cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Brief Treatment of Generalized Functions for Use in Teaching the Laplace Transform

A simple yet rigorous treatment of generalized functions is presented, which avoids the complications of a full-fledged theory while covering the situations that occur in engineering applications. This treatment of functions with singularities is both sufficiently concrete to be quickly understood and sufficiently general to be widely useful. Using this treatment as a foundation, an approach to the unilateral Laplace transform that accepts the presence of impulses and arbitrary initial conditions is easily presented and explained.
Effect of lysophosphatidylcholine on atherosclerotic rabbit arteries

We report here on the effect of an endothelium-dependent vascular smooth muscle relaxant, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) on rabbit aortic strips and on hemodynamic changes by LPC in atherosclerotic animals. Cyclic GMP changes induced by LPC in atherosclerotic vessels were also determined. Atherosclerosis was produced by feeding a high cholesterol and saturated fatty acid diet. LPC was injected into the left atrium and coronary flow was measured by radioactive microspheres; in vitro, relaxation of precontracted aortic strips by lysophosphatidylcholine was also recorded. LPC failed to increase coronary flow in the presence of atherosclerosis. In isolated aortic strips, dose-response curves with acetylcholine and LPC showed diminished relaxation in atherosclerotic preparations, and cyclic GMP production following LPC was reduced. The results demonstrate that vascular relaxation by LPC, together with its ability to activate guanylate cyclase is dependent on the functional and morphological integrity of the vascular wall.
Alkylation of DNA in specific hepatic chromatin fractions following exposure to methylnitrosourea or dimethylnitrosamine.

Abstract This study was designed to assess, qualitatively and quantitatively, the methylation of hepatic DNA isolated from specific chromatin fractions following exposure to carcinogenic alkylating agents, methylnitrosourea (MNU), or dimethylnitrosamine (DMN). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 0.15 mmol:kg [ methyl - 3 H]MNU (10 mCi/mmol) or to 0.08 mmol/kg [ methyl - 14 C]DMN (1.0 mCi/mmol) via gastric intubation. Alkylation of hepatic DNA was assessed at 3, 24, 72, and 168 hr postintubation. Hepatic chromatin was fractionated into portions having characteristics of template-active euchromatin (S2) and template-repressed heterochromatin (P2) by digestion with DNase II followed by MgCl 2 precipitation. At times of peak alkylation following the administration of either carcinogen, the S2/P2 DNA alkylation ratio was greater than 1.0 indicating that alkylation was nonrandom. In addition, the S2/P2 DNA alkylation ratio at peak alkylation following MNU treatment was 1.6 times the DMN ratio, suggesting qualitative differences between DMN- versus MNU-induced alkylation.
TH‐A‐BRA‐05: Linear Regression Analysis of 2D Projection Image Data of 6 Degrees‐ Of‐Freedom Transformed 3D Image Sets for Stereotactic Radiotherapy

Purpose: To improve accuracy and speed of identifying the 6 degrees‐of‐ freedom (DoF) transformation during patient positioning alignment for stereotactic radiotherapy by determining the linear relationship between two real‐time orthogonal 2D projection images and two digitally reconstructedradiographs (DRRs) generated from a 3D volume image.Methods: Each 2D image representing an independent transformation was characterized and defined by a shape function, a function parameterized by distance and pixel value. A principal component analysis was developed to find the linear relationship between the 2D projection images and the two DRRs generated from the 3D volume image for small‐scale transformations by matching the 2D images to a set of base functions established from singular transformations. The patient‐positioning algorithm calculates the 6 DoF transformation of the patient based upon two orthogonal real‐time 2D images and from the linear relationship established. The algorithm has been validated against classical image registration methods on patient data for runtime and positioning accuracy. Results: The algorithm has accuracy to at least 1 pixel (equivalent to 0.5 mm accuracy given this image resolution). The shape function characterizes each 2D image on an average of 1.78 seconds. The algorithm interprets the evaluated transformation as a linear combination of separate 6 DoF transformations. The principal component analysis allows for rapid and accurate position matching of the images, and provides the transformation needed to align the orthogonal images to the volume on an average of 3.32 seconds. Conclusions: The linear relationship developed from the shape function algorithm affords speed and accuracy of patient positioning during stereotactic radiotherapy treatment. The algorithm is fast and accurate for small‐order 6 DoF transformations. This algorithm indicates the potential for high precision of patient positioning from the interpolation and extrapolation of the linear relationships. This project is supported by the NCI Federal Share of program income earned by Massachusetts General Hospital on C06 CA059267, Proton Therapy Research and Treatment Center.
The use of inorganic exchangers to improve the 82Sr82Rb generator

Abstract Of the radioactive analogs of potassium, 82 Rb + (T 1 2 = 78 s ) is one of the most attractive, particularly in institutions with positron detection devices. This is the case primarily because it is available as a radionuclide generator product by decay of its long-lived parent 82 Sr (T 1 2 = 25 days ) and, as such, does not require in-house cyclotron production. Considerable effort elsewhere has resulted in the development of two generator systems, both employing organic exchangers as solid supports. Although both have been useful particularly in animal studies, neither is ideal for biomedical applications since both employ nonphysiologic eluants. We have investigated the possibility of developing a generator which may be eluted with physiologic saline by studying the inorganic exchangers Al2O3 and ZrO2. The results presented herein show that ZrO2 columns eluted with 0.9% NaCl, pH 7.5 exhibit reasonable 82Rb yields (40%/15 ml) and low 82Sr breakthrough (about 2 × 10−70%/ml). The 82Sr breakthrough does not increase after elution with at least 131 of eluant and over extended periods.
Hyperosmolar Solutions Selectively Block Action Potentials in Rat Myelinated Sensory Fibers: Implications for Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus patients. It is a wide range of abnormalities affecting proximal and distal peripheral sensory and motor nerves. Although plasma hyperosmolality is a common finding in diabetes mellitus, the effects of hyperosmolality on conduction of various sensory signal components have not been addressed in detail. Here we show that in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) preparations from normal rats, hyperosmolar solutions (360 mmol/kg, containing increased glucose, sucrose, NaCl, or mannitol) produce a selective block of signal propagation in myelinated sensory A-fibers. In compound action potential (CAP) recordings with suction electrodes, peak A-fiber CAP amplitude was selectively decreased (20%), while the C-fiber peak remained intact or was slightly increased. Hyperosmolar solutions had smaller effects on conduction velocity (CV) of both A- and C-fibers (approximately 5% decrease). Hyperosmolality-induced CAP changes could not be observed during recordings from isolated spinal nerves but were evident during recordings from desheathed spinal nerves. In intracellular recordings, hyperosmolar solutions produced a block of spinal nerve-evoked action potential invasion into the somata of some A-fiber neurons. Removal of extracellular calcium completely prevented the hyperosmolality-induced CAP decreases. Based on these data, we propose that the decreased CAP amplitudes recorded in human patients and in animal models of diabetes are in part due to the effects of hyperosmolality and would depend on the extracellular osmolality at the time of sensory testing. We also hypothesize that hyperosmolality may contribute to both the sensory abnormalities (paresthesias) and the chronic pain symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
Autonomic dysfunction, allergy and the upper airway.

Purpose of reviewThe autonomic nervous system has been implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic upper airway inflammatory disease for decades. We discuss the most recent literature with regard to autonomic nervous system dysfunction and chronic upper airway disease.Recent findingsRecently, state
Response of diatoms and silicoflagellates to climate change and warming in the California Current during the past 250 years and the recent rise of the toxic diatom Pseudo-nitzschia australis

Abstract Diatoms and silicoflagellate assemblages were examined in two year-increments of varved samples spanning the interval from 1748 through 2007 in Santa Barbara Basin (SBB) box core SBBC0806 to determine the timing and impact of possible 20th century warming on several different components of the plankton. Diatoms ( Thalassionema nitzschioides = TN) and silicoflagellates ( Distephanus speculum s.l. = DS) indicative of cooler waters and a shallow thermocline begin to decline in the 1920s and persistently compose a lower percentage of the assemblage in the SBB by about 1940. Prior to 1940, TN constituted on average ∼30% of the Chaetoceros -free diatom sediment assemblage and DS on average ∼36% of the silicoflagellate assemblage. Between 1940 and 1996, these relative abundances were ∼20% (TN) and ∼8% (DS). These results are consistent with results from planktonic foraminifera and radiolarians that indicate an influence of 20th century warming on marine ecosystems before most scientific observations began. Cooling of surface waters coincident with the one of the strongest La Nina events of the 20th century (and a return to negative PDO conditions) in late 1998 brought about a return to pre-1940 values of these cool water taxa (TN ∼31%, DS ∼25%). However, this recent regional cooling appears to have been accompanied by profound changes in the diatom assemblage. Pseudo-nitzschia australis , and Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries , diatom species associated with domoic acid, a neurotoxin that causes shellfish poisoning and marine mammal deaths, rapidly became dominant in the SBB sediment record at the time of the regional cooling (1999) and increased substantially in numbers as a bloom-forming taxon (relative to Chaetoceros spores) in 2003. Prior to 2003, diatom blooms recorded in the SBB sediment record consisted predominantly of Chaetoceros spores and less commonly of Rhizosolenia -related species ( Neocalyptrella robusta and Rhizosolenia setigera ). Fecal pellets dominated by valves of P. australis , however, were particularly abundant in both the 2003 and 2006 samples, coincident with recorded incidents of domoic acid increase and widespread shellfish poisoning in the SBB.
The field effect electron mobility of laser-annealed polycrystalline silicon MOSFETs

Abstract Measured Id-Vd results on MOSFET's and C–V results on MOS capacitors which were fabricated on laser annealed polycrystalline silicon are presented. A scanned CW Ar+ laser was used to anneal the samples. Laser power varied from 10 to 15 W in increments of 1 W; beam diameter was about 40 μ m and scan rate was about 12.5 cm/s. The field effect mobility, determined from Id-Vd measurements, increases with increasing laser power. The effects of electron trapping in the polycrystalline silicon substrate were used to explain the observed mobility of the MOSFET's. In transistors annealed at low power (
Persistence of virus-specific memory B cells in mice CNS.

IMMUNOGLOBULIN (Ig) populations detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in chronic viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) differ from serum Ig with regard to the relative concentration of antiviral antibodies1–4, their light chain ratio5 and their heterogeneity6,7. Such observations support the idea that antibodies are produced locally in the CNS8. But differences between CSF and serum Ig can also be explained in terms of the selective retention and accumulation of serum antibodies after passage across the blood–brain barrier9. Unequivocal proof of the local antibody production requires, however, that plasma cells, or their precursor cells, be isolated from the CNS. Intracerebral inoculation of mice with 6/94, a para-influenza type 1 virus10, induces an immunologically mediated degeneration of the white matter which is related to infiltration of the brain parenchyma by mononuclear cells11,12. In the study reported here, cells recovered from the brains of virus-infected mice were investigated as described previously to analyse memory B cells reactive to influenza viruses13,14. Virus-reactive memory B cells, that is immunocompetent cells able to generate, on antigenic stimulation, a clone of antiviral-antibody-producing plasma cells, were demonstrated in the brains of mice injected intracerebrally with 6/94 virus but not in the brains of mice injected intraperitoneally.
Variability in soils and vegetation associated with harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex rugosus) nests on a Chihuahuan Desert watershed

The effects of harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex rugosus) nests on the density and cover of spring annual plants and on soil characteristics were measured at three locations characterized by different soils and dominant vegetation on a desert watershed. There were few differences in vegetation and soils associated with harvester ant nests at locations at the base of the watershed where brief periods of flooding and sediment deposition occur at periodic intervals. At mid-slope locations, there were significant increases in total nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and cover (biomass) of four species of spring annuals at the edges of nest disks when compared with reference sites. The spring annuals that exhibited increased cover were species that increase biomass as a function of available nitrogen. At a clay-loam, Scleropogon-Hilaria, grassland site, there were significant reductions in the concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+, significant increases in nitrate and total nitrogen, but a significant increase in cover in only one species of annual plant. The data demonstrate that the effects of ants on soil properties and vegetation vary with site location and soil type.
Comparative Use of Immunological Methods & Ligand Blotting of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Proteins in Serum and Other Biological Fluids

There is controversy as to which methodology most accurately detects the Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs). We have compared immunological and ligand binding techniques to assess the IGFBPs in serum from non-pregnant women and women in late pregnancy, fetal cord serum and amniotic fluid. A specific radioimmunoassay for IGFBP-3 measured mean levels of 3.5 and 3.7μg/ml for non-pregnancy and pregnancy serum, respectively, 0.7μg/ml for fetal cord serum and 5.1μg/ml for amniotic fluid. In contrast, Western-ligand blot of fluid showed IGFBP-3 as a 40 kDa doublet in non-pregnancy serum and fetal cord serum, unlike pregnancy serum or amniotic fluid, where IGFBP-3 was undetectable by standard blot analysis. However, analysis of fluids at 25-50 times more volume showed that IGFBP-3 was detectable as a 40 kDa doublet in pregnancy serum and amniotic fluid. The molecular mass of immunoreactive IGFBP-3 was examined by Western-immunoblot, probed with antibody α IGFBP-31l. As in Westem-ligand blot, intact IGFBP-3 (40 kDa) was easily detected in non-pregnancy serum and fetal cord serum, but required greater volumes of sample for detection in pregnancy serum and amniotic fluid. In addition, smaller immunoreactive fragments were found in all fluids: a faint 27 and 22 kDa band was found in non-pregnancy serum and fetal cord serum, with more dominant bands of 31-27, 26, 25, 24 and 22 kDa in pregnancy serum and 31-26, 25, 22, 19-17 kDa in amniotic fluid. To address the obvious discrepancies between ligand and immunological analysis, samples were assessed for IGFBP-3 protease activity. Non-pregnancy serum proteolyzed 14% of the substrate, pregnancy serum 61%, fetal cord serum 33%, and amniotic fluid 50-61%. Thus, fluids with apparently low IGFBP-3 by Western-ligand blot, but high IGFBP-3 by RIA, showed high levels of protease activity. Previously, IGFBP-proteases have been shown to degrade IGFBP to smaller fragments with a reduced affinity for IGF. We conclude that the discrepancy between ligand binding techniques and immunological techniques can be explained, at least in part, by the presence of IGFBP-protease activity.
An L2 form of Bernstein's inequality

Abstract Suppose P is a pth degree real polynomial function in n variables and f=PǀSn-1 is the restriction of P to the unit sphere Sn-1 in Rn. Bernstein's inequality asserts that ([unk]0kf)2 + p2([unk]0k-1f)2 ≤ p2k ∥f∥∞2, where k ≥ 1 and differentiation is with respect to arc length θ along any geodesic in Sn-1. We find the constant corresponding to p2k when ∥f∥∞ is replaced by ∥f∥2. One application is a condition on the coefficients of the expansion in surface spherical harmonics of any g: Sn-1 → R, which condition suffices to assure that g is k times differentiable.
Multi-component Cu-Strengthened Steel Welding Simulations: Atom Probe Tomography and Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction Analyses

An experimental steel with the composition Fe-1.39Cu-2.70Ni-0.58Al-0.48Mn-0.48Si-0.065Nb-0.05C (wt pct) or alternatively Fe-1.43Cu-2.61Ni-1.21Al-0.48Mn-0.98Si-0.039Nb-0.23C (at. pct) has been developed at Northwestern University, which has both high toughness and high strength after quenching and aging treatments. Simulated heat-affected zone (HAZ) samples are utilized to analyze the microstructures typically obtained after gas metal arc welding (GMAW). Dissolution within the HAZ of cementite (Fe3C) and NbC (F.C.C.) is revealed using synchrotron X-ray diffraction, while dissolution of Cu precipitates is measured employing local electrode atom probe tomography. The results are compared to Thermo-Calc equilibrium calculations. Comparison of measured Cu precipitate radii, number density, and volume fraction with similar measurements from a GMAW sample suggests that the cooling rate in the simulations is faster than in the experimental GMAW sample, resulting in significantly less Cu precipitate nucleation and growth during the cooling part of the weld thermal cycle. The few Cu precipitates detected in the simulated samples are primarily located on grain boundaries resulting from heterogeneous nucleation. The dissolution of NbC precipitates and the resultant austenite coarsening in the highest-temperature sample, coupled with a rapid cooling rate, results in the growth of bainite, and an increase in the strength of the matrix in the absence of significant Cu precipitation.
Future of Uranium Mining in Atlantic Margin: ABSTRACT

Good prospects exist for the discovery of mineable uranium ore bodies in a variety of geologic environments in the Atlantic margin. Development is farthest along in the Canadian Maritimes, at Kitts-Michelin in Labrador, through extensive exploration in New Brunswick, at Johan Beetz and other pegmatite areas on the Quebec north shore, and in the South Mountain batholith in Nova Scotia. Targets of interest in the United States include Precambrian crystalline rocks in the Green Mountain massif in Vermont, the Reading Prong-Hudson River Highlands in New York-New Jersey, and Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina-Tennessee. Paleozoic granitic intrusives in the Piedmont province commonly are enriched in uranium, and some have potential for discovery of episyenite, pegmatite, au higenic, and contact metasomatic deposits. Triassic sedimentary basins are being explored for sandstone-type ore bodies, and are being considered for vein-type deposits related to the border faults, or to the basal unconformity. The potential of the Coastal Plain is almost unknown although there are good source rocks nearby, and substantial uranium is moving in the present hydrologic regime. Gorceixite occurrences in Aiken County, South Carolina, are of some interest. The Department of Energy is continuing to review areas and evaluate data generated under the National Uranium Resource Evaluation program. Exploration and development of resources in the Atlantic margin are hampered by large metropolitan areas, high population density, higher priority uses of land, and the difficulty of negotiating leases. Environmental and antinuclear concerns have resulted in legislation restricting exploration and development in Vermont and New Jersey. Publich sentiment is divided on the issue of mining. Where these obstacles can be overcome, there are good opportunities and worthwhile prospects for further work. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1666------------
Cytisine — A Tobacco Treatment Hiding in Plain Sight

A randomized, controlled trial published in this issue of the Journal brings renewed attention to cytisine, a potentially useful pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation that has been hiding in plain sight.1 A naturally occurring plant alkaloid, cytisine has been sold in Eastern Europe as an inexpensive smoking-cessation aid for 50 years but is unavailable elsewhere.2 Two events brought it to broader attention in 2006. First, Etter's review2 of overlooked, older studies suggested a potential efficacy of cytisine for smoking cessation, although a firm conclusion could not be drawn because previous trials did not meet contemporary standards. Second, varenicline, a drug with . . .
Start treatment with appropriate antibiotic therapy (STAART)

Abstract Rationale Results of recent surveillance studies have shown that antimicrobial resistance among common respiratory pathogens continues to emerge and may threaten the clinical utility of commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents. The goals of the STAART roundtable members are to identify emerging concepts in antimicrobial selection for treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections (CARTIs) and communicate these findings as part of an ongoing educational effort to foster understanding of the criteria that should be considered when selecting an empiric first-line agent in an era of emerging antimicrobial resistance. Methods A multidisciplinary expert panel met to discuss emerging criteria for antimicrobial selection to help reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance while improving microbiologic and clinical outcomes. Results The results of this discussion reflect a growing body of evidence that suggests 1) use of the most potent agent could reduce resistance and improve outcomes; 2) antimicrobial agents with a targeted spectrum of activity (defined as having activity against usual, atypical and resistant respiratory pathogens but not having activity against gram-negative non respiratory pathogens) are efficacious and may minimize resistance without exerting resistance selection pressure on nonrespiratory flora; 3) antimicrobial agents with optimal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profiles can possibly minimize the rate of resistance. Conclusions Thus, antimicrobial potency, appropriate spectrum of activity and PK/PD profile have been identified by the panel as 3 emerging criteria for consideration when selecting an appropriate first-line antimicrobial agent for the management of CARTIs.
GUICO: A Synthesized Group Approach.

The guico (guidance and counseling) approach synthesizes various elements of group guidance and group counseling in order to achieve developmental-social and remedial problem-solving goals in group settings. Co-counselors share responsibility for group leadership, provide structure for group events, and act as models in role-playing situations. Group members carry out assignments based on hierarchically ordered events and chart their progress throughout the group's life cycle.
Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption among Australian Police Officers: 1989 to 2005

Lifestyle factors represent a significant occupational health issue for law enforcement personnel around the world. Despite this fact, longitudinal investigations of alcohol and tobacco consumption trends among them are rarely undertaken, particularly on a national basis. The aim of the current study therefore, was to examine the changing nature of high-risk alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking habits among a nationally representative sample of Australian police officers, for what appears to be the first time. Data pertaining to law enforcement personnel were extracted from four National Health Surveys conducted in Australia between 1989 and 2005. A referent group was also formulated for the same time periods. Results from this investigation suggest that the proportion of Australian police who consume alcohol at high rates is slowly declining in recent years. On the other hand, tobacco consumption among them has remained relatively stable, with around one-fifth of Australian police still smoking in 200...
Protonation states of ammonia/ammonium in the hydrophobic pore of ammonia transporter protein AmtB.

The crystal structure of the ammonia transport (Amt) protein AmtB at 1.4 A resolution revealed four ammonia/ammonium (NH3/NH4+) binding sites along the ∼20 A narrow pore. It is an open question whether the bound NH3/NH4+ are neutral (NH3) or cationic (NH4+). On the basis of the AmtB crystal structure, we calculated the pKa of these four NH3/NH4+ by solving the Poisson−Boltzmann equation. Except for one NH3/NH4+ binding site (Am1) at the entry point of the Amt pore, binding sites are occupied by NH3 due to lack of energy contributions from solvation, eliminating an existence of charged form NH4+ and, inevitably, its potential cation−π interaction. The only two titratable residues in the pore, His168 and His318, are in the neutral charge state. The NH4+ charge state at the Am1 site is stabilized by Ser219 functioning as an H-bond acceptor. However, when involving explicit crystal water nearby, the NH3 charge state is stabilized by the reorientation of Ser219−OH group. This H-bond donor Ser219 significantly ...
Assessing the benefits and economics of bulk energy storage technologies in the power grid

This paper presents a generic bulk energy storage dispatch model for production costing simulation, and assesses the performance and economics of storage under various system scenarios. The storage model presented captures the dynamic relationship between the reservoir energy status and the storage commitments in energy and ancillary co-optimization market, thereby enabling the dispatch of storage for both energy and cross-market arbitrage opportunities. The paper also presents a methodology to quantify the cycling costs incurred by conventional generating units due to frequent start–shut cycles and ancillary services. The bulk storage technology modeled is compressed air energy storage (CAES), and it is represented within the IEEE 24 bus reliability test system. Simulations are performed to quantify the impacts of bulk energy storage in terms of reduction in market prices, system production and cycling costs, and also to investigate the economic viability of storage projects in terms of payback periods under increasing wind penetration levels.
Weathering of the New Albany Shale, Kentucky: II. Redistribution of minor and trace elements

Abstract During weathering, elements enriched in black shale are dispersed in the environment by aqueous and mechanical transport. Here a unique evaluation of the differential release, transport, and fate of Fe and 15 trace elements during progressive weathering of the Devonian New Albany Shale in Kentucky is presented. Results of chemical analyses along a weathering profile (unweathered through progressively weathered shale to soil) describe the chemically distinct pathways of the trace elements and the rate that elements are transferred into the broader, local environment. Trace elements enriched in the unweathered shale are in massive or framboidal pyrite, minor sphalerite, CuS and NiS phases, organic matter and clay minerals. These phases are subject to varying degrees and rates of alteration along the profile. Cadmium, Co, Mn, Ni, and Zn are removed from weathered shale during sulfide-mineral oxidation and transported primarily in aqueous solution. The aqueous fluxes for these trace elements range from 0.1 g/ha/a (Cd) to 44 g/ha/a (Mn). When hydrologic and climatic conditions are favorable, solutions seep to surface exposures, evaporate, and form Fe-sulfate efflorescent salts rich in these elements. Elements that remain dissolved in the low pH ( Other elements are strongly adsorbed or structurally bound to solid phases during weathering. Copper and U initially are concentrated in weathering solutions, but become fixed to modern plant litter in soil formed on New Albany Shale. Molybdenum, Pb, Sb, and Se are released from sulfide minerals and organic matter by oxidation and accumulate in Fe-oxyhydroxide clay coatings that concentrate in surface soil during illuviation. Chromium, Ti, and V are strongly correlated with clay abundance and considered to be in the structure of illitic clay. Illite undergoes minimal alteration during weathering and is concentrated during illuvial processes. Arsenic concentration increases across the weathering profile and is associated with the succession of secondary Fe(III) minerals that form with progressive weathering. Detrital fluxes of particle-bound trace elements range from 0.1 g/ha/a (Sb) to 8 g/ha/a (Mo). Although many of the elements are concentrated in the stream sediments, changes in pH and redox conditions along the sediment transport path could facilitate their release for aqueous transport.
Using aluminous oxide abrasives in porcelain-bonded-to-metal fabrication

T he use of nonrecyclable aluminous oxide has become increasingly popular in the porcelainbonded-to-metal technique. The most common use has been for blasting the metal surfaces to be bonded with porcelain. Other uses include removing the film of porcelain around metal collars, refining finish lines, removing the oxide layer from the inside of crowns after the glazing process, and removing an unneeded glaze from fired porcelain.
Effects on winter wheat seedling growth by toxin-producing rhizobacteria

Root-colonizing pseudomonads capable of inhibiting seedling winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) root growth in an agar seedling bioassay also significantly inhibited wheat root growth in vermiculite; however, the inhibitory trait is quite labile in laboratory culturing. The extent of inhibition in both the agar and vermiculite medium depended on inoculum level. These pseudomonads were found to produce a toxin capable of inhibiting growth ofEscherichia coli C-la andBacillus subtilis. Field isolates that strongly inhibit growth of indicator bacteria also inhibited root growth. Toxin production by the bacteria appeared necessary for inhibition of root growth and indicator bacteria as toxin-negative (TOX−) mutants no longer inhibited either. Antibiosis towardsE. coli as well as wheat seedling root inhibition in agar was reversed by L-methionine, providing further evidence that a toxin, produced by these organisms, is involved in growth retardation.
A CROSS‐SECTIONAL STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF LAFTA AND CACM ON LATIN AMERICAN TRADE

SUMMARY To summarize briefly, the study results showed that neither CACM nor LAFTA have had a significant trade diversion effect on the trade of other Latin American countries, but that both communities have had a statistically significant effect on member country trade. The results showed that the GTC of CACM has increased progressively throughout the integration period 1961–67. On the other hand, while the LAFTA countries showed a persistent growth in GTC from 1963 through 1966, the GTC process was brought to a halt in 1967, presumably as a result of the delay by the member countries in negotiating the second phase of the Common Schedule.
Structure of the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Genome: Manipulation of Nicks and Gaps Can Abrogate Infectivity and Alter the Cellular DNA Damage Response

The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) virion DNA contains nicks and gaps, and in this study a novel assay for estimating the size and number of gaps in virion DNA was developed. Consistent with previous reports, we estimate that there are approximately 15 gaps per genome, and we calculate the average gap length to be approximately 30 bases. Virion DNA was isolated and treated with DNA-modifying enzymes in order to fill in the gaps and modify the ends. Interestingly, filling in gaps, blunting the ends, or adding random sequences to the 3′ ends of DNA, producing 3′ flaps, did not impair the infectivity of treated DNA following transfection of Vero cells. On the other hand, the formation of 5′ flaps in the DNA following treatment resulted in a dramatic reduction (95 to 100%) in infectivity. Virion DNA stimulated DNA-PKcs activity in transfected cells, and DNA with 5′ flaps stimulated a higher level of DNA-PKcs activity than that observed in cells transfected with untreated virion DNA. The infectivity of 5′-flapped DNA was restored in cells that do not express DNA-PKcs and in cells cotransfected with the immediate early protein ICP0, which degrades DNA-PKcs. These results are consistent with previous reports that DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) repair pathway are intrinsically antiviral and that ICP0 can counteract this effect. We suggest that HSV-1 DNA with 5′ flaps may induce an antiviral state due to the induction of a DNA damage response, primarily mediated by NHEJ, that renders the HSV-1 genome less efficient for lytic infection. IMPORTANCE For productive lytic infection to occur, HSV-1 must counteract a variety of cellular intrinsic antiviral mechanisms, including the DNA damage response (DDR). DDR pathways have been associated with silencing of gene expression, cell cycle arrest, and induction of apoptosis. In addition, the fate of viral genomes is likely to play a role in whether viral genomes adopt a configuration suitable for lytic DNA replication. This study demonstrates that virion DNA activates the cellular DDR kinase, DNA-PK, and that this response is inhibitory to viral infection. Furthermore, we show that HSV-1 ubiquitin ligase, ICP0, plays an important role in counteracting the negative effects of DNA-PK activation. These findings support the notion that DNA-PK is antiviral and suggest that the fate of incoming viral DNA has important consequences for the progression of lytic infection. This study underscores the complex evolutionary relationships between HSV and its host.
Age and extent of the Ilopango TBJ Tephra inferred from a Holocene chronostratigraphic reference section, Lago De Yojoa, Honduras

Eruption of central El Salvador's Ilopango Volcano early in the first millennium A.D. caused death, cultural devastation, and exodus of southern Mesoamericans. It also left a time-stratigraphic marker in western El Salvador and adjacent Guatemala—the Ilopango Tierra Blanca Joven, or TBJ tephra. Mineral suites and major element abundances identify a silicic volcanic ash in cores from Lago de Yojoa, Honduras, as Ilopango TBJ. This extends its reported range more than 150 km to the northeast. Analyses of glass from the TBJ tephra from the Chalchuapa archaeological site, El Salvador, and from Lago de Yojoa, Honduras, establish the first major element reference fingerprint for the TBJ tephra. The Lago de Yojoa cores also hold two previously undated trachyandesitic tephra layers originating from the nearby Lake Yojoa Volcanic Field. One fell shortly before 11,000 14C yr B.P. and the other about 8600 14C yr B.P.
Adoptive Therapy with T Cells/NK Cells

Abstract Graft-versus-tumor effect is well recognized in allogeneic transplantation, but it appears to be disease specific and relapse remains a significant problem. Furthermore, immune reconstitution after hematopoietic cell transplantation is often delayed and incomplete. It is becoming increasingly clear that the immune system is complex and that cooperation between innate and adaptive immunity is required to induce a productive immune response. Progress in clinically applicable cell separation techniques and knowledge of the signals required for effective immune activation have made adoptive therapy with T cells and NK cells a viable treatment option. However, clinical efficacy with either cell type depends on in vivo expansion of the infused product, which is facilitated through mechanisms that are active after lymphodeletion. Although successes have been seen with several approaches, further study of immune biology, lymphocyte cooperation and the role of regulatory T cells will lead to better strategies to exploit adoptive transfer of lymphocytes for therapeutic benefit.
A new methodology for recognition and reconstruction of moving rigid-body targets

This paper presents a novel methodology for target recognition and reconstruction of rigid body moving targets. Traditional methods such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) rely on information gathered from multiple sensor locations and complex processing algorithms. Additional processing is often required to mitigate the effects of motion and improve the image resolution. Many of these techniques rely on information external to the target such as target radar signatures and neglect information available from the structure of the target, structural invariance, and kinematics. This revolutionary target reconstruction method incorporates information not traditionally used. As a result, the absolute position of target scattering centers can theoretically be determined with external, high resolution radar range information from three observations of four target scattering centers. Relative motion between the target and the sensor and structural invariance provide additional information for determining position of the target's scattering center, actual scaling, and angular orientation with respect to the sensor for reconstruction and imaging. This methodology is based on the kinematics of rotational motion resulting from relative movement between the sensor and the target. External range data provides one-dimensional information for determining position in a two-dimensional projection of the scattering centers. The range location of the scattering center, relative to a defined center, is analyzed using rotational motion. Range and target kinematics support the development of a conceptual model. Actual scaling and the target's orientation with respect to the sensor are developed through a series of trigonometric relationships. The resulting three-dimensional coordinates for the scattering centers are then used for target reconstruction and image enhancement.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Apnea at discharge and gastro-esophageal reflux in the preterm infant.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between respiratory patterns and acid gastro-esophageal reflux (g-e reflux) prior to discharge of the formerly preterm infant. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-five infants of 10 seconds duration) ranged from 0 to 71, median 6. There was no correlation between apnea frequency or severity and reflux frequency or duration. There was no difference in apnea frequencies between the 5 minutes after the start of a reflux episode and the 5 minutes prior to each episode. CONCLUSION: Acid g-e reflux in the formerly preterm infant at discharge is frequent and may be prolonged; there is no association between reflux and apnea.
Occlusion of an 'accessory' distal anterior cerebral artery during treatment of anterior communicating artery aneurysms. Report of two cases

Two cases are presented in which clip occlusion of a third distal anterior cerebral artery segment occurred during treatment of anterior communicating artery aneurysms. Case histories, angiograms, operative descriptions, and postmortem findings are presented. The incidence of this anomalous vessel is reviewed. Preoperative and intraoperative vigilance in determining the presence of this anomaly prior to clip placement is emphasized.
Protein export in Escherichia coli

Abstract The export of proteins from Escherichia coli has been studied by genetic, biochemical and biophysical techniques. These studies have defined a number of steps in the export pathway and have identified the cellular components required for the translocation process. New information is presented on the function of some of these components.
Influence of cation type, ionic strength, and pH on solubilization and mobilization of residual hydrocarbon by a biosurfactant

This study investigated the effect of cation type, ionic strength, and pH on the performance of an anionic monorhamnolipid biosurfactant for solubilization and removal of residual hexadecane from sand. Three common soil cations, Na+, Mg2+, and Ca2+, were used in these experiments and hexadecane was chosen to represent a nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) less dense than water. Results showed that hexadecane solubility in rhamnolipid solution was significantly increased by the addition of Na+ and Mg2+. Addition of up to 0.2 mM Ca2+ also increased hexadecane solubility. For Ca2+ concentrations greater than 0.2 mM there was little effect on hexadecane solubility due to competing effects of calcium-induced rhamnolipid precipitation and enhanced hexadecane solubilization. Efficiency of NAPL solubilization can be expressed in terms of molar solubilization ratios (MSR). The results showed that MSR values for hexadecane in rhamnolipid solutions increased 7.5-fold in the presence of 500 mM Na+, and 25-fold in the presence of 1 mM Mg2+. The presence of cations also reduced the interfacial tension between rhamnolipid solutions and hexadecane. For example, an increase in Na+ from 0 to 800 mM caused a decrease in interfacial tension from 2.2 to 0.89 dyn cm−1. Similarly, decreasing pH caused a reduction in interfacial tension. The lowest interfacial tension value observed in this study was 0.02 dyn cm−1 at pH 6 in the presence of 320 mM Na+. These conditions were also found to be optimal for removal of hexadecane residual from sand columns, with 58% of residual removed within three pore volumes. The removal of residual NAPL from the packed columns was primarily by mobilization, even though solubilization was significantly increased in the presence of Na+.
Electrophoretic separation of dsRNA genome segments from Fiji disease and maize rough dwarf viruses

By employing two different buffer solutions for polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, all genome segments of Fiji disease and maize rough dwarf virus were separated. Fiji disease virus contains ten genome segments with approximate genome molecular weights of 19.26 x 10(6) and 19.85 x 10(6), depending on the buffer employed for electrophoresis. Maize rough dwarf virus possesses ten dsRNA segments and according to the buffer employed for electrophoresis the approximate molecular weights of the genome were 18.91 x 10(6) and 19.61 x 10(6). In the samples of maize rough dwarf virus analysed, the evidence indicates that two types of virions were present which were distinguished by a slight difference in molecular weight for segment 10. The electrophoretic patterns for all dsRNA components of Fiji disease and maize rough dwarf viruses were very similar suggesting a close relationship between them.
Metabolic Influences on Reproduction: Adiponectin Attenuates GnRH Neuronal Activity in Female Mice

Metabolic dysfunctions are often linked to reproductive abnormalities. Adiponectin (ADP), a peripheral hormone secreted by white adipose tissue, is important in energy homeostasis and appetite regulation. GnRH neurons are integral components of the reproductive axis, controlling synthesis, and release of gonadotropins. This report examined whether ADP can directly act on GnRH neurons. Double-label immunofluorescence on brain sections from adult female revealed that a subpopulation of GnRH neurons express ADP receptor (AdipoR)2. GnRH/AdipoR2+ cells were distributed throughout the forebrain. To determine the influence of ADP on GnRH neuronal activity and the signal transduction pathway of AdipoR2, GnRH neurons maintained in explants were assayed using whole-cell patch clamping and calcium imaging. This mouse model system circumvents the dispersed distribution of GnRH neurons within the forebrain, making analysis of large numbers of GnRH cells possible. Single-cell PCR analysis and immunocytochemistry confir...
Distribution of somatosensory and motor behavioral function in cat's frontal cortex.

Abstract In an earlier study it was learned that complete extirpation of the cat's posterior sigmoid gyrus (PSG), containing the SI representation of trunk and limbs, did not cause a deficit in cutaneous sensation but that ablation of the anterior ectosylvian gyrus (AEG), containing SII, did cause such a deficit. The present results show that the effectiveness of cortical ablation in the vicinity of AEG is directly related to the extent of ablation and that, except for a few cases of mild deficit, the subjacent orbital gyrus (OG) must be included. Ablations large enough to cause a severe and lasting cutaneous deficit always involved other sensory modalities also (tests of auditory descrimination and of auditory and visual orientation in the same animals), suggesting some anatomical overlap in these functions. Some observations indicated not only impaired perception of passively received stimuli but also that the receptive aspect of active palpation was diminished by AEG-OG lesions. The complexity of information processing that must be required by certain apparently simple sensory and motor tasks is discussed. In attempting to understand why OG should be involved in cutaneous sensation, some literature describing other functions of OG and nearby tissue is reviewed. It is suggested that the overlapping functions may not be fortuitous, and arguments are presented to suggest that they may all be indicative of a system that participates in the processing of spatial information.
Some calculations of the electron-phonon mass enhancement factor in PdH and PdD using various electron-phonon coupling approximations‡

Abstract Calculations are presented of the electron-phonon mass enhancement factor γ for the transition metal hydrides and deuterides of Pd. The calculation of γ in the McMillan approach involves the determination of the coupling constant α 2 (ω), which enters through the combination α2(ω)F(ω), where F(ω) is the phonon spectrum. For PdH(D), solid-state theory leads us to a very difficult double integral over the Fermi surface, which is very intractable in a d-state material. In this note the use of a number of phenomenological models of α2(ω), coupled with the application of a sum rule over the phonon spectrum, is studied. It is pointed out that certain of the approximations suggested in the literature are untenable, while others merit further study.
Inference in a nearly integrated autoregressive model with nonnormal innovations

Abstract Robust tests and estimators based on nonnormal quasi-likelihood functions are developed for autoregressive models with near unit root. Asymptotic power functions and power envelopes are derived for point-optimal tests of a unit root when the likelihood is correctly specified. The shapes of these power functions are found to be sensitive to the extent of nonnormality in the innovations. Power loss resulting from using least-squares unit-root tests in the presence of thick-tailed innovations appears to be greater than in stationary models.