cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cadaveric kidney transplantation under prophylactic polyclonal antibody immunosuppression with anti-lymphoblast globulin versus anti-thymocyte globulin

Abstract Objectives This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the clinical and immunologic outcomes following prophylactic induction treatment with Minnesota anti-lymphoblast globulin (MALG) and Upjohn anti-thymocyte globulin (ATGAM) in cadaver renal transplantation. Methods From 1990 to 1994, 63 patients with renal transplants from cadavers received MALG and 77 patients received ATGAM for induction treatment. Most pretransplant parameters were equivalent in both groups. There was no significant difference in the total dose and mean duration of MALG/ATGAM administration. The post-transplant outcome in these groups was compared. Results There was no difference between the MALG and ATGAM groups with respect to the overall number of rejection episodes, median days to rejection, or the number of steroid-resistant rejection episodes. However, MALG-treated patients experienced a greater number of rejections in the first 60 days postoperatively (P = 0.06). There was no difference in the nadir serum creatinine level in the first 20 postoperative days in the two groups; however, it took fewer days to reach the nadir in the ATGAM group ( P = 0.03). The incidence of delayed graft function was higher in the MALG group than in the ATGAM group (38% versus 31%) but not statistically significant. Graft survival at 12 and 24 months was comparable in both groups. However, patient survival was superior at 12 and 24 months in ATGAM-treated transplant recipients ( P = 0.03). The mean serum creatinine at 6, 12, and 24 months was similar in both the MALG and ATGAM groups. The mean fall and recovery of CD3, CD4, and CD8 T-lymphocyte subsets while on MALG/ATGAM were similar in both groups. The incidence of infectious complications was greater in the MALG group. Conclusions MALG and ATGAM have comparable clinical immunosuppressive effects. Patients receiving ATGAM experienced fewer rejections in the first 2 months, fewer infections, and better survival.
Costs of refractive correction of distance vision impairment in the United States, 1999-2002.

Objective Correctable vision impairment caused by refractive error is common in the United States population. We estimated the direct costs of providing eyeglasses to all Americans (age≥12) who need refractive correction to achieve good distance vision. Design Cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample of United States citizens. Participants Participants in the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), age ≥ 12 years. The NHANES examines a nationally representative sample of the U.S. noninstitutionalized, civilian population. Methods Presenting and corrected visual acuity data were obtained using an autorefractor from 13 211 (93.0%) of the 14 203 participants who visited the NHANES Mobile Examination Center in 1999 through 2002. Need for refractive correction was defined by current use of corrective lenses for distance vision, improvement to good visual acuity following autorefractor correction (using several cutpoints to define good visual acuity), or both. Main Outcome Measures Estimates of direct cost for refractive correction (1 pair of complete eyeglasses and a refraction examination) were computed based on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services fee schedules for 2000 and also based on expenditure data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Results The NHANES results indicate that >110 million Americans could or do achieve normal vision with refractive correction. The annual direct cost of correcting distance vision impairment is at least $3.8 billion. Of this amount, $780 million represents the annual cost of providing distance vision correction for persons > age 65. Conclusions Correctable vision impairment due to refractive error is common in the United States population. These cost estimates provide useful information for public health endeavors aimed at provision of refractive correction to those who need it.
Dynamic Behavior of Glucose-Responsive Poly(methacrylic acid-g-ethylene glycol) Hydrogels

Glucose-sensitive poly(methacrylic acid-g-ethylene glycol) (P(MAA-g-EG)) gels were synthesized by copolymerizing methacrylic acid and poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate in the presence of activated glucose oxidase. The dynamic and equilibrium swelling behavior of the gels was examined as a function of pH. At low pH values the gels were in a collapsed state due to complexation between carboxyl and etheric groups. At high pH values, the gels swelled to approximately 20 times their dry weights. The glucose oxidase containing gels exhibited a higher rate of expansion than the non glucose oxidase containing gels as the former had fewer entanglements. Relaxation times were determined for the swelling and deswelling processes, and a time-dependent swelling behavior was obtained for partial swellings in different pH values.
The Relationship Between CEQ Ratings and Instructor's Rank, Class Size and Course Level.

A study was conducted to determine if the tendency for faculty members of higher rank to receive the highest ratings on the Illinois Course Evaluation Questionnaire (CEQ) remained when variables such as class size and course level were taken into account. The relationship between CEQ ratings and instructor's rank, class size, and level of course was examined by means of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Dependent variables were the six subscales of the CEQ. As hypothesized there were no significant differences in ratings assigned by students in small (1-20 students), medium (21-40 students), and large (over 40 students) classes, or received by teaching assistants, instructors, and assistant, associate, and full professors. Highly significant differences, however, were found in ratings assigned by students in freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate level courses. In addition, significant size by level and size by rank interaction effects were found. Discriminant functions computed for effects found to be significant yielded information concerning the extent and direction of these significant differences.
Cincinnati's 1988 proportional representation initiative

Abstract In a referendum the voters of Cincinnati rejected by 55 per cent to 45 per cent a proposal to adopt the single transferable vote system for electing the Cincinnati city council. STV had been in use in Cincinnati from 1925 until 1957 and it was the first effort to bring it back.
A radiographic survey of 1,000 Egyptian edentulous patients

I t has been established from several reports published during the last fortyseven years that it is necessary to make radiographic examinations of edentulous jaws before denture construction. l-l7 A digest of these reports shows that from 16 t.o 37.2 per cent of the edentulous patients had abnormalities and/or pathologic conditions (Table I). Most of these investigations, however, were carried out in the United States of America, where the per capita income and the dentist/population ratio (1:2,000) are among the highest in the world. In other words, most of the previous investigations were made in a country in which dental services are more readily avaiIable and more utilized than is the case in many other countries. The objective of the present report is to describe the occurrence of abnormalities and pathoses in the jaws of edentulous patients who are living in a different environment with newly developing socioeconomic conditions. In the area studied, the dentist/population ratio is 1:20,000 and the use of radiographic procedures in diagnosis is not universal. In addition, this report will compare previously reported information with the data obtained from this investigation.
Competencies and Qualities of Agricultural Economics Graduates Sought by Agribusiness Employers

Interest in preparing students for successful careers in agribusiness management has been increasing over the past decade. Recent curriculum revisions in many agricultural economics programs have been in the agribusiness area. As these changes are considered, however, the question often heard is, "what skills do these graduates need?" Litzenberg and Schneider first approached this subject in a study of Texas cooperatives in 1983. Their results, although regional in scope and limited only to cooperative firms, initiated an interest in measuring the relative importance of the characteristics of successful agribusiness managers. With this study, they expanded the scope of the earlier work both in terms of the number of characteristics considered
Botulinum toxin for gastrointestinal disorders: Therapy and mechanisms

Botulinum toxin has gained widespread acceptance as a treatment option for various spastic gastrointestinal disorders such as achalasia, gastroparesis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, chronic anal fissures, and pelvic floor dyssnergia, despite the lack of strong evidence supporting its use in many of these disorders. This review summarizes the trials investigating the use of BoNT since it was first utilized as a treatment in achalasia. BoNT has proven to be safe, but long-term efficacy in many disorders has not been observed, primarily due to is relatively short duration of action. BoNT may be most useful in confirming a diagnosis which can lead to a more definitive treatment modality. Furthermore, its safety profile allows it to be a useful alternative in patients who are at high risk for invasive procedures.
Probability Distributions for Thunderstorm Activity at Cape Kennedy, Florida

Abstract Several statistical distribution functions are investigated as prospective models to represent the variation of thunderstorm activity at Cape Kennedy, Fla. Statistical methods are presented using the latest and most comprehensive thunderstorm data available. The conclusion is reached that the negative binomial distribution and a modification of the negative binomial distribution may be used as provisional statistical models to represent “thunderstorm events” and “thunderstorm bits,” respectively, at Cape Kennedy.
Solid-state Anomalies in IR Spectra of Compounds of Pharmaceutical Interest

Solid-state anomalies in the IR spectra of lysine monohydrochloride, etoxadrol hydrochloride, thiamine hydrochloride, and L-histidine in a potassium bromide matrix were noted. With the first three compounds, the anomalies were due to metathetical exchange of the halide anion between the compound and the matrix. The anomaly seen with L-histidine was related to the crystal structure.
Pastoral theology in a pluralistic age

The article presents a theological and normative response to the question, “What is Pastoral Theology?”. The primary task is to bring together theological ethics and the social sciences to provide a normative vision of the human life cycle for a pluralistic setting with diverse religio-cultural assumptions. Introduces a clinical case to suggest the range of questions with which Pastoral Theology should be concerned and presents four propositions informed by a theological ethic and a dynamic perspective.
Water Vapor Abundances over Mars North High Latitude Regions: 1996–1999

Abstract We present column abundances of water vapor in Mars' atmosphere over high north latitudes for L s 46°–146° during 1996–1997 and L s 34°–180° during 1998–1999. These abundances have been obtained by ground-based high-resolving-power spectroscopy in the very near IR (8174–8200 A) from the 1.5-m Catalina observatory near Tucson, AZ. All of the measurements have been corrected for atmospheric dust opacity, which increases the measured water vapor abundance over the “apparent measurement” by appreciable amounts at long path lengths. Dust measurements in 1998–1999 were made by near simultaneous measurements, with the same instrument, of the CO 2 absorption lines in the nearby spectral region between 8689 and 8692 A. We use a doubling and adding radiative transfer code to obtain the dust optical thickness. High northern latitude dust opacities were between 0.8 and 1.0 in this data set for 1998–1999. For the high-latitude measurements made in 1996–1997 during and following observed spring dust storm activity, the dust opacity (τ dust =0.8) was adopted. The computations account for the geometry of the observations (incoming airmass, outgoing airmass, and phase angle). Measurements show a strong increase in water vapor abundance from 8 to 76 ppt. μm with onset of spring and early summer ( L s 34°–118°) followed by an abrupt drop to less than 1 ppt. μm by summer's end.
High-resolution distributed functional quantization

In traditional modes of lossy compression, attaining low distortion letter-by-letter on a vector of source letters X1 N=(X1, X2,..., XN)isinRopfN is the implicit aim. We consider here instead the goal of estimating at the destination a function G(X1 N) of the source data under the constraint that each Xi must be separately scalar quantized. The design of optimal fixed- and variable-rate scalar quantizers is considered under the assumptions of high-resolution quantization theory, yielding optimal point densities for regular quantizers. Additionally, we consider how performance scales with N for certain classes of functions. This demonstrates potentially large improvement from consideration of G in the quantizer design.
Open versus closed systems in static nonlinear dielectric theory

Abstract The connections between the phenomenological dielectric coefficients of closed and open systems are found. It is shown that, in the absence of any residual zero field polarization, the static linear dielectric constant in an open system is equal to that in the corresponding closed system. In contrast, it is shown that the nonlinear dielectric coefficients of order four (and higher) are not equal in open and in closed systems. Three applications of the relations between the coefficients of open and closed systems are made. The first is to the connections between the coefficients of a simple fluid composed of nonpolar, but polarizable, particles. The second is a rederivation of a classic result for electrostriction in open systems. The third is a discussion of a fluid composed of particles having permanent dipole moments but no polarizability, with the restriction that aside from the necessary long range correlations, there are no angular cross correlation terms.
An estrogen responsive primary amphibian liver cell culture system.

Abstract Amphibian hepatocytes have been prepared in both high yield and purity using a collagenase perfusion technique. The isolated cells attach efficiently in serum-free medium to collagen-coated culture dishes and subsequently form monolayers. These cultures can be maintained in an appropriate medium for over one week with minimal cell loss. The nuclear labelling index of cells exposed to [3H]thymidine indicates a very low level of cell growth. Twenty-four hour exposure to dexamethasone induces tyrosine aminotransferase activity throughout the culture period. Monolayers incorporate [3H]leucine linearly into acid-insoluble material with approx. 40% of all synthesis devoted to secreted protein. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of proteins in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate shows the majority of proteins present in whole serum are synthesized and secreted by the cultured hepatocytes. The absolute rate of protein secretion on the first day of culture is approx. 73 μg/day/mg cell protein which subsequently declines and plateaus at 30% of this level by the 4th–5th day of culture. However, when hepatocytes are cultured in the continued presence of insulin, the drop in protein secretion is completely inhibited. Cultures of hepatocytes isolated from female frogs and subsequently exposed to 17-B estradiol in culture, synthesize and secrete the egg-yolk protein precursor vitellogenin. The protein initially appears as a minor component in the medium 1–2 days after hormone addition. Its rate of synthesis, relative to other secreted proteins, increases with time so that it ultimately constitutes the majority of protein being exported after 6 days of treatment. Parallel with vitellogenin induction is an increase in rate of total protein secretion reaching a 2-fold increase at maximal stimulation. The results show that viable, monolayer cultures of amphibian hepatocytes can be prepared which retain the ability to respond directly to added estrogen by synthesizing vitellogenin.
The cost-effectiveness of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer for the management of vesicoureteral reflux. 1: substitution for surgical management.

Purpose: We examined the cost-effectiveness of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer injection in patients who would otherwise undergo ureteral reimplantation.Materials and Methods: A model for managing vesicoureteral reflux has previously been created. We now update the model to compare the costs of treating vesicoureteral reflux using standard methods (ie ureteral reimplantation after failed medical therapy) with the costs of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection.Results: In the first scenario created dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection is substituted for ureteral reimplantation when surgical intervention would be performed for treatment of breakthrough infection or failure of the reflux to resolve. For dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection to have equal cost-effectiveness compared to ureteral reimplantation in this scenario success rates for dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection would need to be 57.8% per ureter for patients with unilateral reflux and 75.3% per ureter for patients with bilateral refl...
In vitro and animal studies of the role of viruses in oral carcinogenesis.

Abstract The linkage of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) to the development of oral cancer has been studied. In spite of the presence of viral nucleic acids in some human oral cancer specimens, HSV alone is not carcinogenic in animals: repeated viral inoculation to mouse or hamster oral mucosa fails to produce tumours or histopathological evidence of malignancy. However, HSV demonstrates co-carcinogenicity in vivo: viral inoculation significantly enhances the oncogenic capacity of chemical carcinogens in the oral cavity of mice and hamsters. Though the detailed mechanisms of HSV cocarcinogenicity are unknown, HSV promotes the chemical carcinogen-induced activation of certain cellular proto-oncogenes and inactivation of p53 tumour suppressor gene. Human papilloma-viruses type 16 (HPV-16) and 18 (HPV-18) demonstrate oncogenicity by transforming normal human oral keratinocytes in vitro. While normal cells exhibit a limited life-span, cells transformed by these viruses show immortality and altered morphology in comparison with their normal counterparts. The HPV-immortalised cells contain multiple copies of intact viral genome integrated into cellular chromosomes. These cells also express several viral-specific mRNAs including viral E6 E7 mRNAs. Notably, these cells contain low levlels of p53 protein and overexpressed cellular myc proto-oncogene compared to their normal counterpart; however, the immortilised cell lines are non-tumorigenic in nude mice.
MicroRNA Expression Profiles in Thyroid Tumors

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute a recently identified class of small endogenous noncoding RNAs that act as negative regulators of the protein-coding gene expression and may impact cell differentiation, proliferation and survival, i.e., all fundamental cellular processes implicated in carcinogenesis. miRNA expression is deregulated in many types of human cancers, including thyroid cancer. The purpose of this review is to summarize the existing findings of miRNA deregulation in thyroid tumors and its potential role in thyroid cancer biology and molecular diagnostics.
Bruck nets, codes, and characters of loops

Numerous computational examples suggest that if ℛk-1 ⊂ ℛ k are (k- 1)- and k-nets of order n, then rank p ℛ k - rank p ℛk-1 ≥ n - k + 1 for any prime p dividing n at most once. We conjecture that this inequality always holds. Using characters of loops, we verify the conjecture in case k = 3, proving in fact that if pe ∥ n, then rank p ℛ3 ≥ 3n - 2 - e, where equality holds if and only if the loop G coordinatizing ℛ3 has a normal subloop K such that G/K is an elementary abelian group of order p e . Furthermore if n is squarefree, then rank p ℛ = 3n - 3 for every prime p ¦ n, if and only if ℛ3 is cyclic (i.e., ℛ3 is coordinated by a cyclic group of order n).
Electron energy loss spectroscopy of single silicon nanocrystals: The conduction band

Spatially resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy has been performed on single, H-terminated, Si nanocrystals in the size range 25–500 A. The particles were prepared via the gas-phase photolysis of a dilute Si2H6/He mixture in a gas flow cell, and deposited on a holey carbon grid for analysis. Energy loss within a few eV of the core 2p ionization edge reveals information about the conduction band states at Δ1 and L1 in the Brillouin zone. The conduction band edge is observed to shift to higher energy as the inverse square of the particle radius. In addition, a strong increase in the oscillator strength for these transitions is observed for decreasing particle sizes below 60 A.
Catalytic nitrene transfer by a zirconium(IV) redox-active ligand complex

Nitrene transfer catalyzed by a d0zirconium(IV) complex with a redox-active ligand is reported. The redox-active ligand, bis(2-isopropylamido-4-methoxyphenyl)amide ([NNNcat]3−), afforded zirconium(IV) complexes, [NNNcat]ZrClL2 (1a, L = THF; 1b, L = CNtBu; 1c, L = py), upon reaction with ZrCl4(THF)2. Complex 1a was oxidized by one and two electrons using PhICl2, affording [NNNsq•]ZrCl2(THF) (2) and [NNNq]ZrCl3 (3), respectively. Aryl azides reacted with 1a to afford zirconium imide dimers, including the crystallographically characterized species {[NNNq]ZrCl(μ2-p-NC6H4tBu)}2 (4). The formation of 4 is the result of the addition of an aryl nitrene to the zirconium(IV) metal center. When 1b was reacted with organoazides, the dimer was not observed, but rather the nitrene group was transferred to the isonitrile to form a carbodiimide. In the presence of excess organoazide and isonitrile, catalytic carbodiimide formation occurred, showing that a redox-active ligand and a d0 metal center can work in concert to effect nitrene group transfer reactivity.
The Heart Rate Response to Adenosine: A Simple Predictor of Adverse Cardiac Outcomes in Asymptomatic Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background The Detection of Ischemia in Asymptomatic Diabetics (DIAD) study demonstrated a low 5-year hard cardiac event rate. We hypothesized that a blunted heart rate response (HRR, maximum percent change) to adenosine, a simple marker of cardiac autonomic neuropathy, will identify a cohort at higher cardiac risk.
Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling and AXIN1 Regulate Apoptosis Triggered by Inhibition of the Mutant Kinase BRAFV600E in Human Melanoma

Because the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is linked to melanoma pathogenesis and to patient survival, we conducted a kinome small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen in melanoma cells to expand our understanding of the kinases that regulate this pathway. We found that BRAF signaling, which is constitutively activated in many melanomas by the BRAF(V600E) mutation, inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling in human melanoma cells. Because inhibitors of BRAF(V600E) show promise in ongoing clinical trials, we investigated whether altering Wnt/β-catenin signaling might enhance the efficacy of the BRAF(V600E) inhibitor PLX4720. We found that endogenous β-catenin was required for PLX4720-induced apoptosis of melanoma cells and that activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling synergized with PLX4720 to decrease tumor growth in vivo and to increase apoptosis in vitro. This synergistic enhancement of apoptosis correlated with reduced abundance of an endogenous negative regulator of β-catenin, AXIN1. In support of the hypothesis that AXIN1 is a mediator rather than a marker of apoptosis, siRNA directed against AXIN1 rendered resistant melanoma cell lines susceptible to apoptosis in response to treatment with a BRAF(V600E) inhibitor. Thus, Wnt/β-catenin signaling and AXIN1 may regulate the efficacy of inhibitors of BRAF(V600E), suggesting that manipulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway could be combined with BRAF inhibitors to treat melanoma.
The direct observation of point defects in irradiated or quenched metals by quantitative field ion microscopy

The progress made at Cornell University over the past few years in applying the field ion microscopy (FIM) technique to the study of point defects in irradiated or quenched metals is reviewed. The techniques involve essentially the atom by atom dissection of specimens by pulse field evaporation and the corresponding recording on film of the extensive number of FIM images produced at each stage of the process. The application of these techniques to the following problems are discussed: (i) the mobility of self interstitial atoms (SIA) in substage IE of irradiated tungsten and platinum, (ii) the geometric configuration of the SIA, (iii) the point defect structure of depleted zones in tungsten and (iv) the properties of monovacancies and divacancies in quenched platinum.
Throughput of Large Wireless Networks on Square, Hexagonal and Triangular Grids

Capacity analysis of sensor networks or wireless ad hoc networks has attracted a great attention in the past years. But the research in this area has primarily focused on scaling laws of arbitrary or random network instead of the exact capacity of given topologies. While the insight into how the capacity of an arbitrary or random network scales with the number of nodes in a given area is important, the exact capacity of a network depends on the network topology and can be more desirable in practice. In this paper, we compare the throughput of a large network with three possible topologies: square (rectangular), hexagonal and triangular. With a given topology, the network throughput also depends on the choice of routing protocols. We follow a synchronous array method (SAM) that is known so far to yield the highest throughout of a network on a rectangular grid
Non-uniform swelling properties of the corneal stroma

The swelling properties of the anterior and posterior stroma of bovine and rabbit corneas were examined by three different methods. The results show that the posterior stroma can swell more than the anterior stroma. Also, at a given swelling pressure, the posterior stroma is more hydrated than the anterior stroma. In a third experiment it is demonstrated that the posterior stroma is also more hydrated in the living eye. It is concluded that the stroma is not a homogeneous structure. The superficial stroma has different physiological properties from the deep stroma. These differences must be taken into account in theoretical models of corneal deturgescence.
How Do Doctors Perceive the Organizing Vision for Electronic Medical Records? Preliminary Findings from a Study of EMR Adoption in Independent Physician Practices

Although there is an increasing emphasis on and investment in healthcare information technology (HIT) actual adoption and usage rates are below expectations. This research explores the role that a community-wide organizing vision (OV) plays in shaping physicians' perceptions of electronic medical record (EMR) technology and hence their interest in adopting and using the technology. This paper examines the data of a survey on perceptions of a sample of independent physician practices of the OV for EMRs. The study was conducted using a mail survey of independent physician practices and uses factor analysis to examine structural properties and content of the OV among the physicians sampled. Theoretical contributions include exploring the applicability of Ramiller and Swanson's OV on HIT innovations in healthcare research
Stress asymmetry in cyclic deformation of B.C.C. metals

Asymmetric slip in b.c.c, metals is related to both the symmetry about ~(111) screw dislocations and elastic anisotropy. The elastic anisotropy differs quite substantially from one b.c.c, metal to the next and this anisotropy has been observed in measurements of asymmetric stresses in plastic deformation experiments. In this paper, data from cyclic deformation of b.c.c, metals, with special emphasis on tungsten which is elastically isotropic, are used to demonstrate the role of screw dislocation geometry and elastic anisotropy on stress asymmetry. The interaction of dislocation geometry and thermal activation of screw dislocation motion is discussed.
Critical evaluation of extraction procedures in determination of atropne and scopolamine from datura powder

The simultaneous quantitative extraction and determination of atropine and scopolamine from Datura powder has been performed. This combination procedure afforded relative precisions of 5.11 and 3.85% for atropine and scopolamine with relative accuracies of — 3.02 and — 1.47%, respectively. Duplicate determinations of duplicate extractions over a 2-month period indicated that for atropine, 23.92% of the variation was attributable to the determination procedure and 76.08% was attributable to the extraction method. For scopolamine, 29.09% of the variation was due to the determination procedure and 70.91% to the extraction method. Comparisons of the USP percolation, continuous extraction procedure, and differential solvent extraction procedures are given. A theoretical discussion of total variation in quantitative methods in relation to extraction and determination is developed. Attempts to identify an unknown peak related to scopolamine are reported.
Geostatistical Estimation of Parameters for Hydrologic Transport Modeling

A significant part of the work of evaluating a geologic formation as a potential repository for hazardous wastes is the modeling of contaminant transport in the surrounding media in the event the repository is breached. The transport equations that are commonly used are deterministic functions. However, because the data can vary within the area being considered, there is a degree of uncertainty associated with the results obtained from the contaminant transport models. There are several ways to incorporate uncertainties into the transport equations, but they assume that distributions and parameters such as variances and covariances are known. This paper discusses the application of geostatistical spatial estimation techniques to estimate quantities used in transport modeling. The techniques are illustrated on data from an electric analog simulation of a two-dimensional ground water system. Geostatistical methods were used to estimate potential and hydraulic conductivity surfaces from data generated from the simulation of the ground water system. Although the two surfaces were highly dependent through Darcy's Law, they were estimated independently. Independent verification of the two surfaces showed that they approximately satisfied the required conservation of mass condition that: ∇ ⋅ v = 0.
All-trans-retinoic acid and polyriboinosinoic:polyribocytidylic acid cooperate to elevate anti-tetanus immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M responses in vitamin A-deficient lewis rats and Balb/c mice

Vitamin A (VA) deficiency compromises antibody responses to T-cell-dependent antigens such as tetanus toxoid, but this effect can be reversed through administration of retinol or retinoic acid (RA). To test whether RA and polyriboinosinioc : polyribocytidylic acid (PIC), a known inducer of several forms of interferon (IFN), can cooperate to increase specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM production during VA deficiency, rats and mice were made VA-deficient, immunized with TT and treated with all-trans-RA, PIC or their combination. VA-deficient rats produced low primary and secondary anti-tetanus IgG responses (VA-deficient controls v. VA-sufficient controls P < 0.001), although total IgG was slightly elevated when compared with VA-sufficient control rats. Although RA administered alone elevated antibody production during VA deficiency to control levels, RA combined with PIC synergistically enhanced these responses (RA and PIC group v. all other groups P < 0.0001). In contrast, Balb/c mice maintained on a VA-deficient diet and immunized in a similar fashion showed no impairment in antigen-specific IgG levels, but treatment with a combination of RA and PIC still evoked an additive enhancement in antigen-specific antibody production. Additionally, RA and PIC administration to VA-sufficient mice resulted in elevated antibody responses, suggesting that this combination should be evaluated further for its immuno-stimulatory effects.
Measuring Strata Thicknesses in Cores to Assess Recent Sediment Compaction and Subsidence of Egypt's Nile Delta Coastal Margin

ABSTRACT This study develops a method to determine compaction and subsidence of Holocene fluviomarine sections along Egypt's northern Nile Delta coastal margin based on variations of strata thickness with depth. Thicknesses of 3183 oxidized layers in 85 long cores (10 to 45 m) are examined to determine the nature of down-section and spatial patterns. The thickest layers are at depths of 1 to 2 m (dating to <1000 y BP) and become significantly reduced within the next meter due to (1) rapid expulsion of interstitial pore water from overburden compression of sediment and (2) evaporation in near-surface deposits in this hyperarid setting. Thicknesses decrease more irregularly to depths of 5 to 6 m and then more gently to the base of the sections. The more gradual compaction of strata at mid- and lower-core depths accounts for more than 50% of total Holocene compaction. The derivatives of regression curves determine the strata thickness reduction rate, which is treated as a proxy for compaction rate. Average c...
Fuzzy cluster analysis of simple physicochemical properties of amino acids for recognizing secondary structure in proteins

Fuzzy cluster analysis has been applied to the 20 amino acids by using 65 physicochemical properties as a basis for classification. The clustering products, the fuzzy sets (i.e., classical sets with associated membership functions), have provided a new measure of amino acid similarities for use in protein folding studies. This work demonstrates that fuzzy sets of simple molecular attributes, when assigned to amino acid residues in a protein's sequence, can predict the secondary structure of the sequence with reasonable accuracy. An approach is presented for discriminating standard folding states, using near-optimum information splitting in half-overlapping segments of the sequence of assigned membership functions. The method is applied to a nonredundant set of 252 proteins and yields approximately 73% matching for correctly predicted and correctly rejected residues with approximately 60% overall success rate for the correctly recognized ones in three folding states: alpha-helix, beta-strand, and coil. The most useful attributes for discriminating these states appear to be related to size, polarity, and thermodynamic factors. Van der Waals volume, apparent average thickness of surrounding molecular free volume, and a measure of dimensionless surface electron density can explain approximately 95% of prediction results. hydrogen bonding and hydrophobicity induces do not yet enable clear clustering and prediction.
The K-pulse concept

Two general classes of inversion techniques may be distinguished: those utilizing angular or spatial frequency analysis over as wide a range of target aspects as practicable, and those involving relatively few aspects but employing as wide a frequency spectrum as possible. The latter technique is discussed, and a special excitation waveform called the "kill-pulse" or K-pulse is proposed. By analogy with lumped and distributed networks, a unique aspect-invariant excitation waveform is postulated for an isolated scatterer. This waveform, of finite and minimal duration, then characterizes the pole spectrum of the scatterer as used in the singularity expansion method (SEM) or for target identification. The derivation of this excitation waveform and its relation to one or more surface waves is illustrated by several examples. Using surface waves initiated at certain points of an object, the complex attenuation of circumnavigating waves is estimated by the geometrical theory of diffraction. Three-parameter characteristic equations are derived which predict pole strings with excellent accuracy for conducting spheres and cylinders and lesser accuracy for prolate spheroids of several axial ratios. For spheres and cylinders, the same characteristic equation also yields good estimates of cavity resonance frequencies.
Effect of temperature and time of processing and storage on consumer acceptability of ultra-high-temperature steam injected whole milk.

Abstract Whole milk (3.25% fat and 12.0% total solids) was processed in an ultra-high-temperature steam injection system. All samples were preheated to 78C. Process time-temperature relationships included 138, 143, and 149C for 20.3s; 143 and 149C for 6.9s; and 149C for 3.4s. The product was stored at 4, 24, and 40C and evaluated by an untrained taste panel at intervals of 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 wk. Flavor scores for samples stored at 4C generally increased with time while scores of samples stored at 40C declined with time. Prediction curves indicated that product flavor scores improved as storage temperature decreased below 12C for a mean residence time of 3.4s, below 32.5C for 20.3s, and between 12 and 32.5C for intermediate heat treatments. Acceptable flavor scores for milk stored through 20 wk at or near room temperature were produced by ultra-high-temperature steam injection and aseptic packaging.
Cryogenic microwave channelized receiver

The channelized receiver being presented demonstrates the use of high temperature superconductor technology in a microwave system setting where superconductor, microwave-monolithic-integrated-circuit and hybrid-integrated-circuit components are united in one package and cooled to liquid-nitrogen temperatures. The receiver consists of a superconducting X-band four-channel demultiplexer with 100-MHz-wide channels, four commercial monolithically integrated mixers, and four custom-designed hybrid-circuit detectors containing heterostructure ramp diodes. The composite receiver unit has been integrated into the payload of the second-phase NRL high temperature superconductor space experiment (HTSSE-II). Prior to payload assembly, the response characteristics of the receiver were measured as functions of frequency, temperature, and drive levels. The article describes the circuitry, discusses the key issues related to design and implementation, and summarizes the experimental results.
Identification of Cellular Proteins Interacting with the Retroviral Restriction Factor SAMHD1

Human and mouse SAMHD1 proteins block human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in noncycling human monocytic cells by reducing the intracellular deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) concentrations. Phosphorylation of human SAMHD1 at threonine 592 (T592) by cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and cyclin A2 impairs its HIV-1 restriction activity, but not the dNTP hydrolase activity, suggesting that dNTP depletion is not the sole mechanism of SAMHD1-mediated HIV-1 restriction. Using coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, we identified and validated two additional host proteins interacting with human SAMHD1, namely, cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2). We observed that mouse SAMHD1 specifically interacted with cyclin A2, cyclin B1, CDK1, and CDK2. Given the role of these SAMHD1-interacting proteins in cell cycle progression, we investigated the regulation of these host proteins by monocyte differentiation and activation of CD4+ T cells and examined their effect on the phosphorylation of human SAMHD1 at T592. Our results indicate that primary monocyte differentiation and CD4+ T-cell activation regulate the expression of these SAMHD1-interacting proteins. Furthermore, our results suggest that, in addition to CDK1 and cyclin A2, CDK2 phosphorylates T592 of human SAMHD1 and thereby regulates its HIV-1 restriction function. IMPORTANCE SAMHD1 is the first dNTP triphosphohydrolase found in mammalian cells. Human and mouse SAMHD1 proteins block HIV-1 infection in noncycling cells. Previous studies suggested that phosphorylation of human SAMHD1 at threonine 592 by CDK1 and cyclin A2 negatively regulates its HIV-1 restriction activity. However, it is unclear whether human SAMHD1 interacts with other host proteins in the cyclin A2 and CDK1 complex and whether mouse SAMHD1 shares similar cellular interacting partners. Here, we identify five cell cycle-related host proteins that interact with human and mouse SAMHD1, including three previously unknown cellular proteins (CDK2, cyclin B1, and SKP2). Our results demonstrate that several SAMHD1-interacting cellular proteins regulate phosphorylation of SAMHD1 and play an important role in HIV-1 restriction function. Our findings help define the role of these cellular interacting partners of SAMHD1 that regulate its HIV-1 restriction function.
The Moderating Effects of the Incentive System and Performance Measure on Managers' and Their Superiors' Expectations about the Manager's Effort

ABSTRACT: The current study experimentally examines effort expectations (i.e., planned hours) for a manager made by participants in the role of the manager or the manager's superior. The experiment also manipulates the type of incentive system (i.e., bonus based on either strategic or all measures) and the type of performance measure (i.e., strategic or general). We predict and find that the participants in the manager role engage in self-enhancement (e.g., Pfeffer and Fong 2005; Sedikides and Gregg 2008). Specifically, the total hours that managers planned to work were more than the total hours their superiors expected the manager to work. We also find that both the type of incentive system and the type of performance measure moderate managers' tendency to engage in self-enhancement. Compared to a strategic incentive system, managers' self-enhancement was diminished under a comprehensive incentive system. Further, participants in the manager role engage in self-enhancement for planned strategic hours but...
The Human–Animal Experience in Deep Historical Perspective

A variety of academics, including archaeologists, geographers, ecologists, historians, political scientists, philosophers, and others, have been critical of the notion of “pristine, natural, or wild” areas, arguing that human impacts on environments have been widespread over millennia (Frazier, 2009). While study of human impacts on the environment is vast and extends back to the nineteenth century (see Grayson, 1984), over the last several decades it has become increasingly apparent that ancient human populations exerted a significant influence on local environments, including impacts to a wide array of plant and animal communities (e.g., Grayson, 2001; Krech, 1999, 2005; Redman, 1999; Rick & Erlandson, 2009). Debates over the nature and scale of these impacts and whether prehistoric groups acted as conservationists (see Alcorn, 1993, 1996; Krech, 2005) or with little regard for preservation and sustainability (see Kay & Simmons, 2002a; Sluyter, 2001; Smith & Wishnie, 2000) have been hotly contested. Regardless, it has become clear, to archaeologists at least, that as Europeans expanded around the globe, the indigenous landscapes and plant and animal communities they encountered were the result of millennia of human manipulations.
Chang'an on My Mind: A Reading of Lu Zhaolin's "Chang'an, Thoughts on Antiquity"

Lu Zhaolin’s (634-ca. 684) “Chang’an gu yi” :&3F"�8u (Chang’an, Thoughts on Antiquity) is among the best-known early Tang poems, part of a group of works by contemporary poets on this theme. Lu’s poem reveals five different Chang’ans: (1) Chang’an itself during the late seventh century depicted through parallels to the Han capital city; (2) the demimonde of the Tang again told as if it were the Han pleasure districts; (3) the corrupt politics of the early Tang; (4) Lu Zhaolin’s assessment of how he failed to fit in any of these three previous worlds; and (5) the Chang’an of Lu’s literary experience as revealed in the allusions and resonances of the poem. This paper reveals many of these allusive layers, arguing that “Chang’an gu yi” is best understood in this context.
Amphicutis stygobita , a new genus and new species of brittle star (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea: Ophiurida: Amphilepididae) found in Bernier Cave, an anchialine cave on San Salvador Island, Bahamas

Amphicutis stygobita is a new genus and new species of ophiuroid found in Bernier Cave, an anchialine cave on San Salvador Island, Bahamas. The species is small (disk diameter 3–4 mm) with short arms (2–2.5X disk diameter). Dorsal disk features include imbricated scales, and oval radial shields separated by a column of scales. Ventral disk features include imbricated scales, genital scales flat and thin, no bursal sacs, second tentacle pore of oral frame outside mouth slit, oral shields small ovals similar in appearance to disk scales, two to three oral papillae per jaw side with the proximal papillae usually in the infradental position, and ventral tooth at the apex of each jaw broadly rounded. The arms are the most distinctive feature. Dorsal arm plates are small diamond-oval shaped and separated from one another by a gap equal to the arm plate length. Ventral arm plates are small figure-8 shaped and separated from one another by a gap equal to the arm plate length. Lateral arm plates meet medially on dorsal and ventral sides and make up most of an arm segment. Each lateral arm plate bears two arm spines. Disk and arms are often formed by soft tissue outlining plates and scales, but lacking significant calcification. A raised skin persists after calcification, from which the genus name derives. The species is named for its aquatic cave-dwelling habit, apparently endemic to a single cave, and may be unique among ophiuroids in being restricted to a cave environment.
Bubble Deflector to Enhance Fine Bubble Aeration for Wastewater Treatment in Space Usage

Aeration, a unit process in which air and water are brought into intimate contact, is an extremely important step in the process of wastewater treatment. It was found that the bubbles oxygenate the water behind the bubbles while it travels toward the top surface in the water pool. This system reduces the oxygen transfer efficiency as the diffuser releases the bubble on the same path as air bubbles travel in oxygen saturated water. To overcome this problem a bubble deflector was designed and tested to improve a mixing process within the tank and improve oxygen transfer efficiency.
Influence of cortisone upon acute inflammation.

Summary(1) The inflammatory reactions resulting from thermal injuries were compared in cortisone-treated animals with those in untreated controls. (2) Diapedesis, capillary hemorrhages and edema were quantitatively much less in the cortisone-treated animals. Hyperemia and leukocytic infiltration also were less in degree but the difference in these items was not so marked as in diapedesis, hemorrhages and edema. (3) There is acceptable evidence that the corticoid hormones increase the resistance of capillary walls. The authors believe that this effect reduces the degree of each of the features in the inflammatory reaction.