cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A complex of acidic ribosomal proteins. Evidence of a four-to-one complex of proteins in the Bacillus stearothermophilus ribosome.

Two acidic proteins from the 50 S subunit of Bacillus stearothermophilus ribosomes, namely B-L13 (homologous to Escherichia coli protein L7L12) and B-L8, form a complex. Radioactive B-L13, added to ribosomes before dissociation, does not appear in the complex after electrophoresis, so the (B-L13 · B-L8) complex must exist in the ribosome before dissociation. Digestion of B. stearothermophilus ribosomes with polyacrylamide-bound trypsin causes the appearance of new B-L8 and B-L13 spots on two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, in a pattern which suggests that single molecules of B-L13 are being sequentially cleaved from a four-to-one complex of B-L13 and B-L8.
Verifying Compliance with Commitment Protocols

Interaction protocols are specific, often standard, constraints on the behaviors of autonomous agents in a multiagent system. Protocols are essential to the functioning of open systems, such as those that arise in most interesting web applications. A variety of common protocols in negotiation and electronic commerce are best treated as commitment protocols, which are defined, or at least analyzed, in terms of the creation, satisfaction, or manipulation of the commitments among the participating agents. When protocols are employed in open environments, such as the Internet, they must be executed by agents that behave more or less autonomously and whose internal designs are not known. In such settings, therefore, there is a risk that the participating agents may fail to comply with the given protocol. Without a rigorous means to verify compliance, the very idea of protocols for interoperation is subverted. We develop an approach for testing whether the behavior of an agent complies with a commitment protocol. Our approach requires the specification of commitment protocols in temporal logic, and involves a novel way of synthesizing and applying ideas from distributed computing and logics of program.
Berechnungsverfahren zur Schaltkreissimulation

Universelle Rechnerprogramme zur Simulation integrierter Schaltungen, wie z.B. SPICE und ASTAP, sind heute zu Standardwerkzeugen jedes Schaltkreisentwicklers geworden. Die reine Anwendung solcher Programme als Entwicklungswerkzeug setzt im allgemeinen keine Kenntnis der programmintern verwendeten Algorithmen und numerischen Verfahren sowie des mathematischen Hintergrunds voraus. Jedoch fordern solche Kenntnisse das Verstandnis fur die Moglichkeiten und Grenzen der Programme und tragen wesentlich zur Klarung von Problemen bei.
Mathematical Models in Social Psychology

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the nature and role of mathematical models in social psychology. Mathematical models are used in the physical sciences as a technique for forming abstractions from reality, manipulating the abstractions, and applying the results back to reality to encompass other consequences. The early applications of mathematical models to psychology were individual pioneering efforts that did not meet with ready acceptance by the discipline at large. Applications have been widely scattered, with frequent borrowing from other disciplines. The present lack of a dominant organizing theme in mathematical social psychology by no means indicates that mathematical models cannot be applied to social behavior. The chapter describes the mathematical models in social structure and social behavior. Under the mathematical models in social structure, properties of sociograms, balance principle, and large social structure have been described. Social modifications of opinions and social influence on decisions, choices, or actions have been described under the mathematical models in social behavior.
Changes in monkey horizontal semicircular canal afferent responses after spaceflight

Extracellular responses from single horizontal semicircular canal afferents in two rhesus monkeys were studied after recovery from a 14-day biosatellite (COSMOS 2044) orbital spaceflight. On the 1st postflight day, the mean gain for 9 different horizontal canal afferents, tested using one or several different passive yaw rotation waveforms, was nearly twice that for 20 horizontal canal afferents similarly tested during preflight and postflight control studies. Adaptation of the afferent response to passive yaw rotation on the 1st postflight day was also greater. These results suggest that at least one component of the vestibular end organ (the semicircular canals) is transiently modified after exposure to 14 days of microgravity. It is unclear whether the changes are secondary to other effects of microgravity, such as calcium loss, or an adaptive response. If the response is adaptive, then this report is the first evidence that the response of the vestibular end organ may be modified (presumably by the central nervous system via efferent connections) after prolonged unusual vestibular stimulation. If this is the case, the sites of plasticity of vestibular responses may not be exclusively within central nervous system vestibular structures, as previously believed.
Combined use of progesterone inserts, ultrasongraphy, and GnRH to identify and resynchronize nonpregnant cows and heifers 21 days after timed artificial insemination.

The objective was to decrease the reinsemination interval (RI) when dairy cows and heifers are inseminated using all timed artificial insemination (TAI) programs. Holstein cows (n = 211) and heifers (n = 153) were randomly assigned to a control or 21-day Resynch (21dRES) at 13 days after TAI. Animals in 21dRES (n = 109 cows and 77 heifers) had a progesterone device inserted on Day 13 and removed on Day 20 after TAI and ovaries scanned by ultrasonography. Animals found not to have an active CL (<15 mm) or a CL that decreased 10 mm or greater from Days 13 to 20, and to have a follicle of 12 mm or greater received GnRH and TAI on Day 21. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed on Day 32. Nonpregnant control cows (n = 102) were resynchronized immediately using Ovsynch-56, and control heifers (n = 76) were resynchronized using 5-day Cosynch starting on Day 34; therefore, cows and heifers were reinseminated on Day 42. Nonpregnant 21dRES animals that had not been reinseminated on Day 21 were resynchronized concurrently with the control animals. Pregnancy per AI (PAI) for the initial TAI was similar (P = 0.80) for 21dRES and control cows (30.3% vs. 29.4%) and heifers (49.4% vs. 51.3%). Of the nonpregnant 21dRES animals, 33 of 76 cows (43.4%) and 22 of 39 heifers (56.4%) had been reinseminated on Day 21. Therefore, the RI was decreased by 9.9 days (33.3 ± 1.0 vs. 43.2 ± 1.0 days; P < 0.001) in 21dRES cows and by 12.2 days in 21dRES heifers (30.1 ± 1.3 vs. 42.3 ± 1.3 days; P < 0.001) compared with controls. The overall resynchronized PAI was similar for 21dRES cows compared with controls (31.6% vs. 25.0%; P = 0.23). The PAI was 24.2% for 21dRES cows reinseminated on Day 21 and 37.2% for 21dRES cows reinseminated on Day 42. The overall resynchronized PAI was increased for 21dRES heifers compared with controls (57.5% vs. 32.4%; P = 0.03) because 21dRES heifers reinseminated on Day 21 had similar PAI compared with controls (43.5% vs. 32.4%; P = 0.39), but PAI was increased for 21dRES heifers reinseminated on Day 42 compared with controls (76.5% vs. 32.4%; P = 0.003). Consequently, the proportion of animals pregnant from the initial and resynchronized TAI tended to be increased in 21dRES heifers (79.0% vs. 67.1%; P = 0.09). Cost per pregnancy was decreased for the 21dRES in heifers. In conclusion, 21dRES provided a useful method to decrease the RI in cows and heifers, and to increase PAI and decrease cost per pregnancy in heifers.
Nitric oxide gamma band emission rate factor

Molecular fluorescence emission rate factors for the strong bands of the nitric oxide gamma system have been calculated using recent branching ratios and different temperatures. For the 1-0 gamma band the effects of self-absorption by NO have been taken into account, and effective emission rate factors were calculated for a range of NO column densities at several different temperatures. For column densities near 10 to the 16th/sq cm self-absorption corrections to the emission rate factor can be significant. The emission rate factor for the 1-0 gamma band is 7.19 or 7.68 x 10 to the -6th photons/molecule/sec depending upon the use of experimental or theoretical branching ratios.
Geochemical prospecting for hydrocarbons in the outer continental shelf, Southern Bering Sea, Alaska

Abstract This geochemical survey is based on 20 stations located on the outer continental shelf of the southern Bering Sea in an area of 30,000 km 2 that includes St. George basin. Hydrocarbon gases from sediment samples recovered by gravity coring at each of the stations were analyzed by gas chromatography. Data are summarized for a subbottom depth of 0.5 m, because core penetration, although variable, reached at least this depth at all of these stations. Two parameters were used to distinguish the possible presence of thermogenic hydrocarbons: (1) ratios less than 50 of methane to ethane plus propane; and (2) ratios greater than 1 of ethane to ethene. No major hydrocarbon anomalies were discovered; however, at two stations at the northern end of St. George basin, our data indicate that thermogenic hydrocarbons may be present at depth. Major faulting in the vicinity of these stations could provide the pathways for the gas.
Analysis of the Foods Offered for Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarians and Vegans in a University's Student Cafeteria

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To determine if the lacto-ovo-vegetarians and vegans are receiving a healthy choice of foods. Vegetarianism among college students is rapidly growing causing educational institutions to adapt their meal plans to meet the needs of this population. Presently, nine out often colleges and universities offer vegetarian foods at each meal. The purpose of this study is to determine if the lacto-ovo-vegetarians (LOV) and vegans (V) eating in a University's student cafeteria are receiving a healthy choice of foods. A seven day nutrient analysis of foods offered at breakfast, lunch, and dinner was conducted. Daily menus for LOV and V were formulated and compared to the posted schedule of meals. Adequacy, balance, calorie control, moderation, and variety were assessed. Vegetarian risk nutrient - iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and protein - plus fat and energy were analyzed using Nutrition IV software. Levels were considered adequate when at 90–100% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) or the Dietary Recommendations. Adequacy, balance, calorie control, moderation, and variety were not available in LOV or V menus. Iron in the LOV menu was the only nutrient provided at an adequate level (94%). Protein and vitamin B12 levels were excessive (152%, 155%) and calcium and vitamin D were inadequate in the LOV menu (87%, 27%). Vegan menus were not regularly offered and were inadequate in all nutrients (≺50%). In both menus the percentage of fat calories was high (LOV 45%. V 50%). Additional findings revealed excessive levels of cholesterol (214%). There was also a large amount of substitution in the meal plan. Based on the results of this study, the LOV and V eating in a University cafeteria may not be receiving a healthy choice of foods. More emphasis on vegetarian meal planning in University settings may be necessary to meet the needs of this population.
Occurrence and loss over three years of 72 pharmaceuticals and personal care products from biosolids-soil mixtures in outdoor mesocosms

Abstract Municipal biosolids are in widespread use as additives to agricultural soils in the United States. Although it is well known that digested sewage sludge is laden with organic wastewater contaminants, the fate and behavior of micropollutants in biosolids-amended agricultural soils remain unclear. An outdoor mesocosm study was conducted in Baltimore, Maryland, to explore the fate of 72 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) over the course of three years in that were placed in plastic containers made from polyvinylchloride and kept exposed to ambient outdoor conditions. Of the 72 PPCPs tested for using EPA Method 1694, 15 were initially detected in the soil/biosolids mixtures at concentrations ranging from low parts-per-billion to parts-per-million levels. The antimicrobials triclocarban and triclosan showed the highest initial concentrations at 2715 and 1265 μg kg −1 , respectively. Compounds showing no discernable loss over three years of monitoring included diphenhydramine, fluoxetine, thiabendazole and triclocarban. The following half-life estimates were obtained for compounds showing first-order loss rates: azithromycin (408–990 d) carbamazepine (462–533 d), ciprofloxacin (1155–3466 d), doxycycline (533–578 d), 4-epitetracycline (630 d), gemfibrozil (224–231 d), norfloxacin (990–1386 d), tetracycline (578 d), and triclosan (182–193 d). Consistent with other outdoor degradation studies, chemical half-lives determined empirically exceeded those reported from laboratory studies or predicted from fate models. Study results suggest that PPCPs shown in the laboratory to be readily biotransformable can persist in soils for extended periods of time when applied in biosolids. This study provides the first experimental data on the persistence in biosolids-amended soils for ciprofloxacin, diphenhydramine, doxycycline, 4-epitetracycline, gemfibrozil, miconazole, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and thiabendazole.
Recovery from radiation injury: a proposed mechanism.

Biological systems varying widely in complexity were examined for factors influencing recovery from radiation injury. The effects on survival of single, acute radiation exposure were compared with the effects of doses given in two fractions. Curves are included showing the effectiveness of a second dose of radiation as a function of time between first and second dose. An hypothesis is presented for recovery of mammalian tumor cells from radiation injury. (C.H.)
Mechanism of hydrocarbon decay in fuel-rich secondary reaction zones

Mole fraction profiles of stable species and free radicals have been measured using molecularbeam mass spectrometry in the secondary reaction zone of a near-sooting (=1.8) 2.67 kPa benzene-oxygen-argon flame. From the measurement of H, OH, O2, H2 and H2O mole fractions and the calculation of the O-atom mole fraction from a steady-state analysis Rxns. 2, 3 and 8 are near equilibrium in the presence of hydrocarbons. Rxn. 1 does not reach equilibrium. H+O2OH+O Rxn. 1 O+H2OH+H Rxn. 2 O+H2OOH+OH Rxn. 3 H+H2OOH+H2 Rxn. 8 Three types of hydrocarbon (HC) reactions were found to be equilibrated: (I) HC's with HC free radicals via hydrogen abstraction reactions, (II) polyacetylenes with C2H2 and H2, (III) odd-numbered HC radicals with C2H2 and H2. From these equilibria, ΔHf300o(C3H2)=531±13 kJ/mol and ΔHf300o (C5H3)=568±13 kJ/mol. From the concept of a HC pool, the decay of equilibrated hydrocarbons is found to be dominated by reactions of C2H2 and C4H2 with O and OH. A rate coefficient of k=1.3±0.3×1012 cm3 mol−1 s−1 is obtained for the OH+C2H2 reaction between 1700 and 1900 K.
Ridge regression optimization using a harmonious approach

A critical component of ridge regression (RR) is determining the optimal ridge parameter value, λ, where λ≥0. Improper selection of λ not only generates an under- or overfitted model but also leads to incorrect conclusions in inter-model comparison studies such as between RR, PLS, PCR and other modeling methods. Several methods for determining the optimal RR model are evaluated in this paper. For example, the commonly used ridge trace is identified as subjective and impractical. A direct calculation method from the literature yields over- or underfitted RR models with λ either too small or to large respectively. Methods for determining λ based on a harmonious approach are discussed. The harmonious approach optimizes λ by inspecting the bias/variance tradeoff. Of the methods investigated, plotting a variance indicator against a bias measure to yield an L-curve appears not only to simplify selection of λ but also to reduce the chance of obtaining an under- or overfitted RR model. It is shown with four data sets that the L-curve harmonious approach consistently provides good models. The effective rank of models is also discussed in conjunction with the harmony/parsimony tradeoff. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Rule‐Based Expert System Approach to Academic Advising

SUMMARY For the Faculty of Aviation at San Jose State University, academic advising is a complex and extremely time‐consuming task; however, it is essential for aviation students to seek appropriate advice in order to achieve their individual academic goals in a timely manner. This paper describes and discusses the development of an expert system solution which has automated this activity and released faculty members for other important tasks. Within this project, an expert system shell (VP‐Expert) was used to develop the Academic Counselling Expert system. The project illustrates how powerful and extremely useful expert systems can be developed by non‐programmers in order to perform routine tasks. The computer‐based counselling system was accessed by sixty‐five aviation students during the Spring 1996 semester; the majority of them were able to seek appropriate advice, thereby saving the faculty advisor over thirty hours of consultation time.
Interaction of the Transcriptional Activator Stat-2 with the Type I Interferon Receptor

Binding of interferon-alpha (IFN alpha) to the multisubunit type I IFN receptor (IFNR) induces activation of the Tyk-2 and Jak-1 kinases and tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple signaling elements, including the Stat proteins that form the ISGF3 alpha complex. Although Jak kinases are required for IFN alpha-dependent activation of Stats, the mechanisms by which Stats interact with these kinases are not known. We report that Stat-2 associates with beta s subunit of the type I IFN receptor in an interferon-dependent manner. This association is rapid, occurring within 1 min of interferon treatment of cells, and is inducible by various type I (alpha, beta, omega) but not type II (gamma) IFNs. The kinetics of Stat-2-IFNR association are similar to the kinetics of phosphorylation of Stat-2, suggesting that during its binding to the type I IFNR, Stat 2 acts as a substrate for interferon-dependent tyrosine kinase activity. These findings support the hypothesis that the type I IFNR acts as an adaptor, linking Stat proteins to Jak kinases. Interaction of Stat-2 with the beta s subunit of the type I IFNR may be a critical signaling event, required for the formation of the ISGF3 alpha complex and downstream transcription of interferon-stimulated genes.
Quantitative analysis of betulinic acid in mouse, rat and dog plasma using electrospray liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry

Betulinic acid is under development as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma. In support of pharmacokinetic and toxicological evaluations, a robust assay based on liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) was developed for the quantitative analysis of betulinic acid. Sample preparation consisted of deproteinization of the plasma by the addition of three volumes of acetonitrile and one volume of methanol followed by centrifugation. Aliquots of the supernatant were analyzed using an isocratic reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system coupled to a negative ion electrospray mass spectrometer. Deprotonated molecules of betulinic acid and the isomeric internal standard oleanolic acid were detected using selected ion monitoring at m/z 455. The limit of detection of betulinic acid was 0.5 pg (1.1 fM) injected on-column (50 pg/mL, 10 microL injection volume), and the limit of quantitation was 2 pg (4.4 fM, 200 pg/mL, 10 microL injection volume). Betulinic acid was stable in plasma samples at -20 degrees C for at least 3 weeks. The intra-day and inter-day coefficients of variation of the assay were or =99.97% bound.
Implicit Spiritual Assessment: An Alternative Approach for Assessing Client Spirituality

To provide optimal services, a spiritual assessment is often administered to understand the intersection between clients’ spirituality and service provision. Traditional assessment approaches, however, may be ineffective with clients who are uncomfortable with spiritual language or who are otherwise hesitant to discuss spirituality overtly. This article orients readers to an implicit spiritual assessment, an alternative approach that may be more valid with such clients. The process of administering an implicit assessment is discussed, sample questions are provided to help operationalize this approach, and suggestions are offered to integrate an implicit assessment with more traditional assessment approaches. By using terminology that is implicitly spiritual in nature, an implicit assessment enables practitioners to identify and operationalize dimensions of clients’ experience that may be critical to effective service provision but would otherwise be overlooked.
Feasibility of measuring antigen-antibody interaction forces using a scanning force microscope.

The molecular affinity scanning force microscopy (MASFM) described in this study was developed in an effort to test the possibility of antigen–antibody binding measurement using force-separation distance profiles. The MASFM configuration was comprised of a spherical glass bead as an MASFM probe, to which the fluorescein antigen has been covalently attached, and a silicon dioxide-based substrate, to which the antifluorescyl IgG antibody was covalently bound. The bead was glued to the tip of a commercial SFM cantilever. Adhesion forces have been measured between two different specific antigen–antibody pairs and between nonspecific surfaces bearing only glycidoxypropylsilane immobilization chemistry. In force-separation (F-s) measurements, nonspecific forces displayed relatively few force discontinuities and mean adhesion forces lower than those found for specific antigen–antibody measurements. Force-separation profiles measured between specific antigen–antibody pairs showed many discontinuities and had higher mean forces. Positive controls revealed that the mean forces were slightly reduced by the addition of free ligand. The magnitude of mean forces did not correlate with the respective activation enthalpies of the proteins, as would be expected. At lower force values the force histograms for the specific pairs and for positive controls were indistinguishable. None of the force-separation data sets could fit a Poisson discrete-force model. This statistical analysis showed a large relative contribution from nonspecific interactions. It is concluded that the use of the large sphere as an SFM probe is counterproductive: while the large sphere does sample a larger number of specific interactions during each measurement, it also samples at the same time a large proportion of nonspecific forces. The presence of the nonspecific force contributions is likely due to the deformation of the polymerized GPS spacer layer which is thought to be delaminated from the surface upon the application of tension across the specific antigen–antibody bonds.
Capnography during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Current evidence and future directions.

Capnography continues to be an important tool in measuring expired carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). Most recent Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) guidelines now recommend using capnography to ascertain the effectiveness of chest compressions and duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Based on an extensive review of available published literature, we selected all available peer-reviewed research investigations and case reports. Available evidence suggests that there is significant correlation between partial pressure of end-tidal CO 2 (PETCO 2 ) and cardiac output that can indicate the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Additional evidence favoring the use of capnography during CPR includes definitive proof of correct placement of the endotracheal tube and possible prediction of patient survival following cardiac arrest, although the latter will require further investigations. There is emerging evidence that PETCO 2 values can guide the initiation of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in refractory cardiac arrest (RCA). There is also increasing recognition of the value of capnography in intensive care settings in intubated patients. Future directions include determining the outcomes based on capnography waveforms PETCO 2 values and determining a reasonable duration of CPR. In the future, given increasing use of capnography during CPR large databases can be analyzed to predict outcomes.
Strategies for structuring two level memories in a paging environment

The strategies for effective structuring of data and program code in a two level, directly addressable paged memory system are presented along with the experience gained from deriving and implementing appropriate algorithms in one time-shared system. The experience indicated that a reduction in the paging rate can result through the addition of a slower second-level bulk memory thus leading to improved performance. While improved techniques for structuring these memories coupled with faster and / or cheaper bulk memories offer further improvements in performance, reduction in the paging overhead might offset some of these performance advantages.
Phospholipid metabolism is required for M1 muscarinic inhibition of N-type calcium current in sympathetic neurons

The signal transduction cascade mediating muscarinic receptor modulation of N-type Ca2+ channel activity by the slow pathway has remained incompletely characterized despite focused investigation. Recently we confirmed a role for the G-protein Gq and identified phospholipase C (PLC), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and arachidonic acid (AA) as additional molecules involved in N-current inhibition in superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons by the slow pathway. We have further characterized this signal transduction cascade by testing whether additional molecules downstream of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) are required. The L-channel antagonist nimodipine was bath-applied to block L-current. Pretreating cells with pertussis toxin (PTX) minimized M2/M4 muscarinic receptor inhibition of N-current by the membrane-delimited pathway. Consistent with our previous studies, pharmacologically antagonizing M1 muscarinic receptors (M1Rs), Gqα, PLC, PLA2, and AA minimized N-current inhibition by the muscarinic agonist oxotremorine-M (Oxo-M). When cells were left untreated with PTX, leaving the membrane-delimited pathway intact and the same antagonists retested, Oxo-M decreased whole cell currents. Moreover, inhibited currents displayed slowed activation kinetics, indicating intact N-current inhibition by the membrane-delimited pathway. These findings indicate that the antagonists used to block the slow pathway acted selectively. PLA2 cleaves AA from phospholipids, generating additional metabolites. We tested whether the metabolite lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) mimicked the inhibitory actions of Oxo-M. In contrast to AA, applying LPA did not inhibit whole cell currents. Taken together, these findings suggest that the slow pathway requires M1Rs, Gqα, PLC, PIP2, PLA2, and AA for N-current inhibition.
Objective characterization of GE Discovery CT750 HD scanner: Gemstone spectral imaging mode

Purpose: To objectively characterize the performance of the gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) mode of GE CT750 HD scanner from a user's perspective. Methods: A regular scan protocol that approximates the adult abdomen scan protocol frequently used in the authors' institute was selected as the baseline, and a GSI protocol (preset 11) that is similar to the regular protocol and has a moderate dose level (CTDI{sub vol}=26.27 mGy) was compared to the baseline protocol. The resolving power of both protocols was characterized in terms of modulation transfer functions and high contrast resolution bar readings. Their noise characteristics were studied through noise power spectra, and their low contrast detectability was compared via contrast-to-noise ratio. Material decomposition capability of GSI was evaluated by scanning iodine solutions of 9-24 mg/ml iodine concentration in a Gammex CT phantom and by examining the estimated iodine concentration. In addition, a formula describing the dependency of HU in iodine enhanced area on GSI monochromatic energies and iodine concentrations was provided and the theoretical values were compared with the measured results. Results: The resolutions levels of 50%, 10%, and 5% MTF of GSI monochromatic images at 65 keV agree with those of the regular protocol within 0.1 lp/cm. GSImore » monochromatic images at 65 keV demonstrated the lowest noise level among GSI images of different monochromatic energies and showed very similar noise magnitude and noise power distribution as compared to the regular protocol images. The CNR of 60 and 65 keV GSI monoimages are approximately 100% of those of the regular protocol images. Estimated iodine concentration levels agreed with the actual values within 2% when the iodine solutions were placed at 3, 9, 12 o'clock positions of the phantom; when iodine solutions were placed at the phantom center and at 6 o'clock position, higher discrepancies of 2%-10% were observed. The observed dependency of HU on keV and iodine concentration levels agreed with the expectation from x-ray attenuations. Conclusions: Equivalent performances were observed in the comparison between GSI 65 keV monochromatic images and images from a regular abdomen scan protocol. This suggests the possibility of GSI to be employed in routine abdominal scans, which would potentially offer more information through its capabilities of material decomposition.« less
Role of Na+:Ca2+ Exchange Current in Cs+-Induced Early Afterdepolarizations in Purkinje Fibers

Na+:Ca2+ Exchanger and EADs. Introduction: The ionic mechanisms for early afterdepolarizations (EADs) have not been fully clarified. It has been suggested that L-type Ca2+ current (IcaL) is the primary current generating EADs that occur near the plateau level (E-EADs) of the membrane potential (Vm) when IcaL is enhanced. The purpose of these studies was to determine accurately the range of Vm at which EADs occur in Purkinje fibers with K+ currents blocked by Cs+ and to investigate the importance of Na+:Ca2+ exchange current (INa:ca) as opposed to lCaL and other currents in the generation of EADs occurring later during repolarization (L-EADs). Methods and Results: Shortened Purkinje strands from dogs and guinea pigs were superfused with physiologic solution containing Cs+ (3.6 mM) and a low [K+]o (3.0 or 2.0 mM) to induce EADs. The Vm of origin of EADs and their evolution were measured with the aid of phase plane plots of the rate of repolarization against Vm. L-EADs occurred over a wide range of Vm (−35 to −90 mV), generally more negative in guinea pig than in dog. Elevation of [Ca2+]o, from 1.8 to 3.6 mM suppressed L-EADs within a few cycles, and they returned with continued exposure. After repeated exposures to high [Ca:2+]0, L-EADs migrated toward less negative Vm when |Ca2+]0, was reestablished to 1.8 mM in the presence of Cs+. Reduction of [Na+]0 from 147.5 to 112.5 mM by substitution with Li+ or sucrose also rapidly depressed L-EADs. Conclusions: The observation of Cs+-induced L-EADs over a wide range of Vm indicates that there is not a single inward gated current as a common ionic mechanism for L-EADs but does not exclude an important role for INa:Ca, which can operate over a wide range of Vm. The rapid suppression of L-EADs with elevated [Ca2+]o, and reduced [Na+]o, and the migration of EADs to more positive Vm after exposures to high |Ca2+]o, are compatible with INc:Ca as the major charge carrier for L-EADs.
Simultaneous cosmic ray measurements on the Empire State Building Tower and at Fordham University

Mesotron intensities are being simultaneously recorded at Fordham University, 142 ft above sea level, and on the 87th floor level of the Empire State Building (ESB), 1125 ft above sea level. Identical types of cosmic ray telescopes are used at each station, and the aperture of each telescope is such that the sensitive cone is not screened by the tower structure of the ESB. By this method of simultaneous observations, errors due to variations of barometric pressure and atmospheric temperature are largely cancelled, since the final calculations of mesotron intensity for any given period are determined by the ratio of the counting rates of the two telescopes during the same period. Each telescope is permanently screened against the softer component by 20 cm of lead. For the first series of observations both telescopes were located at Fordham. and alternate runs were made with and without an additional screening of 35.5 gm/cm2 of lead above the telescope destined to be placed at the ESB; this procedure was repeated after transfer of that telescope to the ESB. An increase of 3.3 per cent in intensity at the higher station is computed and is interpreted as representing that fraction of mesotrons decaying while traversing the 983 ft difference in elevation between stations. A mean free path of 9.34 km is thus indicated. For mesotrons of γ = 17.5 the resultant lifetime, τ0 is 1.8×10−6 sec. Observations are being continued with a view of determining τ0 through correlation of mesotron variations with variations in altitude of certain pressure levels of the upper atmosphere.
9-acetoxynerolidol from Phrodus bridgesii

Abstract A new sesquiterpene, 9-acetoxynerolidol, and the known compounds naringenin-4′,7-dimethyl ether, naringenin-4′-methyl ether, and kaempferol-3,7,4′-trimethyl ether were isolated from the aerial parts of Phrodus bridgesii . The structure of the new compound was established by spectroscopic methods.
Stability and Instability for Solutions of the Convective Porous Medium Equation with a Nonlinear Forcing at the Boundary, II

Abstract We continue our study of the long-time behavior of nonnegative solutions for the degenerate parabolic equation u t = ( u m ) xx + (ϵ/ n )( u n ) x , 0 x t > 0, subject to nonlinear boundary conditions. Here we consider solutions of this equation subject to the boundary conditions. Here we consider solutions of this equation subject to the boundary conditions −( u m ) x (0, t ) = au p (0, t ), u (1, t ) = 0, t > 0. As in Part I (J. R. Anderson, J. Differential Equations , to appear), we give the bifurcation diagrams for the stationary solutions. Due to the existence of singular stationary states, some of these diagrams are three dimensional. We also examine the stability properties of these states when n , p ≥ m ≥ 1.
Therapeutic Effect of High Speed Voluntary Muscle Contractions on Muscle Soreness and Muscle Performance

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a high velocity therapeutic exercise regimen (20 voluntary maximum knee extension/flexion contractions at approximately 300°/sec, 3-min recovery repeated for 6-sets), on muscle soreness and muscular performance. Data was collected immediately prior to inducing muscle soreness with an eccentric stepping exercise (baseline), immediately after the muscle soreness exercise bout, at 24 hours (when intervention was initiated to the experimental group), and at 48 hours after the muscle soreness bout. Dependent variables measured for the ten subjects were: Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) by the quadriceps; Peak torque (PT) by the quadriceps at high resistance; Total work (TW) by the quadriceps at low resistance; Intensity (I) of muscle soreness of the quadriceps; Amount of quadriceps [Area—(A)] affected by muscle soreness; Soreness perception index (SPI) of quadriceps (IXA). MVC, PT, and TW percent decrease from baseline were significantly less (p < 0.05...
Epizootics of diaphragmatic hernias in swine.

mined, although viral inclusions were not observed in the ascaris leonina, Baylisascaris procyonis, Lagochilascaris sprenti, lung of the second porcupine. Microscopically, the pulmoand Hexametra leidyi. J. Parasitol 73: 1198-1215. nary lesions were not considered to be the result of Baylisas2. Cheville NF: 1983, Pathogenic intracellular microorganisms. In: caris larval migration in either animal. Cell pathology, 2nd ed., pp. 451-479. Iowa State Univ Press, The owner was advised of the Zoonotic potential of this Ames, IA. parasite 3,7,8 and proper disinfection methods for the premises 3. Fox AS, Kazacos RR, Gould NS, et al.: 1985, Fatal eosinophilic and affected cages; disinfection is best done using some form meningoencephalitis and visceral larva migrans caused by the
Modeling of MEMS-Type Rankine Cycle Machines

Preliminary design and performance calculations for a silicon-based micro Rankine machine are discussed. The designs considered draw heat from a high temperature air stream with inlet temperatures between 770 and 1000 K and reject heat to an ambient air stream at 300 K. Most of the designs have a typical footprint of 6 cm 2 . Water and benzene are considered as working fluids. Effects of the limits of heat exchanger and turbomachinery performance are analyzed and discussed. The designs of two types of heat exchangers (hole type and fin type) are described in detail. Their respective performances are compared. The calculations indicate that a machine with a 6 cm 2 footprint area is callable of delivering in excess of 40 W of shaft power.
Comparative Biology and Life Tables of “Candidatus Liberibacter Solanacearum”-Infected and -Free Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) on Potato and Silverleaf Nightshade

ABSTRACT The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc), vectors the pathogen “Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum” (Lso), causal agent of zebra chip disease of potato. Several cultivated and wild plants are reported to serve as alternate hosts for B. cockerelli and Lso, including silverleaf nightshade (SLN), a wild solanaceous woody perennial weed that occurs throughout Texas. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory to compare performance of Lso-infected and Lso-free B. cockerelli on SLN and potato. Results showed that host plants and Lso-infection significantly influenced the performance of B. cockerelli. Egg incubation and nymphal development of Lso-infected and Lso-free immatures were prolonged on SLN compared with potato indicating a host effect. Generally, Lso-infected B. cockerelli immatures developed faster on both SLN and potato, although significantly more Lso-free nymphs survived than nymphs that harbored the pathogen. Lso-free adults also lived longer and laid more eggs on potato than...
Habitat use and feeding behavior of thirteen species of benthic stream fishes

The densities, habitat use, and feeding behaviors of 13 fish species belonging to the benthic invertebrate-feeding guild were studied by snorkeling at three localities in the Little River of eastern Tennessee, U.S.A. Resource partitioning occurred by habitat, feeding behavior and time of activity. Differences were also found at the generic level.Cottus was a nocturnal feeder, whereasPercina andEtheostoma were, for the most part, diurnally active.Percina moved about rapidly and spent most of its time above the bottom. In contrast,Etheostoma varied considerably in the amount of time spent under cover, spent little time above the bottom, and exhibited low levels of swimming activity. Nearly all species sought cover at night, suggesting they may be particularly sensitive to predation at night. Species with small adult sizes (Etheostoma, Cottus andP. evides) were concentrated in shallow water habitats, whereas species with large adult sizes (Percina) were more abundant in deep water habitats. The habitat use data are consistent with the hypothesis that size-selective predation by centrarchid bass may cause smaller fish to avoid deep water areas. Large species should have a lower risk of predation due to their size and behavior.
OPTIMAL PLACEMENT OF STATISTICAL MANEUVERS IN AN UNSTABLE ORBITAL ENVIRONMENT

The optimal placement of statistical control maneuvers are analyzed for maintaining position near an unstable equilibrium point. We develop this idea for the libration points in the Hill 3-body problem, but the analysis can be generalized to other unstable systems, and is applied to the restricted 3-body problem as well. This paper first reviews the basics of statistical fuel usage in the context of orbit determination errors and their mapping in time. Using linear theory we derive several explicit targeting formulae for driving a spacecraft back to a fixed point. The mean and standard deviation of these schemes are analyzed for our special case, and explicit solutions for them are found. Using these results we can derive the fuel-optimal spacing of the maneuvers in time in order to control a spacecraft to the vicinity of an unstable libration point.
Strong effects of weak interactions in ecological communities

The loss or removal of individual species can cause dramatic changes in communities1,2,3,4,5. Experiments indicate that in many communities only a few species will have such strong effects, whereas most will have weak effects owing to small per capita effects and/or low abundance3,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16. But extinction of these ‘weak’ interactors could significantly alter natural communities because they play important stabilizing or ‘noise-dampening’ roles14,15,17,18,19,20,21,22,23. I demonstrate here that some ‘weak’ interactors may also be important by magnifying spatiotemporal variation in community structure. An analysis of published interaction strength data shows that the greatest variation in species effect occurred for the weakest interactions. A field experiment corroborates this and shows how indirect interactions can generate an inverse relationship between the mean and variance of a consumer's impact on its prey. When a species' effects are highly variable in sign and magnitude, they may average to seem weak over broad scales but be strong in local contexts. Thus, what is frequently considered to be ‘noise’ in species interaction data may be a critical part of the signal.
Low-wind and other microclimatic factors in near-road black carbon variability: A case study and assessment implications

Airborne black carbon from urban traffic is a climate forcing agent and has been associated with health risks to near-road populations. In this paper, we describe a case study of black carbon concentration and compositional variability at and near a traffic-laden multi-lane highway in Cincinnati, Ohio, using an onsite aethalometer and filter-based NIOSH Method 5040 measurements; the former measured 1-min average black carbon concentrations and the latter determined the levels of organic and elemental carbon (OC and EC) averaged over an approximately 2-h time interval. The results show significant wind and temperature effects on black carbon concentration and composition in a way more complex than predicted by Gaussian dispersion models. Under oblique low winds, namely ux [= u × sin(g=q)]~ (0,-0.5 m s-1), which mostly occurred during morning hours, black carbon concentrations per unit traffic flow were highest and had large variation. The variability did not always follow Gaussian dispersion but was characteristic of a uniform distribution at a near-road distance. Under all other wind conditions, the near-road black carbon variation met Gaussian dispersion characteristics. Significant differences in roadside dispersion are observed between OC and EC fractions, between PM2.5 and PM10-2.5, and between the morning period and rest of the day. In a general case, the overall black carbon variability at the multi-lane highway can be stated as bimodal consisting of Gaussian dispersion and non-Gaussian uniform distribution. Transition between the two types depends on wind velocity and wind angle to the traffic flow. In the order of decreasing importance, the microclimatic controlling factors over the black carbon variability are: 1) wind velocity and the angle with traffic; 2) diurnal temperature variations due to thermal buoyancy; and 3) downwind Gaussian dispersion. Combinations of these factors may have created various traffic-microclimate interactions that have significant impact on near-road black carbon transport.
Design Interface - The nexus of engineering and product support

The paper defines the Design Interface process by which system design characteristics of Reliability and Maintainability are analyzed and trade studies conducted to influence the design to meet operational and sustainment requirements. Given that the total cost of Reliability may account for as much as 60% of a system's life Cycle Cost [1], emphasis on reducing the impact of Reliability related cost drivers during the early phases of product development is an imperative for the Program Management, Systems Engineering and Product Support communities.
Thin film characterization using a mechanical properties microprobe

Abstract A new ultra-low load microindentation system has been acquired in the Metals and Ceramics Division of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The system's spatial resolution and its data acquisition capabilities allow the determination of several mechanical properties from volumes of material with submicron dimension—hence the term mechanical properties microprobe (MPM). Research with the MPM at Oak Ridge has led to improved techniques for determining the plastic and elastic properties of materials using microindentation experiments. The techniques have been applied to thin films created by ion implanting metals and ceramics, radiation damaged materials and thin hard coatings of TiN. Changes in the strength (hardness) and modulus have been measured in films as thin as 200 nm.
Response of a designed metalloprotein to changes in metal ion coordination, exogenous ligands, and active site volume determined by X-ray crystallography

The de novo protein DF1 is a minimal model for diiron and dimanganese metalloproteins, such as soluble methane monooxygenase. DF1 is a homodimeric four-helix bundle whose dinuclear center is formed by two bridging Glu side chains, two chelating Glu side chains, and two monodentate His ligands. Here, we report the di-Mn(II) and di-Co(II) derivatives of variants of this protein. Together with previously solved structures, 23 crystallographically independent four-helix bundle structures of DF1 variants have been determined, which differ in the bound metal ions and size of the active site cavity. For the di-Mn(II) derivatives, as the size of the cavity increases, the number and polarity of exogenous ligands increases. This collection of structures was analyzed to determine the relationship between protein conformation and the geometry of the active site. The primary mode of backbone movement involves a coordinated tilting and sliding of the first helix in the helix-loop-helix motif. Sliding depends on crystal-packing forces, the steric bulk of a critical residue that determines the dimensions of the active site access cavity, and the intermetal distance. Additionally, a torsional motion of the bridging carboxylates modulates the intermetal distance. This analysis provides a critical evaluation of how conformation, flexibility, and active site accessibility affect the geometry and ligand-binding properties of a metal center. The geometric parameters defining the DF structures were compared to natural diiron proteins; DF proteins have a restricted active site cavity, which may have implications for substrate recognition and chemical stability.
Development of self-absorption coefficients for the determination of gamma-emitting radionuclides in environmental and mixed waste samples

Abstract In gamma spectrometry the use of theoretical self-absorption coefficients (SACs) can eliminate the need to determine the SAC empirically by counting a known source through each sample. Models have been developed to estimate self-absorption corrections for the determination of non-specified gamma-emitting radionuclides in environmental and mixed waste samples of unknown, widely varying compositions.