cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geochemical constraints on the evolution of the early continental crust

The most important process affecting both major and trace-element concentrations in the mantle and crust is melting producing silicate liquids which then migrate. Another process whose effects are becoming more apparent is the transport of elements by CO$\_{2}$- and H$\_{2}$O-rich fluids. Due to the relatively small amounts of fluids involved they have but little effect on the major-element abundances but may severely affect minor- and trace-element abundances in their source and the material through which they travel. The Archaean crust was a density filter which reduced the possibility of komatiite or high FeO melts with relative densities greater than about 3.0 from reaching the surface. Those melts retained in the lower crust or at the crust-mantle boundary would have enhanced the possibility of melting in the lower crust. The high FeO melts may have included the Archaean equivalents of alkali basalt whose derivatives may form an important component in the Archaean crust. The occurrence of ultramafic to basic to alkaline magmas in some Archaean greenstone belts is an assemblage most typical of modern ocean-island suites in continental environments. The rock types in the assemblage were modified by conditions of higher heat production during the Archaean and thus greater extents of melting and melting at greater depths. If modern ocean-island suites are associated with mantle plumes, which even now may be an important way to transport heat upward from the deeper mantle, it is suggested that during the Archaean mantle plumes were an important factor in the evolution of the continental crust. It appears that the Archaean continental crust was of comparable thickness to that of the present based on geobarometeric data. If the freeboard concept applied then, this would suggest that plate tectonics was also an active process during the Archaean. If so, it is probably no more realistic to assume that all Archaean greenstone belts had a similar tectonic setting than to assume that all modern occurrences of basic rocks have a common tectonic setting.
A comparison of two quality measurement tools in pediatric surgery—The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric versus the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Pediatric Quality Indicators

Abstract Background/Purpose Identifying quality in pediatric surgery can be difficult given the low frequency of postoperative complications. We compared postoperative events following pediatric surgical procedures at a single institution identified by ACS-NSQIP Pediatric (ACS NSQIP-P) methodology and AHRQ Pediatric Quality Indicators (AHRQ PDIs), an administrative tool. Methods AHRQ PDI algorithms were run on inpatient hospital discharge abstracts for 1257 children in the 2010 to 2013 ACS NSQIP-P at our institution. Four events—pulmonary complications, postoperative sepsis, wound dehiscence and bleeding—were matched between ACS NSQIP-P and AHRQ PDI. Results Events were identified by ACS NSQIP-P in 7.9% of children and by AHRQ PDI in 8.0%. The four matched events were identified in 5.5% and 3.7%, respectively. Specificities of AHRQ PDI ranged from 97% to 100% and sensitivities from 0 to 2%. The largest discrepancy was in bleeding, where AHRQ PDI captured 1 of the 54 events identified by ACS NSQIP-P. None of the 41 pulmonary, sepsis, and wound dehiscence events identified by AHRQ PDI were clinically relevant according to ACS NSQIP-P. Conclusions Adverse events following pediatric surgery are infrequent; thus, additional measures of quality to supplement postoperative adverse events are needed. AHRQ PDIs are inadequate for assessing quality in pediatric surgery.
Ab initio theoretical description of low-lying (ππ) excited states of trans-1,3,5-hexatriene using slater-type orbitals

Abstract Excitation energies and out-of-plane spatial character ( z 2 ) of the lowest ππ * singlet and triplet states of trans -1-3,5,-hexatriene were described as a function of various basis sets and electron correlation procedures. Configuration interaction (CI) utilized all single and double excitations, (1+2)CI, arising within the λ-system. Excitation energies and ( z 2 ) values were 1 1 Ag(0.00 eV, 33.2 a 2 0 ), 1 3 B u (4.11 eV, 34.1 a 2 0 ), 1 3 Ag(5.80 eV, 34.4 a 2 0 ), 2 1 Ag(6.83 eV, 35.7 a 2 0 ), and 1 1 B u (7.40 eV, 54,8 a 2 0 . These calculations suggest that hexatriene may be the shortest polyene to evidence the ππ * singlet state ordering characteristic of longer polyenes such as carotenoid pigments and the visual chromophore. Implications for the photochemistry of the vitamin D field are also discussed.
Evidence for Amodal Representations after Bimodal Learning: Integration of Haptic-Visual Layouts into a Common Spatial Image

Participants learned circular layouts of six objects presented haptically or visually, then indicated the direction from a start target to an end target of the same or different modality (intramodal versus intermodal). When objects from the two modalities were learned separately, superior performance for intramodal trials indicated a cost of switching between modalities. When a bimodal layout intermixing modalities was learned, intra- and intermodal trials did not differ reliably. These findings indicate that a spatial image, independent of input modality, can be formed when inputs are spatially and temporally congruent, but not when modalities are temporally segregated in learning.
Progesterone effects upon dopamine release from the corpus striatum of female rats. II. Evidence for a membrane site of action and the role of albumin

In the present experiment we used immobilized progesterone linked to bovine serum albumin (P4-3-BSA) as a probe to examine whether the effects of a direct in vitro infusion of progesterone upon dopamine (DA) release from corpus striatal (CS) tissue fragments from ovariectomized estrogen-treated rats may be attributable to a surface membrane site of action. In Expt. I, a direct in vitro pulsatile infusion of P4-3-BSA resulted in two discrete episodes of stimulated DA release which were not observed in superfusions receiving a continuous infusion of P4-3-BSA or compared to data of control superfusions. In contrast to that of a pulsatile administration, a continuous infusion of P4-3-BSA completely abolished the amphetamine-stimulated response from these tissue preparations with significantly lower DA release rates compared to the pulsatile P4-3-BSA (P less than 0.02) and control (P less than 0.04) conditions. In Expt. II, the addition of tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 microM) to the superfusion medium abolished the discriminatory response between pulsatile and continuous administration of immobilized progesterone. These results indicate that the action of progesterone on DA release from the CS is mediated primarily through a surface membrane site of an interneuron(s) which can discriminately respond to a specific infusion mode of this steroid.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Polyethylene Glycol−Mouse Nerve Growth Factor Conjugate

Conjugation of poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives with therapeutic proteins is a promising approach for enhancing protein stability and, therefore, effectiveness. An N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester of fluorescein-PEG 2000 was used for chemical modification of mouse nerve growth factor (mNGF), a dimeric protein with therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease. The mNGF-PEG2000-fluorescein conjugate was characterized by RP-HPLC, spectrofluorometry, and SDS−PAGE and was biologically active, as determined by two independent NGF-specific assays (enhancement of ChAT activity in fetal neurons and neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells). The conjugate was not detectable by a standard NGF ELISA, suggesting a fortuitous reduction in protein recognition by antibodies.
Mechanistic Vs. Empirical Network Models of Drug Action

Declining success rates coupled with increased costs is leading to an inevitable breaking point in the drug development pipeline. Can we avoid it by incorporating the vast mechanistic understanding of drug action? A recent review highlights this dilemma and proposes "quantitative logic gate" modeling as a solution.(1) The goal of this commentary is to contrast this approach with mechanistic biochemical network models, which, although alluded to by Kiruoac and Onsum, requires a closer analysis.
On the theory of filtration of signals

Einige Gesichtspunkte des Problems der Trennung von Information und Rauschen mittels linearveranderlicher Filter werden erortert, und eine Theorie solcher Filter ist wiedergegeben. Ein FilterN wird ideal genannt, wenn es gleichwertig ist zu einer Kettenschaltung von zwei Filtern, wobei jedes mitN identisch Es wird gezeigt, das im allgemeinen Informations- und Rauschgemische mit Hilfe entsprechender idealer Filter getrennt werden konnen, vorausgesetzt das die in Frage stehenden Gemische unzusammenhangende Mannigfaltigkeiten im Signalraum umfassen.
Working it out: A community re‐creation approach to crime prevention

A case study of a neighborhood crimewatch illustrates the interactive recreation of community from the fragmentation and alienation of contemporary urban life. Organizing an intensive walking watch program in response to a serious neighborhood crime-wave in Cambridge, Massachusetts emphasized a “working it out” strategy that attempted to reconcile and draw from the different approaches and talents of oldtimer working-class and newcomer middle-class residents. Empowerment ultimately expanded into municipal and ward politics, disarmament, and civilian review board programs. A participant-observation, intersubjective methodology, as part of the organizing, provided a validational context for observation, interview and drawing community and organizing histories. The results suggested that community re-creation increases empowerment, social control, and sense of community (McMillan & Chavis, 1986) and develops a complementary mix of social problems and opportunity reduction approaches. Citizen participation and control and an active role for the community psychologist are recommended to facilitate democracy and empowerment in fragmented communities.
Shape recognition, with applications to a passive assistant

We address the problem of retrieving an object description, in the form of a silhouette, from a database of shapes, in a way that is robust with respect to translation, rotation, scale change, and distortion. Algorithms to solve this problem can be a key step in passive assistant software that receives information from available sensors and databases, and provides useful information about the local environment to a visually disabled user (where the assistant input may be in the form of audio). Experiments show significant gains in retrieval accuracy over previous work.
Calcium regulates L-type Ca2+ channel expression in rat skeletal muscle cells.

Primary skeletal muscle cells were cultured in a normal- (1.8 mM) or high- (4.8 mM) Ca2+ culture medium to determine whether Ca2+ modulates the number of L-type Ca2+ channels. Skeletal myoballs cultured in a normal medium showed, when exposed to a high extracellular [Ca2+], ([Ca2+]e) a transient increase in intracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) from a resting concentration of 60 to 160 nM. By day 3, however, when the experiments were made, [Ca2+]i no longer differed from control (pre-exposure to high Ca2+). The maximum charge movements in myoballs incubated in 1.8 and 4.8 mM were 16.4±1.05 (n=56) and 24.1±1.18 nC/µF (n=58; P 0.05). The tail current amplitudes in 1.8 and 4.8 mM Ca2+-treated cells were –9.3±1.23 and –14.2±1.37 nA/µF (P<0.05), respectively, at 10 mV and –15.3±1.76 and –23.6±2.02 nA/µF (P<0.05), respectively at 60 mV. The maximum binding of [3H]PN200-110 (a radioligand specific for L-type Ca2+ channel α1 subunits) in myoballs cultured in 1.8 and 4.8 mM [Ca2+]e was 1.34±0.23 and 3.2±0.63 pmol/mg protein (n=8; P<0.02), respectively. The increase in [Ca2+]i associated with the increases in charge movements, tail currents and the number of L-type Ca2+ channel α1 subunits in skeletal muscle cells cultured in high [Ca2+]e support the concept that extracellular Ca2+ influx modulates the expression of L-type Ca2+ channels in skeletal muscle cells.
Parents’ and children's perception of parent-led Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This study explored parent and child experiences of a parent-led, therapist-assisted treatment during Step One of Stepped Care Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Seventeen parents/guardians and 16 children who were between the ages of 8 and 12 years were interviewed after Step One and six weeks after the completion of a maintenance phase about their perceptions of the parent-led, therapist-assisted treatment. Participants were asked what they liked and disliked about the treatment as well as what they found to be most and least helpful. Generally, parents and children liked the treatment and found it helpful. In terms of treatment components, children indicated that the relaxation exercises were the most liked/helpful component (62.5%) followed by trauma narrative activities (56.3%). A few children (18.8%) did not like or found least helpful the trauma narrative component as they wanted to avoid talking or thinking about the trauma. Parents indicated that the parent-child meetings were the most liked/helpful (82.4%) followed by the Stepping Together workbook (58.8%) and relaxation exercises (52.9%). Some parents (23.5%) noted that the workbook seemed too repetitive and some parents (17.6%) at times were uncertain if they were leading the parent-child meetings the best way. Parent-led, therapist-assisted TF-CBT may be an acceptable type of service delivery for both parents and children, although more research is needed.
Thermal Conduction in Suspended Graphene Layers

We review the results of our experimental and theoretical investigation of heat conduction in suspended graphene layers. Through direct measurements using a noncontact optical technique, we established that the thermal conductivity of the suspended graphene flakes is extremely high, and exceeds that of diamond and carbon nanotubes. By invoking Klemens' theoretical model, we explained the physical mechanisms behind such unusual thermal conduction in two-dimensional graphene layers. Our detailed theory, which includes the phonon-mode dependent Gruneisen parameter and takes into account phonon scattering on graphene edges and point defects, gives results in excellent agreement with the measurements. Superior thermal properties of graphene are beneficial for all proposed graphene device applications.
Methodologic Standards for Interpreting Clinical Decision Rules in Emergency Medicine: 2014 Update

Clinical decision rules are increasingly prominent in medicine, particularly in emergency care. The quality, use, and impact of current published decision rules widely vary, requiring clinicians to be critical consumers. We present an approach to assist in the appraisal of clinical decision rules and in judging when to use such rules.
Further applications of the singularity function method to plate problems

Abstract A special adaptation of the singularity function method is applied to obtain the exact solutions of three complicated point-loaded plate problems of practical interest. These include long rectangular plates on elastic foundations, as well as long rectangular and circular plates of varying thickness. Extensive numerical data are given for the calculation of deflections and moments.
Software data spreading: leveraging distributed caches to improve single thread performance

Single thread performance remains an important consideration even for multicore, multiprocessor systems. As a result, techniques for improving single thread performance using multiple cores have received considerable attention. This work describes a technique, software data spreading, that leverages the cache capacity of extra cores and extra sockets rather than their computational resources. Software data spreading is a software-only technique that uses compiler-directed thread migration to aggregate cache capacity across cores and chips and improve performance. This paper describes an automated scheme that applies data spreading to various types of loops. Experiments with a set of SPEC2000, SPEC2006, NAS, and microbenchmark workloads show that data spreading can provide speedup of over 2, averaging 17% for the SPEC and NAS applications on two systems. In addition, despite using more cores for the same computation, data spreading actually saves power since it reduces access to DRAM.
Maintenance of Austral Summertime Upper-Tropospheric Circulation over Tropical South America: The Bolivian High–Nordeste Low System

Using the NASA/GEOS reanalysis data for 1980‐95, the austral-summer stationary eddies in the tropical‐ subtropical Southern Hemisphere are examined in two wave regimes: long and short wave (wave 1 and waves 2‐6, respectively). The basic structure of the Bolivian high‐Nordeste low (BH‐NL) system is formed by a shortwave train across South America but modulated by the long-wave regime. The short-wave train exhibits a monsoonlike vertical phase reversal in the midtroposphere and a quarter-wave phase shift relative to the divergent circulation. As inferred from (a) the spatial relationship between the streamfunction and velocity potential and (b) the structure of the divergent circulation, the short-wave train forming the BH‐NL system is maintained by South American local heating and remote African heating, while the long-wave regime is maintained by western tropical Pacific heating. The maintenance of the stationary waves in the two wave regimes is further illustrated by a simple diagnostic scheme that includes the velocity-potential maintenance equation (which links velocity potential and diabatic heating) and the streamfunction budget (which is the inverse Laplacian transform of the vorticity equation). Some simple relationships between streamfunction and velocity potential for both wave regimes are established to substantiate the links between diabatic heating and streamfunction; of particular interest is a Sverdrup balance in the short-wave regime. This simplified vorticity equation explains the vertical structure of the short-wave train associated with the BH‐NL system and its spatial relationship with the divergent circulation. Based upon the diagnostic analysis of its maintenance a simple forced barotropic model is adopted to simulate the BH‐NL system with idealized forcings, which imitates the real 200-mb divergence centers over South America, Africa, and the tropical Pacific. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the formation of the BH‐NL system is affected not only by the African remote forcing, but also by the tropical Pacific forcing.
Inhibition of Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor/Serum Response Factor Signaling Decreases Lung Fibrosis and Promotes Mesenchymal Cell Apoptosis

Myofibroblasts are crucial to the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis. Their formation of stress fibers results in the release of myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF), a transcriptional coactivator of serum response factor (SRF). MRTF-A (Mkl1)-deficient mice are protected from lung fibrosis. We hypothesized that the SRF/MRTF pathway inhibitor CCG-203971 would modulate myofibroblast function in vitro and limit lung fibrosis in vivo. Normal and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lung fibroblasts were treated with/without CCG-203971 (N-[4-chlorophenyl]-1-[3-(2-furanyl)benzoyl]-3-piperidine carboxamide) and/or Fas-activating antibody in the presence/absence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and apoptosis was assessed. In vivo studies examined the effect of therapeutically administered CCG-203971 on lung fibrosis in two distinct murine models of fibrosis induced by bleomycin or targeted type II alveolar epithelial injury. In vitro, CCG-203971 prevented nuclear localization of MRTF-A; increased the apoptotic susceptibility of normal and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis fibroblasts; blocked TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation; and inhibited TGF-β1-induced expression of fibronectin, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. TGF-β1 did not protect fibroblasts or myofibroblasts from apoptosis in the presence of CCG-203971. In vivo, CCG-203971 significantly reduced lung collagen content in both murine models while decreasing alveolar plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and promoting myofibroblast apoptosis. These data support a central role of the SRF/MRTF pathway in the pathobiology of lung fibrosis and suggest that its inhibition can help resolve lung fibrosis by promoting fibroblast apoptosis.
Reducing the Delay and Power Consumption of Web Browsing on Smartphones in 3G Networks

Smart phone is becoming a key element in providing greater user access to the mobile Internet. Many complex applications, which are used to be only on PCs, have been developed and run on smart phones. These applications extend the functionalities of smart phones and make them more convenient for users to be connected. However, they also greatly increase the power consumption of smart phones and many users are frustrated with the long delay of web browsing when using smart phones. In this paper, we have discovered that the key reason of the long delay and high power consumption in web browsing is not due to the bandwidth limitation most of time in 3G networks. The local computation limitation at the smart phone is the real bottleneck for opening most web pages. To address this issue, we propose an architecture, called Virtual-Machine based Proxy (VMP), to shift the computing from smart phones to the VMP. To illustrate the feasibility of deploying the proposed VMP system in 3G networks, we have built a prototype using Xen virtual machines and Android Phones with T-Mobile UMTS network. Experimental results show that compared to normal smart phone browser, our VMP approach reduces the delay by more than 80% and reduces the power consumption during web browsing by more than 45%.
Psychosocial Predictors of Life Quality: How Are They Affected by Infertility, Gender, and Parenthood?

A longitudinal study was conducted to examine the effects of infertility on marital and global life quality with wives and husbands from 174 infertile couples and a comparison group of 74 fertile couples. By the third interview, 42% of the infertile couples and 36% of the fertile couples were parents. Bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses were completed. The psychosocial predictors of life quality were highly similar for members of infertile and fertile couples and for couples with and without children. In multivariate analyses, being a parent was associated with increased global life quality for infertile women and diminished marital life quality for everyone except fertile men. These results replicate and extend past research.
Torque production in the shoulder of the normal young adult male: The interaction of function, dominance, joint angle, and angular velocity

Shoulder torque measurements were obtained from 36 normal young adult males during flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation. Normative, angle-specific torque measurements were determined under isometric conditions and isokinetically at 48 deg/sec. The effects of dominance, angular velocity, and joint position were determined and a method provided for determining the expected maximal torque at a specific speed and position based upon torque measurements from the contralateral shoulder. This method can be used in cases of unilateral shoulder abnormalities to predict normative torque values for the affected side based on torque measurements from the unaffected shoulder.
A foldable CFTRΔF508 biogenic intermediate accumulates upon inhibition of the Hsc70–CHIP E3 ubiquitin ligase

CFTRΔF508 exhibits a correctable protein-folding defect that leads to its misfolding and premature degradation, which is the cause of cystic fibrosis (CF). Herein we report on the characterization of the CFTRΔF508 biogenic intermediate that is selected for proteasomal degradation and identification of cellular components that polyubiquitinate CFTRΔF508. Nonubiquitinated CFTRΔF508 accumulates in a kinetically trapped, but folding competent conformation, that is maintained in a soluble state by cytosolic Hsc70. Ubiquitination of Hsc70-bound CFTRΔF508 requires CHIP, a U box containing cytosolic cochaperone. CHIP is demonstrated to function as a scaffold that nucleates the formation of a multisubunit E3 ubiquitin ligase whose reconstituted activity toward CFTR is dependent upon Hdj2, Hsc70, and the E2 UbcH5a. Inactivation of the Hsc70–CHIP E3 leads CFTRΔF508 to accumulate in a nonaggregated state, which upon lowering of cell growth temperatures, can fold and reach the cell surface. Inhibition of CFTRΔF508 ubiquitination can increase its cell surface expression and may provide an approach to treat CF.
Correlated expression of atrial myosin heavy chain and regulatory light chain isoforms with pressure overload hypertrophy in the non-human primate

Objective: The aim was to determine the extent to which myosin heavy chain and light chain isoform transitions in atrial myocardium are coordinately regulated under pathological conditions in tissue from normal baboons, hypertensive baboons with myocardial hypertrophy, and baboons in which hypertrophy had regressed. Methods: Quantitative distributions of myosin heavy chain (MHC) and regulatory myosin light chain (MLC2) isoforms in atrial myocardium from 35 adult baboons were determined by electrophoresis under denaturing conditions and laser densitometry. Results: A significant association was observed between the ratios of MHC and MLC2 isoforms in atrial myocardium (r=0.73, p<0.001, n=69). Expressions of α MHC and atrial MLC2 (ALC2) isoforms were correlated in atrial myocardium, as were those of β MHC and ventricular MLC2 (VLC2) isoforms. In a subset of baboons with experimentally induced renal hypertension (n=12) both β MHC and VLC2 isoforms were found at higher levels in left atria than were present in normotensive baboons (p=0.006, n=15). Left atria from hypertensive baboons with regressed LVH contained intermediate levels of both β MHC and VLC2 isoforms. Conclusions: There is tight coupling between the expression of myosin subunit isoforms under pathological conditions from a primate species closely related to humans. The data suggest that the synthesis of these subunits of myosin may be coordinated at the molecular level. Cardiovascular Research 1993; 27 :416-422
How to Make a National Cuisine: Cookbooks in Contemporary India

Cookbooks, which usually belong to the humble literature of complex civilizations, tell unusual cultural tales. They combine the sturdy pragmatic virtues of all manuals with the vicarious pleasures of the literature of the senses. They reflect shifts in the boundaries of edibility, the proprieties of the culinary process, the logic of meals, the exigencies of the household budget, the vagaries of the market, and the structure of domestic ideologies. The existence of cookbooks presupposes not only some degree of literacy, but often an effort on the part of some variety of specialist to standardize the regime of the kitchen, to transmit culinary lore, and to publicize particular traditions guid- ing the journey of food from marketplace to kitchen to table. Insofar as cookbooks reflect the kind of technical and cultural elaboration we grace with the term cuisine, they are likely, as Jack Goody has recently argued, to be representations not only of structures of production and distribution and of social and cosmological schemes, but of class and hierarchy (1982). Their spread is an important sign of what Norbert Elias has called “the civilizing process” (1978). The increased interest of historians and anthropologists in cookbooks should therefore come as no surprise (Chang 1977; Cosman 1976; Khare 1976a, 1976b).
Electrochemical Reduction of 2,4-Dinitrotoluene in a Continuous Flow Laboratory Scale Reactor

An electrochemical laboratory scale reactor was used to treat 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT). Experiments were conducted by using a graphite carbon cylinder impregnated with glassy carbon (zero porosity) as the cathode and a platinum wire as the anode. All experiments were conducted under anoxic conditions. Initially, experiments simulating batch conditions were conducted to obtain the optimum operating conditions for the reactor. During this batch-mode study, the effect of various parameters such as applied current, electrolyte concentration, and type of electrolyte on the reduction of DNT were evaluated. Results showed that the rates of DNT reduction increased with an increase in current or concentration of electrolyte. Based on the results obtained from the batch simulation experiments, continuous flow experiments were conducted at three different currents and one electrolyte concentration. The ionic strength of the feed solution was maintained at 0.027 M. A current of 200 mA (current density 0.088 mA/cm²) provided a stable reduction of DNT at the 80% level for a period of 14 days after which reactor cleaning was necessary for removal of suspended solids that were formed within the reactor. End products determined for the experiments showed 80100% molar balance closure.
Recognition of Six-Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate–Expressing Tumor Cells by Peptide Antigen–Induced Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes

The identification of novel markers and therapeutic targets in advanced cancer is critical for improving diagnosis and therapy. Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate (STEAP) is expressed predominantly in human prostate tissue and in other common malignancies including prostate, bladder, colon, and ovarian carcinomas, and in Ewing's sarcoma, suggesting that it could function as an almost universal tumor antigen. We have used MHC peptide binding algorithms to predict potential STEAP sequences capable of stimulating in vitro naive HLA-A2–restricted CTLs. Four of six peptides predicted by these algorithms were able to induce antigen-specific CTLs that killed peptide-pulsed HLA-A2 target cells. Two of these peptides, STEAP-292 (MIAVFLPIV) and a modification of this peptide STEAP-292.2L (MLAVFLPIV), were the most efficient in the induction of primary CTL responses. More importantly, these CTLs were able to respond to tumor cells that express HLA-A2 and STEAP (colon, bladder, prostate, Ewing's sarcoma, and melanoma). Our results provide strong evidence that STEAP-292 is naturally processed by many tumor types and is presented in the context of HLA-A2 in sufficient amounts to allow recognition by CTLs. Also because STEAP-292.2L is a more immunogenic peptide able to induce CTL recognition of these STEAP-containing tumors and may have potential as an antitumor peptide vaccine.
A network model for human interoperability.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to demonstrate how the Human View architecture can be used to define and evaluate the human interoperability capabilities of a net-centric system. Human interoperability strives to understand the types of system relationships that affect collaboration across networked environments. BACKGROUND: The Human View was developed as an additional system architectural viewpoint to focus on the human component of a system by capturing data on human roles, tasks, constraints, interactions, and metrics.This framework can be used to collect and organize social system parameters to facilitate the way that humans interact across organizational boundaries. METHOD: By mapping the Human View elements to organizational relationships defined in the domain of network theory, a network model of the Human View can be developed.This representation can then be aligned with a Layers of Interoperability model for collaborative systems.The model extends traditional technical interoperability to include organizational aspects important for human interoperability. The resulting composite model can be used to evaluate the human interoperability capability of network-enabled systems. RESULTS: An interagency response to a crisis situation is an example where increased levels of human interoperability can affect the effectiveness of the organizational interactions. The existing Human View products representing the interagency capabilities were evaluated using the network model to demonstrate how the social system variables can be identified and evaluated to improve the system design. CONCLUSION: By understanding and incorporating human interoperability requirements, the resulting system design can more effectively support collaborative tasks across technological environments to facilitate timely responses to events. Language: en
A Decade of Countering Bioterrorism: Incremental Progress, Fundamental Failings

The fear and disruption caused by the 2001 anthrax attacks understandably led Americans to seek enhanced biodefenses. However, the path followed since those attacks has left the country inadequately prepared to face further risks from biological attacks. Why has security against these threats been only partially achieved? This article suggests that our responses over the past decade can be sorted into 4 levels in order of increasing difficulty. First, we rapidly appropriated funds, augmented personnel, and mandated reorganization of agencies. Though not easy to accomplish, these steps were easily conceptualized and, whatever their imperfections, could rather assuredly be achieved. A second level was more demanding, but also quite achievable. It involved the amplification of ongoing efforts. These efforts sometimes suffered as they scaled up, but, though they were qualified by delays and uncertainties, we can point to real achievements at this level. A third level was more difficult: It required evolving n...
Placebo Effects Mediated by Endogenous Opioid Activity on μ-Opioid Receptors

Reductions in pain ratings when administered a placebo with expected analgesic properties have been described and hypothesized to be mediated by the pain-suppressive endogenous opioid system. Using molecular imaging techniques, we directly examined the activity of the endogenous opioid system on μ-opioid receptors in humans in sustained pain with and without the administration of a placebo. Significant placebo-induced activation of μ-opioid receptor-mediated neurotransmission was observed in both higher-order and sub-cortical brain regions, which included the pregenual and subgenual rostral anterior cingulate, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the insular cortex, and the nucleus accumbens. Regional activations were paralleled by lower ratings of pain intensity, reductions in its sensory and affective qualities, and in the negative emotional state of the volunteers. These data demonstrate that cognitive factors (e.g., expectation of pain relief) are capable of modulating physical and emotional states through the site-specific activation of μ-opioid receptor signaling in the human brain.
A framework for perceptual image analysis

Image contours, obtained by edge detection algorithms, provide a sparse but informative structural representation of image content. However, contours from edge detectors are typically incomplete. Delaunay triangulation of image contour points establishes proximity-based regional bindings of contour elements and supports perceptually meaningful completions of contours for image segmentation. Further, constrained Delaunay triangulations of discretely sampled closed contours can be used to characterize shapes in terms of their parts. This approach to feature extraction, using only contour pixels and their triangulations, offers significant data reduction and computational efficiency for rapid image understanding tasks. In this paper1 we present a framework for perceptual image analysis that uses proximity properties of Delaunay triangulation as a natural grid for both image segmentation and shape analysis.
The Missing Link: A Case Study of Sensing-and-Modeling Toolkits for Constructionist Scientific Investigation

Multi-agent modeling has been successfully used in several scientific fields, oftentimes transforming scientists' practice and mindsets. Educational researchers have also realized the potential of this modeling approach for learning. Studies have suggested that students are able to understand concepts above their expected grade level after interacting with curricula developed using multi-agent simulation. However, most multi-agent models are exclusively 'on-screen', without connection to the physical world. Real-time model validation and real-world sensing are very challenging to accomplish with extant modeling platforms. As an attempt to address this issue, we designed a technological platform to enable students to seamlessly connect multi-agent models and electronic sensors, in real time. The platform is designed for learners to validate, refine, and debug their computer models using real-world data. This paper focuses on the technical and pedagogical aspects of this project, describing pilot studies which suggest a real-to-virtual reciprocity that catalyzes further inquiry toward deeper understanding
The effect of bamboo extract on hepatic biotransforming enzymes – Findings from an obese–diabetic mouse model

Aim of the study Bamboo leaves are used as a component in traditional Chinese medicine for the anti-inflammatory function. Our previous studies have demonstrated that an ethanol/water extract from Phyllostachys edulis ameliorated obesity-associated chronic systemic inflammation in mice, and therefore relieving the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. The aim of this project was to further investigate the effects of this bamboo extract on hepatic biotransformation enzymes in both lean and obese mice, as an initial step in the toxicological evaluation of using this traditional medicine in obese/diabetic population.
Satellite Parallaxes of Lensing Events toward the Galactic Bulge

In order to understand the nature of the lenses that generate microlensing events, one would like to measure their mass, distance, and velocity. Unfortunately, current microlensing experiments measure only one parameter of the events, the characteristic timescale, which is a combination of the underlying physical parameters. Other methods are required to extract additional information. Parallax measurements using a satellite in an Earth-like orbit yield the projected velocity of the lens: = v/(1 - z), where v is the transverse velocity (speed and direction) of the lens relative to the Earth-source line of sight, and z is the ratio of the distances to the lens and the source. A measurement of could distinguish between lenses belonging to the bulge and disk populations. We show that for photometric precisions of 1%-2%, it is possible to measure the projected speed, , to an accuracy of ≤10% for over 70% of disk lenses and over 60% of bulge lenses. For measuring the projected velocity , the percentages are 40% and 30%, respectively. We find lines of sight greater than 2° away from the ecliptic are preferable, and an Earth-satellite separation in the range 0.7 AU-1.9 AU is optimal. The requirements of the satellite for measuring the projected velocities of events toward the bulge are similar to those for measurements toward the LMC.
Accurate density measurements for a 91% methane natural gas-like mixture

Abstract Accurate density data are necessary to validate equations of state (EOS) used in custody transfer of natural gas. The American Gas Association (AGA) AGA8-DC92 EOS, currently the industry standard, has been validated against a databank of gas mixtures composed mostly of binary data. Accurate density data for multicomponent mixtures are necessary to check the ability of AGA8-DC92 to cover the entire range of pressure, temperature, and compositions encountered in custody transfer. This paper uses a magnetic suspension densimeter to measure the densities of mixtures containing nine components with n-pentane being the heaviest. We have used a high pressure, high temperature, compact single-sinker magnetic suspension densimeter to measure densities of a simulated natural gas mixture having 91% methane composition after validating its operation by measuring densities of pure argon, nitrogen, and methane in the range (270 to 340) K and (3.447 to 34.474) MPa. The agreement with the reference EOS for the pure components is about 0.03%. The estimated 2σ uncertainty of the densities after compensating for apparatus and fluid effects is 0.12% with 93% of that value coming from the composition uncertainty. The measured data indicate the advisability of performing an extensive study of the AGA8-DC92 EOS for natural gas mixtures.
The effect of CO/sub 2/ laser pulse repetition rate on tissue ablation rate and thermal damage

The ablation rate and thermal damage in skin produced by a superpulsed CO/sub 2/ laser operating at pulse repetition rates between 1 and 900 Hz were measured. When delivering a fixed number of pulses (20 or 30) of equal energy, a 55-60% increase in the amount of tissue ablated was observed when the pulse repetition rate rose from 10 to 200 Hz. At pulse repetition rates greater than 200 Hz no further increase was seen. Under identical conditions, an 80% increase in the zone of thermal damage was observed when the pulse repetition rate was increased from 1 to 60 Hz. The large increases in tissue ablation and tissue damage may indicate the existence of a layer of mixed-phase (ie., liquid and vapor) or metastable liquid which can store significant amounts of thermal energy between pulses. The data suggest that CO/sub 2/ lasers should be operated at relatively low repetition rates for optimal performance. >
Intron 1 Is Required for Cell Type-Specific, But Not Injury-Responsive, Peripherin Gene Expression

The "primitive" neurons of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) have the remarkable ability to regenerate new fibers. This regenerative process requires a sequence of gene activation and repression that is poorly understood. One gene that is almost exclusively expressed in neurons of the PNS and is activated after nerve injury is the peripherin intermediate filament gene, but little is known about the genomic elements that control either its restricted expression or its response to nerve injury in adult mice. Previous studies suggested that both 5' flanking sequence and intragenic regions were required for cell type-specific and injury-specific expression. To determine which intragenic regions were critical, mice were generated that expressed peripherin transgenes lacking different introns. Analyses of these mice revealed that deletion of introns 2-8 had no effect on either the cell type-specific or injury-specific expression of the peripherin gene; however, the remaining intron, intron 1, differentially bound Sp1 transcription-related proteins/protein complexes in extracts from peripherin-expressing and nonexpressing tissues. Furthermore, a transgene that lacked intron 1 was not expressed in many neurons that contain endogenous peripherin but was activated after injury. Thus, accurate cell type-specific peripherin gene expression in the PNS depends on elements within intron 1, but other sequences, most likely in the 5'flanking region, are required for activating the peripherin gene in response to nerve injury.
Adequacy-based Design of A Hybrid Generating System Including Intermittent Sources Using Constrained Particle Swarm Optimization

Renewable sources of energy have recently gained significant interest primarily due to traditional fuels' climbing prices, worries about the future oil supply, and increasing environmental concerns. However, some of these alternative energy sources are intermittent and their penetration may compromise the power system reliability. Thus, it poses a great challenge to achieve a cost-effective, emission-reduced, and reliable hybrid generation system. Due to the fluctuation of renewable power sources and the possible generator failures, it becomes necessary to carry out the reliability evaluation in the design stage to ensure the designed system has a certain degree of reliability in the presence of uncertainties. In this paper, three reliability indices for generating system adequacy assessment are used as design constraints or objectives in order to achieve reliability assurance during system operations. A modified multi-objective particle swarm optimization procedure is proposed to derive a set of Pareto-optimal system configurations in terms of cost and reliability. A numerical example is also presented to verify the validity and applicability of the proposed method.
A meta-analysis to compare speech recognition in noise with bilateral cochlear implants and bimodal stimulation

AbstractObjective: This investigation quantified the relative benefits of binaural CI arrangements (i.e., bilateral, bimodal) for three binaural phenomena (i.e., binaural squelch, binaural summation, head-shadow effect) and sensitivity of two speech-recognition test paradigms (i.e., adaptive and fixed). Design: A repeated-measures meta-analytical approach was used to compare effect sizes between binaural CI arrangements for each of the three binaural-listening phenomena and between the two test paradigms. Study sample: A total of 95 effect sizes were calculated and analyzed from 42 peer-reviewed studies published between January 2000 and April 2011. Results: Findings revealed significant effect sizes for both CI arrangements for the binaural phenomena of summation and head-shadow effect. A significant effect size for binaural squelch was determined only for bilateral CI users. Further, the two paradigms resulted in similar effect sizes for bilateral and bimodal users, with the exception of binaural squelc...
André Michaux Visits Spanish East Florida, Spring 1788

Abstract Andre Michaux was named royal botanist to King Louis XVI of France in 1785. His mission to North America was to collect plants, seeds, and other useful products of natural history to restore France's forests and enrich the royal gardens and parks. From his Journal of My Voyage, a record of his daily activities kept during the 11 years in America, we can retrace his steps, determine what plants he observed and collected, and learn whom he met. Michaux arrived in St. Augustine, Florida, on February 28, 1788, with his son, Francois Andre, and a young servant. The Second Spanish Period (1784–1821) of Florida history was in its fourth year. After visiting Governor Vizente Manuel de Zespedes, the Governor offered Michaux assistance and permission to travel in Spanish East Florida. Michaux purchased a canoe and provisions and hired two oarsmen for a trip south along the east coast of Florida. He left with his entourage on March 12, and did not return until five weeks later, having traveled on horseback,...
A second polymorph of [1,2-bis­(di-tert-butyl­phosphino)ethane]dichlorido­platinum(II)

The title complex, [PtCl2(C18H40P2)], contains a PtII center in an approximately square-planar geometry [cis angle range = 88.09 (3)–91.39 (3)°; twist angle = 1.19 (5)°]. The Pt—P bond lengths of 2.2536 (8) and 2.2513 (8) A and the Pt—Cl bond lengths of 2.3750 (8) and 2.3588 (8) A are normal. This crystal form is a polymorph of a structure reported previously [Harada, Kai, Yasuoka & Kasai (1976). Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn, 49, 3472–3477].