Biomass-Derived Carbohydrates

Liquid alkanes with the number of carbon atoms ranging from C7 to C15 were selectively produced from biomass-derived carbohydrates by acid-catalyzed dehydration, which was followed by aldol condensation over solid base catalysts to form large organic compounds. These molecules were then converted into alkanes by dehydration/hydrogenation over bifunctional catalysts that contained acid and metal sites in a four-phase reactor, in which the aqueous organic reactant becomes more hydrophobic and a hexadecane alkane stream removes hydrophobic species from the catalyst before they go on further to form coke. These liquid alkanes are of the appropriate molecular weight to be used as transportation fuel components, and they contain 90% of the energy of the carbohydrate and H2 feeds.