cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic Approaches for Phosphorus Speciation in Soils and Other Environmental Systems

In the past decades, environmental scientists have become increasingly involved in developing novel approaches for applying emerging spectroscopic techniques to complex environmental matrices. The objective of this review is to convey the most common chemical species of phosphorus reported for soils, sediments, model systems, and waste materials based on analyses by four spectroscopic techniques: X-ray absorption near-edge structure, nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Unique information is provided by each technique at a level of specificity that depends in part on matrix complexity. The X-ray absorption near-edge structure and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques reveal inorganic and organic P species in intact environmental matrices or in chemical extracts, whereas the Fourier transform infrared and Raman techniques can provide more specific bonding information about mineral or adsorbed P species in model analogs of matrix components. The most common P species in soils and sediments as indicated by spectroscopy are hydroxyapatite and octacalcium phosphate minerals, phosphate adsorbed on Fe- and Al-oxides, pyrophosphates and polyphosphates, phosphate mono- and di-esters, and phosphonates. Continued advancements in spectroscopic methods should improve speciation-based models of P mobilization and transformations in the environment.
The cleaved-Caspase-3 antibody is a marker of Caspase-9-like DRONC activity in Drosophila

The cleaved-Caspase-3 antibody is a popular tool in apoptosis research in Drosophila. As the antibody was raised against cleaved human Caspase-3, it was assumed that it detects cleaved DRICE and DCP-1, Caspase-3-like effector caspases in Drosophila. However, as shown here, strong immunoreactivity persists in apoptotic models doubly mutant for drICE and dcp-1. In contrast, mutants of the apoptosome components DRONC (Caspase-9-like) and ARK (Apaf-1 related) do not label with the cleaved-Caspase-3 antibody. By peptide blocking experiments and further genetic studies, we provide evidence that the cleaved-Caspase-3 antibody recognizes multiple proteins including DCP-1 and likely DRICE, but also at least one additional unknown protein, all of which require DRONC for epitope exposure. The unknown substrate may be involved in non-apoptotic functions of DRONC. Because the cleaved-Caspase-3 antibody not only detects cleaved Caspase-3-like proteins in Drosophila, but also other proteins in a DRONC-dependent manner, it is more accurate to consider the cleaved-Caspase-3 antibody as a marker for DRONC activity, rather than effector caspase activity.
Resolving the ocean's euphotic zone

Measurements of net primary production (P) combined with calculated estimates of phytoplankton respiration (Rp) and gross primary production (G) are used to determine the depth of the ocean's euphotic zone, the autotrophic productive layer. The base of the euphotic zone, the compensation depth (where P¼0 and G¼Rp), is found to be consistently deeper than the traditionally assumed ‘1% light depth’. It is found to occur, however, at a depth that encompasses the depth range of all, or nearly all, autotrophic biomass. The estimated compensation depth also occurs near the depth of 1% of surface blue light (490 nm), supporting the determination of the ocean's productive layer from satellite ocean color sensors.
Abnormality of intracellular 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone binding in simple hypospadias: studies on equilibrium steroid binding in sonicates of genital skin fibroblasts.

Abnormality of Intracellular 5α-Dihydrotestosterone Binding in Simple Hypospadias: Studies on Equilibrium Steroid Binding in Sonicates of Genital Skin Fibroblasts
Lysosomal trafficking functions of mucolipin-1 in murine macrophages

Mucolipidosis Type IV is currently characterized as a lysosomal storage disorder with defects that include corneal clouding, achlorhydria and psychomotor retardation. MCOLN1, the gene responsible for this disease, encodes the protein mucolipin-1 that belongs to the "Transient Receptor Potential" family of proteins and has been shown to function as a non-selective cation channel whose activity is modulated by pH. Two cell biological defects that have been described in MLIV fibroblasts are a hyperacidification of lysosomes and a delay in the exit of lipids from lysosomes. We show that mucolipin-1 localizes to lysosomal compartments in RAW264.7 mouse macrophages that show subcompartmental accumulations of endocytosed molecules. Using stable RNAi clones, we show that mucolipin-1 is required for the exit of lipids from these compartments, for the transport of endocytosed molecules to terminal lysosomes, and for the transport of the Major Histocompatibility Complex II to the plasma membrane. Mucolipin-1 functions in the efficient exit of molecules, destined for various cellular organelles, from lysosomal compartments.
Studies on the cell treatment conditions to elicit lipolytic responses from 3T3‐L1 adipocytes to TCDD, 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin

Wasting syndrome is one of the hallmark symptoms of poisoning by TCDD (=dioxin), which is associated with the massive loss of adipose tissue and serum hyperlipidemia in vivo. Yet, the most widely used in vitro cell model 3T3-L1 adipocyte has not been useful for studying such an action of TCDD because of the difficulty of inducing their mature adipocytes to respond to TCDD to go through lipolysis. Here, we made efforts to find the right cell culture and treatment conditions to induce mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes to go through lipolysis, which is defined as events leading to reduction of lipids in adipocytes. The optimum condition was found to require 7-day differentiated adipocytes being subjected to DMEM medium containing TCDD (but without insulin) for 5 day incubation with two medium changes (the same composition) on incubation days 2 and 4. After 24 h, the early effect of TCDD on adipocytes was predominantly on inflammation, particularly induction of COX-2 and KC (IL-8), which is accompanied by upregulation of C/EBPbeta and delta. The sign of TCDD-induced lipolysis starts slowly and by incubation day 3, a few markers showed modestly significant changes. By day 5 of incubation, however, many markers show highly significant signs of lipolytic changes. Although this process could take place without exogenous macrophages or their cytokines, addition of exogenous TNFalpha considerably synergized this action of TCDD. In conclusion, under a right condition, 3T3-L1 adipocytes were found to respond to TCDD to go through lipolysis. The early trigger of such a response appears to be activation of COX-2, which is amplified by TNFalpha.
A formal synthesis of modhephene

Abstract A stereo- and regiospecific synthesis of a propellane intermediate that has been previously converted to modhephene is reported.
Physiologic-based strategies for protein drug delivery to the brain

Peptides, recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, or antisense therapeutics are classes of potential neuropharmaceuticals that, with rare exceptions, are not effectively transported through the brain capillary endothelial wall, which makes up the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in vivo. These compounds may be transported through the BBB using physiologic-based drug delivery strategies, such as the chimeric peptide approach. With this technology, a conjugate is prepared of avidin and a BBB transport vector, such as a receptor-specific monoclonal antibody that undergoes transcytosis through the BBB. Separately, CNS therapeutic compounds are monobiotinylated and conjugated to the vector/avidin fusion protein. With this approach, peptide therapeutics, such as a vasoactive intestinal peptide analogue, exert CNS effects in brain in vivo following systemic administration. The peptide therapeutic has no CNS pharmacologic effects when administered in the absence of the brain drug delivery system.
Amino acids stimulate cholecystokinin release through the Ca2+-sensing receptor.

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is produced by discrete endocrine cells in the proximal small intestine and is released following the ingestion of food. CCK is the primary hormone responsible for gallbladder contraction and has potent effects on pancreatic secretion, gastric emptying, and satiety. In addition to fats, digested proteins and aromatic amino acids are major stimulants of CCK release. However, the cellular mechanism by which amino acids affect CCK secretion is unknown. The Ca2+-sensing receptor (CaSR) that was originally identified on parathyroid cells is not only sensitive to extracellular Ca2+ but is activated by extracellular aromatic amino acids. It has been postulated that this receptor may be involved in gastrointestinal hormone secretion. Using transgenic mice expressing a CCK promoter driven/enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgene, we have been able to identify and purify viable intestinal CCK cells. Intestinal mucosal CCK cells were enriched >200-fold by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. These cells were then used for real-time PCR identification of CaSR. Immunohistochemical staining with an antibody specific for CaSR confirmed colocalization of CaSR to CCK cells. In isolated CCK cells loaded with a Ca2+-sensitive dye, the amino acids phenylalanine and tryptophan, but not nonaromatic amino acids, caused an increase in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). The increase in [Ca2+]i was blocked by the CaSR inhibitor Calhex 231. Phenylalanine and tryptophan stimulated CCK release from intestinal CCK cells, and this stimulation was also blocked by CaSR inhibition. Electrophysiological recordings from isolated CCK-GFP cells revealed these cells to possess a predominant outwardly rectifying potassium current. Administration of phenylalanine inhibited basal K+ channel activity and caused CCK cell depolarization, consistent with changes necessary for hormone secretion. These findings indicate that amino acids have a direct effect on CCK cells to stimulate CCK release by activating CaSR and suggest that CaSR is the physiological mechanism through which amino acids regulate CCK secretion.
A versatile high intensity negative ion source

A new type of sputter negative ion source has been developed in which the sputter target and the surface ionizer are enclosed in a common chamber containing cesium vapor. Optimal neutral cesium coverage of the sputter target can be achieved resulting in efficient ionization and high intensities. Some typical negative ion currents are: 30 μA of 11B−, 300 μA of 12C−, 250 μA of 16O−, 4 μA of 27Al−, 200 μA of 28Si−, 150 μA of 58Ni−, 150 μA of 63Cu− and 200 μA of 197 Au−. Emittance is relatively low, ∼ 2π mm·mrad(MeV)12 for 70% of the total current, and sputter targets can be changed in 5−10 min. Since the source operates efficiently with samples of a few milligrams and yields 5−10 μA of BeO− ions from beryllium oxide and about 1 μA of 27Al− from aluminum oxide, it is likely to find application in accelerator mass spectrometry.
A multiwire chamber system for measurements of charged particle spectra

A large solid angle, high counting rate detection system for p, d t identification and energy measurement in the range of 15 to 65 MeV has been developed. The detector consists of two position-sensitive delay-line multiwire chambers, a thin plastic scintillator ΔE, and two large area NaI E detectors. Measurements of energy spectra of protons from 12C(n, p) are presented.
QoS-Compliant Sequential Channel Sensing for Cognitive Radios

In this paper, we study the quality-of-service (QoS) support for realtime traffic in cognitive radio (CR) networks when spectrum availability and quality is not known a priori. A resource-constrained CR relies on sequential channel sensing and probing to resolve spectrum uncertainty and search for good transmission opportunities in real time. We are interested in maximizing the effective throughput the CR can achieve with a desired confidence (success probability) under a spectrum access delay constraint. This quantity can be interpreted as the QoS-compliant (e.g., min-rate and delay) capacity of the CR link under the uncertain spectrum environment. The optimization is formulated as a finite-horizon optimal stopping problem under the objective of maximizing a given percentile of the rate of return at the stopping time. This formulation cannot be directly solved by classical optimal stopping theory, because the latter only supports a mean-reward objective function. A novel transformation is developed to convert the problem into solving a series of sub problems, each of which optimizes a transformed mean-reward of the original problem and therefore can be solved using classical optimal stopping method. We prove the monotonicity of the sub problems, based on which we develop a fast algorithm to efficiently find the unique solution to the original problem. To account for different MAC mechanisms used in practice, our analysis considers both non-recall and recall channel decision strategies. Extensive simulations are performed to verify the effectiveness and significance of the optimization. We show that significant gains (e.g., over 30%) on the QoS-compliant capacity can be achieved by the proposed algorithm when compared with the counterparts.
COLLEGE STUDENTS' ATTITUDES TOWARD GAYS AND LESBIANS

A variety of pedagogical techniques have shown promising results in promoting acceptance and affirmation of gays and lesbians among students in social work, allied health, and education professions. In this article we examine whether 211 students enrolled in a human sexuality course in a southeastern university changed their attitudes toward gays and lesbians and identify differences in attitudes by demographic groups. At pretest the sample scored moderately negative on the Index of Attitudes Toward Homosexuality. Scores were significantly lower at posttest. Males scored significantly higher than females at pretest, but their scores changed more at posttest. Human sexuality courses that incorporate an exposure component are one way social work educators can change negative attitudes toward gays and lesbians.
A Critical Review of the Li Insertion Mechanisms in LiFePO4 Electrodes

With the ever-growing public and now commercial sentiment supporting the widespread adoption of low and zero-emission vehicles, it is unsurprising that Li-ion batteries which currently assume the bulk of the cost of electrified vehicles (a significant proportion coming from cost of battery materials) have become prolific not only in the primary research literature but have also entered the general public consciousness. Since the initial work in 1997, over 2000 research publications have been authored on lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), one of only a handful of commercially viable Li-ion battery cathode materials currently used in electrified vehicles. Despite the sheer quantity of research devoted to the subject and the well-demonstrated excellent battery performance of LiFePO4, what is surprising are the number of apparent discrepancies and ensuing contention in the literature regarding its (de)lithiation kinetics. This Review forgoes re-summarizing the well-accepted materials properties of LiFePO4 and instead seeks to address headlong the specific areas of dispute in the field, specifically by considering how the thermodynamics and kinetics of Li intercalation are modified from the bulk to single-particle to multi-particle scales, shedding light on what makes LiFePO4 such a unique material and ideally shaping future discourse of LiFePO4 research. © 2013 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.029305jes] All rights reserved.
Preventive foot care: A user-friendly system for patients and physicians

PREVIEWToday's primary care physicians are called on to offer more comprehensive patient care, including foot care that was once provided by other specialists. Many grading systems and screening protocols for foot conditions focus on disease rather than offering preventive care guidelines to help avoid costly and sometimes dangerous complications. The authors' user-friendly system for evaluating and managing foot skin and nail problems is designed to make preventive foot care simple and practical for both patients and physicians.
Electricity shortages and firm productivity: Evidence from China's industrial firms

Unreliable inputs to production, particularly those that are difficult to store, can significantly limit firms' productivity, leading them to react in a number of ways. This paper uses a panel of 23,000 energy-intensive, Chinese firms from 1999 to 2004 to examine how firms responded to severe power shortages in the early 2000s. Our results suggest that, in response to electricity scarcity, Chinese firms re-optimize among inputs to production by substituting materials for energy (both electric and non-electric sources)—a shift from “make” to “buy” of intermediate inputs to production. While outsourcing can be costly, Chinese firms were able to avoid substantial productivity losses by doing so. As a result of the increase in electricity scarcity from 1999 onward, we find that unit production costs increased by eight percent.
How to write a 21st century proof

A method of writing proofs is described that makes it harder to prove things that are not true. The method, based on hierarchical structuring, is simple and practical. The author’s twenty years of experience writing such proofs is discussed. In addition to developing the students’ intuition about the beautiful concepts of analysis, it is surely equally important to persuade them that precision and rigor are neither deterrents to intuition, nor ends in themselves, but the natural medium in which to formulate and think about mathematical questions. Michael Spivak, Calculus [7]
In vivo estimation of perineal body properties using ultrasound quasistatic elastography in nulliparous women.

Objective The perineal body must undergo a remarkable transformation during pregnancy to accommodate an estimated stretch ratio of over 3.3 in order to permit vaginal delivery of the fetal head. Yet measurements of perineal body elastic properties are lacking in vivo, whether in the pregnant or non-pregnant state. The objective of this study, therefore, was to develop a method for measuring perineal body elastic modulus and to test its feasibility in young nulliparous women.
Human dolichol kinase, a polytopic endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein with a cytoplasmically oriented CTP-binding site.

Abstract Dolichol kinase (DK) catalyzes the CTP-dependent phosphorylation of dolichol in the biosynthesis de novo and possibly the recycling of dolichyl monophosphate in yeast and mammals. A cDNA clone from human brain encoding the mammalian homologue, hDKp, of the yeast enzyme has recently been identified. In this study hDK has been overexpressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells and shown to be a polytopic membrane protein localized in the endoplasmic reticulum with an N terminus extended into the lumen and a cytoplasmically oriented C terminus. A conserved sequence, DXXAXXXGXXXGX8KKTXEG, found in several enzymes utilizing CTP as substrate including DKs, phytol kinases, and several CDP-diacylglycerol synthetases has been identified, and the possibility that it is part of the CTP-binding domain of hDKp has been investigated. Topological studies indicate that the loop between transmembrane domains (TMD) 11 and TMD12 of hDKp, containing the putative CTP binding domain, faces the cytoplasm. Deletion of the loop between TMD11-12, hDK(Δ459-474), or mutation of selected conserved residues within the cytoplasmic loop results in either a partial or total loss of activity and significant reductions in the affinity for CTP. In addition, the SEC59 gene in the yeast DK mutant was sequenced, and a G420D substitution was found. Conversion of the corresponding residue Gly-443 in hDKp to aspartic acid resulted in inactivation of the mammalian enzyme. These results extend the information on the topological arrangement of hDKp and indicate that the cytoplasmic loop between TMDs 11-12, containing the critical conserved residues, lysine 470 and lysine 471 in the 470KKTXEG475 motif, is part of the CTP-binding site in hDK.
Creative learning with practical applications for 802.11 wireless communications

BYU teaches an elective course in broadband communications, with an emphasis on wireless physical layer characteristics. A Lab exercise in this course requires the students to set up and test a 802.11 wireless link between floors of the Technology building. This presents an interesting challenge since the flooring includes steel girders, rebar, corrugated steel panels, and concrete and other absorptive and dispersive materials. The students find that such materials are a significant barrier to wireless connectivity. With experimentation, they then find that with sufficient directional antenna gains at the transmitter and the receiver that the attenuation caused by the floor may be overcome and a point-to-point link established.This exercise was of direct benefit to SIGITE at the SIGITE 2004 conference. At the conference, the venue requested excessive prices to provide wireless internet access to the attendees. The students of the course described herein accepted the challenge of providing free access for the conference by configuring switches, a DHCP server, and a link between floors of the venue using high-gain antennas. Thus, the attendees were able to connect to the Internet via a WAP that was ultimately connected to the (free) hotel-provided in-room internet port. This solution is also presented in this pape.
ELEMENT RESPONSES OF AGAVES

To help identify possible element stresses, seedling responses of Agave deserti to high concentrations of various elements were examined by monitoring both 1 2-day growth in hydroponic solution and 6-month growth in sand culture. In addition, nocturnal acid accumulation by adult plants of six agave species was related to element levels in their chlorenchyma. Compared with common agronomic plants, seedlings of A. deserti were quite sensitive to salinity, with 50 mM NaCl greatly reducing root elongation in hydroponic solution and watering with 25 mM NaCl preventing growth in sand culture. The seedlings were rather insensitive to Ca concentrations from 0.2 to 5 mM and to pH from pH 5 to 8. They also tolerated high levels of B and of the heavy metals Cu and Zn. Nocturnal acid accumulation by adult plants of the six agave species was positively correlated with levels of 10 elements in the chlorenchyma, especially N (r2= 0.70), B (r2 = 0.51), and Ca (r2 = 0.46). In contrast, nocturnal acid accumulation was weakly and negatively correlated with chlorenchyma Na (r2 = 0.13) consistent with the deleterious effects of salinity on the growth of seedlings. Correlations between nocturnal acid accumulation and element content were consistent with previous fertilizer experiments with N, B, Ca, K, and P on A. sisalana Element levels in the chlorenchyma of the six agave species were generally similar to those of previously studied cacti, including a low Na and high Ca Ievel compared with agronomic plants.
Optically-detected radiofrequency studies of level anticrossings in phosphorescent crystals

Abstract Strong radiofrequency transitions between pairs of anticrossing magnetic sublevels of 3 (n, π*) benzophenone and three of its isotopically-labeled derivatives in the deep trap host 4,4′-dibromodiphenylether have been observed using optical detection of magnetic resonance methods. An analysis of the frequency dependence of the positions and intensities of these transitions over the range 0.1–500 MHz provides estimates of the magnitudes of the perturbations V which are responsible for both level-anticrossing (LAC) and cross-relaxation (CR) effects in these systems. By comparing the results for different molecules, it is shown that LAC effects are caused by a combination of off-diagonal intra molecular hyperfine and Zeeman terms whereas CR effects are caused by off-diagonal inter molecular hyperfine terms. Typically, V LAC ≥ 10 V CR ; hence, the degree of mixing which is associated with each effect is significantly different.
Synthesis of a non-linear feedback system with significant plant-ignorance for prescribed system tolerances†

The problem considered is the design of a feedback system containing a linear, time invariant, minimum phase plant, whose parameters are known only within given bounds, such that the time response of the system remains within specified limits. A quasi-optimal design, for given design constraints, is one which minimizes the effect of white sensor noise on the input to the plant. An investigation was conducted on the use of the non linear device known as the Clegg integrator in the design of such a system. The describing function of the Clegg integrator has the same magnitude characteristic, apart from a scale factor, as the linear integrator, but has 52 deg less phase-lag, at all frequencies, than the linear integrator; thus, when used in a feedback system, it provides a larger stability margin than the linear integrator. This property allows the nonlinear feedback system to be designed so that the sensor noise is attenuated more than in the linear design.
Double-Diffusive Convection in a Porous Trapezoidal Enclosure with Oblique Principal Axes

Conclusions The quasi-steady-state thermal resistance of a  exible copper-water heat pipe under varying acceleration loadings has been determined experimentally. It was found that the thermal resistance of the heat pipe is a function of the sinusoidal frequency of the acceleration  eld, the heat input, the condenser temperature, and the dryout condition prior to changing the acceleration frequency. To determine the feasibility of using heat pipes in transient acceleration  elds, the expected frequencies and heat inputs must be known. It was determined that increasing the condenser sink temperature will decrease the thermal resistance considerably by avoiding a partial dryout situation. While the imposed acceleration  eld increased the heat pipe thermal resistance, the performance was improved at higher frequencies.
Mechanisms of Early Insulin-Sensitizing Effects of Thiazolidinediones in Type 2 Diabetes

Whereas thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are known to rapidly improve insulin action in animals, short durations of TZD therapy have never been studied in humans. Among the many known actions of TZDs, increased circulating levels of the high molecular weight (HMW) multimer of adiponectin may be an important insulin-sensitizing mechanism. We examined the effects of only 21 days of 45 mg of pioglitazone (P+) versus placebo (P-) in nine subjects with type 2 diabetes (HbA(1c), 10.9 +/- 0.6%; BMI, 31.9 +/- 1.5 kg/m(2)). Total adiponectin levels increased by approximately twofold in P+ in association with increased adipose tissue gene expression. However, plasma free fatty acid and glucose levels were unchanged, and there were only minimal changes in other "adipokines." Glucose fluxes ([3-(3)H]glucose infusion) were measured during 6-h euglycemic (5 mmol/l) "pancreatic clamp" studies (somatostatin/glucagon/growth hormone) with stepped insulin levels. Pioglitazone induced marked decreases in endogenous glucose production (P+ = 0.9 +/- 0.1 vs. P- = 1.7 +/- 0.3 mg. kg(-1). min(-1); P < 0.05) at physiologic hyperinsulinemia ( approximately 50 microU/ml), which was highly correlated with an increased ratio of HMW adiponectin/total levels (r(2) = 0.90). Maximal insulin stimulation ( approximately 400 microU/ml) revealed pioglitazone-associated increases in glucose uptake (P+ = 10.5 +/- 0.9 vs. P- = 8.9 +/- 0.8 mg. kg(-1). min(-1); P < 0.05), which did not correlate with HMW or total adiponectin levels. Thus, only 21 days of pioglitazone therapy improved insulin action in humans with type 2 diabetes. Increased abundance of the HMW adiponectin multimer may contribute to the hepatic insulin-sensitizing effects of these agents.
Eddy current study of solidification in lead and lead 20 pct tin

The use of eddy currents to nondestructively evaluate metallic solidification is modelled in one dimension. Calculated responses of the reflected signals show characteristics that can be identified with different solidification morphologies, the extent of freezing, and temperature changes. Experimental verification of the calculated results is done with lead and a lead-20 tin alloy. Morphological details of the solidification for both lead and lead-20 tin alloy are extracted from the eddy current responses in real time. Features such as uniform freezing front motion in pure lead and phase formation in the alloy are detected. Finally, compensation for the thermal gradients in the copper mold and the phase shift in the balancing network allow for good agreement between the eddy current response and the calculated response for freezing.
Intra-arterial thrombolysis (reteplase) and ReoPro for subacute thrombosis of the distal aorta accomplished by radial arterial access: The radial-kissing-thrombolytic technique

A 33-year-old woman with subacute thrombosis of the distal aorta after aorto-bi-iliac stenting had local thrombolysis with reteplase in conjunction with systemic abciximab. The infusion was given as a bolus and then continuously for 14 hr by radial artery access with two selective kissing catheters. Patency of the stented segments was achieved with this technique in conjunction with resolution of her clinical symptoms.
Phase transitions in mesophase macromolecules. III. The transitions in poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐p‐oxybenzoate)

The glass and melting transitions of poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-p-oxybenzoate)s have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Despite the higher glass transition expected for polyoxybenzoate, there is almost no change in the glass transition temperature up to 63 mol % oxybenzoate (353 ± 4 K). At high oxybenzoate concentration there seems to be a discontinuous jump to a glass transition of 450 K. This high glass transition has been observed in two-phase materials down to 30 mol % oxybenzoate. The melting transition shows signs of isodimorphism with a minimum in melting temperature at about 60–70 mol % oxybenzoate, 60 K below the melting temperature of poly(ethylene terephthalate). The thermal properties are little affected by the change of the noncrystalline parts of the molecules to a mesophase structure. The transition to the isotropic phase could not be analyzed because of prior decomposition.
Systematic Analysis of Shear-Wave Splitting in the Aftershock Zone of the 1999 Chi-Chi, Taiwan, Earthquake: Shallow Crustal Anisotropy and Lack of Precursory Variations

We analyze shear-wave splitting (sws) in a high-quality waveform data set recorded at surface and downhole (0.2 km) seismometers in a region around the 20 September 1999 M w 7.6 Chi-Chi, Taiwan, earthquake sequence. The data set was generated by events in a 5-year period before, during, and after the mainshock. The purpose is to investigate the depth extent of the crustal anisotropy and its possible temporal evolution in relation to the occurrence of large earthquakes. Results from downhole records show a stable polarization direction of the fast shear wave that matches well the local Global Positioning System (gps) velocity field. A slightly different polarization direction of the fast shear wave is obtained from surface data. This suggests a possible anisotropy change between the top 0.2 km structure and the deeper section of the crust. Measured time delays below the downhole station have an average value of 0.16 sec without systematic changes for sources from about 8 km to 20 km in depth. Estimates of time delays in the top 0.2 km of the crust based on shear waves reflected from the free surface give a constant 0.04 sec. A likely depth distribution inferred from these two types of measurements and an S -velocity model indicates that the crustal anisotropy in the region is dominated by the top 2 to 3 km. The measured polarization directions and time delays give essentially constant values over the 2.7-year premainshock and 2.3-year postmainshock periods in the region adjacent to the Chi-Chi rupture and within 10 km from the epicentral region of its two large M ≥ 6.0 aftershocks. Analysis of sws in waveforms produced by earthquake multiplets confirms further the lack of precursory temporal variations of crustal anisotropy in the immediate neighborhood of the Chi-Chi earthquake sequence. The results raise doubts on the general usefulness of sws measurements for earthquake forecasting. An apparent coseismic increase in anisotropy time delay of approximately 10% is observed for depths >0.2 km; however, this value is clearly affected by spatial changes associated with different event locations before and after the Chi-Chi mainshock.
Parental Relatedness and Survival of Pacific Oysters from a Naturalized Population

Inbreeding has profound implications in fields ranging from evolutionary biology to medicine. Most cultured aquatic species are only partially domesticated and highly fecund and are, therefore, expected to have higher genetic load and more severe inbreeding depression than species with lower fecundity and/or longer histories of domestication. Marine bivalves such as oysters are extreme in this regard, and previous studies have demonstrated that self-fertilization, brother/sister matings, and cousin/cousin matings in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) reduce growth and survival. It is unclear, however, whether these effects can be extrapolated to lower levels of consanguinity such as those expected in natural populations or the founders used to initiate cultured strains or selective breeding efforts. To address this without the need for extensive pedigree information, we studied inbreeding in a naturalized population of Pacific oysters using molecular marker-based estimates of parental relatedness calculated from multilocus microsatellite genotypes. We produced 34 full-sib families using randomly mated parents collected from a naturalized population in Dabob Bay (Washington, USA) and planted them in intertidal and subtidal conditions in Dabob Bay and Yaquina Bay (Oregon, USA). Using 16 microsatellite loci, we estimated the degree of inbreeding of each pair's progeny in three ways: (1) identity (I ) or the expected homozygosity of the progeny based on their parents' genotypes estimated using the IDENTIX program, (2) a moment-based estimator of the pair-wise coefficient of relatedness (W ) of each parental pair estimated using the MER program of Wang, and (3) a modified estimator of the pair-wise coefficient of relatedness (K ) designed specifically to accommodate null alleles, which were common in the Dabob Bay population and estimated using the ML-RELATE by Kalinowski. Using a composite analysis of variance approach to partition the total among-family variation into components attributable to inbreeding and all other family-level effects, we found statistically significant negative relationships between all three estimators of inbreeding and the survival of their progeny when we analyzed all location/exposure combinations simultaneously and in 7 of the 12 separate tests examining each location/exposure combination separately. However, for 4 of the 5 nonsignificant tests, P < 0.07 using K estimator of relatedness, which makes the potentially unreasonable assumption that all parents have inbreeding coefficients (F) of zero. Further, these relationships were strongest at the site with the highest mortality, indicating that inbreeding depression may be more severe in a more stressful environment. Finally, we briefly outline potential strategies for using molecular marker-based estimates of relatedness to improve the genetic composition of new founder populations, incorporation of relatedness information in selective breeding efforts, and minimizing inbreeding effects in established cultured oyster populations.
Film and membrane properties of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and polyarylate alloys

Blends of a poly[2,2′-(m-phenylene)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole] (FBI) polymer with polyarylate (PA) yield films exhibiting synergistic mechanical properties. The break strength of the blended materials exceeded the strength of the stronger polymer in its 100% form. The molecular interaction and compatibility of PBI/PA have been investigated and confirmed by infrared, dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. For example, interactions were typically found between the carbonyls and the imidazole in these systems, and there was a shift of the carbonyl band to lower frequency. DMA study of a (40/60) PBI/PA film blend revealed the existence of two Tg values (e.g., 245 and 362°C). The shift of the Tg from each individual component strongly suggested that FBI and PA interact on a molecular scale. Membranes made from a solution of a 60/40 (weight %) mixture of PBI and polyarylate exhibited excellent UF properties: a flux of 60–80 gfd at 50 psi and a rejection of 90–99% of cytochrome-c (MW = 12,000). The HPLC results confirmed the red color species (Vitamin 12 and cytochrome-c) were quantitatively removed. Further experiments indicated that the excellent UF properties were due to the novel combination of PBI and PA which offered a unique absorption and ionic-exchange characteristics.
APC values and volatile compounds formed in commercially processed, raw chicken parts during storage at 4 and 13 °C and under simulated temperature abuse conditions†

Skinless chicken breast fillets, thighs, wings and boneless breast with skin were selected from the production line of a commercial processor. Samples were evaluated over time in storage at 4 and 13 °C and under temperature abuse conditions for microbial proliferation and production of volatile compounds (VCs). Aerobic plate counts (APCs) were enumerated and VCs quantitated at 24 h storage intervals; however, APC increases were not reflected by significant correlations with headspace VCs. Compounds isolated from sample headspaces by solid phase microextraction (SPME) and direct headspace sampling and then analysed by gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and gas chromatography/chemiluminescence detection (GC/SCD) were hydrogen sulphide, methanethiol, ethanol, acetone, C5, C6 and C7 hydrocarbons, dimethyl sulphide, methyl ethyl ketone, carbon disulphide, 1-propanol, ethyl acetate, 1-butanol, S-methyl thioacetate, 3-methyl-1-butanol, dimethyl disulphide and dimethyl trisulphide. Compounds appearing in the samples with any degree of consistency and therefore considered pertinent for these analyses were ethanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, ethyl acetate, hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl sulphide and carbon disulphide. Elevated APCs and VC diversity occurred more prevalently in those samples from higher-temperature storage. Published in 2000 for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical characterization of protein kinase activities associated with transforming gene products of the Snyder-Theilen and Gardner-Arnstein strains of feline sarcoma virus

Abstract Translation products of the genomes of the Snyder-Theilen (ST) and Gardner-Arnstein (GA) feline sarcoma viruses (FeSV) have been shown to possess associated protein kinase activities. These activities are similar to those associated with a number of rapidly transforming retroviruses in that they appear to mediate transfer of radiolable from [γ- 32 P]ATP to selected tyrosine residues in substrates and to be independent of the effects of cAMP and cGMP in vitro . The FeSV activities, when detected in specific immune complexes bound to Staphylococcus aureus , result predominantly in autophosphorylation of FeSV polyproteins. Partially purified polyprotein also induces phosphorylation of an exogenous acceptor (casein) in a soluble protein kinase assay system. The FeSV enzymes display marked preference for Mn +2 and Co +2 over Mg +2 while Ca +2 fails to initiate activity in vitro . The optimal pH for the reactions is near 7.0. There is a strict requirement for ATP as phosphoryl donor. High concentrations of ADP and dADP are inhibitory to the reaction but low concentrations of dADP are stimulatory. A comparison of these properties with those of other retroviral-associated protein kinases suggests that these activities fall into three, and possibly four, classes.
Thyroid function in non-growth hormone-deficient short children during a placebo-controlled double blind trial of recombinant growth hormone therapy

GH treatment in GH-deficient children has been reported to cause decreases in serum T4 and TSH and an increase in serum T3. We sought to determine whether GH treatment alters thyroid function in non-GH-deficient short children. Twenty children (18 boys) were followed for 12 months while receiving either GH (Humatrope, Eli Lilly; 0.074 mg/kg, sc, 3 times/week; n = 9) or placebo (n = 11). Total T4, free T4, T3, and TSH were measured every 6 months and in 12 children also at 1, 2, 3, and 9 months. A TRH test and measurement of nocturnal TSH surge were performed at baseline and after 6 months of treatment in 19 subjects. There were no significant differences at baseline in the clinical features between the placebo and GH groups. Total T4, free T4, T3, and TSH levels did not significantly differ between the placebo and GH groups at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. There were no significant differences between the two groups in TSH response to TRH or nocturnal TSH surge. Although an early transient...
A new species of towhee (Aves: Emberizidae: Pipilo) from Quaternary deposits on Bermuda

Abstract Pipilo naufragus, new species, is described from Middle and Late Pleistocene to Holocene cave and pond deposits on the island of Bermuda. It is most similar to the Eastern Towhee P. erythrophthalmus but differs in having a heavier bill, more robust hindlimbs, and reduced wing and pectoral girdle, with the sternum in particular being shorter, wider, and with a much smaller carina. At least one early historical account (1610) contains a description of a large bunting-like bird that almost certainly refers to this species, which would have been exterminated by introduced pigs, rats, and cats following human settlement of Bermuda in 1612.
The Anthropology of Organ Transplantation

Anthropology has been involved with the field of organ transplantation almost since its inception. As a rapidly growing subfield within biomedicine, transplantation has been analyzed as one more example of the technological imperative: the development and application of new procedures and techniques that bring, in their wake, major changes in how humans relate to their bodies. Anthropologists have been especially interested in the psychological adjustment of organ recipients as they come to terms with the sacrifices or deaths that were necessary to provide them with organs and as they respond to the presence of an outsider in their bodies. Critical medical anthropologists have focused more on donor issues, raising ethical questions about transplant tourism and the commodification of organs and challenging the universal validity of brain death as the death of a person.
Respiratory therapists' attitudes about participative decision making: relationship between managerial decision-making style and job satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Studies of non-health-care work environments indicate that non-managerial employee job satisfaction is higher in companies that use participative (as opposed to autocratic) decision making. It has not been determined whether managerial decision-making style influences job satisfaction among respiratory therapists (RTs) and which managerial decision-making style RTs prefer. METHODS: We surveyed Nebraska RTs9 attitudes regarding their job satisfaction, their perceptions of their managers9 decision-making styles (autocratic, consultative, and/or delegative), and which decision-making style they would prefer their managers to use. We sought to determine whether there is a significant correlation between RTs9 perceptions of their managers9 decision-making styles and the RTs9 job satisfaction. The study population was 792 licensed and practicing non-managerial RTs in Nebraska, from which we randomly selected 565 RTs to survey. The self-administered, descriptive survey used 2 Likert scales (one for decision-making style and one for job satisfaction) and inquired about 57 items. The survey was mailed on October 1, 1999. On October 28, 1999, we sent a second mailing to RTs who had not responded. RESULTS: We received 271 responses (response rate 47.9%). The respondents were generally satisfied with their jobs (mean ± SD Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire score 73.46 ± 11.63). The sub-scale scores ranged from 20 (“very dissatisfied”) to 100 (“very satisfied”). The respondents did not want autocratic managerial decision making (mean ± SD autocratic sub-scale score 4.29 ± 0.60). Autocratic decision making was associated with lower job satisfaction (r = 0.49), whereas consultative and delegative decision making were associated with higher job satisfaction (r = −0.31 and −0.48, respectively). RTs who worked in departments that had CONCLUSIONS: Our survey data indicate that (1) RTs prefer delegative and consultative managerial decision making, (2) job satisfaction was highest in departments that had
Patterns of temporal variation in online media

Online content exhibits rich temporal dynamics, and diverse realtime user generated content further intensifies this process. However, temporal patterns by which online content grows and fades over time, and by which different pieces of content compete for attention remain largely unexplored.We study temporal patterns associated with online content and how the content's popularity grows and fades over time. The attention that content receives on the Web varies depending on many factors and occurs on very different time scales and at different resolutions. In order to uncover the temporal dynamics of online content we formulate a time series clustering problem using a similarity metric that is invariant to scaling and shifting. We develop the K-Spectral Centroid (K-SC) clustering algorithm that effectively finds cluster centroids with our similarity measure. By applying an adaptive wavelet-based incremental approach to clustering, we scale K-SC to large data sets.We demonstrate our approach on two massive datasets: a set of 580 million Tweets, and a set of 170 million blog posts and news media articles. We find that K-SC outperforms the K-means clustering algorithm in finding distinct shapes of time series. Our analysis shows that there are six main temporal shapes of attention of online content. We also present a simple model that reliably predicts the shape of attention by using information about only a small number of participants. Our analyses offer insight into common temporal patterns of the content on theWeb and broaden the understanding of the dynamics of human attention.
Temperature, least action, and Lagrangian mechanics

Abstract Temperature is considered from two different mechanical standpoints. The more general approach uses Hamilton's least action principle. From it we derive thermostatting forces identical to those found using Gauss' Principle. This approach applies to equilibrium and nonequilibrium systems. The Lagrangian approach is different, and less useful, applying only at equilibrium.