cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Critical shear stress for erosion of cohesive soils subjected to temperatures typical of wildfires

Received 26 February 2004; revised 15 September 2004; accepted 5 November 2004; published 22 January 2005. [1] Increased erosion is a well-known response after wildfire. To predict and to model erosion on a landscape scale requires knowledge of the critical shear stress for the initiation of motion of soil particles. As this soil property is temperature-dependent, a quantitative relation between critical shear stress and the temperatures to which the soils have been subjected during a wildfire is required. In this study the critical shear stress was measured in a recirculating flume using samples of forest soil exposed to different temperatures (40� –550� C) for 1 hour. Results were obtained for four replicates of soils derived from three different types of parent material (granitic bedrock, sandstone, and volcanic tuffs). In general, the relation between critical shear stress and temperature can be separated into three different temperature ranges ( 275� C), which are similar to those for water repellency and temperature. The critical shear stress was most variable (1.0–2.0 N m � 2 ) for temperatures 2.0 N m � 2 ) between 175� and 275� C, and was essentially constant (0.5–0.8 N m � 2 )f or temperatures >275� C. The changes in critical shear stress with temperature were found to be essentially independent of soil type and suggest that erosion processes in burned watersheds can be modeled more simply than erosion processes in unburned watersheds. Wildfire reduces the spatial variability of soil erodibility associated with unburned watersheds by eliminating the complex effects of vegetation in protecting soils and by reducing the range of cohesion associated with different types of unburned soils. Our results indicate that modeling the erosional response after a wildfire depends primarily on determining the spatial distribution of the maximum soil temperatures that were reached during the wildfire.
Increased Utilization of Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccines in an Elderly Hospitalized Population

This study compared three interventions designed to increase acceptance of influenza and pneumococcal vaccines among elderly hospitalized patients. All individuals 65 and older able to give informed consent (73 patients) who were admitted to one medical floor of an acute care hospital were randomized to one of three groups. All groups received informational pamphlets explaining influenza and pneumococcal disease, their respective vaccines, and indications for their use. The first group received pamphlets only, the second received nursing follow-up, and the third received trained volunteer follow-up. Patients on another medical floor served as controls. The results showed a significant improvement in vaccine acceptance in all three study groups compared to controls for both influenza (78% vs 0%) and pneumococcal (75% vs 0%) vaccines. The differences among the three groups were not significant. No significant differences were found among patients accepting or refusing vaccination with regard to diagnosis, age, length of stay, sex, or having a private physician. We conclude that a simple educational program followed by offering vaccination before hospital discharge can be easily implemented, and dramatically increase immunization rates in this high risk group.
ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF TASK PREFERENCES, TASK DEMANDS, AND ADULT ATTENTION ON CHILD BEHAVIOR IN OUTPATIENT AND CLASSROOM SETTINGS

Two studies were conducted with children who displayed behavior problems to evaluate the effects of task preference, task demands, and adult attention on child behavior. In Study 1, we conducted brief functional analyses in an outpatient clinic to identify variables that facilitated appropriate behavior. For 8 of 10 children, distinct patterns of performance occurred; 3 children displayed improved behavior with changes in task demands, 1 child displayed improved behavior with a preferred task, and 4 children displayed improved behavior with changes in adult attention. In most cases, the children's parents carried out the assessments with adequate procedural integrity. In Study 2, we applied similar assessment methods to a classroom setting over an extended period of time. We identified independent variables controlling appropriate, on-task, and academic behavior for 2 children on two tasks, with slightly different treatment procedures across tasks for both children. In addition, the results of brief functional analyses for both children corresponded to the extended classroom assessments.
G-protein coupling of μ-opioid receptors (OP3): elevated basal signalling activity

To determine mu-opioid receptor (OP(3)) signalling activity, guanosine 5'-[gamma-[(35)S]thio]triphosphate (GTP[(35)S]) binding to G-proteins was measured in the membranes of human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) transfected with mu-opioid receptor (HEK-mu). GTP[(35)S] binding to HEK-mu membranes was significantly elevated compared with HEK-293 control membranes (without OP(3)), and this was abolished by pertussis-toxin pretreatment. The irreversible antagonist beta-chlornaltrexamine (beta-CNA) dose-dependently decreased elevated basal G-protein coupling of HEK-mu to control levels in cells devoid of OP(3). This characterizes beta-CNA as an inverse OP(3) agonist. Immunoprecipitation of solubilized G-proteins with G(i3)alpha antisera demonstrated that basal GTP[(35)S] binding to G(i3)alpha was also substantially elevated in HEK-mu membranes over the control, whereas G(i3)alpha protein levels were unchanged. Basal GTP[(35)S] binding to G(i1)alpha/G(i2)alpha and G(o)alpha was also increased twofold in HEK-mu membranes over the control. Morphine further increased coupling to each of these Galpha proteins with similar potency, but not to G(q)/(11)alpha or G(s)alpha. These results indicate that the wild-type OP(3) can couple constitutively to endogenously expressed G(i3)alpha, G(i1)alpha/G(i2)alpha and G(o)alpha subunits of G-proteins in HEK-293 cells.
Modal feedback stabilization of a linear distributed system

This correspondence gives a simple example of an unstable linear distributed system with a finite number of unstable modes that can be completely stabilized by finite-dimensional linear feedback controls using only the information on the unstable modes. These controls do not alter the eigenvalues or frequencies of all the remaining stable modes. The result remains valid for a certain class of linear distributed systems with purely discrete spectra.
Hazardscapes in reunified Germany

German reunification had significant political, economic, social, and environmental impacts. A major environmental impact involved changes to the German technological hazardscape (especially in the East). Hazardscapes are defined here as the spatial distribution and attributes of human engineered facilities such as industrial plants, military bases and power stations that contain or emit substances harmful to humans and the environment. The purpose of this paper is to explain how and why the German technological hazardscape changed after reunification. A cursory analysis might ascribe hazardscape change to the application of strict West German environmental laws and sophisticated environmental protection technologies to the East. This paper contends, however, that it was a political economy rather than an environmental imperative that drove the changes to the hazardscape, and that this continuing conflict may have serious repercussions on the future environmental health of eastern Germany.
Qualitative characterization of the rat liver mitochondrial lipidome using LC–MS profiling and high energy collisional dissociation (HCD) all ion fragmentation

Lipids play multiple roles essential for proper mitochondrial function, from their involvement in membrane structure and fluidity, cellular energy storage, and signaling. Lipids are also major targets for reactive species, and their peroxidation byproducts themselves mediate further damage. Thousands of lipid species, from multiple classes and categories, are involved in these processes, suggesting lipid quantitative and structural analysis can help provide a better understanding of mitochondrial physiological status. Due to the diversity of lipids that contribute to and reflect mitochondrial function, analytical methods should ideally cover a wide range of lipid classes, and yield both quantitative and structural information. We developed a high resolution LC–MS method that is able to monitor the major lipid classes found in biospecimens (i.e. biofluids, cells and tissues) with relative quantitation in an efficient, sensitive, and robust manner while also characterizing individual lipid side-chains, by all ion high energy collisional dissociation fragmentation and chromatographic alignment. This method was used to profile the liver mitochondrial lipids from 192 rats undergoing a dietary macronutrient study in which changes in mitochondria function are related to changes in the major fat and glycemic index component of each diet. A total of 381 unique lipids, spanning 5 of the major LIPID MAPS defined categories, including fatty acyls, glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, sphingolipids and prenols, were identified in mitochondria using the non-targeted LC–MS analysis in both positive and negative mode. The intention of this report is to show the breadth of this non-targeted LC–MS profiling method with regards to its ability to profile, identify and characterize the mitochondrial lipidome and the details of this will be discussed.
Safety of moxidectin in avermectin-sensitive Collies

Objective—To evaluate the safety of moxidectin administration at doses of 30, 60, and 90 µg/kg of body weight (10, 20, and 30 times the manufacturer's recommended dose) in avermectin-sensitive Collies. Animals—24 Collies. Procedure—Collies with mild to severe reactions to ivermectin challenge (120 mg/kg; 20 times the recommended dose for heartworm prevention) were used. Six replicates of 4 dogs each were formed on the basis of body weight and severity of reaction to ivermectin test dose. Within replicates, each dog was randomly allocated to treatment with oral administration of 30, 60, or 90 µg of moxidectin/kg or was given a comparable volume of placebo tablet formulation. Dogs were observed hourly for the first 8 hours and twice daily thereafter for 1 month for signs of toxicosis. Results—Signs of toxicosis were not observed in any control group dog throughout the treatment observation period. Likewise, signs of toxicosis were not observed in any dog receiving moxidectin at 30, 60, or 90 µg/kg. Conclusi...
Debt‐equity decision‐making with and without growth

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to instruct upper level business students on the intricacies of the debt‐equity choice with the emphasis on showing the interrelation of this choice with the plowback‐payout choice.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is designed around a pedagogical exercise that applies academic theories on the computation of the gain to leverage for an unleveraged nongrowth firm. A question and answer methodology is used within the exercise. The approach is instructional as it attempts to teach students about firm valuation and the variables that are important in the valuation process. The firm valuation method is based on perpetuity equations with and without growth.Findings – Unlike an empirical study that concentrates on providing findings from a data analysis, this paper attempts to instill knowledge and skills to students when making debt‐equity and plowback‐payout choices.Research limitations/implications – All gain to leverage equations used in this paper are limited by ...
Image cytometric comparison of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and MIB-1 staining in hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent liver tissue.

Studies of cellular proliferation may aid in elucidation of mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis and provide potential prognostic information in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma. Increased proliferation has been reported in the liver tissue adjacent to hepatocellular carcinoma and may be a risk factor for recurrence after tumor resection. We quantitated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) clone PC10 and MIB-1 nuclear immunostain by image cytometry in fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of normal, cirrhotic, and dysplastic livers with and without co-existent hepatocellular carcinoma and in the hepatocellular carcinoma. Fifteen high power fields were analyzed in each case using the CAS 200 image analyzer and results were expressed as the percent positive nuclear area. Cirrhotic liver showed significantly less proliferation adjacent to hepatocellular carcinoma than without hepatocellular carcinoma. There was a similar, but not significant, tendency for dysplastic liver. Increasing mean proliferation was noted from normal to cirrhotic to dysplastic liver to low grade to high grade hepatocellular carcinoma. These findings were similar using both PC10 and MIB-1. There tended to be slightly more staining with PC10 than with MIB-1, but the mean percent positive nuclear area was significantly greater with PC10 only in high grade hepatocellular carcinoma. Comparison of individual cases, however, yielded significant correlation between the two antibodies in the low grade and high grade hepatocellular carcinomas, but not in the benign livers. These findings demonstrate that image cytometric quantitation of PC10 and MIB-I immunostain may be comparable measures of cellular proliferation and that there is no increase in proliferation in the hepatic tissue adjacent to hepatocellular carcinoma. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An Artemisinin-Derived Dimer Has Highly Potent Anti-Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Anti-Cancer Activities

We recently reported that two artemisinin-derived dimers (dimer primary alcohol 606 and dimer sulfone 4-carbamate 832-4) are significantly more potent in inhibiting human cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication than artemisinin-derived monomers. In our continued evaluation of the activities of artemisinins in CMV inhibition, twelve artemisinin-derived dimers and five artemisinin-derived monomers were used. Dimers as a group were found to be potent inhibitors of CMV replication. Comparison of CMV inhibition and the slope parameter of dimers and monomers suggest that dimers are distinct in their anti-CMV activities. A deoxy dimer (574), lacking the endoperoxide bridge, did not have any effect on CMV replication, suggesting a role for the endoperoxide bridge in CMV inhibition. Differences in anti-CMV activity were observed among three structural analogs of dimer sulfone 4-carbamate 832-4 indicating that the exact placement and oxidation state of the sulfur atom may contribute to its anti-CMV activity. Of all tested dimers, artemisinin-derived diphenyl phosphate dimer 838 proved to be the most potent inhibitor of CMV replication, with a selectivity index of approximately 1500, compared to our previously reported dimer sulfone 4-carbamate 832-4 with a selectivity index of about 900. Diphenyl phosphate dimer 838 was highly active against a Ganciclovir-resistant CMV strain and was also the most active dimer in inhibition of cancer cell growth. Thus, diphenyl phosphate dimer 838 may represent a lead for development of a highly potent and safe anti-CMV compound.
Current steering and current focusing with a high-density intracochlear electrode array

Creating high-resolution or high-density, intra-cochlear electrode arrays may significantly improve quality of hearing for cochlear implant recipients. Through focused activation of neural populations such arrays may better exploit the cochlea's frequency-to-place mapping, thereby improving sound perception. Contemporary electrode arrays approach high-density stimulation by employing multi-polar stimulation techniques such as current steering and current focusing. In our procedure we compared an advanced high-density array with contemporary arrays employing these strategies. We examined focused stimulation of auditory neurons using an activating function and a neural firing probability model that together enable a first-order estimation of an auditory nerve fiber's response to electrical stimulation. The results revealed that simple monopolar stimulation with a high-density array is more localized than current steering with a contemporary array and requires 25–30% less current. Current focusing with high-density electrodes is more localized than current focusing with a contemporary array; however, a greater amount of current is required. This work illustrates that advanced high-density electrode arrays may provide a low-power, high-resolution alternative to current steering with contemporary cochlear arrays.
Immigration to the United States and acculturation as risk factors for asthma and allergy

When compared with Mexican-born Mexican American children, US-born Mexican American children had higher rates of wheeze, asthma, and hay fever in a report based on cross-sectional Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) data and published in this issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. US-born Mexican American adults also had higher rates of asthma compared with Mexican American adults born in Mexico in a recently published report on NHANES III and National Health Interview Survey data. Moreover, the prevalence of asthma in Mexican-born adults with fewer than 10 years of residence in the United States was half the asthma prevalence of Mexican-born adults who had lived in the United States for 10 or more years. Prior US studies have focused on between-ethnic group differences rather than within-ethnic group differences in asthma prevalence and have suggested that asthma prevalence, asthma morbidity, and asthma mortality rates are lower among Mexican Americans than among Americans of other Hispanic ethnicities or amongAfrican Americans. For example, blacks in Los Angeles and New York City had similar rates of hospitalization, but Mexican Hispanics in Los Angeles had far lower rates than Puerto RicanHispanics in NewYork City. Puerto Ricans had the highest asthma mortality rates among Hispanics, followed by Cuban Americans and Mexican Americans, in a report using national vital statistics. Compared with Mexicans from the United States or Mexico, Puerto Ricans with
A computational procedure for response statistics-based optimization of stochastic non-linear FE-models

Abstract An approach for an efficient solution of response statistics-based optimization problems of non-linear FE systems under stochastic loading is presented. A sequential approximate optimization approach, where approximate stochastic analyses are used during portions of the optimization process, is implemented in the proposed formulation. In this approach, analytical approximations of the performance functions in terms of the design variables are considered during the optimization process. The analytical approximations are constructed by combining a mixed linearization approach with a stochastic response sensitivity analysis. The state of the system is defined in terms of the statistical second-moment characteristics of the structural response. The stochastic loading and the response of the system are represented by an orthogonal series expansion of the corresponding covariance matrices. In particular, a truncated Karhunen–Loeve (K–L) expansion is applied. The system of non-linear equations is replaced by a statistical equivalent linear system. The evaluation of the K–L vectors is carried out by an efficient procedure that combines local linearization, modal analysis and static response of higher structural modes. An illustrative example is presented that shows the efficiency of the proposed methodology: it considers a building finite element model enforced with non-linear hysteretic devices and subject to a stochastic ground acceleration. Two types of problems are considered: a minimum structural weight design problem and an optimal non-linear device design problem.
EFFECTS OF SEX, YEAR IN SCHOOL, AND TYPE OF CARTOON ON RATINGS OF HUMOR AND LIKABILITY

This experiment studied how sex, year in school, and type of cartoon affects humor and likability ratings of two types of cartoons. 40 men and 40 women (20 college freshman, 20 sophomores, 20 junio...
Coupling nanocrystals to a high-q silica microsphere: entanglement in quantum dots via photon exchange

Coupling nanocrystals (quantum dots) to a high-$Q$ whispering gallery mode (WGM) of a silica microsphere, can produce a strong coherent interaction between the WGM and the electronic states of the dots. Shifting the resonance frequencies of the dots, for instance by placing the entire system in an electric potential, then allows this interaction to be controlled, permitting entangling interactions between different dots in a way analogous to the ion-trap computer of Cirac and Zoller. Thus, a more advanced system of this type could potentially be used to implement a simple quantum computer.
Electroabsorption modulators operating at 1.3 μm on GaAs substrates

This paper describes the growth and device performance of electroabsorption modulators on GaAs substrates operating near 1.3 μm, the dispersion minimum for silica fibres. The key to the successful molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) growth of these devices was the incorporation of a linearly-graded buffer layer beneath the InGaAs/AlGaAs multi-quantum-well active layer. Both transmission and reflection modulators are produced. For transmission devices, larger modulation is achieved when the buffer is graded more slowly: The maximum modulation reported was 22% for ΔT/TOcorresponding to a 0.86 dB contrast ratio with an insertion loss of roughly 5 dB at 1.34 μm. Antireflection coating a transmission modulator yields a reasonable reflection modulator. However, improved performance is reported for a reflection modulator using a novel technique of integrating the bottom quarter-wave mirror into a buffer with linearly-graded In composition. At 1.33 μm, a normally-off reflection modulator with an integrated mirror exhibited a ΔR/ROof 73%, a constrast ratio of 2.38 dB, and an insertion loss of 4 dB.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Following Heightened Immunosuppression After Lung Transplant

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by the JC virus that occurs in the setting of immunosuppression. A 38-year-old female lung transplant recipient at our institution received treatment for episodes of acute rejection with steroids, anti-thymocyte globulin and alemtuzumab, in addition to maintenance immunosuppression. She was diagnosed with PML 13 months after the last episode of rejection, for which she had received alemtuzumab. Despite attempted treatment with cidofovir followed by mirtazapine, PML progressed, and she ultimately died of an acute pulmonary infection and respiratory failure. We provide a detailed clinical and radiographic description of PML in a lung transplant patient and highlight its potential relationship to intensive immunosuppression, as the disease developed in the setting of markedly reduced CD4 counts.
Climate change and 50 years of NASA observations

Climate has always changed. Changes can be documented by observing the behavior of physical variables of the Earth system: temperature, ice amounts, ground cover changes, radiation from the sun, thermal radiation from the Earth surface, ice-sheets variations, sea-ice cover in the Arctic, ice masses, surface water, moisture contents, trace gases, etc. Variations of all these variables are consistent with the warming of the Earth. The rate of warming that has occurred since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution is unprecedented within the past hundreds of thousand of years. To continue to document these changes, to discuss their causes and the possible role of humans in the warming process, a high quality database needs to be continued. Since climate change is a global phenomenon, the role of satellite observations in monitoring climate changes is essential. Fifty years of NASA observations of our Planet will be outlined.
On the appearance of Mach bands in gradients of varying color

Abstract Red and green triangular-wave intensity distributions were generated on cathoderay oscilloscope tubes. When these patterns are viewed separately, light and dark Mach bands appear at the peaks and troughs of the intensity distribution. The perceived brightness distribution was quantified by matching the brightness of the pattern with a narrow slit of light of the same color positioned in varying positions just below the triangular-wave field. The sensations produced by gradients of color rather than luminance have been investigated by interlacing equiluminous red and green triangular gratings 180° out-of-phase (dark bands in one field correspond to bright bands in other field). An illuminated slit just below the chromatic gradients was adjusted in color and brightness to produce satisfactory matches to different parts of the interlaced red and green patterns. Our measurements show that bright red and green bands appear in light distributions of constant luminance and varying chromaticity.
Helium ion-induced fission of 194Pt, 195Pt and 196Pt at 41 and 34 MeV

A study has been made of the 41 and 34 MeV helium ion-induced fission of enriched platinum isotopes 194Pt, 196Pt and 196Pt. The fission fragment mass distribution curves are all gaussian in shape but the even-even species 194Pt and 196Pt produce curves which are wider than the even-odd species 195Pt. In addition as the bombarding energy is lowered to 34 MeV the width at half-maximum, W12, of even-even species curves decreases from about 22 ± 1 (at 41 MeV) mass units wide at the half maximum to 17 ± 1 (at 34 MeV) mass units, whereas the width for 195Pt remains rather constant with a value of W12 of 17 ± 1 mass units. It also appears that the value of the cross section (σf) for fission decreases much more rapidly with decreasing energy for 195Pt than for 194Pt and 196Pt. At 41 MeV the values of σf for 194Pt, 195Pt and 196Pt are 22·1 μ barns, 79·6 μ barns, and 24·7 μ barns respectively. At 34 MeV the values are 9·1 μ barns, 2·16 μ barns and 8·2 μ barns respectively.
Executive information systems in financial institutions: an introduction

Discusses the use and impact of executive information systems(EISs) for financial institutions. Describes the functions of EISs and suggests the essential elements of a good one: integration of data from multiple sources; timely information reporting; individualized and user friendly. shows how EISs can be used by managers in financial institutions for strategic advantage.
Vesicular and Synaptoplasmic Synthesis of Acetylcholine

The synthesis and distribution of acetylcholine has been studied in the isolated synaptosome. Binding or contamination of [ 14 C ] acetylcholine in the synaptic vesicle fraction represents 1.5 percent of the total amount found in the synaptoplasm ( synaptosomal cytoplasm ). However, when the [ 14 C ] acetylcholine is derived solely by synthesis from labeled choline, then the labeled acetylcholine in the synaptic vesicle is 15 percent of the amount of acetylcholine synthesized in the synaptoplasm. The results suggest that the [ 14 C ] acetylcholine found in the vesicle fraction of synaptosomes incubated with labeled choline is due to vesicular synthesis.
Functional characteristics of a node determinant

Abstract In most treatments of network theory, the characteristic determinant of a network is expanded by means of the Laplace expansion.Such an expansion always consists of a set of positive and negative terms, and the negative terms always cancel.In this paper a modification of the Laplace expansion is developed which removes initially all of the negative terms and which therefore reduces considerably the labor in making the expansion. The modification will be shown to apply not only to the characteristic determinant but to its first order cofactors as well. In addition a formula will be derived from which the maximum number of terms in the expansion may be computed.
Cytosolic Ca2+ and the regulation of secretion in parathyroid cells

The concentration of intracellular Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i) was measured in dissociated bovine parathyroid cells loaded with quin-2 or fura-2. In quin-2-loaded cells, increases in the concentration of extracellular Ca2+ elicited slow, monophasic increases in [Ca2+]i, whereas in fura-2-loaded cells, extracellular Ca2+ evoked rapid, transient increases which were followed by lower, yet sustained increases in [Ca2+]i. Cytosolic Ca2+ transients arose from the mobilization of cellular Ca2+ and could be evoked by a variety of divalent cations. Transient, but not sustained increases in [Ca2+]i were associated with an inhibition of hormone secretion. Secretion was still inhibited, however, when cytosolic Ca2+ transients were blocked by buffering with quin-2, suggesting that changes in [Ca2+]i might not be the essential factor regulating secretion in parathyroid cells.
The superconducting split ring resonator as an accelerating structure

Abstract A superconducting split ring accelerating structure was tested with heavy ion beams of 16 O and 32 S with v c ranging from 0.04 to 0.09. The accelerating field, averaged over the length of the resonator, was measured as 2.3 MV/m at 4.2 K, and 2.75 MV/m at 2.6 K. The resonator was phase stabilized to an external oscillator with a phase error of 10 −2 rad for an accelerating field of 2 MV/m.
Searle on rediscovering the mind

L'A. presente la conception de l'esprit de Searle telle qu'il l'expose dans «The Rediscovery of the Mind». Il y est question de la refutation des traditions dominantes dans ce domaine, c'est-a-dire le dualisme, et le materialisme, particulierement dans ses formes computationnelles. Partant d'une etude scientifique des phenomenes mentaux, Searle propose une theorie positive de la conscience
Changes in calmodulin and its mrna accompany reentry of quiescent (G0) cells into the cell cycle

Abstract Release of CHO-K1 cells from plateau or stationary phase and reentry into the cell cycle is specifically and reversibly blocked at two distinct sites by the anticalmodulin drug W13. The first block occurs early during release while the cells are still at G0/ G1, whereas the second occurs later in reentry during early S phase. As determined by radioimmunoassay, calmodulin levels undergo changes at three distinct steps in plateau-phase entry and release. First, the entry of exponentially growing cells into plateau phase is accompanied by an increase in the calmodulin level. The second change is a reduction in the calmodulin content of cells within the first hour following release from plateau phase. The third change is the subsequent increase in calmodulin levels, which precedes entry of the cells into S phase. Analysis of calmodulin mRNA levels by dot-blot hybridization demonstrates that the changes in calmodulin protein are preceded by changes in calmodulin mRNA. Furthermore, whereas a decrease in CaM mRNA is observed within the first hour following plateau release, no such decrease is observed for β-actin mRNA, suggesting that this decrease may be selective for calmodulin. This selectivity is further substantiated by the fact that identical changes in calmodulin and calmodulin mRNA are observed in cells released from plateau by two different techniques. Taken together, these data suggest that calmodulin may play an important role in the reentry of cells into the cell cycle.
Parameterized Spatial SQL Translation for Geographic Question Answering

Spatial SQL (structured query language) is a powerful tool for systematically solving geographic problems, however, it has not been widely applied to the problem of geographic question answering. This paper introduces a parameterized approach to translate natural language geographic questions into spatial SQLs. In particular, three types of complexity are introduced and initial solutions are proposed to deal with these complexities. The entire parameterization process is implemented to generate spatial SQL templates for five types of geographic questions. It is suggested that our approach is useful for solving natural geographic problems using spatial functions such as those in a GIS.
New species of Mendoncia (Acanthaceae) from Colombia

Two new Colombia species ofMendoncia,M. zarucchii from Vaupes andM. antioquiensis from Antioquia, are described, illustrated, and compared with their closest relatives. A revised key to the Colombian species closely following Leonard is provided.
Nitrogen isotopic composition of planktonic foraminifera from the modern ocean and recent sediments

We investigated the controls on the δ15N values of shell-bound organic matter of planktonic foraminifera (foraminifera-bound δ15N, or FB-δ15N). The bulk biomass δ15N of live foraminifera collected from plankton tows at Sta. S in the Sargasso Sea is within ∼1‰ of the FB-δ15N of the same species picked from surface sediments from the low-latitude North Atlantic. The FB-δ15N value in the surface sediments is strongly correlated with the δ15N of thermocline nitrate, the dominant source of new N to the euphotic zone. The three euphotic-zone-dwelling, symbiotic, spinose species, Globigerinoides ruber, Globigerinoides sacculifer, and Orbulina universa, have a FB-δ15N similar to or slightly higher than that of the nitrate supply to the euphotic zone, whereas the deeper-dwelling, non-spinose, and/or asymbiotic forms have higher δ15N. In the Cariaco Basin sediment trap samples, the FB-δ15N of O. universa varies substantially (1.2‰ between the lowest and highest value), in some cases in step with δ15N changes in the bulk sinking N, while the subeuphotic-zone-dwelling, asymbiotic, and/or non-spinose species are generally higher in FB-δ15N and less variable through the time series. The higher and less temporally variable FB-δ15N values of the deeper dwellers are consistent with their partial reliance on subsurface suspended particulate nitrogen, the δ15N of which is elevated and relatively stable over time. As an alternative, possibly additional explanation for the lower FB-δ15N of the euphotic-zone dwellers (despite their likely tendency to feed on high-δ15N zooplankton), the dinoflagellate symbionts may reduce the δ15N elevation of a foraminifera's biomass relative to its diet by reducing the efflux of low-δ15N ammonium.
Use of baclofen for withdrawal in a preterm infant

Baclofen is a gamma-aminobutyric acid agonist used primarily as a muscle relaxant to treat spasticity in children and adults. Withdrawal of oral baclofen is known to cause a withdrawal syndrome in adults. Only one previous case describes a withdrawal syndrome in a term infant, manifested by seizures, associated with the use of oral baclofen in the mother. This case describes a withdrawal syndrome and the unique use of baclofen for withdrawal in a preterm infant.
The specificity of UDP-glucose 4-epimerase from the yeast Saccharomyces fragilis

1. 1. The reactivity of UDP-glucose 4-epimerase (EC 5.1.3.2) from the yeast Saccharomyces fragilis toward 11 analogs of UDPG has been examined. The compounds tested involve stereochemical modifications of the hexosyl and ribosyl moieties of UDPG. 2. 2. Of the 11 compounds only UDP-β-l-arabinose, UDP-d-fucose and UDP-d-xylose are epimerized. However, evidence is presented indicating that these epimerizations are due to contaminating enzymes and are not due to UDPG 4-epimerase. 3. 3. The substances UDP-d-mannose, UDP-N-acetyl-d-galactosamine, UDP-d-allose and UDP-3-O-methyl-d-glucose were not epimerized. These observations are in agreement with the hypothesis of Budowskyet al.9 since the postulated hexose: uracil hydrogen bond, which is necessary for enzyme action in their mechanism, would be hindered in these substances. 4. 4. dUDPG is not acted upon by the yeast epimerase. It has been reported to serve as a substrate for the epimerase from calf liver. 5. 5. Other substrates which were not epimerized are UDP-β-d-glucose, UDP-d-glucuronic acid, UDP-4-O-methyl-d-glucose, ADPG, CDPG, GDPG, IDPG and dTDPG.
Case Report: Successful Treatment of Recurrent Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis with a Novel Rituximab Regimen

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the cause of renal failure in more than 10% of pediatric patients undergoing renal transplantation. Recurrent FSGS is a major cause of pediatric allograft failure, with the risk increasing for patients undergoing retransplantation. Standard therapy for recurrent posttransplantation FSGS includes the use of intensive plasmapheresis (PP) in conjunction with cyclophosphamide or high-dose cyclosporine. However, many patients exhibit refractory disease, with rapid progression to allograft loss despite these interventions. Prior studies have reported conflicting data on the efficacy of adding rituximab therapy to the standard treatment regimen for recurrent posttransplantation FSGS. Here we present a successful therapeutic protocol with rapid elimination of PP after initiation of rituximab therapy for an adolescent patient with recurrent FSGS in the immediate postoperative period. The patient has maintained excellent allograft function through 12 months posttransplantation.
Upward and downward flow in a camptonite dike as recorded by deformed vesicles and the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS)

Abstract A 1.6-m wide Cretaceous camptonite dike on Higby Mountain, Connecticut, contains deformed vesicles that record an initial brief period of steeply upward intrusion followed by a prolonged vertical downward flow of magma prior to solidification. The camptonite is unusual in that it is almost aphyric, but it does contain abundant skeletal microphenocrysts (∼ 0.3 mm) of magnetite, which give the rock a strong magnetic susceptibility (∼ 127 × 10− 3 SI). These crystals are slightly elongate, and their long axes became preferentially aligned parallel to the dike walls but perpendicular to the magma flow direction, which is indicated by the stretched vesicles. Consequently, the rock has a strong anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) with the mean value of P′ being 1.03. The AMS ellipsoid is everywhere prolate (T = − 0.9 to − 0.02), with the maximum susceptibility axis being almost parallel to the strike of the dike, that is, parallel to the walls of the dike but perpendicular to the magma flow direction. In the outer part of the dike where the deformed imbricate vesicles indicate upward flow at an inclination of 70–75°, the maximum susceptibility direction plunges ∼ 11°, perpendicular to the flow direction. In the interior of the dike where the vesicles indicate almost straight downward flow, the maximum susceptibility direction is almost horizontal and again is perpendicular to the flow. In many, but not all samples, the sense of flow (i.e., up or down) is indicated by imbrication of the intermediate magnetic susceptibility axis. Although the major magnetic susceptibility axis is commonly assumed to parallel the direction of flow of magma in dikes, the present study indicates that, at least in this camptonite dike, the maximum susceptibility axis is perpendicular to the flow of magma.
Determination of “average particle size” from the screen-analysis of non-uniform particulate substances

Abstract The size distribution data obtained by screen analysis of a non-uniform substance cannot be used directly in calculating the various average diameters of the material since this method of analysis gives the distribution in terms of weight rather than count. The distribution curve by weight however bears a definite relation to the regular size-frequency curve and suitable transformation equations are presented by means of which one is able to calculate the various average diameters from the parameters of the curve given by the screen analysis. The screens are calibrated in terms of the actual size of the material retained rather than the dimensions of the screen openings or an arbitrary method of calculating the “size of separation.”
Fusion Simulation Project Workshop Report

The mission of the Fusion Simulation Project is to develop a predictive capability for the integrated modeling of magnetically confined plasmas. This FSP report adds to the previous activities that defined an approach to integrated modeling in magnetic fusion. These previous activities included a Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee panel that was charged to study integrated simulation in 2002. The report of that panel [Journal of Fusion Energy 20, 135 (2001)] recommended the prompt initiation of a Fusion Simulation Project. In 2003, the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences formed a steering committee that developed a project vision, roadmap, and governance concepts [Journal of Fusion Energy 23, 1 (2004)]. The current FSP planning effort involved 46 physicists, applied mathematicians and computer scientists, from 21 institutions, formed into four panels and a coordinating committee. These panels were constituted to consider: Status of Physics Components, Required Computational and Applied Mathematics Tools, Integration and Management of Code Components, and Project Structure and Management. The ideas, reported here, are the products of these panels, working together over several months and culminating in a 3-day workshop in May 2007.
Regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibits phosphoprotein phosphatase.

Abstract The activity of a purified high molecular weight phosphoprotein phosphatase was inhibited by purified type II cAMP-dependent protein kinase. This effect required cAMP and was obtained in the absence of ATP. The isolated type II regulatory subunits (R-subunits) from several species also inhibited the phosphatase activity in both crude extracts and purified preparations. Half maximal inhibition was observed at 0.06–0.25μM, well within the physiological range of R-subunit concentrations. The inhibitory potency of R-subunit was greater using the thiophosphorylated form. Limited trypsinization of the R-subunit abolished the inhibitory activity. The C-subunit released the bound cAMP when combined with R-subunit, but the phosphatase did not, implying that the inhibited species is a R.cAMP-phosphatase complex. The results suggest that the R-subunit might have at least one physiological role in addition to inhibition of the C-subunit, i.e., inhibition of phosphatase. The latter would occur only when cAMP is elevated.
Graft-versus-host disease after multiorgan transplantation

A rat model of multiorgan transplantation (MOTx) including the liver, pancreas, duodenum, and variable segments of small bowel (SB) was used to ascertain whether graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) could be produced by this procedure. Rats receiving an isogeneic multiorgan transplant (MOT) survived more than 150 days. MOTx was then performed in the Lewis to (Lewis x Brown Norway) LBNF1 semiallogeneic combination, ensuring unidirectional GVHD. En bloc transplantation of the liver, pancreas, duodenum, and entire jejunum provoked lethal GVHD in all animals, and the mean time to recipient death (MT) was 16.5 +/- 0.43. When only one-half of the jejunum was included in the MOT, lethal GVHD similarly occurred in 100% of animals and the MT was 18 +/- 0.86. Finally, when only liver, pancreas, and duodenum were transplanted, the incidence of lethal GVHD was reduced to 50% (P less than 0.1). In those rats that died of GVHD, MT was 16 +/- 0.33. Fifty percent of the rats in this group, however, recovered from a milder form of GVHD and survived more than 150 days. These results demonstrate that MOTx induces GVHD and that the lethality of this process correlates with the inclusion of the SB in the graft and thus, with the overall amount of transplanted lymphoid tissue.
Specificity determining residues in ammonia- and glutamine-dependent carbamoyl phosphate synthetases.

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetases (CPSs) utilize either glutamine or ammonia for the ATP-dependent generation of carbamoyl phosphate. In glutamine-utilizing CPSs (e.g. the single Escherichia coli CPS and mammalian CPS II), the hydrolysis of glutamine to yield ammonia is catalyzed at a triad-type glutamine amidotransferase domain. Non-glutamine-utilizing CPSs (e.g. rat and human CPS I), lacking the catalytic cysteine residue, can generate carbamoyl phosphate only in the presence of free ammonia. Frog CPS I (fCPS I), unlike mammalian CPS Is, retains most of the glutamine amidotransferase residues conserved in glutamine-utilizing CPSs, including an intact catalytic triad, and could therefore be expected to use glutamine. Our work with native fCPS I provides the first demonstration of the inability of this enzyme to bind/utilize glutamine. To determine why fCPS I is unable to utilize glutamine, we compared sequences of glutamine-using and non-glutamine-using CPSs to identify residues that are present or conservatively substituted in all glutamine-utilizing CPSs but absent in fCPS I. We constructed the site-directed mutants Q273E, L270K, Q273E/N240S, and Q273E/L270K in E. coli CPS and have determined that simultaneous occurrence of the two substitutions, Gln → Glu and Leu → Lys, found in the frog CPS I glutamine amidotransferase domain are sufficient to eliminate glutamine utilization by the E. coli enzyme.
Aging effects on reactivity of an aluminum-based drinking-water treatment residual as a soil amendment

Abstract Several studies have shown that drinking-water treatment residuals (WTR) could be used to control mobility of excess phosphorus (P) and other oxyanions in poorly sorbing soils. Presently, only “aged” WTRs (those left, or manipulated, to dewater) are land applied. However, if demand for WTRs increase in the near future, freshly-generated WTRs could be considered for land application. To our knowledge, few studies have examined the reactivity and equilibration time of freshly-generated alum-based WTR (Al-WTR). A laboratory thermal incubation study was, therefore, conducted to determine various extractable Al forms in Al-WTR as a function of WTR “age”, and the time required for freshly generated Al-WTR to stabilize. Freshly-generated Al-WTR samples were collected directly from the discharge pumps of a drinking-water treatment plant, and thermally incubated at 52 °C, either with or without moisture control, for ≤ 24 wk. Additional dewatered Al-WTR samples of various ages (2wk- to 2y old) were also included in the study. Various methods of extracting Al [total-, oxalate (200 and 5mM), and Mehlich 1 extractants] were utilized to assess Al extractability over time. Freshly-generated Al-WTR samples were potentially more reactive (as reflected in greater 5mM oxalate extractable Al concentration) than dewatered Al-WTR samples stockpiled for ≥ 6 mo. Aluminum reactivity of the freshly-generated Al-WTR decreased with time. At least 6wk of thermal incubation (corresponding to ≥ 6 mo of field drying) was required to stabilize the most reactive Al form (5mM oxalate extractable Al concentration) of the Al-WTR. Although no adverse Al-WTR effects have been reported on plants and grazing animals (apparently because of low availability of free Al 3+ in Al-WTR), land application of freshly-generated Al-WTRs (at least, those with similar physicochemical characteristics as the one utilized for the study) should be avoided.
Using shaped pulses to probe energy deposition during laser-induced damage of SiO2 surfaces

Laser-induced damage initiation in silica has been shown to follow a power-law behavior with respect to pulse-length. Models based on thermal diffusion physics can successfully predict this scaling and the effect of pulse shape for pulses between about 3ns and 10ns. In this work we use sophisticated new measurement techniques and novel pulse shape experiments to test the limits of this scaling. We show that simple pulse length scaling fails for pulses below about 3ns. Furthermore, double pulse initiation experiments suggest that energy absorbed by the first pulse is lost on time scales much shorter than would be predicted for thermal diffusion. This time scale for energy loss can be strongly modulated by maintaining a small but non-zero intensity between the pulses. By producing damage with various pulse shapes and pulse trains it is demonstrated that the properties of any hypothetical thermal absorber become highly constrained.