cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactions Between Cement Minerals and Hydroxycarboxylic‐Acid Retarders: III, Infrared Spectral Identification of the Aluminosalicylate Complex

The amorphous salicylate-bearing product precipitated when C3A and related compounds are placed in contact with salicylic acid in aqueous solution and the residual contents of the solutions were examined by ir spectroscopy. Comparison with spectra of several aluminosalicylate complexes and crystalline aluminosalicylic acid indicated that the amorphous product is a hydroxylated chelate complex designated as Al(sal)OH, precipitated over a period of time from the cationic aluminosalicylate complex Al(sal)+, which is formed rapidly in solution.
An optimized enrichment technique for the isolation of Arthrobacter bacteriophage species from soil sample isolates.

Bacteriophage isolation from environmental samples has been performed for decades using principles set forth by pioneers in microbiology. The isolation of phages infecting Arthrobacter hosts has been limited, perhaps due to the low success rate of many previous isolation techniques, resulting in an underrepresented group of Arthrobacter phages available for study. The enrichment technique described here, unlike many others, uses a filtered extract free of contaminating bacteria as the base for indicator bacteria growth, Arthrobactersp. KY3901, specifically. By first removing soil bacteria the target phages are not hindered by competition with native soil bacteria present in initial soil samples. This enrichment method has resulted in dozens of unique phages from several different soil types and even produced different types of phages from the same enriched soil sample isolate. The use of this procedure can be expanded to most nutrient rich aerobic media for the isolation of phages in a vast diversity of interesting host bacteria.
Saddlepoint Optimality in Differential Games.

A family of two-person, zero-sum differential games in which the admissible strategies are Borel measurable is defined, and two types of saddle-point conditions are introduced as optimality criteria. In one, saddle-point candidates are compared at each point of the state space with all playable pairs at that point; and, in the other, they are compared only with strategy pairs playable on the entire state space. As a theorem, these two types of optimality are shown to be equivalent for the defined family of games. Also, it is shown that a certain closure property is sufficient for this equivalence. A game having admissible strategies everywhere constant, in which the two types of saddle-point candidates are not equivalent, is discussed.
Identification of Linear DNA Plasmids of the YeastPichia pastoris

Abstract Two DNA plasmids, approximately 11 and 8 kb in size, have been identified in a strain of the yeastPichia pastoris(Northern Regional Research Laboratories No. Y4290). The plasmids are resistant to RNase A and λ exonuclease, but are sensitive to digestion by DNase I, suggesting that they are linear and double-stranded DNA with 5′-protected ends. A restriction map has been constructed for the 11-kb plasmid, confirming that it is linear.
NRAO interferometer electronics

The NRAO interferometer is instrumented to receive and process both right- and left-hand circularly polarized signals at 3.7- and 11.1-cm wavelengths. Some of the design considerations and a description of the electronics, including tabular listings of components used to instrument the antennas as an interferometer, are included. The maximum amplitude and phase changes in the interferometer outputs caused by the instrumentation are analyzed and determined to be 5-percent amplitude change and 0.04-rad phase change in the 3.7-cm interferometer outputs over a 4-h interval.
A Kalman filter control technique in mean-variance portfolio management

This article develops and tests a methodology for rebalancing the mean-variance optimized portfolio through the use of a Kalman filter. The approach combines information from a mean-variance (MV) optimization technique along with a three factor regression model that includes market capitalization, book to market ratio, and the market index. We demonstrate empirically using 46 years of daily returns from 17 industrial sectors that a Kalman filter model can be an effective approach under the conditions of minimum variance and low expected risk-to-return for both a constrained and unconstrained MV technique. Enhancements to returns are largely due to the ability to reduce turnover for the unconstrained case, and the ability to maintain portfolio exposure to cap and value weighted positions in the constrained case. Statistical significance is demonstrated to show return improvements of the Kalman filter model over a comparable MV technique, where the greatest statistical benefit at the 0.05 and 0.10 level is shown under the minimum variance objective. Additionally, the KF applied to the constrained optimization case always provides a Sharpe ratio higher than the Naive portfolio, after transactions costs are taken into account.
Using imaging spectroscopy to map red mud dust waste: The Podgorica Aluminum Complex case study

Abstract The aim of this study is to explore the capability of hyperspectral remote sensing to map areas affected by Red Dust (RD) pollution on soil and river water. The chosen study area contains residues from the extraction of aluminum from bauxite in a mud pond (i.e. the red mud), which contain high concentrations of contaminants such as heavy metals, so that special precaution must be taken when disposing to avoid RD pollution of land surface and river water resources. We perform laboratory analysis and in situ measurements of RD polluted samples to recognize the dominant minerals and identify the optical characteristics of the samples and their spectral features. Both an unsupervised methodology and a shape-based spectral analysis technique, using the significant RD reflectance spectral features, were applied to airborne hyperspectral remote sensing data to map the RD distribution on bare soils. Whereas, to assess a tool for the detection of RD in river waters a semi-analytical model for the radiative transfer in water bodies was used. The results of the spectral shape-based analysis and of the semi-analytical model used for this study were consistent with ground truth data and hence support the application of hyperspectral technologies for a rapid detection and mapping of industrial wastes, such as the RD. This information is suitable to support the development of effective intervention policies and monitoring programs.
Multistep laser excitation of barium: Apparent interferences due to overlap-integral variations

We report new, more extensive photoexcitation spectra of Ba autoionizing states which demonstrate that appearent interferences between discrete autoionizing states are in fact not interferences as previously proposed. A simple alternative interpretation of the "interference"-like line shapes as being due to variations in the spectral density of the autoionizing states and their overlap integrals with the bound initial state is presented and shown to agree with experiment. We argue that such spectra allow perhaps the most accurate determination of quantum defects, and should be a useful spectroscopic probe of autoionizing states.
Pharmacokinetic Determinants of Virological Response to Raltegravir in the In Vitro Pharmacodynamic Hollow-Fiber Infection Model System

Daily administration (q24h) of raltegravir has been shown to be as efficacious as twice-daily administration (q12h) in the hollow-fiber infection model (HFIM) system. However, q24h regimens were not noninferior to q12h dosing in a clinical trial. We hypothesized that between-patient variability in raltegravir pharmacokinetics (PK) was responsible for the discordance in conclusions between the in vitro and in vivo studies. Hollow-fiber cartridges were inoculated with HIV-infected H9 cells and uninfected CEM-SS cells. Four cartridges received the total daily exposure (800 mg) q24h and four received half the daily exposure (400 mg) q12h. PK profiles with half-lives of 8, 4, 3, and 2 h were simulated for each dosing interval. Cell-to-cell viral spread was assessed by flow cytometry. Viral inhibition was similar between q24h and q12h dosing at the 8- and 4-h half-lives. The q24h dosing was not as efficacious as the q12h dosing when faster half-lives were simulated; a lack of viral suppression was observed at days 3 and 4 for the 2- and 3-h half-lives, respectively. The discrepancy in conclusions between the in vitro HFIM system studies and clinical trials is likely due to the large interindividual variation in raltegravir PK.
Assessment of soil moisture movement in nuclear subsidence craters

Abstract This study was undertaken to investigate the potential ground-water recharge resulting from a nuclear subsidence crater on the Nevada Test Site. Results from two boreholes, one completed in the subsidence crater bottom and the other completed in an adjacent undisturbed area, suggest that deep infiltration of periodically ponded runoff water at the crater bottom is occurring, whereas little or no deep infiltration was evident in the adjacent, undisturbed area. Specialized drilling, coring and borehole logging revealed high water contents and a unit hydraulic gradient downward beneath the subsidence crater. Traditional soil physics analysis via Darcy's law and core samples suggested a wide range of downward fluid velocities and fluxes beneath the crater. In contrast, soil water tritium concentrations, combined with several mixing models, significantly reduced the range of estimated fluxes. Based upon these models, it is suggested that the vertical flux beneath the crater is on the order of 0.6m year −1 . It is postulated that the surface topography, combined with the coarse-textured soils beneath the crater, allows for the deep infiltration of ephemerally ponded water at the bottom. In the adjacent undisturbed (and topographically flat-lying) site, significant ponding does not occur, and evaporation and transpiration processes recycle much, if not all, of the precipitation falling on the surface.
Association of a Drosophila transposable element of the roo family with chromosomal deletion breakpoints

A 9.3 kb transposable element of the roo family has been found inserted 3' to the Sgs-4 glue protein gene of Drosophila. The X chromosome which carries this insert also carries wDZL, a dominant, unstable allele of the white locus caused by the insertion of the 13 kb wDZL element. Three deletions isolated from the wDZL strain have molecular breakpoints 3' to Sgs-4 that are associated with the roo element. Though the deletions eliminate much of the DNA between white and Sgs-4, none of the distal breakpoints fall at or near the wDZL element. The results suggest that this copia-like element, which is structurally similar to an integrated retrovirus, is capable of promoting chromosomal deletions.
Focus on the family as a factor in differential treatment outcome.

The prognostic relationship between prehospital living arrangements and treatment outcome was explored. Drug (N = 17) and alcohol (N = 19) patients who had lived with parents, wives, nonrelatives, or alone before voluntary admission to an inpatient substance abuse program were compared on changes in social dysfunctioning and symptomatology as a result of treatment. Ratings on each patient's level of dysfunctioning and symptomatology were made following intake into the program and within a 3-day period after receiving a regular discharge. While treatment had a positive effect on all groups, multivariate analysis of covariance showed a significant (P <. 009) differential rate of improvement between the pretreatment residential setting groups. Those who had lived alone or with nonrelatives prior to admission changed the most, becoming significantly less dysfunctional and symptomatic. Those coming from parental families changed the least improvement, while those who had lived with their spouses showed moderat...
Fast Amperometric Assay for E. coli O157:H7 Using Partially Immersed Immunoelectrodes

A novel amperometric immunoelectrode for fast and sensitive assay of E. coli O157:H7 is presented. Antibodies against E. coli O157:H7 were immobilized on the surface of carbon rods, which acted as both working electrode and sorbent surface. A sandwich scheme of immunoassay was used and 5-aminosalicylic acid was employed as a redox mediator for the amperometric detection of the enzyme-label (horseradish peroxidase). The immunoelectrodes were operated while being partly immersed in the detection cell which resulted in the acceleration of the diffusion-controlled rates of immunological, enzymatic and electrochemical reactions. The amperometric immunoelectrode allows the achievement of significantly lower detection limits (40 times lower) than that achievable with standard spectrophotometric detection ELISA method using the same immunochemicals. The immunoelectrode allows determination of E. coli cell concentrations in the range from 200 to 7000 cells/mL with an overall analysis time of 40 min. This immunoelectrode can be easily adapted for assay of other microorganisms and may be a basis for creating a new class of highly sensitive and rapid immunosensors.
Novel marine sponge derived amino acids 13. Additional psammaplin derivatives from Psammaplysilla purpurea

Abstract An investigation of a sponge rich in psammaplin derivatives provides some insight into the biogenesis of this group of amino acid derivatives. Accompanying psammaplin A (1) were a new cysteine dimer, prepsammaplin A (2), and three new bromotyrosine-cysteine derivatives, psammaplins B (3), C (4), and D (5). Two other compounds were isolated including (3-bromo-4-hydroxy) benzaldehyde (6) and (3-bromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)-acetonitrile (7) which appear to be bromotyrosine derivatives. Psammaplin D (5) showed antimicrobial and mild tyrosine kinase inhibition activity.
Scope and limitations of 1,1‐diphenylethylene chemistry in anionic polymer synthesis

The scope and limitations of the addition reactions of simple and polymeric organolithium compounds with substituted 1,1-diarylethylenes to prepare in chain- and chain-end functionalized polymers is presented. The application of this general living functionalization reaction for the preparation of ω-functionalized polymers is illustrated for hydroxyl, carboxyl, dimethylamine, and primary amine groups, as well as for the fluorescent naphthalene and pyrene labels. The use of this chemistry to prepare functionalized initiators is described, as well as the copolymerization of substituted 1,1-diphenylethylenes with monomers to prepare in-chain functionalized polymers with alternating structures.
Conversion rate of para-hydrogen to ortho-hydrogen by oxygen: implications for PHIP gas storage and utilization

To determine the storability of para-hydrogen before reestablishment of the room temperature thermal equilibrium mixture. Para-hydrogen was produced at near 100 % purity and mixed with different oxygen quantities to determine the rate of conversion to the thermal equilibrium mixture of 75: 25 % (ortho: para) by detecting the ortho-hydrogen 1H nuclear magnetic resonance using a 9.4 T imager. The para-hydrogen to ortho-hydrogen velocity constant, k, near room temperature (292 K) was determined to be 8.27 ± 1.30 L/mol·min−1. This value was calculated utilizing four different oxygen fractions. Para-hydrogen conversion to ortho-hydrogen by oxygen can be minimized for long term storage with judicious removal of oxygen contamination. Prior calculated velocity rates were confirmed demonstrating a dependence on only the oxygen concentration.
Small-scale turbulence in the atmosphere of Venus

Pioneer Venus data on the morphology of the 45 and 65 km altitude scintillation regions were analyzed. A poleward decrease in the 65 km scintillations was detected, together with a peak at 60-70 deg latitude. Poleward increases in refractive index fluctuations and temperature fluctuations from previous observations displayed a peak near 70 deg latitude, with greater turbulence near the pole. The same fluctuations were an order of magnitude lower at 45 km altitude, with turbulence considerably lower than at 60 km. The favorable comparison of the scintillation measurements with the in-situ velocity and temperature measurements validates the radio measurement technique as a probe of small scale turbulence in a planetary atmosphere. Particular success is noted in identification of small scale temperature fluctuations as a result of shear generated turbulence.
Eloquence in a technological society

The scientific‐engineering curriculum—and hence the ethos of the technological society—portrays rhetoric as a set of specialized skills practiced by a trained elite. For both practical and theoretical reasons, it would be preferable to receive the classical view of rhetoric as simply the refinement of a native human capacity.
Optical and magnetic properties of some transition metal ions in lithium phosphate glass

Abstract In lithium phosphate glass doped with first row transition metal ions it appears that the various transition metal ions possess normal oxidation states; Cr 3+ , Mn 3+ , Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ , Co 2+ , Ni 2+ and Cu 2+ . The room temperature and 77°K spectra for Cr 3+ , Mn 3+ , Fe 2+.3+ , Ni 2+ and Cu 2− containing glasses can be interpreted on the basis of octahedrally coordinated metal ions, while the spectrum of the Co 2+ glass correlates with a tetrahedrally coordinated metal ion. The magnetic moments for the Mn 3+ , Fe 2+.3+ , Co 2+ , Ni 2+ and Cu 2+ are all of the order of the spin only values. The magnetic moment for the Cr 3+ containing glass is somewhat lower than the spin only value.
The role of apoptosis in the initiation of the autoimmune response in Sjögren's syndrome.

The aetiopathogenesis of autoimmune disorders has remained elusive despite much effort over many years devoted to possible genetic, viral and hormonal mechanisms [1,2]. Although genes, viruses, and sex hormones are no doubt involved, a key factor analogous to the role of oncogenes in cancer has escaped detection in autoimmunity. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death (PCD), a critical mechanism preserved throughout evolution to assure both morphologic modelling in fetal life as well as elimination of damaged cells throughout life, may be that key factor in development of autoimmunity [3].
Nanoporous Gold Thin Film: Fabrication, Structure Evolution, and Electrocatalytic Activity

This paper demonstrates a new and simple approach to fabricate nanoporous structure on gold thin films (∼1.5 μm) via electrochemical alloying and dealloying reactions in ZnCl2/DMSO electrolyte. The relevant parameters affecting the formation of nanoporous structure in the alloying/dealloying process in organic electrolyte and the post-treatment in sulfuric acid solution are investigated in detail by simultaneous electrochemical and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) characterization. Herein, a new strategy for direct estimation of the end-point in the dealloying process is developed, assuring the success of preparing nanoporous gold (NPG) films with the highest purity and porosity. Our method is especially useful for fabrication of nanoporous structure on ultrathin Au films without any further deposition of Au. The as-prepared NPG thin films are then used as anodic catalysts for borohydride oxidation in the direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC), which show much higher catalytic activities i...
EXCRETION OF INDOLYL ACIDS IN PHENYLKETONURIC MONKEYS.

EXPERIMENTAL phenylketonuria has been induced in the rhesus monkey by feeding excess dietary phenyl-alanine1,2. The phenylalanine plasma level was markedly elevated, and the urinary excretion of phenylketones and phenylacetyl glutamine were comparable with that found in children with phenylketonuria. Behavioural and learning tests have demonstrated a severe degree of mental retardation in these experimental animals. This report provides data on the excretion of 5-hydroxyindolyl-acetic acid and indolyl-3-acids in these monkeys and demonstrates that the role of tryptophan is similar in both the experimental disease and in phenylketonuric infants.
Relative Effects of Land Use and Near-Stream Chemistry on Phosphorus in an Urban Stream

Elevated levels of P in urban streams can pose significant water quality problems. Sources of P in urban streams, however, are difficult to identify. It is important to recognize both natural and anthropogenic sources of P. We investigated near-stream chemistry and land use factors on stream water P in the urbanizing Johnson Creek watershed in Portland, OR, USA. We sampled stream water and shallow groundwater soluble reactive P (SRP) and total P (TP) and estimated P flux at 13 sites along the main stem of Johnson Creek, with eight sites in urban land use areas and five sites in nonurban land use areas. At each site, we sampled the A and B horizons, measuring soil pH, water-soluble P, acid-soluble P, base-soluble P, total P, Fe, and Al. We found continuous input of P to the stream water via shallow groundwater throughout the Johnson Creek watershed. The shallow groundwater P concentrations were correlated with stream water P within the nonurban area; however, this correlation was not found in the urban area, suggesting that other factors in the urban area masked the relationship between groundwater P and stream water P. Aluminum and Fe concentrations were inversely correlated with shallow groundwater P, suggesting that greater P adsorption to Al and Fe oxides in the nonurban area reduced availability of shallow groundwater P. Using stepwise multiple regression analysis, however, we concluded that while riparian soil chemistry was related to stream water P, land use patterns had a more significant relationship with stream water P concentrations in this urbanizing system.
Rotational Effects on Heat Transfer at Advanced Engine Conditions

Cooling of Gas turbine buckets to ensure adequate life margin with coolants at advanced engine conditions of pressure and temperature requires that the internal heat transfer as influenced by rotation be known with sufficient accuracy. The existing data base, comprised of information readily available in the open literature has limited advanced design applicability considering the range of geometric and fluid-thermal dimensionless parameters of interest. Further, studies conducted with the aid of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) have demonstrated that, as the range of such parameters is extended, the characteristics of the predicted heat transfer capability change significantly, to the extent that bucket coolant passage designs that are fully acceptable at state-of-the-art conditions are marginal or unacceptable at advanced conditions. The purpose of this paper is threefold, to: a) demonstrate the need for extending the current internal heat transfer data base, accounting for the effects of rotation, b) provide a physical understanding of the expected heat transfer characteristics at advanced conditions, and c) describe a test rig and test program focused on obtaining the data of interest.Copyright © 1995 by ASME
Iatrogenic Fungal Infections of Central Nervous System

Iatrogenic fungal infections of the central nervous system had been considered a medical curiosity. Generally, they are a rare isolated complication of neurosurgical procedures, but periodically these infections are observed in larger populations as a result of exposure to contaminated materials during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. In the last year, an epidemic of iatrogenic fungal central nervous system disease accompanied the use of fungal-contaminated compounded methylprednisolone distributed by one facility, heightening the attention given to this infectious disorder. As of May 6, 2013, 758 individuals from 20 US states have developed meningitis and/or spinal or paraspinal infection because of contaminated methylprednisolone from the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Massachusetts, and 58 deaths have been reported. A total of 12 different fungi have been identified; Exserohilum rostratum, a filamentous environmental fungus rarely associated with human disease previously, has been the most commonly isolated pathogen. Meningitis has dominated the clinical presentation, accounting for more than half of the cases, but spinal and paraspinal infections, arachnoiditis, and stroke have also been observed. The diagnosis can be challenging as the organisms may be fastidious. An assay for β-d-glycan has been proposed as an effective adjunctive test for E. rostratum infection. The current therapeutic recommendation is a 6 mg/kg dose of voriconazole every 12 h followed by liposomal amphotericin B. In some instances, surgical debridement and drainage may be necessary.
Treatment of the patella at reimplantation for septic total knee arthroplasty.

The results of treatment of the patella at the time of aseptic revision of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been better with resurfacing of the patella than other modes of treatment such as leaving a bony shell. 1,14-16 Treatment of the patella at the time of reimplantation of a TKA has not been addressed in prior studies. The ability to resurface the patella will be determined by the amount of bone remaining, integrity of the patella, vascularity, the location of the joint line, and soft tissue coverage for wound closure. The current review addresses the technique of patellar resurfacing and patellar bone defect treatment at the time of reimplantation of a TKA.
Absorption of CO2 in high acrylonitrile content copolymers: dependence on acrylonitrile content

Abstract In continuation of our goal to determine the ability of CO 2 to plasticize acrylonitrile (AN) copolymers and facilitate melt processing at temperatures below the onset of thermal degradation, a systematic study has been performed to determine the influence of AN content on CO 2 absorption and subsequent viscosity reduction. Our previous report focused on the absorption of CO 2 in a relatively thermally stable 65 mol% AN copolymer. In this study, the ability for CO 2 to absorb in AN copolymers containing 85–98 mol% acrylonitrile was determined, and subsequent viscosity and equivalent processing temperature reductions were evaluated. Eighty five and 90 mol% acrylonitrile/methyl acrylate (AN/MA) copolymers were found to absorb up to 5.6 and 3.0 wt% CO 2 , corresponding to reductions of T g of 37 and 27 °C, and subsequent viscosity reductions of 61 and 56%, respectively. CO 2 absorption in these copolymers was found to occur immediately, in contrast to the time dependent absorption observed in the 65 mol% copolymer. An Arrhenius scaling analysis was used to determine the equivalent reductions in processing temperature resulting from the viscosity reductions, and reductions of up to 25 and 9 °C were observed for the 85 and 90 mol% AN copolymers. Based on the specific conditions used for absorption, no significant CO 2 uptake was observed for AN copolymers containing greater than 90 mol% acrylonitrile. Higher temperatures than those used here may be required to absorb CO 2 into AN copolymers containing greater than 90 mol% AN.
High-temperature ferromagnetism in Ni2+-doped ZnO aggregates prepared from colloidal diluted magnetic semiconductor quantum dots.

Ferromagnetism with T c > 350 K is observed in the diluted magnetic semiconductor Ni 2 + :ZnO synthesized from solution. Whereas colloidal Ni 2 + :ZnO nanocrystals are paramagnetic, their aggregation gives rise to robust ferromagnetism. The appearance of ferromagnetism is attributed to the increase in domain volumes and the generation of lattice defects upon aggregation. The unusual temperature dependence of the magnetization coercivity is discussed in terms of a temperature-dependent exchange interaction involving paramagnetic Ni 2 + ions.
The effects of consuming a high protein diet (4.4 g/kg/d) on body composition in resistance-trained individuals

The consumption of dietary protein is important for resistance-trained individuals. It has been posited that intakes of 1.4 to 2.0 g/kg/day are needed for physically active individuals. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a very high protein diet (4.4 g/kg/d) on body composition in resistance-trained men and women. Thirty healthy resistance-trained individuals participated in this study (mean ± SD; age: 24.1 ± 5.6 yr; height: 171.4 ± 8.8 cm; weight: 73.3 ± 11.5 kg). Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: Control (CON) or high protein (HP). The CON group was instructed to maintain the same training and dietary habits over the course of the 8 week study. The HP group was instructed to consume 4.4 grams of protein per kg body weight daily. They were also instructed to maintain the same training and dietary habits (e.g. maintain the same fat and carbohydrate intake). Body composition (Bod Pod®), training volume (i.e. volume load), and food intake were determined at baseline and over the 8 week treatment period. The HP group consumed significantly more protein and calories pre vs post (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the HP group consumed significantly more protein and calories than the CON (p < 0.05). The HP group consumed on average 307 ± 69 grams of protein compared to 138 ± 42 in the CON. When expressed per unit body weight, the HP group consumed 4.4 ± 0.8 g/kg/d of protein versus 1.8 ± 0.4 g/kg/d in the CON. There were no changes in training volume for either group. Moreover, there were no significant changes over time or between groups for body weight, fat mass, fat free mass, or percent body fat. Consuming 5.5 times the recommended daily allowance of protein has no effect on body composition in resistance-trained individuals who otherwise maintain the same training regimen. This is the first interventional study to demonstrate that consuming a hypercaloric high protein diet does not result in an increase in body fat.
Silicon-Neuron Design: A Dynamical Systems Approach

We present an approach to design spiking silicon neurons based on dynamical systems theory. Dynamical systems theory aids in choosing the appropriate level of abstraction, prescribing a neuron model with the desired dynamics while maintaining simplicity. Further, we provide a procedure to transform the prescribed equations into subthreshold current-mode circuits. We present a circuit design example, a positive-feedback integrate-and-fire neuron, fabricated in 0.25-μm CMOS. We analyze and characterize the circuit, and demonstrate that it can be configured to exhibit desired behaviors, including spike-frequency adaptation and two forms of bursting.
Whos's liable for insecure networks?

Given computers' integral role in modern life we can no longer tolerate negligent security. We must define standards of care and develop processes for recovering damages from those who fail to act reasonably in securing networked computers. Failure to secure networked computer systems could spawn litigation among software vendors, service providers, online businesses, and users. The paper discusses negligence claims and network security. It considers costs associated with insecure computers on the Internet.
Improving Patient Care: A Multifunctional Nursing Workstation

The nationwide shortage of registered nurses is projected to worsen over the next ten years. Since fewer nurses graduate from nursing programs than retire from the nursing profession, an engineering solution is necessary. This paper reports on the design and development of a modular, organized, and efficient multifunctional nursing workstation. We applied systems engineering methodology to improve the functionality and organization of nursing medication carts. The wooden prototype was built to model the organization and efficiency of the multifunctional workstation design and reduces nursing time spent organizing and distributing patient medication.
Recovering internet symmetry in distributed computing

This paper describes two systems to recover the Internet connectivity impaired by private networks and firewalls. These devices cause asymmetry in the Internet, making peer-to-peer computing difficult or even impossible. The Condor system is one of those that are severely impaired by the asymmetry. Compared to normal peer-to-peer computing applications, Condor has stricter requirements, which are representative to any grid computing. To make Condor seamlessly work across private networks and over firewalls, we designed and implemented Dynamic Port Forwarding (DPF) and Generic Connection Brokering (GCB). Both DPF and GCB satisfy the representative requirements. Furthermore DPF supports dedicated large clusters very well because it is simple, efficient, and highly scalable. On the other hand, GCB perfectly supports non-dedicated or personal clusters because it is independent to private network or firewall technologies and does not require airy administrative power to deploy it. In this paper, we describe the implementations of DPF and GCB and analyze them with respect to performance, deployability, security, and scalability.
3-D Numerical Simulation of Contact Angle Hysteresis for Slug Flow in Microchannel

Water management that ensures the effective removal of produced water in the microchannel at the cathode is critical for the performance of PEM fuel cells. The small dimension and confined space of channels leads to the importance of the surface force in determining the dynamics of inside liquid slugs. The present study focuses on the simulation of the slug detachment process in the micro-channel, using a contact angle hysteresis model within the framework of VOF approach. Based on solving the nonlinear equations accounting for the relationship among volume fraction, interface position, and contact angle, a special model is developed to replicate the hysteresis effect. In addition, a special algorithm is introduced to simulate the thin liquid/gas films. A systematic comparison between experiment and simulation has been conducted and the quantitative match in terms of slug dimensions is achieved for a wide range of flow conditions. The simulation reveals that the contact angle distribution along the slug profile could be approximated using piecewise linear function. The calculation also shows that the contact angle hysteresis might be responsible for several phenomena observed in experiment, such as slug instability.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Ferrofluidic platform for cell and droplet manipulation

We report a novel on-chip cell and droplet manipulation scheme using magnetic nanoparticles suspension (i.e., ferrofluids). The design and characterization of a size-based cell-sorting device are presented. Magnetic field-assisted fabrication and manipulation of non-spherical polymer particles within a ferrofluidic droplet device is also presented.
Seeing a Patient's Eyes: System Trust in Telemedicine

This paper reports on system trust and interpersonal trust issues revealed in an embedded-case study of two telemedicine services offered by a teaching hospital. Consistent with McKnight (2005) perceived system competence was an important dimension of system trustworthiness. Drawing on representation theory (Wand and Weber, 1995) we observed: 1. Some clinicians feel telemedicine provides a better representation than they can achieve in conventional practice. 2) The ability to control specific technical features leads to increased representational quality, perceived system trustworthiness and usage. 3) Some clinicians adapt the telemedicine system to improve it. 4) Some users do not distinguish between the technology artifact and a human helper when judging system trustworthiness. We conclude with two key findings: 1) judgments about system trustworthiness interact with users’ technical and clinical skills and 2) system trust and interpersonal trust are reciprocal.
Partial Purification and Characterization of a Cytotoxin from Clostridium difficile

A trypsin-sensitive, heat-labile cytotoxin was purified from the supernatant of a culture of Clostridium difficile by a procedure that included ultrafiltration, precipitation with (NH4)2SO4, gel filtration, and ion-exchange chromatography. The procedure resulted in recovery of 20% of the cytotoxin and an estimated 1,500-fold increase in cytotoxic activity. The minimal amount of protein required to give an actinomorphic response in WI-38 cell cultures was 1.4 ng/ml. The estimated molecular weight of the cytotoxin is 240,000. A cytotoxin having similar properties was purified from the stool of a patient with antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation and gel filtration chromatography. This procedure resulted in a recovery of 26% of the cytotoxin, a 50-fold increase in cytotoxic activity, and a cytotoxic response with a minimum of 12.1 ng of protein/ml.
Speech compression with cosine and wavelet packet near-best bases

Compression of speech from the TIMIT corpus was investigated for several transform domain methods coding near-best and best bases from cosine and wavelet packet transforms. Satisficing (suboptimizing) search algorithms for selecting near-best bases were compared with optimizing algorithms for best bases in these adaptive tree-structured transforms. Experiments were performed on several hundred seconds of speech spoken by both male and female speakers from all dialect regions of the TIMIT corpus. Near-best bases provided rate-distortion performance effectively as good as that of best bases but without the additional computational penalty. Cosine packet bases outperformed wavelet packet bases.
A Brief Look at Pairings Based Cryptography

This note provides a brief summary of how a new algebraic tool, bilinear groups, is transforming public-key cryptography. For the examples mentioned, the best solutions without bilinear groups either do not exist or are far less efficient. Many of the systems discussed in this note were implemented by Lynn [45] in a software library freely available under the GPL.
Parish nursing: Providing spiritual, physical, and emotional care in a small community parish

A health ministry council of parish nurses was established at a small community church to provide holistic health care to its members. The parish nurses work with the lead pastor and committees with its focus on wellness through health counseling, screenings, education, and referrals. Parish nurses’ spiritual comfort of congregation members during illness and end-of-life is addressed. The organization of a health ministries council of parish nurses along with the defined role of the parish nurse is identified.
Distinct contributions of MSL complex subunits to the transcriptional enhancement responsible for dosage compensation in Drosophila

The regulatory mechanism of dosage compensation is the paramount example of epigenetic regulation at the chromosomal level. In Drosophila, this mechanism, designed to compensate for the difference in the dosage of X-linked genes between the sexes, depends on the MSL complex that enhances the transcription of the single dose of these genes in males. We have investigated the function of various subunits of the complex in mediating dosage compensation. Our results confirm that the highly enriched specific acetylation of histone H4 at lysine 16 of compensated genes by the histone acetyl transferase subunit MOF induces a more disorganized state of their chromatin. We have determined that the association of the MSL complex reduces the level of negative supercoiling of the deoxyribonucleic acid of compensated genes, and we have defined the role that the other subunits of the complex play in this topological modification. Lastly, we have analyzed the potential contribution of ISWI-containing remodeling complexes to the architecture of compensated chromatin, and we suggest a role for this remodeling factor in dosage compensation.
RECON: Scale-adaptive robust estimation via Residual Consensus

In this paper, we present a novel, threshold-free robust estimation framework capable of efficiently fitting models to contaminated data. While RANSAC and its many variants have emerged as popular tools for robust estimation, their performance is largely dependent on the availability of a reasonable prior estimate of the inlier threshold. In this work, we aim to remove this threshold dependency. We build on the observation that models generated from uncontaminated minimal subsets are “consistent” in terms of the behavior of their residuals, while contaminated models exhibit uncorrelated behavior. By leveraging this observation, we then develop a very simple, yet effective algorithm that does not require apriori knowledge of either the scale of the noise, or the fraction of uncontaminated points. The resulting estimator, RECON (REsidual CONsensus), is capable of elegantly adapting to the contamination level of the data, and shows excellent performance even at low inlier ratios and high noise levels. We demonstrate the efficiency of our framework on a variety of challenging estimation problems.
Regulation of 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone in the rat.

Simultaneous measurements of plasma 18-hydroxydeoxycorticosterone (18 OH-DOC), corticosterone, and aldosterone were performed in the rat by using RIA. Under basal conditions, 18 OH-DOC levels averaged 11.3 ± 3.7 (SE) ng/ml. Plasma concentrations were increased 8-fold (86.8 ± 8.0 ng/ml) 1 h after 1 U sc ACTH. Dexamethasone suppressed 18 OH-DOC to less than 1.5 ng/ml, irrespective of Na+ intake. Neither Na+ depletion nor Na+ loading had any influence on 18 OHDOC levels. Excellent correlation between 18 OH-DOC and corticosterone (r = 0.90, P 0.6). In the rat, 18 OH-DOC is an ACTH-dependent steroid which does not appear to be under the influence of the renin-angiotensin system. (Endocrinology 102: 1113, 1978)
Nonacog gamma, a novel recombinant factor IX with low factor IXa content for treatment and prophylaxis of bleeding episodes.

Nonacog gamma is a new recombinant factor IX to treat factor IX deficiency. It is indicated for control of bleeding episodes, perioperative management and routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adults and children with hemophilia B. Nonacog gamma was first approved in the USA in June 2013 under the trade name RIXUBIS followed by market approvals in Australia and the EU in 2014, and marketing authorization decision is pending in Japan. Nonacog gamma is derived from a recombinant Chinese hamster ovary cell line using a state of the art biotechnological manufacturing process. Recombinant factor IX is produced by Baxter’s protein-free fermentation technology, which was first developed for ADVATE. The product is purified and formulated in the absence of any human or animal-derived protein. Nonacog gamma was characterized both in comprehensive in vitro and in vivo non-clinical studies as well as in an extensive clinical trial program.
Space charge in ionic crystals-IV. interstitial-producing impurities in the silver halides

Abstract The defect distribution is calculated for a silver halide crystal containing interstitial-producing impurities. Application is made to the system Cu+ in AgCl and the normal physical situation of a crystal containing a small divalent cation concentration as well as Cu+ is discussed. It is shown in the latter case, that, although the potential difference between the surface and the bulk is insensitive to the copper content at moderate temperatures, the interstitial concentrations are very dependent upon this potential difference and, therefore, on the divalent impurity content and the cation vacancy-divalent impurity binding energy.
Regional differences in glucose clearance: effects of insulin and resistance training on arm and leg glucose clearance in older hypertensive individuals

The purpose of this study was to compare insulin's ability to stimulate glucose uptake in the arm and leg in a group of older hypertensive individuals (n = 13, 66 ± 2 yr old). We also examined the ...
A sublinear algorithm for approximate keyword searching

Given a relatively short query stringW of lengthP, a long subject stringA of lengthN, and a thresholdD, theapproximate keyword search problem is to find all substrings ofA that align withW with not more than D insertions, deletions, and mismatches. In typical applications, such as searching a DNA sequence database, the size of the “database”A is much larger than that of the queryW, e.g.,N is on the order of millions or billions andP is a hundred to a thousand. In this paper we present an algorithm that given a precomputedindex of the databaseA, finds rare matches in time that issublinear inN, i.e.,N c for somec<1. The sequenceA must be overa. finite alphabet σ. More precisely, our algorithm requires 0(DN pow(ɛ) logN) expected-time where ɛ=D/P is the maximum number of differences as a percentage of query length, and pow(ɛ) is an increasing and concave function that is 0 when ɛ=0. Thus the algorithm is superior to current O(DN) algorithms when ɛ is small enough to guarantee that pow(ɛ) < 1. As seen in the paper, this is true for a wide range of ɛ, e.g., ɛ. up to 33% for DNA sequences (¦⌆¦=4) and 56% for proteins sequences (¦⌆¦=20). In preliminary practical experiments, the approach gives a 50-to 500-fold improvement over previous algorithms for prolems of interest in molecular biology.
Molecular Coding of Kv1 Channels to Oppose Myogenic Constriction

See related article, pages 53–60 Resistance arteries possess an intrinsic ability to constrict in response to increased intraluminal pressure, the “myogenic response.”1 The ability of resistance vessels to modulate their diameter in response to changes in intraluminal pressure is thought to be an important component of blood flow autoregulation, such that constant blood flow and tissue perfusion are maintained in the face of variations in blood pressure.2,3 Specifically, intraluminal pressure results in a graded smooth muscle cell (SMC) depolarization from about −65 mV to about −40 mV,4 likely because of activation of nonselective cation channels.5 This depolarization activates L-type voltage-dependent calcium (Ca2+) channels, leading to elevation of the SMC cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, SMC contraction, and vasoconstriction.6 In the absence of negative feedback mechanisms to oppose myogenic constriction, resistance arteries would likely exhibit unstable membrane potentials and fluctuations in vascular diameter as a result of Ca2+ dependent action potentials.7 However, in vivo, graded and sustained changes in vascular diameter occur, such that blood flow is maintained despite changes in pressure.1 Activation of hyperpolarizing potassium (K+) conductances, which oppose depolarization and vasoconstriction, are critical negative feedback mechanisms responsible for controlling the extent of myogenic constriction.2,3,8–10 Smooth muscle cells express two types of K+ channels which are primarily responsible for opposing myogenic depolarization: (1) the large conductance Ca2+ sensitive K+ (BK) channel, which is activated by both membrane depolarization and intracellular Ca2+,8,11 and (2) voltage-gated K+ channels (KV channels), which are steeply activated by membrane potential …