cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Demonstration of increased toll-like receptor 2 and toll-like receptor 4 expression in monocytes of type 1 diabetes mellitus patients with microvascular complications

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with increased microvascular complications and is a proinflammatory state. The toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors on monocytes and important in atherosclerosis. We have shown increased TLR2 and TLR4 expression on monocytes of T1DM compared with controls. In this report, we tested the surface expression of TLR2 and TLR4 on monocytes of T1DM patients with microvascular complications (T1DM-MV) compared with those without (T1DM) and healthy controls. The study was performed at the University of California Davis. Healthy controls (n = 31), T1DM patients (n = 31), and T1DM-MV patients (n = 34) were included. The TLR2 and TLR4 surface expression was significantly increased in T1DM-MV monocytes compared with T1DM and controls (P < .01). In addition, nuclear factor κB activity and interleukin-1β release were significantly increased in monocytes from T1DM-MV compared with T1DM (P < .005). Thus, we make the novel observation that TLR2 and TLR4 expression and signaling are increased in T1DM-MV compared with T1DM and may contribute to the accentuated proinflammatory state and complications of T1DM.
Direct Activation of the Olfactory Cyclic Nucleotide–Gated Channel through Modification of Sulfhydryl Groups by NO Compounds

The activation of a cyclic nucleotide-gated channel is the final step in sensory transduction in olfaction. Normally, this channel is opened by the intracellular cyclic nucleotide second messenger cAMP or cGMP. However, in single channel recordings we found that donors of nitric oxide, a putative intercellular messenger, could directly activate the native olfactory neuron channel. Its action was independent of the presence of the normal ligand and did not involve the cyclic nucleotide binding site, suggesting an alternate site on the molecule that is critical in channel gating. The biochemical pathway appears to utilize nitric oxide in one of its alternate redox states, the nitrosonium ion, transnitrosylating a free sulfhydryl group belonging to a cysteine residue tentatively identified as being in the region linking the S6 transmembrane domain to the ligand binding domain.
Phrase-Level Timing Patterns in English: Effects of Emphatic Stress Location and Speaking Rate

Phrase-level timing patterns in the utterance Bob hit the big dog were studied as a function of emphatic-stress location at two speaking rates. Five emphatic-stress conditions were defined: emphasi...
Synergistic antileukemic interactions between 2-medroxyestradiol (2-ME) and histone deacetylase inhibitors involve Akt down-regulation and oxidative stress

Interactions between the endogenous estradiol metabolite 2-medroxyestradiol (2-ME) and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) have been investigated in human leukemia cells. Coadministration of subtoxic or marginally toxic concentrations of 2-ME and SAHA or sodium butyrate in diverse human leukemia-cell types resulted in a marked increase in oxidative damage (eg, generation of reactive oxygen species [ROSs]), mitochondrial injury (eg, cytochrome c release and Bax translocation), caspase activation, and apoptosis. These interactions were also noted in primary human leukemia cells but not in normal bone marrow CD34+ cells. Synergistic interactions between these agents were associated with inactivation of Akt and activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Essentially all of these events were reversed by free radical scavengers such as the manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) mimetic TBAP and catalase. Notably, treatment with 2-ME/HDACIs resulted in down-regulation of thioredoxin, MnSOD, and glutathione peroxidase. Enforced activation of Akt blocked 2-ME/HDACI-mediated mitochondrial injury, caspase activation, and JNK up-regulation, but not generation of ROSs. Pharmacologic or genetic (siRNA) interruption of the JNK pathway also significantly attenuated the lethality of this regimen. Together, these findings support a model in which antileukemic synergism between 2-ME and HDACIs stems primarily from induction of oxidative damage, leading in turn to Akt inactivation and JNK activation, culminating in mitochondrial injury and apoptosis. They also raise the possibility that these events may preferentially occur in leukemic versus normal hematopoietic cells.
Time-Dependent Ionization Equilibrium and Line Radiation Under Flarelike Conditions

The results of calculations of time-dependent ionization equilibrium and line emission are presented and compared with the values obtained under the assumption that steady-state conditions prevail. In the models considered, it is assumed that the electron density is constant ( = 109 cm-3) and that the temperature increases by a factor of 10 from 3 X 106 o K on timescales ranging from 100 to 300 s and decays back to 3 X 106 o K on a timescale ranging from 600 to 1400 s. Ions of oxygen and silicon are considered, and it is found that the spectrum is softer during the rise and harder during the fall than predicted by the steady-state approximation.
Enzymatic activities and ATP-induced fluorescence enhancement of myosin from fast and slow skeletal and cardiac muscles.

Abstract The maximal ATP-induced enhancement of fluorescence and the dependence of this enhancement on ATP concentration were determined for myosins from fast and slow skeletal and cardiac muscle of the rabbit. With myosins from slow and cardiac muscle modifications in the preparative procedure and chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex were required to obtain preparations which were free of actin, which exhibited the maximal fluorescence enhancement and which bound two moles of ATP per mole of myosin. Since the fluorescence enhancement of cardiac and slow muscle myosins is labile at slightly alkaline pH, it was also necessary to minimize incubation at pH greater than 7 in order to attain the maximal enhancement. With fast muscle myosin the changes in preparative procedure, together with chromatography, led to a 50 to 100% increase in the steady-state rate of ATP hydrolysis and fluorescence enhancement, without changing the maximal binding of ATP. From a comparison of the rate of steady-state hydrolysis of ATP with the rate of decay of the enhanced fluorescence, it appears that for all three myosins, both ATP binding sites have the same enzymatic activity, the steady-state rate per site being slower for cardiac and slow muscle myosins than for fast muscle myosin.
Sutureless "button and hole" splenopexy.

A new technique for fixation of a mobile spleen is described. It offers the advantages of a minimally risky procedure that very effectively keeps a mobile spleen in its bed without foreign materials and is feasible even when the gastrosplenic ligament is absent and the splenic vessels are uncovered. Our “button and hole” sutureless splenopexy was performed in six patients from 1979 to 1995. Three had a gastric volvulus (GV) and an extremely mobile spleen; one of these also had a diaphragmatic eventration. Another three had torsion of the spleen; in one it occurred 9 months after repair of a diaphragmatic hernia. We achieved good results with splenopexy as the sole operation in two cases where a wandering spleen produced a GV.
Deposition of Carbonaceous Solids on Different Substrates from Thermal Stressing of JP-8 and Jet A Fuels

Carbon deposition from jet fuel on metal surfaces will create problems for the operation of future aircraft. Two jet fuel samples (Jet A and JP-8) were heated in a glass-lined flow reactor in the presence of metal and nonmetal substrates placed in the fuel path. The solid deposits collected on the substrates were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and by temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO). The nature and amount of carbonaceous deposits from the thermal decomposition of jet fuel were determined to be dependent on the substrate properties and jet fuel composition. In particular, the catalysis of carbon deposition by active metals was evident in deposits obtained on single-metal or metal-alloy substrates. Jet A fuel produced much-smaller quantities of carbonaceous solids on active metal substrates than JP-8 fuel did. This variance is attributed to the differences in hydrocarbon and sulfur compound composition of the two fuels.
Computing with uncertainty in a smart textile surface for object recognition

A wearable surface capable of performing object recognition on objects placed on it has many applications in health care such as surgery, assisted living posture monitoring, specifically movement of body parts during sleep and etc. The flexibility and wearability of textile material allows its widespread applications in body-worn contexts. In this work, we propose a portable and wearable smart textile surface which is capable of performing object recognition on a set of prior known objects. We integrate data from multiple sensors to gain knowledge about objects in the environment. The uncertainty present in such systems can lead to inaccurate interpretation of the data which is crucial in various medical applications. The most significant part of this uncertainty is due to effects of multiple sensors on each other. We look at different sources of uncertainties in such systems and formulate them. We modify vision algorithm to account for these uncertainties and in the end we present precision bounds for the accuracy of the system.
In situ observations of the influence of a large onshore wind farm on near-surface temperature, turbulence intensity and wind speed profiles

Observations of wakes from individual wind turbines and a multi-megawatt wind energy installation in the Midwestern US indicate that directly downstream of a turbine (at a distance of 190 m, or 2.4 rotor diameters (D)), there is a clear impact on wind speed and turbulence intensity (TI) throughout the rotor swept area. However, at a downwind distance of 2.1 km (26 D downstream of the closest wind turbine) the wake of the whole wind farm is not evident. There is no significant reduction of hub-height wind speed or increase in TI especially during daytime. Thus, in high turbulence regimes even very large wind installations may have only a modest impact on downstream flow fields. No impact is observable in daytime vertical potential temperature gradients at downwind distances of >2 km, but at night the presence of the wind farm does significantly decrease the vertical gradients of potential temperature (though the profile remains stably stratified), largely by increasing the temperature at 2 m.
Effect of Forest Fire Suppression on Buff-Breasted Flycatchers

Abstract Buff-breasted flycatchers (Empidonax fulvifrons) are rare in the United States due to a >90% reduction in breeding distribution. Previous authors have implicated fire suppression in montane woodlands as the underlying cause of population declines and range contraction. We examined the effect of fire suppression on population declines of buff-breasted flycatchers by comparing both presence and abundance of flycatchers in areas with and without evidence of recent fire in 9 mountain ranges in southern Arizona, USA. We also replicated previous survey efforts conducted in 1980–1983 and 1995–1996 to determine population trajectory. Twenty-two (63%) of 35 survey routes had negative trends, and the average slope of the declines was −0.105 (10.5% annual decline). The number of buff-breasted flycatchers detected at a survey point was positively associated with severity of recent fires, and flycatchers were particularly associated with areas that had evidence of high-severity surface fire. However, we faile...
What Changes When We Move? A Transnational Exploration of Dietary Acculturation

This study aimed to explore Mexican dietary acculturation patterns among immigrants using a unique transnational photographic assessment. Participants (N = 10) were Latino mother and child pairs living in Mexico (1 pair) and in the United States (4 pairs). Data were collected in 2 phases: 1) participant observation and photography in Mexico, and 2) in-depth interviewing using photographic guides in North Carolina. Environment, daily activity patterns, shopping, and dietary patterns in Mexico were all documented. Acculturation resulted in poor dietary intake due to decreased availability, food displacement, and cost. Decreases in physical activity due to environmental and social barriers were also reported.
Pavement response to vehicular loads: a mechanistic approach involving nondestructive evaluation techniques

The need for effective design in the nation's highways is greater now, more than ever, due to shrinking funds for new construction and rehabilitation/maintenance practices and the need to preserve the lands that are not now part of the roadway system. Most of the nation's highways were constructed within the last 30 years and many of these are due for significant rehabilitation and even reconstruction. Thus, the need to infuse robust design methods into these rehabilitation and reconstruction strategies is paramount. Currently, methods for cost allocation for pavement rehabilitation/maintenance activities and pavement management estimations are based on empirical and semi- empirical founded predictions that come up short, particularly when the roadway i subjected to multi-axle, heavy weight vehicles. Additionally, materials currently used int he construction of the pavement structure do not always behave in an elastic manner and the ability to predict the pavement response in the presence of other than elastic material behavior is essential. Finally, prediction of pavement states of distress based on empirical methods and elastic material behavior are inadequate, particularly when heavy weight vehicular traffic is involved. This paper includes descriptions of the overall methodology for pavement design and the unique requirements for the design and implementation of the structural and environmental sensing elements. Description of the mechanistic aspects in the software for the structural and material models is discussed and comparison of predicted and field measured results are presented.
Influence of relative ply orientations on the nature of the edge effect singularities for a circular hole in a composite laminate

Abstract A method is developed for the analysis of the nature of the singularities at the free edge of an elliptical hole in a composite laminate. The method is general enough to be applicable to any type of laminate with or without a hole. Boundary layer theory, as originated in aerodynamics is used to simplify the equations applied within the boundary layer region, while compatibility is achieved at the other border of that region to comply with anisotropic plate theory. In the present case the method is applied to investigate the effect of the free edge of a hole on stresses at the ply interface within the boundary layer. The immediate application within that region is the solution for the Energy Release Rate which is essential to the evaluation of critical conditions such as delamination initiation. Attention is focused on the influence of adjacent ply orientations on the order of singularity at the interface.
Persistent ultrastructural features in microspores of heterosporous lycophytes

Abstract Ultrastructural analysis of the microspores from the Pennsylvanian lycophyte cone Selaginellites crassicinctus reveals a structural organization which is comparable to modern representatives of Isoetes and Selaginella. The most prominent similarities include the presence of a para-exospore—a layer external to and largely free from the exospore, but with a similar ontogeny and staining characteristics—and a proximal multilamellated region situated at the innermost region of the exospore in the center of each interradial area. A more rigorous comparison of specific structural features indicates a higher degree of similarity with Selaginella, particularly S. selaginoides. These results are somewhat anomalous in light of the suggested affinity of Paurodendron, the axis which presumably bore this cone, with the Isoetales. These results stand in support of the existence of a recently proposed group of Carboniferous lycophytes which are structurally intermediate between the rhizomorphic and herbaceous t...
Systems analysis - Key to NASA's data system planning

Critical steps in the systems analysis process for NASA's data system planning are: (1) compilation of future user/mission requirements, (2) development of alternative overall data system concepts which satisfy requirements, (3) assessment of future development and availability of data system technology, and (4) cost/performance tradeoff studies of the alternative concepts for systems optimization. Tasks within the NEEDS (NASA End-to-End Data System) Program, which correspond to the critical steps in this systems analysis process are examined.
Index structures for selective dissemination of information under the Boolean model

The number, size, and user population of bibliographic and full-text document databases are rapidly growing. With a high document arrival rate, it becomes essential for users of such databases to have access to the very latest documents; yet the high document arrival rate also makes it difficult for users to keep themselves updated. It is desirable to allow users to submit profiles, i.e., queries that are constantly evaluated, so that they will be automatically informed of new additions that may be of interest. Such service is traditionally called Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI).The high document arrival rate, the huge number of users, and the timeliness requirement of the service pose a challenge in achieving efficient SDL. In this article, we propose several index structures for indexing profiles and algorithms that efficiently match documents against large number of profiles. We also present analysis and simulation results to compare their performance under different scenarios.
The relationship between the inotropic and dromotropic effects of digitalis: the modulation of these effects by autonomic influences.

Abstract The relationship between the inotropic and A-V-blocking effects of acetylstrophanthidin (AS) was investigated in 26 dogs. Myocardial contractile force (CF) was measured with a strain gauge on the bypassed right ventricle and A-V conduction was assessed by determining ventricular rate (VR) during induced atrial fibrillation. No consistent relationship between these two variables was found; moreover, digitalis effect could be modified by controlling the autonomic environment. Betaadrenergic blockade (with MJ-1999) did not impair the inotropic effect of AS, but did elicit such marked slowing of ventricular response (243 to 147 beats per minute) that AS was then incapable of producing further A-V delay. Beta-stimulation (with isoproterenol) increased CF and thus blunted the additional inotropic effect of AS (22 per cent increase in CF versus 64 per cent in the nonstimulated state), and resulted in a higher VR for any given level of digitalization (average 30 beats per minute higher). Isoproterenol had a greater inotropic potency than AS and successfully abolished several digitalistoxic arrhythmias. We conclude that the inotropic and A-V blocking actions of digitalis do not vary proportionately since digitalis action is modulated by changing autonomic stimuli. Neither the degree of digitalization nor the effects of digitalis on contractility can, therefore, be estimated simply by observing digitalis influence on A-V conduction.
Implications of Trichomonas vaginalis Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing on Medical Training and Practice

We read with great interest Ginocchio and colleagues' recent study on the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection and coinfection with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae ([1][1]). Based on results from nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) of discarded urogenital samples from
Identification of methylated flavonoid regioisomeric metabolites using enzymatic semisynthesis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Discrimination of isomeric methylated metabolites is an important step toward identifying genes responsible for methylation, but presents substantial challenges because authentic standards are often unavailable and mass spectra of isomers have been considered indistinguishable. In this report, an approach is described for identifying methyl group positions in multiply methylated flavonoid metabolites using combinations of tandem mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography retention, and site-selective methylation by recombinant O-methyltransferases from Solanum habrochaites LA1777. The basis for observed fragment ions in tandem mass spectra of multiply methylated myricetin was further established using enzymatic incorporation of deuterium-labeled methyl groups using S-adenosylmethionine-d 3 as precursor.
Promoting African decentralization

The decentralization efforts begun by many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries in recent years have been undermined by a number of factors, including: (a) delegation of authority to field staff (deconcentration) rather than to locally elected leaders (devolution); (b) the impact of the one-party system; (c) the financial weaknesses of local governments; and (d) inadequate monitoring of local government expenditures. The experiences of Kenya and Nigeria illustrate decentralization problems in countries of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Research and training are priorities that deserve more attention by SSA governments and by bilateral and multilateral donors.1
U(1)-decomposable self-dual manifolds

Abstract We characterize conformally flat spaces as the only compact self-dual manifolds which are U(1)-equivariantly and conformally decomposable into two complete self-dual Einstein manifolds with common conformal infinity. A geometric characterization of such conformally flat spaces is also given.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MID-PREGNANCY SEXUAL INTERCOURSE AND LABOR ONSET(SILO): A CASE-CONTROLLED STUDY. • 458

There is controversy concerning the role of sexual intercourse (SI) in mid- pregnancy and spontaneous labor onset (LO). Sexual orgasm-related release of prostaglandins, male-superior position (MSP) during SI, and infections have been implicated. The objectives of this study were to test: 1) the risk for LO from SI; and 2) whether cocaine abuse increases such risk. Study Design: We prospectively interviewed 100 women within 24 hrs of spontaneous LO at 22-35 weeks of pregnancy; 312 women not in labor, matched for ethnicity, age, and pregnancy duration, attending a prenatal clinic were controls. A battery of in-depth and directed questions related to SI and life-style habits was used. Target period was up to 7 days before the event day (defined as LO-day in cases and the interview-day in controls). Frequencies of SI, condom use, orgasm, MSP, and cocaine abuse were compared within groups (1st vs 7th day before the event day, a case-crossover design) and between groups (case-controlled design). Results: The distribution of age, gestation, and race were similar. 5--10% in each group reported SI for each of the 7 days. For the 7-day period, one, two, and three or more times SI activity was reported by 26%, 11%, and 2% of cases, and 26%, 18%, and 13% of controls, respectively (p=ns). Within 24 hrs prior to the event 9% of cases and 7% controls reported having SI; 7th day prior to the event 6% cases and 15% controls reported having SI (p=ns). No increased risk of LO was observed following SI, either one day, or at any time during the week preceding the event, based on logistic regression analysis with and without controle for race and age. 61% of cases and 42% of controls reported no SI in the entire week preceding the event (p=ns). Condom use was 0--10% in cases and 2-12% in controls (p=ns). Frequenies of MSP during SI (0--70%), and orgasm (25--75%) were similar between groups. No controls and 2% of cases reported cocaine abuse 1 day prior LO---none reported SI with it. Overall cocaine abuse frequency (history) was only 1--4%. Conclusion: 1) In this study we found no clear association between SI and spontaneous LO; and 2) this finding has important epidemiological implications.
A Quartz Resonator Pressure Transducer

A digital pressure transducer has been developed utilizing a precision 5 MHz piezoelectric quartz resonator. The circular resonator exhibits linear changes in frequency when subjected to radial compressive stresses. A cylindrical quartz tube, integral with the circular resonator, acts as a diaphragm and transfers and concentrates the stress from the applied pressure onto the periphery of the resonator. Since the tube and resonator are fabricated from a single quartz crystal, nonelastic effects are minimized. The transducer has a dynamic range of 107and a pressure range of 0 to 104psia.
The Minimization of Combat Aircraft Life Cycle Costs Through Conceptual Design Optimization

In an effort to permit the procurement of more costeffective military equipment, a method has been developed to perform conceptual studies on combat aircraft, resulting in designs optimized for minimum Life Cycle Cost (LCC). Consequently, the design loop can be considered as being closed, allowing the automated production of a consistent set of cost and performance data for different aircraft solutions. The design engineer can thus make informed, unbiased, design decisions, leading to a more efficient use of shrinking defense budgets. The models and the optimization tool are described, and results of their implementation are presented.
A Molecular Genetic Classification of Zooxanthellae and the Evolution of Animal-Algal Symbioses

Zooxanthellae are unicellular algae that occur as endosymbionts in many hundreds of marine invertebrate species. Because zooxanthellae have traditionally been difficult to classify, little is known about the natural history of these symbioses. Zooxanthellae were isolated from 131 individuals in 22 host taxa and characterized by the use of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in nuclear genes that encode small ribosomal subunit RNA (ssRNA). Six algal RFLPs, distributed host species specifically, were detected. Individual hosts contained one algal RFLP. Zooxanthella phylogenetic relationships were estimated from 22 algal ssRNA sequences—one from each host species. Closely related algae were found in dissimilar hosts, suggesting that animal and algal lineages have maintained a flexible evolutionary relation with each other.
The Effects of Spatial Disorientation on Cognitive Processing

Previous research exploring the relationship between spatial orientation and cognition shows that if balance and orientation are unstable, there is a natural tendency to direct all mental resources to regaining orientation. To expand this line of research, this study examined how disorientation affects aviators' cognition while actively piloting a flight simulator. Thirty-six UH-60 aviators participated in the study, and were asked to perform cognitive tests (presented aurally) as they flew oriented and disoriented flight profiles. Test accuracy was significantly worse for the disoriented condition than the two oriented conditions for both cognitive tests.
Contribution of Ballistic Electron Transport to Energy Transfer During Electron-Phonon Nonequilibrium in Thin Metal Films

With the ever decreasing characteristic lengths of nanomaterials, nonequilibrium electron-phonon scattering can be affected by additional scattering processes at the interface of two materials. Electron-interface scattering would lead to another path of energy flow for the high-energy electrons other than electron-phonon coupling in a single material. Traditionally, electron-phonon coupling in transport is analyzed with a diffusion (Fourier) based model, such as the two temperature model (TTM). However, in thin films with thicknesses less than the electron mean free path, ballistic electron transport could lead to electron-interface scattering, which is not taken into account in the TTM. The ballistic component of electron transport, leading to electron-interface scattering during ultrashort pulsed laser heating, is studied here by a ballistic-diffusive approximation of the Boltzmann transport equation. The results for electron-phonon equilibration times are compared with calculations with TTM based approximations and experimental data on Au thin films.
Prediction of vapor pressures and saturated volumes with a simple cubic equation of state: Part I. A reliable data base

Abstract A reliable unbiased data base comprising (i) vapor pressures, P s , (ii) critical properties, T c , and P c , (iii) acentric factors, w, (iv) an improved correlation for critical compressibility, Z c , and (v) saturated liquid volume, V s , for the Cl to C16 n-alkanes is presented. For vapor pressures, the data base covers a wide range of pressures for each compound, from 0.001 kilopascal through the critical pressure for some of them, with an estimated accuracy of 2 percent from the critical pressure to 0.1 kilopascal, and about 5 percent accuracy below 0.1 kilopascal. Critical properties are screened by plotting T c and P c versus the number of carbon atoms. Acentric factors, w, are re-evaluated using the vapor pressure data base. Plotting many experimental Zc data versus w gives a correlation which better represents Zc at high w. A saturated liquid volume data base was generated from the correlation of Hankinson and Thomson (1979), after it was tested with experimental data. This data base of P s , T c , P c w, Z c , and V s can be used in the development of equations of state (EOS) and the establishment of their limits of applicability, which is demonstrated with the translated Van der Waals (VdW-711) EOS in Part II.
Using vector and extended boolean matching in an expert system

Le FOCES (Foster Care Expert System) est un exemple d'application des techniques de recherche documentaire au domaine de l'intelligence artificielle dans le secteur social. Ce systeme expert utilise une procedure generale preetablie, le GUESS (General Purpose Expert System Shell) et le programme Prdog pour les procedures d'appariement bouleens et de correlations vectorielles
Characterization of NiCrAlY coatings for a high strength, high conductivity GRCop-84 copper alloy

Abstract NiCrAlY top coats are currently being considered as environmental protective coatings for copper alloy liners in rocket engine combustion chambers of reusable launch vehicles. The microstructure and mechanical properties of this top coat sprayed on GRCop-84 have been characterized as a function of thermal cycling between 298 and 873 K and no obvious degradation was observed. Interfacial microsample tensile tests developed to measure coating adhesion to the substrate revealed that the interfaces were stronger than the substrate in both the as-received and thermal cycled conditions. Finite element modeling was used to analyze the stresses in the microsamples and verify the strength of the interfaces. The formation of depleted zones, devoid of Cr 2 Nb particles, was associated with plasma arc cleaning in a minority of the samples prepared for this study, and the presence of these depleted zones has been found to significantly decrease the adhesion of the NiCrAlY coating and to change the failure mode in thermal cycled specimens.
Modeling dopamine modulation of delay-period activity in prefrontal cortex during working memory processes

Abstract We present a network rate model of the mechanisms that may participate in working-memory dopamine modulation in the PFC. The model provides a mechanism to limit the natural lifetime of working memory delay-period activity. Moreover, it also exhibits selective potentiation or depression of memory fields by local application of dopamine agonists or antagonists.
Changes in metal specificity due to iron ligand substitutions in reaction centers fromRhodobacter sphaeroides

Bacterial reaction centers have a single nonheme iron that is located between two bound quinones, QA and QB, which are the primary and secondary electron acceptors during photosynthesis, respectively. InRhodobacter sphaeroides, the iron is coordinated by four nitrogen atoms, contributed by histidines at L190, L230, M219, and M266, and two oxygen atoms, contributed by Glu at M234. The roles of these ligands in determining the metal-binding specificity and electron transfer properties of the quinones were investigated by mutagenesis. Each of the four His ligands was changed to Glu, Gln, and Cys, whereas Glu was changed to His, Gln, Cys, and Asp. All mutants supported photosynthetic growth except for those with substitutions of Glu or Cys at L190 or M219. The metal specificity of isolated mutant RCs was determined by measurements using atomic absorption and 35 GHz electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The M234 mutants had a lesser iron specificity than the wild type with a mole fraction of 0.7 to 0.8 iron but retained a total metal content of 1.0. All His mutants had an even lower iron content with mole fractions of 0.04 to 0.16. The His to Cys at M266 mutant had a significantly greater amount of bound zinc that was further enhanced when the strain was grown in zinc-supplemented media. The charge recombination rates from Q B −. , which ranged from 0.5 to 1 s−1 in the mutants, were comparable to the 1 s−1 value for the wild type. Charge recombination from Q A −. showed complex kinetics, with rates of 15 to 30 s−1 for the L190, L230, and M234 mutants and 200 s−1 for the M266 mutants compared with 8 s−1 for the wild type. The faster rates in the mutants most likely reflected a smaller free energy difference between Q A −. and Φ A − , a nearby bacteriopheophytin, with the smaller energy difference facilitating indirect recombination. All of the mutants transferred electrons to the secondary quinone, with rates (1200 to 4700 s−1) comparable to that of the native (3700 s−1). The data demonstrate that neither the ligands nor the bound metal play a critical role in the electron transfer processes at the acceptor side.
Diabetes Disease Management in a Home Care Setting

The purpose of this Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Theory of Nursing guided project was to extend a program evaluation project to examine the effects of three different approaches to home health care diabetes care on patient self-care behaviors. Group 1 (n = 64) received an experimental Diabetes Disease Management Program, group 2 (n = 167) received a Diabetes Learning Collaborative program, and group 3 (n = 132) received standard diabetes home care. No statistically significant group differences were found for self-care behaviors. Statistically significant associations in group 2 between emergent care and patients who met American Diabetes Association criteria for glucose control regarding discharge management of injectable medication management were found. A significant clinical finding was that 46% of patients (n = 117) did not meet the glucose criteria.
CAMAC staggered memory look-up module and ECL fan-in for fast trigger applications

A CAMAC dual-port memory lookup module recently designed at the University of South Carolina is described. The target application of this design was geometric pattern recognition in the trigger system of a collider experiment. The resulting module, however, has a quite general applicability and expands considerably on the functionality of the LeCroy Model 2372. A high-density emitter coupled logic fan-in module is also described. This module can be manually configured to compute logical sums and products and in effect functions as an ECL erasable programmable logic device. >
High-Pressure-High-Temperature Study of Spin-Lattice Relaxation in Pure and Doped LiBr Single Crystals

Measurements of the spin-lattice relaxation time of Li in pure and doped single crystals of LiBr, as a function of temperature, clearly indicate that the spin relaxation is due predominantly to the diffusive motion above room temperature. The magnitude and temperature dependence of the relaxation time and the magnitude of temperature at which ${T}_{1min}$ occurs favor Torrey's theory of dipolar relaxation due to translational diffusion of ${\mathrm{Li}}^{+}$ ions over Reif's quadrupolar mechanism due to vacancy diffusion. The study of temperature dependence facilitated a determination of activation energies for creation and motion of vacancies in this material. The low-temperature slopes of the normalized frequency $y(=\frac{{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}}{2\ensuremath{\nu}})$ versus $\frac{1}{\mathrm{kT}}$ curves yielded a value of 0.35 eV corresponding to the activation energy for motion of a vacancy. The high-temperature slope fixed the value of the activation energy of formation of a Schottky pair at 1.70 eV. These values are in essential agreement with those obtained from ionic conductivity measurements. The effect of pressure on longitudinal relaxation time at temperatures ranging from room temperature to about 400\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C was investigated up to about 5 kbar. The activation volume for the motion of a vacancy was found to be 6.4 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/mole. The study of pressure dependence at high temperatures gave a value of 29.5 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/mole for the formation volume of a Schottky-pair defect. These values of the activation volumes are comparable to the previous determinations in other alkali halides by ionic conductivity studies and are also in reasonable agreement with those predicted by Keyes's strain-energy model.
Bridging GPS Gaps in Urban Canyons: The Benefits of ZUPTs

This paper describes a study which looked at the impact of zero velocity updates (ZUPTs) on navigation accuracy in urban canyons. Focus was on the speed and reliability of ambiguity resolution supported by periodic ZUPTs. The paper also presents an analysis of the positioning errors after ZUPT events versus unaided and GPS/inertial navigation system (INS) results. The observability aspects of static INS calibration are also briefly addressed.
Black Students’ Responses to Afrocentric Communication Stimuli

This study examined Black students’ cognitive and affective responses to race of messenger and cultural content of message as Afrocentric communication stimuli. The sample consisted of 127 Black students (89 in the experimental group and 38 in the control group). Results of a 2 X 2 factorial MANOVA design indicated minimal yet significant main effects for messenger and message content stimuli; however, several significant Race of Messenger X Message Content interactions were revealed. The general nature of the findings offered notable support for the premise of Afrocentricity as a paradigm from which to effectively communicate with Black message recipients.
Screening for Idiopathic Scoliosis in Adolescents: An Information Statement

Many states mandate school screening to identify children at risk for scoliosis, though recent studies have cast some controversy on the effectiveness of routine scoliosis screening. Previous studies have both supported and discouraged routine screening. Prevention of severe scoliosis is a major commitment of physicians caring for children with spinal deformities. For this reason, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) convened a task force to examine issues related to scoliosis screening and to put forth the present information statement. The societies acknowledge the important role of a systematic review of the literature as well as the role of consensus expert opinion in the common situation where the available evidence does not yet exist to speak definitely for, or against, an evaluation or intervention. Costs involved with scoliosis screening are relatively low on a societal level and may justify the possibility of preventing surgery in adolescents with scoliosis. Adolescents without significant spinal deformity who are referred to a specialist for evaluation often do not require radiographs. For those who do need radiographic evaluation, it is important to know that the radiation exposure using current-day radiographic techniques, including digital radiography, is significantly smaller than in the past. Opponents to scoliosis screening have focused on concerns about a low predictive value of screening and the cost-effectiveness of referral. There have also been concerns about the possibility of unnecessary treatment, including brace use, and the effect of exposure to radiation when radiographs are obtained. With regard to early treatment in those adolescents detected with moderate scoliosis, the available data neither definitively support nor refute the efficacy of bracing. To most effectively answer this, a well-organized level I study is needed. Such a study, …
Processing and major histocompatibility complex binding of the MTV7 superantigen

Abstract Mouse mammary tumor viruses produce superantigens (vSAGs) which interact with class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins and stimulate T cells. vSAGs are synthesized as Type II membrane proteins, but at least one of these proteins (vSAG7) is found on the cell surface In a proteolytically processed form. Monoclonal antibodies (LAW) were used to characterize vSAG7 and Its binding to class II molecules. vSAG7 is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as a 45 kd glycoproteln containing N-asparagine-linked oligomannosyl carbohydrates. vSAG7 transits the golgi complex, where it is modified by the addition of complex-type glycans and proteolysed at three positions. After proteolysis, the amino and carboxyl termini remain noncovalently associated. The ER, golgi, and surface forms of vSAG7 are stably bound to class II, but one of the proteolysed forms comprises the majority of the class II-bound material.
Maté: a tiny virtual machine for sensor networks

Composed of tens of thousands of tiny devices with very limited resources ("motes"), sensor networks are subject to novel systems problems and constraints. The large number of motes in a sensor network means that there will often be some failing nodes; networks must be easy to repopulate. Often there is no feasible method to recharge motes, so energy is a precious resource. Once deployed, a network must be reprogrammable although physically unreachable, and this reprogramming can be a significant energy cost.We present Mate, a tiny communication-centric virtual machine designed for sensor networks. Mate's high-level interface allows complex programs to be very short (under 100 bytes), reducing the energy cost of transmitting new programs. Code is broken up into small capsules of 24 instructions, which can self-replicate through the network. Packet sending and reception capsules enable the deployment of ad-hoc routing and data aggregation algorithms. Mate's concise, high-level program representation simplifies programming and allows large networks to be frequently reprogrammed in an energy-efficient manner; in addition, its safe execution environment suggests a use of virtual machines to provide the user/kernel boundary on motes that have no hardware protection mechanisms.
Temporal And Spatial Characterization Of Optical Breakdown In A Suspension Of Small Absorbing Particles

It has been shown that a suspension of small, absorbing particles in a liquid demonstrates nonlinear transmission when exposed to high-energy laser pulses. Two experiments were performed to characterize the nonlinear phenomena that occur. First, an HeNe probe beam and fast photodetector were used to monitor the transmission of the suspension as high-intensity Nd:YAG pulses passed through. The sequence of events in the breakdown process was thus determined. Second, the spatial distribution of the transmitted Nd:YAG pulses was monitored with a CCD camera and Quantex QX-7 digital image processor. The distribution of the light scattered by the suspension was viewed for input pulses less than, near to, and greater than the threshold required to produce breakdown. The combined results of these two experiments gives a clearer understanding of the limiting process that occurs.
Involuntary Exposure to Cigarette Smoke May Increase Risk for Progression of Periodontitis

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Association between involuntary smoking and salivary markers related to periodontitis: a 2-year longitudinal study. Nishida N, Yamamoto Y, Tanaka M, Kataoka K, Kuboniwa M, Nakayama K, et al. J Periodontol 2008;79(12):2233-40. Reviewer Scott L. Tomar, DMD, DrPH Purpose/Question Does involuntary exposure to cigarette smoke increase the risk for progression of periodontitis? Source of Funding Government of Japan and Japan Dental Association Type of Study/Design Prospective cohort study Level of Evidence Level 2: limited-quality patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
Thermolability of Malic Dehydrogenase from the Obligate Psychrophile Vibrio marinus

Abstract Langridge, Patricia (Oregon State University, Corvallis), and Richard Y. Morita. Thermolability of malic dehydrogenase from the obligate psychrophile Vibrio marinus. J. Bacteriol. 92:418–423. 1966.—The thermolability of malic dehydrogenase in whole cells of Vibrio marinus MP-1 grown at 15 C was compared with that of cell-free extracts and partially purified fractions. The intracellular enzyme was found to be stable between 0 C, and the organism's optimal growth temperature, 15 C. In cell-free extracts, considerable lability was noted even at 0 C, and this lability did not increase further until the enzyme was exposed to temperatures above the organism's maximal growth temperature (20 C). Twenty-fold purified enzyme was stable between 15 and 20 C, but both above and below this there was considerable inactivation. A 5-min exposure of both cold- and heat-inactivated enzyme to 15 C allowed reactivation, although to a different extent. Ammonium sulfate was found both to stimulate enzyme activity and to reactivate temperature-inactivated enzyme.
Effect of Lactic Acid Fermentation on Bacterial Pathogens and Indicator Organisms in Broiler Processing Waste

Broiler processing offal (heads, viscera, and feet) was collected on 3 separate days from a commercial processing plant. Each sample was separately ground, supplemented with sucrose (6% initial concentration), inoculated with actively growing lactic acid bacteria (10(6) cfu/g of offal) from a commercial silage culture, and fermented at 37 C. Replicate samples were taken for standard microbiological analysis after 0, 48, and 120 h of fermentation. In fresh offal, heterotrophic plate count, total and fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci, and Aeromonas hydrophila concentrations were 7.4, 5.9, 5.9, 5.4, and 3.9 log10 cfu/g wet weight, respectively. After 48 h of fermentation, the bacterial concentrations were 7.6, 2.2, < 1.3, 5.5, and < 2.3 log10 cfu/g wet weight, respectively. After 120 h of fermentation, the bacterial concentrations were 6.9, < 1.1, < 1.1, < 1.1, and < 1.1 log10 cfu/g wet weight, respectively. Salmonella concentrations in fresh, 48-h fermented, and 120-h fermented offal samples were 3.7, < 1.5, and < 1.5 log10 most-probable-number/100 g wet weight, respectively. Lactic acid fermentation appears to be effective in reducing the number of bacterial pathogens and indicator organisms in poultry processing offal.