cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applications of ground penetrating radar in assessing some geological hazards: examples of groundwater contamination, faults, cavities

Abstract Ground penetrating radar (GPR) can be used in appropriate geological settings to help map subsurface geological structures and groundwater contaminants. Associated engineering and environmental applications are numerous. In particular, GPR surveys can help to identify the approximate boundaries of contaminant plumes and provide stratigraphic information at a site. Case studies from sites in Arizona and Utah show that good correlation exists between GPR signatures and hydrocarbon contamination in strategically located wells. GPR data can also be very useful in identifying shallow faulting, and the characteristics of the associated subsurface deformation can be used to gain a better understanding of the potential for surface ruptures at a site. An example from along the Wasatch Fault Zone, Utah County, Utah, shows good correlation between GPR data and trench data. Finally, examples from Provo, Utah and Eureka, Utah demonstrate the utility of using GPR for locating underground excavations and/or cavities.
Significant interaction of tacrolimus with ritonavir during allogeneic hematopoietic SCT in an HIV-infected patient

Significant interaction of tacrolimus with ritonavir during allogeneic hematopoietic SCT in an HIV-infected patient
An AFM Study of the Effects of Silanization Temperature, Hydration, and Annealing on the Nucleation and Aggregation of Condensed OTS Domains on Mica.

Partial monolayers of octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) were formed on mica under different reaction conditions in which the silanization temperature, time, and amount of water adsorbed on the mica substrates were varied. OTS surface coverage increased with silanization time for all samples; however, the amount and distribution of adsorbed OTS varied greatly under these different reaction conditions. AFM analysis showed that OTS formed two phases on mica silanized at 25°C: condensed “island-like” domains and expanded “liquid-like” domains. Partially dehydrated mica silanized at 9°C, however, displayed only condensed domains which were of smaller size compared to those on the 25°C samples. The lateral diffusion and aggregation of small condensed OTS domains to form larger aggregates was evident on all surfaces except the 25°C partially dehydrated mica. A uniform distribution of many small condensed domains surrounded by expanded OTS phases was seen instead. Extended annealing resulted in surface diffusion and aggregation of these domains and nucleation of new condensed domains from the surrounding expanded OTS phases. These observations are consistent with a deposition, diffusion, and aggregation model (DDA) which allows for activated diffusion; however, rigorous modeling is not presented here.
Interpreting nonlinear optics of biopolymer assemblies: Finding a hook

The field of nonlinear optics has witnessed a rapid growth into biology within the last decade, driven largely by the observations of large nonlinear optical signals from native tissue in biological microscopy. The signals generated from collagen and other biopolymer assemblies exhibit intricate polarization-dependences that are intimately connected to local structure and orientation. A key step in bridging the macroscopic polarization to microscopic structure is the development and testing of predictive models for describing the NLO properties of biopolymer assemblies. In this Letter, we review the strengths and limitations of approaches for experimentally accessing the molecular tensors of peptides, nucleotides, and saccharides, which serve as the fundamental building blocks of biopolymers.
Experimental Investigation of Sodium Bentonite Stability in Hanford Basalt

Sodium bentonite is a candidate material for the waste package backfill component in a repository in basalt at the Hanford Site. Preliminary hydrothernmal experiments have been conducted under near-field geochemical conditions expected to occur in the reference repository location in the Grande Ronde Basalt. Experiments have been conducted in the basalt/groundwater, bentonite/groundwater, and basalt/bentonite/groundwater systems. The experiments have been conducted at 300°C using a simulated Grande Ronde groundwater, reference Umtanum basalt, and sodium bentonite. Key data generated by the experiments include experimental solution analyses as a function of time and preliminary solids analysis by scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Solution trends of the major aqueous species were similar in the three systems and are characterized by: (1) the gradual reduction of the pH value from ∼9.75 to a steady-state value of ∼6, (2) an initial rapid increase followed by a gradual decrease in silica concentration, and (3) a slight or negligible increase in sodium, sulfate, and chloride concentrations. In the bentonite/groundwater experiment, small amounts (<1%) of an albite reaction product were observed. Conversely, the formation of illite, a common bentonite alteration product, was not observed. These results indicate that sodium bentonite will remain sufficiently stable at 300°C under hydrothermal conditions in basalt to permit its use as a backfill material.
MO-FF-A2-01: Neural Stem Cell Sparing Radiation Therapy—A Feasibility Study

Purpose: Neural stem cells (NSC) are found in two regions of the adult brain: the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. These cells are thought to be involved in injury repair and tumor inhibition. This study assesses the feasibility of sparing NSC niches during radiotherapy.Method and Materials: 33 patients treated with IMRT for braintumors were evaluated (10 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), 10 low grade gliomas, 10 meningiomas, 3 pituitary macroadenomas). IMRTtreatment plans were reconstructed using the Pinnacle treatment planning system (v.8.0m). SVZ and DG were contoured on fused MRI scans. A second IMRT plan using the NSC regions as an avoidance structure was created for each patient. The change in D70 to the contralateral NSC niches and PTV‐1 was recorded. Results: The mean (range) reduction in D70 for the contralateral DG was: 8.3 Gy (0.7–14.3 Gy), 1.8 Gy (−0.15–5.42 Gy), 1.2 Gy (−1.46–7.28 Gy), and 0.5 Gy (−0.4–1.27 Gy) for GBM, low grade gliomas, meningiomas and pituitary adenomas respectively. The mean (range) reduction in D70 for the contralateral SVZ was: 7.3 Gy (2.5–13.4 Gy), 4.2 Gy (−0.5–10.4 Gy), 3.7 Gy (0.43–7.02 Gy), and 5.61 Gy (2–8.34 Gy) for GBM, low grade gliomas, meningiomas and pituitary adenomas respectively. There was no clinically relevant change in the coverage of the PTV‐1. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that it is possible to spare some of the NSC containing regions of the brain using IMRT in patients with braintumors. This is the first study to date to demonstrate feasibility of this technique in numerous patients with multiple tumor histologies.
The structure and potential loasaceous affinities of Schismocarpus

The affinity of Schismocarpus with Loasaceae has been questioned. Characteristic trichomic features are most often used for definition of Loasaceae, and Schismocarpus possesses a distinctly loasaceous syndrome of trichomes. Its inflorescence morphology is similar to that of Eucnide and Mentzelia, and it shares floral features with Eucnide. Although Schismocarpus possesses unique features (e.g., perennating “rootstock” and striate pollen) relative to Loasaceae, it is not aberrant considering the broad range of diversity that has been long accepted within the family. The apparently divergent floral morphology may be explained by its evolution of a “pollen flower” syndrome.
Adapting to Scarcity: Developing an Integrated Allocation Formula

Rising costs for library materials and shrinking budgets make it more necessary than ever for academic libraries to target their scarce resources to meet the specific needs of academic programs. The authors surveyed other institutions to determine current practices in the allocation of library materials funds in different formats. The results of our survey were inconclusive, which led us to combine monographs and continuations in a single allocation formula. By crafting an allocation formula for both monographs and continuations in print and electronic format, the Cunningham Memorial Library at Indiana State University hopes to satisfy the growing demand for information services.
Developmental changes in trans-permethrin and α-naphthyl acetate ester hydrolysis during the last larval instar of Pseudoplusia includens

Abstract The hydrolysis of trans -permethrin and α-naphthyl acatate by midgut, fat body, and cuticle homogenates from Pseudoplusia includens (Walker) was monitored during the development of the last instar. The midgut homogenates appeared to have two pH optima (7.6 and 8.6) for the hydrolysis of trans -permethrin, the fat body homogenates had one optimum (7.4–7.8), and the cuticle homogenates had a major optimum at 6.6. Hydrolysis of both substrates peaked during the late feeding stages for midgut and cuticle homogenates, although relative changes were not the same. Hydrolysis of trans -permethrin peaked during the late feeding stage in fat body homogenates, while hydrolysis of α-naphthyl acetate continually increased through the prepupal stage. Thus, the hydrolysis of α-naphthyl acetate is not necessarily associated with the hydrolysis of trans -permethrin. The LD 50 values for trans -permethrin on the different stages appeared to reflect the influence of hydrolysis.
ActRIIA and BMPRII Type II BMP Receptor Subunits Selectively Required for Smad4-Independent BMP7-Evoked Chemotaxis

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-evoked reorientation and chemotaxis of cells occurs with rapid onset and involves events local to the cell membrane. The signaling pathways underlying these rapid processes likely diverge from those mediating classical transcriptional responses to BMPs but it remains unclear how BMP receptors are utilized to generate distinct intracellular mechanisms. We show that BMP7-evoked chemotaxis of monocytic cells depends on the activity of canonical type II BMP receptors. Although the three canonical type II BMP receptors are expressed in monocytic cells, inhibition of receptor subunit expression by RNAi reveals that ActRIIA and BMPRII, but not ActRIIB, are each essential for BMP7-evoked chemotaxis but not required individually for BMP-mediated induction. Furthermore, the chemotactic response to BMP7 does not involve canonical Smad4-dependent signaling but acts through PI3K-dependent signaling, illustrating selective activation of distinct intracellular events through differential engagement of receptors. We suggest a model of a BMP receptor complex in which the coordinated activity of ActRIIA and BMPRII receptor subunits selectively mediates the chemotactic response to BMP7.
Technocratic optimism, H. T. Odum, and the partial transformation of ecological metaphor after World War II.

I have not inquired as to whether you do or do not like the idea [of Technocracy]. The events that are going to occur ... within the very near future are not going to be respecters of human likes or dislikes. The problem of operating any existing complex of industrial equipment is not and cannot be solved by a democratic social organization.... [It] is a technical problem so far transcending any other technical problem man has yet solved that many individuals would probably never understand why most of the details must be one way and not another; yet the services of everyone .. . will be needed.'
Isolated Ventricular Septal Defect: Development Basis for Various Types and Presentation of Classification

A morphologic study was made of 101 specimens of heart containing 112 ventricular septal defects (VSD). Morphogenesis of defects was related to development of the ventricular septum. A classification of VSD based on morphogenesis resulted. VSD's may develop in one of the following components of the ventricular septum: (1) the crista supraventricularis, termed infundibular VSD; (2) pars atrioventriculare of septum membranaceum, termed atrioventricular septal defect or left ventricular-right atrial communication; (3) pars interventriculare of septum membranaceum, termed VSD of septum membranaceum; (4) smooth posterior septum, termed smooth VSD and (5) trabeculated posterior septum, termed trabeculated VSD. Among the 33 examples of infundibular VSD, there were five subtypes. In Type I, the defect lies at the inferior margin of the crista supraventricularis. Type II is a mid-cristal defect. A Type III defect lies in front of the crista. Type IV represents complete absence of the crista; and Type V defects lies at the junction between the crista and the posterior septum. Among the 17 examples of primary VSD's of pars interventriculare of septum membranaceum, there were three subtypes. In Type I the margins of the defect are barren of chordal insertions. In Type II, chordae of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve are inserted into the margins of the defect. In Type III, the defect is closed by dense chordae which insert into its margins. There were five subtypes among the 56 examples of smooth VSD's. Type I is a defect of the smooth septum along its junction with the anterior septum and also involves septum membranaceum. Type II denotes complete absence of the smooth septum. Type III is a defect at the junction between the smooth and trabeculated septa. Type IV is a perforationlike defect in the posterior smooth septum proper. Type V is a defect in the smooth septum along its junction with the anterior septum without involvement of the membranous septum. In four specimens, the trabeculated type of VSD was present. Two examples of a defect in pars atrioventriculare of the membranous septum were present.
Immunogenicity of the recombinant serine rich Entamoeba histolytica protein (SREHP) amebiasis vaccine in the African Green Monkey

We report the first study in non-human primates of the safety and immunogenicity of a recombinant vaccine designed to prevent amebic liver abscess. In a pilot study, a recombinant vaccine containing the serine rich Entamoeba histolytica protein (SREHP) attached to a maltose binding protein (SREHP/MBP), which has been shown to be effective in preventing amebic liver abscess in rodent models of infection, was used to immunize two African Green Monkeys. Vaccination with SREHP/MBP resulted in no systemic side-effects. The monkeys receiving the SREHP/MBP protein developed antibodies that recognized the recombinant SREHP/MBP molecule, the native SREHP protein, and the surface of amebic trophozoites. Antiserum from SREHP/MBP-vaccinated monkeys could block the adhesion of E. histolytica trophozoites to mammalian cells, a feature that may correlate with vaccine efficacy. Attempts to produce amebic liver abscess in naive African Green Monkeys by direct hepatic inoculation with virulent E. histolytica trophozoites was not successful, suggesting this species is probably not suitable for vaccine efficacy studies.
A fluorescein-methotrexate-based flow cytometric bioassay for measurement of plasma methotrexate and trimetrexate levels.

Abstract We describe a bioassay for the quantitation of plasma methotrexate and trimetrexate levels employing intact cells. This assay is based on the intracellular saturation of dihydrofolate reductase with fluorescein-methotrexate (F-MTX) and its dose-dependent displacement by methotrexate or trimetrexate as monitored by flow cytometry. Serially diluted methotrexate-containing plasma, representing a wide chemotherapeutic range, produces F-MTX displacement curves similar to those of standard methotrexate solutions. There is no interference by normal plasma components such as folate and its reduced forms. Plasma methotrexate or trimetrexate concentration is the product of the 50% displacing concentration of standard antifolate (IC50) and the reciprocal of the plasma dilution which yields the same displacement. F-MTX competition with standard methotrexate displayed linear displacement from 18.0 ± 3.1 to 33.7 ± 1.5 n m (n = 10). The standard trimetrexate calibration curve was linear from 0.28 ± 0.03 to 1.5 ± 0.33 n m (n = 8). Thus, the bioassay sensitivities for methotrexate and trimetrexate are at least 18 and 0.3 n m , respectively. Comparison of methotrexate levels in 10 plasma specimens from cancer patients determined by the clinical enzyme inhibition assay and by our bioassay showed a high degree of correlation (r = 0.987).
Resonance-continuum interference in the diphoton Higgs signal at the LHC.

A low mass Standard Model Higgs boson should be visible at the Large Hadron Collider through its production via gluon-gluon fusion and its decay to two photons. We compute the interference of this resonant process, gg {yields} H {yields} {gamma}{gamma}, with the continuum QCD background, gg {yields} {gamma}{gamma} induced by quark loops. Helicity selection rules suppress the effect, which is dominantly due to the imaginary part of the two-loop gg {yields} {gamma}{gamma} scattering amplitude. The interference is destructive, but only of order 5% in the Standard Model, which is still below the 10-20% present accuracy of the total cross section prediction. We comment on the potential size of such effects in other Higgs models.
Possessed: hypnotic crimes, corporate fiction, and the invention of cinema, Stefan Andriopoulous

Possessed: hypnotic crimes, corporate fiction, and the invention of cinema STEFAN ANDRIOPOULOUS Chicago, University of Chicago Press, 2008 208 pp., illus., bibliography and index, $35.00 (cloth) Wi...
f-ALGEBRAS THAT ARE EMBEDDABLE IN UNITAL f-ALGEBRAS

ABSTRACT An -ring is a lattice-ordered ring that can be embedded in a product of totally ordered rings, and it is unitable if it is contained in a unital -ring. The variety of unitable -rings has been studied by Johnson and by Henriksen and Isbell. In this paper we investigate those -algebras over a partially ordered ring that are -unitable in the sense that they are contained in a unital - -algebra. The class of -unitable -algebras is, in general, a proper subvariety of the variety of unitable -algebras even when is a totally ordered domain and only torsion-free algebras are considered. However, if is an -ring in which each -ideal is -idempotent, then the two varieties are identical. We show that for -algebras over such base rings -unital covers are unique, and is an -ideal of its -unital cover exactly when it is an -ideal of its unital cover.
Management of residual lesions following surgery for congenital heart defects: Evidence versus judgment

As rates of survival following surgery for congenital heart disease continue to improve, outcome metrics are shifting from survival to measures of morbidity, quality, and cost. The presence of residual lesions following intervention can have a significant influence on these metrics. Therefore, attention is being drawn to evidence–based data that could inform the decision making regarding the need and timing of reintervention to address residual lesions and optimize outcomes. The work by Nathan and colleagues provides a comprehensive analysis of a large cohort of patients undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease in an attempt to elucidate the effect of residual lesions and the timing of reintervention on postoperative length of stay, adverse events, and cost. Although at first glance the answer might seem obvious, the decision about repairing a residual lesion and its timing is commonly informed by many factors, including some we have no way to measure. In my view, the work by Nathan and colleagues represents an important initial step to acquire the evidence necessary to inform these complex decisions, and allows us a better understanding of the effect of the timing of reintervention. However a number of factors—including patient features, criteria for reintervention, and the complexity of the procedure—play an important role in this decision and should not be underestimated. Is it the same to address moderate residual regurgitation after mitral valve repair in a school-aged child as it is to perform an intraoperative revision of a distal arch reconstruction for a 15 mm Hg gradient in a newborn infant after repair of a Taussig-Bing anomaly? Whereas we may have consensus on the first, different opinions may exist on the latter and we clearly need data to help us reach the best answer in each case. Many scenarios arise where better can be the enemy of good; therefore, it could be
APPLYING TABU SEARCH TO THE TWO-DIMENSIONAL ISING SPIN GLASS

A variety of problems in statistical physics, such as Ising-like systems, can be modeled as integer programs. Physicists have relied mostly on Monte Carlo methods to find approximate solutions to these computationally difficult problems. In some cases, optimal solutions to relatively small problems have been found using standard optimization techniques, e.g., cutting plane and branch-and-bound algorithms. Motivated by the success of tabu search (TS) in finding optimal or near-optimal solutions to combinatorial optimization problems in a number of different settings, we study the application of this methodology to Ising-like systems. Particularly, we develop a TS method to find ground states of two-dimensional spin glasses. Our method performs a search at different levels of resolution in the spin lattice, and it is designed to obtain optimal or near-optimal solutions to problem instances with several different characteristics. Results are reported for computational experiments with up to 64×64 lattices.
The angiographic diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism: evaluation of criteria.

Abstract Abnormalities in the pulmonary angiograms of 52 patients were correlated with the clinical diagnoses in order to determine which angiographic signs are diagnostic of acute pulmonary embolism and which are abnormal but possibly related to other diseases affecting the pulmonary vasculature. Angiographic abnormalities were divided into two groups: those of major or morphologic significance, and those of lesser or physiologic significance. The signs of morphologic significance are intraluminal filling defects, cutoffs, and pruning. These major signs directly indicate arterial occlusion. The signs of physiologic significance are oligemia, asymmetrical filling, prolongation of the arterial phase, and bilateral lowerzone filling delay. These lesser signs indicate disturbance of flow. In an otherwise normal lung, they are highly suggestive of pulmonary embolism. In the presence of coexistent diseases that affect the pulmonary vasculature, correlations in this study show that only the signs of morphologic significance are reliable for the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. In otherwise healthy patients, 95 per cent (20 of 21) who clinically had pulmonary embolism had one or more of the major or lesser angiographic abnormalities. In the entire group who clinically had pulmonary embolism (including patients with coexisting diseases that affect the pulmonary vasculature), 83 per cent (24 of 29) of the patients had one or more of the major or lesser angiographic abnormalities. However, 7 patients with nonembolic pulmonary vascular disease had lesser angiographic abnormalities (disturbance of flow). Utilization of the major signs alone reduced the number of positive angiographic interpretations to 79 per cent (23 of 29) in patients who clinically had pulmonary embolism, but eliminated all false-positive interpretations. Accuracy in making the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism by pulmonary angiography is enhanced by proper evaluation of the angiographic abnormalities of morphologic and physiologic significance as described in this study.
Erosion resistance of arc-sprayed coatings to iron ore at 25 and 315 °C

Iron ore pellets are sintered and reduced in large continuous industrial oil-fired furnaces. From the furnace, powerful fans extract large volumes of hot gas. Being exposed to gas-borne iron ore particles and temperatures ranging between 125 and 328 °C, fan components are rapidly eroded. Extensive part repair or replacement is required for maintaining a profitable operation. The arc spraying technique has been suggested for repair provided it could produce erosion-resistant coatings. Conventional and cored wires (1.6 mm diameter) were arc sprayed using various spray parameters to produce 250 to 300 µm thick coatings. Arc-sprayed coatings and reference specimens were erosion tested at 25 and 315 °C and impact angles of 25 and 90° in a laboratory gas-blast erosion rig. This device was designed to impact materials with coarse (32 to 300 µm) iron ore particles at a speed of 100 m/s. The coating volume loss due to erosion was measured with a laser profilometer built by National Research Council Canada several years ago.
Nonlinear Oscillations of a Magneto Static Spring-Mass

The Duffing equation describes the oscillations of a damped nonlinear oscillator [1]. Its non-linearity is confined to a one coordinate-dependent cubic term. Its applications describing a mechanical system is limited e.g. oscillations of a theoretical weightless-spring. We propose generalizing the mathematical features of the Duffing equation by including in addition to the cubic term unlimited number of odd powers of coordinate-dependent terms. The proposed generalization describes a true mass-less magneto static-spring capable of performing highly non-linear oscillations. The equation describing the motion is a super non-linear ODE. Utilizing Mathematica [2] we solve the equation numerically displaying its time series. We investigate the impact of the proposed generalization on a handful of kinematic quantities. For a comprehensive understanding utilizing Mathematica animation we bring to life the non-linear oscillations.
The depression of phagocytosis by exogenous cyclic nucleotides, prostaglandins, and theophylline.

The effects of agents that elevate intracellular cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) have been studied with respect to phagocytosis by guinea pig polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The investigation depends upon the use of a precise method for following ingestion. Theophylline, dibutyryl cAMP, and prostaglandins inhibited the phagocytosis of starch particles. The inhibitions caused by prostaglandins E1, E2, and F2α (PGE1, PGE2, and PGF2α) were synergistic with that due to theophylline. Inhibition by PGA1 and PGA2 was not. At equal concentrations the order of increasing inhibition of phagocytosis (assayed at 10 min) by the prostaglandins was PGE1 < PGF2α < PGE2 < PGA1 = PGA2. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that increased intracellular levels of cAMP impair the phagocyte's ability to ingest particles. The mechanism of the inhibition has not been defined. The increment in oxidation of [1-14C]glucose to 14CO2 that normally accompanies phagocytosis was found to be depressed in the presence of PGE1 or theophylline, together or individually as expected from the inhibition of phagocytosis. Paradoxically, oxygen consumption although depressed by theophylline or PGE1 plus theophylline, was stimulated by PGE1 alone.
Organic reactions of monolayer-protected metal nanoparticles

Abstract This paper presents a concise review of various organic reactions of monolayer-protected metal nanoparticles, with an emphasis on their current applications. Organic reactions of monolayer-protected nanoparticles lead to the functionalized nanoparticles, which exhibit interesting properties such as catalytic, electrochemical, photoresponsive, chemical sensing, and biocompatible properties. To cite this article: D.K.P. Ng, C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).
Working memory: a foundation for executive abilities and higher-order cognitive skills.

This paper presents a discussion of working memory and the relationship between working memory and executive abilities. An overview of three prominent models of working memory is provided with experimental sup- port for each. The importance of assessing working memory in individuals with brain damage and related language disorders is discussed, as well as limita- tions of the currently available assessment tools. Lastly, future directions for the development of both theory and assessment tools are offered.
Computer simulation of human behavior

Computer simulations of human behavior multiplied rapidly during the 1950s and 1960s, but slowly during the 1970s. Simulation's inherent characteristics do not explain its decelerated use during recent years. Although it has disadvantages as well as advantages, it is the best methodology for some tasks. For several reasons, simulation may have disappointed simulators and their audiences. Many simulators have overstated and underutilized the methodology's capabilities. Simulation's ambiguous domain and deviant goals of simulators may create confusion about circumstances that call for simulation and criteria for judging simulations. Simulations have exposed the lack of knowledge in several social-science domains. Government support has declined dramatically, and experiences with government agencies may have made simulators doubt the pragmatic benefits of their models. Some of the problems impeding simulation's use will diminish spontaneously, and microcomputers may amplify enthusiasm for simulation, but better software could make simulation easier and more effective.
The effect of high ionic strength on neptunium (V) adsorption to a halophilic bacterium

Abstract The mobility of neptunium (V) in subsurface high ionic strength aqueous systems may be strongly influenced by adsorption to the cell wall of the halophilic bacteria Chromohalobacter sp. This study is the first to evaluate the adsorption of neptunium (V) to the surface of a halophilic bacterium as a function of pH from approximately 2 to 10 and at ionic strengths of 2 and 4 M. This is also the first study to evaluate the effects of carbonate complexation with neptunium (V) on adsorption to whole bacterial cells under high pH conditions. A thermodynamically-based surface complexation model was adapted to describe experimental adsorption data under high ionic strength conditions where traditional corrections for aqueous ion activity are invalid. Adsorption of neptunium (V) was rapid and reversible under the conditions of the study. Adsorption was significant over the entire pH range evaluated for both ionic strength conditions and was shown to be dependent on the speciation of the sites on the bacterial surface and neptunium (V) in solution. Adsorption behavior was controlled by the relatively strong electrostatic attraction of the positively charged neptunyl ion to the negatively charged bacterial surface at pH below circum-neutral. At pH above circum-neutral, the adsorption behavior was controlled by the presence of negatively charged neptunium (V) carbonate complexes resulting in decreased adsorption, although adsorption was still significant due to the adsorption of negatively charged neptunyl-carbonate species. Adsorption in 4 M NaClO 4 was enhanced relative to adsorption in 2 M NaClO 4 over the majority of the pH range evaluated, likely due to the effect of increasing aqueous ion activity at high ionic strength. The protonation/deprotonation characteristics of the cell wall of Chromohalobacter sp. were evaluated by potentiometric titrations in 2 and 4 M NaClO 4 . Bacterial titration results indicated that Chromohalobacter sp. exhibits similar proton buffering capacity to previously studied non-halophilic bacteria. The titration data were used to determine the number of types, concentrations, and associated deprotonation constants of functional groups on the bacterial surface; the neptunium adsorption measurements were used to constrain binding constant values for the important neptunium (V)-bacterial surface species. Together, these results can be incorporated into geochemical speciation models to aid in the prediction of neptunium (V) mobility in complex bacteria-bearing geochemical systems.
Correlation of Expression of Connexin mRNA Isoforms with Degree of Cellular Differentiation

Examination of rat hepatic cell lines has revealed a correlation between the differentiated state of the cells and the gap junctional proteins, or connexins, they express. The cell lines RLC (Gershenson et al, 1970) and FTO.2B (Killary et al, 1984) were examined and compared to primary adult hepatocytes for expression of fetal and adult hepatic antigens under various tissue culture conditions. Maximal expression of fetal antigens was observed in cells grown in serum-supplemented medium, on either tissue culture plastic or type IV collagen. Maximal expression of adult specific antigens was seen in cells grown in a hormonally defined medium containing heparin, on type I or type IV collagen. The cell line RLC strongly expressed fetal antigens, while FTO.2B expressed both fetal and adult antigens.These cell lines and another poorly differentiated hepatic cell line, WB-F344 (Tsao et al., 1984) were used to assess the developmental profile of mRNAs encoding isoforms of gap junctions: connexins 26, 32, and 43. T...
The source of causative contrast

Abstract This paper shows the prevailing syntactic characterisation of causatives to be incorrect, and proposes an alternate, more explanatory account.
Protein kinase Cβ2 inhibition reduces hyperglycemia-induced neural tube defects through suppression of a caspase 8-triggered apoptotic pathway

Objective Neural tube defects in diabetic embryopathy are associated with increased protein kinase C (PKC)β2 activity and programmed cell death (apoptosis). The apoptosis is triggered by caspase 8, which activates members of the Bcl-2 and caspase families, such as Bid and caspase 3. Whether PKCβ2 regulates caspase 8–induced apoptosis remains to be addressed. Study Design Mouse embryos at embryonic day 8.5 were cultured in a high concentration of glucose (22 mmol/L) and treated with PKCβ2 inhibitor (50 nmol/L) for 48 hours. The levels of apoptosis and activation of apoptotic factors were quantified using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling and Western blot assays, respectively. Results Reduction in the rate of neural tube defect by PKCβ2 inhibition is associated with significant decreases in the levels of apoptosis, and caspase 8, caspase 3, and Bid activation, and cytochrome C release from mitochondria, to the similar levels as in euglycemic controls (8.3 mmol/L; P Conclusion PKCβ2 influences a caspase 8–regulated apoptotic pathway in diabetic embryopathy.
Intra-word phonological variability in young children.

Three experiments are reported which explored the conditions under which intra-word phonological variability occurs. Using an unsolicited imitation task, evidence of variability was obtained for words containing two or more phonological characteristics (consonants, word shapes) that were unstable in the child's speech, and for words containing both unstable characteristics and characteristics the child had not shown any evidence of producing with accuracy. Intra-word variability was most likely to occur when more than one aspect was in a state of instability or when one aspect was unstable and another was non-acquired. Words containing two phonological aspects not yet acquired by the child seemed to have little influence on variability. The findings indicate that variability can be attributed to (1) the presence of optional simplification processes, (2) the presence of more than one process applicable to a specific aspect of the word, (3) a competition between two aspects of the word for accurate surface realization, and/or (4) a competition between consonant approximation and word shape approximation.
Method of content-based image retrieval for a spinal x-ray image database

The Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications, a research and development division of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) maintains a digital archive of 17,000 cervical and lumbar spine images collected in the second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Classification of the images for the osteoarthritis research community has been a long-standing goal of researchers at the NLM, collaborators at NCHS, and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), and capability to retrieve images based on geometric characteristics of the vertebral bodies is of interest to the vertebral morphometry community. Automated or computer-assisted classification and retrieval methods are highly desirable to offset the high cost of manual classification and manipulation by medical experts. We implemented a prototype system for a database of 118 spine x-rays and health survey text data related to these x-rays. The system supports conventional text retrieval, as well as retrieval based on shape similarity to a user-supplied vertebral image or sketch.
A behavioral study of accounting variables in performance—incentive contracts

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to report an experiment on the role of internal accounting variables in performance-incentive contracts. Unlike the previous behavioral studies in the area, subjects in the experiment interacted as competing employers and workers over a series of contracting periods. This procedure made it possible to examine the process by which accounting-based performance-incentive contracts were produced under conditions of information asymmetry and state uncertainty, as well as providing new tests that replicated the previous studies.
Do not hospitalize orders in nursing homes: A pilot study

Objectives To determine (1) the point prevalence of do not hospitalize (DNH) policies in nursing facilities directed by members of the American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) Foundation Long-term Care Research Network, (2) the frequency with which physicians are writing DNH orders, and (3) respondent perceptions about the appropriateness of the number of DNH orders as too few or too many and reasons for such perceptions. Design Online survey of members of the AMDA Foundation Long-term Care Research Network. Setting Nursing facilities. Participants All members of the AMDA Foundation Long-term Research Network on July 1, 2003 were eligible for participation (N = 293). Intervention None. Measurements Demographic information regarding census, region, setting, governance, presence of teaching and/or hospice affiliation, prevalence of DNH orders, and qualitative information regarding the use of DNH orders in each facility. Results The response rate was 32% (n = 95). DNH policies were in place for 62% of facilities and the prevalence of DNH orders ranged from 12% to 23% when facilities were stratified by size. Percentage of residents with documented DNH orders ranged from 0% to 99% at individual facilities. No significant differences were found although trends were noted as follows: chain facilities had fewer DNH policies (RR = 0.8; 95% CI = 0.6–1.1) whereas rural facilities (RR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.8–1.5) and those associated with a teaching institution (RR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.8–1.5) were more likely to have a DNH policy. Of respondents, 80% indicated that physicians in their facilities were writing DNH orders but 77% believed that the number of DNH orders was too few. Respondents cited overly optimistic prognosis and lack of knowledge about DNH orders as barriers to writing more DNH orders. Conclusion The prevalence of DNH orders in this investigation is higher than previous estimates from national data samples. Most facilities had a DNH policy and although respondents indicated that physicians do write DNH orders, they believed that DNH orders were not utilized frequently enough. There is a large variation in prevalence of DNH orders across the facilities included in this survey. Barriers to use, as perceived by medical directors, included unrealistic expectations by family, fear of litigation, and staff discomfort with managing residents who experience clinical decline. Nevertheless, DNH orders are used extensively in some facilities associated with members of the AMDA Foundation Long-term Care Research Network.
Is field intubation useful

The establishment and maintenance of an adequate airway is often the single most important initial therapy provided to a victim of severe injury. This may be accomplished by simple techniques such as placement of an oral or nasopharyngeal airway as well as bag-mask ventilation techniques. More advan
Periodic Breathing of Premature Infants

Twenty-two premature infants, classified by breathing pattern, were studied on 47occasions with measurements of end-tidal carbon dioxide tensions and arterial P CO 2 , pH, and bicarbonate. The average arterial pH of 7.444±0.015 during periodic breathing was significantly higher than the pH of 7.396±0.012 during regular breathing (p CO 2 of the periodic group, based on end-tidal P CO 2 measurements, was estimated to be 3 or 4 mm. Hg lower than Pa CO 2 during regular breathing. The evidence suggests that there is minimal hyperventilation during periodic breathing. Premature infants breathing regularly are able to maintain a pH close to 7.40. During periodic breathing there is a cyclic change in alveolar P CO 2 of at least 6 or 7 mm. Hg. If the respiratory center responded to a change in P CO 2 as well as to the mean level of P CO 2 this could account for the slight hyperventilation. The babies appeared more wakeful during periodic breathing, could abruptly change from one breathing pattern to another, and regular breathing began at a postconceptual age of about 40 weeks. These observations suggest that the mechanism of periodic breathing may be related to a maturation phenomenon possibly associated with the central nervous system.
Reaction process and densification process of mixed α′β′-sialon ceramics

Abstract The sintering behavior of mixed α′ β′ - sialon ceramics, fabricated from α-Si 3 N 4 , AlN and Ln 2 O 3 (Y 2 O 3 , Er 2 O 3 and Yb 2 O 3 ), was examined by high-temperature dilatometry, and the densification process was discussed through the consideration of chemical reactions to form α′- and β′-sialon and kinetical analysis of shrinkage. The formation of α′-sialon and melilite caused temporary retardation of the densification rate, while during the formation of β′-sialon the densification proceeded remarkably. The densification accompanied by precipitation of β′-sialon is ascribed to dissolution of residual α-Si 3 N 4 , α′-sialon with low solid solubility and melilite into a liquid, which may result in an increase of liquid volume and in a decrease of liquid viscosity. These phenomena are considered to induce the solution-precipitation process, particle disintegration process and cooperative flow process of the particle-liquid mixture, yielding to rapid shrinkage. The densification at the initial and middle stages and the reactions from α′-sialon and α-Si 3 N 4 to β′-sialon accelerated in the order of Y 2 O 3 > Er 2 O 3 > Yb 2 O 3 addition, because the liquidus temperature and viscosity of liquid formed decreased in the order of Y 2 O 3 2 O 3 2 O 3 addition.
Generation of a transgenic zebrafish model of Tauopathy using a novel promoter element derived from the zebrafish eno2 gene

The aim of this study was to isolate cis-acting regulatory elements for the generation of transgenic zebrafish models of neurodegeneration. Zebrafish enolase-2 (eno2) showed neuronal expression increasing from 24 to 72 h post-fertilization (hpf) and persisting through adulthood. A 12 kb eno2 genomic fragment, extending from 8 kb upstream of exon 1 to exon 2, encompassing intron 1, was sufficient to drive neuronal reporter gene expression in vivo over a similar time course. Five independent lines of stable Tg(eno2 : GFP) zebrafish expressed GFP widely in neurons, including populations with relevance to neurodegeneration, such as cholinergic neurons, dopaminergic neurons and cerebellar Purkinje cells. We replaced the exon 2-GFP fusion gene with a cDNA encoding the 4-repeat isoform of the human microtubule-associated protein Tau. The first intron of eno2 was spliced with high fidelity and efficiency from the chimeric eno2-Tau transcript. Tau was expressed at approximately 8-fold higher levels in Tg(eno2 : Tau) zebrafish brain than normal human brain, and localized to axons, neuropil and ectopic neuronal somatic accumulations resembling neurofibrillary tangles. The 12 kb eno2 promoter drives high-level transgene expression in differentiated neurons throughout the CNS of stable transgenic zebrafish. This regulatory element will be useful for the construction of transgenic zebrafish models of neurodegeneration.
Gas-assisted laser-metal drilling - Experimental results

An experimental investigation was conducted to clarify the role of an assist gas during gas-assisted laser-metal drilling for incident laser fluxes on the order of 1 million W/sq cm. In particular, the effect of change in absorptivity and other thermophysical properties associated with metal oxide formation on laser drilling time was investigated. A 100-W, average power, pulsed Nd-YAG laser was used to drill holes in Al 6061, Cu, 304 stainless steel, and low-C steel. A coaxial nozzle was used to supply an assist gas during the drilling process. The minimum pulse width (drilling time) required to drill a hole through a given thickness of metal sample using argon and oxygen assist gas was determined. The results showed that the oxide formed during laser drilling with oxygen affected the drilling time two ways: (1) by changing the absorptivity of the surface and (2) by changing the temperature required to expel the molten material (due to the difference in melting point of the metal and metal oxide). It was concluded that these two competing effects determine whether an oxygen assist gas jet is helpful in low-power drilling of metals. 16 refs.
Serials Review and the Three-Year Cancellation Project at the University of Arizona Library

The University of Arizona (U of A) Library has grown remarkably in the past fifteen years, climbing from number f i f ty-one in the Association of Research Libraries' "Volumes in Library Count" in 1969-70, to number twenty-four in 1985. This once small land grant college library had few distinctive features as late as the 1960s, but is now a major research facility with a number of strong special collections. As with most other academic libraries in the United States, the U of A Library has felt the impact of decreasing materials budgets (see figures 1 and 2), the extraordinary rise in the cost of journal subscription prices, and the proliferation of journal titles, 1 factors that have become the mantras of all serials librarians. Unlike many libraries that were forced to begin cancellation projects in the early 1970s, 2 the U of A Library's budget was well supported until the early 1980s. Beginning in 1971, emphasis was placed on developing the serials collection based on recommendations made by an external committee that reviewed the collection. During the past ten years, the serials budget has increased from thirty-one percent (1976-77) to f i f tytwo percent (1986-87) of the total materials budget. This increase reflects the dramatic rise in the cost of serial titles, as well as the addition of numerous subscriptions. Because the library was a relatively young library focusing on collection growth, no formal, internal review of the entire list of current serial titles had ever been done. By the mid-1980s, library administrators began to express concern that the serials budget commitment